bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivoimaging of radial spoke proteins reveals independent assembly and turnover of the spoke head and stalk
Authors: Lechtreck Karl F. , Mengoni Ilaria , Okivie Batare , Hilderhoff Kiersten B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRadial spokes (RSs) are multiprotein complexes regulating dynein activity. In the cell body and ciliary matrix, RS proteins are present in a 12S precursor, which is converted into axonemal 20S spokes consisting of a head and stalk. To study RS assemblyin vivo, we expressed fluorescent protein (FP)-tagged versions of the head protein RSP4 and the stalk protein RSP3 to rescue the correspondingChlamydomonasmutantspfl, lacking spoke heads, andpf14, lacking RSs entirely. RSP3 and RSP4 mostly co-migrated by intraflagellar transport (IFT). Transport was elevated during ciliary assembly. IFT of RSP4-FP depended on RSP3. To study RS assembly independently of ciliogenesis, strains expressing FP-tagged RS proteins were mated to untagged cells with, without, or with partial RSs. RSP4-FP is added a tip-to-base fashion to preexistingpf1spoke stalks while de novo RS assembly occurred lengthwise. In wild-type cilia, the exchange rate of head protein RSP4 exceeded that of the stalk protein RSP3 suggesting increased turnover of spoke heads. The data indicate that RSP3 and RSP4 while transported together separate inside cilia during RS repair and maintenance. The 12S RS precursor encompassing both proteins could represent transport form of the RS ensuring stoichiometric delivery by IFT. (196 of 200)
Dealing with mutualists and antagonists: Specificity of plant‐mediated interactions between herbivores and flower visitors, and consequences for plant fitness
Authors: Rusman Quint , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani , Poelman Erik H. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Plants need to deal with antagonists, such as herbivores, while maintaining interactions with mutualists, such as pollinators that help plants to maximize their reproductive output. Although many plant species have inducible defences to save metabolic costs of defence in the absence of herbivores, plant responses induced by herbivore attack can have ecological costs. For example, herbivore‐induced responses can affect flower traits and alter interactions with flower visitors. Such plant‐mediated interactions between herbivores and flower visitors can affect plant reproductive output. Current knowledge on the generality and specificity of plant‐mediated herbivore–flower–visitor interactions and its consequences for plant fitness is limited.

In this study, we investigated whether a broad range of herbivores feeding on the annual plant Brassica nigra affect interactions with flower visitors, whether the direction of interactions is predicted by the feeding modes (chewing and sap‐feeding) and sites (above‐ and belowground) of the herbivores, and whether it results in fitness consequences for the plant.

Our results show that attack of B. nigra by a range of different herbivores influenced plant interactions with mutualist pollinators and an antagonist florivore, the pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus. Pollinator community composition was affected by herbivory, whereas overall pollinator attraction was maintained. Pollinator community composition of uninfested plants differed from that of chewing and root herbivore‐infested plants. Main responders in the pollinator communities to changes induced by herbivory were syrphid flies, bumblebees, and solitary bees. Although the preference of pollen beetle adults was not affected by herbivory, beetle larvae performed best on plants infested with the nematode Heterodera schachtii. The changes in pollinator community composition and syrphid fly visitation can explain the observed increase in seed set of root herbivore‐infested plants.

Interactions of flowering B. nigra plants with mutualist and antagonist insects are well integrated and conflicting interactions do not reduce reproductive output. Our results suggest some degree of specificity in herbivore–flower–visitor interactions with consequences for plant fitness. Specificity of plant responses were determined at the species level as well as the herbivore functional group level, and differed depending on the flower visitor. Because plant reproduction was affected by indirect plant‐mediated interactions, these can potentially result in selection on plant strategies to optimize growth, defence and reproduction.

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Prediction and attenuation of seasonal spillover of parasites between wild and domestic ungulates in an arid mixed‐use system
Authors: Walker Josephine G. , Evans Kate E. , Rose Vineer Hannah , van Wyk Jan A. , Morgan Eric R. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Transmission of parasites between host species affects host population dynamics, interspecific competition, and ecosystem structure and function. In areas where wild and domestic herbivores share grazing land, management of parasites in livestock may affect or be affected by sympatric wildlife due to cross‐species transmission.

We develop a novel method for simulating transmission potential based on both biotic and abiotic factors in a semi‐arid system in Botswana. Optimal timing of antiparasitic treatment in livestock is then compared under a variety of alternative host scenarios, including seasonally migrating wild hosts.

In this region, rainfall is the primary driver of seasonality of transmission, but wildlife migration leads to spatial differences in the effectiveness of treatment in domestic animals. Additionally, competent migratory wildlife hosts move parasites across the landscape.

