bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioelectronic Interface Connecting Reversible Logic Gates Based on Enzyme and DNA Reactions
Authors: Guz Nataliia , Fedotova Tatiana A. , Fratto Brian E. , Schlesinger Orr , Alfonta Lital , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M. , Katz Evgeny 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIt is believed that connecting biomolecular computation elements in complex networks of communicating molecules may eventually lead to a biocomputer that can be used for diagnostics and/or the cure of physiological and genetic disorders. Here, a bioelectronic interface based on biomolecule‐modified electrodes has been designed to bridge reversible enzymatic logic gates with reversible DNA‐based logic gates. The enzyme‐based Fredkin gate with three input and three output signals was connected to the DNA‐based Feynman gate with two input and two output signals—both representing logically reversible computing elements. In the reversible Fredkin gate, the routing of two data signals between two output channels was controlled by the control signal (third channel). The two data output signals generated by the Fredkin gate were directed toward two electrochemical flow cells, responding to the output signals by releasing DNA molecules that serve as the input signals for the next Feynman logic gate based on the DNA reacting cascade, producing, in turn, two final output signals. The Feynman gate operated as the controlled NOT gate (CNOT), where one of the input channels controlled a NOT operation on another channel. Both logic gates represented a highly sophisticated combination of input‐controlled signal‐routing logic operations, resulting in redirecting chemical signals in different channels and performing orchestrated computing processes. The biomolecular reaction cascade responsible for the signal processing was realized by moving the solution from one reacting cell to another, including the reacting flow cells and electrochemical flow cells, which were organized in a specific network mimicking electronic computing circuitries. The designed system represents the first example of high complexity biocomputing processes integrating enzyme and DNA reactions and performing logically reversible signal processing.
Antinociceptive Activity of an Ethanol Extract of Justicia spicigera
Authors: Zapata‐Morales Juan Ramón , Alonso‐Castro Angel Josabad , Domínguez Fabiola , Carranza‐Álvarez Candy , Castellanos Luis Manuel Orozco , Martínez‐Medina Rosa María , Pérez‐Urizar José 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Preclinical Research

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and sedative activity of an ethanol extract of Justicia spicigera an evergreen used in Mexican traditional medicine for the relief of pain, wounds, fever and inflammation. At 200 mg/kg po, the maximum dose examined, the ethanol extract of J. spicigera (JSE) had analgesic activity in mice in the acetic acid writhing test, the second phase of the formalin test and the tail flick test that was similar in efficacy to the NSAID, naproxen (150 mg/kg po). JSE was inactive in the hot plate test and and the ketamine‐induced sleeping time test; it had no sedative effects. These results show that the ethanol extract from the leaves of J. spicigera has antinociceptive effects in mice without inducing sedation. Drug Dev Res 77 : 180–186, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemostratigraphy of the Upper Albian to mid‐Turonian Natih Formation (Oman) – how authigenic carbonate changes a global pattern
Authors: Wohlwend Stephan , Hart Malcolm , Weissert Helmut 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Oman Mountains preserve a Cretaceous continental margin transect with the proximal Arabian carbonate shelf and the adjacent deep Hawasina Basin. Today, the sediments from the Arabian Platform outcrop in the Oman Mountains (Jabal Akdhar and Saih Hatat) and in the Adam Foothills. The western part of the Adam Foothills provides insight into the evolution of a Late Cretaceous intra‐platform basin with organic‐rich sediments in the central part of this basin. The aims of this study are (a) to establish a biostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy of the Natih Formation and (b) to reconstruct depositional conditions of organic‐rich sediments in an intra‐platform basin during Cenomanian–Turonian times. The hypothesis that local black shale formation is an expression of global perturbations of the global carbon cycle will be tested. Reconstruction of the depositional history of the Arabian Platform and its intra‐platform basin within a global palaeoclimatic framework requires an accurate time frame. The Upper Albian to mid‐Turonian biostratigraphy of the Natih Formation has resulted in controversial age models that will be integrated into a solid chemostratigraphic framework with additional biostratigraphic data. A major positive δ13C excursion (+4·6‰) has been identified as of Middle Cenomanian age, which is confirmed by an ammonite datum. A second positive δ13C excursion (+4·5‰) following a major negative excursion (−1·0‰) confirms the existence of the Cenomanian/Turonian Boundary Event. The accurate chemostratigraphy and biostratigraphy confirms that major source rocks in the Mishrif‐Natih Basin precede OAE2. Low δ13C values measured in the sediments of the Natih B member are considered a consequence of diagenetic alteration. Elevated organic carbon contents and argillaceous sediments alternating with limestones resulted in diagenetic conditions favouring formation of authigenic calcite depleted in C‐13.
