bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changing views of nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soil: key controlling processes and assessment at different spatial scales
Authors: Smith K. A. 
Published: January 2017

Nitrous oxide, N2O, is the third most important of the long‐lived greenhouse gases, in terms of its contribution to global warming, and is expected to be the dominant cause of stratospheric ozone depletion this century. The concentration of N2O in the atmosphere was fairly constant until the beginning of the industrial age, but has gone up by 20% since. This is because of increased anthropogenic emissions, of which about 60% come from agricultural soil. The cause is the increased use of synthetic fertilizer nitrogen globally to meet the demands for increased production of food and biofuels. This review examines the isotopic evidence for this role of fertilizer N, the main mechanisms for microbial production of N2O in soil, the key soil physical and other variables that greatly affect the magnitude of emissions, and the spatial and temporal variation in emissions and the associated problems of measurement. The review also considers the methodology devised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to enable countries to compile national inventories of their emissions, direct and indirect, that arise from anthropogenic activity related to agriculture and land use. This methodology also enables modellers to make ‘bottom‐up’ global estimates of N2O emissions. These estimates agree quite well at the global scale with ‘top‐down’ estimates based on the relation between reactive nitrogen newly introduced into agricultural ecosystems and increases in the global atmospheric concentration of N2O, but not with some recent regional‐scale emission measurements. The discrepancy may be related to problems of estimating indirect emissions. Top‐down estimates indicate that N2O emissions from crop‐based biofuels are too great to comply with national and international environmental regulations. Finally, possible future trends in emissions and possible mitigation measures are discussed.HighlightsEvidence for increasing N2O in the atmosphere suggests it is caused by fertilizer N use.
Agreements and inconsistencies in assessments of N2O emissions are considered.
The main cause of increasing N2O is the use of synthetic N fertilizers on agricultural soil worldwide.
Indirect emissions from waters receiving leached N may be a major cause of assessment uncertainties.
The threat to coral reefs from more intense cyclones under climate change
Authors: Cheal Alistair J. , MacNeil M. Aaron , Emslie Michael J. , Sweatman Hugh 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOcean warming under climate change threatens coral reefs directly, through fatal heat stress to corals and indirectly, by boosting the energy of cyclones that cause coral destruction and loss of associated organisms. Although cyclone frequency is unlikely to rise, cyclone intensity is predicted to increase globally, causing more frequent occurrences of the most destructive cyclones with potentially severe consequences for coral reef ecosystems. While increasing heat stress is considered a pervasive risk to coral reefs, quantitative estimates of threats from cyclone intensification are lacking due to limited data on cyclone impacts to inform projections. Here, using extensive data from Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR), we show that increases in cyclone intensity predicted for this century are sufficient to greatly accelerate coral reef degradation. Coral losses on the outer GBR were small, localized and offset by gains on undisturbed reefs for more than a decade, despite numerous cyclones and periods of record heat stress, until three unusually intense cyclones over 5 years drove coral cover to record lows over >1500 km. Ecological damage was particularly severe in the central‐southern region where 68% of coral cover was destroyed over >1000 km, forcing record declines in the species richness and abundance of associated fish communities, with many local extirpations. Four years later, recovery of average coral cover was relatively slow and there were further declines in fish species richness and abundance. Slow recovery of community diversity appears likely from such a degraded starting point. Highly unusual characteristics of two of the cyclones, aside from high intensity, inflated the extent of severe ecological damage that would more typically have occurred over 100s of km. Modelling published predictions of future cyclone activity, the likelihood of more intense cyclones within time frames of coral recovery by mid‐century poses a global threat to coral reefs and dependent societies.
The NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to host protection during Sporothrix schenckii infection
Authors: Gonçalves Amanda Costa , Ferreira Lucas Souza , Manente Francine Alessandra , de Faria Carolina Maria Quinello Gomes , Polesi Marisa Campos , de Andrade Cleverton Roberto , Zamboni Dario Simões , Carlos Iracilda Zeppone 
Published: January 2017

SummarySporotrichosis is a mycosis caused by fungi from the Sporothrix schenckii species complex, whose prototypical member is Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize and respond to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and shape the following adaptive immune response. A family of PRRs most frequently associated with fungal recognition is the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor (NLR). After PAMP recognition, NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) binds to apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and caspase‐1 to form the NLRP3 inflammasome. When activated, this complex promotes the maturation of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18 and cell death through pyroptosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the outcome of S. schenckii infection using the following three different knockout (KO) mice: NLRP3−/−, ASC−/− and caspase‐1−/−. All KO mice were more susceptible to infection than the wild‐type, suggesting that NLRP3‐triggered responses contribute to host protection during S. schenckii infection. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome appeared to be critical for the ex vivo release of IL‐1β, IL‐18 and IL‐17 but not interferon‐γ. Additionally, a role for the inflammasome in shaping the adaptive immune response was suggested by the lower frequencies of type 17 helper T (Th17) cells and Th1/Th17 but not Th1 cells in S. schenckii‐infected KO mice. Overall, our results indicate that the NLRP3 inflammasome links the innate recognition of S. schenckii to the adaptive immune response, so contributing to protection against this infection.
