bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Montane forest ecotones moved downslope in northeastern USA in spite of warming between 1984 and 2011
Authors: Foster Jane R. , D'Amato Anthony W. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractEcotones are transition zones that form, in forests, where distinct forest types meet across a climatic gradient. In mountains, ecotones are compressed and act as potential harbingers of species shifts that accompany climate change. As the climate warms in New England, USA, high‐elevation boreal forests are expected to recede upslope, with northern hardwood species moving up behind. Yet recent empirical studies present conflicting findings on this dynamic, reporting both rapid upward ecotonal shifts and concurrent increases in boreal species within the region. These discrepancies may result from the limited spatial extent of observations. We developed a method to model and map the montane forest ecotone using Landsat imagery to observe change at scales not possible for plot‐based studies, covering mountain peaks over 39 000 km2. Our results show that ecotones shifted downward or stayed stable on most mountains between 1991 and 2010, but also shifted upward in some cases (13–15% slopes). On average, upper ecotone boundaries moved down −1.5 m yr−1 in the Green Mountains, VT, and −1.3 m yr−1 in the White Mountains, NH. These changes agree with remeasured forest inventory data from Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, and suggest that processes of boreal forest recovery from prior red spruce decline, or human land use and disturbance, may swamp out any signal of climate‐mediated migration in this ecosystem. This approach represents a powerful framework for evaluating similar ecotonal dynamics in other mountainous regions of the globe.
Eight decades of sampling reveal a contemporary novel fish assemblage in coastal nursery habitats
Authors: Barceló Caren , Ciannelli Lorenzo , Olsen Esben M. , Johannessen Tore , Knutsen Halvor 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn order to adequately monitor biodiversity trends through time and their responses to natural or anthropogenic impacts, researchers require long time series that are often unavailable. This general lack of datasets that are several decades or longer makes establishing a background or baseline of diversity metrics difficult – especially when attempting to understand species composition changes against a backdrop of climate and ecological variability. Here, we present an analysis of a community of juvenile nearshore fishes based on nearly 8 decades of highly standardized Norwegian survey records. Using multivariate statistical techniques, we: (i) characterize the change in taxonomic community composition through time, (ii) determine whether there has been an increase in warm‐water affinity species relative to their cold water affinity counterparts, and (iii) characterize the temporal change in the species’ functional trait assemblage. Our results strongly indicate a shift toward a novel fish assemblage between the late 1990s and 2000s. The context of changes within the most recent two decades is in stark contrast to those during the 1960s and 1970s, but similar to those during the previous warm period during the 1930s and 1940s. This novel assemblage is tightly linked to the warming temperatures in the region portrayed by the increased presence of warm‐water species and a higher incidence of pelagic, planktivorous species. The results indicate a clear influence of ocean temperature on the region's juvenile fish community that points to climate‐mediated effects on the species assemblages of an important fish nursery area.
Modelling the Lost City hydrothermal field: influence of topography and permeability structure
Authors: Titarenko S. S. , McCaig A. M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe Lost City hydrothermal field (LCHF) is hosted in serpentinite at the crest of the Atlantis Massif, an oceanic core complex close to the mid‐Atlantic Ridge. It is remarkable for its longevity and for venting low‐temperature (40–91°C) alkaline fluids rich in hydrogen and methane. IODP Hole U1309D, 5 km north of the LCHF, penetrated 1415 m of gabbroic rocks and contains a near‐conductive thermal gradient close to 100°C km−1. This is remarkable so close to an active hydrothermal field. We present hydrothermal modelling using a topographic profile through the vent field and IODP site U1309. Long‐lived circulation with vent temperatures similar to the LCHF can be sustained at moderate permeabilities of 10−14 to 10−15 m2 with a basal heatflow of 0.22 W m−2. Seafloor topography is an important control, with vents tending to form and remain in higher topography. Models with a uniform permeability throughout the Massif cannot simultaneously maintain circulation at the LCHF and the near‐conductive gradient in the borehole, where permeabilities <10−16 m2 are required. A steeply dipping permeability discontinuity between the LCHF and the drill hole is required to stabilize venting at the summit of the massif by creating a lateral conductive boundary layer. The discontinuity needs to be close to the vent site, supporting previous inferences that high permeability is most likely produced by faulting related to the transform fault. Rapid increases in modelled fluid temperatures with depth beneath the vent agree with previous estimates of reaction temperature based on geochemical modelling.
