bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scaling range sizes to threats for robust predictions of risks to biodiversity
Authors: Keith David A. , Akçakaya H. Resit , Murray Nicholas J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAssessments of risk to biodiversity often rely on spatial distributions of species and ecosystems. Range‐size metrics used extensively in these assessments, such as area of occupancy (AOO), are sensitive to measurement scale, prompting proposals to measure them at finer scales or at different scales based on the shape of the distribution or ecological characteristics of the biota. Despite its dominant role in red‐list assessments for decades, appropriate spatial scales of AOO for predicting risks of species’ extinction or ecosystem collapse remain untested and contentious. There are no quantitative evaluations of the scale‐sensitivity of AOO as a predictor of risks, the relationship between optimal AOO scale and threat scale, or the effect of grid uncertainty. We used stochastic simulation models to explore risks to ecosystems and species with clustered, dispersed, and linear distribution patterns subject to regimes of threat events with different frequency and spatial extent. Area of occupancy was an accurate predictor of risk (0.81<|r|<0.98) and performed optimally when measured with grid cells 0.1–1.0 times the largest plausible area threatened by an event. Contrary to previous assertions, estimates of AOO at these relatively coarse scales were better predictors of risk than finer‐scale estimates of AOO (e.g., when measurement cells are <1% of the area of the largest threat). The optimal scale depended on the spatial scales of threats more than the shape or size of biotic distributions. Although we found appreciable potential for grid‐measurement errors, current IUCN guidelines for estimating AOO neutralize geometric uncertainty and incorporate effective scaling procedures for assessing risks posed by landscape‐scale threats to species and ecosystems.
Trait‐dependent distributional shifts in fruiting of common British fungi
Authors: Gange A. C. , Heegaard E. , Boddy L. , Andrew C. , Kirk P. , Halvorsen R. , Kuyper T. W. , Bässler C. , Diez J. , Heilman‐Clausen J. , Høiland K. , Büntgen U. , Kauserud H. 
Published: July 2017

Despite the dramatic phenological responses of fungal fruiting to recent climate warming, it is unknown whether spatial distributions of fungi have changed and to what extent such changes are influenced by fungal traits, such as ectomycorrhizal (ECM) or saprotrophic lifestyles, spore characteristics, or fruit body size.Our overall aim was to understand how climate and fungal traits determine whether and how species‐specific fungal fruit body abundances have shifted across latitudes over time, using the UK national database of fruiting records. The data employed were recorded over 45 yr (1970–2014), and include 853 278 records of Agaricales, Boletales and Russulales, though we focus only on the most common species (with more than 3000 records each). The georeferenced observations were analysed by a Bayesian inference as a Gaussian additive model with a specification following a joint species distribution model. We used an offset, random contributions and fixed effects to isolate different potential biases from the trait‐specific interactions with latitude/climate and time. Our main aim was assessed by examination of the three‐way‐interaction of trait, predictor (latitude or climate) and time.The results show a strong trait‐specific shift in latitudinal abundance through time, as ECM species have become more abundant relative to saprotrophic species in the north. Along precipitation gradients, phenology was important, in that species with shorter fruiting seasons have declined markedly in abundance in oceanic regions, whereas species with longer seasons have become relatively more common overall. These changes in fruit body distributions are correlated with temperature and rainfall, which act directly on both saprotrophic and ECM fungi, and also indirectly on ECM fungi, through altered photosynthate allocation from their hosts. If these distributional changes reflect fungal activity, there will be important consequences for the responses of forest ecosystems to changing climate, through effects on primary production and nutrient cycling.
Aggregate strength in calcareous soil fertilized with pig slurries
Authors: Bosch‐Serra À. D. , Yagüe M. R. , Poch R. M. , Molner M. , Junyent B. , Boixadera J. 
