bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking rodent‐dispersed large seeds with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags
Authors: Suselbeek L. , Jansen P. A. , Prins H. H. T. , Steele M. A.
Published: January 2013

Seed dispersal, a critical phase in the life history of many plants, is poorly understood due to the difficulty of tracking and monitoring dispersing seeds until they reach their ultimate fate. Scatter‐hoarding rodents play a substantial part in the seed dispersal process of many plant species, however, existing tracking methods do not allow seed monitoring without risk of influencing the hoarding process and seed fate.

Here, we describe and test the use of Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags inserted into seeds for the tracking and monitoring of large seeds dispersed by rodents. Unlike other tagging methods, PIT tagging combines the advantages of leaving no external cues and being readable without disturbance of caches. Rodents cannot remove these tags.

We evaluated the performance of PIT tagging through a series of trials with Quercus acorns dispersed by rodents, both in North America and in Europe, with equipment from different manufacturers. We quantified effects of tagging on seed removal and caching, cache pilferage and seed germination, by comparison between PIT‐tagged and untagged acorns. We evaluated the detectability of buried tags to researchers.

Minimal effects of PIT tagging on seed removal, caching, pilferage and germination were found. Buried PIT tags were retrieved with high reliability by naïve researchers, even at burial depths up to 30 cm. Identification codes could be read even when multiple tags were buried at a single location, as in larder hoarding.

The method was successfully applied in two field studies of dispersal of Quercus palustris and Q. rubra acorns by Eastern grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis in North America, and Q. robur acorns by Wood mice Apodemus sylvaticus in the Netherlands. The proportion of seeds recovered was comparable to that in studies using traditional thread tags.

We conclude that PIT tagging is a particularly suitable method for tracking and monitoring of seeds dispersed by scatter‐hoarding rodents. PIT tagging solves most of the main problems generally encountered when following the fate of rodent‐dispersed seeds over time.
Separating the two components of abundance‐based dissimilarity: balanced changes in abundance vs. abundance gradients
Authors: Baselga Andrés
Published: January 2013

Dissimilarity measures can be formulated using matching components that can be defined as the intersection in terms of species composition of both sets (a) and the relative complements of each set (b and c respectively). Previous work has extended these matching components to abundance‐based measures of dissimilarity.

Using these matching components in terms of species abundances I provide a novel partition separating two components of abundance‐based dissimilarity: (i) balanced variation in abundance, whereby the individuals of some species in one site are substituted by the same number of individuals of different species in another site; and (ii) abundance gradients, whereby some individuals are lost from one site to the other.

New indices deriving from the additive partition of Bray‐Curtis dissimilarity are presented, each one accounting separately for these two antithetic components of assemblage variation.

An example comparing the patterns of increase of assemblage dissimilarity with spatial distance in two tropical forests is provided to illustrate the usefulness of the novel partition to discern the different sources of assemblage variation.

The widely used Bray‐Curtis index of dissimilarity is the result of summing these two sources of dissimilarity, and therefore might consider equivalent patterns that are markedly different. Therefore, the novel partition may be useful to assess biodiversity patterns and to explore their causes, as substitution and loss of individuals are patterns that can derive from completely different processes.
Detecting invertebrate responses to fire depends on sampling method and taxonomic resolution
Authors: Teasdale Luisa C. , Smith Annabel L. , Thomas Mailyn , Whitehead Catherine A. , Driscoll Don A.
Published: January 2013

New knowledge about the responses of species to fire is needed to plan for biodiversity conservation in the face of changing fire regimes. However, the knowledge that is acquired may be influenced by the sampling method and the taxonomic resolution of a study. To investigate these potential sampling biases, we examined invertebrate responses to time since fire in mallee woodlands of southern Australia. Using a large‐scale replicated study system, we sampled over 60 000 invertebrates with large pitfall traps, wet pitfall traps and sweep nets, and undertook analyses at morphospecies and order level. Large pitfalls and sweep nets detected several strong fire effects, whereas wet pitfall traps detected few effects. Invertebrate abundance in sweep nets was highest shortly after fire because of grasshopper outbreaks. Several additional morphospecies showed strong preferences for different stages in the post‐fire succession. In contrast with morphospecies effects, analyses at order level either failed to detect fire effects or were driven by the most abundant species. For fire research to produce credible results with the potential to guide management, it must use a range of sampling techniques and undertake analyses at (morpho)species level. Homogeneous fire management, such as fire suppression in fragmented landscapes or widespread frequent burning for asset protection, is likely to cause declines in fire‐affected invertebrates.
Pre‐pregnancy BMI: Costs associated with maternal underweight and obesity in Queensland
Authors: Watson Melanie , Howell Stuart , Johnston Trisha , Callaway Leonie , Khor Sue‐Lynne , Cornes Sue
Published: January 2013

Background

The economic costs of maternal obesity and underweight have not been described. We aim to assess the effect of maternal underweight and obesity on hospital utilisation and hospital costs.

Methods

Data from the Queensland Perinatal Data Collection and Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection were analysed for 2008. The sample included 37,912 Queensland resident mothers with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth in a public facility. Outcome measures were hospital length of stay (LOS) and hospital costs accrued during the birth admission and during pre‐ and postnatal admissions within 90 days of the birth admission.