Simulated transmission potential matches observed patterns of clinical disease in livestock in the study area. Increased wildlife contact is correlated with a decrease in disease, suggesting that non‐competent wild hosts may attenuate transmission by removing infective parasite larvae from livestock pasture.

Optimising the timing of treatment according to within‐year rainfall patterns was considerably more effective than treating at a standard time of year. By targeting treatment in this way, efficient control can be achieved, mitigating parasite spillover from wildlife where it does occur.

Synthesis and applications. This model of parasite transmission potential enables evidence‐based management of parasite spillover between wild and domestic species in a spatio‐temporally dynamic system. It can be applied in other mixed‐use systems to mitigate parasite transmission under altered climate scenarios or changes in host ranges.
Environmental drivers and phylogenetic constraints of growth phenologies across a large set of herbaceous species
Authors: Huang Lin , Koubek Tomáš , Weiser Martin , Herben Tomáš 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBecause perennial herbs of temperate climates develop their above‐ground parts every year anew, their success critically depends on the timing and speed of this growth (growth phenology). These parameters can play a role in species coexistence and may differ along environmental gradients. Still, we know little about them, as most phenological data come from observations of flowering and to a lesser degree leafing onset.We collected data on growth phenology of about 400 perennial herbs in a botanical garden to make the results independent of local differences in climatic drivers as much as possible. Using these data, we determined species‐specific parameters ofDay of peak growth,Day of maturityand two types of growth rates associated with the change in plant size. Environmental conditions in which these species occur in the field were assessed using Ellenberg indicator values, which express species’ optima along gradients of moisture, nutrients and temperature.Both timing and speed of growth estimated in the common garden were affected by light and moisture conditions of the habitats where the species typically occur. All parameters showed phylogenetic conservatism.We identified two relationships among these parameters of growth phenology: (1) species with early peak growth had high relative growth rates in contrast to late species; (2) tall species showed later peak growth than short species. The first relationship is associated with survival under forest canopy, where species are selected to grow early and fast before trees leaf out, which restricts their size. The latter is associated with (asymmetric) competition for light in open habitats, where the main selection factor is for tall stature, which cannot be attained early in the season.Synthesis. We show that large differences in size growth dynamics among herbaceous species are constrained by a few key trade‐offs involving height at maturity, rate of growth and time when maximum height is attained. These trade‐offs correspond to major selective forces acting on herbaceous plants in temperate climates.
Financement Bancaire des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises au Cameroun
Authors: Tsambou André Dumas , Akono Christian Zamo , Ndokang Esone Ludwick , Tsafack Nanfosso Roger 
Published: December 2017

