bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting when climate‐driven phenotypic change affects population dynamics
Authors: McLean Nina , Lawson Callum R. , Leech Dave I. , van de Pol Martijn
Published: April 2016

Species' responses to climate change are variable and diverse, yet our understanding of how different responses (e.g. physiological, behavioural, demographic) relate and how they affect the parameters most relevant for conservation (e.g. population persistence) is lacking. Despite this, studies that observe changes in one type of response typically assume that effects on population dynamics will occur, perhaps fallaciously. We use a hierarchical framework to explain and test when impacts of climate on traits (e.g. phenology) affect demographic rates (e.g. reproduction) and in turn population dynamics. Using this conceptual framework, we distinguish four mechanisms that can prevent lower‐level responses from impacting population dynamics. Testable hypotheses were identified from the literature that suggest life‐history and ecological characteristics which could predict when these mechanisms are likely to be important. A quantitative example on birds illustrates how, even with limited data and without fully‐parameterized population models, new insights can be gained; differences among species in the impacts of climate‐driven phenological changes on population growth were not explained by the number of broods or density dependence. Our approach helps to predict the types of species in which climate sensitivities of phenotypic traits have strong demographic and population consequences, which is crucial for conservation prioritization of data‐deficient species.
Plasma uric acid concentrations and risk of ischaemic stroke in women
Authors: Jiménez M. C. , Curhan G. C. , Choi H. K. , Forman J. P. , Rexrode K. M.
Published: April 2016

Background and purpose

Elevated plasma uric acid has been inconsistently associated with an increased risk of total stroke; however, data are sparse amongst women. The association between plasma uric acid concentrations and ischaemic stroke amongst women was examined and the effect modification by key cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated.

Methods

A nested case−control design with matching by age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, menopausal status, postmenopausal hormone therapy use, date of blood draw and fasting status was utilized amongst female participants of the Nurses' Health Study who provided blood samples between 1989 and 1990. Plasma uric acid was measured on stored blood samples. The National Survey of Stroke criteria were utilized to confirm 460 incident cases of ischaemic stroke by medical records from 1990 to 2006. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were estimated.

Results

In matched analysis, risk of ischaemic stroke increased by 15% for each 1 mg/dl increase in plasma uric acid [95% confidence interval (CI) 3%–28%], but was no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, particularly history of hypertension. The highest quartile of uric acid was significantly associated with greater risk of ischaemic stroke (relative risk 1.56; 95% CI 1.06–2.29, extreme quartiles) in matched analysis, but estimates were no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (relative risk 1.43; 95% CI 0.93–2.18). Significant effect modification by key cardiovascular risk factors was not observed.

Conclusions

Plasma uric acid levels were not independently associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke in this cohort of women. Whilst plasma uric acid was associated with stroke risk factors, it was not independently associated with stroke risk.
Corrosion behavior of dental alloys used for retention elements in prosthodontics
Authors: Nierlich Judith , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Bourauel Christoph , Hültenschmidt Robert , Bayer Stefan , Stark Helmut , Keilig Ludger
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the corrosion behavior of 10 different high noble gold‐based dental alloys, used for prosthodontic retention elements, according to ISO 10271. Samples of 10 high‐noble and noble gold‐based dental alloys were subjected to: (i) static immersion tests with subsequent analysis of ion release for eight different elements using mass spectrometry; (ii) electrochemical tests, including open‐circuit potential and potentiodynamic scans; and (iii) scanning electron microscopy, followed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray microscopy. The results were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Sidak multiple‐comparisons post‐hoc test at a level of significance of α = 0.05. Significant differences were found among the 10 alloys studied for all ions (P < 0.001). The potentiodynamic analysis showed values from −82.5 to 102.8 mV for the open‐circuit potential and from 566.7 to 1367.5 mV for the breakdown potential. Both the open‐circuit and the breakdown potential varied considerably among these alloys. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the existence of typically small‐diameter corrosion defects, whilst the energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis found no significant alteration in the elemental composition of the alloys. The results of this study reveal the variability in the corrosive resistance among the materials used for retention elements in prosthodontics.
GABAergic networks jump‐start focal seizures
Authors: de Curtis Marco , Avoli Massimo
Published: April 2016

Abnormally enhanced glutamatergic excitation is commonly believed to mark the onset of a focal seizure. This notion, however, is not supported by firm evidence, and it will be challenged here. A general reduction of unit firing has been indeed observed in association with low‐voltage fast activity at the onset of seizures recorded during presurgical intracranial monitoring in patients with focal, drug‐resistant epilepsies. Moreover, focal seizures in animal models start with increased γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneuronal activity that silences principal cells. In vitro studies have shown that synchronous activation of GABAA receptors occurs at seizure onset and causes sizeable elevations in extracellular potassium, thus facilitating neuronal recruitment and seizure progression. A paradoxical involvement of GABAergic networks is required for the initiation of focal seizures characterized by low‐voltage fast activity, which represents the most common seizure‐onset pattern in focal epilepsies.
Emerging Frontiers in Social Neuroendocrinology and the Study of Nonapeptides
Authors: Ondrasek Naomi R.
Published: April 2016