Published: July 2017

Effects of applications of pig slurry on soil aggregate stability are not well understood in dryland agriculture. This research aims to (i) identify aggregate stability tests that give a reliable description of the soil's behaviour when pig slurry (PS) is applied to calcareous soil and (ii) interpret them in terms of chemical, biological, morphological and physical soil properties for soil quality assessments. Soil samples from eight fertilizer treatments (mineral fertilizers and PS), applied over seven growing seasons were analysed. We applied five methodologies to examine different mechanisms of aggregate breakdown. Porosity was characterized by image analyses. There was minimum resistance to the mechanical breakdown of aggregates when slurries had been applied 12 months before analysis. Recent applications of slurry (3 months before the analysis) improved resistance to implosion caused by the penetration of water into dry aggregates (slaking), although the opposite result can occur if the method of evaluation is not chosen properly. Recent applications of PS also enhanced soil respiration and increased soil porosity in the 25–100‐µm size range (packing pores between aggregates) and in the 100–400‐µm size range (interaggregate or faunal pores). In dryland systems and in the winter cereal cropping season, the resistance of dry aggregates to slaking is improved temporarily if PS is applied at N rates equivalent to around 1.7 Mg OM ha−1 year−1.HighlightsHow does soil aggregate strength change in response to pig slurry (PS) applications?
Improve understanding of PS as a fertilizer and its effect on soil quality assessments
Changes in aggregate stability are controlled by time since pig slurry application
The effects of PS on the increase in packing pores between aggregates are transient
Structure of the adenylation domain Thr1 involved in the biosynthesis of 4‐chlorothreonine in Streptomyces sp. OH‐5093—protein flexibility and molecular bases of substrate specificity
Authors: Scaglione Antonella , Fullone Maria Rosaria , Montemiglio Linda Celeste , Parisi Giacomo , Zamparelli Carlotta , Vallone Beatrice , Savino Carmelinda , Grgurina Ingeborg 
Published: July 2017

We determined the crystal structure of Thr1, the self‐standing adenylation domain involved in the nonribosomal‐like biosynthesis of free 4‐chlorothreonine in Streptomyces sp. OH‐5093. Thr1 shows two monomers in the crystallographic asymmetric unit with different relative orientations of the C‐ and N‐terminal subdomains both in the presence of substrates and in the unliganded form. Cocrystallization with substrates, adenosine 5′‐triphosphate and l‐threonine, yielded one monomer containing the two substrates and the other in complex with l‐threonine adenylate, locked in a postadenylation state. Steady‐state kinetics showed that Thr1 activates l‐Thr and its stereoisomers, as well as d‐Ala, l‐ and d‐Ser, albeit with lower efficiency. Modeling of these substrates in the active site highlighted the molecular bases of substrate discrimination. This work provides the first crystal structure of a threonine‐activating adenylation enzyme, a contribution to the studies on conformational rearrangement in adenylation domains and on substrate recognition in nonribosomal biosynthesis.DatabaseStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number 5N9W and 5N9X.
Fatigue crack growth of multiple interacting cracks: Analytical models and experimental validation
Authors: Galatolo R. , Lazzeri R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article deals with the fatigue propagation of multiple cracks in finite width holed panels, which are typical of aircraft structural components. Theoretical studies in the literature have been considered and critically analyzed. Some of them have been translated into analytical models and implemented in a computer code. To check the effectiveness of the used models, a fatigue testing campaign has been conducted on six different configurations of notches and cracks. The comparison between experimental results and those obtained from the implemented models has shown a good agreement.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a short peptidoglycan recognition protein from silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Yang P.‐J. , Zhan M.‐Y. , Ye C. , Yu X.‐Q. , Rao X.‐J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPeptidoglycan is the major bacterial component recognized by the insect immune system. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are a family of pattern‐recognition receptors that recognize peptidoglycans and modulate innate immune responses. Some PGRPs retain N‐acetylmuramoyl‐L‐alanine amidase (Enzyme Commission number: 3.5.1.28) activity to hydrolyse bacterial peptidoglycans. Others have lost the enzymatic activity and work only as immune receptors. They are all important modulators for innate immunity. Here, we report the cloning and functional analysis of PGRP‐S4, a short‐form PGRP from the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori. The PGRP‐S4 gene encodes a protein of 199 amino acids with a signal peptide and a PGRP domain. PGRP‐S4 was expressed in the fat body, haemocytes and midgut. Its expression level was significantly induced by bacterial challenges in the midgut. The recombinant PGRP‐S4 bound bacteria and different peptidoglycans. In addition, it inhibited bacterial growth and hydrolysed an Escherichia coli peptidoglycan in the presence of Zn2+. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PGRP‐S4 disrupted the bacterial cell surface. PGRP‐S4 further increased prophenoloxidase activation caused by peptidoglycans. Taken together, our data suggest that B. mori PGRP‐S4 has multiple functions in immunity.
Neither eosinophils nor neutrophils require ATG5‐dependent autophagy for extracellular DNA trap formation
Authors: Germic Nina , Stojkov Darko , Oberson Kevin , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans‐Uwe 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe importance of extracellular traps (ETs) in innate immunity is well established, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for their formation remain unclear and in scientific dispute. ETs have been defined as extracellular DNA scaffolds associated with the granule proteins of eosinophils or neutrophils. They are capable of killing bacteria extracellularly. Based mainly on results with phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors such as 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) and wortmannin, which are commonly used to inhibit autophagy, several groups have reported that autophagy is required for neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. We decided to investigate this apparent dependence on autophagy for ET release and generated genetically modified mice that lack, specifically in eosinophils or neutrophils, autophagy‐related 5 (Atg5), a gene encoding a protein essential for autophagosome formation. Interestingly, neither eosinophils nor neutrophils from Atg5‐deficient mice exhibited abnormalities in ET formation upon physiological activation or exposure to low concentrations of PMA, although we could confirm that human and mouse eosinophils and neutrophils, after pre‐treatment with inhibitors of class III PI3K, show a block both in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and in ET formation. The so‐called late autophagy inhibitors bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine, on the other hand, were without effect. These data indicate that ET formation occurs independently of autophagy and that the inhibition of ROS production and ET formation in the presence of 3‐MA and wortmannin is probably owing to their additional ability to block the class I PI3Ks, which are involved in signalling cascades initiated by triggers of ET formation.
Benthic ctenophores (Platyctenida: Coeloplanidae) in south Florida: environmental conditions, habitats, abundances, and behaviors
Authors: Glynn Peter W. , Coffman Brian , Fuller Michael P. C. , Moorhead Shannon G. , Williams Megan K. , Primov Karim D. , Fortson Tayla N. , Barrales Rachel N. , Glynn Peter J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTwo benthic ctenophores, Coeloplana waltoni and Vallicula multiformis, are contrasted in terms of their coastal environments, habitats, abundances, seasonal occurrences, and behavior in south Florida. Coeloplana waltoni occurs as an epibiont on octocorals in open water settings, and V. multiformis is present in bio‐fouling communities, associated with macroalgae, bryozoans, and inanimate substrates in protected, back‐water habitats. In our study, individuals of C. waltoni were found under moderate to strong current flow and relatively constant temperature and salinity (T/S) conditions, whereas individuals of V. multiformis occurred at sites of low current flow and more variable T/S conditions. In C. waltoni, individuals generally adhered tightly to host colony surfaces, whereas in V. multiformis, individuals often disassociated from substrates and floated free. Mean population densities of C. waltoni ranged ~500–850 individuals 100 mL−1 (measured as the displacement volume of the octocoral habitat), and densities of V. multiformis ranged 5–360 individuals 100 mL−1 (measured as the displacement volume of the biofouling habitat). Abundance of C. waltoni was significantly highest in the 2014 warm season (June–October) when numerous minute (≤0.5 mm body length) juveniles were present. Vallicula multiformis was abundant in the 2015 and 2016 warm seasons (July–October), and also relatively abundant in the 2016 cool season (March–April). Ctenophore abundance and surface seawater temperature indicate a significant positive response to warm‐season conditions in C. waltoni, whereas numbers of V. multiformis did not show any effect of seawater temperature. Recently settled individuals of V. multiformis (≤1.0 mm) occurred throughout the year. Individuals of V. multiformis recruited to fiber‐coated sponges during warm and cool periods, with mean body sizes increasing in one cohort from 1.41 to 6.46 mm over a 39‐d period, suggesting a growth rate of ~4% d−1. Feeding in both species involves tentacle capture of water‐borne zooplankton and particulate organic matter. Individuals of C. waltoni were also observed inserting tentacles into octocoral polyps, possibly pilfering food. Chlorophyll a was detected in extracts of both ctenophore species. The high abundances and feeding behavior of benthic ctenophores could have a strong influence on octocoral and biofouling communities.