RésuméLe présent travail a pour objectif d'identifier les déterminants du financement bancaire des PME camerounaises. Il s'appuie pour cela sur l'enquête « Formulation d'un Plan de Développement Local des PME au Cameroun » réalisée auprès de 413 PME par le ministère des petites et moyennes entreprises, de l'économie sociale et de l'artisanat (MINPMEESA) du Gouvernement camerounais et l'Agence Japonaise de Coopération Internationale (JICA). Nous utilisons un modèle logit simple et les méthodes d'estimations récentes. L'analyse statistique des données révèle que les PME autofinancent leurs activités à court terme et font recours aux institutions financières à long terme. L'analyse économétrique a montré que les principaux déterminants du financement des PME sont la présence régulière des effets financiers, la qualité des garanties offertes, la taille de la PME, la rentabilité et le capital social (appartenance aux réseaux sociaux, participation des étrangers au capital, soutien des autorités gouvernementales). Cependant, les relations sociales qui sont des indicateurs du degré de confiance des PME améliorent significativement la probabilité d'accès au financement bancaire en réduisant le degré d'opacité des PME aux yeux du banquier.
A struggle on two fronts: boundary drawing in the lower region of the social space and the symbolic market for ‘down‐to‐earthness’
Authors: Jarness Vegard , Flemmen Magne Paalgard 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this article we use qualitative interviews to examine how Norwegians possessing low volumes of cultural and economic capital demarcate themselves symbolically from the lifestyles of those above and below them in social space. In downward boundary drawing, a range of types of people are regarded as inferior because of perceived moral and aesthetic deficiencies. In upward boundary drawing, anti‐elitist sentiments are strong: people practising resource‐demanding lifestyles are viewed as harbouring ‘snobbish’ and ‘elitist’ attitudes. However, our analysis suggests that contemporary forms of anti‐elitism are far from absolute, as symbolic expressions of privilege are markedly less challenged if they are parcelled in a ‘down‐to‐earth’ attitude. Previous studies have shown attempts by the privileged to downplay differences in cross‐class encounters, accompanied by displays of openness and down‐to‐earthness. Our findings suggest that there is in fact a symbolic ‘market’ for such performances in the lower region of social space. This cross‐class sympathy, we argue, helps naturalize, and thereby legitimize, class inequalities. The implications of this finding are outlined with reference to current scholarly debates about politics and populism, status and recognition and intersections between class and gender in the structuring of social inequalities. The article also contributes key methodological insights into the mapping of symbolic boundaries. Challenging Lamont's influential framework, we demonstrate that there is a need for a more complex analytical strategy rather than simply measuring the ‘relative salience’ of various boundaries in terms of their occurrence in qualitative interview data. In distinguishing analytically between usurpationary and exclusionary boundary strategies, we show that moral boundaries in particular can take on qualitatively different forms and that subtypes of boundaries are sometimes so tightly intertwined that separating them to measure their relative salience would neglect the complex ways in which they combine to engender both aversion to and sympathies for others.
Credit Default Swaps and Managers’ Voluntary Disclosure
Authors: KIM JAE B. , SHROFF PERVIN , VYAS DUSHYANTKUMAR , WITTENBERG‐MOERMAN REGINA 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTWe investigate how the availability of traded credit default swaps (CDSs) affects the referenced firms’ voluntary disclosure choices. CDSs enable lenders to hedge their credit risk exposure, weakening their incentives to monitor borrowers. We predict that reduced lender monitoring in turn leads shareholders to intensify their monitoring and demand increased voluntary disclosure from managers. Consistent with this expectation, we find that managers are more likely to issue earnings forecasts and forecast more frequently when traded CDSs reference their firms. We further find a stronger impact of CDS availability on firm disclosure when (1) lenders have higher ability and propensity to hedge credit risk using CDSs, and (2) lender monitoring incentives and monitoring strength are weaker. Consistent with an increase in shareholder demand for public information disclosure induced by a reduction in lender monitoring, we find a stronger effect of CDSs on voluntary disclosure for firms with higher institutional ownership and stronger corporate governance. Overall, our findings suggest that firms with traded CDS contracts enhance their voluntary disclosure to offset the effect of reduced monitoring by CDS‐protected lenders.
Citrate Content of Bone as a Measure of Postmortem Interval: An External Validation Study
Authors: Brown Michael A. , Bunch Ann W. , Froome Charles , Gerling Rebecca , Hennessy Shawn , Ellison Jeffrey 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe postmortem interval (PMI) of skeletal remains is a crucial piece of information that can help establish the time dimension in criminal cases. Unfortunately, the accurate and reliable determination of PMI from bone continues to evade forensic investigators despite concerted efforts over the past decades to develop suitable qualitative and quantitative methods. A relatively new PMI method based on the analysis of citrate content of bone was developed by Schwarcz et al. The main objective of our research was to determine whether this work could be externally validated. Thirty‐one bone samples were obtained from the Forensic Anthropology Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office. Results from analyzing samples with PMI greater than 2 years suggest that the hypothetical relationship between the citrate content of bone and PMI is much weaker than reported. It was also observed that the average absolute error between the PMI value estimated using the equation proposed by Schwarcz et al. and the actual (“true”) PMI of the sample was negative indicating an underestimation in PMI. These findings are identical to those reported by Kanz et al. Despite these results this method may still serve as a technique to sort ancient from more recent skeletal cases, after further, similar validation studies have been conducted.
Physicochemical, Thermal, and Sensory Properties of Blue Corn (Zea Mays L.)
Authors: Mutlu Ceren , Arslan‐Tontul Sultan , Candal Cihadiye , Kilic Ozlem , Erbas Mustafa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate some physicochemical and sensory properties of blue corn cultivated in Turkey. The length and width of the cob with kernels, hectoliter, and 1000‐kernel weight of blue corn were measured as 7.66, 2.02 mm, 84.40 kg/100 L, and 44.27 g, respectively. The gelatinization onset, peak, and end temperatures were measured as 61.12 °C, 64.35 °C, and 75.65 °C, respectively. The water activity, moisture content, total protein, lipid, and crude fiber contents of the blue corn sample were detected as 0.44, 9.39%, 13.13%, 4.30%, and 2.68%, respectively. Total starch and resistant starch contents of blue corn were determined as 63.94% and 8.89%, respectively. Also, total monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity of blue corn were detected as 915.43 mg CGE/kg and 7.99 μmol TE/g, respectively. Additionally, the major fatty acids detected in blue corn samples were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.Practical ApplicationBlue corn can be utilized in the production of enjoyable and healthier snacks, such as popcorn and chips, because of its color and high phenolic, anthocyanin, and fiber contents.
Climate and Water Conflicts Coevolution from Tropical Development and Hydro‐Climatic Perspectives: A Case Study of Costa Rica
Authors: Esquivel‐Hernández Germain , Sánchez‐Murillo Ricardo , Birkel Christian , Boll Jan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCosta Rica is a nation with a vast wealth of water resources; however, recently the country has faced water conflicts (WC) due to social, economic, legal, and political impediments in response to limited water availability during El Niño events and inefficient use of its water resources. This study presents a spatial distribution and temporal analysis of WC in Costa Rica from 2005 to 2015. In total, 719 WC were analyzed of which 54% were among private individuals and government. The largest urban areas and the Grande de Tárcoles Basin were identified as the main “hot spot” for the conflicts. WC were mainly caused by spills of wastewater, water pollution, water shortage, infrastructure damage, and flooding, and can be predicted using a multiple linear model including the population size and the number of hydro‐meteorological events (HME) (R2 = 0.77). The identified HME also coevolved significantly with the changes in precipitation regimes (r = 0.67, p = 0.021). Our results suggest that there is a need to recognize that water infrastructure longevity across the country concatenates and amplifies WC, mainly in the most populated area located in the Central Valley. Implications of our findings include the need for truly integrated water resources management plans that include, for example, WC as indicators of hydro‐climatic changing conditions and water supply and sanitation infrastructure status.
Recursive multi‐frequency segmentation of movement trajectories (ReMuS)
Authors: Ahearn Sean C. , Dodge Somayeh 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

