bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping opportunities and challenges for rewilding in Europe
Authors: Ceaușu Silvia , Hofmann Max , Navarro Laetitia M. , Carver Steve , Verburg Peter H. , Pereira Henrique M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFarmland abandonment takes place across the world due to socio‐economic and ecological drivers. In Europe agricultural and environmental policies aim to prevent abandonment and halt ecological succession. Ecological rewilding has been recently proposed as an alternative strategy. We developed a framework to assess opportunities for rewilding across different dimensions of wilderness in Europe. We mapped artificial light, human accessibility based on transport infrastructure, proportion of harvested primary productivity (i.e., ecosystem productivity appropriated by humans through agriculture or forestry), and deviation from potential natural vegetation in areas projected to be abandoned by 2040. At the continental level, the levels of artificial light were low and the deviation from potential natural vegetation was high in areas of abandonment. The relative importance of wilderness metrics differed regionally and was strongly connected to local environmental and socio‐economic contexts. Large areas of projected abandonment were often located in or around Natura 2000 sites. Based on these results, we argue that management should be tailored to restore the aspects of wilderness that are lacking in each region. There are many remaining challenges regarding biodiversity in Europe, but megafauna species are already recovering. To further potentiate large‐scale rewilding, Natura 2000 management would need to incorporate rewilding approaches. Our framework can be applied to assessing rewilding opportunities and challenges in other world regions, and our results could guide redirection of subsidies to manage social‐ecological systems.
Framing the relationship between people and nature in the context of European conservation
Authors: Linnell John D. C. , Kaczensky Petra , Wotschikowsky Ulrich , Lescureux Nicolas , Boitani Luigi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA key controversy in conservation is the framing of the relationship between people and nature. The extent to which the realms of nature and human culture are viewed as separate (dualistic view) or integrated is often discussed in the social sciences. To explore how this relationship is represented in the practice of conservation in Europe, we considered examples of cultural landscapes, wildlife (red deer, reindeer, horses), and protected area management. We found little support, for a dualistic worldview, where people and nature are regarded as separate in the traditional practice of conservation in Europe. The borders between nature and culture, wild and domestic, public land and private land, and between protected areas and the wider landscape were blurred and dynamic. The institutionalized (in practice and legislation) view is of an interactive mutualistic system in which humans and nature share the whole landscape. However, more dualistic ideals, such as wilderness and rewilding that are challenging established practices are expanding. In the context of modern day Europe, wilderness conservation and rewilding are not valid for the whole landscape, although it is possible to integrate some areas of low‐intervention management into a wider matrix. A precondition for success is to recognize and plan for a plurality of values concerning the most valid approaches to conservation and to plan for this plurality at the landscape scale.
The role of agri‐environment schemes in conservation and environmental management
Authors: Batáry Péter , Dicks Lynn V. , Kleijn David , Sutherland William J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOver half of the European landscape is under agricultural management and has been for millennia. Many species and ecosystems of conservation concern in Europe depend on agricultural management and are showing ongoing declines. Agri‐environment schemes (AES) are designed partly to address this. They are a major source of nature conservation funding within the European Union (EU) and the highest conservation expenditure in Europe. We reviewed the structure of current AES across Europe. Since a 2003 review questioned the overall effectiveness of AES for biodiversity, there has been a plethora of case studies and meta‐analyses examining their effectiveness. Most syntheses demonstrate general increases in farmland biodiversity in response to AES, with the size of the effect depending on the structure and management of the surrounding landscape. This is important in the light of successive EU enlargement and ongoing reforms of AES. We examined the change in effect size over time by merging the data sets of 3 recent meta‐analyses and found that schemes implemented after revision of the EU's agri‐environmental programs in 2007 were not more effective than schemes implemented before revision. Furthermore, schemes aimed at areas out of production (such as field margins and hedgerows) are more effective at enhancing species richness than those aimed at productive areas (such as arable crops or grasslands). Outstanding research questions include whether AES enhance ecosystem services, whether they are more effective in agriculturally marginal areas than in intensively farmed areas, whether they are more or less cost‐effective for farmland biodiversity than protected areas, and how much their effectiveness is influenced by farmer training and advice? The general lesson from the European experience is that AES can be effective for conserving wildlife on farmland, but they are expensive and need to be carefully designed and targeted.
