bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consequences of detritus type in an aquatic microsystem: effects on water quality, micro‐organisms and performance of the dominant consumer
Authors: YEE DONALD A. , JULIANO STEVEN A. 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. Variation in detritus quality and quantity can have significant effects on aquatic invertebrate food webs. Allochthonous inputs of detritus are the principal energy source for organisms in aquatic tree hole microsystems. We compared the effects of two major detritus types found in tree holes, senescent leaves (Sugar Maple and White Oak) and invertebrate carcasses (dead adult fruit flies and crickets), on several water quality characteristics of laboratory microcosms as well as on mass, survival and population performance of the dominant tree hole consumer,Ochlerotatus triseriatus(Diptera: Culicidae). To date, no study has documented the effects of animal detritus in tree hole microsystems or on resident consumers.2. Aquatic environments receiving invertebrate carcasses had significantly greater total nitrogen, total reactive phosphorus and higher pH, than leaf‐based environments. Decay rate of invertebrate carcasses was greater compared to leaf material. Consumption of O2by micro‐organisms increased with increasing detritus amounts, but we detected no difference between detritus types.3.Ochlerotatus triseriatuslarvae grew faster in animal‐based treatments, and mean mass of larvae was significantly greater when more animal detritus was used. The effect of animal‐based treatments on larvae translated into higher performance for adults, which were three times heavier than counterparts from plant‐based containers. Survivorship and estimated population growth rates were significantly greater forO. triseriatusreared on animal‐based versus plant‐based detritus.4. We hypothesise two mechanisms for the pronounced effect of invertebrate carcasses on mosquito performance relative to that associated with leaf detritus: (i) invertebrate carcasses decompose more quickly and release nutrients more effectively into the aquatic environment; or (ii)O. triseriatuslarvae may directly ingest nutrient‐rich components of invertebrate carcasses. Because even relatively small animal detritus additions can have strong effects onO. triseriatuspopulations, studies need to be conducted to explore the overall role of animal detritus in tree holes in nature.
Effects of the 2003 heatwave and climatic warming on mollusc communities of the Saône: a large lowland river and of its two main tributaries (France)
Authors: MOUTHON JACQUES , DAUFRESNE MARTIN 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe study of the dynamics of mollusc populations of the Saône and its two main tributaries, the Doubs and Ognon, over several years has provided us with the opportunity of highlighting the consequences of climatic warming and especially of the heatwave of 2003 on these organisms. From 1987 to 2003, the mean temperature of the waters of the Saône upstream of Lyon (Couzon) increased by 1.5°C. In addition, the summer of 2003 was the hottest since 1500 at least. We used correspondence analysis to identify structure change in mollusc data dating from September 1996 to December 2004. The results revealed: (1) during the period from September 1996 to July 2003, a significant progressive change in the mollusc community structure of the Saône upstream of Lyon, probably linked to the increase of temperature; (2) from July to August 2003 during the heatwave, a sudden change in the structure of mollusc communities and a significant decrease of species richness and density of gastropods and bivalves. During 2004, mollusc density and particularly that of Pisidium remained dramatically low. Similar observations were performed at four other sites along the Saône and in the lower reaches of its two main tributaries. This suggests that the resilience of the mollusc populations (i.e., the speed with which they return to a predisturbance state) to the heatwave is low. In this way, as different climatic models have predicted an increase in the frequency of summers as hot as that of 2003 during this century, more than half the mollusc species currently inhabiting the potamic area of the Saône, Doubs and Ognon, and probably other large rivers, are probably directly threatened with extinction.
