bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embryos aggregation improves development and imprinting gene expression in mouse parthenogenesis
Authors: Bai Guang‐Yu , Song Si‐Hang , Wang Zhen‐Dong , Shan Zhi‐Yan , Sun Rui‐Zhen , Liu Chun‐Jia , Wu Yan‐Shuang , Li Tong , Lei Lei
Published: March 2016

Mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PgESCs) could be applied to study imprinting genes and are used in cell therapy. Our previous study found that stem cells established by aggregation of two parthenogenetic embryos at 8‐cell stage (named as a2PgESCs) had a higher efficiency than that of PgESCs, and the paternal expressed imprinting genes were observably upregulated. Therefore, we propose that increasing the number of parthenogenetic embryos in aggregation may improve the development of parthenogenetic mouse and imprinting gene expression of PgESCs. To verify this hypothesis, we aggregated four embryos together at the 4‐cell stage and cultured to the blastocyst stage (named as 4aPgB). qPCR detection showed that the expression of imprinting genes Igf2, Mest, Snrpn, Igf2r, H19, Gtl2 in 4aPgB were more similar to that of fertilized blastocyst (named as fB) compared to 2aPgB (derived from two 4‐cell stage parthenogenetic embryos aggregation) or PgB (single parthenogenetic blastocyst). Post‐implantation development of 4aPgB extended to 11 days of gestation. The establishment efficiency of GFP‐a4PgESCs which derived from GFP‐4aPgB is 62.5%. Moreover, expression of imprinting genes Igf2, Mest, Snrpn, notably downregulated and approached the level of that in fertilized embryonic stem cells (fESCs). In addition, we acquired a 13.5‐day fetus totally derived from GFP‐a4PgESCs with germline contribution by 8‐cell under zona pellucida (ZP) injection. In conclusion, four embryos aggregation improves parthenogenetic development, and compensates imprinting genes expression in PgESCs. It implied that a4PgESCs could serve as a better scientific model applied in translational medicine and imprinting gene study.
Stomatognathic function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a case–control study
Authors: Ferreira Bruno , Da Silva Gabriel Pádua , Gonçalves Camila Rosa , Arnoni Veridiana Wanshi , Siéssere Selma , Semprini Marisa , Verri Edson Donizetti , Chaves Thais Cristina , Regalo Simone Cecilio Hallak
Published: March 2016

Aim

This study aimed to analyse electromyographic activity, masticatory efficiency, muscle thickness, and bite force of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Method

Forty males aged 4–15 years, 20 with DMD and 20 healthy age‐, height‐, and weight‐matched controls, underwent electromyography and ultrasonography of temporalis, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles during postural control of the jaw, mastication, and maximal molar bite force.

Results

The normalized electromyography signals showed higher activity in masseter and temporal muscles at rest, during protrusion, left and right laterality, and fatigue condition in the group with DMD than in the comparison group (p≤0.05). For masticatory efficiency of cycles, in analysis of non‐habitual chewing of flavourless gum, and habitual chewing of peanuts and raisins, the group with DMD presented lower averages (p≤0.05). For the muscle thickness, the results showed that there was a lower muscle thickness in the group with DMD for all muscles during the rest and maximal voluntary contraction, except for masseter and sternocleidomastoid in the maximal voluntary contraction. In the maximal molar bite force, the group with DMD presented higher values for both sides than the comparison group (p≤0.05).

Interpretation

Patients with DMD show muscle changes related to the stomatognathic system, in their activity, bite force, and muscle thickness.
Consanguinity and autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Landfeldt Erik
Published: March 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Woodcock et al. on pages 877–883 of this issue.
Patterns of self‐monitoring of blood glucose in insulin‐treated diabetes: analysis of a Scottish population over time
Authors: Cameron D. , Harris F. M. , Evans J. M. M.
Published: March 2016

Analysis of a diabetes clinical information system in Tayside, Scotland, shows that a significant proportion of insulin‐treated patients with diabetes are not self‐monitoring blood glucose according to current clinical guidance and recommendations, with some not self‐monitoring their blood glucose at all. Although there has been an increase in the number of reagent strips dispensed over the past decade, this increase is mainly accounted for by increased testing frequency among people with diabetes already testing.
Comparison of failure rates of crossing side branch with pressure vs. coronary guidewire: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ather Sameer , Bavishi Chirag P. , Bhatia Vikas , Bajaj Navkaranbir S. , Leesar Massoud A.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the failure rates of crossing side branch (SB) with pressure guidewire vs. coronary guidewire after main vessel (MV) stenting in coronary bifurcation lesions (CBL).

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention of CBL is technically difficult. The European Bifurcation Club recommends performing either fractional flow reserve (FFR) estimation of the SB or final kissing balloon inflation (FKBI) after the MV stenting when a significant SB ostial stenosis is present. Even though FFR is recommended in CBL, there is concern about SB crossing with pressure guidewire among interventionists.

