bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant phenolics mediated bottom‐up effects of elevated CO2 on Acyrthosiphon pisum and its parasitoid Aphidius avenae
Authors: Yan Hong‐Yu , Guo Hong‐Gang , Sun Yu‐Cheng , Ge Feng
Published: June 2018

Elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 can alter plant secondary metabolites, which play important roles in the interactions among plants, herbivorous insects and natural enemies. However, few studies have examined the cascading effects of host plant secondary metabolites on tri‐trophic interactions under elevated CO2 (eCO2). In this study, we determined the effects of eCO2 on the growth and foliar phenolics of Medicago truncatula and the cascading effects on two color genotypes of Acyrthosiphon pisum (pink vs. green) and their parasitoid Aphidius avenae in the field open‐top chambers. Our results showed that eCO2 increased photosynthetic rate, nodule number, yield and the total phenolic content of M. truncatula. eCO2 had contrasting effects on two genotypes of A. pisum; the green genotype demonstrated increased population abundance, fecundity, growth and feeding efficiency, while the pink genotype showed decreased fitness and these were closely associated with the foliar genstein content. Furthermore, eCO2 decreased the parasitic rate of A. avenae independent of aphid genotypes. eCO2 prolonged the emergence time and reduced the emergence rate and percentage of females when associated with the green genotype, but little difference, except for increased percentage of females, was observed in A. avenae under eCO2 when associated with the pink genotype, indicating that parasitoids can perceive and discriminate the qualities of aphid hosts. We concluded that eCO2 altered plant phenolics and thus the performance of aphids and parasitoids. Our results indicate that plant phenolics vary by different abiotic and biotic stimuli and could potentially deliver the cascading effects of eCO2 to the higher trophic levels. Our results also suggest that the green genotype is expected to perform better in future eCO2 because of decreased plant resistance after its infestation and decreased parasitic rate.
DOES INCREASING WOMEN'S EDUCATION REDUCE THEIR RISK OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE? EVIDENCE FROM AN EDUCATION POLICY REFORM
Authors: WEITZMAN ABIGAIL
Published: June 2018

Although scholars have employed rigorous causal methods to examine the relationship between education and crime, few of them have taken a causal approach to the study of education and intimate partner violence (IPV) specifically. From a social causation perspective, improving women's education should protect them from violence, yet from a social selection perspective, education could proxy for unobserved factors that explain negative associations between education and IPV. In this study, I adjudicate between the two possibilities using an exogenous source of variation in education—a 1990s compulsory schooling reform in Peru. Specifically, I conduct an instrumented regression discontinuity that implicitly controls for women's unobserved endowments by comparing women who were aged slightly younger (N = 8,195) and slightly older (N = 6,645) than the school‐age cutoff at the time of the reform. Consistent with the social causation perspective, increasing women's schooling reduced both their recent and longer term probabilities of psychological, physical, and sexual IPV, as well as their recent and longer term probabilities of experiencing any IPV and polyvictimization. The results of supplemental mediation analyses provide support for three interrelated causal pathways—improvements in women's personal resources, delayed family formation, and changes in partner selection. These findings confirm the protective effects of women's education and further illuminate the mechanistic processes by which this occurs.
Population‐representative analysis of dietary supplementation among Americans with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wilson Patrick B.
Published: June 2018

Background

Few population‐representative studies have examined dietary supplement use among Americans with diabetes mellitus (DM). This investigation analyzed dietary supplementation and DM data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

Data from 5040 adult participants were analyzed, including 639 participants reporting a diagnosis of DM (Method 1), which increased to 1036 after including participants reporting “borderline” DM or prediabetes (Method 2). Participants reported dietary supplements used over the past month. The prevalence of supplementation was compared among participants with and without DM using the Rao–Scott likelihood Chi‐squared test; multivariate logistic regression was used to examine whether DM was an independent predictor of supplementation.

Results

Regardless of whether Method 1 or Method 2 was used, dietary supplementation was more prevalent among participants with DM (Method 1, 61.4% vs. 54.4%, P = 0.024; Method 2, 62.7% vs. 53.5%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for a variety of demographic and health‐related variables, the presence of DM was no longer associated with supplementation for Method 1 (odds ratio [OR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–1.32; P = 0.925) or Method 2 (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.91–1.41; P = 0.238). Approximately four of every five products taken for the purpose of managing DM were self‐prescribed, the most common being multivitamins–minerals, cinnamon‐containing supplements, and chromium‐containing supplements.

