bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shrub species richness decreases negative impacts of drought in a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ramirez Natalia , Santonja Mathieu , Baldy Virginie , Ballini Christine , Montès Nicolas 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsGlobal change projections predict biodiversity changes and increased drought intensity in the Mediterranean Basin in the decades to come. This will presumably affect plant performance, plant community composition and ecosystem functioning. Shrublands are widespread in the Mediterranean area, yet we have no clear understanding of shrubland responses to the combined effects of increased drought and changes in plant diversity.LocationNatural Mediterranean shrubland, Marseille, south France.MethodsA rainfall manipulation experiment was conducted to examine the performance of four dominant shrub species in response to increased drought. The study assemblages spanned a gradient of four shrub richness levels (mono‐, bi‐, tri‐ and tetra‐specific plant mixtures) and 15 different shrub combinations. Throughout the 2 yr of non‐destructive experiments (2012–2014), we measured plant litter fall, stand necromass and plant cover of the four dominant plant species: Cistus albidus, Quercus coccifera, Rosmarinus officinalis and Ulex parviflorus.ResultsIncreasing shrub richness levels in the plant community led to higher litter production by all four species and a decrease in dry shoots for Quercus and Ulex. Shrub species responses were affected by the rain exclusion treatment, but the effects were mainly dependent on shrub richness level. In mono‐specific plots, aggravated drought conditions led to a decrease in litter fall of Cistus, Rosmarinus and Ulex and an increase in necromass of all four species. In general, these negative drought effects disappeared as number of shrub species in the community increased. Under rain exclusion treatment, Rosmarinus cover decreased in mono‐specific plots whereas Quercus cover increased in bi‐specific plots and Rosmarinus cover increased in tetra‐specific plots. We observed two drought tolerance patterns, with Quercus and Rosmarinus being more tolerant species and Ulex and Cistus less tolerant.ConclusionsThe magnitude of drought effects on shrub performance is species‐specific, and plant species combination‐dependent. High shrub richness levels modulate the negative impacts of aggravated drought conditions. Our results point to a probable shift of interspecific relationships in response to water shortage. As drought impacts are not mediated in low‐diversity communities, species‐specific responses to drier conditions could lead to shifts in plant community composition favouring the most drought‐resistant species, i.e. Quercus and Rosmarinus. Maintaining high diversity appears critical to mediate drought effects for less resistant species (Cistus and Ulex in our study).
Long‐term change in sub‐alpine forest cover, tree line and species composition in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Mietkiewicz Nathan , Kulakowski Dominik , Rogan John , Bebi Peter 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsThe 20th century has been marked by dramatic changes in land use, disturbance regimes and climate, which have interacted to affect global ecological patterns and dynamics, including changes in the extent, composition and structure of forest cover. Although much research has highlighted dramatic, short‐term ecological change, on‐going trends of land‐use change and climate change began more than a century ago. Consequently, quantifying and understanding long‐term (e.g. centennial) ecological change is critical to contextualizing recent patterns and processes. Here we document changes in the extent, position and composition of sub‐alpine forests over the past century in eastern Switzerland.LocationDavos region of the Swiss Alps, eastern Switzerland.MethodsPosition of tree line, forest cover and forest composition were evaluated using a unique combination of Object‐Based Image Classification of an historical (1909) map, recent (2009) aerial photography and repeat terrestrial photography to minimize the inherent bias of each data source, while providing the most robust representation of long‐term ecological change.ResultsOver the past century total forest cover expanded by 64.6% and the position of sub‐alpine tree line increased on all aspects. Total forest cover also increased at the highest and lowest elevations on all aspects. Dominance of European larch increased at the highest elevations, but decreased at the lowest elevations, where it was replaced by Norway spruce. These patterns suggest land use has been the most important driver of forest change over the past century.ConclusionsMajor changes in the extent, structure and dynamics of sub‐alpine forests in the Alps initiated earlier than previously documented and most change occurred prior to the middle of the 20th century. Furthermore, these changes were likely driven primarily by changes in land use, rather than by changes in climate. A combination of data sources and methodological approaches, such as those of the current study, provides a clearer view of long‐term changes and minimize the biases associated with any single data source or methodology.