Results

There were 1,581 (4.2%) underweight, 17,175 (45.3%) normal weight, 10,155 (26.8%) overweight and 9,001 (23.7%) obese women. Maternal obesity was associated with significantly longer stays although effect sizes were modest (≤0.5 days) and specific to women who delivered vaginally. LOS was significantly higher among babies born to underweight mothers when compared to those born to normal weight women. Maternal obesity was associated with a total increase of $5 million in mothers' hospital costs when compared to those amongst normal weight women; the corresponding figure for underweight mothers was $385,734. The total hospital costs for babies born to underweight women were $1.6 million higher than those born to mothers in the normal weight category. Maternal obesity was not associated with an increase in babies' hospital costs.

Conclusions

Maternal obesity contributed to an increase in mothers' hospital LOS and hospitalisation costs. Maternal underweight contributed to an increase in babies' hospital costs.
Surgical management of cystic lesions in the liver
Authors: Garcea Giuseppe , Rajesh Arumugam , Dennison Ashley R.
Published: January 2013

Background

Liver cysts are common, occurring in up to 5% of the population. For many types of cysts, a variety of different treatment options exist and the preferred management is unclear.

Methods

A PubMed and Medline literature review was undertaken and articles pertaining to the diagnosis and management of cystic lesions within the liver were retrieved.

Results

Therapy for symptomatic cysts may incorporate aspiration with sclerotherapy or de‐roofing. Polycystic liver disease presents a unique management problem because of the high morbidity and mortality rates from intervention and high rates of recurrence. Careful patient counselling and assessment of symptom index is essential before embarking on any treatment. New medical treatments may ameliorate symptoms. Acquired cystic lesions in the liver require a thorough work‐up to fully characterize the abnormality and direct appropriate treatment. Hydatid cysts are best treated by chemotherapy, followed by some form of surgical intervention (either aspiration and sclerotherapy or surgery). Liver abscesses can be effectively treated by aspiration or drainage.

Conclusion

All patients with cystic lesions in the liver require discussion at multidisciplinary meetings to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate method of treatment.
Oximetry in glaucoma: correlation of metabolic change with structural and functional damage
Authors: Vandewalle Evelien , Abegão Pinto L , Olafsdottir Olof B. , De Clerck Eline , Stalmans Peter , Van Calster Joachim , Zeyen Thierry , Stefánsson Einar , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: January 2013

Purpose:  To determine whether retinal vessel oxygen saturation in patients with glaucoma is associated with structural optic disc and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) changes and visual field (VF) defects.

Methods:  Fifty‐nine patients with confirmed glaucoma were recruited at University Hospitals Leuven. Retinal oxygen saturation in patients with glaucoma was measured with a noninvasive spectrophotometric retinal oximeter (Oxymap ehf, Reykjavik, Iceland). VF and Heidelberg retinal tomographies (HRTs) were performed on the same day. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t‐test and Pearson’s or Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results:  The mean oxygen saturation in venules was higher in patients with severe VF defects compared to those patients with mild VF defects (69 ± 3% versus 65 ± 6% respectively; p = 0.0003; n = 59). Accordingly, the arteriovenous (AV) difference in oxygen saturation was lower in patients with worse VF compared to those with better VF (29 ± 3% versus 33 ± 6% respectively; p = 0.002). The oxygen saturation in venules correlated with the VF mean defects (r = −0.42; p = 0.001; n = 59) as well as with the structural HRT parameters rim area and RNFL thickness (r = −0.39; p = 0.008 and r = −0.26; p = 0.05 respectively; n = 53). The AV difference decreased significantly as the VF defect worsened (r = 0.38; p = 0.003), as the rim area diminished (r = 0.29; p = 0.03) and as the RNFL thickness decreased (r = 0.27; p = 0.05). No correlation was found between the oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles and either of these parameters.

Conclusion:  Severe glaucomatous damage is associated with increased oxygen saturation in retinal venules and decreased AV difference in oxygen saturation. These data suggest that in eyes with severe glaucomatous damage, reduced retinal oxygen consumption is consistent with tissue loss.
Pain management of neonatal intensive care units in Japan
Authors: Ozawa Mio , Yokoo Kyoko
Published: January 2013

Aim

To describe current neonatal pain management and individual and organizational factors that can improve neonatal pain practice from the viewpoints of both head nurses and head neonatologists in Japan.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was sent to general perinatal maternal and child medical centres that had level 3 units across Japan.

Results

A total of 61 of 89 head nurses and 54 of 89 head neonatologists replied. The responses of head nurses and head neonatologists were almost the same. More than 60% of units (head nurses, 65%; head neonatologists, 61%) did not use pain scales, and about 63% units (both head nurses and head neonatologists) had no rules for health care professionals on the best methods for implementing pain relief for painful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Only 17% of head nurses and 24% of head neonatologists considered that nurses and physicians in their units collaborated in pain management, and <20% of units (both head nurses and head neonatologists) had written guidelines for their unit on neonatal pain management.

