bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the biological invasion risk posed by the global wildlife trade: propagule pressure drives the introduction and establishment of Nearctic turtles
Authors: García‐Díaz Pablo , Ross Joshua V. , Ayres César , Cassey Phillip 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBiological invasions are a key component of human‐induced global change. The continuing increase in global wildlife trade has raised concerns about the parallel increase in the number of new invasive species. However, the factors that link the wildlife trade to the biological invasion process are still poorly understood. Moreover, there are analytical challenges in researching the role of global wildlife trade in biological invasions, particularly issues related to the under‐reporting of introduced and established populations in areas with reduced sampling effort. In this work, we use high‐quality data on the international trade in Nearctic turtles (1999–2009) coupled with a statistical modelling framework, which explicitly accounts for detection, to investigate the factors that influence the introduction (release, or escape into the wild) of globally traded Nearctic turtles and the establishment success (self‐sustaining exotic populations) of slider turtles (Trachemys scripta), the most frequently traded turtle species. We found that the introduction of a species was influenced by the total number of turtles exported to a jurisdiction and the age at maturity of the species, while the establishment success of slider turtles was best associated with the propagule number (number of release events), and the number of native turtles in the jurisdiction of introduction. These results indicate both a direct and indirect association between the wildlife trade and the introduction of turtles and establishment success of slider turtles, respectively. Our results highlight the existence of gaps in the number of globally recorded introduction events and established populations of slider turtles, although the expected bias is low. We emphasize the importance of researching independently the factors that affect the different stages of the invasion pathway. Critically, we observe that the number of traded individuals might not always be an adequate proxy for propagule pressure and establishment success.
Carbon sequestration potential in perennial bioenergy crops: the importance of organic matter inputs and its physical protection
Authors: Chimento Carlo , Almagro María , Amaducci Stefano 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTo date, only few studies have compared the soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration potential between perennial woody and herbaceous crops. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of perennial woody (poplar, black locust, willow) and herbaceous (giant reed, miscanthus, switchgrass) crops on SOC stock and its stabilization level after 6 years from plantation on an arable field. Seven SOC fractions related to different soil stabilization mechanisms were isolated by a combination of physical and chemical fractionation methods: unprotected (cPOM and fPOM), physically protected (iPOM), physically and chemically protected (HC‐μs + c), chemically protected (HC‐ds + c), and biochemically protected (NHC‐ds + c and NHC‐μs + c). The continuous C input to the soil and the minimal soil disturbance increased SOC stocks in the top 10 cm of soil, but not in deeper soil layers (10–30; 30–60; and 60–100 cm). In the top soil layer, greater SOC accumulation rates were observed under woody species (105 g m−2 yr‐1) than under herbaceous ones (71 g m−2 yr‐1) presumably due to a higher C input from leaf‐litter. The conversion from an arable maize monoculture to perennial bioenergy crops increased the organic C associated to the most labile organic matter (POM) fractions, which accounted for 38% of the total SOC stock across bioenergy crops, while no significant increments were observed in more recalcitrant (silt‐ and clay‐sized) fractions, highlighting that the POM fractions were the most prone to land‐use change. The iPOM fraction increased under all perennial bioenergy species compared to the arable field. In addition, the iPOM was higher under woody crops than under herbaceous ones because of the additional C inputs from leaf‐litter that occurred in the former. Conversion from arable cropping systems to perennial bioenergy crops can effectively increase the SOC stock and enlarge the SOC fraction that is physically protected within soil microaggregates.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with altered CD8+ T and natural killer cell function in pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Nathella P. , Sridhar Rathinam , Nair Dina , Banurekha Vaithilingam V. , Nutman Thomas B. , Babu Subash 
Published: November 2014

SummaryType 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with expanded frequencies of mycobacterial antigen‐specific CD4+ T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells in individuals with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). No data are available on the role of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells in TB with coincident DM. To identify the role of CD8+ T and NK cells in pulmonary TB with diabetes, we examined mycobacteria‐specific immune responses in the whole blood of individuals with TB and DM (TB‐DM) and compared them with those without DM (TB‐NDM). We found that TB‐DM is characterized by elevated frequencies of mycobacterial antigen‐stimulated CD8+ T cells expressing type 1 [interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2)] and type 17 (IL‐17F) cytokines. We also found that TB‐DM is characterized by expanded frequencies of TB antigen‐stimulated NK cells expressing type 1 (tumour necrosis factor‐α) and type 17 (IL‐17A and IL‐17F) cytokines. In contrast, CD8+ T cells were associated with significantly diminished expression of the cytotoxic markers perforin, granzyme B and CD107a both at baseline and following antigen or anti‐CD3 stimulation, while NK cells were associated with significantly decreased antigen‐stimulated expression of CD107a only. This was not associated with alterations in CD8+ T‐cell or NK cell numbers or subset distribution. Therefore, our data suggest that pulmonary TB complicated with type 2 DM is associated with an altered repertoire of cytokine‐producing and cytotoxic molecule‐expressing CD8+ T and NK cells, possibly contributing to increased pathology.
Distributional dynamics and interspecific gene flow in Picea likiangensis and P. wilsonii triggered by climate change on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Sun Yongshuai , Li Lili , Li Long , Zou Jiabin , Liu Jianquan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo address whether climate changes have altered the distributional ranges of cold‐preferring conifer species, and whether this has influenced interspecific divergence.LocationQinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), Asia.MethodsWe obtained DNA sequences at 13 nuclear loci in 229 individuals collected from 32 populations across the range of two cold‐preferring alpine species, Picea likiangensis and Picea wilsonii. Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs) were used to examine historical changes in effective population sizes. Species distributions were reconstructed based on presence‐only data at 134 locations and climate variables from the WorldClim database, and the reconstructed distributions were compared with projected palaeodistributions at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, about 20 ka). Four models of interspecific gene flow during the Pleistocene and Holocene were compared using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC).ResultsThe effective population sizes of P. likiangensis and P. wilsonii increased continuously from 5 to 0.2 Ma, but decreased after 0.2 Ma. The distributional ranges during the LGM were wider than at present, confirming the trend of a recent decrease. However, the overlapping area became greater due to their shifted distributions, and these shifts altered the major direction of continuing interspecific gene flow.Main conclusionsThe early increase in the distributions of these two species might have been triggered by enlargements of the available cold habitats brought about by QTP uplift and Pleistocene glaciations. However, the distributional ranges decreased in response to climatic warming since the end of the largest glaciation. These distributional changes further retarded the process of differentiation by altering the pattern of gene flow. Our results shed light on the evolutionary complexity of alpine species in response to climate changes in this climate‐sensitive biodiversity hotspot.
The effect of intermittent use of occlusal splint devices on sleep bruxism: a 4‐week observation with a portable electromyographic recording device
Authors: Matsumoto H. , Tsukiyama Y. , Kuwatsuru R. , Koyano K. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThis randomised controlled study investigated the effect of intermittent use of occlusal splints on sleep bruxism compared with that of continuous use by measuring masseter muscle electromyographic activity using a portable electromyographic recording system. Twenty bruxers were randomly allocated to the continuous group and intermittent group. Subjects in the continuous group wore stabilisation splints during sleep for 29 nights continuously, whereas those in the intermittent group wore splints during sleep every other week, that is they used splints on the 1st–7th, 15th–21st and 29th nights. Electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle during sleep was recorded for the following six time points: before (baseline), immediately after, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the insertion of a stabilisation splint. The number of nocturnal masseter electromyographic events, duration and the total activity of sleep bruxism were analysed. In the continuous group, nocturnal masseter electromyographic events were significantly reduced immediately and 1 week after the insertion of the stabilisation splint, and duration was reduced immediately after the insertion (P < 0·05, Dunnett's test), but no reduction was observed at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after insertion. In the intermittent group, nocturnal masseter electromyographic events and duration were significantly reduced immediately after and also 4 weeks after insertion of the stabilisation splint (P < 0·05, Dunnett's test). The obtained results of the present exploratory trial indicate that the intermittent use of stabilisation splints may reduce sleep bruxism activity for a longer period compared with that of continuous use.
Diel variation of the cellular carbon to nitrogen ratio of Chlorella autotrophica (Chlorophyta) growing in phosphorus‐ and nitrogen‐limited continuous cultures
Authors: Ng Wai Ho Albert , Liu Hongbin 
Published: November 2014

We investigated the relationship between daily growth rates and diel variation of carbon (C) metabolism and C to nitrogen (N) ratio under P‐ and N‐limitation in the green algae Chlorella autotrophica. To do this, continuous cultures of C. autotrophica were maintained in a cyclostat culture system under 14:10 light:dark cycle over a series of P‐ and N‐limited growth rates. Cell abundance, together with cell size, as reflected by side scatter signal from flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a synchronized diel pattern with cell division occurring at night. Under either type of nutrient limitation, the cellular C:N ratio increased through the light period and decreased through the dark period over all growth rates, indicating a higher diel variation of C metabolism than that of N. Daily average cellular C:N ratios were higher at lower dilution rates under both types of nutrient limitation but cell enlargement was only observed at lower dilution rates under P‐limitation. Carbon specific growth rates during the dark period positively correlated with cellular daily growth rates (dilution rates), with net loss of C during night at the lowest growth rates under N‐limitation. Under P‐limitation, dark C specific growth rates were close to zero at low dilution rates but also exhibited an increasing trend at high dilution rates. In general, diel variations of cellular C:N were low when dark C specific growth rates were high. This result indicated that the fast growing cells performed dark C assimilation at high rates, hence diminished the uncoupling of C and N metabolism at night.
Relationship of stigma behaviors and breeding system in three Mazus (Phrymaceae) species with bilobed stigma
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Fang , Ye Zhong‐Ming , Wang Qing‐Feng , Yang Chun‐Feng 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSensitive stigma has been recognized to facilitate outcrossing. We hypothesized that species with different levels of sensitivity might have corresponding differences in components of their breeding system. In this study, three Mazus species with bilobed stigmas were used to test the hypothesis. We explored stigma behaviors of the species in reaction time, recovery time, permanent closing time, and the minimum pollen load causing permanent closure. We investigated floral traits, pollinator type and behavior, pollination intensity, and natural schedule of pollen deposition on stigma. Moreover, we evaluated the mating system of the species by checking seed set after controlled pollination treatments, namely, natural flowers with open pollination, enclosed flowers without pollination, and enclosed flowers with self and outcross hand pollination. Results indicated that stigma of M. pumilus (N. L. Burman) Steenis was not sensitive, whereas stigmas of M. miquelii Makino and M. stachydifolius (Turcz.) Maxim. closed and reopened quickly in response to pollination. Accordingly, hand pollination treatments revealed that seed set of self‐spontaneous pollination in M. pumilus was similar to the other treatments. For M. miquelii, outcross pollen resulted in significantly higher seed set than self‐pollen. Mazus stachydifolius was self‐incompatible. Additionally, the corresponding characteristics in other components of the breeding system for each species were found. Our study indicated that the sensitivity of bilobed stigma might be linked with floral traits and the mating system in a given species. Sensitive stigma should be regarded as an evolutionary mechanism for enhancement of outcrossing.
Barriers, rather than refugia, underlie the origin of diversity in toads endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Thomé Maria Tereza C. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Haddad Célio F. B. , Alexandrino João 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the relative contribution of geographic barriers and Pleistocene refuges in the diversification of the Rhinella crucifer species complex, a group of endemic toads with a widespread distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (AF). We used intensive sampling and multilocus DNA sequence data to compare nucleotide diversity between refuge and nonrefuge areas, investigate regional demographic patterns, estimate demographic parameters related to genetic breaks and test refuge versus barrier scenarios of diversification using approximate Bayesian computation. We did not find higher levels of genetic diversity in putative refuge areas, either at regional or biome scale. Rather, the demographic history of the species complex supports regional differences with moderate population growth in the north and central regions and stability in southern AF. Genetic breaks were dated to the Plio–Pleistocene; however, our analyses rejected the role of refuges in creating a northern and central divergence, supporting a recent colonization scenario at a smaller scale within the central AF. Overall, our data rule out massive climatically driven fragmentation and large‐scale recolonization events for populations across the biome. We confirmed the importance of geographic barriers in creating main divergences and underscored the importance of searching for cryptic discontinuities in the landscape. Comparison of our results with those of other AF taxa indicates organismal specific responses to moderate shifts in habitat and that multiple refuges may constitute a more realistic model for diversification of Atlantic Forest biota.
Riluzole is a radio‐sensitizing agent in an in vivo model of brain metastasis derived from GRM1 expressing human melanoma cells
Authors: Wall Brian A. , Yu Lumeng J. , Khan Atif , Haffty Bruce , Goydos James S. , Chen Suzie 
Published: November 2014

SummaryApproximately 50% of patients having metastatic melanoma develop brain metastases during the course of their illness. Evidence exists that melanoma cells have increased aptitude for the repair of sublethal DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation therapy. To address the radio‐resistance of melanoma, many groups adopted radiotherapy schedules that deliver larger daily fractions of radiation, but due to the risk of neurotoxicity, these large fractions cannot be delivered to the whole brain for patients with brain metastases. Here, we used orthotopic implanted GRM1 expressing human melanoma cell xenografts in mice, to demonstrate that animals receiving concurrent glutamate signaling blockade (riluzole) and radiation led to a decrease in intracranial tumor growth compared to either modality alone. These preclinical results suggest riluzole may cause radio‐sensitization that offers enhanced efficacy for a subset of human melanoma patients undergoing radiotherapy for brain metastasis.
Electronic Excitations in G‐quadruplexes Formed by the Human Telomeric Sequence: A Time‐Resolved Fluorescence Study
Authors: Changenet‐Barret Pascale , Hua Ying , Gustavsson Thomas , Markovitsi Dimitra 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe present study deals with G‐quadruplexes formed by folding of the human telomeric sequence d(GGGTTAGGGTTAGGGTTAGGG), in presence of K+ cations, noted Tel21/K+. Fluorescence decays and fluorescence anisotropy decays, obtained upon excitation at 267 nm, are probed from femtosecond to nanosecond domains using two different detection techniques, fluorescence upconversion and time‐correlated single photon counting. The results are discussed in light of recent theoretical studies. It is shown that efficient energy transfer takes place among the bases on the femtosecond time scale, possible only via exciton states. The major part of the fluorescence originates from bright excited states having weak charge transfer character and decaying between 1 and 100 ps. Charge transfer states involving guanines in different tetrads decay mainly after 100 ps and emit at the red wing of the spectrum. The persistence of electronic excitations in Tel21/K+ is longer and the contribution of charge transfer states is more pronounced than what is observed for G‐quadruplexes formed by association of four d(TGGGT) strands and containing the same number of tetrads. This difference is due to the increased structural rigidity of monomolecular structures which reduces nonradiative deactivation pathways and favors collective effects.
