bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting natural regeneration for the restoration of Juniperus communis: a synthesis of knowledge and evidence for conservation practitioners
Authors: Broome Alice , Long Deborah , Ward Lena K. , Park Kirsty J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractQuestionsNatural regeneration is central to plant conservation strategies. Worldwide, many Juniperus species are threatened due to their failure to regenerate. We focus on Juniperus communis in areas of NW Europe where it is declining and ask: what advice is available to land managers on natural regeneration methods, and when applied, how effective has this been?MethodsWe synthesize knowledge on the efficacy of management interventions and conditions associated with J. communis regeneration. In field trials, we test interventions where knowledge is lacking. We assess regeneration of J. communis, creation of regeneration microsites and germination of sown seed in response to the interventions.ResultsAlthough J. communis occurs in different habitats, there is consistency in site conditions important for regeneration (unshaded/open, short ground vegetation, disturbed/bare ground, low herbivore pressure). In calcareous grasslands, areas with regeneration are stony/bare or vegetation is short or sparse; in upland acid grasslands and dry heathlands regeneration locations are disturbed areas sometimes with a moss cover. Several interventions (grazing, scarification, turf stripping) can create regeneration conditions. The synthesis identified cattle grazing and ground scarification for further testing on upland acid grasslands. In the resulting field trials, regeneration was rare and recorded on only one cattle‐grazed site. An exposed moss layer characterized regeneration microsites but there was insufficient evidence that either intervention increased regeneration microsite frequency. Few sown seeds germinated.ConclusionsDifferent interventions or intensities of these appear to be required depending on habitat type. Broadly, on calcareous grassland intense scarification or soil stripping is needed, while on dry heathlands light scarification is suitable. On upland acid grassland, cattle grazing and ground scarification do not reliably result in regeneration. Creation of favourable mossy regeneration microsites is unlikely following intervention, unless soil fertility is low. Land‐use change, increased climate warming and pollution are pressures acting on J. communis and may cause habitat loss and altered site conditions (e.g. soil fertility), making it difficult to create regeneration microsites at all J. communis sites. Other constraints on regeneration may operate (e.g. seed predation and low seed viability) and managers should assess population and site potential before undertaking management.
Recruitment of riparian plants after restoration of geomorphic complexity in northern Sweden
Authors: Herberg Erik R. , Sarneel Judith M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractQuestionRestoration of channelized streams increases geomorphic complexity but it remains unclear how this interacts with processes that drive future vegetation changes (dispersal, germination and establishment). This study asks if increased geomorphic complexity increases recruitment conditions of sown seeds or affects post‐dispersal natural seedling densities.LocationVindel River catchment, northern Sweden.MethodsWe selected seven study streams with paired reaches that differed in the degree to which geomorphic complexity was restored. Basic reaches used simple restoration methods while enhanced reaches additionally added large boulders and woody debris. We sowed seeds of six species at ten locations in each reach in 2014 and counted the number of seedlings after 8 wk and the number of naturally occurring seedlings in a plot adjacent to the sowing locations in 2013 and 2014. Using factor analysis based on 34 complexity measurements, overall geomorphic complexity was quantified for eight of the 14 reaches.ResultsTotal numbers of sown (2014) and natural seedlings (2013 and 2014) summed per reach did not differ between restoration types when tested pair‐wise. Enhanced restoration did not always significantly increase geomorphic complexity, which differed considerably between the streams. More complex reaches were steeper, had larger size sediment and more nutrient‐poor soils. Total recruitment of sown species significantly decreased with increasing complexity. Numbers of natural seedlings differed considerably from 2013 to 2014, but were not related to complexity. In 2014, a potential parent plant of the same species occurred within the same plot for 71.8% of the natural seedlings that could be identified.ConclusionsThe recruitment of sown seeds was affected by overall geomorphic complexity rather than by the enhanced restoration. The absence of a correlation between geomorphic complexity and natural seedlings could indicate that natural seedling dynamics are not solely determined by recruitment conditions, but also by dispersal.
