bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevational trends in life histories: revising the pace‐of‐life framework
Authors: Hille Sabine M. , Cooper Caren B. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTLife‐history traits in birds, such as lifespan, age at maturity, and rate of reproduction, vary across environments and in combinations imposed by trade‐offs and limitations of physiological mechanisms. A plethora of studies have described the diversity of traits and hypothesized selection pressures shaping components of the survival–reproduction trade‐off. Life‐history variation appears to fall along a slow–fast continuum, with slow pace characterized by higher investment in survival over reproduction and fast pace characterized by higher investment in reproduction over survival. The Pace‐of‐Life Syndrome (POLS) is a framework to describe the slow–fast axis of variation in life‐history traits and physiological traits. The POLS corresponds to latitudinal gradients, with tropical birds exhibiting a slow pace of life. We examined four possible ways that the traits of high‐elevation birds might correspond to the POLS continuum: (i) rapid pace, (ii) tropical slow pace, (iii) novel elevational pace, or (iv) constrained pace. Recent studies reveal that birds breeding at high elevations in temperate zones exhibit a combination of traits creating a unique elevational pace of life with a central trade‐off similar to a slow pace but physiological trade‐offs more similar to a fast pace. A paucity of studies prevents consideration of the possibility of a constrained pace of life. We propose extending the POLS framework to include trait variation of elevational clines to help to investigate complexity in global geographic patterns.
Loading of nuclear autoantigens prototypically recognized by systemic lupus erythematosus sera into late apoptotic vesicles requires intact microtubules and myosin light chain kinase activity
Authors: Zirngibl M , Fürnrohr B G , Janko C , Munoz L E , Voll R E , Gregory C D , Schett G , Herrmann M 
Published: March 2014

Summary
Most cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by an impaired clearance of apoptotic cells in various tissues. Non-cleared apoptotic waste is considered an immunogen driving the autoimmune response in patients with SLE. During the execution of apoptosis, membrane blebs are formed and filled with cellular components. Here, we evaluate the cytoskeletal pathway(s) responsible for the loading of SLE prototypic nuclear autoantigens into the apoptotic cell-derived membranous vesicles (ACMV) generated during late phases of apoptosis. HeLa cells expressing a fusion protein of histone H2B with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were irradiated with ultraviolet (UV)-B to induce apoptosis. The appearance and trafficking of chromatin-derived material was monitored by fluorescence microscopy. Specific inhibitors of cytoskeletal pathways were employed to identify the motile elements involved in translocation and trafficking of the nuclear components. We observed that immediately after their appearance the ACMV did not contain histone H2BGFP; in this phase the fluorescence was contained in the nuclear remnants and the cytoplasm. Within consecutive minutes the ACMV were loaded with chromatin-derived material, whereas the loading of simultaneously created ACMV with histone H2BGFP was not uniform. Some ACMV were preferentially filled and, consequently, showed a remarkably higher histone H2BGFP accumulation. Inhibitors of the cytoskeleton revealed that functional microtubules and myosin light chain kinase are required for nuclear shrinkage and loading of nuclear material into the ACMV, respectively.
Acceleration of Bone Regeneration byBMP‐2‐Loaded Collagenated Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Rabbit Sinus
Authors: Kim Jung‐Soo , Cha Jae‐Kook , Cho Ah‐Ran , Kim Min‐Soo , Lee Jung‐Seok , Hong Ji‐Youn , Choi Seong‐Ho , Jung Ui‐Won 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of collagenated biphasic calcium phosphate (CBCP) as a carrier for bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) at the early stage of healing in rabbit sinus.Material and MethodsIn 16 rabbits,BMP‐2‐loadedCBCPwas grafted into one sinus (theBMPgroup) and saline‐soakedCBCPwas grafted into another sinus (theCTLgroup). The groups were assigned randomly. After 2 weeks (n = 8) or 4 weeks (n = 8), radiographic and histological analysis was performed.ResultsTotal augmented volume was significantly larger in theBMPgroup at both healing periods. Furthermore, new bone volume was significantly greater in theBMPgroup at 4 weeks. Marked bone formation near the schneiderian membrane was found in theBMPgroups at the early healing period. At 4 weeks, evenly distributed new bone was observed in theBMPgroup, whereas the new bone was sparsely distributed in the central portion in theCTLgroup.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the addition ofBMP‐2 toCBCPresulted in a greater initial augmented volume as a result of postoperative swelling, which is replaced by early bone formation, and it was prominent near theSchneiderian membrane.
