bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of dietary fibre:starch ratio in shaping caecal archaea revealed in rabbits
Authors: Zhu Y. , Sun Y. , Wang C. , Li F. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIn rabbits, many studies have investigated the effect of diet, including the fibre intake, on caecal microbiota; however, there are no direct measurements of the influence of diets with different dietary fibre‐to‐starch ratios and the archaeal community composition in the caecum. We used 16S rDNA sequencing to investigate the impact of different dietary neutral detergent fibre (NDF)‐to‐starch ratios (1.0–2.3) on the caecal archaeal community in rabbits. The results revealed that the archaeal community from all experimental rabbits was relatively less complex than intestinal bacterial community. High‐throughput 16S rDNA sequencing of the gut archaea indicated that the rabbit caecum was inhabited by Methanobrevibacter and Methanosphaera species, and therefore is possibly dominated by two species of archaea. Here, we compared the effect of different diets on the archaeal community in the rabbit caecum and found no significant differences in the diversity and abundance of caecal archaeal community of rabbits that were fed diets with different dietary fibre‐to‐starch ratios. Therefore, we suggest that the contribution of host‐derived substrates to caecal archaea constitution is insignificant.
The effects of environmental constraints on plant community organization depend on which traits are measured
Authors: Sfair Julia C. , Rosado Bruno H.P. , Tabarelli Marcelo 
Published: August 2016

AbstractQuestionsWe test the hypothesis that soil water availability operates as an ecological filter on water economy plant traits, particularly in savanna stands, with consequences for species distribution and the functional profile of plant assemblages across a savanna–forest mosaic.LocationA savanna–forest mosaic, northeastern Atlantic forest, Paraíba state, Brazil.MethodsWe sampled all trees and shrubs in 11 forest and 12 savanna plots in the same climatic region. Soil water storage capacity was measured, as well as the following traits: specific leaf area (SLA), internode mass fraction (IMF), maximum height (Hmax), wood density (WD), presence of trichomes (LT) and presence of abiotic seed dispersal (DD). Differences in trait values and water soil content between forest and savanna plots were assessed using Wilcoxon tests. Standardized effect size of functional richness and functional dispersion (SESFRic and SESFDis, respectively) were compared between forest and savanna plots with Wilcoxon tests, and the relationships between both functional indices of each trait and soil water content assessed using simple linear regression. We also used null models to test for habitat filtering in each plot, considering species assemblage (SESFRic) and abundance (SESFDis).ResultsVegetation types differed in terms of soil water availability, with savanna soils having, on average, half the content of forest soils. Compared to forest, savanna plants had heavier internodes (30% increment), lower SLA (about 42% lower) and more plants with trichomes, but plants were much smaller across savanna assemblages. Savanna assemblages also exhibited a higher probability of trait convergence (i.e. reduced functional diversity) than forest assemblages in terms of SLA and maximum height, but savannas were less prone to trait convergence in terms of leaf trichomes, considering species abundance. Considering both vegetation types, a variable proportion of assemblages exhibited significant values of either FRic or FDis, but soil water availability did not correlate with functional diversity measures.ConclusionsHabitat filtering not related to soil water availability favours the occurrence of conservative resource‐use plants across savanna stands, reinforcing the notion that filtering is able to act as an assembly force by affecting the abundance/frequency of particular traits, thus contributing to the occurrence of spatially organized mosaics of vegetation.