The Aspergillus nidulans Velvet‐interacting protein, VipA, is involved in light‐stimulated heme biosynthesis
Authors: Röhrig Julian , Yu Zhenzhong , Chae Keon‐Sang , Kim Jong‐Hwa , Han Kap‐Hoon , Fischer Reinhard 
Published: June 2017

SummaryFilamentous fungi are able to differentiate morphologically and adapt the metabolism to internal and external cues. One major regulator is the so‐called velvet protein, VeA, best studied in Aspergillus nidulans. The protein interacts with several other proteins to regulate light sensing, the balance between asexual and sexual development, penicillin biosynthesis or mycotoxin production. Here, we characterized a novel VeA‐interacting protein, VipA. The 334 amino acid long protein comprises a FAR1‐like DNA‐binding domain, known from plant transcription factors like FHY3 (Far‐red elongated hypocotyl 3). VipA interacted not only with VeA, but also with the WC orthologue LreA in the nuclei and with the phytochrome FphA in the cytoplasm. Conidia and cleistothecia formation was similarly affected in a vipA‐deletion strain as in an fphA mutant. However, the effect was less pronounced, suggesting a modulating and not an essential role in light sensing. In addition, VipA modulated heme biosynthesis in response to light through association with the hemB promoter, the gene encoding 5‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase. After illumination of A. nidulans mycelia with white light the intracellular heme concentration increased by 30% in comparison to a vipA‐deletion mutant. Hence, VipA couples heme biosynthesis to the illumination conditions.
Mapping the recognition domains of pneumococcal fibronectin‐binding proteins PavA and PavB demonstrates a common pattern of molecular interactions with fibronectin type III repeats
Authors: Kanwal Sajida , Jensch Inga , Palm Gottfried J. , Brönstrup Mark , Rohde Manfred , Kohler Thomas P. , Somplatzki Daniela , Tegge Werner , Jenkinson Howard F. , Hammerschmidt Sven 
Published: June 2017

SummaryColonization of mucosal respiratory surfaces is a prerequisite for the human pathobiont Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) to cause severe invasive infections. The arsenal of pneumococcal adhesins interacts with a multitude of extracellular matrix proteins. A paradigm for pneumococci is their interaction with the adhesive glycoprotein fibronectin, which facilitates bacterial adherence to host cells. Here, we deciphered the molecular interaction between fibronectin and pneumococcal fibronectin‐binding proteins (FnBPs) PavA and PavB respectively. We show in adherence and binding studies that the pneumococcal interaction with fibronectin is a non‐human specific trait. PavA and PavB target at least 13 out of 15 type III fibronectin domains as demonstrated in ligand overlay assays, surface plasmon resonance studies and SPOT peptide arrays. Strikingly, both pneumococcal FnBPs recognize similar peptides in targeted type III repeats. Structural comparisons revealed that the targeted type III repeat epitopes cluster on the inner strands of both β‐sheets forming the fibronectin domains. Importantly, synthetic peptides of FnIII1, FnIII5 or FnIII15 bind directly to FnBPs PavA and PavB respectively. In conclusion, our study suggests a common pattern of molecular interactions between pneumococcal FnBPs and fibronectin. The specific epitopes recognized in this study can potentially be tested as antimicrobial targets in further scientific endeavours.
Examination of competing diagnostic models of functional gastrointestinal disorders related to pain in children
Authors: Schurman J. V. , Karazsia B. T. , Friesen C. A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere have been no empirical validations of the Rome III or Rome IV criteria in children. The aim of the current study was to examine whether symptoms naturally occur in a pattern consistent with Rome III and/or Rome IV pediatric criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 250 children, ages 8‐17 years, presenting to an abdominal pain clinic with pain of at least 8 weeks duration. We evaluated patterns of gastrointestinal (GI) and non‐gastrointestinal (non‐GI) symptoms which had been collected in a standardized fashion as part of routine clinical care. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to compare pre‐existing models of symptoms clusters, namely Rome III and Rome IV criteria for IBS and FD in children and adolescents. Factor intercorrelations also were examined to determine whether IBS symptoms and non‐GI somatic complaints correlate uniquely with FD symptom clusters.Key ResultsBoth models demonstrated good fit with observed data [3‐factor: χ2 (101, n=250)110.75, P<.05, TLI=.99, CFI=.99; 4‐factor: χ2(98, n=250)117.54, P<.05, TLI=.96, CFI=.97]. Fit indices and intercorrelations favored the more parsimonious 3‐factor solution (3‐factor: AIC=4654.91, BIC=4778.17; 4‐factor: AIC=4757.16, BIC=4890.97) consistent with pediatric Rome III criteria that conceptualizes FD as a single diagnostic category. FD demonstrated significant overlap with IBS (.42), while non‐GI‐specific symptoms correlated significantly with FD (.64), but not IBS (.14) symptoms.Conclusions & InferencesGI symptoms in children presenting for initial evaluation of chronic functional abdominal pain occur in a pattern consistent with Rome III and IV pediatric criteria. Rome III offers a more parsimonious model. The presence of FD symptoms is strongly, and uniquely, associated with non‐GI symptoms.
