bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative reproductive strategies and the maintenance of female color polymorphism in damselflies
Authors: Sánchez‐Guillén Rosa A. , Wellenreuther Maren , Chávez‐Ríos Jesús R. , Beatty Christopher D. , Rivas‐Torres Anais , Velasquez‐Velez María , Cordero‐Rivera Adolfo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGenetic polymorphisms are powerful model systems to study the maintenance of diversity in nature. In some systems, polymorphisms are limited to female coloration; these are thought to have arisen as a consequence of reducing male mating harassment, commonly resulting in negative frequency‐dependent selection on female color morphs. One example is the damselfly Ischnura elegans, which shows three female color morphs and strong sexual conflict over mating rates. Here, we present research integrating male tactics, and female evolutionary strategies (female mating behavior and morph‐specific female fecundity) in populations with different morph‐specific mating frequencies, to obtain an understanding of mating rates in nature that goes beyond the mere measure of color frequencies. We found that female morph behavior differed significantly among but not within morphs (i.e., female morph behavior was fixed). In contrast, male tactics were strongly affected by the female morph frequency in the population. Laboratory work comparing morph‐specific female fecundity revealed that androchrome females have lower fecundity than both of the gynochrome female morphs in the short term (3‐days), but over a 10‐day period one of the gynochrome female morphs became more fecund than either of the other morphs. In summary, our study found sex‐specific dynamics in response to different morph frequencies and also highlights the importance of studying morph‐specific fecundities across different time frames to gain a better understanding of the role of alternative reproductive strategies in the maintenance of female‐limited color polymorphism.
Who's My Daddy? Considerations for the influence of sexual selection on multiple paternity in elasmobranch mating systems
Authors: Lyons Kady , Chabot Chris L. , Mull Christopher G. , Paterson Holder Corinne N. , Lowe Christopher G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPolyandry resulting in multiply‐sired litters has been documented in the majority of elasmobranch species examined to date. Although commonly observed, reasons for this mating system remain relatively obscure, especially in batoids. The round stingray (Urobatis halleri) is an abundant, well‐studied elasmobranch distributed throughout the northeastern Pacific that we used to explore hypotheses regarding multiple paternity in elasmobranchs. Twenty mid‐ to late‐term pregnant females were sampled off the coast of southern California and their litters analyzed for the occurrence of multiple paternity using five nuclear microsatellite loci. In addition, embryo sizes and their position within the female reproductive system (i.e., right or left uterus) were recorded and used to make inferences for patterns of ovulation. Multiple paternity was observed in 90% of litters and male reproductive success within litters was relatively even among sires. High variability in testes mass was observed suggesting that sperm competition is high in this species, although male reproductive success per litter appeared to be relatively even. Using embryo size as a proxy for fertilization, females were found to exhibit a variety of ovulation patterns that could function to limit a male's access to eggs and possibly promote high rates of multiple paternity. Our study highlights that elasmobranch mating systems may be more varied and complex than presumed and further investigation is warranted.
Dioecious plants are more precocious than cosexual plants: A comparative study of relative sizes at the onset of sexual reproduction in woody species
Authors: Ohya Itsuki , Nanami Satoshi , Itoh Akira 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe reproductive capacities of dioecious plant species may be limited by severe pollen limitation and narrow seed shadows for the two reasons. First, they are unable to self‐pollinate, and seed production occurs only with pollinator movement from males to females. Second, only 50% of the individuals in populations contribute to seed production. Despite these handicaps, dioecious plants maintain their populations in plant communities with cooccurring cosexual plants, and no substantial difference in population growth rates has been found between dioecious and cosexual plants. Hence, dioecious plants are thought to mitigate these disadvantages by adopting ecological traits, such as insect pollination, animal‐dispersed fleshy fruits, and precocious flowering. We studied the relationship between flowering and plant size in 30 woody species with different sex expressions, leaf habits, fruit types, and maximum plant sizes. The study site was located in an evergreen broad‐leaved forest on the island of Honshu, Japan. A phylogenetic linear regression model showed that dioecious species tended to mature at smaller sizes than did cosexual taxa. At the population level, given equal plant densities and reproductive efforts, the precocity of dioecious plants could serve as one of the factors that mitigate the limitations of pollen and seed‐shadow handicaps by increasing the density of reproductive individuals in the population. At the individual level, smaller size of onset of flowering may play a role in enhancing reproductive success over a lifetime by increasing reproductive opportunities. We discussed the possible effect of the relationship between precocity and some ecological traits of dioecious plants, such as small flowers pollinated by unspecialized insects, fleshy fruit dispersed by animals, and their preferential occurrence in the tropics and in island habitats. The universality of precocity among dioecious plants should be investigated in diverse plant communities. Such studies will increase our understanding of the evolution of plant breeding systems.
