bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed dispersal distributions resulting from landscape‐dependent daily movement behaviour of a key vector species,Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Kleyheeg Erik , Treep Jelle , de Jager Monique , Nolet Bart A. , Soons Merel B. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryDispersal via animals (zoochory) is a primary mechanism for seed exchange between habitat patches. Recent studies have established that many plant species can survive waterbird gut passage. To quantify the patterns and consequences of waterbird‐mediated dispersal, information on ingestion and gut passage must be combined with bird movement data. Such analysis has recently revealed seed dispersal kernels by migrating waterbirds. However, since many waterbird populations are largely resident, and migrating populations spend only a minor part of the main dispersal season (autumn–winter) on active migration, daily regional‐scale movements probably cause more frequent dispersal.We synthesized high‐resolution empirical data on landscape‐scale movements and seed gut passage times in a key disperser species, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), using a spatially explicit, mechanistic model to quantify dispersal distributions resulting from daily autumn–winter movements. We evaluated how landscape composition and seed traits affect these dispersal patterns.The model indicates that mallards generate highly clumped seed deposition patterns, dispersing seeds primarily between core areas used for foraging and resting. Approximately 34% of all dispersed seeds are transported to communal roost areas, which may function as reservoirs for mallard‐dispersed species, and 7% are transported between foraging areas. Landscape‐dependent movement patterns strongly affect the dispersal distributions, resulting in multi‐modal dispersal kernels, with dispersal distances increasing with fragmentation of freshwater foraging habitat. Seed size‐related gut retention times determine the proportion of seeds being dispersed away from the ingestion area, with larger seeds (20 mm3) having a 8–10% higher potential for long‐distance dispersal than smaller seeds (0·2 mm3), if surviving gut passage. However, twice as many small seeds will finally accomplish long‐distance dispersal due to their higher gut passage survival.Synthesis. Firstly, this study reveals how seed dispersal patterns resulting from daily waterfowl movements are shaped by landscape‐dependent differences in movement patterns. Secondly, seed survival appears more important than retention time in determining the scale of long‐distance dispersal by non‐migrating mallards. We conclude that the frequent flights of staging waterbirds result in directed dispersal over distances inversely related to wetland availability, indicating that they maintain landscape connectivity across a range from wet to increasingly dry landscapes.
Foreign Direct Investment with Endogenous Technology Choice
Authors: Dawid Herbert , Zou Benteng 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we analyse the optimal foreign direct investment (FDI) of a firm operating in a duopolistic market. FDI induces technological spillovers to a competitor in the foreign country; the intensity of which depends on the absorptive capacity of the foreign firm and the size of the technological gap. We characterize a technology spillover threshold and show that for an intensity of spillovers below this threshold, there is a unique locally asymptotic stable steady state with a positive capital stock in the developing country. Furthermore, we characterize how optimal foreign investment patterns and the investor's value function depend on the level of technology transferred and characterize the optimal level to be used for the FDI.
Foreign Direct Investment and Democracy: A Robust Fixed Effects Approach to a Complex Relationship
Authors: Desbordes Rodolphe , Verardi Vincenzo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe develop a new robust‐to‐outliers dummy estimator that we subsequently apply to investigate the impact of various democratic attributes on foreign direct investment in recent years. We find that democracy has generally a positive impact on foreign direct investment, once outliers are controlled for, but that this relationship is very specific to each host country's characteristics.
Market Efficiency, Heterogeneous Trade Costs and Export‐Only Firms
Authors: Qiu Bin , Yan Zhijun 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper provides a two‐country general equilibrium model under monopolistic competition, in which we incorporate heterogeneous fixed export costs, a non‐zero export tax rebate rate and efficiency asymmetry to explain the existence of export‐only firms. We focus on the impact of efficiency differences on social welfare and the evolution of export‐only activities from autarky to trade. We show that exposure to trade brings a country of larger size and with higher efficiency more welfare gains, including higher industry productivity and greater variety of products. We also find that firms that face lower fixed export costs enjoy greater export tax rebates and firms that are located in more efficient countries have a greater chance of becoming export‐only firms. Further internationalization promotes the prosperity of export‐only activities.
