bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of natural and anthropogenic drivers on land‐cover change and treeline dynamics in the Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Vitali Alessandro , Urbinati Carlo , Weisberg Peter J. , Urza Alexandra K. , Garbarino Matteo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractQuestionsHow do climate, topography and human impact affect land‐cover changes, elevation of treelines and dominant tree species composition at multiple spatial scales?LocationApennine Mountains, Italy.MethodsAt the regional scale (n = 776 municipalities covering 43,000 km2), we assessed the relationship between human demographic processes and forest cover dynamics for the 1990–2012 period using Corine Land Cover maps and a national census data set. At the landscape scale (n = 18 landscape units of 16 km2 each), we tested the effects of site topography on forest cover changes between 1954 and 2012. At the local scale (n = 5,484 sampling points), we extracted the location and species composition of the current treeline (year 2012) using semi‐automatic segmentation methods. We quantified the association of climatic, topographic and anthropogenic variables with the position of upper treelines in the Apennines.ResultsRegional scale: human population in the Apennines decreased by 3% between 1991 and 2011. During the same time period, there was an increase in the extent of shrublands (+7%) and forests (mixed +4%, conifers +2%, broad‐leaf +1%) and a decrease in the extent of pastures (−9%). Landscape scale: forests expanded more on southwest (+109%) than on northeast (+19%) slopes. Local scale: the mean treeline altitude was 1,755 m a.s.l. Fagus sylvatica L. was the most widespread species (94%), but we also found Pinus nigra Arn. plantations and Pinus mugo Turra shrublands in the central Apennines, and Pinus heldreichii H.Christ in the southern Apennines. Overall, the elevations of the current treelines are negatively related to population density, road proximity and southwest exposures, especially among P. nigra stands.ConclusionsAt the regional scale, demographic and land‐cover changes provide evidence of widespread land abandonment and forest expansion. At the landscape scale, secondary succession occurred particularly at sites with more solar radiation (SW slopes) and a previous heavier human footprint, followed by a widespread abandonment. Treelines of the dominant tree species (F. sylvatica) were found at elevations lower than would be predicted based on climate conditions alone, suggesting a widespread and strong role of past human influence on the location of treelines. The altitudinal transition from broad‐leaf to conifer species does not generally occur here, as would be expected from a global ecological model. Anthropogenic treelines of the Apennines will react differently than natural climatic treelines to global environmental changes. Models of treeline response to global change in the Mediterranean area should account for land‐use history.
Microbial communities exhibit host species distinguishability and phylosymbiosis along the length of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Kohl Kevin D. , Dearing M. Denise , Bordenstein Seth R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHost‐associated microbial communities consist of stable and transient members that can assemble through purely stochastic processes associated with the environment or by interactions with the host. Phylosymbiosis predicts that if host–microbiota interactions impact assembly patterns, then one conceivable outcome is concordance between host evolutionary histories (phylogeny) and the ecological similarities in microbial community structures (microbiota dendrogram). This assembly pattern has been demonstrated in several clades of animal hosts in laboratory and natural populations, but in vertebrates, it has only been investigated using samples from faeces or the distal colon. Here, we collected the contents of five gut regions from seven rodent species and inventoried the bacterial communities by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. We investigated how community structures varied across gut regions and whether the pattern of phylosymbiosis was present along the length of the gut. Gut communities varied by host species and gut region, with Oscillospira and Ruminococcus being more abundant in the stomach and hindgut regions. Gut microbial communities were highly distinguishable by host species across all gut regions, with the strength of the discrimination increasing along the length of the gut. Last, the pattern of phylosymbiosis was found in all five gut regions, as well as faeces. Aspects of the gut environment, such as oxygen levels, production of antimicrobials or other factors, may shift microbial communities across gut regions. However, regardless of these differences, host species maintain distinguishable, phylosymbiotic assemblages of microbes that may have functional impacts for the host.
