bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic measures of plant communities show long‐term change and impacts of fire management in tallgrass prairie remnants
Authors: Larkin Daniel J. , Hipp Andrew L. , Kattge Jens , Prescott William , Tonietto Rebecca K. , Jacobi Sarah K. , Bowles Marlin L. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPhylogenies are increasingly incorporated into ecological studies on the basis that evolutionary relatedness broadly correlates with trait similarity. However, phylogenetic approaches have rarely been applied to monitoring long‐term community change or guiding management.We analysed a 25‐year resampling data set (1976–2001) of 41 tallgrass prairie remnants (Illinois,USA) to test for phylogenetic signals of plant community structure, change, environmental associations, fire management and functional traits. A community phylogeny was constructed using GenBank sequences, and trait data were acquired from theTRYconsortium. Phylogenetic measures of alpha and beta diversity were compared with taxonomic and functional measures.From 1976 to 2001, communities became more phylogenetically clustered relative to null model expectations, that is increasingly restricted to subsets of species more closely related than expected by chance. Phylogeny was a sensitive indicator of environmental gradients and fire management. There were strong relationships between phylogeny and traits: key traits were phylogenetically non‐random and phylogenetic diversity was a necessary complement to species richness for explaining variation in trait diversity.Phylogeny revealed a shift in community structure over time, with sites having been phylogenetically random in 1976 but becoming differentiated from each other by 2001. In contrast, measures of taxonomic and functional diversity showed differentiation at both time points. Phylogenetic patterns likely reflected changes in species’ abundances mediated by the influence of environmental conditions and fire frequency.Synthesis and applications. Phylogenetic analyses can elucidate factors central to sound monitoring and management of plant communities. In this system, phylogeny was not a proxy for other indicators, but provided information complementing taxonomic‐based and trait‐based approaches for understanding vegetation structure, change and response to fire management. Phylogenetic approaches to ecological analysis are increasingly accessible, but fuller understanding of phylogeny–trait relationships and further development of user‐friendly analytical tools are needed for phylogenetics to widely inform restoration and management. In some systems, targeting phylogenetic diversity may be an effective means for restoring functionally diverse plant communities.
The phylogenetics of succession can guide restoration: an example from abandoned mine sites in the subarctic
Authors: Shooner Stephanie , Chisholm Chelsea , Davies T. Jonathan 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Phylogenetic tools have increasingly been used in community ecology to describe the evolutionary relationships among co‐occurring species. In studies of succession, such tools may allow us to identify the evolutionary lineages most suited for particular stages of succession and habitat rehabilitation. However, to date, these two applications have been largely separate. Here, we suggest that information on phylogenetic community structure might help to inform community restoration strategies following major disturbance.

Our study examined phylogenetic patterns of succession based on a chronosequence of three abandoned subarctic mine spoil heaps (waste piles) dating from the early 1970s, mid‐1970s and early 1980s. The vegetation at each mine site was compared to the surrounding vegetation, and community structure on mines was explored assuming species pools at nested spatial scales.

We found that the adjacent vegetation was more phylogenetically clustered than the vegetation on the mines, with mines demonstrating weaker phylogenetic community structure. Using simulation models, we showed that phylogenetic dissimilarity between mine sites did not depart from null expectations. However, we found evidence for species sorting along abiotic gradients (slope and aspect) on the mine sites that had been abandoned for the longest.