Conclusion

This study suggested that Japanese neonatal intensive care units need national guidelines for pain management, and these might improve collaboration between nurses and physicians in minimizing neonatal pain.
Stone Age settlement and Holocene shore displacement in the Narva‐Luga Klint Bay area, eastern Gulf of Finland
Authors: Rosentau Alar , Muru Merle , Kriiska Aivar , Subetto Dmitry A. , Vassiljev Jüri , Hang Tiit , Gerasimov Dmitry , Nordqvist Kerkko , Ludikova Anna , Lõugas Lembi , Raig Hanna , Kihno Kersti , Aunap Raivo , Letyka Nikolay
Published: January 2013

Based on geological and archaeological proxies from NW Russia and NE Estonia and on GIS‐based modelling, shore displacement during the Stone Age in the Narva‐Luga Klint Bay area in the eastern Gulf of Finland was reconstructed. The reconstructed shore displacement curve displays three regressive phases in the Baltic Sea history, interrupted by the rapid Ancylus Lake and Litorina Sea transgressions c. 10.9–10.2 cal. ka BP and c. 8.5–7.3 cal. ka BP, respectively. During the Ancylus transgression the lake level rose 9 m at an average rate of about 13 mm per year, while during the Litorina transgression the sea level rose 8 m at an average rate of about 7 mm per year. The results show that the highest shoreline of Ancylus Lake at an altitude of 8–17 m a.s.l. was formed c. 10.2 cal. ka BP and that of the Litorina Sea at an altitude of 6–14 m a.s.l., c. 7.3 cal. ka BP. The oldest traces of human activity dated to 8.5–7.9 cal. ka BP are associated with the palaeo‐Narva River in the period of low water level in the Baltic basin at the beginning of the Litorina Sea transgression. The coastal settlement associated with the Litorina Sea lagoon, presently represented by 33 Stone Age sites, developed in the area c. 7.1 cal. ka BP and existed there for more than 2000 years. Transformation from the coastal settlement back to the river settlement indicates a change from a fishing‐and‐hunting economy to farming and animal husbandry c. 4.4 cal. ka BP, coinciding with the time of the overgrowing of the lagoon in the Narva‐Luga Klint Bay area.
Combination of guanine arabinoside and Bcl‐2 inhibitor YC137 overcomes the cytarabine resistance in HL‐60 leukemia cell line
Authors: Nishi Rie , Yamauchi Takahiro , Negoro Eiju , Takemura Haruyuki , Ueda Takanori
Published: January 2013

Cytarabine (ara‐C) is the key agent for treating acute myeloid leukemia. After being transported into leukemic cells, ara‐C is phosphorylated, by several enzymes including deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), to ara‐C triphosphate (ara‐CTP), an active metabolite, and then incorporated into DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis. Therefore, the cytotoxicity of ara‐C depends on the production of ara‐CTP and the induction of apoptosis. Here, we established a new ara‐C‐resistant acute myeloid leukemia cell line (HL‐60/ara‐C60) with dual resistance characteristics of the anti‐antimetabolic character of decreased ara‐CTP production and an increase in the antiapoptotic factors Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL. We further attempted to overcome resistance by augmenting ara‐CTP production and stimulating apoptosis. A relatively new nucleoside analog, 9‐β‐d‐arabinofuranosylguanine (ara‐G), and the small molecule Bcl‐2 antagonist YC137 were used for this purpose. HL‐60/ara‐C60 was 60‐fold more ara‐C‐resistant than the parental HL‐60 cells. HL‐60/ara‐C60 cells exhibited low dCK protein expression, which resulted in decreased ara‐CTP production. HL‐60/ara‐C60 cells were also refractory to ara‐C‐induced apoptosis due to overexpression of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL. Combination treatment of ara‐C with ara‐G augmented the dCK protein level, thereby increasing ara‐CTP production and subsequent cytotoxicity. Moreover, the combination of ara‐C with YC137 produced a greater amount of apoptosis than ara‐C alone. Importantly, the three‐drug combination of ara‐C, ara‐G and YC137 provided greater cytotoxicity than ara‐C+ara‐G or ara‐C+YC137. These findings suggest possible combination strategies for overcoming ara‐C resistance by augmenting ara‐CTP production and reversing refractoriness against the induction of apoptosis in ara‐C resistant leukemic cells.
Central adrenal insufficiency in young adults with Prader‐Willi Syndrome
Authors: Grugni Graziano , Beccaria Luciano , Corrias Andrea , Crinò Antonino , Cappa Marco , De Medici Clotilde , Di Candia Stefania , Gargantini Luigi , Ragusa Letizia , Salvatoni Alessandro , Sartorio Alessandro , Spera Sabrina , Andrulli Simeone , Chiumello Giuseppe , Mussa Alessandro ,   the Genetic Obesity Study Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (ISPED)
Published: January 2013

Objective

A high prevalence (60%) of central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) has been reported in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) using the metyrapone test. We have assessed CAI in adults with PWS using the low‐dose short synacthen test (LDSST).

Design

Basal cortisol and ACTH, and 30‐min cortisol after the administration of 1 μg synacthen, were determined in 53 PWS adults (33 females). A peak cortisol value of ≥500 nmol/l was taken as normal. Hormonal profiles were analysed in relation to gender, genotype and phenotype. Deficient patients were retested by high‐dose short synachten test (HDSST) or a repeat LDSST.

