bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Evaluation of the Global Decline of Carnivores and Ungulates
Authors: DI MARCO M. , BOITANI L. , MALLON D. , HOFFMANN M. , IACUCCI A. , MEIJAARD E. , VISCONTI P. , SCHIPPER J. , RONDININI C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAssessing temporal changes in species extinction risk is necessary for measuring conservation success or failure and for directing conservation resources toward species or regions that would benefit most. Yet, there is no long‐term picture of genuine change that allows one to associate species extinction risk trends with drivers of change or conservation actions. Through a review of 40 years of IUCN‐related literature sources on species conservation status (e.g., action plans, red‐data books), we assigned retrospective red‐list categories to the world's carnivores and ungulates (2 groups with relatively long generation times) to examine how their extinction risk has changed since the 1970s. We then aggregated species’ categories to calculate a global trend in their extinction risk over time. A decline in the conservation status of carnivores and ungulates was underway 40 years ago and has since accelerated. One quarter of all species (n = 498) moved one or more categories closer to extinction globally, while almost half of the species moved closer to extinction in Southeast Asia. The conservation status of some species improved (toward less threatened categories), but for each species that improved in status 8 deteriorated. The status of large‐bodied species, particularly those above 100 kg (including many iconic taxa), deteriorated significantly more than small‐bodied species (below 10 kg). The trends we found are likely related to geopolitical events (such as the collapse of Soviet Union), international regulations (such as CITES), shifting cultural values, and natural resource exploitation (e.g., in Southeast Asia). Retrospective assessments of global species extinction risk reduce the risk of a shifting baseline syndrome, which can affect decisions on the desirable conservation status of species. Such assessments can help conservationists identify which conservation policies and strategies are or are not helping safeguard biodiversity and thus can improve future strategies.Una Evaluación Retrospectiva de la Declinación Global de Carnívoros y Ungulados
Indigenous People's Detection of Rapid Ecological Change
Authors: ASWANI SHANKAR , Lauer Matthew 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWhen sudden catastrophic events occur, it becomes critical for coastal communities to detect and respond to environmental transformations because failure to do so may undermine overall ecosystem resilience and threaten people's livelihoods. We therefore asked how capable of detecting rapid ecological change following massive environmental disruptions local, indigenous people are. We assessed the direction and periodicity of experimental learning of people in the Western Solomon Islands after a tsunami in 2007. We compared the results of marine science surveys with local ecological knowledge of the benthos across 3 affected villages and 3 periods before and after the tsunami. We sought to determine how people recognize biophysical changes in the environment before and after catastrophic events such as earthquakes and tsunamis and whether people have the ability to detect ecological changes over short time scales or need longer time scales to recognize changes. Indigenous people were able to detect changes in the benthos over time. Detection levels differed between marine science surveys and local ecological knowledge sources over time, but overall patterns of statistically significant detection of change were evident for various habitats. Our findings have implications for marine conservation, coastal management policies, and disaster‐relief efforts because when people are able to detect ecological changes, this, in turn, affects how they exploit and manage their marine resources.Detección del Cambio Ecológico Rápido por la Población Indígena
Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin resistance and lipolysis in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Armstrong M. J. , Hazlehurst J. M. , Hull D. , Guo K. , Borrows S. , Yu J. , Gough S. C. , Newsome P. N. , Tomlinson J. W. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundSystemic insulin resistance (IR) is a primary feature in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), however, there remain limited data on tissue‐specific insulin sensitivity in vivo.MethodsWe examined tissue‐specific (adipose, muscle and liver) insulin sensitivity and inflammation in 16 European Caucasian patients with biopsy‐confirmed NASH and in 15 healthy controls. All underwent a two‐step hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp incorporating stable isotope measurements of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism with concomitant subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) microdialysis.ResultsHepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity were decreased in patients with NASH compared with controls, as demonstrated by reduced suppression of hepatic glucose production and glucose disposal (Gd) rates following insulin infusion. In addition, rates of lipolysis were higher in NASH patients with impaired insulin‐mediated suppression of free fatty acid levels. At a tissue specific level, abdominal SAT in patients with NASH was severely insulin resistant, requiring >sixfold more insulin to cause ½‐maximal suppression of glycerol release when compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, patients with NASH had significantly higher circulating levels of pro‐inflammatory adipocytokines than controls.ConclusionNASH patients have profound IR in the liver, muscle and in particular adipose tissues. This study represents the first in vivo description of dysfunctional SAT in patients with NASH.
Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin over 52 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes on background metformin and pioglitazone
Authors: Forst T. , Guthrie R. , Goldenberg R. , Yee J. , Vijapurkar U. , Meininger G. , Stein P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimThe efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, was evaluated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with metformin and pioglitazone.MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, phase 3 study, patients (N = 342) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg during a 26‐week, placebo‐controlled, core period and a 26‐week, active‐controlled extension in which placebo‐treated patients were switched to sitagliptin 100 mg. Efficacy comparisons for canagliflozin versus placebo at week 26 are reported, with no comparisons versus sitagliptin at week 52 (sitagliptin used to maintain double‐blind and control for safety). Safety data are reported for canagliflozin and placebo/sitagliptin.ResultsCanagliflozin 100 and 300 mg significantly lowered haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared with placebo at week 26 (−0.89%, −1.03% and −0.26%; p < 0.001); reductions with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg were maintained at week 52 (−0.92% and −1.03%). Relative to placebo, both canagliflozin doses significantly reduced body weight (−2.5 and −3.5 kg), fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure (BP) at week 26 (p < 0.05 for all), with reductions maintained at week 52. Overall adverse event (AE) incidence over 52 weeks was 69.9, 76.3 and 76.5% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo/sitagliptin; AE‐related discontinuation and serious AE rates were low. Incidences of genital mycotic infections and AEs related to osmotic diuresis and volume depletion were higher with canagliflozin than placebo/sitagliptin.ConclusionCanagliflozin improved glycaemic control, reduced body weight and systolic BP, and was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM on metformin and pioglitazone over 52 weeks.
The Relationship between Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio and Calcific Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Avci Anil , Elnur Alizade , Göksel Acar , Serdar Fidan , Servet Izci , Atilla Koyuncu , Mustafa Tabakcı Mehmet , Cuneyt Toprak , Yeliz Guler , Mustafa Bulut , Metin Esen Ali 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe role of inflammation in fibrotic and calcific processes of atherosclerosis and aortic stenosis (AS) is similar. Furthermore, a relationship between systemic inflammation and heart failure has been well demonstrated. Recently, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a predictive marker of systemic inflammation. We investigated the association of NLR with the severity of calcific AS and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with severe calcific AS.MethodsA total of 96 patients with calcific AS were included in this retrospective study from 2011 to 2013. The severity of AS was graded according to the transaortic mean pressure gradient. The patients were divided into 3 groups as mild‐to‐moderate AS, severe AS with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and severe AS with reduced LVEF (mean gradient >40 mmHg and LVEF <50%).ResultsNeutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in severe calcific AS with reduced LVEF group than the other 2 groups (3.94 ± 0.88, P < 0.001). In addition, NLR was higher in severe AS with normal LVEF group than mild‐to‐moderate AS group (2.69 ± 1.00 vs. 2.05 ± 0.64, P = 0.008). There was a statistically significant correlation between NLR and both transaortic mean pressure gradient and aortic valve peak velocity in patients with mild‐to‐severe AS with normal LVEF (n = 81; r = 0.369, P < 0.001; r = 0.290, P = 0.004; respectively).ConclusionIncreased NLR is related to the severity of calcific AS and LV systolic dysfunction in patients with severe calcific AS.
Functionally different predators break down antipredator defenses of spider mites
Authors: Otsuki Hatsune , Yano Shuichi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPrey that lives with functionally different predators may experience enhanced mortality risk, because of conflicts between the specific defenses against their predators. Because natural communities usually contain combinations of prey and functionally different predators, examining risk enhancement with multiple predators may help to understand prey population dynamics. It is also important in an applied context: risk enhancement with multiple biological control agents could lead to successful suppression of pests. We examined whether risk enhancement occurs in the spider miteTetranychus kanzawaiKishida (Acari:Tetranychidae) when exposed to two predator species: a generalist ant,Pristomyrmex punctatusMayr (Hymenoptera:Formicidae), and a specialist predatory mite,Neoseiulus womersleyiSchicha (Acari:Phytoseiidae). We replicated microcosms that consisted of spider mites, ants, and predatory mites. Spider mites avoided generalist ants by staying inside their webs on leaf surfaces. In contrast, spider mites avoided specialist predatory mites that intruded into their webs by exiting the web, which obviously conflicts with the defense against ants. In the presence of both predators, enhanced mortality of spider mites was observed. A conflict occurred between the spider mites’ defenses: they seemed to move out of their webs and be preyed upon by ants. This is the first study to suggest that risk enhancement occurs in web‐spinning spider mites that are exposed to both generalist and specialist predator species, and to provide evidence that ants can have remarkable synergistic effects on the biological control of spider mites using specialist predatory mites.