Sodium Channel Inhibitors Reduce DMPK mRNA and Protein
Authors: Witherspoon Luke , O'Reilly Sean , Hadwen Jeremiah , Tasnim Nafisa , MacKenzie Alex , Farooq Faraz 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by an expanded trinucleotide (CTG)n tract in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. This results in the aggregation of an expanded mRNA forming toxic intranuclear foci which sequester splicing factors. We believe down‐regulation of DMPK mRNA represents a potential, and as yet unexplored, DM1 therapeutic avenue. Consequently, a computational screen for agents which down‐regulate DMPK mRNA was undertaken, unexpectedly identifying the sodium channel blockers mexiletine, prilocaine, procainamide, and sparteine as effective suppressors of DMPK mRNA. Analysis of DMPK mRNA in C2C12 myoblasts following treatment with these agents revealed a reduction in the mRNA levels. In vivo analysis of CD1 mice also showed DMPK mRNA and protein down‐regulation. The role of DMPK mRNA suppression in the documented efficacy of this class of compounds in DM1 is worthy of further investigation.
Signatures of niche conservatism and niche shift in the North American kudzu (Pueraria montana) invasion
Authors: Callen Steven T. , Miller Allison J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimRecent advances have improved our ability to determine the degree to which the climatic niche of invasive populations resembles (niche conservatism) or differs from (niche shift) that of native progenitors. We compared the climatic niche of kudzu (Pueraria montana), one of the most devastating invasive species in North America, between its native (East Asia) and invasive (United States) ranges.LocationEast Asia and United States.MethodsTo compare kudzu climatic niches, we calculated niche overlap, stability, unfilling (native climates not colonized in the invasive range) and expansion (invasive climates not colonized in the native range) from principal component analysis and performed niche hypothesis tests. Reciprocal ecological niche models (ENMs) examined kudzu's current versus potential distributions. To gain insight into the dynamics of different components of kudzu's niche, we performed these analyses on two climate datasets: one with variables selected by Maxent (Model M) and one with variables chosen a priori based on their putative ecological importance (Model E).ResultsNiche conservatism was indicated by niche similarity tests and high niche stability. Niche shift between native and invasive niches was also observed but varied with variable selection: niche unfilling was detected for Models M (0.622–0.903) and E (0.265–0.577), while expansion was found only for Model M (0.576–0.959). ENMs predicted suitable climatic habitat throughout regions in the western United States where kudzu is currently absent.Main conclusionsNiche dynamics in the North American kudzu invasion are complex but can be thoroughly explored using unique variable datasets that illuminate different facets of the niche. Results presented here provide troubling evidence that kudzu has not yet occupied all climatic habitats in the United States that resemble its native range and that some invasive populations have expanded into climatically novel areas. Midwestern/western US regions appear to be most at risk for kudzu spread in the near future.
Layer‐specific endocannabinoid‐mediated long‐term depression of GABAergic neurotransmission onto principal neurons in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Wang Laijian , Li Shuo , Tie Xiaoxiu , Jiang Bin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractVisually induced endocannabinoid‐mediated long‐term depression of GABAergic neurotransmission (iLTD) mediates the maturation of GABAergic release in layer 2/3 of visual cortex. Here we examined whether the maturation of GABAergic transmission in other layers of visual cortex also requires endocannabinoids. The developmental plasticity of GABAergic neurotransmission onto the principal neurons in different layers of mouse visual cortex was examined in cortical slices by whole‐cell recordings of inhibitory postsynaptic currents evoked by presynaptic inhibitory inputs. Theta burst stimulation of GABAergic inputs induced an endocannabinoid‐mediated long‐term depression of GABAergic neurotransmission onto pyramidal cells in layer 2/3 from postnatal day (P)10 to 30 and in layer 5 from P10 to 40, whereas that of GABAergic inputs did not induce iLTD onto star pyramidal neurons in layer 4 at any time postnatally, indicating that this plasticity is laminar‐specific. The developmental loss of iLTD paralleled the maturation of GABAergic inhibition in both layer 2/3 and layer 5. Visual deprivation delayed the developmental loss of iLTD in layers 3 and 5 during a critical period, while 2 days of light exposure eliminated iLTD in both layers. Furthermore, the GABAergic synapses in layers 2/3 and 5 did not normally mature in the type 1 cannabinoid receptor knock‐out mice, whereas those in layer 4 did not require endocannabinoid receptor for maturation. These results suggest that visually induced endocannabinoid‐dependent iLTD mediates the maturation of GABAergic release in extragranular layer rather than in granular layer of mouse visual cortex.