Initial validation of a healthcare needs scale for young people with congenital heart disease
Authors: Chen Chi‐Wen , Ho Ciao‐Lin , Su Wen‐Jen , Wang Jou‐Kou , Chung Hung‐Tao , Lee Pi‐Chang , Lu Chun‐Wei , Hwang Be‐Tau 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo validate the initial psychometric properties of a Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease.BackgroundAs the number of patients with congenital heart disease surviving to adulthood increases, the transitional healthcare needs for adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease require investigation. However, few tools comprehensively identify the healthcare needs of youth with congenital heart disease.DesignA cross‐sectional study was employed to examine the psychometric properties of the Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease.MethodsThe sample consisted of 500 patients with congenital heart disease, aged 15–24 years, from paediatric cardiology departments and covered the period from March–August 2015. The patients completed the 25‐item Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease, the questionnaire on health needs for adolescents and the WHO Quality of Life‐BREF. Reliability and construct, concurrent, predictive and known‐group validity were examined.ResultsThe Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease includes three dimensions, namely health management, health policy and individual and interpersonal relationships, which consist of 25 items. It demonstrated excellent internal consistency and sound construct, concurrent, predictive and known‐group validity.ConclusionThe Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease is a psychometrically robust measure of the healthcare needs of youth with congenital heart disease. It has the potential to provide nurses with a means to assess and identify the concerns of youth with congenital heart disease and to help them achieve a successful transition to adult care.
Recognizing European cancer nursing: Protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the evidence of effectiveness and value of cancer nursing
Authors: Campbell Pauline , Torrens Claire , Kelly Daniel , Charalambous Andreas , Domenech‐Climent Nuria , Nohavova Iveta , Östlund Ulrika , Patiraki Elisabeth , Salisbury David , Sharp Lena , Wiseman Theresa , Oldenmenger Wendy , Wells Mary 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo identify, appraise and synthesize the available evidence relating to the value and impact of cancer nursing on patient experience and outcomes.BackgroundThere is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance and contribution of cancer nurses, however, a comprehensive review examining how cancer nurses have an impact on care quality, patient outcomes and overall experience of cancer, as well as cost of services across the entire cancer spectrum is lacking.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis using Cochrane methods.MethodsWe will systematically search 10 electronic databases from 2000, with pre‐determined search terms. No language restrictions will be applied. We will include all randomized and controlled before‐and‐after studies that compare cancer nursing interventions to a standard care or no intervention. Two reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of the studies and appraise methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion and may involve a third reviewer if necessary. Data from included studies will be extracted in accordance with the Template for intervention Description and Replication reporting guidelines. Missing data will be actively sought from all trialists. Data will be synthesized in evidence tables and narrative to answer three key questions. If sufficient data are available, we will perform meta‐analyses.DiscussionThis review will allow us to systematically assess the impact of cancer nursing on patient care and experience. This evidence will be used to determine implications for clinical practice and used to inform future programme and policy decisions in Europe.