Conclusions

Slightly more than six out of 10 Americans with DM use dietary supplements each month and, although this is higher than Americans without DM, it does not appear to be due to DM per se.
Differential aging‐related changes in neurophysiology and gene expression in IB4‐positive and IB4‐negative nociceptive neurons
Authors: Mis Malgorzata A. , Rogers Mark F. , Jeffries Aaron R. , Wilbrey Anna L. , Chen Lubin , Yang Yang , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman , Waxman Stephen G. , Stevens Edward B. , Randall Andrew D.
Published: June 2018

Despite pain prevalence altering with age, the effects of aging on the properties of nociceptors are not well understood. Nociceptors, whose somas are located in dorsal root ganglia, are frequently divided into two groups based on their ability to bind isolectin B4 (IB4). Here, using cultured neurons from 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, 8‐, 12‐, and 18‐month‐old mice, we investigate age‐dependent changes in IB4‐positive and IB4‐negative neurons. Current‐clamp experiments at physiological temperature revealed nonlinear changes in firing frequency of IB4‐positive, but not IB4‐negative neurons, with a peak at 8 months. This was likely due to the presence of proexcitatory conductances activated at depolarized membrane potentials and significantly higher input resistances found in IB4‐positive neurons from 8‐month‐old mice. Repetitive firing in nociceptors is driven primarily by the TTX‐resistant sodium current, and indeed, IB4‐positive neurons from 8‐month‐old mice were found to receive larger contributions from the TTX‐resistant window current around the resting membrane potential. To further address the mechanisms behind these differences, we performed RNA‐seq experiments on IB4‐positive and IB4‐negative neurons from 1‐, 8‐, and 18‐month‐old mice. We found a larger number of genes significantly affected by age within the IB4‐positive than IB4‐negative neurons from 8‐month‐old mice, including known determinants of nociceptor excitability. The above pronounced age‐dependent changes at the cellular and molecular levels in IB4‐positive neurons point to potential mechanisms behind the reported increase in pain sensitivity in middle‐aged rodents and humans, and highlight the possibility of targeting a particular group of neurons in the development of age‐tailored pain treatments.
A Longitudinal Examination of Decisions to Ride and Decline Rides with Drinking Drivers
Authors: Hultgren Brittney A. , Turrisi Rob , Mallett Kimberly A. , Ackerman Sarah , Larimer Mary E. , McCarthy Denis , Romano Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Background

Riding with a drinking driver (RWDD) is a serious concern that leads to numerous preventable deaths every year. There is a significant gap in research on empirically tested predictors of RWDD that could be implemented in prevention efforts. College students are in need of such prevention efforts, as they have some of the highest rates of alcohol‐related crash fatalities and may engage in RWDD more than their noncollege peers. This study utilized behavioral decision‐making approach to examine predictors of RWDD and declining a ride from a drinking driver (Decline) in older college students.

Methods

Students (n = 791) in their third year of college were enrolled from 3 large and diverse universities. Psychosocial (e.g., expectancies, norms) and decision‐making variables (willingness to RWDD and intentions to use alternatives) were assessed in the fall of their third year. One year later, RWDD and Decline behaviors were assessed. Zero‐inflated Poisson analyses were used to assess how decision‐making variables predicted RWDD and Decline behavior. Associations between psychosocial and decision‐making variables were also assessed.

Results

Thirteen percent of students reported RWDD and ~28% reported Decline behavior. Willingness to RWDD and typical weekly drinking were both associated with increases in RWDD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58 and 1.40, respectively), whereas intentions to use alternatives, sex, and ethnicity were not associated with RWDD. Only weekly drinking was associated with Decline, with an increase in drinking associated with increased Decline (OR = 1.48). All psychosocial variables were significantly associated with the decision‐making variables except positive expectancies.

Conclusions

Results provide evidence that willingness to RWDD is a predictor of future RWDD, even if students intend to use safe alternatives. Future research is needed to better understand decision‐making factors that influence Decline. Results also suggest prevention and interventions efforts, such as brief motivational intervention, Parent‐Based Interventions, and normative feedback interventions could be adapted to reduce RWDD.
A tale of two formulas: Differentiation of subtle anterior MI from benign ST segment elevation
Authors: Bozbeyoğlu Emrah , Aslanger Emre , Yıldırımtürk Özlem , Şimşek Barış , Karabay Can Yücel , Şimşek Mustafa Aytek , Tekkeşin Ahmet İlker , Değertekin Muzaffer , Kozan Ömer
Published: June 2018

Background

It may sometimes be difficult to differentiate subtle ST‐segment elevation (STE) due to anterior myocardial infarction (MI) from benign variant (BV) STE. Recently, two related formulas were proposed for this purpose. However, they have never been tested in an external population.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients from May 2017 to January 2018, who were admitted with the diagnosis of acute anterior STEMI, were enrolled. Electrocardiograms were systematically reviewed and only subtle ones were included. First 200 consecutive patients with noncardiac chest pain were also enrolled as a control group. Relevant electrocardiographic parameters were measured.