Materials and methods

We undertook a comprehensive literature search to identify all relevant studies reporting the failure rates of SB crossing after MV stenting with either pressure or coronary guidewire. A random effects model was used to compare the failure rates between the two approaches.

Results

Our search identified six studies that reported failure rates of SB crossing with a pressure guidewire (n = 648) and 11 studies that reported failure rates of SB crossing with a coronary guide‐wire (n = 2601). Estimated pooled failure rate was 3·9% (95% CI: 1·5% to 9·6%) for inability to cross SB with pressure guidewire. Estimated pooled failure rate of SB crossing with coronary guidewire was 3·1% (95% CI: 1·5% to 6·2%). There was no significant difference between the failure rates in the two groups (P = 0·70).

Conclusion

The failure rates of SB crossing after MV stenting are low with both pressure and coronary guidewire procedures, with no significant difference between the two approaches.
UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS OF CONSUMER DURABLE ADJUSTMENTS
Authors: Suzuki Michio
Published: March 2016

This article examines whether adjustment frictions help account for the patterns of household consumption expenditures observed in the Consumer Expenditure Survey, namely, that the variance of log durable expenditure is four times larger than that of log nondurable expenditure for annual data and this gap substantially widens for quarterly data. Estimating a structural model of household consumption with nondurable and durable goods with the simulated method of moments, I find that the fixed costs associated with durable adjustments are important in matching the cross‐sectional moments. Using the estimated model, I also examine the response of nondurable and durable expenditures to income shocks. (JEL D12, D91, E21)
Plants show more flesh in the tropics: variation in fruit type along latitudinal and climatic gradients
Authors: Chen Si‐Chong , Cornwell William K. , Zhang Hong‐Xiang , Moles Angela T.
Published: March 2016

Fruit type has a major impact on seed dispersal, seed predation and energy allocation, but our understanding of large‐scale patterns in fruit type variation is weak. We used a dataset of 4008 Australian species to provide the first continental‐scale tests of a series of hypotheses about the factors that might affect fruit type. We found a significant latitudinal gradient in the proportion of fleshy‐fruited species, with the percentage of fleshy‐fruited species rising from 19% at 43.75°S to 49% at 9.25°S. Species bearing fleshy fruits were more frequent on the coastal fringes of Australia, while species bearing non‐fleshy fruits became more frequent toward the arid centre. Wet, warm and stable climates favoured fleshy‐fruited species, with the two best predictors of the proportion of fleshy‐fruited species being maximum precipitation over five days (R2 = 0.40), and precipitation in the wettest month (R2 = 0.25). These results remained consistent after accounting for phylogenetic correlation among species. A combined model including variables of precipitation, temperature, and climatic variation explained 67% of the variation in the proportion of fleshy‐fruited species. Our results are consistent with the idea that plant reproductive strategies are more often tied to conditions during the parts of the year in which they grow than to conditions during the harsh parts of the year. Overall, our findings demonstrate strong relationships between plant reproductive traits and environmental gradients, and improve our understanding of the factors that shape large‐scale patterns in plant ecological strategies.
Effects of temperature on pupal and egg development of Euphranta connexa, a candidate biological control agent for invasive swallow‐worts in North America
Authors: Leroux A.M. , Gassmann A. , Holliday N.J.
Published: March 2016

Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar and Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) (Apocynaceae) are invasive perennial weeds in North America, for which Euphranta connexa (Fabricius) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a potential biological control agent. Female E. connexa oviposit in seed pods of European Vincetoxicum species, and developing larvae consume the seeds. Mature larvae emerge and form overwintering puparia in the soil. To facilitate laboratory rearing and the synchronization of oviposition and larval activity with vulnerable stages of target and non‐target plants, we investigated the effect of temperature on survival and development of E. connexa pupae and eggs. Field‐collected pupae from Switzerland were overwintered in cool storage and in spring, and they were placed in constant‐temperature treatments from 9.4 to 35 °C. Adults emerged at temperatures from 11.8 to 27.3 °C, and there was no evidence of pupal diapause. Rates of pupal development did not differ between sexes or among collection sites at altitudes ranging from 520 to over 1 700 m above sea level. From truncated normal models of development rate response to temperature, the estimated lower temperature threshold for pupal development was 4.2 °C and development was most rapid at 25.8 °C. When newly‐laid eggs were exposed to constant temperatures from 11.8 to 30 °C, hatch occurred at all temperatures. The estimated lower temperature threshold for egg development was 9.3 °C, and the predicted temperature at which egg development was most rapid was 31.2 °C. The models of pupal development suggest that E. connexa does not complete its life cycle at the highest altitude of our collection sites and that insects collected there were the result of dispersal from lower altitudes. The models predict that the northernmost North American sites where the insect might be released for biological control of invasive Vincetoxicum species are close to the northern limit for completion of the life cycle of E. connexa.
Intrinsic competition between primary hyperparasitoids of the solitary endoparasitoid Cotesia rubecula
Authors: ZHU FENG , LAMMERS MARK , HARVEY JEFFREY A. , POELMAN ERIK H.
Published: March 2016

1. In nature, competitive interactions occur when different species exploit similar niches. Parasitic wasps (parasitoids) often have narrow host ranges and need to cope with competitors that use the same host species for development of their offspring. When larvae of different parasitoid species develop in the same host, this leads to intrinsic and often contest competition. Thus far, most studies on intrinsic competition have focused on primary parasitoids. However, competition among primary hyperparasitoids, parasitic wasps that use primary parasitoids as a host, has been little studied.

