bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An upward elevation shift of native and non‐native vascular plants over 40 years on the island of Hawai'i
Authors: Koide Dai , Yoshida Keiichiro , Daehler Curtis C. , Mueller‐Dombois Dieter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionsHave vascular plants shifted in elevation along a tropical mountain gradient on Mauna Loa, Hawai'i over the past 40 yr? If so, do native and non‐native species differ in their shifts of mean elevation range, upper elevation limit or lower elevation limit?LocationHawai'i Volcanoes National Park, southeast slope of Mauna Loa, Hawai'i.MethodsWe resurveyed an elevation belt transect of vegetation plots that was first surveyed in the early 1970s. Differences between 1970 and 2010 were calculated for 69 plant species’ mean elevation, upper elevation limit, lower elevation limit and elevation range. Statistical significance of differences was assessed by Monte Carlo permutation tests.ResultsAveraging across all 69 species, a statistically significant upward shift of 65.2 m was detected in mean elevation. Both upper and lower elevation limits shifted significantly upward by 31.6 and 90.5 m, respectively. Elevation range did not change significantly. For the 49 native species, the upper elevation limit did not change, but the lower elevation limit shifted significantly upward by 94.1 m. In contrast, the 20 non‐native species displayed a different pattern of a significant upward shift in both their upper and lower elevation limits, by 126.4 and 81.6 m, respectively. Native species seemed to display a contracting elevation range of 101.2 m, but this was not significant (P = 0.053), while non‐native species maintained a stable elevation range (P = 0.365).ConclusionsVascular plants have shifted upward in elevation on the tropical island of Hawai'i, but the shifting trend differs between native and non‐native species. Non‐native species, which were often found at lower elevations, are in an upward niche expansion phase. Native species show trends toward range contraction due to lack of expansion in upper elevation limit, probably due to drought stress correlating with a trade‐wind inversion (TWI) that severely limits rainfall at higher elevations. As more non‐native species reach theTWIelevation, their upward expansion may also become more limited.
The ERN1 transcription factor gene is a target of the CCaMK/CYCLOPS complex and controls rhizobial infection in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Cerri Marion R. , Wang Quanhui , Stolz Paul , Folgmann Jessica , Frances Lisa , Katzer Katja , Li Xiaolin , Heckmann Anne B. , Wang Trevor L. , Downie J. Allan , Klingl Andreas , de Carvalho‐Niebel Fernanda , Xie Fang , Parniske Martin 
Published: May 2017

Summary

Bacterial accommodation inside living plant cells is restricted to the nitrogen‐fixing root nodule symbiosis. In many legumes, bacterial uptake is mediated via tubular structures called infection threads (ITs).

To identify plant genes required for successful symbiotic infection, we screened an ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenized population of Lotus japonicus for mutants defective in IT formation and cloned the responsible gene, ERN1, encoding an AP2/ERF transcription factor. We performed phenotypic analysis of two independent L. japonicus mutant alleles and investigated the regulation of ERN1 via transactivation and DNA–protein interaction assays.

In ern1 mutant roots, nodule primordia formed, but most remained uninfected and bacterial entry via ITs into the root epidermis was abolished. Infected cortical nodule cells contained bacteroids, but transcellular ITs were rarely observed. A subset exhibited localized cell wall degradation and loss of cell integrity associated with bacteroid spread into neighbouring cells and the apoplast.