Results

A total of 379 anterior MI and 200 BV‐STE cases were enrolled during study period. A total of 241 patients in STEMI group were excluded for not matching subtleness criteria, four patients in control group were also excluded because of prior left‐anterior descending artery intervention. The three‐variable formula, with recommended cut‐point of 23.5, had a sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 73.9%, 86.7%, and 81.4%, respectively. The four‐variable formula, with the published cut‐point of 18.2, had a sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 83.3%, 87.7%, and 85.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Three‐ and four‐variable formulas with recommended cutoffs have a reasonable sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy in differentiating subtle STEMI with BV‐STE. Although both perform well, the four‐variable formula has a higher sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy and should be preferred.
Modern‐day palliative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: does colonic resection affect survival?
Authors: Lau Joel Wen Liang , Chang Heidi Sian Ying , Lee Kai Yin , Gwee Yong Xiang , Lee Wen Qiang , Chong Choon Seng
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with surgically incurable metastases would be recommended for palliative chemotherapy (PC). The role of surgical intervention is debatable with no conclusive evidence for routine primary tumour resection (PTR) or stoma creation. We aimed to study if surgical intervention conferred a survival benefit in patients with mCRC who received upfront systemic therapy.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database in a single centre was performed. Patients diagnosed with mCRC from January 2004 to December 2014 were included. We excluded patients who had an upfront surgical intervention, had no treatment with systemic therapy or had attained curative resection. The decision for surgery was based on the outcome of a multidisciplinary tumour board. Demographic, clinicopathological, treatment and follow‐up data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Out of 408 patients with mCRC with incurable metastases, we analysed 124 patients who had upfront PC. Twenty‐nine had PC + PTR (group A), 10 had PC + stoma (group B) and 85 had PC only (group C). Undergoing PTR led to significant improvement in overall survival (OS; 30.8 versus 13.4 versus 11.0 months, P < 0.001). With multivariate analysis, undergoing PTR and receiving biologics were independent good prognostic variables. Surgical resection was safe with minimal complications.

Conclusions

PTR was found to increase OS while stoma creation had no impact on OS. The benefits and safety of undergoing PTR may be a result of selection bias. Further prospective studies are required to confirm the observations of this study.
Letter: direct‐acting anti‐viral (DAA) therapy needs strong safety and efficacy check
Authors: Mahla R. S.
Published: June 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Singer et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14593 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14820.
Letter: direct‐acting anti‐viral (DAA) therapy needs strong safety and efficacy check—authors’ reply
Authors: Singer A. W. , Reddy K. R. , Telep L. E. , Osinusi A. O. , Brainard D. M. , Buti M. , Chokkalingam A. P.
Published: June 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Singer et al and Mahla papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14593 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14795.
Editorial: frequency of surveillance and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma—authors’ reply
Authors: Kim H. Y. , Lee J.‐H.
Published: June 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Kim et al and Senussi and Kowdley papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14623 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14805.
Editorial: self‐dilation for refractory oesophageal strictures is worth considering—author's reply
Authors: Halland M.
Published: June 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Qin et al and Heading papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14807 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14838.
The Metallography of Medieval Agricultural and Quotidian Iron Utensils from the Rural Settlement of Zaballa (Basque Country)
Authors: Larreina García D. , Quirós Castillo J. A.
Published: June 2018

This paper deals with the metallographic examination of 18 medieval iron objects of economic and domestic character, and is set out as preliminary results of the research project Basquesmith. This project aims to explore the production of iron utensils used by a specific part of the social spectrum: the peasantry. The artefacts, most of which date to the Early Medieval period (8th–10th centuries ad) were excavated at a single rural settlement in the region of the Álava Plain (northern Spain), and correspond to ordinary objects such as nails or scissors, which are under‐represented in archaeometric studies in favour of luxury and exotic items—typically weapons. The metallographic analysis revealed that most of the items are low carbon iron that had been extensively cold worked, whereas composite structures of iron and steel were less frequently present. The iron‐working technologies reconstructed here are discussed in relation to the accessibility of iron by the medieval rural communities, which is recurrently noted as scant by the written sources, as well as being supported by negative evidence in the archaeological record. Finally, a scenario on iron production during medieval times is explored that contradicts the purported paucity of iron within the rural communities.
Twice‐weekly ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Hofmeister Craig C. , Rosenbaum Cara A. , Htut Myo , Vesole David H. , Berdeja Jesus G. , Liedtke Michaela , Chari Ajai , Smith Stephen D. , Lebovic Daniel , Raje Noopur , Byrne Catriona , Liao Eileen , Gupta Neeraj , Bacco Alessandra Di , Estevam Jose , Berg Deborah , Baz Rachid
Published: June 2018

