bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invasive plants as drivers of regime shifts: identifying high‐priority invaders that alter feedback relationships
Authors: Gaertner Mirijam , Biggs Reinette , Te Beest Mariska , Hui Cang , Molofsky Jane , Richardson David M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimA major challenge for invasion ecology is to identify high‐impact invaders to guide prioritization of management interventions. We argue that species with the potential to cause regime shifts (altered states of ecosystem structure and function that are difficult or impossible to reverse) should be prioritized. These are species that modify ecosystems in ways that enhance their own persistence and suppress that of native species through reinforcing feedback processes.MethodsUsing both systems analysis and meta‐analysis approaches, we synthesized changes to ecosystems caused by 173 invasive plant species. For the systems analysis, we examined published studies of impacts of invasive plants to determine which presented evidence consistent with a reinforcement of feedback processes. For the meta‐analysis, we calculated the effect size ratio between standardized changes in recipient ecosystem and in the status of introduced species as an indication of a reinforcing feedback in particular species‐environment combinations. The systems analysis approach allowed us to conceptualize regime shifts in invader‐dominated landscapes and to estimate the likelihood of such changes occurring. The meta‐analysis allowed us to quantitatively verify the conceptual model and the key invader‐context feedbacks and to detect the strength and direction of feedbacks.ResultsMost reinforcing feedbacks involve impacts on soil‐nutrient cycling by shrub and tree invaders in forests and herbaceous invaders in wetlands. Feedbacks resulting in regime shifts were most likely related to processes associated with seed banks, fire and nutrient cycling. Results were used to derive a key for identifying high‐impact invaders.Main conclusionsIdentifying combinations of plant life‐forms and ecosystems most likely to result in regime shifts is a robust approach for predicting high‐impact invasions and therefore for prioritizing management interventions. The meta‐analysis revealed the need for more quantitative studies, including manipulative experiments, on ecosystem feedbacks.
Feeding, body condition and reproductive investment of Astyanax intermedius (Characiformes, Characidae) in relation to rainfall and temperature in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest stream
Authors: Souza Ursulla P. , Ferreira Fabio C. , Braga Francisco M. de S. , Winemiller Kirk O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLife history theory seeks to explain how environmental variation selects for patterns of investment in growth and survival relative to production and survival of offspring. Seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature provide environmental cues for spawning by many tropical freshwater fishes. To investigate environment–life history associations, we conducted a one‐year study of Astyanax intermedius in an Atlantic Forest stream of southeastern Brazil. Our analysis focused on temporal variation in feeding, body condition and reproduction in relation to rainfall and water temperature. For mature females, food intake was not significantly correlated with rainfall or temperature; however, body condition was negatively correlated with rainfall and water temperature. Female reproductive effort was positively correlated with water temperature, but did not vary with rainfall. For males and juveniles, there was no significant relationship between food intake or body condition and either environmental variable. Testis weight was negatively correlated with rainfall, but was not significantly correlated with water temperature. We detected a negative correlation between gonad mass with body condition and food intake for females but not for males. Our results differed from other studies in tropical and subtropical areas where rainfall has been shown to be positively correlated with fish reproductive effort. Our results indicate that reproductive effort of males is relatively constant throughout the year, whereas for females, it increases with increasing water temperature. This increase in reproductive investment in concert with an increasing temperature and metabolic rate may incur a trade‐off with somatic growth and survival for this small stream fish.
Tryptophan immunoadsorption for the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Köhler W. , Ehrlich S. , Dohmen C. , Haubitz M. , Hoffmann F. , Schmidt S. , Klingel R. , Kraft A. , Neumann‐Haefelin T. , Topka H. , Stich O. , Baumgartner A. , Fassbender C. 
