bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryptic seed heteromorphism in Packera tomentosa (Asteraceae): differences in mass and germination
Authors: Leverett Lindsay D. , Jolls Claudia L. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSeed mass variation and heteromorphism may afford plant species differential germination behavior and ultimately seedling success, particularly in disturbed habitats. We asked whether such variation occurs in Packera tomentosa (Michx.) C. Jeffrey (Asteraceae), a clonal species of the southeastern USA. Seed mass was compared within and among genetic individuals differentiated using amplified fragment length polymorphisms. We compared central and peripheral seeds produced by disc and ray florets, respectively, for their morphology, mass, and germination behavior, including response to water availability, aging, and cold stratification. Seed mass was highly variable both within and among individuals and influenced germination behavior. We found cryptic seed heteromorphism in P. tomentosa. Central and peripheral seeds had similar morphologies but dissimilar mass and biomass allocation. We used failure time analysis to detect different germination behavior. Central seeds were heavier, contained larger embryos, and germinated faster and at a higher proportion in most germination studies. Highly variable mass and heteromorphism of seeds may allow persistence of P. tomentosa in its disturbed habitats. Based on our results, some future studies of Asteraceae species with disc and ray florets may need to account for possible differences between seed types, even when morphological differences are not apparent. Evaluation of individual seed mass and maternal differences in germination studies may assist in the detection of cryptic seed heteromorphism, a phenomenon thought to be common, yet rarely documented.
Methane, microbes and models: fundamental understanding of the soil methane cycle for future predictions
Authors: Nazaries Loïc , Murrell J. Colin , Millard Pete , Baggs Liz , Singh Brajesh K. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryMethane is an important greenhouse gas and microbes in the environment play major roles in both global methane emissions and terrestrial sinks. However, a full mechanistic understanding of the response of the methane cycle to global change is lacking. Recent studies suggest that a number of biological and environmental processes can influence the net flux of methane from soils to the atmosphere but the magnitude and direction of their impact are still debated. Here, we synthesize recent knowledge on soil microbial and biogeochemical process and the impacts of climate change factors on the soil methane cycle. We focus on (i) identification of the source and magnitude of methane flux and the global factors that may change the flux rate and magnitude in the future, (ii) the microbial communities responsible for methane production and terrestrial sinks, and (iii) how they will respond to future climatic scenarios and the consequences for feedback responses at a global scale. We also identify the research gaps in each of the topics identified above, provide evidence which can be used to demonstrate microbial regulation of methane cycle and suggest that incorporation of microbial data from emerging ‐omic technologies could be harnessed to increase the predictive power of simulation models.
Role of salt in Iranian ultrafiltered Feta cheese: Some textural and physicochemical changes during ripening
Authors: Farahnaky Asgar , Mousavi Sayed Hossein , Nasiri Mahshid 
Published: April 2013

The effect of NaCl (0–4%) on the ripening of Iranian ultrafiltered (UF)‐Feta cheese was assessed over 120 days of ripening at 4 °C. Whey percentage, whey salt, whey pH, cheese pH and textural properties of hardness and cohesiveness were monitored, and experimental modelling performed using response surface methodology. Texture, pH and whey percentage were significantly affected by NaCl and ripening. The maximum whey of 22% was recorded at the end of ripening period. Texture of this cheese becomes harder during ripening confirming cheese pH and whey percentage being the major determining factors. Cheese samples were more elastic than viscous with cohesiveness values of 0.6–0.9.
Stress and anxiety‐depression levels following first‐trimester miscarriage: a comparison between women who conceived naturally and women who conceived with assisted reproduction
Authors: Cheung CS , Chan CH , Ng EH 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the psychological impact following early miscarriage between women who conceived naturally and women who conceived following assisted reproduction.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAssisted reproduction clinic and general gynaecological unit in a university‐affiliated, tertiary referral hospital.PopulationA cohort of 150 women (75 after natural conception; 75 after assisted reproduction).MethodsCompleted semi‐structured interviews using two standard questionnaires [the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) and the 22–item Revised Impact of Events Scale (IES‐R)], at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after a diagnosis of first‐trimester miscarriage.Main outcome measuresThe GHQ–12 and IES–R scores for the two groups of women.ResultsThe GHQ‐12 and IES‐R scores were significantly higher in the assisted reproduction group than the scores in the natural conception group, at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after miscarriage. Further breakdown of the scores revealed significantly higher hyperarousal symptoms at 4 and 12 weeks in the assisted reproduction group, indicating the traumatic effect of miscarriage to these women.ConclusionsFollowing first‐trimester miscarriage, subfertile women who conceived after assisted reproduction had higher stress and anxiety‐depression levels, and experienced more traumatic impact from the event, than those after natural conception. A timely support and psychological intervention would be beneficial in the management of this group of women.