Weekly ixazomib with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (Rd) is feasible and has shown activity in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. This phase 1/2 study (NCT01383928) evaluated the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of twice‐weekly ixazomib plus Rd in NDMM; 64 patients were enrolled across both phases. Patients received twice‐weekly oral ixazomib 3·0 or 3·7 mg plus lenalidomide 25 mg and dexamethasone 20 mg (10 mg in cycles 9–16) for up to sixteen 21‐day cycles, followed by maintenance with twice‐weekly ixazomib alone. No dose‐limiting toxicities were reported in cycle 1; the RP2D was 3·0 mg based on overall tolerability across multiple cycles. In 62 evaluable patients, the confirmed overall response rate was 94% (68% ≥very good partial response; 24% complete response). Median progression‐free survival was 24·9 months. Responses (median duration 36·9 months for patients receiving the RP2D) deepened during treatment. Grade 3 drug‐related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 64% of patients, including: rash, 13%; peripheral neuropathy, 8%; hyperglycaemia, 8%. There were no grade 4 drug‐related AEs. Thirteen patients discontinued due to AEs. Twice‐weekly ixazomib‐Rd offers substantial activity with promising long‐term outcomes in NDMM patients but may be associated with greater toxicity compared with weekly ixazomib‐Rd in this setting.
The presence of mutated and deleted PTEN is associated with an increased risk of relapse in childhood T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with AIEOP‐BFM ALL protocols
Authors: Paganin Maddalena , Grillo Maria Francesca , Silvestri Daniela , Scapinello Greta , Buldini Barbara , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Biondi Andrea , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Conter Valentino , te Kronnie Geertruij , Basso Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

Notwithstanding the improvement in treatment results for paediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) it remains important to understand if genetic aberrations influence therapy response. PTEN tumour suppressor gene inactivation is a frequent event in T‐ALL but its effect on patient therapy response is debatable. We analysed the effect of the presence of mutated PTEN on outcome in 257 children with T‐ALL treated with Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP)‐Berlin‐Frankfürt‐Münster (BFM) protocols. PTEN mutations were present in 31 (12·1%) patients and were significantly associated with increased risk of relapse. PTEN mutations also indicate a poor prognosis in T‐ALL patients in the absence of NOTCH1 mutations or in the group of patients with co‐presence of PTEN mutation and deletions. These results indicate that PTEN genomic aberrations and the biologically consequential PTEN inactivation contribute to adverse therapy response in T‐ALL patients; PTEN status as a biomarker may contribute to the development of new molecularly‐defined stratification algorithms.
Meta‐analytic findings reveal lower means but higher variances in visuospatial ability in dyslexia
Authors: Chamberlain Rebecca , Brunswick Nicola , Siev Joseph , McManus I. C.
Published: June 2018

Conflicting empirical and theoretical accounts suggest that dyslexia is associated with either average, enhanced, or impoverished high‐level visuospatial processing relative to controls. Such heterogeneous results could be due to the presence of wider variability in dyslexic samples, which is unlikely to be identified at the single study level, due to lack of power. To address this, this study reports a meta‐analysis of means and variances in high‐level visuospatial ability in 909 non‐dyslexic and 956 dyslexic individuals. The findings suggest that dyslexia is associated not only with a lower mean performance on visuospatial tasks but also with greater variability in performance. Through novel meta‐analytic techniques, we demonstrate a negative effect size for mean differences (−.457), but a positive effect size for SD differences (+.118; SD ratio = 1.107). In doing so, this is the first study to demonstrate impoverished visuospatial processing of the majority of individuals with dyslexia in addition to greater variance in performance in this group. The findings advocate for further consideration of both the presence of, and reasons for, increased variance in perception, attention, and memory across neurodevelopmental disorders.
Visual working memory load disrupts the space‐based attentional guidance of target selection
Authors: Berggren Nick , Eimer Martin
Published: June 2018

During visual search, the selection of target objects is guided by stored representations of target‐defining features (attentional templates). It is commonly believed that such templates are maintained in visual working memory (WM), but empirical evidence for this assumption remains inconclusive. Here, we tested whether retaining non‐spatial object features (shapes) in WM interferes with attentional target selection processes in a concurrent search task that required spatial templates for target locations. Participants memorized one shape (low WM load) or four shapes (high WM load) in a sample display during a retention period. On some trials, they matched them to a subsequent memory test display. On other trials, a search display including two lateral bars in the upper or lower visual field was presented instead, and participants reported the orientation of target bars that were defined by their location (e.g., upper left or lower right). To assess the efficiency of attentional control under low and high WM load, EEG was recorded and the N2pc was measured as a marker of attentional target selection. Target N2pc components were strongly delayed when concurrent WM load was high, indicating that holding multiple object shapes in WM competes with the simultaneous retention of spatial attentional templates for target locations. These observations provide new electrophysiological evidence that such templates are maintained in WM, and also challenge suggestions that spatial and non‐spatial contents are represented in separate independent visual WM stores.
A comprehensive synthesis of liana removal experiments in tropical forests
Authors: Estrada‐Villegas Sergio , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: June 2018

