bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precopulatory but not postcopulatory male reproductive traits diverge in response to mating system manipulation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wensing Kristina U. , Koppik Mareike , Fricke Claudia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCompetition between males creates potential for pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection and conflict. Theory predicts that males facing risk of sperm competition should evolve traits to secure their reproductive success. If those traits are costly to females, the evolution of such traits may also increase conflict between the sexes. Conversely, under the absence of sperm competition, one expectation is for selection on male competitive traits to relax thereby also relaxing sexual conflict. Experimental evolution studies are a powerful tool to test this expectation. Studies in multiple insect species have yielded mixed and partially conflicting results. In this study, we evaluated male competitive traits and male effects on female costs of mating in Drosophila melanogaster after replicate lines evolved for more than 50 generations either under enforced monogamy or sustained polygamy, thus manipulating the extent of intrasexual competition between males. We found that in a setting where males competed directly with a rival male for access to a female and fertilization of her ova polygamous males had superior reproductive success compared to monogamous males. When comparing reproductive success solely in double mating standard sperm competition assays, however, we found no difference in male sperm defense competitiveness between the different selection regimes. Instead, we found monogamous males to be inferior in precopulatory competition, which indicates that in our system, enforced monogamy relaxed selection on traits important in precopulatory rather than postcopulatory competition. We discuss our findings in the context of findings from previous experimental evolution studies in Drosophila ssp. and other invertebrate species.
A biogeographical study on tropical flora of southern China
Authors: Zhu Hua 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe tropical climate in China exists in southeastern Xizang (Tibet), southwestern to southeastern Yunnan, southwestern Guangxi, southern Guangdon, southern Taiwan, and Hainan, and these southern Chinese areas contain tropical floras. I checked and synonymized native seed plants from these tropical areas in China and recognized 12,844 species of seed plants included in 2,181 genera and 227 families. In the tropical flora of southern China, the families are mainly distributed in tropical areas and extend into temperate zones and contribute to the majority of the taxa present. The genera with tropical distributions also make up the most of the total flora. In terms of geographical elements, the genera with tropical Asian distribution constitute the highest proportion, which implies tropical Asian or Indo‐Malaysia affinity. Floristic composition and geographical elements are conspicuous from region to region due to different geological history and ecological environments, although floristic similarities from these regions are more than 90% and 64% at the family and generic levels, respectively, but lower than 50% at specific level. These differences in the regional floras could be influenced by historical events associated with the uplift of the Himalayas, such as the southeastward extrusion of the Indochina geoblock, clockwise rotation and southeastward movement of Lanping–Simao geoblock, and southeastward movement of Hainan Island. The similarity coefficients between the flora of southern China and those of Indochina countries are more than 96% and 80% at family and generic levels, indicating their close floristic affinity and inclusion in the same biogeographically floristic unit.
Subtle physiological and morphological differences explain ecological success of sympatric congeners
Authors: Porreca Anthony P. , Hintz William D. , Coulter David P. , Garvey James E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSympatric congeners with similar physiological and morphological characteristics may appear to overlap in niche space but respond to environmental change in different ways leading to population decline of one species while the other remains stable. Understanding why sympatric congeners vary in their ecological success can be challenging, but is particularly necessary given the magnitude of human‐induced environmental change among ecosystems. We propose that identifying a complex of subtle, interacting characters among congeners may be more effective in elucidating both historical coexistence and divergent ecological success in contemporary habitats compared to identifying just one apparent limiting similarity between species. Using this subtle difference hypothesis, we examined how metabolic rate associated with habitat use and internal and external morphology collectively influenced the ecological success of a common and a rare sturgeon species that differ dramatically in their conservation status due to environmental change. Multivariate analyses of gut morphology (e.g., intestine length) combined with respirometry on sand and gravel habitats were incorporated into a bioenergetics model to compare how the fishes responded to habitat change and food quality. Energetic tradeoffs induced by habitat type and underlying morphological differences led to different predicted growth rates. Compared with the more prevalent species, the rare and endangered fish needed to seek different habitats with less energetic costs and switch to foraging at a higher trophic level to persist. Our results corresponded to observed differences in ecological success between these species in the wild. Thus, subtle physiological and morphological differences may lead to dramatic differences in ecological success in contemporary habitats for species that are very similar ecologically.
