bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dated phylogenies and historical biogeography of Dontostemon and Clausia (Brassicaceae) mirror the palaeogeographical history of the Eurasian steppe
Authors: Friesen Nikolai , German Dmitry A. , Hurka Herbert , Herden Tobias , Oyuntsetseg Batlai , Neuffer Barbara 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimWe hypothesize that molecular signals in Eurasian steppe plants reflect their biogeographical history as well as the climate/landscape history of the Eurasian steppe. To test this hypothesis we focus here on the characteristic Eurasian steppe genera Dontostemon and Clausia (Brassicaceae), and have included all presently accepted species in our study.LocationEurasian steppe from eastern Asia to south‐eastern Europe.MethodsTo elucidate their phylogeny, we sequenced the nuclear ribosomal ITS and chloroplast trnL‐F regions. Sequence data were analysed with parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic approaches. Divergence times were estimated using BEAST, relying on published ITS substitution rates. Distribution maps of all species of the two genera were compiled, and ancestral areas reconstructed using LAGRANGE.ResultsBoth genera originated in central and eastern Asia, with Clausia later extending its range to eastern Europe. Dated phylogenies revealed: onset of diversification in the lower and middle Miocene; evolution of the majority of groups in the upper Miocene/lower Pliocene, and further speciation events during the Quaternary. Origin and diversification within these genera coincide with the evolution and history of the modern Eurasian steppe.Main conclusionsDated phylogenies and historical biogeography of Clausia and Dontostemon mirror the climate/landscape dynamics of the steppe from its origin in the early Miocene up to the Pleistocene and Holocene.
A matter of scale: apparent niche differentiation of diploid and tetraploid plants may depend on extent and grain of analysis
Authors: Kirchheimer Bernhard , Schinkel Christoph C. F. , Dellinger Agnes S. , Klatt Simone , Moser Dietmar , Winkler Manuela , Lenoir Jonathan , Caccianiga Marco , Guisan Antoine , Nieto‐Lugilde Diego , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Thuiller Wilfried , Vittoz Pascal , Willner Wolfgang , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Hörandl Elvira , Dullinger Stefan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimEmerging polyploids may depend on environmental niche shifts for successful establishment. Using the alpine plant Ranunculus kuepferi as a model system, we explore the niche shift hypothesis at different spatial resolutions and in contrasting parts of the species range.LocationEuropean Alps.MethodsWe sampled 12 individuals from each of 102 populations of R. kuepferi across the Alps, determined their ploidy levels, derived coarse‐grain (100 × 100 m) environmental descriptors for all sampling sites by downscaling WorldClim maps, and calculated fine‐scale environmental descriptors (2 × 2 m) from indicator values of the vegetation accompanying the sampled individuals. Both coarse and fine‐scale variables were further computed for 8239 vegetation plots from across the Alps. Subsequently, we compared niche optima and breadths of diploid and tetraploid cytotypes by combining principal components analysis and kernel smoothing procedures. Comparisons were done separately for coarse and fine‐grain data sets and for sympatric, allopatric and the total set of populations.ResultsAll comparisons indicate that the niches of the two cytotypes differ in optima and/or breadths, but results vary in important details. The whole‐range analysis suggests differentiation along the temperature gradient to be most important. However, sympatric comparisons indicate that this climatic shift was not a direct response to competition with diploid ancestors. Moreover, fine‐grained analyses demonstrate niche contraction of tetraploids, especially in the sympatric range, that goes undetected with coarse‐grained data.Main conclusionsAlthough the niche optima of the two cytotypes differ, separation along ecological gradients was probably less decisive for polyploid establishment than a shift towards facultative apomixis, a particularly effective strategy to avoid minority cytotype exclusion. In addition, our results suggest that coarse‐grained analyses overestimate niche breadths of widely distributed taxa. Niche comparison analyses should hence be conducted at environmental data resolutions appropriate for the organism and question under study.