The evolutionary fate of heterogeneous gene duplications: A precarious overdominant equilibrium between environment, sublethality and complementation
Authors: Milesi Pascal , Assogba Benoît S. , Atyame Célestine M. , Pocquet Nicolas , Berthomieu Arnaud , Unal Sandra , Makoundou Patrick , Weill Mylène , Labbé Pierrick 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGene duplications occur at a high rate. Although most appear detrimental, some homogeneous duplications (identical gene copies) can be selected for beneficial increase in produced proteins. Heterogeneous duplications, which combine divergent alleles of a single locus, are seldom studied due to the paucity of empirical data. We investigated their role in an ongoing adaptive process at the ace‐1 locus in Culex pipiens mosquitoes. We assessed the worldwide diversity of the ace‐1 alleles (single‐copy, susceptible S and insecticide‐resistant R, and duplicated D that pair one S and one R copy), analysed their phylogeography and measured their fitness to understand their early dynamics using population genetics models. It provides a coherent and comprehensive evolutionary scenario. We show that D alleles are present in most resistant populations and display a higher diversity than R alleles (27 vs. 4). Most appear to result from independent unequal crossing‐overs between local single‐copy alleles, suggesting a recurrent process. Most duplicated alleles have a limited geographic distribution, probably resulting from their homozygous sublethality (HS phenotype). In addition, heterozygotes carrying different HS D alleles showed complementation, indicating different recessive lethal mutations. Due to mosaic insecticide control practices, balancing selection (overdominance) plays a key role in the early dynamics of heterogeneous duplicated alleles; it also favours a high local polymorphism of HS D alleles in natural populations (overdominance reinforced by complementation). Overall, our study shows that the evolutionary fate of heterogeneous duplications (and their long‐term role) depends on finely balanced selective pressures due to the environment and to their genomic structure.
Structural Displacement Measurement Using an Unmanned Aerial System
Authors: Yoon Hyungchul , Shin Jaeho , Spencer Billie F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractVibration‐based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is one of the most popular solutions to assess the safety of civil infrastructure. SHM applications all begin with measuring the dynamic response of structures, but displacement measurement has been limited by the difficulty in requiring a fixed reference point, high cost, and/or low accuracy. Recently, researchers have conducted studies on vision‐based structural health monitoring, which provides noncontact and efficient measurement. However, these approaches have been limited to stationary cameras, which have the challenge of finding a location to deploy the cameras with appropriate line‐of‐sight, especially to monitor critical civil infrastructures such as bridges. The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) can potentially overcome the limitation of finding optimal locations to deploy the camera, but existing vision‐based displacement measurement methods rely on the assumption that the camera is stationary. The displacements obtained by such methods will be a relative displacement of a structure to the camera motion, not an absolute displacement. Therefore, this article presents a framework to achieve absolute displacement of a structure from a video taken from an UAS using the following phased approach. First, a target‐free method is implemented to extract the relative structural displacement from the video. Next, the 6 degree‐of‐freedom camera motion (three translations and three rotations) is estimated by tracking the background feature points. Finally, the absolute structural displacement is recovered by combining the relative structural displacement and the camera motion. The performance of the proposed system has been validated in the laboratory using a commercial UAS. Displacement of a pinned‐connected railroad truss bridge in Rockford, IL subjected to revenue‐service traffic loading was reproduced on a hydraulic simulator, while the UAS was flown from a distance of 4.6 m (simulating the track clearance required by the Federal Railroad Administration), resulting in estimated displacements with an RMS error of 2.14 mm.
Outcome of orthodontic palatal plate therapy for orofacial dysfunction in children with Down syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Javed F. , Akram Z. , Barillas A. P. , Kellesarian S. V. , Ahmed H. B. , Khan J. , Almas K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo evaluate the effects of orthodontic palatal plate therapy (OPPT) in the treatment of orofacial dysfunction in children with Down syndrome (DS). Indexed databases were searched. Clinical trials in DS allocated to test (treatment with palatal plates) versus control group (without palatal plates/special physiotherapy for orofacial stimulation) with follow‐up of any time duration and assessing mouth closure, tongue position, active and inactive muscle function as outcomes. Study designs, subject demographics, frequency and duration of palatal plate therapy, method for assessment, follow‐up period and outcomes were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Eight clinical studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in three studies and moderate in 5 studies. The number of children with DS ranged between 9 and 42. The mean age of children with DS at the start of the study ranged between 2 months and 12 years. The duration of palatal plate therapy ranged between 4 months and 48 months. The follow‐up period in all studies ranged from 12 to 58 months. All studies reported OPPT to be effective in improving orofacial disorders in children with DS. Most of the included studies suggest that palatal plate therapy in combination with physiotherapy/orofacial regulation therapy according to Castillo Morales/speech and language intervention seems to be effective in improving orofacial disorders in children with DS. However, the risk of bias of the included studies was high to moderate. Longitudinal trials with standardized evaluation methods, age of children at treatment initiation, treatment duration and standard orofacial outcomes are recommended.
Chrysanthemum CmHSFA4 gene positively regulates salt stress tolerance in transgenic chrysanthemum
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Huanru , Zhao Husheng , Gao Tianwei , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei 
Published: December 2017

SummarySalinity‐induced Na+ toxicity and oxidative stress hamper plant growth. Here, we showed that expression of the chrysanthemum CmHSFA4, a homologue of the heat‐shock factor AtHSFA4a, is inducible by salt and localizes to the nucleus. It is a transcription activator binding with HSE. Chrysanthemum overexpressing CmHSFA4 displayed enhanced salinity tolerance by limiting Na+ accumulation while maintaining K+ concentration, which is consistent with the up‐regulation of ion transporters CmSOS1 and CmHKT2. Additionally, the transgenic plants reduced H2O2 and O2∙− accumulation under salinity, which could be due to up‐regulation of ROS scavenger activities such as SOD, APX and CAT as well as CmHSP70, CmHSP90. Together, these results suggest that CmHSFA4 conferred salinity tolerance in chrysanthemum as a consequence of Na+/K+ ion and ROS homeostasis.