Synthesis and applications. Understanding the trajectory of succession is critical for restoration efforts. Our results suggest that early colonizers represent a phylogenetically random subset of species from the local species pool. Over time, there appears to be selection for particular lineages that come to be filtered across space and environment. The species most appropriate for mine site restoration might, therefore, depend on the successional stage of the community and the local species composition. For example, in later succession, it could be more beneficial to facilitate establishment of more distant relatives. Our findings can improve management practices by providing relatedness information for known successful colonizers and by informing seeding decisions with knowledge of the surrounding and regional species pools. The application of phylogenetics to restoration ecology and succession is relatively new, but it has the potential to provide novel insight into the dynamics of changing community structures during succession.
Histone H3K4 methylation regulates hyphal growth, secondary metabolism and multiple stress responses in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Liu Ye , Liu Na , Yin Yanni , Chen Yun , Jiang Jinhua , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: July 2015

SummaryHistone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me) is generally associated with actively transcribed genes in a variety of eukaryotes. The function of H3K4me in phytopathogenic fungi remains unclear. Here, we report that FgSet1 is predominantly responsible for mono‐, di‐ and trimethylation of H3K4 in Fusarium graminearum. The FgSET1 deletion mutant (ΔFgSet1) was crippled in hyphal growth and virulence. H3K4me is required for the active transcription of genes involved in deoxynivalenol and aurofusarin biosyntheses. Unexpectedly, FgSet1 plays an important role in the response of F. graminearum to cell wall‐damaging agents via negatively regulating phosphorylation of FgMgv1, a core kinase in the cell wall integrity pathway. In addition, ΔFgSet1 exhibited increased resistance to the transcription elongation inhibitor mycophenolic acid. Yeast two‐hybrid assays showed that FgSet1 physically interacts with multiple proteins including FgBre2, FgSpp1 and FgSwd2. FgBre2 further interacts with FgSdc1. Western blotting analyses showed that FgBre2 and FgSdc1 are associated with H3K4me. Both proteins are also involved in regulating deoxynivalenol biosynthesis and in responses to mycophenolic acid and cell wall‐damaging agents. Taken together, these data indicate that H3K4me plays critical roles not only in regulation of fungal growth and secondary metabolism but also in multiple stress responses in F. graminearum.
Chlorobaculum tepidum growth on biogenic S(0) as the sole photosynthetic electron donor
Authors: Hanson Thomas E. , Bonsu Ernest , Tuerk Amalie , Marnocha Cassandra L. , Powell Deborah H. , Chan Clara S. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe green sulfur bacteria, the Chlorobi, are phototrophic bacteria that oxidize sulfide and deposit extracellular elemental sulfur globules [S(0)]. These are subsequently consumed after sulfide is exhausted. S(0) globules from a Chlorobaculum tepidum mutant strain were purified and used to show that the wild‐type strain of Cba. tepidum can grow on biogenic S(0) globules as the sole photosynthetic electron donor, i.e. in medium with no other source of reducing power. Growth yields and rates on biogenic S(0) are comparable with those previously determined for Cba. tepidum grown on sulfide as the sole electron donor. Contact between cells and S(0) was required for growth. However, only a fraction of the cell population was firmly attached to S(0) globules. Microscopic examination of cultures growing on S(0) demonstrated cell–S(0) attachment and allowed for the direct observation of S(0) globule degradation. Bulk chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry and SDS‐PAGE indicate that Cba. tepidum biogenic S(0) globules contain carbon, oxygen and nitrogen besides S and may be associated with specific proteins. These observations suggest that current models of S(0) oxidation in the Chlorobi need to be revised to take into account the role of cell–S(0) interactions in promoting S(0) degradation.
Simulated soil crust conditions in a chamber system provide new insights on cyanobacterial acclimation to desiccation
Authors: Raanan Hagai , Oren Nadav , Treves Haim , Berkowicz Simon M. , Hagemann Martin , Pade Nadin , Keren Nir , Kaplan Aaron 
Published: July 2015