A mid‐Pleistocene rainforest corridor enabled synchronous invasions of the Atlantic Forest by Amazonian anole lizards
Authors: Prates Ivan , Rivera Danielle , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Carnaval Ana C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractShifts in the geographic distribution of habitats over time can promote dispersal and vicariance, thereby influencing large‐scale biogeographic patterns and ecological processes. An example is that of transient corridors of suitable habitat across disjunct but ecologically similar regions, which have been associated with climate change over time. Such connections likely played a role in the assembly of tropical communities, especially within the highly diverse Amazonian and Atlantic rainforests of South America. Although these forests are presently separated by open and dry ecosystems, paleoclimatic and phylogenetic evidence suggest that they have been transiently connected in the past. However, little is known about the timing, magnitude and the distribution of former forest connections. We employ sequence data at multiple loci from three codistributed arboreal lizards (Anolis punctatus, Anolis ortonii and Polychrus marmoratus) to infer the phylogenetic relationships among Amazonian and Atlantic Forest populations and to test alternative historical demographic scenarios of colonization and vicariance using coalescent simulations and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). Data from the better‐sampled Anolis species support colonization of the Atlantic Forest from eastern Amazonia. Hierarchical ABC indicates that the three species colonized the Atlantic Forest synchronously during the mid‐Pleistocene. We find support of population bottlenecks associated with founder events in the two Anolis, but not in P. marmoratus, consistently with their distinct ecological tolerances. Our findings support that climatic fluctuations provided key opportunities for dispersal and forest colonization in eastern South America through the cessation of environmental barriers. Evidence of species‐specific histories strengthens assertions that biological attributes play a role in responses to shared environmental change.
Inferring regulatory change from gene expression: the confounding effects of tissue scaling
Authors: Montgomery Stephen H. , Mank Judith E. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractComparative studies of gene expression are often designed with the aim of identifying regulatory changes associated with phenotypic variation. In recent years, large‐scale transcriptome sequencing methods have increasingly been applied to nonmodel organisms to ask important ecological or evolutionary questions. Although experimental design varies, many of these studies have been based on RNA libraries obtained from heterogeneous tissue samples, for example homogenized whole bodies. Comparisons between groups of samples that vary in tissue composition can introduce sufficient variation in RNA abundance to produce patterns of differential expression that are mistakenly interpreted as evidence of regulatory differences. Here, we present a simple model that demonstrates this effect. The model describes the relationship between transcript abundance and tissue composition in a two‐tissue system, and how this relationship varies under different scaling relationships. Using a range of biologically realistic variables, including real biological examples, to parameterize the model we highlight the potentially severe influence of tissue scaling on relative transcript abundance. We use these results to identify key aspects of experimental design and analysis that can help to limit the influence of tissue scaling on the inference of regulatory difference from comparative studies of gene expression.
Sex‐related differences in reactivity of cerebral arterioles during moderate exercise training
Authors: Arrick Denise M. , Li Chun , Mayhan William G. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveOur goals were to determine the influence of sex on reactivity of cerebral arterioles and whether MExT could influence sex‐related differences in reactivity of cerebral arterioles.Materials and MethodsResponses of cerebral arterioles were measured in Sed and MExT adult male and female Sprague–Dawley rats to eNOS‐dependent (ADP), nNOS‐dependent (NMDA), and NOS‐independent (nitroglycerin) agonists before and following L‐NMMA. In addition, protein expression for eNOS and nNOS was determined.ResultsNOS‐dependent vasodilation was enhanced in Sed and MExT female rats compared to their male counterparts. L‐NMMA produced a greater decrease in baseline diameter of arterioles in females compared to males, and produced less inhibition of NOS‐dependent vasodilation in females. Expression of eNOS protein was significantly increased in Sed female when compared to Sed male rats; nNOS protein was similar in Sed males and females, but increased in MExT females.ConclusionsThe findings from this study indicate that while NOS‐dependent vascular reactivity is increased in females, MExT does not alter vasodilation in males or females. These studies provide insights into the influence of sex and MExT on the cerebral microcirculation and may have implications regarding mechanisms that protect the brain in females compared to males.
