bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host plant nitrogen enrichment has both positive and negative effects on the larval growth of a specialist butterfly
Authors: Lebigre Christophe , Vanderbeken Caroline , Turlure Camille , Schtickzelle Nicolas 
Published: April 2018

1. The nitrogen limitation hypothesis posits that phytophagous insects benefit from nitrogen enrichment of their host plants through a reduction of the concentration of toxic compounds and an increase of free amino acids and proteins. However, species' response to nitrogen enrichment varies substantially and high nitrogen levels are associated with population decline, suggesting there are major costs to feeding on nitrogen‐rich host plants.2. To test the hypothesis that larval growth performance is maximal at intermediate nitrogen enrichment, nitrogen levels were measured in 18 populations of the host plant of Lycaena helle, a specialist butterfly inhabiting nutrient‐poor wet meadows. The nitrogen content of host plants was then modified to mirror average natural nitrogen levels (C), highest field‐recorded levels (T1), and levels higher than those observed across our study populations (T2).3. Caterpillars fed with T1 leaves had a greater maximum body mass than caterpillars of the C group because of their improved food assimilation during the early stages of their development. Caterpillars of C and T2 groups had similar growth patterns but high nitrogen content had detrimental effects, as caterpillars fed with T2 leaves had a slower ingestion rate than C and T1 groups.4. Quantifying the fitness consequences of these changes in growth performance is necessary to fully understand the implications of nitrogen enrichment for L. helle (rapid growth may result in fitness costs). However, conservation plans for this emblematic glacial relict species should also consider the preservation of its host plant quality to ensure its persistence.
Epitypification, characterization and phylogenetic positioning of Pseudobeltrania cedrelae, the causal agent of pseudobeltrania spot on Cedrela fissilis
Authors: Milagres C. A. , Azevedo D. M. Q. , Pereira O. L. , Furtado G. Q. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe fungus Pseudobeltrania cedrelae, the type species of the genus, is the causal agent of an important leaf spot in seedlings and adult plant of cedar (Cedrela fissilis). Due to the contradictory phylogenetic position of the genus Pseudobeltrania, epitypification of P. cedrelae was carried out based on a culture obtained from the same locality and host of the original type. Samples were collected, and 10 isolates of P. cedrelae associated with lesions on cedar leaflets were obtained. For morphological characterization, conidia, conidiophores, conidiogeneous cells, conidiogeneous loci and basal cells were taken both from the fungus obtained from leaf lesions and from that obtained in slide culture. Mycelial growth rates and sporulation were evaluated in six different culture media. For molecular phylogeny, maximum parsimony analyses were performed from the ITS and 28S sequences of the isolates. Both the morphological characteristics of the fungal structures obtained from symptomatic leaves and the slide culture technique presented variations. In foliar lesions, isolates presented the same morphological characteristics as the type material. Mycelial growth rate and sporulation of P. cedrelae were greatest on malt extract agar and V8 juice agar. Pseudobeltrania cedrelae was pathogenic when inoculated into healthy cedar plants. According to the phylogenetic tree, isolates grouped in the same clade, but in a distinct clade of Pseudobeltrania ocoteae. The results suggested that P. ocoteae belongs to the genus Hemibeltrania. This paper presents new information on P. cedrelae that contributes to clarifying the phylogeny of the Beltraniaceae.
