bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspects of dorso‐ventral and proximo‐distal limb patterning in onychophorans
Authors: Janssen Ralf , Jörgensen Mette , Prpic Nikola‐Michael , Budd Graham E. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYOnychophorans (velvet worms) are closely related to the arthropods, but their limb morphology represents a stage before arthropodization (i.e., the segmentation of the limbs). We investigated the expression of onychophoran homologs of genes that are involved in dorso‐ventral (DV) and proximo‐distal (PD) limb patterning in arthropods. We find that the two onychophoran optomotor‐blind (omb) genes, omb‐1 and omb‐2, are both expressed in conserved patterns in the dorsal ectoderm of the limbs, including the onychophoran antennae (the frontal appendages). Surprisingly, the expression of decapentaplegic (dpp), which acts upstream of omb in Drosophila, is partially reversed in onychophoran limbs compared to its expression in arthropods. A conserved feature of dpp expression in arthropods and onychophorans, however, is the prominent expression of dpp in the tips of developing limbs, which, therefore, may represent the ancestral pattern. The expression patterns of wingless (wg) and H15 are very diverged in onychophorans. The wg gene is only expressed in the limb tips and the single H15 gene is expressed in a few dorsal limb cells, but not on the ventral side. The expression of wg and dpp at the limb tips is one of the three possible alternatives predicted by the topology model of arthropod limb patterning and is, thus, compatible with a conserved function of wg and dpp in the patterning of the PD axis. On the other hand, DV limb gene expression is less conserved, and the specification of ventral fate appears to involve neither wg nor H15 expression.
Niche shift can impair the ability to predict invasion risk in the marine realm: an illustration using Mediterranean fish invaders
Authors: Parravicini Valeriano , Azzurro Ernesto , Kulbicki Michel , Belmaker Jonathan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractClimatic niche conservatism, the tendency of species‐climate associations to remain unchanged across space and time, is pivotal for forecasting the spread of invasive species and biodiversity changes. Indeed, it represents one of the key assumptions underlying species distribution models (SDMs), the main tool currently available for predicting range shifts of species. However, to date, no comprehensive assessment of niche conservatism is available for the marine realm. We use the invasion by Indo‐Pacific tropical fishes into the Mediterranean Sea, the world's most invaded marine basin, to examine the conservatism of the climatic niche. We show that tropical invaders may spread far beyond their native niches and that SDMs do not predict their new distributions better than null models. Our results suggest that SDMs may underestimate the potential spread of invasive species and call for prudence in employing these models in order to forecast species invasion and their response to environmental change.
The role of head computed tomography in equine practice
Authors: Manso‐Díaz G. , García‐López J. M. , Maranda L. , Taeymans O. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThis retrospective study describes the computed tomography (CT) findings in 59 horses presented with diseases of the head over 8 years that underwent CT examination of this region, including dental or sinonasal diseases (Group A) (n = 42), osseous and/or articular diseases (Group B) (n = 11) and soft tissue diseases (Group C) (n = 6). For Group A, radiographic and CT findings comparison was possible. Computed tomography had higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96.7%) than radiography in diagnosing dental disease. Compared to CT, radiographic identification of sinus involvement was less sensitive, particularly for ventral conchal and sphenopalatine sinuses and presented an overall sensitivity of 43.5 and 16.7%, respectively. In Group B CT allowed identification of a higher number of bone fragments and fractures in the maxillary, lacrimal, sphenoidal, temporal and zygomatic bones not identified radiographically. Accurate identification of CT changes in the temporomandibular joint and temporohyoid articulation was also possible. Group C included both intra‐ and extra‐cranial disease, retrobulbar masses being the most representative pathology (n = 3). In this group, CT was considered the gold standard for detection of periorbital diseases. We conclude that CT is an imaging technique with high diagnostic value for evaluating the equine head, yielding additional information over multiple radiographic views, which may alter the outcome of the case. Additionally, this paper reports several conditions not previously described using CT.
