bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choice of baseline climate data impacts projected species' responses to climate change
Authors: Baker David J. , Hartley Andrew J. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Willis Stephen G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractClimate data created from historic climate observations are integral to most assessments of potential climate change impacts, and frequently comprise the baseline period used to infer species‐climate relationships. They are often also central to downscaling coarse resolution climate simulations from General Circulation Models (GCMs) to project future climate scenarios at ecologically relevant spatial scales. Uncertainty in these baseline data can be large, particularly where weather observations are sparse and climate dynamics are complex (e.g. over mountainous or coastal regions). Yet, importantly, this uncertainty is almost universally overlooked when assessing potential responses of species to climate change. Here, we assessed the importance of historic baseline climate uncertainty for projections of species' responses to future climate change. We built species distribution models (SDMs) for 895 African bird species of conservation concern, using six different climate baselines. We projected these models to two future periods (2040–2069, 2070–2099), using downscaled climate projections, and calculated species turnover and changes in species‐specific climate suitability. We found that the choice of baseline climate data constituted an important source of uncertainty in projections of both species turnover and species‐specific climate suitability, often comparable with, or more important than, uncertainty arising from the choice of GCM. Importantly, the relative contribution of these factors to projection uncertainty varied spatially. Moreover, when projecting SDMs to sites of biodiversity importance (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas), these uncertainties altered site‐level impacts, which could affect conservation prioritization. Our results highlight that projections of species' responses to climate change are sensitive to uncertainty in the baseline climatology. We recommend that this should be considered routinely in such analyses.
Comparison of sleep disorders in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon‐based therapy and direct acting antivirals using actigraphy
Authors: Yoh Kazunori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Iwata Yoshinori , Kishino Kyohei , Shimono Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Takata Ryo , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Ishii Akio , Iijima Hiroko , Matsunaga Hisato , Nakamura Hideji , Nishiguchi Shuhei 
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to compare the severity of sleep problems between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with interferon (IFN)‐based triple therapy (pegylated [Peg]‐IFN plus ribavirin [RBV] plus simeprevir [SMV]) and those who received IFN‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.MethodsOur study included 31 patients in group A (Peg‐IFN/RBV/SMV combination therapy) and 41 patients in the group B (IFN‐free DAA therapy). We prospectively compared the effect of each antiviral treatment regimen on sleep conditions between the two groups adding actigraphy data. Five parameters detected by actigraphy (objective assessment) and scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (subjective assessment, n = 30 [group A] and 35 [group B]) were estimated. The causal effect of each therapy on sleep disturbances was evaluated at baseline and at 4 weeks after commencement of therapy.ResultsIn terms of baseline characteristics, no significant differences between groups were found, except for hepatitis C virus genotype. In group A, sustained virological response 12 rate was 83.9% (26/31), whereas in group B it was 95.1% (39/41). In group A, each score of waking after sleep onset, activity index, wake episodes, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 4 weeks significantly increased compared to those evaluated at baseline. In group B, scores of all variables except for sleep episodes at 4 weeks did not significantly change compared to those at baseline.ConclusionInterferon‐based triple therapy in patients with CHC may cause significant sleep disturbances. Interferon‐free DAA therapy is less likely to deteriorate sleep conditions in patients with CHC.
How does a local initiative contribute to social inclusion and promote sustainable food practices? Focus on the example of social cooking workshops
Authors: Dyen Margot , Sirieix Lucie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInitiatives from food system players closer to citizens are currently valorized to promote sustainability. Based on TCR and on the practice theories, this research aims at studying the impacts of a local initiative on two aspects: social inclusion and sustainable food practices. To do so, we chose the example of cooking classes for people in social instability. Cooking classes may contribute to fight against social exclusion through two factors: first the group dynamic and then the value‐creation for participants. Besides, cooking classes may drive towards sustainable food practices on the basis of advice about new skills. Cooking classes in three different social service structures were observed: a Social Centre; a social service structure hosting young people suffering from homophobia; and, a hosting centre for people with disabilities. To complete these observations, semi‐directive one‐hour interviews were conducted with three participants from the different groups. This information was analyzed with thematic analysis and practice theories tools. Results show that the main factor of social inclusion is the value‐creation, with two factors contributing to people's self‐esteem: (re)teach them how to cook; and offer them the opportunity to cook and eat good food. The cooking classes are efficient to promote sustainable food practices, promoting at the same time the interest in shared‐eating, shared‐cooking, and new skills. Nevertheless, it is not enough for the people to adopt new practices because of material and logistical barriers. As such, our findings are important for policy makers tasked with promoting sustainable consumption and social insertion within vulnerable population.