Lianas are a quintessential feature of tropical forests and are often perceived as being poorly studied. However, liana removal studies may be one of the most common experimental manipulations in tropical forest ecology. In this review, we synthesize data from 64 tropical liana removal experiments conducted over the past 90 yr. We explore the direction and magnitude of the effects of lianas on tree establishment, growth, survival, reproduction, biomass accretion, and plant and animal diversity in ecological and forestry studies. We discuss the geographical biases of liana removal studies and compare the various methods used to manipulate lianas. Overall, we found that lianas have a clear negative effect on trees, and trees benefitted from removing lianas in nearly every study across all forest types. Liana cutting significantly increased light and water availability, and trees responded with vastly greater reproduction, growth, survival, and biomass accumulation compared to controls where lianas were present. Removing lianas during logging significantly reduced damage of future merchantable trees and improved timber production. Our review demonstrates that lianas have an unequivocally detrimental effect on every metric of tree performance measured, regardless of forest type, forest age, or geographic location. However, lianas also appear to have a positive contribution to overall forest plant diversity and to different animal groups. Therefore, managing lianas reduces logging damage and improves timber production; however, the removal lianas may also have a negative effect on the faunal community, which could ultimately harm the plant community.
Maternal insulin resistance, triglycerides and cord blood insulin are not determinants of offspring growth and adiposity up to 5 years: a follow‐up study
Authors: Meyer D. M. , Brei C. , Stecher L. , Brunner S. , Hauner H.
Published: June 2018

Aims

Metabolic dysregulation in utero may influence fetal metabolism and early growth. We previously investigated relationships between maternal indices of glucose homeostasis and triglycerides as well as cord blood insulin with offspring anthropometry up to 2 years. The aim of this analysis was to follow these relationships up to the age of 5 years.

Methods

Associations between maternal metabolic variables of glucose and lipid metabolism measured at 32 weeks’ gestation and cord blood insulin with growth and body composition of 162 offspring aged 3–5 years were explored. Both indirect (i.e. body weight, BMI percentiles, sum of four skinfold thicknesses) and direct (i.e. ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging in a subgroup) measurement techniques were employed.

Results

Maternal metabolic indices were largely unrelated to child body composition. Cord blood insulin was negatively associated with fat mass and lean body mass at 3 years in unadjusted analyses, and the sum of four skinfold thicknesses and body fat percentage in adjusted analyses, whereas the association with lean body mass was no longer observed. An inverse relationship between cord blood insulin and weight gain up to 5 years was observed in girls only with small effect sizes.

Conclusions

Results from this follow‐up do not provide convincing evidence that these markers are independently related to offspring growth and adiposity in early childhood. Although cord blood insulin was weakly inversely related to weight gain in girls at 5 years, we cannot conclude that the observed changes in outcomes are clinically meaningful. (Clinical Trials Registry No: NCT00362089)
The time lag prior to the rise in glucose requirements to maintain stable glycaemia during moderate exercise in a fasted insulinaemic state is of short duration and unaffected by the level at which glycaemia is maintained in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shetty V. B. , Fournier P. A. , Davey R. J. , Retterath A. J. , Paramalingam N. , Roby H. C. , Davis E. A. , Jones T. W.
Published: June 2018

Aims

To determine the duration of the low hypoglycaemia risk period after the start of moderate‐intensity exercise performed under basal insulinaemic conditions and whether this period is affected by the level at which glycaemia is maintained under these conditions.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized counterbalanced study. Eight participants with Type 1 diabetes (mean ± sd age 21.5 ± 4.0 years) underwent either a euglycaemic (5–6 mmol/l) or hyperglycaemic clamp (9–10 mmol/l) on separate days and were infused with insulin at basal rates and [6,6‐2H]glucose while cycling for 40 min at 50% maximum oxygen consumption rate. The main outcome measures were the glucose infusion rates required to maintain stable glycaemia and glucoregulatory hormone levels, and rates of glucose appearance and disappearance.

Results

During the first 20 min of exercise, the glucose infusion rate did not increase significantly, irrespective of the level at which glycaemia was maintained, but increased acutely between 20 and 25 min under both conditions. Maintaining higher glycaemia resulted in higher glucose infusion rate during, but not early post‐exercise. With the exception of epinephrine, the glucoregulatory hormone levels and rates of glucose appearance and disappearance were similar between conditions.

Conclusion

Irrespective of the levels at which glycaemia is maintained, there is a 20‐min low exogenous glucose demand period during which the exogenous glucose requirements to maintain stable glycaemia do not increase during moderate exercise performed at basal insulin level.
Carryover effects from natal habitat type upon competitive ability lead to trait divergence or source–sink dynamics
Authors: Kristensen Nadiah Pardede , Johansson Jacob , Chisholm Ryan A. , Smith Henrik G. , Kokko Hanna
Published: June 2018

Local adaptation to rare habitats is difficult due to gene flow, but can occur if the habitat has higher productivity. Differences in offspring phenotypes have attracted little attention in this context. We model a scenario where the rarer habitat improves offspring's later competitive ability – a carryover effect that operates on top of local adaptation to one or the other habitat type. Assuming localised dispersal, so the offspring tend to settle in similar habitat to the natal type, the superior competitive ability of offspring remaining in the rarer habitat hampers immigration from the majority habitat. This initiates a positive feedback between local adaptation and trait divergence, which can thereafter be reinforced by coevolution with dispersal traits that match ecotype to habitat type. Rarity strengthens selection on dispersal traits and promotes linkage disequilibrium between locally adapted traits and ecotype‐habitat matching dispersal. We propose that carryover effects may initiate isolation by ecology.
Carbon stocks, sequestration, and emissions of wetlands in south eastern Australia
Authors: Carnell Paul E. , Windecker Saras M. , Brenker Madeline , Baldock Jeff , Masque Pere , Brunt Kate , Macreadie Peter I.
Published: June 2018

