bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QTL mapping reveals complex genetic architecture of quantitative virulence in the wheat pathogenZymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Stewart E. L. , Croll D. , Lendenmann M. H. , Vallet A. Sanchez , Hartmann F. E. , Guerrero J Palma , Ma Z. , McDonald B. A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryWe conducted a comprehensive analysis of virulence in the fungal wheat pathogenZymoseptoria triticiusing QTL mapping. High throughput phenotyping based on automated image analysis allowed measurement of pathogen virulence on a scale and with a precision that was not previously possible. Across two mapping populations encompassing more than 520 progeny, 540,710 pycnidia were counted and their sizes and grey values were measured, yielding over 1.6 million phenotypes associated with pathogen reproduction. Large pycnidia were shown to produce more numerous and larger spores than small pycnidia. Precise measures of percent leaf area covered by lesions provided a quantitative measure of host damage. Combining these large and accurate phenotype datasets with a dense panel of RADseq genetic markers enabled us to genetically dissect pathogen virulence into components related to host damage and components related to pathogen reproduction. We show that different components of virulence can be under separate genetic control. Large-and small-effect QTLs were identified for all traits, with some QTLs specific to mapping populations, cultivars and traits and other QTLs shared among traits within the same mapping population. We associated the presence or absence of accessory chromosomes with several virulence traits, providing the first evidence for an important function associated with accessory chromosomes in this organism. A large-effect QTL involved in host specialization was identified on chromosome 7, leading to identification of candidate genes having a large effect on virulence.
Contrasting patterns of short‐term indirect seed–seed interactions mediated by scatter‐hoarding rodents
Authors: Xiao Zhishu , Zhang Zhibin 
Published: May 2016

Summary

It is well known that direct effects of seed predators or dispersers can have strong effects on seedling establishment. However, we have limited knowledge about the indirect species interactions between seeds of different species that are mediated by shared seed predators and/or dispersers and their consequences for plant demography and diversity. Because scatter‐hoarding rodents as seed dispersers may leave some hoarded seeds uneaten, scatter hoarding may serve to increase seed survival and dispersal. Consequently, the presence of heterospecific seeds could alter whether the indirect interactions mediated by scatter‐hoarding rodents have a net positive effect, creating apparent mutualism between seed species, or a net negative effect, creating apparent competition between seed species.

We present a testable framework to measure short‐term indirect effects between co‐occurring plant species mediated by seed scatter‐hoarding rodents. We tested this framework in a subtropical forest in south‐west China using a replacement design and tracked the fate of individually tagged seeds in experimental patches. We manipulated the benefits to rodents by using low‐tannin dormant chestnuts as palatable food and high‐tannin non‐dormant acorns as unpalatable food.

We found that seed palatability changed the amount of scatter hoarding that occurred when seeds co‐occurred either among or within patches. Consistent with our predictions, scatter‐hoarding rodents created apparent mutualism through increasing seed removal and seed caching, and enhancing survival, of both plant species in mixed patches compared with monospecific patches. However, if we ignore scatter hoarding and treat all seed harvest as seed predation (and not dispersal), then apparent competition between palatable chestnuts and unpalatable acorns was also observed.

This study is the first to demonstrate that foraging decisions by scatter‐hoarding animals to scatter hoard seeds for later consumption (or loss) or consume them can influence indirect effects among co‐occurring seeds, and rodent‐mediated indirect effects vary depending on whether the harvested seeds are hoarded or eaten.
On the link between functional traits and growth rate: meta‐analysis shows effects change with plant size, as predicted
Authors: Gibert Anaïs , Gray Emma F. , Westoby Mark , Wright Ian J. , Falster Daniel S. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryA plant's growth rate is seen as a central element of its ecological strategy, and as determined by its traits. Yet the literature is inconsistent about the empirical correlation between functional traits and growth, casting doubt on the capacity of some prominent traits to influence growth rate.We propose that traits should influence growth in a way that depends on the size of individual plants. We outline mechanisms and hypotheses based on new theoretical work and test these predictions in tree species using a meta‐analysis of 103 studies (> 500 correlations) for five traits (specific leaf area, wood density, maximum height, seed mass and maximum assimilation rate). We also recorded data for 14 other traits commonly used in the trait literature. To capture the effects of plant size, we tested for a shift in the direction of correlation between growth rates and each trait across three ontogenetic stages: seedling, sapling and adult.Results were consistent with predictions, although there were some limitations arising from unequal numbers of observation across ontogenetic stages. Specific leaf area was correlated with relative growth rate in seedlings but not in adult plants. Correlations of growth with wood density were not affected by ontogenetic stage. Seed mass, assimilation rate and maximum height were correlated with relative growth rate only in one ontogenetic stage category: seedlings, seedlings and adults, respectively.Although we were able to confirm several of our theoretical predictions, major knowledge gaps still exist in the trait literature. For example, for one‐third of the traits considered, the majority (> 75%) of reported correlations with growth came from the same ontogenetic stage.Synthesis. We show for some traits, how trait–growth correlations change in a predictable way with plant size. Our understanding of plant strategies should shift away from describing species as having a fixed growth strategy throughout their life (on a continuous axis from slow to fast growth), in favour of a size‐dependent growth trajectories.
