bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of thermal fluctuations on reaction norms in specialist and generalist parasitic wasps
Authors: Foray Vincent , Desouhant Emmanuel , Gibert Patricia 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Reaction norms depict the environmental effects on phenotypic traits and are used to predict the global change consequences on species distributions. However, studies performed at constant temperatures have limited ecological significance because expressed phenotypes depend on the range and frequency of environmental states.

Using Jensen's inequality (i.e. a mathematical property of nonlinear functions), we predicted that the effect of thermal fluctuations on the phenotype depends on the shape of the reaction norm. Thermal fluctuations around the optimal temperature are expected to reduce the phenotypic trait values, especially for specialists because of their narrower reaction norms.

This study measured the effects of diel fluctuations in developmental temperature on phenotypic expression of traits related to fitness and energetic resources in two strains of the parasitoid wasp Venturia canescens from different habitats: a thermal generalist strain and a specialist one. In a first experiment, we compared the effect of constant thermal regimes versus fluctuating ones having the same means (20, 25 and 30 °C) on reaction norms of life‐history traits and of energetic reserves. In a second experiment, we examined the effects of a natural thermoperiod in the field on these traits.

Our results show that the shape of the reaction norm defines the phenotypic changes induced by the development under fluctuating thermal conditions. These results match the predictions of the Jensen's inequality. Moreover, our results emphasize the significance of taking into account several phenotypic life‐history traits to study the adaptive value of phenotypic plasticity. We also show that the level of energetic resources depends on the mean developmental temperature and not on the thermal regime. Finally, the field experiment confirms that the phenotype of these parasitoids depends on the temperature variation.

Our study highlights the relevance of the Jensen's inequality to predict the effect of thermal fluctuations on fitness of parasitoids with contrasted thermal sensitivities.
Sexual size dimorphism requires a corresponding sex difference in development time: a meta‐analysis in insects
Authors: Teder Tiit 
Published: August 2013

Summary

The degree and direction of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) vary greatly between animal species. At the ontogenetic level, SSD may result from sex differences in birth size, growth rate and/or development time. Nevertheless, evidence concerning proximate causation of SSD is scattered, and the data used to infer ontogenetic determinants of SSD have not always been appropriate for this purpose.

I use a comprehensive literature‐derived data base of relevant sex‐specific traits on 169 species to address the significance of sex differences in larval development time (SDTD) as a proximate source of SSD in insects.

In a clear majority of species (79%), SSD and SDTD were qualitatively congruent, that is, the larger sex had also a longer larval development. In strongly size‐dimorphic species, the qualitative correspondence between SSD and SDTD was nearly universal. Consistently, in a phylogenetically diverse array of insect clades, SDTD increased with increasing SSD across species.

The results indicate that the evolution and maintenance of high SSD values are rarely possible without a prolonged development of the larger sex.

The role of sex differences in growth rate as the ontogenetic determinant of SSD in insects requires further studies that should ideally be based on detailed monitoring of larval growth schedules.

The increase in SDTD with increasing SSD is consistent with the idea that the widespread phenomenon of protandry (the emergence of male adults before females) may not be selected for per se, but rather may primarily be an incidental by‐product of other selection pressures.
Body mass dependent use of hibernation: why not prolong the active season, if they can?
Authors: Bieber Claudia , Lebl Karin , Stalder Gabrielle , Geiser Fritz , Ruf Thomas 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Hibernation is the most effective means for energy conservation during winter in mammals. The drawbacks of deep and prolonged torpor include reduced immunocompetence, and consequently, hibernators should be selected to minimize torpor expression when climatic conditions or energy availability (e.g. food or fat stores) permit. Therefore, it seems surprising that some hibernators employ extraordinary long hibernation seasons, lasting well beyond periods with unfavourable conditions.

