bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating conservation metrics from atlas data: the case of southern African endemic birds
Authors: LEE ALAN T. K. , ALTWEGG RES , BARNARD PHOEBE 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe robust assessment of conservation status increasingly requires population metrics for species that may be little-researched, with no prospect of immediate improvement, but for which citizen science atlas data may exist. We explore the potential for bird atlas data to generate population metrics of use in red data assessment, using the endemic and near-endemic birds of southern Africa. This region, defined here as South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, is home to a large number of endemic bird species and an active atlas project. The Southern African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP) 1 and 2 are large-scale citizen science data sets, consisting of hundreds of thousands of bird checklists and > 10 million bird occurrence records on a grid across the subcontinent. These data contain detailed information on species’ distributions and population change. For conservationists, metrics that guide decisions on the conservation status of a species for red listing can be obtained from SABAP, including range size, range change, population change, and range connectivity (fragmentation). We present a range of conservation metrics for these bird species, focusing on population change metrics together with an associated statistical confidence metric. Population change metrics correlate with change metrics calculated from dynamic occupancy modelling for a set of 191 common species. We identify four species with neither international nor local threatened status, yet for which bird atlas data suggest alarming declines, and two species with threatened status for which our metrics suggest could be reconsidered. A standardised approach to deciding the conservation status of a species is useful so that charismatic or flagship species do not receive disproportionate attention, although ultimately conservation status of any species must always be a consultative process.
The potential breeding range of Slender-billed CurlewNumenius tenuirostrisidentified from stable-isotope analysis
Authors: BUCHANAN GRAEME M. , BOND ALEXANDER L. , CROCKFORD NICOLA J. , KAMP JOHANNES , PEARCE-HIGGINS JAMES W. , HILTON GEOFF M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe breeding areas of the Critically Endangered Slender-billed CurlewNumenius tenuirostrisare all but unknown, with the only well-substantiated breeding records being from the Omsk province, western Siberia. The identification of any remaining breeding population is of the highest priority for the conservation of any remnant population. If it is extinct, the reliable identification of former breeding sites may help determine the causes of the species’ decline, in order to learn wider conservation lessons. We used stable isotope values in feather samples from juvenile Slender-billed Curlews to identify potential breeding areas. Modelled precipitationδ2H data were compared to feather samples of surrogate species from within the potential breeding range, to produce a calibration equation. Application of this calibration to samples from 35 Slender-billed Curlew museum skins suggested they could have originated from the steppes of northern Kazakhstan and part of southern Russia between 48°N and 56°N. The core of this area was around 50°N, some way to the south of the confirmed nesting sites in the forest steppes. Surveys for the species might be better targeted at the Kazakh steppes, rather than around the historically recognised nest sites of southern Russia which might have been atypical for the species. We consider whether agricultural expansion in this area may have contributed to declines of the Slender-billed Curlew population.
Population trends of the Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor: analysis of data from international synchronised censuses
Authors: SUNG YIK-HEI , TSE IVAN WAI-LUN , YU YAT-TUNG 
Published: March 2017

SummaryLong-term population monitoring is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Systematic surveys of the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor, the rarest spoonbill species globally, are not possible during the breeding season as the largest breeding grounds are inaccessible to surveyors. Instead, we have examined population trend in this species during the winter by utilising a dataset of synchronised surveys conducted annually across 42 sites between 1997 and 2014. We found that the global population has increased from 535 individuals in 1997 to 2,726 in 2014, an annual increase of 8.0%. Population increases were more pronounced in protected sites and sites with low levels of human disturbance, indicating that control of human disturbance is crucial for conservation in this species. It is of concern that the wintering populations are highly clumped and the two largest populations have ceased to increase since 2012; research to investigate the underlying causes is urgently needed. Synchronised surveys in all known wintering sites should be continued to provide up-to-date data on the global population of this endangered species.
Nest site selection of South Georgia Diving-petrels Pelecanoides georgicus on Codfish Island, New Zealand: implications for conservation management
Authors: FISCHER JOHANNES H. , DEBSKI IGOR , TAYLOR GRAEME A. , WITTMER HEIKO U. 
