bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metal hyperaccumulation in Brassicaceae mediates defense against herbivores in the field and improves growth
Authors: Kazemi‐Dinan A. , Barwinski A. , Stein R.J. , Krämer U. , Müller C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSeveral Brassicaceae species are able to hyperaccumulate extraordinarily high levels of heavy metals in their aboveground tissues. This rare and complex trait named metal hyperaccumulation may offer effective protection against antagonists. Several laboratory studies provide evidence that metal hyperaccumulation acts as an elemental defense. Here, we investigated whether this elemental defense can be confirmed in the field and whether plant growth is affected when plants can hyperaccumulate metals from the soil. Plants of Arabidopsis halleri (L.) O'Kane & Al‐Shehbaz, which can hyperaccumulate cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn), were cultivated in pots in unamended (control) or metal‐amended soil (test) for 2 months. The pots containing the plants were then transferred to a common garden. Leaf‐damaging insect visitors were monitored over a period of 3 months. Plant size and shoot mass were measured directly before and at the end of the field exposure. Furthermore, before and at the end of the field exposure we determined leaf concentrations of Cd and Zn, as well as glucosinolates, which are characteristic secondary metabolites of the Brassicaceae that are known to act potentially as organic defense compounds. Growth of the test plants on metal‐amended soil led to a significant increase in leaf Cd and Zn concentrations when compared to control plants on unamended soil. After two initial months of growth under standardized greenhouse conditions, plants grown on different soils did not differ in size or biomass. In contrast, by the end of the 3‐month field exposure, test plants were larger than control plants. During field exposure, control plants were visited by more herbivores, suggesting that plants growing on metal‐amended soil were well defended against herbivores. Total glucosinolate concentrations were significantly higher in test compared to control plants only after the initial growth period under standardized conditions, but not by the end of the field exposure, pointing to joint effects of defenses particularly in young plants. Our results demonstrate that metal hyperaccumulation affords an effective elemental defense and enables increased growth under field conditions.
Metabolomics in plant–herbivore interactions: challenges and applications
Authors: Maag Daniel , Erb Matthias , Glauser Gaétan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMetabolomics as the study of the entire set of metabolites of a given organism is an important frontier in life sciences. As a tool that captures the ‘front end’ of cellular machineries, metabolomics is particularly suited to investigate biotic interactions, including for instance the interplay between plants and insects. In this review, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of metabolomics to study plant–herbivore interactions. We first present a brief overview of the typical analytical workflows used in metabolomics and their associated issues, in particular those related to metabolome coverage and compound identification. Second, recent advances in the field of plant–herbivore relationships that are promoted by non‐targeted approaches are reviewed, with examples ranging from classical herbivore resistance patterns to plant‐mediated interactions across different spatial scales and volatile‐mediated tritrophic interactions. Through general considerations and the discussion of a few selected case studies, our review highlights the potential and challenges of metabolomics as a research approach to understand biological interfaces.
Herbivory affects male and female reproductive success differently in dioecious Silene latifolia
Authors: Litto Maria , Scopece Giovanni , Fineschi Silvia , Schiestl Florian P. , Cozzolino Salvatore 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn dioecious plants, reproductive efforts of male and female plants can be differentially affected by herbivory due to sex‐specific allocation and re‐modulation of resources. Here, we investigate the effects of foliar herbivory by the polyphagous species Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on male and female reproductive traits of Silene latifolia (Poir.) (Caryophyllaceae). We set up experimental populations of male and female control and Spodoptera‐infested plants and estimated flower morphology and phenology, and plant reproductive success. Herbivory did not affect floral traits involved in visual signalling to pollinators (flower size). Female reproductive success did not differ between Spodoptera‐infested and control plants in terms of seed set and seed germination. On the other hand, Spodoptera‐infested male plants produced fewer flowers than male control plants and maintained fewer flowers during flowering peaks. By experimental reduction in male flower number, we showed that male flower number is directly correlated with male reproductive success (pollen export to female flowers). This strongly suggests that male reproductive success is reduced after herbivory, whereas female reproductive success remains unaffected. The fact that females are more tolerant against herbivory is in accordance with sexual selection theory, which predicts that females, in contrast to males, are not selected for maximum investment in reproductive traits such as floral signalling, and should thus be more flexible in the allocation of resources.