2. This study investigated intrinsic competition between two primary hyperparasitoids, the gregarious Baryscapus galactopus and the solitary Mesochorus gemellus, which lay their eggs in primary parasitoid larvae of Cotesia rubecula, while those in turn are developing inside their herbivore host, Pieris rapae. The aims were to identify: (i) which hyperparasitoid is the superior competitor; and (ii) whether oviposition sequence affects the outcome of intrinsic competition.

3. The results show that B. galactopus won 70% of contests when the two hyperparasitoids parasitised the host at the same time, and 90% when B. galactopus oviposited first. When M. gemellus had a 48 h head start, the two hyperparasitoids had an equal chance to win the competition. This suggests that B. galactopus is an intrinsically superior competitor to M. gemellus. Moreover, the outcome of competition is affected by time lags in oviposition events.

4. In contrast to what has been reported for primary parasitoids, we found that a gregarious hyperparasitoid species had a competitive advantage over a solitary species.
The macroevolution of climatic niches and its role in ant diversification
Authors: PIE MARCIO R.
Published: March 2016

1. Investigating how climatic niches change over evolutionary timescales is a necessary step to understanding the current distribution of lineages, yet few studies have addressed this issue using comprehensive datasets. In this study, the evolution of ant climatic niches is investigated at a global scale based on bioclimatic data associated with 163 481 ant occurrence records. The resulting dataset was subjected to principal component analysis, and the scores obtained were used to characterise the main axes of ant climatic niche evolution.

2. Principal component axis 1 (PC1) reflected variation in average temperature and seasonality – consistent with typical tropical/temperate gradients – whereas PC2 was associated with varying levels of aridity. Evolution along these two niche axes was markedly different: differences in the amount of explained variance between PC1 (65%) and PC2 (19%) suggest that climatic niche evolution was nearly three times more pronounced along a tropical–temperate climate axis.

3. There was statistically significant phylogenetic signal on PC1, with genera occupying more tropical conditions diversifying at a faster rate, yet neither of these results is significant on PC2. In addition, most of the ancient ant lineages are associated with conditions of low seasonality and high temperatures.

4. These results provide partial support for the tropical conservatism hypothesis as an explanation for geographical patterns of ant species richness.
Differences in early developmental rate and yolk conversion efficiency in offspring of trout with alternative life histories
Authors: Van Leeuwen Travis E. , Killen Shaun S. , Metcalfe Neil B. , Adams Colin E.
Published: March 2016

Partial migration, in which some individuals of a population migrate while other individuals remain resident, is generally associated with ontogenetic shifts to better feeding areas or as a response to environmental instability, but its underlying mechanisms remain relatively unknown. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) exhibit partial migration, with some individuals remaining in freshwater (freshwater resident) while others undertake an anadromous migration, where they spend time at sea before returning to breed in freshwater (migrant). We reared full‐sibling groups of offspring from freshwater‐resident and anadromous brown trout from the same catchment in the laboratory under common garden conditions to examine potential differences in their early development. Freshwater‐resident parents produced eggs that were slower to hatch than those of anadromous parents, but freshwater‐resident offspring were quicker to absorb their yolk and reach the stage of exogenous feeding. Their offspring also had a higher conversion efficiency from the egg stage to the start of exogenous feeding (so were larger by the start of the fry stage) than did offspring from anadromous parents despite no difference in standard metabolic rate, maximal metabolic rate or aerobic scope. Given these differences in early development, we discuss how the migration history of the parents might influence the migration probability of the offspring.
Horse anti‐thymocyte globulin and eculizumab as concomitant therapeutic approach in an aplastic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patient: go or no‐go?
Authors: Alashkar Ferras , Dührsen Ulrich , Röth Alexander
Published: March 2016

We present the case of a 64‐yr‐old female paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patient with subsequent transition to severe aplastic anemia in whom a concomitant successful immunosuppressive therapy (horse anti‐thymocyte globulin (hATG) and cyclosporin A) in addition to an ongoing long‐term treatment with the terminal complement inhibitor eculizumab was initiated. No reduced ATG efficacy or severe adverse events were observed in the presence of eculizumab. In addition, the possible reoccurrence of PNH symptoms (thromboembolic events and/or intravascular hemolysis) was prevented, while T‐cell depletion was similar to non‐eculizumab‐treated patients with partial remission being evident by day 83.
Evaluating the effects of pollinator‐mediated interactions using pollen transfer networks: evidence of widespread facilitation in south Andean plant communities
Authors: Tur C. , Sáez A. , Traveset A. , Aizen M. A.
Published: March 2016

