bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape up or ship out: migratory behaviour predicts morphology across spatial scale in a freshwater fish
Authors: Chapman Ben B. , Hulthén Kaj , Brönmark Christer , Nilsson P. Anders , Skov Christian , Hansson Lars‐Anders , Brodersen Jakob 
Published: March 2015

SummaryMigration is a widespread phenomenon, with powerful ecological and evolutionary consequences. Morphological adaptations to reduce the energetic costs associated with migratory transport are commonly documented for migratory species. However, few studies have investigated whether variation in body morphology can be explained by variation in migratory strategy within a species.We address this question in roachRutilus rutilus, a partially migratory freshwater fish that migrates from lakes into streams during winter. We both compare body shape between populations that differ in migratory opportunity (open vs. closed lakes), and between individuals from a single population that vary in migratory propensity (migrants and residents from a partially migratory population). Following hydrodynamic theory, we posit that migrants should have a more shallow body depth, to reduce the costs associated with migrating into streams with higher flow conditions than the lakes the residents occupy all year round.We find evidence both across and within populations to support our prediction, with individuals from open lakes and migrants from the partially migratory population having a more slender, shallow‐bodied morphology than fish from closed lakes and all‐year residents.Our data suggest that a shallow body morphology is beneficial to migratory individuals and our study is one of the first to link migratory strategy and intraspecific variation in body shape.
Scatterhoarding rodents favor higher predation risks for cache sites: The potential for predators to influence the seed dispersal process
Authors: STEELE Michael A. , ROMPRÉ Ghislain , STRATFORD Jeffrey A. , ZHANG Hongmao , SUCHOCKI Matthew , MARINO Shealyn 
Published: March 2015

AbstractScatterhoarding rodents often place caches in the open where pilferage rates are reduced, suggesting that they tradeoff higher risks of predation for more secure cache sites. We tested this hypothesis in two study systems by measuring predation risks inferred from measures of giving‐up densities (GUDs) at known cache sites and other sites for comparison. Rodent GUDs were measured with small trays containing 3 L of fine sand mixed with sunflower seeds. In the first experiment, we relied on a 2‐year seed dispersal study in a natural forest to identify caches of eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and then measured GUDs at: (i) these caches; (ii) comparable points along logs and rocks where rodent activity was assumed highest; and (iii) a set of random points. We found that GUDs and, presumably, predation risks, were higher at both cache and random points than those with cover. At the second site, we measured GUDs of eastern gray squirrels in an open park system and found that GUDs were consistently lowest at the base of the tree compared to more open sites, where previous studies show caching by squirrels to be highest and pilferage rates by naïve competitors to be lowest. These results confirm that predation risks can influence scatterhoarding decisions but that they are also highly context dependent, and that the landscape of fear, now so well documented in the literature, could potentially shape the temporal and spatial patterns of seedling establishment and forest regeneration in systems where scatterhoarding is common.
Role of Rhizomys pruinosus as a natural animal host of Penicillium marneffei in Guangdong, China
Authors: Huang Xiaowen , He Guohua , Lu Sha , Liang Yuheng , Xi Liyan 
Published: March 2015

SummaryPenicillium marneffei, a dimorphic fungus that can cause penicilliosis marneffei, is endemic in Southeast Asia. The only known hosts of P. marneffei are humans and bamboo rats. The aim of our study was to explore the distribution of P. marneffei in bamboo rats, their associated environment and non‐rat‐associated environments. Totally, 270 samples were collected in Guangdong province of China in 2012; the prevalence of P. marneffei was much higher in samples collected from surrounding areas of burrows (8.2%) than in the samples obtained from non‐rat‐associated sites (2%) or artificial farms of bamboo rats (0%). There was no difference in P. marneffei isolated rate from different areas of Guangdong province. The infection is prevalent in all rats, and this fungus could be frequently seen in the rats' lungs. This study confirms that bamboo rat is the ecological niche of P. marneffei and hypothesizes that bamboo rats become infected by inhaling aerosolized conidia originating from environmental sources, rather than by the fecal–oral route or transplacental crossing. According to the result of no detection of P. marneffei in the artificial farm, the activity of bamboo rats might be more relevant to the distribution and dissemination of P. marneffei in natural environment.