Magellanic penguin telomeres do not shorten with age with increased reproductive effort, investment, and basal corticosterone
Authors: Cerchiara Jack A. , Risques Rosa Ana , Prunkard Donna , Smith Jeffrey R. , Kane Olivia J. , Boersma P. Dee 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAll species should invest in systems that enhance longevity; however, a fundamental adult life‐history trade‐off exists between the metabolic resources allocated to maintenance and those allocated to reproduction. Long‐lived species will invest more in reproduction than in somatic maintenance as they age. We investigated this trade‐off by analyzing correlations among telomere length, reproductive effort and output, and basal corticosterone in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Telomeres shorten with age in most species studied to date, and may affect adult survival. High basal corticosterone is indicative of stressful conditions. Corticosterone, and stress, has been linked to telomere shortening in other species. Magellanic penguins are a particularly good model organism for this question as they are an unusually long‐lived species, exceeding their mass‐adjusted predicted lifespan by 26%. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found adults aged 5 years to over 24 years of age had similar telomere lengths. Telomeres of adults did not shorten over a 3‐year period, regardless of the age of the individual. Neither telomere length, nor the rate at which the telomeres changed over these 3 years, correlated with breeding frequency or investment. Older females also produced larger volume clutches until approximately 15 years old and larger eggs produced heavier fledglings. Furthermore, reproductive success (chicks fledged/eggs laid) is maintained as females aged. Basal corticosterone, however, was not correlated with telomere length in adults and suggests that low basal corticosterone may play a role in the telomere maintenance we observed. Basal corticosterone also declined during the breeding season and was positively correlated with the age of adult penguins. This higher basal corticosterone in older individuals, and consistent reproductive success, supports the prediction that Magellanic penguins invest more in reproduction as they age. Our results demonstrate that telomere maintenance may be a component of longevity even with increased reproductive effort, investment, and basal corticosterone.
Growth and fecundity of fertile Miscanthus × giganteus (“PowerCane”) compared to feral and ornamental Miscanthus sinensis in a common garden experiment: Implications for invasion
Authors: Miriti Maria N. , Ibrahim Tahir , Palik Destiny , Bonin Catherine , Heaton Emily , Mutegi Evans , Snow Allison A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPerennial grasses are promising candidates for bioenergy crops, but species that can escape cultivation and establish self‐sustaining naturalized populations (feral) may have the potential to become invasive. Fertile Miscanthus × giganteus, known as “PowerCane,” is a new potential biofuel crop. Its parent species are ornamental, non‐native Miscanthus species that establish feral populations and are sometimes invasive in the USA. As a first step toward assessing the potential for “PowerCane” to become invasive, we documented its growth and fecundity relative to one of its parent species (Miscanthus sinensis) in competition with native and invasive grasses in common garden experiments located in Columbus, Ohio and Ames, Iowa, within the targeted range of biofuel cultivation. We conducted a 2‐year experiment to compare growth and reproduction among three Miscanthus biotypes—”PowerCane,” ornamental M. sinensis, and feral M. sinensis—at two locations. Single Miscanthus plants were subjected to competition with a native grass (Panicum virgatum), a weedy grass (Bromus inermis), or no competition. Response variables were aboveground biomass, number of shoots, basal area, and seed set. In Iowa, all Miscanthus plants died after the first winter, which was unusually cold, so no further results are reported from the Iowa site. In Ohio, we found significant differences among biotypes in growth and fecundity, as well as significant effects of competition. Interactions between these treatments were not significant. “PowerCane” performed as well or better than ornamental or feral M. sinensis in vegetative traits, but had much lower seed production, perhaps due to pollen limitation. In general, ornamental M. sinensis performed somewhat better than feral M. sinensis. Our findings suggest that feral populations of “PowerCane” could become established adjacent to biofuel production areas. Fertile Miscanthus × giganteus should be studied further to assess its potential to spread via seed production in large, sexually compatible populations.
