bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeography of a plant invasion: genetic variation and plasticity in latitudinal clines for traits related to herbivory
Authors: Bhattarai Ganesh P. , Meyerson Laura A. , Anderson Jack , Cummings David , Allen Warwick J. , Cronin James T. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe juxtaposition of plant‐species invasions with latitudinal gradients in herbivore pressure is an important yet mostly unexplored issue in invasion biology. Latitudinal clines in defense and palatability to herbivores are expected to exist in native plant species but the evolution of these clines may lag behind for invasive plant species resulting in non‐parallel latitudinal clines that may impact invasion success. Our study focused on a native and European invasive lineages of the common reed Phragmites australis in North America. Using native and invasive genotypes of P. australis collected across a 17° latitudinal range, we performed experiments in replicate northern and southern common gardens to investigate whether these two lineages exhibited different genetically based latitudinal clines in defenses, nutritional condition, and palatability to their herbivores, the aphid Hyalopterus pruni and the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. We also tested whether invasive genotypes are more phenotypically plastic than native genotypes and whether plasticity varies with latitude. Although invasive genotypes did not exhibit higher defense levels (leaf toughness, phenolics, percent carbon), they were considerably less palatable to their herbivores than native genotypes. Genetically based latitudinal clines were evident for both native and invasive P. australis and for all defenses, nutrients, and at least one palatability trait for each herbivore. In 36% of the cases where clines were evident, they were non‐parallel between the two lineages. These data suggest that clines in the invasive genotypes of P. australis evolved within the past ~100 years. Moreover, our study showed that the occurrence and direction of latitudinal clines in plant traits were commonly dependent on where the study was conducted (north or south), indicating strong phenotypic plasticity in these genetic‐based clines. Finally, traits for invasive genotypes of P. australis were 2.5 times more plastic than traits for native genotypes. Interestingly, plasticity for native but not invasive genotypes was strongly dependent on latitude of origin. Such spatial heterogeneity within and between the native and invasive lineages of P. australis with respect to their interactions with herbivores can generate substantial spatial variability in biotic resistance that can have important implications for the establishment and spread of invasive genotypes and species.
Predicting nutrient excretion of aquatic animals with metabolic ecology and ecological stoichiometry: a global synthesis
Authors: Vanni Michael J. , McIntyre Peter B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) and ecological stoichiometry (ES) are both prominent frameworks for understanding energy and nutrient budgets of organisms. We tested their separate and joint power to predict nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion rates of ectothermic aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate animals (10,534 observations worldwide). MTE variables (body size, temperature) performed better than ES variables (trophic guild, vertebrate classification, body N:P) in predicting excretion rates, but the best models included variables from both frameworks. Size scaling coefficients were significantly lower than predicted by MTE (<0.75), were lower for P than N, and varied greatly among species. Contrary to expectations under ES, vertebrates excreted both N and P at higher rates than invertebrates despite having more nutrient‐rich bodies, and primary consumers excreted as much nutrients as carnivores despite having nutrient‐poor diets. Accounting for body N:P hardly improved upon predictions from treating vertebrate classification categorically. We conclude that basic data on body size, water temperature, trophic guild, and vertebrate classification are sufficient to make general estimates of nutrient excretion rates for any animal taxon or aquatic ecosystem. Nonetheless, dramatic interspecific variation in size‐scaling coefficients and counter‐intuitive patterns with respect to diet and body composition underscore the need for field data on consumption and egestion rates. Together, MTE and ES provide a powerful conceptual basis for interpreting and predicting nutrient recycling rates of aquatic animals worldwide.
Chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive and post‐reproductive age: a population‐based study
Authors: Ayorinde A.A. , Bhattacharya S. , Druce K.L. , Jones G.T. , Macfarlane G.J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological studies on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) have focused on women of reproductive age. We aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in adult women and the differences in associated factors among women of reproductive age and older women. In addition, to determine whether distinct subgroups existed among CPP cases.MethodsA cross‐sectional postal survey was conducted among 5300 randomly selected women aged ≥25 years resident in the Grampian region, UK. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine pregnancy‐related and psychosocial factors associated with CPP. To identify subgroups of CPP cases, we performed cluster analysis using variables of pain severity, psychosocial factors and pain coping strategies.ResultsOf 2088 participants, 309 (14.8%) reported CPP. CPP was significantly associated with being of reproductive age (odds ratios (OR) 2.43, 95% CI 1.69–3.48), multiple non‐pain somatic symptoms (OR 3.58 95% CI 2.23–5.75), having fatigue (OR mild 1.74 95% CI 1.24–2.44, moderate/severe 1.82, 95% CI 1.25–2.63) and having depression (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.09–2.38). CPP was less associated with multiple non‐pain somatic symptoms in women of reproductive age compared to older women (interaction OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92). We identified two clusters of CPP cases; those having little/no psychosocial distress and those having high psychosocial distress.ConclusionCPP is common in both age groups, though women of reproductive age are more likely to report it. Heightened somatic awareness may be more strongly associated with CPP in older women. There are distinct groups of CPP cases characterized by the absence/presence of psychosocial distress.SignificanceHeightened somatic awareness may be more strongly associated with CPP in women of post‐reproductive years compared to women of reproductive years. Two subgroups of CPP cases can be differentiated by the absence/presence of psychosocial distress suggesting that stratified management approach may be more efficient.
Effects of MC4R, FTO, and NMB gene variants to obesity, physical activity, and eating behavior phenotypes
Authors: Kirac Deniz , Kasimay Cakir Ozgur , Avcilar Tuba , Deyneli Oguzhan , Kurtel Hizir , Yazici Dilek , Kaspar Elif Cigdem , Celik Nurgul , Guney Ahmet Ilter 
Published: September 2016

SummaryObesity is a major contributory factor of morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that biological systems may be involved in the tendency to be and to remain physically inactive also behaviors such as food and beverage preferences and nutrient intake may at least partially genetically determined. Consequently, besides environment, genetic factors may also contribute to the level of physical activity and eating behaviors thus effect obesity. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of various gene mutations on obesity, physical activity levels and eating behavior phenotypes. One hundred patients and 100 controls were enrolled to the study. Physical activity levels were measured with an actical acceloremeter device. Eating behaviors were evaluated using Three‐Factor Eating questionnaire (TFEQ). Associations between eating behavior scores and physical characteristics were also evaluated. The information about other obesity risk factors were also collected. Mutations were investigated with PCR, direct sequencing and Real‐Time PCR. rs1051168, rs8050146 −2778C > T mutations were found statistically significant in patients, rs1121980 was found statistically significant in controls. 21 mutations were found in MC4R and near MC4R of which 18 of them are novel and 8 of them cause amino acid change. In addition, it was found that, some obesity related factors and questions of TFEQ are associated with various investigated gene mutations. Any relation between gene mutations and physical activity levels were not detected. It is thought that, due to the genotype data and eating behaviors, it may be possible to recommend patients for proper eating patterns to prevent obesity. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(10):806–816, 2016
Accelerated bony defect healing based on chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel scaffolds embedded with chitosan nanoparticles for the delivery of BMP2 plasmid DNA
Authors: Li Hui , Ji Qiuxia , Chen Ximin , Sun Yan , Xu Quanchen , Deng Panpan , Hu Fang , Yang Jianjun 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRegeneration of alveolar bone is among the main purposes of periodontal treatment. However, it is a challenge for both dentists and patients. An injectable chitosan‐based thermosensitive hydrogel scaffold (CS/CSn‐GP) was successfully designed and prepared with the incorporation of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 plasmid DNA (pDNA‐BMP2)‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS/CSn(pDNA‐BMP2)‐GP) in this study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative effect of this scaffold on the endogenous repair of alveolar bone. Thermosensitive properties, SEM scans andin vivoinflammatory reactions and degradation were evaluated. The CS/CSn‐GP solution was initially injected into the muscle pouches of rats, where it changed into a gel, resulting in non‐specific inflammation. It effectively enhanced new bone formation in rat calvarial defects and enhanced bony defect healing in beagle dogs. All results indicated that the CS/CSn(pDNA‐BMP2)‐GP complex system is a potential candidate as a targeted, multi‐effect scaffold for the endogenous repair of alveolar bone. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 265–273, 2017.