Inverse correlation between CD4+ regulatory T‐cell population and autoantibody levels in paediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Jyh‐Hong , Wang Li‐Chieh , Lin Yu‐Tsan , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Chiang Bor‐Luen 
Published: January 2006

SummaryCD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical in maintaining self‐tolerance and preventing organ‐specific autoimmunity. Their role in paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease characterized by inappropriate regulation of hyperactivated B and T cells, has not been clearly defined. Using flow cytometry to determine cell populations and real‐time polymerase chain reaction to assay mRNA expression for FOXP3, CTLA‐4, and GITR, we characterized CD4+ CD25+ T cells in paediatric SLE patients and healthy subjects. The frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs was significantly decreased in patients with active SLE compared with patients with inactive SLE and with controls (7·27% ± 2·50%, 9·59% ± 2·80% and 9·78% ± 2·11%, respectively; P = 0·027 and P < 0·001, respectively), and was inversely correlated with disease activity, as assessed with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 scores (r = −0·59, P = 0·001) and serum anti‐double‐stranded DNA levels (r = −0·65, P < 0·001). Our preliminary investigations found elevated surface expression of GITR in CD4+ CD25+ T cells, elevated mRNA expression of CTLA‐4 in CD4+ T cells and higher amounts of mRNA expression for FOXP3 in CD4+ cells in patients with active SLE compared with patients with inactive disease and controls. We demonstrated reduced CD4+ CD25+ Treg levels were inversely correlated with disease activity, indicating a defective Treg population in paediatric SLE patients. The differences in the expression of FOXP3, CTLA‐4 and GITR imply the possible role of CD4+ Tregs in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Ecological constraints on breeding system evolution: the influence of habitat on brood desertion in Kentish plover
Authors: KOSZTOLÁNYI ANDRÁS , SZÉKELY TAMÁS , CUTHILL INNES C. , YILMAZ K. TULUHAN , BERBEROǦLU SÜHA 
Published: January 2006

SummaryOne of the fundamental insights of behavioural ecology is that resources influence breeding systems. For instance, when food resources are plenty, one parent is able to care for the young on its own, so that the other parent can desert and became polygamous. We investigated this hypothesis in the context of classical polyandry when females may have several mates within a single breeding season, and parental duties are carried out largely by the male.We studied a precocial wader, the Kentish ploverCharadrius alexandrinus, that exhibits variable brood care such that the chicks may be raised by both parents, only by the female or, more often, only by the male. The timing of female desertion varies: some females desert their brood at hatching of the eggs and lay a clutch for a new mate, whereas other females stay with their brood until the chicks fledge. Kentish plovers are excellent organisms with which to study breeding system evolution, as some of their close relatives exhibit classical polyandry (Eurasian dotterelEudromias morinellus, mountain ploverCharadrius montanus), whereas others are polygynous (northern lapwingVanellus vanellus).Kentish plovers raised their broods in two habitats in our study site in southern Turkey: saltmarsh and lakeshore. Food intake was higher on the lakeshore than in the saltmarsh as judged from feeding behaviour of chicks and adults. As the season proceeded and the saltmarsh dried out, the broods moved toward the lakeshore.As the density of plovers increased on lakeshore, the parents spent more time defending their young, and female parents stayed with their brood longer on the lakeshore.We conclude that the influence of food abundance on breeding systems is more complex than currently anticipated. Abundant food resources appear to have profound implications on spatial distribution of broods, and the social interactions between broods constrain female desertion and polyandry.
Postinfectious gastroparesis related to autonomic failure: a case report
Authors: Lobrano A. , Blanchard K. , Abell T.l. , Minocha A. , Boone W. , Wyatt‐ashmead J. , Fratkin J. , Subramony C. , Wee A. , di Nardo G. , Barbara G. , Stanghellini V. , de Giorgio R. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract  Background and aim:  Severe dysautonomia may be secondary to viral infections, resulting in impaired autoimmune, cardiovascular, urinary and digestive dysfunction. Herein, we present a case of a 31‐year‐old white female patient who had severe gastroparesis related to autonomic failure following an episode of acute gastroenteritis. This seems to be the first report providing thorough assessment of the enteric and autonomic nervous system by analysis of full‐thickness small intestinal biopsies, cardiovagal testing and autopsy.Hospital course:  This patient affected by a severe gastroparesis was treated with antiemetics, prokinetics, analgesics and gastric electrical stimulation to control symptoms. Nutritional support was made using jejunal feeding tube and, in the final stage of disease, with total parenteral nutrition. Autonomic studies revealed minimal heart rate variability and a disordered Valsalva manoeuvre although the enteric nervous system and the smooth muscle layer showed a normal appearance. Hospital courses were complicated by episodes of bacteraemia and fungemia. Serum antiphospholipid antibodies were noted but despite anticoagulation, she developed a pulmonary embolism and shortly thereafter the patient died. Autopsy revealed acute haemorrhagic Candida pneumonia with left main pulmonary artery thrombus. Sympathetic chain analysis revealed decreased myelinated axons with vacuolar degeneration and patchy inflammation consistent with Guillain‐Barre syndrome. The evaluation of the enteric nervous system in the stomach and small bowel revealed no evidence of enteric neuropathy or myopathy.Conclusion:  A Guillain‐Barre‐like disease with gastroparesis following acute gastroenteritis is supported by physiological and autonomic studies with histological findings.