Functional promoter studies revealed that CYCLOPS binds in a sequence‐specific manner to a motif within the ERN1 promoter and in combination with CCaMK positively regulates ERN1 transcription. We conclude that the activation of ERN1 by CCaMK/CYCLOPS complex is an important step controlling IT‐mediated bacterial progression into plant cells.
Climate and sea‐level changes across a shallow marine Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary succession in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Vellekoop Johan , Holwerda Femke , Prámparo Mercedes B. , Willmott Veronica , Schouten Stefan , Cúneo Nestor R. , Scasso Roberto A. , Brinkhuis Henk 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUpper Maastrichtian to lower Paleocene, coarse‐grained deposits of the Lefipán Formation in Chubut Province, (Patagonia, Argentina) provide an opportunity to study environmental changes across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K–Pg) boundary in a shallow marine depositional environment. Marine palynological and organic geochemical analyses were performed on the K–Pg boundary interval of the Lefipán Formation at the San Ramón section. The palynological and organic geochemical records from the San Ramón K–Pg boundary section are characteristic of a highly dynamic, nearshore setting. High abundances of terrestrial palynomorphs, high BIT‐index values and the occasional presence of plant fossils are indicative of a large input of terrestrial organic material. The organic‐walled dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) assemblage is generally dominated by Senegalinium and other peridinioid dinocyst taxa, indicative of high‐nutrient conditions and decreased salinities, probably associated with a large fluvial input. The reconstructed sea surface temperatures range from 25°C to 27°C, in accordance with the tropical climate inferred by palynological and megafloral studies. As in the Bajada del Jagüel section, ~500 km north‐north‐east of San Ramón, peaks of Senegalinium spp. were recorded below and above the K–Pg boundary, possibly related to enhanced runoff resulting from more humid climatic conditions. The lithological, palynological and organic geochemical records suggest the occurrence of a sea‐level regression across the K–Pg boundary, resulting in a hiatus directly at the boundary in both sections, followed by a transgression in the Danian.
Hemodynamic responses and plasma phenylephrine concentrations associated with intranasal phenylephrine in children
Authors: Christensen Lisa K. , Armstead Valerie E. , Bilyeu David P. , Johnson Kenneth E. , Friesen Robert H. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIntroductionIntranasal phenylephrine, an alpha‐1 adrenergic agonist, causes vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa and is used to reduce bleeding associated with nasotracheal intubation or endoscopic sinus surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe the hemodynamic effects associated with plasma phenylephrine concentrations following topical intranasal administration of 0.25% and 0.5% phenylephrine in children.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board and parental approval, 77 children between the ages of 2 and 12 years were studied in a prospective, double‐blind manner and randomized into three groups. Group 1 received intranasal saline, while groups 2 and 3 received 0.1 mL/kg of 0.25% or 0.5% phenylephrine, respectively. All received the same anesthetic of halothane, N2O, O2, and vecuronium. After inhalation induction, endtidal halothane and PaCO2 were maintained at 1.5% and 35 mm Hg, respectively. Heart rate and rhythm, systolic, diastolic, and mean, noninvasive arterial blood pressures were recorded and venous blood was obtained for measurement of plasma phenylephrine concentration by high‐performance liquid chromatography at baseline and at 2, 5, 10, and 20 minutes following intranasal spray application of the study drug. Nasotracheal intubation was performed immediately following the 5‐minute measurements, and the presence of bleeding was assessed. Hemodynamic data were compared by analysis of variance for repeated measures. Bleeding and arrhythmia incidence among groups were analyzed using chi‐squared tests. Phenylephrine levels were correlated with hemodynamic values via regression analysis.ResultsFifty‐two patients received intranasal phenylephrine. Increases in blood pressure correlated with increasing plasma phenylephrine concentration. Systolic blood pressure increased 8%, and mean blood pressure increased 14%, which were statistically significant but clinically insignificant. Heart rate did not change, and the incidence of arrhythmia was low and similar among groups. Bleeding following nasotracheal intubation was less frequent in Group 3 (11/27 subjects) than in Group 1 (17/25). Peak plasma phenylephrine concentrations were observed by 14±7 minutes following intranasal administration, and were highly variable among individuals (37.8±39.7 and 49.6±93.9 ng/mL [mean±SD] in Groups 2 and 3).DiscussionAdministration of intranasal phenylephrine, 0.25% and 0.50%, results in rapid but highly variable systemic absorption that is associated with mild increases of blood pressure that are clinically insignificant. Bleeding associated with nasotracheal intubation was less following administration of 0.5% intranasal phenylephrine than following intranasal saline.
Preoperative colonization in pediatric cardiac surgery and its impact on postoperative infections
Authors: Silvetti Simona , Ranucci Marco , Isgrò Giuseppe , Villa Valentina , Costa Elena 
Published: May 2017