Quantifying the effect of pine mistletoe on the growth of Scots pine
Authors: Bilgili E. , Ozturk M. , Coskuner K. A. , Baysal I. , Serdar B. , Yavuz H. , Eroglu M. , Usta Y. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryMistletoe infection results in substantial growth losses in mistletoe‐infected forests. This study reports and evaluates the results of retrospective analyses of radial growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in relation to the level of infection of pine mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. austriacum). A total of 43 Scots pine trees were destructively sampled from different sites. Of these trees, 14 were uninfected and 29 were infected. Infection classes were determined using six‐class dwarf mistletoe rating system (DMRS). All needle and mistletoe biomass were removed completely and weighed for each sampled tree. Subsamples from needles and all mistletoe biomass were taken to the laboratory for oven‐dried weight determinations. Five‐cm‐thick wood discs were cut from the stem at the breast height (1.3 m) to determine annual basal area increment for the last 25 years. In addition to DMRS, new infection classes were created using mistletoe‐to‐needle biomass (MB/NB) ratio. The results showed that the radial growth losses could be as much as 41% to 64% at different infection levels. The rate of growth loss in relation to DMRS and MB/NB ratio was similar, but with a larger variability in DMRS values. The results showed that both DMRS rating and MB/NB ratio seem to be important for quantifying growth loss on Scots pine trees infected with mistletoe. The results of this study can also be invaluable in modelling the effects of mistletoe on the growth of Scots pine trees.
Longitudinal positron emission tomography imaging of glial cell activation in a mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Toward identification of optimal treatment windows
Authors: Nguyen Duc‐Loc , Wimberley Catriona , Truillet Charles , Jego Benoit , Caillé Fabien , Pottier Géraldine , Boisgard Raphaël , Buvat Irène , Bouilleret Viviane 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObjectiveMesiotemporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of drug‐resistant partial epilepsy, with a specific history that often begins with status epilepticus due to various neurological insults followed by a silent period. During this period, before the first seizure occurs, a specific lesion develops, described as unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS). It is still challenging to determine which drugs, administered at which time point, will be most effective during the formation of this epileptic process. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in pathophysiological mechanisms in epilepsy, and therefore brain inflammation biomarkers such as translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) can be potent epilepsy biomarkers. TSPO is associated with reactive astrocytes and microglia. A unilateral intrahippocampal kainate injection mouse model can reproduce the defining features of human temporal lobe epilepsy with unilateral HS and the pattern of chronic pharmacoresistant temporal seizures. We hypothesized that longitudinal imaging using TSPO positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F‐DPA‐714 could identify optimal treatment windows in a mouse model during the formation of HS.MethodsThe model was induced into the right dorsal hippocampus of male C57/Bl6 mice. Micro‐PET/computed tomographic scanning was performed before model induction and along the development of the HS at 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months. In vitro autoradiography and immunohistofluorescence were performed on additional mice at each time point.ResultsTSPO PET uptake reached peak at 7 days and mostly related to microglial activation, whereas after 14 days, reactive astrocytes were shown to be the main cells expressing TSPO, reflected by a continuing increased PET uptake.SignificanceTSPO‐targeted PET is a highly potent longitudinal biomarker of epilepsy and could be of interest to determine the therapeutic windows in epilepsy and to monitor response to treatment.
Experimentally altering pre‐breeding sex steroids reduces extra‐pair paternity in female tree swallows
Authors: Berzins Lisha L. , Shrimpton J. Mark , Dawson Russell D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExtra‐pair paternity commonly occurs in many socially monogamous animal species, yet the reasons why females mate with males outside the social pair bond remain poorly understood. Because sex steroids mediate aggressive and sexual behaviors that peak prior to egg laying in female birds, we tested whether they also influence the rate of extra‐pair paternity in nests of female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). In one treatment, we experimentally elevated testosterone (T) using implants containing exogenous T, and in another treatment, we blocked the estrogenic and androgenic actions of T using implants containing 1,4,6‐androstatrien‐3,17‐dione in combination with flutamide (ATD+F). Females with empty implants served as controls. Nests of females treated with T and those with ATD+F were less likely to contain extra‐pair offspring and had a lower proportion of extra‐pair offspring, compared to control females. Treating females with T also delayed clutch initiation dates and disrupted incubation behavior, as found in previous studies, but clutch sizes of T females did not differ from controls. Females treated with ATD+F tended to lay larger clutches than control and T‐treated females, which may be due to their clutch sizes not declining with later initiation dates as found in the T and control treatments; however, after controlling for brood size, ATD+F females produced nestlings that were lighter at day 16 than control females. Although the effect of T on extra‐pair paternity that we observed in tree swallows is consistent with previous studies in female birds, our results demonstrate that blocking the estrogenic and/or androgenic actions of T during pre‐breeding also lowers extra‐pair paternity. Overall, our study suggests that extra‐pair paternity in tree swallows is mediated by sex steroids of females.
