bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strong male‐biased operational sex ratio in a breeding population of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) inferred by paternal genotype reconstruction analysis
Authors: Lasala Jacob A. , Harrison J. Scott , Williams Kris L. , Rostal David C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCharacterization of a species mating systems is fundamental for understanding the natural history and evolution of that species. Polyandry can result in the multiple paternity of progeny arrays. The only previous study of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the USA showed that within the large peninsular Florida subpopulation, multiple paternity occurs in approximately 30% of clutches. Our study tested clutches from the smaller northern subpopulation for the presence of multiple paternal contributions. We examined mothers and up to 20 offspring from 19.5% of clutches laid across three nesting seasons (2008–2010) on the small nesting beach on Wassaw Island, Georgia, USA. We found that 75% of clutches sampled had multiple fathers with an average of 2.65 fathers per nest (1–7 fathers found). The average number of fathers per clutch varied among years and increased with female size. There was no relationship between number of fathers and hatching success. Finally, we found 195 individual paternal genotypes and determined that each male contributed to no more than a single clutch over the 3‐year sampling period. Together these results suggest that the operational sex ratio is male‐biased at this site.
The Science–Policy Interface for Climate Change Adaptation: the Contribution of Communities of Practice Theory
Authors: Iyalomhe Felix , Jensen Anne , Critto Andrea , Marcomini Antonio 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTClimate change adaptation demands a successful science–policy interface that can enhance the translation of climate scenarios to adaptation policies. However, experience shows it is difficult to implement this interface in practice, particularly at the regional/local scale. This paper considers the communities of practice theory in a new way, by examining two model cases to highlight areas of potential opportunities and contentions with the theory, and to understand how a successful science–policy interface in climate change adaptation projects could be envisioned as a community of practice. The assumption is that the social contexts in which these projects often exist could be established by the concepts of ‘communities of practice’, which defines activities in a social and historical context that gives structure to the engagement of participants. We compiled cases from open‐ended survey and interactive research experience and observation, and inductively reflected on these vis‐à‐vis communities of practice. The model cases revealed challenges as well as potential opportunities for communities of practice, in that they exist within a middle space (social context) that could facilitate personal and professional relationship, promote formal and informal interactions, and are needed to negotiate different expertise and narrow apparent boundaries. We conclude that vigorous and dynamic communities of practice promise to nurture the social context in which participants in adaptation projects are potentially engaged, and thus provide a provisional support to the science–policy interface. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Nationwide survey for primary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Tazuma Susumu , Okazaki Kazuichi , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Inui Kazuo , Takikawa Hajime 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe previously conducted nationwide surveys for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in Japan, and demonstrated several characteristic features of Japanese PSC patients, yet patients with IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) might be misdiagnosed as PSC. Since the clinical diagnostic criteria of IgG4‐SC were established in 2012, we again conducted a nationwide survey to investigate the characteristics of PSC and IgG4‐SC lacking pancreatic involvement.MethodsThe design was a questionnaire‐based, multi‐center retrospective study. The enrolled subjects were patients with PSC and IgG4‐SC without pancreatic involvement diagnosed after 2005.ResultsWe enrolled 197 PSC and 43 IgG4‐SC patients without pancreatic lesions. The male dominance was significantly evident in IgG4‐SC (P = 0.006). In patients with PSC, two peaks in age distribution were clearly observed. IgG4‐SC was not detected in any patient younger than 45 years of age. At presentation, serum albumin and IgM were significantly higher in PSC, while serum IgG and IgG4 were significantly elevated in IgG4‐SC. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was detected in only 68/197 PSC patients (34%). The prognosis of IgG4‐SC was considerably better than that of PSC.ConclusionWe confirmed several interesting clinical details of PSC in Japanese patients: two peaks in the age distribution and lower prevalence of IBD.
