bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colocalization of Granulysin Protein Forms with Perforin and LAMP‐1 in Decidual Lymphocytes During Early Pregnancy
Authors: Dominovic Marin , Laskarin Gordana , Glavan Gacanin Lana , Haller Herman , Rukavina Daniel 
Published: March 2016

ProblemGranulysin (GNLY) occurs in two forms, which have molecular weights of 9 and 15 kDa. We analyzed the cytotoxic potential of decidual lymphocytes (DLs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) based on the forms of GNLY that colocalizes with perforin (PER) and LAMP‐1 following activation.MethodsThe forms of GNLY were detected by using confocal microscopy. We investigated the colocalization with PER and LAMP‐1 in freshly isolated and activated DLs and PBLs.ResultsActivation of DLs and PBLs by K‐562 cells increased the colocalization of 9 kDa GNLY with PER and LAMP‐1. K‐562 cells transfected with HLA‐C decreased 9 kDa GNLY colocalization with PER in DLs only. IL‐15 in DLs decreased 9 kDa GNLY and LAMP‐1 colocalization, but increased both 15 kDa GNLY and LAMP‐1, and PER and LAMP‐1 colocalization.ConclusionActivated DLs and PBLs show greater cytotoxic potential based on increased colocalization of 9 kDa GNLY and PER. HLA‐C and IL‐15 affect DLs, indicating their role in maintaining the pregnancy tolerance.
Development of a population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model of a single bolus dose of unfractionated heparin in paediatric patients
Authors: Al‐Sallami Hesham , Newall Fiona , Monagle Paul , Ignjatovic Vera , Cranswick Noel , Duffull Stephen 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundUnfractionated heparin (UFH) is the anticoagulant of choice in paediatric patients undergoing a variety of cardiac procedures. There are currently no population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models for UFH in paediatrics.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a PKPD model of UFH in paediatrics.MethodsData from 64 children who received 75–100 IU kg−1 of UFH during cardiac angiography were analysed. Five blood samples were collected at baseline and at 15, 30, 45 and 120 min postdose. The UFH concentration was quantified using a protamine titration assay. The UFH effect was quantified using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). A PKPD model was fitted using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. Patient covariates such as gender, weight (WT) and fat‐free mass (FFM) were tested. The final model was evaluated using the likelihood ratio test and visual predictive checks (VPCs).ResultsA one‐compartment model with linear elimination provided the best fit for the dose–concentration data. FFM was a significant covariate on clearance. A linear model provided the best fit for the concentration–effect data using aPTT as a biomarker for effect. The models performed well using VPCs. However, when used to simulate UFH infusion (at a much lower dose), the model overpredicted target aPTT responses.ConclusionsA PKPD model to describe the time course of the UFH effect was developed in a paediatric population. FFM was shown to describe drug disposition well. However, when applied to smaller UFH infusion doses, the model overpredicted target aPTT responses. This unsuccessful extrapolation may be attributed to a possible nonlinear relationship for heparin PKPD.
Evaluating arguments during instigations of defence motivation and accuracy motivation
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Hong 
Published: March 2016

When people evaluate the strength of an argument, their motivations are likely to influence the evaluation. However, few studies have specifically investigated the influences of motivational factors on argument evaluation. This study examined the effects of defence and accuracy motivations on argument evaluation. According to the compatibility between the advocated positions of arguments and participants' prior beliefs and the objective strength of arguments, participants evaluated four types of arguments: compatible‐strong, compatible‐weak, incompatible‐strong, and incompatible‐weak arguments. Experiment 1 revealed that participants possessing a high defence motivation rated compatible‐weak arguments as stronger and incompatible‐strong ones as weaker than participants possessing a low defence motivation. However, the strength ratings between the high and low defence groups regarding both compatible‐strong and incompatible‐weak arguments were similar. Experiment 2 revealed that when participants possessed a high accuracy motivation, they rated compatible‐weak arguments as weaker and incompatible‐strong ones as stronger than when they possessed a low accuracy motivation. However, participants' ratings on both compatible‐strong and incompatible‐weak arguments were similar when comparing high and low accuracy conditions. The results suggest that defence and accuracy motivations are two major motives influencing argument evaluation. However, they primarily influence the evaluation results for compatible‐weak and incompatible‐strong arguments, but not for compatible‐strong and incompatible‐weak arguments.