LRIT3 is essential to localize TRPM1 to the dendritic tips of depolarizing bipolar cells and may play a role in cone synapse formation
Authors: Neuillé Marion , Morgans Catherine W. , Cao Yan , Orhan Elise , Michiels Christelle , Sahel José‐Alain , Audo Isabelle , Duvoisin Robert M. , Martemyanov Kirill A. , Zeitz Christina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMutations in LRIT3 lead to complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). The exact role of LRIT3 in ON‐bipolar cell signaling cascade remains to be elucidated. Recently, we have characterized a novel mouse model lacking Lrit3 [no b‐wave 6, (Lrit3nob6/nob6)], which displays similar abnormalities to patients with cCSNB with LRIT3 mutations. Here we compare the localization of components of the ON‐bipolar cell signaling cascade in wild‐type and Lrit3nob6/nob6 retinal sections by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. An anti‐LRIT3 antibody was generated. Immunofluorescent staining of LRIT3 in wild‐type mice revealed a specific punctate labeling in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), which was absent in Lrit3nob6/nob6 mice. LRIT3 did not co‐localize with ribeye or calbindin but co‐localized with mGluR6. TRPM1 staining was severely decreased at the dendritic tips of all depolarizing bipolar cells in Lrit3nob6/nob6 mice. mGluR6, GPR179, RGS7, RGS11 and Gβ5 immunofluorescence was absent at the dendritic tips of cone ON‐bipolar cells in Lrit3nob6/nob6 mice, while it was present at the dendritic tips of rod bipolar cells. Furthermore, peanut agglutinin (PNA) labeling was severely reduced in the OPL in Lrit3nob6/nob6 mice. This study confirmed the localization of LRIT3 at the dendritic tips of depolarizing bipolar cells in mouse retina and demonstrated the dependence of TRPM1 localization on the presence of LRIT3. As tested components of the ON‐bipolar cell signaling cascade and PNA revealed disrupted localization, an additional function of LRIT3 in cone synapse formation is suggested. These results point to a possibly different regulation of the mGluR6 signaling cascade between rod and cone ON‐bipolar cells.
Sunitinib–ibuprofen drug interaction affects the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of sunitinib to brain, liver, and kidney in male and female mice differently
Authors: Lau Christine Li Ling , Chan Sook Tyng , Selvaratanam Manimegahlai , Khoo Hui Wen , Lim Adeline Yi Ling , Modamio Pilar , Mariño Eduardo L. , Segarra Ignacio 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib (used in GIST, advanced RCC, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors) undergoes CYP3A4 metabolism and is an ABCB1B and ABCG2 efflux transporters substrate. We assessed the pharmacokinetic interaction with ibuprofen (an NSAID used by patients with cancer) in Balb/c male and female mice. Mice (study group) were coadministered (30 min apart) 30 mg/kg of ibuprofen and 60 mg/kg of sunitinib PO and compared with the control groups, which received sunitinib alone (60 mg/kg, PO). Sunitinib concentration in plasma, brain, kidney, and liver was measured by HPLC as scheduled and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters estimated. In female control mice, sunitinib AUC0→∞ decreased in plasma (P < 0.05), was higher in liver and brain (P < 0.001), and lower in kidney (P < 0.001) vs. male control mice. After ibuprofen coadministration, female mice showed lower AUC0→∞ in plasma (P < 0.01), brain, liver, and kidney (all P < 0.001). However, in male mice, AUC0→∞ remained unchanged in plasma, increased in liver and kidney, and decreased in brain (all P < 0.001). The tissue‐to‐plasma AUC0→∞ ratio was similar between male and female control mice, but changed after ibuprofen coadministration: Male mice showed 1.6‐fold higher liver‐to‐plasma ratio (P < 0.001) while remained unchanged in female mice and in kidney (male and female mice) but decreased 55% in brain (P < 0.05). The tissue‐to‐plasma partial AUC ratio, the drug tissue targeting index, and the tissue‐plasma hysteresis‐like plots also showed sex‐based ibuprofen–sunitinib drug interaction differences. The results illustrate the relevance of this DDI on sunitinib pharmacokinetics and tissue uptake. These may be due to gender‐based P450 and efflux/transporters differences.