A rare case of a natural contact zone in Morocco between an autopolyploid and an allopolyploid of Centaurea aspera with sterile tetraploid hybrids
Authors: Garmendia A. , Ferriol M. , Juarez J. , Zając A. , Kałużny K. , Merle H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA new contact zone between Centaurea aspera and Centaurea seridis was found in Morocco. Chromosome counts and flow cytometry showed that both taxa were tetraploid (4x = 44). A literature review and morphometric analysis established that C. aspera corresponds to the autopolyploid C. aspera subsp. gentilii and C. seridis corresponds to the allopolyploid C. seridis var. auriculata. This contact area was compared with the homologous contact zones in Spain formed by the diploid C. aspera subsp. stenophylla and the tetraploid C. seridis subsp. maritima. Natural hybrids between parental species were frequent in both areas. In Spain, hybrids were triploid (from reduced gametes A and gamete AB), highly sterile and exerted a ‘triploid block’. In Morocco, cytometry showed that hybrids were tetraploid and, therefore, probably fertile, but all the capitula lacked achenes. It is likely that the resulting genome of the new tetraploid hybrid (AAAB), through the fusion of reduced gametes AA (from subsp. gentilii) and AB (from var. auriculata), could explain irregularities in meiosis through formation of aneuploid gametes and, therefore, infertility of the hybrid. Moroccan sterile tetraploid hybrids develop, but have the identical irregularities to Spanish triploids, probably due to the odd number of homologous chromosomes. The new hybrid is first described as C. x subdecurrens nothosubsp. paucispinus. In addition, distribution and ecological traits are analysed.
Coral aquaculture: applying scientific knowledge to ex situ production
Authors: Leal Miguel C. , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine , Petersen Dirk , Osinga Ronald 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCoral aquaculture is an activity of growing interest due to the degradation of coral reefs worldwide and concomitant growing demand for corals by three industries: marine ornamental trade, pharmaceutical industry and reef restoration. Although captive breeding and propagation of corals is a well‐known activity among aquarium hobbyists and public aquariums, the link between coral science and aquaculture is still poorly developed. Research on coral biology has increased in the past decades and resulted in abundant scientific information that is pivotal to further advance coral aquaculture. This review presents a holistic overview of coral aquaculture in relation to coral biology, with particular focus on ex situ aquaculture. Success factors for commercial coral aquaculture are outlined, which include qualitative aspects, such as shape, coloration and natural product content, and quantitative parameters such as growth and volumetric productivity. Manipulation of environmental factors to maximize coral quality and volumetric productivity is thoroughly discussed, and a comprehensive overview of current propagation techniques is provided. Knowledge gaps are pinpointed to indicate directions for future research.
Effects of Topical Application of Misoprostol on Cervical Relaxation in Mares
Authors: McNaughten J , Pozor M , Macpherson M , Kelleman A , Woodward E , Troedsson M 
Published: November 2014

ContentsMares who have not delivered a foal early in life may experience limitations in cervical relaxation, primarily during oestrus. A closed cervix prevents intrauterine deposition of semen during natural breeding, may delay uterine clearance after insemination leading to intrauterine fluid accumulation in, and subsequent infertility. Therefore, a reliable pharmacological method of dilating the equine cervix would have practical application in veterinary medicine. The goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of topically applied, synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue (PGE1) for stimulating dilation of the equine cervix. Ten mares in dioestrus were randomly assigned to one of two treatments in a single‐blind crossover study: (treatment) PGE1 gel (1000 mcg compounded misoprostol cream) applied topically to the external cervical os (n = 5), and (control) a vehicle cream applied topically to the external cervical os (n = 5). Transrectal palpation and ultrasonographic measurements of the cervix were performed prior to, six and 24 h post‐treatment. Digital measurements were taken, per vagina, at six and 24 h post‐treatment. Mares were monitored through the subsequent oestrous cycle for ovulation. Mares were assigned to the opposite treatment group such that each mare served as her own control (crossover). Data were analysed using parametric (split‐plot anova), as well as nonparametric (Kruskal–Wallis anova, Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test) methods. At six and 24 h there were no significant differences for tone, length, height, degree of relaxation or echotexture between control and PGE1 treated groups at the measured time points (p > 0.05). Topical cervical application of PGE1 did not induce a measurable degree of cervical relaxation under the conditions of this experiment.