Geriatric Infectious Diseases: Current Concepts on Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Yoshikawa Thomas T. , Norman Dean C. 
Published: January 2017

New information on infectious diseases in older adults has become available in the past 20 years. In this review, in‐depth discussions on the general problem of geriatric infectious diseases (epidemiology, pathogenesis, age‐related host defenses, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach); diagnosis and management of bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and Clostridium difficile infection; and the unique challenges of diagnosing and managing infections in a long‐term care setting are presented.
Factors associated with universal infant free school meal take up and refusal in a multicultural urban community
Authors: Goodchild G. A. , Faulks J. , Swift J. A. , Mhesuria J. , Jethwa P. , Pearce J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundUniversal infant free school meals (UIFSM) were introduced in September 2014 and are available to all key stage 1 (4–7 years) children attending state‐maintained infant and primary schools in England. The present study aimed to investigate the school‐based factors, child and family socio‐demographic characteristics, and parental beliefs associated with UIFSM take up in an urban community.MethodsA cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was completed in October to November 2015, amongst parents whose children attended eligible schools in Leicester, England. A questionnaire about school meals was also completed by each school.ResultsParents reported their child did not take (non‐UIFSM, n = 159) or took (UIFSM, n = 517) a UIFSM on most days. The non‐UIFSM group were more likely to be White‐British, have a higher socio‐economic status, have English as a first language, and involve their child in the decision over whether or not to take UIFSM, compared to the UIFSM group. Cluster analysis revealed that non‐UIFSM parents were either concerned over quality of meals and what/how much their child ate, concerned only by what/how much their child ate or whether their child did not like the food provided. Two subsets of parents in the UIFSM group were either very positive about UIFSM or appeared to take meals because they were free. Schools used a variety of measures to increase and maintain UIFSM take up.ConclusionsParents like to have control over what their child eats at school and children need to enjoy their school meals. Using a range of interventions to target subsets of parents may help local authorities, schools and caterers to increase UIFSM take up.
WHAT MAKES CITIES MORE PRODUCTIVE? EVIDENCE FROM FIVE OECD COUNTRIES ON THE ROLE OF URBAN GOVERNANCE
Authors: Ahrend Rudiger , Farchy Emily , Kaplanis Ioannis , Lembcke Alexander C. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIn estimating agglomeration benefits across five OECD countries, this paper represents the first empirical analysis that contrasts cross‐country evidence on agglomeration benefits with the productivity impact of metropolitan governance structures, while taking into account the potential sorting of individuals across cities. The comparability of results in a multicountry setting is supported through the use of a new internationally harmonised definition of cities based on economic linkages rather than administrative boundaries. The analysis finds that cities with fragmented governance structures tend to have lower levels of productivity. The estimated elasticity for an increase in the number of local jurisdiction is 0.06, which is halved by the existence of a metropolitan governance body. The productivity effect is sizeable and at least as important as the agglomeration benefit found due to city size.
Interspecific and intraspecific variation in corolla tube length in Pedicularis species achieved by both cell anisotropy and division
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Ping , Huang Shuang‐Quan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe association between plants with long corolla tubes and pollinators with long tongues has evolved repeatedly in diverse pollination systems. However, the morphogenesis of long corolla tubes involved in diverse plant groups remains largely unexplored, limiting our understanding of the evolution and maintenance of long corolla tubes. Corolla tubes of Himalayan Pedicularis species exhibit striking length diversity, ranging from less than 10 mm to more than 120 mm. We investigated the role of cell division and cell expansion in determining the corolla tube morphology in eight Pedicularis species and in an experimental population of P. siphonantha Don in which corolla tubes were elongated under shading and watering treatments. Among species, the corolla tube length was positively correlated with both cell number and cell length but not cell width. Our analyses of intraspecific variation in corolla tube length indicated that it was positively correlated with cell length in all eight species but with cell number in only four of the species, indicating that corolla tube development in Pedicularis generally involves anisotropic cell expansion. The elongation of corolla tubes in P. siphonantha under experimental conditions was caused by the anisotropic elongation of cells; cell number of tube‐elongated flowers was not significantly increased. Our results showed that intraspecific variation in corolla tube length in Pedicularis species was largely attributable to changes in cell anisotropy, but the evolutionary innovation underlying the rapid radiation of Pedicularis corolla tubes was attributable to both cell division and cell expansion.