Because of their extended use of torpor, edible dormice (Glis glis) provide an ideal model for scrutinizing interactions between energy reserves (i.e. body fat stores) and thermoregulatory patterns. We used a multimodel inference approach to analyse body temperature data (i.e. use of torpor) from 42 entire hibernation seasons over 4 years in females in relation to body mass.

Body mass prior to hibernation did not affect the duration of the hibernation season, but animals hibernated for c. 8 months, that is, 2 months longer than required by environmental conditions. Fatter individuals aroused significantly more often, had a higher mean minimum body temperature during torpor and remained euthermic for longer periods than leaner animals.

Surplus energy was therefore not used to shorten the hibernation season, but to rewarm more frequently, and to allow shallower torpor bouts. These adjustments apparently serve to avoid negative effects of torpor and, perhaps equally importantly, to minimize the time active above‐ground. We argue that maintaining a short active season, despite surplus energy reserves, may be explained by known beneficial effects of hibernation on survival rates (via predator avoidance).

Our data provide quantitative evidence that hibernation is a flexible tool within life‐history strategies. We conclude that, apart from energetic necessities due to harsh environmental conditions, predator avoidance may be an important factor influencing patterns of hibernation and torpor in mammals. Thus, our study indicates that climatic conditions alone are not a good predictor of hibernation patterns or survival in hibernating species during global climate change.
Rapid evolution: from genes to communities, and back again?
Authors: Ellner Stephen P. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Ecologists now recognize that ecologically important traits sometimes undergo large heritable changes on the same time‐scale as ecological change (‘rapid’ or ‘contemporary’ evolution). We know much less about the meanings of ‘sometimes’ (how often?) and ‘important’ (how important?). I review some of what I and my collaborators have learned about rapid evolution and suggest some of its implications.

Rapid evolution is common: when conditions change, traits evolve. But the rate of change is hard to predict, even across a set of published laboratory predator–prey experiments, and very similar trait changes can result from very different molecular mechanisms, even within one species.

Evolutionary rescue (adaptive response to a detrimental environmental change) is common, but not always effective. The full range is observed, from little to almost complete compensation for environmental change.

Cases of limited compensation show that strong selection is necessary, but not sufficient for rapid adaptation. The response of the copepod Onychodiaptomus sanguineus to fluctuating predation shows that the time‐scale of environmental variation is important. The response of Daphnia galeata to eutrophication shows that life‐history trade‐offs and constraints can prevent evolution from buffering the entire life history against environmental changes.

Eco‐evolutionary dynamics are harder to predict when traits affecting multiple interactions evolve. Theory predicted, and experiments confirmed, a much larger range of possible evolutionary outcomes when a prey species evolves defences against two predators rather than one. These and other recent findings suggest that the devil is in the details: many subtle factors, such as how trade‐offs depend on resource availability, can have large effects on eco‐evolutionary dynamics.

