bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large generative and vegetative reproduction independently increases global success of perennial plants from Central Europe
Authors: Klinerová Tereza , Tasevová Karolina , Dostál Petr 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimInvasion success of non‐native plants is known to be enhanced by high values in several performance‐related traits. As most studies have explored the traits in isolation, we do not know whether improved performance of invaders in some traits is negatively related to performance in other traits. Here, we examine associations between the alien success of Central European grassland species and several traits of generative and vegetative reproduction. We asked which reproductive characteristics are most important for alien success. We also investigated whether the most widespread non‐native species succeeded due to a weakened trade‐off between the traits.LocationGlobal with respect to alien success, and Central European with respect to origin of study species.MethodsIn greenhouse and garden conditions we measured traits of generative (seed mass, reproductive output, germination delay, germination rate, seedling weight) and vegetative reproduction (number and size of modules) of 85 perennial species native to Europe. We also compiled information on the ‘success’ of these species in exotic ranges from the Global Compendium of Weeds.ResultsAfter accounting for the effect of propagule pressure (which explained 30% of variance in the data), alien success was significantly and positively associated with germination rate, reproductive output and seedling weight, and with the product of these traits (termed generative reproduction), which explained 5%–13% of variance in the data. The best predictor of success was vegetative reproduction (product of module number and weight), which explained 19% of variance. However, more successful species resembled the less successful ones in following similar associations between the traits, such as the negative relationship between number and weight of modules or a non‐significant relationship between generative and vegetative reproduction.Main conclusionsHigh values of generative and vegetative reproduction pre‐adapt grassland perennial plants from Central Europe for global success. The success is, however, driven by an independent effect of the two reproductive modes and not by a weakened trade‐off between them.
Glucocorticoids modulate multidrug resistance transporters in the first trimester human placenta
Authors: Lye Phetcharawan , Bloise Enrrico , Nadeem Lubna , Gibb William , Lye Stephen J. , Matthews Stephen G. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe placental multidrug transporters, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, encoded by ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) protect the foetus from exposure to maternally derived glucocorticoids, toxins and xenobiotics. During pregnancy, maternal glucocorticoid levels can be elevated by stress or exogenous administration. We hypothesized that glucocorticoids modulate the expression of ABCB1/P‐gp and ABCG2/BCRP in the first trimester human placenta. Our objective was to examine whether dexamethasone (DEX) or cortisol modulate first trimester placental expression of multidrug transporters and determine whether cytotrophoblasts or the syncytiotrophoblast are/is responsible for mediating these effects. Three models were examined: (i) an ex‐vivo model of placental villous explants (7‐10 weeks), (ii) a model of isolated first trimester syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells and (iii) the BeWo immortalized trophoblast cell line model. These cells/tissues were treated with DEX or cortisol for 24 hour to 72 hour. In first trimester placental explants, DEX (48 hour) increased ABCB1 (P < .001) and ABCG2 (P < .05) mRNA levels, whereas cortisol (48 hour) only increased ABCB1 mRNA levels (P < .01). Dexamethasone (P < .05) and cortisol (P < .01) increased BCRP but did not affect P‐gp protein levels. Breast cancer resistance protein expression was primarily confined to syncytiotrophoblasts. BeWo cells, when syncytialized with forskolin, increased expression of BCRP protein, and this was further augmented by DEX (P < .05). Our data suggest that the protective barrier provided by BCRP increases as cytotrophoblasts fuse to form the syncytiotrophoblast. Increase in glucocorticoid levels during the first trimester may reduce embryo/foetal exposure to clinically relevant BCRP substrates, because of an increase in placental BCRP.
Association of ATM and BMI‐1 genetic variation with breast cancer risk in Han Chinese
Authors: Yue Li‐Ling , Wang Fu‐Chao , Zhang Ming‐Long , Liu Dan , Chen Ping , Mei Qing‐Bu , Li Peng‐Hui , Pan Hong‐Ming , Zheng Li‐Hong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that genetic variation in ATM and BMI‐1 genes can alter the risk of breast cancer through genotyping 6 variants among 524 breast cancer cases and 518 cancer‐free controls of Han nationality. This was an observational, hospital‐based, case–control association study. Analyses of single variant, linkage, haplotype, interaction and nomogram were performed. Risk was expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). All studied variants were in the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium and were not linked. The mutant allele frequencies of rs1890637, rs3092856 and rs1801516 in ATM gene were significantly higher in cases than in controls (P = .005, <.001 and .001, respectively). Two variants, rs1042059 and rs201024480, in BMI‐1 gene were low penetrant, with no detectable significance. After adjustment, rs189037 and rs1801516 were significantly associated with breast cancer under the additive model (OR: 1.37 and 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.71 and 1.14‐2.04, P: .005 and .005, respectively). In haplotype analysis, haplotypes A‐C‐G‐G (in order of rs189037, rs3092856, rs1801516 and rs373759) and A‐C‐A‐A in ATM gene were significantly associated with 1.98‐fold and 6.04‐fold increased risk of breast cancer (95% CI: 1.36‐2.90 and 1.65‐22.08, respectively). Nomogram analysis estimated that the cumulative proportion of 3 significant variants in ATM gene was about 12.5%. Our findings collectively indicated that ATM gene was a candidate gene in susceptibility to breast cancer in Han Chinese.
