bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dapagliflozin treatment for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Mei , Zhang Lin , Wu Bin , Song Haolan , An Zhenmei , Li Shuangqing
Published: October 2013

Context

Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions and places a heavy burden on society. Dapagliflozin is a novel treatment choice for type 2 diabetes.

Objective

A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin treatment.

Data Sources

Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID) and the Cochrane Library (up to August 2012) were searched, and RCTs were collected.

Study Selection

Studies included type 2 diabetic subjects, who had been treated with dapagliflozin, and recorded HbA1c as outcomes.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently assessed articles and study quality. Patient characteristics, interventions and outcomes were collected.

Data Synthesis

Ten RCTs were included. Risk of bias for outcomes was low. Fixed or random effects models were used to pool the results. Dapagliflozin treatment was associated with a reduction in HbA1c [weighted mean difference (WMD): –0.53%; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.58% to −0.47%; p < 0.00001], fasting plasma glucose (WMD: −1.06 mmol/L; 95% CI: −1.20, −0.92; p < 0.00001), and body weight (WMD: −1.63 kg; 95% CI: −1.83, −1.43; p < 0.00001). Dapagliflozin monotherapy did not lead to hypoglycaemia [relative risk (RR): 1.44; 95% CI: 0. 86, 2.41; p = 0.17], although hypoglycaemic risk increased (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.29; p = 0.005) when dapagliflozin was combined with other hypoglycaemic drugs. Dapagliflozin increased urinary glucose excretion (WMD: 26.98; 95% CI: 21.72, 32.24; p < 0.00001) and was associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.60; p = 0.004) and genital tract infections (RR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.50, 4.18; p = 0.00001).

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin appears to be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, although it may increase the risk of urinary tract infections and genital tract infections. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Islet transplantation in type 1 diabetes: hype, hope and reality – a clinician's perspective
Authors: Zinger Adar , Leibowitz Gil
Published: October 2013

The β‐cell replacement by islet transplantation is an attractive approach for normalizing blood glucose without hypoglycaemia in patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). A pioneer study by the Edmonton group more than a decade ago showed that alloislet transplantation may result in insulin independence for at least 1 year after transplantation. This breakthrough excited researchers, physicians and patients, who felt that the ultimate goal of cure for T1D was at hand. Longer follow‐up of patients who underwent islet transplantation showed less favourable results, with only approximately 10% of the patients remaining insulin‐free 5 years after transplantation. In the last few years, progress has been made, and the success rate of islet transplantation has steadily increased. Important hurdles, however, related to limited tissue supply and need for life‐long immunosuppressive drugs have yet to be overcome. Herein, we review recent achievements in islet transplantation and the challenges that still need to be addressed before this procedure can become a standard therapy for T1D. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The older patient with diabetes: a practical approach
Authors: Yehuda Arie Ben , Zinger Adar , Durso Samuel
Published: October 2013

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is very prevalent among persons aged 60–80 years old. This population is expected to increase in number and is characterized by the presence of comorbidities, long standing diabetes, frailty, high rate of cognitive impairment and limited life expectancy. These characteristics have a significant impact on diabetes and treatment among the elderly, much as diabetes predisposes to these conditions. In this article we will describe mechanisms that may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes among the elderly and also how these conditions contribute to the development of frailty and cognitive impairment. Hypoglycemia and it's consequences are important considerations when planning the treatment of diabetes. Treatment options in light of new goals and the danger of hypoglycemia will be detailed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steroid‐induced diabetes: a clinical and molecular approach to understanding and treatment
Authors: Hwang Jessica L. , Weiss Roy E.
Published: October 2013

Since the advent of glucocorticoid therapy for autoimmune disease in the 1940s, their widespread application has led to the concurrent therapy‐limiting discovery of many adverse metabolic side effects. Unanticipated hyperglycemia associated with the initiation of glucocorticoids often leads to preventable hospital admissions, prolonged hospital stays, increased risks for infection and reduced graft function in solid organ transplant recipients. Challenges in managing steroid‐induced diabetes stem from wide fluctuations in post‐prandial hyperglycemia and the lack of clearly defined treatment protocols. The mainstay of treatment is insulin therapy coincident with meals.

This article aims to review the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment principles unique to steroid‐induced diabetes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of cell type‐specific transcriptome to identify genes specifically involved in Müller glia differentiation during retinal development
Authors: Mochizuki Yujin , Iida Atsumi , Lyons Eli , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Murakami Akira , Watanabe Sumiko
Published: October 2013