Sensory and analytical characterization of the “cool‐melting” perception of commercial spreads
Authors: Galindo‐Cuspinera Verónica , Valenҁa de Sousa Joana , Knoop Marcia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractButters, margarines and table spreads are water‐in‐oil emulsions. Melting characteristics of these products are important for flavor release and consumer acceptance. One characteristic that is believed to discriminate butters from margarines is a cooling sensation perceived in‐mouth while consuming these products. Here, we investigated different methods to characterize sensorically and analytically the “cool‐melting” properties of commercial butter and margarines. Our results show that butter indeed can be distinguished from margarines based on their “cool‐melting” properties. Furthermore, changes in enthalpy as measured through DSC and solid fat content are good predictors of the “cool‐melting” effect of spreads.Practical applicationsBy understanding the mechanisms of the “cool‐melting” perception of spreads, and linking them to analytical measurements, we can create an in‐vitro quantification method of “cool‐melting.” This method can eventually help directing product development to achieve the desire product profile and increase consumer acceptance and liking of margarines and low‐fat spread products. In this study we did not assess the impact of “cool‐melting” on consumer perception, which would be the next step in understanding the drivers of liking of spread products.
Effects of Leukoreduction and Storage on Erythrocyte Phosphatidylserine Expression and Eicosanoid Concentrations in Units of Canine Packed Red Blood Cells
Authors: Muro S.M. , Lee J.H. , Stokes J.V. , Ross M.K. , Archer T.M. , Wills R.W. , Mackin A.J. , Thomason J.M. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundStorage of canine packed red blood cells (pRBCs) can increase erythrocyte phosphatidylserine (PS) expression and eicosanoid concentrations.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine the effects of leukoreduction on erythrocyte PS expression and eicosanoid concentrations in stored units of canine pRBCs. Our hypothesis was that leukoreduction would decrease PS expression and eicosanoid concentrations.AnimalsEight healthy dogs.MethodsIn a cross‐over study, units of whole blood were leukoreduced (LR) or non‐LR and stored (10 and 21 days) as pRBCs. Samples were collected at donation, and before and after a simulated transfusion. PS expression was measured by flow cytometry, and concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6‐keto‐prostaglandin F1α (6‐keto‐PGF1α), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsThere was no change in PS expression during leukoreduction, storage, and simulated transfusion for non‐LR and LR units. Immediately after leukoreduction, there was a significant increase in TXB2 and PGF2α concentrations, but during storage, these eicosanoids decreased to non‐LR concentrations. In both LR and non‐LR units, 6‐keto‐PGF1α concentrations increased during storage and simulated transfusion, but there was no difference between unit type. There was no difference in AA, LTB4, PGE2, and PGD2 concentrations between unit types.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceLeukoreduction, storage, and simulated transfusion do not alter erythrocyte PS expression. Leukoreduction causes an immediate increase in concentrations of TXB2 and PGF2α, but concentrations decrease to non‐LR concentrations with storage. Leukoreduction does not decrease the accumulation of 6‐keto‐PGF1α during storage.
