bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scratching beneath the surface: Bandicoot bioturbation contributes to ecosystem processes
Authors: Valentine Leonie E. , Bretz Michael , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Fisher Rebecca , Hardy Giles E. St J. , Fleming Patricia A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAnimals that forage for food or dig burrows by biopedturbation can alter the biotic and abiotic characteristics of their habitat. The digging activities of such ecosystem engineers, although small at a local scale, may be important for broader scale landscape processes by influencing soil and litter properties, trapping organic matter and seeds, and subsequently altering seedling recruitment. We examined environmental characteristics (soil moisture content, hydrophobicity and litter composition) of foraging pits created by the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus; Peramelidae), a digging Australian marsupial, over a 6‐month period. Fresh diggings typically contained a higher moisture content and lower hydrophobicity than undisturbed soil. A month later, foraging pits contained greater amounts of fine litter and lower amounts of coarse litter than adjacent undug surfaces, indicating that foraging pits may provide a conducive microhabitat for litter decomposition, potentially reducing litter loads and enhancing nutrient decomposition. We tested whether diggings might affect seedling recruitment (seed removal by seed harvesters and seed germination rates) by artificially mimicking diggings. Although there were no differences in the removal of seeds, seedling recruitment for three native plant species (Acacia saligna, Kennedia prostrata and Eucalyptus gomphocephala) was higher in plots containing artificial diggings compared with undug sites. The digging actions of bandicoots influenced soil moisture and hydrophobicity, the size distribution of litter and seedling recruitment at a local scale. The majority of Australian digging mammals are threatened, with many suffering substantial population and range contraction. However, their persistence in landscapes plays an important role in maintaining the health and function of ecosystems.
Cryoprotectant‐free vitrification of human spermatozoa in new artificial seminal fluid
Authors: Agha‐Rahimi A. , Khalili M. A. , Nottola S. A. , Miglietta S. , Moradi A. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryVitrification is a new method that has been recently introduced in Assisted Reproduction Technique programs. The aim of this study was to design a new medium similar to normal human seminal fluid (SF), formulation artificial seminal fluid (ASF), and to compare the cryoprotective potency of this medium withSFand human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. Thirty normal ejaculates were processed with the swim‐up technique and sperm suspensions were divided into four aliquots: (i) fresh sample (control); (ii) vitrification in HTF medium supplemented with 5 mg/mL human serum albumin and 0.25 mol sucrose (VitHTF); (iii) vitrification with patients’SF(VitSF); and (iv) vitrification inASF(VitASF). After warming, sperm parameters of motility, viability, and morphology were analyzed usingWHOcriteria. Also, sperm pellets were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. The results showed that progressive motility (46.09 ± 10.33 vs. 36.80 ± 13.75), grade A motility (36.59 ± 11.40 vs. 16.41 ± 11.24), and normal morphology (18.74 ± 8.35 vs. 11.85 ± 5.84) and viability (68.22 ± 10.83 vs. 60.86 ± 11.72) of spermatozoa were significantly higher in VitASFthan in VitHTF. All parameters were better in VitASFthan in VitSF, but only viability was significantly different (p = 0.006). After cryopreservation, deep invagination in cytoplasm and mechanically weak point sites and folded tail were commonly observed. But, this phenomenon was more significant in VitHTFand VitSFthan inASF(p < 0.05). In transmission electron microscopy evaluation, acrosome damage, plasma membrane loss, chromatin vacuolation, and disruption of mitochondria arrangement and structures were observed in all vitrified groups. Adherence of several tail sections together was also seen in all cryo groups. But this was seen more in VitHTFand VitSFthanin ASF(p < 0.05). In conclusion, vitrification of human spermatozoa withASFcan effectively preserve the quality of sperm motility in comparison with VitHTF.