Retinal progenitor cells alter their properties over the course of development, and sequentially produce different sub‐populations of retinal cells. We had previously found that early and late retinal progenitor cell populations can be distinguished by their surface antigens, SSEA‐1 and c‐kit, respectively. Using DNA microarray analysis, we examined the transcriptomes of SSEA‐1 positive cells at E14, and c‐kit positive, and c‐kit negative cells at P1. By comparing data, we identified genes specifically expressed in c‐kit positive late retinal progenitor cells. The previous literature suggests that most of the c‐kit positive cell‐specific genes are related to glia differentiation in brain or are expressed in Müller glia. Since Notch signaling promotes Müller glia differentiation in retina, we examined the effects of gain‐ and loss‐of‐Notch signaling on expression of these genes and found that all the genes were positively affected by Notch signaling. Finally, we screened the genes for their function in retinal development by shRNA‐based suppression in retinal explants. In about half the genes, Müller glia differentiation was perturbed when their expression was suppressed. Taken together, these results show that at P1, c‐kit positive retinal progenitor cells, which include Müller glia precursor cells, are enriched for genes related to glial differentiation. We propose analysis of purified subsets of retinal cells as a powerful tool to elucidate the molecular basis of retinal development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 426–437, 2014
The role of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in proliferation and regeneration of the developing basilar papilla and lateral line
Authors: Jacques Bonnie E. , Montgomery William H. , Uribe Phillip M. , Yatteau Andrew , Asuncion James D. , Resendiz Genesis , Matsui Jonathan I. , Dabdoub Alain
Published: October 2013

Canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling has been implicated in multiple developmental events including the regulation of proliferation, cell fate, and differentiation. In the inner ear, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is required from the earliest stages of otic placode specification through the formation of the mature cochlea. Within the avian inner ear, the basilar papilla (BP), many Wnt pathway components are expressed throughout development. Here, using reporter constructs for Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, we show that this pathway is active throughout the BP (E6‐E14) in both hair cells (HCs) and supporting cells. To characterize the role of Wnt/β‐catenin activity in developing HCs, we performed gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments in vitro and in vivo in the chick BP and zebrafish lateral line systems, respectively. Pharmacological inhibition of Wnt signaling in the BP and lateral line neuromasts during the periods of proliferation and HC differentiation resulted in reduced proliferation and decreased HC formation. Conversely, pharmacological activation of this pathway significantly increased the number of HCs in the lateral line and BP. Results demonstrated that this increase was the result of up‐regulated cell proliferation within the Sox2‐positive cells of the prosensory domains. Furthermore, Wnt/β‐catenin activation resulted in enhanced HC regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line following aminoglycoside‐induced HC loss. Combined, our data suggest that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling specifies the number of cells within the prosensory domain and subsequently the number of HCs. This ability to induce proliferation suggests that the modulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling could play an important role in therapeutic HC regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 438–456, 2014
Altered expression of atypical PKC and Ryk in the spinal cord of a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Tury Anna , Tolentino Kristine , Zou Yimin
Published: October 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive paralysis due to the selective death of motor neurons of unknown causes. Increasing evidence indicates that Wnt signaling is altered in ALS. In this study, we focused on two non‐canonical Wnt signaling components, atypical PKC (aPKC) and a Wnt receptor, Ryk, in a mouse model of ALS, SOD1 (G93A). aPKC mediates Wnt signaling to regulate growth cone guidance, axon differentiation and cell survival. Ryk is a Wnt repulsive receptor that regulates axon guidance and inhibits regeneration after spinal cord injury. aPKC expression was increased in motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord in SOD1 (G93A) mice at both early and late stages. Interestingly, aPKC was co‐localized with SOD1 in motor neuron cell bodies and extracellular aggregates, and aPKC‐containing extracellular aggregates increased with disease progression. Biochemical fractionation showed that aPKC protein level was increased in the detergent‐insoluble protein fraction in SOD1 (G93A) mice at late stage but decreased in the detergent‐soluble fraction at symptomatic stage. These results suggest that aPKC may be sequestered in SOD1 aggregates, impairing its ability to protect motor neurons from death. Ryk expression was also increased in the motor neurons and the white matter in the ventral lumbar spinal cord of mutant SOD1 mice with a peak at early stage. These observations indicate that Wnt/aPKC and Wnt/Ryk signaling are altered in SOD1 (G93A) mice, suggesting that changed Wnt signaling may contribute to neurodegeneration in ALS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 839–850, 2014
Development and validation of a fast and simple multi‐analyte procedure for quantification of 40 drugs relevant to emergency toxicology using GC‐MS and one‐point calibration
Authors: Meyer Golo M. J. , Weber Armin A. , Maurer Hans H.
Published: October 2013

Diagnosis and prognosis of poisonings should be confirmed by comprehensive screening and reliable quantification of xenobiotics, for example by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) or liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). The turnaround time should be short enough to have an impact on clinical decisions. In emergency toxicology, quantification using full‐scan acquisition is preferable because this allows screening and quantification of expected and unexpected drugs in one run. Therefore, a multi‐analyte full‐scan GC‐MS approach was developed and validated with liquid‐liquid extraction and one‐point calibration for quantification of 40 drugs relevant to emergency toxicology. Validation showed that 36 drugs could be determined quickly, accurately, and reliably in the range of upper therapeutic to toxic concentrations. Daily one‐point calibration with calibrators stored for up to four weeks reduced workload and turn‐around time to less than 1 h. In summary, the multi‐analyte approach with simple liquid‐liquid extraction, GC‐MS identification, and quantification over fast one‐point calibration could successfully be applied to proficiency tests and real case samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hair analysis as a tool to evaluate the prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids in different populations of drug consumers
Authors: Salomone A. , Luciano C. , Di Corcia D. , Gerace E. , Vincenti M.
Published: October 2013