SummaryBackgroundPatients with congenital heart defects are frequently hospitalized before surgery. This exposes them to a high risk for pathogen colonization. There are limited data on colonization prevalence in the pediatric cardiac population, and limited data concerning its potential role in the risk of developing infections after cardiac surgery.AimThis study aimed to verify the impact of preoperative colonization on postoperative infections in a population of pediatric cardiac surgery patients coming from Italy and developing countries.MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted in all the patients aged ≤18 years who underwent pediatric open‐heart surgery in the year 2015. Clinical data were retrieved from the institutional database for cardiac surgery patients. Data on swab cultures were retrieved from the laboratory database. Swab colonization was tested for association with infection and other outcomes.ResultsAmong 169 children who performed the screening for pathogen colonization, 50% had at least one positive swab. Italian patients were (P=.001) less likely to be colonized with respect to foreign patients (relative risk 0.17, 95% CI 0.09‐0.35). Postoperative infections in colonized patients occurred at a similar rate as in noncolonized patients (relative risk 1.24, 95% CI 0.64‐2.39; P=.532). Colonized patients had a preoperative stay (P=.021) longer than noncolonized patients (mean difference 2 days, 95% CI 0.3‐3.8 days).ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that the impact of preoperative colonization on outcome and postoperative infections may be negligible; larger series are required to clearly define this issue.
Sudden death in a pediatric heart transplant recipient with peripheral eosinophilia and eosinophilic myocardial infiltrates
Authors: McEachern William , Godown Justin , Dodd Debra A. , Dipchand Anne I. , Conway Jennifer L. , Wilson Gregory J. , Hoffman Robert D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEosinophilia has been rarely reported in pediatric heart transplant recipients and has been suggested to play a role in graft rejection. We report a case of a young female patient with peripheral blood eosinophilia who died suddenly 2 years following ABO‐incompatible heart transplantation. She was found at autopsy to have myocardial infiltration of not only T‐lymphocytes and macrophages expected in acute cellular rejection but also of eosinophils, B‐lymphocytes, and plasma cells indicating myocarditis.
A Simple Preparation Method for Phytochromobilin
Authors: Lu Lu , Zhao Bao‐Qing , Miao Dan , Ding Wen‐Long , Zhou Ming , Scheer Hugo , Zhao Kai‐Hong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPhytochromobilin (PΦB), the chromophore of plant phytochromes, is difficult to isolate because phytochromes occur at very low concentrations in plants. It is, therefore, frequently replaced in plant phytochrome studies by phycocyanobilin, which is abundant in cyanobacteria. PΦB is also an attractive chromophore for far‐red emitting chromoproteins. In this work, we design and optimize a simple method to efficiently isolate useful quantities of PΦB: The chromophore is generated in Escherichia coli and transiently bound to a tailored chromophore‐binding domain of ApcE2, the apo‐protein of a core‐membrane linker, from which it can subsequently be released. The ease and effectiveness of this method hinges not only on the enhanced biosynthesis of PΦB in the presence of the ApcE2 construct from Synechococcus sp. PCC7335, but also on the noncovalent binding of the pigment to its apo‐protein. The isolated PΦB was successfully incorporated into phytochrome‐related assemblies, and furthermore, the noncovalently bound PΦB could be transferred directly from the ApcE2 construct to the apo‐proteins of phytochromes, cyanobacteriochromes and phycobiliproteins, without loss of relevant biological activity.
Photochemical Properties of the Red‐shifted Channelrhodopsin Chrimson
Authors: Urmann David , Lorenz Charlotte , Linker Stephanie M. , Braun Markus , Wachtveitl Josef , Bamann Christian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractColor‐tuned variants of channelrhodopsins allow for selective optogenetic manipulation of different host cell populations. Chrimson is the channelrhodopsin with the longest wavelength absorbance maximum. We characterize its photochemical properties at different pH values corresponding to two protonation states of the counterion for the protonated Schiff base. Both states will lead to a functional channel opening, but the route is different as reflected in the photochemical states observed spectroscopically. The light‐induced isomerization kinetics change with the local electrostatic environment, becoming faster with the presence of an anionic counterion. The spectral effect is stronger on the ground‐state energy surface. From the excited state, a bifurcated pathway leads to the electronic ground state resulting in a pronounced excitation wavelength dependence. The subsequent steps in the photocycles at pH 6 and pH 9.5 differ in the accumulation of states with a protonated and deprotonated Schiff base, respectively, that can be correlated with the open channel. Therefore, different protonation states are preserved in the open and the initial states. Chrimson's photocycle at alkaline pH shows features observed in other rhodopsins without an internal proton donor to the Schiff base, but it accumulates an intermediate with an even longer lifetime reflecting slow recovery of the initial state.
A Topical Zinc Ionophore Blocks Tumorigenic Progression in UV‐exposed SKH‐1 High‐risk Mouse Skin
Authors: Justiniano Rebecca , Perer Jessica , Hua Anh , Fazel Mohammad , Krajisnik Andrea , Cabello Christopher M. , Wondrak Georg T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in the United States representing a considerable public health burden. Pharmacological suppression of skin photocarcinogenesis has shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies, but more efficacious photochemopreventive agents are needed. Here, we tested feasibility of harnessing pharmacological disruption of intracellular zinc homeostasis for photochemoprevention in vitro and in vivo. Employing the zinc ionophore and FDA‐approved microbicidal agent zinc pyrithione (ZnPT), used worldwide in over‐the‐counter (OTC) topical consumer products, we first demonstrated feasibility of achieving ZnPT‐based intracellular Zn2+ overload in cultured malignant keratinocytes (HaCaT‐ras II‐4; SCC‐25) employing membrane‐permeable fluorescent probes. Zinc overload was accompanied by induction of intracellular oxidative stress, associated with mitochondrial superoxide release as substantiated by MitoSOX Red™ fluorescence microscopy. ZnPT‐induced cell death observable in malignant keratinocytes was preceded by induction of metal (MT2A), proteotoxic (HSPA6, HSPA1A, DDIT3, HMOX1) and genotoxic stress response (GADD45A, XRCC2) gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Comet analysis revealed introduction of formamidopyrimidine‐DNA glycosylase (Fpg)‐sensitive oxidative DNA lesions. In a photocarcinogenesis model (UV‐exposed SKH‐1 high‐risk mouse skin), topical ZnPT administration post‐UV caused epidermal zinc overload and stress response gene expression with pronounced blockade of tumorigenesis. Taken together, these data suggest feasibility of repurposing a topical OTC drug for zinc‐directed photochemoprevention of solar UV‐induced NMSC.
Human innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in filarial infections
Authors: Bonne‐Année S. , Nutman T. B. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryFilarial infections are characteristically chronic and can cause debilitating diseases governed by parasite‐induced innate and adaptive immune responses. Filarial parasites traverse or establish niches in the skin (migrating infective larvae), in nonmucosal tissues (adult parasite niche) and in the blood or skin (circulating microfilariae) where they intersect with the host immune response. While several studies have demonstrated that filarial parasites and their antigens can modulate myeloid cells (monocyte, macrophage and dendritic cell subsets), T‐ and B‐lymphocytes and skin resident cell populations, the role of innate lymphoid cells during filarial infections has only recently emerged. Despite the identification and characterization of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in murine helminth infections, little is actually known about the role of human ILCs during parasitic infections. The focus of this review will be to highlight the composition of ILCs in the skin, lymphatics and blood; where the host‐parasite interaction is well‐defined and to examine the role of ILCs during filarial infections.
Pollination and breeding system of the enigmatic South African parasitic plant Mystropetalon thomii (Mystropetalaceae): rodents welcome, but not needed
Authors: Hobbhahn N. , Steenhuisen S.‐L. , Olsen T. , Midgley J. J. , Johnson S. D. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Unrelated plants adapted to particular pollinator types tend to exhibit convergent evolution in floral traits. However, inferences about likely pollinators from ‘pollination syndromes’ can be problematic due to trait overlap among some syndromes and unusual floral architecture in some lineages. An example is the rare South African parasitic plant Mystropetalon thomii (Mystropetalaceae), which has highly unusual brush‐like inflorescences that exhibit features of both bird and rodent pollination syndromes.

