bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Additive effects of climate change and human hunting explain population decline and extinction in cave bears
Authors: Mondanaro Alessandro , Di Febbraro Mirko , Melchionna Marina , Carotenuto Francesco , Castiglione Silvia , Serio Carmela , Danisi Simone , Rook Lorenzo , Diniz‐Filho Jose Alexandre F. , Raia Pasquale 
Published: February 2019

Cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) are an iconic component of the European late Quaternary Ice Age megafauna. Recent demographic analyses based on cave bear mtDNA sequences and refined radiocarbon dating indicate that cave bear population size and genetic diversity started to decline some 50 kilo years ago (kya). Hence, neither the coldest phase of the last glaciation (started some 24 kya), nor the colonization of Europe by Palaeolithic hunters (started some 45 kya) coincides with the beginning of population decline. Here, we reconstructed cave bear climatic niche evolution through time. Then, we performed spatially explicit population viability analyses to assess cave bear demographics through time in response to climatic changes, human effects on bear survival and their combination. We found that climate change was responsible for a 10‐fold decrease in cave bear population size after 40 kya. However, climate change on its own could not explain U. spelaeus extinction at 24 kya. Additional negative effects consistent with human population expansion are required to explain both U. spelaeus' retreat from eastern Europe since 40 kya and its final extinction.
The impact of dihydropyridine derivatives on the cerebral blood flow response to somatosensory stimulation and spreading depolarization
Authors: Szabó Írisz , M. Tóth Orsolya , Török Zsolt , Varga Dániel Péter , Menyhárt Ákos , Frank Rita , Hantosi Dóra , Hunya Ákos , Bari Ferenc , Horváth Ibolya , Vigh László , Farkas Eszter 
Published: February 2019

Background and PurposeA new class of dihydropyridine derivatives, which act as co‐inducers of heat shock protein but are devoid of calcium channel antagonist and vasodilator effects, has recently been developed with the purpose of selectively targeting neurodegeneration. Here, we evaluated the action of one of these novel compounds LA1011 on neurovascular coupling in the ischaemic rat cerebral cortex. As a reference, we applied nimodipine, a vasodilator dihydropyridine and well‐known calcium channel antagonist.Experimental ApproachRats were treated with LA1011 or nimodipine, either by chronic, systemic (LA1011), or acute, local administration (LA1011 and nimodipine). In the latter treatment group, global forebrain ischaemia was induced in half of the animals by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion under isoflurane anaesthesia. Functional hyperaemia in the somatosensory cortex was created by mechanical stimulation of the contralateral whisker pad under α‐chloralose anaesthesia. Spreading depolarization (SD) events were elicited subsequently by 1 M KCl. Local field potential and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the parietal somatosensory cortex were monitored by electrophysiology and laser Doppler flowmetry.Key ResultsLA1011 did not alter CBF, but intensified SD, presumably indicating the co‐induction of heat shock proteins, and, perhaps an anti‐inflammatory effect. Nimodipine attenuated evoked potentials and SD. In addition to the elevation of baseline CBF, nimodipine augmented hyperaemia in response to both somatosensory stimulation and SD, particularly under ischaemia.Conclusions and implicationsIn contrast to the CBF improvement achieved with nimodipine, LA1011 seems not to have discernible cerebrovascular effects but may up‐regulate the stress response.