The specific adsorption of organic and inorganic phosphates by variable‐charge oxides
Authors: Barrow N. J. , Feng X. H. , Yan Y. P. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWe measured the reaction of inorganic phosphate and of four organic phosphates with three aluminium hydroxides or oxides. We compared the fit of the Langmuir equation with that of an equation designed to allow for the feedback effect of adsorption on the electric potential. We also fitted a four‐plane model to describe the effects of pH on adsorption and ζ potential. For inorganic phosphate, the Langmuir equation described adsorption curves poorly, indicating that there was a large feedback effect of adsorption on the electric potential of the adsorption plane. For the organic phosphates, the deviations from the Langmuir equation were not as marked, indicating that there was little feedback effect. Nevertheless, there was a large effect on the ζ potential of the phosphated aluminium (hydr)oxides. We suggest that when a large organic phosphate molecule is adsorbed, the charge conveyed to the surface is repelled electrostatically to the outside of the new surface. There is therefore a large effect on the ζ potential and a small effect on the potential of the adsorption plane. This suggestion was supported by the fit of the four‐plane model, for which, with increasing molecular weight, the mean position of the charge conveyed to the surface by adsorption was moved further from the plane carrying the potential determining ions (H+ and OH−).
Anti‐GQ1b antibody syndrome: anti‐ganglioside complex reactivity determines clinical spectrum
Authors: Fukami Y. , Wong A. H. Y. , Funakoshi K. , Safri A.Y. , Shahrizaila N. , Yuki N. 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposeAnti‐GQ1b antibodies have been found in patients with Miller Fisher syndrome as well as its related conditions. Our aim was to identify the mechanism by which autoantibodies produce various clinical presentations in ‘anti‐GQ1b antibody syndrome’.MethodsImmunoglobulin G antibodies to ganglioside complex (GSC) of GQ1b or GT1a with GM1, GD1a, GD1b or GT1b were tested in sera from patients with anti‐GQ1b (n = 708) or anti‐GT1a (n = 696) IgG antibodies. Optical densities of the single anti‐GQ1b or anti‐GT1a antibodies were used as reference (100%), and those of anti‐GSC antibodies were expressed in percentages to reference. The relationships between anti‐GSC antibody reactivity and the corresponding clinical features were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOphthalmoplegia and hypersomnolence were significantly associated with complex‐attenuated anti‐GQ1b and anti‐GT1a antibodies. Ataxia was associated with GD1b‐ and GT1b‐enhanced anti‐GQ1b antibodies or GM1‐enhanced anti‐GT1a antibodies. Bulbar palsy was associated with GT1b‐enhanced anti‐GQ1b antibodies. Neck weakness was associated with GD1a‐enhanced anti‐GQ1b antibodies. Arm weakness was associated with GD1b‐enhanced anti‐GQ1b and GD1a‐enhanced anti‐GT1a antibodies. Leg weakness was associated with GD1a‐enhanced anti‐GQ1b and anti‐GT1a antibodies.ConclusionsDifferences in fine specificity of anti‐GQ1b antibodies are associated with clinical features, possibly due to the different expression of gangliosides in different parts of the nervous system.