Information about the relative importance of competitive or facilitative pollinator‐mediated interactions in a multi‐species context is limited. We studied interspecific pollen transfer (IPT) networks to evaluate quantity and quality effects of pollinator sharing among plant species on three high‐Andean communities at 1600, 1800 and 2000 m a.s.l. To estimate the sign of the effects (positive, neutral or negative), the relation between conspecific and heterospecific pollen deposited on stigmas was analysed with GLMMs. Network analyses showed that communities were characterised by the presence of pollen hub‐donors and receptors. We inferred that facilitative and neutral pollinator‐mediated interactions among plants prevailed over competition. Thus, the benefits from pollinator sharing seem to outweigh the costs (i.e. heterospecific deposition and conspecific pollen loss). The largest proportion of facilitated species was found at the highest elevation community, suggesting that under unfavourable conditions for the pollination service and at lower plant densities facilitation can be more common.
Adverse effects of intrapleural instillation of tissue plasminogen activator in a horse: Suspected re‐expansion pulmonary oedema
Authors: McGorum B. C. , Stratford C. H. , Keen J. A. , Pirie R. S.
Published: March 2016

This case report describes a 5‐year‐old pregnant Warmblood mare that was being treated for fibrinous bacterial pleuropneumonia. Since initial attempts to drain and lavage both pleural cavities were ineffective due to the presence of extensive intrapleural fibrin loculations, recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was instilled into both pleural cavities, to promote fibrinolysis and improve drainage. Within 1–2 h of instilling tPA, the horse became distressed, with increasing dyspnoea, tachycardia, pleurodynia and hypoxaemia. At 4 h post tPA instillation, diffuse bilateral pulmonary oedema was evidenced by the onset of widespread audible inspiratory crackles and ultrasonographic ring‐down artefacts. Ultrasonography demonstrated that tPA had induced pleural fibrinolysis, thereby removing the restrictive effects of pleural adhesions on lung motion and facilitating lung re‐expansion. Re‐expansion pulmonary oedema was suspected, although an adverse drug reaction could not be excluded. The complication resolved with nasal oxygen supplementation, and administration of frusemide, meloxicam, morphine and hydroxyethyl starch. Subsequent repetition of intrapleural tPA instillation and thoracic drainage had no apparent adverse effect. The mare was discharged from the hospital and subsequently foaled successfully. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of re‐expansion pulmonary oedema are reviewed.
Suppressive effects of primed eosinophils on single epicutaneous sensitization through regulation of dermal dendritic cells
Authors: Lin Jing‐Yi , Ta Yng‐Cun , Liu I‐Lin , Chen Hsi‐Wen , Wang Li‐Fang
Published: March 2016

Eosinophils are multifunctional innate immune cells involved in many aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. Epicutaneous sensitization with protein allergen is an important sensitization route for atopic dermatitis. In this study, using a murine single protein‐patch model, we show that eosinophils of a primed status accumulate in draining lymph nodes following single epicutaneous sensitization. Further, depletion of eosinophils results in enhancement of the induced Th1/Th2 immune responses, whereas IL‐5‐induced hypereosinophilia suppresses these responses. Mechanistically, primed eosinophils cause a reduction in the numbers and activation status of dermal dendritic cells in draining lymph nodes. Collectively, these results demonstrate that primed eosinophils exert suppressive effects on single epicutaneous sensitization through regulation of dermal dendritic cells. Thus, these findings highlight the critical roles of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis with important clinical implications for the prevention of allergen sensitization.
Calcium channels in chicken sperm regulate motility and the acrosome reaction
Authors: Nguyen Thi Mong Diep , Duittoz Anne , Praud Christophe , Combarnous Yves , Blesbois Elisabeth
Published: March 2016

Intracellular cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i) has an important regulatory role in gamete functions. However, the biochemical components involved in Ca2+ transport are still unknown in birds, an animal class that has lost functional sperm‐specific CatSper channels. Here, we provide evidence for the presence and expression of various Ca2+ channels in chicken sperm, including high voltage‐activated channels (L and R types), the store‐operated Ca2+ channel (SOC) component Orai1, the transient receptor potential channel (TRPC1) and inositol‐1,4,5–trisphosphate receptors (IP3R1). L‐ and R–type channels were mainly localized in the acrosome and the midpiece, and T–type channels were not detected in chicken sperm. Orai1 was found in all compartments, but with a weak, diffuse signal in the flagellum. TRCP1 was mainly localized in the acrosome and the midpiece, but a weak diffuse signal was also observed in the nucleus and the flagellum. IP3R1 was mainly detected in the nucleus. The L–type channel inhibitor nifedipine, the R–type channel inhibitor SNX–482 and the SOC inhibitors MRS–1845, 2–APB and YM–58483 decreased [Ca2+]i sperm motility and acrosome reaction capability, with the SOC inhibitors inhibiting these functions most efficiently. Furthermore, we showed that Ca2+‐mediated induction of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation was blocked by SOC inhibition. Our identification of important regulators of Ca2+ signaling in avian sperm suggests that SOCs play a predominant role in gamete function, whereas T–type channels may not be involved. In addition, Ca2+ entry via SOCs appears to be the most likely pathway for AMPK activation and energy‐requiring sperm functions such as motility and the acrosome reaction.
Observational Learning from Acquisition Outcomes of Innovation Leaders
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Syan , Huang Chia‐Wei , Lin Chih‐Yen
Published: March 2016

