bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracking restoration of population diversity via the portfolio effect
Authors: Yamane Lauren , Botsford Louis W. , Kilduff D. Patrick 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Declines in diversity among populations managed together have diminished aggregate stability through a decreased portfolio effect. Although the portfolio effect has been quantified in a variety of ways, management recommendations for the recovery of lost diversity rarely specify the stability benefits possible through such improvements.

We introduce a metric, the Diversity Deficit (DD), that relates past losses and potential gains in aggregate stability to the changes in population diversity (i.e. covariability among population time series). We illustrate the use of this metric in retrospective analyses of the aggregate Sacramento River Fall‐run Chinook salmon stock (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and project potential future improvements in stability through population diversity.

In the retrospective analysis, we removed individual time series from the stability calculations to determine their effects on times and locations of past losses in diversity and stability. We found an early threefold loss in stock stability resulting from the presence of a single tributary, the Sacramento River mainstem. Other shifts in stability resulted from an increase in variability of a single population, and from the synchronizing effects of low ocean survival that led to the 2008–2009 fishery closure. Only one, smaller increase in the DD (i.e. in lost stability) was due to portfolio‐wide increases in covariabilities among tributary abundances.

In a prospective analysis using the DD applied to California salmon, we found that increasing biodiversity to the point of population independence and to its early high value would have reduced the probability of triggering a fishery closure.

Synthesis and applications. Analyses with the Diversity Deficit (DD) metric illustrate a way to identify the times and locations of losses in population diversity, and to quantify how much restoration of population diversity could increase stability, and thus benefit resource services. In our research, the benefit was a reduction in the probability of falling below a critical management threshold leading to fishery closure, but other tangible benefits (e.g. reduction in probability of extinction) would also be possible.
Overyielding in young tree plantations is driven by local complementarity and selection effects related to shade tolerance
Authors: Van de Peer Thomas , Verheyen Kris , Ponette Quentin , Setiawan Nuri N. , Muys Bart 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOveryielding in mixed‐species forests has been demonstrated in a vast body of literature, and the focus of functional biodiversity research is now shifting towards a mechanistic understanding of these observations.We explored diversity–productivity relationships at two sites of a large‐scale tree diversity experiment, with harsh (Ged) and benign (Zed) environmental conditions for plantation establishment. Additive partitioning methodologies were adopted to detect phenomenological patterns in the productivity data, and the trait structure of mixed communities was used to advance insights into compositional effects.After 6 years of plantation development, biomass productivity was significantly higher in mixtures compared to the monocultures of component species. We observed that processes operated through direct tree–tree interactions, as the diversity signal disappeared where trees in mixed stands were surrounded by conspecific neighbours only. This result is particularly relevant for mixed‐species plantation systems, as trees are commonly planted in monospecific patches to simplify management.Partitioning unveiled strong selection effects at both plantation sites. However, at the harsh Ged‐site this was caused by competitive dominance of species with fast young growth, whereas at the benign Zed‐site, species with slow young growth improved their performances but not at the expense of others (i.e. trait‐dependent complementarity). Species tolerance to shading is an influential trait for predicting biodiversity effects, with community‐weighted means in shade tolerance mediating dominance effects (Ged) and functional diversity in shade tolerance mediating (trait‐dependent) complementarity effects (Zed).Synthesis. This study highlights that biodiversity effects in young tree plantations could be explained by the functional composition of mixed communities, with a key role for species levels of shade tolerance. As contrasting results between plantation sites were observed, future research should target the context‐dependency of diversity–productivity relationships.
The role of species pools in determining species diversity in spatially heterogeneous communities
Authors: Ron Ronen , Fragman‐Sapir Ori , Kadmon Ronen 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

The “habitat‐specific species pool hypothesis” proposes that differences between habitats in the sizes of their species pools are the main drivers of diversity responses to habitat heterogeneity. Empirical tests of this hypothesis are not trivial as species might be missing from ecologically suitable habitats due to limited dispersal, while others may occur in unsuitable habitats by means of source–sink dynamics and mass effect.

We tested the habitat‐specific species pool hypothesis in a local, environmentally heterogeneous community of annual plants using a novel “ecological selection” experiment. Mixtures of seeds representing the whole community were sown in each habitat, and the emerging species were exposed to six generations of selection by environmental filtering and competition while being blocked from dispersal. A comparison of the total number of species that were able to survive in each habitat (i.e. to pass the selection test) with data on species richness in the natural community allowed us to test the degree to which observed differences in species richness between habitats could be explained by differences in the sizes of the respective species pools.