Effectiveness of vaginal breech birth training strategies: An integrative review of the literature
Authors: Walker Shawn , Breslin Eamonn , Scamell Mandie , Parker Pam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe safety of vaginal breech birth depends on the skill of the attendant. The objective of this review was to identify, synthesize, and report the findings of evaluated breech birth training strategies.MethodsA systematic search of the following on‐line databases: Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsychINFO, EBM Reviews/Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant Care, and Pubmed, using a structured search strategy. Studies were included in the review if they evaluated the efficacy of a breech birth training program or particular strategies, including obstetric emergency training evaluations that reported differentiated outcomes for breech. Out of 1040 original citings, 303 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 17 methodologically diverse studies met the inclusion criteria. A data collection form was used to extract relevant information. Data were synthesized, using an evaluation levels framework, including reaction, learning (subjective and objective assessment), and behavioral change.ResultsNo evaluations included clinical outcome data. Improvements in self‐assessed skill and confidence were not associated with improvements in objective assessments or behavioral change. Inclusion of breech birth as part of an obstetric emergencies training package without support in practice was negatively associated with subsequent attendance at vaginal breech births.ConclusionsAs a result of the heterogeneity of the studies available, and the lack of evidence concerning neonatal or maternal outcomes, no conclusive practice recommendations can be made. However, the studies reviewed suggest that vaginal breech birth training may be enhanced by reflection, repetition, and experienced clinical support in practice. Further evaluation studies should prioritize clinical outcome data.
A 10Be chronology of early Holocene local glacier moraines in central West Greenland
Authors: O'Hara Sandra L. , Briner Jason P. , Kelley Samuel E. 
Published: February 2017

New cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages constrain Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) deglaciation and the culmination of a local glacier advance on the southern shore of Nuussuaq (peninsula) in central West Greenland. Mean ages of GrIS deglaciation and local glacier moraine deposition are 10.5±0.1 ka (n = 2) and 10.4±0.2 ka (n = 5), respectively. The similar ages suggest an advance/stillstand of local glaciers soon after the local retreat of the GrIS. The moraines dated in this study may be correlative to the nearby Disko Stade moraines. Moraine chronologies for both GrIS moraines and our local glacier moraines in central West Greenland correspond to detrital carbonate peaks in a Labrador shelf marine sediment core that records Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) discharge from Hudson Strait. Large freshwater discharge events into the North Atlantic sub‐polar gyre have been linked to abrupt cooling events in the Northern Hemisphere during the early Holocene. We propose LIS freshwater input to the sub‐polar gyre and associated regional cooling as the main driver for advance/stillstand of both local glaciers and the GrIS in central West Greenland during the early Holocene.
Cigarette smoking increases bronchial mucosal IL‐17A expression in asthmatics, which acts in concert with environmental aeroallergens to engender neutrophilic inflammation
Authors: Siew L. Q. C. , Wu S.‐Y. , Ying S. , Corrigan C. J. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundMild asthmatics who smoke cigarettes may develop unstable disease and neutrophilic infiltration of the airways, features more usually associated with severe asthmatic disease. The mechanisms giving rise to this response remain unclear.ObjectiveTo address the hypothesis that smoking increases bronchial mucosal production of IL‐17A which acts on bronchial epithelial cells directly and in concert with other environmental stimuli to induce the production of IL‐6 and neutrophil chemotaxins.MethodsIL‐17A, IL‐8, IL‐6, neutrophils and eosinophils were detected and quantified by immunohistochemistry in endobronchial biopsy sections from smoking and non‐smoking asthmatics. Human tracheal epithelial cells (HTEpC) were cultured with IL‐17A in the presence/absence of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and aeroallergens lacking intrinsic protease activity, and IL‐6 and IL‐8 production measured in vitro.ResultsExpression of IL‐17A, IL‐6 and IL‐8 and neutrophil numbers was significantly elevated in the bronchial mucosa of the asthmatic smokers compared to the non‐smokers. Expression of IL‐17A correlated with that of IL‐8 and neutrophil numbers. In the smoking asthmatics, eosinophil numbers also correlated with expression of IL‐8 and IL‐17A. Exposure of HTEpC cells to both CSE and IL‐17A increased expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in a concentration‐dependent and synergistic manner. Co‐stimulation with CSE, IL‐17A and aeroallergens further increased IL‐6 and IL‐8 production synergistically.ConclusionsThe data support the hypothesis that asthmatic smokers develop neutrophilic inflammation of the airways propagated at least partly by smoke‐induced production of IL‐17A which together with smoke and other environmental stimuli acts on airways epithelial cells to induce neutrophil chemotaxins.
AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator A‐769662 increases intracellular calcium and ATP release from astrocytes in an AMPK‐independent manner
Authors: Vlachaki Walker Julia M. , Robb Josephine L. , Cruz Ana M. , Malhi Amrinder , Weightman Potter Paul G. , Ashford Michael L. J. , McCrimmon Rory J. , Ellacott Kate L. J. , Beall Craig 
Published: February 2017

AimTo test the hypothesis that, given the role of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in regulating intracellular ATP levels, AMPK may alter ATP release from astrocytes, the main sources of extracellular ATP (eATP) within the brain.Materials and MethodsMeasurements of ATP release were made from human U373 astrocytoma cells, primary mouse hypothalamic (HTAS) and cortical astrocytes (CRTAS) and wild‐type and AMPK α1/α2 null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Cells were treated with drugs known to modulate AMPK activity: A‐769662, AICAR and metformin, for up to 3 hours. Intracellular calcium was measured using Fluo4 and Fura‐2 calcium‐sensitive fluorescent dyes.ResultsIn U373 cells, A‐769662 (100 μM) increased AMPK phosphorylation, whereas AICAR and metformin (1 mM) induced a modest increase or had no effect, respectively. Only A‐769662 increased eATP levels, and this was partially blocked by AMPK inhibitor Compound C. A‐769662‐induced increases in eATP were preserved in AMPK α1/α2 null MEF cells. A‐769662 increased intracellular calcium in U373, HTAS and CRTAS cells and chelation of intracellular calcium using BAPTA‐AM reduced A‐769662‐induced eATP levels. A‐769662 also increased ATP release from a number of other central and peripheral endocrine cell types.Conclusions
AMPK is required to maintain basal eATP levels but is not required for A‐769662‐induced increases in eATP. A‐769662 (>50 μM) enhanced intracellular calcium levels leading to ATP release in an AMPK and purinergic receptor independent pathway.
Preclinical characterization of 55P0251, a novel compound that amplifies glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion and counteracts hyperglycaemia in rodents
Authors: Stadlbauer Karin , Brunmair Barbara , Lehner Zsuzsanna , Adorjan Immanuel , Scherer Thomas , Luger Anton , Bauer Leonhardt , Fürnsinn Clemens 
Published: February 2017

Aims
55P0251 is a novel compound with blood glucose lowering activity in mice, which has been developed from a molecular backbone structure found in herbal remedies. We here report its basic pharmacological attributes and initial progress in unmasking the mode of action.Materials and methodsPharmacokinetic properties of 55P0251 were portrayed in several species. First efforts to elucidate the glucose lowering mechanism in rodents included numerous experimental protocols dealing with glucose tolerance, insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets and comparison to established drugs.ResultsA single oral dose of 55P0251 improved glucose tolerance in mice with an ED50
between 1.5 and 2 mg/kg (reductions in areas under the curve, 1 mg/kg, −18%; 5 mg/kg, −30%; 27 mg/kg, −47%). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed attractive attributes, including a plasma half‐life of approximately 3 hours and a bioavailability of approximately 58% in rats. 55P0251 amplified glucose stimulated insulin release from isolated mouse islets and improved glucose tolerance via increased insulin secretion in rats (increase in area under the insulin curve, +184%). Unlike sulfonylureas and glinides, 55P0251 hardly stimulated insulin release under basal conditions and did not induce hypoglycaemia in vivo, but it amplified the secretory response to glucose and other insulinotropic stimuli (KCl, glucagon‐like peptide‐1). Comparison to established anti‐diabetic agents and examination of interaction with molecular targets (KATP
channel, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor) excluded molecular mechanisms addressed by presently marketed drugs.Conclusions55P0251 is a novel compound that potently counteracts hyperglycaemia in rodents via amplification of glucose‐stimulated insulin release.