Novel FUS mutations identified through molecular screening in a large cohort of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Tarlarini C. , Lunetta C. , Mosca L. , Avemaria F. , Riva N. , Mantero V. , Maestri E. , Quattrini A. , Corbo M. , Melazzini M. G. , Penco S. 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposeAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Approximately 5%–10% of cases are familial (FALS) and the remaining are sporadic (SALS). To date FUS mutations are responsible for 4%–6% of familial cases as well as 0.7%–1.8% of sporadic cases.MethodsThe frequency of FUS mutations was investigated in an Italian cohort of 500 SALS and 40 FALS patients through direct sequencing of exons 5, 6, 13, 14 and 15.ResultsEight FUS mutation carriers were identified in five SALS (1%) and three FALS (7.5%), five already known and three new mutations: a de novo mutation was identified in a sporadic subject as well as the co‐presence of FUS/C9ORF72 mutations in a FALS subject. The molecular and clinical details of the three patients harbouring a novel mutation (G245V, G509D and R491C) are presented here. Moreover the co‐presence of the R491C mutation and C9ORF72 pathological expansion was found according to the oligogenic disease model.ConclusionsIn conclusion our results revealed a higher frequency of FUS mutation carriers (7.5%) in FALS compared to literature data together with a higher presence of female gender.
Increased pCREBexpression and the spontaneous epileptiform activity in aBCNU‐treated rat model of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Pennacchio Paolo , Noé Francesco , Gnatkovsky Vadym , Moroni Ramona Frida , Zucca Ileana , Regondi Maria Cristina , Inverardi Francesca , de Curtis Marco , Frassoni Carolina 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectiveCortical dysplasias (CDs) represent a wide range of cortical abnormalities that closely correlate with intractable epilepsy. Rats prenatally exposed to 1‐3‐bis‐chloroethyl‐nitrosurea (BCNU) represent an injury‐based model that reproduces many histopathologic features of humanCD. Previous studies reported in vivo hyperexcitability in this model, but in vivo epileptogenicity has not been confirmed.MethodsTo determine whether cortical and hippocampal lesions lead to epileptiform discharges and/or seizures in theBCNUmodel, rats at three different ages (3, 5, and 9 months old) were implanted for long‐term video electroencephalographic recording. At the end of the recording session, brain tissue was processed for histologic and immunohistochemical investigation including cAMPresponse element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, as a biomarker of epileptogenicity.ResultsBCNU‐treated rats showed spontaneous epileptiform activity (67%) in the absence of a second seizure‐provoking hit. Such activity originated mainly from one hippocampus and propagated to the ipsilateral neocortex. No epileptiform activity was found in age‐matched control rats. The histopathologic investigation revealed that allBCNUrats with epileptiform activity showed neocortical and hippocampal abnormalities; the presence and the severity of these lesions did not correlate consistently with the propensity to generate epileptiform discharges. Epileptiform activity was found only in cortical areas ofBCNU‐treated rats in which a correlation between brain abnormalities and increasedpCREBexpression was observed.SignificanceThis study demonstrates the in vivo occurrence of spontaneous epileptiform discharges in theBCNUmodel and shows that increased pCREBexpression can be utilized as a reliable biomarker of epileptogenicity.
