bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Net aboveground biomass declines of four major forest types with forest ageing and climate change in western Canada's boreal forests
Authors: Chen Han Y. H. , Luo Yong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBiomass change of the world's forests is critical to the global carbon cycle. Despite storing nearly half of global forest carbon, the boreal biome of diverse forest types and ages is a poorly understood component of the carbon cycle. Using data from 871 permanent plots in the western boreal forest of Canada, we examined net annual aboveground biomass change (ΔAGB) of four major forest types between 1958 and 2011. We found that ΔAGB was higher for deciduous broadleaf (DEC) (1.44 Mg ha−1 year−1, 95% Bayesian confidence interval (CI), 1.22–1.68) and early‐successional coniferous forests (ESC) (1.42, CI, 1.30–1.56) than mixed forests (MIX) (0.80, CI, 0.50–1.11) and late‐successional coniferous (LSC) forests (0.62, CI, 0.39–0.88). ΔAGB declined with forest age as well as calendar year. After accounting for the effects of forest age, ΔAGB declined by 0.035, 0.021, 0.032 and 0.069 Mg ha−1 year−1 per calendar year in DEC, ESC, MIX and LSC forests, respectively. The ΔAGB declines resulted from increased tree mortality and reduced growth in all forest types except DEC, in which a large biomass loss from mortality was accompanied with a small increase in growth. With every degree of annual temperature increase, ΔAGB decreased by 1.00, 0.20, 0.55 and 1.07 Mg ha−1 year−1 in DEC, ESC, MIX and LSC forests, respectively. With every cm decrease of annual climatic moisture availability, ΔAGB decreased 0.030, 0.045 and 0.17 Mg ha−1 year−1 in ESC, MIX and LSC forests, but changed little in DEC forests. Our results suggest that persistent warming and decreasing water availability have profound negative effects on forest biomass in the boreal forests of western Canada. Furthermore, our results indicate that forest responses to climate change are strongly dependent on forest composition with late‐successional coniferous forests being most vulnerable to climate changes in terms of aboveground biomass.
Protease inhibitors to treat hepatitis C in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: high efficacy but low treatment uptake
Authors: Schaerer V , Haubitz S , Kovari H , Ledergerber B , Ambrosioni J , Cavassini M , Stoeckle M , Schmid P , Decosterd L , Aouri M , Böni J , Günthard HF , Furrer H , Metzner KJ , Fehr J , Rauch A ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesDirect‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have become the standard of care for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to assess treatment uptake and efficacy in routine clinical settings among HIV/HCV coinfected patients after the introduction of the first generation DAAs.MethodsData on all Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) participants starting HCV protease inhibitor (PI) treatment between September 2011 and August 2013 were collected prospectively. The uptake and efficacy of HCV therapy were compared with those in the time period before the availability of PIs.ResultsUpon approval of PI treatment in Switzerland in September 2011, 516 SHCS participants had chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. Of these, 57 (11%) started HCV treatment during the following 2 years with either telaprevir, faldaprevir or boceprevir. Twenty‐seven (47%) patients were treatment‐naïve, nine (16%) were patients with relapse and 21 (37%) were partial or null responders. Twenty‐nine (57%) had advanced fibrosis and 15 (29%) had cirrhosis. End‐of‐treatment virological response was 84% in treatment‐naïve patients, 88% in patients with relapse and 62% in previous nonresponders. Sustained virological response was 78%, 86% and 40% in treatment‐naïve patients, patients with relapse and nonresponders, respectively. Treatment uptake was similar before (3.8 per 100 patient‐years) and after (6.1 per 100 patient‐years) the introduction of PIs, while treatment efficacy increased considerably after the introduction of PIs.ConclusionsThe introduction of PI‐based HCV treatment in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients improved virological response rates, while treatment uptake remained low. Therefore, the introduction of PIs into the clinical routine was beneficial at the individual level, but had only a modest effect on the burden of HCV infection at the population level.
