bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping the local variability of Natura 2000 habitats with remote sensing
Authors: Feilhauer Hannes , Dahlke Carola , Doktor Daniel , Lausch Angela , Schmidtlein Sebastian , Schulz Gundula , Stenzel Stefanie 
Published: June 2014

AbstractQuestionsCan we map both discrete Natura 2000 habitat types and their floristic variability using multispectral remote sensing data? How do these data perform compared to full range imaging spectroscopy data? Which spectral and spatial characteristics of remote sensing data are important for accurate mapping of habitats and their variability?LocationA mire complex in Bavaria, southern Germany.MethodsTo compare the performance of imaging spectroscopy and multispectral remote sensing data, airborne spectroscopy data (AISA Dual) were spectrally and spatially resampled to the characteristics of two state‐of‐the‐art multispectral sensors (RapidEye and Sentinel‐2), resulting in three data sets with different spectral and spatial resolution. Based on the three data sets, we used a combination of field surveys, ordination techniques (non‐metric multidimensional scaling), as well as regression and classification techniques (Random Forests) to derive maps of the distribution of Natura 2000 habitat types and their compositional variability. Subsequently, we analysed effects of the spatial and spectral image resolution and spectral coverage on the mapping performance.ResultsMire habitat types and their floristic composition could be accurately mapped with multispectral remote sensing data. In the case of accentuated floristic differences between habitats, the fits of the models for the three sensors differed only marginally. These effects and the importance of the spatial resolution are discussed.ConclusionsThe results are encouraging and confirm that multispectral data may allow the combined mapping of discrete habitats and their local variability. Still, questions with respect to the transferability of the approach to habitat types with less pronounced spectral differences, and with regard to bridging the gap between fine‐scale vegetation records and coarse resolution imagery remain open.
Cognitive and psychophysiological correlates of disgust in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Whitton Alexis E. , Henry Julie D. , Grisham Jessica R. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesEvidence suggests that obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by heightened self‐reported disgust, however, it is unclear if this extends to physiology. The relationship between obsessive beliefs and disgust also remains poorly understood. Therefore, we examined whether the heightened trait and self‐reported disgust observed in individuals with OCD is reflected in heightened physiological disgust responses. We also examined whether obsessive beliefs are associated with disgust responding.DesignA 3 (group) × 6 (stimulus) repeated measures design was used to examine disgust responses in individuals with OCD to six categories of image stimuli: body waste, contamination, injury, sociomoral, neutral, negative non‐disgust.MethodsIndividuals with OCD (n = 25) were compared to individuals with non‐OCD anxiety disorders (n = 21) and healthy participants (n = 25) with respect to trait, self‐reported, facial electromyographic and electrodermal disgust responses.ResultsIndividuals with OCD showed greater disgust propensity and self‐reported disgust to images of body waste compared to healthy and anxious participants, however, there were no group differences in physiological responses. After controlling for trait disgust, obsessive beliefs positively correlated with increased self‐reported disgust to neutral images and increased levator labii activity to negative non‐disgusting images.ConclusionsAlthough individuals with OCD showed elevated disgust propensity and self‐reported ratings of body waste stimuli, there was little evidence that OCD is characterized by an abnormal physiological disgust response. The intensity of obsessive beliefs was associated with a tendency to respond with disgust in contexts that are non‐disgusting, indicating that obsessive beliefs may be implicated in pathological disgust.Practitioner points

Individuals with OCD display greater levels of disgust propensity and self‐reported disgust to images of body waste compared to healthy control participants and individuals with non‐OCD anxiety disorders.

The abnormalities in self‐reported disgust observed in those with OCD do not extend to abnormalities in electrodermal activity or facial electromyographic responses.

Maladaptive obsessive beliefs commonly associated with OCD predict heightened disgust in contexts where objective sources of disgust are absent, even after controlling for trait disgust.

Maladaptive obsessive beliefs may therefore be implicated in pathological disgust.