Published: March 2017

SummarySmall seabird species are often threatened by predation from invasive species at their breeding colonies and considerable efforts are invested into mitigating this threat. However, invasive predators may not be the only onshore threat affecting small seabird species. The South Georgia Diving-petrel Pelecanoides georgicus (SGDP) is a small seabird species, considered ‘Nationally Critical’ in New Zealand. Our objective was to identify terrestrial threats to the species at their sole remaining breeding colony in New Zealand, Codfish Island (Whenua Hou), following the successful eradication of invasive predators. To achieve our objective, we assessed the influence of five physical, three competition/attraction and three plant variables on SGDP nest site selection with generalised linear models (GLMs) and compared models using an information theoretic approach. Models including the distance to sea, slope, aspect, and sand flux outperformed other models and showed selection for steep seaward-facing foredunes with mobile soils. No invasive plant and competition/attraction variables were included in the best performing models. These results suggest that, due to the proximity of their preferred nesting habitat to the springtide line and the overall fragility of the foredunes, SGDPs on Codfish Island are extremely vulnerable to stochastic events and catastrophes, such as storms and storm surges. Eradication efforts directed at invasive predators on Codfish Island appear thus insufficient to safeguard this SGDP colony, necessitating further conservation strategies to secure the continued survival of this population.
Transcreative Integration (TCI)
Authors: Mastnak Wolfgang , Jensen Yves 
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. TCI entstand aus künstlerisch-pädagogischer und psychologisch reflektierter Forschung und Praxis im hochschulischen Bereich in Nantes und Rennes. Sie schlägt eine Brücke zwischen Künsten, Erziehung und Medizin und ist als ästhetisch-kreativ orientierte Psychotherapie beziehungsweise psychosomatische Prävention konzipiert. Damit ist sie auch für den Einsatz im Musikunterricht gedacht. Methodologisch umfasst TCI vier Phasen, (a) ästhetische Empathie und Inspiration, (b) kreative Transformation, (c) künstlerischer Gestaltungsprozess und (d) Präsentation & Aufführung. Verbale sowie nonverbale Reflexion spielen dabei als komplementäre Prozesse eine wichtige Rolle. Hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkmechanismen geht TCI vom therapeutischen Potential künstlerischer Interpretation von Umwelt, kreativer Transformationen und expressiver Darstellungen aus.
Musik in Träumen
Authors: Schredl Michael 
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie analysierte die Häufigkeit von Musikträumen in einer langen Traumserie (N = 10.398 Träume) einer Person. Insgesamt beinhalteten 5.41 % der Träume Bezüge zu Musik wie Hören von Musik, Spielen eines Instruments, Singen, Gespräche über Musik oder Musikinstrumente. Die Analyse einzelner Aspekte wie Setting des Traumes, Aktivität, Musiktitel, Art der Instrumente zeigte klar die Kontinuität zwischen dem Wachleben des Träumers und den Inhalten der Musikträume. Emotional intensivere Musikerlebnisse (live gehörte Musik) scheinen häufiger in die Träume aufgenommen zu werden. Frühere Befunde, die zeigten, dass Musikträume überwiegend von positiven Gefühlen begleitet werden, wurden von dieser Studie gestützt. Forschungsarbeiten mit nicht selektierten Stichproben als auch Musikern und Musikstudierenden mittels Traumtagebüchern und Fragebogen zur Erfassung der Wachmusikaktivitäten sind vielversprechend, mehr über Musik in Träumen zu erfahren.
Hat die Angstausprägung bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland von 1974 bis 2016 zugenommen?