Published: March 2014

Background and purposeDetection of autoantibodies against neuronal surface antigens and their correlation with the pattern and severity of symptoms led to the definition of new autoimmune‐mediated forms of encephalitis and was essential for the initiation of immunotherapies including plasma exchange. The elimination of autoantibodies using selective immunoadsorption (IA) is a pathophysiologically guided therapeutic approach but has not yet been evaluated in a separate analysis.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of patients with autoimmune encephalitis who were treated with tryptophan IA in six neurological clinics between 2009 and 2013. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to evaluate neurological status before and after IA.ResultsData on 13 patients were documented. Twelve patients were positive for specific autoantibodies (NMDA‐R, GABA, GAD, Lgl1). Patients received a series of a median of six IA treatments. Median mRS of all patients was 3.0 before IA and 2.0 after IA (P < 0.001). Eleven patients improved by at least one point in mRS after IA.ConclusionFor autoimmune‐mediated forms of encephalitis rapid elimination of autoantibodies with selective IA seems to be an effective therapeutic option as part of multimodal immune therapy.
Exome sequencing identifies a de novo SCN2A mutation in a patient with intractable seizures, severe intellectual disability, optic atrophy, muscular hypotonia, and brain abnormalities
Authors: Baasch Anna‐Lena , Hüning Irina , Gilissen Christian , Klepper Joerg , Veltman Joris A. , Gillessen‐Kaesbach Gabriele , Hoischen Alexander , Lohmann Katja 
Published: March 2014

SummaryEpilepsy is a phenotypically and genetically highly heterogeneous disorder with >200 genes linked to inherited forms of the disease. To identify the underlying genetic cause in a patient with intractable seizures, optic atrophy, severe intellectual disability (ID), brain abnormalities, and muscular hypotonia, we performed exome sequencing in a 5‐year‐old girl and her unaffected parents. In the patient, we detected a novel, de novo missense mutation in the SCN2A (c.5645G>T; p.R1882L) gene encoding the αII‐subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.2. A literature review revealed 33 different SCN2A mutations in 14 families with benign forms of epilepsy and in 21 cases with severe phenotypes. Although almost all benign mutations were inherited, the majority of severe mutations occurred de novo. Of interest, de novo SCN2A mutations have also been reported in five patients without seizures but with ID (n = 3) and/or autism (n = 3). In the present study, we successfully used exome sequencing to detect a de novo mutation in a genetically heterogeneous disorder with epilepsy and ID. Using this approach, we expand the phenotypic spectrum of SCN2A mutations. Our own and literature data indicate that SCN2A‐linked severe phenotypes are more likely to be caused by de novo mutations.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Autosomal dominant partial epilepsy with auditory features: A new locus on chromosome 19q13.11–q13.31
Authors: Bisulli Francesca , Naldi Ilaria , Baldassari Sara , Magini Pamela , Licchetta Laura , Castegnaro Giovanni , Fabbri Margherita , Stipa Carlotta , Ferrari Simona , Seri Marco , Gonçalves Silva Gilson Edmar , Tinuper Paolo , Pippucci Tommaso 
Published: March 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo clinically and genetically characterize a largeBrazilian family with autosomal dominant partial epilepsy with auditory features (ADPEAF) not related to leucine‐rich, glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) gene.MethodsSeventy family members (four married‐ins) participating in the study were assessed by a detailed clinical interview and a complete neurologic examination. Genetic mapping was conducted through autosome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)genotyping and subsequent linkage analysis on 16 and haplotype analysis on 25 subjects, respectively.ResultsThe pedigree comprised 15 affected members, of whom 11 were included in the study (male/female: 6/5; mean age 39.5 years). All but two (III:22 andIV:92) had focal seizures with auditory aura followed by secondary generalization in 44.4%. The mean age at onset of epilepsy seizures was 13.7 years. Initial autosome‐wideSNPlinkage analysis conducted on 12 subjects (8 affected) pointed to a single genomic region on chromosome 19 with a maximum multipoint logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 2.60. Further refinement of this region throughSNPand microsatellite genotyping on 16 subjects (11 affected) increased theLODscore to 3.41, thereby establishing 19q13.11–q13.31 as a novelADPEAFlocus. Haplotype analysis indicated that the underlying mutation is most likely located in a 9.74 Mb interval between markersD19S416 andD19S420. Sequence analysis of the most prominent candidate genes within this critical interval (SCN1B,LGI4,KCNK6,andLRFN1) did not reveal any mutation.SignificanceThis study disclosed a novelADPEAFlocus on chromosome 19q13.11–q13.31, contributing to future identification of a second dominant gene for this epileptic syndrome.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information sectionhere.