Among the new psychoactive products, herbal mixtures containing synthetic cannabimimetics are likely the most abused worldwide. In this study, a specific ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method for the detection of 23 synthetic cannabinoids in hair samples was developed in order to (1) expand the number of screened compounds, coherent with new substances emerging in the European territory, (2) evaluate their consumption on a large period of examination, and (3) evaluate the diffusion of cannabimimetics among different populations of drug consumers. The method employs digestion of hair sample with NaOH followed by extraction with n‐hexane/ethylacetate, and injection into the UHPLC‐MS/MS system. After validation, the method was applied to the analysis of 344 hair samples previously tested in our laboratory for the most common drugs. Overall, 15 samples were found positive for at least one synthetic cannabinoid. Coherent with previously published results, the present data show that young males, former or still active Cannabis consumers, represent the population most often involved in synthetic cannabimimetics consumption. Several cases of poly‐abuse were also determined. The drug most frequently detected was JWH‐073 (11 samples) generally at low concentration (mean 7.69 ± 14.4 pg/mg, median 1.9 pg/mg, range 1.6–50.5 pg/mg), followed by JWH‐122 (8 samples, mean concentration: 544 ± 968 pg/mg, median 28.4 pg/mg, range 7.4–2800 pg/mg). Other detected drugs included JWH‐250, JWH‐081, JWH‐018, JWH‐210, JWH‐019, and AM‐1220. For several positive samples, the synthetic cannabinoid concentration was lower than 50 pg/mg, underlining the need for established cut‐off values for discrimination between chronic consumption and occasional use (or external contamination). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The receptor‐like kinases GSO1 and GSO2 together regulate root growth in arabidopsis through control of cell division and cell fate specification
Authors: Racolta Adriana , Bryan Anthony C. , Tax Frans E.
Published: October 2013

Background: The root apical meristem of Arabidopsis is established post‐embryonically as the main source of root cells, and its activity is maintained by complex bidirectional signaling between stem cells and mature cells. The receptor‐like kinases GASSHO1 (GSO1) and GSO2 have been shown to regulate aerial epidermal function and seedling growth in Arabidopsis. Results: Here we show that gso1; gso2 seedlings also have root growth and patterning defects. Analyses of mutant root morphology indicate abnormal numbers of cells in longitudinal files and radial cell layers, as well as aberrant stem cell division planes. gso1; gso2 double mutants misexpress markers for stem cells and differentiated root cell types. In addition, gso1; gso2 root growth defects, but not marker missexpression or patterning phenotypes, are rescued by growth on media containing metabolizable sugars. Conclusions: We conclude that GSO1 and GSO2 function together in intercellular signaling to positively regulate cell proliferation, differentiation of root cell types, and stem cell identity. In addition, GSO1 and GSO2 control seedling root growth by modulating sucrose response after germination. Developmental Dynamics 243:257–278, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of the de novo DNA methyltransferases (dnmt3 – dnmt8) during zebrafish lens development
Authors: Seritrakul Pawat , Gross Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2013

Background: De novo DNA methylation is thought to be critical for cellular reprogramming during tissue differentiation and development. Little is known about the roles of de novo DNA methylation during eye development, and particularly during lens development. The lens is composed of lens epithelial (LE) and lens fiber (LF) cells, with proliferative LE cells giving rise to differentiated LFs at the “transition zone.” Given the unique architecture and developmental program of the lens, and the involvement of de novo DNA methylation during differentiation events in other tissues, we sought to identify de novo DNA methyltransferases expressed in the zebrafish lens. Results: Zebrafish possess six de novo DNA methyltransferase genes, dnmt3 – dnmt8. At 24 hr postfertilization (hpf), all six are expressed ubiquitously throughout the eye. By 72 hpf, dnmt3 and dnmt5 become restricted to cells of the retinal ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), dnmt4 and dnmt7 to cells of the CMZ and LE, and dnmt6 and dnmt8 to ganglion cells and cells of the inner nuclear layer of the retina. Conclusions: These data identify regions of the eye where de novo methyltransferases could mediate DNA methylation events during development. Overlapping expression domains also suggest functional redundancy within this gene family in the eye. Developmental Dynamics 243:350–356, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Irx4 identifies a chamber‐specific cell population that contributes to ventricular myocardium development
Authors: Nelson Daryl O. , Jin Dexter X. , Downs Karen M. , Kamp Timothy J. , Lyons Gary E.
Published: October 2013

