bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demography of a population with a long history of poaching and the utility of the individual identification technique as a tool for monitoring intermittently studied elephant populations
Authors: Onyango Patrick O. , Lesowapir Bernard 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn many elephant populations in Africa, adverse effects of poaching including altered age and sex structure and long calving intervals continue to negatively impact the rate of recovery. The study reported here characterized the demographic status of the elephant population in Meru National Park, Kenya, so as to determine the size, age and sex structure, and calving interval of the population and to compare its demographic parameters against those from the relatively stable elephant population at Amboseli. Additionally, a demographic study conducted 7 years earlier enabled us to determine the demographic performance of the population and to explicitly test the utility of the individual identification technique in monitoring intermittently studied populations. We found 392 elephants in the park. The proportion of older individuals was lower, and the calving interval was longer than estimates from Amboseli. We recognized 16% of elephants indexed in the previous study. Our results suggest that the individual identification technique may be useful in monitoring demographic changes including poaching in intermittently studied elephant populations. Overall, our results suggest that although the Meru elephant population showed signs of recovery, poaching continues to imperil its recovery.
Stratigraphy of Pleistocene glaciations in the St Elias Mountains, southwest Yukon, Canada
Authors: Turner Derek G. , Ward Brent C. , Froese Duane G. , Lamothe Michel , Bond Jeffrey D. , Bigelow Nancy H. 
Published: March 2016

At least five Middle to Late Pleistocene advances of the northern Cordilleran Ice Sheet are preserved at Silver Creek, on the northeastern edge of the St Elias Mountains in southwest Yukon, Canada. Silver Creek is located 100 km up‐ice of the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 McConnell glacial limit of the St Elias lobe. This site contains ~3 km of nearly continuous lateral exposure of glacial and non‐glacial sediments, including multiple tills separated by thick gravel, loess and tilted lake beds. Infrared‐stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and AMS radiocarbon dating constrain the glacial deposits to MIS 2, 4, either MIS 6 or mid‐MIS 7, and two older Middle Pleistocene advances. This chronology and the tilt of the lake beds suggest Pleistocene uplift rates of up to 1.9 mm a−1 along the Denali Fault since MIS 7. The non‐glacial sediment consists of sand, gravel, loess and organic beds from MIS 7, MIS 3 and the early Holocene. The MIS 3 deposits date to between 30–36 14C ka BP, making Silver Creek one of the few well‐constrained MIS 3‐aged sites in Yukon. This confirms that ice receded close to modern limits in MIS 3. Pollen and macrofossil analyses show that a meadow‐tundra to steppe‐tundra mosaic with abundant herbs and forbs and few shrubs or trees, dominated the environment at this time. The stratigraphy at Silver Creek provides a palaeoclimatic record since at least MIS 8 and comprises the oldest direct record of Pleistocene glaciation in southwest Yukon.
Label-free detection of immune complexes with myeloid cells
Authors: Szittner Z , Bentlage A E H , Rovero P , Migliorini P , Lóránd V , Prechl J , Vidarsson G 
Published: March 2016

Summary
The aim of this study was to provide proof-of-concept for quantitative and qualitative label-free detection of immune complexes through myeloid cells with imaging surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance imaging was first applied to monitor the binding of human sera from healthy and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to immobilized citrullinated RA-specific peptide antigens, histone citrullinated peptide 2 (HCP2) and viral citrullinated peptide 2 (VCP2). Next, the binding of monocytoid cell line U937 to the resulting immune complexes on the sensor surface was monitored. As control, binding of U937 was monitored to immunoglobulin (Ig)G subclasses simultaneously. Cell response results were compared to results of cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (CCP2) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), clinical RA diagnosis and antigen-specific antibody distribution of the samples. Human IgG3 triggered the most pronounced response, followed by IgG1 and IgG4, while IgG2 did not result in U937 cell binding. Serum samples obtained from RA patients resulted in a significantly increased cell response to VCP2 compared to healthy controls. The strength of cell response towards VCP2 immune complexes showed significant correlation with levels of antigen-specific IgA, IgG and IgG3. Cellular responses on VCP2 immune complexes showed significant association with both CCP2-based serological positivity and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria-based clinical RA diagnosis. Immunoglobulin-triggered binding of monocytoid cells can be monitored using a label-free multiplex technology. Because these binding events are presumably initiated by Fc receptors, the system provides a tool for biological detection of autoantibodies with diagnostic value, here exemplified by anti-citrullinated antibodies. This provides added information to antibody levels, as interaction with Fc-receptor-expressing cells is also affected by post-translational modification of the immunoglobulins.
Skin involvement as the first manifestation of breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Alcalá Rebeca , Llombart Beatriz , Lavernia Javier , Traves Víctor , Guillén Carlos , Sanmartín Onofre 
Published: March 2016

