bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flower power: Floral and resource manipulations reveal how and why reproductive trade‐offs occur for lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)
Authors: Bajcz Alex W. , Drummond Francis A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPlant reproductive trade‐offs are thought to be caused by resource limitations or other constraints, but more empirical support for these hypotheses would be welcome. Additionally, quantitative characterization of these trade‐offs, as well as consideration of whether they are linear, could yield additional insights. We expanded our flower removal research on lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) to explore the nature of and causes of its reproductive trade‐offs. We used fertilization, defoliation, positionally biased flower removal, and multiple flower removal levels to discern why reproductive trade‐offs occur in this taxon and to plot these trade‐offs along two continuous axes. We found evidence through defoliation that vegetative mass per stem may trade off with reproductive effort in lowbush blueberry because the two traits compete for limited carbon. Also, several traits including ripe fruit production per reproductive node and fruit titratable acidity may be “sink‐limited”—they decline with increasing reproductive effort because average reproductive structure quality declines. We found no evidence that reproductive trade‐offs were caused by nitrogen limitation. Use of reproductive nodes remaining per stem as a measure of reproductive effort indicated steeper trade‐offs than use of the proportion of nodes remaining. For five of six traits, we found evidence that the trade‐off could be concave down or up instead of strictly linear. Synthesis. To date, studies have aimed primarily at identifying plant reproductive trade‐offs. However, understanding how and why these trade‐offs occur represent the exciting and necessary next steps for this line of inquiry.
Population genetic structure in six sympatric and widespread aquatic plants inhabiting diverse lake environments in China
Authors: Cao Qian‐Jin , Mei Fang‐Fang , Wang Ling 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMany aquatic plant species are distributed over large areas and diverse environments with populations interconnected by abiotic and biotic mediators. Here, we examined differences and similarities in the population genetic structure of six sympatric and widespread aquatic plant species. We sampled the aquatic species from six Chinese lakes found on plateaus, plains, and different river systems and analyzed them using inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Samples originating from each lake tended to cluster together. Of the six species, only Nymphoides peltata and Myriophyllum spicatum could be divided into plateau and plain groups, once Taihu Lake individuals were excluded. Genetic similarities between populations connected by the Yangtze River were not consistently higher than unconnected populations. Populations from Taihu Lake and/or Weishanhu Lake were distant from other lake populations for all species except Potamogeton lucens. The Taihu and Weishanhu populations clustered for Ceratophyllum demersum and Typha latifolia. Hydrophilous C. demersum had the lowest gene flow (Nm = 0.913), whereas the entomophilous Hydrocharis dubia (Nm = 2.084) and N. peltata (Nm = 2.204) had the highest gene flow. The genetic relationships among distant populations of aquatic plants reflect the comprehensive effects of environmental selection pressure and biotic and abiotic connectivity. Differences in environmental factors between plateau and plain lakes and long distance hydrochory have limited importance on aquatic plant genetic structures. Among multiple evolutionary forces, gene flow mediated by birds may play the most important role in the formation of genetic patterns in the six species examined. For example, the close genetic relationship between Taihu Lake and Weishanhu Lake populations, each in different river systems and with different climates, may be related to the migration routes of birds. Differences in gene flow among the six aquatic plants may be attributable to different bird‐transport and the fruit traits of each species.
Upstream trophic structure modulates downstream community dynamics via resource subsidies
Authors: Harvey Eric , Gounand Isabelle , Little Chelsea J. , Fronhofer Emanuel A. , Altermatt Florian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn many natural systems, the physical structure of the landscape dictates the flow of resources. Despite mounting evidence that communities’ dynamics can be indirectly coupled by reciprocal among ecosystem resource flows, our understanding of how directional resource flows might indirectly link biological communities is limited. We here propose that differences in community structure upstream should lead to different downstream dynamics, even in the absence of dispersal of organisms. We report an experimental test of the effect of upstream community structure on downstream community dynamics in a simplified but highly controlled setting, using protist microcosms. We implemented directional flows of resources, without dispersal, from a standard resource pool into upstream communities of contrasting interaction structure and then to further downstream communities of either one or two trophic levels. Our results demonstrate that different types of species interactions in upstream habitats may lead to different population sizes and levels of biomass in these upstream habitats. This, in turn, leads to varying levels of detritus transfer (dead biomass) to the downstream communities, thus influencing their population densities and trophic interactions in predictable ways. Our results suggest that the structure of species interactions in directionally structured ecosystems can be a key mediator of alterations to downstream habitats. Alterations to upstream habitats can thus cascade down to downstream communities, even without dispersal.