Assessing the Income Effects of Group Certification for Smallholder Coffee Farmers: Agent‐based Simulation in Uganda
Authors: Latynskiy Evgeny , Berger Thomas 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVoluntary sustainability standards, aimed at improving the environmental, social and economic aspects of agricultural production and trade, are becoming increasingly common. The coffee sector is a prime example, where sustainability certification could improve livelihoods for poor smallholders. However, as individual production volumes are low, smallholder farmers need to cooperate in certification as a group, which makes impact assessment more complicated. Previous empirical studies, reporting premia of up to 30%, have neglected the costs associated with group certification. We explore the issue using an agent‐based simulation of coffee producer organisations in Uganda, including the certification‐related costs for farmers. Our results suggest that certification can have a small positive impact on participating households. But the added value of certification is substantially lower than the price premium, because of certification costs. Increasing both the membership of the producer groups and their deliveries of certified coffee are necessary to improve the rewards of certification.
Global Transcriptional Response of Human Liver Cells to Ethanol Stress of Different Strength Reveals Hormetic Behavior
Authors: Schmidt‐Heck Wolfgang , Wönne Eva C. , Hiller Thomas , Menzel Uwe , Koczan Dirk , Damm Georg , Seehofer Daniel , Knöspel Fanny , Freyer Nora , Guthke Reinhard , Dooley Steven , Zeilinger Katrin 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe liver is the major site for alcohol metabolism in the body and therefore the primary target organ for ethanol (EtOH)‐induced toxicity. In this study, we investigated the in vitro response of human liver cells to different EtOH concentrations in a perfused bioartificial liver device that mimics the complex architecture of the natural organ.MethodsPrimary human liver cells were cultured in the bioartificial liver device and treated for 24 hours with medium containing 150 mM (low), 300 mM (medium), or 600 mM (high) EtOH, while a control culture was kept untreated. Gene expression patterns for each EtOH concentration were monitored using Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST Gene chips. Scaled expression profiles of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were clustered using Fuzzy c‐means algorithm. In addition, functional classification methods, KEGG pathway mapping and also a machine learning approach (Random Forest) were utilized.ResultsA number of 966 (150 mM EtOH), 1,334 (300 mM EtOH), or 4,132 (600 mM EtOH) genes were found to be differentially expressed. Dose–response relationships of the identified clusters of co‐expressed genes showed a monotonic, threshold, or nonmonotonic (hormetic) behavior. Functional classification of DEGs revealed that low or medium EtOH concentrations operate adaptation processes, while alterations observed for the high EtOH concentration reflect the response to cellular damage. The genes displaying a hormetic response were functionally characterized by overrepresented “cellular ketone metabolism” and “carboxylic acid metabolism.” Altered expression of the genes BAHD1 and H3F3B was identified as sufficient to classify the samples according to the applied EtOH doses.ConclusionsDifferent pathways of metabolic and epigenetic regulation are affected by EtOH exposition and partly undergo hormetic regulation in the bioartificial liver device. Gene expression changes observed at high EtOH concentrations reflect in some aspects the situation of alcoholic hepatitis in humans.
Does educational diversity of managers matter for the performance of team‐managed funds?
Authors: Tan Eric K. M. , Sen Anindya 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe study the effect of the educational diversity of managers on the performance of team‐managed mutual funds using a large sample of U.S. equity funds from 1994 to 2013. We consider diversity in terms of both final educational degree and field of educational specialisation. We find that, in general, both types of diversity have a positive impact on fund performance, and our results are robust over a wide range of performance metrics and changes in market conditions.