Retrospective review of immunocompromised children undergoing skin biopsy for suspected invasive infection: Analysis of factors predictive of invasive mold
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Klieger Sarah B. , Sulieman Salwa E. , Berger Emily , Treat James R. , Fisher Brian T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesCutaneous lesions are often the first marker of invasive mold infection, which can cause substantial morbidity in immunocompromised children. The purpose of this study was to describe the evaluation and outcomes of immunocompromised children who presented with findings requiring skin biopsy because of concern about invasive infection. In children who were biopsied, we sought to determine the factors predictive of invasive mold infection.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Patients included in the study were immunocompromised individuals younger than 26 years old who underwent skin biopsy by the inpatient dermatology consultation team between January 1, 2003, and March 15, 2015, because of development of new cutaneous lesions that were suspected of being invasive infection.ResultsOne hundred five encounters met the inclusion criteria. Fifty (47.6%) biopsied individuals had an infectious pathogen identified on histopathology or culture. Mold was the most common (36%) pathogen, followed by bacteria (32%) and yeast (26%). The presence of a single lesion (P = .001) and prior occlusion at the site of the lesion (P < .001) were associated with mold on biopsy. The combination of a single lesion, history of occlusion, and tissue necrosis on examination was highly predictive for invasive mold infection (86.3% [95% confidence interval 55.1‐97.0%]). Of the 18 individuals with confirmed invasive mold infection, 13 (72%) underwent surgical resection, of whom 12 (92%) survived the 30‐day follow‐up period.ConclusionSkin biopsy enabled the detection of a pathogen that informed directed therapeutic interventions in nearly half of participants. Institutions caring for immunocompromised children should ensure adequate staffing of clinical personnel approved to perform skin biopsies.
Chemotherapy‐induced eccrine squamous syringometaplasia in an infant
Authors: Bittar Peter G. , Casady Megan , Selim Maria A. , Prose Neil S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere are few reports of chemotherapy‐induced eccrine squamous syringometaplasia in children. We report the first case of an infant developing this condition after treatment with busulfan, fludarabine, and antithymocyte globulin in preparation for bone marrow transplantation. Twenty‐eight days after transplantation, the infant developed faintly erythematous papules and plaques on the bilateral axillae, inguinal folds, and sites of adhesives. Punch biopsy revealed eccrine glands with dyskeratotic cells and focal squamous metaplasia consistent with chemotherapy‐induced eccrine squamous syringometaplasia.
Circadian rhythm in atopic dermatitis—Pathophysiology and implications for chronotherapy
Authors: Vaughn Alexandra R. , Clark Ashley K. , Sivamani Raja K. , Shi Vivian Y. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCircadian rhythm is a biological clock that controls a wide range of physiological functions throughout the body, including various skin functions. A 24‐h diurnal cycle, governed by an endogenous clock in the brain, largely controls cutaneous diurnal rhythm, which external factors, including temperature, humidity, diet, and stress, also modulate locally. Circadian rhythm influences cutaneous blood flow and properties of skin barrier function, such as transepidermal water loss and capacitance, and has important implications in atopic dermatitis (AD). This review explores how aberrations in circadian rhythm may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD and proposes implementation of chronotherapy to improve treatment outcomes in patients with AD.
A case of keratosis circumscripta in a Chinese boy
Authors: Zhang He , Deng Wei , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKeratosis circumscripta is a rare dermatosis occurring in children and adolescents that has been reported in the English literature only in Africans and their descendants. We report here a case of keratosis circumscripta in a 13‐year‐old Chinese boy who presented with pruritic follicular keratotic rashes below both knees. This case indicates that keratosis circumscripta may not occur only in individuals of African descent.
Pernio as the presenting sign of blast crisis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Park Kelly K. , Tayebi Bailey , Uihlein Lily , Speiser Jodi , Mir Adnan , Gerami Pedram , Mancini Anthony , Kim Wendy 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA previously healthy 5‐year‐old girl presented with acute onset of blue toes and red spots on the nose and fingers. The striking nature of these lesions, along with the finding of submandibular lymphadenopathy, prompted further evaluation. Laboratory findings were remarkable for anemia, high transaminase levels, and high blast count. Histopathologic findings were consistent with early pernio. Further examination revealed acute B‐cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Treatment of the leukemia led to resolution of the pernio.