We examine how learning from observing the acquisition outcomes of innovation leaders affects the acquisition decisions and performance of followers in an industry. Followers tend to increase the probability of acquisition and the size of an acquisition when innovation leader acquisitions produce more favorable outcomes, and reduce both when innovation leader acquisitions suffer more unfavorable outcomes. Industry competition, environmental uncertainty, prior acquisition experience, geographic proximity, and managerial incentives are important mechanisms affecting observational learning in acquisitions. Follower acquisitions perform better when innovation leaders’ acquisition outcomes convey more favorable signals, and more poorly when they convey more unfavorable signals.
Use of satellite data to identify critical periods for early life survival of northern shrimp in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Richards R. Anne , O'Reilly John E. , Hyde Kimberly J.W.
Published: March 2016

The northern shrimp Pandalus borealis is at its southern limit in the Gulf of Maine (GOM), and recruitment success is higher in years with relatively cool water temperature. However, the mechanisms for the temperature effect are not clear. We used rolling window analysis of daily satellite data to identify critical periods for early life survival of the 1998–2012 northern shrimp year‐classes and to investigate the importance of the phenology of the hatch and bloom. Survival was negatively correlated with sea surface temperature (SST) during a 6‐week period around the time of larval emergence (late winter) and during a 4‐week period in late summer when SST and stratification reached annual maxima. Survival was negatively correlated with chlorophyll‐a concentration (chl‐a) during two 5‐week periods centered approximately a month before the hatch midpoint and around the time of settlement to the benthos. A small‐magnitude winter bloom occurred around the time of the hatch in many years, but our results did not reveal a link between survival and bloom‐hatch phenology. The timing of winter and spring blooms were correlated with SST during the preceding 10 months. A survival model including SST and chl‐a during the critical periods explained 73% of the variance in survival. Summer SST increased significantly during the study period; the other critical variables showed no trend. The rolling windows approach revealed sensitive periods in early life history that may not have otherwise been hypothesized, providing a foundation for research towards a greater understanding of processes affecting recruitment.
Projected impacts of 21st century climate change on diapause in Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Wilson Robert J. , Banas Neil S. , Heath Michael R. , Speirs Douglas C.
Published: March 2016

Diapause plays a key role in the life cycle of high latitude zooplankton. During diapause, animals avoid starving in winter by living in deep waters where metabolism is lower and met by lipid reserves. Global warming is therefore expected to shorten the maximum potential diapause duration by increasing metabolic rates and by reducing body size and lipid reserves. This will alter the phenology of zooplankton, impact higher trophic levels and disrupt biological carbon pumps. Here, we project the impacts of climate change on the key North Atlantic copepod Calanus finmarchicus under IPCC RCP 8.5. Potential diapause duration is modelled in relation to body size and overwintering temperature. The projections show pronounced geographic variations. Potential diapause duration reduces by more than 30% in the Western Atlantic, whereas in the key overwintering centre of the Norwegian Sea it changes only marginally. Surface temperature rises, which reduce body size and lipid reserves, will have a similar impact to deep‐water changes on diapause in many regions. Because deep‐water warming lags that at the surface, animals in the Labrador Sea could offset warming impacts by diapausing in deeper waters. However, the ability to control diapause depth may be limited.
Estimating indices of range shifts in birds using dynamic models when detection is imperfect
Authors: Clement Matthew J. , Hines James E. , Nichols James D. , Pardieck Keith L. , Ziolkowski David J.
Published: March 2016

There is intense interest in basic and applied ecology about the effect of global change on current and future species distributions. Projections based on widely used static modeling methods implicitly assume that species are in equilibrium with the environment and that detection during surveys is perfect. We used multiseason correlated detection occupancy models, which avoid these assumptions, to relate climate data to distributional shifts of Louisiana Waterthrush in the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. We summarized these shifts with indices of range size and position and compared them to the same indices obtained using more basic modeling approaches. Detection rates during point counts in BBS surveys were low, and models that ignored imperfect detection severely underestimated the proportion of area occupied and slightly overestimated mean latitude. Static models indicated Louisiana Waterthrush distribution was most closely associated with moderate temperatures, while dynamic occupancy models indicated that initial occupancy was associated with diurnal temperature ranges and colonization of sites was associated with moderate precipitation. Overall, the proportion of area occupied and mean latitude changed little during the 1997–2013 study period. Near‐term forecasts of species distribution generated by dynamic models were more similar to subsequently observed distributions than forecasts from static models. Occupancy models incorporating a finite mixture model on detection – a new extension to correlated detection occupancy models – were better supported and may reduce bias associated with detection heterogeneity. We argue that replacing phenomenological static models with more mechanistic dynamic models can improve projections of future species distributions. In turn, better projections can improve biodiversity forecasts, management decisions, and understanding of global change biology.
Differential plasticity of size and mass to environmental change in a hibernating mammal
Authors: Canale Cindy I. , Ozgul Arpat , Allainé Dominique , Cohas Aurelie
Published: March 2016