A Measure of Proficiency or Short‐Term Memory? Validation of an Elicited Imitation Test for SLA Research
Authors: KIM YOUJIN , TRACY–VENTURA NICOLE , JUNG YEONJOO 
Published: August 2016

Elicited imitation requires listeners to listen and repeat sentences as accurately as possible. In second language acquisition (SLA) research it has been used for a variety of purposes. Recently, versions of the same elicited imitation test (EIT) have been created in 6 languages with the purpose of measuring second language proficiency (Ortega et al., ; Tracy–Ventura et al., 2014; Wu & Ortega, ). The validity of these EITs has been tested, and results are promising. However, questions remain regarding the extent to which EIT performance is mediated by learners’ memory span. The current study validates a new Korean EIT following the Ortega et al. () design and, as part of that, investigates the potential role of phonological short‐term memory in test performance. Korean as a second language learners (N = 66) took the following tests over 2 days: the Korean EIT, the listening section of the standardized Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), a speaking test, and a forward digit span test in their first language. Results indicated significant positive correlations between EIT scores and the various proficiency measures, but a weak and nonsignificant correlation between the EIT and forward digit span scores. Together, these results provide support for this EIT as a valid and reliable proficiency measure for use in SLA research.
Chloroplast‐associated metabolic functions influence the susceptibility of maize to Ustilago maydis
Authors: Kretschmer Matthias , Croll Daniel , Kronstad James W. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBiotrophic fungal pathogens must evade or suppress plant defence responses to establish a compatible interaction in living host tissue. In addition, metabolic changes during disease reflect both the impact of nutrient acquisition by the fungus to support proliferation and the integration of metabolism with the plant defence response. In this study, we used transcriptome analyses to predict that the chloroplast and associated functions are important for symptom formation by the biotrophic fungus Ustilago maydis on maize. We tested our prediction by examining the impact on disease of a genetic defect (whirly1) in chloroplast function. In addition, we examined whether disease was influenced by inhibition of glutamine synthetase by glufosinate (impacting amino acid biosynthesis) or inhibition of 3‐phosphoshikimate 1‐carboxyvinyltransferase by glyphosate (influencing secondary metabolism). All of these perturbations increased the severity of disease, thus suggesting a contribution to resistance. Overall, these findings provide a framework for understanding the components of host metabolism that benefit the plant versus the pathogen during a biotrophic interaction. They also reinforce the emerging importance of the chloroplast as a mediator of plant defence.
Maize susceptibility to Ustilago maydis is influenced by genetic and chemical perturbation of carbohydrate allocation
Authors: Kretschmer Matthias , Croll Daniel , Kronstad James W. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe ability of biotrophic fungi to metabolically adapt to the host environment is a critical factor in fungal diseases of crop plants. In this study, we analysed the transcriptome of maize tumours induced by Ustilago maydis to identify key features underlying metabolic shifts during disease. Among other metabolic changes, this analysis highlighted modifications during infection in the transcriptional regulation of carbohydrate allocation and starch metabolism. We confirmed the relevance of these changes by establishing that symptom development was altered in an id1 (indeterminate1) mutant that showed increased accumulation of sucrose as well as being defective in the vegetative to reproductive transition. We further established the relevance of specific metabolic functions related to carbohydrate allocation by assaying disease in su1 (sugary1) mutant plants with altered starch metabolism and in plants treated with glucose, sucrose and silver nitrate during infection. We propose that specific regulatory and metabolic changes influence the balance between susceptibility and resistance by altering carbon allocation to promote fungal growth or to influence plant defence. Taken together, these studies reveal key aspects of metabolism that are critical for biotrophic adaptation during the maize–U. maydis interaction.
C–reactive protein levels and the association of carotid artery calcification with tooth loss
Authors: Thanakun S , Pornprasertsuk‐Damrongsri S , Izumi Y 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesThe relationship between carotid artery calcification (CAC) and tooth loss was investigated and its association with inflammatory mediator levels was evaluated.Subjects and methodsNinety–two participants were examined for health and periodontal status. Panoramic radiographs were obtained for CAC identification. C‐reactive protein (CRP), intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM–1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM–1) levels were measured.ResultsFifteen participants (16.3%) had CAC, 12 (80.0%) of whom were female. Mean age of participants with CAC was 55.3 ± 12.2 years, while that of participants without CAC was 48.9 ± 9.4 years. Median number of tooth loss in participants with CAC was 11, whereas that of individuals without CAC was 3 (P = 0.008). Age and presence of CAC were associated with the number of tooth loss, independent of health status (β = 0.452, P = <0.001 and β = 0.257, P = 0.005). Based on CRP levels, 10 participants (71.4%) were at intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (range, 1.0–2.3 μg ml−1), while four participants (28.6%) were at low risk (<1.0 μg ml−1). CRP, ICAM–1, or VCAM–1 levels were not significantly related to the presence of CAC or tooth loss.ConclusionsPatients with higher tooth loss have a greater prevalence of CAC. Patients with CAC should be referred for medical consultation.