Authors: Nitkowski Dennis , Lohbeck Annette , Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz 
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Säkulare Trends bezeichnen Zu- oder Abnahmen von psychischer Symptomatik über die Zeit. Für den deutschsprachigen Raum liegen kaum Befunde darüber vor, ob sich Verhaltensauffälligkeiten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in der Schwere über Geburtskohorten hinweg verändern. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden Selbsteinschätzungen von Kindern und Jugendlichen im Angstfragebogen für Schüler (AFS; Wieczerkowski et al., 1974 , 2016 ) aus den Jahren 1974 und 2016 analysiert, um herauszustellen, ob sich die Ausprägungen auf den Skalen „Prüfungsangst“, „Manifeste Angst“, „Schulunlust“ und „Soziale Erwünschtheit“ unterscheiden. Als Datengrundlage dienten die Normstichprobe von 1974 (N = 2374, 9 – 17 Jahre) und von 2016 (N = 2267, 9 – 17 Jahre). Die Analyse der Skalenmittelwerte wies eine leichte Abnahme der Werte auf der Skala „Prüfungsangst“ und eine geringe bis mittelstarke Zunahme auf den Skalen „Schulunlust“ und „Soziale Erwünschtheit“ nach. Über den Zeitraum von 42 Jahren lassen sich keine oder nur leichte Veränderungen in den Angstwerten finden.
Amino-acid transporters in T-cell activation and differentiation
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Liu Gang , Yin Jie , Tan Bie , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W , Peng Yuanyi , Yin Yulong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractT-cell-mediated immune responses aim to protect mammals against cancers and infections, and are also involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Cellular uptake and the utilization of nutrients is closely related to the T-cell fate decision and function. Research in this area has yielded surprising findings in the importance of amino-acid transporters for T-cell development, homeostasis, activation, differentiation and memory. In this review, we present current information on amino-acid transporters, such as LAT1 (l-leucine transporter), ASCT2 (l-glutamine transporter) and GAT-1 (γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1), which are critically important for mediating peripheral naive T-cell homeostasis, activation and differentiation, especially for Th1 and Th17 cells, and even memory T cells. Mechanically, the influence of amino-acid transporters on T-cell fate decision may largely depend on the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. These discoveries remarkably demonstrate the role of amino-acid transporters in T-cell fate determination, and strongly indicate that manipulation of the amino-acid transporter-mTORC1 axis could ameliorate many inflammatory or autoimmune diseases associated with T-cell-based immune responses.
Neuronal survival in the brain: neuron type-specific mechanisms
Authors: Pfisterer Ulrich , Khodosevich Konstantin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNeurogenic regions of mammalian brain produce many more neurons that will eventually survive and reach a mature stage. Developmental cell death affects both embryonically produced immature neurons and those immature neurons that are generated in regions of adult neurogenesis. Removal of substantial numbers of neurons that are not yet completely integrated into the local circuits helps to ensure that maturation and homeostatic function of neuronal networks in the brain proceed correctly. External signals from brain microenvironment together with intrinsic signaling pathways determine whether a particular neuron will die. To accommodate this signaling, immature neurons in the brain express a number of transmembrane factors as well as intracellular signaling molecules that will regulate the cell survival/death decision, and many of these factors cease being expressed upon neuronal maturation. Furthermore, pro-survival factors and intracellular responses depend on the type of neuron and region of the brain. Thus, in addition to some common neuronal pro-survival signaling, different types of neurons possess a variety of 'neuron type-specific' pro-survival constituents that might help them to adapt for survival in a certain brain region. This review focuses on how immature neurons survive during normal and impaired brain development, both in the embryonic/neonatal brain and in brain regions associated with adult neurogenesis, and emphasizes neuron type-specific mechanisms that help to survive for various types of immature neurons. Importantly, we mainly focus on in vivo data to describe neuronal survival specifically in the brain, without extrapolating data obtained in the PNS or spinal cord, and thus emphasize the influence of the complex brain environment on neuronal survival during development.