Seasonal changes in leaf chemistry and leaf selection of the Japanese giant flying squirrel upon two tree species
Authors: Ito Mutsumi , Tamura Noriko , Hayashi Fumio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTree leaves are important food sources for arboreal herbivores, such as primates, rodents, and marsupials. These animals do not eat leaves randomly in habitats with many tree species but rather choose based on the chemical components of leaves, such as sugars, fibers, proteins, and toxins. However, the effects of the microscale distribution of these chemicals within each leaf have not been examined for these animals. The giant flying squirrels Petaurista leucogenys are entirely arboreal, nocturnal herbivores, usually feeding on leaves and dropping leaf debris on the ground after partially consuming them. Therefore, we could easily assess which species of trees and which parts of the individual leaves they preferred to eat. We also examined microscale distributions of phenolics, sugar, and water within individual leaves. Of the two dominant food tree species, the deciduous Quercus acutissima was preferred over the evergreen Q. sessilifolia. The latter tree is only used during winter to early spring when the former had no leaves. Our chemical analyses revealed that Q. acutissima contained much more glucose than Q. sessilifolia in all seasons. Three types of leaf debris, eaten apically, basally, or centrally with a hole, were found. In Q. sessilifolia, which had low phenolic concentrations, apical eating was most common, whereas central eating was rare. In Q. acutissima, which had high phenolics, basal or central eating was common. Central feeding may be caused by avoiding the periphery because of a higher phenolic concentration in the leaf margin. Thus, microscale distributions of phenolics within individual leaves affect which parts P. leucogenys eats, whereas leaf sugar concentration is an important factor affecting which species of leaves they eat.
Electrochemical Studies on Self‐assembled Monolayer (SAM) Upon Exposure to Anionic Surfactants: PFOA, PFOS, SDS and SDBS
Authors: Fang Cheng , Megharaj Mallavarapu , Naidu Ravi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe investigate the interaction between anionic surfactants (AS) and a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The AS include two common fluorosurfactants, which have been previously formulated in aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF): perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and two common detergents: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS). The AS can re‐configure the SAM arrangement, particularly on nanoporous gold surface due to the high density of defects and pinholes of SAM, which results in changes to the electrochemical redox kinetics and interface capacitance of the SAM. Based on the experimental results, we hypothesis that AS insert and dope the pristine monolayer, which is evidenced with EQCM and EIS.
Solvent degradation studies using hydrodynamic cavitation
Authors: Suryawanshi Pravin G. , Bhandari Vinay M. , Sorokhaibam Laxmi Gayatri , Ruparelia Jayesh P. , Ranade Vivek V. 