Periodontitis and quality of life: What is the role of socioeconomic status, sense of coherence, dental service use and oral health practices? An exploratory theory‐guided analysis on a Norwegian population
Authors: Holde Gro Eirin , Baker Sarah R. , Jönsson Birgitta 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTo utilise Andersen's behavioural model for health services’ use as the theoretical framework to examine direct and indirect relationships between population characteristics, oral health behaviours and periodontitis and oral health impacts.Materials and methodsThe model was tested in a general adult population (n = 1,886) in Norway, using structural equation modelling. Socioeconomic status, sense of coherence (SOC), dental anxiety, perceived treatment need, oral health behaviours and oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14) were collected through questionnaire. Periodontal examinations consisted of full‐mouth recordings.ResultsAndersen's model explained a large part of the variance in use of dental services (58%) and oral health‐related impacts (55%), and to a less extent periodontitis (19%). More social structure and stronger SOC was related to more enabling resources, which in turn was associated with more use of dental services. More use of dental services was related to more periodontitis and more periodontitis was associated with increased oral health impacts. A stronger SOC was associated with less oral impacts. There was no association between use of dental services and oral health impacts.ConclusionsThe result demonstrated complex relationships between population characteristics, oral health‐related behaviours and oral health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors and smoking were main predictors of periodontitis. Regular dental visiting habits did not, however, reduce the likelihood of periodontitis.
Development and implementation of a novel immune thrombocytopenia bleeding score for dogs
Authors: Makielski Kelly M. , Brooks Marjory B. , Wang Chong , Cullen Jonah N. , O'Connor Annette M. , LeVine Dana N. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundA method of quantifying clinical bleeding in dogs with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is needed because ITP patients have variable bleeding tendencies that inconsistently correlate with platelet count. A scoring system will facilitate patient comparisons and allow stratification based on bleeding severity in clinical trials.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate a bleeding assessment tool for dogs, and a training course for improving its consistent implementation.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (n = 61) with platelet counts <50,000/μL; 34 classified as primary ITP, 17 as secondary ITP, and 10 as non‐ITP.MethodsA novel bleeding assessment tool, DOGiBAT, comprising bleeding grades from 0 (none) to 2 (severe) at 9 anatomic sites, was developed. Clinicians and technicians completed a training course and quiz before scoring thrombocytopenic patients. The training course was assessed by randomizing student volunteers to take the quiz with or without prior training. A logistic regression model assessed the association between training and quiz performance. The correlation of DOGiBAT score with platelet count and outcome measures was assessed in the thrombocytopenic dogs.ResultsClinicians and technicians consistently applied the DOGiBAT, correctly scoring all quiz cases. The odds of trained students answering correctly were higher than those of untrained students (P < .0001). In clinical cases, DOGiBAT score and platelet count were inversely correlated (rs = −0.527, P < .0001), and DOGiBAT directly correlated with transfusion requirements (rs = 0.512, P < .0001) and hospitalization duration (rs = 0.35, P = .006).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe DOGiBAT and assessment quiz are simple tools to standardize evaluation of bleeding severity. With further validation, the DOGiBAT may provide a clinically relevant metric to characterize ITP severity and monitor response in treatment trials.
Association between indoor air pollution and respiratory disease in companion dogs and cats
Authors: Lin Chung‐Hui , Lo Pei‐Ying , Wu Huey‐Dong , Chang Chinhao , Wang Lih‐Chiann 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundIndoor air pollution (IAP) leads to important respiratory morbidity and mortality in humans. Companion dogs and cats share the same household environment with their owners and are exposed to IAP.HypothesisPets with respiratory disease are more commonly exposed to indoor air pollutants in their homes and to worse air quality than pets without respiratory disease.AnimalsThree hundred and forty‐eight animals (230 dogs and 118 cats) were recruited.MethodsDogs and cats attending the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital were prospectively enrolled over a 12‐month period. Questionnaires were collected from pet owners regarding the status of signs of respiratory problem of animals and air pollutants in their homes. Clinical assessment was performed by veterinarians on all animals included in the case‐control study and the presence/absence of respiratory disease and diagnoses were recorded. Individual exposure to particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was estimated in the domestic microenvironment of the animals.ResultsDogs with respiratory disease were more commonly exposed to incense burning than control dogs (30 versus 13%, P = .045), but household PM2.5 level was not different between dogs with and without respiratory disease [median 30.8 μg/m3, range 10.8‐214.2 versus median 38.2 μg/m3, range 5.4‐69.4, P = .57]. Signalment factors (age, body weight, and body condition score) instead of IAP factors were associated with respiratory disease in dogs using multivariable logistic regression. In contrast, household PM2.5 level was significantly higher in cats with respiratory disease than in control cats [median 38.6 μg/m3, range 17.8‐131.2 versus median 27.4 μg/m3, range 15.4‐70.0, P = .017]. Cats living in households with PM2.5 > 35 μg/m3 were more likely to have respiratory disease than those living in households with acceptable levels of PM2.5 (OR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.12‐15.27, P = .03).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe link between IAP and respiratory disease in dogs is complicated. An unacceptable level of household PM2.5 (>35 μg/m3) is significantly associated with respiratory disease in cats. The effect of IAP on the respiratory health of companion animals warrants further attention.