Morphological changes following changes in species' distribution and phenology have been suggested to be the third universal response to global environmental change. Although structural size and body mass result from different genetic, physiological, and ecological mechanisms, they are used interchangeably in studies evaluating population responses to environmental change. Using a 22‐year (1991–2013) dataset including 1768 individuals, we investigated the coupled dynamics of size and mass in a hibernating mammal, the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), in response to local environmental conditions. We (i) quantified temporal trends in both traits, (ii) determined the environmental drivers of trait dynamics, and (iii) identified the life‐history processes underlying the observed changes. Both phenotypic traits were followed through life: we focused on the initial trait value (juvenile size and mass) and later‐life development (annual change in size [Δsize] and mass [Δmass]). First, we demonstrated contrasting dynamics between size and mass over the study period. Juvenile size and subsequent Δsize showed significant declines, whereas juvenile mass and subsequent Δmass remained constant. As a consequence of smaller size associated with a similar mass, individuals were in better condition in recent years. Second, size and mass showed different sensitivities to environmental variables. Both traits benefited from early access to resources in spring, whereas Δmass, particularly in early life, also responded to summer and winter conditions. Third, the interannual variation in both traits was caused by changes in early life development. Our study supports the importance of considering the differences between size and mass responses to the environment when evaluating the mechanisms underlying population dynamics. The current practice of focusing on only one trait in population modeling can lead to misleading conclusions when evaluating species' resilience to contemporary climate change.
Ethiopian agriculture has greater potential for carbon sequestration than previously estimated
Authors: Rimhanen Karoliina , Ketoja Elise , Yli‐Halla Markku , Kahiluoto Helena
Published: March 2016

More than half of the cultivation‐induced carbon loss from agricultural soils could be restored through improved management. To incentivise carbon sequestration, the potential of improved practices needs to be verified. To date, there is sparse empirical evidence of carbon sequestration through improved practices in East‐Africa. Here, we show that agroforestry and restrained grazing had a greater stock of soil carbon than their bordering pair‐matched controls, but the difference was less obvious with terracing. The controls were treeless cultivated fields for agroforestry, on slopes not terraced for terracing, and permanent pasture for restrained grazing, representing traditionally managed agricultural practices dominant in the case regions. The gain by the improved management depended on the carbon stocks in the control plots. Agroforestry for 6–20 years led to 11.4 Mg ha−1 and restrained grazing for 6–17 years to 9.6 Mg ha−1 greater median soil carbon stock compared with the traditional management. The empirical estimates are higher than previous process‐model‐based estimates and indicate that Ethiopian agriculture has greater potential to sequester carbon in soil than previously estimated.
Deep ploughing increases agricultural soil organic matter stocks
Authors: Alcántara Viridiana , Don Axel , Well Reinhard , Nieder Rolf
Published: March 2016

Subsoils play an important role within the global C cycle, since they have high soil organic carbon (SOC) storage capacity due to generally low SOC concentrations. However, measures for enhancing SOC storage commonly focus on topsoils. This study assessed the long‐term storage and stability of SOC in topsoils buried in arable subsoils by deep ploughing, a globally applied method for breaking up hard pans and improving soil structure to optimize crop growing conditions. One effect of deep ploughing is translocation of SOC formed near the surface into the subsoil, with concomitant mixing of SOC‐poor subsoil material into the ‘new’ topsoil. Deep‐ploughed croplands represent unique long‐term in situ incubations of SOC‐rich material in subsoils. In this study, we sampled five loamy and five sandy soils that were ploughed to 55–90 cm depth 35–50 years ago. Adjacent, similarly managed but conventionally ploughed subplots were sampled as reference. The deep‐ploughed soils contained on average 42 ± 13% more SOC than the reference subplots. On average, 45 years after deep ploughing, the ‘new’ topsoil still contained 15% less SOC than the reference topsoil, indicating long‐term SOC accumulation potential in the topsoil. In vitro incubation experiments on the buried sandy soils revealed 63 ± 6% lower potential SOC mineralisation rates and also 67 ± 2% lower SOC mineralisation per unit SOC in the buried topsoils than in the reference topsoils. Wider C/N ratio in the buried sandy topsoils than in the reference topsoils indicates that deep ploughing preserved SOC. The SOC mineralisation per unit SOC in the buried loamy topsoils was not significantly different from that in the reference topsoils. However, 56 ± 4% of the initial SOC was preserved in the buried topsoils. It can be concluded that deep ploughing contributes to SOC sequestration by enlarging the storage space for SOC‐rich material.
A new global burned area product for climate assessment of fire impacts
Authors: Chuvieco Emilio , Yue Chao , Heil Angelika , Mouillot Florent , Alonso‐Canas Itziar , Padilla Marc , Pereira Jose Miguel , Oom Duarte , Tansey Kevin
Published: March 2016

Aim This paper presents a new global burned area (BA) product developed within the framework of the European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative (CCI) programme, along with a first assessment of its potentials for atmospheric and carbon cycle modelling.