Social neuroendocrinology, which elucidates the physiological mediators of social behavior, has undergone numerous advances since its inception more than 20 yrs ago. Among these was the discovery that the nonapeptides—a family of homologous peptides that includes oxytocin and vasopressin—play a significant role in mediating a variety of affiliative behaviors. However, important gaps remain in our understanding of how the non‐apeptide systems contribute to variations in behavior at several levels, including among species, between the sexes, and within different environmental contexts. This study acknowledges the work and foresight of the late James Goodson by examining emerging trends in social neuroendocrinology.
Bacteraemia before, during and after tooth extraction in horses in the absence of antimicrobial administration
Authors: Kern I. , Bartmann C. P. , Verspohl J. , Rohde J. , Bienert‐Zeit A.
Published: April 2016

Background

Transient bacteraemia can occur during tooth extraction in humans, and dogs and can lead to severe infectious sequelae. Several case reports describe distant site infections following equine tooth extraction, but the occurrence of bacteraemia during dental surgery has not been evaluated in the horse.

Objectives

To determine if transient bacteraemia occurs during tooth extraction in horses, describe isolated organisms and compare these with those found in the diseased teeth.

Study design

Prospective, observational study.

Methods

Blood was collected aseptically for blood culture before, during and after oral extraction of incisor, canine or cheek teeth from 20 adult horses undergoing dental extraction that had not received antimicrobial agents for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. Bacteria found in blood cultures were compared with those found in swab samples obtained from the extracted teeth.

Results

Eighteen of 20 horses had positive blood cultures at one or more time points. Streptococcus spp., Actinomyces spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Prevotella spp. were most commonly found. Bacterial genera isolated from swab samples of extracted teeth largely corresponded with those identified in blood cultures.

Main limitations

This study was limited by its use of only conventional bacterial culture, the lack of statistical analysis to explore associations between gingiva score and the occurrence of bacteraemia, and the lack of an age‐matched control group of horses not undergoing exodontia.

Conclusions

Transient bacteraemia of oral origin commonly occurs during dental extraction in horses. As none of the horses developed complications associated with bacteraemia during the observation period after surgery, the significance of this bacteraemia remains uncertain.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting Information.
Comparison of lipopolysaccharides and soluble CD14 measurement between clinically endotoxaemic and nonendotoxaemic horses
Authors: Fogle J. , Jacob M. , Blikslager A. , Edwards A. , Wagner B. , Dean K. , Fogle C.
Published: April 2016

Reasons for performing study

Clinically useful biomarkers are needed for early identification of endotoxaemic horses. Soluble CD14 (sCD14) is amplified early in response to inflammatory signals, including bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and may prove a useful biomarker for clinical endotoxaemia.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if sCD14 could serve as a more reliable biomarker of the clinical signs of endotoxaemia, compared to measuring LPS alone.

Study design

Prospective observational study in horses at a veterinary teaching hospital.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 20 healthy horses and 35 horses presenting for emergency evaluation. Horses were classified as clinically endotoxaemic, using previously established criteria, if they had a heart rate >70 beats/min, packed cell volume >45% and/or a lesion likely to result in endotoxaemia. Soluble CD14 was measured using a cytometric bead‐based assay and LPS was measured using a Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.

Results

Soluble CD14 was higher in horses classified as clinically endotoxaemic (median 1102 ng/ml, interquartile range 439 ng/ml), compared to clinically nonendotoxaemic (median 692 ng/ml, interquartile range 455 ng/ml, P = 0.03. There was no difference in LPS concentrations between clinically nonendotoxaemic (median 5.4 endotoxin units [EU]/ml, interquartile range 5 EU/ml) and endotoxaemic horses (median 7.2 EU/ml, interquartile range 17 EU/ml, P = 0.2). There was no correlation between sCD14 and LPS values in paired serum samples. LPS and sCD14 values were used to generate a receiver operating characteristic curve. The area under the curve for LPS and sCD14 was <0.7, suggesting that sCD14 and LPS were poor predictors of clinical endotoxaemia for the horses in this study.

Conclusions

Further investigation is warranted to assess the utility of sCD14 measurement as a clinically useful biomarker to identify endotoxaemia in horses.
Field fertility of liquid stored and cryopreserved flow cytometrically sex‐sorted stallion sperm
Authors: Gibb Z. , Grupen C. G. , Maxwell W. M. C. , Morris L. H. A.
Published: April 2016

Reasons for performing study

The fertility of sex‐sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm must be improved for the sex‐sorting technology to be applied commercially.

Objectives

To optimise the conditions used to liquid store stallion sperm prior to sex‐sorting and assess the fertility of sperm following sex‐sorting and cryopreservation.

Study design

Both in vitro experiment and randomised controlled trial in healthy, client‐owned mares.

Methods

Stallion ejaculates (n = 9) were diluted in either a skimmed milk (KMT) or BSA (I‐BSA) based media to 25 × 106 sperm/ml directly (+SP25) or washed to remove seminal plasma and diluted to 25 or 111 × 106 sperm/ml (‐SP25 and ‐SP111). Sperm were stored for 18 h at 10 to 15°C and ‐SP25 and +SP25 treatments were centrifuged and resuspended to 111 × 106 sperm/ml. Sperm were incubated under H33342 staining conditions and motility, viability and acrosome integrity assessed. Semen was collected from stallions (n = 4), liquid stored at 10–15°C for up to 5 h and sperm either cryopreserved directly, sex‐sorted and cryopreserved, or sex‐sorted and returned to liquid storage until insemination. Low‐dose hysteroscopic insemination was performed in 23 mares randomly allocated to the semen preparation group and pregnancy determined following embryo flushing on Day 9 after ovulation, or via transrectal ultrasonography on Day 14 after ovulation.