Aging alters interspecific competition between two sympatric insect–parasitic nematode species
Authors: Bashey Farrah , Sarin Tara , Lively Curtis M. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Interspecific competition can vary depending on the stage, age, or physiological state of the competitors. Competitive ability often increases with age or size; alternatively, senescence can lead to a loss of viability and reduced competitive success. Differences between species in their age‐specific competitive abilities can promote coexistence in the face of substantial niche overlap.

We examined two sympatric species of nematodes (genus Steinernema) to determine whether their competitive relationship changes as a function of age. These obligately killing insect parasites are known for their broad host ranges and are transmitted from insect to insect via a juvenile stage propagule that is free‐living in the soil. Here, we tested whether the two species differed in the effects of age by examining the mortality of insect hosts infected with young or old transmission stage nematodes of each species. We also performed mixed infections, where an equal ratio of both species was simultaneously exposed to a host, to determine the effect of age on competitiveness.

One species showed reduced performance with age, as older propagules were slower at inducing host mortality. In contrast, the other species increased in killing speed with age. In competition, insect mortality rate was predictive of competitive outcome, such that if one species induced considerably faster host death in a single‐species infection, it was competitively dominant in the coinfection. Accordingly, we found a shift in the competitive relationship between the two species with age.

Our work demonstrates that species differences in the effects of aging can lead to dramatic shifts in reproductive success. As these effects are realized solely in a competitive environment, both spatial patchiness and temporal niche partitioning may be important for promoting coexistence.
Adaptional evolution of trichome in Caragana korshinskii to natural drought stress on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Ning Pengbo , Wang Junhui , Zhou Yulu , Gao Lifang , Wang Jun , Gong Chunmei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCaragana korshinskii is commonly employed to improve drought ecosystems on the Loess Plateau, although the molecular mechanism at work is poorly understood, particularly in terms of the plant's ability to tolerate drought stress. Water is the most severe limiting factor for plant growth on the Loess Plateau. The trichome is known to play an efficient role in reducing water loss through decreasing the rate of transpiration, so in this study, we focused on the trichome‐related gene expression of ecological adaptation in C. korshinskii under low precipitation conditions. In order to explore the responses of trichomes to drought, we selected two experimental sites from wet to dry along the Loess Plateau latitude gradient for observation. Micro‐phenomena through which trichomes grew denser and larger under reduced precipitation were observed using a scanning electron microscope; de novo transcriptomes and quantitative PCR were then used to explore and verify gene expression patterns of C. korshinskii trichomes. Results showed that GIS2, TTG1, and GL2 were upregulated (as key positive‐regulated genes on trichome development), while CPC was downregulated (negative‐regulated gene). Taken together, our data indicate that downstream genes of gibberellin and cytokinin signaling pathways, alongside several cytoskeleton‐related genes, contribute to modulating trichome development to enhance transpiration resistance ability and increase the resistance to drought stress in C. korshinskii.
Modelling interception loss using the revised Gash model: a case study in a mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forest in China
Authors: Su Lei , Zhao Changming , Xu Wenting , Xie Zongqiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInterception loss accounts for a substantial portion of incident precipitation and evapotranspiration in forest ecosystems. Hence, identifying its magnitude is crucial for our understanding of biogeochemical cycling and related hydrological processes. In this study, gross rainfall partitioning into interception loss, throughfall and stemflow were measured and modelled using the revised Gash model for a mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forest over the 2014 growing season. Field survey results revealed that interception loss accounted for 14.3% of gross rainfall, while understory rainfall was 84.8% throughfall and 0.9% stemflow. The revised Gash model produced a fairly good agreement between observed and estimated rainfall partitioning. The model underestimated interception loss by only 6.6%, while throughfall and stemflow were also slightly misestimated. Hence the interception loss predictions from the model were robust and reliable for this mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forest. As quantified by the model, the vast majority of interception loss occurred as evaporation from the canopy under saturated conditions: 54.9% evaporated during rainfall events, and 38.3% after rainfall ceased. The sensitivity analysis indicated that predictions from the revised Gash model were most affected by changes in canopy storage capacity (S), followed by the mean evaporation rate (Ē) during rainfall events, the mean rainfall rate (
) and last canopy cover (c). Model predictions were least sensitive to trunk parameters (St and pt). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relatively stable response of fruiting stage to warming and cooling relative to other phenological events