Green consumers and their identities: how identities change the motivation for green consumption
Authors: Costa Pinto Diego , Nique Walter Meucci , Maurer Herter Marcia , Borges Adilson 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis research aims to fill the gap in green consumption literature from the perspective of values as types of intentions and identity‐based motivation. In two studies, we examine how the salience of personal and social identities can change the relationship between types of intentions and green consumption. The results demonstrate that when personal identity is salient, self‐transcendence intentions influence green consumption more than self‐enhancement intentions. This is because personal identity (compared with social identity) increases the positive effect of congruent intentions (self‐transcendence) on green consumption. However, when social identity is salient, self‐transcendence and self‐enhancement intentions have a similar impact on green consumption. This is because social identity (compared with personal identity) reduces the negative effect of self‐enhancement intentions on green consumption. Finally, we discuss theoretical and managerial implications for values as types of intentions, identity‐based motivation and green consumption.
Evaluation of mechanical and water barrier properties of transglutaminase cross‐linked zein films incorporated with oleic acid
Authors: Masamba Kingsley , Li Yue , Hategekimana Joseph , Zehadi Muhammad , Ma Jianguo , Zhong Fang 
Published: March 2016

SummaryIn this study, four concentrations of transglutaminase were used in zein films incorporated with four oleic acid concentrations, and subsequently, the mechanical and water barrier properties were evaluated. Enzyme concentration significantly affected mechanical and barrier properties of the films. Transglutaminase concentration at 1% improved tensile strength of control sample from 17.5 to 26.9 MPa while solubility decreased from 6.4% to 4.4%. Incorporation of oleic acid into transglutaminase‐treated zein films irrespective of enzyme concentration decreased water vapour permeability and solubility with the 1% transglutaminase‐treated zein films incorporated with 3% oleic acid registering the lowest permeability (0.37 g mm m−2 h−1 kPa−1) and solubility (2.8%) values while elongation at break was not significantly improved. The use of transglutaminase at 1% concentration in cross‐linking zein films coupled with incorporation of controlled concentrations of oleic acid can be an effective approach in improving mechanical and water barrier properties of zein‐based films.
Berberine activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma to increase atherosclerotic plaque stability in Apoe−/− mice with hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Li Hongjun , He Chengyan , Wang Jingying , Li Xiaoou , Yang Zhaowei , Sun Xiaoying , Fang Ling , Liu Ning 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionAn elevated level of plasma homocysteine has long been suspected as a metabolic risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic vascular diseases in diabetes. Berberine (BBR) has several preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases. The effects of BBR on atherosclerotic plaque stability increased by homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) remain unknown.Materials and MethodsThe model of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque was induced by placing a collar around the carotid artery in Apoe−/− mice. Endothelium‐dependent relaxation was assayed by organ chamber.ResultsHomocysteine thiolactone (50 mg/kg/day, 8 weeks) reduced the atherosclerotic plaque stability in the carotid artery of Apoe−/− mice, which was reversed by BBR administration (1.0 g/kg/day). In vivo and ex vivo experiments showed that HTL dramatically reduced acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation and superoxide dismutase activity, and increased malondialdehyde content, which were inhibited by BBR. Importantly, all effects induced by BBR were abolished by GW9662, an antagonist of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ. Incubation of cultured endothelial cells with HTL significantly reduced cell viabilities and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Pretreatment of cells with BBR dose‐dependently reversed HTL‐induced detrimental effects, which were GW9662‐reversible.ConclusionsBerberine increases atherosclerotic plaque stability in hyperhomocysteinemia mice, which is related to the activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and subsequent suppression of oxidative stress in endothelial cells.
Thermal interaction of middle and upper crust during gneiss dome formation: example from the Montagne Noire (French Massif Central)
Authors: Fréville K. , Cenki‐Tok B. , Trap P. , Rabin M. , Leyreloup A. , Régnier J.‐L. , Whitney D. L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper aims to decipher the thermal evolution of the Montagne Noire Axial Zone (MNAZ, southern French Massif Central) gneiss core and its metasedimentary cover through determination of P–T paths and temperature gradients. Migmatitic gneiss from the core of the dome record a clockwise evolution culminating at 725 ± 25 °C and 0.8 ± 0.1 GPa with partial melting, followed by a decompression path with only minor cooling to 690 ± 25° C and 0.4 ± 0.1 GPa. Field structural analyses as well as detailed petrological observations indicate that the cover sequence experienced LP‐HT metamorphism. Apparent thermal gradients within the cover were determined with garnet–biotite thermometry and Raman Spectroscopy on Carbonaceous Matter. High‐temperature apparent gradients (e.g. ∼530 °C km−1 along one transect) are explained by late brittle–ductile extensional shearing evidenced by phyllonites that post‐date peak metamorphism. In areas where normal faults are less abundant and closely spaced, gradients of ∼20 to 50 °C km−1 are calculated. These gradients can be accounted for by a combination of dome emplacement and ductile shearing (collapse of isotherms), without additional heat input. Finally, the thermal evolution of the MNAZ is typical for many gneiss domes worldwide as well as with other LP‐HT terranes in the Variscides.