Published: June 2017

Hydrodynamic cavitation for the degradation of organic solvents was investigated in detail using a newer form of cavitating device‐vortex diode. The results were also compared with that using conventional cavitating device orifice. Removal of three different organic solvents—acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and toluene were studied on a pilot plant with capacity of 1 m3/h. The effect of different operating parameters such as inlet pressure, initial concentration, and reactor type on the degradation rate of solvent was investigated in detail. The results revealed that efficiency of solvent removal varies substantially with the change in physical operating conditions and nature of the solvent. It was found that up to 80% degradation could be achieved for toluene (cavitational yield 32.2 × 10−3 mg/J), substantially higher than that for acetone and MEK indicating the effect of molecular weight/structure in the degradation process. Further, the results clearly indicated chemical oxidation as a predominant mechanism for degradation and not physical destruction. Vortex diode that works on the principle of vortex generation for cavitation, was found to be far superior over conventional cavitating device‐orifice‐ ∼up to eight times higher cavitational yield could be obtained for toluene as compared to orifice. The results of this study provide newer insight into solvent removal using hydrodynamic cavitation and would have bearing on the treatment of solvent containing wastewaters. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 295–304, 2018
Genetic differences between willow warbler migratory phenotypes are few and cluster in large haplotype blocks
Authors: Lundberg Max , Liedvogel Miriam , Larson Keith , Sigeman Hanna , Grahn Mats , Wright Anthony , Åkesson Susanne , Bensch Staffan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIt is well established that differences in migratory behavior between populations of songbirds have a genetic basis but the actual genes underlying these traits remains largely unknown. In an attempt to identify such candidate genes we de novo assembled the genome of the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, and used whole-genome resequencing and a SNP array to associate genomic variation with migratory phenotypes across two migratory divides around the Baltic Sea that separate SW migrating P. t. trochilus wintering in western Africa and SSE migrating P. t. acredula wintering in eastern and southern Africa. We found that the genomes of the two migratory phenotypes lack clear differences except for three highly differentiated regions located on chromosomes 1, 3, and 5 (containing 146, 135, and 53 genes, respectively). Within each migratory phenotype we found virtually no differences in allele frequencies for thousands of SNPs, even when comparing geographically distant populations breeding in Scandinavia and Far East Russia (&gt;6000 km). In each of the three differentiated regions, multidimensional scaling-based clustering of SNP genotypes from more than 1100 individuals demonstrates the presence of distinct haplotype clusters that are associated with each migratory phenotype. In turn, this suggests that recombination is absent or rare between haplotypes, which could be explained by inversion polymorphisms. Whereas SNP alleles on chromosome 3 correlate with breeding altitude and latitude, the allele distribution within the regions on chromosomes 1 and 5 perfectly matches the geographical distribution of the migratory phenotypes. The most differentiated 10 kb windows and missense mutations within these differentiated regions are associated with genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, possibly representing physiological adaptations to the different migratory strategies. The ∼200 genes in these regions, of which several lack described function, will direct future experimental and comparative studies in the search for genes that underlie important migratory traits.
La Maddalena exploratory tunnel
Authors: Parisi Maria Elena , Brino Lorenzo , Gilli Piergiuseppe , Fornari Enrico , Martinotti Giorgio , Lo Russo Stefano 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper deals with the cross‐border section of the Lyon‐Turin Line, i.e. the 57.5 km long Mont Cenis Base Tunnel between Saint Jean de Maurienne in France and the Susa valley in Italy. Works at Saint Martin La Porte started in 2015 including the 9 km TBM excavation along the south tube of the base tunnel between the access adits of Saint Martin La Porte and La Praz. In order to assemble the TBM, a large underground cavern has been excavated at the end of the Saint Martin La Porte access adit. The size of this cavern, with a length of approximately 45 m, a span of 23 m and a height of 22.2 m, and the geological and geomechanical conditions in the Carboniferous Formation at a depth of about 600 m made this work a challenge. The excavation and support methods adopted are described, together with the rock mass conditions and the observed ground behaviour. The monitoring data obtained during excavation are briefly presented, including the works schedule.