Phenotypic plasticity in the timing of reproduction in Andean bears
Authors: Appleton R. D. , Van Horn R. C. , Noyce K. V. , Spady T. J. , Swaisgood R. R. , Arcese P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMany factors influence whether mammals reproduce seasonally or continuously but disentangling them can be challenging in free‐living species that are hard to observe. We described the seasonality of reproduction in Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in NW Peru (6°26′S, 79°33′W) to test for phenotypic plasticity in response to extrinsic cues. To do so, we compared the mating behavior and birthdates of free‐living bears to the birthdates of captive bears housed over a broad range of latitudes. Free‐living bears were observed on 302 occasions over 6 years (967 field‐days), and mating behaviors recorded 61 times from late Dec to Jan. The mean birthdate of 12 wild‐born litters was 17 August (range = 23 Jun – 15 Oct), 57 ± 10 (SD) days after the winter solstice. Birthdates for 367 captive litters varied widely by comparison (range = 1 Jan – 31 Dec; mean = 14 ± 49 days after the winter solstice). However, captive bears in the tropics had fewer births in autumn and winter (71.4% of births) than captive bears at higher latitudes (96.8% of births; P < 0.001). Differences in seasonal reproduction among captive bears at high and low latitudes and captive and a free‐living at tropical latitudes suggest that Andean bears display phenotypic plasticity in reproductive timing but influenced by photoperiod at high latitudes. Because photoperiodic effects were less evident at tropic latitudes, we suggest that seasonality in the timing of reproduction in the free‐living bears we observed was influenced by seasonal variation in food abundance. The observed effect of photoperiod on reproduction in captive Andean bears at high latitudes may also imply that free‐living bears at the southern edge of the range may be constrained in their ability to adjust reproductive timing to resource availability as environments change.
Sexual dimorphism in the sonic system and otolith morphology of Neobythites gilli (Ophidiiformes)
Authors: Parmentier E. , Boistel R. , Bahri M. A. , Plenevaux A. , Schwarzhans W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAlthough males and females of many sound‐producing fish species may show differences at the level of the sonic apparatus, otoliths are usually species specific having intraspecific variation only if exposed to different environmental condition or in relation with the fish size. This study reports sexual dimorphism at the level of both otolith shape and sonic apparatus in the ophidiid Neobythites gilli. As it is the case in other Neobythites species, sound‐producing apparatus is better developed in males. Due to their way of life in darker or deep waters, differences at the level of the sound‐producing apparatus support more constraints related to acoustic communication for sex recognition or mate localization. Otolith modifications concern only Neobythites male specimens, whereas otolith of females are virtually unchanged when compared to sister species without sexual dimorphism, meaning this feature would not be related to sexually induced differences in calling. Differences between the otoliths of males and females could therefore be related to their way of life.
GhWIP2, a WIP zinc finger protein, suppresses cell expansion in Gerbera hybrida by mediating crosstalk between gibberellin, abscisic acid, and auxin
Authors: Ren Guiping , Li Lingfei , Huang Yuhua , Wang Yaqin , Zhang Wenbin , Zheng Rouyan , Zhong Chunmei , Wang Xiaojing 
Published: April 2018

Summary

Cell expansion is a key determinant for the final size and shape of plant organ, and is regulated by various phytohormones. Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) consist of a superfamily involved in multiple aspects of organ morphogenesis. However, little is known about WIP‐type ZFP function in phytohormone‐mediated organ growth.

Using reverse genetics, RNA‐seq and phytohormone quantification, we elucidated the role of a new WIP‐type ZFP from Gerbera hybrida, GhWIP2, in controlling organ growth via regulation of cell expansion.