Removing seminal plasma improves bovine sperm sex‐sorting
Authors: Steinhauser C. B. , Graham J. K. , Lenz R. W. , Seidel G. E. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBull ejaculates with sperm concentrations of less than 1 billion sperm sort poorly for sex chromosomes, but whether this is because of the sperm concentration or the concomitant seminal plasma content has not been elucidated. Experiments were conducted to determine why ejaculates with lower sperm concentrations sort poorly and develop a protocol to increase sorting efficiency. In Experiment I, spermatozoa at 160 or 240 × 106 sperm/mL were stained at 49, 65 or 81 μm Hoechst 33342 with 0 or 10% seminal plasma and then sex‐sorted. In Experiment II, seminal plasma was adjusted to create samples with sperm concentrations of 0.7, 1.4 and 2.1 × 109 sperm/mL, prior to sex‐sorting. In Experiment III, spermatozoa were diluted to 0.7, 1.4 and 2.1 × 109 sperm/mL using TALP containing 0 or 10% seminal plasma prior to sex‐sorting and cryopreservation. In Experiment I, the optimal staining combination was 160 × 106 sperm/mL stained with 65 μm Hoechst 33342 and no seminal plasma. In Experiment II, the percentages of membrane‐impaired sperm were lower for sample concentrations of 2.1 × 109 sperm/mL (15%) than for samples at 1.4 × 109 (17%) or 0.7 × 109 sperm/mL (18%; p < 0.01). The X sort rate was slower for samples stored at 0.7 × 109 sperm/mL (3.45 × 103 sperm/sec) than for samples stored at 1.4 × 109 and 2.1 × 109 sperm/mL (3.85 and 3.94 × 103 sperm/sec, respectively; p < 0.05). In Experiment III, samples containing 0% seminal plasma had higher percentages of live‐oriented cells (54 vs. 50%; p < 0.05), fewer dead sperm (19 vs. 22%; p < 0.01) and higher post‐thaw motility (41 vs. 35%; p < 0.05) than samples containing 10% seminal plasma. Ejaculates with high sperm concentrations result in superior sorting because these samples have less seminal plasma during staining than ejaculates with lower initial sperm concentrations as all samples are diluted to 160 × 106 sperm/mL for staining. Therefore, sorting efficiency appears to be affected by seminal plasma concentration, not by the original sperm concentration.
REVISITING GLOBALIZATION CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATIVES
Authors: BRETOS Ignacio , MARCUELLO Carmen 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTCooperatives have gained prominent attention in recent years as strategic elements to achieve sustainable economic development and greater social cohesion in the context of neoliberal globalization. This article explores, theoretically, the current challenges and opportunities for cooperatives to develop successfully in the globalizing economy. To this end, we provide an analytical, critical review of the key bibliography concerning some fundamental aspects that shape the relationship between economic globalization and cooperatives, an issue that has been generally neglected by previous literature. Three key fields are addressed: 1) the viability of cooperatives, based on their strengths and possible weaknesses, under current globalization; 2) the role of these organizations in promoting the local development and stability of local communities; and 3) the tensions and potentialities that internationalization entails for cooperatives. Based on the analytical review and the organization of the literature, we propose an agenda for further research. This includes some hypotheses and strategies for testing them that would be essential to assess the role of cooperatives in economic globalization, and sheds light on key areas for future research that could provide a better understanding of the complexity surrounding the relationship between globalization and cooperatives.
NEED FOR A SHIFT FROM A PHILANTHROPIC TO A HUMANISTIC APPROACH TO CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: CHERUVALATH Reena 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTAs part of their business practices, the Indian government has made it mandatory for companies who have a turnover of 500 crores and above to spend 2 per cent of their net profits from the immediately preceding three financial years on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This article proposes to examine the issue of whether this enforced philanthropic responsibility of companies is helpful to both society and the organization. With the philanthropic approach it is not necessary for the organization to fulfill its responsibilities toward those who work in and for the organization, its customers and to the ecological system in general. Achieving both organizational growth and social development requires a shift from a philanthropic approach to a humanistic approach on the part of companies and the government, accommodating all its stakeholders.
FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS TO COOPERATE IN ECOSYSTEM SERVICE PROVISION: DOES TRUST MATTER?