The Role of Interface Shape on the Impact Characteristics and Cranial Fracture Patterns Using the Immature Porcine Head Model, ,
Authors: Vaughan Patrick E. , Vogelsberg Caitlin C. M. , Vollner Jennifer M. , Fenton Todd W. , Haut Roger C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe forensic literature suggests that when adolescents fall onto edged and pointed surfaces, depressed fractures can occur at low energy levels. This study documents impact biomechanics and fracture characteristics of infant porcine skulls dropped onto flat, curved, edged, and focal surfaces. Results showed that the energy needed for fracture initiation was nearly four times higher against a flat surface than against the other surfaces. While characteristic measures of fracture such as number and length of fractures did not vary with impact surface shape, the fracture patterns did depend on impact surface shape. While experimental impacts against the flat surface produced linear fractures initiating at sutural boundaries peripheral to the point of impact (POI), more focal impacts produced depressed fractures initiating at the POI. The study supported case‐based forensic literature suggesting cranial fracture patterns depend on impact surface shape and that fracture initiation energy is lower for more focal impacts.
Campylobacter jejuni in Musca domestica: An examination of survival and transmission potential in light of the innate immune responses of the house flies
Authors: Gill Carson , Bahrndorff Simon , Lowenberger Carl 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe house fly, Musca domestica, has been implicated as a vector of Campylobacter spp., a major cause of human disease. Little is known whether house flies serve as biological amplifying hosts or mechanical vectors for Campylobacter jejuni. We investigated the period after C. jejuni had been ingested by house flies in which viable C. jejuni colonies could be isolated from whole bodies, the vomitus and the excreta of adult M. domestica and evaluated the activation of innate immune responses of house flies to ingested C. jejuni over time. C. jejuni could be cultured from infected houseflies soon after ingestion but no countable C. jejuni colonies were observed > 24 h postingestion. We detected viable C. jejuni in house fly vomitus and excreta up to 4 h after ingestion, but no viable bacteria were detected ≥ 8 h. Suppression subtractive hybridization identified pathogen‐induced gene expression in the intestinal tracts of adult house flies 4–24 h after ingesting C. jejuni. We measured the expression of immune regulatory (thor, JNK, and spheroide) and effector (cecropin, diptericin, attacin, defensing, and lysozyme) genes in C. jejuni‐infected and ‐uninfected house flies using quantitative real time PCR. Some house fly factor, or combination of factors, eliminates C. jejuni within 24 h postingestion. Because C. jejuni is not amplified within the body of the housefly, this insect likely serves as a mechanical vector rather than as a true biological, amplifying vector for C. jejuni, and adds to our understanding of insect–pathogen interactions.
A spotlight on snow leopard conservation in China
Authors: ALEXANDER Justine S , ZHANG Chengcheng , SHI Kun , RIORDAN Philip 
Published: May 2016

AbstractChina holds the greatest proportion of the snow leopard's (Panthera uncia) global range and is central to their conservation. The country is also undergoing unprecedented economic growth, which increases both the threats to the snow leopard and the opportunities for its conservation. In this paper we aim to review published literature (from 1950 to 2014) in English and Mandarin on snow leopard ecology and conservation in China in order to identify thematic and geographic research gaps and propose research priorities. We first retrieved all published items that considered snow leopards in China (n = 106). We extracted from these papers 274 reports of snow leopard presence in China. We then reviewed a subset of papers (n = 33) of this literature, which specifically focused on snow leopard ecology and conservation within China. We introduced a thematic framework that allows a structured and comprehensive assessment of findings. This framework recognizes 4 critical and interrelated topics underpinning snow leopard ecology and conservation: habitat (distribution and protected area coverage); prey (distribution and abundance, predator–prey relationships); human interactions (hunting and trade, livestock interactions and conflicts); and the underlying policy context. Significant gains in knowledge as well as research gaps and priorities are discussed with reference to our framework. The modest quantity and limited scope of published research on the snow leopard in China calls for a continued and intensified effort to inform and support national conservation policies.