A novel technique of detectingMRI‐negative lesion in focal symptomatic epilepsy: IntraoperativeShearWaveElastography
Authors: Chan Huan Wee , Pressler Ronit , Uff Christopher , Gunny Roxanna , St Piers Kelly , Cross Helen , Bamber Jeffrey , Dorward Neil , Harkness William , Chakraborty Aabir 
Published: March 2014

SummaryFocal symptomatic epilepsy is the most common form of epilepsy that can often be cured with surgery. A small proportion of patients with focal symptomatic epilepsy do not have identifiable lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The most common pathology in this group is typeIIfocal cortical dysplasia (FCD), which is a subtype of malformative brain lesion associated with medication‐resistant epilepsy. We present a patient withMRI‐negative focal symptomatic epilepsy who underwent invasive electrode recordings. At the time of surgery, a novel ultrasound‐based technique calledShearWave Elastography (SWE) was performed. A 0.5 cc lesion was demonstrated onSWEbut was absent onB‐mode ultrasound and 3‐TMRI. Electroencephalography (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) scans demonstrated an abnormality in the right frontal region. On the basis of this finding, a depth electrode was implanted into the lesion. Surgical resection and histology confirmed the lesion to be typeIIbFCD.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information sectionhere.
Precopulatory Sexual Cannibalism Causes Increase Egg Case Production, Hatching Success, and Female Attractiveness to Males
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N. , Berning Aric W. , Cusack Brian , Shearer Taylor A. , McGuirk Mathew , Coleman Anna , Eng Robin Y. Y. , Armagost Fawn , Sweeney Kayla , Singh Nishant 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPrecopulatory sexual cannibalism is an extreme form of sexual conflict that can entail significant costs to the cannibalized individual and a variety of costs and benefits to the cannibal itself. Characterizing these costs and benefits is fundamental to our understanding of how this behavior evolves. Using the spider Agelenopsis pennsylvanica, we tested the reproductive consequences of precopulatory sexual cannibalism by staging cannibalization events and comparing the performance of experimental cannibals against natural cannibals (i.e., those that cannibalized on their own) and non‐cannibals. We found two performance benefits associated with precopulatory sexual cannibalism: first, experimental cannibals were more likely to produce egg cases than non‐cannibals, and second, egg cases from experimental cannibals and natural cannibals were significantly more likely to hatch than those produced by non‐cannibals. We then tested whether males were more likely to approach the webs of experimental cannibals vs. non‐cannibalistic control females. Our data demonstrate that sexual cannibalism increases female attractiveness to males. Although this result seems counterintuitive, in fact, rates of precopulatory sexual cannibalism were much lower in females that had already cannibalized their first male: 38% of sexually naïve females engaged in precopulatory sexual cannibalism, whereas only 5% of females engaged in cannibalism a second time. Thus, males that approach cannibals receive two benefits: they are less likely to be cannibalized precopula, and they have the possibility of mating with females that have a higher probability of producing viable egg cases. Taken together, our data suggest that precopulatory sexual cannibalism affords females numerous benefits and may have a hand in shaping male mate choice decisions.
Stickleback Males Increase Red Coloration and Courtship Behaviours in the Presence of a Competitive Rival
Authors: Kim Sin‐Yeon , Velando Alberto 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn species where females preferentially select the most colourful males, males may strategically invest in courtship and nuptial colour according to the presence of rivals. In this experimental study, we tested this in the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in which mature males exhibit carotenoid‐based red coloration to attract mates and defend their territories against male competitors. We challenged experimental males with either a red‐ornamented dummy male or a non‐ornamented dummy for five min per day in six‐d experimental trial, which was repeated twice during the breeding season. We found that the males presented with a coloured rival exhibited more frequent courtship behaviours (i.e. fanning and gluing) to females than those presented with a non‐coloured intruder during the second experimental trial. At the end of each trial, the experimental males also showed a significantly larger area of red coloration in the presence of a coloured intruder. Our findings suggest that male sticklebacks regulate mating effort according to the presence of competitive rivals by increasing their investment in costly signals when successful mating and territory defence is at risk.