A new trap for collecting aquatic and semi‐aquatic insects from madicolous habitats
Authors: Shimabukuro Erika M. , Pepinelli Mateus , Perbiche‐Neves Gilmar , Trivinho‐Strixino Susana 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

A new trap is described for capturing adult insects (especially Chironomidae) from madicolous habitats in mountainous environments.

The trap is light enough to be carried and is easy and inexpensive to build, being constructed of mosquito netting fabric (no‐see‐um mesh size), galvanised wire, a plastic bottle, a plastic conduit and nylon clamps.

Seventy‐one traps deployed along an altitudinal gradient on three different mountains (altitude 0–2700 m above sea level) captured c. 1400 adult insects, representing 20 higher taxa (i.e. families or orders) of insects.
Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Shahidi‐Dadras Mohammad , Haghighatkhah Hamid Reza , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh , Younespour Shima , Partovi kia Masoud , Zargari Omid 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic disorders. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor that was overexpressed in both psoriatic and atherosclerotic lesions. In a prospective controlled study, we investigated the correlation between serum levels of VEGF and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.MethodSixty patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and 60 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were recruited to the study. Mean intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery (MIMT‐CCA) and serum VEGF levels of all subjects were measured. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as having an MIMT‐CCA ≥0.8 mm.ResultsSerum VEGF levels in psoriatic patients were significantly higher compared with healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Psoriatic patients had significantly greater MIMT‐CCA than healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Forty‐five percent of patients and 6.7% of the healthy controls had subclinical atherosclerosis (P < 0.0001). In the patient group, subclinical atherosclerosis was significantly associated with serum VEGF levels, age, disease duration, and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI).ConclusionThis study supported the possible role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients.
Scale effects on the pattern and predictors of small mammal diversity along a local elevational gradient in the Great Basin
Authors: Rowe Rebecca J. , Heaney Lawrence R. , Rickart Eric A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimEvaluation of the generality of the diversity–elevation relationship has highlighted effects of scale (spatial extent and grain size) on pattern perception. In contrast, the effects of scale on the attribution of drivers of diversity along elevational gradients remain largely unexplored. This is important because many causal factors have been proposed, and remotely sensed data about abiotic factors are available at increasingly fine grain sizes. Here, we evaluate the effects both of the resolution of the species diversity estimate on the pattern perceived, and of environmental predictor grain size on the potential contribution to each pattern.LocationRuby Mountains, Nevada, western North America.MethodsFor the small mammal fauna along one local elevational gradient, we compared patterns among estimates of richness derived from site‐based occurrences rarefied by survey effort and those inferred from interpolation across species’ elevational ranges. Using an information‐theoretic approach, we evaluated the relative importance of spatial and environmental factors in structuring each richness distribution. Climate and habitat were assessed at coarse and fine grain sizes. Comparisons were based on model fit and relative variable importance.ResultsWe find general congruence in the diversity–elevation relationship, with peak diversity near the midpoint of the sampled gradient. Despite this commonality in pattern, we find the attribution of underlying drivers is substantially influenced by the type of richness estimate and by the grain size of the predictor variables.Main conclusionsOur results illustrate that the factors identified as predictors of diversity can be sensitive to grain size, and that this sensitivity is not equally apparent under different measures of richness obtained from the same survey data. We call for broader discussion of scale effects and resolution appropriateness for elevational diversity gradients. This is particularly important because mismatches in scale may result in misguided conservation or management initiatives.