Suppression of Sclerostin Alleviates Radiation-Induced Bone Loss by Protecting Bone-Forming Cells and Their Progenitors Through Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Lin Tiao , Young Tiffany , Tong Wei , Ma Xiaoyuan , Tseng Wei-Ju , Kramer Ina , Kneissel Michaela , Levine Michael A , Zhang Yejia , Cengel Keith , Liu X. Sherry , Qin Ling 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Focal radiotherapy is frequently associated with skeletal damage within the radiation field. Our previous in vitro study showed that activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway can overcome radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis of osteoblastic cells. Neutralization of circulating sclerostin with a monoclonal antibody (Scl-Ab) is an innovative approach for treating osteoporosis by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling in bone. Together with the fact that focal radiation increases sclerostin amount in bone, we sought to determine whether weekly treatment with Scl-Ab would prevent focal radiotherapy-induced osteoporosis in mice. Micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses demonstrated that Scl-Ab blocked trabecular bone structural deterioration after radiation by partially preserving osteoblast number and activity. Consistently, trabecular bone in sclerostin null mice was resistant to radiation via the same mechanism. Scl-Ab accelerated DNA repair in osteoblasts after radiation by reducing the number of γ-H2AX foci, a DNA double-strand break marker, and increasing the amount of Ku70, a DNA repair protein, thus protecting osteoblasts from radiation-induced apoptosis. In osteocytes, apart from using similar DNA repair mechanism to rescue osteocyte apoptosis, Scl-Ab restored the osteocyte canaliculi structure that was otherwise damaged by radiation. Using a lineage tracing approach that labels all mesenchymal lineage cells in the endosteal bone marrow, we demonstrated that radiation damage to mesenchymal progenitors mainly involves shifting their fate to adipocytes and arresting their proliferation ability but not inducing apoptosis, which are different mechanisms from radiation damage to mature bone forming cells. Scl-Ab treatment partially blocked the lineage shift but had no effect on the loss of proliferation potential. Taken together, our studies provide proof-of-principle evidence for a novel use of Scl-Ab as a therapeutic treatment for radiation-induced osteoporosis and establish molecular and cellular mechanisms that support such treatment. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of pendimethalin binding to human serum albumin: Insights from spectroscopic and molecular modeling approach
Authors: Lee Wei Qi , Affandi Ida Syazwani M. , Feroz Shevin R. , Mohamad Saharuddin B. , Tayyab Saad 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTInteraction of pendimethalin (PM) herbicide with the major transporter in human circulation, human serum albumin (HSA), was studied using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and molecular modeling methods. The attenuation of the fluorescence intensity of HSA in the presence of PM revealed formation of the PM–HSA complex. Analysis of the fluorescence quenching data showed moderately strong binding affinity between PM and HSA. Both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding were suggested to stabilize the PM–HSA complex, based on thermodynamic data. Binding of PM to HSA induced perturbation in the microenvironment around the aromatic fluorophores as well as secondary and tertiary structural changes in the protein. Complexation of PM with HSA led to an increase in its thermal stability. Both site marker displacement and molecular modeling results suggested site I, located in subdomain IIA as the preferred binding site of PM on HSA.
Activin A induces skeletal muscle catabolism via p38β mitogen‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Ding Hui , Zhang Guohua , Sin Ka Wai Thomas , Liu Zhelong , Lin Ren‐Kuo , Li Min , Li Yi‐Ping 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundActivation of type IIB activin receptor (ActRIIB) in skeletal muscle leads to muscle atrophy because of increased muscle protein degradation. However, the intracellular signalling mechanism that mediates ActRIIB‐activated muscle catabolism is poorly defined.MethodsWe investigated the role of p38β mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) in mediating ActRIIB ligand activin A‐activated muscle catabolic pathways in C2C12 myotubes and in mice with perturbation of this kinase pharmacologically and genetically.ResultsTreatment of C2C12 myotubes with activin A or myostatin rapidly activated p38 MAPK and its effector C/EBPβ within 1 h. Paradoxically, Akt was activated at the same time through a p38 MAPK‐independent mechanism. These events were followed by up‐regulation of ubiquitin ligases atrogin1 (MAFbx) and UBR2 (E3α‐II), as well as increase in LC3‐II, a marker of autophagosome formation, leading to myofibrillar protein loss and myotube atrophy. The catabolic effects of activin A were abolished by p38α/β MAPK inhibitor SB202190. Using small interfering RNA‐mediated gene knockdown, we found that the catabolic activity of activin A was dependent on p38β MAPK specifically. Importantly, systemic administration of activin A to mice similarly activated the catabolic pathways in vivo, and this effect was blocked by SB202190. Further, activin A failed to activate the catabolic pathways in mice with muscle‐specific knockout of p38β MAPK. Interestingly, activin A up‐regulated MuRF1 in a p38 MAPK‐independent manner, and MuRF1 did not appear responsible for activin A‐induced myosin heavy chain loss and muscle atrophy.ConclusionsActRIIB‐mediated activation of muscle catabolism is dependent on p38β MAPK‐activated signalling.
Small amounts of ammonium (NH$ _4^+ $) can increase growth of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: George Jessey , Holtham Luke , Sabermanesh Kasra , Heuer Sigrid , Tester Mark , Plett Darren , Garnett Trevor 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNitrate (NO$ _3^ - $) and ammonium (NH$ _4^+ $) are the predominant forms of nitrogen (N) available to plants in agricultural soils. Nitrate concentrations are generally ten times higher than those of NH$ _4^+ $ and this ratio is consistent across a wide range of soil types. The possible contribution of these small concentrations of NH$ _4^+ $ to the overall N budget of crop plants is often overlooked. In this study the importance of this for the growth and nitrogen budget of maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated, using agriculturally relevant concentrations of NH$ _4^+ $. Maize inbred line B73 was grown hydroponically for 30 d at low (0.5 mM) and sufficient (2.5 mM) levels of NO$ _3^ - $. Ammonium was added at 0.05 mM and 0.25 mM to both levels of NO$ _3^ - $. At low NO$ _3^ - $ levels, addition of NH$ _4^+ $ was found to improve the growth of maize plants. This increased plant growth was accompanied by an increase in total N uptake, as well as total phosphorus, sulphur and other micronutrients in the shoot. Ammonium influx was higher than NO$ _3^ - $ influx for all the plants and decreased as the total N in the nutrient medium increased. This study shows that agriculturally relevant proportions of NH$ _4^+ $ supplied in addition to NO$ _3^ - $ can increase growth of maize.
