bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and epigenetic divergence between disturbed and undisturbed subpopulations of a Mediterranean shrub: a 20‐year field experiment
Authors: Herrera Carlos M. , Bazaga Pilar 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLittle is known on the potential of ecological disturbance to cause genetic and epigenetic changes in plant populations. We take advantage of a long‐term field experiment initiated in 1986 to study the demography of the shrub Lavandula latifolia, and compare genetic and epigenetic characteristics of plants in two adjacent subplots, one experimentally disturbed and one left undisturbed, 20 years after disturbance. Experimental setup was comparable to an unreplicated ‘Before‐After‐Control‐Impact’ (BACI) design where a single pair of perturbed and control areas were compared. When sampled in 2005, plants in the two subplots had roughly similar ages, but they had established in contrasting environments: dense conspecific population (‘Undisturbed’ subpopulation) versus open area with all conspecifics removed (‘Disturbed’ subpopulation). Plants were characterized genetically and epigenetically using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and two classes of methylation‐sensitive AFLP (MSAP) markers. Subpopulations were similar in genetic diversity but differed in epigenetic diversity and multilocus genetic and epigenetic characteristics. Epigenetic divergence between subpopulations was statistically unrelated to genetic divergence. Bayesian clustering revealed an abrupt linear boundary between subpopulations closely coincident with the arbitrary demarcation line between subplots drawn 20 years back, which supports that genetic and epigenetic divergence between subpopulations was caused by artificial disturbance. There was significant fine‐scale spatial structuring of MSAP markers in both subpopulations, which in the Undisturbed one was indistinguishable from that of AFLP markers. Genetic differences between subpopulations could be explained by divergent selection alone, while the concerted action of divergent selection and disturbance‐driven appearance of new methylation variants in the Disturbed subpopulation is proposed to explain epigenetic differences. This study provides the first empirical evidence to date suggesting that relatively mild disturbances could leave genetic and epigenetic signatures on the next adult generation of long‐lived plants.
Restored connectivity facilitates recruitment by an endemic large‐seeded tree in a fragmented tropical landscape
Authors: de la Peña‐Domene Marinés , Minor Emily S. , Howe Henry F. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMany large‐seeded Neotropical trees depend on a limited guild of animals for seed dispersal. Fragmented landscapes reduce animal abundance and movement, limiting seed dispersal between distant forest remnants. In 2006, experimental plantings were established in pasture to determine whether plantings enhance seed dispersal and, ultimately, seedling recruitment. We examined patterns of naturally recruited seedlings of Ocotea uxpanapana, a large‐seeded bird‐dispersed tree endemic to southern Mexico that occurs in the surrounding landscape. We used GIS and least‐cost path analysis to ask: (1) Do restoration efforts alter recruitment patterns? (2) What is the importance of canopy cover and likely dispersal pathways to establishment? Patterns of seedling establishment indicated that dispersal agents crossed open pastures to wooded plots. Recruitment was greatest under woody canopies. Also, by reducing movement cost or risk for seed dispersers, wooded canopies increased influx of large, animal‐dispersed seeds, thereby restoring a degree of functional connectivity to the landscape. Together, canopy openness and path distance from potential parent trees in the surrounding landscape explained 73% of the variance in O. uxpanapana seedling distribution. Preliminary results suggest that strategic fenced plantings in pastures increase dispersal and establishment of large‐seeded trees, thereby accelerating forest succession in restorations and contributing to greater connectivity among forest fragments.
Depression and the risk of vascular dementia: a population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chen , Hu Li‐Yu , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Yang Albert C. , Shen Cheng‐Che 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo examine the association between the risks of depression and vascular dementia (VaD) based on Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.MethodsThis retrospective longitudinal matched‐cohort study used National Health Insurance Research Database data from 49,955 participants (9,991 with new onset depression, 39,964 controls). A Cox regression analysis was performed on the whole sample and the subgroup of patients with depression. We further excluded patients who developed VaD within 3 or 5 years after enrollment to evaluate depression as an independent risk factor for or a prodrome of VaD.ResultsDuring the 10‐year follow‐up period, the incidence rate ratio of VaD between patients with depression and controls was 4.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.90–6.21, P < 0.001]. After adjustment for covariates, the hazard ratio (HR) of VaD in patients with depression was 3.10 (95% CI 2.13–4.52, P < 0.001). In the whole sample, risk factors for VaD besides depression were aged ≥60 years (HR = 20.08), hypertension (HR = 1.70), diabetes (HR = 1.61), coronary artery disease (HR = 2.26), head injury (HR = 2.20), and cerebrovascular disease (HR = 3.02). In patients with depression, aged ≥60 years (HR = 32.16), coronary artery disease (HR = 2.82), head injury (HR = 2.06), and cerebrovascular disease (HR = 2.37) remained risk factors for VaD. After excluding those who developed VaD within 3 or 5 years, HRs remained high (3.28, 95% CI 2.03–5.31, P < 0.001; 2.12, 95% CI 1.05–4.25, P = 0.035, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that depression is an independent risk factor for subsequent VaD. Older age, cerebrovascular disease, head injury, and coronary artery disease might increase the risk of VaD among patients with depression.