Results

Skimmed milk was superior to I‐BSA in maintaining motility, viability and acrosome integrity. Seminal plasma removal did not affect the parameters measured at the concentrations examined. Conception rates did not differ significantly between the groups, although a high incidence of pregnancy loss was observed in both the cryopreserved groups.

Conclusions

While the conception rates achieved are among the highest yet reported for sex‐sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm, the high incidence of pregnancy loss suggests that the development of the resulting embryos was significantly impaired by the sperm processing treatments.
Baicalein increases keratin 1 and 10 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes via TRPV4 receptor activation
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Feng , Ma Kuo‐Hsing , Liu Pei‐Shan , Chen Bo‐Wei , Chueh Sheau‐Huei
Published: April 2016

In this study, we characterized the effect of baicalein on the regulation of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, which are abnormal in atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Treatment of HaCaT keratinocytes with 10 μm baicalein slightly inhibited cell growth, caused morphological differentiation and increased expression of keratins 1 and 10 (K1/K10) without affecting ROS generation, cytochrome c release or apoptosis. Baicalein treatment caused growth arrest in G0/G1 phase and also induced Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 receptor activation. Phosphorylation of ERK, Akt and p38 MAPK, but not JNK, was increased by baicalein, and inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK, but not that of Akt or p38 MAPK, blocked the baicalein‐induced increase in K1/K10 expression, suggesting that ERK activation is involved in this increase. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blockade of Ca2+ influx by pharmacological inhibition or silencing of the TRPV4 receptor did not affect growth arrest, ROS generation or apoptosis, but inhibited baicalein‐induced ERK phosphorylation and K1/K10 expression. Thus, baicalein treatment increases differentiation, and decreases proliferation, of keratinocytes. The mechanism of differentiation of keratinocytes is distinct from that of proliferation, the former being Ca2+ dependent and the latter Ca2+ independent.
Does an Agency‐Type of Audit Model Fit a Stewardship Context? Evidence from Performance Auditing in Dutch Municipalities
Authors: Tillema Sandra , ter Bogt Henk J.
Published: April 2016

The degree of auditor independence is an important issue in the performance auditing literature. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of the context in which an audit body operates. This paper investigates how an audit model with a high degree of auditor independence, which is consistent with agency theory's rather formal view of relationships in organizations, functions in a context with more informal relationships, as implied by stewardship theory. Based on two case studies and a survey, the paper concludes that Dutch councilors are more satisfied with audit reports if in their municipality there is a fit between context and audit model.
A Longitudinal Study of Parental Depressive Symptoms and Coparenting in the First 18 Months
Authors: Tissot Hervé , Favez Nicolas , Ghisletta Paolo , Frascarolo France , Despland Jean‐Nicolas
Published: April 2016

Although the negative impact of postpartum depression on parenting behaviors has been well established—albeit separately—for mothers and fathers, the respective and joint impact of both parents' mood on family‐group interactive behaviors, such as coparenting support and conflict behaviors between the parents, have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the association between parental depressive symptoms and coparenting behaviors in a low‐risk sample of families with infants, exploring reciprocity between the variables, as well as gender differences between mothers and fathers regarding these links. At 3 (T1), 9 (T2), and 18 months postpartum (T3), we assessed both parents' depressive symptoms with a self‐report questionnaire and observed coparenting support and conflict during triadic mother–father–child interactions. The results revealed that higher maternal depressive symptoms at T1 were associated with lower support at T1 and T2. Conflict at T3 was associated with higher maternal depressive symptoms at T3 and, more surprisingly, with less depressive symptoms in mothers at T2 and fathers at T3. Cross‐lagged associations suggested that parental depressive symptoms were more likely to influence coparenting than the reverse. Moreover, maternal depressive symptoms were more likely to be linked to coparenting behaviors than were paternal depressive symptoms. These results confirm that parental—mostly maternal—depressive symptoms, even of mild intensity, may jeopardize the development of healthy family‐level relations, which previous research has shown to be crucial for child development.
Transcribing RNA polymerase III observed by electron cryomicroscopy
Authors: Hoffmann Niklas A. , Jakobi Arjen J. , Vorländer Matthias K. , Sachse Carsten , Müller Christoph W.
Published: April 2016

Electron cryomicroscopy reconstructions of elongating RNA polymerase (Pol) III at 3.9 Å resolution and of unbound Pol III (apo Pol III) in two distinct conformations at 4.6 Å and 4.7 Å resolution allow the construction of complete atomic models of Pol III and provide new functional insights into the adaption of Pol III to fulfill its specific transcription tasks.
A novel mode of ubiquitin recognition by the ubiquitin‐binding zinc finger domain of WRNIP1
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiro , Rohaim Ahmed , Kato Ryuichi , Dikic Ivan , Wakatsuki Soichi , Kawasaki Masato
Published: April 2016