Pseudo‐polydactyly in a horse
Authors: Valbonetti L. , Briola C. , Tosi U. , Marruchella G. , Muttini A. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryA 14‐month‐old half‐breed horse showed a severe lameness due to a lesion of the right forefoot which appeared completely and asymmetrically cleaved, from the solar margin to the coronary band. The horse was presented to an abattoir for slaughter and both forelimbs were collected for diagnostic investigations. The hoof lesion described herein does not fulfil the diagnostic criteria of equine polydactyly since post mortem imaging and pathological investigations ruled out the presence of supernumerary digits. Based on the clinical signs, diagnostic imaging (computed tomography) and gross examination, a diagnosis of pseudo‐polydactyly was proposed. To the best of our knowledge, the features of the present case report are unique, thus widening the range of lesions observed at the level of the hoof, which is crucial for horse health and activity.
Magnetic resonance imaging of an equine fracture model containing stainless steel metal implants
Authors: Pownder S. L. , Koff M. F. , Shah P. H. , Fortier L. A. , Potter H. G. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyPost operative imaging in subjects with orthopaedic implants is challenging across all modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred to assess human post operative musculoskeletal complications, as soft tissue and bones are evaluated without using ionising radiation. However, with conventional MRI pulse sequences, metal creates susceptibility artefact that distorts anatomy. Assessment of the post operative equine patient is arguably more challenging due to the volume of metal present, and MRI is often not performed in horses with implants. Novel pulse sequences such as multiacquisition variable resonance image combination (MAVRIC) now provide improved visibility in the vicinity of surgical‐grade implants and offer an option for imaging horses with metal implants.ObjectivesTo compare conspicuity of regional anatomy in an equine fracture‐repair model using MAVRIC, narrow receiver bandwidth (NBW) fast spin echo (FSE), and wide receiver bandwidth (WBW) FSE sequences.Study designNonrandomised in vitro experiment.MethodsMAVRIC, NBW FSE and WBW FSE were performed on 9 cadaveric distal limbs with fractures and stainless steel implants in the third metacarpal bone and proximal phalanx. Objective measures of artefact reduction were performed by calculating the total artefact area in each transverse image as a percentage of the total anatomic area. The number of transverse images in which fracture lines were visible was tabulated for each sequence. Regional soft tissue conspicuity was assessed subjectively.ResultsOverall anatomic delineation was improved using MAVRIC compared with NBW FSE; delineation of structures closest to the metal implants was improved using MAVRIC compared with WBW FSE and NBW FSE. Total artefact area was the highest for NBW FSE and lowest for MAVRIC; the total number of transverse slices with a visible fracture line was highest in MAVRIC and lowest in NBW FSE.ConclusionMAVRIC and WBW FSE are feasible additions to minimise artefact around implants.
Central administration of GPR55 receptor agonist and antagonist modulates anxiety‐related behaviors in rats
Authors: Rahimi Abbasali , Hajizadeh Moghaddam Akbar , Roohbakhsh Ali 
Published: January 2015

AbstractG‐protein‐coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) has been proposed as an atypical cannabinoid receptor, which is activated by lysophosphatidylinositols and some synthetic or endogenous cannabinoid molecules. The exact role of GPR55 receptors in the central nervous system especially in anxiety needs to be evaluated. In this study, the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of agonist and antagonist of GPR55 receptor on anxiety‐related behaviors in rats were investigated. Here, O‐1602 (GPR55 agonist) at the doses of 0.2, 1, and 5 μg/rat increased %OAT and %OAE but not the locomotor activity, showing an anxiolytic response, whereas i.c.v. injection of ML193 (GPR55 antagonist) at the doses of 0.1 and 1 μg/rat increased anxiety‐like behaviors while causing locomotor impairment. The antagonistic effect of ML193 on the anxiolytic‐like effect of O‐1602 was also evaluated. The results showed that ML193 decreased the anxiolytic‐like effect of O‐1602. Based on these results, it may be concluded that central GPR55 may have a role in modulation of anxiety‐like behaviors in rats. Further experiments are needed to elucidate the exact role of these receptors in anxiety.
