bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mean family age of angiosperm tree communities and its climatic correlates along elevational and latitudinal gradients in eastern North America
Authors: Qian Hong , Zhang Jian , Hawkins Bradford A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimThe species comprising local communities are assembled from the species pool of the region where they are located, and environmental filtering influences which species occupy local communities based on their traits. Latitude and elevation generate two major thermal gradients, and temperature minimum and seasonality can drive community assembly, but few studies have tested if community assembly along both latitudinal and elevational gradients within the same region generates similar patterns of assembly. Here, we test hypotheses on the relations of mean family age (MFA) of angiosperm trees in local communities with environmental temperature and compare the relations between latitudinal and elevational gradients in eastern North America.LocationUSA.MethodWe used correlation and regression analyses and structure equation modelling approach to assess the relation of MFA to elevation, latitude and climatic variables, which included minimum temperature, temperature seasonality, annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality.ResultsThe MFA of a local forest community decreased with increasing latitude and elevation for all gradients examined. For each gradient, the slope of the relationship between MFA and latitude or elevation was steeper for forest communities with larger values of MFA than for those with smaller values of MFA, and the standard deviation of MFA decreased with increasing latitude and elevation. MFA decreased significantly with decreasing minimum temperature for both latitudinal and elevational gradients, but the slope of the relationship between MFA and minimum temperature was steeper for elevational gradients than for latitudinal gradients. Minimum temperature had a much stronger relationship with MFA than temperature seasonality for both latitudinal and elevational gradients.Main conclusionsOur results indicate that minimum temperature, rather than temperature seasonality, is a major driver of the pattern of decreasing MFA with increasing latitude and elevation, and the relationship between temperature and MFA is stronger (steeper) for elevational gradients than for latitudinal gradients.
Standardization of regimens in Narrowband UVB and PUVA in early stage mycosis fungoides: position paper from the Italian Task Force for Cutaneous Lymphomas
Authors: Grandi V. , Fava P. , Rupoli S. , Alberti Violetti S. , Canafoglia L. , Quaglino P. , Berti E. , Pimpinelli N. ,   Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force (Commissione Linfomi Cutanei) of Lymphoma Italian Foundation (Fondazione Italiana Linfomi, FIL)
Published: November 2017

AbstractUV‐based (PUVA and narrowband UVB) phototherapy is broadly and commonly used in the treatment of Cutaneous T‐cell Lymphomas (CTCL), yet unfortunately, the evidence for the efficacy of these treatments is based only on case series or prospective but non‐randomized studies. Therefore, no internationally approved guidelines exist and no standardization of schedules has been proposed. Recently, consensus guidelines have been published by the United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium. The aim of this study was to review the biological and clinical evidences on PUVA and NB‐UVB in CTCL and to critically evaluate acceptability and feasibility of these guidelines in the real‐life setting from the perspective of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the Italian Lymphoma Foundation (Fondazione Italiana Linfomi, FIL).
Scales of deformation partitioning during exhumation in a continental subduction channel: A petrofabric study of eclogites and gneisses from NW Spain (Malpica‐Tui Allochthonous Complex)
Authors: Puelles P. , Ábalos B. , Gil Ibarguchi J. I. , Rodríguez J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDeformation partitioning is identified as the fingerprint of late Palaeozoic continental subduction that affected various lithologies whose field relationship, thermobarometric and petrofabric features are closely related. Different modes of deformation partitioning can be identified within medium temperature, high‐P eclogite lenses, between them and the host gneisses, and within the latter. Development of foliations and lineations with a coherent attitude in all these rocks and their related structural petrology demonstrate that eclogite enclosures and their country rocks underwent a common, pervasive deformational event. The published P–T stability fields of the eclogite phases that define the microscopic fabric are used to define the metamorphic conditions prevailing during the deformation event and relate it to the subduction process. The mineral equilibria of the gneisses (ortho‐ and paragneisses) fail to record the full range of those P–T conditions, but the field relationships show that eclogites were originally basic dykes emplaced in acid igneous rocks and demonstrate that the eclogites and gneisses shared a common tectonometamorphic evolution. Deformation partitioning within the latter occurred at variable scales and involved (1) meso macroscale preservation of virtually undeformed metagranite bodies, surrounded by (2) pervasively foliated and lineated gneisses, and (3) the simultaneous microscale operation in the latter of ductile and brittle–ductile mechanisms at conditions above 500°C and below 1.5 GPa. A subduction channel tectonic setting is proposed to explain the subduction of upper to mid‐crustal igneous rocks and exhumation subsequent to high‐P metamorphism. Its currently accessible dimensions, and its organization into several lithotectonic units mapped as nappes support tectonic amalgamation of units several km3 in volume. Maximum burial in the subduction channel likely reached depths shallower than the lithostatic pressure implied by geobarometric calculations, possibly conditioned by a sudden pressure drop during the initial retrogression stages accompanying exhumation.