Nontidal wetlands are estimated to contribute significantly to the soil carbon pool across the globe. However, our understanding of the occurrence and variability of carbon storage between wetland types and across regions represents a major impediment to the ability of nations to include wetlands in greenhouse gas inventories and carbon offset initiatives. We performed a large‐scale survey of nontidal wetland soil carbon stocks and accretion rates from the state of Victoria in south‐eastern Australia—a region spanning 237,000 km2 and containing >35,000 temperate, alpine, and semi‐arid wetlands. From an analysis of >1,600 samples across 103 wetlands, we found that alpine wetlands had the highest carbon stocks (290 ± 180 Mg Corg ha−1), while permanent open freshwater wetlands and saline wetlands had the lowest carbon stocks (110 ± 120 and 60 ± 50 Mg Corg ha−1, respectively). Permanent open freshwater sites sequestered on average three times more carbon per year over the last century than shallow freshwater marshes (2.50 ± 0.44 and 0.79 ± 0.45 Mg Corg ha−1 year−1, respectively). Using this data, we estimate that wetlands in Victoria have a soil carbon stock in the upper 1 m of 68 million tons of Corg, with an annual soil carbon sequestration rate of 3 million tons of CO2 eq. year−1—equivalent to the annual emissions of about 3% of the state's population. Since European settlement (~1834), drainage and loss of 260,530 ha of wetlands may have released between 20 and 75 million tons CO2 equivalents (based on 27%–90% of soil carbon converted to CO2). Overall, we show that despite substantial spatial variability within wetland types, some wetland types differ in their carbon stocks and sequestration rates. The duration of water inundation, plant community composition, and allochthonous carbon inputs likely play an important role in influencing variation in carbon storage.
Diminished circulating concentration of interleukin‐35 in Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients with peptic ulcer: Its association with FOXP3 gene polymorphism, bacterial virulence factor CagA, and gender of patients
Authors: Bassagh Arezoo , Hayatbakhsh Abasi Mehdi , Larussa Tiziana , Ghazizadeh Motahareh , Nemati Maryam , Mirkamandar Ehsan , Jafarzadeh Abdollah
Published: June 2018

Background

IL‐35 modulates immune and inflammatory responses during infections. Here, we investigated IL‐35 levels and a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs3761548, in FOXP3 gene in Helicobacter pylori‐infected patients with peptic ulcer (PU), to clarify possible associations.

Materials and Methods

This study includes 100 H. pylori‐infected PU patients, 100 H. pylori‐infected asymptomatic subjects (AS), and 100 noninfected healthy subjects (NHSs). Serum IL‐35 levels and the genotyping were determined using ELISA and RFLP‐PCR methods, respectively.

Results

In PU patients, the IL‐35 levels were lower than AS and NHS groups (P < .001). The IL‐35 levels in CagA+ H. pylori‐infected participants from PU and AS groups were lower than individuals infected with CagA‐ strains (P < .02 and P < .04, respectively). Women had higher IL‐35 levels than men among PU, AS, and NHS groups (P < .0001). In PU patients, AA genotype and A allele at rs3761548 were more frequent than total healthy subjects (AS + NHS groups) and associated with an increased PU risk (AA genotype: OR = 5.51, P < .0001; A allele: OR = 3.857, P < .002). In PU and AS groups, IL‐35 levels were lower in subjects displaying AA genotype or A allele than subjects displaying CC genotype or C allele, respectively (P < .0001 and P < .03 for PU patients; P < .001 and P < .02 for AS group, respectively).

Conclusions

Decreased IL‐35 levels could be involved in PU development in H. pylori‐infected individuals. IL‐35 levels are affected by CagA status of H. pylori, participants gender, and genetic variations at rs3761548. The AA genotype and A allele at rs3761548 could represent a risk factor for PU development.
The depth of Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea burrows varies with habitat and increases with competition for space
Authors: Clark Tyler J. , Bonnet‐Lebrun Anne‐Sophie , Campioni Letizia , Catry Paulo , Wakefield Ewan
Published: June 2018

The Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea, an abundant but declining petrel, is one of many seabird species that construct breeding burrows, presumably because these confer protection from predators and the elements. Little is known about the causes of variation in Sooty Shearwater burrow architecture, which can differ markedly both within and between breeding sites. We hypothesize that burrow architecture varies in response to habitat type and competition for space. To address these hypotheses, we recorded Sooty Shearwater burrow dimensions on Kidney Island, the largest Sooty Shearwater colony in the Falkland Islands, South Atlantic, and modelled these as functions of burrow density (a proxy for competition) and habitat indices. Our models suggest that Sooty Shearwaters burrow further underground in response to competition for breeding space, and that soil underlying dense tussac grass Poa flabellata is more easily excavated than other substrates, indicating how vegetation restoration could aid the conservation of this species.
Topical 5‐fluorouracil in dermatologic disease
Authors: Prince Garrett T. , Cameron Michael C. , Fathi Ramin , Alkousakis Theodore
Published: June 2018

Background

5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) has proven to be an effective therapy in the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma, topical 5‐FU has also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of a variety of other dermatologic diseases.