Disentangling mite predator‐prey relationships by multiplex PCR
Authors: Pérez‐Sayas Consuelo , Pina Tatiana , Gómez‐Martínez María A. , Camañes Gemma , Ibáñez‐Gual María V. , Jaques Josep A. , Hurtado Mónica A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGut content analysis using molecular techniques can help elucidate predator‐prey relationships in situations in which other methodologies are not feasible, such as in the case of trophic interactions between minute species such as mites. We designed species‐specific primers for a mite community occurring in Spanish citrus orchards comprising two herbivores, the Tetranychidae Tetranychus urticae and Panonychus citri, and six predatory mites belonging to the Phytoseiidae family; these predatory mites are considered to be these herbivores’ main biological control agents. These primers were successfully multiplexed in a single PCR to test the range of predators feeding on each of the two prey species. We estimated prey DNA detectability success over time (DS50), which depended on the predator‐prey combination and ranged from 0.2 to 18 h. These values were further used to weight prey detection in field samples to disentangle the predatory role played by the most abundant predators (i.e. Euseius stipulatus and Phytoseiulus persimilis). The corrected predation value for E. stipulatus was significantly higher than for P. persimilis. However, because this 1.5‐fold difference was less than that observed regarding their sevenfold difference in abundance, we conclude that P. persimilis is the most effective predator in the system; it preyed on tetranychids almost five times more frequently than E. stipulatus did. The present results demonstrate that molecular tools are appropriate to unravel predator‐prey interactions in tiny species such as mites, which include important agricultural pests and their predators.
Application of extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie scale for phenological studies in longan (Dimocarpus longan)
Authors: Shi S.Y. , Li W.C. , Zhang H.N. , Liu L.Q. , Shu B. , Liang Q.Z. , Xie J.H. , Wei Y.Z. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractExtended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie scale was applied to achieve precise and normative description of each growth stage of longan. The entire growth cycle of longan was divided into seven primary stages, namely, development of shoots, leaves and branches, formation of inflorescence, flowering, fruit development and maturity. These primary stages were further subdivided into 47 secondary stages. This study focused on the entire fruit development process of longan. The correlation between phenology, temperature and humidity was also discussed. Knowledge of these rules will provide guidance for the implementation of production management measures, including fertilisation, disease and pest control, branch control, flower induction, flower and fruit retention and application of growth regulator. The present findings will also help longan planters to adopt the most appropriate cultivation and management measures according to the climate conditions and growth status of the trees.
Awareness of forensic odontology among dentists in Australia: are they keeping forensically valuable dental records?
Authors: Al‐Azri AR , Harford J , James H 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundForensic odontologists provide an important service to the community by identifying unknown deceased people, allowing both legal outcomes and family closure. Non‐visual identification may be achieved by comparison of post‐mortem data with ante‐mortem dental records provided by oral health practitioners. Success is dependent largely on the accuracy and adequacy of data in the dental records.MethodsAn online self‐administered questionnaire evaluated Australian dentists’ knowledge and behaviours relevant to forensic odontology. Reported record keeping practices were assessed for detail, legibility, accessibility and retention. Behaviours were classified according to the frequency of response.ResultsDentists reported overall reasonable awareness of the major applications of forensic odontology. Personal information and details of restorative treatment were recorded at high levels, while tooth anomalies, photography, additional patient details and denture marking were recorded inadequately. Legible tooth coding was reported at a high level, while other key legibility practices were recorded inadequately. Few of the behaviours related to retention or to maximize accessibility were recorded at a high level.ConclusionsAustralian dentists have high expectations of the forensic value of their dental records; however, many processes that would enhance the diagnostic, medico‐legal and forensic value of dental records are not routinely applied.