Authors: Jiang L. L. , Wang S. P. , Meng F. D. , Duan J. C. , Niu H. S. , Xu G. P. , Zhu X. X. , Zhang Z. H. , Luo C. Y. , Cui S. J. , Li Y. M. , Li X. E. , Wang Q. , Zhou Y. , Bao X. Y. , Li Y. N. , Dorji T. , Piao S. L. , Ciais P. , Peñuelas J. , Du M. Y. , Zhao X. Q. , Zhao L. , Zhang F. W. , Wang G. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe timing of the fruit‐set stage (i.e., start and end of fruit set) is crucial in a plant's life cycle, but its response to temperature change is still unclear. We investigated the timing of seven phenological events, including fruit‐set dates during 3 yr for six alpine plants transplanted to warmer (approximately +3.5°C in soils) and cooler (approximately −3.5°C in soils) locations along an altitudinal gradient in the Tibetan area. We found that fruit‐set dates remained relatively stable under both warming and cooling during the 3‐yr transplant experiment. Three earlier phenological events (emergence of first leaf, first bud set, and first flowering) and two later phenological events (first leaf coloring and complete leaf coloring) were earlier by 4.8–8.2 d/°C and later by 3.2–7.1 d/°C in response to warming. Conversely, cooling delayed the three earlier events by 3.8–6.9 d/°C and advanced the two later events by 3.2–8.1 d/°C for all plant species. The timing of the first and/or last fruit‐set dates, however, did not change significantly compared to earlier and later phenological events. Statistical analyses also showed that the dates of fruit set were not significantly correlated or had lower correlations with changes of soil temperature relative to the earlier and later phenological events. Alpine plants may thus acclimate to changes in temperature for their fruiting function by maintaining relatively stable timings of fruit set compared with other phenological events to maximize the success of seed maturation and dispersal in response to short‐term warming or cooling.
Density‐dependent resource selection by a terrestrial herbivore in response to sea‐to‐land nutrient transfer by seals
Authors: McLoughlin Philip D. , Lysak Kenton , Debeffe Lucie , Perry Thomas , Hobson Keith A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSea‐to‐land nutrient transfers can connect marine food webs to those on land, creating a dependence on marine webs by opportunistic species. We show how nitrogen, imported by gray seals,Halichoerus grypus, and traced through stable isotope (δ15N) measurements in marram grass, Ammophila breviligulata, significantly alters foraging behavior of a free‐roaming megaherbivore (feral horses,Equus ferus caballus) on Sable Island, Canada. Values of δ15N correlated with protein content of marram and strongly related to pupping‐seal densities, and positively influenced selective foraging by horses. The latter was density dependent, consistent with optimal foraging theory. We present the first demonstration of how sea‐to‐land nutrient transfers can affect the behavioral process of resource selection (resource use relative to availability) of terrestrial consumers. We hypothesize that persistence of horses on Sable Island is being facilitated by N subsidies. Our results have relevance to advancing theory on trophic dynamics in island biogeography and metaecosystem ecology.
Why species tell more about traits than traits about species: predictive analysis
Authors: Clark James S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTrait analysis aims to understand relationships between traits, species diversity, and the environment. Current methods could benefit from a model‐based probabilistic framework that accommodates covariance between traits and quantifies contributions from inherent trait syndromes, species interactions, and responses to the environment. I develop a model‐based approach that separates these effects on trait diversity. Application to USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data in the eastern United States demonstrates an apparent paradox, that the analysis of species better explains and predicts traits than does direct analysis of the traits themselves; trait data contain less, not more, information than species on environmental responses. Whereas variation in some traits is dominated by inherent syndromes (tendency for certain traits to be associated with others within an individual and species), others are strongly controlled by variation in species diversity. There is substantial variation in environmental control on trait patterns, between traits and regionally. In terms of environmental response traits do not aggregate into defined plant functional types, as would be desirable for models.
Insights into the importance of the electrocardiogram in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Gouda Pishoy , Brown Paul , Rowe Brian H. , McAlister Finlay A. , Ezekowitz Justin A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute heart failure (AHF) are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a routine investigation in patients with AHF used to identify potential causes and/or complications. It is unclear whether 12‐lead ECG characteristics can serve as a prognostic indicator in this population.Methods and resultsPatients with AHF from four hospital EDs were prospectively enrolled into the AHF – Emergency Management cohort. In addition to baseline data collection, the first available ECG was read in a core laboratory. Clinical outcomes (all‐cause mortality and readmission) were recorded and risk models were developed. Of 937 enrolled patients, 816 had a diagnosis of AHF and an available ECG. Median age of the population was 77 [interquartile range (IQR) 67–85], 47% were female and median ejection fraction was 45% (IQR 30–55). Abnormalities were common, with only 7.5% of patients having a normal ECG. During the median follow‐up of 25.7 months, there were 379 (46%) all‐cause deaths and 328 (40%) hospital readmissions. Sinus rhythm was associated with better outcomes [hazard ratio (HR) 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62, 0.94], while paced rhythms (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11, 2.05), a wide QRS (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04, 1.59) and an ECG with any abnormality (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01, 2.44) was associated with poorer outcomes. Other individual ECG characteristics were not related to clinical outcomes after risk adjustment.ConclusionsCertain ECG abnormalities are common in patients with AHF and associated with poor outcomes. Used in conjunction with other clinical variables, the ECG may be a useful tool in long‐term risk stratifying patients.