SummaryEnvironmental research often faces two major hurdles: (i) fluctuating spatial and temporal conditions and consequently large variability in the organisms' abundance and performance, and (ii) complex, costly logistics involved in field experiments. Measurements of physiological parameters or molecular analyses often represent single shot experiments. To study desiccation acclimation of filamentous cyanobacteria, the founders and main primary producers in desert biological soil crusts (BSC), we constructed an environmental chamber that can reproducibly and accurately simulate ambient conditions and measure microorganism performance. We show that recovery from desiccation of BSC cyanobacteria and Leptolyngbya ohadii isolated thereof are strongly affected by dehydration rate following morning dew. This effect is most pronounced in cells exposed to high light and temperature in the dry phase. Simultaneous measurements of water content, gas exchange and fluorescence were performed during dehydration. Photosynthetic performance measured by fluorescence begins declining when light intensity reaches values above 100 μmol photons m−2 s−1, even in fully hydrated cells. In contrast, photosynthetic rates measured using O2 evolution and CO2 uptake increased during rising irradiance to the point where the water content declined below ∼ 50%. Thus, fluorescence cannot serve as a reliable measure of photosynthesis in desert cyanobacteria. The effects of drying on gas exchange are discussed.
Identification and characterization of naturally occurring DSF‐family quorum sensing signal turnover system in the phytopathogen Xanthomonas
Authors: Zhou Lian , Wang Xing‐Yu , Sun Shuang , Yang Li‐Chao , Jiang Bo‐Le , He Ya‐Wen 
Published: July 2015