Breast implant‐associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a newly described clinical and pathologic entity that typically presents as seroma in the fibrous scar around the implant. Less frequently, it presents as a solid peri‐implant mass, and there have been no reports to date of cutaneous lesions as the presenting manifestation.We report the case of a 56‐year‐old woman with a history of bilateral breast reconstruction following breast cancer of the right breast who consulted with several papules on the right breast suggestive of metastasis. Histopathology showed a proliferation of large epithelioid lymphocytes with highly pleomorphic cells and nuclei. The neoplastic cells were CD15 and CD30 positive and ALK‐1 negative. The epithelial markers were all negative except for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), which was weakly positive. Molecular analysis showed monoclonal T‐cell receptor γ gene rearrangement, confirming a diagnosis of breast implant‐associated ALCL.The non‐specific morphology of the skin lesions, the epithelioid nature of the neoplastic cells and the expression of EMA can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of skin metastases from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the breast. We recommend immunohistochemical staining for CD30 and ALK‐1 for patients with breast implants who develop anaplastic lesions.
Diversity and bioactivity of bacterial endophyte community of Cupressaceae
Authors: Soltani J. , Zaheri‐Shoja M. , Hamzei J. , Hosseyni‐Moghaddam M. S. , Pakvaz S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe plant family Cupressaceae (Coniferales) harbours diverse endophytic fungi with antifungal, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Here, endophytic association of a broad bacterial community with the healthy foliar tissues of Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus communis and Thuja orientalis (Cupressaceae) is shown. We isolated over 69 endophytic bacterial strains of Proteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria from Cupressaceae. The initial screening for antifungal activity against Pyricularia oryzae identified eleven superior bacterial strains which were identified as Brevundimonas diminuta CAE24 (G−, Caulobacteraceae, Alphaproteobacteria); Stenotrophomonas maltophilia CAE23, CSE4, CSE12, CSE42, CSE49 and CSE62 (G−, Xanthomonadaceae, Gammaproteobacteria); Bacillus pumilus CSE66 and Bacillus subtilis POE26 (G+, Bacillaceae, Bacilli); and Microbacterium resistens CSE19 (G+, Microbacteriaceae, Actinobacteria). The dominant isolated bacterial species was S. maltophilia. This species represented 63.6% of the superior strains which was ubiquitous and also non‐host specific. In addition, the superior bacterial strains produced bioactive secondary metabolites and volatile compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity against the fungal pathogens of Cupressaceae, that is Diplodia seriata, Phaeobotryon cupressi and Spencermartinsia viticola. The antagonistic activity of the endophytic bacteria on the target fungi was also confirmed in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first to document such an endophytic bacterial community in Cupressaceae and its bioactivity. These findings may find application in organic agroforestry for plant disease biocontrol and in biopharmacy for lead molecule discovery.
Comparative analysis of pathways to early intervention services and duration of untreated psychosis in two Canadian cities
Authors: Flora Nina , Anderson Kelly K. , Ferrari Manuela , Tuck Andrew , Archie Suzanne , Kidd Sean , McKenzie Kwame ,   behalf of the ACE Project Team
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimUnderstanding pathways to early intervention services for psychosis in the local context is crucial, as the structure and organization of services need to be considered. This study compared pathways to early intervention services in two Canadian cities.MethodsData on pathways to care and duration of untreated psychosis were collected from 171 people admitted to early intervention services in Toronto (n = 150) and Hamilton (n = 21). We compared the cities on several indicators of pathway to care and duration of untreated psychosis.ResultsPathways to care were more complex in Toronto, where people saw a greater number of health care services (median = 6, interquartile range = 3–9) than those in Hamilton (median = 3, IQR = 1–4). General practitioner involvement was higher in Toronto (56.0% vs. 33.3%). We did not find differences in the median duration of untreated psychosis.ConclusionsPathways to early intervention services could be streamlined, and general practitioners may be a target for strategies to improve pathways to care.
Trends and management implications of human‐influenced life‐history changes in marine ectotherms
Authors: Audzijonyte Asta , Fulton Elizabeth , Haddon Malcolm , Helidoniotis Fay , Hobday Alistair J , Kuparinen Anna , Morrongiello John , Smith Anthony DM , Upston Judy , Waples Robin S 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEvidence is accumulating that many marine ectotherms are undergoing rapid changes in their life‐history characteristics. These changes have been variously attributed to fisheries‐induced evolution, inhibited adult growth rate due to oxygen limitation at higher temperatures, and plastic responses to density dependence or changes in ocean productivity. Here, we review the diverse underlying mechanisms by which plastic and evolutionary responses to climate change and fisheries are likely to produce similar life‐history trends in harvested marine ectotherms, leading to faster life‐histories with earlier maturation and smaller adult size‐at‐age. While mechanistically understanding these growth and maturation changes may be difficult, it is becoming clear that changing life‐histories will lead to modified population dynamics, productivity and natural mortality of the affected species. We discuss how the observed and expected life‐history changes could affect the assumptions and uncertainty within single and multispecies models currently used in marine ecosystem management, highlighting that models which allow for dynamic life‐history traits often report significantly different estimates of stock biomass. Given that both climate‐ and harvest‐induced life‐history changes are likely to intensify and possibly amplify each other, there is an urgent need to adequately assess the implications of faster life‐histories for marine ecosystem management. This is especially true for data‐poor stocks, where growth and maturation are not regularly assessed. Targeted monitoring can be used to inform responsive management, but for improved sustainability outcomes, a precautionary approach to management that is robust to life‐history trends is advised.
Leaf litter decomposition in remote oceanic island streams is driven by microbes and depends on litter quality and environmental conditions
Authors: Ferreira Verónica , Raposeiro Pedro M. , Pereira Ana , Cruz Ana M. , Costa Ana C. , Graça Manuel A. S. , Gonçalves Vítor 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Leaf litter decomposition is an important process in many streams. The flow of carbon and nutrients to higher trophic levels generally depends on litter characteristics and environmental conditions, and is driven by the activities of microbes and invertebrate shredders. However, little is known about what drives litter decomposition in oceanic islands, where invertebrate communities are species‐poor.