Frequency‐dependent seed predation by rodents on Sonoran Desert winter annual plants
Authors: Horst Jonathan L. , Venable D. Lawrence 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNumerous mechanisms may allow species to coexist. We tested for frequency‐dependent predation, a mechanism predicted by theory and established as a foraging behavior for many types of animals. Our field test included multiple prey species exposed in situ to multiple predator species and individuals to determine whether the prey species experienced predation patterns that were frequency dependent. The prey were seeds of three species of Sonoran Desert winter annual plants while the predator species were a guild of nocturnal seed foraging heteromyid and murid rodents that co‐occur naturally in the same community as the desert annuals at Tumamoc Hill near Tucson. Seeds of one species were much preferred over the other two. Nonetheless, we found the net effect of rodent foraging to be positively frequency dependent (the preference for each species is higher when it is common than when it is uncommon) as has been previously hypothesized. This frequency‐dependent predation should function as a species coexistence promoting mechanism in concert with the storage effect that has been previously demonstrated for this system.
Synergistic effects of parental and embryonic exposure to predation risk on prey offspring size at emergence
Authors: Donelan Sarah C. , Trussell Geoffrey C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCues signaling predation risk can strongly influence prey phenotypes both within and between generations. Parental and embryonic effects have been shown to operate independently in response to predation risk, but how they interact to shape offspring life history traits remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted experiments to examine the synergistic impacts of parental and embryonic experiences with predation risk on offspring size at emergence in the snail,Nucella lapillus,which is an ecologically important intermediate consumer on rocky intertidal shores. We found that when embryos were exposed to predation risk, the offspring of risk‐experienced parents emerged larger than those of parents that had no risk experience. This response was not the result of increased development time, greater resource availability, or fewer emerging offspring, but may have occurred because both parental and embryonic experiences with risk increased growth efficiency, perhaps by reducing embryonic respiration rates under risk. Our results highlight the potential for organisms to be influenced by a complex history of environmental signals with important consequences for individual fitness and predator–prey interactions.
Optimized Energy‐Saving Speed Profile in Linear‐Motor Railway System
Authors: WATANABE SHOICHIRO , KOSEKI TAKAFUMI , NODA YOSHICHIKA , MIYATAKE MASAFUMI 
Published: October 2017

SUMMARYThe most striking characteristic of linear‐motor railway system is that the structure consists of a primary and secondary linear induction motor (LIM). The primary side of the LIM is installed in a rolling stock, and the secondary side of LIM is installed on the track. The magnetic attractive vertical force produced by the LIM increases the running resistance since this force is in the same direction as the gravitational force due to which rolling stocks gain weight virtually from the track side of view. In addition, the efficiency of the LIM has different characteristics of efficiency compared with the rotary motor. Previous studies have focused on the design method of LIM to improve motor efficiency and decrease energy consumption. However, it is a well‐known fact that this kind of approach requires hardware renewal which requests large amount of investments. The purpose of this study is to analyze these characteristics of LIM effects and design the optimal speed profile to minimize the energy consumption as a linear‐motor railway system. This smart and economic energy‐saving approach is based on the optimization of speed profiles of the linear‐motor railway system using dynamic programming.
Improving the Efficiency by Controlling the Switching Frequency for Secondary‐Side Converter of an Inductive Power Transfer System
Authors: OTA RYOSUKE , HOSHI NOBUKAZU , UCHIDA KOSUKE 
Published: October 2017

SUMMARYThe switching frequency affects the efficiency of a secondary‐side converter that is configured with a diode bridge rectifier connected to a DC‐DC converter in an inductive power transfer (IPT) system. The efficiency characteristics for the switching frequency of a secondary‐side converter were analyzed theoretically in order to establish a highly efficient control scheme the controls the switching frequency of the converter. A control scheme is proposed in which the switching frequency of the secondary‐side converter is controlled according to the efficiency characteristics. The validity of the proposed control scheme was clarified through experiments. The results showed that the proposed control scheme improved the efficiency of the IPT system by 3.4 points compared to the conventional control scheme.