Enhancement on reactive oxygen species and COX‐1 mRNA levels modulate the vascular relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside in denuded mice aorta
Authors: Kangussu Lucas M. , Olivon Vania C. , Arifa Raquel D. do N. , Araújo Natália , Reis Daniela , Assis Marieta T. de A. , Soriani Frederico M. , de Souza Daniele da G. , Bendhack Lusiane M. , Bonaventura Daniella 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the modulation of nitric oxide/reactive oxygen species in sodium nitroprusside relaxation in mice aorta. Sodium nitroprusside induced relaxation in endothelium‐intact (e+) and endothelium‐denuded (e−) aortas with greater potency in e+ than in e−. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor did not alter the sodium nitroprusside relaxation in both e+ and e− aortas. However, the superoxide anion scavenger abolished the difference in sodium nitroprusside potency between e+ and e−. Sodium nitroprusside reduced dihydroethidium‐derived fluorescent products in both groups; however, the difference between intact and denuded mice aorta remains. The glutathione levels and basal antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase were reduced in e− aorta when compared with e+, and these values were not altered by sodium nitroprusside. Confirming these results, the levels of lipid peroxidation in e+ were significantly lower when compared to e−, and these values were not altered by sodium nitroprusside. The sodium nitroprusside potency in the presence of a nonselective COX inhibitor or the EP/DP prostaglandin receptor antagonist in endothelium denuded was similar to that in intact mice aorta. Based on these results, we performed the COX‐1 and COX‐2 mRNA level studies, and in denuded mice aorta, there was an upregulation in COX‐1 mRNA levels. Taken together, our findings show that in the absence of endothelium, there is an enhancement of superoxide levels, leading to GSH consumption and higher levels of lipid peroxidation, showing an intense redox status. Furthermore, in denuded mice aorta, there was an upregulation of COX‐1 mRNA expression, leading to vasoconstrictor prostanoids synthesis. The interaction of vasoconstrictor prostanoids with its receptors EP/DP negatively modulates the vascular relaxation induced by SNP in denuded mice aorta.
Crystal structures of apo‐DszC and FMN‐bound DszC from Rhodococcus erythropolis D‐1
Authors: Guan Li‐Jun , Lee Woo Cheol , Wang Shipeng , Ohshiro Takashi , Izumi Yoshikazu , Ohtsuka Jun , Tanokura Masaru 
Published: January 2015

The release of SO2 from petroleum products derived from crude oil, which contains sulfur compounds such as dibenzothiophene (DBT), leads to air pollution. The ‘4S’ metabolic pathway catalyzes the sequential conversion of DBT to 2‐hydroxybiphenyl via three enzymes encoded by the dsz operon in several bacterial species. DszC (DBT monooxygenase), from Rhodococcus erythropolis D‐1 is involved in the first two steps of the ‘4S’ pathway. Here, we determined the first crystal structure of FMN‐bound DszC, and found that two distinct conformations occur in the loop region (residues 131–142) adjacent to the active site. On the basis of the DszC–FMN structure and the previously reported apo structures of DszC homologs, the binding site for DBT and DBT sulfoxide is proposed.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors for apo‐DszC (PDB code: 3X0X) and DszC‐FMN (PDB code: 3X0Y) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org).
Do Sardinella aurita spawning seasons match local retention patterns in the Senegalese–Mauritanian upwelling region?