Ecologists are increasingly engaged in predicting the ecological effects of human impacts such as species introductions and climate change. Forecasting evolutionary responses is part of that challenge. One implication of the ‘newest synthesis’ is that rapid adaptation to changing conditions is nothing new, so the past and present can tell us a lot about the future. If prediction is our goal, then developing predictive theory for eco‐evolutionary dynamics, and testing it in tractable model systems, should be a priority.
Tracing type 1 diabeticTibet miniature pig's bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro by magnetic resonance imaging (1型糖尿病西藏小型猪骨髓间充质干细胞体外磁共振成像示踪)
Authors: Tang Kuan‐Xiao , Yan Jin‐Hua , Shen Yun‐Feng , Li Bao‐Ying , Chen Ying‐Ming , Liu Da‐Yue , Ma De‐Dong , Li Jie , Liang Hua , Weng Jian‐Ping 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTraditional cell‐tracking methods fail to meet the needs of preclinical or clinical research. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish a new method of double labeling bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from type 1 diabetic (T1D) minipigs with super‐paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and tracing them usingMRIin vitro.MethodsIsolatedBMSCsfromT1Dminipigs were labeled witheGFPand different concentrations ofSPIO. The effects of lentivirus (LV)‐eGFPtransfection andSPIOon the viability and growth curves ofBMSCswere determined byTrypan blue exclusion, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2 thiazoyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. Cellular ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluateBMSCslabeled withSPIO‐eGFPcomplexes 6 weeks after labeling.ResultsExpression ofeGFPinBMSCspeaked 96 h after transfection withLV‐eGFP. Prussian blue staining revealed scattered blue granules in the cytoplasm ofSPIO‐labeled cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the dense granules aggregated mainly in secondary lysosomes. OnMRI,T2*‐weighted imaging was far more sensitive forSPIO‐labeledBMSCsthan other image sequences 3 and 6 weeks after the cells had been labeled withSPIO‐eGFP.ConclusionsWe have developed a relatively simple and safe method for double labeling ofBMSCsfromT1Dminipigs usingSPIOandLV‐eGFPand tracing them in vitro byMRIfor 6 weeks.
What predicts improvement of sexual function after pelvic floor surgery? A follow‐up study
Authors: Lonnée‐Hoffmann Risa A.M. , Salvesen Øyvind , Mørkved Siv , Schei Berit 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze factors predictive for changes in sexual function after pelvic floor surgery and explore differences between stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.DesignProspective observational study.SettingSt Olav Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.SampleOf 346 mailed questionnaires for women scheduled for SUI and POP surgery, 65 questionnaires were available for analysis together with examination findings before and 1 year after surgery.MethodsPostal questionnaires including Prolapse and Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ 12), Hopkins Symptom Checklist 5 for psychological distress, questions from the validated Body Image Questionnaire, a general health question, questions addressing goals for improvement after surgery, clinical findings based on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System and Brief Sexual Function Index for partners. Uni‐ and multivariate linear regressions adjusting for age were performed.Main outcome measuresChange in PISQ 12 score at follow‐up.ResultsSexual function significantly improved in the total group (p = 0.000). After stratification into SUI and POP surgery, improvement only remained significant after SUI surgery (p = 0.001). Improvement for the total group was predicted by good health or coital incontinence, whereas psychological distress or the goal of improved defecation predicted deterioration. For women undergoing SUI surgery, increasing age, parity or the goal of improving sexuality or body image predicted improvement, while for women undergoing POP surgery, menopausal status or anterior colporrhaphy predicted improvement.ConclusionSignificantly improved sexuality was observed after pelvic floor surgery. Predictive factors for change differed for women undergoing SUI surgery and and those undergoing POP surgery.