In this study, we assessed the relative importance of litter quality and environmental conditions on the biological colonisation and decomposition of litter exposed to and protected from macroinvertebrates, in the Azores archipelago, North Atlantic Ocean. Three leaf litter species with distinct physical and chemical characteristics (Acacia melanoxylon, Clethra arborea and Pittosporum undulatum) were incubated in six streams with distinct water characteristics. Coarse and fine mesh bags were used to isolate the relative role of macroinvertebrates on litter decomposition. Incubation of litter took place in late spring – early summer and lasted for up to 56 days.

No significant differences in litter decomposition rates were found between coarse and fine mesh bags suggesting that microbes, especially aquatic hyphomycetes, are the key players in litter decomposition in these island streams.

Litter decomposition rates were inversely proportional to initial lignin concentration: A. melanoxylon 0.0080 day−1, C. arborea 0.0121 day−1, P. undulatum 0.0292 day−1, on average across streams.

Litter decomposition rates and associated decomposers differed among streams, suggesting that environmental conditions (e.g. nutrient concentration) may be important moderators of biological activities in these streams, as found for continental streams.

Species richness, fungal biomass and reproductive activity of aquatic hyphomycetes on decomposing litter were recorded in Atlantic islands for the first time and were at levels similar to those found for continental streams.

High microbial activities in Atlantic island streams ensure litter decomposition when shredder abundance is low.
Evidence for horizontal transfer of a recently active Academ transposon
Authors: Zhang H.‐H. , Shen Y.‐H. , Xiong X.‐M. , Han M.‐J. , Qi D.‐W. , Zhang X.‐G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHorizontal transfer (HT), the exchange of genetic material between species, plays important roles in transposon biology and genome evolution. In this study, we provide the first documented example of a new Academ transposon involved in recent and distant HTs into the genomes of species belonging to seven different orders of insects: Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Embioptera, Dermaptera, Trichoptera and Zoraptera. These results suggest that HT of DNA transposons amongst insects has occurred on a broader scale than previously appreciated. The Academ transposon discovered in the Lepidoptera and parasitic wasps is of particular interest because the intimate association between wasps and their lepidopteran hosts might provide an opportunity for HT of transposons.
Sublethal effect of beta‐cypermethrin on development and fertility of the Asian multicoloured ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Xiao D. , Zhao J. , Guo X. , Li S. , Zhang F. , Wang S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Asian multicoloured ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is utilized as a major natural enemy of aphids in the field, greenhouses and orchards. However, it has been looked as invasive predator distributing in worldwide. To refine integrated pest management (IPM) against aphids, it is important to evaluate the effects of insecticides on physiology and behaviour of the high adapted predators. Beta‐cypermethrin, a broad‐spectrum insecticide, not only kills aphids at lethal concentrations but also affects natural enemy of aphids. In our study, the age‐stage, two‐sex life table was used to evaluating sublethal effects of beta‐cypermethrin on the predatory ladybird beetle H. axyridis. In the parent generation, the pre‐oviposition period of H. axyridis was significantly shortened (8.93 days) after exposure to LC5 beta‐cypermethrin (5% lethal concentration) as compared with control (10.06 days). However, the oviposition period was significantly longer (46.17 days instead of 43.90 days), and fecundity (eggs per female) was significantly increased by 49.64% when compared with control. In the F1 generation, the length of the juvenile stage was not affected, but the oviposition period