Sensitivity of Phytophthora infestans to flumorph: in vitro determination of baseline sensitivity and the risk of resistance
Authors: Yuan S. K. , Liu X. L. , Si N. G. , Dong J. , Gu B. G. , Jiang H. 
Published: January 2006

The sensitivity of 127 Phytophthora infestans isolates to flumorph was determined in 2003 and 2004. The isolates originated from two geographical regions and showed similar levels of sensitivity in both years. Baseline sensitivities were distributed as a unimodal curve with EC50 values for growth of mycelia ranging from 0·1016 to 0·3228 µg mL−1, with a mean of 0·1813 (± 0·0405) µg mL−1. There was no cross‐resistance between flumorph and metalaxyl. Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the risk of P. infestans developing resistance to flumorph. Mutants resistant to metalaxyl or flumorph were obtained by treating mycelium of wild‐type isolates with ultraviolet radiation. Metalaxyl‐resistant mutants were obtained with a high frequency and exhibited resistance factor values (EC50 resistant/EC50 sensitive phenotypes) of more than 100, while flumorph‐resistant mutants were obtained at much lower frequencies and had very small resistance factors (1·5–3·2). There was cross‐resistance between flumorph and dimethomorph, but not with azoxystrobin or cymoxanil. Most flumorph‐resistant mutants showed decreases in hyphal growth in vitro and in sporulation both in vitro and on detached leaf tissues. These studies suggested that the risk of resistance developing was much lower for flumorph than metalaxyl. However, as P. infestans is a high‐risk pathogen, appropriate precautions against resistance development should be taken.
cGMP modulates gene transcription and cation transport in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Maathuis Frans J. M. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe occurrence of the second messenger 3′,5′‐cyclic guanyl monophosphate (cGMP) has been shown in a number of plant species, including barley, tobacco and Arabidopsis. Physiological processes where cGMP signalling has been observed, or has been inferred, to play a role include chloroplast development, α‐amylase production in aleurone tissue, NO‐dependent expression of defence‐related genes and salt/osmotic stress. In most cases, it is unknown how cGMP exerts its effects and what the downstream targets are. A transcriptomics approach was therefore used to identify putative targets for cGMP signalling. Root exposure to 10 μm membrane permeable cGMP induced changes in abundance for many transcripts involved in metabolism, gene transcription, signalling and defence. In particular, monovalent cation transporters such as non‐selective ion channels and cation:proton antiporters were found to be affected in cGMP exposed roots. In addition, exposure to cGMP was found to modulate influx and efflux of the monovalent cations Na+ and K+.