Zingiberis Siccatum Rhizoma, the active component of the Kampo formula Daikenchuto, induces anti‐inflammatory actions through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation
Authors: Endo M. , Hori M. , Mihara T. , Ozaki H. , Oikawa T. , Odaguchi H. , Hanawa T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported that Daikenchuto (DKT), a gastrointestinal prokinetic Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine used for the treatment of postoperative ileus (POI), has characteristic potent anti‐inflammatory activity. This effect may be partly mediated by the activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). In this study, we identified the specific herbs in DKT that induce anti‐inflammatory action.MethodsThe herbal components of DKT were individually administered orally to each mouse four times before and after intestinal manipulation (IM) was carried out on the distal ileum. The anti‐inflammatory activity of each crude drug was subsequently evaluated using immunohistochemical analyses of relevant molecules.Key ResultsTreatment with Zingiberis Siccatum Rhizoma (ZSR) but not the other components inhibited the infiltration of cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68)‐positive macrophages as effectively as DKT treatment. Selective α7nAChR antagonists, such as methyllycaconitine citrate, or transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) antagonists, such as HC‐030031, significantly inhibited the amelioration of macrophage infiltration by ZSR. The inhibition of macrophage infiltration by ZSR was abolished in both α7nAChR and 5‐hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor (5‐HT4R) knockout mice.Conclusions & InferencesDaikenchuto‐induced anti‐inflammatory activity, which was mediated by inhibiting macrophage infiltration in POI, is dependent on the effects of ZSR. Zingiberis Siccatum Rhizoma activates TRPA1 channels possibly in enterochromaffin (EC) cells to release 5‐HT, which stimulates 5‐HT4R in the myenteric plexus neurons to release ACh, which in turn activates α7nAChR on macrophages to inhibit inflammation in POI.
The corneal nerve density in the sub‐basal plexus decreases with increasing myopia: a pilot study
Authors: Harrison Wendy W. , Putnam Nicole M. , Shukis Christine , Nguyen Evelyn , Reinard Kristen , Hundelt Elizabeth , Vardanyan Galina , Gabai Celine , Yevseyenkov Vladimir 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeMyopia can cause many changes in the health of the eye. As it becomes more prevalent worldwide, more patients seek correction in the form of glasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery. In this study we explore the impact that high myopia has on central corneal nerve density by comparing sub basal nerve plexus density measured by confocal microscopy in a variety of refractive errors.MethodsSeventy healthy adult subjects between the ages of 21–50 years participated in this study. The study took place in two phases with no overlapping subjects (n = 30 phase 1 and n = 40 phase 2). In both phases an autorefraction, keratometry reading, corneal thickness measure and confocal corneal scan of the sub basal nerve plexus were performed for both eyes. There were 11 hyperopes (+0.50 to +3.50DS), six emmetropes (−0.25 to +0.50DS), 30 low myopes (−5.50 to −0.50DS), and 23 high myopes (−5.50DS and above). In the second phase of the study additional tests were performed including an axial length, additional corneal scans, and a questionnaire that asked about age of first refractive correction and contact lens wear. Corneal nerves were imaged over the central cornea with a Nidek CS4 confocal microscope (460 × 345 μm field). Nerves were evaluated using the NeuronJ program for density calculation. One eye was selected for inclusion based on image quality and higher refractive error (more myopic or hyperopic).ResultsAs myopia increased, nerve density decreased (t1 = 3.86, p < 0.001). We also note a decrease in data scatter above −7 D. The relationship between axial length values and nerve density was also significant and the slope was not as robust as refractive error (t1 = 2.4, p < 0.04). As expected there was a significant difference between the four groups in axial length (F3 = 19.9, p < 0.001) and age of first refractive correction of the myopic groups (14.9 vs 11.5 years; t46 = 2.99 p < 0.01). There was no difference in keratometry readings or corneal thickness between the groups (F3 = 0.6, p = 0.66 and F3 = 1.2, p = 0.33 respectively).ConclusionCorneal nerve density in the sub‐basal plexus decreased with increasing myopia. This could have implications for corneal surgery and contact lens wear in this patient population.