Changing the size of a mirror‐reflected hand does not affect pain perception: A repeated measures study on healthy human participants
Authors: Wittkopf P.G. , Lloyd D.M. , Johnson M.I. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundStudies suggest that observing magnified and minified body parts using mirrors, lenses and virtual reality may affect pain perception. However, the direction of effect varies between studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of observing a normal‐sized, magnified and minified reflection of a hand on perceptual embodiment and contact‐heat stimuli.MethodsParticipants (n = 46) observed a normal‐sized, magnified and minified reflection of the hand and a no‐reflection condition while performing synchronized finger movements for 3 min (adaptive phase). Measurements of embodiment were taken before adaptive phase, pre‐ and post‐contact‐heat stimuli.ResultsThere were no differences in pain threshold nor tolerance between reflection and no‐reflection conditions. Altering the size of the reflection of the hand did not affect estimates of pain threshold nor tolerance. The temperature for warm detection threshold was lower when participants were observing the magnified reflection of the hand compared with the no‐reflection condition. Perceptual embodiment of the reflection of the hand was stronger after an adaptive phase with visuo‐motor feedback, and the painful stimuli did not weaken the perceptual experience.ConclusionObserving a reflection of the hand in front of a mirror did not alter heat pain threshold nor tolerance when compared with a no‐reflection condition, and altering the size of the reflection did not affect pain perception. Researchers and clinicians using visual feedback techniques may consider including an adaptive phase with visuo‐motor feedback to facilitate embodiment of the viewed body part.SignificanceAn adaptive phase with visuo‐motor feedback enhances the perceptual experience of embodiment of a reflection of a hand and a painful stimulus does not weaken the experience. This should be considered when using visual feedback techniques for pain management.
Modification of polyethylene glycol with choline chloride and evaluation of the CO2 absorption capacity of their aqueous solutions
Authors: Sadeghpour Mahsa , Yusoff Rozita , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Tabandeh Mojtaba 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this study, two new water‐soluble poly ionic liquids (PILs) polyethylene glycol‐ Di choline chloride (PEG‐(ChCl)2) were modified, with two molecular weights of PEG, 400 and 600, to be used as solvents for CO2 capture. The modified polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infra‐red (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR). CO2 absorption using the PILs was conducted at temperatures from 30 to 70°C and at pressures ranging from 10 to 13 bars. Both PILs saturated and then regenerated under the regeneration temperature: 90–100°C. The results showed that most of CO2 in the liquid phase is released through the thermal regeneration before solutions start to boil after three cycles. PEG (400)–(ChCl)2, and PEG(600)–(ChCl)2 with a concentration of 0.03M showed CO2 loading of 16.24 and 15.68, respectively. These results were 25% higher than the original PEG (400–600). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complications and donor site morbidity of 3‐layer reconstruction with iliotibial tract of the anterior skull base: Retrospective analysis of 186 patients
Authors: Mattavelli Davide , Schreiber Alberto , Villaret Andrea Bolzoni , Accorona Remo , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Lambertoni Alessia , Ferrari Marco , Castelnuovo Paolo , Nicolai Piero 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAnterior skull base reconstruction after resection of sinonasal cancers may be challenging when pedicled flaps are unavailable. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the complication rate and donor site morbidity of 3‐layer reconstruction with the iliotibial tract (ITT).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all anterior skull base reconstructions with ITT performed from 2007 to 2015. Donor site morbidity was investigated by a dedicated questionnaire. Factors impacting on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak were assessed using the Fisher's exact test.ResultsOne hundred eighty‐six patients were included. The overall complication rate was 9.7%. A CSF leak occurred in 11 patients (5.8%). Twenty patients (10.8%) and 130 patients (69.9%) underwent previous or adjuvant radiotherapy, respectively. Neither radio(chemo)therapy nor age impacted the risk of CSF leak. Six patients (3.2%) experienced complications at the donor site. The questionnaire demonstrated minimal functional and aesthetic morbidity.ConclusionThree‐layer reconstruction with the ITT is a safe procedure with acceptable complication rate and donor site morbidity.
Stage II recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Prognostic significance of retropharyngeal nodal metastasis, parapharyngeal invasion, and carotid encasement
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Wong Stanley Thian Sze , Wei William Ignace 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the predictability of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system on patients with stage II recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of the surgical outcome for patients with recurrent NPC and retropharyngeal lymph node (RLN) metastasis (group I), recurrent NPC and parapharyngeal space (PPS) invasion (group II), and recurrent NPC and internal carotid artery (ICA) encasement (group III).ResultsBetween 1990 and 2013, 145 patients received an operation for stage II recurrent NPC (group I, n = 62; group II, n = 65; and group III, n = 18). The rate of local tumor recurrence was significantly higher in groups II and III. The rate of systemic metastasis was significantly higher in group III (16.7%). Accordingly, the 5‐year overall survival was significantly worse for patients in group III (group I: 81.2%; group II: 68.4%; and group III: 48.5%).ConclusionThe significantly worse prognosis of recurrent NPC encasing the ICA warrants an upstage to the T3 classification in the current AJCC staging system.