Patterns of extra‐pair paternity in mountain chickadees
Authors: Bonderud Erica S. , Otter Ken A. , Burg Theresa M. , Marini Kristen L. D. , Reudink Matthew W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExtra‐pair paternity (EPP) is common in chickadees and often attributed to the good genes hypothesis. Females generally seek dominant males, who are typically larger, older and sing at higher rates than subordinate males, as extra‐pair sires. In other songbird species, habitat quality and urbanization have been found to influence EPP. Mountain chickadees commonly inhabit suburban habitat, and previous research on our population has shown urbanization may provide benefits to these adaptable songbirds. Here, we ask how individual condition and urbanization influence rates of EPP in mountain chickadees. Over three breeding seasons, we monitored mountain chickadee nests in urban and rural habitat, and determined parentage by genotyping adults and nestlings at six microsatellite loci. Extra‐pair paternity is common in mountain chickadees, with extra‐pair offspring (EPO) in 43.2% of nests and accounting for 17.9% of offspring. We found tenuous support for the good genes hypothesis with females tending to engage in EPCs with older males. However, we did not find an influence of male or female condition on the proportion of EPO in a nest. In addition, we did not find a significant effect of habitat on EPP rates, suggesting the impacts of urbanization on mountain chickadee reproduction may not extend to altering extra‐pair behaviour.
Noncatastrophic and catastrophic fractures in racing Thoroughbreds at the Hong Kong Jockey Club
Authors: Sun T. C. , Riggs C. M. , Cogger N. , Wright J. , Al‐Alawneh J. I. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundReports of fractures in racehorses have predominantly focused on catastrophic injuries, and there are limited data identifying the location and incidence of fractures that did not result in a fatal outcome.ObjectiveTo describe the nature and the incidence of noncatastrophic and catastrophic fractures in Thoroughbreds racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) over seven racing seasons.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsData of fractures sustained in horses while racing and of race characteristics were extracted from theHKJCVeterinary Management Information System (VMIS) and Racing Information System (RIS), respectively. The fracture event was determined from the first clinical entry for each specific injury. The incidence rates of noncatastrophic and catastrophic fractures were calculated per 1000 racing starts for racetrack, age, racing season, sex and trainer.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐nine first fracture events occurred in 64,807 racing starts. The incidence rate of noncatastrophic fractures was 2.2 per 1000 racing starts and of catastrophic fractures was 0.6 per 1000 racing starts. Fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones represented 55% of all catastrophic fractures, while the most common noncatastrophic fractures involved the carpus and the first phalanx. Significant associations were detected between the incidence of noncatastrophic fractures and sex, trainer and racing season.Main limitationsThe first fracture event was used to calculate the incidence rate in this study and may have resulted in underestimation of the true incidence rate of fractures in this population. However, given the low number of recorded fracture events compared with the size of the study population, this underestimation is likely to be small.ConclusionsThere were 3.6 times as many noncatastrophic fractures as catastrophic fractures in Thoroughbreds racing in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2011. Noncatastrophic fractures interfere with race training schedules and may predispose to catastrophic fracture. Future analytical studies on noncatastrophic racing fractures should be a priority for the racing industry.
MicroRNAs in equine veterinary science
Authors: Hollis A. R. , Starkey M. P. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryMicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that play a pivotal role in diverse cellular processes through post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The dysregulation of specific microRNAs is associated with disease development and progression. In this review, we summarise how microRNAs modulate gene expression, and explain microRNA nomenclature. We discuss the potential applications of microRNAs in equine disease diagnosis and treatment, in the context of the sum of current knowledge about microRNA expression in normal and diseased equine tissues.
