bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of crowding and host plant quality on morph determination in the soybean aphid,Aphis glycines
Authors: Ríos Martínez A. F. , Costamagna A. C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPolyphenism constitutes a key example of the adaptability of a genotype to a shifting environment. In aphids, the relative production of apterous and alate individuals is influenced by cues resulting from increases in population density, changes in plant quality, and natural enemies. The ability to respond to multiple environmental cues offers aphids an effective way to optimize their fitness. Understanding the mechanisms behind alate morph production is particularly important in aphid species that are agricultural pests. We tested the effects of crowding and host plant quality cues on morph determination inAphis glycinesMatsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We exposedA. glycinesto pre‐natal and post‐natal crowding under laboratory conditions. In the field, we reared nymphs ofA. glycinesat high‐density vs. low‐density conditions in clip cages set on the top vs. bottom nodes of infested and uninfested soybean plants,Glycine max(L.) Merrill (Fabaceae). Apterous adult body size was used as an estimate of aphid performance, and the proportion of morphs developing under each condition was determined. Both pre‐ and post‐natal crowding induced the production of asexual alate individuals byA. glycines. In the field, we observed additive negative effects of lower overall plant quality (infested vs. uninfested plants), within‐plant differences in nutritional quality (bottom vs. top nodes), and high vs. low levels of crowding on aphid size. These three factors also interacted to increase the proportionA. glycinesnymphs that developed wings. Our results suggest two levels in the production of asexual alate individuals byA. glycines: (1) a moderate level in response to aggregation, triggered by crowding cues, and (2) a high level in response to plant quality deterioration, triggered by both plant quality and crowding cues. These two processes ensure a flexible production of asexual alate individuals, allowing aphids to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Maternal rearing condition and age affect progeny fitness in the parasitoid waspLysiphlebus fabarum
Authors: Najafpour Pegah , Rasekh Arash , Esfandiari Mehdi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMaternal rearing conditions are expected to affect fitness components of progeny so that maternal effects effectively protect offspring from environmental stressors. The objective of this study was to elucidate the interaction between maternal rearing condition, age, and offspring rearing condition in the parasitoid waspLysiphlebus fabarum(Marshall) (Hymenoptera:Braconidae,Aphidiinae). The effects of maternal age, body size, and host instar used for development on fitness components of progeny were evaluated. Host was the black bean aphid,Aphis fabaeScopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Results indicated that small and young mothers (developing in first‐instar hosts) produced progeny with a longer developmental time compared to large and old mothers (developing in second‐instar hosts). Progeny that hatched from larger eggs also had a larger body size. There were, however, no significant differences in the size of progeny that developed in different host instars. Progeny that hatched from large eggs had a higher initial egg load, and progeny produced by younger mothers had larger eggs. These differences were significant only when progeny developed in the first host instar, whereas in the second and fourth instar no differences were observed. Our findings indicate that progeny with larger size at the egg stage had superior fitness. Age‐specific maternal effects were not as strong as the effect of the mother's body size. Although the interaction between host instar of progeny development and maternal rearing condition was not statistically significant, developing in suboptimal instars led to trade‐offs between fitness components in progeny. The ecological significance of these findings is discussed.
MLL‐rearranged acute myeloid leukemia: Influence of the genetic partner in allo‐HSCT response and prognostic factor of MLL 3′ region mRNA expression
Authors: Burillo‐Sanz Sergio , Morales‐Camacho Rosario M. , Caballero‐Velázquez Teresa , Carrillo Estrella , Sánchez Javier , Pérez‐López Olga , Pérez de Soto Inmaculada , González Campos José , Prats‐Martín Concepción , Bernal Ricardo , Vargas María Teresa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveMLL gene is involved in more than 80 known genetic fusions in acute leukemia. To study the relevance of MLL partner gene and selected gene's expression, in this work, we have studied a cohort of 20 MLL‐rearranged acute myeloid leukemia (AML).MethodsTwenty MLL‐rearranged AML patients along with a control cohort of 138 AML patients are included in this work. By RT‐PCR and sequencing, MLL genetic fusion was characterized, and relative gene expression quantification was carried out for EVI1, MEIS1, MLL‐3′, RUNX1, SETBP1, HOXA5, and FLT3 genes. Risk stratification and association of MLL genetic partner and gene expression to overall survival, in the context of received therapy, were performed.ResultsMLLr cohort showed to have an OS more similar to intermediate‐risk AML. Type of MLL genetic partner showed to be relevant in allo‐HSCT response; having MLLT1 and MLLT3, a better benefit from it. Expression of MLL‐3′ region, EVI1 and FLT3, showed association with OS in patients undergoing allo‐HSCT.ConclusionWe show that the MLL genetic partner could have implications in allo‐HSCT response, and we propose three genes whose expression could be useful for the prognosis of this leukemia in patients undergoing allo‐HSCT: 3′ region of MLL, EVI1, and FLT3.
Circadian expression and functional characterization of PEA‐15 within the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Wheaton Kelin , Aten Sydney , Queiroz Lucas Sales , Sullivan Kyle , Oberdick John , Hoyt Kari R. , Obrietan Karl 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe circadian timing system influences the functional properties of most, if not all, physiological processes. Central to the mammalian timing system is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The SCN functions as a ‘master clock’ that sets the phasing of ancillary circadian oscillator populations found throughout the body. Further, via an entraining input from the retina, the SCN ensures that the clock oscillators are synchronized to the daily light/dark cycle. A critical component of the SCN timing and entrainment systems is the p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway. Here, we examined the expression and function of phosphoprotein‐enriched in astrocytes (PEA‐15), an ERK scaffold protein that serves as a key regulator of MAPK signaling. A combination of immunolabeling and Western blotting approaches revealed high levels of PEA‐15 within the SCN. PEA‐15 expression was enriched in distinct subpopulations of SCN neurons, including arginine vasopressin (AVP)‐positive neurons of the SCN shell region. Further, expression profiling detected a significant circadian oscillation in PEA‐15 expression within the SCN. Brief photic stimulation during the early subjective night led to a significant increase in PEA‐15 phosphorylation, an event that can trigger ERK/PEA‐15 dissociation. Consistent with this, co‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed that PEA‐15 is directly bound to ERK in the SCN and that photic stimulation leads to their dissociation. Finally, we show that PEA‐15 regulates ERK/MAPK‐dependent activation of the core clock gene period1. Together, these data raise the prospect that PEA‐15 functions as a key regulator of the SCN timing system.
Socioeconomic disparities in clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review
Authors: Canevelli M. , Bruno G. , Vico C. , Zaccaria V. , Lacorte E. , Iavicoli I. , Vanacore N. , Cesari M. 
Published: January 2018

Background and purposeThere is now a wide consensus at recognizing social and economic circumstances as main determinants of an individual's health status. Nevertheless, characteristics relating to socioeconomic status (SES) are poorly described in research reports. The aim of the present review was to verify whether the SES of participants is adequately reported in interventional studies targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to explore the impact of SES proxy measures on the efficacy of the considered medications.MethodsA systematic review of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the currently marketed drugs for AD (i.e. cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) was conducted by performing a structured search on PubMed and the Cochrane databases. The following indicators of SES were considered in the retained studies: (i) educational level, (ii) lifetime job category, (iii) income and (iv) wealth. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials.ResultsA total of 48 articles were finally selected. Overall, only eight RCTs reported data concerning the four considered SES indicators. Indeed, only information pertaining to the educational level of participants was provided. Only one RCT (n = 60) performed ad hoc, secondary analyses accounting for the SES of participating subjects.ConclusionsThe research and clinical relevance of SES has mistakenly been overlooked by the vast majority of RCTs on AD. A greater effort should be made to collect and report data on those SES indicators that may significantly affect the clinical manifestations and trajectories of patients with cognitive disturbances.
Long‐term terrestrial carbon dynamics in the Midwestern United States during 1850–2015: Roles of land use and cover change and agricultural management
Authors: Yu Zhen , Lu Chaoqun , Cao Peiyu , Tian Hanqin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTo meet the increasing food and biofuel demand, the Midwestern United States has become one of the most intensively human‐disturbed hotspots, characterized by widespread cropland expansion and various management practices. However, the role of human activities in the carbon (C) cycling across managed landscape remains far from certain. In this study, based on state‐ and national census, field experiments, and model simulation, we comprehensively examined long‐term carbon storage change in response to land use and cover change (LUCC) and agricultural management in the Midwest from 1850 to 2015. We also quantified estimation uncertainties related to key parameter values. Model estimation showed LUCC led to a reduction of 1.35 Pg (with a range of 1.3–1.4 Pg) in vegetation C pool of the Midwest, yet agricultural management barely affected vegetation C change. In comparison, LUCC reduced SOC by 4.5 Pg (3.1 to 6.2 Pg), while agricultural management practices increased SOC stock by 0.9 Pg. Moreover, we found 45% of the study area was characterized by continuously decreasing SOC caused by LUCC, and SOC in 13% and 31% of the area was fully and partially recovered, respectively, since 1850. Agricultural management was estimated to increase the area of full recovery and partial recovery by 8.5% and 1.1%. Our results imply that LUCC plays an essential role in regional C balance, and more importantly, sustainable land management can be beneficial for strengthening C sequestration of the agroecosystems in the Midwestern US, which may serve as an important contributor to C sinks in the US.
Substrate and structure of ground nests have fitness consequences for an alpine songbird
Authors: de Zwaan Devin R. , Martin Kathy 
Published: January 2018

Songbird nests are an important life‐history component with multiple functions, including the creation of a suitable microclimate for offspring development. Thus, functional nest characteristics may influence fitness correlates, such as nestling size traits, and may co‐vary with prevailing environmental conditions. We investigated among‐ and within‐female variation in nest substrate, lining and decoration structures with associated fitness consequences (hatching success, nestling size traits, nest survival) across two breeding seasons for an alpine population of Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris. We combined these observations with explicit measures of nest temperature to address the influence of nest characteristics on microclimate. Nests in heather substrate had the coldest microclimates compared with grass and bare‐ground substrate, but also the greatest nest survival rates (68% versus 37–44% in other substrates), indicating the potential for substrate use decisions to reflect a trade‐off between microclimate and nest survival in response to prevailing weather and predation risk conditions. Furthermore, nest lining and nest decoration patterns indicated some support for a thermoregulatory function. Nests that were lined with willow (Salix sp.) seed‐down were associated with larger, heavier nestlings and the use of down lining decreased in frequency as the season warmed up. Nest decoration placed in front of the nest (e.g. stones or dirt clumps varying in mass from 5.3 to 186.6 g) was positively associated with warmer nest microclimates. Females demonstrated high phenotypic flexibility, as 61–94% of the observed variance in nest characteristics was explained by within‐female rather than among‐female differences. Such flexible nesting behaviour suggests the capacity to adjust to changing environmental conditions to maintain vital fitness correlates such as nest survival and nestling size development.
Improving the effectiveness of English vocabulary review by integrating ARCS with mobile game‐based learning
Authors: Wu Ting‐Ting 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMemorizing English vocabulary is often considered uninteresting, and a lack of motivation exists during learning activities. Moreover, most vocabulary practice systems automatically select words from articles and do not provide integrated model methods for students. Therefore, this study constructed a mobile game‐based English vocabulary practice system, which imitates the popular block elimination game and combines test items of article, difficulty, and teacher model in accordance with curriculum objectives and demands. The participants were first‐year students and classified into traditional group (Group T) and game‐based group (Group G), and learning effectiveness and motivation were analysed in this study. According to statistical analysis results, students who used the game‐based vocabulary practice system, which could captivate their attention and interest, had higher learning effectiveness and provided positive feedback of learning motivation. Furthermore, English teachers could select teaching materials that are consistent with the features, knowledge, and cultural background of learners to improve the relevance dimension of learning motivation.
Cross‐sectional association between oral health and retinal microcirculation
Authors: Samietz Stefanie , Jürgens Clemens , Ittermann Till , Holtfreter Birte , Pink Christiane , Schipf Sabine , Biffar Reiner , Völzke Henry , Kocher Thomas , Tost Frank 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate the relation between oral health status and microcirculation, we analysed the association between periodontitis and number of teeth with retinal vessel diameters in a population‐based study.MethodsWe analysed data from the Study of Health in Pomerania‐TREND (SHIP‐TREND). All subjects (3,183 for number of teeth, 3,013 for mean probing depth and 2,894 for mean attachment level) underwent nonmydriatic funduscopy and dental examination. We measured central retinal arteriolar (CRAE), venular (CRVE) vessel diameters and calculated arterio‐venous ratio (AVR) from static vessel analysis (SVA). Periodontal status was assessed using the case definition of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP). Data were analysed by linear (CRAE, CRVE, AVR) and logistic regression (AVR < 0.8) adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, hsCRP and type‐2‐diabetes mellitus.ResultsOnly in men, significant associations were found between periodontal and retinal conditions. Severe periodontitis [β = −0.0120 (−0.0218; −0.0007 95%‐CI)] and mean probing depth [β = −0.0054 (−0.0105; −0.0002 95%‐CI)] were inversely associated with AVR; severe periodontitis [β = 3.80 (0.61; 6.98 95%‐CI)], mean probing depth [β = 1.86 (0.23; 3.49 95%‐CI)] and mean attachment level [β = 1.31 (0.34; 2.27 95%‐CI)] with CRVE and mean attachment level with CRAE [β = 0.91 (0.14; 1.69 95%‐CI)].ConclusionsOur results point towards an association between periodontal conditions and AVR in men. Periodontitis may impact microvascular endothelium function. Improving oral health to reduce periodontitis might lead to reduced risk for other age‐related diseases.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes associate with periodontal and coronary artery disease status
Authors: Pietiäinen Milla , Kopra K. A. Elisa , Vuorenkoski Juha , Salminen Aino , Paju Susanna , Mäntylä Päivi , Buhlin Kåre , Liljestrand John M. , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha , Hyvärinen Kati , Pussinen Pirkko J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWe investigated the association between the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes, periodontal status and coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and methodsThe study population included 497 patients who underwent coronary angiography, and clinical oral examination. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were designed to identify the serotypes from saliva samples.ResultsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype frequencies were as follows: serotype “c” 35.7%, “b” 28.6%, “a” 26.2%, “e” 7.1%, “d” 2.4% and “f” 0%. The subjects with a detectable serotype had less teeth and higher bleeding on probing than those with no serotype. Serotypes “b” and “c” associated with periodontal probing depths and periodontal inflammatory burden. The saliva and subgingival bacterium quantities and serum antibody levels against A. actinomycetemcomitans were highest in patients harbouring serotype “c.” Serotypes “b” and “c” were most frequent (59.3%) in patients with CAD (p = .040), and they associated with the risk of stable CAD with an odds ratio of 2.67 (95% confidence interval 1.06–7.44). Also, the severity of CAD (p = .018) associated with serotypes “b” and “c.”ConclusionsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes “b” and “c” associate with both periodontal and CAD status. Detectable serotypes associate with the quantity and the serology of the bacterium emphasizing both local and systemic effect of the A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes.