Patterns of seasonality and group membership characterize the gut microbiota in a longitudinal study of wild Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi)
Authors: Springer Andrea , Fichtel Claudia , Al‐Ghalith Gabriel A. , Koch Flávia , Amato Katherine R. , Clayton Jonathan B. , Knights Dan , Kappeler Peter M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe intestinal microbiota plays a major role in host development, metabolism, and health. To date, few longitudinal studies have investigated the causes and consequences of microbiota variation in wildlife, although such studies provide a comparative context for interpreting the adaptive significance of findings from studies on humans or captive animals. Here, we investigate the impact of seasonality, diet, group membership, sex, age, and reproductive state on gut microbiota composition in a wild population of group‐living, frugi‐folivorous primates, Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi). We repeatedly sampled 32 individually recognizable animals from eight adjacent groups over the course of two different climatic seasons. We used high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to determine the microbiota composition of 187 fecal samples. We demonstrate a clear pattern of seasonal variation in the intestinal microbiota, especially affecting the Firmicutes‐Bacteroidetes ratio, which may be driven by seasonal differences in diet. The relative abundances of certain polysaccharide‐fermenting taxa, for example, Lachnospiraceae, were correlated with fruit and fiber consumption. Additionally, group membership influenced microbiota composition independent of season, but further studies are needed to determine whether this pattern is driven by group divergences in diet, social contacts, or genetic factors. In accordance with findings in other wild mammals and primates with seasonally fluctuating food availability, we demonstrate seasonal variation in the microbiota of wild Verreaux's sifakas, which may be driven by food availability. This study adds to mounting evidence that variation in the intestinal microbiota may play an important role in the ability of primates to cope with seasonal variation in food availability.
Self‐ and intra‐morph incompatibility and selection analysis of an inconspicuous distylous herb growing on the Tibetan plateau (Primula tibetica)
Authors: Jiang Xian‐Feng , Li Qing‐Jun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThere is discussion over whether pollen limitation exerts selection on floral traits to increase floral display or selects for traits that promote autonomous self‐fertilization. Some studies have indicated that pollen limitation does not mediate selection on traits associated with either pollinator attraction or self‐fertilization.Primula tibeticais an inconspicuous cross‐fertilized plant that may suffer from pollen limitation. We conducted a selection analysis onP. tibeticato investigate whether pollen limitation results in selection for an increased floral display in case the evolution of autonomous self‐fertilization has been difficult for this plant. The self‐ and intra‐morph incompatibility features, the capacity for autonomous self‐fertilization, and the magnitude of pollen limitation were examined through hand‐pollination experiments. In 2016, we applied selection analysis on the flowering time, corolla width, stalk height, flower tube length, and flower number inP. tibeticaby tagging 76 open‐pollinated plants and 37 hand‐pollinated plants in the field. Our results demonstrated thatP. tibeticawas strictly self‐ and intra‐morph incompatible. Moreover, the study population underwent severe pollen limitation during the 2016 flowering season. The selection gradients were found to be significantly positive for flowering time, flower number, and corolla width, and marginally significant for the stalk height. Pollinator‐mediated selection was found to be significant on the flower number and corolla width, and marginally significant on stalk height. Our results indicate that the increased floral display may be a vital strategy for small distylous species that have faced difficulty in evolving autonomous self‐fertilization.