An osteoclastogenesis system, the RANKL/RANK signalling pathway, contributes to aggravated allergic inflammation
Authors: Nam Sun‐Young , Kim Hee‐Yun , Min Jin‐Young , Kim Hyung‐Min , Jeong Hyun‐Ja 
Published: February 2019

Background and PurposeAs an osteoclast differentiation factor, receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) is produced by various immune cells and may be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and inflammation. Although RANKL is expressed in most immune cells and tissues, it is not clear how this might affect allergic inflammation.Experimental ApproachThe roles of RANKL in allergic rhinitis (AR) were analysed in an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced animal model, human subjects, and a human mast cell line (HMC‐1). Small interfering RNA experiments were performed in an OVA‐induced AR model.Key ResultsRANKL and RANKL receptor (RANK) were up‐regulated in serum or nasal mucosal tissues of AR patients and AR mice. RANKL and RANK were colocalised in mast cells of nasal mucosa tissue. Depletion of RANKL by RANKL siRNA ameliorated AR symptoms and reduced AR‐related biomarkers, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IgE, histamine, and inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas recombinant RANKL increased AR responses and TSLP levels. In addition, functional deficiency of TSLP decreased AR responses induced by RANKL. In human mast cells, interaction of RANKL with RANK increased production of TSLP and inflammatory cytokines. Production of TSLP by RANKL stimulation was mediated through activation of the PI3K, MAPK, caspase‐1, and NF‐κB pathways. Furthermore, dexamethasone alleviated RANKL‐induced inflammatory reactions in AR models.Conclusion and ImplicationsCollectively, these data suggest that RANKL may induce development of AR through up‐regulation of TSLP.
Proteoliposome‐based model for screening inhibitors targeting histidine kinase AgrC
Authors: Zhang Liying , Quan Chunshan , Zhang Xuning , Xiong Wen , Fan Shengdi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAgrC, as an integral membrane receptor protein with histidine kinase activity, is an important component of the agr quorum‐sensing system of Staphylococcus aureus. AgrC acts as a sensor for the recognition of environmental signals and transduction of the signals into the cytoplasm. Therefore, AgrC is considered to be a compelling target for the development of novel quorum‐sensing inhibitors. Here, we constructed a proteoliposome‐based model for screening inhibitors targeting AgrC by incorporating AgrC into liposomes. We demonstrated that the dissolution state of the liposome was a critical factor in the reconstruction of the AgrC proteoliposome, in which AgrC maintained similar orientation and function as those in natural biological membranes. Two monomers, namely, rhein and aloeemodin, were successfully screened out as inhibitors targeting AgrC by the proteoliposome‐based model from 14 traditional Chinese medicine monomers. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on the growth of suspended bacteria was dose dependent, and subinhibitory concentrations of these compounds significantly reduced the expression of three virulence factors (hla, clfA, and clpP), that are regulated by the agr system. The results preliminarily indicated that rhein and aloeemodin can inhibit the agr signaling pathway and also indirectly confirmed the feasibility and effectiveness of the AgrC proteoliposome as a drug screening model.
Shared Picture Book Reading Interventions for Child Language Development: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Dowdall Nicholas , Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Murray Lynne , Gardner Frances , Hartford Leila , Cooper Peter J. 
Published: February 2019

Interventions that train parents to share picture books with children are seen as a strategy for supporting child language development. We conducted meta‐analyses using robust variance estimation modeling on results from 19 RCTs (Ntotal = 2,594; Mchildage = 1–6 years). Overall, book‐sharing interventions had a small sized effect on both expressive language (d = 0.41) and receptive language (d = 0.26). They had a large effect on caregiver book‐sharing competence (d = 1.01). The impact of the intervention on child language was moderated by intervention dosage, with lower dosage associated with a minimal impact. Child age and caregiver education level were unrelated to child outcome. This review and meta‐analysis confirms the promise of book‐sharing interventions for enhancing and accelerating child language development.