Rapid eye movement sleep reveals epileptogenic spikes for resective surgery in children with generalized interictal discharges
Authors: Okanari Kazuo , Baba Shiro , Otsubo Hiroshi , Widjaja Elysa , Sakuma Satoru , Go Cristina Y. , Jones Kevin C. , Nishioka Kazuki , Oba Shimpei , Matsui Tasuku , Ueno Makoto , Ukitsu Shogo , Rutka James T. , Drake James M. , Donner Elizabeth J. , Weiss Shelly K. , Snead O. Carter , Ochi Ayako 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectiveEpilepsy surgery can be successful in children with extensive congenital or early acquired focal or hemispheric brain lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) despite generalized interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). The aim of this study was to assess if rapid eye movement (REM) sleep reduced generalized IEDs and revealed lateralized IEDs to identify the epileptogenic hemisphere in children with generalized IEDs and normal/subtle changes on MRI.MethodsWe studied 20 children with generalized IEDs on scalp electroencephalography (EEG) and normal/subtle changes on MRI who underwent intracranial video‐EEG for epilepsy surgery. We assessed a minimum of 100 IEDs during REM, non‐REM, and wakefulness, and assigned the distribution (generalized, left, or right hemisphere) to each IED. The number of lobes in the resected areas and seizure outcome were compared between 20 children with generalized IEDs and a comparison group of 28 children without generalized IEDs.ResultsThe mean occurrence rate of generalized IEDs during REM (37%) was significantly lower than that during non‐REM (67%, p < 0.001) and wakefulness (54%, p = 0.003). The number of children whose largest number of IEDs was lateralized in REM was significantly higher than that in non‐REM (15 vs. 3 children, 75% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). The hemisphere with lateralized IEDs among three states corresponded with the surgical side in 16 children with generalized IEDs. Seventeen children (85%) with generalized IEDs and 27 (96%) without generalized IEDs underwent resective surgery. Multilobar resection was required for 16 children (94%) with generalized IEDs more frequently than 7 children (26%) without generalized IEDs (p < 0.001). Thirteen children (77%) with generalized IEDs and 19 (73%) without generalized IEDs were seizure‐free with a mean of 3.3 years of follow‐up.SignificanceOur study demonstrates the importance of assessing REM in children with generalized IEDs as it reveals lateralized epileptogenic spikes. Seizure freedom may be achieved with multilobar resection in these children with generalized IEDs and normal/subtle changes on MRI. Generalized IEDs in children with normal/subtle changes on MRI should not preclude surgical resection.
Quantitative assessment of gait parameters in horses: Useful for aiding clinical decision making?
Authors: Pfau T. , Fiske‐Jackson A. , Rhodin M. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryGait analysis in horses has moved from the laboratory into the outside world enabling researchers and clinicians to make use of quantitative measurements to provide evidence aiding clinical decision making. In this article we explain how the two major visual signs of lameness – head nod and hip hike –are linked to the mechanics of lameness. These parameters should be regarded as well suited for incorporation into clinical decision making being easily measurable e.g. with inertial sensors under nonlaboratory conditions and representative of the underlying mechanical changes. A brief overview of the results of validation studies of the use of inertial sensors for quantification of movement symmetry shows that accuracy, precision and repeatability with current sensor generations are in the order of 3–7 mm; this is below the reported detection threshold for movement symmetries ‘by eye’. Recent studies with inertial sensors have investigated conditions relevant to the clinical lameness examination: lungeing, flexion tests and diagnostic analgesia. Lungeing introduces kinematic adaptations rendering head and pelvic movement asymmetrical, even in sound horses. First guideline values are available for changes after flexion tests and diagnostic analgesia, and we understand which parameters show consistent changes. This is crucial for investigating the effects in horses with different orthopaedic deficits. In conclusion, the current inertial sensor systems, while not quantifying all the gait adaptations seen in lame horses, characterise the major mechanical changes affecting fore‐ and hindlimb lame horses. In order to avoid misinterpretation of the generated data, users should have a thorough understanding of the gait parameters and be aware of sensor limitations in terms of accuracy, precision and repeatability.
Compressive myelopathy caused by epidural haematoma associated with fibrocartilaginous embolism in a horse
Authors: Dörner C. , Uzal F. , Carvallo F. , Palmero J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCompressive myelopathy caused by an epidural haematoma associated with fibrocartilage embolism was diagnosed in a 2.5‐year‐old Hanoverian gelding. The patient showed severe ataxia with no improvement following medical therapy and a poor prognosis after myelography. An epidural mass located dorsal to the intervertebral disc between C4 and C5 was compressing the spinal cord dorsally to approximately one‐third of its normal height. The epidural tissue was characterised histologically as an organised thrombus, and its major com‐ponents were fibrin and macrophages with intracytoplasmic brown, iron‐rich granules. Positive Alcian blue stain confirmed the presence of cartilage within the thrombus.