Biomass and elemental concentrations of 22 rice cultivars grown under alternate wetting and drying conditions at three field sites in Bangladesh
Authors: Norton Gareth J. , Travis Anthony J. , Danku John M. C. , Salt David E. , Hossain Mahmud , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Price Adam H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs the global population grows, demand on food production will also rise. For rice, one limiting factor effecting production could be availability of fresh water, hence adoption of techniques that decrease water usage while maintaining or increasing crop yield are needed. Alternative wetting and drying (AWD) is one of these techniques. AWD is a method by which the level of water within a rice field cycles between being flooded and nonflooded during the growth period of the rice crop. The degree to which AWD affects cultivars differently has not been adequately addressed to date. In this study, 22 rice cultivars, mostly landraces of the aus subpopulation, plus some popular improved indica cultivars from Bangladesh, were tested for their response to AWD across three different field sites in Bangladesh. Grain and shoot elemental concentrations were determined at harvest. Overall, AWD slightly increased grain mass and harvest index compared to plants grown under continually flooded (CF) conditions. Plants grown under AWD had decreased concentrations of nitrogen in their straw compared to plants grown under CF. The concentration of elements in the grain were also affected when plants were grown under AWD compared to CF: Nickel, copper, cadmium and iron increased, but sodium, potassium, calcium, cobalt, phosphorus, molybdenum and arsenic decreased in the grains of plants grown under AWD. However, there was some variation in these patterns across different sites. Analysis of variance revealed no significant cultivar × treatment interaction, or site × cultivar × treatment interaction, for any of the plant mass traits. Of the elements analyzed, only grain cadmium concentrations were significantly affected by treatment × cultivar interactions. These data suggest that there is no genetic adaptation amongst the cultivars screened for response to AWD, except for grain cadmium concentration and imply that breeding specifically for AWD is not needed.
Hunting, Gathering, and Fishing on the Coast of the Atacama Desert: Chinchorro Population Mobility Patterns Inferred from Strontium Isotopes
Authors: Standen Vivien G. , Santoro Calogero M. , Arriaza Bernardo , Coleman Drew 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe discuss how the Chinchorro population of hunter‐gatherers and fishermen organized their mobility patterns between the rich marine ecosystems of the Pacific coast and the extreme hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert through the application of strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr). We analyzed tooth enamel samples of 35 individuals from the coast (n = 28), inland oasis (n = 6), and the Andean highlands (n = 1). The Sr isotopic composition of modern and archaeological bone samples from sea mammals and land herbivores were obtained from 10 localities. Coastal human individuals show a similar Sr signal to sea mammals, confirming that the former were born and raised in the littoral zone. These results along with archaeological data suggest that the Chinchorro maintained logistic mobility along the coast. Similarly, a woman buried in the highlands (Patapatane) has a Sr signal closer to marine values, suggesting that some Chinchorro also maintained a logistic mobility linked to the Andean interior. In contrast, the Sr ratios of individuals from the inland oasis (Tiliviche) are intermediate between marine Sr values and those of local fauna. This seems to indicate that, although these Chinchorro individuals were raised in this oasis, they were part of a broad logistic mobility pattern connected with the coast.
Brenner Base Tunnel: First results of the exploratory tunnels from a geological and geomechanical point of view
Authors: Skuk Stefan , Schierl Heimo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) is a straight, flat railway tunnel between Austria and Italy. It runs from Innsbruck to Fortezza (55 km), crossing the main Alpine crest with an overburden up to 1.7 km. Including the connection to the line around Innsbruck, which has already been built and which is the endpoint for the BBT, the total length of the tunnel will be about 64 km. Once finished, the BBT will be the longest underground rail link in the world. A peculiar feature of the BBT is the exploratory tunnel running from one end to the other. This tunnel lies between the two main tunnels and about 12 m below them and is noticeably smaller than the main tubes.So far, a total of 60 km of tunnels have already been excavated in Austria and Italy (access tunnels, exploratory tunnel, main tubes and chambers), driven both by blasting and by TBM. Crossing fault zones is a geological and geomechanical challenge, both for TBM and conventional excavation methods. The Periadriatic fault zone, with a total length of 1 km, has already been driven through. This first step of the project provides an interesting look at the comparison of the predicted rock mass conditions with those that were actually encountered, the rock mass behaviour in fault zones and investigation measures ahead of the tunnel face.