The ubiquitin‐binding zinc finger (UBZ) is a type of zinc‐coordinating β‐β‐α fold domain found mainly in proteins involved in DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the crystal structure of the UBZ domain of Y‐family DNA polymerase (pol) η and the crystal structure of the complex between the UBZ domain of Werner helicase‐interacting protein 1 (WRNIP1) and ubiquitin, crystallized using the GFP fusion technique. In contrast to the pol η UBZ, which has been proposed to bind ubiquitin via its C‐terminal α‐helix, ubiquitin binds to a novel surface of WRNIP1 UBZ composed of the first β‐strand and the C‐terminal α‐helix. In addition, we report the structure of the tandem UBZ domains of Tax1‐binding protein 1 (TAX1BP1) and show that the second UBZ of TAX1BP1 binds ubiquitin, presumably in a manner similar to that of WRNIP1 UBZ. We propose that UBZ domains can be divided into at least two different types in terms of the ubiquitin‐binding surfaces: the pol η type and the WRNIP1 type.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 3WUP (pol η UBZ), 3VHS (WRNIP1 UBZ), 3VHT (GFP‐WRNIP1/ubiquitin), 4Z4K (TAX1BP1 UBZ1 + 2), and 4Z4M (TAX1BP1 UBZ2).
Ductile tearing simulation of Battelle pipe test using simplified stress‐modified fracture strain concept
Authors: Ryu H.‐W. , Bae K.‐D. , Kim Y.‐J. , Han J.‐J. , Kim J.‐S. , Budden P. J.
Published: April 2016

In this paper, numerical ductile tearing simulation results are compared with six circumferential through‐wall and surface cracked pipes made of two materials (SA‐333 Gr. 6 and A106 Gr. B carbon steels), performed at Battelle. For simulation, a model using a simplified fracture strain model is employed, by analysing tensile data of the material. By comparing experimental J‐R data with FE simulation results, the damage model dependent on the element size is determined based on the ductility exhaustion concept. The model is used to simulate ductile tearing behaviour of six circumferential through‐wall and surface cracked pipes. In all cases, simulated results agree well with experimental load, crack length and crack mouth opening displacement versus load line displacement data.
Uncertainty or Misvaluation? New Evidence on Determinants of Merger Activity from the Banking Industry
Authors: Loveland Robert , Okoeguale Kevin
Published: April 2016

We use data from the past 30 years of takeover activity in the U.S. banking industry to test competing neoclassical and misvaluation merger theories. Test results are consistent with evidence in the literature that merger activity is significantly related to both structural industry change and stock price misvaluation. Our primary contribution is to show that changes in misvaluation reflect a rise in industry‐wide risk taking and that increases in risk originate from changes in industry structure due to deregulation. A measure of bank risk taking subsumes the power of stock price misvaluation to explain subsequent merger activity.
The Effects of Reversible Investment on Capital Structure and Credit Risks
Authors: Jeon Haejun , Nishihara Michi
Published: April 2016

We propose a structural model with an optimal switching of diffusion regimes that integrates a wide range of investment reversibility. The default boundary and switching thresholds are endogenously determined, and they enable us to comprehend the interrelated problems of the investment decision, capital structure, and credit risks. We examine not only the under/overinvestment but also the under/overdisinvestment. The leverage ratio decreases when the firm has an option to invest in a reversible project, which can alleviate the capital structure puzzle. Furthermore, the model significantly reduces the wide dispersion of yield spreads depending on the credit grade of bonds.
Political Interference and Stock Price Consequences of Local Bias
Authors: Aabo Tom , Pantzalis Christos , Park Jung Chul
Published: April 2016

Politics can interfere with capital markets. We show that political interference is a necessary condition for local bias in the stock market. We extend the framework of Hong, Kubik and Stein (2008) and find that the inverse relation between market‐to‐book ratios and the ratio of the aggregate book value of firms to the aggregate risk tolerance of investors in a state (RATIO) is only prevalent among firms located in areas where politics has substantial influence on local markets. Our results indicate that the impact of politically induced local bias is primarily demand driven and stronger among firms that are less visible.
When Analysts Talk, Do Institutional Investors Listen? Evidence from Target Price Changes
Authors: Lin Shannon , Tan Hongping , Zhang Zenan
Published: April 2016

We find that institutions trade in the same direction as target price changes based on 6,415 U.S. firms from 1999 to 2011, even after controlling changes in stock recommendations and earnings forecasts. The impact of target price changes on institutional trading is more pronounced for small firms, firms followed by few analysts, and illiquid firms, and is mainly limited to transient institutions. We do not find any outperformance for institutions to follow analysts’ target price forecasts, suggesting that institutions could find it easier to justify their investment decisions by following analyst forecasts, although such trading does not result in outperformance.
Effects of declining calcium availability on the survival, growth and calcium content of a freshwater crayfish, Orconectes virilis
Authors: Edwards Brie A. , Jackson Donald A. , Somers Keith M.
Published: April 2016

Calcium (Ca) decline is a severe and widespread phenomenon threatening softwater ecosystems around the world. In north temperate lakes, these declines have been linked with declines in numerous freshwater taxa, in particular, crustacean zooplankton and crayfish.

The purpose of this study was to determine, under lab conditions, the effect of low Ca concentrations on survival, growth and Ca content of a freshwater crayfish, Orconectes virilis, originating in a region experiencing Ca decline.

We found that survival of juvenile O. virilis was significantly reduced at 0.5–0.9 mg L−1, which is among the lowest requirement reported for a freshwater crayfish.

Neither growth nor whole‐body Ca content were related to Ca concentration.

Based on these findings, the acute tolerance of O. virilis to low Ca may allow the species to persist under forecast concentrations of lakes in regions experiencing Ca decline; however, most lakes are experiencing stress from multiple environmental agents which could influence the impact of Ca on mortality and potentially other life history attributes.
Deconstructing richness patterns by commonness and rarity reveals bioclimatic and spatial effects in black fly metacommunities
Authors: Roque Fabio de O. , Zampiva Nayara K. , Valente‐Neto Francisco , Menezes Jorge F. S. , Hamada Neusa , Pepinelli Mateus , Siqueira Tadeu , Swan Christopher
Published: April 2016

Deconstructing biological communities by grouping species according to their commonness or rarity might improve our understanding about the processes driving variation in biological communities. Such an approach considers differences among organisms and emergent ecological patterns.

In this study, we addressed the relative role of spatial and large‐scale bioclimatic variables along a commonness and rarity gradient using Simuliidae (Diptera) species richness. A database of species occurrences at 459 locations in Brazil was used to estimate the distribution of 58 simuliid species. Total species richness at each location was estimated first using all occurrences and then by removing one species at a time, following a commonest to rarest gradient (CtR) and vice‐versa (RtC). Partial regression analysis was used to test the influence of sets of bioclimatic (E) and spatial (S) variables for Simuliidae species richness across both CtR and RtC gradients.

In the CtR gradient, the pure spatial component alone explained between 40% and 60% of the variation in simuliid richness when the total number of species was greater than ˜35. After removal of the 35th most common species, the model fit decreased sharply reaching nearly zero when only rare species were present. Variation explained by the shared component E + S decreased continuously along the CtR gradient. The relative role of predictor variables on the RtC gradient was similar to CtR gradient. However, removing the rare species first did not change which components best explained species richness.

Our gradual deconstructive approach revealed that common species contribute more to species richness variation than rare species, and that the role of predictors in explaining this pattern cannot be untangled by analysing richness of rare and common species in a categorical way.
Pervasive gene flow across critical habitat for four narrowly endemic, sympatric taxa
Authors: Lucas Lauren K. , Gompert Zachariah , Gibson J. Randy , Bell Katherine L. , Buerkle C. Alex , Nice Chris C.
Published: April 2016

We studied genetic variation in four endangered animal taxa in the largest freshwater spring complex in the southwestern U.S.A., Comal Springs (TX): Eurycea salamanders, Heterelmis riffle beetles, Stygobromus amphipods and Stygoparnus dryopid beetles. They inhabit a spring complex with nearly stable conditions, which is threatened by climate change and aquifer withdrawals. The four taxa vary in their habitat affinities and body sizes.

We used genotyping‐by‐sequencing to obtain hundreds to thousands of genetic markers to accurately infer the demographic history of the taxa. We used approximate Bayesian computation to test models of gene flow and compare the results among taxa. We also looked for evidence that would suggest local adaptation within the spring complex.

An island model (equal gene flow among all subpopulations) was the most probable of the five models tested, and all four taxa had high migration rate estimates.

Small numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each taxon tested were associated with environmental conditions and provide some evidence for potential local adaptation to slightly variable conditions across habitat patches within Comal Springs.

We discuss how the results of this study can add to the habitat conservation plan for Comal Springs. If part of the spring system dries, migrants may recolonise from elsewhere within the spring complex. However, genetic variants affecting survival in particular habitat patches could be lost during such droughts.
Predator presence dramatically reduces copepod abundance through condition‐mediated non‐consumptive effects
Authors: Bourdeau Paul E. , Bach Matthew T. , Peacor Scott D.
Published: April 2016

Predators can induce changes in prey phenotype that reduce predation risk but also incur costs (so‐called ‘non‐consumptive effects’ or NCEs).

Few studies, however, have examined NCEs over time scales sufficient to link individual‐ and demographic‐level processes to changes in prey abundance.

Using a laboratory experiment, we investigated how NCEs of the invasive planktivorous cladoceran Bythotrephes longimanus on the condition of native zooplankton from Lake Michigan affect population abundance.

Presence of chemical cues (i.e. kairomones) from Bythotrephes led to a greater than 13‐fold reduction in abundance of diaptomid copepods in the absence of any direct predation. This dramatic reduction was a result of reduced fecundity and likely reduced survival. The costly anti‐predator response underlying the demographic effects was reduced food intake and/or assimilation as evidenced by reduced gut fullness, which led to poorer condition, as evidenced by lower lipid accumulation.

These predator effects may remain undetected in studies of animal populations that fail to include sufficient efforts to search for them, and illustrate the far‐reaching potential of predator non‐consumptive effects (‘fear effects’) to influence prey populations.
Direct and indirect effects of glaciers on aquatic biodiversity in high Andean peatlands
Authors: Quenta Estefania , Molina‐Rodriguez Jorge , Gonzales Karina , Rebaudo François , Casas Jérôme , Jacobsen Dean , Dangles Olivier
Published: April 2016

The rapid melting of glacier cover is one of the most obvious impacts of climate change on alpine ecosystems and biodiversity. Our understanding of the impact of a decrease in glacier runoff on aquatic biodiversity is currently based on the ‘glacier‐heterogeneity‐diversity’ paradigm, according to which there is high α‐diversity at intermediate levels of glacial influence due to the high degree of environmental heterogeneity caused by glacier water. This α‐diversity pattern generates high levels of between‐site aquatic community variation (high β diversity) and increases regional diversity (γ‐diversity). There is a rich conceptual background in favor of this paradigm, but empirical data supporting it are scarce. We investigated this paradigm by analyzing the different diversity patterns (α, β and γ‐diversity) of four aquatic groups (zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, algae and macrophytes) living in high‐elevation peatlands (>4500 m above sea level). We sampled 200 pools from 20 peatlands along a glacier gradient in the Cordillera Real of Bolivia. We performed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the potential mechanisms underlying the observed diversity patterns. Intermediate levels of glacial influence (15–20% cover) resulted in high heterogeneity, but α‐diversity responded to glacial influence only for the zooplankton group (Cladocera). Our SEM analysis did not identify environmental heterogeneity as a significant variable explaining the relationship between glacier and α‐diversity. Peatland area had a strong positive effect on heterogeneity and diversity. β‐diversity was significantly associated with glacier gradient, and 12.9% of the total regional diversity (γ‐diversity) was restricted to peatlands with a high degree of glacial influence. These species might be lost in a context of glacial retreat. These findings provide new insight into the potential effects of glacial retreat on the aquatic environment and biodiversity in the peatlands of the tropical Andes.
Nitrate leaching and soil nitrous oxide emissions diminish with time in a hybrid poplar short‐rotation coppice in southern Germany
Authors: Díaz‐Pinés Eugenio , Molina‐Herrera Saúl , Dannenmann Michael , Braun Judith , Haas Edwin , Willibald Georg , Arias‐Navarro Cristina , Grote Rüdiger , Wolf Benjamin , Saiz Gustavo , Aust Cisco , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus
Published: April 2016

Hybrid poplar short‐rotation coppices (SRC) provide feedstocks for bioenergy production and can be established on lands that are suboptimal for food production. The environmental consequences of deploying this production system on marginal agricultural land need to be evaluated, including the investigation of common management practices i.e., fertilization and irrigation. In this work, we evaluated (1) the soil‐atmosphere exchange of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide (N2O); (2) the changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks; (3) the gross ammonification and nitrification rates; and (4) the nitrate leaching as affected by the establishment of a hybrid poplar SRC on a marginal agricultural land in southern Germany. Our study covered one 3‐year rotation period and 2 years after the first coppicing. We combined field and laboratory experiments with modeling. The soil N2O emissions decreased from 2.2 kg N2O‐N ha−1 a−1 in the year of SRC establishment to 1.1–1.4 kg N2O‐N ha−1 a−1 after 4 years. Likewise, nitrate leaching reduced from 13 to 1.5–8 kg N ha−1 a−1. Tree coppicing induced a brief pulse of soil N2O flux and marginal effects on gross N turnover rates. Overall, the N losses diminished within 4 years by 80% without fertilization (irrespective of irrigation) and by 40% when 40–50 kg N ha−1 a−1 were applied. Enhanced N losses due to fertilization and the minor effect of fertilization and irrigation on tree growth discourage its use during the first rotation period after SRC establishment. A SOC accrual rate of 0.4 Mg C ha−1 a−1 (uppermost 25 cm, P = 0.2) was observed 5 years after the SRC establishment. Overall, our data suggest that SRC cultivation on marginal agricultural land in the region is a promising option for increasing the share of renewable energy sources due to its net positive environmental effects.
Ethnographic Reviews
Authors: deRoche Constance
Published: April 2016

Books reviewed in this issue.

Recovery's Edge: An Ethnography of Mental Health Care and Moral Agency, Neely Laurenzo Myers.
Intensive dialysis and pregnancy
Authors: Hladunewich Michelle , Schatell Dori
Published: April 2016

Pregnancy in women with end stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy is uncommon due to the physiologic changes associated with renal failure as well as the complexities and risk involved in managing these patients. As most of these women had long periods of illness with chronic kidney disease, the effects of their chronic illness together with the current societal trends to delay child bearing to a more advanced maternal age can hamper fertility. For those able to conceive, intensified hemodialysis (HD), through longer and/or more frequent dialysis sessions, offers improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Intensified HD is most conveniently offered in the patient's home, where possible. This review expands the scope of the Implementing Hemodialysis in the Home website and associated supplement published previously in Hemodialysis International and includes information tailored to women of reproductive age. We describe the necessary counseling that women should receive before conception and before intensification of HD, and provide a detailed management strategy that includes nephrologic and obstetric care, should pregnancy occur.
Increased Exhaled 8‐Isoprostane and Interleukin‐6 in Patients with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Yildirim Zeki , Bozkurt Bulent , Ozol Duygu , Armutcu Ferah , Akgedik Recep , Karamanli Harun , Kizilirmak Deniz , İkizek Mustafa
Published: April 2016

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection triggers both local inflammation, usually in gastric mucosa, and chronic systemic inflammation. It is assumed that this local and systemic inflammation is caused by extracellular products excreted by H. pylori. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between H. pylori infection and a local inflammatory response in the airway by using exhaled breath condensate technique.