The influence of traumatic occlusion on the repair process for teeth following subluxation
Authors: Amaral Marina Fuzette , Poi Wilson Roberto , Debortoli Caio Vinicius Lourenço , Panzarini Sônia Regina , Brandini Daniela Atili 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground/AimTraumatic occlusion (TO) can cause morphofunctional alterations that interfere in the homeostasis of the periodontium. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of TO on the periodontal repair process for teeth following subluxation.Materials and MethodsNinety Wistar rats aged 12 weeks were divided into three groups: control (C), subluxation (S) and subluxation with traumatic occlusion (S+TO). Subluxation was created with an impact force of 900 cN applied by a tensiometer and TO was created with a direct composite resin filling. Healing after two experimental periods of 7 and 21 days was assessed histologically. The Kruskal‐Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests were used for group comparison.ResultsAt 7 days, there was a significant increase in periodontal ligament (PDL) width and amorphous fundamental substance, as well as a significant bone area reduction in groups S and S+TO. After 21 days, there was a significant PDL width increase in group S+TO, and in the percentage of collagen fibres in group S, whereas group S+TO showed a 52% bone area reduction compared to the same group at 7 days. Subluxation with or without TO caused only superficial root resorption. However, only group S+TO showed damage to the repair process of resorbed root areas after 21 days.ConclusionTO can increase damage to the PDL after subluxation and it can also delay the repair process after PDL damage.
The Influence of Incubation Conditions and Sex on Growth and Dispersal in Hatchling Lizards
Authors: Gifford Matthew E. , Robinson Christopher D. , Clay Timothy A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDispersal is a critical process that has profound influence on ecological and evolutionary processes. Many proximate factors influence natal dispersal, but it is currently unclear whether the conditions experienced during incubation play an important role. We manipulated incubation temperature and used mark–recapture of released hatchlings to test this hypothesis. We tested this hypothesis on the prairie lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus) using two experimental islands in a local reservoir. Incubation conditions influenced some aspects of hatchling morphology, but had little influence on the probability of dispersal. As generally predicted for a polygynous species, males were more likely to disperse than females; however, the growth rate of dispersing vs. resident individuals varied depending on sex. Dispersive male lizards did not grow faster than resident males, whereas female dispersers grew significantly slower than resident females. Although our study was not specifically designed to test for differential costs of dispersal for males and females, this pattern is consistent with recent research demonstrating sex‐specific fitness costs of dispersal.
Female House Wrens may Use a Low‐Amplitude Call as an Aggressive Signal
Authors: Krieg Cara A. , Burnett Alexandra D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe majority of work on aggressive signaling has focused on male–male contests. Although females in many species compete over important resources, female signals are understudied. In house wrens (Troglodytes aedon), females compete with other females to protect nesting cavities and eggs. We suggest that a high‐pitched, low‐amplitude call, hereafter abbreviated as ‘HI’, may be an aggressive signal used by female house wrens. Using playback of simulated female intruders, we found that females used HI calls significantly more often during playback of female house wrens compared to playback of heterospecifics. Additionally, HI calls were given significantly more often in the minute preceding physical attack. In comparison, song rates did not predict future attacks. Finally, we present pilot data that suggest listening females may respond more aggressively to female playback containing HI calls compared to playback containing only songs. This suggests the reliability of HI calls could be maintained by a receiver retaliation rule. HI calls bear a striking resemblance to the low‐amplitude songs of many male songbirds, in terms of both acoustic structure and social context. This is one of the few reports of a putative low‐amplitude aggressive signal in a female songbird. However, the nature of female competition may make low‐amplitude signaling an underappreciated signaling form in female animals.