Transformational and taxic homology revisited
Authors: Brower Andrew V. Z. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractUsages and meanings of the terms “taxic” and “transformational homology” are reviewed from 1982 to the present. While “taxic homology” has been relatively invariant in its connotation, “transformational homology” as employed by different authors refers to at least three different concepts. This has resulted in confusion.
Effect on anal pressure of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: López‐Delgado A. , Arroyo A. , Ruiz‐Tovar J. , Alcaide M. J. , Diez M. , Moya P. , Santos J. , Calpena R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimPrevious studies on percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for faecal incontinence do not report anal pressure changes. In the present study the effect of percutaneous PTNS on anal manometry was determined.MethodThis was a prospective observational study of patients with faecal incontinence. They underwent one 30‐min session of PTNS weekly for 12 consecutive weeks. Patients who showed improvement were given six more sessions at 2‐weekly intervals. Anal manometry was performed before and after treatment. Clinical data including the Wexner score, psychological testing, quality of life using the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score and the contents of a continence diary were recorded before and after the procedure.ResultsTwenty‐four patients were included in the study of whom 17 (70.83%) demonstrated some degree of clinical or manometric improvement at 3 months. Before treatment 18 patients had urgency of <1 min. At 3 and 6 months this had risen to 5 min in 62.5% and 70.83% (P < 0.001). The anal resting pressure increased from 21.7 to 37.6 mmHg (P = 0.021), the maximum squeeze pressure from 58.2 to 72.2 mmHg (P = 0.045) and the Wexner score fell from 15 to 10 (P = 0.018) at 6 months. Predictive factors for a response included fewer than three incontinent episodes per week (P = 0.027). Negative predictive factors included episiotomy and an initial Wexner score of > 12 (P = 0.035).ConclusionPercutaneous PTNS was effective in over 70% of patients in the present study with improvements in urgency, anal pressures and Wexner score.
Species richness and community structure of benthic macrofauna and megafauna in the deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems around the Japanese archipelago: an attempt to identify priority areas for conservation
Authors: Nakajima Ryota , Yamakita Takehisa , Watanabe Hiromi , Fujikura Katsunori , Tanaka Katsuhiko , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Shirayama Yoshihisa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo characterize the species richness, endemism and community structure of benthic macro‐/megafauna in the deep‐sea chemosynthetic ecosystems around the Japanese archipelago and determine the conservation priority for deep‐sea chemosynthetic habitats.LocationTwenty‐seven methane seeps from the Kuril–Japan Trench, Nankai Trough, Ryukyu Trench and Sagami Bay as well as 15 hydrothermal vents from the Izu–Bonin Arc and Okinawa Trough around the Japanese archipelago.MethodsSpecies richness and the number of endemic species from 42 vents and seeps were examined using the distributional data of 155 mollusc, annelid and arthropod species. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify groups of sites with similar assemblage composition. Complementarity analysis was performed to determine the minimum number of sites required to conserve at least one population of all species for all 42 sites and for groups of sites detected by the multivariate analyses.ResultsThe species richness of the deep‐sea chemosynthetic sites around the Japanese archipelago was higher in the Okinawa Trough and Sagami Bay where higher methane concentrations were observed. Eight distinct biogeographic regions were detected at the community level, and the community structure was classified according to the geological variables of depth and latitude. Complementarity analysis for all 42 sites indicated 21 sites for conservation, while that for each distinct biogeographic region indicated 30 sites for conservation.Main conclusionsAs unique communities exist in each geographically isolated region around the Japanese archipelago, priority areas should be identified for each type of bioregion for effective conservation. At least 30 (17 seeps and 13 vents) of 42 sites should be conserved to avoid the extinction of the local populations of deep‐sea chemosynthetic macro‐/megabenthos.
Assessing species vulnerability to climate and land use change: the case of the Swiss breeding birds
Authors: Maggini Ramona , Lehmann Anthony , Zbinden Niklaus , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Bolliger Janine , Schröder Boris , Foppen Ruud , Schmid Hans , Beniston Martin , Jenni Lukas 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimClimate warming and land use change represent a major challenge for both species and conservation managers. Temporally and spatially explicit projections of the future distribution of species have been extensively developed to support decision‐making in conservation. The aim of this study was to move beyond the simple projections of likely impacts of global change to identify the most vulnerable species. We suggest an original vulnerability index that integrates estimations of projected range change and different proxies of species resilience in a quantitative way. The proposed index is generally applicable, completely quantitative, and it allows ranking species so as to prioritize conservation actions.LocationWe illustrate the applicability of the vulnerability index using breeding birds in Switzerland as an example of conservation target.MethodsThe vulnerability index relies on five indicators quantifying different aspects of the projected change in distributional area, the reservoirs available for the species and their recent population trend. Species distribution was modelled using three different techniques (GAM, MARS and BRT) and then projected for 2050 and 2100 according to two different IPCC scenarios of climate change coupled with two regional land use scenarios to represent different magnitudes of the stressors and the range of possible outcomes.ResultsAccording to the different contributions of the base indicators, different patterns of vulnerability can be distinguished. In Switzerland, breeding birds inhabiting coniferous woodlands, alpine habitats and wetlands have significantly higher vulnerability to climate and land use change than species in other habitats.Main conclusionsThe proposed vulnerability index represents an early warning system as it identifies species that are currently not threatened, but are very likely to become so. As such, it complements the assessment of risk of species' extinction based on the Red List and on their international importance.
Impaired resolution of inflammation in human chronic heart failure
Authors: Reina‐Couto Marta , Carvalho Jorge , Valente Maria João , Vale Luís , Afonso Joana , Carvalho Félix , Bettencourt Paulo , Sousa Teresa , Albino‐Teixeira António 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundLipoxins (LXs) are proresolving and anti‐inflammatory eicosanoids whose role in chronic heart failure (CHF) pathogenesis has never been investigated. This study evaluated levels of LXs in CHF patients, its relationship with disease severity and correlation with established CHF biomarkers. The effect of low‐dose aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)] on the levels of LXs was also studied.Materials and methodsLipoxin A4 (LXA4), 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4 (15‐epi‐LXA4) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration and activity were evaluated by immunoenzymatic and spectrophotometric assays in 34 CHF patients [New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I to IV]. B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin, myoglobin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid (UA) were also analyzed.ResultsPatients were stratified into mild‐to‐moderate CHF (NYHA, classes I and II) and severe CHF (NYHA classes III and IV). Severe patients had lower plasma LXA4 (0·262 ± 0·034 vs. 0·362 ± 0·039 ng/mL, P < 0·05) and decreased urinary 15‐epi‐LXA4 levels (2·28 ± 0·44 vs. 4·88 ± 1·03 μg/day, P < 0·05) besides exhibiting increased plasma BNP (1464 ± 442 vs. 555 ± 162 pg/mL, P < 0·05) and MPO activity (45·15 ± 11·56 vs. 15·90 ± 2·80 μmol/min/mg protein, P < 0·05). Plasma LXA4 was inversely correlated with BNP, troponin, myoglobin, CRP, UA and MPO activity. ASA treatment was associated with higher urinary excretion of 15‐epi‐LXA4 (7·70 ± 1·48 vs. 2·06 ± 0·30 μg/day, P < 0·05) in mild‐to‐moderate CHF patients and lower BNP levels in both groups.ConclusionsHigher severity of CHF is associated with reduced levels of LXs. Plasma LXA4 appears to be a valuable marker for risk stratification in CHF. Furthermore, the ASA‐related increase in urinary 15‐epi‐LXA4 suggests enhanced renal synthesis of this eicosanoid and may represent a disregarded benefit of ASA.