This study used a heterogeneous OCD sample and future research is needed to determine whether the observed effects are greater for those with primarily washing and contamination symptoms.

Although group differences emerged in self‐reported disgust, further replications using measures of state anxiety are needed to rule out the possibility that heightened self‐reported disgust was confounded with co‐occurring fear or general negative affect.
Evaluation of functional outcomes after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using renal scintigraphy: clamped vs clampless technique
Authors: Porpiglia Francesco , Bertolo Riccardo , Amparore Daniele , Podio Valerio , Angusti Tiziana , Veltri Andrea , Fiori Cristian 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo examine differences in postoperative renal functional outcomes when comparing clampless with conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) by using renal scintigraphy, and to identify the predictors of poorer postoperative renal functional outcomes after clampless LPN.Patients and MethodsBetween September 2010 and September 2012, 87 patients with renal masses suitable for LPN were prospectively enrolled in the study. From September 2010 to September 2011, LPN with renal artery clamping was performed and from September 2011 to September 2012 clampless LPN (no clamping of renal artery) was performed. Patients who underwent clampless LPN were unselected and consecutive, and the procedure was performed at the end of surgeon's learning curve. Patients were divided into two groups according to warm ischaemia time (WIT): group A, conventional LPN and group B, clampless‐LPN (WIT = 0 min). Demographic and peri‐operative data were collected and analysed and functional outcomes were evaluated using biochemical markers and renal scintigraphy at baseline and at 3 months after surgery. The percentage loss of renal function, evaluated according to renal scintigraphy, was calculated. Chi‐squared and Student's t‐tests were carried out and regression analysis was performed.ResultsGroup A was found to be similar to group B in all variables measured except for WIT and blood loss (P < 0.001). The percentage reduction in renal scintigraphy values was not significantly different between the groups (reductions of 5% in group A and 6% in group B for split renal function [SRF] and 12% in group A and 17% in group B for estimated renal plasmatic flow [ERPF]; P = 0.587 and P = 0.083, respectively). Multivariate analysis in group B showed that the lower the baseline values of SRF and ERPF, the poorer the postoperative functional outcome of the treated kidney.ConclusionsIn our experience, even clampless LPN was not found to be functionally harmless. The patients who benefitted most from a clampless approach were those with the poorest baseline renal function.
Specific regions display altered grey matter volume in μ‐opioid receptor knockout mice: MRI voxel‐based morphometry
Authors: Sasaki Kazumasu , Sumiyoshi Akira , Nonaka Hiroi , Kasahara Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Kazutaka , Hall F Scott , Uhl George R , Watanabe Masahiko , Kawashima Ryuta , Sora Ichiro 
Published: June 2014

Background and Purposeμ Opioid receptor knockout (MOP‐KO) mice display several behavioural differences from wild‐type (WT) littermates including differential responses to nociceptive stimuli. Brain structural changes have been tied to behavioural alterations noted in transgenic mice with targeting of different genes. Hence, we assess the brain structure of MOP‐KO mice.Experimental ApproachMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and histological methods were used to identify structural differences between extensively backcrossed MOP‐KO mice and WT mice.Key ResultsMOP‐KO mice displayed robust increases in regional grey matter volume in olfactory bulb, several hypothalamic nuclei, periaqueductal grey (PAG) and several cerebellar areas, most confirmed by VBM analysis. The largest increases in grey matter volume were detected in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus, ventrolateral PAG (VLPAG) and cerebellar regions including paramedian and cerebellar lobules. Histological analyses confirm several of these results, with increased VLPAG cell numbers and increased thickness of the olfactory bulb granule cell layer and cerebellar molecular and granular cell layers.Conclusions and ImplicationsMOP deletion causes previously undescribed structural changes in specific brain regions, but not in all regions with high MOP receptor densities (e.g. thalamus, nucleus accumbens) or that exhibit adult neurogenesis (e.g. hippocampus). Volume differences in hypothalamus and PAG may reflect behavioural changes including hyperalgesia. Although the precise relationship between volume change and MOP receptor deletion was not determined from this study alone, these findings suggest that levels of MOP receptor expression may influence a broader range of neural structure and function in humans than previously supposed.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Molecular basis of agonist docking in a human GPR103 homology model by site‐directed mutagenesis and structure–activity relationship studies
Authors: Neveu C , Dulin F , Lefranc B , Galas L , Calbrix C , Bureau R , Rault S , Chuquet J , Boutin J A , Guilhaudis L , Ségalas‐Milazzo I , Vaudry D , Vaudry H , Santos J Sopkova‐de Oliveira , Leprince J 
Published: June 2014