Testing a general approach to assess the degree of disturbance in tropical forests
Authors: Sellan Giacomo , Simini Filippo , Maritan Amos , Banavar Jayanth R. , de Haulleville Thalès , Bauters Marijn , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Beeckman Hans , Anfodillo Tommaso 
Published: January 2017

AbstractQuestionsIs there any theoretical model enabling predictions of the optimal tree size distribution in tropical communities? Can we use such a theoretical framework for quantifying the degree of disturbance?LocationReserve of Yangambi, northeast region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsWe applied an allometric model based on the assumption that a virtually undisturbed forest uses all available resources. In this condition, the forest structure (e.g. the tree size distribution) is theoretically predictable from the scaling of the tree crown with tree height at an individual level. The degree of disturbance can be assessed through comparing the slopes of the tree size distribution curves in the observed and predicted conditions. We tested this tool in forest stands subjected to different degrees of disturbance. We inventoried trees >1.3 m in height by measuring the DBH in three plots of 1 ha each, and measured tree height, crown radius and crown length in a sub‐sample of trees.ResultsAll tree species, independently of the site, shared the same exponents of allometric relationships: tree height vs tree diameter, crown radius vs tree height, crown length vs tree height and consequently crown volume vs tree height, suggesting that similar trajectories of biomass allocation have evolved irrespective of species. The observed tree size distributions appeared to be power laws (excluding the finite size effect) and, as predicted, the slope was steeper in the less disturbed forest (−2.34) compared to the most disturbed (−1.99). The difference in the slope compared to the theoretical fully functional forest (−2.65) represents the metric for assessing the degree of disturbance.ConclusionsWe developed a simple tool for operationalizing the concept of ‘disturbance’ in tropical forests. This approach is species‐independent, needs minimal theoretical assumptions, the measurement of only a few structural traits and requires a low investment in equipment, time and computer skills. Its simple implementation opens new perspectives for effectively addressing initiatives of forest protection and/or restoration.
The next frontier of plant–soil feedback research: unraveling context dependence across biotic and abiotic gradients
Authors: Smith‐Ramesh Lauren M. , Reynolds Heather L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractQuestionPlant–soil feedback (PSF) has emerged as a ubiquitous phenomenon and a potentially important predictor of plant community structure and dynamics. However, the predictive power of PSF in field contexts is mixed, and ecologists do not yet understand its relative importance compared to other factors that structure communities. Further progress requires a more nuanced understanding of how PSF interacts with other biotic and abiotic factors. Environmental factors (e.g. natural enemies, moisture, light, nutrients) are known to affect plant interactions with soil and soil organisms, leading to an expectation of environmental context dependence in plant–soil feedback. Such context dependence could explain when PSF is expected to be an important driver of community dynamics, and under what conditions PSF is likely to be positive (destabilizing) vs negative (stabilizing).MethodsWe conducted a literature review of studies that examined PSF across biotic and abiotic gradients.ResultsAlthough few relevant studies have been conducted in this emerging research area, results to date suggest that plant–soil feedback is sensitive to biotic factors, such as above‐ and below‐ground herbivory, and abiotic factors, such as nutrients and light.ConclusionsWe develop a conceptual framework to predict variation in the direction and strength of PSF depending on the biotic or abiotic drivers of feedback (e.g. pathogens, nutrients) and the environmental context (e.g. intensity of herbivory, soil fertility). We explore the utility of our predictive framework through discussion of case studies from the literature on context dependence in PSF. We also consider how different experimental approaches might yield different insights about PSF–environment interactions, and suggest key future research directions.
External validation of the Donor Risk Index and the Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index on the French liver transplantation registry
Authors: Winter Audrey , Féray Cyrille , Audureau Etienne , Écochard René , Jacquelinet Christian , Roudot‐Thoraval Françoise , Duvoux Christophe , Daurès Jean‐Pierre , Landais Paul 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsA major limitation to liver transplantation is organ shortage leading to the use of non‐optimal liver grafts. The Donor Risk Index has been validated and recommended to select donors/organs. The Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index was derived from the Donor Risk Index. The objective of our study was to perform an external validation of both Donor Risk Index and Eurotransplant‐Donor Risk Index against the French liver transplantation Cristal registry according to recommendations of the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis.MethodsLiver transplantations performed in France between 2009 and 2013 were used to perform the validation study for the Donor Risk Index and the Eurotransplant‐Donor Risk Index respectively. We applied on the French data the models used to construct the Donor Risk Index and the Eurotransplant‐Donor Risk Index respectively.ResultsNeither the Donor Risk Index nor the Eurotransplant‐Donor Risk Index were validated against this dataset. Discrimination and calibration of these scores were not preserved according to our data. Important donor and candidates differences between our dataset and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network or the Eurotransplant datasets may explain why the Donor Risk Index and the Eurotransplant‐Donor Risk Index appeared unadapted to the French transplant registry.ConclusionNeither of these risk indexes were suitable to optimize the French liver allocation system. Thus, our next step will be to propose a general adaptive model for a Donor Risk Index.