MAKING POVERTY INTO A FINANCIAL PROBLEM: FROM GLOBAL POVERTY LINES TO KIVA.ORG
Authors: Schwittay Anke F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper presents the financialization of poverty as a conceptual addition to the literature on microfinance. It argues that for microfinance to be seen as a solution to poverty alleviation, poverty has been made into a financial problem. This is exemplified by the World Bank's global poverty line and leads to the constitution of poor people as financial subjects. In addition, thinking of poverty in financial terms enables Northern publics’ engagement with poverty. Recent initiatives like Live Below the Line and Kiva.org are presented as examples of how poverty is made manageable for Northern supporters of microfinance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FOOD PRICE CHANGES AND POVERTY IN ZAMBIA: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT USING HOUSEHOLD MICRODATA
Authors: Caracciolo Francesco , Depalo Domenico , Macias Josè Brambila 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper presents estimates of the welfare and poverty effects of a price increase in a major food commodity in an underdeveloped country. We use household data from a Zambian survey to estimate a demand system with which various price scenarios can be simulated for the main Zambian staple and its possible effects on different population categories. Our results show that a 50 per cent increase in maize prices could lead to an average consumption decrease of 17 per cent among Zambian households, and overall poverty could rise from 68 to 70 per cent fairly quickly at national level. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH Stability of Poly(urethane/urea) Capsules Synthesized from Different Hydrophilic Monomers via Interfacial Polyaddition in the Inverse Miniemulsion Process
Authors: Baier Grit , Friedemann Kathrin , Leuschner Eva‐Maria , Musyanovych Anna , Landfester Katharina 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPoly(urethane/urea) capsules with different hydrophilic monomers and toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate were prepared using a polyaddition reaction in inverse miniemulsion. The morphology and the size distribution of the prepared capsules were studied via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Furthermore, the capsules were transferred into an aqueous surfactant containing solution and exposed to different pH values (2.5, 7 and 9). The changes in the capsule's shell stability were studied by measuring the amount of a released dye, which had previously been encapsulated, using fluorescence spectroscopy. The specific surface area of nanocapsules was calculated from nitrogen sorption measurements (Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET)).
Effect of Filler Size on the Thermal Properties of ER/BaTiO3 Composites
Authors: Patsidis Anastasios , Georga Stavroula N. , Krontiras Christoforos A. , Psarras Georgios C. , Kanapitsas Athanasios , Tsonos Christos 
Published: October 2013

SummaryEpoxy resin/barium titanate nano‐ and micro‐composites were prepared and studied, varying the filler content. Thermal properties of the composite systems were examined by means of Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analysis, while dielectric response was assessed via Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy. Decomposition temperature found not to vary with filler size, while thermal stability of reinforced systems is enhanced compared to epoxy resin. Nanocomposites exhibit, improved thermal properties compared to micro‐composites at the same filler content. Composite systems attain higher values of dielectric permittivity, and relaxation processes are present in all studied systems.
Photo‐Controlled Synthesis of Responsive Polymer Capsules from Hybrid Core‐Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Achilleos Demetra S. , Hatton T. Alan , Vamvakaki Maria 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHerein, we report for the first time the light‐driven supramolecular engineering of water‐dispersible polymer vesicles. The hollow capsules were controllably formed and ruptured by stimulating photosensitive, spherical polymer brushes on silica particles with the appropriate phototrigger. The polymer brushes were synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and consisted of dual‐responsive 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and light‐sensitive spiropyran (SP) moieties which undergo isomerization to merocyanine (MC) upon UV irradiation. Upon prolonged UV exposure of the sterically crowded polymer brushes, H‐type π − π stacks are formed between the MC isomers, which act as physical cross‐links between the polymer chains. After HF etching of the inorganic core, dual responsive polymeric vesicles are derived, whose walls' robustness is provided by the H‐type aggregates. The hydrophilic and pH‐sensitive properties of the DMAEMA comonomer, facilitate the formation of the hollow capsules in water and their size manipulation via alteration of the solution pH, respectively. The inherent ability of the nanocapsules to fluoresce in water opens new avenues for the development of nanoscale capsules for biomedical applications. Finally, disruption of the stacks and thus the polymer vesicles can be achieved remotely using harmless visible‐light irradiation.
Antimicrobial Agent‐Containing Polymeric Materials
Authors: Karakosta Paraskevi , Koumlili Eleni , Kammona Olga , Kiparissides Costas 
Published: October 2013

SummaryCrosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) P(MMA/EGDMA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with the antimicrobial agent methyl paraben (MP) were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization. The MP‐loaded NPs (i.e., ≤9.63 wt% MP) had an average size in the range of 108 to 145 nm. The NPs were subsequently incorporated in a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix, in the form of individual NPs and small aggregates (<1 µm), employing a twin screw extrusion process in the presence and absence of appropriate compatibilizers (i.e., montmorillonite clay (MMT), mesoporous silica (MCM‐41)). MP exhibited a sustained release profile from the P(MMA/EGDMA) (NPs) as well as from the LDPE matrix.