Substrate and environmental controls on microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon: a framework for Earth system models
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Schimel Joshua P. , Thornton Peter E. , Song Xia , Yuan Fengming , Goswami Santonu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA mechanistic understanding of microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon is important to improve Earth system models’ ability to simulate carbon‐climate feedbacks. A simple modelling framework was developed to investigate how substrate quality and environmental controls over microbial activity regulate microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon and on the size of the microbial biomass. Substrate quality has a positive effect on microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon: higher substrate quality leads to higher ratio of microbial carbon to soil organic carbon. Microbial biomass carbon peaks and then declines as cumulative activity increases. The simulated ratios of soil microbial biomass to soil organic carbon are reasonably consistent with a recently compiled global data set at the biome level. The modelling framework developed in this study offers a simple approach to incorporate microbial contributions to the carbon cycling into Earth system models to simulate carbon‐climate feedbacks and explain global patterns of microbial biomass.
Arranging the bouquet of disease: floral traits and the transmission of plant and animal pathogens
Authors: McArt Scott H. , Koch Hauke , Irwin Rebecca E. , Adler Lynn S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSeveral floral microbes are known to be pathogenic to plants or floral visitors such as pollinators. Despite the ecological and economic importance of pathogens deposited in flowers, we often lack a basic understanding of how floral traits influence disease transmission. Here, we provide the first systematic review regarding how floral traits attract vectors (for plant pathogens) or hosts (for animal pathogens), mediate disease establishment and evolve under complex interactions with plant mutualists that can be vectors for microbial antagonists. Attraction of floral visitors is influenced by numerous phenological, morphological and chemical traits, and several plant pathogens manipulate floral traits to attract vectors. There is rapidly growing interest in how floral secondary compounds and antimicrobial enzymes influence disease establishment in plant hosts. Similarly, new research suggests that consumption of floral secondary compounds can reduce pathogen loads in animal pollinators. Given recent concerns about pollinator declines caused in part by pathogens, the role of floral traits in mediating pathogen transmission is a key area for further research. We conclude by discussing important implications of floral transmission of pathogens for agriculture, conservation and human health, suggesting promising avenues for future research in both basic and applied biology.
Beak marks on the wings of butterflies and predation pressure in the field
Authors: Ota Masato , Yuma Masahide , Mitsuo Yoshito , Togo Yuki 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBeak marks on butterfly wings have been used as an indicator of predation pressure. The relationship between butterflies and their predators in the field was examined to evaluate the beak mark rate as an indicator of predation pressure. Transect censuses were conducted to measure the beak mark rate on butterflies fromMay toNovember, 2010, inShigaPrefecture,Japan. A total of 1216 butterflies of 42 species from five families were observed during the study period. The beak mark rate in thePapilionidae was significantly higher than those of all other families. Analysis of the monthly fluctuations in the beak mark rate and relative abundance of predators revealed that the higher beak mark rates observed for two butterfly families (Papilionidae andNymphalidae) were significantly and positively related to predation pressure, while no significant relationship was found for other families (Lycaenidae,Pieridae andHesperiidae). Beak marks in larger butterflies (Papilionidae andNymphalidae) can be used as an indicator to evaluate the relative intensity of predation pressure in the field.
The adult body size variation of Dryas iulia (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae) in different populations is more influenced by temperature variation than by host‐plant availability during the seasons
Authors: Mega Nicolás Oliveira 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe body size of insects is affected by environmental conditions during development and can present considerable intraspecific variations, which can be seen as an ultimate consequence/adaptation to environmental conditions. This paper evaluated whether the body size of the butterfly Dryas iulia from subtropical populations was influenced by changing climate conditions and food source availability during the seasons. The likely reasons behind body size variation were also investigated. First, field data on body size variation, host‐plant availability and climate fluctuation throughout the seasons were recorded. Then, the effects of host‐plant species and temperature on body size were analyzed by controlled experiments. Field data revealed that body size and host‐plant availability varied significantly through the seasons. Populations had the smallest body size during the spring and the biggest size during summer, whereas host‐plant availability was lower during winter and higher during spring. The controlled experiments revealed that both temperature and host‐plant had significant effect on the plasticity of body size. Larvae subjected to winter temperature treatment led to smaller butterflies when compared to immatures reared under summer temperature treatment, and larvae fed with Passiflora misera produced bigger adults when compared to larvae reared on Passiflora suberosa. The combination of data gathered in the field and in the laboratory suggests that seasonal body size variation in D. iulia is related mainly to differences in the temperatures to which larvae are subjected during development, while host‐plant shifts caused by differential availability of food through the seasons had slightly effects on the variation observed.