Background and PurposeThe neuropeptide 26RFa and its cognate receptor GPR103 are involved in the control of food intake and bone mineralization. Here, we have tested, experimentally, the predicted ligand‐receptor interactions by site‐directed mutagenesis of GPR103 and designed point‐substituted 26RFa analogues.Experimental ApproachUsing the X‐ray structure of the β2‐adrenoceptor, a 3‐D molecular model of GPR103 has been built. The bioactive C‐terminal octapeptide 26RFa(19–26), KGGFSFRF‐NH2, was docked in this GPR103 model and the ligand‐receptor complex was submitted to energy minimization.Key ResultsIn the most stable complex, the Phe‐Arg‐Phe‐NH2 part was oriented inside the receptor cavity, whereas the N‐terminal Lys residue remained outside. A strong intermolecular interaction was predicted between the Arg25 residue of 26RFa and the Gln125 residue located in the third transmembrane helix of GPR103. To confirm this interaction experimentally, we tested the ability of 26RFa and Arg‐modified 26RFa analogues to activate the wild‐type and the Q125A mutant receptors transiently expressed in CHO cells. 26RFa (10−6 M) enhanced [Ca2+]i in wild‐type GPR103‐transfected cells, but failed to increase [Ca2+]i in Q125A mutant receptor‐expressing cells. Moreover, asymmetric dimethylation of the side chain of arginine led to a 26RFa analogue, [ADMA25]26RFa(20–26), that was unable to activate the wild‐type GPR103, but antagonized 26RFa‐evoked [Ca2+]i increase.Conclusion and ImplicationsAltogether, these data provide strong evidence for a functional interaction between the Arg25 residue of 26RFa and the Gln125 residue of GPR103 upon ligand‐receptor activation, which can be exploited for the rational design of potent GPR103 agonists and antagonists.
Morphology, Diet and Flower‐visiting by Phyllostomid Bats in Cuba
Authors: Clairmont Lindsey , Mora Emanuel C. , Fenton Brock 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPollinator morphology can play an important role in structuring plant–pollinator relationships and a pollinator's morphology may be associated with aspects of its diet. We examined the relationship between morphology and the partitioning of flower‐based food resources for five species of flower‐visiting Cuban bats: Artibeus jamaicensis, Brachyphylla nana, Erophylla sezekorni, Monophyllus redmani and Phyllonycteris poeyi. We analyzed cranial traits and body size to assess differences among species with respect to morphological specializations. We also collected dietary data from guano and used acoustic monitoring to assess bat activity at flowers. We found evidence that bats partition floral resources, but we found no direct evidence that plants were limiting resources for the bats. Morphological similarity among bat species did not predict dietary overlap. Rather it was associated with phylogenic relationships among some species. Species with different morphological specialization for flower‐visiting consumed resources and visited food plants at different frequencies.
Genetic Diversity and Spatial Genetic Structure of an Epiphytic Bromeliad in Costa Rican Montane Secondary Forest Patches
Authors: Cascante‐Marín Alfredo , Oostermeijer Gerard , Wolf Jan , Fuchs Eric J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractInformation on genetic variation and its distribution in tropical plant populations relies mainly on studies of ground‐rooted species, while genetic information of epiphytic plants is still limited. Particularly, the effect of forest successional condition on genetic diversity and structure of epiphytes is scanty in the literature. We evaluated the genetic variation and spatial genetic structure of the epiphytic bromeliad Guzmania monostachia (Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae) in montane secondary forest patches in Costa Rica. The sampling design included plants on the same trees (i.e., populations), populations within forest patches and patches within secondary forest at two different successional stages (early vs. mid‐succession). Six microsatellites revealed low levels of population genetic variation (A = 2.06, AE = 1.61, HE = 0.348), a marked deficiency of heterozygotes (HO = 0.031) and high inbreeding (f = 0.908). Genetic differentiation was negligible among populations within the same forest patch, but moderate (GST = 0.123 ± 0.043) among forest patches. Genetic relatedness between individuals was significantly higher for plants located within the same forest patch and separated by <60 m and decreased as distance between plants increased, becoming significantly negative at distances >400 m. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed significant genetic variation between forest patches, but non‐significant variation between successional stages. The selfing breeding system and limited seed dispersal capabilities in G. monostachia could explain the observed levels and partitioning of genetic diversity at this geographic scale. However, these results also suggest that forest fragmentation is likely to influence the degree of local genetic structuring of epiphytic plants by limiting gene flow.
Latitudinal Variation in Termite Species Richness and Abundance along the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Hotspot
