bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Bank of England / NMG Survey of Household Finances
Authors: Anderson Gareth , Bunn Philip , Pugh Alice , Uluc Arzu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEvery year since 2004, the Bank of England has commissioned NMG Consulting to carry out a survey on household finances. This paper describes the NMG Survey, its methodology, and its advantages and disadvantages relative to other surveys. The NMG Survey is useful in providing a timelier guide to developments in the distribution of household balance sheets than other surveys, it appears better at measuring financial distress, and it includes questions on topical policy issues that are often not available in other surveys. A drawback of the NMG Survey is that there may be a greater risk of selection into the survey based on unobservable characteristics than is the case for some other household surveys.
Diversity gradients of Neotropical freshwater fish: evidence of multiple underlying factors in human‐modified systems
Authors: Bailly Dayani , Cassemiro Fernanda A. S. , Winemiller Kirk O. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Agostinho Angelo A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimContemporary patterns of species diversity are the result of a hierarchy of natural processes and modern anthropogenic influences. However, studies of these patterns in human‐modified systems from a macroecological perspective are lacking. Considering that fish assemblages in reservoirs reflect both long‐term evolutionary responses of species and shorter term responses to anthropogenic stressors, we employed a multi‐hypothesis approach using different magnitudes of predictors to analyse the processes that drive fish diversity in reservoirs at a broad spatial scale.LocationBrazil.MethodsWe derived species richness from an extensive database of fish inhabiting Neotropical reservoirs, and using multiple regression analysis, we tested seven hypotheses that link species richness to continuous variables associated with regional, local and population components. We analysed the spatial structure using Moran's I autocorrelation coefficients and used spatial eigenvector mapping to explicitly account for the spatial component when testing the hypotheses by multiple regressions. Partial regressions were performed to map the relative contributions of the different components in explaining species richness.ResultsPredictors related to six hypotheses were retained in the best‐fit models, and our data supported the species–energy, metabolic, species–area, species–distance from the source and time of habitat alteration hypotheses. However, the predictions of the population abundance hypothesis (PAH) were not supported by the data. The shared effects of the different components explained the greatest proportion of the variation in species richness, indicating that distinct mechanisms related to these alternative hypotheses interact or are not spatially independent.Main conclusionsOur findings indicate that the latitudinal diversity gradient typically displayed by freshwater fish is maintained in human‐modified habitats, such as reservoirs, and that multiple mechanisms drive fish diversity in reservoirs over large spatial scales. The lack of support for the PAH implies that mechanisms structuring diversity patterns can be influenced by anthropogenic stressors.
Electrogram Characteristics of Ablated and Non‐Ablated Myocardium in Humans: A Comparison of Miniaturized Embedded Electrodes and Conventional Ablation Electrodes
Authors: LLOYD MICHAEL S. , HOSKINS MICHAEL H. , SHAH ANAND D. , LANGBERG JONATHAN J. 
Published: April 2016

Embedded Electrode AblationIntroductionIntracardiac electrogram voltage remains an important metric for radiofrequency lesion application. Embedded micro‐electrodes within ablation catheters are now approved for use in humans.ObjectiveThis study examined electrogram characteristics of miniaturized electrode bipoles (iEGMmini) compared to distal ablation tip bipoles (iEGMstandard) in the setting of typical atrial flutter in humans.MethodsThis was a single‐center prospective trial involving 21 patients. A total of 54 non‐ablated and 56 ablated sites were analyzed offline by separate blinded observers for iEGM voltage after a clinically successful radiofrequency (RF) ablation for typical atrial flutter. Ablation sites were defined as sites that were localized anatomically within the RF lesion set and did not have atrial capture at 10 mA and 2 milliseconds. Non‐ablated sites were defined as sites adjacent to or remote from the ablation lesion set with capture at 10 mA and 2 milliseconds.ResultsiEGMmini had greater voltages at non‐ablated sites and lower voltages at ablated sites than iEGMstandard (non‐ablated sites iEGMstandard 0.64 mV vs. iEGMmini 1.0 mV; ablated sites iEGMstandard 0.15 mV, iEGMmini 0.08 mV, P < 0.001). The difference for each patient between ablated and non‐ablated sites was greater for iEGMmini compared to iEGMstandard (0.94 mV ± 0.57 iEGMmini vs. 0.52 mV ± 0.35 iEGMstandard, P < 0.001). Inter‐observer agreement was good among all non‐ablated sites and iEGMmini ablated sites, but was less robust for ablated sites using iEGMstandard.ConclusionsImbedded mini‐electrode iEGM bipoles had higher voltages in non‐ablated tissue, lower voltages in ablated tissue, and significantly greater intra‐patient differences between ablated and non‐ablated sites. These data suggest a potential role for miniaturized electrode bipole use in RF lesion monitoring.