Neural basis for the relationship between frequency of going outdoors and depressive mood in older adults
Authors: Sakurai Ryota , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Yasunaga Masashi , Takeuchi Rumi , Murayama Yoh , Cuya Kimi Estela Kobayashi , Kanosue Kazuyuki , Ishii Kenji 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveLow frequency of going outdoors (e.g. being homebound) is associated with depressive mood; however, the underlying neural mechanism of this association is unclear. We therefore investigated the neural substrate involved in the relationship between frequency of going outdoors and depressive mood using positron emission tomography (PET), focusing on the frontal lobe and the limbic system.MethodsOne hundred fifty‐eight community‐dwelling older adults aged 65–85 years underwent PET with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose to evaluate regional cerebral metabolic rates of glucose normalized in reference to cerebellar glucose metabolic value (normalized‐rCMRglc) in six regions of interest. We also assessed depressive mood, frequency of going outdoors, and potential covariates. Depressive mood was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).ResultsThe proportion of participants who reported low frequency of going outdoors (LG, every 2–3 days or less) was 36.1%. The LG group showed significantly higher GDS scores than those who reported high (once a day or more) frequency of going outdoors. A multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for potential covariates showed higher GDS scores were associated with lower normalized‐rCMRglc in the ventrolateral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices. Adjusting for frequency of going outdoors, the association between GDS score and normalized‐rCMRglc in the orbitofrontal cortex was attenuated.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the orbitofrontal cortex may mediate the relationship between low frequency of going outdoors and depressive mood among community‐dwelling older adults. These findings may help disentangle the role of going outdoors in regulating brain function to improve and/or maintain mental health among community‐dwelling older adults. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Health Insurance Encourage the Rise in Medical Prices? A Test on Balance Billing in France
Authors: Dormont Brigitte , Péron Mathilde 
Published: May 2016

SummaryWe evaluate the causal impact of an improvement in insurance coverage on patients' decisions to consult physicians who charge more than the regulated fee. We use a French panel data set of 43,111 individuals observed from 2010 to 2012. At the beginning of the period, none of them were covered for balance billing; by the end, 3819 had switched to supplementary insurance contracts that cover balance billing. Using instrumental variables to deal with possible non‐exogeneity of the decision to switch, we find evidence that better coverage increases demand for specialists who charge high fees, thereby contributing to the rise in medical prices. People whose coverage improves increased their average amount of balance billing per consultation by 32%. However, the impact of the coverage shock depends on the supply of physicians. For people residing in areas where few specialists charge the regulated fee, better coverage increases not only prices but also the number of consultations, a finding that suggests that balance billing might limit access to care. Conversely, in areas where patients have a genuine choice between specialists who balance bill and those who do not, we find no evidence of a response to better coverage. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced tonic inhibition in the dentate gyrus contributes to chronic stress‐induced impairments in learning and memory
Authors: Lee Vallent , MacKenzie Georgina , Hooper Andrew , Maguire Jamie 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIt is well established that stress impacts the underlying processes of learning and memory. The effects of stress on memory are thought to involve, at least in part, effects on the hippocampus, which is particularly vulnerable to stress. Chronic stress induces hippocampal alterations, including but not limited to dendritic atrophy and decreased neurogenesis, which are thought to contribute to chronic stress‐induced hippocampal dysfunction and deficits in learning and memory. Changes in synaptic transmission, including changes in GABAergic inhibition, have been documented following chronic stress. Recently, our laboratory demonstrated shifts in EGABA in CA1 pyramidal neurons following chronic stress, compromising GABAergic transmission and increasing excitability of these neurons. Interestingly, here we demonstrate that these alterations are unique to CA1 pyramidal neurons, since we do not observe shifts in EGABA following chronic stress in dentate gyrus granule cells. Following chronic stress, there is a decrease in the expression of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR) δ subunit and tonic GABAergic inhibition in dentate gyrus granule cells, whereas there is an increase in the phasic component of GABAergic inhibition, evident by an increase in the peak amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Given the numerous changes observed in the hippocampus following stress, it is difficult to pinpoint the pertinent contributing pathophysiological factors. Here we directly assess the impact of a reduction in tonic GABAergic inhibition of dentate gyrus granule cells on learning and memory using a mouse model with a decrease in GABAAR δ subunit expression specifically in dentate gyrus granule cells (Gabrd/Pomc mice). Reduced GABAAR δ subunit expression and function in dentate gyrus granule cells is sufficient to induce deficits in learning and memory. Collectively, these findings suggest that the reduction in GABAAR δ subunit‐mediated tonic inhibition in dentate gyrus granule cells contributes, at least in part, to deficits in learning and memory associated with chronic stress. These findings have significant implications regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying impairments in learning and memory associated with stress and suggest a role for GABAAR δ subunit containing receptors in dentate gyrus granule cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protection From Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis by Anti-Catabolic Signaling in the Absence of Sost/Sclerostin
Authors: Sato Amy Y , Cregor Meloney , Delgado-Calle Jesus , Condon Keith W , Allen Matthew R , Peacock Munro , Plotkin Lilian I , Bellido Teresita 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Excess of glucocorticoids, either due to disease or iatrogenic, increases bone resorption and decreases bone formation and is a leading cause of osteoporosis and bone fractures worldwide. Improved therapeutic strategies are sorely needed. We investigated whether activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling protects against the skeletal actions of glucocorticoids, using female mice lacking the Wnt/β-catenin antagonist and bone formation inhibitor Sost. Glucocorticoids decreased the mass, deteriorated the microarchitecture, and reduced the structural and material strength of bone in wild-type (WT), but not in Sost–/– mice. The high bone mass exhibited by Sost–/– mice is due to increased bone formation with unchanged resorption. However, unexpectedly, preservation of bone mass and strength in Sost–/– mice was due to prevention of glucocorticoid-induced bone resorption and not to restoration of bone formation. In WT mice, glucocorticoids increased the expression of Sost and the number of sclerostin-positive osteocytes, and altered the molecular signature of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by decreasing the expression of genes associated with both anti-catabolism, including osteoprotegerin (OPG), and anabolism/survival, such as cyclin D1. In contrast in Sost–/– mice, glucocorticoids did not decrease OPG but still reduced cyclin D1. Thus, in the context of glucocorticoid excess, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Sost/sclerostin deficiency sustains bone integrity by opposing bone catabolism despite markedly reduced bone formation and increased apoptosis. This crosstalk between glucocorticoids and Wnt/β-catenin signaling could be exploited therapeutically to halt resorption and bone loss induced by glucocorticoids and to inhibit the exaggerated bone formation in diseases of unwanted hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sacred Attributions: Implications for Marketplace Behavior
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTPrior research in marketing has extensively examined attribution theory and how this influences product evaluations; however, such research has only examined secular attributions to a company, employees, other consumers, or one's self. Thus, through a series of three studies, the research herein examines a new category of attributions—sacred attributions—to determine when consumers make secular versus sacred attributions and how this influences product evaluations. Study 1 shows that religiosity is positively correlated with sacred attributions. Additionally, Study 1 finds that sacred attributions to God are more likely in positive consumption situations, while sacred attributions to Satan are more likely in negative consumption situations. Study 2 finds that God (Satan) attributions lead to positive (negative) product evaluations, and these effects are pervasive, regardless of religious priming. Study 3 increases external validity by using real businesses to show that sacred attributions are greatest for businesses with a sacred value system, although these effects differ based on situational affect. Findings build upon the literature on attribution theory and priming.
Employee Mere Presence and Its Impact on Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Söderlund Magnus 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTExisting research suggests that humans are hardwired to be sensitive to the presence of other humans, and that the mere presence of someone is likely to affect human behavior. So far, however, this issue has been under‐researched in physical environments in which retail and service transactions take place and with respect to the mere presence of employees. This study examined empirically if the mere presence of an employee in a physical environment has an impact on customer affect (in terms of pleasure) and customer satisfaction. Two between‐subjects experiments, in two different settings, showed that the absence of an employee produced lower levels of pleasure and lower levels of customer satisfaction than the mere presence of an employee. The results also indicate that pleasure mediated the association between employee presence and customer satisfaction. In addition, a field study with mystery shoppers confirmed that the employee absent condition produced lower levels of satisfaction than conditions in which employees were visible.
A first‐order hyperbolic framework for large strain computational solid dynamics: An upwind cell centred Total Lagrangian scheme
Authors: Haider Jibran , Lee Chun Hean , Gil Antonio J. , Bonet Javier 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis paper builds on recent work developed by the authors for the numerical analysis of large strain solid dynamics, by introducing an upwind cell centred hexahedral finite volume framework implemented within the open source code OpenFOAM [http://www.openfoam.com/]. In Lee, Gil and Bonet (2013), a first‐order hyperbolic system of conservation laws was introduced in terms of the linear momentum and the deformation gradient tensor of the system, leading to excellent behaviour in two‐dimensional bending dominated nearly incompressible scenarios. The main aim of this paper is the extension of this algorithm into three dimensions, its tailor‐made implementation into OpenFOAM and the enhancement of the formulation with three key novelties. First, the introduction of two different strategies in order to ensure the satisfaction of the underlying involutions of the system, that is, that the deformation gradient tensor must be curl‐free throughout the deformation process. Second, the use of a discrete angular momentum projection algorithm and a monolithic Total Variation Diminishing Runge–Kutta time integrator combined in order to guarantee the conservation of angular momentum. Third, and for comparison purposes, an adapted Total Lagrangian version of the hyperelastic‐GLACE nodal scheme of Kluth and Després (2010) is presented. A series of challenging numerical examples are examined in order to assess the robustness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm, benchmarking it against an ample spectrum of alternative numerical strategies developed by the authors in recent publications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of surface termination on glucose oxidation using Ni‐modified diamond electrodes
Authors: Svanberg‐Larsson Johanna , Nelson Geoffrey W. , Jiang Luyun , Walker Robert J. , Foord John S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAbstractauthoren This study describes the decoration of hydrogen‐ and oxygen‐terminated boron‐doped diamond electrodes (BDD) with three different loadings of Ni. The Ni was deposited electrochemically for 600, 400, and 100 s on both hydrogen‐terminated BDD (BDDH) and oxygen‐terminated BDD (BDDO). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that all Ni particles were roughly spherical in shape, but distribution and size varied with electrode termination: a uniform coverage with a particle size dependent on deposition duration was achieved on BDDH, but on BDDO the particles are deposited primarily along surface ridges and had similar sizes for all three deposition times. The performance of the samples was then tested using glucose sensing as an exemplar application. It was found that glucose oxidation varies greatly between electrodes at concentrations similar to those found in human blood. The variability between the samples was attributed to surface differences between electrodes and the difference in particle location. Amperometry using BDDs decorated with the 100 s Ni deposition gave a stable current response with respect to glucose concentration in the range 0.1–13 mM with much higher glucose oxidation currents being observed for the Ni nanoparticles deposited on the hydrogenated diamond surface.
Evaluation of the catalytic specificity, biochemical properties, and milk clotting abilities of an aspartic peptidase from Rhizomucor miehei
Authors: da Silva Ronivaldo Rodrigues , Souto Tatiane Beltramini , de Oliveira Tássio Brito , de Oliveira Lilian Caroline Gonçalves , Karcher Daniel , Juliano Maria Aparecida , Juliano Luiz , de Oliveira Arthur H C , Rodrigues André , Rosa Jose C , Cabral Hamilton 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In this study, we detail the specificity of an aspartic peptidase from Rhizomucor miehei and evaluate the effects of this peptidase on clotting milk using the peptide sequence of k-casein (Abz-LSFMAIQ-EDDnp) and milk powder. Molecular mass of the peptidase was estimated at 37 kDa, and optimum activity was achieved at pH 5.5 and 55 °C. The peptidase was stable at pH values ranging from 3 to 5 and temperatures of up 45 °C for 60 min. Dramatic reductions in proteolytic activity were observed with exposure to sodium dodecyl sulfate, and aluminum and copper (II) chloride. Peptidase was inhibited by pepstatin A, and mass spectrometry analysis identified four peptide fragments (TWSISYGDGSSASGILAK, ASNGGGGEYIFGGYDSTK, GSLTTVPIDNSR, and GWWGITVDRA), similar to rhizopuspepsin. The analysis of catalytic specificity showed that the coagulant activity of the peptidase was higher than the proteolytic activity and that there was a preference for aromatic, basic, and nonpolar amino acids, particularly methionine, with specific cleavage of the peptide bond between phenylalanine and methionine. Thus, this peptidase may function as an important alternative enzyme in milk clotting during the preparation of cheese.
Molecular mapping of bunchy top disease resistance in Gossypium hirsutum L.
Authors: Ellis Marc H. , Stiller Warwick N. , Phongkham Tanya , Tate Walter A. , Gillespie Vanessa J. , Gapare Washington J. , Zhu Qian-Hao , Llewellyn Danny J. , Wilson Iain W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCotton bunchy top (CBT) is an aphid transmitted Polerovirus disease and a significant threat to the Australian cotton industry. Symptoms include stunted plant growth, and leaves often display pale green angular patterns at the leaf margins and dark green centers with a leathery texture. Resistance to CBT was evaluated in 206 F2 plants and 76 F2:3 families derived from the resistant cultivar ‘Delta Opal’ crossed to the susceptible cultivar ‘Sicot 70’, and in 25 other cultivars the majority susceptible to CBT. CBT resistance in ‘Delta Opal’ was shown to be controlled by a single dominant locus designated Cbt. A combination of AFLP and single nucleotide polymorphism markers located Cbt on chromosome A10, close to the mapped resistance locus in ‘Delta Opal’ to another Polerovirus disease of cotton; cotton blue disease. The markers identified flanking CBT resistance will provide useful tools for breeders for marker-assisted selection to alleviate the impact of this disease on cotton production.