Incidence and prognosis of mid‐back pain in the general population: A systematic review
Authors: Johansson M.S. , Jensen Stochkendahl M. , Hartvigsen J. , Boyle E. , Cassidy J.D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveDespite being common early in life and affecting individuals' quality of life to the same degree as neck and low back pain, research into epidemiological aspects of mid‐back pain (MBP) has been scarce. The purpose of our systematic review was therefore to describe the incidence and prognosis of MBP in the general population. The PRISMA Statement guided the study process.DatabasesA systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, PEDro, PsycINFO and Scopus.ResultsOf 3194 unique records identified, seven were included in our qualitative synthesis. The 3‐month and 2‐year incidence proportions of MBP in children and adolescents were approximately 4% and 50%, respectively. In adults, the 1‐month incidence proportion was less than 1%. The persistence or recurrence of MBP over a 1‐ to 4‐year period was between 13% and 45% in children and adolescents; a change in spinal pain location over time was common. Individuals reporting MBP have an increased risk of future care seeking compared with people without musculoskeletal complaints. No studies assessing adult MBP recovery trajectories or prognostic factors were identified.ConclusionsKnowledge about the incidence and prognosis of MBP in the general population is limited. The incidence of MBP in children and adolescents seems to be similar to the incidence of neck and low back pain; in adults, it is lower than that of neck and low back pain. Studies investigating recovery trajectories of MBP in adults and prognostic factors for MBP are lacking.What does this study add?

The incidence of mid‐back pain (MBP) in young individuals is similar to that of neck and low back pain, and ≤50% report persistent pain; however, the evidence base is limited.

Knowledge about adult trajectories and prognostic factors for MBP is lacking.
Comparing the relative sensitivity of ortho‐ and retronasal perception of a strawberry flavour model using omission testing
Authors: Delime Perrine , O'Mahony Kate , Desforges Neil , Taylor Andrew J. , Hort Joanne 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSensory omission experiments are used to identify the key volatiles contributing to a flavour but a review of the literature suggests that some omission studies are underpowered, with only five to 19 assessors. Here a more sensitive and powerful approach is described that combines a same‐different test with the Thurstonian measure d′ which enabled evaluation of the relative contributions of each volatile to the overall perceived flavour. A sensory panel evaluated the relative contributions of volatiles in a nine‐component, commercial strawberry flavour both ortho‐ and retro‐nasally. In addition, Odour Activity Values (OAVs) reported in the literature were compared to d′ values established in this study to determine if OAVs were representative of the individual contribution of volatiles to the perceived strawberry flavour. Compared to retronasal perception, orthonasal perception was more sensitive to the removal of all individual volatiles, except for two compounds, 2,3‐butandione and methyl dihydrojasmonate. OAVs did not always reflect the relative importance of individual volatiles in flavour represented by d′. This study highlights that the same‐different approach coupled with d′ measures represents an improved opportunity for the evaluation of the key components of flavour and that orthonasal omission tests may not best represent how flavours perform during consumption.Key findings – Same‐different testing and the use of the Thurstonian d′ value, was successfully applied to measure the relative contributions of the individual volatiles in a simple strawberry flavour to the overall flavour perception when delivered ortho‐ or retronasally. Results showed that orthonasal perception was more sensitive but does not necessarily represent retronasal perception. Comparison between d′ values and Odour Activity Values (OAV) showed that OAVs do not always reflect the relative importance of individual volatiles in flavour: the removal of ethyl butanoate was not perceived orthonasally, despite its relatively high OAV. On the contrary, the higher d′ measured for 2,3‐butandione (0.40) compared to other volatiles in the strawberry flavour could be due to synergistic interactions in this flavour. Although all orthonasal OAVs were above 1, the removal of seven out of nine individual volatiles was not perceived orthonasally (p > 0.05). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.