SummaryMolecules of the diffusible signal factor (DSF)‐family are a class of quorum sensing (QS) signals used by the phytopathogens Xanthomonas. Studies during the last decade have outlined how Xanthomonas cells enter the QS phase. However, information on the mechanism underlying its exit from the QS phase is limited. RpfB has recently been reported as a fatty acyl‐CoA ligase (FCL) that activates a wide range of fatty acids to their CoA esters in vitro. Here, we establish an improved quantification assay for DSF‐family signals using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in X. campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). We first demonstrated that RpfB represents a naturally occurring DSF‐family signal turnover system. RpfB effectively turns over DSF‐family signals DSF and BDSF in vivo. RpfB FCL enzymatic activity is required for DSF and BDSF turnover. Deletion of rpfB slightly increased Xcc virulence in the Chinese radish and overexpression of rpfB significantly decreased virulence. We further showed that the expression of rpfB is growth phase‐dependent, and its expression is significantly enhanced when Xcc cells enter the stationary phase. DSF regulates rpfB expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. rpfB expression is also negatively regulated by the DSF signalling components RpfC, RpfG and Clp. The global transcription factor Clp directly binds to the AATGC‐tgctgc‐GCATC motif in the promoter region of rpfB to repress its expression. Finally, RpfB‐dependent signal turnover system was detected in a wide range of bacterial species, suggesting that it is a conserved mechanism.
The social gradient in preventive healthcare use: what can we learn from socially mobile individuals?
Authors: Missinne Sarah , Daenekindt Stijn , Bracke Piet 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLittle is known about the origins of the stratified nature of preventive health behaviour. In this paper, we introduce theory and methodology from the field of social mobility research. Intergenerational socially mobile individuals can provide insights into the central discussion about how health lifestyles or cultural health capital develop over the life course, as they have encountered different contexts of socialisation, each with its own characteristic health‐related practices. We study the use of regular mammography screening by Belgian women using data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement and we operationalise social mobility as occupational mobility using the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO‐88). By means of diagonal reference models, we are able to discern the effects of the social position of origin, the social position of destination and social mobility itself, contrary to the less rigorous linear regression approach that prevails in health behaviour research. As expected, the take up of mammography screening is strongly influenced by social position. It seems that both upwardly and downwardly mobile women adapt to the mammography screening practices in their position of destination. This study shows the potential for social mobility research to enrich the debate on health lifestyles.
Diacetyl in Foods: A Review of Safety and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Clark Stephanie , Winter Carl K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDiacetyl, noted for its appealing butter‐like aroma, is present naturally in many foods, and humans have been exposed to it since the beginning of civilization. The advent of microwave (MW) cooking technology has led to the development of a significant market for MW popcorn, to which diacetyl and other flavoring compounds have been frequently added. Based upon reported associations between diacetyl inhalation and lung disease in employees of MW popcorn processing facilities, a very conservative safe level of occupational exposure to diacetyl has been proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Yet there is conflicting evidence that diacetyl causes lung disease in workers, and no evidence to condemn diacetyl as the cause of lung problems in MW popcorn consumers. Consumer dietary exposure to diacetyl in foods is below levels of health concern while common airborne levels of diacetyl from MW popcorn are far below the conservatively established limit to protect workers.
Medium‐Chain Acyl‐CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Adulthood: A Potential Diagnosis in a Patient with Mental Status Changes Suspected of Drug Toxicity
Authors: Randall Morgan , Rolf Cristin , Gibson Stephanie Mayfield , Hall Patricia L. , Rinaldo Piero , Davis Gregory J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMedium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is a rare but important component of the differential diagnosis for adults with a history of premortem mental status changes and the postmortem finding of hepatic steatosis. This case report describes a 30‐year‐old white man who, following a period of nausea and vomiting, was admitted to the hospital with sudden mental status deterioration followed rapidly by clinical deterioration and death. Treating physicians in this case suspected acute illicit drug toxicity with synthetic cathinones based on social history. Clinicians and medical examiners should be aware that the presentation, signs, and symptoms described may indicate an underlying inborn error of metabolism such as MCAD deficiency and take action accordingly.
Mating behavior as an indicator of quality of Drosophila subobscura males?
Authors: Savic Veselinovic Marija , Pavkovic‐Lucic Sofija , Kurbalija Novicic Zorana , Jelic Mihailo , Stamenkovic‐Radak Marina , Andjelkovic Marko 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAccording to current theoretical predictions, any deleterious mutations that reduce nonsexual fitness may have a negative influence on mating success. This means that sexual selection may remove deleterious mutations from the populations. Males of good genetic quality should be more successful in mating, compared to the males of lower genetic quality. As mating success is a condition dependent trait, large fractions of the genome may be a target of sexual selection and many behavioral traits are likely to be condition dependent. We manipulated the genetic quality of Drosophila subobscura males by inducing mutations with ionizing radiation and observed the effects of the obtained heterozygous mutations on male mating behavior: courtship occurrence, courtship latency, mating occurrence, latency to mating and duration of mating. We found possible effects of mutations. Females mated more frequently with male progeny of nonirradiated males and that these males courted females faster compared to the male progeny of irradiated males. Our findings indicate a possible important role of sexual selection in purging deleterious mutations.