Dietary fibre alleviates hepatic fat deposition via inhibiting lipogenic gene expression in meat ducks
Authors: Qin S. , Han H. , Zhang K. , Ding X. , Bai S. , Wang J. , Zeng Q. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis study investigated the effect of dietary fibre (DF) supplementation on hepatic fat deposition of Cherry Valley meat ducks. A total of 600 1‐d‐old ducks were randomly allotted to five dietary fibre diets (1.46 (basal diet), 3.09, 4.15, 6.18 and 7.52% (analysed)) for 14 days. Growth performance decreased with increasing DF concentrations, when the DF level more than 6.18% the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (F/G) markedly decreased in meat ducks. Meat ducks supplemented over 4.15% DF had lower percentage of liver reported to live weight, liver lipid contents, hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations as well as decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations at 14 days. The transcription of fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and sterol‐regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 (SREBP‐1) in liver was significantly reduced by DF, while no any significant difference was found about the effect of DF on hepatic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), transcription as well as caecal digesta short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA). Data suggested that dietary fibre supplementation decreased hepatic lipid deposition and improved characteristics of liver health via inhibiting hepatic FAS, ACC and SREBP‐1 expression in meat ducks.
Performance, body fat reserves and plasma metabolites in Brown Swiss dairy cows: Indoor feeding versus pasture‐based feeding
Authors: Frey H.‐J. , Gross J. J. , Petermann R. , Probst S. , Bruckmaier R. M. , Hofstetter P. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryFeeding dairy cows indoors or on pasture affects not only labour, machinery and housing costs, but also animals’ performance and metabolism. This study investigates the effects of indoor feeding (IF) with a partial‐mixed ration (PMR) versus pasture‐based feeding (PF) on milk production, fertility, backfat thickness (BFT), body weight (BW) loss and energy metabolism of Brown Swiss (BS) dairy cows with similar genetic production potential. The IF herd consisted of 13 cows fed a PMR composed of maize and grass silage plus protein concentrate according to each cow's requirements. The PF herd consisted of 14 cows offered barn‐ventilated hay ad libitum after calving from January until March and grazed on semi‐continuous pastures during the vegetation period. The IF cows produced more energy‐corrected milk (ECM) per standard lactation (9,407 vs. 5,960 kg; p < .01), more milk fat (378 vs. 227 kg; p < .01) and milk protein (326 vs. 215 kg; p < .01). The calving interval (377 vs. 405 days; p < .01) and time empty (86 vs. 118 days; p < .01) were shorter in the PF compared to IF, possibly also due to different selection criteria for maintaining the respective seasonal calving rhythm. The empty body fat loss calculated according to BCS until its nadir was higher in IF cows (IF: 10.4 vs. PF: 4.8 MJ/day; p < .01), but no differences were noted in total body fat loss estimated via BFT (p = .24). However, PF had lower blood glucose concentration at all investigated time points, but no differences occurred in serum non‐esterified fatty acid and β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations post‐partum. In conclusion, BS cows were equally well suited for the IF with PMR and the PF system investigated here without developing a prominent metabolic load despite differences in nutrient supply. As such, investigated BS dairy cows in our trial seem to have a high capacity for metabolic adaptation to different production systems.