Effect of diversity on biomass across grasslands on the Mongolian Plateau: contrasting effects between plants and soil nematodes
Authors: Chen Dima , Cheng Junhui , Chu Pengfei , Mi Jia , Hu Shuijin , Xie Yichun , Tuvshintogtokh Indree , Bai Yongfei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTo assess how the diversity of above‐ and below‐ground organisms changes along environmental gradients at the regional scale and whether the effects of diversity changes on biomass are similar for above‐ and below‐ground organisms.LocationSemi‐arid grasslands of the Mongolian Plateau.MethodsWe investigated diversity (α‐, β‐ and γ‐) and biomass of plant and soil nematodes as well as environmental factors (climate, soil environment, and soil resource) at 44 field sites (220 plots) along a 2000‐km east–west transect and a 900‐km south–north transect across grasslands on the Mongolian Plateau. Regression was used to examine the relationships between diversity components and biomass of plants and nematodes. Hierarchical structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to analyse the effects of environmental factors on diversity components and their linkages to biomass.ResultsThe biomass of plants and nematodes correlated positively with biodiversity measures for plants and nematodes except that nematode biomass decreased as nematode β‐diversity increased. The relationship between plant and soil nematodes was positive for biomass and for α‐ and γ‐diversity, but it was negative for β‐diversity. When considering the environmental factors, hierarchical SEM indicated that variation in plant or nematode γ‐diversity was associated with changes in climate, soil environment, and soil resources. Variation in plant or nematode α‐diversity was mainly associated with changes in γ‐diversity, while variation in the plant or nematode β‐diversity was mainly associated with changes in γ‐diversity and climate. The climate and soil resources explained most of the variation in plant biomass, whereas climate and α‐ and γ‐diversity explained most of the variation in nematode biomass. Surprisingly, plant biomass or diversity was only weakly related to soil nematodes when considering the environmental factors.Main conclusionsDiversity and biomass patterns of nematodes and perhaps of other below‐ground organisms are different from those of plants, and this difference is highly climate dependent. These findings suggest that a more complete understanding of diversity–biomass relationships will require further examination of more taxa across a broader range of environmental gradients.
Seasonal Variation in Blood Pressure in 162,135 Patients With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hermann Julia M. , Rosenbauer Joachim , Dost Axel , Steigleder‐Schweiger Claudia , Kiess Wieland , Schöfl Christof , Holl Reinhard W. ,   the DPV Initiative
Published: December 2015

Seasonal variation in blood pressure (BP) has been observed in different populations. However, only few studies have focused on BP seasonality in diabetic patients. This study examined the seasonal patterns in BP in 62,589 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and in 99,546 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the German/Austrian Diabetes Follow‐up Registry. Adjusted mean BP values revealed seasonal cycles of 12 months, with higher BP in colder months. Using harmonic regression models, the estimated systolic BP difference throughout the year was 2.28/2.48 mm Hg in T1DM/T2DM (both P<.001). Interestingly, seasonal variation in diastolic BP was larger in T1DM than in T2DM (1.24/0.64 mm Hg, P<.001). A sex difference was observed in T1DM only, while age differences occurred in both types of diabetes. Correlations between BP and potentially related factors such as outdoor temperature indicated that reasons underlying BP seasonality are likely to be complex and vary by subgroup.
Accuracy of periapical radiography in assessing bone level in implants affected by peri‐implantitis: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: García‐García Marta , Mir‐Mari Javier , Benic Goran I. , Figueiredo Rui , Valmaseda‐Castellón Eduard 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of periapical radiography in measuring peri‐implant bone levels.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐five subjects with 46 implants in need of surgical treatment for peri‐implantitis were included in this cross‐sectional study. Prior to surgery, periapical radiographs were taken, a prediction of type of defect was made and radiographic peri‐implant bone levels (RxBL) were determined at the mesial and distal aspects. Intra‐operatively, the peri‐implant bone level (SurgBL) was assessed mesially, distally, buccally and orally and the type of defect was recorded. A paired t‐test was applied to detect differences between inter‐proximal RxBL and SurgBL. ANOVA was used to compare SurgBL at different circumferential positions.ResultsThe mean inter‐proximal RxBL was 4.0 ± 2.2 mm and the mean inter‐proximal SurgBL was 5.3 ± 2.3 mm. The difference between RxBL and SurgBL was statistically significant (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in SurgBL at the mesial, distal, buccal and oral aspects (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe intra‐operatively measured peri‐implant bone levels were more apical than the radiographic bone levels. The intra‐operatively assessed peri‐implant bone levels (SurgBL) were similar at all the circumferential positions around the implant.