We used camera traps to record flower visitors, quantified floral spectral reflectance and nectar and scent production, experimentally determined self‐compatibility and breeding system, and studied pollen dispersal using fluorescent dyes.

The dark‐red inflorescences are usually monoecious, with female flowers maturing before male flowers, but some inflorescences are purely female (gynoecious). Inflorescences were visited intensively by several rodent species that carried large pollen loads, while visits by birds were extremely rare. Rodents prefer male‐ over female‐phase inflorescences, likely because of the male flowers’ higher nectar and scent production. The floral scent contains several compounds known to attract rodents. Despite the obvious pollen transfer by rodents, we found that flowers on both monoecious and gynoecious inflorescences readily set seed in the absence of rodents and even when all flower visitors are excluded.

Our findings suggest that seed production occurs at least partially through apomixis and that M. thomii is not ecologically dependent on its rodent pollinators. Our study adds another species and family to the growing list of rodent‐pollinated plants, thus contributing to our understanding of the floral traits associated with pollination by non‐flying mammals.
A GIS‐based multi‐criteria seismic vulnerability assessment using the integration of granular computing rule extraction and artificial neural networks
Authors: Sheikhian Hossein , Delavar Mahmoud Reza , Stein Alfred 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study proposes multi‐criteria group decision‐making to address seismic physical vulnerability assessment. Granular computing rule extraction is combined with a feed forward artificial neural network to form a classifier capable of training a neural network on the basis of the rules provided by granular computing. It provides a transparent structure despite the traditional multi‐layer neural networks. It also allows the classifier to be applied on a set of rules for each incoming pattern. Drawbacks of original granular computing (GrC) are covered, where some input patterns remained unclassified. The study was applied to classify seismic vulnerability of the statistical units of the city of Tehran, Iran. Slope, seismic intensity, height and age of the buildings were effective parameters. Experts ranked 150 randomly selected sample statistical units with respect to their degree of seismic physical vulnerability. Inconsistency of the experts' judgments was investigated using the induced ordered weighted averaging (IOWA) operator. Fifty‐five classification rules were extracted on which a neural network was based. An overall accuracy of 88%, κ = 0.85 and R2 = 0.89 was achieved. A comparison with previously implemented methodologies proved the proposed method to be the most accurate solution to the seismic physical vulnerability of Tehran.
Freeze‐dried plasma enhances clot formation and inhibits fibrinolysis in the presence of tissue plasminogen activator similar to pooled liquid plasma
Authors: Huebner Benjamin R. , Moore Ernest E. , Moore Hunter B. , Sauaia Angela , Stettler Gregory , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Hansen Kirk , Banerjee Anirban , Silliman Christopher C. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDSystemic hyperfibrinolysis is an integral part of trauma‐induced coagulopathy associated with uncontrolled bleeding. Recent data suggest that plasma‐first resuscitation attenuates hyperfibrinolysis; however, the availability, transport, storage, and administration of plasma in austere environments remain challenging and have limited its use. Freeze‐dried plasma (FDP) is a potential alternative due to ease of storage, longer shelf life, and efficient reconstitution. FDP potentially enhances clot formation and resists breakdown better than normal saline (NS) and albumin and similar to liquid plasma.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHealthy volunteers underwent citrated blood draw followed by 50% dilution with NS, albumin, pooled plasma (PP), or pooled freeze‐dried plasma (pFDP). Citrated native and tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA)‐challenge (75 ng/mL) thrombelastography were done. Proteins in PP, pFDP, and albumin were analyzed by mass spectroscopy.RESULTSpFDP and PP had superior clot‐formation rates (angle) and clot strength (maximum amplitude) compared with NS and albumin in t‐PA‐challenge thrombelastographies (angle: pFDP, 67.9 degrees; PP, 67.8 degrees; NS, 40.6 degrees; albumin, 35.8 degrees; maximum amplitude: pFDP, 62.4 mm; PP, 63.5 mm; NS, 44.8 mm; albumin, 41.1 mm). NS and albumin dilution increased susceptibility to t‐PA‐induced hyperfibrinolysis compared with pFDP and PP (NS, 62.4%; albumin, 62.6%; PP, 8.5%; pFDP, 6.7%). pFDP was similar to PP in the attenuation of t‐PA‐induced fibrinolysis. Most proteins (97%) were conserved during the freeze‐dry process, with higher levels in 12% of pFDP proteins compared with PP.CONCLUSIONpFDP enhances clot formation and attenuates hyperfibrinolysis better than NS and albumin and is a potential alternative to plasma resuscitation in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock.