bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species richness of polypores can be increased by supplementing dead wood resource into a boreal forest landscape
Authors: Elo Merja , Halme Panu , Toivanen Tero , Kotiaho Janne S. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

To prevent local species extinction and to counteract population declines, we must ensure species have access to resources they require for life. This can be done through ecological restoration where previously depleted resources are reintroduced. If the restoration is conducted as a one‐off action in a large area, it resembles a natural resource pulse, which should lead to increased abundance of individuals, accompanied possibly by increased species richness. Species–energy relationship and underlying theory enable predictions about how different features of resource pulses affect species richness.

We conducted a large‐scale, controlled, randomized and replicated field experiment to study the effect of a resource addition on polypore species richness in a previously managed boreal forest landscape in Finland. We manipulated the amount and distribution of dead wood and studied the effects on polypore assemblages on added and natural dead wood during 9 years after manipulation (2004–2012).

By adding dead wood, species richness grew, mainly through increasing abundances: a large amount of dead wood resulted in higher abundance, higher number and faster accumulation of species than a small amount of dead wood.

For a given abundance, dead wood addition contained fewer species than natural dead wood. This is most probably because added dead wood was of low diversity and provided habitat only for a limited number of species.

Species richness on natural dead wood increased substantially during the study period, and this increase was not related to the resource manipulation. Thus, habitat improvement through natural succession can occur within a relatively short time period irrespective of human intervention.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate how the introduction of dead wood additions can strengthen polypore populations. The species taking advance of the introduced resource were primarily common species, instead of rare or red‐listed species. Thus, we recommend ensuring the natural formation of dead wood while the populations of the common species supporting ecosystem functions can be increased by adding dead wood in the landscape.
Knockout of three aminopeptidase N genes does not affect susceptibility of Helicoverpa armigera larvae to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A and Cry2A toxins
Authors: Wang Jing , Zuo Ya‐Yun , Li Ling‐Li , Wang Hui , Liu Shao‐Yan , Yang Yi‐Hua , Wu Yi‐Dong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal toxins have been globally utilized for control of agricultural insects through spraying or transgenic crops. Binding of Bt toxins to special receptors on midgut epithelial cells of target insects is a key step in the mode of action. Previous studies suggested aminopeptidase N1 (APN1) as a receptor or putative receptor in several lepidopteran insects including Helicoverpa armigera through evidence from RNA interefence‐based gene silencing approaches. In the current study we tested the role of APNs in the mode of action of Bt toxins using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9‐mediated gene knockout. Three APN genes (HaAPN1, HaAPN2 and HaAPN5) were individually knocked out in a susceptible strain (SCD) of H. armigera to establish three homozygous knockout strains. Qualitative in vitro binding studies indicated binding of Cry1Ac or Cry2Ab to midgut brush border membrane vesicles was not obviously affected by APN knockout. Bioassay results showed that none of the three knockouts had significant changes in susceptibility to Cry1A or Cry2A toxins when compared with the SCD strain. This suggests that the three HaAPN genes we tested may not be critical in the mode of action of Cry1A or Cry2A toxins in H. armigera.
Determination of Peptide Profile Consistency and Safety of Collagen Hydrolysates as Quality Attributes
Authors: López‐Morales Carlos A. , Vázquez‐Leyva Said , Vallejo‐Castillo Luis , Carballo‐Uicab Gregorio , Muñoz‐García Leslie , Herbert‐Pucheta José Enrique , Zepeda‐Vallejo L. Gerardo , Velasco‐Velázquez Marco , Pavón Lenin , Pérez‐Tapia Sonia M. , Medina‐Rivero Emilio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCollagen hydrolysates are dietary supplements used for nutritional and medical purposes. They are complex mixtures of low‐molecular‐weight peptides obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen, which provide intrinsic batch‐to‐batch heterogeneity. In consequence, the quality of these products, which is related to the reproducibility of their mass distribution pattern, should be addressed. Here, we propose an analytical approach to determine the peptide pattern as a quality attribute of Colagenart®, a product containing collagen hydrolysate. In addition, we evaluated the safety by measuring the viability of two cell lines exposed to the product. The consistency of peptide distribution was determined using Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Mass Spectrometry coupled to a reversed phase UPLC system (MS‐RP‐UPLC), and Shaped‐pulse off‐resonance water‐presaturation proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry [1Hwater_presat NMR]. The mass distribution pattern determined by SEC was in a range from 1.35 to 17 kDa, and from 2 to 14 kDa by MS‐RP‐UPLC. [1Hwater_presat NMR] showed the detailed spin‐systems of the collagen hydrolysates components by global assignment of backbone Hα and NH, as well as side‐chain proton resonances. Additionally, short‐range intraresidue connectivity pathways of identified spin‐regions were obtained by a 2D homonuclear shift correlation Shaped‐pulse solvent suppression COSY scheme. Safety analysis of Colagenart® was evaluated in CaCo‐2 and HepG2 cells at 2.5 and 25 μg/mL and no negative effects were observed. The results demonstrated batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, which evinces the utility of this approach to establish the consistency of the quality attributes of collagen hydrolysates.Practical ApplicationWe propose state‐of‐the art analytical methodologies (SEC, MS, and NMR) to evaluate peptide profile and composition of collagen hydrolysates as quality attributes. These methodologies are suitable to be implemented for quality control purposes.