Comparison of the effect of bone marrow cells infusion through the portal vein and inferior vena cava combined with short‐term rapamycin on allogeneic islet grafts in diabetic rats
Authors: Gao Qingzhen , Wang Xiaoping , Zhang Ruibin , Wang Pu , Jing Yongsheng , Ren Wanjun , Zhu Bin 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe study aimed to compare the impact of allogeneic bone marrow cells (BMCs) infusion through the inferior vena cava (IVC) and portal vein (PV) combined with rapamycin on allogeneic islet grafts in diabetic rats.Materials and MethodsRecipient diabetic Wistar rats were infused with islets from Sprague–Dawley rats through the PV. PKH26‐labeled BMCs of Sprague–Dawley rats were infused to recipients through the PV or IVC, followed by administration of rapamycin for 4 days. Blood glucose level was measured to evaluate the survival time of the islets. Lymphocytes separated from blood, BMCs, thymus, liver, spleen and lymph node were analyzed by flow cytometry. The peripheral blood smear, BMCs smear and frozen sections of tissues were observed by a fluorescence microscope.ResultsThe survival time of the islets was significantly prolonged by the BMCs infusion combined with rapamycin. The rats receiving BMCs infusion through the PV induced a significantly longer survival time of the islets, and increased mixed chimeras of allogeneic BMCs in the thymus, liver, spleen and lymph node compared with the rats receiving BMCs infusion through the IVC. The amount of the mixed chimeras on day 14 was lower than that on day 7 after islet transplantation. Furthermore, PV transplantation had significantly more mixed chimera than IVC transplantation in all analyzed organs or tissues.ConclusionsBMCs infusion combined with rapamycin prolongs the islets survival and induces mixed chimeras of BMCs. PV infusion of BMCs might be a more effective strategy than IVC infusion of BMCs.
Effects of ethanol extract of propolis on histopathological changes and anti‐oxidant defense of kidney in a rat model for type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sameni Hamid Reza , Ramhormozi Parisa , Bandegi Ahmad Reza , Taherian Abbas Ali , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Safari Manouchehr 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionOxidative stress has a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Propolis and its constituents have a wide range of medicinal properties against oxidative stress. In the present study, we evaluated the anti‐oxidant effects of ethanolic extracts of propolis on kidneys in diabetes mellitus rats.Materials and MethodsA total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: control, diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus with vehicle treatment, diabetes mellitus with propolis treatment (100 mg/kg) and diabetes mellitus with propolis treatment (200 mg/kg). Diabetes mellitus in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Diabetic groups were treated with vehicle or ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis for 6 weeks. Serum concentration of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were measured.ResultsThe results showed that Iranian propolis significantly inhibited bodyweight loss in diabetes mellitus rats. The propolis extracts significantly reduced serum glucose levels and kidney weight in diabetes mellitus rats (P < 0.001). Furthermore, propolis extracts significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content, and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.001) along with the total anti‐oxidant activity in the kidney tissue of diabetes mellitus rats. In the kidneys of the diabetes mellitus and vehicle group, the glomerular basement membrane thickness and glomerular area were significantly increased. Treatment of diabetes mellitus rats with the propolis extract significantly reduced the glomerular basement membrane thickness and glomerular area.ConclusionsThe present study results showed that the Iranian propolis extract could enhance the anti‐oxidant levels and histopathological changes in the kidneys of rats. The final results showed that most of the favorable effects of propolis are mediated by a reduction of blood glucose levels in diabetic animals.