Administration of nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding broadly neutralizing antibody protects humanized mice from HIV-1 challenge
Authors: Pardi Norbert , Secreto Anthony J. , Shan Xiaochuan , Debonera Fotini , Glover Joshua , Yi Yanjie , Muramatsu Hiromi , Ni Houping , Mui Barbara L. , Tam Ying K. , Shaheen Farida , Collman Ronald G. , Karikó Katalin , Danet-Desnoyers Gwenn A. , Madden Thomas D. , Hope Michael J. , Weissman Drew 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMonoclonal antibodies are one of the fastest growing classes of pharmaceutical products, however, their potential is limited by the high cost of development and manufacturing. Here we present a safe and cost-effective platform for in vivo expression of therapeutic antibodies using nucleoside-modified mRNA. To demonstrate feasibility and protective efficacy, nucleoside-modified mRNAs encoding the light and heavy chains of the broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibody VRC01 are generated and encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles. Systemic administration of 1.4 mg kg−1 of mRNA into mice results in ∼170 μg ml−1 VRC01 antibody concentrations in the plasma 24 h post injection. Weekly injections of 1 mg kg−1 of mRNA into immunodeficient mice maintain trough VRC01 levels above 40 μg ml−1. Most importantly, the translated antibody from a single injection of VRC01 mRNA protects humanized mice from intravenous HIV-1 challenge, demonstrating that nucleoside-modified mRNA represents a viable delivery platform for passive immunotherapy against HIV-1 with expansion to a variety of diseases.
Abiotic and biotic factors responsible for antimonite oxidation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens GW4
Authors: Li Jingxin , Yang Birong , Shi Manman , Yuan Kai , Guo Wei , Wang Qian , Wang Gejiao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAntimonite [Sb(III)]-oxidizing bacteria can transform the toxic Sb(III) into the less toxic antimonate [Sb(V)]. Recently, the cytoplasmic Sb(III)-oxidase AnoA and the periplasmic arsenite [As(III)] oxidase AioAB were shown to responsible for bacterial Sb(III) oxidation, however, disruption of each gene only partially decreased Sb(III) oxidation efficiency. This study showed that in Agrobacterium tumefaciens GW4, Sb(III) induced cellular H2O2 content and H2O2 degradation gene katA. Gene knock-out/complementation of katA, anoA, aioA and anoA/aioA and Sb(III) oxidation and growth experiments showed that katA, anoA and aioA were essential for Sb(III) oxidation and resistance and katA was also essential for H2O2 resistance. Furthermore, linear correlations were observed between cellular H2O2 and Sb(V) content in vivo and chemical H2O2 and Sb(V) content in vitro (R2 = 0.93 and 0.94, respectively). These results indicate that besides the biotic factors, the cellular H2O2 induced by Sb(III) also catalyzes bacterial Sb(III) oxidation as an abiotic oxidant. The data reveal a novel mechanism that bacterial Sb(III) oxidation is associated with abiotic (cellular H2O2) and biotic (AnoA and AioAB) factors and Sb(III) oxidation process consumes cellular H2O2 which contributes to microbial detoxification of both Sb(III) and cellular H2O2.
Moderate dietary protein restriction alters the composition of gut microbiota and improves ileal barrier function in adult pig model
Authors: Fan Peixin , Liu Ping , Song Peixia , Chen Xiyue , Ma Xi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate impacts of dietary protein levels on gut bacterial community and gut barrier. The intestinal microbiota of finishing pigs, fed with 16%, 13% and 10% crude protein (CP) in diets, respectively, were investigated using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The ileal bacterial richness tended to decrease when the dietary protein concentration reduced from 16% to 10%. The proportion of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in ileum significantly decreased, whereas Escherichia-Shigella increased with reduction of protein concentration. In colon, the proportion of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Turicibacter increased, while the proportion of RC9_gut_group significantly decreased with the dietary protein reduction. Notably, the proportion of Peptostreptococcaceae was higher in both ileum and colon of 13% CP group. As for metabolites, the intestinal concentrations of SCFAs and biogenic amines decreased with the dietary protein reduction. The 10% CP dietary treatment damaged ileal mucosal morphology, and decreased the expression of biomarks of intestinal cells (Lgr5 and Bmi1), whereas the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin) in 13% CP group were higher than the other two groups. In conclusion, moderate dietary protein restriction (13% CP) could alter the bacterial community and metabolites, promote colonization of beneficial bacteria in both ileum and colon, and improve gut barrier function.