Cholesterol‐β1AR interaction versus cholesterol‐β2AR interaction
Authors: Cang Xiaohui , Yang Linlin , Yang Jing , Luo Cheng , Zheng Mingyue , Yu Kunqian , Yang Huaiyu , Jiang Hualiang 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTTwo 8‐µs all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on the two highly homologous G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes, β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors, which were embedded in a lipid bilayer with randomly dispersed cholesterol molecules. During the simulations, cholesterol molecules accumulate to different surface regions of the two receptors, suggesting the subtype specificity of cholesterol–β‐adrenergic receptor interaction and providing some clues to the physiological difference of the two subtypes. Meanwhile, comparison between the two receptors in interacting with cholesterols shed some new light on general determinants of cholesterol binding to GPCRs. Our results indicate that although the concave surface, charged residues and aromatic residues are important, neither of these stabilizing factors is indispensable for a cholesterol interaction site. Different combinations of these factors lead to the diversified binding modes of cholesterol binding to the receptors. Our long‐time simulations, for the first time, revealed the pathway of a cholesterol molecule entering the consensus cholesterol motif (CCM) site, and the binding process of cholesterol to CCM is accompanied by a side chain flipping of the conserved Trp4.50. Moreover, the simulation results suggest that the I‐/V‐/L‐rich region on the extracellular parts of helix 6 might be an alternatively conserved cholesterol‐binding site for the class‐A GPCRs. Proteins 2014; 82:760–770. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A reliable quality of service aware fault tolerant gateway discovery protocol for vehicular networks
Authors: Aljeri Noura , Abrougui Kaouther , Almulla Mohammed , Boukerche Azzedine 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA great interest in vehicular ad‐hoc networks has been noticed by the research community. General goals of vehicular networks are to enhance safety on the road and to ensure the convenience of passengers by continuously providing them, in real time, with information and entertainment options such as routes to destinations, traffic conditions, facilities' information, and multimedia/Internet access. Indeed, time efficient systems that have high connectivity and low bandwidth usage are most needed to cope with realistic traffic mobility conditions. One foundation of such a system is the design of an efficient gateway discovery protocol that guarantees robust connectivity between vehicles, while assuring Internet access. Little work has been performed on how to concurrently integrate load balancing, quality of service (QoS), and fault tolerant mechanisms into these protocols. In this paper, we propose a reliable QoS‐aware and location aided gateway discovery protocol for vehicular networks by the name of fault tolerant location‐based gateway advertisement and discovery. One of the features of this protocol is its ability to tolerate gateway routers and/or road vehicle failure. Moreover, this protocol takes into consideration the aspects of the QoS requirements specified by the gateway requesters; furthermore, the protocol insures load balancing on the gateways as well as on the routes between gateways and gateway clients. We discuss its implementation and report on its performance in contrast with similar protocols through extensive simulation experiments using the ns‐2 simulator. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type III (Sanfilippo disease)
Authors: de Ruijter J. , Broere L. , Mulder M. F. , van der Ploeg A. T. , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. E. , Wortmann S. B. , Visser G. , Wijburg F. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis III (MPS III), known as Sanfilippo disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder mainly characterized by progressive neurodegeneration with cognitive decline and relatively attenuated somatic signs and symptoms. Although short stature is invariably present in patients with the other mucopolysaccharidoses, it has not been sufficiently addressed in MPS III. The aim of this study was to investigate growth data of a large Dutch MPS III cohort in order to construct growth charts for MPS III patients.MethodsHeight, weight, head circumference (HC), and body mass index (BMI) data from 118 MPS III patients were used to construct reference curves, using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. Genotype‐group comparisons for height standard deviation scores (SDS) were performed by Kruskal–Wallis analysis for different age groups.ResultsBirth weight and length were within normal ranges for gestational age and showed a significantly stunted growth from age 6 years onward. Mean final heights were 169.7 cm (−2.0 SDS) and 165.4 cm (−0.84 SDS) for adult male and female, patients, respectively. Phenotypic severity, as assessed by genotyping, correlated with growth pattern and final height. In addition, mean BMI and HC SDS were significantly higher when compared with Dutch standards for both boys and girls.ConclusionsGrowth in MPS III is stunted mainly in patients with the severe phenotype. We provide disease‐specific growth references that can be used for clinical management of MPS III patients and may be of value for future treatment studies.
Regulation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis by Seaweed Fucoxanthin and Its Metabolite in Cultured Hepatocytes
Authors: Aki Tsunehiro , Yamamoto Masaya , Takahashi Toshiaki , Tomita Kohki , Toyoura Rieko , Iwashita Kazuhiro , Kawamoto Seiji , Hosokawa Masashi , Miyashita Kazuo , Ono Kazuhisa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe effects of a seaweed carotenoid, fucoxanthin, and its physiological metabolite, fucoxanthinol, on the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were investigated using cultured rat hepatoma BRL‐3A. The metabolism of α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3) was suppressed by the addition of these carotenoids, resulting in a decrease in the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3), which suggested a down‐regulation of metabolic enzymes such as fatty acid desaturase and elongase. An increase in the content of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3), as observed in previous studies in vivo, might be a buffering action to maintain the membrane fluidity. The suppressive effect of fucoxanthinol on ∆6 fatty acid desaturase was not at the level of gene expression but due to specific modifications of the protein via a ubiquitin–proteasome system. A proteomic analysis revealed several factors such as phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein that might be involved in the observed action of fucoxanthin. These findings will contribute to studies on the elucidation of the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of PUFA biosynthesis by fucoxanthin.