Liquidity and Asset prices: An Empirical Investigation of the Nordic Stock Markets
Authors: Butt Hilal Anwar , Virk Nader Shahzad 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a simplified single period asset‐pricing model adjusted for liquidity and tests it for the Nordic markets. The detailed empirical evidence is presented from Finnish test case. Empirical testing of small yet developed markets is motivated by the increased relevance of the illiquidity effect for illiquid assets/markets. The main evidence reports liquidity risk makes sufficiently larger part of predicted factor risk premium than the market risk, contrary to comparable US evidence. This highlights the ability of liquidity related model betas in capturing the time variation in expected returns across illiquid (Nordic) markets than market beta.
Equine grass sickness
Authors: Pirie R. S. , Jago R. C. , Hudson N. P. H. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryEquine grass sickness (EGS; equine dysautonomia) is a polyneuronopathy affecting both the central and the peripheral nervous systems of horses. As the name implies, EGS almost exclusively affects grazing horses, resulting in the development of a characteristic array of clinical signs, most of which can be attributed to neuronal degeneration in the autonomic and enteric nervous systems. Varying disease severities occur, largely determined by the extent of neuronal degeneration in the myenteric and submucous plexuses of the enteric nervous system. Extensive neuronal degeneration, as seen in acute and subacute forms of EGS, results in intestinal dysmotility, the severity of which is incompatible with survival. In comparison, a proportion of chronic forms of EGS, characterised by less severe neuronal degeneration, will survive. Despite extensive research efforts since EGS was first reported over 100 years ago, the precise aetiology remains elusive. This article reviews much of the scientific literature on EGS, covering epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and aetiological hypotheses.
The P450 system and mTORC1 signalling in acne
Authors: Melnik Bodo C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this issue, Hellmann‐Regen et al. suggested that anti‐acne effects of erythromycin and tetracyclines may be related to their inhibitory effect of cytochrome P450‐mediated degradation of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA). We have recently proposed that all anti‐acne agents function by attenuation of increased mTORC1 signalling. This commentary links the P450 system to mTORC1 regulation in acne. Drug‐mediated induction of P450 activity or P450 mutants with increased catabolic activity may reduce cellular ATRA levels and FoxO1 expression, thus reducing FoxO‐mediated mTORC1 inhibition. In contrast, agents blocking ATRA degradation such as erythromycin and tetracyclines may improve acne by increasing FoxO1 expression with consecutive inhibition of mTORC1 signalling.
How, and from which cell sources, do nevi really develop?
Authors: Grichnik James M. , Ross Andrew L. , Schneider Samantha L. , Sanchez Margaret I. , Eller Mark S. , Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMelanocytic neoplasms are a diverse group of benign and malignant tumors with variable clinical features. While some models still promote the epidermal melanocyte as the origin of melanocytic neoplasms, clinical findings are inconsistent with this theory for the majority of tumors. Despite advances in naevus and melanoma biology, the location and differentiation status of the cell of origin remains undefined. Germ line genetics, biological state and cellular location of the mutated cell, as well as local environmental factors all likely play a role in the development of melanocytic neoplasms. Herein, we will review potential models for melanocytic neoplasia and discuss research challenges and opportunities.