Authors: Cancello Eliana M. , Silva Rogério R. , Vasconcellos Alexandre , Reis Yana T. , Oliveira Luís M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the termites of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots in the world, in regularly spaced sites from 7° S to 27° S latitude. To our knowledge, this is the only report of a latitudinal survey of termites at species level performed with a standardized sampling protocol. We evaluate termite diversity and abundance, and describe patterns of species composition based on feeding groups along the latitudinal gradient. We also describe the relative contribution of environmental variables to explain diversity patterns. Termite assemblages were investigated by standardized surveys at 15 Atlantic Forest sites, on six transects divided into five sections of 10 m², with 30 sections per site (or 300 m²/site), which were investigated by one trained person for one hour. Observed species richness and abundance were negatively correlated with latitude. The influence of latitude was explained mainly by variables related to temperature, precipitation and ambient energy (potential evapotranspiration). Our results also suggest that temperature exerts a greater constraint on Atlantic Forest termites than productivity, because ambient productivity increases with latitude in this forest but termite diversity decreases. Termite species richness in the Atlantic Forest showed a different pattern than those described for other organisms, increasing in diversity where the coastal‐forest strip narrows. Overall, our results indicate comparatively high termite species richness at northeastern sites and a significant impoverishment of termite assemblages in the southeastern and southern regions of the Atlantic Forest.
White‐handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) Core Area Use Over a Short‐Time Scale
Authors: Asensio Norberto , Brockelman Warren Y. , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Reichard Ulrich H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCore areas represent small regions within animal home‐ranges intensively used during a given period of time. We assessed the quality of core areas relative to the rest of the home‐ranges (i.e., non‐core areas) of 11 groups of the territorial and highly frugivorous white‐handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) over a short‐time scale to reflect temporarily available resources. Weekly core areas included consistently higher densities of the gibbons' important foods compared to non‐core areas. Gibbon core areas partially overlapped at 46 percent with a model comprising the best hypothetical core areas based on a concentration map of available food sources. In addition, a maximization ratio estimated by dividing the cumulative dbh covered by gibbon core areas and the model reached an intermediate value. Gibbon core areas only partially mirrored food distribution probably because they represent a trade‐off between covering regions with important food locations and areas needed for other biologically relevant activities such as territory defense. Results do not support the concept that core areas can represent the minimum area requirement that would allow a gibbon group to survive and reproduce successfully irrespective of the time period considered, which indicates that core areas alone should not be treated as a conservation target.
Seasonal Change of Species Diversity Patterns of Non‐volant Small Mammals along Three Subtropical Elevational Gradients
Authors: Wen Zhixin , Wu Yongjie , Du Yuanbao , Xia Lin , Ge Deyan , Yang Qisen , Chen Limin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOur understanding of geographic patterns of species diversity and the underlying mechanisms is increasing rapidly, whereas the temporal variation in these patterns remains poorly understood. We examined the seasonal species richness and species turnover patterns of non‐volant small mammals along three subtropical elevational gradients in southwest China. Small mammal diversity was surveyed in two seasons (early wet season and late wet season) using a standardized sampling protocol. The comparison of species richness patterns between two seasons indicated a temporal component in magnitude and shape, with species richness at high elevations clearly increased during the late wet season. Species richness demonstrated weak correlations with modelled temperature and precipitation. The elevational pattern of species turnover measured by Chao‐Sørenson similarity index also changed seasonally, even though the temporal pattern varied with scale. Species turnover between neighboring elevations at high elevations was slower in the late wet season. Meanwhile, there was an acceleration of species turnover along the whole range of the gradient. The seasonal change in species diversity patterns may be due to population‐level increases in abundance and elevational migration, whereas seasonal variation in factors other than temperature and precipitation may play a greater role in driving seasonal diversity patterns. Our study strongly supports the seasonality in elevational patterns of small mammal diversity in subtropical montane forests. Thus it is recommended that subsequent field surveys consider temporal sampling replicate for elevational diversity studies.
Targeting Dormant Tuberculosis Bacilli: Results for Molecules with a Novel Pyrimidone Scaffold
Authors: Joshi Rohit R. , Barchha Avinash , Khedkar Vijay M. , Pissurlenkar Raghuvir R. S. , Sarkar Sampa , Sarkar Dhiman , Joshi Rohini R. , Joshi Ramesh A. , Shah Anamik K. , Coutinho Evans C. 
Published: June 2014