Suicidal ideations and attempts among adolescents subjected to childhood sexual abuse and family conflict/violence: The mediating role of anger and depressed mood
Authors: Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Asgeirsdottir Bryndis Bjork , Gudjonsson Gisli H. , Sigurdsson Jon Fridrik 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBased on a sample of 9085 16‐ to 19‐year‐old students attending all high schools in Iceland in 2004, the current study examines depressed mood and anger as potential mediators between family conflict/violence and sexual abuse, on the one hand, and suicidal ideations and suicide attempts on the other. Agnew's general strain theory provides the theoretical framework for the study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted allowing explicit modelling of both direct and mediating effects using observed and latent variables. The findings showed that both depressed mood and anger mediated the relationship between family conflict/violence and sexual abuse and suicidal attempts. However, when testing the mediating pathways between sexual abuse and family conflict/violence and suicidal ideations, only depressed mood but not anger turned out to be a significant mediator. The authors discuss how these finding may inform and facilitate the design and development of interventions to reduce the likelihood of suicide attempts among young people.
Pioglitazone use and the risk of bladder cancer
Authors: Kuo Hsin‐Wei , Tiao Mao‐Meng , Ho Shu‐Chen , Yang Chun‐Yuh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to identify the risk association between pioglitazone exposure and bladder cancer. A nested case–control study was performed using a representative database randomly sampled from National Health Insurance enrollees. The source cohort consisted of newly diagnosed diabetic patients from 1997 to 2009. Cases were identified as those with a diagnosis of bladder cancer from 2002 to 2009. For each case, four matched control individuals were randomly selected. A multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the relative magnitude of risk in relation to the use of pioglitazone. In total, 259 cases and 1036 controls were identified. The prevalent use of pioglitazone is similar in cases and controls (adjusted odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–2.49). Compared to nonusers, these values were 1.08 (0.41–2.88) for those with cumulative pioglitazone use ≤ 8268 mg and 1.35 (0.48–3.79) for those with cumulative pioglitazone use > 8268 mg. This study does not provide support for the risk association between pioglitazone exposure and bladder cancer. Further confirmation is needed due to the limitation of small case number with relatively shorter exposure duration and lower cumulative dose.
Liquidity and capital under uncertainty and changing market sentiment: A simple analysis
Authors: Bossone Biagio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study introduces a general approach to investigate resource allocation and asset prices in an economy with uncertainty and shifts in market sentiment. The approach presents a number of key features: first, it proposes a choice‐theoretic model that determines the utility that the agents derive from holding assets with different liquidity. Second, it incorporates a variable (endogenously‐determined) cost structure of asset liquidation, which reflects the (in)efficiencies of the financial infrastructure and changes in market moods. Third, it also incorporates a model of expectations formation under uncertainty and changing market sentiment. While rich in structure, the approach offers a simple analytical framework to investigate resource allocation decision and asset price dynamics under various sources of uncertainty, and to explore the micro‐economics of speculative bubbles and boom–bust sequences. The use of a possible market‐specific prudential policy tool is discussed.
Proteomic analysis of the SIRT6 interactome: novel links to genome maintenance and cellular stress signaling
Authors: Simeoni Federica , Tasselli Luisa , Tanaka Shinji , Villanova Lidia , Hayashi Mayumi , Kubota Kazuishi , Isono Fujio , Garcia Benjamin A. , Michishita-Kioi Eriko , Chua Katrin F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe chromatin regulatory factor SIRT6 plays pivotal roles in metabolism, tumor suppression, and aging biology. Despite the fundamental roles of SIRT6 in physiology and disease, only a handful of molecular and functional interactions of SIRT6 have been reported. Here, we characterize the SIRT6 interactome and identify 80+ novel SIRT6-interacting proteins. The discovery of these SIRT6-associations considerably expands knowledge of the SIRT6 interaction network, and suggests previously unknown functional interactions of SIRT6 in fundamental cellular processes. These include chromatin remodeling, mitotic chromosome segregation, protein homeostasis, and transcriptional elongation. Extended analysis of the SIRT6 interaction with G3BP1, a master stress response factor, uncovers an unexpected role and mechanism of SIRT6 in regulating stress granule assembly and cellular stress resistance.