Efficacy of first‐trimester ultrasound parameters for prediction of early spontaneous abortion
Authors: Datta Mamta Rath , Raut Ankush 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess first‐trimester ultrasound measurements for the prediction of early spontaneous abortion.MethodsIn a prospective observational study in Jamshedpur, India, women with singleton pregnancies of 42–76 days were enrolled between November 2014 and April 2016. Inclusion criteria were spontaneous conception, embryonic cardiac activity, and regular menstrual cycle. Fetal crown‐to‐rump length (CRL), gestational sac diameter (GSD), yolk sac diameter (YSD), and fetal heart rate (FHR) were measured by transvaginal ultrasonography. Ultrasonography was repeated at 12 weeks and beyond to determine pregnancy continuation.ResultsAmong 800 women, 140 (17.5%) experienced early spontaneous abortion. CRL, GSD, and FHR values below the 5th percentile (odds ratio [OR] 26.48, 26.94, and 100.63, respectively), and YSD above the 95th percentile (OR 1.04) were predictors of early abortion. Normal YSD did not reduce the risk of abortion if the other three parameters were below the 5th percentile (OR 34.27). For every 10‐bpm decrease in FHR below 130, there was 26.7% increased risk of abortion. GSD−CRL difference of less than 5 mm was associated with a higher likelihood of abortion (OR 4.88).ConclusionFirst‐trimester ultrasound measurements are predictors of early abortion. Risk assessment tables based on combinations of abnormal measures might improve prediction rates.
Clinical indications for cesarean delivery among women living with female genital mutilation
Authors: Rodriguez Maria I. , Say Lale , Abdulcadir Jasmine , Hindin Michelle J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare primary indications for cesarean delivery among patients with different female genital mutilation (FGM) status.MethodsThe present secondary analysis included data from women who underwent trial of labor resulting in cesarean delivery at 28 obstetric centers in six African countries between November 1, 2001, and March 31, 2003. Associations between cesarean delivery indications andFGMstatus were assessed using descriptive statistics and multivariable multinomial logistic regression.ResultsData from 1659 women (480 patients with no type ofFGMand 1179 patients withFGM[any type]) were included; cesarean delivery indications were collapsed into five categories (fetal indications, maternal factors, stage 1 arrest, stage 2 arrest, and other). The incidence of a clear medical indication for cesarean delivery did not differ between the groups (P=0.320). Among patients without a clear indication for cesarean delivery, women withFGMwere more likely to have undergone cesarean delivery for maternal factors (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 3.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–11.71), stage 1 arrest (aRRR7.74, 95%CI1.33–45.07), stage 2 arrest (aRRR6.63, 95%CI3.74–11.73), or other factors (aRRR2.41, 95%CI1.04–5.60) rather than fetal factors compared with women who had no type of FGM.ConclusionAmong women with unclear medical indications,FGMwas associated with cesarean delivery being performed for maternal factors or arrest disorders.