Improving methods to measure critical thermal limits in phloem‐feeding pest insects
Authors: Alford Lucy , Burel Françoise , van Baaren Joan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe ability to accurately assess thermal tolerance in the laboratory without compromising ecological relevance is essential to predict the impacts of global climate change on phytophagous pest insects such as the phloem‐feeding aphids. One method to study thermal tolerance employs a temperature‐controlled column to measure critical thermal limits. However, assessments are commonly made with little relation to the natural environment of the study species. This study measured critical thermal minima (CTmin) for three cereal aphids – Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (all Hemiptera: Aphididae) – in the absence and presence of host plant material to determine the best experimental design. Results revealed that CTmin measured in the presence of the host plant was significantly lower, suggesting that performing the measurement in the absence of the host plant could result in an underestimation of insect thermal tolerance. In addition, the study highlights the importance of understanding how an insect interacts with its environment, as this can reveal behavioural variation integral to differential survival at unfavourable temperatures.
Settling down to dine on a dioecious Gondwanan relict: why are Aacanthocnema dobsoni nymphs more abundant at the base of branchlets?
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J. , Lubanga Umar K. , Taylor Gary S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFemale herbivorous insects often dictate the distributions of offspring through oviposition site selection. The optimal oviposition hypothesis proposes that sites selected should benefit offspring because they provide the best diets, but distributions can reflect adult responses to non‐dietary factors. On its dioecious host [Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L. Johnson (Casuarinaceae)], the largely sessile nymphs of Aacanthocnema dobsoni (Froggatt) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) are most abundant at the bases of the equisetoid, photosynthetic branchlets and can also be associated with chlorosis. We asked whether the distribution of nymphs could be explained by the nutritional quality of hosts (at tree and branchlet levels) and investigated the nutritional implications of chlorosis. Binary choice oviposition bioassays revealed that female psyllids exhibited a weak preference for the apical (younger) halves of branchlets of male and female trees over basal (older) halves. In the absence of nymphs, basal and apical halves of branchlets of both sexes had comparable concentrations of amino N. The severity of chlorosis of individual female branchlets was positively related to the density of nymphs. Along entire female branchlets, chlorosis was associated with significant reductions in the concentrations of certain amino acids (including glutamic acid). For basal halves of female branchlets, chlorosis was associated with increased concentrations of a different suite of amino acids, i.e., evidence of nutritional enhancement. Fifth instars from female branchlets were slightly larger than those from male branchlets but nymphal morphology is constrained by branchlet diameter. The conformation of the host (especially the spaces between the scale‐like leaves) appears to dictate oviposition site selection more than nutritional quality. Nutritional enhancement is suggested to explain the absence of a strong linkage between preference and performance. Aggregation of adults (and eggs) at the base of branchlets could arise from heightened risk of dislodgement by wind at the ends of branchlets and enhanced mate finding in less exposed locations.
Historical refugia have shaped biogeographical patterns of species richness and phylogenetic diversity in mite harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi) endemic to the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Boyer Sarah L. , Markle Tricia M. , Baker Caitlin M. , Luxbacher Amy M. , Kozak Kenneth H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimWe tested the hypothesis that areas that acted as historical refugia during restrictive climate regimes currently harbour higher levels of biodiversity than areas that lacked refugia.LocationThe rain forests of Australia's Wet Tropics, the largest remaining fragments of the humid forest habitats that once covered the Australian continent.MethodsWe generated a model of climatic suitability for arachnids in the genus Austropurcellia, a group of small, dispersal‐limited mite harvestmen that are found throughout the Wet Tropics. We then projected this model onto palaeoclimate data layers from time slices going back to the Last Glacial Maximum and summed suitability over time to arrive at a measure of stability. We compared the power of metrics of present and past climatic suitability and stability to predict diversity (species richness and phylogenetic diversity) across subregions of the Wet Tropics.ResultsWe found statistically significant correlations between measures of diversity (species richness and phylogenetic diversity) and present climatic suitability, LGM climatic suitability and our stability metric across subregions of the Wet Tropics. Although stability lost predictive power when analyses were corrected for spatial autocorrelation, and present‐day mean climatic suitability lost predictive power when corrected for spatial autocorrelation under one of our geographical binning schemes, mean climatic suitability during the Last Glacial Maximum had a positive and significant relationship to both number of species and phylogenetic diversity in all analyses.Main ConclusionsOur results support a model of biodiversity preservation within historical refugia, resulting in higher present‐day diversity in refugial areas than in non‐refugial areas. Although previous studies of the Wet Tropics biota have demonstrated a relationship between habitat stability and diversity, ours is the first such study to consider phylogenetic diversity in addition to number of species.
