bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underdispersion and overdispersion of traits in terrestrial snail communities on islands
Authors: Astor Tina , Strengbom Joachim , Berg Matty P. , Lenoir Lisette , Marteinsdóttir Bryndís , Bengtsson Jan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUnderstanding and disentangling different processes underlying the assembly and diversity of communities remains a key challenge in ecology. Species can assemble into communities either randomly or due to deterministic processes. Deterministic assembly leads to species being more similar (underdispersed) or more different (overdispersed) in certain traits than would be expected by chance. However, the relative importance of those processes is not well understood for many organisms, including terrestrial invertebrates. Based on knowledge of a broad range of species traits, we tested for the presence of trait underdispersion (indicating dispersal or environmental filtering) and trait overdispersion (indicating niche partitioning) and their relative importance in explaining land snail community composition on lake islands. The analysis of community assembly was performed using a functional diversity index (Rao's quadratic entropy) in combination with a null model approach. Regression analysis with the effect sizes of the assembly tests and environmental variables gave information on the strength of under‐ and overdispersion along environmental gradients. Additionally, we examined the link between community weighted mean trait values and environmental variables using a CWM‐RDA. We found both trait underdispersion and trait overdispersion, but underdispersion (eight traits) was more frequently detected than overdispersion (two traits). Underdispersion was related to four environmental variables (tree cover, habitat diversity, productivity of ground vegetation, and location on an esker ridge). Our results show clear evidence for underdispersion in traits driven by environmental filtering, but no clear evidence for dispersal filtering. We did not find evidence for overdispersion of traits due to diet or body size, but overdispersion in shell shape may indicate niche differentiation between snail species driven by small‐scale habitat heterogeneity. The use of species traits enabled us to identify key traits involved in snail community assembly and to detect the simultaneous occurrence of trait underdispersion and overdispersion.
Biogeochemical processes and phytoplankton nutrient limitation in the inflow transition zone of a large eutrophic lake during a summer rain event
Authors: Abell Jonathan M. , Hamilton David P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe used high‐frequency sampling paired with a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic–ecological model application to study how dynamic variations in water, nutrient and sediment transport in a stream inflow interacted with circulation processes in a receiving eutrophic lake to affect water quality during a 5‐day period of high rainfall in the summer. Wind‐driven horizontal circulations in the lake caused deflection of the inflowing stream, strongly influencing water quality in the littoral zone over distances >1 km from the stream mouth and constraining sediment and nutrient flux to the pelagic zone. The nutrient limitation status of phytoplankton varied both temporally and spatially within the lake in relation to nutrient transport processes and, potentially, variation in assemblage composition and environmental history. The occurrence of active processes that caused net removal (e.g. deposition) or accumulation (e.g. resuspension) of nutrients and sediments in the water column was characterized by comparing concentrations of suspended sediments and dissolved nutrients measured in the transition zone with concentrations estimated assuming only conservative mixing between the stream and the lake. Chlorophyll a concentrations in the transition zone were generally diluted by the stream, although ‘hot spots’ (≈10–30 m wide) of high concentrations occurred in the nutrient‐rich plume on a day when phytoplankton at a pelagic site were nutrient limited. This study highlighted how characteristics of littoral‐pelagic coupling can influence fine‐scale spatial and temporal variations in the water quality of large lakes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social support from fellow group members triggers additional effort in groups
Authors: Hüffmeier Joachim , Wessolowski Katrin , van Randenborgh Annette , Bothin Julia , Schmid‐Loertzer Nikola , Hertel Guido 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis research demonstrates social support from fellow group members as unique trigger of additional effort and performance in groups. Support‐induced effort gains are shown both compared with groups without social support and individual work. Study 1 examined existing beliefs about motivating group work among employees with professional group work experience (n = 130). The results revealed social support as one of the most frequently reported sources of group‐induced effort gains. Study 2 explored self‐reported effort intentions in group training scenarios among athletes (n = 94). Finally, Study 3 examined performance as a manifest indicator of effort in an experimental persistence task among students (n = 88). The results of Study 2 and Study 3 showed significant gains due to social support in both self‐reported effort and manifest performance, respectively. Together, the results demonstrate that receiving social support from fellow group members leads to higher effort in groups at the level of existing beliefs about motivating group work, at the level of effort intentions, and at the level of manifest performance behavior. The observed findings cannot be explained by established sources of motivation gains in groups such as social comparison or social indispensability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group‐level effects of forgiveness: Group cohesiveness and collective action in social dilemmas
Authors: Irwin Kyle , Tsang Jo‐Ann , Carlisle Robert , Shen Megan Johnson 
Published: April 2014