Spatial perception: The perspectival aspect of perception
Authors: Green E.J. , Schellenberg Susanna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhen we perceive an object, we perceive the object from a perspective. As a consequence of the perspectival nature of perception, when we perceive, say, a circular coin from different angles, there is a respect in which the coin looks circular throughout, but also a respect in which the coin's appearance changes. More generally, perception of shape and size properties has both a constant aspect—an aspect that remains stable across changes in perspective—and a perspectival aspect—an aspect that changes depending on one's perspective on the object. How should we account for the perspectival aspect of spatial perception? We present a framework within which to discuss the perspectival aspect of perception and put forward three desiderata that any account of the perspectival aspect of perception should satisfy. We discuss views on which the perspectival aspect of perception is analyzed in terms of constitutively mind‐dependent appearance properties as well as views on which the perspectival aspect of perception is analyzed in terms of representations of mind‐independent perspectival properties.
Decreasing fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase activity reduces plant growth and tolerance to chilling stress in tomato seedlings
Authors: Cai Bingbing , Li Qiang , Liu Fengjiao , Bi Huangai , Ai Xizhen 
Published: December 2017

In northern China, low temperature is the most common abiotic stresses for tomato plants cultivated in solar‐greenhouse in winter. We recently found that the expression and enzyme activity of fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolases (FBAs) in tomato, which are important enzymes in the Calvin–Benson cycle (CBC), were significantly altered in tomato seedlings subjected to heat/cold stresses. In order to study the role of FBA in photosynthesis and in regulating cold stress responses of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum), we transformed a tomato inbred line (FF) with RNA interference (RNAi) vector containing SlFBA7 reverse tandem repeat sequence. We found that the decreased SlFBA7 expression led to the decreased activities of FBA, as well as the activities of other main enzymes in the CBC. We also noticed a decrease in net photosynthetic rate, ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate and soluble sugar content, stem diameter, dry weight and seed size in RNAi SlFBA7 plants compared to wild‐type. However, there are no changes in starch contents in the RNAi transgenic plants. RNAi SlFBA7 plants showed a decreased germination rate, and an increased levels of superoxide anions (O2·‐) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under low temperature (8/5°C) and low‐light intensity (100 μmol m−2 s−1 photon flux density) growth conditions. These findings demonstrated the important role of SlFBA7 in regulating growth and chilling tolerance of tomato seedlings, and suggested that the catalytic activity of FBA in the CBC is sensitive to temperature.
Factors associated with the delay of diagnosis of leprosy in north‐eastern Colombia: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Gómez Libardo , Rivera Alberto , Vidal Yesenia , Bilbao Jorge , Kasang Christa , Parisi Sandra , Schwienhorst‐Stich Eva‐Maria , Puchner Karl Philipp 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the average time in months between the beginning of symptoms and the diagnostic confirmation of leprosy by the health system and to investigate factors associated with diagnostic delay.MethodsA total of 249 patients older than 15 years diagnosed with leprosy between 2011 and 2015, in 20 endemic municipalities of north‐eastern Colombia, provided informed consent and were interviewed face‐to‐face. Clinical histories from health centres or hospitals where study participants were treated for leprosy were also reviewed.ResultsThe mean delay in diagnosis of leprosy was 33.5 months. About 14.9% of patients showed a visible deformity or damage (disability grade 2, DG2) at the time of diagnosis. In multivariable regression analysis, five or more consultancies required to confirm the diagnosis and not seeking care immediately after noticing first symptoms were associated with longer diagnostic delay.ConclusionsOur study found a significant delay in diagnosis of leprosy in north‐eastern Colombia, which might explain the continuously high rate of DG2 among new cases being notified in the country. Both patient‐ and health system‐related factors were associated with longer diagnostic delay. Interventions to increase awareness of disease among the general population and timely referral to a specialised health professional are urgently needed in our study setting.
Constant vigilance: plant functions guarded by resistance proteins
Authors: Su Jianbin , Spears Benjamin J. , Kim Sang Hee , Gassmann Walter 
Published: December 2017

SummaryUnlike animals, plants do not have an adaptive immune system and have instead evolved sophisticated and multi‐layered innate immune mechanisms. To overcome plant immunity, pathogens secrete a diverse array of effectors into the apoplast and virtually all cellular compartments to dampen immune signaling and interfere with plant functions. Here we describe the scope of the arms race throughout the cell and summarize various strategies used by both plants and pathogens. Through studying the ongoing evolutionary battle between plants and key pathogens, we may yet uncover potential ways to achieve the ultimate goal of engineering broad‐spectrum resistant crops without affecting food quality or productivity.