Anti‐atherogenic and anti‐inflammatory properties of glucagon‐like peptide‐1, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypepide, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in experimental animals
Authors: Hirano Tsutomu , Mori Yusaku 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe reported that native incretins, liraglutide and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) all confer an anti‐atherosclerotic effect in apolipoprotein E‐null (Apoe−/−) mice. We confirmed the anti‐atherogenic property of incretin‐related agents in the mouse wire injury model, in which the neointimal formation in the femoral artery is remarkably suppressed. Furthermore, we showed that DPP‐4i substantially suppresses plaque formation in coronary arteries with a marked reduction in the accumulation of macrophages in cholesterol‐fed rabbits. DPP‐4i showed an anti‐atherosclerotic effect in Apoe−/− mice mainly through the actions of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypepide. However, the dual incretin receptor antagonists partially attenuated the suppressive effect of DPP‐4i on atherosclerosis in diabetic Apoe−/− mice, suggesting an incretin‐independent mechanism. Exendin‐4 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypepide elicited cyclic adenosine monophosphate generation, and suppressed the lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene expression of inflammatory molecules, such as interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α, in U937 human monocytes. This suppressive effect, however, was attenuated by an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase and mimicked by 8‐bromo‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate or forskolin. DPP‐4i substantially suppressed the lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of inflammatory cytokines without affecting cyclic adenosine monophosphate generation or cell proliferation. DPP‐4i more strongly suppressed the lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene expression of inflammatory molecules than incretins, most likely through inactivation of CD26. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypepide suppressed oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced macrophage foam cell formation in a receptor‐dependent manner, which was associated with the downregulation of acyl‐coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase‐1 and CD36, as well as the up‐regulation of adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter A1. Our studies strongly suggest that incretin‐related agents have favorable effects on macrophage‐driven atherosclerosis in experimental animals.
Neural effects of gut‐ and brain‐derived glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and its receptor agonist
Authors: Katsurada Kenichi , Yada Toshihiko 
Published: April 2016

AbstractGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is derived from both the enteroendocrine L cells and preproglucagon‐expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the brain stem. As GLP‐1 is cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 yielding a half‐life of less than 2 min, it is plausible that the gut‐derived GLP‐1, released postprandially, exerts its effects on the brain mainly by interacting with vagal afferent neurons located at the intestinal or hepatic portal area. GLP‐1 neurons in the NTS widely project in the central nervous system and act as a neurotransmitter. One of the physiological roles of brain‐derived GLP‐1 is restriction of feeding. GLP‐1 receptor agonists have recently been used to treat type 2 diabetic patients, and have been shown to exhibit pleiotropic effects beyond incretin action, which involve brain functions. GLP‐1 receptor agonist administered in the periphery is stable because of its resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4, and is highly likely to act on the brain by passing through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), as well as interacting with vagal afferent nerves. Central actions of GLP‐1 have various roles including regulation of feeding, weight, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular functions, cognitive functions, and stress and emotional responses. In the present review, we focus on the source of GLP‐1 and the pathway by which peripheral GLP‐1 informs the brain, and then discuss recent findings on the central effects of GLP‐1 and GLP‐1 receptor agonists.
