@article{EccardLiesenjohann2014, author = {Eccard, Jana and Liesenjohann, Thilo}, title = {The importance of predation risk and missed opportunity costs for context-dependent foraging patterns}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {5}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0094107}, pages = {5}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Correct assessment of risks and costs of foraging is vital for the fitness of foragers. Foragers should avoid predation risk and balance missed opportunities. In risk-heterogeneous landscapes animals prefer safer locations over riskier, constituting a landscape of fear. Risk-uniform landscapes do not offer this choice, all locations are equally risky. Here we investigate the effects of predation risk in patches, travelling risk between patches, and missed social opportunities on foraging decisions in risk-uniform and risk-heterogeous landscapes. We investigated patch leaving decisions of 20 common voles (M. arvalis) in three experimental landscapes: safe risk-uniform, risky risk-uniform and risk-heterogeneous. We varied both the predation risk level and the predation risk distribution between two patches experimentally and in steps, assuming that our manipulation consequently yield different distributions and levels of risk while foraging, risk while travelling, and costs of missed, social opportunities (MSOCs). We measured mean GUDs (giving-up density of food left in the patch) for both patches as a measure of foraging gain, and delta GUD, the differences among patches, as a measure of the spatial distribution of foraging effort over a period of six hours. Distribution of foraging effort was most even in the safe risk-uniform landscapes and least even in the risk-heterogeneous landscape, with risky risk-uniform landscapes in between. Foraging gain was higher in the safe than in the two riskier landscapes (both uniform and heterogeneous). Results supported predictions for the effects of risk in foraging patches and while travelling between patches, however predictions for the effects of missed social opportunities were not met in this short term experiment. Thus, both travelling and foraging risk contribute to distinct patterns observable high risk, risk-uniform landscapes.}, language = {en} } @article{HuynenSuzukiOguraetal.2014, author = {Huynen, Leon and Suzuki, Takayuki and Ogura, Toshihiko and Watanabe, Yusuke and Millar, Craig D. and Hofreiter, Michael and Smith, Craig and Mirmoeini, Sara and Lambert, David M.}, title = {Reconstruction and in vivo analysis of the extinct tbx5 gene from ancient wingless moa (Aves: Dinornithiformes)}, series = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2148}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2148-14-75}, pages = {8}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: The forelimb-specific gene tbx5 is highly conserved and essential for the development of forelimbs in zebrafish, mice, and humans. Amongst birds, a single order, Dinornithiformes, comprising the extinct wingless moa of New Zealand, are unique in having no skeletal evidence of forelimb-like structures. Results: To determine the sequence of tbx5 in moa, we used a range of PCR-based techniques on ancient DNA to retrieve all nine tbx5 exons and splice sites from the giant moa, Dinornis. Moa Tbx5 is identical to chicken Tbx5 in being able to activate the downstream promotors of fgf10 and ANF. In addition we show that missexpression of moa tbx5 in the hindlimb of chicken embryos results in the formation of forelimb features, suggesting that Tbx5 was fully functional in wingless moa. An alternatively spliced exon 1 for tbx5 that is expressed specifically in the forelimb region was shown to be almost identical between moa and ostrich, suggesting that, as well as being fully functional, tbx5 is likely to have been expressed normally in moa since divergence from their flighted ancestors, approximately 60 mya.}, language = {en} } @article{GrimmAugusiakFocksetal.2014, author = {Grimm, Volker and Augusiak, Jacqueline and Focks, Andreas and Frank, Beatrice M. and Gabsi, Faten and Johnston, Alice S. A. and Liu, Chun and Martin, Benjamin T. and Meli, Mattia and Radchuk, Viktoriia and Thorbek, Pernille and Railsback, Steven Floyd}, title = {Towards better modelling and decision support: Documenting model development, testing, and analysis using TRACE}, series = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, volume = {280}, journal = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-3800}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.01.018}, pages = {129 -- 139}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The potential of ecological models for supporting environmental decision making is increasingly acknowledged. However, it often remains unclear whether a model is realistic and reliable enough. Good practice for developing and testing ecological models has not yet been established. Therefore, TRACE, a general framework for documenting a model's rationale, design, and testing was recently suggested. Originally TRACE was aimed at documenting good modelling practice. However, the word 'documentation' does not convey TRACE's urgency. Therefore, we re-define TRACE as a tool for planning, performing, and documenting good modelling practice. TRACE documents should provide convincing evidence that a model was thoughtfully designed, correctly implemented, thoroughly tested, well understood, and appropriately used for its intended purpose. TRACE documents link the science underlying a model to its application, thereby also linking modellers and model users, for example stakeholders, decision makers, and developers of policies. We report on first experiences in producing TRACE documents. We found that the original idea underlying TRACE was valid, but to make its use more coherent and efficient, an update of its structure and more specific guidance for its use are needed. The updated TRACE format follows the recently developed framework of model 'evaludation': the entire process of establishing model quality and credibility throughout all stages of model development, analysis, and application. TRACE thus becomes a tool for planning, documenting, and assessing model evaludation, which includes understanding the rationale behind a model and its envisaged use. We introduce the new structure and revised terminology of TRACE and provide examples. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{MeliPalmqvistForbesetal.2014, author = {Meli, Mattia and Palmqvist, Annemette and Forbes, Valery E. and Groeneveld, J{\"u}rgen and Grimm, Volker}, title = {Two pairs of eyes are better than one: Combining individual-based and matrix models for ecological risk assessment of chemicals}, series = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, volume = {280}, journal = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-3800}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.07.027}, pages = {40 -- 52}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Current chemical risk assessment procedures may result in imprecise estimates of risk due to sometimes arbitrary simplifying assumptions. As a way to incorporate ecological complexity and improve risk estimates, mechanistic effect models have been recommended. However, effect modeling has not yet been extensively used for regulatory purposes, one of the main reasons being uncertainty about which model type to use to answer specific regulatory questions. We took an individual-based model (IBM), which was developed for risk assessment of soil invertebrates and includes avoidance of highly contaminated areas, and contrasted it with a simpler, more standardized model, based on the generic metapopulation matrix model RAMAS. In the latter the individuals within a sub-population are not treated as separate entities anymore and the spatial resolution is lower. We explored consequences of model aggregation in terms of assessing population-level effects for different spatial distributions of a toxic chemical. For homogeneous contamination of the soil, we found good agreement between the two models, whereas for heterogeneous contamination, at different concentrations and percentages of contaminated area, RAMAS results were alternatively similar to IBM results with and without avoidance, and different food levels. This inconsistency is explained on the basis of behavioral responses that are included in the IBM but not in RAMAS. Overall, RAMAS was less sensitive than the IBM in detecting population-level effects of different spatial patterns of exposure. We conclude that choosing the right model type for risk assessment of chemicals depends on whether or not population-level effects of small-scale heterogeneity in exposure need to be detected. We recommend that if in doubt, both model types should be used and compared. Describing both models following the same standard format, the ODD protocol, makes them equally transparent and understandable. The simpler model helps to build up trust for the more complex model and can be used for more homogeneous exposure patterns. The more complex model helps detecting and understanding the limitations of the simpler model and is needed to ensure ecological realism for more complex exposure scenarios. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{GabsiHammersWirtzGrimmetal.2014, author = {Gabsi, Faten and Hammers-Wirtz, Monika and Grimm, Volker and Schaeffer, Andreas and Preuss, Thomas G.}, title = {Coupling different mechanistic effect models for capturing individual- and population-level effects of chemicals: Lessons from a case where standard risk assessment failed}, series = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, volume = {280}, journal = {Ecological modelling : international journal on ecological modelling and engineering and systems ecolog}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-3800}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2013.06.018}, pages = {18 -- 29}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Current environmental risk assessment (ERA) of chemicals for aquatic invertebrates relies on standardized laboratory tests in which toxicity effects on individual survival, growth and reproduction are measured. Such tests determine the threshold concentration of a chemical below which no population-level effects are expected. How well this procedure captures effects on individuals and populations, however, remains an open question. Here we used mechanistic effect models, combining individual-level reproduction and survival models with an individual-based population model (IBM), to understand the individuals' responses and extrapolate them to the population level. We used a toxicant (Dispersogen A) for which adverse effects on laboratory populations were detected at the determined threshold concentration and thus challenged the conservatism of the current risk assessment method. Multiple toxicity effects on reproduction and survival were reported, in addition to effects on the F1 generation. We extrapolated commonly tested individual toxicity endpoints, reproduction and survival, to the population level using the IBM. Effects on reproduction were described via regression models. To select the most appropriate survival model, the IBM was run assuming either stochastic death (SD) or individual tolerance (IT). Simulations were run for different scenarios regarding the toxicant's effects: survival toxicity, reproductive toxicity, or survival and reproductive toxicity. As population-level endpoints, we used population size and structure and extinction risk. We found that survival represented as SD explained population dynamics better than IT. Integrating toxicity effects on both reproduction and survival yielded more accurate predictions of population effects than considering isolated effects. To fully capture population effects observed at high toxicant concentrations, toxicity effects transmitted to the F1 generation had to be integrated. Predicted extinction risk was highly sensitive to the assumptions about individual-level effects. Our results demonstrate that the endpoints used in current standard tests may not be sufficient for assessing the risk of adverse effects on populations. A combination of laboratory population experiments with mechanistic effect models is a powerful tool to better understand and predict effects on both individuals and populations. Mechanistic effect modelling thus holds great potential to improve the accuracy of ERA of chemicals in the future. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{ThammScheiner2014, author = {Thamm, Markus and Scheiner, Ricarda}, title = {PKG in honey bees: spatial expression, amfor gene expression, sucrose responsiveness, and division of labor}, series = {The journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {522}, journal = {The journal of comparative neurology}, number = {8}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0021-9967}, doi = {10.1002/cne.23500}, pages = {1786 -- 1799}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Division of labor is a hallmark of social insects. In honey bees, division of labor involves transition of female workers from one task to the next. The most distinct tasks are nursing (providing food for the brood) and foraging (collecting pollen and nectar). The brain mechanisms regulating this form of behavioral plasticity have largely remained elusive. Recently, it was suggested that division of labor is based on nutrition-associated signaling pathways. One highly conserved gene associated with food-related behavior across species is the foraging gene, which encodes a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Our analysis of this gene reveals the presence of alternative splicing in the honey bee. One isoform is expressed in the brain. Expression of this isoform is most pronounced in the mushroom bodies, the subesophageal ganglion, and the corpora allata. Division of labor and sucrose responsiveness in honey bees correlate significantly with foraging gene expression in distinct brain regions. Activating PKG selectively increases sucrose responsiveness in nurse bees to the level of foragers, whereas the same treatment does not affect responsiveness to light. These findings demonstrate a direct link between PKG signaling in distinct brain areas and division of labor. Furthermore, they demonstrate that the difference in sensory responsiveness between nurse bees and foragers can be compensated for by activating PKG. Our findings on the function of PKG in regulating specific sensory responsiveness and social organization offer valuable indications for the function of the cGMP/PKG pathway in many other insects and vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1786-1799, 2014. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.}, language = {en} } @article{SchatzOhlendorfBusseetal.2014, author = {Schatz, J. and Ohlendorf, B. and Busse, P. and Pelz, G. and Dolch, D. and Teubner, J. and Encarnacao, Jorge A. and Muehle, Ralf -Udo and Fischer, M. and Hoffmann, B. and Kwasnitschka, L. and Balkema-Buschmann, Anne and Mettenleiter, Thomas Christoph and Mueller, T. and Freuling, C. M.}, title = {Twenty years of active bat rabies surveillance in Germany}, series = {Epidemiology and infection}, volume = {142}, journal = {Epidemiology and infection}, number = {6}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {0950-2688}, doi = {10.1017/S0950268813002185}, pages = {1155 -- 1166}, year = {2014}, abstract = {In Germany, active bat rabies surveillance was conducted between 1993 and 2012. A total of 4546 oropharyngeal swab samples from 18 bat species were screened for the presence of EBLV-1- , EBLV-2- and BBLV-specific RNA. Overall, 0 center dot 15\% of oropharyngeal swab samples tested EBLV-1 positive, with the majority originating from Eptesicus serotinus. Interestingly, out of seven RT-PCR-positive oropharyngeal swabs subjected to virus isolation, viable virus was isolated from a single serotine bat (E. serotinus). Additionally, about 1226 blood samples were tested serologically, and varying virus neutralizing antibody titres were found in at least eight different bat species. The detection of viral RNA and seroconversion in repeatedly sampled serotine bats indicates long-term circulation of the virus in a particular bat colony. The limitations of random-based active bat rabies surveillance over passive bat rabies surveillance and its possible application of targeted approaches for future research activities on bat lyssavirus dynamics and maintenance are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{HagenMattayRaeuberetal.2014, author = {Hagen, Sven and Mattay, Dinah and Raeuber, Christina and Mueller, Kristian M. and Arndt, Katja Maren}, title = {Characterization and inhibition of AF10-mediated interaction}, series = {Journal of peptide science}, volume = {20}, journal = {Journal of peptide science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {1075-2617}, doi = {10.1002/psc.2626}, pages = {385 -- 397}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The non-random chromosomal translocations t(10;11)(p13;q23) and t(10;11)(p13;q14-21) result in leukemogenic fusion proteins comprising the coiled coil domain of the transcription factor AF10 and the proteins MLL or CALM, respectively, and subsequently cause certain types of acute leukemia. The AF10 coiled-coil domain, which is crucial for the leukemogenic effect, has been shown to interact with GAS41, a protein previously identified as the product of an amplified gene in glioblastoma. Using sequential synthetic peptides, we mapped the potential AF10/GAS41 interaction site, which was subsequently be used as scaffold for a library targeting the AF10 coiled-coil domain. Using phage display, we selected a peptide that binds the AF10 coiled-coil domain with higher affinity than the respective coiled-coil region of wild-type GAS41, as demonstrated by phage ELISA, CD, and PCAs. Furthermore, we were able to successfully deploy the inhibitory peptide in a mammalian cell line to lower the expression of Hoxa genes that have been described to be overexpressed in these leukemias. This work dissects molecular determinants mediating AF10-directed interactions in leukemic fusions comprising the N-terminal parts of the proteins MLL or CALM and the C-terminal coiled-coil domain of AF10. Furthermore, it outlines the first steps in recognizing and blocking the leukemia-associated AF10 interaction in histiocytic lymphoma cells and therefore, may have significant implications in future diagnostics and therapeutics. Copyright (c) 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.}, language = {en} } @article{DolgenerFreudenbergerSchneeweissetal.2014, author = {Dolgener, Nicola and Freudenberger, L. and Schneeweiss, N. and Ibisch, P. L. and Tiedemann, Ralph}, title = {Projecting current and potential future distribution of the Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina under climate change in north-eastern Germany}, series = {Regional environmental change}, volume = {14}, journal = {Regional environmental change}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1436-3798}, doi = {10.1007/s10113-013-0468-9}, pages = {1063 -- 1072}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Environmental change is likely to have a strong impact on biodiversity, and many species may shift their distribution in response. In this study, we aimed at projecting the availability of suitable habitat for an endangered amphibian species, the Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina, in Brandenburg (north-eastern Germany). We modelled a potential habitat distribution map based on (1) a database with 10,581 presence records for Bombina from the years 1990 to 2009, (2) current estimates for ecogeographical variables (EGVs) and (3) the future projection of these EGVs according to the statistical regional model, respectively, the soil and water integrated model, applying the maximum entropy approach (Maxent). By comparing current and potential future distributions, we evaluated the projected change in distribution of suitable habitats and identified the environmental variables most associated with habitat suitability that turned out to be climatic variables related to the hydrological cycle. Under the applied scenario, our results indicate increasing habitat suitability in many areas and an extended range of suitable habitats. However, even if the environmental conditions in Brandenburg may change as predicted, it is questionable whether the Fire-bellied toad will truly benefit, as dispersal abilities of amphibian species are limited and strongly influenced by anthropogenic disturbances, that is, intensive agriculture, habitat destruction and fragmentation. Furthermore, agronomic pressure is likely to increase on productive areas with fertile soils and high water retention capacities, indeed those areas suitable for B. bombina. All these changes may affect temporary pond hydrology as well as the reproductive success and breeding phenology of toads.}, language = {en} } @article{LischkeHiltJanseetal.2014, author = {Lischke, Betty and Hilt, Sabine and Janse, Jan H. and Kuiper, Jan J. and Mehner, Thomas and Mooij, Wolf M. and Gaedke, Ursula}, title = {Enhanced input of terrestrial particulate organic matter reduces the resilience of the clear-water state of shallow lakes: A model study}, series = {Ecosystems}, volume = {17}, journal = {Ecosystems}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1432-9840}, doi = {10.1007/s10021-014-9747-7}, pages = {616 -- 626}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The amount of terrestrial particulate organic matter (t-POM) entering lakes is predicted to increase as a result of climate change. This may especially alter the structure and functioning of ecosystems in small, shallow lakes which can rapidly shift from a clear-water, macrophyte-dominated into a turbid, phytoplankton-dominated state. We used the integrative ecosystem model PCLake to predict how rising t-POM inputs affect the resilience of the clear-water state. PCLake links a pelagic and benthic food chain with abiotic components by a number of direct and indirect effects. We focused on three pathways (zoobenthos, zooplankton, light availability) by which elevated t-POM inputs (with and without additional nutrients) may modify the critical nutrient loading thresholds at which a clear-water lake becomes turbid and vice versa. Our model results show that (1) increased zoobenthos biomass due to the enhanced food availability results in more benthivorous fish which reduce light availability due to bioturbation, (2) zooplankton biomass does not change, but suspended t-POM reduces the consumption of autochthonous particulate organic matter which increases the turbidity, and (3) the suspended t-POM reduces the light availability for submerged macrophytes. Therefore, light availability is the key process that is indirectly or directly changed by t-POM input. This strikingly resembles the deteriorating effect of terrestrial dissolved organic matter on the light climate of lakes. In all scenarios, the resilience of the clear-water state is reduced thus making the turbid state more likely at a given nutrient loading. Therefore, our study suggests that rising t-POM input can add to the effects of climate warming making reductions in nutrient loadings even more urgent.}, language = {en} }