Nd:YAGlaser‐assisted transendoscopic procedure for treatment of otitis media in a horse
Authors: Uhlendorf F. , Hellige M. , Cavalleri J. V. M. , Feige K. , Ohnesorge B. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAn 8‐year‐old Warmblood gelding was referred for evaluation of headshaking to the Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Based on clinical signs and computed tomography – as well as magnetic resonance imaging – findings, otitis media was diagnosed. Medical treatment including trimethoprim potentiated sulfadimethoxine and meloxicam for 3 weeks did not result in cessation of clinical signs. Therefore, the tympanic cavity was opened transendoscopically using an Nd:YAG‐laser via the guttural pouch according to surgical procedures in human and small animal medicine, leading to a considerable improvement of clinical signs.
Candidate perennial bioenergy grasses have a higher albedo than annual row crops
Authors: Miller Jesse N. , VanLoocke Andy , Gomez‐Casanovas Nuria , Bernacchi Carl J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe production of perennial cellulosic feedstocks for bioenergy presents the potential to diversify regional economies and the national energy supply, while also serving as climate ‘regulators’ due to a number of biogeochemical and biogeophysical differences relative to row crops. Numerous observational and model‐based approaches have investigated biogeochemical trade‐offs, such as increased carbon sequestration and increased water use, associated with growing cellulosic feedstocks. A less understood aspect is the biogeophysical changes associated with the difference in albedo (α), which could alter the local energy balance and cause local to regional cooling several times larger than that associated with offsetting carbon. Here, we established paired fields ofMiscanthus × giganteus(miscanthus) andPanicum virgatum(switchgrass), two of the leading perennial cellulosic feedstock candidates, and traditional annual row crops in the highly productive ‘Corn‐belt’. Our results show that miscanthus did and switchgrass did not have an overall higherαthan current row crops, but a strong seasonal pattern existed. Both perennials had consistently higher growing seasonαthan row crops and winterαdid not differ. The lack of observed differences in winterα, however, masked an interaction between snow cover and species differences, with the perennial species, compared with the row crops, having a higherαwhen snow was absent and a much lowerαwhen snow was present. Overall, these changes resulted in an average net reduction in annual absorbed energy of about 5 W m−2for switchgrass and about 8 W m−2for miscanthus relative to annual crops. Therefore, the conversion from annual row to perennial crops alters the radiative balance of the surface via changes inαand could lead to regional cooling.
A mammoth mouthful? A test of the idea that larger animals ingest larger seeds
Authors: Chen Si‐Chong , Moles Angela T. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimIt has been widely assumed that large seeds generally require large animals to ingest and disperse them. However, this relationship has only been quantified in single animal groups (e.g. birds) and in a few communities. Our goal was to provide the first broad‐scale study of the relationship between animal body mass and ingested seed size.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe compiled a dataset of 13,135 unique animal × seed interactions, animal body masses and seed sizes in these interactions, across all vertebrate groups (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals).ResultsContrary to expectations, ingested seed size was negatively related to animal body mass. This negative relationship was largely driven by large ungulates ingesting small and dry seeds, and analyses excluding either ungulates or seeds with non‐fleshy fruit types showed a positive relationship between animal body mass and ingested seed size. Large animals ingested both seeds with a larger maximum size (the 95th quantile had a positive slope) and a smaller minimum size (the 5th quantile had a negative slope). Larger animals ingest larger seeds from fleshy fruits but smaller seeds from non‐fleshy fruits. A significant positive relationship was found between animal size and the number of seed species ingested.Main conclusionsOur data show that one of the assumptions that has underpinned the study of animal–seed interactions does not hold true across the full range of animal taxa and fruit types. These findings shed new light on theories about which types of plant species might be at risk if large animals go extinct, and cast doubt on the generality of a few theories (e.g. optimal diet theory, fruit‐size hypothesis) about the relationship between frugivores and seeds.