bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From soaking wet to bone dry: predicting plant community composition along a steep hydrological gradient
Authors: Baastrup‐Spohr Lars , Sand‐Jensen Kaj , Nicolajsen Sascha Veggerby , Bruun Hans Henrik 
Published: March 2015

AbstractQuestionWhy do plants grow where they grow? Prediction of species' occurrence and abundance in relation to the environment is a core aim of ecology, as is understanding the link between environmental stressors and adaptive traits. Community assembly may be viewed as a sequence of filters, sorting species according to their functional traits. We ask if the strength of filtering changes along a strong hydrological gradient? Can we predict species′ relative abundance using few, but biologically relevant traits? And are strongly filtered traits better predictors of community assembly?LocationA hydrological gradient from pond to dry limestone pavements on the Island of Öland, South Sweden.MethodsPlant community composition and six morpho‐physiogical plant traits were measured along a pronounced gradient in water supply and soil depth. The strength of filtering was quantified using a trait dispersion index, while the prediction of species′ relative abundance and importance of individual traits was assessed with the community assembly by trait selection (CATS) model.ResultsWe show that species are filtered by the hydrological environment through the traits root porosity, specific leaf area and resistance to water loss on drying. For individual traits, the strength of filtering waxes and wanes along the gradient. This strongly suggests that the mechanism, through which species are filtered into communities, acts through different traits as environmental conditions change along the gradient. The CATS model predicted 66% of the variation in species' relative abundances using six traits. In general, the traits subject to filtering also were most important in predicting species abundance.ConclusionsFew plant traits are exposed to environmental filtering across the entire hydrological gradient, and most traits are strongly filtered only in parts of the gradient (e.g. root porosity in wet soils and water loss on drying on thin dry soils). Evidence for congruence between trait dispersion indices and the CATS model was established, underpinning the importance to plant community assembly of environmental filtering of species through their traits. New functional traits relevant to a specific environmental gradient – and not just some standard traits from a public database – can contribute significantly to resolve how plant communities are assembled.
Biogeography, macroecology and species' traits mediate competitive interactions in the orderLagomorpha
Authors: Leach Katie , Montgomery W. Ian , Reid Neil 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn addition to abiotic determinants, biotic factors, including competitive, interspecific interactions, limit species' distributions. Environmental changes in human disturbance, land use and climate are predicted to have widespread impacts on interactions between species, especially in the orderLagomorpha due to the higher latitudes and more extreme environmental conditions they occupy.We reviewed the published literature on interspecific interactions in the orderLagomorpha and compared the biogeography, macroecology, phylogeny and traits of species known to interact with those of species with no reported interactions, to investigate how projected future environmental change may affect interactions and potentially alter species' distributions.Thirty‐three lagomorph species have competitive interactions reported in the literature; the majority involve hares (Lepussp.) or the eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus). Key regions for interactions are located between 30–50°Nof theEquator, and include easternAsia (southernRussia on the border ofMongolia) andNorthAmerica (north‐westernUSA).Closely related, large‐bodied, similarly sized species occurring in regions of human‐modified, typically agricultural landscapes, or at high elevations, are significantly more likely to have reported competitive interactions than other lagomorph species.We identify species' traits associated with competitive interactions, and highlight some potential impacts that future environmental change may have on interspecific interactions. Our approach using bibliometric and biological data is widely applicable, and with relatively straightforward methodologies, can provide insights into interactions between species.Our results have implications for predicting species' responses to global change, and we advise that capturing, parameterizing and incorporating interspecific interactions into analyses (e.g. species distribution modelling) may be more important than suggested by the literature.
Combining reverse genetics and nuclear magnetic resonance‐based metabolomics unravels trypanosome‐specific metabolic pathways
Authors: Bringaud Frédéric , Biran Marc , Millerioux Yoann , Wargnies Marion , Allmann Stefan , Mazet Muriel 
Published: March 2015

SummaryNumerous eukaryotes have developed specific metabolic traits that are not present in extensively studied model organisms. For instance, the procyclic insect form of Trypanosoma brucei, a parasite responsible for sleeping sickness in its mammalian‐specific bloodstream form, metabolizes glucose into excreted succinate and acetate through pathways with unique features. Succinate is primarily produced from glucose‐derived phosphoenolpyruvate in peroxisome‐like organelles, also known as glycosomes, by a soluble NADH‐dependent fumarate reductase only described in trypanosomes so far. Acetate is produced in the mitochondrion of the parasite from acetyl‐CoA by a CoA‐transferase, which forms an ATP‐producing cycle with succinyl‐CoA synthetase. The role of this cycle in ATP production was recently demonstrated in procyclic trypanosomes and has only been proposed so far for anaerobic organisms, in addition to trypanosomatids. We review how nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry can be used to analyze the metabolic network perturbed by deletion (knockout) or downregulation (RNAi) of the candidate genes involved in these two particular metabolic pathways of procyclic trypanosomes. The role of succinate and acetate production in trypanosomes is discussed, as well as the connections between the succinate and acetate branches, which increase the metabolic flexibility probably required by the parasite to deal with environmental changes such as oxidative stress.
Combined medico‐surgical strategy for invasive sino‐orbito‐cerebral breakthrough fungal infection with Hormographiella aspergillata in an acute leukaemia patient
Authors: Heiblig M. , Bozzoli V. , Saison J. , Thomas X. , De Croze D. , Traverse‐Glehen A. , Cosmidis A. , Chidiac C. , Ferry T. , Alanio A. , Bienvenu A. L. , Dupont D. , Ducastelle‐Lepretre S. , Michallet M. , Ader F. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryHormographiella aspergillata is a rare causative agent of invasive filamentous breakthrough infection, mostly arising after echinocandin exposure. We report a neutropenic patient who developed a severe sino‐orbito‐cerebral H. aspergillata infection while receiving empirical caspofungin, successfully controlled by an aggressive strategy associating surgical debridement and combined high‐dose regimen of antifungal drugs.
Endothelin‐receptor antagonists for diabetic nephropathy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Wenming , Li Yi , Wang Ji , Li Jing , Gou Shenju , Fu Ping 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimEndothelin‐receptor antagonists may be a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy, but their use remains controversial. This meta‐analysis seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endothelin‐receptor antagonists for patients with diabetic nephropathy.MethodsLiterature reviews of the PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endothelin‐receptor antagonist treatment with placebo in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Quality assessment was performed by using the Cochrane Handbook's tools for assessing risk of bias; meta‐analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3.ResutlsFive RCTs (n = 2034 patients) were included for analysis. Compared with placebo, endothelin‐receptor antagonists showed significant benefits for lowering albuminuria (five trials, n = 2034 patients; SMD 0.66 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.76), but there was no significant difference in the risk of death (two trials, n = 1674 patients; RR 1.49 95% CI 0.81 to 2.76). In addition, risk of cardiovascular events and other serious adverse events were significantly higher in the endothelin‐receptor antagonists group than the placebo group (four trials, n = 1956 patients; RR 1.45 95% CI 1.07 to 1.97; five trials, n = 2034 patients; RR 1.32 95% CI 1.10 to 1.58).ConclusionEndothelin‐receptor antagonists can reduce albuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy, although use resulted in more serious adverse events compared with placebo. There is a potential need for further RCTs, which has larger sample size and longer duration.
Difference in Striga‐susceptibility is reflected in strigolactone secretion profile, but not in compatibility and host preference in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in two maize cultivars
Authors: Yoneyama Kaori , Arakawa Ryota , Ishimoto Keiko , Kim Hyun Il , Kisugi Takaya , Xie Xiaonan , Nomura Takahito , Kanampiu Fred , Yokota Takao , Ezawa Tatsuhiro , Yoneyama Koichi 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Strigolactones released from plant roots trigger both seed germination of parasitic weeds such as Striga spp. and hyphal branching of the symbionts arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Generally, strigolactone composition in exudates is quantitatively and qualitatively different among plants, which may be involved in susceptibility and host specificity in the parasite–plant interactions. We hypothesized that difference in strigolactone composition would have a significant impact on compatibility and host specificity/preference in AM symbiosis.

Strigolactones in root exudates of Striga‐susceptible (Pioneer 3253) and ‐resistant (KST 94) maize (Zea mays) cultivars were characterized by LC‐MS/MS combined with germination assay using Striga hermonthica seeds. Levels of colonization and community compositions of AM fungi in the two cultivars were investigated in field and glasshouse experiments.

5‐Deoxystrigol was exuded exclusively by the susceptible cultivar, while the resistant cultivar mainly exuded sorgomol. Despite the distinctive difference in strigolactone composition, the levels of AM colonization and the community compositions were not different between the cultivars.

The present study demonstrated that the difference in strigolactone composition has no appreciable impact on AM symbiosis, at least in the two maize cultivars, and further suggests that the traits involved in Striga‐resistance are not necessarily accompanied by reduction in compatibility to AM fungi.
Inferior alveolar nerve function recovers after decompression of large mandibular cystic lesions
Authors: Liang Y‐j , He W‐j , Zheng P‐b , Liao G‐q 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThe treatment of large mandibular cystic lesions (diameter > 35 mm) is controversial. Few studies determine the inferior alveolar nerve function after decompression which is one of the major options for treating such lesions. We aim to investigate the recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function after decompression.MethodsTwenty‐two patients with large mandibular cystic lesions, diagnosed as keratocystic odontogenic tumor, ameloblastoma, or dentigerous cyst, were included. Inferior alveolar nerve function was observed by monitoring the pulp vitality of involved teeth (n = 64) with electric pulp test before decompression and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after decompression, respectively.ResultsThe pulp vitality of the involved teeth was significantly decreased before decompression. Recovery of pulp vitality could be observed after decompression, indicating the recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function. A majority (96.9%) of the vital pulp was preserved in the involved teeth after decompression.ConclusionsRecovery of inferior alveolar nerve function was remarkable in patients with large mandibular cystic lesions after decompression, indicated by the recovery of pulp vitality of involved teeth. When decompression is preferred, conservative therapy rather than root canal therapy is recommended for the teeth with root tip exposed in the cystic lesions and without pulposis.
Consistent effects of consumer species loss across different habitats
Authors: Mrowicki Robert J. , Maggs Christine A. , O'Connor Nessa E. 
Published: March 2015

Our knowledge of the effects of consumer species loss on ecosystem functioning is limited by a paucity of manipulative field studies, particularly those that incorporate inter‐trophic effects. Further, given the ongoing transformation of natural habitats by anthropogenic activities, studies should assess the relative importance of biodiversity for ecosystem processes across different environmental contexts by including multiple habitat types. We tested the context‐dependency of the effects of consumer species loss by conducting a 15‐month field experiment in two habitats (mussel beds and rock pools) on a temperate rocky shore, focussing on the responses of algal assemblages following the single and combined removals of key gastropod grazers (Patella vulgata, P. ulyssiponensis, Littorina littorea and Gibbula umbilicalis). In both habitats, the removal of limpets resulted in a larger increase in macroalgal richness than that of either L. littorea or G. umbilicalis. Further, by the end of the study, macroalgal cover and richness were greater following the removal of multiple grazer species compared to single species removals. Despite substantial differences in physical properties and the structure of benthic assemblages between mussel beds and rock pools, the effects of grazer loss on macroalgal cover, richness, evenness and assemblage structure were remarkably consistent across both habitats. There was, however, a transient habitat‐dependent effect of grazer removal on macroalgal assemblage structure that emerged after three months, which was replaced by non‐interactive effects of grazer removal and habitat after 15 months. This study shows that the effects of the loss of key consumers may transcend large abiotic and biotic differences between habitats in rocky intertidal systems. While it is clear that consumer diversity is a primary driver of ecosystem functioning, determining its relative importance across multiple contexts is necessary to understand the consequences of consumer species loss against a background of environmental change.SynthesisThe roles of species may vary with environmental context, making it difficult to predict how biodiversity loss affects ecosystem functioning across multiple habitats. We tested how natural algal assemblages in two distinct intertidal habitats responded to the removal of different combinations of key consumer species. Despite an initial habitat‐dependent effect of consumer loss, habitat type did not modify the longer‐term responses of algal assemblages to either the identity or number of consumer species removed. Our findings show that, in certain systems, consumer diversity remains a primary driver of ecosystem functioning across widely different environmental contexts.
The fossil record of ichthyosaurs, completeness metrics and sampling biases
Authors: Cleary Terri J. , Moon Benjamin C. , Dunhill Alexander M. , Benton Michael J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIchthyosaurs were highly successful marine reptiles with an abundant and well‐studied fossil record. However, their occurrences through geological time and space are sporadic, and it is important to understand whether times of apparent species richness and rarity are real or the result of sampling bias. Here, we explore the skeletal completeness of 351 dated and identified ichthyosaur specimens, belonging to all 102 species, the first time that such a study has been carried out on vertebrates from the marine realm. No correlations were found between time series of different skeletal metrics and ichthyosaur diversity. There is a significant geographical variation in completeness, with the well‐studied northern hemisphere producing fossils of much higher quality than the southern hemisphere. Medium‐sized ichthyosaurs are significantly more complete than small or large taxa: the incompleteness of small specimens was expected, but it was a surprise that larger specimens were also relatively incomplete. Completeness varies greatly between facies, with fine‐grained, siliciclastic sediments preserving the most complete specimens. These findings may explain why the ichthyosaur diversity record is low at times, corresponding to facies of poor preservation potential, such as in the Early Cretaceous. Unexpectedly, we find a strong negative correlation between skeletal completeness and sea level, meaning the most complete specimens occurred at times of global low sea level, and vice versa. Completeness metrics, however, do not replicate the sampling signal and have limited use as a global‐scale sampling proxy.
Interventional Procedures for Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Shah Ravi D. , Cappiello Dario , Suresh Santhanam 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis review discusses the role of interventional procedures in the treatment of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Due to lack of scientific evidence, significant controversy surrounds the utility of invasive techniques for managing pediatric chronic pain states. Interventional procedures are a widely accepted modality for pain management in adults. The use of such techniques in children is supported only by case reports, case series, and very few randomized controlled studies. In addition, the potential for severe complications leaves open a debate on the safety of these invasive procedures, which must be confirmed by more extensive and accurate prospective studies.