AbstractForgiveness research has predominately focused on individual/relational outcomes such as well‐being and closeness. Less research has examined group outcomes such as cohesiveness or collective action. Forgiveness studies have also emphasized the victim's or transgressor's perspective, neglecting the effects of forgiveness on ingroup members who have neither given nor received forgiveness. We theorize that forgiveness promotes collective action among ingroup members through group cohesiveness and that transgressors' apologetic reactions impact this process. In a laboratory experiment, 229 students (175 females) were led to believe they were in a social dilemma with three others. Some participants witnessed group members forgive an apologetic, obstinate, or neutral defector, whereas others witnessed an unforgiving response. Forgiveness of apologetic and neutral defectors increased later cooperation among ingroup members. This effect was generally mediated by group cohesiveness. Our findings suggest that forgiveness can impact cooperation on a group level, providing a path to successful resolutions to collective action problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wernicke Encephalopathy in Subjects Undergoing Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery: A Systematic Review of Literature Data
Authors: Milone Marco , Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario , Lupoli Roberta , Maietta Paola , Bianco Paolo , Pisapia Anna , Gaudioso Dario , Taffuri Caterina , Milone Francesco , Musella Mario 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe use of weight loss surgery is progressively increasing, and in recent years, restrictive bariatric surgery procedures have been more often used. Although thought to be associated with a lower incidence of post‐operative side effects than malabsorpitive surgery, some cases of micronutrients deficiency have been reported because of an acquired thiamine deficiency; in this clinical setting, some cases of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) have been described. Major determinants and predictors of this major neurological complication are currently unknown. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse literature data in order to address this issue. The main result of our systematic review was that persistent vomiting is the major determinant of WE in patients undergoing restrictive weight loss surgery. In addition, early thiamine supplementation can rapidly improve the clinical conditions, avoiding permanent deficiencies. On the other hand, given the wide variability of clinical and demographic characteristics, definite prognostic factors of WE occurrence and of clinical outcome cannot be identified. In conclusion, although our results are suggestive, further ad hoc prospective studies evaluating changes in micronutrients levels according to different types of surgery are needed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Regional grain size variations in aeolian sediments along the transition between Tibetan highlands and north‐western Chinese deserts – the influence of geomorphological settings on aeolian transport pathways
Authors: Nottebaum Veit , Lehmkuhl Frank , Stauch Georg , Hartmann Kai , Wünnemann Bernd , Schimpf Stefan , Lu Huayu 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTSediment distribution is investigated applying grain size analysis to 279 surface samples from the transitional zone between high mountains (Qilian Shan) and their arid forelands (Hexi Corridor) in north‐western China. Six main sediment types were classified. Medium scale (103 m) geomorphological setting is carefully considered as it may play an important role concerning sediment supply and availability. A tripartite distribution of sedimentological landscape units along the mountain to foreland transition is evident. Aeolian sediments (e.g. loess and dune sands) are widespread. They are used to identify aeolian transport pathways. The mU/fS‐ratio (5–11 µm/48–70 µm) among primary loess opposes the two grain size fractions being most sensitive to varying accumulation conditions. The first fraction is attributed to long‐distance transport in high suspension clouds whereas the latter represents local transport in saltation mode. The ratio shows strong correlation with elevation (R2 = 0.77). Thus, it indicates a relatively higher far‐traveled dust supply in mountainous areas (>3000 m above sea level [a.s.l.]) compared to the foreland. The contribution of westerlies to high mountain loess deposits is considered likely. Hereby, the influence of the geomorphological setting on grain size composition of aeolian sediments becomes apparent: the contribution from distant dust sources is ubiquitous in the study area. However, the far‐distance contribution may be reduced by the availability of fine sand provided in low topography settings. Plain foreland areas support fine sand deflation from supplying river beds, allowing the formation of sandy loess in foreland areas and intramontane basins. In contrast, high mountain topography inhibits strong sand deflation into loess deposits. Eastern parts of the Hexi Corridor show higher aeolian sand occurrence. In contrast, the western parts are dominated by gravel gobi surfaces. This is attributed to higher sand supply in eastern parts provided by the Badain Jaran Desert and fluvial storages as sand sources. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lytic enzyme production optimization using low‐cost substrates and its application in the clarification of xanthan gum culture broth
Authors: da Silva Cíntia Reis , Silva Marilia Lordelo Cardoso , Kamida Helio Mitoshi , Goes‐Neto Aristoteles , Koblitz Maria Gabriela Bello 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLytic enzymes are widely used in industrial biotechnology as they are able to hydrolyze the bacterial cell wall. One application of these enzymes is the clarification of the culture broth for the production of xanthan gum, because of its viability in viscous media and high specificity. The screening process for filamentous fungi producing lytic enzymes, the optimization of production of these enzymes by the selected microorganism, and the optimization of the application of the enzymes produced in the clarification of culture broth are presented in this article. Eleven fungal isolates were tested for their ability to produce enzymes able to increase the transmittance of the culture broth containing cells of Xanthomonas campestris. To optimize the secretion of lytic enzymes by the selected microorganism the following variables were tested: solid substrate, initial pH, incubation temperature, and addition of inducer (gelatin). Thereafter, secretion of the enzymes over time of incubation was assessed. To optimize the clarification process a central composite rotational design was applied in which the pH of the reaction medium, the dilution of the broth, and the reaction temperature were evaluated. The isolate identified as Aspergillus tamarii was selected for increasing the transmittance of the broth from 2.1% to 54.8%. The best conditions for cultivation of this microorganism were: use of coconut husk as solid substrate, with 90% moisture, at 30°C for 20 days. The lytic enzymes produced thereby were able to increase the transmittance of the culture broth from 2.1% to 70.6% at 65°C, without dilution and without pH adjustment.