Authors: STALLMAN Heidi R. , JAMES Harvey S. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTEcosystem service provision in agriculture may require cooperation between farmers. Trust fosters cooperation in many economic and social interactions and is important to the success of traditional agricultural cooperatives. Little is known about how trust affects farmers’ willingness to cooperate to provide an ecosystem service, what types of trust are most important, and under what conditions trust may matter. In this study, we present results of a survey of Missouri crop farmers exploring the role trust plays in farmers’ stated willingness to cooperate to control pests. We find that most farmers say they are willing to cooperate, and most farmers are willing to trust others. However, we find little evidence that trust positively influences farmers’ willingness to cooperate to control pests. Instead, we find that trust may only matter under certain conditions, such as when participants’ farms are dissimilar, and that other determinants, such as the perceived benefit of cooperation and environmental concern, are more important than trust to farmers who are contemplating cooperation to control pests.
Comparative efficacy of BioRelease Deslorelin® injection for induction of ovulation in oestrus mares: a field study
Authors: Finan SA , Lamkin EL , McKinnon AO 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the comparative efficacy of BioRelease Deslorelin® (BRD) and Ovuplant® for induction of ovulation in cyclic mares in Australia.MethodsOvarian follicular activity of 60 mares for a total of 95 cycles was monitored by ultrasonography until they developed a follicle ≥30 mm and a uterine oedema pattern of 3. Mares were then randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: (1) treatment with 1.25 mg BRD, (2) a single Ovuplant pellet or (3) 1 mL compound sodium lactate control. Follicular activity was monitored with ultrasonography every 12 h until ovulation was detected or for at least 5 days post treatment. The injection site on each mare was monitored for reaction for a minimum of 5 days post treatment.ResultsThere was no difference in the percentage of mares ovulating within 48 h when treated with BRD (93.75%) compared with Ovuplant (87.09%). Treatment with both ovulating agents significantly decreased the time to ovulation compared with control mares (P < 0.00005). More mares had injection site reactions with Ovuplant (64.5%) treatment compared with BRD (15.6%) or control mares (0%) (P < 0.00005).ConclusionsTreatment of mares with 1.25 mg BRD when there is a follicle ≥30 mm and uterine oedema pattern of 3 is as effective as treatment with Ovuplant.
Effects of pimobendan on myocardial perfusion and pulmonary transit time in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease: a pilot study
Authors: Apple SM , Menciotti G , Braz‐Ruivo L , Crosara S , Häggström J , Borgarelli M 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo describe pulmonary transit time (nPTT) and myocardial perfusion (nMP) normalised to heart rate in dogs with stable ACVIM stage C myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to assess short‐term effects of pimobendan on these variables. We hypothesised that nPTT and nMP would increase in dogs with MMVD compared with normal dogs. Additionally, we hypothesised that treatment with pimobendan would decrease nMP and nPTT in dogs with MMVD.DesignProspective, single‐blind study involving 6 normal dogs and 12 dogs with MMVD.MethodsDogs with MMVD were treated with enalapril and furosemide for at least 1 month prior to examination. All dogs underwent standard and contrast echocardiographic examinations at the beginning of the study (T0). At this time, MMVD dogs were randomly assigned to receive either pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg) or not. All dogs with MMVD were re‐evaluated by standard and contrast echocardiography after 1 week (T1) and nPTT and nMP were measured.Results
nPTT was significantly increased in dogs with MMVD (P = 0.0063), compared with normal dogs. It was significantly decreased at T1 in dogs receiving pimobendan (P = 0.0250). The nMP was not significantly different in dogs with MMVD, compared with healthy dogs (P = 0.2552), and it was not significantly different at T1 in the treatment group (P = 0.8798).ConclusionsContrast echocardiography was a valid, complementary tool for echocardiographic analysis of dogs with MMVD. Pimobendan decreased nPTT in dogs affected by MMVD. Myocardial perfusion was not different in dogs with severe MMVD.