A subgroup of lupus patients with nephritis, innate T cell activation and low vitamin D is identified by the enhancement of circulating MHC class I-related chain A
Authors: Pérez-Ferro M , Romero-Bueno F I , Serrano del Castillo C , Mahillo I , Alvear A , Largo R , Herrero-Beaumont G , Sánchez-Pernaute O 
Published: February 2019

Summary
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related chain A (MICA) is induced upon stress, and labels malfunctioning cells for their recognition by cytotoxic lymphocytes. Alterations in this recognition and also abnormal natural killer (NK) functions have been found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MICA can be shed from cells, subsequently acting as a soluble decoy receptor (sMICA). Our purpose was to study circulating sMICA levels in relationship with the activation of innate pathways in PBMC in a cohort of lupus patients. NK cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Gene expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR), interferon (IFN)-I sensitive genes and MICA were separately analyzed in monocytes, T cells and B cells. Serum sMICA was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In our cohort, NK cell counts dropped in relationship with disease activity. sMICA showed an inverse trend with NK cell counts, as well as a significant association with activity indices, but not with complement decrease. Levels of sMICA associated to proteinuria and active nephritis. A multivariate regression model revealed anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titres, the up-regulation of TLR-4 in T cells and lower vitamin D as predictors of sMICA enhancement. Interestingly, vitamin D showed an inverse association with proteinuria and a strong correlation with T cell MICA mRNA levels. According to our data, circulating sMICA identifies a subgroup of lupus patients with low vitamin D, innate activation of T cells and nephritis. We propose that lymphocyte shedding could account for the enhancement of sMICA and reflect an immune evasion mechanism driving disease activation in lupus.
Novel insights into the systemic treatment of lung cancer malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Tissot Claire , Gay Pierre , Brun Clément , Froudarakis Marios E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLung cancer is the most common fatal malignancy worldwide. Approximately 75% of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced or a metastatic stage. Since 2007, NSCLC patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are staged as M1 disease. During the last decades, chemotherapeutic agents failed to offer a significant improvement of survival in patients with metastatic disease. The current review aims to summarize the actual situation of the recently developed therapies in patients with lung cancer and MPE.
Nitrogen application is required to realize wheat yield stimulation by elevated CO2 but will not remove the CO2‐induced reduction in grain protein concentration
Authors: Pleijel Håkan , Broberg Malin C. , Högy Petra , Uddling Johan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractElevated CO2 (eCO2) generally promotes increased grain yield (GY) and decreased grain protein concentration (GPC), but the extent to which these effects depend on the magnitude of fertilization remains unclear. We collected data on the eCO2 responses of GY, GPC and grain protein yield and their relationships with nitrogen (N) application rates across experimental data covering 11 field grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars studied in eight countries on four continents. The eCO2‐induced stimulation of GY increased with N application rates up to ~200 kg/ha. At higher N application, stimulation of GY by eCO2 stagnated or even declined. This was valid both when the yield stimulation was expressed as the total effect and using per ppm CO2 scaling. GPC was decreased by on average 7% under eCO2 and the magnitude of this effect did not depend on N application rate. The net effect of responses on GY and protein concentration was that eCO2 typically increased and decreased grain protein yield at N application rates below and above ~100 kg/ha respectively. We conclude that a negative effect on wheat GPC seems inevitable under eCO2 and that substantial N application rates may be required to sustain wheat protein yields in a world with rising CO2.
Different effects of alpine woody plant expansion on domestic and wild ungulates
Authors: Espunyes Johan , Lurgi Miguel , Büntgen Ulf , Bartolomé Jordi , Calleja Juan Antonio , Gálvez‐Cerón Arturo , Peñuelas Josep , Claramunt-López Bernat , Serrano Emmanuel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractChanges in land‐use and climate affect the distribution and diversity of plant and animal species at different spatiotemporal scales. The extent to which species‐specific phenotypic plasticity and biotic interactions mediate organismal adaptation to changing environments, however, remains poorly understood. Woody plant expansion is threatening the extent of alpine grasslands worldwide, and evaluating and predicting its effects on herbivores is of crucial importance. Here, we explore the impact of shrubification on the feeding efficiency of Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica), as well as on the three most abundant coexisting domestic ungulate species: cattle, sheep and horses. We use observational diet composition from May to October and model different scenarios of vegetation availability where shrubland and woodland proliferate at the expense of grassland. We then predicted if the four ungulate species could efficiently utilize their food landscapes with their current dietary specificities measuring their niche breath in each scenario. We observed that the wild counterpart, due to a higher trophic plasticity, is less disturbed by shrubification compared to livestock, which rely primarily on herbaceous plants and will be affected 3.6 times more. Our results suggest that mixed feeders, such as chamois, could benefit from fallow landscapes, and that mountain farmers are at a growing economic risk worldwide due to changing land‐use practices and climate conditions.