The enigma of the clandestine association between chloroquine and HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Chauhan A , Tikoo A 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesThe antimalarial drug chloroquine (CQ) dampens the immune system and is used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. CQ also shows antiviral activity against nonenveloped and enveloped viruses, including HIV‐1. Persistent immune activation in chronic HIV‐1infection leads to CD4 T‐cell depletion. CQ is envisioned to attenuate immune activation and virus activity in HIV‐1‐infected patients. The role of CQ in immune activation and virus activity is discussed here.MethodsTo elucidate the effect of CQ on immune activation, a retrospective review of published clinical trials, in vivo experimental studies in animals, and the most relevant in vitro observations in HIV‐1‐infected cells, together with observations from our own laboratory studies, was carried out and the findings discussed.ResultsIn a few clinical studies and animal experiments, CQ was ineffective in decreasing immune activation and HIV‐1 infection. In vitro, CQ markedly increased HIV‐1 infection in astrocytes and other non‐CD4 cells.ConclusionsThe use of CQ in HIV‐1‐infected patients is questionable. The evidence for a dampening of immune activation by CQ is inconclusive.
Outcome of neuropsychiatric symptoms related to an antiretroviral drug following its substitution by nevirapine: the RELAX study
Authors: Pedrol E , Llibre JM , Tasias M , Currán A , Guardiola JM , Deig E , Guelar A , Martínez‐Madrid O , Tikhomirova L , Ramírez R ,   RELAX Study Group
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesThe primary objective was to evaluate the improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms attributed to an antiretroviral drug after that drug was substituted with nevirapine. The secondary objective was to evaluate the impact on patient adherence and quality of life.MethodsA prospective, observational study was carried out that included patients with HIV‐1 plasma suppression for whom an antiretroviral drug was substituted with nevirapine because of central nervous system (CNS) side effects, a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score > 5 or a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score ≥ 10, and who had not initiated psychoactive drug treatment during the prior 6 weeks. Evaluations were carried out at baseline and 1 and 3 months after the switch using the PSQI, HADS, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Medical Outcomes Study‐Short Form 30 items (MOS‐SF‐30) and Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ).ResultsA total of 129 patients were included in the study. The drug substituted was mainly efavirenz (89.9%), and reasons for the switch included sleep disturbances (75.2%), anxiety (65.1%), depression (38.7%), attention disturbances (31%), and other reasons (31%), with a mean of 2.4 neuropsychiatric disturbances per patient. A statistically significant improvement was observed in all the tests evaluating neuropsychiatric symptoms and adherence at 1 and 3 months. The CD4 lymphocyte count remained stable (P = 0.096). Three (2.3%) patients had a detectable plasma HIV‐1 RNA at the end of the study. Nine patients (6.9%) withdrew because of nevirapine‐related toxicity (rash in seven patients and hypertransaminasaemia in two patients, none of which were > grade 2).ConclusionsThe switch to nevirapine from a drug causing neuropsychiatric disturbances (primarily efavirenz) in subjects with virological suppression was effective in resolving those disturbances, with an improvement in all the parameters studied. This led to better adherence to treatment and quality of life, with no detrimental effect on their immunological and virological control.
Impact of smoking on the age at diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Subanalysis of the Japanese Urological Association multi‐institutional national database
Authors: Miyazaki Jun , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Ohyama Chikara , Koie Takuya , Hinotsu Shiro , Kikuchi Eiji , Sakura Mizuaki , Inokuchi Junichi , Hara Tomohiko ,   the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the influence of smoking history on the diagnosis and other tumor characteristics of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in Japan.MethodsA total of 1509 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who were diagnosed in 2005 from 348 Japanese institutions were registered using the multi‐institutional national database of the Japanese Urological Association and included in this analysis. Clinical data of the patients were collected in 2011. The associations between the patients’ self‐reported smoking history and their age at the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, sex, pathological T stage and tumor grade were analyzed.ResultsThe mean age at the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma was approximately 5 years earlier for the 238 current smokers than for the 618 current non‐smokers (P < 0.0001). Similar associations between smoking and the early diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma were shown in the sex subgroups and in subgroups stratified by pathological T stages. Among the current smokers, the age at diagnosis for the smoking ≥ 20 cigarettes per day group was 6.5 years lower than that of the < 20 cigarettes per day group, which was significantly different (P < 0.0001).ConclusionCurrent smoking is a significant risk factor for the earlier diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The finding is important from the perspective of both healthcare and medical economies.