GhWIP2 localizes to the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional repressor. Constitutive overexpression of GhWIP2 (GhWIP2OE) in both Gerbera and Arabidopsis thaliana caused major developmental defects associated with cell expansion, including dwarfism, short petals, scapes, and petioles. Furthermore, GhWIP2OE plants were hypersensitive to GA, but not to ABA, and showed a reduction in endogenous GA and auxin, but not ABA concentrations. Consistent with these observations, RNA‐seq analysis revealed that genes involved in GA and auxin signaling were down‐regulated, while those involved in ABA signaling were up‐regulated in GhWIP2OE plants.

Our findings suggest that GhWIP2 acts as a transcriptional repressor, suppressing cell expansion during organ growth by modulating crosstalk between GA, ABA, and auxin.
Time for a rethink: time sub‐sampling methods in disparity‐through‐time analyses
Authors: Guillerme Thomas , Cooper Natalie 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDisparity‐through‐time analyses can be used to determine how morphological diversity changes in response to mass extinctions, or to investigate the drivers of morphological change. These analyses are routinely applied to palaeobiological datasets, yet, although there is much discussion about how to best calculate disparity, there has been little consideration of how taxa should be sub‐sampled through time. Standard practice is to group taxa into discrete time bins, often based on stratigraphic periods. However, this can introduce biases when bins are of unequal size, and implicitly assumes a punctuated model of evolution. In addition, many time bins may have few or no taxa, meaning that disparity cannot be calculated for the bin and making it harder to complete downstream analyses. Here we describe a different method to complement the disparity‐through‐time tool‐kit: time‐slicing. This method uses a time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree to sample disparity‐through‐time at any fixed point in time rather than binning taxa. It uses all available data (tips, nodes and branches) to increase the power of the analyses, specifies the implied model of evolution (punctuated or gradual), and is implemented in R. We test the time‐slicing method on four example datasets and compare its performance in common disparity‐through‐time analyses. We find that the way we time sub‐sample taxa can change our interpretations of the results of disparity‐through‐time analyses. We advise using multiple methods for time sub‐sampling taxa, rather than just time binning, to gain a better understanding disparity‐through‐time.
Impact of foliar nickel application on urease activity, antioxidant metabolism and control of powdery mildew (Microsphaera diffusa) in soybean plants
Authors: Barcelos J. P. Q. , Reis H. P. G. , Godoy C. V. , Gratão P. L. , Furlani Junior E. , Putti F. F. , Campos M. , Reis A. R. 
Published: April 2018

Nickel (Ni) is a cofactor for urease, an enzyme that breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological impact of Ni on urea, antioxidant metabolism and powdery mildew severity in soybean plants. Seven levels of Ni (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g ha−1) alone or combined with the fungicides fluxapyroxad and pyraclostrobin were applied to soybean plants. The total Ni concentration ranged from 3.8 to 38.0 mg kg−1 in leaves and 3.0 to 18.0 mg kg−1 in seeds. A strong correlation was observed between Ni concentration in the leaves and seeds, indicating translocation of Ni from leaves to seeds. Application of Ni above 60 g ha−1 increased lipid peroxidation in the leaf tissues, indicative of oxidative stress. Application of 40 g ha−1 Ni combined with 300 mL ha−1 of fungicide reduced powdery mildew severity by up to 99%. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and urease enzyme activity were greatest under these conditions. Urea concentration decreased in response to Ni application. Urease activity in soybean leaves showed a negative correlation with powdery mildew severity. The leaf Ni concentration showed a positive correlation with the urease and a negative correlation with powdery mildew severity. The results of this study suggest that urease is a key enzyme regulated by Ni and has a role in host defence against powdery mildew by stimulating antioxidant metabolism in soybean plants.
The politics of credit claiming: Rights and recognition in health policy feedback
Authors: Burlacu Diana , Immergut Ellen M. , Oskarson Maria , Rönnerstrand Björn 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWhy do governments recognize rights? In this article, we rely on natural experiments and an innovative matching technique to identify a new causal mechanism of policy feedback, which we refer to as the “recognition” effect. We rely on the “hard case” of health care to demonstrate that attitudes towards the health system change in response to government policy change and, indeed, even to rights‐based initiatives. During the time when public opinion surveys on public satisfaction with the health system were in the field, governments in both Germany and Sweden introduced a new right: the right to a maximum waiting time for health services. This serendipity allowed us to compare respondents' attitudes both before (control) and after the implementation of the waiting time guarantee (treatment), using coarsened exact matching to account for the imbalances in the treatment and control groups. We find that respondents interviewed after implementation of the new waiting time guarantees (in contrast to those interviewed before the introduction of the guarantees) express higher levels of satisfaction with the health system in general, but do not evaluate their specific medical treatment (including waiting times) more positively. We interpret this finding as evidence that citizens respond to governmental recognition of their rights as a good per se, independent of their personal experience with the particular public service at hand. Thus, we argue that theories of policy feedback need to move beyond their focus on direct material experience with the policies at hand, and to incorporate mechanisms of symbolic action and normative valuations into their causal models.