Addiction research and theory: a commentary on the Surgeon General's Report on alcohol, drugs, and health
Authors: Badiani Aldo , Berridge Kent C. , Heilig Markus , Nutt David J. , Robinson Terry E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Office of the Surgeon General recently produced its first Report on the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse on health, making several very laudable policy recommendations. The Report also emphasizes the importance of adequate funding for biomedical research, which is good news for both researchers and patients. However, the Report is marred by a biased viewpoint on the psychology and neurobiology of drug addiction. We highlight here four controversial issues that were depicted as facts in the Report, thereby potentially misleading non‐expert readers about the current state‐of‐the‐art understanding of the psychology and neurobiology of drug addiction. It will be important to recognize a fuller range of scientific viewpoints in addiction neuroscience to avoid amplifying this bias in the coming years.
Stump‐harvesting for bioenergy probably has transient impacts on abundance, richness and community structure of beetle assemblages
Authors: Shevlin Karen D. , Hennessy Roseanne , Dillon Aoife B. , O'Dea Philip , Griffin Christine T. , Williams Christopher D. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Harvesting of tree stumps for bioenergy is popular and, although the environmental impact has been considered with respect to ecosystem processes, there have been fewer studies on the impact of stump‐harvesting on biodiversity.
We carried out pitfall‐trap surveys of beetle communities at eight plots across four sites (four plots were clear‐fells where stumps remained and four were clear‐fells where stumps were harvested). Initially, we recovered 7743 beetles when stumps were extracted but still on site (Year 1). All beetles were identified to family level and ground beetles and wood‐associated beetles to species level. One year after stumps were extracted, the survey was repeated. In this collection, 2898 individual beetles were recovered.
In Year 1, stump‐harvesting had a negative impact on beetle abundance and richness. However, 1 year after stumps were removed, there were no significant differences in these variables at any site.
At the community level, stump‐harvesting weakly but significantly, affected carabid composition. One year after stumps were removed, stump‐harvesting had no effect on community composition.
Stump‐harvesting initially negatively affects beetle abundance, family‐richness and carabid species richness, as well as community structure, although any effects are not large, are site‐specific and are probably not persistent.
Sex chromosomal abnormalities associated with equine infertility: validation of a simple molecular screening tool in the Purebred Spanish Horse
Authors: Anaya G. , Molina A. , Valera M. , Moreno‐Millán M. , Azor P. , Peral‐García P. , Demyda‐Peyrás S. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryChromosomal abnormalities in the sex chromosome pair (ECAX and ECAY) are widely associated with reproductive problems in horses. However, a large proportion of these abnormalities remains undiagnosed due to the lack of an affordable diagnostic tool that allows for avoiding karyotyping tests. Hereby, we developed an STR (single‐tandem‐repeat)‐based molecular method to determine the presence of the main sex chromosomal abnormalities in horses in a fast, cheap and reliable way. The frequency of five ECAX‐linked (LEX026, LEX003, TKY38, TKY270 and UCDEQ502) and two ECAY‐linked (EcaYH12 and SRY) markers was characterized in 261 Purebred Spanish Horses to determine the efficiency of the methodology developed to be used as a chromosomal diagnostic tool. All the microsatellites analyzed were highly polymorphic, with a sizeable number of alleles (polymorphic information content > 0.5). Based on this variability, the methodology showed 100% sensitivity and 99.82% specificity to detect the most important sex chromosomal abnormalities reported in horses (chimerism, Turner's syndrome and sex reversal syndromes). The method was also validated with 100% efficiency in 10 individuals previously diagnosed as chromosomally aberrant. This STR screening panel is an efficient and reliable molecular–cytogenetic tool for the early detection of sex chromosomal abnormalities in equines that could be included in breeding programs to save money, effort and time of veterinary practitioners and breeders.