Geographical pattern of isolation and diversification in karst habitat islands: a case study in the Primulina eburnea complex
Authors: Gao Yong , Ai Bin , Kong Hanghui , Kang Ming , Huang Hongwen 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify species boundaries as well as phylogenetic relationships among species of the Primulina eburnea complex, a rapidly diversifying group of edaphic specialists confined to karst habitat islands in southern China. We investigated patterns of genetic isolation and diversification in this complex.LocationLimestone karsts in southern China.MethodsWe analysed data from three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions and eight nuclear microsatellite loci, representing five closely related species in the P. eburnea complex sampled from 62 populations across its entire distributional range. We conducted a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, constructed maximum parsimony haplotype networks and assessed population genetic diversity, population differentiation and geographical structure within and between species.ResultsOf the 60 identified haplotypes, eight were shared between populations and only one was shared between species. Both cpDNA and the nuclear markers revealed a high level of population genetic differentiation and a strong phylogeographical structure. Four main genetic clusters were identified according to their geographical proximity, although geographical structuring differed slightly between the cpDNA and the nuclear loci. The pattern of genetic structure of both the cpDNA and microsatellite genomes can be explained by patterns of isolation by distance (IBD), across both the distribution of the complex and the populations of individual species.Main conclusionsThis is the first study to investigate geographical isolation and speciation in a clade associated with karst habitat islands in southern China. Geographically structured population differentiation of the P. eburnea complex suggests that divergence is mainly driven by genetic drift, with little evidence of gene flow. Allopatric speciation is the main mode of diversification in the group. These results highlight the importance of geographical isolation in promoting population differentiation in karst habitat islands.
Exaggerated Exercise Blood Pressure Response and Future Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tzemos Nikolaos , Lim Pitt O. , Mackenzie Isla S. , MacDonald Thomas M. 
Published: August 2015

Exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise predicts future hypertension. However, there is considerable lack of understanding regarding the mechanism of how this abnormal response is generated, and how it relates to the future establishment of cardiovascular disease. The authors studied 82 healthy male volunteers without cardiovascular risk factors. The participants were categorized into two age‐matched groups depending on their exercise systolic BP (ExSBP) rise after 3 minutes of exercise using a submaximal step test: exaggerated ExSBP group (hyper‐responders [peak SBP ≥180 mm Hg]) and low ExSBP responder group (hypo‐responders [peak SBP <180 mm Hg]). Forearm venous occlusion plethysmography and intra‐arterial infusions of acetylcholine (ACh), NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and norepinephrine (NE) were used to assess vascular reactivity. Proximal aortic compliance was assessed with ultrasound, and neurohormonal blood sampling was performed at rest and during peak exercise. The hyper‐responder group exhibited a significantly lower increase in forearm blood flow (FBF) with ACh compared with the hypo‐responder group (ΔFBF 215% [14] vs 332.3% [28], mean [standard error of the mean]; P<.001), as well as decreased proximal aortic compliance. The vasoconstrictive response to L‐NMMA was significantly impaired in the hyper‐responder group in comparison to the hypo‐responder group (ΔFBF −40.2% [1.6] vs −50.2% [2.6]; P<.05). In contrast, the vascular response to SNP and NE were comparable in both groups. Peak exercise plasma angiotensin II levels were significantly higher in the hyper‐responder group (31 [1] vs 23 [2] pg/mL, P=.01). An exaggerated BP response to exercise is related to endothelial dysfunction, decreased proximal aortic compliance, and increased exercise‐related neurohormonal activation, the constellation of which may explain future cardiovascular disease.
Correlation of 24‐Hour Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability to Renal Function Parameters in Hypertensive Patients. The Effect of Smoking
Authors: Liakos Charalampos I. , Karpanou Eva A. , Markou Maria I. , Grassos Charalampos A. , Vyssoulis Gregory P. 
Published: August 2015

Intrarenal hemodynamics depend on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and smoking. Although BP levels have been associated with kidney function, the effect of HR levels, BP, and HR variability on renal function are less well clarified. This cross‐sectional study sought to determine the association of 24‐hour BP and HR variability with kidney function in hypertensive patients, stratified by smoking. The study comprised 9600 nondiabetic, never‐treated hypertensive individuals without evident renal impairment examined from 1985 to 2014 (aged 53.3±13.4 years, 55.3% males). The 24‐hour systolic BP (SBP) and HR variability were estimated via their coefficient of variation (CV=standard deviation×100/mean value) derived from ambulatory recording. The CVSBP‐to‐CVHR ratio (CVR) was used as a marker of the interplay between 24‐hour SBP and HR variability. Renal function was estimated via 24‐hour urine creatinine clearance (CrCl), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR), and 24‐hour urine α1‐microglobulin. After adjustment for age, sex, and smoking, CVSBP was found to be weakly correlated to eGFR (r=−0.017, P=.1) and somewhat more strongly to CrCl, ACR, and α1‐microglobulin (r=−0.032, 0.072, and 0.065; P=.002, <.001 and <.001, respectively). CVHR was much better related to renal function, with stronger adjusted correlations to CrCl, eGFR, ACR, and α1‐microglobulin (r=0.185, 0.134, −0.306, −0.247; all P<.001, respectively). CVR also showed equally good adjusted correlations (r=−0.175, −0.125, 0.336, 0.262; all P<.001, respectively). Most adjusted correlations for CVHR and CVR were even better in smokers (r=0.213, 0.158, −0.332, −0.272 and −0.183, −0.118, 0.351, 0.275, respectively; all P<.001). CVHR and CVR emerge as better related to kidney function than CVSBP, especially in smokers. The correlation of CVHR and CVSBP to renal function is inverse to each other. ACR and α1‐microglobulin are better related to variability indices than CrCl and eGFR. However, causal relations cannot be proved.