The quantity of GPS trajectories on the movement of individuals has far outstripped our ability to analyse them. Segmentation, a first step in trajectory analysis, is fundamental to imputing behaviour from patterns of movement.

Behaviour occurs at multiple scales that are captured at different temporal frequencies. To identify behaviour from a complex trajectory it is essential to use a segmentation procedure that captures different frequency ranges. A limitation of existing segmentation algorithms is that they require training and parameterisation that can lead to special use segmentations that are not generalisable.

This paper presents a new approach to the automated segmentation of movement trajectories at multiple scales. It has two distinguishing characteristics: it can capture movement patterns at multiple temporal frequencies through its recursive application; and requires no training or thresholding.

The methodology is tested on two sets of simulated data and GPS tracking data of two species, the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and the Galapagos Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata). For the Turkey Vulture dataset, segments and transition points are evaluated using behavioural segmentations delineated by domain experts, and results are also compared with an existing approach. For the Albatross dataset, the segmentation results are evaluated using the geographic context of the movement tracks through visualisation. An Albatross trajectory is used to illustrate the application of recursive segmentation for extracting movement patterns at multiple temporal scales. The evaluation suggests that the segmentation technique is capable of extracting the right number of segments and in estimating transition points for most of the evaluated datasets.

The proposed methodology has the potential to automate the segmentation process by enabling researchers to analyse a broad range of heterogeneous datasets without training. It will enable them to segment datasets recursively to derive multiple scales of movement patterns in a trajectory that may relate to different scales of behaviour.
Avoiding quantification bias in metabarcoding: Application of a cell biovolume correction factor in diatom molecular biomonitoring
Authors: Vasselon Valentin , Bouchez Agnès , Rimet Frédéric , Jacquet Stéphan , Trobajo Rosa , Corniquel Méline , Tapolczai Kálmán , Domaizon Isabelle 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in developing environmental DNA metabarcoding. However, its ability to quantify species relative abundance remains uncertain, limiting its application for biomonitoring. In diatoms, although the rbcL gene appears to be a suitable barcode for diatoms, providing relevant qualitative data to describe taxonomic composition, improvement of species quantification is still required.

Here, we hypothesized that rbcL copy number is correlated with diatom cell biovolume (as previously described for the 18S gene) and that a correction factor (CF) based on cell biovolume should be applied to improve taxa quantification. We carried out a laboratory experiment using pure cultures of eight diatom species with contrasted cell biovolumes in order to (1) verify the relationship between rbcL copy numbers (estimated by qPCR) and diatom cell biovolumes and (2) define a potential CF. In order to evaluate CF efficiency, five mock communities were created by mixing different amounts of DNA from the eight species, and were sequenced using HTS and targeting the same rbcL barcode.

As expected, the correction of DNA reads proportions by the CF improved the congruence between morphological and molecular inventories. Final validation of the CF was obtained on environmental samples (metabarcoding data from 80 benthic biofilms) for which the application of CF allowed differences between molecular and morphological water quality indices to be reduced by 47%.

Overall, our results highlight the usefulness of applying a CF factor, which is effective in reducing over‐estimation of high biovolume species, correcting quantitative biases in diatom metabarcoding studies and improving final water quality assessment.