Serum bilirubin levels are positively associated with glycemic variability in women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim Lee Kyung , Roh Eun , Kim Min Joo , Kim Min Kyeong , Park Kyeong Seon , Kwak Soo Heon , Cho Young Min , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak Chul , Jung Hye Seung 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionGlycemic variability is known to induce oxidative stress. We investigated the relationships between glycemic variability and serum bilirubin levels, an endogenous anti‐oxidant, in patients with diabetes.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out with 77 patients with type 2 diabetes who had been recruited to two clinical studies from 2008 to 2014. There were no participants with diseases of the pancreas, liver, biliary tract and chronic renal insufficiency. Glycemic variation was calculated by a continuous glucose monitoring system, and correlation analyses were carried out to evaluate their association with bilirubin levels. Multiple linear regression was carried out to identify independent factors influencing bilirubin levels and glycemic variation.ResultsAmong the participants, 42.3% were men. The mean (standard deviation) age was 61.5 years (10.4 years), body mass index was 24.2 kg/m2 (2.8 kg/m2), diabetes duration was 17.7 years (9.5 years), hemoglobin A1c was 60.7 mmol/mol (7.1 mmol/mol; 7.7 [0.7]%) and bilirubin was 11.8 μmol/L (4.10 μmol/L). Serum bilirubin levels were not different according to age, body mass index and hemoglobin A1c. However, the mean amplitude of glucose excursion was positively associated with bilirubin levels in women (r = 0.588, P < 0.001). After adjustment with duration of diabetes, serum albumin, liver enzymes, and mean glucose, the correlation between bilirubin and mean amplitude of glucose excursion remained significant (r = 0.566, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that bilirubin was an independent determinant for the mean amplitude of glucose excursion in women. 1,5‐Anhydroglucitol was also associated with bilirubin levels in women.ConclusionsBilirubin level within the physiological range might be an independent predictor for glycemic variability in women with type 2 diabetes.
The hair grooming practices of women of African descent in London, United Kingdom: findings of a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dadzie O.E. , Salam A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of published data pertaining to the hair grooming practices of women of African descent in Europe. However, these data are important in facilitating culturally appropriate discussions on hair loss prevention.ObjectiveWe sought to describe the hair grooming practices of adult women of African descent in London, UK.MethodAnalysis of pooled data collected from a questionnaire‐based study exploring correlates of hair loss in women of African descent in London.ResultsA maximum of 242 subjects were included in the final data analysis. Subjects had a mean age of 41.1 years (CI: 39.3–42.9) and exhibited a diverse range of scalp hair phenotypes, although the majority (76.3%) had type 6, 7 or 8 hair. A percentage of 64.9 had more than five different hairstyles since childhood, with natural hairstyles being the most frequent current hairstyle (52.6%). The mean frequency of hair washing was 17.9 days (CI: 15.8–20.0), increasing to 32.8 days (28.6–37.0) when hair was braided or in a weave. The mean frequency of hair braiding/weaving was 63 days (CI: 56.3–69.7), whereas that for application of chemical relaxers was 88.6 days (CI: 75.6–101.6). While 59.2% of subjects avoided concurrent use of hair colours and chemical relaxers, only 46.3% avoided braiding chemically relaxed hair.ConclusionsThe hair‐care practices of women of African descent should be borne in mind when treating hair and scalp disorders in this group. Although the current trend is towards natural hairstyles, some adverse hair‐care practices still persist which should be addressed through culturally appropriate public health messages on hair loss prevention.