Composition and distribution of ground‐dwelling beetles among oak fragments and surrounding pine plantations in a temperate forest of North China
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Dong , Luo Tian‐Hong , Zhou Hong‐Zhang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this study, we compared ground‐dwelling beetle assemblages (Coleoptera) from a range of different oak fragments and surrounding conifer plantations to evaluate effects of forest size and surrounding matrix habitat in a temperate forest of north China. During 2000, beetles were sampled via pitfall traps within two large oak fragments (ca. 2.0−4.0 ha), two small oak fragments (ca. 0.2−0.4 ha) and two surrounding matrices dominated by pine plantations (>4 ha) in two sites of different aspects. Overall, no significantly negative effects from forest patch size and the surrounding matrix habitat were detected in total species number and abundance of ground‐dwelling beetles. However, compared with small oak patches or pine plantations, more species were associated with an affinity for at least one large oak patch of the two aspects. Multivariate regression trees showed that the habitat type better determined the beetle assemblage structure than patch size and aspect, indicating a strong impact of the surrounding matrix. Linear mixed models indicated that species richness and abundance of all ground‐dwelling beetles or beetle families showed different responses to the selected environmental variables. Our results suggest that more disturbed sites are significantly poorer in oak forest specialists, which are usually more abundant in large oak fragments and decrease in abundance or disappear in small fragments and surrounding matrix habitats. Thus, it is necessary to preserve a minimum size of forest patch to create conditions characteristic for forest interior, rather than the more difficult task of increasing habitat connectivity.
Descriptive Analysis of Flavor Characteristics for Black Walnut Cultivars
Authors: Miller Ashley E. , Chambers Delores H. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract Seven black walnut cultivars, Brown Nugget, Davidson, Emma K, Football, Sparks 127, Sparrow, and Tomboy, were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis. Seven trained panelists developed a lexicon for the black walnuts and scored the intensities of the samples for 22 flavor attributes. Results showed that the 7 samples differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) on 13 of the attributes. For the majority of the attributes, only Emma K differed from the rest of the cultivars by being characterized with lower scores for black walnut ID, overall nutty, nutty‐grain‐like, nutty‐buttery, floral/fruity, oily, and overall sweet. That sample also was higher in acrid, burnt, fruity‐dark, musty/earthy, rancid, and bitter attributes. The remaining 6 cultivars showed few differences in individual attribute ratings, but did show some differences when mapped using multivariate techniques. Future studies should include descriptive analysis of other black walnut varieties, both wild and commercial, that could be grown and harvested for production.
The urban matrix and artificial light restricts the nightly ranging behaviour of Gould's long‐eared bat (Nyctophilus gouldi)
Authors: Threlfall C. G. , Law B. , Banks P. B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCities are heterogeneous landscapes, with remnant vegetation interspersed amongst areas designed for human use. Native wildlife remaining in urban areas are only likely to thrive and persist if they incorporate human altered areas into what they perceive as habitat. Many sensitive species may be lost if they are restricted to remnant vegetation, and cannot use the urban matrix. In this study, we quantify spatial aspects of the ranging behaviour of Gould's long‐eared bat (Nyctophilus gouldi) using radio‐telemetry and acoustic surveys to determine use of the suburban–bushland interface. This species represents a group prone to extinction due to biological attributes that adapt it to flight within cluttered vegetation, making it more specialized. We radio‐tracked 19 individuals in Cumberland State Forest (CSF), a 40‐ha remnant located in north‐west Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The nightly range (95% Kernel Density Estimator) was small and localized, and was no greater than 80 ha, where individuals moved on average less than 300 m from roosts each night. All individual N. gouldi tracked used bushland in an almost obligate manner, where up to 100% of used habitat was within local bushland, with little to no use of areas classified as ‘urban’ (residential, commercial and educational land uses). Small open spaces exposed to artificial lighting within the main ranging area of CSF had significantly lower activity (bat passes) of Nyctophilus spp. and significantly higher activity of other species more tolerant of urbanization (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that artificial lighting can ‘spill‐over’ into bushland and alter the use of preferred habitat. We conclude that large patches (>40 ha) of protected remnant vegetation must be managed to reduce further degradation, and smaller isolated patches could be restored to provide habitat, particularly in narrow bushland corridors, to assist these species to tolerate urban areas.
Combining population genetics, species distribution modelling and field assessments to understand a species vulnerability to climate change
Authors: McCallum Kimberly P. , Guerin Greg R. , Breed Martin F. , Lowe Andrew J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractClimate change is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity. Multidisciplinary approaches that combine population genetics and species distribution modelling to assess these threats and recommend conservation actions are critical but rare. Combined, these methods provide independent verification and a more compelling case for developing conservation actions. This study integrates these data streams together with field assessments and spatial analyses to develop future genetic resource management recommendations. The study species was Callistemon teretifolius (Needle Bottlebrush), a shrub species endemic to the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges, South Australia, and potentially vulnerable to climate change. Chloroplast microsatellite and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism data were combined with species distribution modelling (MaxEnt), spatial analysis and field assessment to evaluate climate change vulnerability. Two major genetic groups were identified (Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges). Populations in the Flinders Ranges, especially the Southern Flinders Ranges exhibited the highest genetic diversity, indicating a possible genetic refugium. Lower genetic diversity to the south in the Mount Lofty Ranges and north in the Gammon Ranges may be due to post‐glacial expansion into these areas from the Flinders Ranges or loss of alleles. Low levels of contemporary gene flow were identified, which suggests Callistemon teretifolius may have a limited capacity to respond to climate change through migration. Range restrictions were predicted for all future climates, especially in the north. It is likely that C. teretifolius will be adversely affected by climate change, due to limited gene flow, predicted range restriction and loss of suitable habitat. The Southern Flinders Ranges should be a priority for conservation because it contains the highest number of individuals and genetic diversity. We recommend monitoring and adaptive management involving restoration in the Southern Flinders Ranges, potentially incorporating genetic translocations from other areas to capture diversity, to assist C. teretifolius to adapt to climate change.
Are invasive species drivers of native species decline or passengers of habitat modification? A case study of the impact of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) on Australian bird species
Authors: Grarock Kate , Tidemann Christopher R. , Wood Jeffrey T. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHabitat modification and invasive species are significant drivers of biodiversity decline. However, distinguishing between the impacts of these two drivers on native species can be difficult. For example, habitat modification may reduce native species abundance, while an invasive species may take advantage of the new environment. This scenario has been described as the driver‐passenger model, with ‘passengers’ taking advantage of habitat modification and ‘drivers’ causing native species decline. Therefore, research must incorporate both habitat modification and invasive species impact to successfully investigate native species decline. In this paper, we used the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) as a case study to investigate the driver‐passenger model. We investigated changes in bird abundance, over 2 years, in relation to different habitat types and common myna abundance. We hypothesized that the common myna is both a passenger of habitat change and a driver of some bird species decline. Our results indicated that the abundance of many native species is greater in high tree density nature reserves, while the common myna was uncommon in these areas. Common myna abundance was almost three times higher in urban areas than nature reserves and declined rapidly as tree density in nature reserves increased. Our findings indicated that the common myna is primarily a passenger of habitat change. However, we also observed negative associations between common myna abundance and some bird species. We stress the importance of simultaneously investigating both invasive species impact and habitat modification. We suggest habitat restoration could be a useful tool for both native species recovery and invasive species control. Understanding the drivers of native species decline will help inform impact mitigation and direct further research.
Effect of Culture Conditions on the Phenotype of THP‐1 Monocyte Cell Line
Authors: Aldo Paulomi B. , Craveiro Vinicius , Guller Seth , Mor Gil 
Published: April 2013

ProblemMacrophage function has many implications in a variety of diseases. Understanding their biology becomes imperative when trying to elucidate immune cell interactions with their environment, and in vitro cell lines allow researchers to manipulate these interactions. A common cell line used is THP‐1, a promyeloid cell line suggestive to outside factors, and therefore sensitive to culture conditions. In this study, we describe how culture conditions can alter THP‐1 morphology and in turn affect their response to differentiation stimuli.Method of StudyTHP‐1 cells were cultured in two conditions and treated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or MCSF. CD14 surface expression was determined by flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine production determined by multiplex analysis.ResultsCulture conditions of THP‐1 affect their response to PMA. Highly confluent THP‐1 cells differentiate into a heterogeneous population responsive to PMA as seen by an increase in CD14 expression. However, these cells, cultured in low confluence, remain as a homogenous population and do not gain CD14. Additionally, there are major differences in the constitutive cytokine profile.ConclusionWe demonstrate that the culture conditions of THP‐1 cells can alter their response PMA. This suggests that culture techniques may account for the discrepancy in the literature of both basal THP‐1 phenotype and their response to PMA.