Materials and Methods

This study includes 41 H. pylori seropositive patients who have gastric symptoms and 27 healthy control subjects. Pulmonary function tests (PFT), chest X ray, and physical examination were performed in all patients and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), 8‐isoprostane and nitrotyrosine levels were measured in exhaled breath condensate.

Results

Levels of IL‐6 and 8‐isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) were significantly higher in H. pylori positive patients than control subjects (p < 0.05). Nitrotyrosine levels were also higher in H. pylori positive patients but the difference was not statistically significant. Both groups had similar leukocyte counts, C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and PFT parameters.

Conclusion

H. pylori infection causes an asymptomatic airway inflammation which can be detected by exhaled breath condensate. The clinical importance of this inflammation remains unclear.
The Upregulation of TRAF1 Induced by Helicobacter pylori Plays an Antiapoptotic Effect on the Infected Cells
Authors: Wan Xiu‐Kun , Yuan Sheng‐Ling , Tao Hao‐Xia , Diao Li‐Peng , Wang Yan‐Chun , Cao Cheng , Liu Chun‐Jie
Published: April 2016

Background

Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 1 (TRAF1) is a member of the TRAF family and is dysregulated in diseases, such as atheroma, lymphoma, and solid tumors, but the role of TRAF1 in gastric cancer remains unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the role of TRAF1 in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐related cell apoptosis and gastric carcinogenesis.

Materials and methods

The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRAF1 were measured in a panel of gastric cancer cell lines and in H. pylori ‐infected mice by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. The transcription factor that mainly affects transcription of TRAF1 during H. pylori infection was identified. The roles of H. pylori virulence factors that regulate TRAF1 expression were analyzed using isogenic cagA‐, vacA‐, and cagE‐null mutants. The effects of TRAF1 on gastric cell viability and apoptosis during H. pylori infection were detected using the standard MTS (cell viability) assay and flow cytometry, respectively.

Results

H. pylori infection induced TRAF1 overexpression in both gastric epithelial cells and mice. The expression of TRAF1 in response to H. pylori infection was majorly regulated by the activation of NF‐κB and was strongly related to H. pylori virulence factor CagA. The upregulation of TRAF1 inhibited cell apoptosis and increased the viability of infected cells.

Conclusions

H. pylori infection induces the overexpression of TRAF1 in gastric epithelial cells. The upregulation of TRAF1 plays an antiapoptotic role in H. pylori ‐infected gastric cells and may contribute to the gastric carcinogenesis.
Rabeprazole, Minocycline, Amoxicillin, and Bismuth as First‐Line and Second‐Line Regimens for Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Suo Baojun , Zhang Lingyun , Zhou Liya
Published: April 2016

Background

Because of general unavailability of tetracycline, common adverse effects, and complicated administration, the clinical application of bismuth quadruple therapy often faces difficulties. Whether the combination of minocycline and amoxicillin can replace tetracycline and metronidazole for Helicobacter pylori eradication remains unclear. This study was to determine the efficacy, compliance, and safety of rabeprazole, minocycline, amoxicillin, and bismuth (RMAB) therapy as first‐line and second‐line regimens.

Materials and Methods

Between July 2013 and December 2015, a total of 160 patients in first‐line and 70 patients in second‐line therapies received rabeprazole 10 mg, minocycline 100 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg twice daily for 14 days. Eradication status was assessed 6–12 weeks after treatment.

Results

RMAB therapy achieved the eradication rates of 87.5% (95% confidence interval, 81.9–92.5%, intention‐to‐treat analysis), 90.9% (85.7–95.5%, modified intention‐to‐treat analysis), and 92.6% (88.5–96.6%, per‐protocol analysis) in first‐line therapy in a setting with high antibiotic resistance rates (amoxicillin 3.4%, clarithromycin 39.7%, metronidazole 60.3%, levofloxacin 36.2%, tetracycline 3.4%, and minocycline 6.9%). As for second‐line therapy, the eradication rates were 82.9% (74.3–91.4%, intention‐to‐treat analysis), 86.6% (77.6–94.0%, modified intention‐to‐treat analysis), and 89.1% (81.3–95.3%, per‐protocol analysis). Totally, 24.0% patients had adverse effects, 2.2% discontinued medications, and good compliance was achieved in 94.7%. Poor compliance and minocycline resistance were identified as the risk factors for treatment failure. Significant differences in efficacy existed among the groups of both sensitive (48/51 and 18/20), isolated amoxicillin resistance (1/1 and 0/0), isolated minocycline resistance (2/3 and 1/1), and dual resistance (0/1 and 0/1) in both first‐line (p = .004) and second‐line (p = .035) therapies.