Phenotypic variation and covariation indicate high evolvability of acoustic communication in crickets
Authors: Blankers T. , Lübke A. K. , Hennig R. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStudying the genetic architecture of sexual traits provides insight into the rate and direction at which traits can respond to selection. Traits associated with few loci and limited genetic and phenotypic constraints tend to evolve at high rates typically observed for secondary sexual characters. Here, we examined the genetic architecture of song traits and female song preferences in the field crickets Gryllus rubens and Gryllus texensis. Song and preference data were collected from both species and interspecific F1 and F2 hybrids. We first analysed phenotypic variation to examine interspecific differentiation and trait distributions in parental and hybrid generations. Then, the relative contribution of additive and additive‐dominance variation was estimated. Finally, phenotypic variance–covariance (P) matrices were estimated to evaluate the multivariate phenotype available for selection. Song traits and preferences had unimodal trait distributions, and hybrid offspring were intermediate with respect to the parents. We uncovered additive and dominance variation in song traits and preferences. For two song traits, we found evidence for X‐linked inheritance. On the one hand, the observed genetic architecture does not suggest rapid divergence, although sex linkage may have allowed for somewhat higher evolutionary rates. On the other hand, P matrices revealed that multivariate variation in song traits aligned with major dimensions in song preferences, suggesting a strong selection response. We also found strong covariance between the main traits that are sexually selected and traits that are not directly selected by females, providing an explanation for the striking multivariate divergence in male calling songs despite limited divergence in female preferences.
The influence of growth patterns on sexual size monomorphism in lemurs
Authors: Tennenhouse E. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe lack of sexual size dimorphism among lemurs is puzzling given the high degree of polygyny in this clade. It has been proposed that the unique ecological conditions of Madagascar favour rapid completion of growth, limiting the opportunities for bimaturism and sexual size dimorphism in lemurs. Using recently compiled large data sets on many species across the lemur clade, I examined the prevalence of sexual size monomorphism of body mass among lemurs and tested the hypothesis that limited growth durations constrain sexual size dimorphism. I used segmented regression analyses to accurately model growth in each species. The majority of species analysed exhibited a period of rapid growth followed by a distinct period of slow growth prior to attainment of adult body mass. Whereas the first period of growth was constrained by the need to attain the majority of adult body mass prior to the onset of the infant's first dry season, the subsequent period of slow growth was unconstrained and sufficiently long to promote sexual bimaturism. Sex differences in the duration and rate of growth during this second growth phase appeared to account for the sexual size dimorphism exhibited by three lemur species. Therefore, constraints on growth processes do not limit sexual size dimorphism in lemurs, and other explanations for the prevalence of sexual size monomorphism in this clade should be examined. The importance of considering ontogeny in future investigations of sexual size monomorphism in lemurs is highlighted.
Spatial heterogeneity lowers rather than increases host–parasite specialization
Authors: Hesse E. , Best A. , Boots M. , Hall A. R. , Buckling A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAbiotic environmental heterogeneity can promote the evolution of diverse resource specialists, which in turn may increase the degree of host–parasite specialization. We coevolved Pseudomonas fluorescens and lytic phage ϕ2 in spatially structured populations, each consisting of two interconnected subpopulations evolving in the same or different nutrient media (homogeneous and heterogeneous environments, respectively). Counter to the normal expectation, host–parasite specialization was significantly lower in heterogeneous compared with homogeneous environments. This result could not be explained by dispersal homogenizing populations, as this would have resulted in the heterogeneous treatments having levels of specialization equal to or greater than that of the homogeneous environments. We argue that selection for costly generalists is greatest when the coevolving species are exposed to diverse environmental conditions and that this can provide an explanation for our results. A simple coevolutionary model of this process suggests that this can be a general mechanism by which environmental heterogeneity can reduce rather than increase host–parasite specialization.