In vitro effects of inulin and soya bean oligosaccharide on skatole production and the intestinal microbiota in broilers
Authors: Liu H. Y. , Hou R. , Yang G. Q. , Zhao F. , Dong W. G. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe experiment was conducted to investigate the in vitro effects of inulin and soya bean oligosaccharide (SBO) on the metabolism of L‐tryptophan (L‐try) to skatole production, and the intestinal microbiota in broilers. Treatments were as follows: caecal microbiota control (Cc), Cc + inulin, Cc + SBO, rectal microbiota control (Rc), Rc + inulin and Rc + SBO. Microbial suspensions were anaerobically incubated at 38°C for 24 hr. The results showed that concentrations of skatole and acetic acid were significantly lower in caecal microbiota fermentation broth (MFB) than those in rectal MFB (p < .05). Addition of inulin or SBO significantly decreased the concentrations of indole and skatole and rate of L‐try degradation (p < .05). Inulin groups had lower indole than SBO groups (p < .05). PCR‐DGGE analysis revealed that addition of inulin or SBO decreased the microbiota richness (p < .05), but no significant differences in Shannon index (p > .05). Four distinct bands were detected in inulin and SBO groups, which were related to two of Bacteroides, one of Firmicutes and Bifidobacteria. Six bands were detected only in control groups, which represented uncultured Rikenellaceae, Roseburia, Escherichia/Shigella dysenteriae, Bacteroides uniformis (T), Parabacteroides distasonis and Enterobacter aerogenes. Populations of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and total bacteria in inulin groups were higher than those in control groups (p < .05). For SBO groups, only population of total bacteria increased (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences in Escherichia coli population among treatments (p > .05). These results suggest that reduced concentrations of skatole and indole in the presence of inulin and SBO may be caused by decrease in L‐try degradation rate, which were caused by change in microbial ecosystem and pH value. Uncultured B. uniformis (T) and E. aerogenes may be responsible for degradation of L‐try to skatole.
The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus infections with today's treatment paradigm: Volume 4
Authors: Chan H. L. Y. , Chen C. J. , Omede O. , Al Qamish J. , Al Naamani K. , Bane A. , Tan S. S. , Simonova M. , Cardenas I. , Derbala M. , Akin O. , Phillips R. O. , Abdelmageed M. K. , Abdulla M. , Adda D. , Al Baqali A. , Al Dweik N. , Al Ejji K. , Al ghazzawi I. , Al Kaabi S. , Al Sadadi M. , Al Salman J. , AlBadri M. , Al‐Busafi S. A. , Al‐Romaihi H. E. , Ampofo W. , Antonov K. , Anyaike C. , Arome F. , Blach S. , Borodo M. M. , Brandon S. M. , Bright B. , Butt M. T. , Chen D. S. , Chen P. J. , Chien R. N. , Chuang W. L. , Cuellar D. , Elbardiny A. A. , Estes C. , Farag E. , Fung J. , Gamkrelidze I. , Garcia V. , Genov J. , Ghandour Z. , Ghuloom M. , Gomez B. , Gunter J. , Habeeb J. , Hajelssedig O. , Hamoudi W. , Himatt S. M. , Hrstic I. , Hu C. C. , Huang C. F. , Hui Y. T. , Jahis R. , Jelev D. , John A. K. , Kaliaskarova K. S. , Kamel Y. , Kao J. H. , Khamis J. , Khattabi H. , Khoudri I. , Konysbekova A. , Kotzev I. , Lai M. S. , Lao W. C. , Layden J. , Lee M. H. , Lesi O. , Li M. , Lo A. , Loo C. K. , Lukšić B. , Maaroufi A. , Malu A. O. , Mateva L. , Mitova R. , Mohamed R. , Morović M. , Murphy K. , Mustapha B. , Nersesov A. , Ngige E. , Njouom R. , Njoya O. , Nonković D. , Obekpa S. , Oguche S. , Okolo E. E. , Omuemu C. , Ondoa P. , Opare‐Sem O. , Owusu‐Ofori S. , Prokopenko Y. N. , Razavi H. , Razavi‐Shearer D. , Razavi‐Shearer K. , Redae B. , Reic T. , Rinke de Wit T. , Rios C. , Robbins S. , Roberts L. R. , Sanad S. J. , Schmelzer J. D. , Sharma M. , Su T. H. , Sultan K. , Tchernev K. , Tsang O. T. Y. , Tsang S. , Tzeuton C. , Ugoeze S. , Uzochukwu B. , Vi R. , Vince A. , Wani H. U. , Wong V. W. S. , Workneh A. , Yacoub R. , Yesmembetov K. I. , Youbi M. , Yuen M. F. , Nde H. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryFactors influencing the morbidity and mortality associated with viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection change over time and place, making it difficult to compare reported estimates. Models were developed for 17 countries (Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Qatar and Taiwan) to quantify and characterize the viremic population as well as forecast the changes in the infected population and the corresponding disease burden from 2015 to 2030. Model inputs were agreed upon through expert consensus, and a standardized methodology was followed to allow for comparison across countries. The viremic prevalence is expected to remain constant or decline in all but four countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan and Oman); however, HCV‐related morbidity and mortality will increase in all countries except Qatar and Taiwan. In Qatar, the high‐treatment rate will contribute to a reduction in total cases and HCV‐related morbidity by 2030. In the remaining countries, however, the current treatment paradigm will be insufficient to achieve large reductions in HCV‐related morbidity and mortality.
Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in select countries—volume 4
Authors: Maaroufi A. , Vince A. , Himatt S. M. , Mohamed R. , Fung J. , Opare‐Sem O. , Workneh A. , Njouom R. , Al ghazzawi I. , Abdulla M. , Kaliaskarova K. S. , Owusu‐Ofori S. , Abdelmageed M. K. , Adda D. , Akin O. , Al Baqali A. , Al Dweik N. , Al Ejji K. , Al Kaabi S. , Al Naamani K. , Al Qamish J. , Al Sadadi M. , Al Salman J. , AlBadri M. , Al‐Busafi S. A. , Al‐Romaihi H. E. , Ampofo W. , Antonov K. , Anyaike C. , Arome F. , Bane A. , Blach S. , Borodo M. M. , Brandon S. M. , Bright B. , Butt M. T. , Cardenas I. , Chan H. L. Y. , Chen C. J. , Chen D. S. , Chen P. J. , Chien R. N. , Chuang W. L. , Cuellar D. , Derbala M. , Elbardiny A. A. , Estes C. , Farag E. , Gamkrelidze I. , Garcia V. , Genov J. , Ghandour Z. , Ghuloom M. , Gomez B. , Gunter J. , Habeeb J. , Hajelssedig O. , Hamoudi W. , Hrstic I. , Hu C. C. , Huang C. F. , Hui Y. T. , Jahis R. , Jelev D. , John A. K. , Kamel Y. , Kao J. H. , Khamis J. , Khattabi H. , Khoudri I. , Konysbekova A. , Kotzev I. , Lai M. S. , Lao W. C. , Layden J. , Lee M. H. , Lesi O. , Li M. , Lo A. , Loo C. K. , Lukšić B. , Malu A. O. , Mateva L. , Mitova R. , Morović M. , Murphy K. , Mustapha B. , Nde H. , Nersesov A. , Ngige E. , Njoya O. , Nonković D. , Obekpa S. , Oguche S. , Okolo E. E. , Omede O. , Omuemu C. , Ondoa P. , Phillips R. O. , Prokopenko Y. N. , Razavi H. , Razavi‐Shearer D. , Redae B. , Reic T. , Rinke de Wit T. , Rios C. , Robbins S. , Roberts L. R. , Sanad S. J. , Schmelzer J. D. , Sharma M. , Simonova M. , Su T. H. , Sultan K. , Tan S. S. , Tchernev K. , Tsang O. T. Y. , Tsang S. , Tzeuton C. , Ugoeze S. , Uzochukwu B. , Vi R. , Wani H. U. , Wong V. W. S. , Yacoub R. , Yesmembetov K. I. , Youbi M. , Yuen M. F. , Razavi‐Shearer K. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryDue to the introduction of newer, more efficacious treatment options, there is a pressing need for policy makers and public health officials to develop or adapt national hepatitis C virus (HCV) control strategies to the changing epidemiological landscape. To do so, detailed, country‐specific data are needed to characterize the burden of chronic HCV infection. In this study of 17 countries, a literature review of published and unpublished data on HCV prevalence, viraemia, genotype, age and gender distribution, liver transplants and diagnosis and treatment rates was conducted, and inputs were validated by expert consensus in each country. Viraemic prevalence in this study ranged from 0.2% in Hong Kong to 2.4% in Taiwan, while the largest viraemic populations were in Nigeria (2 597 000 cases) and Taiwan (569 000 cases). Diagnosis, treatment and liver transplant rates varied widely across the countries included in this analysis, as did the availability of reliable data. Addressing data gaps will be critical for the development of future strategies to manage and minimize the disease burden of hepatitis C.