Dynamics of former ice lobes of the southernmost Patagonian Ice Sheet based on a glacial landsystems approach
Authors: Darvill Christopher M. , Stokes Chris R. , Bentley Michael J. , Evans David J. A. , Lovell Harold 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTReconstructions of former ice masses from glacial geomorphology help to constrain the nature and timing of glaciation in relation to climatic forcing. This paper presents a new reconstruction of the glacial history of five ice lobes in southernmost South America: the Bahía Inútil − San Sebastián, Magellan, Otway, Skyring and Río Gallegos ice lobes. We use previous geomorphological mapping of glacial landforms to reconstruct former glacial limits and proglacial lakes, demarcate flow‐sets from the distribution of glacial lineations, and evaluate glacial landsystem signatures and their palaeoglaciological implications. Evidence suggests that the ice lobes predominantly reflect active temperate glacial landsystems, which may have switched to polythermal systems when periods of cold‐based ice developed ephemerally. This complex landsystem signature implies that the ice lobes were sensitive to regional climate variability, with active re‐advances during overall retreat of the ice margins. There is also evidence for periods of fast ice flow and possible surge‐like activity in the region, followed by the rapid retreat or even collapse of some of the ice lobes in association with proglacial lakes. Constraining our new reconstruction with published chronological information suggests that at least some of the ice lobes advanced before the global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM: ca. 26.5–19 ka) during the last glacial cycle. Our new reconstruction demonstrates a more complex picture of ice dynamics than has previously been portrayed, and one in which the advance and retreat of the ice lobes was likely to have been primarily driven by changes in climate. As such, ice advances before the gLGM in the southernmost part of the Patagonian Ice Sheet are likely to indicate a wider climatic forcing at this time.
Drivers of ecosystem and climate change in tropical West Africa over the past ∼540 000 years
Authors: Miller Charlotte S. , Gosling William D. , Kemp David B. , Coe Angela L. , Gilmour Iain 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTA paucity of empirical non‐marine data means that uncertainty surrounds the impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems in tropical regions beyond the last glacial period. The sedimentary fill of the Bosumtwi impact crater (Ghana) provides the longest continuous Quaternary terrestrial archive of environmental change in West Africa, spanning the last ∼1.08 million years. Here we explore the drivers of change in ecosystem and climate in tropical West Africa for the past ∼540 000 years using pollen analysis and the nitrogen isotope composition of bulk organic matter preserved in sediments from Lake Bosumtwi. Variations in grass pollen abundance (0−99%) indicate transitions between grassland and forest. Coeval variations in the nitrogen isotopic composition of organic matter indicate that intervals of grassland expansion coincided with minimum lake levels and low regional moisture availability. The observed changes responded to orbitally paced global climate variations on both glacial–interglacial and shorter timescales. Importantly, the magnitude of ecosystem change revealed by our data exceeds that previously determined from marine records, demonstrating for the first time the high sensitivity of tropical lowland ecosystems to Quaternary climate change.
The effect of hyaluronic acid addition on the properties of smoked homogenised sausages
Authors: Zając Marzena , Kulawik Piotr , Tkaczewska Joanna , Migdał Władysław , Filipczak‐Fiutak Magda , Fiutak Grzegorz 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis research studied the possibility of using hyaluronic acid (HA) as a food additive for meat emulsions to create a novel functional food with improved rheological and water binding properties. Sausages with 200 and 500 g kg−1 water addition were supplemented with 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 g kg−1 of HA and stored for 14 days in vacuum. Rheology, texture, weight losses, proximate composition and microbiological analyses were performed together with the sensory evaluation of produced sausages.RESULTSSurprisingly, the results show that the addition of 0.05 and 0.1 g kg−1 HA reduced yield and the stability of meat emulsion by causing water outflow from the product and decreased the sensory scores of the produced sausages. The sausage with 500 g kg−1 water and 0.01 g kg−1 HA addition was the only economically viable option for introducing the product on the market.CONCLUSIONHA has a potential of being a perfect functional food additive for meat industry, although further research regarding processing conditions should be performed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry