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2014-07-29

Putin may have passed point of no-return over Ukraine

2014-07-29

Evolution in rainforest flies points to climate change survival

2014-07-29

Microscopic rowing -- without a cox

2014-07-29

University of Maryland Schools of Dentistry and Medicine receive NIH grant

2014-07-29

Unique images bring fossil insects back to life

2014-07-29

Antioxidant potential of Sutherlandia frutescens and its protective effects against oxidative stress in various cell cultures

2014-07-29

Webcam Captures 100 Endangered Baby Turtles Hatching in Florida

2014-07-29

Effect of chromosomal reorganizations on morphological covariation of the mouse mandible: insights from a Robertsonian system of

Frontiers in Zoology - Latest articles
	IntroductionMorphological integration and modularity depend on genetic covariation between traits, which emerges from pleiotropic effects of single loci and genetic linkage between loci. Since chromosomal reorganizations alter meiotic recombination, they might modify groups of linked genes and entail the fixation of new alleles with new pleiotropic effects. As a result, they could contribute to the intraspecific variation of the covariance structure of morphological traits. Although the mouse mandible has long been studied in terms of development and evolution, little is known about how its covariance structure varies in natural populations with chromosomal reorganizations. Consequently, here we analyzed the magnitude and patterns of morphological covariation of mandible shape in groups of mice with different karyotypes from a Robertsonian system of Mus musculus domesticus.Results:The organization of the mouse mandible into two main modules was confirmed in all chromosomal groups, since RV coefficients for the corresponding subdivision of landmarks were always significant. However, substantial variation in the magnitude of integration was detected between groups, especially when the effect of allometry was not removed. A significant positive correlation between differences in magnitude of integration of the symmetric component of shape and karyotypic distances between groups was detected when not correcting for size. Moreover, the degree of dependence of symmetric shape variation on size showed a negative association with the chromosome number and a positive association with the magnitude of integration. All groups showed similar patterns of morphological integration of the mandible, especially regarding the symmetric component of shape. However, the display of landmark displacements and the computation of vector angles highlighted some differences. In addition, distances between groups in terms of covariation matrices of the symmetric component were positively correlated with geographic distance.Conclusions:Robertsonian translocations do not alter the organization of the mouse mandible into two main modules, but do affect the magnitude of integration between them. This effect is mainly due to changes in the allometric relationship. In the ‘Barcelona’ Robertsonian system, geographically structured sources of variation seem to affect the patterns of integration by producing parallel variation in separate developmental pathways. Overall, our results suggest that Robertsonian translocations could play a role in intraspecific differentiation processes by producing changes in the covariance structure of morphological traits.
	Keywords: Apodemus flavicollis, Mus musculus domesticus

2014-07-29

New route to identify drugs that can fight bacterial infections

2014-07-29

Origins of Mysterious World Trade Center Ship Revealed

2014-07-29

7 Absolutely Horrible Head Infections

2014-07-29

The Five Most Poisonous Substances: From Polonium to Mercury

2014-07-29

Proteomic analysis of fibroblastema formation in regenerating hind limbs of Xenopus laevis froglets and comparison to axolotl

2014-07-29

Red Lobster tries to boost sales by going fancy

2014-07-29

A SNP in intron 8 of CD46 causes a novel transcript associated with mastitis in Holsteins

2014-07-29

Endogenous small-noncoding RNAs and their roles in chilling response and stress acclimation in Cassava

BMC Genomics - Latest articles
	Background:Small noncoding RNA (sncRNA), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and endogenous small-interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs) are key gene regulators in eukaryotes, playing critical roles in plant development and stress tolerance. Trans-acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs), which are secondary siRNAs triggered by miRNAs, and siRNAs from natural antisense transcripts (nat-siRNAs) are two well-studied classes of endo-siRNAs.Results:In order to understand sncRNAs' roles in plant chilling response and stress acclimation, we performed a comprehensive study of miRNAs and endo-siRNAs in Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a major source of food for the world populations in tropical regions. Combining Next-Generation sequencing and computational and experimental analyses, we profiled and characterized sncRNA species and mRNA genes from the plants that experienced severe and moderate chilling stresses, that underwent further severe chilling stress after chilling acclimation at moderate stress, and that grew under the normal condition. We also included castor bean (Ricinus communis) in our study to understand conservation of sncRNAs. In addition to known miRNAs, we identified 32 (22 and 10) novel miRNAs as well as 47 (26 and 21) putative secondary siRNA-yielding and 8 (7 and 1) nat-siRNA-yielding candidate loci in Cassava and castor bean, respectively. Among the expressed sncRNAs, 114 miRNAs, 12 ta-siRNAs and 2 nat-siRNAs showed significant expression changes under chilling stresses.Conclusion:Systematic and computational analysis of microRNAome and experimental validation collectively showed that miRNAs, ta-siRNAs, and possibly nat-siRNAs play important roles in chilling response and chilling acclimation in Cassava by regulating stress-related pathways, e.g. Auxin signal transduction. The conservation of these sncRNA might shed lights on the role of sncRNA-mediated pathways affected by chilling stress and stress acclimation in Euphorbiaceous plants.
	Keywords: Manihot esculenta, Ricinus communis

2014-07-29

The intermediate expression of CCRL1 reveals novel subpopulations of medullary thymic epithelial cells that emerge in the postnatal thymus

2014-07-29

Langerhans cells promote early germinal center formation in response to Leishmaniaâ€derived cutaneous antigens

2014-07-29

Stress-tolerant tomato relative sequenced

2014-07-29

Social Octopus Species Shatters Beliefs About Ocean Dwellers

2014-07-29

Effective inhibition of melanoma tumorigenesis and growth via a new complex vaccine based on NY-ESO-1-alum-polysaccharide-HH2

2014-07-29

Functional characterization of probiotic surface layer protein-carrying Lactobacillus amylovorus strains

BMC Microbiology - Latest articles
	Background:Adhesiveness to intestinal epithelium, beneficial immunomodulating effects and the production of pathogen-inhibitory compounds are generally considered as beneficial characteristics of probiotic organisms. We showed the potential health-promoting properties and the mechanisms of probiotic action of seven swine intestinal Lactobacillus amylovorus isolates plus the type strain (DSM 20531T) by investigating their adherence to porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-1) and mucus as well as the capacities of the strains to i) inhibit the adherence of Escherichia coli to IPEC-1 cells, ii) to produce soluble inhibitors against intestinal pathogens and iii) to induce immune signaling in dendritic cells (DCs). Moreover, the role of the L. amylovorus surface (S) -layers - symmetric, porous arrays of identical protein subunits present as the outermost layer of the cell envelope - in adherence to IPEC-1 cells was assessed using a novel approach which utilized purified cell wall fragments of the strains as carriers for the recombinantly produced S-layer proteins.Results:Three of the L. amylovorus strains studied adhered to IPEC-1 cells, while four strains inhibited the adherence of E. coli, indicating additional mechanisms other than competition for binding sites being involved in the inhibition. None of the strains bound to porcine mucus. The culture supernatants of all of the strains exerted inhibitory effects on the growth of E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Yersinia, and a variable, strain-dependent induction was observed of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in human DCs. L. amylovorus DSM 16698 was shown to carry two S-layer-like proteins on its surface in addition to the major S-layer protein SlpA. In contrast to expectations, none of the major S-layer proteins of the IPEC-1 -adhering strains mediated bacterial adherence.Conclusions:We demonstrated adhesive and significant pathogen inhibitory efficacies among the swine intestinal L. amylovorus strains studied, pointing to their potential use as probiotic feed supplements, but no independent role could be demonstrated for the major S-layer proteins in adherence to epithelial cells. The results indicate that many intestinal bacteria may coexist with and confer benefits to the host by mechanisms not attributable to adhesion to epithelial cells or mucus.
	Keywords: Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Listeria amylovorus, Salmonella

2014-07-29

Assembly and Multiple Gene Expression of Thermophilic Enzymes in Escherichia coli for In Vitro Metabolic Engineering

2014-07-29

A review of the effects of artemether-lumefantrine on gametocyte carriage and disease transmission

Malaria Journal - Latest articles
	While significant advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of malaria in recent years, these successes continue to fall short of the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for malaria control and elimination. For elimination strategies to be effective, limited disease transmission, achieved through rapid reduction in the infectious parasite reservoir and decreased gametocyte carriage, will be critical. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) forms the cornerstone of WHO-recommended treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and in combination with other effective interventions will undoubtedly play a vital role in elimination programmes. The gametocytocidal properties of artemisinins are a bonus attribute; there is epidemiological evidence of reductions in malaria incidence and transmission in African regions since the introduction of these agents. Many studies and analyses have specifically investigated the effects of the ACT, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) on gametocyte carriage. In this systematic review of 62 articles published between 1998 and January 2014, the effects of AL on gametocyte carriage and malaria transmission are compared with other artemisinin-based anti-malarials and non-ACT. The impact of AL treatment of asymptomatic carriers on population gametocyte carriage, and the potential future role of AL in malaria elimination initiatives are also considered. Despite the inherent difficulties in comparing data from a range of different studies that also utilized different diagnostic approaches to assess baseline gametocyte counts, the gametocytocidal effect of AL was proportionately consistent across the studies reviewed, suggesting that AL will continue to play a vital role in the treatment of malaria and contribute to clearing the path towards malaria elimination. However, the specific place of AL is the subject of much ongoing research and will undoubtedly be dependent on different demographic and geographical scenarios. Utilizing ACT, such as AL, within malaria elimination strategies is also associated with a number of other challenges, such as balancing potential increased use of ACT (e g, treatment of asymptomatic carriers and home-based treatment) with rational use and avoidance of drug resistance development.
	Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum

2014-07-29

Circumnutation Tracker: novel software for investigation of circumnutation

2014-07-29

Far‐red light (720 or 740 nm) improves growth and changes the chemical composition of Chlorella vulgaris

2014-07-29

Morphometric Study of Phylogenetic and Ecologic Signals in Procyonid (Mammalia: Carnivora) Endocasts

2014-07-29

Is preference a predictor of enrichment efficacy in Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis nigra)?

Zoo Biology
	It is widely acknowledged that environmental enrichment plays an important role in promoting the welfare of captive animals. However, a topic of debate is whether an animal's preference for an enrichment strategy is any indicator of its efficacy. In addition, relatively few studies have evaluated environmental enrichment strategies for non‐mammalian species. In the present study, we compared the results of an observational evaluation of enrichment efficacy with the results of a paired‐stimulus preference assessment for three Galapagos tortoises. In the observational study, object enrichment (boomer balls and a free‐flowing sprinkler) and keeper interactions (shell scrubbing and neck rubbing) were evaluated systematically for their effects on locomotion, species‐typical behavior, aggressive and non‐aggressive conspecific interactions, and enclosure. Preference assessments were subsequently conducted in which subjects could choose the enrichment strategy to be implemented. All subjects preferred keeper interactions consistently over object enrichment. Our results suggest that enrichment preference was a variable predictor of efficacy across enrichment species‐typical behavior, activity levels, enclosure use, and aggressive and non‐aggressive conspecific interactions strategies. Preference predicted efficacy for promoting species‐typical behavior (1/3 subjects), activity levels (2/3 subjects), and enclosure use (2/3 subjects), but not conspecific interactions (0/3 subjects). The results suggest that preference may be an efficient predictor of enrichment efficacy when daily observational evaluations are not practical; however, the predictive utility of preference assessments may depend on the behavioral goal of the enrichment strategy. We discuss the need for future research examining the relationship between preference and enrichment efficacy—as well as other potential indicators of enrichment effectiveness—in captive animals. Zoo Biol. 9999:1–10, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
	Keywords: Chelonoidis nigra

2014-07-29

Crystal structure of the lytic CHAPK domain of the endolysin LysK from Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage K

Virology Journal - Latest articles
	Background:Bacteriophages encode endolysins to lyse their host cell and allow escape of their progeny. Endolysins are also active against Gram-positive bacteria when applied from the outside and are thus attractive anti-bacterial agents. LysK, an endolysin from staphylococcal phage K, contains an N-terminal cysteine-histidine dependent amido-hydrolase/peptidase domain (CHAPK), a central amidase domain and a C-terminal SH3b cell wall-binding domain. CHAPK cleaves bacterial peptidoglycan between the tetra-peptide stem and the penta-glycine bridge.Methods:The CHAPK domain of LysK was crystallized and high-resolution diffraction data was collected both from a native protein crystal and a methylmercury chloride derivatized crystal. The anomalous signal contained in the derivative data allowed the location of heavy atom sites and phase determination. The resulting structures were completed, refined and analyzed. The presence of calcium and zinc ions in the structure was confirmed by X-ray fluorescence emission spectroscopy; zymogram analysis was performed on the enzyme and selected site-directed mutants.Results:The structure of CHAPK revealed a papain-like topology with a hydrophobic cleft, where the catalytic triad is located. Ordered buffer molecules present in this groove may mimic the peptidoglycan substrate. When compared to previously solved CHAP domains, CHAPK contains an additional lobe in its N-terminal domain, with a structural calcium ion, coordinated by residues Asp45, Asp47, Tyr49, His51 and Asp56. The presence of a zinc ion in the active site was also apparent, coordinated by the catalytic residue Cys54 and a possible substrate analogue. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to demonstrate that residues involved in calcium binding and of the proposed active site were important for enzyme activity.Conclusions:The high-resolution structure of the CHAPK domain of LysK was determined, suggesting the location of the active site, the substrate-binding groove and revealing the presence of a structurally important calcium ion. A zinc ion was found more loosely bound. Based on the structure, we propose a possible reaction mechanism. Future studies will be aimed at co-crystallizing CHAPK with substrate analogues and elucidating its role in the complete LysK protein. This, in turn, may lead to the design of site-directed mutants with altered activity or substrate specificity.
	Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus

2014-07-29

The tumor marker Fascin is induced by the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded oncoprotein LMP1 via NF-�B in lymphocytes and contributes to their invasive migration

Cell Communication and Signaling - Latest articles
	Background:The actin-bundling protein Fascin (FSCN1) is a tumor marker that is highly expressed in numerous types of cancer including lymphomas and is important for migration and metastasis of tumor cells. Fascin has also been detected in B lymphocytes that are freshly-infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), however, both the inducers and the mechanisms of Fascin upregulation are still unclear.Results:Here we show that the EBV-encoded oncoprotein latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), a potent regulator of cellular signaling and transformation, is sufficient to induce both Fascin mRNA and protein in lymphocytes. Fascin expression is mainly regulated by LMP1 via the C-terminal activation region 2 (CTAR2). Block of canonical NF-κB signaling using a chemical inhibitor of IκB kinase β (IKKβ) or cotransfection of a dominant-negative inhibitor of IκBα (NFKBIA) reduced not only expression of p100, a classical target of the canonical NF-κB-pathway, but also LMP1-induced Fascin expression. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of IKKβ reduced both Fascin mRNA and protein levels in EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines, indicating that canonical NF-κB signaling is required for LMP1-mediated regulation of Fascin both in transfected and transformed lymphocytes. Beyond that, chemical inhibition of IKKβ significantly reduced invasive migration of EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells through extracellular matrix. Transient transfection experiments revealed that Fascin contributed to LMP1-mediated enhancement of invasive migration through extracellular matrix. While LMP1 enhanced the number of invaded cells, functional knockdown of Fascin by two different small hairpin RNAs resulted in significant reduction of invaded, non-attached cells.Conclusions:Thus, our data show that LMP1-mediated upregulation of Fascin depends on NF-κB and both NF-κB and Fascin contribute to invasive migration of LMP1-expressing lymphocytes.
	Keywords: Gammaherpesvirinae

2014-07-29

Identifying USPs regulating immune signals in

Cell Communication and Signaling - Latest articles
	Background:Rapid activation of innate immune defences upon microbial infection depends on the evolutionary conserved NF-κB dependent signals which deregulation is frequently associated with chronic inflammation and oncogenesis. These signals are tightly regulated by the linkage of different kinds of ubiquitin moieties on proteins that modify either their activity or their stability. To investigate how ubiquitin specific proteases (USPs) orchestrate immune signal regulation, we created and screened a focused RNA interference library on Drosophila NF-κB-like pathways Toll and Imd in cultured S2 cells, and further analysed the function of selected genes in vivo.Results:We report here that USP2 and USP34/Puf, in addition to the previously described USP36/Scny, prevent inappropriate activation of Imd-dependent immune signal in unchallenged conditions. Moreover, USP34 is also necessary to prevent constitutive activation of the Toll pathway. However, while USP2 also prevents excessive Imd-dependent signalling in vivo, USP34 shows differential requirement depending on NF-κB target genes, in response to fly infection by either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. We further show that USP2 prevents the constitutive activation of signalling by promoting Imd proteasomal degradation. Indeed, the homeostasis of the Imd scaffolding molecule is tightly regulated by the linkage of lysine 48-linked ubiquitin chains (K48) acting as a tag for its proteasomal degradation. This process is necessary to prevent constitutive activation of Imd pathway in vivo and is inhibited in response to infection. The control of Imd homeostasis by USP2 is associated with the hydrolysis of Imd linked K48-ubiquitin chains and the synergistic binding of USP2 and Imd to the proteasome, as evidenced by both mass-spectrometry analysis of USP2 partners and by co-immunoprecipitation experiments.Conclusion:Our work identified one known (USP36) and two new (USP2, USP34) ubiquitin specific proteases regulating Imd or Toll dependent immune signalling in Drosophila. It further highlights the ubiquitin dependent control of Imd homeostasis and shows a new activity for USP2 at the proteasome allowing for Imd degradation. This study provides original information for the better understanding of the strong implication of USP2 in pathological processes in humans, including cancerogenesis.
	Keywords: Drosophila immune, Drosophila melanogaster, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus cloacae, Enterococcus coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2014-07-29

Artemisia annua L.: evidence of sesquiterpene lactones' fraction antinociceptive activity

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Latest articles
	Background:Artemisia annua L. has been used for many centuries in Chinese traditional medicine. Artemisinin, the active principle was first isolated and identified in the 1970s becoming the global back bone to the fight against malaria. Our research group previously developed an economic and ecological friendly process to obtain this compound. In the pursuit to also exploit the residue generated throughout the process we further evaluated the pharmacological potential of that extract.Methods:The alcoholic crude extract after artemisinin precipitation maintained an enriched sesquiterpene lactones content with residue artemisinin (1.72%) and deoxyartemisinin (0.31%), used as chemical markers for this sample. This study evaluated the pharmacological potential of the enriched sesquiterpene lactone fraction (Lac-FR) on different nociceptive and inflammatory experimental animal models. Previous findings on the biological properties of lactones obtained from natural products permitted us to explore the antinociceptive activities of these compounds based on in vivo chemical-induced behavioral assays.Results:The enriched sesquiterpene lactone fraction (Lac-FR) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection producing a relevant reduction in the reaction time of the animals in both phases of the formalin test, significantly reduced the sensitivity to mechanical allodynia stimulus, reduced the paw edema caused by carrageenan injection and promoted high antinociceptive activity in tail flick model suggesting relationship with the opioid system. Further studies are being undertaken to elucidate the active components involved with the antinociceptive activity as well as evaluation of synergy effect that is seen by combination of substances that is greater than would be expected from consideration of individual contributions.Conclusion:For the first time, results presented herein provided consistent data to support the potential use of these lactones for pain relief as revealed by chemical-induced nociception assays in mice.
	Keywords: Artemisia annua

2014-07-29

The potential role of GLUT4 transporters and insulin receptors in the hypoglycaemic activity of Ficus lutea acetone leaf extract

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Latest articles
	Background:Some Ficus species have been used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of diabetes. The antidiabetic potential of certain species has been confirmed in vivo but the mechanism of activity remains uncertain.The aim was to investigate the hypoglycaemic potential of ten Ficus species focussing on glucose uptake, insulin secretion and the possible mechanism of hypoglycaemic activity.Methods:The dried and ground leaves of ten Ficus species were extracted with acetone. The dried acetone extract was reconstituted with DMSO to a concentration of 100 mg/ml which was then serially diluted and used to assay for glucose uptake in muscle, fat and liver cells, and insulin secretion in pancreatic cells.Results:Only the F. lutea extract was able to modulate glucose metabolism. In comparison to insulin in the primary muscle cells, the glucose uptake ability of the extract was 33% as effective. In the hepatoma cell line, the extract was as effective as metformin in decreasing extracellular glucose concentration by approximately 20%. In the pancreatic insulin secretory assay, the extract was 4 times greater in its secretory activity than commercial glibenclamide. With F. lutea extract significantly increasing glucose uptake in the primary muscle cells, primary fat cells, C2C12 muscle and H-4-II-E liver cells, the extract may act by increasing the activity of cell surface glucose transporters. When the 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were compared to the primary muscle, primary fat and C2C12 cells, the differences in the former's ability to transport glucose into the cell is due to the absence of the GLUT4 transporter, which on activation via the insulin receptor decreases extracellular glucose concentrations. Because the pre-adipocytes failed to show any active increase in glucose uptake, the present effect has to be linked to the absence of the GLUT4 transporter.Conclusion:Only F. lutea possessed substantial in vitro activity related to glucose metabolism. Based on the effect produced in the various cell types, F. lutea also appears to be a partial agonist/antagonist of the insulin cell membrane receptor. While the clinical effectiveness of F. lutea is not known, this plant species does possess the ability to modify glucose metabolism.
	Keywords: Ficus lutea

2014-07-29

Evaluating Multispecies Landscape Connectivity in a Threatened Tropical Mammal Community

Conservation Biology
	Habitat corridors are important tools for maintaining connectivity in increasingly fragmented landscapes, but generally they have been considered in single‐species approaches. Corridors intended to facilitate the movement of multiple species could increase persistence of entire communities, but at the likely cost of being less efficient for any given species than a corridor intended specifically for that species. There have been few tests of the trade‐offs between single‐ and multispecies corridor approaches. We assessed single‐species and multispecies habitat corridors for 5 threatened mammal species in tropical forests of Borneo. We generated maps of the cost of movement across the landscape for each species based on the species’ local abundance as estimated through hierarchical modeling of camera‐trap data with biophysical and anthropogenic covariates. Elevation influenced local abundance of banded civets (Hemigalus derbyanus) and sun bears (Helarctos malayanus). Increased road density was associated with lower local abundance of Sunda clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi) and higher local abundance of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Pig‐tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) local abundance was lower in recently logged areas. An all‐species‐combined connectivity scenario with least‐cost paths and 1 km buffers generated total movement costs that were 27% and 23% higher for banded civets and clouded leopards, respectively, than the connectivity scenarios for those species individually. A carnivore multispecies connectivity scenario, however, increased movement cost by 2% for banded civets and clouded leopards. Likewise, an herbivore multispecies scenario provided more effective connectivity than the all‐species‐combined scenario for sambar and macaques. We suggest that multispecies habitat connectivity plans be tailored to groups of ecologically similar, disturbance‐sensitive species to maximize their effectiveness.Evaluación de la Conectividad de Terrenos Multiespecie en una Comunidad Tropical de MamíferosLos corredores de hábitats son herramientas importantes para mantener la conectividad en terrenos cada vez más fragmentados, pero generalmente se haconsiderado que solo son usados en estrategias para especies individuales. Los corredores que pretenden facilitar el movimiento de especies múltiples podrían aumentar la persistencia de comunidades enteras con el costo probable de ser menos eficientes para cualquier especie dada que un corredor pretendido específicamente para esa especie. Ha habido pocas pruebas de los pros y contras de las estrategias de corredores para una o para múltiples especies. Evaluamos los corredores de hábitat para una especie y para múltiples especies de cinco especies amenazadas de mamíferos en los bosques tropicales de Borneo. Generamos mapas del costo de los movimientos a lo largo del terreno para cada especie con base en las abundancias locales de cada especie, estimadas con modelos jerárquicos de datos de foto‐trampas con co‐variables biofísicas y antropogénicas. La elevación influyó la abundancia local de las civetas listadas (Hemigalus derbyanus) y los osos malayos (Helarctos malayanus). La densidad incrementada de carreteras estuvo asociada con una menor abundancia local de leopardos nublados de Sunda (Neofelis diardi) y una abundancia local más alta para el venado sambar (Rusa unicolor). La abundancia local del macaco cola de cerdo (Macaca nemestrina) fue más baja en áreas taladas recientemente. Un escenario de conectividad de todas las especies, con caminos de bajo costo y 1 Km de amortiguamiento generó costos de movimiento total que fueron 27% y 23% más altos para las civetas listadas y los leopardos nublados, respectivamente, que el escenario de conectividad para esas especies individuales. Un escenario de conectividad de múltiples especies carnívoras, sin embargo, incrementó el costo de movimiento por 2% para las civetas listadas y los leopardos nublados. A la vez, un escenario de múltiples especies herbívoras proporcionó una conectividad más efectiva que el escenario de todas las especies combinadas para los venados y los macacos. Sugerimos que los planes de conectividad de hábitats de especies múltiples sean a la medida para grupos de especies ecológicamente similares y sensibles a las perturbaciones, para así maximizar su efectividad.
	Keywords: Helarctos malayanus, Hemigalus derbyanus, Macaca nemestrina, Neofelis diardi, Rusa unicolor

2014-07-29

Inferring the Nature of Anthropogenic Threats from Long‐Term Abundance Records

Conservation Biology
	Diagnosing the processes that threaten species persistence is critical for recovery planning and risk forecasting. Dominant threats are typically inferred by experts on the basis of a patchwork of informal methods. Transparent, quantitative diagnostic tools would contribute much‐needed consistency, objectivity, and rigor to the process of diagnosing anthropogenic threats. Long‐term census records, available for an increasingly large and diverse set of taxa, may exhibit characteristic signatures of specific threatening processes and thereby provide information for threat diagnosis. We developed a flexible Bayesian framework for diagnosing threats on the basis of long‐term census records and diverse ancillary sources of information. We tested this framework with simulated data from artificial populations subjected to varying degrees of exploitation and habitat loss and several real‐world abundance time series for which threatening processes are relatively well understood: bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) (exploitation) and Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) and Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) (habitat loss). Our method correctly identified the process driving population decline for over 90% of time series simulated under moderate to severe threat scenarios. Successful identification of threats approached 100% for severe exploitation and habitat loss scenarios. Our method identified threats less successfully when threatening processes were weak and when populations were simultaneously affected by multiple threats. Our method selected the presumed true threat model for all real‐world case studies, although results were somewhat ambiguous in the case of the Eurasian Skylark. In the latter case, incorporation of an ancillary source of information (records of land‐use change) increased the weight assigned to the presumed true model from 70% to 92%, illustrating the value of the proposed framework in bringing diverse sources of information into a common rigorous framework. Ultimately, our framework may greatly assist conservation organizations in documenting threatening processes and planning species recovery.Inferencia la Naturaleza de las Amenazas Antropogénicas para los Registros de Abundancia a Largo PlazoDiagnosticar los procesos que amenazan la permanencia de las especies es crítico para la planeación de la recuperación y la predicción de riesgos. Las amenazas dominantes se infieren comúnmente por expertos con base en un collage de métodos informales. Las herramientas de diagnóstico transparentes y cuantitativas podrían contribuir con la tan necesitada consistencia, objetividad y rigor para el proceso de diagnosticar amenazas antropogénicas. Los registros de censos a largo plazo, disponibles para un creciente y diverso conjunto de taxa, pueden exhibir rasgos característicos de procesos específicos de amenaza y así proporcionar información para la diagnosis de amenazas. Desarrollamos un marco de trabajo Bayesiano y flexible para diagnosticar amenazas con base en los registros de censos a largo plazo y diversas fuentes subsidiarias de información. Probamos este marco de trabajo con datos simulados de poblaciones artificiales sujetas a diferentes grados de explotación y pérdida de hábitat y varias series de tiempos de abundancia reales para los cuales están bien entendidos los procesos de amenaza: Thunnus maccoyii y Gadus morhua para la explotación; Lagopus lagopus scotica y Alauda arvensis para la pérdida de hábitat. Nuestro método identificó correctamente el proceso conductor de la declinación poblacional para más del 90% de las series de tiempo simuladas bajo escenarios moderados y severos de amenaza. Nuestro método identificó las amenazas con menos éxito cuando los procesos de amenaza eran débiles o cuando las poblaciones estaban afectadas simultáneamente por amenazas múltiples. Nuestro método seleccionó el modelo de la presunta verdadera amenaza para todos los estudios de caso reales, aunque los resultados fueron algo ambiguos en el caso de Alauda arvensis. En el último caso, la incorporación de una fuente subsidiaria de información (registros de cambio en el uso de suelo) incrementaron la fuerza asignada al supuesto modelo verdadero del 70% al 92%, ilustrando el valor del marco de trabajo propuesto en la contribución de diversas fuentes de información para un marco de trabajo común y riguroso. Finalmente, nuestro marco de trabajo puede asistir enormemente a las organizaciones de la conservación en la documentación de procesos de amenaza y en la planeación de la recuperación de especies.
	Keywords: Alauda arvensis, Gadus morhua, Lagopus lagopus scotica, Thunnus maccoyii

2014-07-29

Positive and Negative Effects of a Threatened Parrotfish on Reef Ecosystems

Conservation Biology
	Species that are strong interactors play disproportionately important roles in the dynamics of natural ecosystems. It has been proposed that their presence is necessary for positively shaping the structure and functioning of ecosystems. We evaluated this hypothesis using the case of the world's largest parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), a globally imperiled species. We used direct observation, animal tracking, and computer simulations to examine the diverse routes through which B. muricatum affects the diversity, dispersal, relative abundance, and survival of the corals that comprise the foundation of reef ecosystems. Our results suggest that this species can influence reef building corals in both positive and negative ways. Field observation and simulation outputs indicated that B. muricatum reduced the abundance of macroalgae that can outcompete corals, but they also feed directly on corals, decreasing coral abundance, diversity, and colony size. B. muricatum appeared to facilitate coral advancement by mechanically dispersing coral fragments and opening up bare space for coral settlement, but they also damaged adult corals and remobilized a large volume of potentially stressful carbonate sediment. The impacts this species has on reefs appears to be regulated in part by its abundance—the effects of B. muricatum were more intense in simulation scenarios populated with high densities of these fish. Observations conducted in regions with high and low predator (e.g., sharks) abundance generated results that are consistent with the hypothesis that these predators of B. muricatum may play a role in governing their abundance; thus, predation may modulate the intensity of the effects they have on reef dynamics. Overall our results illustrate that functionally unique and threatened species may not have universally positive impacts on ecosystems and that it may be necessary for environmental managers to consider the diverse effects of such species and the forces that mediate the strength of their influence.Efectos Positivos y Negativos de un Pez Loro Amenazado Sobre Ecosistemas ArrecifalesLas especies que son interactuantes intensos juegan papeles desproporcionadamente importantes en la dinámica de los ecosistemas naturales. Se ha propuesto que su presencia es necesaria para moldear positivamente la estructura y función de los ecosistemas. Evaluamos esta hipótesis utilizando el caso del pez loro más grande del mundo (Bolmometopon muricatum), una especie en peligro globalmente. Usamos observación directa, seguimiento de individuos y simulaciones con computadora para examinar las diversas formas en que B. muricatum afecta la diversidad, dispersión, abundancia relativa y supervivencia de los corales que son la base de los ecosistemas arrecifales. Nuestros resultados sugieren que esta especie puede influir en la construcción de arrecifes de manera tanto positiva como negativa. La observación de campo y las simulaciones indicaron que B. muricatum redujo la abundancia de macroalgas que pueden competir con corales, pero también se alimenta directamente de corales, lo cual disminuye la abundancia, diversidad y tamaño de la colonia de corales. B. muricatum pareció facilitar el avance de coral al dispersar mecánicamente fragmentos de coral y abrir espacio para su establecimiento pero también dañó corales adultos y reactivó un gran volumen de sedimento de carbonato potencialmente estresante. El impacto de esta especie sobre los arrecifes parece ser regulado en parte por su abundancia – los efectos de B. muricatum fueron más intensos en escenarios poblados con altas densidades de este pez. Las observaciones realizadas en regiones con abundancia alta y baja de depredadores (e. g., tiburones) generaron resultados que son consistentes con la hipótesis de que estos depredadores de B. muricatum pueden jugar un papel en la regulación de su abundancia; por lo tanto, la depredación puede modular la intensidad de los efectos que tienen sobre la dinámica de los arrecifes. En general, nuestros resultados ilustran que especies funcionalmente únicas y amenazadas pueden no tener impactos universalmente positivos sobre los ecosistemas y que puede ser necesario que los manejadores ambientales consideren los efectos diversos de tales especies, así como las fuerzas que median la intensidad de su influencia.
	Keywords: Bolbometopon muricatum

2014-07-29

Benefits to Poorly Studied Taxa of Conservation of Bird and Mammal Diversity on Islands

Conservation Biology
	Protected area delineation and conservation action are urgently needed on marine islands, but the potential biodiversity benefits of these activities can be difficult to assess due to lack of species diversity information for lesser known taxa. We used linear mixed effects modeling and simple spatial analyses to investigate whether conservation activities based on the diversity of well‐known insular taxa (birds and mammals) are likely to also capture the diversity of lesser known taxa (reptiles, amphibians, vascular land plants, ants, land snails, butterflies, and tenebrionid beetles). We assembled total, threatened, and endemic diversity data for both well‐known and lesser known taxa and combined these with physical island biogeography characteristics for 1190 islands from 109 archipelagos. Among physical island biogeography factors, island area was the best indicator of diversity of both well‐known and little‐known taxa. Among taxonomic factors, total mammal species richness was the best indicator of total diversity of lesser known taxa, and the combination of threatened mammal and threatened bird diversity was the best indicator of lesser known endemic richness. The results of other intertaxon diversity comparisons were highly variable, however. Based on our results, we suggest that protecting islands above a certain minimum threshold area may be the most efficient use of conservation resources. For example, using our island database, if the threshold were set at 10 km2 and the smallest 10% of islands greater than this threshold were protected, 119 islands would be protected. The islands would range in size from 10 to 29 km2 and would include 268 lesser known species endemic to a single island, along with 11 bird and mammal species endemic to a single island. Our results suggest that for islands of equivalent size, prioritization based on total or threatened bird and mammal diversity may also capture opportunities to protect lesser known species endemic to islands.Beneficios de los Taxa Poco Estudiados para la Conservación de la Diversidad de Aves y Mamíferos en IslasLas islas marinas necesitan urgentemente de acciones de conservación y delimitación de áreas protegidas pero los beneficios potenciales de estas actividades para la biodiversidad pueden ser difíciles de evaluar debido a la falta de información sobre la diversidad de especies para taxa menos conocidos. Usamos modelos de efectos lineales mixtos y análisis espaciales simples para investigar si las actividades de conservación basadas en la diversidad de taxa insulares bien conocidos (aves y mamíferos) tienen la probabilidad de capturar la diversidad de taxa menos conocidos (reptiles, anfibios, plantas vasculares terrestres, hormigas, caracoles terrestres, mariposas y escarabajos tenebriónidos). Ensamblamos datos de diversidad totales, amenazados y endémicos para los taxa bien conocidos y los poco conocidos y los combinamos con las características biogeográficas de las islas físicas para 1190 islas de 109 archipiélagos. Entre los factores biogeográficos de las islas físicas, el área de las islas fue el mejor indicador para la diversidad de los taxa poco conocidos y los bien conocidos. Entre los factores taxonómicos, la riqueza total de especies de mamíferos fue el mejor indicador para la diversidad total de taxa menos conocidos, y la combinación de la diversidad de mamíferos amenazados y aves amenazadas fue el mejor indicador de la riqueza endémica de los taxa menos conocidos. Sin embargo, los resultados de otras comparaciones de diversidad entre taxa fueron altamente variables. Con base en nuestros resultados, sugerimos que proteger a las islas por encima de un área de cierto umbral mínimo puede ser el uso más eficiente de los recursos de conservación. Por ejemplo, usando nuestra base de datos de islas, si el umbral estuviese puesto en 10 Km2 y el 10% más pequeño de islas mayores a este umbral estuviera protegido, 119 islas estarían protegidas. Las islas variarían en tamaño entre 10 y 29 Km2 e incluirían 268 especies endémicas de taxa menos conocidos en una sola isla, junto con 11 especies endémicas de aves y mamíferos en una sola isla. Nuestros resultados sugieren que para las islas de tamaño equivalente, la priorización basada en la diversidad total o amenazada de aves y mamíferos también puede capturar oportunidades para proteger especies menos conocidas endémicas a islas.
	Keywords: Aves