Absence of chromosomal abnormalities in herniated orbital fat
Authors: Stacy Rebecca C , Bernardo Lindsay A , Nielsen Gunnlauger Petur 
Published: March 2014

AimsLipomatous tumours of the orbit are rare, and can sometimes be difficult to characterize. Herniated orbital fat is thought to be a reactive process, but its presentation can mimic a lipomatous tumour such as an atypical lipomatous tumour or spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma. Genetic studies to determine if it is indeed a reactive process rather than an adipocytic neoplasm have not been performed.Methods and resultsFour samples of herniated orbital fat were reviewed clinically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used to search for genome‐wide copy number alterations within the tumours. Histological evaluation revealed that all four tumours contained collections of adipocytes surrounded by fibrous septae. Lochkern cells and floret‐like multinucleated giant cells were present, consistent with herniated orbital fat. CD34 was positive in all tumours. Staining for MDM2 and CDK4 was negative. ACGH analysis demonstrated no copy number alterations.ConclusionsHerniated orbital fat may share some histopathological features with lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumour, but the absence of copy number gains or losses is consistent with the impression that herniated orbital fat is a reactive process. Genetic analysis may be another method to help differentiate herniated orbital fat from a lipomatous orbital tumour when the diagnosis is in question.
Periapical lesions are not always a sequelae of pulpal necrosis: a retrospective study of 1521 biopsies
Authors: Kontogiannis T. G. , Tosios K. I. , Kerezoudis N. P. , Krithinakis S. , Christopoulos P. , Sklavounou A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo record the incidence of lesions that were not the sequelae of pulpal necrosis (non‐SPN) amongst 1521 biopsies of periapical lesions submitted with a clinical diagnosis of a sequelae of pulpal necrosis (SPN).MethodologyA retrospective study of 1521 biopsy request forms of specimens submitted for histopathological examination with a clinical diagnosis ‘periapical inflammation’, ‘periapical abscess’, ‘periapical granuloma’ or ‘periapical cyst’ during an arbitrarily selected 14‐year period was undertaken. Gender and age of the patient, site and maximum diameter of the lesion, symptoms, inclusion of the final diagnosis in the differential diagnosis and specialty of the clinician submitting the biopsy material were recorded in each case. The final diagnosis for each case was extracted from the pathology report, and two groups were formed, SPN and non‐SPN lesions. Differences between the respective features of SPN and non‐SPN cases were analysed with Yate's chi‐square test and t‐test (significance level P < 0.05)ResultsIn 52 of the 1521 cases examined (3.42%), the histological diagnosis was not consistent with a SPN. In most non‐SPN cases, the histopathological diagnosis was not included in the differential diagnosis. The keratocystic odontogenic tumour [odontogenic keratocyst (OKC)] was the most frequent non‐SPN lesion (34.62%). Other, yet less frequent, non‐SPN lesions included glandular odontogenic cysts, lateral periodontal cysts, central ossifying fibromas as well as malignancies (metastatic carcinomas and Langerhans cell histiocytosis).ConclusionsNon‐SPN lesions appeared in the periapical region mimicking a SPN, although rarely. Most of them were developmental cysts, in particular OKCs, but odontogenic tumours, such as ameloblastoma, or malignant lesions were also diagnosed. Histological examination of tissue harvested from periapical lesions should be performed, in particular when those lesions are large.
Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of pressurised liquid and solid–liquid extracts from four Irish origin macroalgae
Authors: Heffernan Natalie , Smyth Thomas J. , FitzGerald Richard J. , Soler‐Vila Anna , Brunton Nigel 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe efficiency of solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) for the recovery of antioxidant and polyphenols from the Irish macroalgae, Fucus serratus, Laminaria digitata, Gracilaria gracilis and Codium fragile, was assessed using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and the Folin–Ciocalteu total phenol content (TPC) assay. Fucus serratus had TPC and antioxidant activities thirty times higher than the other species. Solid–liquid extraction cold water (CWSLE) had the highest TPC (81.17 μg GAE mg−1 sample) derived from F. serratus, compared with the TPC of 61.12 μg GAE mg−1 sample for the corresponding PLE extract. For both SLE and PLE extracts, low TPC levels were observed in L. digitata, G. gracilis and C. fragile. The majority of SLE extracts possessed higher FRAP and DPPH activities compared with their PLE counterparts. This study indicates that the high temperatures and pressures in PLE did not enhance the antioxidant activities relative to conventional SLE extraction.