Variance and variability, uncovering an underappreciated component of reproductive isolation
Authors: Hereford J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEstimating the fitness of line crosses has been a key element in studies of inbreeding depression, hybridization, and speciation. Fitness values are typically compared using differences in the arithmetic mean of a fitness component between types of crosses. One aspect of fitness that is often overlooked is variance in offspring fitness over time. In the majority of studies, ignoring this aspect of fitness is unavoidable because it is impossible to estimate variance in offspring fitness over long time periods. Here, I describe a method of estimating variance in offspring fitness by substituting spatial variation for temporal variation and provide an empirical example. The method is based on Levene's test of homogeneity of variances. It is implemented by quantifying differences in residual variation among cross types. In a previous study, I performed crosses between populations of the annual plant Diodia teres and quantified hybrid fitness. In this study, another component of isolation and heterosis was revealed when considering variance in offspring fitness. When taking into account variance in offspring fitness using geometric mean fitness as the measure of performance, hybrids between populations from different habitats showed less heterosis than when calculating fitness based on arithmetic mean. This study demonstrates that variance in offspring fitness can be an important aspect of fitness that should be measured more frequently.
Sexual Selection on male cuticular hydrocarbons via male–male competition and female choice
Authors: Lane S. M. , Dickinson A. W. , Tregenza T. , House C. M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTraditional views of sexual selection assumed that male–male competition and female mate choice work in harmony, selecting upon the same traits in the same direction. However, we now know that this is not always the case and that these two mechanisms often impose conflicting selection on male sexual traits. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have been shown to be linked to both social dominance and male attractiveness in several insect species. However, although several studies have estimated the strength and form of sexual selection imposed on male CHCs by female mate choice, none have established whether these chemical traits are also subject to sexual selection via male–male competition. Using a multivariate selection analysis, we estimate and compare sexual selection exerted by male–male competition and female mate choice on male CHC composition in the broad‐horned flour beetle Gnatocerus cornutus. We show that male–male competition exerts strong linear selection on both overall CHC abundance and body size in males, while female mate choice exerts a mixture of linear and nonlinear selection, targeting not just the overall amount of CHCs expressed but the relative abundance of specific hydrocarbons as well. We discuss the potential implications of this antagonistic selection with regard to male reproductive success.
The Molecular Characterization and Immunity Identification of Microneme 3 of Eimeria acervulina
Authors: Zhang ZhenChao , Liu XinChao , Yang XinChao , Liu LianRui , Wang Shuai , Lu MingMin , Ehsan Mohammad , Gadahi Javaid A. , Song XiaoKai , Xu LiXin , Yan RuoFeng , Li XiangRui 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe gene of Eimeria acervulina microneme protein 3 (EaMIC3) was cloned and characterized. According to the conserved sequence, the 3′‐ and 5′‐ends of EaMIC3 were amplified by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full length cDNA of this gene was obtained by overlapping the sequences of 3′‐ and 5′‐extremities and amplification by reverse transcription PCR. The sequence analysis revealed that the opening reading frame (ORF) of EaMIC3 was 2,607 bp and encoded a protein of 868 amino acids with 93.04 kDa. Western blotting assay showed that the recombinant protein was successfully recognized by the sera of chickens experimentally infected with E. acervulina, whereas the native protein in the somatic extract of sporozoites was as well detected by sera from rats immunized with the recombinant protein of EaMIC3. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that EaMIC3 was expressed in the sporozoites and merozoites stages of E. acervulina. Animal challenge experiments demonstrated that the recombinant protein of EaMIC3 could significantly increase the average body weight gains, decrease the mean lesion scores and the oocyst outputs of the immunized chickens and presented anticoccidial index (ACI) more than 165. Moreover, EaMIC3 protein produced significantly high level of IgG antibody, IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐17 TGF‐β, CD4+, and CD8+.
A screening of medicinal compounds for their effect on egg strings and nauplii of the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer)
Authors: Aaen S M , Hamre L A , Horsberg T E 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEgg strings and nauplii of the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis were exposed to a variety of medicinal compounds at 50 mg L−1 for 30 min in two experiment series. This medicine concentration was selected as a starting point for a screening series. Hatching of egg strings and development to copepodid larvae were monitored in one experiment, and the survival and development of nauplii were monitored in the other. Two compounds, emamectin benzoate and cypermethrin, inhibited hatching effectively. Several compounds affected nauplii, either directly or through inhibiting development to the infective stage. A total of 50 mg L−1 of azamethiphos, cypermethrin, emamectin benzoate and propoxur was lethal to >70% of the larvae. Diflubenzuron, fenoxycarb, pymetrozine, pyriprole and tebufenozide diminished the ability of nauplii developing to copepodids.
A screening of multiple classes of pharmaceutical compounds for effect on preadult salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis
Authors: Aaen S M , Horsberg T E 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis Krøyer, is the major obstacle facing a sustainable future for farmers of salmonids in the North Atlantic Ocean. Medicinal compounds have been the most utilized tool to prevent salmon lice infestation; however, the active compounds have become less effective or considered environmentally unfriendly in the past years. Novel medicinal compounds are thus highly desired. In two experiment series, 26 medicinal compounds were screened for their efficacy against salmon lice, in a 30‐min exposure and 24‐h exposure, respectively. Pyriprole, imidacloprid, cartap and spinetoram were effective at 50 mg L−1 in the short‐time exposure. In the 24‐h exposure, pyriprole, propoxur, cartap, imidacloprid, fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen, nitenpyram, spinetoram, spiromesifen and diflubenzuron induced a high level of immobilization at 5 mg L−1. The EC50 values of the effective compounds were calculated in further titration studies for both exposure periods. Several physiological and biochemical pathways were discovered as possible targets for medicinal intervention against the salmon louse.
Effects of Exercise on Cognition: The Finnish Alzheimer Disease Exercise Trial: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Öhman Hannareeta , Savikko Niina , Strandberg Timo E. , Kautiainen Hannu , Raivio Minna M. , Laakkonen Marja‐Liisa , Tilvis Reijo , Pitkälä Kaisu H. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo examine whether a regular, long‐term exercise program performed by individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) at home or as group‐based exercise at an adult daycare center has beneficial effects on cognition; to examine secondary outcomes of a trial that has been published earlier.DesignRandomized, controlled trial.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling dyads (N = 210) of individuals with AD and their spousal caregivers randomized into three groups.InterventionTwo types of intervention comprising customized home‐based exercise (HE) and group‐based exercise (GE), each twice a week for 1 year, were compared with a control group (CG) receiving usual community care.MeasurementsCognitive function was measured using the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Verbal Fluency (VF), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months of follow‐up.ResultsExecutive function, measured using CDT, improved in the HE group, and changes in the score were significantly better than those of the CG at 12 months (adjusted for age, sex, and CDR, P = .03). All groups deteriorated in VF and MMSE score during the intervention, and no significant differences between the groups were detected at 12‐month follow‐up when analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and CDR.ConclusionRegular, long‐term, customized HE improved the executive function of community‐dwelling older people with memory disorders, but the effects were mild and were not observed in other domains of cognition.
Steel‐versus‐Concrete Debate Revisited: Global Warming Potential and Embodied Energy Analyses based on Attributional and Consequential Life Cycle Perspectives
Authors: Kua Harn Wei , Maghimai Marcus 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn the study of sustainable building materials, the comparison of the life cycle environmental performance of steel and reinforced concrete has been a popular and important topic. Based in Singapore, this is one of the first studies in the literature that applies both attributional and consequential life cycle approaches to compare the global warming potential and embodied energies of these two materials, which are widely used for the structural parts of buildings. It was found that 1 kilogram (kg) of steel can be replaced by 1 or 4.25 kg of reinforced concrete. Two consequential scenarios for each of three combinations of primary and secondary steel were assessed. It was found that reinforced concrete produces less carbon dioxide emissions and incurs less embodied energy in most of these cases, but when different sustainable primary steel‐making technologies were incorporated, these results may be reversed. We applied consequential life cycle assessment and scenario analysis to describe how changes in the demand for structural steel and reinforced concrete in Singapore's building industry give rise to different environmental impacts. Specifically, the consequential life cycle approach revealed that, over the short term, the impact of substituting steel with reinforced concrete depends on the difference in impacts resulting from the transportation of these two materials within Singapore. Based on these lessons, integrated technology policies to improve the overall sustainability of using steel for construction were proposed.