Fourier analysis algorithm for the posterior corneal keratometric data: clinical usefulness in keratoconus
Authors: Sideroudi Haris , Labiris Georgios , Georgantzoglou Kimon , Ntonti Panagiota , Siganos Charalambos , Kozobolis Vassilios 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeTo develop an algorithm for the Fourier analysis of posterior corneal videokeratographic data and to evaluate the derived parameters in the diagnosis of Subclinical Keratoconus (SKC) and Keratoconus (KC).MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional, observational study that took place in the Eye Institute of Thrace, Democritus University, Greece. Eighty eyes formed the KC group, 55 eyes formed the SKC group while 50 normal eyes populated the control group. A self‐developed algorithm in visual basic for Microsoft Excel performed a Fourier series harmonic analysis for the posterior corneal sagittal curvature data. The algorithm decomposed the obtained curvatures into a spherical component, regular astigmatism, asymmetry and higher order irregularities for averaged central 4 mm and for each individual ring separately (1, 2, 3 and 4 mm). The obtained values were evaluated for their diagnostic capacity using receiver operating curves (ROC). Logistic regression was attempted for the identification of a combined diagnostic model.ResultsSignificant differences were detected in regular astigmatism, asymmetry and higher order irregularities among groups. For the SKC group, the parameters with high diagnostic ability (AUC > 90%) were the higher order irregularities, the asymmetry and the regular astigmatism, mainly in the corneal periphery. Higher predictive accuracy was identified using diagnostic models that combined the asymmetry, regular astigmatism and higher order irregularities in averaged 3and 4 mm area (AUC: 98.4%, Sensitivity: 91.7% and Specificity:100%).ConclusionsFourier decomposition of posterior Keratometric data provides parameters with high accuracy in differentiating SKC from normal corneas and should be included in the prompt diagnosis of KC.
Effect of simulated refractive error on adult visual acuity for paediatric tests
Authors: Paudel Nabin , Jacobs Robert J. , Sloan Rebecca , Denny Sarah , Shea Kimberley , Thompson Benjamin , Anstice Nicola 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeAlthough vanishing optotype preferential‐looking tasks are commonly used to measure visual acuity (VA), the relative sensitivity of these tests to refractive error is not well understood. To address this issue, we determined the effect of spherical and astigmatic simulated refractive errors on adultVAmeasures obtained using vanishing optotypes, picture optotypes and Sloan letters.MethodsVAwas determined uniocularly for adults under conditions of spherical (0.0–3.0DS;n = 23) and astigmatic (0.0–3.0DCat 90° and 180°;n = 20) defocus using the Cardiff Acuity Test (vanishing optotypes), crowded linear Lea Symbols (picture‐optotype recognition task) and the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter chart.ResultsThe Cardiff Acuity Test over‐estimatedVAcompared with the Lea Symbols andETDRScharts in both focused and defocused conditions. The mean difference between the Cardiff Acuity Test and theETDRSchart was 0.31 logMAR(95% limits of agreement (LOA) 0.10–0.52 logMAR) in focused conditions and 0.64 logMAR(95%LOA0.25–1.05 logMAR) with 3D of spherical defocus. Defocus degradedVAon all charts, however there was a significant chart‐by‐defocus interaction whereby the Cardiff Acuity Test was more resistant to the effects of both spherical (P < 0.0001) and cylindrical (P < 0.001) optical defocus than the recognition acuity tasks at all defocus levels.ConclusionAlthough the Cardiff Acuity Test provides an easy method forVAmeasurement in infants and toddlers, there is a considerable overestimation ofVAcompared with recognition acuity tasks particularly in the presence of defocus. A simple correction factor (of for example three lines overestimate) cannot be applied to Cardiff acuity measures as there is increasing over‐estimation ofVAwith increasing defocus. Infants with significant refractive error may fall within normal visual acuity ranges for the Cardiff Acuity Test.