Evaluating periodontal disease misclassification mechanisms under partial‐mouth recording protocols
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Sharma Praveen , Garcia Raul I. , Dietrich Thomas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate the assumptions underlying the use of partial‐mouth recording (PMR) protocols and the associated mechanisms of potential misclassification of periodontal disease.MethodsUsing data from 640 participants in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study, we compared tooth‐specific and site‐specific clinical measures and calculated sensitivity and specificity of different PMR protocols by applying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the American Academy of Periodontology definitions for periodontitis as the full‐mouth reference standard. Additionally, we evaluated alternative case definitions for PMR protocols that accounted for the reduction in numbers of teeth under observation.ResultsIn this cohort, periodontitis presented as a generalized condition in that measures of clinical severity did not differ meaningfully according to site measured, oral quadrant or jaw. Sensitivity of disease classification under PMR protocols was a function of the number of teeth and sites under observation and the case definition applied. Sensitivity increased when case definitions were modified to account for the smaller number of teeth under observation with PMR protocols. However, specificity was reduced.ConclusionsMisclassification of periodontal disease by PMR protocols is not random, even if sites under observation are randomly selected. PMR protocols can be selected/modified to maximize sensitivity, but they do so at the expense of bias in mean measures of severity.
Caterpillar‐induced plant volatiles attract conspecific herbivores and a generalist predator
Authors: El‐Sayed A. M. , Knight A. L. , Basoalto E. , Suckling D. M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPlants release volatiles in response to caterpillar feeding that attracts natural enemies of the herbivores, a tritrophic interaction which has been considered to be an indirect plant defence against herbivores. On the other hand, the caterpillar‐induced plant volatiles have been reported to either repel or attract conspecific adult herbivores. This work was undertaken to investigate the response of both herbivores and natural enemies to caterpillar‐induced plant volatiles in apple orchards. We sampled volatile compounds emitted from uninfested apple trees, and apple trees infested with generalist herbivore the pandemis leafroller moth,Pandemis pyrusana(Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) larvae using headspace collection and analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Infested apple trees uniquely release six compounds (benzyl alcohol, phenylacetonitrile, phenylacetaldehyde, 2‐phenylethanol, indole and (E)‐nerolidol). These compounds were tested on two species of herbivores and one predator in apple orchards. Binary blends of phenylacetonitrile + acetic acid or 2‐phenylethanol + acetic acid attracted a large number of conspecific male and female adult herbivores. The response of pandemis leafroller to herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) was so pronounced that over one thousand and seven hundred conspecific male and female adult herbivores were caught in traps baited withHIPVs in three‐day trapping period. In addition, significantly higher number of male and female obliquebanded leafroller,Choristoneura rosaceana(Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), was caught in traps baited a binary blend of 2‐phenylethanol + acetic acid, or a ternary blend contains 2‐phenylethanol and phenylacetonitrile + acetic acid. This result challenges the current paradigm hypothesized thatHIPVs repel herbivores and question the indirect defensive function proposed for these compounds. On the other hand, a ternary blend of phenylacetonitrile and 2‐phenylethanol + acetic acid attracted the largest numbers of the general predator, the common green lacewing,Chrysoperla plorabunda. To our knowledge, this is the first record of the direct attraction of conspecific adult herbivores as well as a predator to the caterpillar‐induced plant volatiles in the field.