BH3‐only proteins – possible proapoptotic triggers for melanoma therapy
Authors: Plötz Michael , Eberle Jürgen 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDespite recent developments for new targeted therapies in melanoma, as BRAF inhibitors and immune‐stimulating antibodies, tumor relapse frequently follows within less than a year. Therapy resistance is explained by defects in proapoptotic signalling. Thus, efficient induction of apoptosis in tumor cells appears as predominant therapeutic goal. In apoptosis control of melanoma, the balance between pro‐ and antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins plays a decisive role. In particular, members of the subfamily of BH3‐only proteins function as proapoptotic triggers, and mimetics of these proteins are already in clinical trials in other cancers. Recent experimental work has revealed that the effects of different treatments in melanoma are related to the activation of BH3‐only proteins, and also the proapoptotic effects of BRAF inhibitors are prevented by knockdown of the BH3‐only protein Bim. Thus, melanoma therapy might be critically improved by the combination of survival pathway antagonists as BRAF inhibitors with BH3 mimetics.
Mechanisms underpinning climatic impacts on natural populations: altered species interactions are more important than direct effects
Authors: Ockendon Nancy , Baker David J. , Carr Jamie A. , White Elizabeth C. , Almond Rosamunde E. A. , Amano Tatsuya , Bertram Esther , Bradbury Richard B. , Bradley Cassie , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Doswald Nathalie , Foden Wendy , Gill David J. C. , Green Rhys E. , Sutherland William J. , Tanner Edmund V. J. , Pearce‐Higgins James W. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractShifts in species' distribution and abundance in response to climate change have been well documented, but the underpinning processes are still poorly understood. We present the results of a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis investigating the frequency and importance of different mechanisms by which climate has impacted natural populations. Most studies were from temperate latitudes of North America and Europe; almost half investigated bird populations. We found significantly greater support for indirect, biotic mechanisms than direct, abiotic mechanisms as mediators of the impact of climate on populations. In addition, biotic effects tended to have greater support than abiotic factors in studies of species from higher trophic levels. For primary consumers, the impact of climate was equally mediated by biotic and abiotic mechanisms, whereas for higher level consumers the mechanisms were most frequently biotic, such as predation or food availability. Biotic mechanisms were more frequently supported in studies that reported a directional trend in climate than in studies with no such climatic change, although sample sizes for this comparison were small. We call for more mechanistic studies of climate change impacts on populations, particularly in tropical systems.
Hooliganism and Demand for Football in Italy: Attendance and Counterviolence Policy Evaluation
Authors: Di Domizio Marco , Caruso Raul 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper empirically investigates the relationship between stadium attendance, hooliganism and counter-violence policy measures in Italian Serie A. In particular, this paper analyses the impact of counter-hooliganism policies adopted in 2007 on the quantity of game tickets sold. The counter-hooliganism measures, grounded on an entry card, namely a ‘fidelity card’, were designed to keep out hooligans from stadiums so favouring the attendance of either occasional spectators or uncommitted fans. According to our econometric investigation the expected substitution between committed fans and uncommitted fans did not take shape. In sum, the ‘fidelity card’ did not turn to be successful if evaluated on the average attendance perspective.