Conclusions

The eradication efficacies of RMAB therapy as first‐line and second‐line regimens were satisfactory with good compliance and safety in a region with high antibiotic resistance.
Effects of in‐hospital exercise on liver function, physical ability, and muscle mass during treatment of hepatoma in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Koya Shunji , Kawaguchi Takumi , Hashida Ryuki , Goto Emiko , Matsuse Hiroo , Saito Hiromichi , Hirota Keisuke , Taira Ryoko , Matsushita Yoshiko , Imanaga Minami , Nagamatsu Ayu , Shirono Tomotake , Shimose Shigeo , Iwamoto Hideki , Niizeki Takashi , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Miura Hiroko , Shiba Naoto , Torimura Takuji
Published: April 2016

Aims

Sarcopenia and physical disability assessed by a 6‐min walking test (6MWT) are associated with poor prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). However, CLD patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mostly rest in bed during hospitalization. We aimed to investigate the effects of therapeutic exercise on liver function, 6MWT, and skeletal muscle mass during HCC treatment in patients with CLD.

Methods

We enrolled 54 CLD patients with HCC (median age, 76 years). During hospitalization, patients performed a combination of stretching, strength training, balance practice, and endurance training (2.5–4 metabolic equivalents/20 min/day). Primary outcomes were changes from admission to discharge in Child–Pugh class, 6MWT, and skeletal muscle mass. Furthermore, factors associated with skeletal muscle atrophy were analyzed by a decision‐tree analysis.

Results

Exercise did not worsen the Child–Pugh class. On discharge, the 6MWT ambulation distance was maintained, and heart rate variability during the 6MWT was significantly improved compared to that on admission (area under the curve 50.3 vs. 39.0 arbitrary units; P = 0.0027). Although skeletal muscle mass was significantly reduced (20.6 kg vs. 20.0 kg, P = 0.0301), branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) treatment was identified as the most distinguishable factor for minimizing muscle mass atrophy (−1.1 kg vs. −0.5 kg/hospitalization).

Conclusions

Therapeutic exercise improved physical ability without worsening liver function during hospitalization for HCC treatment in CLD patients. Although exercise did not completely prevent skeletal muscle atrophy, BCAA treatment minimized the skeletal muscle atrophy. Thus, exercise with BCAA treatment may be important for the management of CLD patients with HCC.
Reduced frontal activation during verbal fluency task in chronic hepatitis C patients with interferon‐based therapy as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Abe Kazumichi , Wada Akira , Oshima Sachie , Kono Soichi , Takahashi Atsushi , Kanno Yukiko , Imaizumi Hiromichi , Hayashi Manabu , Okai Ken , Niwa Shin‐Ichi , Yabe Hirooki , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: April 2016

Aim

Psychiatric side‐effects are the main reason for discontinuation of interferon (IFN)‐based therapy. Recent developments in near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) have enabled non‐invasive clarification of brain functions in psychiatric disorders. We prospectively evaluated brain activation in 20 chronic hepatitis C patients with or without IFN‐based therapy by using NIRS during a verbal fluency task (VFT).

Methods

The relative concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin were measured while patients completed a questionnaire survey at the start of treatment and at 4 and 12 weeks during treatment, using NIRS.

Results

The VFT performance did not change among the two groups. Patients with IFN‐based therapy showed significantly lower activation during VFT in frontal channels at 12 weeks than those at the start of treatment and control (P < 0.05). Their Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores were significantly higher at 12 weeks than those at the start of treatment, although major depressive symptoms were not found (8.3 ± 7.9 vs. 13.2 ± 6.0, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The decrease in oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations of the frontal lobe detected using NIRS in this study reflects hypofunction of the frontal lobe. This functional decline that was caused by IFN‐based therapy may be associated with the prodromal phase of depression.
Comparative incidence of rejection occurring in small intestinal and colonic mucosal biopsies of patients undergoing intestinal transplantation
Authors: Huard Geneviève , Schiano Thomas , Fiel Marie I , Ward Stephen C , Moon Jang , Iyer Kishore
Published: April 2016

Aims

To compare the diagnosis of acute cellular rejection (ACR) based on biopsies (Bx) performed simultaneously in the small bowel (SB) and colonic grafts (paired Bx) after intestinal transplantation (ITx).

Methods and results

Retrospective study including all ITx with colon at Mount Sinai Hospital between 2009 and 2014. Paired Bx were reviewed blindly by two experienced gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists and were graded based on the VIII International Small Bowel Transplant Symposium Consensus criteria, with minor modifications for evaluation of colon biopsies. Each Bx was classified as negative or positive for ACR. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to quantify the interpathologist agreement and the agreement between SB and colonic Bx for the diagnosis of ACR. Fifteen patients underwent 51 paired Bx. The strength of agreement for the grade of ACR in the SB biopsies (kappa = 0.62) and the colonic biopsies (kappa = 0.65) was good. The inter‐rater agreement was better for Bx negative for ACR and for higher grades of ACR. Overall, 74.5% of paired Bx were concordant for the presence or absence of ACR. The strength of agreement for the presence or absence of ACR between the SB and colonic Bx (kappa = 0.44) was moderate. Two cases of severe ACR were restricted to the SB allograft.

Conclusions

Paired Bx in the SB and the colon are usually in agreement regarding the presence or the absence of ACR. However, colonic Bx alone may not suffice to exclude ACR following ITx. With minor modifications, the histopathological criteria of the SB may be adaptable to the colonic allograft.