Divergence of duplicated genes in maize: evolution of contrasting targeting information for enzymes in the porphyrin pathway
Authors: Williams Pascale , Hardeman Kristine , Fowler John , Rivin Carol 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe divergence of sequence and expression pattern of duplicated genes provides a means for genetic innovation to occur without sacrificing an essential function. The cpx1 and cpx2 genes of maize are a singular example of duplicated genes that have diverged by deletion and creation of protein targeting information. The cpx genes encode coproporphyrinogen III oxidase (‘coprogen oxidase’), which catalyzes a step in the synthesis of chlorophyll and heme. In plants, this enzyme has been found exclusively in the plastids. The cpx1 and cpx2 genes encode almost identical, catalytically active enzymes with distinctive N‐terminal peptide sequences. The cpx1 gene encodes the expected plastid transit peptide, but this region is deleted from the cpx2 gene. While the 5′ regions of both messenger RNAs are highly similar, the cpx2 gene has an open‐reading frame that could encode a new targeting signal. GFP fused with CPX1 localized to the plastids. In contrast, the GFP fusion with CPX2 did not target plastids and appeared to localize to mitochondria. Both cpx genes are expressed ubiquitously but, based on mutant phenotype, they seem to have discrete biological roles. Seedlings homozygous for a null mutation in the cpx1 gene completely lack chlorophyll and develop necrotic lesions in the light. However, the mutant seedlings and callus cultures will grow in tissue culture in the dark, implying that they retain a capacity to produce heme. We discuss models for the evolution of the cpx genes and possible roles of mitochondrion‐localized coprogen oxidase activity in maize.
Observations on the potential of microwaves for weed control
Authors: SARTORATO I , ZANIN G , BALDOIN C , DE ZANCHE C 
Published: January 2006

SummaryField tests of a prototype microwave‐based weed killer machine were conducted onAbutilon theophrasti,Panicum miliaceum, lucerne and oilseed rape pure stands. The approach can be considered a thermal weed control method, the microwave radiation causing dielectric heating of plant tissue water that eventually kills the plant. The method could overcome the limitations of other thermal methods, such as fire risk with flaming or the heavy loads required for hot water treatments. Species were effectively controlled by microwave irradiation, but their sensitivity and the evolution of damage symptoms over time differed. Lucerne showed no sigmoidal response and was the least affected by the treatment, while a log‐logistic curve expressed the dose–response relationships of the other species quite well. The estimated microwave dose for a 90% dry weight reduction ranged from 1015 kJ m−2inA. theophrastito 3433 kJ m−2inP. miliaceum. Energy cost evaluation indicated that increased efficiency is required for this technique to compete with other thermal methods. Microwave efficiency could be increased by a flux configuration that minimizes soil penetration and maximizes absorption by plants, which, in turn, depends on plant growth form.
Effect of growth medium, Striga seed burial distance and depth on efficacy of Fusarium isolates to control Striga hermonthica in Burkina Faso
Authors: YONLI D , TRAORÉ H , HESS D E , SANKARA P , SÉRÉMÉ P 
Published: January 2006

Summary Striga hermonthica is a destructive parasite of cereal crops in the semi‐arid tropical zone. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted at Kamboinsé, Burkina Faso, to investigate the effect of inoculum substrate and location of Striga seeds on the ability of 14 indigenous Fusarium isolates to control the parasite. In Expt 1, Fusarium isolates reduced emerged Striga number, Striga vigour and dry biomass. As a result, sorghum dry biomass and grain yield were enhanced. Inoculum substrate did not influence the ability of Fusarium isolates to control Striga. In Expt 2, Fusarium isolates, substrate and their interaction significantly influenced germination of Striga seeds at both 35 and 50 days after sowing. Isolates grown on compost were more effective at reducing germination of Striga seeds than those grown on chopped sorghum straw. The per cent germination of seeds 50 days after sowing, buried at 5 cm depth, was significantly lower than that of seeds buried at 10 cm. At 10 cm depth, Fusarium isolates still reduced Striga seed germination with respect to the control; horizontal planting distance, 5 or 10 cm from sorghum hills, had no effect.
