bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of local land use and loss of forests on bats and nocturnal insects
Authors: Treitler Julia T. , Heim Olga , Tschapka Marco , Jung Kirsten 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLand‐use intensification at local and landscape level poses a serious threat to biodiversity and affects species interactions and ecosystem function. It is thus important to understand how interrelated taxa respond to land‐use intensification and to consider the importance of different spatial scales. We investigated whether and how local land‐use intensity and landscape features affect the predator–prey interaction of bats and insects. Bats and nocturnal insects were assessed on 50 grassland sites in the Schorfheide‐Chorin. We analyzed the effect of local land use and distance to forested areas as a proxy for site accessibility on bats and insects and their biological interaction measured in bat's feeding activity. Insect abundance increased with higher land‐use intensity, while size and diversity of insects decreased. In contrast, bat activity, diversity, and species composition were determined by the distance to forested areas and only slightly by land‐use intensity. Feeding attempts of bats increased with higher insect abundance and diversity but decreased with insect size and distance to forested areas. Finally, our results revealed that near forested areas, the number of feeding attempts was much lower on grassland sites with high, compared to those with low land‐use intensity. In contrast, far from forests, the feeding attempts did not differ significantly between intensively and extensively managed grassland sites. We conclude that the two interrelated taxa, bats and insects, respond to land‐use intensification on very different scales. While insects respond to local land use, bats are rather influenced by surrounding landscape matrix. Hereby, proximity to forests reveals to be a prerequisite for higher bat species diversity and a higher rate of feeding attempts within the area. However, proximity to forest is not sufficient to compensate local high land‐use intensity. Thus, local land‐use intensification in combination with a loss of forest remnants weakens the interaction of bats and insects.
Baeckeins J and K, Two Novel C‐Methylated Biflavonoids from the Roots of Baeckea frutescens and Their Cytoprotective Activities
Authors: Jia Bei‐Xi , Jia Ao , Li Chao‐Jie , Zhao Hui‐Qin , Ren Feng‐Xiao , Liu Hong‐Min , Wang Qiang 
Published: May 2016

Baeckea frutescens is an aromatic shrub used as ornamentals and as food flavor spices in the southern part of P. R. China. Two novel C‐methylated biflavonoids named baeckeins J (1) and K (2) were isolated from the roots of B. frutescens, which possessed the unique carbon skeleton conjugated of a flavonol and one isoflavanonol molecule via the linkages of C(2)–C(8*) and C(3)–O–C(7*). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by analysis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS spectral data, and the absolute configuration for chiral C‐atoms C(2) and C(3) were assigned by CD spectrometry combined with quantum chemical calculations. In the bioassay, baeckeins J and K exhibited strong cytoprotective effects on H2O2‐induced oxidative cell death in PC12 cells.
Soil cracking effects on hydrological and erosive processes: a study case in Mediterranean cultivated vertisols
Authors: Inoubli Nesrine , Raclot Damien , Moussa Roger , Habaieb Hamadi , Le Bissonnais Yves 
Published: May 2016

AbstractShrink–swell soils, such as those in a Mediterranean climate regime, can cause changes in terms of hydrological and erosive responses because of the changing soil water storage conditions. Only a limited number of long‐term studies have focused on the impacts on both hydrological and erosive responses and their interactions in an agricultural environment. In this context, this study aims to document the dynamics of cracks, runoff and soil erosion within a small Mediterranean cultivated catchment and to quantify the influence of crack processes on the water and sediment supplied to a reservoir located at the catchment outlet using water and sediment measurements at a cultivated field outlet as baseline. Detailed monitoring of the presence of topsoil cracks was conducted within the Kamech catchment (ORE OMERE, Tunisia), and runoff and suspended sediment loads were continuously measured over a long period of time (2005–2012) at the outlets of a field (1.32 ha) and a catchment (263 ha). Analysis of the data showed that topsoil cracks were open approximately half of the year and that the rainfall regime and water table level conditions locally control the seasonal cracking dynamics. Topsoil cracks appeared to seriously affect the generation of runoff and sediment concentrations and, consequently, sediment yields, with similar dynamics observed at the field and catchment outlets. A similar time lag in the seasonality between water and sediment delivery was observed at these two scales: although the runoff rates were globally low during the presence of topsoil cracks, most sediment transport occurred during this period associated with very high sediment concentrations. This study underlines the importance of a good prediction of runoff during the presence of cracks for reservoir siltation considerations. In this context, the prediction of cracking effects on runoff and soil erosion is a key factor for the development of effective soil and water management strategies and downstream reservoir preservation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lithium limits trimethyltin‐induced cytotoxicity and proinflammatory response in microglia without affecting the concurrent autophagy impairment