increased significantly (38.19 days compared to 31.39 days in the control). This positive effect was translated to the fecundity that increased significantly by 62.27% as compared with control. According to the life‐table analysis, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was significantly higher in treatment (0.140 per day) than that in the control (0.123 per day). In addition, the net reproductive rate (R0) increased significantly by 91.53%. These results would be useful in assessing the overall effects of beta‐cypermethrin on H. axyridis and even for discussing the ecological mechanism of the unexpected extension of H. axyridis during IPM programme.
Early‐stage sea lice recruits on Atlantic salmon are freshwater sensitive
Authors: Wright D W , Oppedal F , Dempster T 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSea lice are significant parasites of marine and brackish farmed fishes. Freshwater bathing is a potential control option against numerous sea lice species, although has been viewed as futile against those that are capable of tolerating freshwater for extended periods. By comparing freshwater survival times across host‐attached stages of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer), a key parasite in Atlantic salmon farming, we show the first attached (copepodid) stage undergoes 96–100% mortality after 1 h in freshwater, whereas later attached stages can tolerate up to 8 days. Thus, regular freshwater bathing methods targeting the more susceptible attached copepodid stage may successfully treat against L. salmonis and potentially other sea lice on fish cultured in marine and brackish waters.
Chromic oxide and acid‐insoluble ash as markers in digestibility studies with growing pigs and sows
Authors: Brestenský M. , Nitrayová S. , Heger J. , Patráš P. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe results of three experiments, focused on the determination of endogenous ileal flow (EIF) of amino acids (AA) and nitrogen (N) (Exp. 1), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and N (Exp. 2), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), N, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (Exps. 2 and 3), were used to compare chromic oxide (Cr2O3) and acid‐insoluble ash (AIA) as digestibility markers. In Exps. 1 and 2, a total of six gilts fitted with T‐cannula in terminal ileum, and in Exp. 3, a total of 24 pregnant sows were used. In Exps. 1 and 2, the pigs were assigned into four dietary treatments according to 4 × 6 crossover design (Exp. 1; diets with 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% of casein; Exp. 2 basal diet with different levels of phytase). In Exp. 3, the sows were assigned to four dietary treatments (basal diet with different levels of phytase) of six sows. In Exps. 1 and 2 ileal digesta and in Exps. 2 and 3 faeces were collected for the determination of EIF, AID and ATTD. Differences in EIF of AA determined by Cr2O3 and AIA ranged (p ˃ 0.05) from −4.62 to 4.54%. The lowest EIF was for methionine and the greatest one for proline, determined by both markers. Apparent ileal digestibility determined by Cr2O3 was slightly greater (p ˃ 0.05) in comparison with AIA. Differences ranged from 1.88% (Arg) to 7.08% (Gly). The greatest AID was for arginine and the lowest one for glycine, determined by both Cr2O3 and AIA. Similarly for ATTD of DM, OM, N, Ca and P, there were no differences in digestibility determined by Cr2O3 and AIA. Both, Cr2O3 and AIA, are suitable and comparable markers for digestibility studies in pigs.
A computational framework for mapping the timing of vegetative phase change
Authors: Xu Meng , Jiang Libo , Zhu Sheng , Zhou Chunguo , Ye Meixia , Mao Ke , Sun Lidan , Su Xiaohua , Pan Huixin , Zhang Shougong , Huang Minren , Wu Rongling 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Phase change plays a prominent role in determining the form of growth and development. Although considerable attention has been focused on identifying the regulatory control mechanisms of phase change, a detailed understanding of the genetic architecture of this phenomenon is still lacking.