Silicon‐mediated changes in polyamines participate in silicon‐induced salt tolerance in Sorghum bicolor L.
Authors: Yin Lina , Wang Shiwen , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Fujihara Shinsuke , Itai Akihiro , Den Xiping , Zhang Suiqi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSilicon (Si) is generally considered a beneficial element for the growth of higher plants, especially under stress conditions, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Si improves salt tolerance through mediating important metabolism processes rather than acting as a mere mechanical barrier. Seedlings of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) growing in hydroponic culture were treated with NaCl (100 mm) combined with or without Si (0.83 mm). The result showed that supplemental Si enhanced sorghum salt tolerance by decreasing Na+ accumulation. Simultaneously, polyamine (PA) levels were increased and ethylene precursor (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid: ACC) concentrations were decreased. Several key PA synthesis genes were up‐regulated by Si under salt stress. To further confirm the role of PA in Si‐mediated salt tolerance, seedlings were exposed to spermidine (Spd) or a PA synthesis inhibitor (dicyclohexylammonium sulphate, DCHA) combined with salt and Si. Exogenous Spd showed similar effects as Si under salt stress whereas exogenous DCHA eliminated Si‐enhanced salt tolerance and the beneficial effect of Si in decreasing Na+ accumulation. These results indicate that PAs and ACC are involved in Si‐induced salt tolerance in sorghum and provide evidence that Si plays an active role in mediating salt tolerance.
Increased phosphate transport of Arabidopsis thaliana Pht1;1 by site‐directed mutagenesis of tyrosine 312 may be attributed to the disruption of homomeric interactions
Authors: Fontenot Elena B. , Ditusa Sandra Feuer , Kato Naohiro , Olivier Danielle M. , Dale Renee , Lin Wei‐Yi , Chiou Tzyy‐Jen , Macnaughtan Megan A. , Smith Aaron P. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMembers of the Pht1 family of plant phosphate (Pi) transporters play vital roles in Pi acquisition from soil and in planta Pi translocation to maintain optimal growth and development. The study of the specificities and biochemical properties of Pht1 transporters will contribute to improving the current understanding of plant phosphorus homeostasis and use‐efficiency. In this study, we show through split in vivo interaction methods and in vitro analysis of microsomal root tissues that Arabidopsis thaliana Pht1;1 and Pht1;4 form homomeric and heteromeric complexes. Transient and heterologous expression of the Pht1;1 variants, Pht1;1Y312D, Pht1;1Y312A and Pht1;1Y312F, was used to analyse the role of a putative Pi binding residue (Tyr 312) in Pht1;1 transporter oligomerization and function. The homomeric interaction among Pht1;1 proteins was disrupted by mutation of Tyr 312 to Asp, but not to Ala or Phe. In addition, the Pht1;1Y312D variant conferred enhanced Pi transport when expressed in yeast cells. In contrast, mutation of Tyr 312 to Ala or Phe did not affect Pht1;1 transport kinetics. Our study demonstrates that modifications to the Pht1;1 higher‐order structure affects Pi transport, suggesting that oligomerization may serve as a regulatory mechanism for modulating Pi uptake.
CHX14 is a plasma membrane K‐efflux transporter that regulates K+ redistribution in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Penghui , Motes Christy M. , Park Sunghun , Hirschi Kendal D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPotassium (K+) is essential for plant growth and development, yet the molecular identity of many K+ transporters remains elusive. Here we characterized cation/H+ exchanger (CHX) 14 as a plasma membrane K+ transporter. CHX14 expression was induced by elevated K+ and histochemical analysis of CHX14 promoter::GUS transgenic plants indicated that CHX14 was expressed in xylem parenchyma of root and shoot vascular tissues of seedlings. CHX14 knockout (chx14) and CHX14 overexpression seedlings displayed different growth phenotypes during K+ stress as compared with wild‐type seedlings. Roots of mutant seedlings displayed higher K+ uptake rates than wild‐type roots. CHX14 expression in yeast cells deficient in K+ uptake renders the mutant cells more sensitive to deficiencies of K+ in the medium. CHX14 mediates K+ efflux in yeast cells loaded with high K+. Uptake experiments using 86Rb+ as a tracer for K+ with both yeast and plant mutants demonstrated that CHX14 expression in yeast and in planta mediated low‐affinity K+ efflux. Functional green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged versions of CHX14 were localized to both the yeast and plant plasma membranes. Taken together, we suggest that CHX14 is a plasma membrane K+ efflux transporter involved in K+ homeostasis and K+ recirculation.