Isaacs' syndrome in a patient with dermatomyositis: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lertnawapan Ratchaya , Kulkantrakorn Kongkiat 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis is a case report of Isaacs' syndrome in dermatomyositis. The patient presented with proximal muscle weakness, rash, elevated muscle enzyme, myopathic electromyograph and typical muscle biopsy. Ultimately he developed typical symptoms of Isaacs' syndrome which is an autoimmune channelopathy from voltage gated potassium channel antibody (anti‐VGKC) leading to dysfunction of axonal discharge at neuromuscular junctions. It shares some similar characteristics with dermatomyositis such as autoimmunity, its association with malignancy and the response to treatment.
The role of staging surgery in the treatment of apparent early‐stage malignant ovarian germ cell tumours
Authors: Zhao Ting , Zhang Hao , Liu Yan , Jiang Hongyuan , Wang Xiao , Lu Yuan 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundMalignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCTs) are usually detected at an early stage, with patients achieving a satisfactory prognosis. However, the role of staging surgery in the treatment of apparent early‐stage MOGCTs remains controversial.AimsTo investigate the role of staging procedures in apparent early‐stage patients.Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 102 patients who were diagnosed with MOGCTs and had malignant lesions confined to their ovaries, between January 1997 and October 2014 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software which included survival analysis by Kaplan–Meier method and Fisher's exact test.ResultsThree patients relapsed and one died. The five‐year overall survival rate and disease‐free survival rate were 98.7% and 96.4%, respectively. Eighty‐nine patients (87.3%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and only 23 patients (22.5%) were completely staged. In total, 3/49 (6.1%), 1/44 (2.3%) and 0/49 (0.0%) patients were diagnosed with malignant cells in peritoneal fluid, pelvic lymph nodes and omentum, respectively. Positive tumour cells were not correlated with recurrence. Univariate analysis revealed that neither complete staging surgery nor individual factors were useful prognostic factors for disease‐free survival.ConclusionsThe staging surgery could be omitted for apparent early‐stage patients affected by MOGCTs without adverse impact upon survival.
Microparticles in sickle cell anaemia: promise and pitfalls
Authors: Hebbel Robert P. , Key Nigel S. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBlood from patients with sickle cell disease contains microparticles (MP) derived from multiple cell sources, including red cells, platelets, monocytes and endothelial cells. MPs are of great interest because of their disease associations, their status as promising biomarkers, and the intercellular communications they mediate. To illustrate the likelihood of their relevance in sickle cell disease, we discuss the nature of MP, their profiling in sickle disease, some caveats relevant to their detection, their roles in supporting coagulation and the disparate influences they may exert upon the pathobiology of sickle cell disease.
Assent for children's participation in research: why it matters and making it meaningful
Authors: Oulton K. , Gibson F. , Sell D. , Williams A. , Pratt L. , Wray J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere are gaps in the existing evidence base about assent, with conflicting and unhelpful views prevalent. We contend that appropriate assent is a valuable process that has important consequences for children's/young people's participation in research. Furthermore, there is a need for a model to support researchers in making decisions about who to assent and how to do this is a meaningful way.MethodsWe undertook a scoping review of the literature to assess the body of opinion on assent in research with children/young people. An anonymous online survey was conducted to gather views from the wider community undertaking research with children/young people. We also sought to gather examples of current and effective practice that could be shared beyond the level of a single institution and our own experience. Survey participants included 48 health professionals with varied levels of experience, all actively involved in research with children.ResultsPublished work, the findings from the online survey and our knowledge as experienced researchers in the field have confirmed four domains that should be considered in order for assent to be meaningful and individualized: child‐related factors, family dynamics, study design and complexity and researcher and organizational factors. Mapping these domains onto the three paradigm cases for decision‐making around children and young people's assent/consent as recommended by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has resulted in a model that will aid researchers in understanding the relationship between assent and consent and help them make decisions about when assent is appropriate.ConclusionsThe debate about assent needs to move away from terminology, definition and legal issues. It should focus instead on practical ways of supporting researchers to work in partnership with children, thus ensuring a more informed, voluntary and more robust and longer lasting commitment to research.