Decision‐Making Experiences of Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: GREEN ARIEL R. , JENKINS AMY , MASOUDI FREDERICK A. , MAGID DAVID J. , KUTNER JEAN S. , LEFF BRUCE , MATLOCK DANIEL D. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundWhen patients are not adequately engaged in decision making, they may be at risk of decision regret. Our objective was to explore patients’ perceptions of their decision‐making experiences related to implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).MethodsCross‐sectional, mailed survey of 412 patients who received an ICD without cardiac resynchronization therapy for any indication between 2006 and 2009. Patients were asked about decision participation and decision regret.ResultsA total of 295 patients with ICDs responded (72% response rate). Overall, 79% reported that they were as involved in the decision as they wanted. However, 28% reported that they were not told of the option of not getting an ICD and 37% did not remember being asked if they wanted an ICD. In total, 19% reported not wanting their ICD at the time of implantation. Those who did not want the ICD were younger (<65 years; 74% vs 43%, P < 0.001), had higher decision regret (31/100 vs 11/100, P < 0.001), and reported less participation in decision making (the doctor “totally” made the decision, 9% vs 3%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsA considerable number of ICD recipients recalled not wanting their ICD at the time of implantation. While these findings may be prone to recall bias, they likely identify opportunities to improve ICD decision making.
Past, Present, and Future of Informed Consent in Pain and Genomics Research: Challenges Facing Global Medical Community
Authors: Compagnone Christian , Schatman Michael E. , Rauck Richard L. , Van Zundert Jan , Kraus Monika , Primorac Dragan , Williams Frances , Allegri Massimo , Saccani Jordi Gloria , Fanelli Guido ,   Pain‐Omics Group
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn recent decades, there has been a revision of the role of institutional review boards with the intention of protecting human subjects from harm and exploitation in research. Informed consent aims to protect the subject by explaining all of the benefits and risks associated with a specific research project. To date, there has not been a review published analyzing issues of informed consent in research in the field of genetic/Omics in subjects with chronic pain, and the current review aims to fill that gap in the ethical aspects of such investigation. Despite the extensive discussion on ethical challenges unique to the field of genetic/Omics, this is the first attempt at addressing ethical challenges regarding Informed Consent Forms for pain research as the primary focus. We see this contribution as an important one, for while ethical issues are too often ignored in pain research in general, the numerous arising ethical issues that are unique to pain genetic/Omics suggest that researchers in the field need to pay even greater attention to the rights of subjects/patients. This article presents the work of the Ethic Committee of the Pain‐Omics Group (www.painomics.eu), a consortium of 11 centers that is running the Pain‐Omics project funded by the European Community in the 7th Framework Program theme (HEALTH.2013.2.2.1‐5—Understanding and controlling pain). The Ethic Committee is composed of 1 member of each group of the consortium as well as key opinion leaders in the field of ethics and pain more generally.