Evaluating the impact of rising fertilizer prices on crop yields
Authors: Brunelle T. , Dumas P. , Souty F. , Dorin B. , Nadaud F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBecause of tensions on fossil energy and phosphorus markets, the rise in fertilizer prices observed during the last decades may continue in the future, putting into question production pathways relying heavily on crop intensification. To evaluate how, in this context, economic choices may alter crop yields, we first construct different fertilizer price scenarios to 2050 based on an econometric relation with oil and gas prices. Other possible scenarios, such as the continuation of historical trends, are also considered. The resulting changes in fertilizer price range between +0.8% and +3.6% per year over the 2005–2050 period. These scenarios are tested in a global land‐use model incorporating an endogenous representation of the land–fertilizer substitution. We find that the supply‐side response to rising fertilizer prices could lower crop yields in 2050 from −6% to −13%, with a corresponding increase in global cropland area ranging between 100 and 240 Mha if the demand for food and nonfood products has to be met. The sensitivity of these results is tested with regard to assumptions on food consumption, change in potential yield and nutrient use efficiency.
Antidiabetic Agents and Endothelial Dysfunction – Beyond Glucose Control
Authors: Eriksson Linnéa , Nyström Thomas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDiabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide, and the number of patients suffering from diabetes is projected to rise by 50% over the next 25 years, then affecting almost 600 million adults. Type 2 diabetes comprises 90–95% of all people with diabetes, and they constitute a patient group that carries a high burden of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between hyperglycaemia and macrovascular complications is still uncertain, at least in terms of the possibility of reducing cardiovascular events solely by improving glycaemic control. This MiniReview has thus focused on the effect of common antidiabetic agents, with emphasis on glucagon‐like peptide‐1, on the endothelial cells of the vasculature. Patients with type 2 diabetes suffer a two to four times higher risk of myocardial infarction and stroke than healthy persons. In addition to this, patients with diabetes have an increased atherosclerotic burden. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be an early and important predictor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and in people with type 2 diabetes, endothelial dysfunction is a common finding. It is therefore of importance to consider whether drugs used within the clinical management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exert direct and positive effects on the vasculature independent of their glucose‐lowering ability. This might serve to limit the adverse consequences of the macrovascular complications of T2DM, as dysfunction of endothelial cells is believed to contribute to a premature development of atherosclerosis.
Activation of the Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 prevents house dust mite‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation by restraining mast cells’ activity
Authors: Serra‐Pages M. , Torres R. , Plaza J. , Herrerias A. , Costa‐Farré C. , Marco A. , Jiménez M. , Maurer M. , Picado C. , de Mora F. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundProstaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been proposed to exert antiasthmatic effects in patients, to prevent antigen‐induced airway pathology in murine models, and to inhibit mast cells (MC) activity in vitro.ObjectiveTo assess in a murine model whether the protective effect of PGE2 may be a consequence of its ability to activate the E‐prostanoid (EP)2 receptor on airway MC.MethodsEither BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice were exposed intranasally (i.n.) to house dust mite (HDM) aeroallergens. Both strains were given PGE2 locally (0.3 mg/kg), but only BALB/c mice were administered butaprost (EP2 agonist: 0.3 mg/kg), or AH6809 (EP2 antagonist; 2.5 mg/kg) combined with the MC stabilizer sodium cromoglycate (SCG: 25 mg/kg). Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation, along with lung MC activity, were evaluated. In addition, butaprost's effect was assessed in MC‐mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice challenged with 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP).ResultsSelective EP2 agonism attenuated aeroallergen‐caused AHR and inflammation in HDM‐exposed BALB/c mice, and this correlated with a reduced lung MC activity. Accordingly, the blockade of endogenous PGE2 by means of AH6809 worsened airway responsiveness in sensitive BALB/c mice, and such worsening was reversed by SCG. The relevance of MC to PGE2‐EP2 driven protection was further highlighted in MC‐dependent PCA, where butaprost fully prevented MC‐induced ear swelling. Unlike in BALB/c mice, PGE2 did not protect the airways of HDM‐sensitized C57BL/6 animals, a strain in which we showed MC to be irrelevant to aeroallergen‐driven AHR and inflammation.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceThe beneficial effect of both exogenous and endogenous PGE2 in aeroallergen‐sensitized mice may be attributable to the activation of the EP2 receptor, which in turn acts as a restrainer of airway MC activity. This opens a path towards the identification of therapeutic targets against asthma along the ‘EP2 ‐MC‐airway’ axis.