Results

Mean ± SD basal cortisol and ACTH were 336·6 ± 140·7 nmol/l and 4·4 ± 3·7 pmol/l respectively. Cortisol rose to 615·4 ± 135·0 nmol/l after LDSST. Eight (15·1%) patients had a peak cortisol response <500 nmol/l, with a lower mean ± SD (range) basal cortisol of 184·9 ± 32·0 (138·0–231·7) compared with 364·1 ± 136·6 (149·0–744·5) in normal responders (P < 0·001). Seven of the eight patients underwent retesting, with 4 (7·5%) showing persistent suboptimal responses. Basal and peak cortisol correlated in females (r = 0·781, P < 0·001). Logistic regression revealed that only female gender and baseline cortisol were predictors of cortisol peaks (adjusted R square 0·505).

Conclusions

Although CAI can be part of the adult PWS phenotype, it has a lower prevalence (7·5%) than previously reported. Clinicians are advised to test PWS patient for CAI. Our study also shows that basal cortisol is closely correlated with adrenal response to stimulation, indicating that its measurement may be helpful in selecting patients for LDSST.
Intranasal contact points as a cause of facial pain or headache: a systematic review
Authors: Harrison L. , Jones N.S.
Published: January 2013

Background

There is a body of opinion in the clinical literature advocating the removal of intranasal contact points to treat facial pain.

Objectives

To review the evidence that intranasal mucosal contact points cause facial pain or headache and their removal is therapeutic.

Type of review

Systematic review.

Search strategy

A systematic search of the available literature was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library and NHS Evidence from inception to September 2011. Terms used include facial pain and contact point (3628), rhinologic headache (6) contact point and surgery/endoscopy (38).

Evaluation method

Inclusion criteria applied. Assessment of papers were undertaken by one reviewer and checked by the second. A narrative review of each study was performed and results recorded in tables.

Results

In one study, 973 consecutive patients with a provisional diagnosis of rhinosinusitis were divided into groups with (42%) and without facial pain. There was a 4% prevalence of nasal contact in both groups, which was unrelated to the presence of facial pain. In another study of 100 patient's coronal paranasal sinus CT scans, 29% had headache and 55% had a contact point but their presence was inversely related to the presence of pain.1 In a further study, ten healthy volunteers had palpation, adrenaline, substance P and placebo applied to different areas throughout the nasal cavity and none of these stimuli caused facial pain. Nineteen studies were identified where nasal mucosal contact points had been removed surgically for the treatment of facial pain. They were small case series, not randomised and subject to selection bias, had no control group, a limited follow‐up and were open to observer bias with level IV evidence. Seven studies had a statistically significant improvement in pain postoperatively compared with preoperative questionnaire results but the majority had residual facial pain.

Conclusion

The majority of people with contact points experience no facial pain. The presence of a contact point is not a good predictor of facial pain. The removal of a contact point rarely results in the total elimination of facial pain making the theory that a contact point is responsible unlikely. The improvement in postoperative symptoms following the removal of contact points in some patients may be explained by cognitive dissonance or neuroplasticity. A randomised, controlled and blinded trial with a followed up period of over 12 months is needed to assess the place of surgery in the removal of a contact point for the treatment of facial pain.
Long‐term continence disturbance after lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Garg P. , Garg M. , Menon G. R.
Published: January 2013

Aim

A systematic review was carried out to analyse continence at 2 years or more after lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) for chronic anal fissure (CAF).

Method

PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Ovid, SCI, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar were used to search the literature from 1969–2012 for studies reporting a follow‐up of more than 2 years after LIS for CAF. The primary outcome parameter analysed was continence. The secondary outcome parameters included success rate, recurrence, incidence of postoperative abscess and fistula formation and patient satisfaction.

Results

Of 324 studies screened, 22 (n = 4512) were included. The mean follow‐up period ranged from 24–124 months. The overall continence disturbance rate was 14% (95% CI 0.09–0.2). Weighted analysis showed flatus incontinence in 9% (95% CI 0.04–0.16), soilage/seepage in 6% (95% CI 0.03–0.1), accidental defaecation in 0.91% (95% CI 0.003–0.02), incontinence to liquid stool in 0.67% (95% CI 0.001–0.02) and incontinence to solid stool in 0.83% (95% CI 0.003–0.02) of patients.

Conclusion

The long‐term risk of continence disturbance after lateral internal sphincterotomy is significant. Randomized controlled trials with a long follow‐up are needed to substantiate these findings and to redefine its role in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.
Single‐phase ink‐jet printing onto cotton fabric
Authors: Soleimani Gorgani Atasheh , Shakib Najva
Published: January 2013

The current commercial application of ink‐jet reactive inks to cotton fabrics requires pretreating with pad liquor containing a thickener, urea and alkali prior to printing. In this study, attempts have been made to develop a reactive ink‐jet print in a single‐phase process by adding an organic salt to the ink formulation and hence removing the need to pretreat fabrics. This approach utilises inks containing both a reactive dye, in this case Procion Red H‐E3B, and an organic salt such as sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate or tri‐sodium citrate. The behaviour of a novel reactive ink formulation for ink‐jet printing on to cotton fabric was evaluated at different pH vlaues. The results at optimum pH indicated that printed non‐pretreated fabrics with ink containing organic salts exhibited a higher level of reactive dye fixation than printed pretreated fabric containing no organic salt ink. The yielded prints demonstrate excellent colour fastness to washing and dry/wet crocking properties. The light fastness of the printed fabrics was improved by adding an organic salt to the ink formulation.
Microwave‐assisted dyeing of poly(butylene terephthalate) fabrics with disperse dyes
Authors: Öner Erhan , Büyükakinci Yeşim , Sökmen Nihal
Published: January 2013