Methods

A search of the MEDLINE standard computer database, MEDLINE advanced database, and EMBASE database was conducted.

Results

Thirty‐four articles met criteria for inclusion in this review. These articles represented 16 randomized controlled trials and 18 case series. Each article was reviewed and summarized.

Conclusions

Topical 5‐FU is used in a variety of dermatologic disease processes with a wide range of efficacy and levels of evidence. Based on extent and level of evidence, our disease‐specific systematic review found that the evidence is strongest for topical 5‐FU use in the treatment of actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of topical 5‐FU use in dermatology.
Synthesis of Ti0.2Zr0.8B2 solid‐solution nanopowders by molten salt assisted borothermal reduction
Authors: Liu Da , Chu Yanhui , Jing Siyi , Ye Beilin , Zhou Xiya
Published: June 2018

High‐purity Ti0.2Zr0.8B2 solid‐solution nanopowders were successfully synthesized via a molten salt assisted borothermal reduction at 1323‐1373 K using ZrO2, TiO2 and amorphous B as starting materials. The Ti0.2Zr0.8B2 solid‐solution nanopowders synthesized at 1323 K show the largest specific surface area of 12.24 m2/g and the lowest equivalent average particle size of 86 nm. Meanwhile, they exhibit the high compositional uniformity and the good single‐crystal hexagonal structure. This study provides a new method to synthesize the high‐purity solid‐solution nanopowders of the transition‐metal borides.
Grain size variation in nanocrystalline silicon carbide irradiated at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zhang Limin , Jiang Weilin , Ai Wensi , Chen Liang , Pan Chenlong , Wang Tieshan
Published: June 2018

This study reports on ion irradiation‐induced grain size variations in nanocrystalline SiC films on Si substrates. The SiC grains with average size ranging from ~2 to 20 nm were embedded in amorphous SiC matrices. Irradiation was performed using 5 MeV Xe23+ ions to 1.15 × 1016 ions/cm2 at 700 K. The irradiated films were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Significant grain growth is observed for smaller grains that tend to saturate at ~8 nm. In contrast, irradiation of larger grains (~20 nm in size) leads to a decrease in the grain size, which could be associated with the production of lattice disorder within the grains. Homonuclear C‐C bonds in the irradiated amorphous SiC matrix are found to be graphitized. This bonding transformation could limit or inhibit grain growth and contribute to the size saturation. The results from this study may suggest nanocrystalline SiC as a promising candidate structural or cladding material for applications in advanced nuclear reactors.
Targeted doping builds a high energy density composite piezoceramics for energy harvesting
Authors: Yu Xiaole , Hou Yudong , Zheng Mupeng , Yan Jing , Jia Wenxu , Zhu Mankang
Published: June 2018

To build piezoceramics with high transduction coefficient (d33 × g33) is the key to improve the power generation capability of piezoelectric energy harvester. Here, a new targeted doping strategy has been proposed to significantly increase the energy density of piezoceramics. Taking the modification of 0.2Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.8Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 (PZN‐PZT) as an example, dual functions can be achieved by introducing appropriate amount of target‐doped (Zn0.1Ni0.9)TiO3 (ZTN9) based on its pyrolysis characteristics. On the one hand, Ni2+ ions enter the perovskite matrix to replace Zn2+ ions to form equivalent doping; on the other hand, it induces the formation of 0‐3 ZnO/perovskite composite structure, and both of which promote the large increase in d33 × g33 due to the changes in the domain configuration are more conducive to the ferro‐/piezoelectricity. In all compositions, 0.67 mol% ZTN9 added specimen has a maximum value (12 433 × 10−15 m2/N) of the d33 × g33. The cantilever piezoelectric energy harvester fabricated with this material generates up to 4.50 μW/mm3 of power density at 1 g acceleration, which is capable of quickly charging a 47 μF electrolytic capacitor and then lit 135 parallel‐connected commercial blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), showing its important application in implementing self‐powered microsensors.
Modelled incubation conditions indicate wider potential distributions based on thermal requirements for an oviparous lizard
Authors: Stenhouse Vaughn , Carter Anna L. , Chapple David G. , Hare Kelly M. , Hartley Stephen , Nelson Nicola J.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Predicting the distribution of species relies increasingly on understanding the spatially explicit constraints of environmental conditions on an organism's physiological traits. We combined an empirical model of temperature‐dependent embryonic development with a mechanistic model of soil temperatures to examine potential thermal limitations on the distribution of a nocturnal, oviparous skink,Oligosoma suteri, a range‐restricted endemic.

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

We estimated a thermal requirement for successful embryonic development as 616 degree‐days above a threshold of 13.8°C. We then modelled soil temperatures at representative sites across New Zealand and predicted duration of incubation to map the distribution of potentially viable oviposition sites, given variation in the timing of egg‐laying under even temperature increases.

Results

Successful development ofO. suteriembryos is possible in locations outside their current distribution. Increasing temperatures increased the species’ potential range, reducing incubation duration and lengthening the oviposition window. However, due to the disconnected nature of their rocky shore habitat, individuals may not be able to disperse to currently uninhabited sites within that extended range. Additionally, although locations may be thermally suitable for incubation, predation by introduced mammals, competition and habitat modification may prevent successful establishment of populations.

Main conclusions

Our models contribute to understanding fundamental physiological constraints on an important life history stage that will inform conservation management actions, including potential future translocations.
The Tortoise and the Finch: Testing for island effects on diversification using two iconic Galápagos radiations
Authors: Román‐Palacios Cristian , Wiens John J.
Published: June 2018

Aims

Islands are widely recognized as natural laboratories for evolutionary studies, but many questions about evolution on islands remain unresolved. Here we address two general questions from a macroevolutionary perspective. First, do lineages on islands have increased diversification rates relative to mainland lineages? Second, does the same geographical context (e.g., same archipelago) have similar effects on diversification in unrelated groups? We focused on Darwin's finches and Galápagos tortoises, two endemic radiations from the Galápagos Islands, and the larger families in which they are embedded.

Location

Global.

Methods

We estimated a new time‐calibrated phylogeny for tortoises (Testudinidae). Then, we examined their macroevolutionary patterns and compared them to those of Darwin's finches and relatives (Thraupidae), using a published thraupid tree. Specifically, we estimated and compared diversification rates between islands and the mainland and between the Galapagos Islands and all other regions, using clade‐based and species‐based approaches.

Results

Contrary to expectations, occurrence on islands in general did not significantly increase diversification rates in tanagers or tortoises. However, occurrence in the Galápagos Islands in particular was associated with increased speciation and diversification rates, and explained ~28% of the variation in diversification rates for thraupids and ~46% for testudinids. Both Darwin's finches and Galápagos tortoises were unique within each family in exhibiting the highest diversification rates. The congruence of these macroevolutionary patterns between both radiations supports a strong “place‐dependent” effect on diversification associated with the Galápagos. Finally, we found that Darwin's finches diversified ~2–8 times faster than Galápagos tortoises.

Main conclusions

Our results show that occurring on islands in general did not increase diversification rates in these clades, but occurrence in the Galápagos did. We also show that dramatic local‐scale differences in diversification rates between clades in the Galápagos parallel global‐scale differences in diversification rates between these families and between birds and turtles overall.
Epibiont communities on stranded kelp rafts of Durvillaea antarctica (Fucales, Phaeophyceae)—Do positive interactions facilitate range extensions?
Authors: López Boris A. , Macaya Erasmo C. , Rivadeneira Marcelo M. , Tala Fadia , Tellier Florence , Thiel Martin
Published: June 2018

Aim

This study examines how rafting on floating bull kelps can shape the biogeographic patterns of raft‐associated species, and analyses the spatio‐temporal variability of taxonomic richness and co‐occurrences of epibionts on beach‐cast rafts of Durvillaea antarctica along a latitudinal gradient.

Location

Southeast Pacific, along ~1,700 km of coastline.

Methods

We examined the epibionts on stranded individuals of D. antarctica on 33 beaches along the continental coast of Chile (28° S–42° S) within four biogeographic districts during the winter and summer of two years (2014/2015–2015/2016). Taxonomic richness and co‐occurrences of epibionts within a holdfast were examined. Known geographic ranges and rafting ranges were compared to determine possible range expansions via rafting dispersal.

Results

Sessile species were the most frequent epibionts. Taxonomic richness varied among biogeographic zones and seasons, and was higher between 33° S and 42° S than between 28° S and 33° S, particularly in summer compared to winter. Taxonomic richness decreased with floating time (indicated by the presence and size of Lepas spp.). Habitat‐forming epibionts such as mytilid mussels, the polychaete Phragmatopoma moerchi and the seaweeds Gelidium lingulatum and Lessonia spicata favoured co‐occurrences of other species within a holdfast, suggesting a habitat cascade (i.e. biogenic holdfast—sessile eco‐engineers—other epibionts), while the boring isopod Limnoria chilensis and the excavating limpet Scurria scurra were negatively correlated with many other species. Some rafting epibiont species with low dispersal ability were found more than 100–300 km outside of their known geographic ranges, with more extensive ephemeral range extensions at the southern edge of their respective ranges, probably facilitated by higher availability of rafts in those areas.

Main Conclusions

These findings confirm that raft‐associated species are frequently dispersed outside their known geographic ranges, although these range extensions vary strongly depending on the availability and persistence of rafts, and on the biotic interactions within the rafting assemblage.