Unexpected nationwide nitrate declines in groundwater of Korea
Authors: Lee Jin‐Yong , Kwon Kideok D. , Park Yu‐Chul , Jeon Woo‐Hyun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractElevated levels of nitrate in groundwater are an important concern for health and the environment. The overapplication of nitrogen fertilizer to croplands is one of the major sources of high nitrate content in groundwater. In this study, we analyse the nitrate concentrations in Korean groundwater based on data from groundwater quality monitoring wells (n = 1,022–2,072), which were sampled twice annually over a recent 13‐year analysis period (2001–2013). We report that groundwater nitrate levels are decreasing, despite steadily increasing groundwater use. The maximum nitrate concentration decreased from 168.91 to 48.11 mg/L, whereas the mean values also show a gradual decreasing trend. Non‐parametric Mann–Kendall tests on nitrate concentrations also confirm the decreasing trend. The nitrate decrease is more clearly evident in agricultural groundwater as compared to domestic and drinking groundwaters. This decrease of nitrate in groundwater coincides with a large decline in nitrogen fertilizer application due to reduced cropland areas, more sustainable agricultural practices, and progressive improvement of sewage disposal services. This study proposes that the long‐term adoption of best practices in agriculture has had a positive impact on groundwater nitrate control.
Influence of a rock glacier spring on the stream energy budget and cold‐water refuge in an alpine stream
Authors: Harrington Jordan S. , Hayashi Masaki , Kurylyk Barret L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe thermal regimes of alpine streams remain understudied and have important implications for cold‐water fish habitat, which is expected to decline due to climatic warming. Previous research has focused on the effects of distributed energy fluxes and meltwater from snowpacks and glaciers on the temperature of mountain streams. This study presents the effects of the groundwater spring discharge from an inactive rock glacier containing little ground ice on the temperature of an alpine stream. Rock glaciers are coarse blocky landforms that are ubiquitous in alpine environments and typically exhibit low groundwater discharge temperatures and resilience to climatic warming. Water temperature data indicate that the rock glacier spring cools the stream by an average of 3 °C during July and August and reduces maximum daily temperatures by an average of 5 °C during the peak temperature period of the first two weeks in August, producing a cold‐water refuge downstream of the spring. The distributed stream surface and streambed energy fluxes are calculated for the reach along the toe of the rock glacier, and solar radiation dominates the distributed stream energy budget. The lateral advective heat flux generated by the rock glacier spring is compared to the distributed energy fluxes over the study reach, and the spring advective heat flux is the dominant control on stream temperature at the reach scale. This study highlights the potential for coarse blocky landforms to generate climatically resilient cold‐water refuges in alpine streams.
In vitro evaluation of marrow clot enrichment on microstructure decoration, cell delivery and proliferation of porous titanium scaffolds by selective laser melting three‐dimensional printing
Authors: Yao Qing‐qiang , Hu Jun , Zheng Peng‐fei , Li Jia‐yi , Zhou Jin , Tian Shu‐chang , Wei Bo , Xu Yan , Wang Li‐ming 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTitanium alloy is a clinically approved material for bone substitution. Although three‐dimensional printing (3DP) fabrication technique can build up porous Ti scaffolds with the designed shape and microstructure, the biomechanical performance of 3DP Ti scaffolds still need to be improved to increase the reliability of osseointegration capacity. To address this issue, rabbit bone marrow clot (MC) is used to modify 3DP Ti scaffolds by stem cell delivery and microenvironment decoration inside the pores of these scaffolds. Moreover, 3DP Ti scaffolds were built up using selective laser melting, and 3DP MC‐Ti scaffolds were constructed through the enrichment of MC with Ti scaffolds in vitro. Results demonstrated that the obtained 3DP Ti scaffolds in current study has an average modulus of elasticity (ME) at 1294.48 MPa with average yield strength of 33.154 MPa. For MC‐Ti scaffolds, MC enrichment obstructs the pores of 3DP scaffolds due to the large amount of fibrin and erythrocytes and leads to a decrease in ratio of live cells at 1‐week culture. Cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation performance of MC‐Ti scaffolds were promoted with porous recanalization in the later 3 weeks. After 2 weeks in vitro culture, fivefold of cell number in MC‐Ti scaffolds were observed than bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell‐seeded Ti scaffolds. Compared to Ti scaffolds, fourfold of deoxyribonucleic acid content, type I collagen‐α1, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase expression in MC‐Ti scaffolds were observed after 4 weeks in vitro culture. Results suggested that the combination with MC is a highly efficient method that improves the biological performance of Ti scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2245–2253, 2018.