X‐linked ichthyosis: Clinical and molecular findings in 35 Italian patients
Authors: Diociaiuti Andrea , Angioni Adriano , Pisaneschi Elisa , Alesi Viola , Zambruno Giovanna , Novelli Antonio , El Hachem May 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRecessive X‐linked ichthyosis (XLI), the second most common ichthyosis, is caused by mutations in the STS gene encoding the steroid sulfatase enzyme. A complete deletion of the STS gene is found in 85%‐90% of cases. Rarely, larger deletions involving contiguous genes are detected in syndromic patients. We report the clinical and molecular genetic findings in a series of 35 consecutive Italian male patients. All patients underwent molecular testing by MLPA or aCGH, followed, in case of negative results, by next‐generation sequencing analysis. Neuropsychiatric, ophthalmological and paediatric evaluations were also performed. Our survey showed a frequent presence of disease manifestations at birth (42.8%). Fold and palmoplantar surfaces were involved in 18 (51%) and 7 (20%) patients, respectively. Fourteen patients (42%) presented neuropsychiatric symptoms, including attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder and motor disabilities. In addition, two patients with mental retardation were shown to be affected by a contiguous gene syndrome. Twenty‐seven patients had a complete STS deletion, one a partial deletion and 7 carried missense mutations, two of which previously unreported. In addition, a de novo STS deletion was identified in a sporadic case. The frequent presence of palmoplantar and fold involvement in XLI should be taken into account when considering the differential diagnosis with ichthyosis vulgaris. Our findings also underline the relevance of involving the neuropsychiatrist in the multidisciplinary management of XLI. Finally, we report for the first time a de novo mutation which shows that STS deletion can also occur in oogenesis.
Empowering high seas governance with satellite vessel tracking data
Authors: Dunn Daniel C , Jablonicky Caroline , Crespo Guillermo O , McCauley Douglas J , Kroodsma David A , Boerder Kristina , Gjerde Kristina M , Halpin Patrick N 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBetween 1950 and 1989, marine fisheries catch in the open‐ocean and deep‐sea beyond 200 nautical miles from shore increased by a factor of more than 10. While high seas catches have since plateaued, fishing effort continues to increase linearly. The combination of increasing effort and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has led to overfishing of target stocks and declines in biodiversity. To improve management, there have been numerous calls to increase monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS). However, MCS has been unevenly implemented, undermining efforts to sustainably use high seas and straddling stocks and protect associated species and ecosystems. The United Nations General Assembly is currently negotiating a new international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The new treaty offers an excellent opportunity to address discrepancies in how MCS is applied across regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). This paper identifies ways that automatic identification system (AIS) data can inform MCS on the high seas and thereby enhance conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. AIS data can be used to (i) identify gaps in governance to underpin the importance of a holistic scope for the new agreement; (ii) monitor area‐based management tools; and (iii) increase the capacity of countries and RFMOs to manage via the technology transfer. Any new BBNJ treaty should emphasize MCS and the role of electronic monitoring including the use of AIS data, as well as government–industry–civil society partnerships to ensure critically important technology transfer and capacity building.