Results supported the species pool hypothesis, showing that differences in the sizes of the habitat‐specific species pools were important in determining diversity responses to habitat heterogeneity. Moreover, species richness showed a unimodal response to local‐scale gradients in habitat productivity, and this response could be attributed to underlying differences in species pool sizes. Both results were robust to properties of the data and the method of analysis.

Synthesis. Our results provide a strong experimental evidence that differences in the sizes of habitat‐specific species pools might be important in shaping the diversity of local communities. Future theoretical and empirical studies in community ecology should explore the potential sources and implications of such differences.
Effects of nitric oxide on large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ currents in human cardiac fibroblasts through PKA and PKG‐related pathways
Authors: Bae Hyemi , Lim Inja 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe human cardiac fibroblast (HCF) is the most abundant cell type in the myocardium, and HCFs play critical roles in maintaining normal cardiac function. However, unlike cardiomyocytes, the electrophysiology of HCFs is not well established. In the cardiovascular system, Ca2+‐activated K+ (KCa) channels have distinct physiological and pathological functions, and nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of NO on KCa channels in HCFs. We recorded strong oscillating, well‐maintained outward K+ currents without marked inactivation throughout the test pulse period and detected outward rectification in the I‐V curve; these are all characteristics that are typical of KCa currents. These currents were blocked with iberiotoxin (IBTX, a BKCa blocker) but not with TRAM‐34 (an IKCa blocker). The amplitudes of the currents were increased with SNAP (an NO donor), and these increases were inhibited with IBTX. The SNAP‐stimulating effect on the BKCa currents was blocked by pretreatment with KT5823 (a protein kinase G [PKG] inhibitor) or 1 H‐[1,‐2, ‐4] oxadiazolo‐[4,‐3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ; a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor). Additionally, 8‐bromo‐cyclic guanosine 3’,5’‐monophosphate (8‐Br‐cGMP) stimulated the BKCa currents, and pretreatment with KT5720 (a protein kinase A [PKA] inhibitor) and SQ22536 (an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor) blocked the NO‐stimulating effect on the BKCa currents. Furthermore, 8‐bromo‐cyclic adenosine 3’,5’‐monophosphate (8‐Br‐cAMP) activated the BKCa currents. These data suggest that BKCa current is the main subtype of the KCa current in HCFs and that NO enhances these currents through the PKG and PKA pathways.
Growth inhibitory effect of β‐eudesmol on cholangiocarcinoma cells and its potential suppressive effect on heme oxygenase‐1 production, STAT1/3 activation, and NF‐κB downregulation
Authors: Mathema Vivek B , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Karbwang Juntra , Na‐Bangchang Kesara 
Published: July 2017

SummaryCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a progressively fatal form of cancer originating from the malignant transformation of hepatic biliary cholangiocytes. The present study reports for the first time in vitro growth inhibitory activities of β‐eudesmol, the bioactive sesquiterpenoid present in the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC., with respect to its underlying potential effects on heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) production, STAT1/3 phosphorylation, and NF‐κB protein expression in human CCA cell line CL‐6. The cytotoxic effect of β‐eudesmol on CL‐6 cells was evaluated by MTT assay using normal human embryonic fibroblast (OUMS) as a control cell line. Results indicated that β‐eudesmol exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards CL‐6 compared to OUMS with mean (±SD) IC50 (concentration that inhibits cell growth by 50%) values of 166.75 ± 3.69 and 240.01 ± 16.54 μmol/L, respectively. In addition, it also significantly suppressed colony forming and wound healing ability of CL‐6 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Western blot analysis indicated that β‐eudesmol treatment resulted in significant suppression of HO‐1 production in CL‐6 cells. Its inhibitory effects on the phosphorylation of STAT1/3 proteins and expression of NF‐κB (p65 and p50) proteins were concentration‐dependent. Taken together, these results suggest that β‐eudesmol exerts significant growth inhibitory activity on CL‐6 cells that may be linked to its inhibitory effect on the production of HO‐1, phosphorylation of STAT1/3, and expression of major NF‐κB proteins.
Specific α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist ameliorates isoproterenol‐induced cardiac remodelling in mice through TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Yang Yong‐Hua , Fang Huan‐Le , Zhao Ming , Wei Xiang‐Lan , Zhang Ning , Wang Shun , Lu Yi , Yu Xiao‐Jiang , Sun Lei , He Xi , Li Dong‐Ling , Liu Jin‐Jun , Zang Wei‐Jin 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIt is well‐accepted that inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiac remodelling and that therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation can inhibit cardiac remodelling. Although a large amount of evidence indicates that activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) causes an anti‐inflammatory effect, the role of α7nAChR in cardiac remodelling and the underlying mechanism have not been established. To investigate the effect of the specific α7nAChR agonist, PNU282987, on cardiac remodelling induced by isoproterenol (ISO 60 mg/kg per day) in mice, the cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional area (CSA) and collagen volume fraction were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining, respectively. Cardiac function and ventricular wall thickness were measured by echocardiography. The protein expressions of collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), and Smad3 were analyzed by Western blot. ISO‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, characterized by an increase in the heart weight/body weight ratio, CSA and ventricular wall thickness. Moreover, cardiac fibrosis indices, such as collagen volume fraction, MMP‐9 and collagen I protein expression, were also increased by ISO. PNU282987 not only attenuated cardiac hypertrophy but also decreased the cardiac fibrosis induced by ISO. Furthermore, PNU282987 suppressed TGF‐β1 protein expression and the phosphorylation of Smad3 induced by ISO. In conclusion, PNU282987 ameliorated the cardiac remodelling induced by ISO, which may be related to the TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway. These data imply that the α7nAChR may represent a novel therapeutic target for cardiac remodelling in many cardiovascular diseases.
Transcriptomic insights into the alternative splicing‐mediated adaptation of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana to host niches: autophagy‐related gene 8 as an example
Authors: Dong Wei‐Xia , Ding Jin‐Li , Gao Yang , Peng Yue‐Jin , Feng Ming‐Guang , Ying Sheng‐Hua 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAlternative splicing (AS) regulates various biological processes in fungi by extending the cellular proteome. However, comprehensive studies investigating AS in entomopathogenic fungi are lacking. Based on transcriptome data obtained via dual RNA‐seq, the first overview of AS events was developed for Beauveria bassiana growing in an insect haemocoel. The AS was demonstrated for 556 of 8840 expressed genes, accounting for 5.4% of the total genes in B. bassiana. Intron retention was the most abundant type of AS, accounting for 87.1% of all splicing events and exon skipping events were rare, only accounting for 2.0% of all events. Functional distribution analysis indicated an association between alternatively spliced genes and several physiological processes. Notably, B. bassiana autophagy‐related gene 8 (BbATG8), an indispensable gene for autophagy, was spliced at an alternative 5′ splice site to generate two transcripts (BbATG8‐α and BbATG8‐β). The BbATG8‐α transcript was necessary for fungal autophagy and oxidation tolerance, while the BbATG8‐β transcript was not. These two transcripts differentially contributed to the formation of conidia or blastospores as well as fungal virulence. Thus, AS acts as a powerful post‐transcriptional regulatory strategy in insect mycopathogens and significantly mediates fungal transcriptional adaption to host niches.
The importance of adoption of formal client feedback in therapy: a narrative review
Authors: Lappan Sara , Shamoon Zain , Blow Adrian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCouple and family therapy has well‐established benefits. Although the majority of clients benefit, some worsen, some show no positive change, and some drop out early. This suggests that existing treatment modalities require further advancement. One promising avenue to achieve advancement involves instituting, as the standard of care, formalized client feedback, which has been shown to improve outcomes. This paper is a non‐systematic review that outlines several formalized feedback systems currently available and highlights each system's utility with application to couple and family therapy. While couple and family therapists have unique obstacles in therapy due to multiple therapeutic alliances, the use of formalized feedback has potential to strengthen alliances and improve outcomes for all clients who participate. We advocate for the use of formalized feedback in the training of new therapists and to augment the supervision process.Practitioner points