Carbon consequences of drought differ in forests that resprout
Authors: Walden Lewis L. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Matusick George , Harper Richard J. , Hardy Giles E. St. J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractProlonged drought and intense heat‐related events trigger sudden forest die‐off events and have now been reported from all forested continents. Such die‐offs are concerning given that drought and heatwave events are forecast to increase in severity and duration as climate change progresses. Quantifying consequences to carbon dynamics and storage from die‐off events are critical for determining the current and future mitigation potential of forests. We took stand measurements five times over 2+ years from affected and unaffected plots across the Northern Jarrah Forest, southwestern Australia, following an acute drought/heatwave in 2011. We found a significant loss of live standing carbon (49.3 t ha−1), and subsequently a significant increase in the dead standing carbon pool by 6 months post‐die‐off. Of the persisting live trees, 38% experienced partial mortality contributing to the rapid regrowth and replenishment (82%–88%) of labile carbon pools (foliage, twigs, and branches) within 26 months. Such regrowth was not substantial in terms of net carbon changes within the timeframe of the study but does reflect the resprouting resilience of this forest type. Dead carbon generated by the die‐off may persist for centuries given low fragmentation and decay rates resulting in low biogenic emission rates relative to other forest types. However, future fire may threaten persistence of both dead and live pools via combustion and mortality of live tissue and impaired regrowth capacity. Resprouting forests are commonly regarded as resilient systems, however, a changing climate could see vulnerable portions of forests become carbon sources rather than carbon sinks.
Accurate Measurement of Lithium Isotopes in Eleven Carbonate Reference Materials by MC‐ICP‐MS with Soft Extraction Mode and 1012 Ω Resistor High‐Gain Faraday Amplifiers
Authors: Lin Jie , Liu Yongsheng , Hu Zhaochu , Chen Wei , Zhang La , Chen Haihong 
Published: February 2019

Lithium isotopes in carbonate rocks and minerals can serve as important tools for assessing palaeoclimates and palaeoenvironments. However, carbonate bulk rock samples are commonly mixtures of carbonate and silicate minerals, which require the complete digestion of the carbonate without digesting the silicate. Additionally, the low Li content (ng g−1 level) in carbonates provides an additional challenge. Hence, despite their wide applications, few carbonates have had their δ7Li values characterised, particularly carbonate reference materials, which hinders comparisons of Li isotope measurement results obtained in different laboratories and the further application of Li isotopes in geological studies. This study aimed to provide precise and accurate δ7Li values for carbonate reference materials based on an evaluation of sample leaching and the Li purification method for carbonates, as well as the adoption of soft extraction and 1012 Ω amplifiers to increase the intensity/blank ratio and matrix effect on Li isotope measurement. The precision and accuracy of the proposed procedure were verified by analysing synthetic carbonate samples and mono‐elemental Li solutions. With the developed method we provide δ7Li values for eleven carbonate reference materials with a precision of ~ 0.4‰. The accuracy of the δ7Li values was validated using the standard addition method.
Wetland‐Scale Mapping of Preferential Fresh Groundwater Discharge to the Colorado River
Authors: Briggs Martin A. , Nelson Nora , Gardner Philip , Solomon D. Kip , Terry Neil , Lane John W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractQuantitative evaluation of groundwater/surface water exchange dynamics is universally challenging in large river systems, because existing methodology often does not yield spatially‐distributed data and is difficult to apply in deeper water. Here we apply a combined near‐surface geophysical and direct groundwater chemical toolkit to refine fresh groundwater discharge estimates to the Colorado River through a 4‐km2 wetland that borders the town of Moab, Utah, USA. Preliminary characterization of raw electromagnetic imaging (EMI) data, collected by kayak and by walking, was used to guide additional direct‐contact electrical measurements and installation of new monitoring wells. Chemical data from the wells strongly supported the EMI spatial characterization of preferential fresh groundwater discharge embedded in natural brine groundwaters and weighted to the southern wetland section. Inversion of the EMI data revealed sub‐meter scale detail regarding bulk electrical conductivity zonation across approximately 15.5 km of transects, collected in only 3 days. This electrical detail indicates processes such as salinization of the unsaturated zone and direct discharge through the Colorado River sediments and a tributary creek bed. Overall, the study contributed to a substantial reduction in fresh groundwater discharge estimates previously made using sparse existing well data and a simplified assumption of diffuse fresh groundwater discharge below the entire wetland. EMI will likely become a widely used tool in systems with natural electrical contrast as groundwater/surface water hydrogeologists continue to recognize the prevalence of preferential groundwater discharge processes.