Transcriptional regulation of Hb‐α and Hb‐β through nuclear factor E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) activation in human vaginal cells: A novel mechanism of cellular adaptability to oxidative stress
Authors: Saha Debarchana , Koli Swanand , Reddy Kudumula Venkata Rami 
Published: February 2017

ProblemHemoglobin (Hb), a major protein involved in transport of oxygen (O2), is expressed by erythroid lineages. Until recently, it was not known whether non‐erythroid cells express Hb. The objective was to evaluate the expression and functional significance of Hb‐α and Hb‐β in human primary vaginal epithelial cells (hPVECs) and decipher downstream signaling.Methods of studyRT‐PCR, qRT‐PCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expression of Hb‐α, Hb‐β, and nuclear factor E2‐related factor‐2(Nrf2) after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to determine the binding efficiency of Nrf2 on the Hb‐α promoter.ResultsStimulation of hPVECs and human vaginal epithelial cell line, VK2/E6E7 with H2O2 augmented the expression of Hb‐α, Hb‐β, Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment of these cells with Nrf2 inhibitor, trigonelline (Trig) inhibited Hb‐α and Hb‐β expressions. Hb‐α and Hb‐β overexpression downregulated H2O2‐induced ROS. The presence of Nrf2 binding domain was demonstrated within Hb‐α promoter.ConclusionThe results revealed for the first time that Hb‐α and Hb‐β were induced by oxidative stress through the activation of Nrf2. Overexpression of Hb‐α and Hb‐β ameliorated H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, indicating one of the possible mechanism(s) to protect hPVECS from oxidative stress.
Dysregulation of interleukin 5 expression in familial eosinophilia
Authors: Prakash Babu S. , Chen Y.‐Y. K. , Bonne‐Annee S. , Yang J. , Maric I. , Myers T. G. , Nutman T. B. , Klion A. D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundFamilial eosinophilia (FE) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the presence of lifelong peripheral eosinophilia (>1500/μL). Mapped to chromosome 5q31‐q33, the genetic cause of FE is unknown, and prior studies have failed to demonstrate a primary abnormality in the eosinophil lineage.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the cells driving the eosinophilia in FE.MethodsMicroarray analysis and real‐time PCR were used to examine transcriptional differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and in purified cell subsets from affected and unaffected family members belonging to a single large kindred. Cytokine levels in serum and PBMC culture supernatants were assessed by suspension array multiplexed immunoassays.ResultsWhereas IL‐5 mRNA expression was significantly increased in freshly isolated PBMC from affected family members, this was not accompanied by increased mRNA expression of other Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 or IL‐13). Serum levels of IL‐5 and IL‐5 receptor α, but not IgE, were similarly increased in affected family members. Of note, IL‐5 mRNA expression was significantly increased in purified CD3+ CD4+, CD14+, CD19+, and ILC2 cells from affected family members, as were IL‐5 protein levels in supernatants from both stimulated PBMC and ILC2 cultures.ConclusionsThese data are consistent with the hypothesis that the eosinophilia in FE is secondary to dysregulation of IL‐5 production in PBMC (and their component subsets).
Secure overlap stapling using a linear stapler with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid felt
Authors: Naito Masanori , Sato Takeo , Nakamura Takatoshi , Yamanashi Takahiro , Miura Hirohisa , Tsutsui Atsuko , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionDespite the availability of various anastomosis techniques, postoperative anastomotic complications such as anastomosis failure and bleeding develop in some patients. Automatic suturing devices have been widely used for gastrointestinal anastomosis. However, overly thick or thin tissue, displacement of tissue, and the creation of a staple‐on‐staple site may lead to incomplete staple formation. These factors are considered to be related to postoperative complications such as anastomosis failure.MethodsThe iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System was used to fire the automatic suturing device. Two types of automatic suturing devices were employed: (i) the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri‐Staple™ Technology with a cartridge with the reinforcement material Neoveil™; and (ii) the Endo GIA™ with Tri‐Staple™ Technology with no reinforcement material. Stapling was performed using a two‐stage crossing approach to make a staple‐on‐staple site.ResultsThe rates of complete formation with the Endo GIA™ with Tri‐Staple™ Technology were 95.6 ± 0.6% for stomach tissue and 95.6 ± 2.3% for colon tissue, which is thinner than stomach tissue. In contrast, the rates of complete formation with the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri‐Staple™ Technology were 99.3 ± 1.27% for stomach tissue and 100.0 ± 0.0% for colon tissue.ConclusionOur results showed that the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri‐Staple™ Technology had higher rates of complete staple formation than the Endo GIA™ with Tri‐Staple™ Technology, irrespective of tissue thickness and the presence of a staple‐on‐staple site.