Impact of chiasma opticum malformations on the organization of the human ventral visual cortex
Authors: Kaule Falko R. , Wolynski Barbara , Gottlob Irene , Stadler Joerg , Speck Oliver , Kanowski Martin , Meltendorf Synke , Behrens‐Baumann Wolfgang , Hoffmann Michael B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCongenital malformations of the optic chiasm, such as enhanced and reduced crossing of the optic nerve fibers, are evident in albinism and achiasma, respectively. In early visual cortex the resulting additional visual input from the ipsilateral visual hemifield is superimposed onto the normal retinotopic representation of the contralateral visual field, which is likely due to conservative geniculo‐striate projections. Counterintuitively, this organization in early visual cortex does not have profound consequences on visual function. Here we ask, whether higher stages of visual processing provide a correction to the abnormal representation allowing for largely normal perception. To this end we assessed the organization patterns of early and ventral visual cortex in five albinotic, one achiasmic, and five control participants. In albinism and achiasma the mirror‐symmetrical superposition of the ipsilateral and contalateral visual fields was evident not only in early visual cortex, but also in the higher areas of the ventral processing stream. Specifically, in the visual areas VO1/2 and PHC1/2 no differences in the extent, the degree of superposition, and the magnitude of the responses were evident in comparison to the early visual areas. Consequently, the highly atypical organization of the primary visual cortex was propagated downstream to highly specialized processing stages in an undiminished and unchanged manner. This indicates largely unaltered cortico‐cortical connections in both types of misrouting, i.e., enhanced and reduced crossing of the optic nerves. It is concluded that main aspects of visual function are preserved despite sizable representation abnormalities in the ventral visual processing stream. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5093–5105, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors predicting outcome after salvage treatment for stage IV oral squamous cell carcinoma: Evidence of the potential importance of the cyclooxygenase‐2–prostaglandin E2 pathway
Authors: Kekatpure Vikram D. , Singh Mandeep , Selvam Sumithra , Shetkar Girish , Hedne Naveen C. , Trivedi Nirav P. , Siddappa Gangotri , Govindan Sindhu V. , Suresh Amritha , Rangarajan Bharath , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Kuriakose Moni Abraham. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe determined the clinicopathological factors that predicted outcome after salvage treatment for stage IV oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Additionally, the prognostic significance of the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)/microsomal prostaglandin‐E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) pathway was evaluated.MethodsThirty‐one patients who underwent salvage surgery were included. COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 levels were quantified by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsThe 2‐year disease‐free and overall survival rates were 46% and 53%, respectively. Adequacy of initial treatment, tobacco smoking, and the presence of pathological risk factors were predictive of mortality. In patients who had not received chemotherapy before salvage surgery, high levels of intratumoral COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 were associated with poor prognosis. By contrast, high intratumoral COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 after chemotherapy were associated with improved outcomes.ConclusionClinicopathological factors may inform treatment decisions in patients with stage IV OSCC. Expression patterns of COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 correlated with outcome and warrant further investigation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1142–1149, 2015
Saturated hydraulic conductivity in Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands: do microforms matter?