Our inability to completely control TB has been due in part to the presence of dormant mycobacteria. This also renders drug regimens ineffective and is the prime cause of the appearance of drug‐resistant strains. In continuation of our efforts to develop novel antitubercular agents that especially target dormant mycobacteria, a set of 55 new compounds belonging to the pyrimidone class were designed on the basis of CoMFA and CoMSIA studies, and these were synthesized and subsequently tested against both the dormant and virulent BCG strain of M. tuberculosis. Some novel compounds have been identified which selectively inhibit the dormant tuberculosis bacilli with significantly low IC50 values. This study reports the second molecule after TMC‐207, having the ability to inhibit tuberculosis bacilli exclusively in its dormant phase. The synthesis was accomplished by a modified multicomponent Biginelli reaction. A classification model was generated using the binary QSAR approach – recursive partitioning (RP) to identify structural characteristics related to the activity. Physicochemical, structural, topological, connectivity indices, and E‐state key descriptors were used for generation of the decision tree. The decision tree could provide insights into structure–activity relationships that will guide the design of more potent inhibitors.
Longitudinal Relations Among Parents' Reactions to Children's Negative Emotions, Effortful Control, and Math Achievement in Early Elementary School
Authors: Swanson Jodi , Valiente Carlos , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Bradley Robert H. , Eggum‐Wilkens Natalie D. 
Published: June 2014

Panel mediation models and fixed‐effects models were used to explore longitudinal relations among parents' reactions to children's displays of negative emotions, children's effortful control (EC), and children's math achievement (N = 291; M age in fall of kindergarten = 5.66 years, SD = .39 year) across kindergarten through second grade. Parents reported their reactions and children's EC. Math achievement was assessed with a standardized achievement test. First‐grade EC mediated the relation between parents' reactions at kindergarten and second‐grade math achievement, beyond stability in constructs across study years. Panel mediation model results suggested that socialization of EC may be one method of promoting math achievement in early school; however, when all omitted time‐invariant covariates of EC and math achievement were controlled, first‐grade EC no longer predicted second‐grade math achievement.