When organizations are too good: Applying Aristotle's doctrine of the mean to the corporate ethical virtues model
Authors: Kaptein Muel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAristotle's doctrine of the mean states that a virtue is the mean state between two vices: a deficient and an excessive one. The Corporate Ethical Virtues (CEV) Model defines the mean and the corresponding deficient vice for each of its seven virtues. This paper defines for each of these virtues the corresponding excessive vice and explores why organizations characterized by these excessive vices increase the likelihood that their employees will behave unethically. The excessive vices are patronization, pompousness, lavishness, zealotry, overexposure, talkativeness, and oppressiveness.
Late Pleistocene glaciations at Lake Donggi Cona, eastern Kunlun Shan (NE Tibet): early maxima and a diminishing trend of glaciation during the last glacial cycle
Authors: Rother Henrik , Stauch Georg , Loibl David , Lehmkuhl Frank , Freeman Stewart P. H. T. 
Published: February 2017

The Burhan Budai Shan in NE Tibet represents a key location for examining the variable influence of the mid‐latitude westerly and monsoonal circulations on late Quaternary glaciations in this sector of the Tibetan Plateau. Our study investigates the glacial history of mountains near Lake Donggi Cona (35°17′N, 98°33′E) using field mapping in combination with 10Be surface exposure dating and numerical reconstructions of former glacial equilibrium line altitudes (palaeo‐ELA). A set of 23 new exposure ages, collected from moraines in four glacial valleys, ranges from 45 to 190 ka, indicating ice expansion during the early and middle part of the last glacial cycle, and during the penultimate and possibly an earlier Mid‐Pleistocene glaciation. Ice advances reaching 12–15 km in length occurred at around 190–180 ka (≥MIS 6), between 140–100 ka (late MIS 6/MIS 5), and 90–65 ka (late MIS 5/early MIS 4), with a maximum ELA depression of 400–500 m below the estimated modern snowline. Exposure ages from the valley headwaters further indicate a small glaciation between c. 60–50 ka (late MIS 4/early MIS 3), which was essentially restricted to the cirque areas. Significantly, we find no evidence for any subsequent glaciation in the area during MIS 2 or the Holocene period. These results indicate a diminishing trend of glaciation in the region since at least MIS 4, and corroborate the case of a ‘missing LGM’ in the more interior parts of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The emerging pattern suggests that the most favourable conditions for glaciation during the Late Pleistocene correspond to periods of relatively moderate cooling combined with an intermediate or rising East Asian monsoon strength.
Transforming conservation science and practice for a postnormal world
Authors: Colloff Matthew J. , Lavorel Sandra , van Kerkhoff Lorrae E. , Wyborn Carina A. , Fazey Ioan , Gorddard Russell , Mace Georgina M. , Foden Wendy B. , Dunlop Michael , Prentice I. Colin , Crowley John , Leadley Paul , Degeorges Patrick 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe examine issues to consider when reframing conservation science and practice in the context of global change. New framings of the links between ecosystems and society are emerging that are changing peoples’ values and expectations of nature, resulting in plural perspectives on conservation. Reframing conservation for global change can thus be regarded as a stage in the evolving relationship between people and nature rather than some recent trend. New models of how conservation links with transformative adaptation include how decision contexts for conservation can be reframed and integrated with an adaptation pathways approach to create new options for global‐change‐ready conservation. New relationships for conservation science and governance include coproduction of knowledge that supports social learning. New processes for implementing adaptation for conservation outcomes include deliberate practices used to develop new strategies, shift world views, work with conflict, address power and intergenerational equity in decisions, and build consciousness and creativity that empower agents to act. We argue that reframing conservation for global change requires scientists and practitioners to implement approaches unconstrained by discipline and sectoral boundaries, geopolitical polarities, or technical problematization. We consider a stronger focus on inclusive creation of knowledge and the interaction of this knowledge with societal values and rules is likely to result in conservation science and practice that meets the challenges of a postnormal world.