Gender differences in fascicular lengthening during eccentric contractions: the role of the patella tendon stiffness
Authors: Hicks K. M. , Onambele‐Pearson G. L. , Winwood K. , Morse C. I. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimElastic tendons have been suggested to attenuate fascicle lengthening during eccentric contractions; however, there is no in vivo evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether patella tendon stiffness modulates vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle lengthening during eccentric contractions in males and females.MethodVastus lateralis and patella tendon properties were measured in males and females owing to previously reported intrinsic gender differences in tendon properties. During maximal voluntary eccentric knee extensions, VL fascicle lengthening and torque were recorded at every 10° (range of motion 20–90°).ResultsA significant correlation between maximal patella tendon stiffness and change in fascicle length (r = 0.476, P = 0.023) was observed. Similarly, there was a significant correlation between maximal Young's modulus and change in fascicle length (r = 0.470, P = 0.049). As expected, patella tendon stiffness and Young's modulus were significantly higher in males compared with females (P < 0.05). Interestingly, change in VL fascicle length during the eccentric contractions was significantly greater in males compared with females (P < 0.05). Based on patella tendon moment arm measurements, VL muscle‐tendon unit elongation was estimated to be significantly greater in males compared with females (5.24 and 4.84 cm respectively).ConclusionThe significant difference in fascicle lengthening during eccentric contractions may be partly explained by the significantly higher patella tendon moment arm, patella tendon stiffness and Young's modulus found in males compared with females. The current study provides in vivo evidence to support the hypothesis that the tendon acts as a ‘mechanical buffer’ during eccentric contractions.
The use of novel Therakos™ Cellex® for extracorporeal photopheresis in treatment of graft‐versus‐host disease in paediatric patients
Authors: Rangarajan Hemalatha G. , Punzalan Rowena C. , Camitta Bruce M. , Talano Julie‐An M. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an established second line treatment option for graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) post‐haematopoietic progenitor cell transplant. At our centre, the Therakos™ Cellex® has replaced the Therakos™ UVAR‐XTS™ machine for ECP since 2009. We reviewed the records of 385 procedures using the Therakos™ Cellex® for safety and tolerability. Nine patients underwent ECP for GVHD. The median age was 13·5 years (range 3·7–24) and weight was 49·2 kg (range 18·5–86·3). The mean duration per procedure was 106 min (range 60–205). Fifteen (3·9%) procedures were cancelled and 10 (2·6%) were delayed, with central venous line (CVL) issues being the most frequent problem. With the use of prophylactic tissue plasminogen activator, fewer CVL‐related occlusions were observed (4·7% vs. 2·3%). There was one episode of a CVL‐associated thrombosis and one episode of delayed bleeding. There were four episodes of viral reactivation, four CVL‐associated infections (1142 catheter days) and one episode of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. No patient experienced symptomatic hypotension. This is the first report outlining the safety and tolerability of the Therakos™ Cellex® device for ECP in children and young adults.
Mefloquine–Oxazolidine Derivatives: A New Class of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Rodrigues Felipe A. R. , Bomfim Igor da S. , Cavalcanti Bruno C. , Pessoa Claudia , Goncalves Raoni S. B. , Wardell James L. , Wardell Solange M. S. V. , de Souza Marcus V. N. 
Published: August 2013