Authors: Mbaye Baye Cheikh , Brochier Timothée , Echevin Vincent , Lazar Alban , Lévy Marina , Mason Evan , Gaye Amadou Thierno , Machu Eric 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSardinella aurita is the most abundant small pelagic fish in the Senegalese–Mauritanian region. The success of its reproduction crucially depends on the local circulation as this determines whether larvae reach coastal nursery areas favorable to their survival or are dispersed into the open ocean. As a first step towards evaluating sardinella vulnerability to climate‐driven hydrodynamical changes, this study aims at underpinning how transport pathways drive optimal spatial and seasonal patterns for sardinella reproduction. We have used two estimates of the Senegalese–Mauritanian coastal seasonal circulation simulated by two hydrodynamical model configurations that differ in their forcing and topography. Nursery areas are determined by evaluating coastal retention with a Lagrangian individual‐based model that accounts for processes such as diel vertical migration and mortality as a result of lethal temperature exposure. Our results suggest that the shelf zones located at the Arguin Bank (19.5°N–21°N) and south of Senegal (12°N–14.75°N) are highly retentive. We find maximum retention rates in July–August and November–December over the Arguin Bank; from February–July and November–December over the southern Senegalese shelf; and lower retention rates over the central region (14.75°N–19.5°N) that are locally maximum in June–July when the upwelling weakens. These retention areas and their seasonality are in agreement with previously reported spawning patterns, suggesting that the Sardinella aurita spawning strategy may result from a trade‐off between retention patterns associated with the seasonal circulation and food availability. Exposure to lethal temperatures, although not well studied, could be a further limiting factor for spawning. The Lagrangian analysis reveals important connectivity between sub‐regions within and south of the system and hence underlines the importance for joint management of the Sardinella aurita stock.
Tree growth variation in the tropical forest: understanding effects of temperature, rainfall and CO2
Authors: Schippers Peter , Sterck Frank , Vlam Mart , Zuidema Pieter A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTropical forest responses to climatic variability have important consequences for global carbon cycling, but are poorly understood. As empirical, correlative studies cannot disentangle the interactive effects of climatic variables on tree growth, we used a tree growth model (IBTREE) to unravel the climate effects on different physiological pathways and in turn on stem growth variation. We parameterized the model for canopy trees of Toona ciliata (Meliaceae) from a Thai monsoon forest and compared predicted and measured variation from a tree‐ring study over a 30‐year period. We used historical climatic variation of minimum and maximum day temperature, precipitation and carbon dioxide (CO2) in different combinations to estimate the contribution of each climate factor in explaining the inter‐annual variation in stem growth. Running the model with only variation in maximum temperature and rainfall yielded stem growth patterns that explained almost 70% of the observed inter‐annual variation in stem growth. Our results show that maximum temperature had a strong negative effect on the stem growth by increasing respiration, reducing stomatal conductance and thus mitigating a higher transpiration demand, and – to a lesser extent – by directly reducing photosynthesis. Although stem growth was rather weakly sensitive to rain, stem growth variation responded strongly and positively to rainfall variation owing to the strong inter‐annual fluctuations in rainfall. Minimum temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration did not significantly contribute to explaining the inter‐annual variation in stem growth. Our innovative approach – combining a simulation model with historical data on tree‐ring growth and climate – allowed disentangling the effects of strongly correlated climate variables on growth through different physiological pathways. Similar studies on different species and in different forest types are needed to further improve our understanding of the sensitivity of tropical tree growth to climatic variability and change.
The influence of temperature seasonality on elevational range size across latitude: a test usingLiolaemuslizards
Authors: Sheldon Kimberly S. , Leaché Adam D. , Cruz Félix B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimIdentifying factors that limit species distributions is a fundamental question in ecology with implications for understanding global biodiversity patterns and species responses to environmental change. Theory suggests that temperature seasonality may affect range size. Species at higher latitudes and elevations experience greater temperature variation, which should lead to broader thermal tolerances and elevational ranges. Research suggests that realized seasonality, or the seasonality species experience when active, may be a better predictor of distributions than annual seasonality. We tested the seasonality hypothesis by examining relationships between environmental factors and elevational range.LocationArgentina.MethodsWe gathered data on ecology and thermal physiology for 33Liolaemuslizards (Liolaemidae) and analysed data in phylogenetic comparative analyses using mitochondrialDNAsequences. We used 1000 tree structures and ran phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses on all 33 species and on 23 species in theboulengericlade to determine if the elevational range of lizards shows a positive relationship with annual and realized seasonality, thermal tolerance, latitude and elevational midpoint of the species distribution.ResultsLatitude and elevational midpoint were good predictors of elevational range in all models. Annual seasonality was a good predictor of elevational range in models containing 33 species. Variation in phylogenetic tree structure led to differences in the best‐fit statistical models. Thermal tolerance and realized seasonality were not good indicators of elevational range.Main conclusionsOur findings support some, but not all, of the predictions of the seasonality hypothesis. Species at higher latitudes and elevations have larger elevational ranges, and annual seasonality is partly responsible for this increase. Yet, adult thermal tolerance shows no relationship with elevational range, suggesting that distributions may depend on the physiology of otherLiolaemuslife stages. Differences in phylogenetic tree structure and the number of species included in analyses can lead to different conclusions regarding the seasonality hypothesis.