Innovation Methods are presented for generating a new global BA product, along with a comparison with existing BA products, in terms of BA extension, fire size and shapes and emissions derived from biomass burnings.

Main conclusions Three years of the global BA product were produced, accounting for a total BA of between 360 and 380 Mha year−1. General omission and commission errors for BA were 0.76 and 0.64, but they decreased to 0.51 and 0.52, respectively, for sites with more than 10% BA. Intercomparison with other existing BA datasets found similar spatial and temporal trends, mainly with the BA included in the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED4), although regional differences were found (particularly in the 2006 fires of eastern Europe). The simulated carbon emissions from biomass burning averaged 2.1 Pg C year−1.
Spring growth stage detection in Italian ryegrass field using a ground‐based camera system
Authors: Fan Xinyan , Kawamura Kensuke , Lim Jihyun , Yoshitoshi Rena , Yuba Norio , Lee Hyo‐Jin , Kurokawa Yuzo , Tsumiyama Yoshimasa
Published: March 2016

Information on the spring growth status of winter forage crops is crucial for evaluating productivity and nutrient management. This study aimed to determine the spring quick growth stage (QGS) of Italian ryegrass using a ground‐based camera system. The camera system, installed in two Italian ryegrass fields at the farm of Hiroshima University, captured images automatically three times per day in red, green and blue channels over the growing season in 2012–13. Four presumed color intensities/indices were fitted using a logistic model to construct smoothed time‐series data. Among the color intensities/indices, excess green was suggested to be the best parameter for monitoring seasonal changes. The root mean squared error of the estimated phenology dates against plant height was 7.7 days for the start‐QGS and 2.8 days for the end‐QGS. These results from a single year should be broadened to examine other methodologies for image processing and extended to multi‐year data.
Usefulness of Housekeeping Genes for the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection, Strain Discrimination and Detection of Multiple Infection
Authors: Palau Montserrat , Kulmann Marcos , Ramírez‐Lázaro María José , Lario Sergio , Quilez María Elisa , Campo Rafael , Piqué Núria , Calvet Xavier , Miñana‐Galbis David
Published: March 2016

Background

Helicobacter pylori infects human stomachs of over half the world's population, evades the immune response and establishes a chronic infection. Although most people remains asymptomatic, duodenal and gastric ulcers, MALT lymphoma and progression to gastric cancer could be developed. Several virulence factors such as flagella, lipopolysaccharide, adhesins and especially the vacuolating cytotoxin VacA and the oncoprotein CagA have been described for H. pylori. Despite the extensive published data on H. pylori, more research is needed to determine new virulence markers, the exact mode of transmission or the role of multiple infection.

Materials and Methods

Amplification and sequencing of six housekeeping genes (amiA, cgt, cpn60, cpn70, dnaJ, and luxS) related to H. pylori pathogenesis have been performed in order to evaluate their usefulness for the specific detection of H. pylori, the genetic discrimination at strain level and the detection of multiple infection. A total of 52 H. pylori clones, isolated from 14 gastric biopsies from 11 patients, were analyzed for this purpose.

Results

All genes were specifically amplified for H. pylori and all clones isolated from different patients were discriminated, with gene distances ranged from 0.9 to 7.8%. Although most clones isolated from the same patient showed identical gene sequences, an event of multiple infection was detected in all the genes and microevolution events were showed for amiA and cpn60 genes.

Conclusions

These results suggested that housekeeping genes could be useful for H. pylori detection and to elucidate the mode of transmission and the relevance of the multiple infection.
Changes in the Functional Potential of the Gut Microbiome Following Probiotic Supplementation duringHelicobacter PyloriTreatment
Authors: Oh Bumjo , Kim Ji Won , Kim Bong‐Soo
Published: March 2016

Background

Probiotic supplementation is utilized to alleviate the side effects associated with antibiotic therapy forHelicobacter pyloriinfection. Several studies have described the effects of administration of probiotics on the gut microbiota during antibiotic therapy. However, most of these studies have focused on specific bacteria, thereby providing limited information on the functional roles of the altered microbiota. Therefore, we examined the impact of probiotic supplementation on the structure and functional dynamics of the gut microbiota duringH. pylorieradication, using whole‐metagenomic sequence analysis.

Methods

Subjects were divided into two groups: the antibiotics group, which received only antibiotics, and the probiotics group, which received antibiotics with probiotic supplementation. The structural and functional profiles of gut microbiota was analyzed using metagenomicDNAextracted from the feces during treatment by Illumina MiSeq system.

Results

The overall alterations in microbiota, as revealed by whole metagenome sequencing, were similar with results from our previous 16SrRNAgene‐based analysis. The proportional shift in functional gene families was greater in the antibiotics group than in the probiotics group. In particular, the proportion of genes related to selenocompound metabolism was reduced in the probiotics group, whereas genes associated with the metabolism of nucleotide sugars were increased.

Conclusion

The functional alterations of gut microbiota may link to the reduction in intestinal irritation and maintenance of bacterial diversity observed following probiotic supplementation with antibiotic therapy. The potential beneficial roles of altered gut microbiota following probiotic supplementation are expected a reduction in side effects such as intestinal irritation and antibiotics resistance.
Remote ischemic conditioning protects against acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Zhiyong , Liu Sushun , Bi Jianbin , Zhang Jingyao , Du Lixue , Ding Xiaoming , Liu Chang
Published: March 2016

Aim

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of drug‐induced acute liver failure. Studies have shown that remote ischemic pre‐ and post‐conditioning (R‐IPC and R‐IPOST) can protect the liver against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) and lipopolysaccharide‐induced injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of R‐IPC and R‐IPOST on APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Methods

Mice were randomized (n = 6 per group) to seven major groups: (i) normal control; (ii) sham operated; (iii) APAP; (iv) R‐IPC + APAP; (v) R‐IPC + APAP + zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP); (vi) R‐IPOST + APAP; and (vii) R‐IPOST + APAP + ZnPP. Sixteen hours after APAP treatment, mouse liver and serum were collected to determine the severity of liver injury.

Results

The results showed that R‐IPC and R‐IPOST significantly decreased APAP‐induced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and hepatic malondialdehyde, as well as nitrotyrosine formation. Both R‐IPC and R‐IPOST could improve the hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase activities and depress the expressions of pro‐inflammatory associated proteins, such as inducible nitric oxide synthetase and nuclear factor‐κB. They could also increase heme oxygenase‐1 expression; however, ZnPP could counteract this protective effect.

Conclusion

Remote ischemic conditioning has significant therapeutic potential in APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation and promoting heme oxygenase‐1 expression.
Preconditioning methods in the management of hepatic ischemia reperfusion‐ induced injury: Update on molecular and future perspectives
Authors: Suyavaran Arumugam , Thirunavukkarasu Chinnasamy
Published: March 2016

Hepatic IR (ischemia reperfusion) injury is a commonly encountered obstacle in the post‐operative management of hepatic surgery. Hepatic IR occurs during ‘Pringle maneuver’ for reduction of blood loss or during a brief period of cold storage followed by reperfusion of liver grafts. The stress induced during hepatic IR, triggers a spectrum of cellular responses leading to the varying degrees of hepatic complications which in turn affect the post operative care. Different preconditioning methods either activate or subdue different sets of molecular signals, resulting in varied levels of protection against hepatic IR injury. Yet, there is a serious lacuna in the knowledge regarding the choice of preconditioning methods and the resulting molecular changes in order to assess the efficiency and choice of these methods correctly. This review provides an update on the various preconditioning approaches such as surgical/ischemic, antioxidant, pharmaceutical and genetic preconditioning strategies published during last six years (2009–2015). Further, we discuss the attenuation or inhibition of specific inflammatory, apoptotic and necrotic markers in the various experimental models of liver IR subjected to different preconditioning strategies. While enlisting the controversies in the ischemic preconditioning strategy, we bring out the uncertainties in the existing molecular targets and their reliability in the attenuation of hepatic IR injury. Future research studies would include the novel preconditioning strategies employ i) the targeted gene silencing of key molecular targets inducing IR, ii) hyper expression of beneficial molecular signals against IR via gene transfer techniques. The above studies would see the combination of these latest techniques with the established preconditioning strategies for better post‐operative hepatic management.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α promotes hepatocyte apoptosis during cholestasis
Authors: Hua Xiangwei , Lu Tianfei , Zhang Jiang , Miao Qi , Bian Zhaolian , Zhang Haiyan , Huang Shanshan , Lin Weiwei , Xi Zhifeng , Zhang Ming , Chen Qimin , Ma Xiong , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang
Published: March 2016

Aim

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α (HIF‐2α) has been reported to play an important role in a host of pathophysiological processes, including cellular survival. This study explores the role of HIF‐2α in cholestasis‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis.

Methods

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Hepatic apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick‐end labeling. The cholestatic mouse model was treated with bile duct ligation. The c‐myc, p53, and Bax protein levels were measured with Western blot analysis.

Results

In pediatric and murine cholestatic liver tissues, HIF‐2α protein was widely expressed in the nucleus of parenchymal cells as well as in stromal cells. Hepatocyte HIF‐2α expression was significantly elevated at the early stage of pediatric cholestasis and decreased at the late stage. In both in vivo and in vitro murine studies, HIF‐2α deletion could alleviate cholestasis‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis and regulate the expression of c‐myc, p53, and Bax proteins.

Conclusion

These findings implied the contribution of HIF‐2α to cholestasis‐mediated hepatocyte apoptosis.