We address this issue by deriving a computational model. The model is founded on the framework of functional mapping aimed at characterizing the interplay between quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and development through biologically meaningful mathematical equations.

A multiphasic growth equation was implemented into functional mapping, which, via a series of hypothesis tests, allows the quantification of how QTLs regulate the timing and pattern of vegetative phase transition between independently regulated, temporally coordinated processes. The model was applied to analyze stem radial growth data of an interspecific hybrid family derived from two Populus species during the first 24 yr of ontogeny. Several key QTLs related to phase change have been characterized, most of which were observed to be in the adjacent regions of candidate genes.

The identification of phase transition QTLs, whose expression is regulated by endogenous and environmental signals, may enhance our understanding of the evolution of development in changing environments.
Changes in intracuff pressure of cuffed endotracheal tubes while positioning for adenotonsillectomy in children
Authors: Olsen Griffin H. , Krishna Senthil G. , Jatana Kris R. , Elmaraghy Charles A. , Ruda James M. , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundWhen using cuffed endotracheal tubes (cETTs), changes in head and neck position can lead to changes in intracuff pressure.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of neck extension, shoulder roll placement, and Crowe‐Davis retractor use during adenotonsillectomy on the intracuff pressure of cETTs in children.MethodsPatients <18 years of age undergoing adenotonsillectomy under general anesthesia following the placement of a cETT were included in the study. After inflation of the cuff to seal the trachea, using the leak test, baseline intracuff pressure was recorded and then continuously monitored. After neck extension, placement of a shoulder roll, insertion of the Crow‐Davis retractor, suspension from a Mayo stand, and positioning for surgery, the intracuff pressure was recorded again.ResultsThe study cohort included 84 patients, ranging in age from 0.9 to 17 years (5.7 ± 3.9 years). In 46 patients (54.8%), the intracuff pressure increased from baseline after positioning for adenotonsillectomy. In 12 of these patients (14.3%), the intracuff pressure was >30 cmH2O. The intracuff pressure decreased in 28 patients (33.3%), while no change was noted in 10 patients (11.9%). Overall, the general trend was an increase in intracuff pressure from 15.9 ± 7.8 cmH2O to 18.9 ± 11.6 cmH2O.ConclusionBoth increases and decreases in the intracuff pressure may occur following positioning of the pediatric patient for adenotonsillectomy. An increase in intracuff pressure may result in a higher risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa. A decrease in the intracuff pressure can result in an air leak resulting in inadequate ventilation, increased risk of aspiration, and even predispose to airway fire if oxygen‐enriched gases are used. Continuous intracuff pressure monitoring or rechecking the intracuff pressure after positioning for adenotonsillectomy may be indicated.