Low‐Temperature‐ and Phosphate Deficiency‐Responsive Elements Control DGTT3 Expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Fei Xiaowen , Li Ping , Li Xinghan , Deng Xiaodong 
Published: July 2017

Abstractacyl‐CoA:Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) catalyse the final step of the triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Two major gene families have been shown to encode DGATs, DGAT1, and DGAT2. Abiotic factors such as low temperatures, nitrogen, or phosphorus deficiency was reported to play important roles in the growth and development in green algae. Whether DGATs are induced by low temperatures or phosphorus deficiency, and the corresponding promoter elements are not reported yet. In this study, we found DGTT3 to have a significant response to low temperatures, phosphorus deficiency, and other stresses, such as high concentrations of NaCl, 20 μM GA, and 20 μM abscisic acid. The promoter element of DGTT3 was then studied by deletion and scanning mutagenesis method. Results revealed that the − 319/− 247 region is essential for low‐temperature and phosphate‐deficiency‐mediated induction of DGTT3 expression. The sequence from − 312 to − 299 of the CAATAGACTGCTGCT was the core sequence of the cold responsive element, which facilitated the promoter response to cold induction. Meanwhile, the sequence from − 319 to − 275 was critical to phosphate‐deficiency regulation. Furthermore, the relationship between DNA methylation and transgenic silence in −N condition was analyzed, and results showed that the DNA methylation rate of the transformed insertion region was high. This phenomenon was responsible for the decrease in ARS gene expression in the transgenic algal strain under −N conditions.
Reducing the Primary Cesarean Birth Rate: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Javernick Julie A. , Dempsey Amy 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionResearch continues to support vaginal birth as the safest mode of childbirth, but despite this, cesarean birth has become the most common surgical procedure performed on women. The rate has increased 500% since the 1970s without a corresponding improvement in maternal or neonatal outcomes. A Colorado community hospital recognized that its primary cesarean birth rate was higher than national and state benchmark levels. To reduce this rate, the hospital collaborated with its largest maternity care provider group to implement a select number of physiologic birth practices and measure improvement in outcomes.ProcessUsing a pre‐ and postprocess measure study design, the quality improvement project team identified and implemented 3 physiologic birth parameters over a 12‐month period that have been shown to promote vaginal birth. These included reducing elective induction of labor in women less than 41 weeks’ gestation; standardizing triage to admit women at greater than or equal to 4 cm dilation; and increasing the use of intermittent auscultation as opposed to continuous fetal monitoring for fetal surveillance. The team also calculated each obstetrician‐gynecologist’s primary cesarean birth rate monthly and delivered these rates to the providers.OutcomesOutcomes showed that the provider group decreased its primary cesarean birth rate from 28.9% to 12.2% in the 12‐month postprocess measure period. The 57.8% decrease is statistically significant (odds ratio [OR], 0.345; z = 6.52, P < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.249‐0.479).DiscussionWhile this quality improvement project cannot be translated to other settings, promotion of physiologic birth practices, along with audit and feedback, had a statistically significant impact on the primary cesarean birth rate for this provider group and, consequently, on the community hospital where they attend births.
Association between the vitaminDreceptor gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy risk:Ameta‐analysis
Authors: Yin Fang , Liu Jing , Fan Ming‐Xiu , Zhou Xiao‐Li , Zhang Xiao‐Ling 
Published: July 2017

Summary at a GlanceThe association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and disease susceptibility for diabetic nephropathy was evaluated from 12 published case‐control studies. The authors found that some of the gene variants of the vitamin D receptor gene could be risk factors for DN.
Regulatory and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in Brazilian living‐related renal transplant recipients according to creatinine plasma levels
Authors: Mota Ana PL , Menezes Cristiane A , Alpoim Patrícia N , Cardoso Carolina N , Martins Suellen R , Alves Lorraine V , de A Martins‐Filho Olindo , Gomes Karina B , Dusse Luci MS 
Published: July 2017

Summary at a GlanceThis study on living related kidney transplant recipients correlated pro‐inflammatory and regulatory cytokine levels with graft function and provides new insights in biomarkers other than serum creatinine.