Wind‐induced stock variation of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) winter–spring cohort in the subtropical North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Nishikawa Haruka , Toyoda Takahiro , Masuda Shuhei , Ishikawa Yoichi , Sasaki Yuji , Igarashi Hiromichi , Sakai Mitsuo , Seito Masaki , Awaji Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOur examination of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) winter–spring cohort catch per unit effort (CPUE, an index of stock) revealed significant positive correlations with the interannual variations of observed chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentration and autumn–winter mixed layer depth (MLD) in the winter–spring feeding grounds of paralarvae and juveniles (130–170°E, 20–27°N). These correlations suggest the importance of integrated bottom‐up effects by the autumn–winter MLD for the neon flying squid stocks. However, the influence of autumn–winter MLD interannual variation in the forage availability for paralarvae and juveniles, i.e., particulate organic matter and zooplankton, has still been unclear. In this study, we use the lower trophic ecosystem model NEMURO, which uses the physical environmental data from the ocean reanalysis dataset obtained by the four‐dimensional variational (4DVAR) data assimilation method. The model‐based investigation enables us to clarify how the autumn–winter MLD controls the particulate organic matter and zooplankton abundance in the feeding grounds. Further, our investigation of the autumn–winter MLD interannual variation demonstrates that the stronger autumn wind in the feeding grounds develops a deeper mixed layer. Therefore, the deep mixed layer entrains nutrient‐rich water and enhances photosynthesis, which results in good feeding conditions for paralarvae and juveniles. Our results underline that the wind system interannual variation has critical roles on the winter–spring cohort of the neon flying squid stock.
A Meta‐Analysis of the Association between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease from Published Prospective Studies
Authors: Sun Jing , Rangan Pooja , Bhat Srinidhi Subraya , Liu Longjian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe association between helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and coronary heart disease (CHD) has long been debated, and the results from previous meta‐analysis are varied.AimsThe aim for this study was to identify the association between Hp and CHD using published perspective cohort studies.Materials and MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed on studies published from January, 1992 to April, 2014. All studies included used data from prospective cohort studies of CHD events or CHD deaths. Random effect models were applied in all estimations.ResultsH. pylori infection increased the risk of CHD events by 11% (19 studies, n = 22,207, risk ratio (RR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.22). This effect was greater for studies that had less than 5 years' follow‐up time (RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00–1.32). However, this effect was not significant for studies that had follow‐up times ≥10 years (n = 5100, RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.87–1.24). Neither Cag‐A seropositive nor Cag‐A seronegative strains of H. pylori were associated with a significantly increased risk of CHD events or deaths based on the current published data.ConclusionIn conclusion, H. pylori infection increased the risk of CHD events, especially in a patient's early life, but this association was weaker or might be masked by other CHD risk factors in long‐term observations.