Outcome of patients older than 80 years with diffuse largeB‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with “standard” immunochemotherapy: A large retrospective study from 4 institutions
Authors: Gobba Stefania , Moccia Alden A. , Gulden‐Sala Wiebke , Conconi Annarita , Diem Stefan , Cascione Luciano , Iacoboni Gloria , Margiotta‐Casaluci Gloria , Aprile von Hohenstaufen Kathrin , Stathis Anastasios , Hitz Felicitas , Pinotti Graziella , Gaidano Gianluca , Zucca Emanuele 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLittle information is available on the very elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We performed a retrospective analysis of 281 patients >80 years old with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated in 4 referral institutions in Switzerland and Northern Italy. Primary end points were overall survival, progression‐free survival, and cause‐specific survival. Systemic chemotherapy was given to 239 patients, and 119 of them received rituximab in their initial treatment. At a median follow‐up of 5.5 years, 5‐year progression‐free survival was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20‐32%), 5‐year overall survival was 31% (95% CI, 25‐37%), and 5‐year cause‐specific survival was 48% (95% CI, 41‐55%) for the entire cohort. Rituximab and/or anthracyclines as part of initial treatment were associated with improved outcome. Cause‐specific survival in patients receiving both agents approximated 60% at 5 years. At multivariate analysis, rituximab use maintained a significant prognostic impact after controlling for age, performance status, stage, haemoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The International Prognostic Index as well as the more recently proposed revised‐International Prognostic Index and National Comprehensive Cancer Center Network–International Prognostic Index could discriminate patients with significantly different outcomes. Albeit very elderly and potentially frail, there may be a potential for cure in fit DLBCL patients ≥80 years old. Accurate selection of patients able to tolerate proper immunochemotherapy is crucial.
“I'm an ogre so I'm very hungry!” “I'm assistant ogre”: The Social Function of Sibling Imitation in Early Childhood
Authors: Howe Nina , Rosciszewska Joanna , Persram Ryan J. 
Published: June 2017

Siblings' imitative behaviors were investigated in 39 middle‐class dyads during six 90‐min home sessions at both Time 1 (M age: older sibling = 4.4 years; younger sibling = 2.4 years) and Time 2 (2 years later). Although younger siblings imitated most often at T1 and T2, older siblings' imitation increased proportionally over time in comparison to younger siblings. Findings highlight the affiliative nature of imitation that occurred during reciprocal play interactions, via positive responses, and the content of the imitation. Finally, age was controlled by comparing first‐born siblings aged 4 at T1 to second‐born siblings aged 4 at T2. Findings demonstrated that sibling imitation had distinct characteristics despite the age match and partner effects. Sibling imitation is a dynamic, interactive social behavior and may be a powerful source of learning for young children.Highlights

The role of sibling imitation in ongoing play in early childhood is highlighted.
Sibling imitation is a dynamic and affiliative behavior that promotes interaction during play.
Naturalistic observations of sibling imitation document that it is a powerful source of learning for young children.
Depletion of FoxP3+ Tregs improves control of larval Echinococcus multilocularis infection by promoting co‐stimulation and Th1/17 immunity
Authors: Wang Junhua , Müller Stephan , Lin Renyong , Siffert Myriam , Vuitton Dominique A. , Wen Hao , Gottstein Bruno 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe growth potential of the tumor‐like Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode (causing alveolar echinococcosis, AE) is directly linked to the nature/function of the periparasitic host immune‐mediated processes. Previous studies had shown that regulatory T cells (Tregs) become gradually up‐regulated in the course of both chronic human and murine AE. Thus we now tackled the role of FoxP3+ Tregs and FoxP3+‐Treg‐regulated immune response in contributing to the control of this helminthic infection.MethodsThe infection outcome in E. multilocularis‐infected DEREG mice was measured upon determining parasite load (wet weight of parasitic metacestode tissue). Flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR were used to assess Treg, Th17‐, Th1‐, Th2‐type immune responses and antigen presenting cell activation.ResultsWe showed that E. multilocularis‐infected DEREG‐mice treated with DT (as compared to infected control DEREG‐mice without DT application) exhibited a significantly lower parasite load, associated with a persisting capacity of co‐stimulation, and an increased Th1/Th17‐polarization.ConclusionsFoxP3+ Tregs appear as one of the key players in immune regulatory processes favoring (i) metacestode survival by inhibiting the maturation potential of co‐stimulatory activity and (ii) T cell exhaustion (suppressing Th1/Th17‐type immune responses). We showed as well that prospectively, targeting FoxP3+ Tregs could be an option to develop an immunotherapy against AE.