Fitness effects of new mutations in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii across two stress gradients
Authors: Kraemer S. A. , Morgan A. D. , Ness R. W. , Keightley P. D. , Colegrave N. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMost spontaneous mutations affecting fitness are likely to be deleterious, but the strength of selection acting on them might be impacted by environmental stress. Such stress‐dependent selection could expose hidden genetic variation, which in turn might increase the adaptive potential of stressed populations. On the other hand, this variation might represent a genetic load and thus lead to population extinction under stress. Previous studies to determine the link between stress and mutational effects on fitness, however, have produced inconsistent results. Here, we determined the net change in fitness in 29 genotypes of the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that accumulated mutations in the near absence of selection for approximately 1000 generations across two stress gradients, increasing NaCl and decreasing phosphate. We found mutational effects to be magnified under extremely stressful conditions, but such effects were specific both to the type of stress and to the genetic background. The detection of stress‐dependent fitness effects of mutations depended on accurately scaling relative fitness measures by generation times, thus offering an explanation for the inconsistencies among previous studies.
Impact of pay for performance on behavior of primary care physicians and patient outcomes
Authors: Lin Yifei , Yin Senlin , Huang Jin , Du Liang 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPay‐for‐performance is a financial incentive which links physicians’ income to the quality of their services. Although pay‐for‐performance is suggested to be an effective payment method in many pilot countries (ie the UK) and enjoys a wide application in primary health care, researches on it are yet to reach an agreement. Thus, a systematic review was conducted on the evidence of impact of pay‐for‐performance on behavior of primary care physicians and patient outcomes aiming to provide a comprehensive and objective evaluation of pay‐for‐performance for decision‐makers.MethodsStudies were identified by searching PubMed, EMbase, and The Cochrane Library. Electronic search was conducted in the fourth week of January 2013. As the included studies had significant clinical heterogeneity, a descriptive analysis was conducted. Quality Index was adopted for quality assessment of evidences.ResultsDatabase searches yielded 651 candidate articles, of which 44 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An overall positive effect was found on the management of disease, which varied in accordance with the baseline medical quality and the practice size. Meanwhile, it could bring about new problems regarding the inequity, patients’ dissatisfaction and increasing medical cost.ConclusionsDecision‐makers should consider the baseline conditions of medical quality and the practice size before new medical policies are enacted. Furthermore, most studies are retrospective and observational with high level of heterogeneity though, the descriptive analysis is still of significance.
Cost‐Effectiveness of a Chronic Care Model for Frail Older Adults in Primary Care: Economic Evaluation Alongside a Stepped‐Wedge Cluster‐Randomized Trial
Authors: van Leeuwen Karen M. , Bosmans Judith E. , Jansen Aaltje P. D. , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Muntinga Maaike E. , van Hout Hein P. J. , Nijpels Giel , van der Horst Henriette E. , van Tulder Maurits W. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of the Geriatric Care Model (GCM), an integrated care model for frail older adults based on the Chronic Care Model, with that of usual care.DesignEconomic evaluation alongside a 24‐month stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomized controlled trial.SettingPrimary care (35 practices) in two regions in the Netherlands.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults who were frail according to their primary care physicians and the Program on Research for Integrating Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy case‐finding tool questionnaire (N = 1,147).InterventionThe GCM consisted of the following components: a regularly scheduled in‐home comprehensive geriatric assessment by a practice nurse followed by a customized care plan, management and training of practice nurses by a geriatric expert team, and coordination of care through community network meetings and multidisciplinary team consultations of individuals with complex care needs.MeasurementsOutcomes were measured every 6 months and included costs from a societal perspective, health‐related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short‐Form Survey (SF‐12) physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scales), functional limitations (Katz activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living), and quality‐adjusted life years based on the EQ‐5D.ResultsMultilevel regression models adjusted for time and baseline confounders showed no significant differences in costs ($356, 95% confidence interval = −$488–1,134) and outcomes between intervention and usual care phases. Cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves showed that, for the SF‐12 PCS and MCS, the probability of the intervention being cost‐effective was 0.76 if decision‐makers are willing to pay $30,000 per point improvement on the SF‐12 scales (range 0–100). For all other outcomes the probability of the intervention being cost‐effective was low.ConclusionBecause the GCM was not cost‐effective compared to usual care after 24 months of follow‐up, widespread implementation in its current form is not recommended.