Risk prediction tool for grade re‐classification in men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer on active surveillance
Authors: Mamawala Mufaddal M. , Rao Karthik , Landis Patricia , Epstein Jonathan I. , Trock Bruce J. , Tosoian Jeffrey J. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Carter H. Ballentine 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo create a nomogram for men on active surveillance (AS) for prediction of grade re‐classification (GR) above Gleason score 6 (Grade group >2) at surveillance biopsy.Patients and MethodsFrom a cohort of men enrolled in an AS programme, a multivariable model was used to identify clinical and pathological parameters predictive of GR. Nomogram performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration, and decision curve analysis.ResultsOf 1 374 men, 254 (18.50%) were re‐classified to Gleason ≥7 on surveillance prostate biopsy. Variables predictive of GR were earlier year of diagnosis [≤2004 vs ≥2005; odds ratio (OR) 2.16, P < 0.001], older age (OR 1.05, P < 0.001), higher prostate‐specific antigen density [OR 1.19 (per 0.1 unit increase), P = 0.04], bilateral disease (OR 2.86, P < 0.001), risk strata (low‐risk vs very‐low‐risk, OR 1.79, P < 0.001), and total number of biopsies without GR (OR 0.68, P < 0.001). On internal validation, a nomogram created using the multivariable model had an area under the curve of 0.757 (95% confidence interval 0.730–0.797) for predicting GR at the time of next surveillance biopsy.ConclusionThe nomogram described is currently being used at each return visit to assess the need for a surveillance biopsy, and could increase retention in AS.
Cenozoic tectonic subsidence in the Qiongdongnan Basin, northern South China Sea
Authors: Zhao Zhongxian , Sun Zhen , Sun Longtao , Wang Zhenfeng , Sun Zhipeng 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA number of major controversies exist in the South China Sea, including the timing and pattern of seafloor spreading, the anomalous alternating strike‐slip movement on the Red River Fault, the existence of anomalous post‐rift subsidence and how major submarine canyons have developed. The Qiongdongnan Basin is located in the intersection of the northern South China Sea margin and the strike‐slip Red River fault zone. Analysing the subsidence of the Qiongdongnan Basin is critical in understanding these controversies. The basin‐wide unloaded tectonic subsidence is computed through 1D backstripping constrained by the reconstruction of palaeo‐water depths and the interpretation of dense seismic profiles and wells. Results show that discrete subsidence sags began to form in the central depression during the middle and late Eocene (45–31.5 Ma). Subsequently in the Oligocene (31.5–23 Ma), more faults with intense activity formed, leading to rapid extension with high subsidence (40–90 m Myr−1). This extension is also inferred to be affected by the sinistral movement of the offshore Red River Fault as new subsidence sags progressively formed adjacent to this structure. Evidence from faults, subsidence, magmatic intrusions and strata erosion suggests that the breakup unconformity formed at ca. 23 Ma, coeval with the initial seafloor spreading in the southwestern subbasin of the South China Sea, demonstrating that the breakup unconformity in the Qiongdongnan Basin is younger than that observed in the Pearl River Mouth Basin (ca. 32–28 Ma) and Taiwan region (ca. 39–33 Ma), which implies that the seafloor spreading in the South China Sea began diachronously from east to west. The post‐rift subsidence was extremely slow during the early and middle Miocene (16 m Myr−1, 23–11.6 Ma), probably caused by the transient dynamic support induced by mantle convection during seafloor spreading. Subsequently, rapid post‐rift subsidence occurred during the late Miocene (144 m Myr−1, 11.6–5.5 Ma) possibly as the dynamic support disappeared. The post‐rift subsidence slowed again from the Pliocene to the Quaternary (24 m Myr−1, 5.5–0 Ma), but a subsidence centre formed in the west with the maximum subsidence of ca. 450 m, which coincided with a basin with the sediment thickness exceeding 5500 m and is inferred to be caused by sediment‐induced ductile crust flow. Anomalous post‐rift subsidence in the Qiongdongnan Basin increased from ca. 300 m in the northwest to ca. 1200 m in the southeast, and the post‐rift vertical movement of the basement was probably the most important factor to facilitate the development of the central submarine canyon.
