bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Between‐species facilitation by male fig wasps in shared figs
Authors: WANG RONG , SEGAR SIMON T. , HARPER MAXIMILIAN , YU HUI , QUINNELL RUPERT J. , COMPTON STEPHEN G. 
Published: April 2015

1. Facilitation is recorded from diverse plant–insect interactions, including pollination and herbivory.2. The significance of facilitation resulting from the behavior of males of multiple fig wasp species inside figs was investigated. Female fig wasps emerge from natal figs via exit holes dug by males, especially male pollinators. When no males are present, the females struggle to escape and may die.3. Ficus microcarpa L. is a widely‐established invasive fig tree from Southeast Asia. Its pollinator is absent in South Africa, so the tree cannot reproduce, but two Asian non‐pollinating fig wasps (NPFW) Walkerella microcarpae and Odontofroggatia galili occupy its figs. Abundance patterns of the two NPFW and the proportion of male‐free figs in South Africa, Spain (where the pollinator is introduced), and in China, where the native fig wasp community is diverse, were compared to determine the consequences of reduced species richness for insect survival.4. Female fig wasps in male‐free figs were found to be trapped, and small clutch sizes contributed to the absence of males in both species. The presence of pollinators in Spain allowed most NPFW to develop in figs containing males. Far more male‐free figs were present in South Africa, elevating mortality rates among female NPFW. Facilitation of female release by males of other NPFW species nonetheless benefitted the rarer species.5. Selection pressures in South Africa currently favour greater aggregation of NPFW offspring and/or less female biased sex ratios.
Comparison of high‐resolution melting analysis with direct sequencing for the detection of recurrent mutations in DNA methyltransferase 3A and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 genes in acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Gorniak Patryk , Ejduk Anna , Borg Katarzyna , Makuch‐Lasica Hanna , Nowak Grazyna , Lech‐Maranda Ewa , Prochorec‐Sobieszek Monika , Warzocha Krzysztof , Juszczynski Przemyslaw 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells harbor frequent mutations in genes responsible for epigenetic modifications. Increasing evidence of clinical role of DNMT3A and IDH1/2 mutations highlights the need for a robust and inexpensive test to identify these mutations in routine diagnostic work‐up. Herein, we compared routinely used direct sequencing method with high‐resolution melting (HRM) assay for screening DNMT3A and IDH1/2 mutations in patients with AML. We show very high concordance between HRM and Sanger sequencing (100% samples for IDH2‐R140 and DNMT3‐R882 mutations, 99% samples for IDH1‐R132 and IDH2‐R172 mutations). HRM method reported no false‐negative results, suggesting that it can be used for mutations screening. Moreover, HRM displayed much higher sensitivity in comparison with DNA sequencing in all assessed loci. With Sanger sequencing, robust calls were observed when the sample contained 50% of mutant DNA in the background of wild‐type DNA. In marked contrast, the detection limit of HRM improved down to 10% of mutated DNA. Given the ubiquitous presence of wild‐type DNA background in bone marrow aspirates and clonal variations regarding mutant allele burden, these results favor HRM as a sensitive, specific, labor‐, and cost‐effective tool for screening and detection of mutations in IDH1/2 and DNMT3A genes in patients with AML.
Somatotopy and temporal dynamics of sensorimotor interactions: evidence from double afferent inhibition
Authors: Tamè Luigi , Pavani Francesco , Braun Christoph , Salemme Romeo , Farnè Alessandro , Reilly Karen T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMoving and interacting with the world requires that the sensory and motor systems share information, but while some information about tactile events is preserved during sensorimotor transfer the spatial specificity of this information is unknown. Afferent inhibition (AI) studies, in which corticospinal excitability (CSE) is inhibited when a single tactile stimulus is presented before a transcranial magnetic stimulation pulse over the motor cortex, offer contradictory results regarding the sensory‐to‐motor transfer of spatial information. Here, we combined the techniques of AI and tactile repetition suppression (the decreased neurophysiological response following double stimulation of the same vs. different fingers) to investigate whether topographic information is preserved in the sensory‐to‐motor transfer in humans. We developed a double AI paradigm to examine both spatial (same vs. different finger) and temporal (short vs. long delay) aspects of sensorimotor interactions. Two consecutive electrocutaneous stimuli (separated by either 30 or 125 ms) were delivered to either the same or different fingers on the left hand (i.e. index finger stimulated twice or middle finger stimulated before index finger). Information about which fingers were stimulated was reflected in the size of the motor responses in a time‐constrained manner: CSE was modulated differently by same and different finger stimulation only when the two stimuli were separated by the short delay (P = 0.004). We demonstrate that the well‐known response of the somatosensory cortices following repetitive stimulation is mirrored in the motor cortex and that CSE is modulated as a function of the temporal and spatial relationship between afferent stimuli.