Therapeutic effects of growth hormone combined with low‐dose stanozolol on growth velocity and final height of girls with Turner syndrome
Authors: Xiong Hui , Chen Hong‐Shan , Du Min‐Lian , Li Yan‐Hong , Ma Hua‐Mei , Su Zhe , Chen Qiu‐Li 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObjectiveTurner syndrome (TS), which is characterized by short stature and gonadal dysfunction, is managed by pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) combined with low‐dose stanozolol on the growth and final adult height (FAH) of girls with Turner syndrome (TS).DesignProspective study.PatientsA total of 44 girls with TS were treated with rhGH (47·6–52·4 μg/kg/day) and low‐dose stanozolol (20–35 μg/kg/day), starting at a mean age of 12·65 ± 1·99 year. The control group consisted of 22 girls with TS, who did not receive treatment.MeasurementsSubjects’ growth velocity (GV) was investigated. Height standard deviation score (HtSDS) was calculated relative to healthy Chinese girls (HtSDSNor) as well as untreated Chinese girls with TS (HtSDSTS). Post‐treatment follow‐up was performed until the subjects achieved FAH or near FAH.ResultsFAH was significantly higher in subjects receiving treatment compared to the untreated controls (151·42 vs 137·75 cm, P < 0·001). GV was significantly higher in the first to fourth years of treatment compared to baseline values (P < 0·001); it was significantly lower in the second to fourth years of treatment compared to the first year (P < 0·001).ConclusionsIn girls with TS, 9–12 years of age, rhGH combined with low‐dose stanozolol may effectively increase growth. At least a 2‐year course of this treatment may effectively improve FAH with proper delay of oestrogen‐induced development.
Comparative ex vivo study on humidifying function of three speaking valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger for tracheotomised patients
Authors: van den Boer C. , Lansaat L. , Muller S.H. , van den Brekel M.W.M. , Hilgers F.J.M. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveAssessment of humidifying function of tracheotomy speaking valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger.DesignEx vivo measurement of water exchange and storage capacity of three tracheotomy speaking valves: Humidiphon Plus, Spiro and ProTrach DualCare (with two different heat and moisture exchangers: XtraMoist and Regular).SettingComprehensive Cancer Centre.ParticipantHealthy volunteer.Main outcome measuresDifference between end‐inspiratory and end‐expiratory weight as measure for water exchange capacity, weight after 10 min breathing as measure for water storage capacity, weighing at 1‐min intervals to assess residual water exchange potential in speaking mode and absolute humidity in mg/L as measure for environmental and respiratory humidity.ResultsNone of the tracheotomy speaking valves provides humidification while in speaking mode. Only the ProTrach DualCare allows blocking the speaking valve and breathing through the heat and moisture exchanger during inhalation and exhalation (heat and moisture exchanger mode). This leads to an increase in inspiratory humidity of 2.5 mg (XtraMoist) and 1.6 mg (Regular). There was no measurable water storage in speaking mode in any of the three tracheotomy speaking valves. In breathing mode, water storage in the DualCare heat and moisture exchangers was 47 and 37 mg, respectively. The remaining humidifying potential in speaking mode after 10 min breathing in heat and moisture exchanger mode for XtraMoist was 38%, 15% and 10% at 1, 2 and 3 min, respectively. For Regular, this was 47%, 24% and 13%, respectively.ConclusionsTracheostoma valves with integrated heat and moisture exchanger have no humidification function in speaking mode. Only ProTrach DualCare, allowing blocking the speaking mode, in heat and moisture exchanger mode enables a significant increase in humidification. Regular switching between speaking and heat and moisture exchanger mode with this latter device prolongs the humidification in speaking mode.