Adult Mortality Five Years after a Natural Disaster
Authors: Ho Jessica Y. , Frankenberg Elizabeth , Sumantri Cecep , Thomas Duncan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractExposure to extreme events has been hypothesized to affect subsequent mortality because of mortality selection and scarring effects of the event itself. We examine survival at and in the five years after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami for a population‐representative sample of residents of Aceh, Indonesia who were differentially exposed to the disaster. For this population, the dynamics of selection and scarring are a complex function of the degree of tsunami impact in the community, the nature of individual exposures, age at exposure, and gender. Among individuals from tsunami‐affected communities we find evidence for positive mortality selection among older individuals, with stronger effects for males than for females, and that this selection dominates any scarring impact of stressful exposures that elevate mortality. Among individuals from other communities, where mortality selection does not play a role, there is evidence of scarring with property loss associated with elevated mortality risks in the five years after the disaster among adults age 50 or older at the time of the disaster.
Leaf water 18O and 2H maps show directional enrichment discrepancy in Colocasia esculenta
Authors: Gerlein‐Safdi Cynthia , Gauthier Paul P. G. , Sinkler Craig James , Caylor Kelly Krispin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSpatial patterns of leaf water isotopes are challenging to predict because of the intricate link between vein and lamina water. Many models have attempted to predict these patterns, but to date, most have focused on monocots with parallel veins. These provide a simple system to study, but do not represent the majority of plant species. Here, a new protocol is developed using a Picarro induction module coupled to a cavity ringdown spectrometer to obtain maps of the leaf water isotopes (18O and 2H). The technique is applied to Colocasia esculenta leaves. The results are compared with isotope ratio mass spectrometry. In C. esculenta, a large enrichment in the radial direction is observed, but not in the longitudinal direction. The string‐of‐lakes model fails to predict the observed patterns, while the Farquhar–Gan model is more successful, especially when enrichment is accounted for along the radial direction. Our results show that reticulate‐veined leaves experience a larger enrichment along the axis of the secondary veins than along the midrib. We hypothesize that this is due to the lower major/minor vein ratio that leads to longer pathways between major veins and sites of evaporation.
Association between social functioning and prefrontal cortex function during a verbal fluency task in schizophrenia: A near‐infrared spectroscopic study
Authors: Itakura Masashi , Pu Shenghong , Ohdachi Hiroaki , Matsumura Hiroshi , Yokoyama Katsutoshi , Nagata Izumi , Iwata Masaaki , Kaneko Koichi 
Published: June 2017

AimImpaired social functioning is a common characteristic of patients with schizophrenia. Social functioning requires the complex operation of various executive functions. Deficits in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been implicated in executive dysfunction. Here we aimed to clarify the relation between subjectively and objectively assessed social functioning, and their associations with PFC function in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsTwenty‐three patients and 22 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) were assessed. In the schizophrenia group, self‐ and caregiver‐rated social functioning were measured using the Specific Level of Functioning Assessment (SLOF). The hemodynamic responses elicited by a verbal fluency task (VFT) in three regions of interest in the frontotemporal area were measured using multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We also investigated psychiatric symptoms, neurocognition, and cognitive insight to assess possible confounding factors.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between self‐ and caregiver‐rated SLOF composite scores and three subdomain scores. Self‐ and caregiver‐rated SLOF composite scores were significantly associated with dorsolateral PFC and frontopolar cortex (DLPFC/FPC) activation during the VFT. Psychiatric symptoms, global functioning, neurocognition, and cognitive insight were not associated with NIRS signals. General psychopathology was associated with NIRS signals in the ventrolateral PFC and the anterior temporal cortex. DLPFC and FPC activity may be associated with social functioning in patients with schizophrenia.ConclusionOur results suggest that the two distinct assessments of social functioning were significantly correlated. Moreover, DLPFC and FPC function was strongly associated with social functioning and the ability to carry out daily life in patients with schizophrenia.