Phenotypic variation contrasts with genetic homogeneity across scattered sea snake colonies
Authors: Bech N. , Foucart T. , Fauvel T. , Brischoux F. , Bouchon D. , Bonnet X. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimIn philopatric species distributed across wide geographical areas, each population is influenced by local factors. We assessed the expected spatial genetic and phenotypic structure across a set of colonies of a highly philopatric sea snake.LocationSouth Lagoon of New Caledonia, Western Pacific Ocean.MethodsWe used body size (N = 4915 individuals) to assess phenotypic variations across 11 islet colonies of the amphibious sea kraits (L. saintgironsi) spread throughout the South Lagoon of New Caledonia. We also used 11 microsatellite markers in a subsample of 302 individuals to examine the demographic history and genetic structure.ResultsA major colonization event and rapid population expansion occurred during the mid‐Pleistocene. Mean body size increased significantly along the north–south gradient investigated, suggesting that each colony is relatively independent and responds to local conditions. However, our data revealed a total lack of genetic structure despite a substantial genetic diversity.Main conclusionsA peculiar reproductive system likely underlies this pattern that combines a marked phenotypic gradient with a lack of geographical genetic structure. Gravid females from colonies scattered throughout the South Lagoon converge towards few communal coastal nesting sites to lay their eggs. Hatchlings disperse randomly in the lagoon and supply islets with recruits. This process homogenizes the overall genetic structure. However, because when settled snakes are philopatric, the mean body size of each colony presumably reflects the influence of local conditions. This system resembles those documented in various organisms (e.g. fish) but was not previously described in any amniotic lineage.
Sino‐Himalayan mountains act as cradles of diversity and immigration centres in the diversification of parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae)
Authors: Liu Yang , Hu Junhua , Li Shou‐Hsien , Duchen Pablo , Wegmann Daniel , Schweizer Manuel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimMontane regions like the Sino‐Himalayas constitute global diversity hotspots. Various mechanisms such as in situ adaptive divergence, speciation following immigration or allopatric diversification in complex landscapes have been proposed to account for the exceptional diversity found in a particular clade in a montane setting. We investigated macroevolutionary patterns to test these different hypotheses in the continental radiation of a Sino‐Himalayan bird group, the parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae).LocationSino‐Himalayan region, Indo‐Burma.MethodsWe used phylogenetic comparative methods based on a multilocus, time‐calibrated phylogeny to reconstruct patterns of lineage diversification, biogeographical history, morphological evolution as well as of climate niche history using ecological niche modelling.ResultsThe radiation of parrotbills started c. 12 Ma, diversifying at an apparent constant rate over time. The biogeographical history appears to be complex, within‐region speciation in mountains was restricted to China. Size evolution was concentrated in the early phase of parrotbill radiation, whereas morphological shape evolution did not differ from Brownian motion. We found no indication for niche conservatism, with climate niche evolution occurring throughout the radiation of parrotbills.ConclusionsParrotbills diversified within a time span of increased regional orogenesis and associated strong climate change. While the south‐west and central Chinese mountains were revealed to be a species pump, with in situ allopatric diversification triggered by complex topography and high habitat turnover, the diversity in the Himalayas was chiefly the result of immigration. Evidence for continuous ecological specialization and for the absence of climate niche conservatism could be interpreted as the consequence of ongoing climate‐ and habitat‐induced ecological opportunities. The radiation of parrotbills demonstrates the influence of multiple drivers of diversification in a single group due to the dynamic geological and palaeoclimatic history of the Sino‐Himalayan region and illustrates the complex nature of continental radiations.
Human translocation as an alternative hypothesis to explain the presence of giant tortoises on remote islands in the south‐western Indian Ocean
Authors: Wilmé Lucienne , Waeber Patrick O. , Ganzhorn Joerg U. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGiant tortoises are known from several remote islands in the Indian Ocean (IO). Our present understanding of ocean circulation patterns, the age of the islands, and the life history traits of giant tortoises makes it difficult to comprehend how these animals arrived on such small, remote and geologically young (8–1.5 Ma) landmasses. For colonization to have occurred by dispersal, giant tortoises must either have originated in Madagascar or Africa and swum for hundreds of km against the ocean currents, or have launched themselves from the eastern IO margin and drifted with the currents over several thousands of km of open ocean. After these navigational feats, the tortoises would have needed to found new, viable populations on potentially inhospitable volcanic or coral outcrops. Geologically recent sea level changes are likely to have eliminated terrestrial life from islands like Aldabra, complicating the scenario. We reviewed information relating to IO geology, the evolution and ecology of giant tortoises, and the spread of humans within the region, and propose an alternative explanation: we posit that giant tortoises were introduced to the IO islands by early Austronesian sailors, possibly to establish provisioning stations for their journeys, just as European sailors did in more recent historical times.
Nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in invasive legume nodules and associated soils are similar across introduced and native range populations in Australia
Authors: Birnbaum Christina , Bissett Andrew , Thrall Peter H. , Leishman Michelle R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimUnderstanding the interactions between invasive legumes and soil biota in both native and introduced ranges could assist in managing biological invasions. We analysed the diversity of putative nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (NFB, i.e. nifH gene present) associated with five invasive legumes, four Acacia spp. and a sister taxon Paraserianthes lophantha in introduced and native range populations in Australia. We predicted that, because these host species are widely distributed, they are likely to encounter different nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in soils and nodules across their introduced and native ranges.LocationAustralia.MethodsNifH genes were amplified from rhizosphere soils collected from beneath each species (multiple populations) within their native and introduced range and directly from nodules collected from plants previously grown in the glasshouse using field‐collected soil as inoculum. NifH gene sequences from soils and nodules were 454 pyrosequenced and assigned to taxonomic groups based on nifH consensus taxonomy.ResultsWe found no difference in the NFB community of soils or nodules between native and introduced ranges across the five species, suggesting that these legumes encounter similar NFB communities in soils across Australia. Bradyrhizobium was the most abundant rhizobial genus present in both soils and nodules. Bradyrhizobium species found in nodules were significantly different across the ranges for A. longifolia.Main conclusionsThe results indicate that these invasive legumes have similar nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in their rhizosphere and nodules across Australia, with the exception of A. longifolia. This species has diverse Bradyrhizobium genotypes in its nodules suggesting that A. longifolia may be a more generalist host compared to the other four legumes. Thus, it is unlikely that the invasive success of these legumes is constrained by the absence of suitable bacterial symbionts in soil. Better knowledge of legume–soil interactions could facilitate more informed and effective management of invasive legumes in their introduced ranges in Australia and elsewhere.
A Qualitative Study of Young Women's Beliefs About Intrauterine Devices: Fear of Infertility
Authors: Payne Jackelyn B. , Sundstrom Beth , DeMaria Andrea L. 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionApproximately 80% of college‐aged women are at risk of unintended pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), as first‐line pregnancy prevention for adolescents and young women. Yet, less than 5% of 15‐ to 19‐year‐old women using a method of contraception use LARC. Limited research explores young women's concerns about IUDs.MethodsAs part of a larger women's health research study, researchers conducted 53 in‐depth interviews with women, aged 18 to 24 years enrolled in a midsized liberal arts college in the southeastern United States. Analytical techniques from the grounded theory approach were used to code line‐by‐line and identify themes emerging from these data.ResultsFear of causing harm or infertility through IUD use emerged as a significant barrier to uptake. Negative and often unfounded beliefs about IUDs led to silence and limited observability of IUDs in daily life and health care contexts. Identity as a fertile woman emerged as an antecedent factor to the compatibility of IUDs with participants’ values and beliefs.DiscussionThe link between fear of infertility and perceived identity was found to be a major factor in young women's contraceptive decision making. In order to increase uptake of IUDs, the beliefs of women must be addressed.
Comparing RADseq and microsatellites to infer complex phylogeographic patterns, an empirical perspective in the Crucian carp, Carassius carassius, L.
Authors: Jeffries Daniel L. , Copp Gordon H. , Lawson Handley Lori , Olsén K. Håkan , Sayer Carl D. , Hänfling Bernd 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe conservation of threatened species must be underpinned by phylogeographic knowledge. This need is epitomized by the freshwater fish Carassius carassius, which is in decline across much of its European range. Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) is increasingly used for such applications; however, RADseq is expensive, and limitations on sample number must be weighed against the benefit of large numbers of markers. This trade‐off has previously been examined using simulation studies; however, empirical comparisons between these markers, especially in a phylogeographic context, are lacking. Here, we compare the results from microsatellites and RADseq for the phylogeography of C. carassius to test whether it is more advantageous to genotype fewer markers (microsatellites) in many samples, or many markers (SNPs) in fewer samples. These data sets, along with data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, agree on broad phylogeographic patterns, showing the existence of two previously unidentified C. carassius lineages in Europe: one found throughout northern and central‐eastern European drainages and a second almost exclusively confined to the Danubian catchment. These lineages have been isolated for approximately 2.15 m years and should be considered separate conservation units. RADseq recovered finer population structure and stronger patterns of IBD than microsatellites, despite including only 17.6% of samples (38% of populations and 52% of samples per population). RADseq was also used along with approximate Bayesian computation to show that the postglacial colonization routes of C. carassius differ from the general patterns of freshwater fish in Europe, likely as a result of their distinctive ecology.