The Alternate Consumption of Quercetin and Alliin in the Traditional Asian Diet Reshaped Microbiota and Altered Gene Expression of Colonic Epithelial Cells in Rats
Authors: Yu Juntong , Guo Hui , Xie Jinli , Luo Jianming , Li Yuetong , Liu Liu , Ou Shiyi , Zhang Guangwen , Peng Xichun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe diet of traditional Asian is similar to the Mediterranean that was considered as a healthy dietary pattern. The report was scarce on whether different plant‐derived components with similar anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory function such as quercetin and alliin in traditional Asian diet consumed in an alternate style cooperatively affect health including the growth of host and the status of the gut microbiota and colonic epithelial immunity. In the present study, the effects of alternate consumption of quercetin and alliin on host health judging by the profile of gut microbiota and gene expression of colonic epithelial cells were investigated with the Illumina MiSeq sequencing (16S rRNA genes) and Illumina HiSeq (RNA‐seq) technique, respectively. The results showed that the alternate consumption significantly increased the rat body weight and reshaped the gut microbiota composition. At the phylum level, it significantly increased the relative abundance of fecal Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria but decreased that of Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and increased the relative abundance of Candidatus Arthromitus, Lactococcus, Geobacillus, and Ruminococcus at the genus level that benefits the host's health. The alternate consumption of quercetin and alliin also altered 13 genes expression involved in the KEGG pathways of complement and coagulation cascades and hematopoietic cell lineage to improve the gut immunity. Therefore, the alternate consumption of quercetin and alliin in traditional Asian diet can contribute beneficial metabolic effects by optimizing gut microbiota and altering the immunologic function of colonic epithelial cells, resulting in its potential to improve the sub‐health status.
Tapering decay of β‐cell function in Chinese patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes: A four‐year prospective study
Authors: Li Xia , Cheng Jin , Huang Gan , Luo Shuoming , Zhou Zhiguang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the natural progression of β‐cell function in Chinese autoimmune type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients and clarified factors possibly influencing the course of the disease.MethodsThe natural progression of β‐cell function of 325 newly diagnosed Chinese autoimmune T1D patients was assessed by fasting and postprandial C‐peptide (FCP and PCP, respectively) levels. β‐Cell function failure was defined as FCP <50 pM and PCP <100 pM, whereas preserved β‐cell function was defined as FCP >200 pM or PCP >400 pM. β‐Cell function that did not meet these criteria was described as residual.ResultsAt initial recruitment, 33.3% of patients had β‐cell function failure, whereas 41.0% and 25.8% of patients had preserved or residual β‐cell function, respectively. The percentage of patients who developed β‐cell function failure during follow‐up at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after recruitment to the study was 55.8%, 75.6%, 86.7%, and 92.7%, respectively. Moreover, the slope of the β‐cell function curve decreased over time, indicating that the pattern of its decline was non‐linear and tapering. Seven percent of patients did not develop β‐cell function failure within 4 years after diagnosis. Patients with lower initial FCP levels were more likely to develop β‐cell function failure.ConclusionsChinese autoimmune T1D patients have considerable residual β‐cell function at initial diagnosis, and the manner of progression of β‐cell function failure is non‐linear with a tapering decay rate. Furthermore, initial FCP levels may predict β‐cell function failure in Chinese autoimmune T1D patients.