Authors: Fabrizi Cinzia , Pompili Elena , Somma Francesca , De Vito Stefania , Ciraci Viviana , Artico Marco , Lenzi Paola , Fornai Francesco , Fumagalli Lorenzo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTrimethyltin (TMT) is a highly toxic molecule present as an environmental contaminant causing neurodegeneration particularly of the limbic system both in humans and in rodents. We recently described the occurrence of impairment in the late stages of autophagy in TMT‐intoxicated astrocytes. Here we show that similarly to astrocytes also in microglia, TMT induces the precocious block of autophagy indicated by the accumulation of the autophagosome marker, microtubule associated protein light chain 3. Consistent with autophagy impairment we observe in TMT‐treated microglia the accumulation of p62/SQSTM1, a protein specifically degraded through this pathway. Lithium has been proved effective in limiting neurodegenerations and, in particular, in ameliorating symptoms of TMT intoxication in rodents. In our in vitro model, lithium displays a pro‐survival and anti‐inflammatory action reducing both cell death and the proinflammatory response of TMT‐treated microglia. In particular, lithium exerts these activities without reducing TMT‐induced accumulation of light chain 3 protein. In fact, the autophagic block imposed by TMT is unaffected by lithium administration. These results are of interest as defects in the execution of autophagy are frequently observed in neurodegenerative diseases and lithium is considered a promising therapeutic agent for these pathologies. Thus, it is relevant that this cation can still maintain its pro‐survival and anti‐inflammatory role in conditions of autophagy block. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of postharvest drying conditions on in vitro starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index of cooked non‐waxy long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Donlao Natthawuddhi , Ogawa Yukiharu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDWet paddy needs to be dried to reduce its moisture content after harvesting. In this study, effects of postharvest drying condition on in vitro starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index of cooked rice (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated. Varying drying conditions, i.e. hot‐air drying at 40, 65, 90 and 115 °C, and sun drying were applied to raw paddy. After husking and polishing, polished grains were cooked using an electric rice cooker. Cooked samples were analyzed for their moisture content and amount of resistant and total starch. Five samples in both intact grain and slurry were digested under simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. The in vitro starch digestion rate was measured and the hydrolysis index (HI) and estimated glycemic index (eGI) were calculated.RESULTSCooked rice obtained from hot‐air drying showed relatively lower HI and eGI than that obtained from sun‐drying. Among samples from hot‐air drying treatment, eGI of cooked rice decreased with increasing drying temperature, except for the drying temperature of 115 °C. As a result, cooked rice from the hot‐air drying at 90 °C showed lowest eGI.CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that cooked rice digestibility was affected by postharvest drying conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimization of the process of aromatic and medicinal plant maceration in grape marc distillates to obtain herbal liqueurs and spirits
Authors: Rodríguez‐Solana Raquel , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Salgado José Manuel , Domínguez José Manuel , Cortés‐Diéguez Sandra 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDHerbal liqueurs are alcoholic beverages produced by the maceration or distillation of aromatic and medicinal plants in alcohol, and are also highly valued for their medicinal properties. The process conditions, as well as the number and quantity of the plants employed, will have a great influence on the quality of the liqueur obtained. The aim of this research was to optimize these important variables.RESULTSA Box–Benhken experimental design was used to evaluate the independent variables: alcohol content, amount of plant and time during the experimental maceration of plants in grape marc distillate. Four plants were assessed, with the main compound of each plant representing the dependent variable evaluated with respect to following the evolution of the maceration process. Bisabolol oxide A in Matricaria recutita L., linalool in Coriander sativum L. and eucalyptol in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. were quantified using a gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector. Glycyrrhizic acid in Glycyrrhiza glabra L was determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector. Other dependent variables were also evaluated: total phenolic content, color parameters and consumer preference (i.e. appearance).CONCLUSIONThe experimental designs allowed the selection of the optimal maceration conditions for each parameter, including the preference score of consumers: 70% (v/v) of ethanol, 40 g L−1 plant concentration and a maceration process of 3 weeks. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of elicitors on the evolution of grape phenolic compounds during the ripening period
Authors: Gómez‐Plaza Encarna , Bautista‐Ortín Ana B , Ruiz‐García Yolanda , Fernández‐Fernández José I , Gil‐Muñoz Rocío 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effect of the application of benzothiadiazole (BTH) and methyl jasmonate (MeJ) at veraison on the phenolic composition of grapes from three varieties (Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot) was studied during the ripening period, using HPLC techniques to measure flavonols, anthocyanins and tannins.RESULTSThe effects of the treatments differed in the three varieties, and the maximum concentration of phenolic compounds was not always reached at the end of the ripening period but some days before harvest. At the end of ripening both treated Syrah grapes only differed from control grapes in the flavonol concentration, whereas MeJ‐treated Merlot grapes presented higher anthocyanin and skin tannin contents than the control and BTH‐treated grapes. Only the anthocyanin content was significantly higher in treated Monastrell grapes at the moment of harvest.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that the moment of elicitor treatment should be more studied since differences between treated and control grapes were, in general greater several days before harvest in all three varieties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Using Landsat Images and Spectral Mixture Analysis to Assess Drivers of 21‐Year LULC Changes in Sudan