Chemical removal of necrotic periodontal ligament on delayed replanted teeth by sodium hypochlorite: morphological analysis and microhardness indentation test of cementum
Authors: Bai J. , Qin M. , Zhao Y. ‐M. , Huang M. ‐W. , Ji A. ‐P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) used at different concentrations and working times for removing necrotic periodontal ligament (PDL) from delayed replanted teeth and to observe the effects of NaOCl on surface structure and microhardness of cementum.MethodologyA total of 88 healthy premolars with a single root extracted for orthodontic purposes were selected and kept dry at room temperature for 1 h. The teeth were divided into 11 groups: group 1 (control): roots were untreated; group 2: necrotic PDL was removed with gauze; groups 3–11: teeth were immersed in NaOCl at different concentrations (1, 2.5 and 5.25%) and for different working times (5, 10 and 15 min). The specimens in each group were inspected separately for cementum integrity and the presence of PDL remnants by histomorphometric analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Another 14 healthy premolars with roots divided into two pieces were selected for Vickers microhardness indentation tests before and after NaOCl treatment. The data were analysed statistically using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test of two‐related samples (P = 0.05).ResultsIn teeth treated with 1% NaOCl for 15 min or 5.25% NaOCl for 5 min, the cementum remained morphologically intact without cracks, and PDL remnants were absent. In the 1% NaOCl for 15 min group, the microstructure of cementum was arranged more regularly, as observed ×8000 magnification by SEM. Teeth in each of the other groups displayed cementum damage and/or the presence of PDL remnants. Microhardness tests revealed that treatment with 1% NaOCl for 15 min or 5.25% NaOCl for 5 min significantly decreased microhardness of root cementum (P < 0.05).ConclusionsUse of either 1% NaOCl for 15 min or 5.25% NaOCl for 5 min was effective at removing necrotic PDL from the delayed replanted teeth whilst having a minimal influence on cementum integrity. However, 1% NaOCl for 15 min was less damaging to cementum.
Enzymatic isolation of viable human odontoblasts
Authors: Cuffaro H. M. , Pääkkönen V. , Tjäderhane L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo improve an enzymatic method previously used for isolation of rat odontoblasts to isolate viable mature human odontoblasts.MethodologyCollagenase I, collagenase I/hyaluronidase mixture and hyaluronidase were used to extract mature human odontoblasts from the pulp chamber. Detachment of odontoblasts from dentine was determined with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and to analyse the significance of differences in tubular diameter, and the t‐test was used. MTT‐reaction was used to analyse cell viability, and nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney post hoc tests were used to analyse the data. Immunofluorescent staining of dentine sialoprotein (DSP), aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) and matrix metalloproteinase‐20 (MMP‐20) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were used to confirm the odontoblastic nature of the cells.ResultsMTT‐reaction and FESEM demonstrated collagenase I/hyaluronidase resulted in more effective detachment and higher viability than collagenase I alone. Hyaluronidase alone was not able to detach odontoblasts. Immunofluorescence revealed the typical odontoblastic‐morphology with one process, and DSP, AQP4 and MMP‐20 were detected. Quantitative PCR of DSPP confirmed that the isolated cells expressed this odontoblast‐specific gene.ConclusionThe isolation of viable human odontoblasts was successful. The cells demonstrated morphology typical for odontoblasts and expressed characteristic odontoblast‐type genes and proteins. This method will enable new approaches, such as apoptosis analysis, for studies using fully differentiated odontoblasts.
Spent grape pomace as a still potential by‐product
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Travaglia Fabiano , Locatelli Monica , Arlorio Marco , Coïsson Jean Daniel 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis research consisted of the determination of several phenolic compound and fatty acid contents of the grape seeds and skins obtained from pomace PRE and POST distillation. The quantification of flavan‐3‐ol composition, the determination of the mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) of the condensed tannins and the estimation of their antiradical activity have been also realised. The distillation process applied did not seem to significantly affect the fatty acid distribution of extracted oils. Conversely, the antiradical activity of both seeds and skins changed. Heating significantly decreased the seeds’ activity, while increased the skins’ activity to around 50% compared to PRE sample. The conclusion from this study is that despite the degradation caused by the drastic conditions, many interesting, valuable compounds are still present in the extract from the waste of this process, which makes it a useful matter for a better exploitation than as fertiliser or for producing renewable energy.