Rounding up the usual suspects: a standard target‐gene approach for resolving the interfamilial phylogenetic relationships of ecribellate orb‐weaving spiders with a new family‐rank classification (Araneae, Araneoidea)
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitar , Benavides Ligia R. , Arnedo Miquel A. , Giribet Gonzalo , Griswold Charles E. , Scharff Nikolaj , Hormiga Gustavo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe test the limits of the spider superfamily Araneoidea and reconstruct its interfamilial relationships using standard molecular markers. The taxon sample (363 terminals) comprises for the first time representatives of all araneoid families, including the first molecular data of the family Synaphridae. We use the resulting phylogenetic framework to study web evolution in araneoids. Araneoidea is monophyletic and sister to Nicodamoidea rank. n. Orbiculariae are not monophyletic and also include the RTA clade, Oecobiidae and Hersiliidae. Deinopoidea is paraphyletic with respect to a lineage that includes the RTA clade, Hersiliidae and Oecobiidae. The cribellate orb‐weaving family Uloboridae is monophyletic and is sister group to a lineage that includes the RTA Clade, Hersiliidae and Oecobiidae. The monophyly of most Araneoidea families is well supported, with a few exceptions. Anapidae includes holarchaeids but the family remains diphyletic even if Holarchaea is considered an anapid. The orb‐web is ancient, having evolved by the early Jurassic; a single origin of the orb with multiple “losses” is implied by our analyses. By the late Jurassic, the orb‐web had already been transformed into different architectures, but the ancestors of the RTA clade probably built orb‐webs. We also find further support for a single origin of the cribellum and multiple independent losses. The following taxonomic and nomenclatural changes are proposed: the cribellate and ecribellate nicodamids are grouped in the superfamily Nicodamoidea rank n. (Megadictynidae rank res. and Nicodamidae stat. n.). Araneoidea includes 17 families with the following changes: Araneidae is re‐circumscribed to include nephilines, Nephilinae rank res., Arkyidae rank n., Physoglenidae rank n., Synotaxidae is limited to the genus Synotaxus, Pararchaeidae is a junior synonym of Malkaridae (syn. n.), Holarchaeidae of Anapidae (syn. n.) and Sinopimoidae of Linyphiidae (syn. n.).
FIT for the future: a case for risk‐based colorectal cancer screening using the faecal immunochemical test
Authors: Cooper J. A. , Moss S. M. , Smith S. , Seaman H. E. , Taylor‐Phillips S. , Parsons N. , Halloran S. P. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWorldwide, the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) is being replaced with the more accurate faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. From January 2016, the National Screening Committee in the UK has recommended a change from the gFOBT to the FIT following a successful Bowel Cancer Screening Programme pilot study with over 40 000 participants. Although the test has shown improved uptake and the ability to detect significantly more colorectal cancers and advanced adenomas, the higher uptake and test positivity will challenge the capacity of colonoscopy services. One of the main advantages of the FIT is that it provides a quantitative haemoglobin concentration which has been shown to relate to the risk of CRC. Risk scoring systems which combine the FIT concentration with risk factor assessment have been shown to improve the sensitivity of the test. This individualized approach to screening could enable those at greatest risk to be referred for colonoscopy, optimizing resource use and ultimately patient outcomes.
A difficult case of recurrent hypoglycaemia: role of insulin assays in establishing the diagnosis
Authors: Joshi T. , Caswell A. , Acharya S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundInsulin assays are designed to detect endogenous insulin, however, insulin assays produced by different manufacturers may detect exogenous recombinant insulin, with varying degrees of cross‐reactivity between different assays. We report a fascinating and difficult case of recurrent hypoglycaemia, where the final diagnosis was established with the help of insulin assays using different platforms.Case ReportA 24‐year‐old female presented with recurrent hypoglycaemic episodes on a background of Type 1 diabetes mellitus and a completely resected synovial sarcoma of the right hip several years previously. She reported significant physical, sexual and emotional abuse leading to reduced appetite and weight loss. Despite withdrawing insulin therapy, she experienced profound hypoglycaemic episodes with detectable C‐peptide and inappropriately elevated insulin levels, suggesting endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia; however, localization studies were negative and finally she was found to have exogenous hyperinsulinaemia after discordant insulin levels were detected using two different insulin assays. The C‐peptide level was elevated as a result of stimulation by parenteral dextrose and was suppressed after dextrose was ceased. Her Type 1 diabetes mellitus was fabricated and she had factitious hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsFactitious hypoglycemia is difficult to diagnose and treat. A low blood glucose level, suppressed C‐peptide level and an inappropriately elevated insulin level is the classic finding. We were able to make a diagnosis in the present case after discordant insulin levels were detected on the two different insulin assays, signifying cross‐reactivities of the recombinant insulin with the assays. A multidisciplinary team approach with psychiatric input is needed to treat such cases.
Effect of bright wing color of males on other males in Favonius taxila (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) with sexual dimorphism in wing color
Authors: Imafuku Michio , Hirose Yukihiro 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo examine the effect of wing colors of Favonius taxila males on other males, an intact bright butterfly model or a dull butterfly model whose wing scales had been dislodged was placed in a potential territory, and the behavior of invading males was recorded. The invader showed decreased probability of landing there with a bright model in place compared with a dull model, and exhibited complex flights with frequent turning for a bright model, in contrast to simple flights with relatively linear paths for a dull model. These results support the idea of intrasexual selection in which bright colors of males' wings have evolved through male–male interactions.