Accelerated bio‐cognitive aging in Down syndrome: State of the art and possible deceleration strategies
Authors: Franceschi Claudio , Garagnani Paolo , Gensous Noémie , Bacalini Maria Giulia , Conte Maria , Salvioli Stefano 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDown syndrome (DS) has been proposed by George Martin as a segmental progeroid syndrome since 1978. In fact, DS persons suffer from several age‐associated disorders much earlier than euploid persons. Furthermore, a series of recent studies have found that DS persons display elevated levels of age biomarkers, thus supporting the notion that DS is a progeroid trait. Nowadays, due to the progressive advancements in social inclusion processes and medical assistance, DS persons live much longer than in the past; therefore, the early‐onset health problems of these persons are becoming an urgent and largely unmet social and medical burden. In particular, the most important ailment of DS persons is the accelerated cognitive decline that starts when they reach about 40 years of age. This decline can be at least in part counteracted by multi‐systemic approaches including early‐onset cognitive training, physical activity, and psychosocial assistance. However, no pharmacological treatment is approved to counteract this decline. According to the most advanced conceptualization of Geroscience, tackling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the aging process should be a smart/feasible strategy to combat and/or delay the great majority of age‐related diseases, including cognitive decline. We think that a debate is needed urgently on if (and how) this strategy could be integrated in protocols to face DS‐associated dementia and overall unhealthy aging. In particular we propose that, on the basis of data obtained in different clinical settings, metformin is a promising candidate that could be exploited to counteract cognitive decline in DS.
The exceptional longevity of the naked mole‐rat may be explained by mitochondrial antioxidant defenses
Authors: Munro Daniel , Baldy Cécile , Pamenter Matthew E. , Treberg Jason R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNaked mole‐rats (NMRs) are mouse‐sized mammals that exhibit an exceptionally long lifespan (>30 vs. <4 years for mice), and resist aging‐related pathologies such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, cancer, and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying this exceptional longevity and disease resistance remain poorly understood. The oxidative stress theory of aging posits that (a) senescence results from the accumulation of oxidative damage inflicted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) of mitochondrial origin, and (b) mitochondria of long‐lived species produce less ROS than do mitochondria of short‐lived species. However, comparative studies over the past 28 years have produced equivocal results supporting this latter prediction. We hypothesized that, rather than differences in ROS generation, the capacity of mitochondria to consume ROS might distinguish long‐lived species from short‐lived species. To test this hypothesis, we compared mitochondrial production and consumption of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; as a proxy of overall ROS metabolism) between NMR and mouse skeletal muscle and heart. We found that the two species had comparable rates of mitochondrial H2O2 generation in both tissues; however, the capacity of mitochondria to consume ROS was markedly greater in NMRs. Specifically, maximal observed consumption rates were approximately two and fivefold greater in NMRs than in mice, for skeletal muscle and heart, respectively. Our results indicate that differences in matrix ROS detoxification capacity between species may contribute to their divergence in lifespan.
Can short selling improve internal control? An empirical study based on the difference‐in‐differences model
Authors: Chen Huili , Chen Ying , Lin Bin , Wang Yanchao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBased on pilot margin trading in China, this study examines how short selling affects internal control quality in listed firms. Using the difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that compared with control firms, firms that are eligible for short selling significantly improve their internal control after they are designated as underlying securities. We consider the effects of state ownership and external auditors. The improvement in internal control is only significant for non‐state‐owned firms and firms audited by non‐Big 4 auditors. These findings indicate that short selling can improve firms’ internal control and play a role in their corporate governance.
Measuring the increasing connectedness of Chinese assets with global assets: using a variance decompositions method
Authors: Yu Honghai , Sun Wencong , Ye Xiangting , Fang Libing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study uses the network topology of variance decompositions to investigate the connectedness of four assets (stocks, bonds, foreign exchange and commodities) across five countries (US, EU, UK, Japan and China). We find that connectedness to and from the Chinese asset markets increased significantly from 2013 to 2018, which reveals that Chinese assets have gradually become integrated into the global economy. We also investigate the volatility connectedness in economically fragile periods and find that the Chinese market acted as a transmitter of volatility in the 2015 Chinese stock crash. This finding is potentially essential to modern risk measurement and management.