Has the advancing onset of spring vegetation green‐up slowed down or changed abruptly over the last three decades?
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Piao Shilong , Xu Xiangtao , Ciais Philippe , MacBean Natasha , Myneni Ranga B. , Li Laurent 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimChange in spring phenology is a sensitive indicator of ecosystem response to climate change, and exerts first‐order control on the ecosystem carbon and hydrological cycles. The start of season (SOS) in spring can be estimated from satellite data using different spatiotemporal scales, data sets and algorithms. To address the impacts of these differences on trends of SOS, a Bayesian analysis is applied to investigate the rate of SOS advance and whether that advance has slowed down or changed abruptly over the last three decades.Location30°–75° N in the Northern Hemisphere.MethodsWe applied four algorithms to three different satellite data sets (AVHRR, Terra‐MODIS and SPOT) to obtain an ensemble of SOS estimates. A Bayesian analysis was applied to test different hypotheses of SOS trends.ResultsOver the period 1982–2011, SOS is likely (74%) to have experienced a significant advance best described by a linear trend (−1.4 ± 0.6 days decade−1). At hemispheric and continental scales, deceleration or abrupt changes in the SOS trend are unlikely (< 30%) to have occurred. Trend analysis restricted to the last decade suggests no significant SOS advance since 2000. This lack of trend can be explained by large interannual variations of SOS and uncertainties in SOS extraction, in the context of a short‐term decadal‐period analysis. Spatial analyses show that SOS advance could have slowed down over parts of western North America, and the SOS trend could have abruptly changed over parts of Canada and Siberia.Main conclusionsSOS advance is unlikely to have slowed down or changed abruptly at a hemispheric scale over the last three decades. At a regional scale, SOS advance could have slowed down or abruptly changed due to changes in winter chilling or fire regimes. Trends of SOS derived from different satellites were within the uncertainties of SOS extraction.
Landscape Design, Housing and Everyday Use of Green Space in Urban China
Authors: Xie Junfang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this paper, I discuss historic and contemporary relationships between landscape design, housing and everyday uses of green space in urban China. By drawing together writing focused on theorizing nature and everyday life, I offer critical insights into urban political, economic, social and cultural change in Chinese cities. The paper begins with a review of religious philosophies and cultural traditions relating to the development of Chinese gardens and then discusses the impact of the introduction of ‘western’ style public parks alongside the emergence of modern urban planning and design. The second half of the paper traces how changing notions of nature and everyday life can be mapped onto housing development and associated urban social and spatial inequalities. In conclusion, I highlight how critical insights at the intersection of thinking on nature and everyday life can inform socially progressive urban development, planning and policy.
Assemblages and Actor‐networks: Rethinking Socio‐material Power, Politics and Space
Authors: Müller Martin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAssemblage thinking and actor‐network theory (ANT) have been at the forefront of a paradigm shift that sees space and agency as the result of associating humans and non‐humans to form precarious wholes. This shift offers ways of rethinking the relations between power, politics and space from a more processual, socio‐material perspective. After sketching and comparing the concepts of the assemblage and the actor‐network, this paper reviews the current scholarship in human geography which clusters around the four themes of deterritorialisation/reterritorialisation; power; materials, objects and technologies; and topological space. Looking towards the future, it suggests that assemblage thinking and ANT would benefit from exploring links with other social theories, arguing for a more sustained engagement with issues of language and power, and affect and the body.