Characterization of Spaghetti Prepared Under Different Drying Conditions
Authors: Ogawa Takenobu , Chuma Asako , Aimoto Utano , Adachi Shuji 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSpaghetti dried at low (max. 50 °C), high (max. 70 °C), and very high (max. 85 °C) temperatures were characterized by their color, surface structure, rupture strength, texture analysis, and sauce retention capacity. The texture and sauce retention capacity were estimated for cooked spaghetti. The color of the spaghetti's methanol extracts, as evaluated through absorbance at 440 and 466 nm, did not depend on the drying temperature. A trend was observed in the surface texture of spaghetti, as estimated by atomic force microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, where the surface was rougher when dried at higher temperatures than at low temperatures. Furthermore, the rupture strength was also higher for the spaghetti dried at higher temperatures. This result can be ascribed to the formation of stronger gluten networks, promoted by denaturation of gluten at the higher temperatures. However, the hardness of cooked spaghetti was not affected by the drying temperature, a result attributable to the action of water sorption to offset any differences in hardness among the spaghettis dried at the 3 different temperatures. The sauce retention capacity of cooked spaghetti was evaluated using a dextran solution as a simulated sauce, and by this method, the capacity of the spaghetti dried at a low temperature was shown to be significantly lower than that of the spaghetti dried at higher temperatures. This can be ascribed to the smoother surface of cooked spaghetti dried at the lower temperature and also to the leakage of amylose onto the surface during cooking.
Medical mirroring: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's) mimicking immunoglobulin‐G4 related disease
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Stone John H. , Anderson James T. , Dugar Shaifali , Mathew Roy , Nikolic Boris , Patel Raina 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; formerly Wegener's) can present with clinical and histopathological features similar to those of immunoglobulin‐G4 related disease (IgG4‐RD), a recently described fibro‐inflammatory condition. The ability of these two distinct entities to mimic each other closely creates significant pitfalls in diagnosis. We present a unique case in which GPA presented as a peri‐aortic fibrotic mass in the retroperitoneum. The patient's other clinical features also overlapped with classic IgG4‐RD disease manifestations, but the histopathology in two organs and the serological data confirmed the diagnosis of GPA. Rigorous histopathological review remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of GPA and the distinction of this entity from IgG4‐RD and other mimickers.
IgE responses to exogenous and endogenous allergens in atopic dermatitis patients under long‐term systemic cyclosporine A treatment
Authors: Lucae S. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Wüthrich B. , Kraft D. , Valenta R. , Linhart B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) patients mount IgE antibody responses to a variety of environmental allergens and also to autoantigens. We analyzed serum samples from four AD patients who had received oral cyclosporine A (CyA) treatment for up to 17 months regarding IgE autoreactivity to nitrocellulose‐blotted human epithelial cell extracts and IgE levels to environmental allergens by quantitative ImmunoCap measurements. Skin inflammation was assessed by SCORAD. During full‐dose treatment, a strong reduction in T‐cell‐mediated skin symptoms was observed which reappeared when CyA treatment was reduced or stopped. The intensity of IgE autoreactivity seemed to follow skin inflammation as it was reduced during full‐dose treatment and increased upon inflammation. Interestingly, IgE levels to exogenous allergens were boosted by allergen exposure, declined thereafter, and seemed to be unaffected by CyA. Our data thus indicate that allergen‐specific IgE production is boosted by allergen contact and cannot be reduced by CyA‐mediated T‐cell suppression.
Health coaching to prevent excessive gestational weight gain: A randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Skouteris Helen , McPhie Skye , Hill Briony , McCabe Marita , Milgrom Jeannette , Kent Bridie , Bruce Lauren , Herring Sharon , Gale Janette , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Shih Sophy , Teale Glyn , Lachal Jennifer 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of a health coaching (HC) intervention designed to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), and promote positive psychosocial and motivational outcomes in comparison with an Education Alone (EA) group.DesignRandomized‐controlled trial.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty‐one women who were <18 weeks pregnant consented to take part. Those allocated to the HC group received a tailored HC intervention delivered by a Health Coach, whilst those in the EA group attended two education sessions. Women completed measures, including motivation, psychosocial variables, sleep quality, and knowledge, beliefs and expectations concerning GWG, at 15 weeks of gestation (Time 1) and 33 weeks of gestation (Time 2). Post‐birth data were also collected at 2 months post‐partum (Time 3).ResultsThere was no intervention effect in relation to weight gained during pregnancy, rate of excessive GWG or birth outcomes. The only differences between HC and EA women were higher readiness (b = 0.29, 95% CIs = 0.03–0.55, p < .05) and the importance to achieve a healthy GWG (b = 0.27, 95% CIs = 0.02–0.52, p < .05), improved sleep quality (b = −0.22, 95% CIs = −0.44 to −0.03, p < .05), and increased knowledge for an appropriate amount of GWG that would be best for their baby's health (b = −1.75, 95% CI = −3.26 to −0.24, p < .05) reported by the HC at Time 2.ConclusionsWhilst the HC intervention was not successful in preventing excessive GWG, several implications for the design of future GWG interventions were identified, including the burden of the intervention commitment and the use of weight monitoring.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on the subject?

Designing interventions to address gestational weight gain (GWG) continues to be a challenge.

To date, health behaviour change factors have not been the focus of GWG interventions.

What does this study add?

Our health coaching (HC) intervention did not reduce GWG more so than education alone (EA).

There was an intervention effect on readiness and importance to achieve healthy GWG.

Yet there were no group differences regarding confidence to achieve healthy GWG post‐intervention.