Nonlinear CO2 flux response to 7 years of experimentally induced permafrost thaw
Authors: Mauritz Marguerite , Bracho Rosvel , Celis Gerardo , Hutchings Jack , Natali Susan M. , Pegoraro Elaine , Salmon Verity G. , Schädel Christina , Webb Elizabeth E. , Schuur Edward A. G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRapid Arctic warming is expected to increase global greenhouse gas concentrations as permafrost thaw exposes immense stores of frozen carbon (C) to microbial decomposition. Permafrost thaw also stimulates plant growth, which could offset C loss. Using data from 7 years of experimental Air and Soil warming in moist acidic tundra, we show that Soil warming had a much stronger effect on CO2 flux than Air warming. Soil warming caused rapid permafrost thaw and increased ecosystem respiration (Reco), gross primary productivity (GPP), and net summer CO2 storage (NEE). Over 7 years Reco, GPP, and NEE also increased in Control (i.e., ambient plots), but this change could be explained by slow thaw in Control areas. In the initial stages of thaw, Reco, GPP, and NEE increased linearly with thaw across all treatments, despite different rates of thaw. As thaw in Soil warming continued to increase linearly, ground surface subsidence created saturated microsites and suppressed Reco, GPP, and NEE. However Reco and GPP remained high in areas with large Eriophorum vaginatum biomass. In general NEE increased with thaw, but was more strongly correlated with plant biomass than thaw, indicating that higher Reco in deeply thawed areas during summer months was balanced by GPP. Summer CO2 flux across treatments fit a single quadratic relationship that captured the functional response of CO2 flux to thaw, water table depth, and plant biomass. These results demonstrate the importance of indirect thaw effects on CO2 flux: plant growth and water table dynamics. Nonsummer Reco models estimated that the area was an annual CO2 source during all years of observation. Nonsummer CO2 loss in warmer, more deeply thawed soils exceeded the increases in summer GPP, and thawed tundra was a net annual CO2 source.
Potential relocation of climatic environments suggests high rates of climate displacement within the North American protection network
Authors: Batllori Enric , Parisien Marc‐André , Parks Sean A. , Moritz Max A. , Miller Carol 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOngoing climate change may undermine the effectiveness of protected area networks in preserving the set of biotic components and ecological processes they harbor, thereby jeopardizing their conservation capacity into the future. Metrics of climate change, particularly rates and spatial patterns of climatic alteration, can help assess potential threats. Here, we perform a continent‐wide climate change vulnerability assessment whereby we compare the baseline climate of the protected area network in North America (Canada, United States, México—NAM) to the projected end‐of‐century climate (2071–2100). We estimated the projected pace at which climatic conditions may redistribute across NAM (i.e., climate velocity), and identified future nearest climate analogs to quantify patterns of climate relocation within, among, and outside protected areas. Also, we interpret climatic relocation patterns in terms of associated land‐cover types. Our analysis suggests that the conservation capacity of the NAM protection network is likely to be severely compromised by a changing climate. The majority of protected areas (~80%) might be exposed to high rates of climate displacement that could promote important shifts in species abundance or distribution. A small fraction of protected areas (<10%) could be critical for future conservation plans, as they will host climates that represent analogs of conditions currently characterizing almost a fifth of the protected areas across NAM. However, the majority of nearest climatic analogs for protected areas are in nonprotected locations. Therefore, unprotected landscapes could pose additional threats, beyond climate forcing itself, as sensitive biota may have to migrate farther than what is prescribed by the climate velocity to reach a protected area destination. To mitigate future threats to the conservation capacity of the NAM protected area network, conservation plans will need to capitalize on opportunities provided by the existing availability of natural land‐cover types outside the current network of NAM protected areas.