Graphite‐schist blocks in the Franciscan Mélange, San Simeon, California: Evidence of high‐P metamorphism
Authors: Ukar E. , Cloos M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe seacliff exposure at San Simeon, California, contains graphite‐schist blocks in a shale‐matrix, an undocumented lithology within the Franciscan mélange. Thirty graphite‐schist blocks were studied to discover all the varieties in this classic locality of mélange. Based on their mineralogical assemblage and composition, and textural characteristics the graphite‐schists in San Simeon are subdivided into two main types (Type I and II) with two subdivisions each (A and B). Type IA and IIA blocks are the most abundant. Type IA graphite‐schists are siltstone/fine greywacke‐like, preserve sedimentary textures, and lack lawsonite. Type IB graphite‐schists are mineralogical and texturally similar to Type IA schists, but are finer grained siltstone and shale. Type IIA graphite‐schists are compositionally layered and contain quartz‐ and albite‐rich layers and dark graphite‐ and intergrown mica/chlorite‐rich layers. Nine out of the 15 Type IIA blocks contain lawsonite. Two Type IIA blocks also contain aragonite (+calcite) in veins. Type IIB graphite‐schists are mostly composed of quartz and minor graphite, intergrown chlorite and white mica, and white mica pseudomorphs after lawsonite. The phengite content of mica in Type IIA blocks is higher than that of mica in Type IA graphite‐schists, confirming they were metamorphosed under high‐P/low‐T conditions. Type IA blocks were recrystallized between 200 and 250 °C at <~3 kbar; whereas, Type IIA blocks were metamorphosed under higher pressure conditions, probably at 250–300 °C and 3–5 kbar. Most likely both types of graphite‐schists were derived from a similar layered siltstone/fine greywacke/shale protolith. Organic matter‐rich sediments deposited in the trench axis were subducted along with oceanic crust during Franciscan subduction. Type I graphite‐schists were subducted to depths <10 km, whereas Type II graphite‐schists were subducted to depths ~15 km where they were underplated under high‐P conditions. The graphitic metasedimentary rocks were juxtaposed with mafic lithologies from the subducted oceanic crust that were metamorphosed to blueschist facies and retrograded to greenstone as they returned to the surface in the subduction channel shear zone.
The Analgesic Effect of Oxytocin in Humans: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Cross‐Over Study Using Laser‐Evoked Potentials
Authors: Paloyelis Y. , Krahé C. , Maltezos S. , Williams S. C. , Howard M. A. , Fotopoulou A. 
Published: December 2015

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide regulating social‐affiliative and reproductive behaviour in mammals. Despite robust preclinical evidence for the antinociceptive effects and mechanisms of action of exogenous oxytocin, human studies have produced mixed results regarding the analgesic role of oxytocin and are yet to show a specific modulation of neural processes involved in pain perception. In the present study, we investigated the analgesic effects of 40 IU of intranasal oxytocin in 13 healthy male volunteers using a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over design and brief radiant heat pulses generated by an infrared laser that selectively activate Aδ‐ and C‐fibre nerve endings in the epidermis, at the same time as recording the ensuing laser‐evoked potentials (LEPs). We predicted that oxytocin would reduce subjective pain ratings and attenuate the amplitude of the N1, N2 and P2 components. We observed that oxytocin attenuated perceived pain intensity and the local peak amplitude of the N1 and N2 (but not of P2) LEPs, and increased the latency of the N2 component. Importantly, for the first time, the present study reports an association between the analgesic effect of oxytocin (reduction in subjective pain ratings) and the oxytocin‐induced modulation of cortical activity after noxious stimulation (attenuation of the N2 LEP). These effects indicate that oxytocin modulates neural processes contributing to pain perception. The present study reports preliminary evidence that is consistent with electrophysiological studies in rodents showing that oxytocin specifically modulates Aδ/C‐fibre nociceptive afferent signalling at the spinal level and provides further specificity to evidence obtained in humans indicating that oxytocin may be modulating pain experience by modulating activity in the cortical areas involved in pain processing.