Background: The ventricular myocardium is the most prominent layer of the heart, and the most important for mediating cardiac physiology. Although the ventricular myocardium is critical for heart function, the cellular hierarchy responsible for ventricle‐specific myocardium development remains unresolved. Results: To determine the pattern and time course of ventricular myocardium development, we investigated IRX4 protein expression, which has not been previously reported. We identified IRX4+ cells in the cardiac crescent, and these cells were positive for markers of the first or second heart fields. From the onset of chamber formation, IRX4+ cells were restricted to the ventricular myocardium. This expression pattern persisted into adulthood. Of interest, we observed that IRX4 exhibits developmentally regulated dynamic intracellular localization. Throughout prenatal cardiogenesis, and up to postnatal day 4, IRX4 was detected in the cytoplasm of ventricular myocytes. However, between postnatal days 5–6, IRX4 translocated to the nucleus of ventricular myocytes. Conclusions: Given the ventricle‐specific expression of Irx4 in later stages of heart development, we hypothesize that IRX4+ cells in the cardiac crescent represent the earliest cell population in the cellular hierarchy underlying ventricular myocardium development. Developmental Dynamics 243:381–392, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Uchl1‐Histone2BmCherry:GFP‐gpi BAC transgene for imaging neuronal progenitors
Authors: Wiese Carrie B. , Fleming Nicole , Buehler Dennis P. , Southard‐Smith E. Michelle
Published: October 2013

Summary: Uchl1 encodes the protein gene product 9.5 antigen (PGP9.5) that is a widely used to identify migrating neural progenitors in the PNS, mature neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as neuroendocrine cells. To facilitate analysis of developing peripheral neurons, we linked regulatory regions of Uchl1 carried within a 160kb bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) to the dual fluorescent reporter H2BmCherry:GFP‐gpi. The Uchl1‐H2BmCherry:GFP‐gpi transgene exhibits robust expression and allows clear discrimination of individual cells and cellular processes in cranial ganglia, sympathetic chain, the enteric nervous system (ENS), and autonomic ganglia of the urogenital system. The transgene also labels subsets of cells in endocrine tissues where earlier in situ hybridization (ISH) studies have previously identified expression of this deubiquinating enzyme. The Uchl1‐H2BmCherry:GFP‐gpi transgene will be a powerful tool for static and live imaging, as well as isolation of viable neural progenitors to investigate processes of autonomic neurogenesis. genesis 51:852–861. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biallelic genome modification in F0Xenopus tropicalis embryos using the CRISPR/Cas system
Authors: Blitz Ira L. , Biesinger Jacob , Xie Xiaohui , Cho Ken W.Y.
Published: October 2013

Gene inactivation is an important tool for correlation of phenotypic and genomic data, allowing researchers to infer normal gene function based on the phenotype when the gene is impaired. New and better approaches are needed to overcome the shortfalls of existing methods for any significant acceleration of scientific progress. We have adapted the CRISPR/Cas system for use in Xenopus tropicalis and report on the efficient creation of mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for oculocutaneous albinism. Biallelic mutation of this gene was detected in the F0 generation, suggesting targeting efficiencies similar to that of TALENs. We also find that off‐target mutagenesis seems to be negligible, and therefore, CRISPR/Cas may be a useful system for creating genome modifications in this important model organism. genesis 51:827–834. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple and efficient CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated targeted mutagenesis in Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Nakayama Takuya , Fish Margaret B. , Fisher Marilyn , Oomen‐Hajagos Jamina , Thomsen Gerald H. , Grainger Robert M.
Published: October 2013

We have assessed the efficacy of the recently developed CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated) system for genome modification in the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis. As a model experiment, targeted mutations of the tyrosinase gene were verified, showing the expected albinism phenotype in injected embryos. We further tested this technology by interrupting the six3 gene, which is required for proper eye and brain formation. Expected eye and brain phenotypes were observed when inducing mutations in the six3 coding regions, as well as when deleting the gene promoter by dual targeting. We describe here a standardized protocol for genome editing using this system. This simple and fast method to edit the genome provides a powerful new reverse genetics tool for Xenopus researchers. genesis 51:835–843. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are improvements in shame and self‐compassion early in eating disorders treatment associated with better patient outcomes?
Authors: Kelly Allison C. , Carter Jacqueline C. , Borairi Sahar
Published: October 2013

Compassion‐focused therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2005, 2009) is a transdiagnostic treatment approach focused on building self‐compassion and reducing shame. It is based on the theory that feelings of shame contribute to the maintenance of psychopathology, whereas self‐compassion contributes to the alleviation of shame and psychopathology. We sought to test this theory in a transdiagnostic sample of eating disorder patients by examining whether larger improvements in shame and self‐compassion early in treatment would facilitate faster eating disorder symptom remission over 12 weeks. Participants were 97 patients with an eating disorder admitted to specialized day hospital or inpatient treatment. They completed the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire, Experiences of Shame Scale, and Self‐Compassion Scale at intake, and again after weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12. Multilevel modeling revealed that patients who experienced greater decreases in their level of shame in the first 4 weeks of treatment had faster decreases in their eating disorder symptoms over 12 weeks of treatment. In addition, patients who had greater increases in their level of self‐compassion early in treatment had faster decreases in their feelings of shame over 12 weeks, even when controlling for their early change in eating disorder symptoms. These results suggest that CFT theory may help to explain the maintenance of eating disorders. Clinically, findings suggest that intervening with shame early in treatment, perhaps by building patients' self‐compassion, may promote better eating disorders treatment response. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:54–64)
Plant chemical defense allocation constrains evolution of tolerance to community change across a range boundary
Authors: Siemens David H. , Haugen Riston
Published: October 2013