2014-07-29

Setting Practical Conservation Priorities for Birds in the Western Andes of Colombia

Conservation Biology
	We aspired to set conservation priorities in ways that lead to direct conservation actions. Very large‐scale strategic mapping leads to familiar conservation priorities exemplified by biodiversity hotspots. In contrast, tactical conservation actions unfold on much smaller geographical extents and they need to reflect the habitat loss and fragmentation that have sharply restricted where species now live. Our aspirations for direct, practical actions were demanding. First, we identified the global, strategic conservation priorities and then downscaled to practical local actions within the selected priorities. In doing this, we recognized the limitations of incomplete information. We started such a process in Colombia and used the results presented here to implement reforestation of degraded land to prevent the isolation of a large area of cloud forest. We used existing range maps of 171 bird species to identify priority conservation areas that would conserve the greatest number of species at risk in Colombia. By at risk species, we mean those that are endemic and have small ranges. The Western Andes had the highest concentrations of such species—100 in total—but the lowest densities of national parks. We then adjusted the priorities for this region by refining these species ranges by selecting only areas of suitable elevation and remaining habitat. The estimated ranges of these species shrank by 18–100% after accounting for habitat and suitable elevation. Setting conservation priorities on the basis of currently available range maps excluded priority areas in the Western Andes and, by extension, likely elsewhere and for other taxa. By incorporating detailed maps of remaining natural habitats, we made practical recommendations for conservation actions. One recommendation was to restore forest connections to a patch of cloud forest about to become isolated from the main Andes.Establecimiento de Prioridades Prácticas para la Conservación de Aves en los Andes Occidentales de Colombia Ocampo‐Peñuela & PimmIntentamos fijar prioridades de conservación de manera que conduzcan a acciones directas de conservación. La elaboración de mapas estratégicos de gran escala lleva a prioridades de conservación ejemplificadas por los sitios importantes para la biodiversidad. En contraste, las acciones tácticas de conservación se desarrollan en extensiones geográficas mucho menores y que necesitan reflejar la pérdida de hábitat y la fragmentación que han limitado severamente el espacio en que viven actualmente las especies. Nuestras aspiraciones para acciones directas, prácticas fueron demandantes. Primero, identificamos las prioridades de conservación globales, estratégicas y luego redujimos la escala a acciones locales prácticas en el contexto de las prioridades seleccionadas. Al hacerlo, reconocimos las limitaciones de la información incompleta. Iniciamos tal proceso en Colombia y utilizamos los resultados presentados aquí para implementar la reforestación de terrenos degradados para prevenir el aislamiento de un área extensa de bosque de niebla. Utilizamos los mapas de distribución de 171 especies de aves para identificar las áreas prioritarias de conservación que pudieran conservar el mayor número de especies en riesgo en Colombia. Nos referimos como especies en riesgo a aquellas que son endémicas y tienen rangos de distribución pequeños. Los Andes Occidentales tuvieron las concentraciones mayores de tales especies – 100 en total – pero la menor densidad de parques nacionales. Posteriormente ajustamos las prioridades para esta región al refinar los rangos de distribución de estas especies seleccionando solo áreas con la adecuada elevación y remanentes de hábitat. Los rangos de distribución estimados para esas especies se redujo en 18‐100% después de considerar el hábitat y elevación adecuados. La definición de prioridades con base en los mapas de distribución disponibles actualmente excluyeron áreas prioritarias en los Andes Occidentales y, por extensión, probablemente en otras áreas y taxa. Al incorporar mapas detallados de los hábitats naturales remanentes, hicimos recomendaciones prácticas para acciones de conservación. Una de ellas fue restablecer la conectividad hacia el parche de bosque de niebla que esta a punto de quedar aislado de los cadena de los Andes.
	Keywords: Aves

2014-07-29

Roadside Shrubs Could Sink Carbon Pollution

2014-07-29

Ocean Plastic Particles Could Get in Gills

2014-07-29

Newly Discovered Virus Lives in Half the World's Population

2014-07-28

First controlled malaria infection trial in Africa paves way for drug and vaccine development

2014-07-28

ACS NSQIP database helps hospital identify and curb its surgical risk

2014-07-28

Generating a genome to feed the world: UA-led team sequences African rice

2014-07-28

Social network research may boost prairie dog conservation efforts

2014-07-28

Trees Save More Than 850 Lives a Year: Study

2014-07-28

DOES THE VOLATILE HYDROCARBON PROFILE DIFFER BETWEEN THE SEXES: A CASE STUDY ON FIVE APHIDOPHAGOUS LADYBIRDS

2014-07-28

The development of an instrument to measure global dimensions of maternal care in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

2014-07-28

Large testes and brain sizes in odontocetes (order Cetacea, suborder Odontoceti): the influence of mating system on encephalization

2014-07-28

Context dependence of elk (Cervus elaphus) vigilance and wolf (Canis lupus) predation risk

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