Structure‐based discovery of novel US28 small molecule ligands with different modes of action
Authors: Lückmann Michael , Amarandi Roxana‐Maria , Papargyri Natalia , Jakobsen Mette H. , Christiansen Elisabeth , Jensen Lars J. , Pui Aurel , Schwartz Thue W. , Rosenkilde Mette M. , Frimurer Thomas M. 
Published: August 2016

The human cytomegalovirus‐encoded G protein‐coupled receptor US28 is a constitutively active receptor, which can recognize various chemokines. Despite the recent determination of its 2.9 Å crystal structure, potent and US28‐specific tool compounds are still scarce. Here, we used structural information from a refined US28:VUF2274 complex for virtual screening of >12 million commercially available small molecule compounds. Using a combined receptor‐ and ligand‐based approach, we tested 98 of the top 0.1% ranked compounds, revealing novel chemotypes as compared to the ~1.45 million known ligands in the ChEMBL database. Two compounds were confirmed as agonist and inverse agonist, respectively, in both IP accumulation and Ca2+ mobilization assays. The screening setup presented in this work is computationally inexpensive and therefore particularly useful in an academic setting as it enables simultaneous testing in binding as well as in different functional assays and/or species without actual chemical synthesis.
Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation versus second glaucoma drainage device after prior aqueous tube shunt surgery
Authors: Murakami Yohko , Akil Handan , Chahal Jasdeep , Dustin Laurie , Tan James , Chopra Vikas , Francis Brian 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) versus implantation of a second glaucoma drainage device (GDD‐2) in the treatment of uncontrolled glaucoma with a prior aqueous tube shunt.DesignA nonrandomized retrospective chart review.ParticipantsPatients with refractory glaucoma following a failed initial tube shunt (Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant 350), who underwent ECP or GDD‐2 with Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant as a second surgery. Twenty‐five eyes underwent ECP, and 48 eyes received a GDD‐2.MethodsECP or second tube‐shunt surgery.Main Outcome MeasuresReduction in IOP and antiglaucoma medications, and Kaplan–Meier survival with success defined as lOP ≥ 5 mmHg and ≤ 21 mmHg and ≥ 20% reduction from preoperative IOP. Secondary outcome measures were visual acuity and the presence of any postoperative complications.ResultsBoth ECP and GDD‐2 significantly lowered IOP (Student's t test) and number of antiglaucoma medications (Wilcoxon paired signed rank test). There were no significant differences in postoperative IOP (Student's t test) or antiglaucoma medications (Mann Whitney test) between ECP and GDD‐2 at 6 and 12 months. There was also no difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival outcomes between the two groups.ConclusionBoth ECP and GDD‐2 are both effective as second surgeries for refractory glaucoma that has failed a prior aqueous shunt.
Effects of logging on roadless space in intact forest landscapes of the Congo Basin
Authors: Kleinschroth Fritz , Healey John R. , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Mortier Frédéric , Stoica Radu S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractForest degradation in the tropics is often associated with roads built for selective logging. The protection of intact forest landscapes (IFL) that are not accessible by roads is high on the biodiversity conservation agenda and a challenge for logging concessions certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). A frequently advocated conservation objective is to maximize the retention of roadless space, a concept that is based on distance to the nearest road from any point. We developed a novel use of the empty‐space function – a general statistical tool based on stochastic geometry and random sets theory – to calculate roadless space in a part of the Congo Basin where road networks have been expanding rapidly. We compared the temporal development of roadless space in certified and uncertified logging concessions inside and outside areas declared IFL in 2000. Inside IFLs, road‐network expansion led to a decrease in roadless space by more than half from 1999 to 2007. After 2007, loss leveled out in most areas to close to 0 due to an equilibrium between newly built roads and abandoned roads that became revegetated. However, concessions in IFL certified by FSC since around 2007 continuously lost roadless space and reached a level comparable to all other concessions. Only national parks remained mostly roadless. We recommend that forest‐management policies make the preservation of large connected forest areas a top priority by effectively monitoring – and limiting – the occupation of space by roads that are permanently accessible.