Authors: Dawelbait Mona , Dal Ferro Nicola , Morari Francesco 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLandsat images acquired in 1987, 1999 and 2008 were selected to evaluate land use and land cover changes in three different ecological zones in the Republic of the Sudan: savannah (North Kordofan), semi‐desert (River Nile) and desert (Northern State). Maps of soil, vegetation and non‐photosynthetic material were built by spectral mixture analysis using endmembers spectra derived from images. Multitemporal comparison techniques were then applied to vegetation and soil maps to estimate the long‐term land degradation/re‐growth dynamics and to emphasize land cover variation over time and in space. Multitemporal comparisons have shown that site‐specific interactions between natural processes, climate variation and human activity played a pivotal role in land use and land cover change. In savannah, human activities strongly affected degradation phenomena. Expansion of villages triggered a change in land use and mismanagement of the natural resources, mainly caused by deforestation to supply wood for domestic uses. The degradation then promoted sand encroachment and dune migration. On average, 48% of the total area was subjected to medium (25–50%) and high (50–75%) land degradation. Differently, climatic constraints drove increasing degradation processes in semi‐desert and desert zones. The phenomenon was particularly severe in the desert zone. In each site, an inversion of the general trend was due to a land use change where forestry or agricultural projects were established, partly sustained in savannah by the positive rainfall trend of the last two decades. Site‐specific strategies that take into account the interactions of the driving factors at local scale are thus necessary to combat land degradation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High alkaline phosphatase activity in phosphate replete waters: The case of two macrotidal estuaries
Authors: Labry Claire , Delmas Daniel , Youenou Agnes , Quere Julien , Leynaert Aude , Fraisse Stephane , Raimonet Mélanie , Ragueneau Olivier 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe occurrence of alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) that hydrolyses organic phosphorus into phosphate (PO4) is commonly related to PO4 deficiency of oceanic, coastal and fresh waters. APA is almost never investigated in PO4‐rich estuaries, since very low activities are expected to occur. As a consequence, microbial mineralization of organic phosphorus into PO4 has often been ignored in estuaries. In this study, we examined the importance of potential APA and the associated microbial dynamics in two estuaries, the Aulne and the Elorn (Northwestern France), presenting two different levels of PO4 concentrations. Unexpected high potential APA was observed in both estuaries. Values ranged from 50 to 506 nmol L−1 h−1, which range is usually found in very phosphorus‐limited environments. High potential APA values were observed in the oligohaline zone (salinity 5–15) in spring and summer, corresponding to a PO4 peak and a maximum bacterial production of particle‐attached bacteria. In all cases, high potential APA was associated with high suspended particulate matter and total particulate phosphorus. The low contribution of the 0.2–1 μm fraction to total APA, the strong correlation between particulate APA and bacterial biomass, and the close relationship between the production of particle‐attached bacteria and APA, suggested that high potential APA is mainly due to particle‐attached bacteria. These results suggest that the microbial mineralization of organic phosphorus may contribute to an estuarine PO4 production in spring and summer besides physicochemical processes.
Growth bands are an unreliable indicator of sea urchin age: Evidence from the laboratory and the literature
Authors: Narvaez Carla A. , Johnson Ladd E. , Sainte‐Marie Bernard 
Published: May 2016

AbstractKnowledge of urchin age structure is crucial for understanding their ecosystem impacts and improving their management. In sclerochronology, translucent and opaque growth bands (TGB, OGB) in urchin ossicles are used to estimate age. An essential premise for using this technique is that one TGB and one OGB are formed every year, independent of urchin size or ossicle type. TGB and OGB addition are associated with slow and fast growth, respectively, and assumed to be added seasonally due to changes in water temperature. However, these assumptions are not unanimously supported by experiments, and validation attempts have not generated consensus. We conducted an experiment on Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis to test the validity of these assumptions and reviewed the literature to assess the use and validation of sclerochronology in urchins. The experiment demonstrated that the addition of TGB and OGB was not strictly related to temperature and was not consistent across urchin size‐classes or ossicle types. TGB were added in response to temporary stress, and no distinction on the basis of band width or pigmentation could be made between natural TGB and stress‐induced TGB. Only 52% of articles that used sclerochronology for aging urchins attempted any validation, and when the methodology was put under scrutiny, it was usually found to be wanting. More detailed studies are needed to address variability in growth bands deposition and endogenous and exogenous factors affecting this process. Sclerochronology in urchins should not be used until standardized procedures are able to provide accurate and precise interpretation of growth band addition.