Application of X‐ray microcomputed tomography in the characterization of irradiated nuclear fuel and material specimens
Authors: SILVA C.M. , SNEAD L.L. , HUNN J.D. , SPECHT E.D. , TERRANI K.A. , KATOH Y. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryX‐ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) was applied in characterizing the internal structures of a number of irradiated materials, including carbon‐carbon fibre composites, nuclear‐grade graphite and tristructural isotropic‐coated fuel particles. Local cracks in carbon‐carbon fibre composites associated with their synthesis process were observed with μCT without any destructive sample preparation. Pore analysis of graphite samples was performed quantitatively, and qualitative analysis of pore distribution was accomplished. It was also shown that high‐resolution μCT can be used to probe internal layer defects of tristructural isotropic‐coated fuel particles to elucidate the resulting high release of radioisotopes. Layer defects of sizes ranging from 1 to 5 μm and up could be isolated by tomography. As an added advantage, μCT could also be used to identify regions with high densities of radioisotopes to determine the proper plane and orientation of particle mounting for further analytical characterization, such as materialographic sectioning followed by optical and electron microscopy. In fully ceramic matrix fuel forms, despite the highly absorbing matrix, characterization of tristructural isotropic‐coated particles embedded in a silicon carbide matrix was accomplished using μCT and related advanced image analysis techniques.
Are GLP‐1 receptor agonists useful against traumatic brain injury?
Authors: Combs Colin K. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
image
This Editorial highlights a study by Li et al. (2015) in the current issue of J. Neurochem. The image depicts the hypothesized neuroprotective pathway that is proposed by the authors. Using a combination of SH‐SY5Y and primary rat neuron cultures the GLP‐1R agonist, Liraglutide, was shown to increase SH‐SY5Y proliferation and CREB phosphorylation correlating with reduced toxicity, preservation of Bcl2 protein levels, and decreased caspase 3 activity following glutamate or H2O2 stimulations. These in vitro observations correlated with a Liraglutide‐dependent improvement in memory performance in mice subjected to a mild TBI. Bcl2, B‐cell lymphoma 2; CREB, cAMP‐response element binding protein; GLP‐1R, glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor; TBI, traumatic brain injury; PKA, protein kinase A.
Impact of Spices and Wine‐Based Marinades on Tenderness, Fragmentation of Myofibrillar Proteins and Color Stability in Bovine Biceps Femoris Muscle
Authors: Istrati Daniela , Simion Ciuciu Ana‐Maria , Vizireanu Camelia , Ionescu Aurelia , Carballo Javier 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFresh beef slices were marinated by immersion in marinades based on dry red wine, lime‐tree honey, salt, spices and seasoning plants such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris), marjoram (Majorana hortensis), garlic (Allium sativum) and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). Once marinated, meat pieces were vacuum packed and stored at 4C for 12 days. Experimental data indicated that marination of bovine Biceps femoris muscle in wine‐based marinades with spices and seasoning plants addition significantly decreased (P < 0.05) cooking losses. A significant increase in tenderness (P < 0.05) was observed in the samples marinated compared with the control. The effect of marination on biceps femoris muscle was not significant (P > 0.05) on L*, a* and b* but significant on Mb (myoglobin), MMb (metmyoglobin) and MbO2 (oxymyoglobin) percentages. Electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins showed reduction of molecular weight and relative density (%) of some protein fractions for marinated samples compared with the control.Practical ApplicationsMeat quality can be defined as a combination of sensory characteristics and technological aspects, such as color, water‐holding capacity, cooking losses and texture. Marinades based on dry red wine, lime‐tree honey, salt, spices and seasoning plants might be used as a marinating agent for improving the tenderness of tough meat and decreasing cooking losses with no effect on meat color. It can be easily applied at household and industrial levels as an easy technique to improve meat tenderness. Improvement in tenderness will be of great value to both consumers and meat processors.
Price Effects of the Minimum Wage: A Survey Data Analysis for theGerman Construction Sector
Authors: Werner Thomas , Sell Friedrich L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractUtilizing the link between employment and price changes as a result of minimum wages, we use firm‐level data to evaluate the effect of minimum wage introduction in theGerman construction sector. In EastGermany we find significant positive price effects that exclude the possibility of rising employment. Rather, the results indicate the existence of a competitive sector‐specific labour market, and thus declining employment. In contrast, we cannot find any significant price reaction forWestGermany. This suggests that the implemented minimum wage inWestGermany is too low in comparison to the predominantly paid wages and is hence not binding.