Progressive macular hypomelanosis in Singapore: a clinico‐pathological study
Authors: Kumarasinghe Sujith Prasad W. , Tan Suat Hoon , Thng Steven , Thamboo Thomas Paulraj , Liang Shen , Lee Yoke Sun 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIntroduction  Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH), a condition of uncertain etiology, is characterized by asymptomatic hypopigmented macules predominantly located on the trunk. To date, there are no reports from South‐East Asia concerning this condition. We sought to record the clinical features of PMH in Asian patients, identify etiologic factors, and study the structural and ultrastructural features of melanocytes in this disorder.Methods  Patients who presented to the National Skin Center with acquired, hypopigmented macules on the trunk, without a history of inflammation or infection, were recruited. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), complete blood count, fasting blood glucose, liver function tests, skin scrapings for fungi, and skin biopsy specimens (from lesional and normal skin) were obtained. Biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Fontana Masson, an immunohistochemical panel for identification of melanocyte differentiation antibodies (HMB 45, Melan A, and S100) and CD 68. Electron microscopy (EM) was also performed. The patients were evaluated every 3 months.Results  During a 9 month period, eight patients (all Chinese) presented with hypopigmented, ill‐defined, confluent macules involving the lower aspect of the trunk. There were four men and four women, and the mean age was 25.9 years (range 19–45 years). Skin scrapings were negative for fungi and laboratory tests were normal.Microscopic evaluation of skin biopsy speciments showed reduced pigmentation of lesional as compared with normal appearing skin, but H&E‐stained sections revealed only minimal histologic differences between lesional and normal skin. EM demonstrated a statistically significant (P = 0.047, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Wilcoxon 95% CI 0.02–0.62) higher ratio of stage IV and late stage III (dark) melanosomes in normal vs. lesional skin.Conclusions  PMH may occur among young adults in Singapore. Its etiology is uncertain. The melanin content of lesional skin appears to be less than that in normal sites. EM shows a higher ratio of immature melanosomes in lesional vs. normal skin.
Parallel responses of species and genetic diversity to El Niño Southern Oscillation‐induced environmental destruction
Authors: Cleary Daniel F. R. , Fauvelot Cécile , Genner Martin J. , Menken Steph B. J. , Mooers Arne Ø. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSpecies diversity within communities and genetic diversity within species are two fundamental levels of biodiversity. Positive relationships between species richness and within‐species genetic diversity have recently been documented across natural and semi‐natural habitat islands, leading Vellend to suggest a novel macro‐ecological pattern termed the species‐genetic diversity correlation. We tested whether this prediction holds for areas affected by recent habitat disturbance using butterfly communities in east Kalimantan, Indonesia. Here, we show that both strong spatial and temporal correlations exist between species and allelic richness across rainforest habitats affected by El Niño Southern Oscillation‐induced disturbance. Coupled with evidence that changes in species richness are a direct result of local extirpation and lower recruitment, these data suggest that forces governing variation at the two levels operate over parallel and short timescales, with implications for biodiversity recovery following disturbance. Remnant communities may be doubly affected, with reductions in species richness being associated with reductions in genetic diversity within remnant species.
Insect predators affect plant resistance via density‐ and trait‐mediated indirect interactions
Authors: Griffin Celine A. M. , Thaler Jennifer S. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPredators can affect herbivores both through direct consumption (density‐mediated interactions) and by changing behavioural, physiological or morphological attributes of the prey (trait‐mediated interactions). These effects on the herbivore can in turn affect the plant through density‐ and trait‐mediated indirect interactions (DMIIs and TMIIs). While the effects of DMIIs and TMIIs imposed by predators has been shown to influence plant density and plant communities, we know little about the effects on plant quality. In addition, the DMII and TMII components of the predator may influence each other so that the total effect of the predator on the plant is not simply the sum of the DMII and TMII. We examined DMIIs and TMIIs between a stinkbug predator and a caterpillar, and show how these interactions affect plant quality, as measured by damage, resistance to herbivores, and a defence chemical, peroxidase. We used novel methods to estimate the independent and non‐additive contribution of DMIIs and TMIIs to the plant phenotype. Both predator‐induced DMIIs and TMIIs caused decreases in the amount of caterpillar herbivory on plants; a strong non‐additive effect between the two resulted from redundancy in their effects. TMIIs initiated by the predator were primarily responsible for a decrease in induced plant resistance. However, DMIIs predominated for reducing the production of peroxidase. These data demonstrate how DMIIs and TMIIs initiated by predators cascade through tri‐trophic interactions to affect plant damage and induced resistance.