Encourage the couple and family therapy field to implement the use of formalized client feedback systems both clinically and in research
Demonstrate the importance of implementing formalized client feedback systems to decrease premature termination and improve client outcomes
Provide information about existing client feedback systems to give practitioners the opportunity to choose a method that most benefits their clients
The Automation of Regression Modeling in Osteometric Sorting: An Ordination Approach
Authors: Lynch Jeffrey James 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study compares the original osteometric sorting association method with an ordination approach across all combinations of the humerus, ulna, radius, femur, tibia, and fibula. This includes both the original prediction interval and t‐statistic approaches. Standard measurements are utilized in the models with full measurements combined and without length measurements. The sample is the osteometric sorting reference from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. A full set of performance statistics is provided. Results indicate the ordination approach outperforms the original in the majority of bone combinations. Models with length measurements have more exclusion power than those without. It is recommended for the ordination approach to supersede the original when applied to large commingled assemblages.
Do assortative mating and immigrant inviability help maintain population genetic structuring of an herbivore on a crop and a wild relative?
Authors: Ramirez‐Romero Ricardo , Garibay‐Benítez Delia , Vargas‐Ponce Ofelia , Joyce Andrea , Bernal Julio S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPopulation genetic structuring is common among herbivorous insects and frequently is associated with divergent host plants, such as crops and their wild relatives. Previous studies showed population genetic structuring in corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis in Mexico, such that the species consists of two sympatric, host plant‐associated populations: an abundant and widespread “pestiferous” population on maize (Zea mays mays), and a small and localized “wild” population on perennial teosinte (Zea diploperennis), a maize wild relative with a limited distribution. This study addressed whether assortative mating and immigrant inviability mediate genetic structuring of corn leafhopper by comparing the mating and reproductive successes of pestiferous and wild females that colonize their nonassociated host plants against the successes of females colonizing their associated host plants. Assortative mating was assessed by comparing mating frequencies and premating and mating times among females of each population on each host plant; immigrant inviability was assessed by comparing, across two generations, the fecundity, survival, development time, sex ratio, and population growth rate among leafhopper populations and host plants. Our results showed that on maize, and compared to resident, pestiferous females, wild females were more likely to mate, and greater proportions of their offspring survived to adult stage and were daughters; consequently, the per‐generation population growth rate on maize was greater for immigrant, wild leafhoppers compared to resident, pestiferous leafhoppers. Our results suggested that wild leafhoppers emigrating to maize have a fitness advantage over resident, pestiferous leafhoppers, while immigrant pestiferous and resident wild leafhoppers on teosinte have similar fitnesses.
Inhibition of Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri in Hummus Using Citric Acid and Garlic Extract
Authors: Olaimat Amin N. , Al‐Holy Murad A. , Abu‐Ghoush Mahmoud H. , Osaili Tareq M. , Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Rasco Barbara A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHummus (chickpea dip) is a ready‐to‐eat product that may pose a significant risk to human if pathogens are present. Several organisms including Shigella spp. have been isolated from hummus. However, studies on the survival and inhibition of Shigella spp. in food are scarce. This study investigated the growth pattern of Sh. sonnei and Sh. flexneri in hummus at different temperatures (4, 10, and 24 °C). Additionally, the inhibitory activity of different concentrations of citric acid (CA) (0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) and garlic extract (GE) (1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0%) against Sh. sonnei and Sh. flexneri inoculated into hummus and stored at 4 and 10 °C was investigated. Both Shigella spp. survived well at 4 °C, while both grew to >7.0 log10 after 4 d at 10 °C or 1 d at 24 °C. At 4 °C, CA at 0.5% and 1.0% resulted in a slight reduction in the count (approximately 1.0 log10); a complete elimination of Sh. sonnei was attained by using 2.0% CA. However, approximately 3.0 log10 reduction in Sh. sonnei was obtained at 10 °C. For Sh. flexneri, CA at 0.5% and 1.0% resulted in a bacteriostatic inhibition. GE at 1.0% and 2.0% resulted in approximately 1.0 to 2.0 log10 reduction in Sh. sonnei count at 4 °C, while at 3.0% GE, approximately 4.0 and 3.0 log10 reductions were obtained at 4 and 10 °C, respectively. In comparison, the 2.0% and 3.0% GE resulted in a bacteriostatic effect against Sh. flexneri at 4 and 10 °C.
Efficacy of abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging of bilateral hands
Authors: Kukida Yuji , Kasahara Akiko , Seno Takahiro , Inoue Takuya , Sagawa Risa , Kida Takashi , Nakabayashi Amane , Nagahara Hidetake , Murakami Ken , Sugitani Toshifumi , Morita Satoshi , Ito Hirotoshi , Oda Ryo , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Kohno Masataka , Kawahito Yutaka 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo examine the efficacy of abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of bilateral hands.MethodThis prospective study included 35 RA patients. MRI of bilateral hands was performed at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with intravenous abatacept. MRI images were scored for synovitis, osteitis, erosion and joint space narrowing (JSN) according to the RA MRI Scoring System (RAMRIS). The primary endpoint was the change in RAMRIS score from baseline. Repair of erosion was defined as a negative change in the erosion score that was greater than the smallest detectable changes (SDCs).ResultsThirty‐one patients completed the study. Median synovitis and osteitis scores showed statistically significant reductions at Month 12 when compared to baseline (synovitis score, −5.5 [P < 0.0001]; osteitis score, −0.5 [P = 0.03]). However, median erosion and JSN scores did not significantly change. At Month 12, 83% of patients showed no progression of erosion scores and repair of erosion was observed in 11% of patients. All patients with repair of erosion achieved functional remission (Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index ≤ 0.5). The Simplified Disease Activity Index response rate at Month 1 was identified as an independent factor predicting changes in the erosion scores at Month 12.ConclusionAbatacept treatment reduced synovitis and osteitis scores and did not worsen erosion and JSN scores at Month 12. Over 10% of patients experienced repair of erosion.