The origin of chloritoid – 3‐mica pseudomorph growth in staurolite–muscovite schist, Bangriposi (Eastern India)
Authors: Prabhakar N. , Bhattacharya A. , Mukherjee P. K. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAt Bangriposi, variable stages in replacement of staurolite by chloritoid – Na–K–Ca mica shimmer aggregates in muscovite schists provides insight into the complex interplay between fluid flow, mass transfer, and dissolution–precipitation during pseudomorph growth. Idioblastic chloritoid growing into mica caps without causing visible deformation, and monomineralic chloritoid veins (up to 300 μm wide) within shimmer aggregates replacing staurolite attest to chloritoid nucleation in fluid‐filled conduits along staurolite grain boundaries and crystallographic planes. The growth of shimmer aggregates initiated along staurolite margins, and advanced inwards into decomposing staurolite along networks of crystallographically controlled fluid‐filled conduits. Coalescence among alteration zones adjacent to channel fills led to dismemberment and the eventual demise of staurolite. Mass balance calculation within a volume‐fixed, silica‐conserved reference frame indicate the shimmer aggregates grew via precipitation from fluids in response to mass transport that led to the addition of H2O, K2O, Na2O and CaO in the reaction zone, and Al2O3 was transported outward from the inward‐retreating margin of decomposing staurolite. This aided precipitation of chloritoid in veins and in the outer collars, and as disseminated grains in the shimmer aggregates at mid‐crustal condition (~520 ± 20 °C, 5.5 ± 2.0 kbar). Computation using one‐dimensional transport equation suggests that staurolite decomposition involved advection dominating over diffusive transport; the permeation of externally derived H2O caused flattening of chemical potential gradients in H2O and aqueous species, for example, and , computed using the Gibbs method. This suggests that staurolite decomposition was promoted by the infiltration of a large volume of H2O that flattened existing chemical potential gradients. In the initial stages of replacement, chloritoid super‐saturation in fluid caused preferential nucleation and growth of chloritoid at staurolite grain boundaries and in crystallographic planes. As reaction progressed, further chloritoid nucleation was halted, but chloritoid continued to grow as the 3‐mica aggregates continued to replace the remaining staurolite in situ, while the chloritoid‐compatible elements were transported in the water‐rich phase facilitating continued growth of the existing chloritoid grains.
Risk Factors for Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats
Authors: Finch N.C. , Syme H.M. , Elliott J. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundIdentification of risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats may aid in its earlier detection.Hypothesis/objectivesEvaluation of clinical and questionnaire data will identify risk factors for development of azotemicCKDin cats.AnimalsOne hundred and forty‐eight client‐owned geriatric (>9 years) cats.MethodsCats were recruited into the study and followed longitudinally for a variable time. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their pet at enrollment. Additional data regarding dental disease were obtained when available by development of a dental categorization system. Variables were explored in univariable and multivariable Cox regression models.ResultsIn the final multivariable Cox regression model, annual/frequent vaccination (Pvalue, .003; hazard ratio, 5.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.83–17.64), moderate dental disease (Pvalue, .008; hazard ratio, 13.83; 95% confidence interval, 2.01–94.99), and severe dental disease (Pvalue, .001; hazard ratio, 35.35; 95% confidence interval, 4.31–289.73) predicted development of azotemicCKD.ConclusionOur study suggests independent associations between both vaccination frequency and severity of dental disease and development ofCKD. Further studies to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of renal injury for these risk factors are warranted.
Development of a Multiplex Microsatellite PCR Assay Based on Microsatellite Markers for the Mud Carp, Cirrhinus molitorella
Authors: Wang Yakun , Zhao Jian , Li Wei , Zhang Xincheng , Hong Xiaoyou , Zhu Xinping 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this study, we developed a multiplex microsatellite polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that consisted of 13 pairs of primers selected from previously developed microsatellite markers in mud carp data obtained in our laboratory. We adjusted the number of cycles, the time of extension, and the primer ratios to make the multiplex PCR system as valuable as possible. Using this system, we performed a genetic analysis and parentage assignment for 2 male and 5 female mud carps and 146 of their progeny. The results showed a range of alleles of 2 < K < 5, with an average of 3.54. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.271 to 0.697, with an average of 0.4954. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.183 to 0.810, with an average of 0.6008. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.324 to 0.741, with an average of 0.5572. The null allele frequency was 1.29–27.68%. The computer‐simulated identification was 99%, while the combined exclusion power using all loci was 100% for actual offspring. Thus, this multiplex PCR assay is a new technological tool for selective breeding and a genetic resource for studying the mud carp, Cirrhinus molitorella.
The impact on hospital resource utilisation of treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin‐α
Authors: Orr James G. , Currie Craig J. , Berni Ellen , Goel Anurag , Moriarty Kieran J. , Sinha Ashish , Gordon Fiona , Dethier Anne , Dillon John F. , Clark Katie , Richardson Paul , Middleton Paul , Patel Vishal , Shawcross Debbie , Preedy Helen , Aspinall Richard J. , Hudson Mark 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsRifaximin‐α reduces the risk of recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy. However, there remain concerns regarding the financial cost of the drug. We aimed to study the impact of treatment with rifaximin‐α on healthcare resource utilisation using data from seven UK liver treatment centres.MethodsAll seven centres agreed a standardised data set and data characterising clinical, demographic and emergency hospital admissions were collected retrospectively for the time periods 3, 6 and 12 months before and following initiation of rifaximin‐α. Admission rates and hospital length of stay before and during therapy were compared. Costs of admissions and drug acquisition were estimated using published sources. Multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the relative impact of various factors on hospital length of stay.ResultsData were available from 326 patients. Following the commencement of rifaximin, the total hospital length of stay reduced by an estimated 31–53%, equating to a reduction in inpatient costs of between £4858 and £6607 per year. Taking into account drug costs of £3379 for 1‐year treatment with rifaximin‐α, there was an estimated annual mean saving of £1480–£3228 per patient.ConclusionsInitiation of treatment with rifaximin‐α was associated with a marked reduction in the number of hospital admissions and hospital length of stay. These data suggest that treatment of patients with rifaximin‐α for hepatic encephalopathy was generally cost saving.
The Gravitation of Market Prices as A Stochastic Process
Authors: Fratini Saverio M. , Naccarato Alessia 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe theory of value has been based ever since Adam Smith on the idea that the market prices of commodities, those at which actual trade takes place, gravitate around a central position known as natural prices. This article seeks to develop a statistical idea of the process in question and suggests in particular that market prices can be said to gravitate around natural prices if the probability of their means being very close to natural prices after t observations tends to 1 as t tends to infinity. A set of possible conditions leading to that result is also presented.
Homologous regulators, CnfR1 and CnfR2, activate expression of two distinct nitrogenase gene clusters in the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413
Authors: Pratte Brenda S. , Thiel Teresa 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis has two Mo‐nitrogenases that function under different environmental conditions in different cell types. The heterocyst‐specific nitrogenase encoded by the large nif1 gene cluster and the similar nif2 gene cluster that functions under anaerobic conditions in vegetative cells are under the control of the promoter for the first gene of each cluster, nifB1 or nifB2 respectively. Associated with each of these clusters is a putative regulatory gene called cnfR (patB) whose product has a C‐terminal HTH domain and an N‐terminal ferredoxin‐like domain. CnfR1 activates nifB1 expression in heterocysts, while CnfR2 activates nifB2 expression. A cnfR1 mutant was unable to make nitrogenase under aerobic conditions in heterocysts while the cnfR2 mutant was unable to make nitrogenase under anaerobic conditions. Mutations in cnfR1 and cnfR2 reduced transcripts for the nif1 and nif2 genes respectively. The closely related cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 has the nif1 system but lacks nif2. Expression of nifB2:lacZ from A. variabilis in anaerobic vegetative cells of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 depended on the presence of cnfR2. This suggests that CnfR2 is necessary and sufficient for activation of the nifB2 promoter and that the CnfR1/CnfR2 family of proteins are the primary activators of nitrogenase gene expression in cyanobacteria.
Dividing the pie: differential dung pat size utilization by sympatric Haematobia irritans and Musca autumnalis
Authors: FOWLER F. E. , MULLENS B. A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHorn flies [Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) (L.)] and face flies [Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae) De Geer] use the same larval resource, but their interactions are poorly studied. Dung pats (n = 350) were core sampled in the summers of 2012 and 2013 from irrigated pastures in Pomona, California, U.S.A. (34°03′N, 117°48′W) and held for face fly and horn fly emergence. Surface areas and estimated weights were recorded for each whole pat. Almost half (42.0%) of the pat cores yielded neither fly, 29.7% yielded horn flies only, 12.9% yielded face flies only and 15.4% yielded both flies. Of the fly‐positive pats, surface area and mass were larger for face fly‐occupied pats, whereas horn fly‐occupied pats were smaller. Pats shared by the two species were intermediate. Horn flies per positive core were unaffected by the absence/presence of face flies, but half as many face flies emerged when pats were co‐inhabited by horn flies. Face flies inhabited larger pats, which might better resist heating and drying, to which they are susceptible; horn flies inhabited a broad pat size range. Horn fly tolerance of lower dung moisture probably allows horn flies to colonize and survive in a wide range of pats in dry areas like southern California.