Because transplant experiments show that performance usually decreases across species range boundaries, some range limits might develop from factors and processes that prevent adaptation to stressful environments. Here, we determined whether an ecological cost of plant defense involving stress associated with changes in the local plant community may contribute to range limit development in the upland mustard species Boechera stricta. In a common garden experiment of 499 B. stricta plants, performance decreased and a multivariate axis of community structure increased across the boundary, indicating increased stress associated with the community change. There was also significant genetic variation (evolutionary potential) among marker‐inferred inbred lines of B. stricta for tolerance to the stress; however, lines with high basal levels of glucosinolate toxins had lower tolerance to the change in community structure. We suggest that defense allocation, which is also needed across the range, may impede adaptation to the stress associated with the community change and thus contribute to range limit development.
Forest insects and climate change: long‐term trends in herbivore damage
Authors: Klapwijk Maartje J. , Csóka György , Hirka Anikó , Björkman Christer
Published: October 2013

Long‐term data sets, covering several decades, could help to reveal the effects of observed climate change on herbivore damage to plants. However, sufficiently long time series in ecology are scarce. The research presented here analyzes a long‐term data set collected by the Hungarian Forest Research Institute over the period 1961–2009. The number of hectares with visible defoliation was estimated and documented for several forest insect pest species. This resulted in a unique time series that provides us with the opportunity to compare insect damage trends with trends in weather patterns. Data were analyzed for six lepidopteran species: Thaumetopoea processionea, Tortrix viridana, Rhyacionia buoliana, Malacosoma neustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, and Lymantria dispar. All these species exhibit outbreak dynamics in Hungary. Five of these species prefer deciduous tree species as their host plants, whereas R. buoliana is a specialist on Pinus spp. The data were analyzed using general linear models and generalized least squares regression in relation to mean monthly temperature and precipitation. Temperature increased considerably, especially over the last 25 years (+1.6°C), whereas precipitation exhibited no trend over the period. No change in weather variability over time was observed. There was increased damage caused by two species on deciduous trees. The area of damage attributed to R. buoliana decreased over the study period. There was no evidence of increased variability in damage. We conclude that species exhibiting a trend toward outbreak‐level damage over a greater geographical area may be positively affected by changes in weather conditions coinciding with important life stages. Strong associations between the geographical extent of severe damage and monthly temperature and precipitation are difficult to confirm, studying the life‐history traits of species could help to increase understanding of responses to climate change.
Functional similarity and molecular divergence of a novel reproductive transcriptome in two male‐pregnant Syngnathus pipefish species
Authors: Small Clayton M. , Harlin‐Cognato April D. , Jones Adam G.
Published: October 2013

Evolutionary studies have revealed that reproductive proteins in animals and plants often evolve more rapidly than the genome‐wide average. The causes of this pattern, which may include relaxed purifying selection, sexual selection, sexual conflict, pathogen resistance, reinforcement, or gene duplication, remain elusive. Investigative expansions to additional taxa and reproductive tissues have the potential to shed new light on this unresolved problem. Here, we embark on such an expansion, in a comparison of the brood‐pouch transcriptome between two male‐pregnant species of the pipefish genus Syngnathus. Male brooding tissues in syngnathid fishes represent a novel, nonurogenital reproductive trait, heretofore mostly uncharacterized from a molecular perspective. We leveraged next‐generation sequencing (Roche 454 pyrosequencing) to compare transcript abundance in the male brooding tissues of pregnant with nonpregnant samples from Gulf (S. scovelli) and dusky (S. floridae) pipefish. A core set of protein‐coding genes, including multiple members of astacin metalloprotease and c‐type lectin gene families, is consistent between species in both the direction and magnitude of expression bias. As predicted, coding DNA sequence analysis of these putative “male pregnancy proteins” suggests rapid evolution relative to nondifferentially expressed genes and reflects signatures of adaptation similar in magnitude to those reported from Drosophila male accessory gland proteins. Although the precise drivers of male pregnancy protein divergence remain unknown, we argue that the male pregnancy transcriptome in syngnathid fishes, a clade diverse with respect to brooding morphology and mating system, represents a unique and promising object of study for understanding the perplexing evolutionary nature of reproductive molecules.
Coalescent analyses show isolation without migration in two closely related tropical orioles: the case of Icterus graduacauda and Icterus chrysater
Authors: Cortés‐Rodríguez Nandadevi , Jacobsen Frode , Hernandez‐Baños Blanca E. , Navarro‐Siguenza Adolfo G. , Peters Jeffrey L. , Omland Kevin E.
Published: October 2013

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec has played an important role in shaping the avian diversity of Mexico, as well as the rest of the Western Hemisphere. It has been both a barrier and a land connector between North and South America for many groups of birds. Furthermore, climatic change over the Pleistocene has resulted in ecological fluctuations that led to periods of connection and isolation of the highlands in this area. Here we studied the divergence of two species of orioles whose distribution in the highlands is separated by the lowlands of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec: Icterus graduacauda (west of the Isthmus) and Icterus chrysater (east of the Isthmus). We sequenced multiple loci (one mitochondrial gene and six nuclear introns) and performed coalescent analyses (Isolation with Migration) to test whether their divergence resulted from prior occupancy of the ancestral area followed by a vicariant event or recent dispersal from one side or the other of this Isthmus. Results strongly indicate a vicariant event roughly 300,000 years ago in the Pleistocene followed by little or no gene flow. Both mitochondrial and nuclear genes show that the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a strong barrier to gene flow. Thus, these two species appear to not exchange genes despite their recent divergence and the close geographic proximity of their ranges.
Modelling shifts in agroclimate and crop cultivar response under climate change
Authors: Rötter Reimund P. , Höhn Jukka , Trnka Mirek , Fronzek Stefan , Carter Timothy R. , Kahiluoto Helena
Published: October 2013

This paper aims: (i) to identify at national scale areas where crop yield formation is currently most prone to climate‐induced stresses, (ii) to evaluate how the severity of these stresses is likely to develop in time and space, and (iii) to appraise and quantify the performance of two strategies for adapting crop cultivation to a wide range of (uncertain) climate change projections. To this end we made use of extensive climate, crop, and soil data, and of two modelling tools: N‐AgriCLIM and the WOFOST crop simulation model. N‐AgriCLIM was developed for the automatic generation of indicators describing basic agroclimatic conditions and was applied over the whole of Finland. WOFOST was used to simulate detailed crop responses at four representative locations. N‐AgriCLIM calculations have been performed nationally for 3829 grid boxes at a 10 × 10 km resolution and for 32 climate scenarios. Ranges of projected shifts in indicator values for heat, drought and other crop‐relevant stresses across the scenarios vary widely – so do the spatial patterns of change. Overall, under reference climate the most risk‐prone areas for spring cereals are found in south‐west Finland, shifting to south‐east Finland towards the end of this century. Conditions for grass are likely to improve. WOFOST simulation results suggest that CO2 fertilization and adjusted sowing combined can lead to small yield increases of current barley cultivars under most climate scenarios on favourable soils, but not under extreme climate scenarios and poor soils. This information can be valuable for appraising alternative adaptation strategies. It facilitates the identification of regions in which climatic changes might be rapid or otherwise notable for crop production, requiring a more detailed evaluation of adaptation measures. The results also suggest that utilizing the diversity of cultivar responses seems beneficial given the high uncertainty in climate change projections.
Degrading habitats and the effect of topographic complexity on risk assessment
Authors: McCormick Mark I. , Lönnstedt Oona M.
Published: October 2013

Topographic complexity is a key component of habitats that influences communities by modulating the interactions among individuals that drive population processes such as recruitment, competition, and predation. A broad range of disturbance agents affect biological communities indirectly through their modifications to habitat complexity. Individuals that best judge the threat of predation within their environment and can trade‐off vigilance against behaviors that promote growth will be rewarded with the highest fitness. This study experimentally examined whether topographic habitat complexity affected the way a damselfish assessed predation risk using olfactory, visual, or combined cues. Fish had higher feeding rates in the low complexity environment. In a low complexity environment, damage‐released olfactory cues and visual cues of predators complemented each other in the prey's assessment of risk. However, where complexity was high and visual cues obscured, prey had lower feeding rates and relied more heavily on olfactory cues for risk assessment. Overall, fish appear to be more conservative in the high complexity treatment. Low complexity promoted extremes of behavior, with higher foraging activity but a greater response to predation threats compared with the high complexity treatment. The degree of flexibility that individuals and species have in their ability to adjust the balance of senses used in risk assessment will determine the extent to which organisms will tolerate modifications to their habitat through disturbance.
Molecular identification of the prey range of the invasiveAsian paper wasp
Authors: Ward Darren F. , Ramón‐Laca Ana
Published: October 2013

The prey range of the invasiveAsian paper wasp,Polistes chinensis antennalis, was studied using molecular diagnostics. Nests of paper wasps were collected from urban residential and salt marsh habitats, larvae were removed and dissected, andDNAin the gut of the paper wasp larvae was amplified and sequenced with cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Seventy percent of samples (211/299) yielded medium‐to high‐quality sequences, and prey identification was achieved usingBLASTsearches inBOLD. A total of 42 taxa were identified from 211 samples. Lepidoptera were the majority of prey, with 39 taxa from 91% of samples. Diptera was a relatively small component of prey (three taxa, 19 samples). Conclusive species‐level identification of prey was possible for 67% of samples, and genus‐level identification, for another 12% of samples. The composition of prey taken was different between the two habitats, with 2.5× more native prey species being taken in salt marsh compared with urban habitats. The results greatly extend the prey range of this invasive species. The technique is a more effective and efficient approach than relying on the collection of “prey balls”, or morphological identification of prey, for the study of paper wasps.
Nucleotide diversity of vernalization and flowering‐time‐related genes in a germplasm collection of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds. syn. Lolium pratense (Huds.) Darbysh.)
Authors: Shinozuka Hiroshi , Hand Melanie L. , Cogan Noel O. I. , Spangenberg German C. , Forster John W.
Published: October 2013

In plant species, control of flowering time is an important factor for adaptation to local natural environments. The Vrn1, CO, FT1 and CK2α genes are key components in the flowering‐specific signaling pathway of grass species. Meadow fescue is an agronomically important forage grass species, which is naturally distributed across Europe and Western Asia. In this study, meadow fescue flowering‐time‐related genes were resequenced to assess nucleotide diversity in European and Western Asian subpopulations. Identified sequence polymorphisms were then converted into PCR‐based molecular genetic markers, and a meadow fescue germplasm collection was genotyped to investigate global allelic variation. Lower nucleotide diversities were observed for the Vrn1 and CO orthologs, while relatively higher values were observed for the FT1 and casein kinase II α‐subunit (CK2α) orthologs. The nucleotide diversity for FT1 orthologs in the Western Asian subpopulation was significantly higher than those of the European subpopulation. Similarly, significant differences in nucleotide diversity for the remaining genes were observed between several combinations of subpopulation. The global allele distribution pattern was consistent with observed level of nucleotide diversity. These results suggested that the degree of purifying selection acting on the genes differs according to geographical location. As previously shown for model plant species, functional specificities of flowering‐time‐related genes may also vary according to environmental conditions.
Alterations to dam‐spill discharge influence sex‐specific activity, behaviour and passage success of migrating adult sockeye salmon
Authors: Burnett Nicholas J. , Hinch Scott G. , Donaldson Michael R. , Furey Nathan B. , Patterson David A. , Roscoe David W. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: October 2013

Delays in the freshwater spawning migrations of anadromous fishes at upstream barriers are well documented, but underlying mechanisms causing slowed migrations are seldom known. Using acoustic accelerometer transmitters and generalized linear models, we investigated how alterations in flow at a diversion dam in British Columbia, Canada, affected the activity, behaviour and passage success of a Fraser River sockeye salmon population (Oncorhynchus nerka). Spilling excess water through the radial gate of the dam decreased the attraction efficiency of a vertical‐slot fishway by 90% and increased delay below the dam by 2 h, which had adverse effects on passage. Relative to males, female sockeye salmon had significantly lower passage success (73% vs 94%), attraction efficiency (79% vs 100%) and passage efficiency (89% vs 94%) at a fishway, delayed longer in the dam tailrace (mean ± standard error (SE): 20·8 ± 4·1 h vs 14·6 ± 3·2 h), and resorted to anaerobic swimming efforts for a greater percentage of time (0–61·3% vs 0·7–2·7%). Given that the persistence of Pacific salmon populations relies on the spawning success of females, understanding how males and females vary in their response to modified flow regimes will improve the management of complex fish‐passage problems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembly of Coordination Polymers from Volatile PdII and PbII β‐Diketonate Derivatives through Metallophilic Interactions
Authors: Krisyuk Vladislav V. , Baidina Iraida A. , Basova Tamara V. , Bulusheva Lyubov G. , Igumenov Igor K.
Published: October 2013

New dimetallic coordination polymers based on neutral metal β‐diketonate derivatives can be obtained by simple cocrystallization from organic solvents. X‐ray crystallography studies have been performed for the dimetallic complexes [trans‐Pd(ki)2]*[Pb(hfa)2] (1; ki = 2‐iminopentan‐4‐onate, hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoropentane‐2,4‐dionate), [cis‐Pd(ki)2]*[Pb(hfa)2] (2), and [trans‐Pd(tmha)2]*[Pb(hfa)2]2 (3; tmha = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3‐iminoheptan‐5‐onate). The crystals of 1 and 3 are composed of chains of coordination polymers containing alternating molecules of the metal complexes. The crystals of 2 are composed of tetrametallic species. Directed noncovalent metal–metal interactions along with the bridging ligand atoms bind the coordination polymers of these heterometallic coordination compounds. Structural evidence is reported for the formation of PdII···PbII metallophilic interactions in a series of similar compounds. A comparison of the calculated and experimental IR spectra allowed determination of the absorption bands in the region 100–600 cm–1 that correspond to the cooperative vibrations of the metal atoms that result from such interactions. The steric and electronic factors of the chelate ligands can be used to design the architecture of these new coordination polymers.
Heteropolyacid‐Based Materials as Heterogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Marcì Giuseppe , García‐López Elisa I. , Palmisano Leonardo
Published: October 2013

Heteropolyacids (HPAs) that are often used as heteropolyanions are cheap and stable compounds that have been extensively used as acid and oxidation catalysts as a result of their strong Brønsted acidity and ability to undergo multielectron‐transfer reactions. HPAs, which are very soluble in water and polar solvents, have been also used as homogeneous photocatalysts for the oxidation of organic substrates in the presence of oxygen, but their use in heterogeneous systems is by far desirable. Dispersing HPAs onto solid supports with high surface area is useful to increase their specific surface area and hence (photo)catalytic activity. Moreover, owing to the high energy gap between the HOMO and LUMO positions of the HPAs, these compounds are activated only by UV light. Consequently, only less than 5 % of the solar light can be used in photocatalytic reactions, which restricts the practical application of HPAs. This microreview is oriented to describe the reported literature on the use of HPA‐based materials as heterogeneous photocatalysts for environmental purposes, that is, for the complete or partial oxidation or reduction of organic molecules.
(2‐Fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐2,2,2‐trinitroethylnitramine: A Possible High‐Energy Dense Oxidizer
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Rest Sebastian F. , Reynders Martin , Scharf Regina
Published: October 2013

The fluorine‐containing polynitro energetic molecule (2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethyl)‐2,2,2‐trinitroethylnitramine and the corresponding precursors were synthesized and investigated as potential high‐energy dense oxidizers. The compounds have been characterized by using various analytical methods, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The suitability of the compounds as potential oxidizers in energetic formulations has been investigated. In addition, the heats of formation of the products were calculated with the program package Gaussian 09. Several detonation parameters such as the detonation pressure, velocity, energy, and temperature were computed using the EXPLO5 code. Furthermore, the sensitivity towards impact, friction, and electrical discharge was determined using the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) drophammer, a friction tester, as well as a small‐scale electrical discharge device.
Investigation of Magnetic Exchange Pathways in Heterotrinuclear Manganese(III) Schiff Base Complexes Involving Tetrathiocyanidoplatinate(II) Bridges
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Šilha Tomáš , Herchel Radovan , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: October 2013

The first heterotrinuclear manganese(III) Schiff base complexes involving tetrathiocyanidoplatinum(II) bridges with the general formula [{MnIII(L4)(Solv)}2{μ‐PtII(SCN)4}] {for which L42– is a tetradentate dianionic Schiff base ligand; L412– = N,N′‐benzene‐bis(salicylideneiminate) dianion (1a), L422– = N,N′‐ethylene‐bis(salicylidenebenzeneiminate) dianion (1b), L432– = N,N′‐benzene‐bis(4‐aminodiethylenesalicylideneiminate) dianion (1c), and Solv = CH3OH (1a, 1b) or H2O (1c)} were synthesized and characterized. The two terminal [Mn(L4)(Solv)]+ subunits are covalently bridged by [Pt(SCN)4]2– moieties in a trans arrangement. The coordinated solvent (Solv) ligands form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the phenolate oxygen atoms of the neighboring molecules, which results in supramolecular 1D chain structures. Extensive networks of weak noncovalent interactions stabilize the crystal structures of all the compounds; moreover, hydrogen bonding within the chains was identified as a dominant exchange pathway. Magnetic analyses including the zero‐field splitting term revealed that the antiferromagnetic exchange interaction is stronger for compounds involving water molecules as ligands [1c, J = –1.31(6) cm–1] than for those containing methanol molecules [1a, J = –0.530(9) cm–1; 1b, J = –0.467(7) cm–1]. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/def2‐TZVP level supported the experimental findings that dominant antiferromagnetic exchange paths proceed through hydrogen bonds associated with the Solv ligands, whereas the [Pt(SCN)4]2– bridges prevent effective magnetic exchange.
An Efficient Approach to Azolyl‐Substituted Steroids through Copper‐Catalyzed Ullmann C–N Coupling
Authors: Kotovshchikov Yury N. , Latyshev Gennadij V. , Lukashev Nikolay V. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: October 2013

Ullmann‐type C–N coupling of vinyliodides and nitrogen heterocycles has been shown to be a straightforward and highly efficient approach to azolyl‐substituted steroids. The amination reaction proved sensitive to steric effects exerted by the substituents in both iodide and heterocycle. The influence of reaction conditions (catalyst, base, solvent, and temperature) on conversion of the iodosteroid and the selectivity was investigated. The catalytic system comprising 10 mol‐% CuI and 20 mol‐% dipivaloylmethane with K2CO3 in dimethyl sulfoxide at 100 °C delivered the best result. The elaborated protocol has permitted iodosteroids with various substituted indoles, imidazoles, carbazole, indazole, and sec‐amides to be coupled, affording the corresponding azolyl‐substituted steroids in good to excellent yields.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Betaine Interconversions: Tautomeric Equilibria of Imidazolium‐Indolates and Indole‐Substituted Imidazol‐2‐ylidenes
Authors: Pidlypnyi Nazar , Uhrner Fabian , Nieger Martin , Drafz Martin H. H. , Hübner Eike G. , Namyslo Jan C. , Schmidt Andreas
Published: October 2013

Indol‐2‐yl‐hetarenium salts of imidazole, benzimidazole, imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine, imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine, (pyridin‐2‐yl)imidazole, and 2,5‐bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)pyridine were prepared. On deprotonation, hetarenium‐indolates were formed that belong to the subclass of ylides of heterocyclic mesomeric betaines. The stabilities of these ylides depend on the substitution pattern. The ylides are in tautomeric equilibrium with the N‐heterocyclic carbenes (indol‐2‐yl)imidazol‐2‐ylidenes, which were trapped as thiones on reaction with sulfur. The N‐heterocyclic carbene derived from imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine could also be trapped as its zwitterionic borane adduct by reaction with triethylborane. Results of two single‐crystal X‐ray analyses and DFT calculations are presented.