A series of 23 racemic mefloquine–oxazolidine derivatives, 4‐[3‐(aryl)hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4‐a]pyridin‐1‐yl]‐2,8‐bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolines, derived from (R*, S*)‐(±)‐mefloquine and arenealdehydes, have been evaluated for their activity against four cancer cell lines (HCT‐8, OVCAR‐8, HL‐60, and SF‐295). Good cytotoxicities have been determined with IC50 values ranging from 0.59 to 4.79 μg/mL. In general compounds with aryl groups having strong electron‐releasing substituents, such as HO and MeO, or electron‐rich heteroaryl groups, for example imidazol‐2‐y‐l, are active. However, other factors such as steric effects may play a role. As both the active and non‐active conformations of the mefloquine–oxazolidine derivatives are similar, it is concluded that molecular conformations do not play a significant role either. This study is the first to evaluate mefloquine derivatives as antitumor agents. The mefloquine–oxazolidine derivatives are considered to be useful leads for the rational design of new antitumor agents.
Greater Focus Needed on Alien Plant Impacts in Protected Areas
Authors: Hulme Philip E. , Pyšek Petr , Pergl Jan , Jarošík Vojtěch , Schaffner Urs , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAlien plants pose significant threats to protected areas worldwide yet many studies only describe the degree to which these areas have become invaded. Research must move toward a better understanding of alien plant impacts since managers urgently require an appropriate evidence base to prioritize control/eradication targets. We analyze a global database of quantitative studies of alien plant impacts to evaluate existing knowledge of alien plant impacts within and outside protected areas. Although protected areas are a significant focus for quantitative impact studies, the biogeographic emphasis of most research effort does not coincide with the global distribution of protected areas nor the plant species or life‐forms recognized to have greatest impacts on ecosystems. While impacts were often as significant within protected areas as outside, only a minority of studies provide any subsequent management recommendations. There is therefore considerable scope to improve the evidence base on alien plant management in protected areas.
Timber Harvesting Does Not Increase Fire Risk and Severity in Wet Eucalypt Forests of Southern Australia
Authors: Attiwill P.M. , Ryan M.F. , Burrows N. , Cheney N.P. , McCaw L. , Neyland M. , Read S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLindenmayeret al. proposed that logging makes “some kinds of forests more prone to increased probability of ignition and increased fire severity.” The proposition was developed most strongly in relation to the wet eucalypt forests of south‐eastern Australia. A key argument was that logging in wet forests results in drier forests that tend to be more fire‐prone, and this argument has gained prominence both in the literature and in policy debate. We find no support for that argument from considerations of eucalypt stand development, and from reanalysis of the only Australian study cited by Lindenmayeret al. In addition, there is no evidence from recent megafires in Victoria that younger regrowth (<10 years) burnt with greater severity than older forest (>70 years); furthermore, forests in reserves (with no logging) did not burn with less severity than multiple‐use forests (with some logging). The flammability of stands of different ages can be explained in terms of stand structure and fuel accumulation, rather than as a dichotomy of regrowth stands being highly flammable but mature and old‐growth stands not highly flammable. Lack of management of fire‐adapted ecosystems carries long‐term social, economic, and environmental consequences.
Evaluating Linked Social–Ecological Systems in Marine Protected Areas
Authors: López‐Angarita Juliana , Moreno‐Sánchez Rocío , Maldonado Jorge Higinio , Sánchez Juan A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn view of current worldwide coral reef decline, and the shortcomings of traditional top‐down management schemes of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), decision makers and scientists face the important challenge of developing new approaches to generate effective conservation strategies. This study evaluates MPAs as linked social–ecological systems (SES) to inform better management by calculating indices for ecological health, social adaptive capacity, and the impact intensity of overfishing, pollution, and tourism. A series of ecological and socioeconomic indicators are used to estimate these indices and determine relevant conservation strategies in two protected areas in the Colombian Caribbean. Results reveal a precarious situation of high impact intensity combined with low ecological health and adaptive capacity. This study provides further evidence supporting the need for reconciliation of SES and a framework by which decision makers can assess priorities to increase MPA effectiveness. We highlight the need for system reorganization and recommend bottom‐up comanagement schemes as a priority strategy to strengthen adaptive capacity.
Primed low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and constraint‐induced movement therapy in pediatric hemiparesis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gillick Bernadette T , Krach Linda E , Feyma Tim , Rich Tonya L , Moberg Kelli , Thomas William , Cassidy Jessica M , Menk Jeremiah , Carey James R 
Published: August 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of five treatments of 6 Hz primed, low‐frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) to promote recovery of the paretic hand in children with congenital hemiparesis.MethodNineteen children with congenital hemiparesis aged between 8 and 17 years (10 males, nine females; mean age 10 years 10 months, SD 2 years 10 months; Manual Ability Classification Scale levels I‐III) underwent five sessions of either real rTMS (n=10) or sham rTMS (n=9) alternated daily with CIMT. CIMT consisted of 13 days of continuous long‐arm casting with five skin‐check sessions. Each child received a total of 10 hours of one‐to‐one therapy. The primary outcome measure was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and the secondary outcome variables were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and stereognosis. A Wilcoxon signed‐rank sum test was used to analyze differences between pre‐ and post‐test scores within the groups. Analysis of covariance was used to compute mean differences between groups adjusting for baseline. Fisher's exact test was used to compare individual change in AHA raw scores with the smallest detectable difference (SDD) of 4 points.ResultsAll participants receiving treatment finished the study. Improvement in AHA differed significantly between groups (p=0.007). No significant differences in the secondary outcome measures were found. Eight out of 10 participants in the rTMS/CIMT group showed improvement greater than the SDD, but only two out of nine in the sham rTMS/CIMT group showed such improvement (p=0.023). No serious adverse events occurred.InterpretationPrimed, low‐frequency rTMS combined with CIMT appears to be safe, feasible, and efficacious in pediatric hemiparesis. Larger clinical trials are now indicated.