The fish oil ingredient, docosahexaenoic acid, activates cytosolic phospholipase A2 via GPR120 receptor to produce prostaglandin E2 and plays an anti‐inflammatory role in macrophages
Authors: Liu Yueqin , Chen Li‐Yuan , Sokolowska Milena , Eberlein Michael , Alsaaty Sara , Martinez‐Anton Asuncion , Logun Carolea , Qi Hai‐Yan , Shelhamer James H. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the major ingredients of fish oil and has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory properties mediated through the GPR120 receptor. Whether cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and lipid mediators produced from cPLA2 activation are involved in the anti‐inflammatory role of DHA in macrophages has not been reported. We report here that DHA and the GPR120 agonist, GW9508, activate cPLA2 and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), and cause prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in a murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and in human primary monocyte‐derived macrophages. DHA and GW9508 activate cPLA2 via GPR120 receptor, G protein Gαq and scaffold protein β‐arrestin 2. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 activation is involved in DHA‐ and GW9508‐induced cPLA2 activation, but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. The anti‐inflammatory role of DHA and GW9508 is in part via activation of cPLA2, COX‐2 and production of PGE2 as a cPLA2 inhibitor or a COX‐2 inhibitor partially reverses the DHA‐ and GW9508‐induced inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced interleukin‐6 secretion. The cPLA2 product arachidonic acid and PGE2 also play an anti‐inflammatory role. This effect of PGE2 is partially through inhibition of the nuclear factor‐κB signalling pathway and through the EP4 receptor of PGE2 because an EP4 inhibitor or knock‐down of EP4 partially reverses DHA inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced interleukin‐6 secretion. Hence, DHA has an anti‐inflammatory effect partially through induction of PGE2.
Exploring the prevalence of skin tears and skin properties related to skin tears in elderly patients at a long‐term medical facility in Japan
Authors: Koyano Yuiko , Nakagami Gojiro , Iizaka Shinji , Minematsu Takeo , Noguchi Hiroshi , Tamai Nao , Mugita Yuko , Kitamura Aya , Tabata Keiko , Abe Masatoshi , Murayama Ryoko , Sugama Junko , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe identification of appropriate skin tear prevention guidelines for the elderly requires clinicians to focus on local risk factors such as structural alterations of the epidermis and dermis related to skin tears. The aim of this cross‐sectional study is to explore the prevalence of skin tears and to explore skin properties related to skin tears in elderly Japanese patients at a long‐term medical facility. After doing the prevalence study, 18 participants with skin tears and 18 without were recruited and an evaluation of their skin properties using 20‐MHz ultrasonography, skin blotting and also Corneometer CM‐825, Skin‐pH‐meterPH905, VapoMeter, Moisture Meter‐D and CutometerMPA580 was undertaken. A total of 410 patients were examined, the median age was 87 years and 73·2% were women. The prevalence of skin tears was 3·9%, and 50% of skin tears occurred on the dorsal forearm. The changes in skin properties associated with skin tears included increased low‐echogenic pixels (LEP) by 20‐MHz ultrasonography, decreased type IV collagen and matrix metalloproteinase‐2, and increased tumour necrosis factor‐α by skin blotting. In conclusion, this study suggests that increased dermal LEP, including solar elastosis, may represent a risk factor for skin tears; this indicates that skin tear risk factors might not only represent chronological ageing but also photoageing.
Modelling genetic evaluation for dressage in Pura Raza Español horses with focus on the rider effect
Authors: Sánchez Guerrero M.J. , Cervantes I. , Valera M. , Gutiérrez J.P. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe most popular use of the Pura Raza Español horse in sport is for dressage competitions. Tests on young sport horses were first established in 2004 in Spain to collect data for the genetic evaluation of this breed's suitability for dressage. The aim of this study was to compare eight different models to find out the most appropriate way to include the rider in the genetic evaluation of dressage. A progressive removal of systematic effects from model was also analysed. A total of 8867 performance records collected between 2004 and 2011 from 1234 horses aged between 4 and 6 years old were used. The final score in the dressage test was used as the performance trait. The pedigree matrix contained 8487 individuals. A BLUP animal model was applied using a Bayesian approach with TM software. The horse's age, gender, travelling time, training level, stud of birth and event were included as systematic effects in all the models. Apart from the animal and residual effects that were present in all models, different models were compared combining random effects such as the rider, match (i.e. rider–horse interaction) and permanent environmental effects. A cross‐validation approach was used to evaluate the models' prediction ability. The best model included the permanent environmental, rider and match random effects. As far as systematic effects are concerned, the event or the stud of birth was essential effects needed to fit the data.