In this study, conventional heating and microwave dielectric heating in the exhaust dyeing of poly(butylene terephtalate) fabrics with disperse dyes were studied in order to determine whether microwave heating could be used to increase the dyeability of poly(butylene terephtalate) fibre in shorter processing times and enable dyeings of adequate wet fastness to be obtained. Accordingly, the samples of 100% poly(butylene terephtalate) single jersey knitted fabric were dyed withCIDisperse Yellow 160 andCIDisperse Yellow 42,CIDisperse Red 177 andCIDisperse Red 91,CIDisperse Blue 79:1 andCIDisperse Blue 54 at 98 °C with or without microwave dielectric heating. The colouristic properties, colour fastnesses and the tensile properties of the dyed fabrics were investigated and compared with each other. Microwave dielectric heating is regarded as a tool for ‘green chemistry’ and provides many advantages over conventional heating without any deterioration in the properties of the dyed materials. Microwave heat dyeing enhances the exhaustion and the fixation of dye, and good colour fastnesses and repeatability in dyeings are achieved in short heating times of the dyebath.
Family involvement with the diabetes regimen in young people: the role of adolescent depressive symptoms
Authors: Wu Y. P. , Hilliard M. E. , Rausch J. , Dolan L. M. , Hood K. K.
Published: January 2013

Aims

In young people with Type 1 diabetes, depressive symptoms and shared responsibility for management of diabetes impact upon diabetes management and control. However, the simultaneous effects of both depressive symptoms and parental involvement on diabetes self‐care and glycaemic control have not been examined. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine the relationships between parental involvement and adolescent depressive symptoms in predicting blood glucose monitoring and glycaemic control.

Methods

One hundred and fifty young people with Type 1 diabetes (mean age 15.3 years) and their parents completed responsibility sharing and depressive symptom assessments, meter assessment of blood glucose monitoring and HbA1c at baseline and then 6, 12 and 18 months.

Results

Parental involvement affected HbA1c through blood glucose monitoring only at low levels of adolescent depressive symptoms (score ≤ 6), which made up only 20% of the sample. In the presence of more depressive symptoms, parental involvement no longer was related to HbA1c through blood glucose monitoring. This was the relationship in the majority of the sample (80%).

Conclusions

While most young people in this sample are not showing evidence of high levels of depressive symptoms, even modest levels of distress interfere with parental involvement in diabetes management. By addressing adolescent depressive symptoms, interventions promoting parental involvement in these families may be more effective.
Inhibition of the sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2: its beneficial action and potential combination therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen L. H. , Leung P. S.
Published: January 2013

Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are an emerging class of glucose‐lowering drugs in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this context, SGLT2 is a low‐affinity, high‐capacity transporter that is expressed predominantly in the proximal renal tubules. The rationale for using SGLT2 inhibition as a drug for T2DM is derived from early evidence obtained from individuals with familial renal glycosuria, due to a SGLT2 mutation, which exhibits decreased renal tubular reabsorption of glucose in the absence of hyperglycaemia or any other signs of dysfunction. Thus, reduction of glucose reabsorption by SGLT2 inhibition represents a novel T2DM treatment approach. In light of the emerging role of SGLT2 inhibition in controlling glucose homeostasis, the current review provides a critical appraisal of the rationale, overviews of structural differences between SGLT2 inhibitors and summarizes recent preclinical and clinical studies. The physiological actions of SGLT2 inhibition in relation to insulin sensitivity, islet morphology, inflammation, body weight and blood pressure are reviewed. Finally, the safety and tolerability of SGLT2 inhibitors are also discussed in relation to their potential to provide insulin independence and enhance β‐cell function, as well as their potential for synergistic/additive effects if used in combination with other antidiabetic drugs.
Introduced northern pike predation on salmonids in southcentral Alaska
Authors: Sepulveda Adam J. , Rutz David S. , Ivey Sam S. , Dunker Kristine J. , Gross Jackson A.
Published: January 2013

Northern pike (Esox lucius) are opportunistic predators that can switch to alternative prey species after preferred prey have declined. This trophic adaptability allows invasive pike to have negative effects on aquatic food webs. In Southcentral Alaska, invasive pike are a substantial concern because they have spread to important spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids and are hypothesised to be responsible for recent salmonid declines. We described the relative importance of salmonids and other prey species to pike diets in the Deshka River and Alexander Creek in Southcentral Alaska. Salmonids were once abundant in both rivers, but they are now rare in Alexander Creek. In the Deshka River, we found that juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho salmon (O. kisutch) dominated pike diets and that small pike consumed more of these salmonids than large pike. In Alexander Creek, pike diets reflected the distribution of spawning salmonids, which decrease with distance upstream. Although salmonids dominated pike diets in the lowest reach of the stream, Arctic lamprey (Lampetra camtschatica) and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) dominated pike diets in the middle and upper reaches. In both rivers, pike density did not influence diet and pike consumed smaller prey items than predicted by their gape‐width. Our data suggest that (1) juvenile salmonids are a dominant prey item for pike, (2) small pike are the primary consumers of juvenile salmonids and (3) pike consume other native fish species when juvenile salmonids are less abundant. Implications of this trophic adaptability are that invasive pike can continue to increase while driving multiple species to low abundance.
Game theory and plant ecology
Authors: McNickle Gordon G. , Dybzinski Ray
Published: January 2013

The fixed and plastic traits possessed by a plant, which may be collectively thought of as its strategy, are commonly modelled as density‐independent adaptations to its environment. However, plant strategies may also represent density‐ or frequency‐dependent adaptations to the strategies used by neighbours. Game theory provides the tools to characterise such density‐ and frequency‐dependent interactions. Here, we review the contributions of game theory to plant ecology. After briefly reviewing game theory from the perspective of plant ecology, we divide our review into three sections. First, game theoretical models of allocation to shoots and roots often predict investment in those organs beyond what would be optimal in the absence of competition. Second, game theoretical models of enemy defence suggest that an individual's investment in defence is not only a means of reducing its own tissue damage but also a means of deflecting enemies onto competitors. Finally, game theoretical models of trade with mutualistic partners suggest that the optimal trade may reflect competition for access to mutualistic partners among plants. In short, our review provides an accessible entrance to game theory that will help plant ecologists enrich their research with its worldview and existing predictions.
Structural analysis of the alcohol acyltransferase protein family from Cucumis melo shows that enzyme activity depends on an essential solvent channel
Authors: Galaz Sebastián , Morales‐Quintana Luis , Moya‐León María Alejandra , Herrera Raúl
Published: January 2013

Alcohol acyltransferases (AAT) play a key role in ester biosynthesis. In Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, AATs are encoded by a gene family of four members (CmAAT1–4). CmAAT1, CmAAT3 and CmAAT4 are capable of synthesizing esters, with CmAAT1 the most active. CmAAT2 is inactive and has an Ala268 residue instead of a threonine which is present in all other active AATs, although the role of this residue is still unclear. The present work aims to understand the molecular mechanism involved in ester biosynthesis in melon fruit and to clarify the importance of the Ala268 residue. First, structural models for each protein were built by comparative modelling methodology. Afterwards, conformational interaction between the protein and several ligands, alcohols and acyl‐CoAs was explored by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Structural analysis showed that CmAATs share a similar structure. Also, well‐defined solvent channels were described in the CmAATs except for CmAAT2 which does not have a proper channel and instead has a small pocket around Ala268. Residues of the catalytic HxxxD motif interact with substrates within the solvent channel, with Ser363 also important. Strong binding interaction energies were described for the best substrate couple of each CmAAT (hexyl‐, benzyl‐ and cinnamyl‐acetate for CmAAT1, 3 and 4 respectively). CmAAT1 and CmAAT2 protein surfaces share similar electrostatic potentials; nevertheless the entrance channels for the substrates differ in location and electrostatic character, suggesting that Ala268 might be responsible for that. This could partly explain the major differences in activity reported for these two enzymes.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Model Data Bank under the following accession numbers: CmAAT1 (PM0078514); CmAAT2 (PM0078515); CmAAT3 (PM0078516); CmAAT4 (PM0078517)
Structural and biochemical characterization of an atypical short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase reveals an unusual cofactor preference
Authors: Buysschaert Géraldine , Verstraete Kenneth , Savvides Savvas N. , Vergauwen Bjorn
Published: January 2013

Short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) encompass a large and functionally diverse family of enzymes with representative members in all kingdoms of life. Despite the wealth of reactions catalyzed by SDRs, they operate through a well‐conserved and efficient reaction mechanism centered in a conserved catalytic tetrad (Asn‐Ser‐Tyr‐Lys) and the employment of an appropriate cofactor. In recent years, SDRs that lack the signature catalytic tetrad have been identified, thus adding a perplexing twist to SDR functionality. In the present study, we report the crystal structure of SDRvv, an atypical SDR from Vibrio vulnificus devoid of the catalytic tetrad, thereby defining the structural signature of this apparent SDR family outlier. Further structural analysis of SDRvv in complex with its putative cofactor NADPH, site‐directed mutagenesis and binding studies via isothermal titration calorimetry, and further biochemical characterization have allowed us to dissect the cofactor preferences of SDRvv. The retained capacity to bind the NADPH cofactor, the conceivable existence of a proton relay and the conservation of the coordination distances between the key residues in the cofactor binding pocket define a first set of rules towards catalytic activity for SDRvv. The findings of the present study set the stage for deriving the identity of the natural substrate of SDRvv and add a new twist to the structure–function landscape for Rossmann‐fold‐dependent cofactor discrimination.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank database under accession numbers 3UCE and 3UCF.

Structured digital abstract

SDRvv and SDRvv bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)

SDRvv and SDRvv bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Neuropsychological effects of the CSMD1 genome‐wide associated schizophrenia risk variant rs10503253
Authors: Donohoe G. , Walters J. , Hargreaves A. , Rose E.J. , Morris D.W. , Fahey C. , Bellini S. , Cummins E. , Giegling I. , Hartmann A.M. , Möller H.‐J. , Muglia P. , Owen M.J. , Gill M. , O'Donovan M.C. , Tropea D. , Rujescu D. , Corvin A.
Published: January 2013

The single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10503253, located within the CUB and Sushi multiple domains‐1 (CSMD1) gene on 8p23.2, was recently identified as genome‐wide significant for schizophrenia (SZ), but is of unknown function. We investigated the neurocognitive effects of this CSMD1 variant in vivo in patients and healthy participants using behavioral and imaging measures of brain structure and function. We compared carriers and non‐carriers of the risk ‘A’ allele on measures of neuropsychological performance typically impaired in SZ (general cognitive ability, episodic and working memory and attentional control) in independent samples of Irish patients (n = 387) and controls (n = 171) and German patients (205) and controls (n = 533). Across these groups, the risk ‘A’ allele at CSMD1 was associated with deleterious effects across a number of neurocognitive phenotypes. Specifically, the risk allele was associated with poorer performance on neuropsychological measures of general cognitive ability and memory function but not attentional control. These effects, while significant, were subtle, and varied between samples. Consistent with previous evidence suggesting that CSMD1 may be involved in brain mechanisms related to memory and learning, these data appear to reflect the deleterious effects of the identified ‘A’ risk allele on neurocognitive function, possibly as part of the mechanism by which CSMD1 is associated with SZ risk.
Soil warming increases plant species richness but decreases germination from the alpine soil seed bank
Authors: Hoyle Gemma L. , Venn Susanna E. , Steadman Kathryn J. , Good Roger B. , McAuliffe Edward J. , Williams Emlyn R. , Nicotra Adrienne B.
Published: January 2013

Global warming is occurring more rapidly above the treeline than at lower elevations and alpine areas are predicted to experience above average warming in the future. Temperature is a primary factor in stimulating seed germination and regulating changes in seed dormancy status. Thus, plant regeneration from seed will be crucial to the persistence, migration and post disturbance recruitment of alpine plants in future climates. Here, we present the first assessment of the impact of soil warming on germination from the persistent alpine soil seed bank. Contrary to expectations, soil warming lead to reduced overall germination from the soil seed bank. However, germination response to soil temperature was species specific such that total species richness actually increased by nine with soil warming. We further explored the system by assessing the prevalence of seed dormancy and germination response to soil disturbance, the frequency of which is predicted to increase under climate change. Seeds of a significant proportion of species demonstrated physiological dormancy mechanisms and germination of several species appeared to be intrinsically linked to soil disturbance. In addition, we found no evidence of subalpine species and little evidence of exotic weed species in the soil, suggesting that the soil seed bank will not facilitate their invasion of the alpine zone. In conclusion, changes in recruitment via the alpine soil seed bank can be expected under climate change, as a result of altered dormancy alleviation and germination cues. Furthermore, the alpine soil seed bank, and the species richness therein, has the potential to help maintain local species diversity, support species range shift and moderate species dominance. Implications for alpine management and areas for further study are also discussed.
Fragmentation and thermal risks from climate change interact to affect persistence of native trout in the Colorado River basin
Authors: Roberts James J. , Fausch Kurt D. , Peterson Douglas P. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: January 2013

Impending changes in climate will interact with other stressors to threaten aquatic ecosystems and their biota. Native Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT; Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus) are now relegated to 309 isolated high‐elevation (>1700 m) headwater stream fragments in the Upper Colorado River Basin, owing to past nonnative trout invasions and habitat loss. Predicted changes in climate (i.e., temperature and precipitation) and resulting changes in stochastic physical disturbances (i.e., wildfire, debris flow, and channel drying and freezing) could further threaten the remaining CRCT populations. We developed an empirical model to predict stream temperatures at the fragment scale from downscaled climate projections along with geomorphic and landscape variables. We coupled these spatially explicit predictions of stream temperature with a Bayesian Network (BN) model that integrates stochastic risks from fragmentation to project persistence of CRCT populations across the upper Colorado River basin to 2040 and 2080. Overall, none of the populations are at risk from acute mortality resulting from high temperatures during the warmest summer period. In contrast, only 37% of populations have a ≥90% chance of persistence for 70 years (similar to the typical benchmark for conservation), primarily owing to fragmentation. Populations in short stream fragments <7 km long, and those at the lowest elevations, are at the highest risk of extirpation. Therefore, interactions of stochastic disturbances with fragmentation are projected to be greater threats than warming for CRCT populations. The reason for this paradox is that past nonnative trout invasions and habitat loss have restricted most CRCT populations to high‐elevation stream fragments that are buffered from the potential consequences of warming, but at risk of extirpation from stochastic events. The greatest conservation need is for management to increase fragment lengths to forestall these risks.
Resilience of marine turtle regional management units to climate change
Authors: Fuentes Mariana M. P. B. , Pike David A. , Dimatteo Andrew , Wallace Bryan P.
Published: January 2013