Obese ZDF rats fermented resistant starch with effects on gut microbiota but no reduction in abdominal fat
Authors: Goldsmith Felicia , Guice Justin , Page Ryan , Welsh David A. , Taylor Christopher M. , Blanchard Eugene E. , Luo Meng , Raggio Anne M. , Stout Rhett W. , Carvajal‐Aldaz Diana , Gaither Amanda , Pelkman Christine , Ye Jianping , Martin Roy J. , Geaghan James , Durham Holiday A. , Coulon Diana , Keenan Michael J. 
Published: May 2016

ScopeTo determine if whole‐grain (WG) flour with resistant starch (RS) will produce greater fermentation than isolated RS in obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats, and whether greater fermentation results in different microbiota, reduced abdominal fat, and increased insulin sensitivity.Methods and resultsThis study utilized four groups fed diets made with either isolated digestible control starch, WG control flour (6.9% RS), isolated RS‐rich corn starch (25% RS), or WG corn flour (25% RS). ZDF rats fermented RS and RS‐rich WG flour to greatest extent among groups. High‐RS groups had increased serum glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) active. Feeding isolated RS showed greater Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes phyla among groups, and rats consuming low RS diets possessed more bacteria in Lactobacillus genus. However, no differences in abdominal fat were observed, but rats with isolated RS had greatest insulin sensitivity among groups.ConclusionsData demonstrated ZDF rats (i) possess a microbiota that fermented RS, and (ii) WG high‐RS fermented better than purified RS. However, fermentation and microbiota changes did not translate into reduced abdominal fat. The defective leptin receptor may limit ZDF rats from responding to increased GLP‐1 and different microbiota for reducing abdominal fat, but did not prevent improved insulin sensitivity.
β‐Caryophyllene attenuates palmitate‐induced lipid accumulation through AMPK signaling by activating CB2 receptor in human HepG2 hepatocytes
Authors: Kamikubo Ryosuke , Kai Kenji , Tsuji‐Naito Kentaro , Akagawa Mitsugu 
Published: May 2016

ScopeNonalcoholic fatty liver disease is currently the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation without significant ethanol consumption. We have performed a screening for medicinal foods that inhibit hepatocytic lipid accumulation through activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a critical regulator of the hepatic lipid metabolism.Methods and resultsWe found that clove (Syzygium aromaticum), which is commonly used as a spice, markedly inhibits palmitate‐inducible lipid accumulation in human HepG2 hepatocytes. Analyses of the clove extracts found that β‐caryophyllene, an orally‐active cannabinoid, is the principal suppressor of the lipid accumulation, and stimulates the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). Our data also showed that β‐caryophyllene prevents the translocation of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) into the nucleus and forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) into the cytoplasm through AMPK signaling, and consequently, induces a significant downregulation of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and upregulation of adipose triglyceride lipase, respectively. Moreover, we demonstrated that the β‐caryophyllene‐induced activation of AMPK could be mediated by the cannabinoid type 2 receptor‐dependent Ca2+ signaling pathway.ConclusionOur results suggest that β‐caryophyllene has the potential efficacy in preventing and ameliorating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its associated metabolic disorders.
Morus alba extract modulates blood pressure homeostasis through eNOS signaling
Authors: Carrizzo Albino , Ambrosio Mariateresa , Damato Antonio , Madonna Michele , Storto Marianna , Capocci Luca , Campiglia Pietro , Sommella Eduardo , Trimarco Valentina , Rozza Francesco , Izzo Raffaele , Puca Annibale A. , Vecchione Carmine 
Published: May 2016

ScopeMorus alba is a promising phytomedicine cultivated in oriental countries that is extensively used to prevent and treat various cardiovascular problems. To date, despite its beneficial effects, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Thus, we investigate the vascular and haemodynamic effects of Morus alba extract in an experimental model focusing our attention on the molecular mechanisms involved.Methods and resultsThrough vascular reactivity studies, we demonstrate that Morus alba extract evokes endothelial vasorelaxation through a nitric oxide‐dependent pathway. Our molecular analysis highlights an increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation. In vivo administration of Morus alba extract reduces blood pressure levels exclusively in wild‐type mice, whereas it fails to evoke any haemodynamic effects in eNOS‐deficient mice. Molecular analyses revealed that its beneficial action on vasculature is mediated by the activation of two important proteins that act as stress sensors and chaperones: PERK and heat shock protein 90. Finally, Morus alba extract exerts antihypertensive action in an experimental model of arterial hypertension.ConclusionThrough its action on eNOS signaling, Morus alba extract could act as a food supplement for the regulation of cardiovascular system, mainly in clinical conditions characterized by eNOS dysfunction, such as arterial hypertension.