Event‐related potential evidence for a dynamic (re‐)weighting of somatotopic and external coordinates of touch during visual–tactile interactions
Authors: Ley Pia , Steinberg Ulf , Hanganu‐Opatz Ileana L. , Röder Brigitte 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe localization of touch in external space requires the remapping of somatotopically represented tactile information into an external frame of reference. Several recent studies have highlighted the role of posterior parietal areas for this remapping process, yet its temporal dynamics are poorly understood. The present study combined cross‐modal stimulation with electrophysiological recordings in humans to trace the time course of tactile spatial remapping during visual–tactile interactions. Adopting an uncrossed or crossed hand posture, participants made speeded elevation judgments about rare vibrotactile stimuli within a stream of frequent, task‐irrelevant vibrotactile events presented to the left or right hand. Simultaneous but spatially independent visual stimuli had to be ignored. An analysis of the recorded event‐related potentials to the task‐irrelevant vibrotactile stimuli revealed a somatotopic coding of tactile stimuli within the first 100 ms. Between 180 and 250 ms, neither an external nor a somatotopic representation dominated, suggesting that both coordinates were active in parallel. After 250 ms, tactile stimuli were coded in a somatotopic frame of reference. Our results indicate that cross‐modal interactions start before the termination of tactile spatial remapping, that is within the first 100 ms. Thereafter, tactile stimuli are represented simultaneously in both somatotopic and external spatial coordinates, which are dynamically (re‐)weighted as a function of processing stage.
Codominant water control on global interannual variability and trends in land surface phenology and greenness
Authors: Forkel Matthias , Migliavacca Mirco , Thonicke Kirsten , Reichstein Markus , Schaphoff Sibyll , Weber Ulrich , Carvalhais Nuno 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIdentifying the relative importance of climatic and other environmental controls on the interannual variability and trends in global land surface phenology and greenness is challenging. Firstly, quantifications of land surface phenology and greenness dynamics are impaired by differences between satellite data sets and phenology detection methods. Secondly, dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) that can be used to diagnose controls still reveal structural limitations and contrasting sensitivities to environmental drivers. Thus, we assessed the performance of a new developed phenology module within the LPJmL (Lund–Potsdam–Jena managed Lands) DGVM with a comprehensive ensemble of three satellite data sets of vegetation greenness and ten phenology detection methods, thereby thoroughly accounting for observational uncertainties. The improved and tested model allows us quantifying the relative importance of environmental controls on interannual variability and trends of land surface phenology and greenness at regional and global scales. We found that start of growing season interannual variability and trends are in addition to cold temperature mainly controlled by incoming radiation and water availability in temperate and boreal forests. Warming‐induced prolongations of the growing season in high latitudes are dampened by a limited availability of light. For peak greenness, interannual variability and trends are dominantly controlled by water availability and land‐use and land‐cover change (LULCC) in all regions. Stronger greening trends in boreal forests of Siberia than in North America are associated with a stronger increase in water availability from melting permafrost soils. Our findings emphasize that in addition to cold temperatures, water availability is a codominant control for start of growing season and peak greenness trends at the global scale.
Chlorhexidine mouthwash and sodium lauryl sulphate dentifrice: do they mix effectively or interfere?
Authors: Elkerbout TA , Slot DE , Bakker EWP , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFocused questionWhat is the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash used in combination with a sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) dentifrice on the parameters of plaque and gingivitis?Material and methodsMEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, EMBASE and other electronic databases were searched up to July 2014. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials, subjects ≥18 years of age with good general health. Papers evaluating the effect of CHX mouthwash used in combination with SLS dentifrice or a dentifrice slurry compared with CHX mouthwash as a single oral hygiene intervention or in combination with an SLS‐free dentifrice were included. From the eligible studies, data were extracted, and a meta‐analysis was performed when feasible.ResultsIndependent screening of 83 unique papers resulted in four eligible publications, with nine comparisons. The meta‐analysis showed that when an SLS dentifrice was used as a slurry rinse, the interference on the plaque‐inhibiting effect of a CHX mouthwash was significantly decreased (MD 0.33; P ≤ 0.00001; 95% CI: <0.24; 0.42>). No significant difference was observed when SLS dentifrice was applied as a paste in combination with CHX mouthwash (MD 0.08; P = 0.42; 95% CI: <−0.26; 0.11>). Descriptive and subgroup analyses support these findings. Moreover, the observed effect for the dentifrice paste occurred regardless of the order of use.ConclusionThis review demonstrates that when CHX mouthwash is recommended, it can be used in combination with an SLS dentifrice without any interference regarding its inhibiting effect on dental plaque, regardless of the order of use. Consequently, the collective evidence indicates that the combined use of dentifrice and CHX mouthwash is not contraindicated. However, this recommendation has been graded as moderate taking into account a potential publication bias because three of the four included studies emerged from the same research group.
Comparison of the anti‐obesity and hypocholesterolaemic effects of single Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota and probiotic cocktail
Authors: Aazmi Shafiq , Teh Lay Kek , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Rahman Thuhairah , Salleh Mohd Zaki 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis study compared the efficacy of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LAB13) and a probiotic cocktail for their anti‐obesity and other lipid profile modulating effects. Diet‐induced obese rats were supplemented with two different probiotics which are LAB13 (1 × 109 CFU day−1 per rat) and cocktail of five bacterial strains (1 × 109 CFU day−1 per rat) for 12 weeks. Comparative data on weight gain, energy intake, liver weight, subcutaneous fat, total fat weights, total cholesterol and leptin levels in both treatment groups showed significant reduction in probiotic‐treated groups compared to the obese control group. Both probiotics have the anti‐obesity and hypocholesterolaemic effects and are able to reduce body weight and fats via reduction in energy intake. Only LAB13 was able to reduce the level of triglyceride significantly. Therefore, the LAB13 is equally effective compared to the probiotic cocktail in weight reduction. LAB13 is more effective in improving lipid profile which is a common medical complication of obesity.
Caspase‐11: arming the guards against bacterial infection
Authors: Stowe Irma , Lee Bettina , Kayagaki Nobuhiko 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAs a front line of defense against pathogenic microbes, our body employs a primitive, yet highly sophisticated and potent innate immune response pathway collectively referred to as the inflammasome. Innate immune cells, epithelial cells, and many other cell types are capable of detecting infection or tissue injury and mounting a coordinated molecular defense. For example, Gram‐negative bacteria are specifically detected via a surveillance mechanism that involves activation of extracellular receptors such as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) followed by intracellular recognition and activation of pathways such as caspase‐11 (caspase‐4/5 in humans). Importantly, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria, is a strong trigger of these pathways. Extracellular LPS primarily stimulates TLR4, which can serve as a priming signal for expression of inflammasome components. Intracellular LPS can then trigger caspase‐11‐dependent inflammasome activation in the cytoplasm. Here, we briefly review the burgeoning caspase‐11‐dependent non‐canonical inflammasome field, focusing mainly on the innate sensing of LPS.
A twofold role for global energy gradients in marine biodiversity trends
Authors: Valentine James W. , Jablonski David 
Published: April 2015

AbstractExplanations for major biodiversity patterns have not achieved a consensus, even for the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), but most relate to patterns of solar energy influx into Earth systems, and its effects on temperature (as biochemical activity rates are temperature sensitive) and photosynthesis (which drives nearly all of the productivity that fuels ecosystems). Marine systems break some of the confounding correlations among temperature, latitude and biodiversity that typify the terrestrial systems that have dominated theoretical discussions and large‐scale analyses. High marine diversities occur not only in warm shallow seas where productivity may be either low or high, depending on regional features, but also in very cold deep‐sea regions, indicating that diversity is promoted by stability in temperature and in trophic resources (nutrients and food items), and more specifically by their interaction, rather than by high mean values of either variable. The common association of high diversity with stable but low to moderate annual productivity suggests that ecological specialization underlies the similarly high diversities in the shallow tropics and deep sea. Recent work on shallow‐marine bivalves is consistent with this view of decreasing specialization in less stable habitats. Lower diversities in shallow seas are associated with either high thermal seasonality (chiefly in temperate latitudes) or highly seasonal trophic supplies (at any latitude), which exclude species that are adapted to narrow ranges of those variables.