Baseline susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Australia to spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole and dinotefuran, with reference to pyriproxyfen cross‐resistance
Authors: Hopkinson Jamie E , Pumpa Stephanie M 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSilverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), previously known as B biotype, is an agricultural pest of global significance and has developed resistance to many commonly used insecticides. Toxicity of spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole and dinotefuran to B. tabaci MEAM1 populations from eastern Australia was determined by laboratory bioassay, using either a foliar leaf dip or systemic uptake methodology. All field‐collected populations tested were susceptible to spirotetramat (12 tested from 2011 to 2015), cyantraniliprole (23 tested from 2014 to 2017) and dinotefuran (16 tested from 2015 to 2017). Based on LC50 values, there was a 2.1‐fold difference in the response of field populations to spirotetramat, a threefold difference in response to cyantraniliprole, while the response to dinotefuran varied depending on assay used, 1.8 vs. 2.6 with a foliar assay and systemic uptake assay, respectively. Testing of spirotetramat and cyantraniliprole against a pyriproxyfen‐resistant strain, AY09‐1R demonstrated no evidence of cross‐resistance to pyriproxyfen. When tested against dinotefuran, AY09‐1R had a resistance factor of two indicating possible weak cross‐resistance to pyriproxyfen, although it is also possible that the strain carries other forms of resistance given its origin. Discriminating doses of 100 mg/L for spirotetramat, 1 mg/L for cyantraniliprole and 60 mg/L (systemic) and 600 mg/L (foliar) for dinotefuran were calculated from the bioassay data. All three insecticides demonstrated good efficacy against silverleaf whitefly, and for the Australian cotton industry, they add three modes of action to the insecticide resistance management strategy, providing greater flexibility in control options. This study has established baseline toxicity data and discriminating doses for spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole and dinotefuran, which will serve as a useful reference for future monitoring and management of B. tabaci MEAM1 insecticide resistance in Australian cotton.
Team planning discussion and clinical performance: a prospective, randomised, controlled simulation trial
Authors: Evain J.‐N. , Perrot A. , Vincent A. , Cejka J.‐C. , Bauer C. , Duclos A. , Rimmelé T. , Lehot J.‐J. , Lilot M. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryPlanning held before emergency management of a critical situation might be an invaluable asset for optimising team preparation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a brief planning discussion improved team performance in a simulated critical care situation. Forty‐four pairs of trainees in anaesthesia and intensive care were randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group before participating in a standardised simulated scenario. Twelve different scenarios were utilised. Groups were stratified by postgraduate year and simulated scenario, and a facilitator was embedded in the scenario. In the intervention group, the pairs had an oral briefing followed by a 4‐min planning discussion before starting the simulation. The primary end‐point was clinical performance, as rated by two independent blinded assessors on a score of 0–100 using video records and pre‐established scenario‐specific checklists. Crisis resource management and stress response (cognitive appraisal ratio) were also assessed. Two pairs were excluded for technical reasons. Clinical performance scores were higher in the intervention group; mean (SD) 51 (9) points vs. 46 (9) in the control group, p = 0.039. The planning discussion was also associated with higher crisis resource management scores and lower cognitive appraisal ratios, reflecting a positive response. A 4‐min planning discussion before a simulated critical care situation improved clinical team performance and cognitive appraisal ratios. Team planning should be integrated into medical education and clinical practice.
Placental location and pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Granfors Michaela , Stephansson Olof , Endler Margit , Jonsson Maria , Sandström Anna , Wikström Anna‐Karin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe impact of placenta previa on pregnancy, delivery and infant outcomes has been extensively studied. However, less is known about the possible association of placental location other than previa with pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate if placental location other than previa is associated with adverse pregnancy, delivery and infant outcomes.Material and methodsThis is a population‐based cohort study, with data from the regional population‐based Stockholm‐Gotland Obstetric Cohort, Sweden, from 2008 to 2014. The study population included 74 087 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies resulting in live‐born infants, with information about placental location from the second‐trimester ultrasound screening. The association between placental location (fundal, lateral, anterior or posterior) and pregnancy outcomes was estimated using logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated, and adjustments were made for maternal age, height, country of birth, smoking in early pregnancy, sex of the infant and in vitro fertilization. Main outcome measures were pregnancy, delivery and infant outcomes.ResultsCompared with posterior placental location, fundal and lateral placental locations were associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, the most important being: very preterm birth (<32 weeks of gestation) (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.18‐2.63 and aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.39‐2.25, respectively), moderate preterm birth (32‐36 weeks of gestation) (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.001‐1.51 and aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.32‐2.00, respectively), small‐for‐gestational‐age birth (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.34‐2.07 and aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.39‐2.25, respectively) and manual removal of the placenta in vaginal births (aOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.68‐3.99 and aOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.60‐4.10, respectively). Additionally, lateral placental location was associated with preeclampsia (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.03‐1.65) and severe postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.27‐1.82).ConclusionsCompared with posterior placental location, fundal and lateral placental locations are associated with a number of adverse pregnancy, delivery and infant outcomes.