Effects of Ultrasound Treatment on Connective Tissue Collagen and Meat Quality of Beef Semitendinosus Muscle
Authors: Chang Hai‐Jun , Wang Qiang , Tang Chun‐Hong , Zhou Guang‐Hong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe effects of low‐frequency, high‐power ultrasound (40 kHz, 1,500 W) on meat quality and connective tissue collagen of beef semitendinosus muscle were assessed. Beef steaks were sonicated for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 min. The effects of ultrasound on exudate yield, water‐loss rate, cooking loss, meat tenderness, and connective tissue and collagen properties were assessed. The results revealed that ultrasound increased meat exudate and water‐loss rates and reduced Warner–Bratzler shear force values. However, ultrasound had no effect on cooking loss or insoluble collagen content and little effects on collagen content and solubility. The mechanical strength of connective tissue decreased in ultrasound‐treated beef samples. Following ultrasound treatment of ≥10 min, muscle fibers shrank, the endomysium was disrupted and the perimysium thickness decreased. Protein aggregates formed in the extracellular space. Low‐frequency, high‐power ultrasound had significant effects on meat texture and connective tissue properties.Practical ApplicationsIntramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) and collagen are related to meat quality, especially meat tenderness and texture. Ultrasound treatment enhances tenderness and sensory attributes of meat by changing cellular structures. However, there are limited data on the effectiveness of ultrasound on meat quality from the viewpoint of IMCT. In this study, we reported the meat quality attributes affected by changes in connective tissue and collagen as a result of ultrasound treatment. The results obtained in this study would be useful for the scientific community and the meat industry.
The phosphorylation of α‐synuclein: development and implication for the mechanism and therapy of the Parkinson's disease
Authors: Xu Yan , Deng Yulin , Qing Hong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is cited to be the second most common neuronal degenerative disorders; however, the exact mechanism of PD is still unclear. α‐synuclein is one of the key proteins in PD pathogenesis as it's the main component of the PD hallmark Lewy bodies (LBs). Nowadays, the study of α‐synuclein phosphorylation mechanism related to the PD pathology has become a research hotspot, given that 90% of α‐synuclein deposition in LBs is phosphorylated at Ser129, whereas in normal brains, only 4% or less of α‐synuclein is phosphorylated at the residue. Here, we review the related study of PD pathological mechanism involving the phosphorylation of α‐synuclein mainly at Ser129, Ser87, and Tyr125 residues in recent years, as well as some explorations relating to potential clinical application, in an attempt to describe the development and implication for the mechanism and therapy of PD. Given that some of the studies have yielded paradoxical results, there is need for more comprehensive research in the field. The phosphorylation of α‐synuclein might provide a breakthrough for PD mechanism study and even supply a new therapeutic strategy.
imageThe milestone study on the phosphorylation of α‐synuclein mainly at Ser129, Ser87, and Tyr125 relating to PD in recent years as well as some clinical application exploration are overviewed. The potential pathways of the phosphorylated α‐synuclein related to PD are also summarized. The review may supply more ideas and thinking on this issue for the scientists in related research field.
Quality of life assessment in cosmetics: specificity and interest of the international BeautyQol instrument
Authors: Beresniak Ariel , Auray Jean‐Paul , Duru Gérard , Aractingi Selim , Krueger Gerald G. , Talarico Sergio , Tsutani Kiichiro , Dupont Danielle , de Linares Yolaine 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe wide use of cosmetics and their perceived benefits upon well‐being imply objective descriptions of their effects upon the different dimensions contributing to the quality of life (QoL). Such a goal pleas for using relevant and validated scientific instruments with robust measurement methods. This paper discusses the interest of the new validated questionnaire BeautyQoL specifically designed to assess the effect of cosmetic products on physical appearance and QoL. After conducting a review of skin appearance and QoL, three phases of the international codevelopment have been carried out in the following sequence: semi‐directed interviews (Phase 1), acceptability study (Phase 2), and validation study (Phase 3). Data collection and validation process have been carried out in 16 languages. This review confirms that QoL instruments developed in dermatology are not suitable to assess cosmetic products, mainly because of their lack of sensitivity. General acceptability of BeautyQol was very good. Forty‐two questions have been structured in five dimensions that explained 76.7% of the total variance: Social Life, Self‐confidence, Mood, Vitality, and Attractiveness. Cronbach's alpha coefficients are between 0.932 and 0.978, confirming the good internal consistency of the results. The BeautyQol questionnaire is the first international instrument specific to cosmetic products and physical appearance that has been validated in 16 languages and could be used in a number of clinical trials and descriptive studies to demonstrate the added value of these products on the QoL.