Adaptation of the cockroachBlattella germanicato human habitats: circadian and noncircadian factors
Authors: Chung Chen‐Yo , Chang Chun‐Che , Lee How‐Jing 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTo survive, an animal must respond to the environmental stimuli (Zeitgebers) precisely coinciding with a 24‐h light/dark cycle. In human habitats, both natural and artificial Zeitgebers intermingle, entraining the circadian clocks of animals. Whether a circadian clock can respond to Zeitgebers effectively is closely related to the level of adaptive competitiveness. In the present review, the German cockroach (Blattella germanicaL.) is compared with the double‐striped cockroach (Blattella bisignataBrunner von Wattenwyl) and the reasons whyB. germanicais a more competitive dweller than its sibling species in human habitats are discussed. For example, sensitive adjustment of circadian clocks allows a maleB. germanicato coordinate itself to the changes of daily light/dark cycles more efficiently; by contrast, it takes maleB. bisignatamore than 3 days to adjust. In a given dark phase, maleB. germanicaappear more to be resistant thanB. bisignatato interference from light pulses. Ovary‐dependent masking factors enable femaleB. germanicato take advantage of the light phase to feed or mate, during which time a femaleB. bisignatatypically remains inert. Furthermore, the gregariousness levels, fertilization and hatching rates, as well as mating behaviours of both cockroach species are compared. All of these comparisons suggest thatB. germanicasurpassesB. bisignatawith respect to adapting to the artificial constraints within human habitats as a result of the adoption of an integrated strategy consisting of circadian and noncircadian approaches.
Circadian rhythm in mRNA expression of the glutathione synthesis gene Gclc is controlled by peripheral glial clocks in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Chow Eileen S. , Long Dani M. , Giebultowicz Jadwiga M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCircadian coordination of metabolism, physiology and behaviour is found in all living kingdoms. Clock genes are transcriptional regulators, and their rhythmic activities generate daily rhythms in clock‐controlled genes that result in cellular and organismal rhythms. Insects provide numerous examples of rhythms in behaviour and reproduction, although less is known about control of metabolic processes by circadian clocks in insects. Recent data suggest that several pathways involved in protecting cells from oxidative stress may be modulated by the circadian system, including genes involved in glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis. Specifically, rhythmic expression of the gene encoding the catalytic subunit (Gclc) of the rate‐limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme is detected in Drosophila melanogaster heads. The present study aims to determine which clocks in the fly multi‐oscillatory circadian system are responsible for Gclc rhythms. Genetic disruption of tissue‐specific clocks in D. melanogaster reveals that transcriptional rhythms in Gclc mRNA levels occur independently of the central pacemaker neurones because these rhythms persist in the heads of behaviourally arrhythmic flies with a disabled central clock but intact peripheral clocks. Disrupting the clock specifically in glial cells abolishes rhythmic expression of Gclc, suggesting that glia play an important role in Gclc transcriptional regulation, which may contribute to maintaining homeostasis in the fly nervous system.
Spatio‐temporal patterns in pollination of deceptive Aristolochia rotunda L. (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Oelschlägel B. , von Tschirnhaus M. , Nuss M. , Nikolić T. , Wanke S. , Dötterl S. , Neinhuis C. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Pollination success of highly specialised flowers is susceptible to fluctuations of the pollinator fauna. Mediterranean Aristolochia rotunda has deceptive trap flowers exhibiting a highly specialised pollination system. The sole pollinators are kleptoparasitic flies in search of food. This study investigates these pollinators on a spatio‐temporal scale and the impact of weather conditions on their availability. Two potential strategies of the plants to cope with pollinator limitation, i.e. autonomous selfing and an increased floral life span, were tested.

A total of 6156 flowers were investigated for entrapped pollinators in 10 Croatian populations. Availability of the main pollinator was correlated to meteorological data. Artificial pollination experiments were conducted and the floral life span was recorded in two populations according to pollinator availability.

Trachysiphonella ruficeps (Chloropidae) was identified as dominant pollinator, along with less abundant species of Chloropidae, Ceratopogonidae and Milichiidae. Pollinator compositions varied among populations. Weather conditions 15–30 days before pollination had a significant effect on availability of the main pollinator. Flowers were not autonomously selfing, and the floral life span exhibited considerable plasticity depending on pollinator availability.

A. rotunda flowers rely on insect pollen vectors. Plants are specialised on a guild of kleptoparasitic flies, rather than on a single species. Pollinator variability may result in differing selection pressures among populations. The availability/abundance of pollinators depends on weather conditions during their larval development. Flowers show a prolonged trapping flower stage that likely increases outcrossing success during periods of pollinator limitation.