Multiple atopy phenotypes and their associations with asthma: similar findings from two birth cohorts
Authors: Lazic N. , Roberts G. , Custovic A. , Belgrave D. , Bishop C. M. , Winn J. , Curtin J. A. , Hasan Arshad S. , Simpson A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough atopic sensitization is one of the strongest risk factors for asthma, its relationship with asthma is poorly understood. We hypothesize that ‘atopy’ encompasses multiple sub‐phenotypes that relate to asthma in different ways.MethodsIn two population‐based birth cohorts (Manchester and Isle of Wight – IoW), we used a machine learning approach to independently cluster children into different classes of atopic sensitization in an unsupervised manner, based on skin prick and sIgE tests taken throughout childhood and adolescence. We examined the qualitative cluster properties and their relationship to asthma and lung function.ResultsA five‐class solution best described the data in both cohorts, with striking similarity between the classes across the two populations. Compared with nonsensitized class, children in the class with sensitivity to a wide variety of allergens (~1/3 of children atopic by conventional definition) were much more likely to have asthma (aOR [95% CI0; 20.1 [10.9–40.2] in Manchester and 11.9 [7.3–19.4] in IoW). The relationship between asthma and conventional atopy was much weaker (5.5 [3.4–8.8] in Manchester and 5.8 [4.1–8.3] in IoW). In both cohorts, children in this class had significantly poorer lung function (FEV1/FVC lower by 4.4% in Manchester and 2.6% in IoW; P < 0.001), most reactive airways, highest eNO and most hospital admissions for asthma (P < 0.001).ConclusionsBy adopting a machine learning approach to longitudinal data on allergic sensitization from two independent unselected birth cohorts, we identified latent classes with strikingly similar patterns of atopic response and association with clinical outcomes, suggesting the existence of multiple atopy phenotypes.
Asthma and allergies: is the farming environment (still) protective in Poland? The GABRIEL Advanced Studies
Authors: MacNeill S. J. , Sozanska B. , Danielewicz H. , Debinska A. , Kosmeda A. , Boznanski A. , Illi S. , Depner M. , Strunz‐Lehner C. , Waser M. , Büchele G. , Horak E. , Genuneit J. , Heederik D. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. , von Mutius E. , Cullinan P. ,   The GABRIELA study group
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundEvidence exists that a farming environment in childhood may provide protection against atopic respiratory disease. In the GABRIEL project based in Poland and Alpine regions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we aimed to assess whether a farming environment in childhood is protective against allergic diseases in Poland and whether specific exposures explain any protective effect.MethodsIn rural Poland, 23 331 families of schoolchildren completed a questionnaire enquiring into farming practices and allergic diseases (Phase I). A subsample (n = 2586) participated in Phase II involving a more detailed questionnaire on specific farm exposures with objective measures of atopy.ResultsFarming differed between Poland and the Alpine centres; in the latter, cattle farming was prevalent, whereas in Poland 18% of village farms kept ≥1 cow and 34% kept ≥1 pig. Polish children in villages had lower prevalences of asthma and hay fever than children from towns, and in the Phase II population, farm children had a reduced risk of atopy measured by IgE (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.57, 0.91) and skin prick test (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.50, 0.86). Early‐life contact with grain was inversely related to the risk of atopy measured by IgE (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.47, 0.92) and appeared to explain part of the farming effect.ConclusionWhile farming in Poland differed from that in the Alpine areas as did the exposure–response associations, we found in communities engaged in small‐scale, mixed farming, there was a protective farming effect against objective measures of atopy potentially related to contact with grain or associated farm activities.
A common environmental pollutant, 4‐nonylphenol, promotes allergic lung inflammation in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Suen J. L. , Hsu S. H. , Hung C. H. , Chao Y. S. , Lee C. L. , Lin C. Y. , Weng T. H. , Yu H. S. , Huang S. K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundExposure to environmental hormones, such as alkylphenols, has been suggested to be associated with the development of asthma, but the mechanism of action remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study examined the effect of 4‐nonylphenol (NP), one of the most important alkylphenols, on conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and adaptive T‐cell responses. It also explored the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in NP's effect.MethodsNP‐conditioned bone marrow‐derived DCs (BM‐DCs) and splenic CD11c+ cDCs were assessed regarding function in a murine model under conditions relevant to route and level of exposure in humans.ResultsOur results showed that splenic cDCs from NP‐exposed mice have potent Th2‐skewing ability and secrete increased levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, but not IL‐10 and IL‐12, at baseline and after stimulation with LPS. Further, bone marrow‐derived DCs were cultured in the presence of NP and showed similar cytokine pattern and influenced the antigen‐specific T cells secreting significantly less IFN‐γ. Importantly, NP‐exposed mice developed more severe OVA‐induced allergic lung inflammation compared with control group. Interestingly, in a congenic strain of mice carrying low‐affinity, ligand‐binding mutant AhR (AhRd), NP's effect on DC functions and lung inflammation was not observed in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionThese results suggested that NP may disturb physiologic function of DCs through, in part, AhR‐dependent mechanisms, supporting the importance of NP exposure on the regulation of DC functions and allergic inflammation.