The role of corporate social responsibility in creating a Seussian world of seafood sustainability
Authors: Bailey Megan , Packer Helen , Schiller Laurenne , Tlusty Michael , Swartz Wilf 
Published: April 2018

AbstractApproaches to counter the overfishing and aquaculture production crisis include those imposed by public governing bodies, as well as those implemented by businesses and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs). In the case of the latter, private actors govern fisheries consumption and production through corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this contribution, we focus on three key tools that businesses are increasingly turning towards in an effort to meet the one particular CSR goal of sustainable seafood sourcing. In this context, the key tools of certifications, fisheries improvement projects (FIPs) and traceability are reviewed, and their potential as well as limits in contributing to continual improvement in pursuit of global seafood sustainability are analyzed. We argue that seafood CSR has created its own whimsical and fantastical world, a Seussian world, in which company image has become more important than sustainability performance. We posit four important barriers that must be overcome to bring seafood CSR back to reality. Specifically, we suggest moving away from the business case for CSR, reducing accessibility barriers for small‐scale and developing world fisheries, reconciling different labels and sustainability concepts, and better recognizing the imperative role of the state in governing fisheries and seafood.
Evaluating and managing environmental water regimes in a water‐scarce and uncertain future
Authors: Kennen Jonathan G. , Stein Eric D. , Webb J. Angus 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

While the number of environmental flows and water science programmes continues to grow across the globe, there remains a critical need to better balance water availability in support of human and ecological needs and to recognise the environment as a legitimate user of water. In water‐stressed areas, this recognition has resulted in friction between water users in the public and private sectors. An opportunity exists for practitioners to be on the forefront of the science determining best practices for supporting environmental water regimes.

This Special Issue brings together a collection of environmental flows science and water management papers organised around three major themes: (1) method development and testing; (2) application case studies; and (3) efficacy evaluation. Contents of this Special Issue are intended to foster collaboration and broaden transferability of the information, technical tools, models and methods needed to support environmental water management programmes.

The technical sophistication of methods and modelling tools, while important to the advancement of environmental water science, may come at the expense of easily interpretable outcomes that positively influence management decisions. Researchers need to be more proactive in translating the results of advanced modelling methodologies into user‐friendly tools and methods. This will allow stakeholders and water managers to proactively test alternative water allocation scenarios to help address growing human water demands in the face of droughts and changes in climatic patterns.

The application of environmental flows science and water management strategies cannot be done in isolation. Implementation involves a complex decision‐making process that integrates ecological, hydrologic and social science across diverse multifaceted governance systems and requires active stakeholder involvement. Scientists and managers must strengthen partnerships at multiple scales to develop sensible science investment strategies so that collective knowledge can be translated into wise environmental water management decisions.
Warming intensify CO2 flux and nutrient release from algal wrack subsidies on sandy beaches
Authors: Lastra Mariano , López Jesús , Rodil Iván F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAlgal wrack subsidies underpin most of the food web structure of exposed sandy beaches and are responsible of important biogeochemical processes that link marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The response in decomposition of algal wrack deposits to global warming has not been studied in ocean‐exposed sandy beaches to date. With this aim, passive open top chambers (OTCs) were used to increase soil temperature within the range predicted by the IPCC for western Europe (between 0.5 and 1.5°C), following the hypothesis that the biogeochemical processing of macroalgal wrack subsidies would accelerate in response to temperature increase. The effect of temperature manipulation on three target substrates: fresh and aged macroalgae, and bare sand, was tested. Results indicated that a small warming (<0.5°C) affected the wrack decomposition process through traceable increases in soil respiration through CO2 flux, inorganic nutrients within the interstitial environment (N and P), sediment organic contents measured through the amount of proteins and microbial pool through the total soil DNA. The different responses of soil variables in the studied substrates indicated that the decomposition stage of stranded macroalgae influences the biogeochemical processing of organic matter in sandy beaches. Thus, CO2 fluxes, releases of organic and inorganic nutrients and microbial activity intensify in aged wrack deposits. Our results predict that expected global warming will increase the release of inorganic nutrients to the coastal ocean by 30% for the N (21 Gg/year) and 5.9% for P (14 Gg/year); that increase for the flow of C to the atmosphere as CO2 was estimated in 8.2% (523 Gg/year). This study confirms the key role of sandy beaches in recycling ocean‐derived organic matter, highlighting their sensitivity to a changing scenario of global warming that predicts significant increases in temperature over the next few decades.