Melatonin pathway transmits information to terminate pupal diapause in the Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi and through reciprocated inhibition of dopamine pathway functions as a photoperiodic counter
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Egi Yuichi , Takeda Makio , Oishi Katsutaka , Sakamoto Katsuhiko 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe present study investigated the functional involvement of melatonin and dopamine in photoperiodism to terminate pupal diapause in the Chinese oak silkmoth, Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Diapause in this long‐day (short‐night) species is maintained during long nights and can be terminated by exposure to a short‐night photoperiod. We observed the effects of melatonin and dopamine and their receptor antagonists on diapause pupae. Melatonin and flupentixol, a dopamine receptor antagonist, terminated pupal diapause even under long‐night photoperiods. Dopamine and luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, retarded adult emergence during short nights, whereas melatonin advanced the timing of adult emergence under the short‐night photoperiod in a manner dependent on the number of injections. The results of the day‐length extension experiment indicated that a change in the photoperiod was immediately detected as mRNA expression of the rate‐limiting enzyme of melatonin production. These findings suggest that the melatonin pathway transmits information on the photoperiod to terminate the pupal diapause of A. pernyi. The melatonin pathway also inhibited the dopamine production system, and the dopamine pathway inhibited the melatonin production system. We propose an insect model of the photoperiodic counter driven by mutual inhibition between the melatonin and dopamine pathways.
Acceptability of shamanic healing for treating psychostimulant dependence: a pilot survey
Authors: Oliveto Alison H , Mancino Michael J , Thostenson Jeff , Ingerman Sandra , Day Suzanne , Kramer Teresa L 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundNo therapy has shown robust efficacy for treating psychostimulant dependence. Meanwhile, the feasibility and effectiveness of direct spiritual healing modalities for this disorder are unknown.ObjectivesTo determine the acceptability of participating in research using a spiritual healing approach, namely shamanic healing, among psychostimulant users.MethodsPsychostimulant users in central Arkansas, USA, interested in participating in ongoing treatment research, were surveyed to determine willingness to participate in research involving shamanic healing.ResultsOf the 103 respondents, 74.8% reported being willing to participate in research involving shamanic healing, with women being more likely than men to participate (χ2=4.21, P=0.04). Religious affiliation, age, race, primary drug problem and prior experience with an alternative therapy were not associated with willingness to participate (P>0.1). Respondents stating that participation would be against their religious beliefs always had an evangelical religious affiliation (χ2=6.32, P=0.04). Respondents stating that they needed more information were most likely to have a traditional religious affiliation (χ2=7.54, P=0.02). Those reporting time commitment as the reason for refusal were more likely to have experienced an alternative therapy (χ2=7.88, P=0.005).ConclusionsResearch involving shamanic healing for treating psychostimulant dependence may be feasible, even in a region with a high prevalence of evangelical affiliations.
Thermodynamic and structural analysis of HIV protease resistance to darunavir – analysis of heavily mutated patient‐derived HIV‐1 proteases
Authors: Kožíšek Milan , Lepšík Martin , Grantz Šašková Klára , Brynda Jiří , Konvalinka Jan , Řezáčová Pavlína 
Published: February 2014

We report enzymologic, thermodynamic and structural analyses of a series of six clinically derived mutant HIV proteases (PR) resistant to darunavir. As many as 20 mutations in the resistant PRs decreased the binding affinity of darunavir by up to 13 000‐fold, mostly because of a less favorable enthalpy of binding that was only partially compensated by the entropic contribution. X‐ray structure analysis suggested that the drop in enthalpy of darunavir binding to resistant PR species was mostly the result of a decrease in the number of hydrogen bonds and a loosening of the fit between the inhibitor and the mutated enzymes. The favorable entropic contribution to darunavir binding to mutated PR variants correlated with a larger burial of the nonpolar solvent‐accessible surface area upon inhibitor binding. We show that even very dramatic changes in the PR sequence leading to the loss of hydrogen bonds with the inhibitor could be partially compensated by the entropy contribution as a result of the burial of the larger nonpolar surface area of the mutated HIV PRs.DatabaseAtomic coordinates and structure factors for the crystal structures PRwt–DRV and PRDRV2–DRV complex have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession codes 4LL3 and 3TTP, respectively.Structured digital abstract• PR and PR bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)