Pain from bluebottle jellyfish stings
Authors: Li Li , McGee Richard G , Webster Angela C 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old girl presented to the emergency department with severe pain after a jellyfish sting at a New South Wales beach. Bluebottle (Physalia) jellyfish was deemed the most likely cause considering her geographical location. The Australian Resuscitation Council Guideline (2010) suggests immersing in water as hot as can be tolerated for 20 min for treating pain from jellyfish stings. This guideline was written based on past case reports, books and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a search to assess the most current evidence for relief of pain from Bluebottle jellyfish stings, which yielded two systematic reviews and seven RCTs. Both systematic reviews had similar conclusions, with one of the RCTs used in both reviews showing the most relevance to our presenting patient in terms of demographics, location and jellyfish type. This journal club article is an appraisal of this RCT by Loten et al. and the validity of its conclusion that hot water immersion is most effective for the relief of pain from Bluebottle stings.
Asthma deaths in children in New South Wales 2004–2013: Could we have done more?
Authors: Fitzgerald Dominic A , Gillis Jonathan 
Published: July 2015

AimsThe aim of this study was to characterise the deaths of children from asthma in New South Wales (NSW) over the last 10 years and ascertain whether there were modifiable factors that could have prevented the deaths.MethodsThe hospital medical records, coronial reports, immunisation records and all relevant correspondence from general practitioners, medical specialists and hospitals were reviewed for children who died with asthma in the 10 years (2004–2013).ResultsIn 10 years, there were 20 deaths (0–7 per year) with a male predominance (70%) occurring in children aged 4–17 years. Sixteen (80%) had persistent asthma and 4 (20%) had intermittent asthma. The majority (55%) had been hospitalised for asthma in the preceding 12 months, 25% in the preceding 6 weeks. The majority (55%) was aged 10–14 years. Ninety percent were atopic. Psychosocial issues were identified in the majority (55%) of families. Forty percent had a child protection history. Seventy‐five percent had consulted a general practitioner in the year before their death, 45% had a current written asthma action plan and 50% had not seen a paediatrician ever in relation to their asthma. Of the 16 children at school, the schools were aware of the asthma in 14 (88%) cases, but only half had copies of written asthma plans.ConclusionsImproved communication and oversight between health‐care providers, education and community protection agencies could reduce mortality from asthma in children.
The importance of seed mass for the tolerance to heat shocks of savanna and forest tree species
Authors: Ribeiro Leandro C. , Barbosa Eduardo R. M. , van Langevelde Frank , Borghetti Fabian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuestionsDoes seed mass influence the tolerance of seeds to the effects of heating in fires? Is the tolerance to heat shocks during fire events dependent mostly on seed mass itself or to other traits linked to the species ecological origin, e.g. non‐fire‐prone (forest) and fire‐prone (savanna) environments?LocationSavanna and forest ecosystems of the Cerrado biome, Brazil.MethodsHeat shocks were applied to seeds of 17 selected common tree species in savanna (ten species) or forest ecosystems (seven species) of the Cerrado biome. After being submitted to a heat shock, seeds were allowed to germinate in chambers set at 30 °C. Germination percentage was calculated for each treatment and species. For comparison purposes, species were grouped into two functional groups (forest and savanna) and also into seed size classes (small, medium and large). We used generalized linear model to analyse heat shock effects on seed germination of savanna and forest tree species, and how seed size affected the germination response.ResultsSeed mass influenced seed tolerance to heat shock. Larger seeds had higher survival when subjected to heat shock, independent of species’ ecological origin. In addition, seeds from species occurring in fire‐prone environments (savanna) were more tolerant to high levels of heat shock than seeds from species occurring in non‐fire‐prone environments (forest).ConclusionIn response to global climatic change, fire regimes in savannas of South America are expected to become more frequent and intense, even expanding into currently non‐fire‐prone environments. In this sense, our findings indicate that species from savannas (fire‐prone environments) might have an adaptive advantage to these consequences of climatic changes, potentially leading to expansion of the savanna ecosystems.