Mole modifications following controlled ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction technologies
Authors: Auriemma M. , Di Nicola M. , Varrati S. , Carbone A. , Pamio A. , Capo A. , Tracanna M. , Castigliego A.P. , Tiboni G.M. , Amerio P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe role of estrogens on moles biology remains undefined although estrogenic receptors have been found on melanocytes. It has been postulated that supraphysiological estrogen levels could promote the progression of moles to melanoma. Women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are exposed to high levels of estrogens, produced by the ovary in response to exogenous gonadotropin administration. The aim of this study is to assess whether COS for ART may have an impact on mole structure and/or characteristics.MethodsWomen undergoing to ART for various infertility conditions were included in the study. Personal and clinical data were collected. Dermatoscopic features and scores (total dermoscopy score – TDS) were statistically compared before COS and after a 6‐month follow‐up period. Statistical correlation was performed between estradiol, FSH blood levels and relative variation in moles dimensions.ResultsA total of 46 patients were included in the study. One hundred and seventy‐five melanocytic lesions from 31 patients were evaluated at both time points. Although statistically significant differences were found in mole dimension and TDS between the two time points, these differences had no relevance in the clinical setting not suggesting the need for mole excision. Moreover, the only statistically significant correlation with estradiol blood concentration on hCG administration day was found with one‐axis dimensional variation.ConclusionsTo our knowledge this is the first work to evaluate the effect of COS on moles. The obtained results do not support a causal relation between the supraphysiological hormone levels stimulation and worsening of clinical and dermoscopical features of moles. Further study is needed to clarify whether estrogens plays a role in melanoma.
Foraging mode affects the evolution of egg size in generalist predators embedded in complex food webs
Authors: Verdeny‐Vilalta O. , Fox C. W. , Wise D. H. , Moya‐Laraño J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEcological networks incorporate myriad biotic interactions that determine the selection pressures experienced by the embedded populations. We argue that within food webs, the negative scaling of abundance with body mass and foraging theory predict that the selective advantages of larger egg size should be smaller for sit‐and‐wait than active‐hunting generalist predators, leading to the evolution of a difference in egg size between them. Because body mass usually scales negatively with predator abundance and constrains predation rate, slightly increasing egg mass should simultaneously allow offspring to feed on more prey and escape from more predators. However, the benefits of larger offspring would be relatively smaller for sit‐and‐wait predators because (i) due to their lower mobility, encounters with other predators are less common, and (ii) they usually employ a set of alternative hunting strategies that help to subdue relatively larger prey. On the other hand, for active predators, which need to confront prey as they find them, body‐size differences may be more important in subduing prey. This difference in benefits should lead to the evolution of larger egg sizes in active‐hunting relative to sit‐and‐wait predators. This prediction was confirmed by a phylogenetically controlled analysis of 268 spider species, supporting the view that the structure of ecological networks may serve to predict relevant selective pressures acting on key life history traits.
‘Well, who do I phone?’ Preparing for urgent care: a challenge for patients and service providers alike'
Authors: Coates Vivien E , McCann Adrian , Posner Natasha , Gunn Kathleen , Seers Kate 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesTo investigate factors influencing patients' self‐management of urgent diabetes problems that precipitated unscheduled hospital care.BackgroundDiabetes is placing increasing resource demands on health services and current policy advocates management in primary care and community settings whenever possible. Such policy has implications for patient education and empowerment and on mechanisms within primary and community care to support the management of diabetes when urgent healthcare problems arise.DesignQualitative, descriptive investigation, across two contrasting sites.MethodsForty‐five people admitted to hospital for urgent/emergency care due to diabetes‐related problems were recruited from urban and rural localities in the UK. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and data analysed using nvivo version 8 and framework techniques.ResultsSelf‐management of diabetes was typically habitual, and urgent problems that proved difficult to resolve necessitated recourse to unscheduled hospital care. Though skills relating to problem‐solving, decision‐making, resource use and formation of patient–provider partnerships were evident among some participants, these required further development. Evidence of action planning or self‐tailoring skills was sparse.ConclusionsEducation plays an important role in assisting individuals to self‐manage their diabetes on a daily basis, but urgent, unexpected health problems proved challenging for both patients and health service providers. A greater focus on empowering patients with core self‐management skills is required to enhance ability to successfully manage unexpected diabetes complications, coupled with enhanced primary care resources, particularly out‐of‐hours.Relevance to clinical practiceThe importance of informal and structured diabetes education should not be underestimated; however, the challenge of improving skills such as problem‐solving to manage urgent healthcare needs must be tackled. This study provokes debate regarding how best to deliver appropriate education and health services to cover urgent unscheduled care needs without automatically referring to emergency department hospital care.