Solid cryogen: a cooling system for future MgB2 MRI magnet
Authors: Patel Dipak , Hossain Md Shahriar Al , Qiu Wenbin , Jie Hyunseock , Yamauchi Yusuke , Maeda Minoru , Tomsic Mike , Choi Seyong , Kim Jung Ho 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAn efficient cooling system and the superconducting magnet are essential components of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Herein, we report a solid nitrogen (SN2) cooling system as a valuable cryogenic feature, which is targeted for easy usability and stable operation under unreliable power source conditions, in conjunction with a magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconducting magnet. The rationally designed MgB2/SN2 cooling system was first considered by conducting a finite element analysis simulation, and then a demonstrator coil was empirically tested under the same conditions. In the SN2 cooling system design, a wide temperature distribution on the SN2 chamber was observed due to the low thermal conductivity of the stainless steel components. To overcome this temperature distribution, a copper flange was introduced to enhance the temperature uniformity of the SN2 chamber. In the coil testing, an operating current as high as 200 A was applied at 28 K (below the critical current) without any operating or thermal issues. This work was performed to further the development of SN2 cooled MgB2 superconducting coils for MRI applications.
Understanding the emergence of modern humans and the disappearance of Neanderthals: Insights from Kaldar Cave (Khorramabad Valley, Western Iran)
Authors: Bazgir Behrouz , Ollé Andreu , Tumung Laxmi , Becerra-Valdivia Lorena , Douka Katerina , Higham Thomas , van der Made Jan , Picin Andrea , Saladié Palmira , López-García Juan Manuel , Blain Hugues-Alexandre , Allué Ethel , Fernández-García Mónica , Rey-Rodríguez Iván , Arceredillo Diego , Bahrololoumi Faranak , Azimi Moloudsadat , Otte Marcel , Carbonell Eudald 
Published: March 2017

AbstractKaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Iran. Excavations at the site in 2014–2015 led to the discovery of cultural remains generally associated with anatomically modern humans (AMHs) and evidence of a probable Neanderthal-made industry in the basal layers. Attempts have been made to establish a chronology for the site. These include four thermoluminescence (TL) dates for Layer 4, ranging from 23,100 ± 3300 to 29,400 ± 2300 BP, and three AMS radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples belonging to the lower part of the same layer, yielding ages of 38,650–36,750 cal BP, 44,200–42,350 cal BP, and 54,400–46,050 cal BP (all at the 95.4% confidence level). Kaldar Cave is the first well-stratified Late Palaeolithic locality to be excavated in the Zagros which is one of the earliest sites with cultural materials attributed to early AMHs in western Asia. It also offers an opportunity to study the technological differences between the Mousterian and the first Upper Palaeolithic lithic technologies as well as the human behaviour in the region. In this study, we present a detailed description of the newly excavated stratigraphy, quantified results from the lithic assemblages, preliminary faunal remains analyses, geochronologic data, taphonomic aspects, and an interpretation of the regional paleoenvironment.
Association of blood heavy metals with developmental delays and health status in children
Authors: Hsueh Yu-Mei , Lee Chih-Ying , Chien Ssu-Ning , Chen Wei-Jen , Shiue Horng-Sheng , Huang Shiau-Rung , Lin Ming-I , Mu Shu-Chi , Hsieh Ru-Lan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations with developmental delays and to explore the association of these concentrations with the health status of children. This study recruited 89 children with developmental delays and 89 age- and sex-matched children with typical development. Their health status was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for function. Family function was also evaluated. Blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The children with developmental delays had a considerably poorer HRQOL, lower functional performance and family function, and a higher blood lead concentration than those with typical development. The blood lead concentration had a significantly positive association with developmental delays [odds ratio (OR) = 1.54, p < 0.01] in a dose-response manner, and it negatively correlated with PedsQL scores (regression coefficient: −0. 47 to −0.53, p < 0.05) in all the children studied. The higher blood cadmium concentration showed a significantly positive association with developmental delays (OR = 2.24, for >1.0 μg/L vs. <0.6 μg/L, p < 0.05). The blood mercury concentration was not associated with developmental delays and health status.