Incipient formation of zircon and hafnon during glass alteration at 90°C
Authors: Calas Georges , Galoisy Laurence , Menguy Nicolas , Jollivet Patrick , Gin Stéphane 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLayered zircon and hafnon are observed at the surface of gels resulting from the complete alteration of Zr‐ or Hf‐bearing borosilicate glasses at 90°C and pH 1. The unusually low temperature of formation may arise from the similarity of the local structure around Zr in the gel (from the altered glasses), the leaching solution and the zircon structure, in particular, the majority eight‐coordination of Zr and the connectivity of Zr‐sites with their surroundings. Similar behavior is expected for Hf, which mimics Zr speciation in solution and hafnon structure. This work expands the known formation methods of zircon and hafnon at low temperature, underlining the importance of amorphous precursors to facilitate crystal growth under unusual conditions.
Simultaneous three‐dimensional elemental mapping of Hollandite and Pyrochlore material phases in ceramic waste form materials
Authors: Damian Peter Joseph C. , Cocco Alex P. , Wrubel Jacob A. , Hong Tao , Bordia Rajendra K. , Liu Yijin , Pianetta Piero , Amoroso Jake W. , Brinkman Kyle S. , Chiu Wilson K. S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDifferential X‐ray absorption contrast tomography was performed on model ceramic composite systems to image the 3D spatial distributions of Ga and Nd containing phases. The model material systems were fabricated such that they contained two constituent phases. Ga–doped Ba hollandite (Ba1.33Ga2.66Ti5.34O16), and pyrochlore (Nd2Ti2O7) which are under consideration as nuclear waste immobilization matrices. Two complementary techniques have been used to characterize the 3D distribution of phases. The analysis suggests that the 3D spatial distributions of hollandite and pyrochlore can be readily identified through the distributions Ga and Nd, respectively. These results represent a critical development towards characterizing the complex microstructure inherent to practical materials such as multiphase ceramic composite waste forms. Moreover, these methods can be applied to elucidate microstructural features that fundamentally determine the performance and properties of complex systems, which is central to the design of durable waste forms as well as many other real materials such fuel cells, batteries, ultra‐high temperature ceramics.
Morphogenesis and Molecular Phylogeny of the Soil Ciliate Holostichides chardezi (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia, Bakuellidae), with Redefinition of Holostichides Foissner, 1987 and Establishment of a New Genus Anteholostichides
Authors: Zhu Erkang , Ba Sang , Lyu Zhao , Li Jingbao , Shao Chen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMorphogenesis of the soil hypotrich ciliate, Holostichides chardezi Foissner, 1987, collected from southeastern China, was investigated using the protargol staining method. The main morphogenetic events follow a similar process with that of its congeners. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequence data indicate that Holostichides is nonmonophyletic; H. chardezi, the type species of Holostichides, clusters with H. heterotypicus, while H. terrae is distinctly separate from these species. H. terrae can be distinguished from H. chardezi (type species of Holostichides) and H. heterotypicus by undulating membranes relatively long and distinctly curved (vs. relatively short and straight), pharynx with (vs. without) rod‐shaped structure, and two (vs. more than two) frontoterminal cirri. Therefore, a new genus, Anteholostichides nov. gen., has been proposed for H. terrae. Further, the diagnosis of the genus Holostichides is improved.