Blood pressure in adolescent patients with pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia
Authors: Olaya‐Garay Sandra X. , Velásquez‐Trujillo Paula A. , Vigil‐De Gracia Paulino 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare variables among adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with severe pre‐eclampsia or eclampsia.MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study enrolled patients with severe pre‐eclampsia or eclampsia treated at an intensive care unit in Neiva, Colombia, between January 1 and November 30, 2014. Patients were stratified using age (younger than 20 years [adolescents] and aged at least 20 years [adults]) and patient variables were compared between groups. Maternal age, pregnancy duration at delivery, eclampsia, blood pressure, severe hypertension, maternal organ damage, HELLP syndrome, obstetric hemorrhage, laboratory findings, need for blood transfusion and fetal data were analyzed by group.ResultsThere were 171 patients enrolled; 154 (90.1%) with severe pre‐eclampsia and 17 (9.9%) with eclampsia. There were 46 (26.9%) adolescent patients and 125 (73.1%) adults, and 13 (28.3%) and 4 (3.2%) patients had eclampsia in the adolescent and adult groups, respectively (P=0.001). The systolic (P=0.081), diastolic (P=0.174), and mean (P=0.102) blood pressure did not differ significantly between the groups but were higher in the adult group. The incidence of severe hypertension was significantly higher among adult patients (P=0.037).ConclusionThe blood pressure used in defining pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia should differ for adolescent patients in comparison with the rest of the population.
T lymphocytes dominate local leukocyte infiltration in response to intradermal injection of functionalized graphene‐based nanomaterial
Authors: Erf G. F. , Falcon D. M. , Sullivan K. S. , Bourdo S. E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGraphene‐based nanomaterials (GBN) have many potential biomedical applications. However, information regarding their biological properties and interactions with cells and/or soluble factors within a complex tissue is limited. The objective of this study was to use the growing feather (GF) of chickens as a minimally invasive cutaneous test‐site to assess and monitor leukocyte recruitment in response to intradermal GBN injection. Specifically, the dermis of 20 GFs per chicken was injected with 10 μl of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS)‐vehicle or 10 μl of 300 μg ml−1 oxygen‐functionalized (f) GBN (6 chickens/treatment). GFs were collected before‐ (0) and at 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 days post‐injection and used for leukocyte‐population analysis of immunofluorescently stained pulp cell suspensions or histological examination. Based on flow‐cytometric cell population analysis, lymphocytes and macrophages were the major leukocyte‐populations infiltrating GFs in response to f‐GBN presence. Compared with PBS‐controls, levels of T cells (γδ‐, αβ‐, CD4‐ and CD8‐T cells) were greatly elevated in f‐GBN‐injected GFs within 6 h and remained elevated throughout the 7‐day examination period. f‐GBN's effects on local tissue leukocyte recruitment were not reflected in the blood, except for a higher percentage of lymphocytes on 7 days. These observations together with a visual examination of f‐GBN‐injected GF tissue‐sections suggest a delayed‐type hypersensitivity‐like, inflammatory cell‐mediated response to the non‐biodegradable f‐GBN. The GF ‘in vivo test‐tube‘system together with blood sampling provided unique insight into the time‐course, qualitative, and quantitative aspects of immune system activities initiated by the presence of f‐GBN in a complex tissue of a living animal. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterization of the zebrafish glutathione S‐transferase Pi‐1
Authors: Abunnaja Maryam S. , Kurogi Katsuhisa , Mohammed Yasir I. , Sakakibara Yoichi , Suiko Masahito , Hassoun Ezdihar A. , Liu Ming‐Cheh 
Published: June 2017

AbstractZebrafish has in recent years emerged as a popular vertebrate model for use in pharmacological and toxicological studies. While there have been sporadic studies on the zebrafish glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs), the zebrafish GST gene superfamily still awaits to be fully elucidated. We report here the identification of 15 zebrafish cytosolic GST genes in NCBI GenBank database and the expression, purification, and enzymatic characterization of the zebrafish cytosolic GST Pi‐1 (GSTP1). The cDNA encoding the zebrafish GSTP1 was cloned from a 3‐month‐old female zebrafish, expressed in Eschelichia coli host cells, and purified. Purified GSTP1 displayed glutathione‐conjugating activity toward 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene as a representative substrate. The enzymatic characteristics of the zebrafish GSTP1, including pH‐dependency, effects of metal cations, and kinetic parameters, were studied. Moreover, the expression of zebrafish GSTP1 at different developmental stages during embryogenesis, throughout larval development, onto maturity was examined.