Establishment and characterization of a novel VEGF‐producing HHV‐8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma cell line, OGU1
Authors: Kawauchi Kiyotaka , Ogasawara Toshie , Aiba Motohiko , Fujibayashi Mariko , Sanaka Tsutomu , Sakura Hiroshi , Shibuya Masabumi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPrimary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare B‐cell lymphoma subtype that is characterized by lymphomatous effusion without the presence of masses, and it typically occurs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals. Lymphoma cells are universally positive for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8). Recently, a cavity‐based effusion lymphoma that is similar to PEL without HHV‐8 infection, called HHV‐8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma, has been reported in non‐HIV‐infected individuals. However, the pathophysiology of this lymphoma is largely undefined. We established a novel B‐cell line OGU1 derived from a patient with HHV‐8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma. Notably, OGU1 cells produced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and expressed VEGF receptor 1, whose inhibitors retarded cell growth. Because VEGF acts as a vascular permeability and growth factor, it could play a role, at least in part, in the pathogenesis of this unique lymphoma. Thus, the OGU1 cell line is useful for the investigation of HHV‐8‐unrelated PEL‐like lymphoma.
T‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small‐cell variant of T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia: a historical perspective and search for consensus
Authors: Rashidi Armin , Fisher Stephen I. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThere is a rich history behind the extinct entity ‘T‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T‐CLL)’ and the now‐established replacement, small‐cell variant of T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL‐sv). Herein, we review the history of the events, observations, and discussions that led to this replacement. We also provide a systematic analysis of all previously reported cases of T‐PLL‐sv as well as our four new additional cases. Despite the higher frequency of a normal karyotype and perhaps an overrepresented CD4−CD8− immunophenotype among these patients (compared to T‐PLL in general) as well as bland morphology (that makes them superficially appear more similar to B‐CLL), we argue that the current World Health Organization (WHO)‐based classification as T‐PLL‐sv is adequate and should continue for the time being. Morphologically, T‐PLL‐sv represents approximately one‐fifth of all T‐PLL cases. However, morphology alone does not determine the clinical course and should not be the basis for clinical decision making and prognostication. We propose a clonal evolution model in which mature T‐cell leukemias classified in the past as T‐CLL are perhaps T‐PLL diagnosed early in the course of the disease. Future research using next‐generation sequencing, comparative genomic hybridization, and molecular array studies, including serial analyses of individual cases over time, is needed to better identify this rarely diagnosed, inherently controversial form of T‐cell leukemia.
Novel familial dilated cardiomyopathy mutation in MYL2 affects the structure and function of myosin regulatory light chain
Authors: Huang Wenrui , Liang Jingsheng , Yuan Chen‐Ching , Kazmierczak Katarzyna , Zhou Zhiqun , Morales Ana , McBride Kim L. , Fitzgerald‐Butt Sara M. , Hershberger Ray E. , Szczesna‐Cordary Danuta 
Published: March 2015

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the myocardium characterized by left ventricular dilatation and diminished contractile function. Here we describe a novel DCM mutation in the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC), in which aspartic acid at position 94 is replaced by alanine (D94A). The mutation was identified by exome sequencing of three adult first‐degree relatives who met formal criteria for idiopathic DCM. To obtain insight into the functional significance of this pathogenic MYL2 variant, we cloned and purified the human ventricular RLC wild‐type (WT) and D94A mutant proteins, and performed in vitro experiments using RLC‐mutant or WT‐reconstituted porcine cardiac preparations. The mutation induced a reduction in the α‐helical content of the RLC, and imposed intra‐molecular rearrangements. The phosphorylation of RLC by Ca2+/calmodulin‐activated myosin light chain kinase was not affected by D94A. The mutation was seen to impair binding of RLC to the myosin heavy chain, and its incorporation into RLC‐depleted porcine myosin. The actin‐activated ATPase activity of mutant‐reconstituted porcine cardiac myosin was significantly higher compared with ATPase of wild‐type. No changes in the myofibrillar ATPase–pCa relationship were observed in wild‐type‐ or D94A‐reconstituted preparations. Measurements of contractile force showed a slightly reduced maximal tension per cross‐section of muscle, with no change in the calcium sensitivity of force in D94A‐reconstituted skinned porcine papillary muscle strips compared with wild‐type. Our data indicate that subtle structural rearrangements in the RLC molecule, followed by its impaired interaction with the myosin heavy chain, may trigger functional abnormalities contributing to the DCM phenotype.