Enhancing species resilience to changing environmental conditions is often suggested as a climate change adaptation strategy. To effectively achieve this, it is necessary first to understand the factors that determine species resilience, and their relative importance in shaping the ability of species to adjust to the complexities of environmental change. This is an extremely challenging task because it requires comprehensive information on species traits. We explored the resilience of 58 marine turtle regional management units (RMUs) to climate change, encompassing all seven species of marine turtles worldwide. We used expert opinion from the IUCN‐SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group (n = 33 respondents) to develop a Resilience Index, which considered qualitative characteristics of each RMU (relative population size, rookery vulnerability, and genetic diversity) and non climate‐related threats (fisheries, take, coastal development, and pollution/pathogens). Our expert panel perceived rookery vulnerability (the likelihood of functional rookeries becoming extirpated) and non climate‐related threats as having the greatest influence on resilience of RMUs to climate change. We identified the world's 13 least resilient marine turtle RMUs to climate change, which are distributed within all three major ocean basins and include six of the world's seven species of marine turtle. Our study provides the first look at inter‐ and intra‐species variation in resilience to climate change and highlights the need to devise metrics that measure resilience directly. We suggest that this approach can be widely used to help prioritize future actions that increase species resilience to climate change.
‘ERST KOMMT DAS FRESSEN, DANN KOMMT DIE MORAL’: STARVATION WARFARE AND MEDICAL ETHICS IN KARL SCHÖNHERR'S HUNGERBLOCKADE 1919
Authors: Harland Rachel
Published: January 2013

Karl Schönherr's drama Hungerblockade 1919 (1925) is set against the background of the food shortage that affected Austria during and in the aftermath of the First World War. While it touches critically on the British naval blockade of Germany and the countries associated with her, its main focus is on the abrogation of moral standards in the face of acute hunger, as illuminated by the case of Doktor Glatz, a physician caught between professional responsibilities and concern for his starving daughter. Although Schönherr is regarded as a straightforward moralist by some critics, in Hungerblockade 1919 he presents a number of difficult moral conflicts in the area of medical ethics including the doctor's duty of care and the extent to which it outweighs private responsibilities, distributive justice and the exploitation of professional status for personal gain. This article argues that the play calls for altruism but that its didacticism is tempered by doubt about man's capacity for self‐sacrifice in times of great material need.

Karl Schönherrs Drama Hungerblockade 1919 (1925) spielt während der Hungerkrise, die Österreich im Ersten Weltkrieg und in der Zeit danach traf. Es kritisiert am Rande die britische Seeblockade der Mittelmächte, befasst sich jedoch in erster Linie mit dem Zusammenbruch der Moral angesichts des akuten Hungers. Letzteres wird anhand der Figur des Doktor Glatz dargestellt, eines Arztes, der innerlich zerrissen ist vom Konflikt zwischen seiner beruflichen Verantwortung auf der einen Seite und der Sorge um seine verhungernde Tochter auf der anderen Seite. In der Forschungsliteratur wird Schönherr gelegentlich als unkomplizierter Moralist gesehen. In Hungerblockade 1919 stellt er jedoch verschiedene schwierige Dilemmata dar, indem er Probleme des ärztlichen Ethos anspricht, darunter die Pflicht der Wohltätigkeit und ihre Dringlichkeit im Vergleich zu den privaten Verantwortlichkeiten eines Arztes, die Verteilungsgerechtigkeit und den Missbrauch der beruflichen Position zum Zwecke der persönlichen Bereicherung. Die These des vorliegenden Aufsatzes ist, dass das Stück zwar den Wert der Nächstenliebe betont, aber skeptisch hinterfragt, ob der Mensch in Zeiten großer Not zu Selbstlosigkeit fähig ist.
‘ICH WILL LEBEN, AUCH WENN ICH TOT BIN’:VALESKA GERT'S AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL LEGACY
Authors: Hylenski Kristen M.
Published: January 2013

The German‐Jewish dancer, cabaret artist, and actor Valeska Gert wrote four autobiographical texts that span the time from the height of her fame in the Weimar Republic to her exile in New York and on to her post‐war experiences in the Federal Republic of Germany. An examination of Mein Weg (1931), Die Bettlerbar von New York (1950), Ich bin eine Hexe (1968), and Katze von Kampen (1973) reveals the ways in which Gert revisits and revises her life story. While each text recycles material from the previous ones, Gert continually reframes her narrative according to the changing audiences and historical contexts. Ultimately, through her drive to tell her story repeatedly, Gert succeeded in writing herself back into the history of modern dance, cabaret, theatre, and film in Germany, thus enacting the ‘spiritual reparations’ she felt she had been denied.

Die deutsch‐jüdische Tänzerin, Kabarettistin und Schauspielerin Valeska Gert schrieb vier autobiographische Texte, die die Zeit vom Gipfel ihres Ruhmes in der Weimarer Republik bis hin zum Exil in New York und den anschließenden Nachkriegserfahrungen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland umfassen. Dieser Artikel betrachtet Mein Weg (1931), Die Bettlerbar von New York (1950), Ich bin eine Hexe (1968) und Katze von Kampen (1973) und untersucht die Art und Weise, in der Gert ihre Lebensgeschichte immer wieder aufgreift und neu bearbeitet. Während jeder Text das Material der vorigen wiederverwendet, gestaltet Gert das Erzählte jeweils neu und stellt sich entsprechend auf das jeweilige Publikum und den wechselnden historischen Kontext ein. Durch ihren regelrechten Drang, ihre Geschichte immer wieder zu erzählen, gelingt es Gert letztendlich, sich in die Geschichte des modernen Tanzes, des Kabaretts, des Theaters und des Films in Deutschland einzuschreiben und die ‘geistige Wiedergutmachung’, die sie einst gefordert hatte, durch ihre eigenen Schriften zu verwirklichen.