Authors: Branham Jordanna E. , Strack Maria 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWithin peatland ecosystems, small deviations in surface elevation result in microforms that differ in depth to water table, plant type and rate of biogeochemical cycling, possibly leading to differences in peat physical and hydrological properties that could feed back to the whole ecosystem hydrological and biogeochemical function. However, hydrological parameters for peatland microforms have not been quantified. This study determined bulk density, pore size distribution and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) at hummocks and hollows of four, Sphagnum‐dominated Canadian peatlands. Study sites included both a bog and poor fen in each of Alberta and Quebec allowing for investigation of differences in peat hydrophysical properties between microforms across a range of Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands. Hydraulic conductivity was determined in the laboratory on peat from the surface (0.03–0.08 m) and the saturated zone (0.20 m below the local water table position). Peatland type, climate region, microform and depth of peat were all significant descriptors of variation in Ksat. Deeper peat was less conductive than surface peat. Hummocks generally had higher Ksat than hollows at both surface and saturated zones, although differences between microforms varied between sites. Differences in Ksat between samples were correlated with bulk density, von Post humification and macroporosity. These results indicate that there are microtopographical differences in peat hydrophysical properties; however, the strong decline in Ksat with depth indicates that differences in the local water table, resulting in a change in depth of water flow, is likely a stronger control on local Ksat than microform type. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncertainty in modelling the hydrologic responses of a large watershed: a case study of the Athabasca River basin, Canada
Authors: Eum Hyung‐Il , Yonas Dibike , Prowse Terry 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLarge‐scale watershed modelling presents a unique challenge in terms of physiographic and climatological heterogeneity, and spatially varied hydrologic responses. In particular, the spatial variability in hydrologic processes may introduce a high degree of uncertainty in the modelling of a large watershed. This study assessed the uncertainties in annual/seasonal streamflow and annual peak flow simulations with respect to selection of climate data and model parameter sets for the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model of the Athabasca River basin (ARB) in Alberta, Canada. Two high‐resolution gridded climate data sets over the 1979 to 2010 period, and six different model parameter sets calibrated corresponding to different time periods and various hydrologic patterns, were employed to quantify the uncertainty in VIC simulations. Moreover, the possibility of an ensemble approach to predict hydrologic responses in the ARB has been investigated. The results indicated that streamflow simulations near the headwater and along the Athabasca River mainstream have high uncertainty corresponding to selection of climate data mainly because of greater difference of precipitation between the two climate data sets, whereas sub‐basin stations at low elevations were more sensitive to the selection of parameter set for interflow‐dominated runoff cycle. All stations showed higher uncertainty corresponding to the selection of parameter set for annual peak flows. In addition, this study confirmed that the ensemble means can provide more accurate and consistent hydrologic information for the low‐elevation area where higher internal variability exists. © 2013 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Hydrological Processes © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cell microencapsulation with synthetic polymers
Authors: Olabisi Ronke M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe encapsulation of cells into polymeric microspheres or microcapsules has permitted the transplantation of cells into human and animal subjects without the need for immunosuppressants. Cell‐based therapies use donor cells to provide sustained release of a therapeutic product, such as insulin, and have shown promise in treating a variety of diseases. Immunoisolation of these cells via microencapsulation is a hotly investigated field, and the preferred material of choice has been alginate, a natural polymer derived from seaweed due to its gelling conditions. Although many natural polymers tend to gel in conditions favorable to mammalian cell encapsulation, there remain challenges such as batch to batch variability and residual components from the original source that can lead to an immune response when implanted into a recipient. Synthetic materials have the potential to avoid these issues; however, historically they have required harsh polymerization conditions that are not favorable to mammalian cells. As research into microencapsulation grows, more investigators are exploring methods to microencapsulate cells into synthetic polymers. This review describes a variety of synthetic polymers used to microencapsulate cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 846–859, 2015.
Delivery of BMP‐2 by two clinically available apatite materials: In vitro and in vivo comparison
Authors: Hänseler Patrick , Ehrbar Martin , Kruse Astrid , Fischer Eliane , Schibli Roger , Ghayor Chafik , Weber Franz E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are deposited in bone and responsible for osteoinduction. The interplay between delivery system and BMP, resulting in a characteristic release profile, is crucial for clinical success. We here report on two apatite based commercially available granules which could potentially be used in a combination product with recombinant human BMP‐2 (rhBMP‐2). Regardless of their similar chemistry, their interaction with rhBMP‐2 differs. Deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM), a clinically well‐established bone substitute, has a high affinity to rhBMP‐2 and releases only 50% of the growth factor during the first 2 weeks in vitro. Activity of the physio‐adsorbed rhBMP‐2 is indicated by an enhanced bone augmentation in vivo. In contrast, all rhBMP‐2 delivered in combination with synthetic hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) granules is released during the first 24 h. For both HA/TCP and DBBM, the released rhBMP‐2 is active in vitro. Our results suggest that the different release behavior from these two apatite granules is due to the 1000‐fold higher specific surface area of DBBM compared to HA/TCP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 628–638, 2015.