Analysing Betula litwinowii encroachment and reforestation in the Kazbegi region, Greater Caucasus, Georgia
Authors: Hansen Wiebke , Magiera Anja , Theissen Tim , Waldhardt Rainer , Otte Annette 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsThe encroachment of tree and shrub species in high mountains is an increasing worldwide phenomenon, which is expected to dramatically alter high‐mountain ecosystems and their functioning. Moreover it indicates in some cases a reforestation process, which will result in important ecological and social benefits, including carbon sequestration and protection against landslides. We therefore examined the spatial extent of forest growth and shrub encroachment mainly of birch (Betula litwinowii) in the sub‐alpine belt of the Central Greater Caucasus between 1987 and 2010 and its relation to topographic site conditions.LocationKazbegi district, Central Greater Caucasus, Georgia.MethodsWe analysed 155 vegetation relevés sampled in 2009, 2011 and 2015, mainly derived from the Caucasus Vegetation Database, to obtain information about topographic site conditions and structure of B. litwinowii stands. B. litwinowii forest growth was assessed by digitizing the forest outlines from aerial and space‐borne imagery (1987, 2005 and 2010). To identify areas of B. litwinowii encroachment as an indicator for different encroachment stages, we modelled the tree and shrub cover using the Random Forest algorithm.ResultsWe found four types of B. litwinowii stands, characterized by different tree and shrub coverage (initial Bromus variegatus–Betula litwinowii encroachment indicating the first stage of succession, Aconitum nasutum–Betula litwinowii forest, Rubus idaeus–Betula litwinowii forest and Rhododendron caucasicum–Betula litwinowii tree line scrubs). B. litwinowii forest increased 25% compared to 1987 mainly in an uphill direction. Furthermore the modelled tree and shrub cover (R2 = .69) could be related to the four vegetation types.ConclusionsOur results indicate a recent trend towards shrub encroachment and consequently reforestation in the Kazbegi region.
A re‐analysis that supports our main results: A reply to Levine et al.
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Blank Hartmut , Fisher Ronald P. 
Published: November 2017

Levine et al. (2018) criticized our meta‐analysis, but their conclusion was the same as ours: The cognitive approach to lie detection results in a modest improvement. We address and dismiss Levine et al.'s (2018) three criticisms. Regarding the ‘confound’, in our meta‐analysis we averaged the results of two cells on statistical grounds, which does not constitute a confound in statistical terms. Regarding ‘aberrant controls’, that depends entirely on the benchmarks selected and type of statistical test and meta‐analysis used. Regarding ‘unreliable data’, the claim that there is a positive relationship between ‘unreliable’ data and total accuracy in the cognitive lie detection conditions is not even supported by their own data (p = .16). We conclude with a request to Levine et al. to focus on our shared aim: to develop interview protocols that enable lie detection.
Analysis of recombinational switching at the antigenic variation locus of the Lyme spirochete using a novel PacBio sequencing pipeline
Authors: Verhey Theodore B. , Castellanos Mildred , Chaconas George 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe Lyme disease spirochete evades the host immune system by combinatorial variation of VlsE, a surface antigen. Antigenic variation occurs via segmental gene conversion from contiguous silent cassettes into the vlsE locus. Because of the high degree of similarity between switch variants and the size of vlsE, short‐read NGS technologies have been unsuitable for sequencing vlsE populations. Here we use PacBio sequencing technology coupled with the first fully‐automated software pipeline (VAST) to accurately process NGS data by minimizing error frequency, eliminating heteroduplex errors and accurately aligning switch variants. We extend earlier studies by showing use of almost all of the vlsE SNP repertoire. In different tissues of the same mouse, 99.6% of the variants were unique, suggesting that dissemination of Borrelia burgdorferi is predominantly unidirectional with little tissue‐to‐tissue hematogenous dissemination. We also observed a similar number of variants in SCID and wild‐type mice, a heatmap of location and frequency of amino acid changes on the 3D structure and note differences observed in SCID versus wild type mice that hint at possible amino acid function. Our observed selection against diversification of residues at the dimer interface in wild‐type mice strongly suggests that dimerization is required for in vivo functionality of vlsE.
An acetylatable lysine controls CRP function in E. coli
Authors: Davis Robert , Écija‐Conesa Ana , Gallego‐Jara Julia , de Diego Teresa , Filippova Ekaterina V. , Kuffel Gina , Anderson Wayne F. , Gibson Bradford W. , Schilling Birgit , Canovas Manuel , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryTranscriptional regulation is the key to ensuring that proteins are expressed at the proper time and the proper amount. In Escherichia coli, the transcription factor cAMP receptor protein (CRP) is responsible for much of this regulation. Questions remain, however, regarding the regulation of CRP activity itself. Here, we demonstrate that a lysine (K100) on the surface of CRP has a dual function: to promote CRP activity at Class II promoters, and to ensure proper CRP steady state levels. Both functions require the lysine's positive charge; intriguingly, the positive charge of K100 can be neutralized by acetylation using the central metabolite acetyl phosphate as the acetyl donor. We propose that CRP K100 acetylation could be a mechanism by which the cell downwardly tunes CRP‐dependent Class II promoter activity, whilst elevating CRP steady state levels, thus indirectly increasing Class I promoter activity. This mechanism would operate under conditions that favor acetate fermentation, such as during growth on glucose as the sole carbon source or when carbon flux exceeds the capacity of the central metabolic pathways.