bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Classification of Almond Cultivars by Using Spectroscopic and Thermal Techniques
Authors: García Arantzazu Valdés , Beltrán Sanahuja Ana , Garrigós Selva María del Carmen 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThree different almond cultivars (Spanish Guara, Marcona, and Butte from U.S.A.) were characterized by using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and thermal analysis techniques (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All samples were directly analyzed without the need of a previous oil extraction. Similar FTIR bands were observed for all studied cultivars corresponding to specific functional groups characteristics of almond ingredients (water, fat, protein, and carbohydrates). Significant differences were observed between cultivars according to absorbance and maximum wave number values of specific bands observed by FTIR and melting and crystallization parameters obtained by DSC. TGA showed that samples were stable up to around 220 °C. Different stages of degradation were observed with increasing temperature corresponding to the degradation of the complex matrix of the samples. Successful discrimination was obtained for all samples by applying multivariate stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA) separately to data obtained from FTIR and DSC. A satisfactory multidisciplinary approach was also performed by inserting together all parameters obtained from the 3 techniques as predictors ensuring higher reliability of the obtained model. The obtained results proved the suitability of the studied analytical techniques combined with LDA for an easy and fast discrimination among different almond cultivars in food processing.Practical Application: The study of spectroscopic and thermal parameters could be used as a control tool for the direct and fast assessment of almond samples in food processing, particularly for protected designation of origin products.
Sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization improves the survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Bai Wei , Wang Yong Ji , Zhao Yan , Qi Xing Shun , Yin Zhan Xin , He Chuang Ye , Li Rui Jun , Wu Kai Chun , Xia Jie Lai , Fan Dai Ming , Han Guo Hong 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveThis prospective non‐randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of sorafenib in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) vs TACE alone for the treatment of patients with unresectable intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsA total of 304 patients were enrolled, in which 82 received concurrent sorafenib (400 mg orally twice daily, initiated within 14 days after TACE), and these patients were matched with 164 patients who received TACE alone at a 1:2 ratio using propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. The response to treatment, time‐to‐progression (TTP), overall survival (OS) as well as adverse events were compared between the two groups.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 21.4 weeks (range 0.5–103 weeks), the addition of sorafenib prolonged TTP (6.3 vs 4.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% CI 0.422–0.853, P = 0.004) and median survival (7.5 vs 5.1 months; HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.423–0.884, P = 0.009) compared with TACE alone. Significant prognostic factors for OS by multivariate analysis included the use of sorafenib, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, metastasis/vascular invasion and Child‐Pugh score.ConclusionsThe combined use of sorafenib and TACE was generally well tolerated and significantly improved OS and TTP compared with TACE alone in patients with intermediate or advanced HCC. Further studies are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy.
Estimating demographic parameters from capture–recapture data with dependence among individuals within clusters
Authors: Choquet Rémi , Sanz‐Aguilar Ana , Doligez Blandine , Nogué Erika , Pradel Roger , Gustafsson Lars , Gimenez Olivier 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Two‐level data, in which level‐1 units or individuals are nested within level‐2 units or clusters, are very common in natural populations. However, very few multilevel analyses are conducted for data with imperfect detection of individuals. Multilevel analyses are important to quantify the variability at each level of the data.

In this study, we present two‐level analyses for estimating demographic parameters from data with imperfect detection of individuals and with a source of individual variability that is nested within a source of cluster variability.

This method allows separating and quantifying the phenotypic plasticity or facultative behavioural responses from the evolutionary responses. We illustrate our approach using data from studies of a long‐lived perennially monogamous seabird, the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) and a patchy population of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis).

We demonstrate the existence of dependence in recapture probability between paired individuals in the Cory's shearwater. In addition, we show that family structure has no influence on parent–offspring resemblance in collared flycatchers dispersal.

The new method is implemented in program e‐surge which is freely available from the internet.
Opioid system in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates binge‐like eating
Authors: Blasio Angelo , Steardo Luca , Sabino Valentina , Cottone Pietro 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBinge eating disorder is an addiction‐like disorder characterized by excessive food consumption within discrete periods of time. This study was aimed at understanding the role of the opioid system within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the consummatory and motivational aspects of binge‐like eating. For this purpose, we trained male rats to obtain either a sugary, highly palatable diet (Palatable rats) or a chow diet (Chow rats) for 1 hour/day. We then evaluated the effects of the opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, given either systemically or site‐specifically into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) or the mPFC on a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) and a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement for food. Finally, we assessed the expression of the genes proopiomelanocortin (POMC), pro‐dynorphin (PDyn) and pro‐enkephalin (PEnk), coding for the opioids peptides in the NAcc and the mPFC in both groups. Palatable rats rapidly escalated their intake by four times. Naltrexone, when administered systemically and into the NAcc, reduced FR1 responding for food and motivation to eat under a progressive ratio in both Chow and Palatable rats; conversely, when administered into the mPFC, the effects were highly selective for binge eating rats. Furthermore, we found a twofold increase in POMC and a ∼50% reduction in PDyn gene expression in the mPFC of Palatable rats, when compared to control rats; however, no changes were observed in the NAcc. Our data suggest that neuroadaptations of the opioid system in the mPFC occur following intermittent access to highly palatable food, which may be responsible for the development of binge‐like eating.
Perceived efficacy, conscious fear of death and intentions to tan: Not all fear appeals are created equal
Authors: Cooper Douglas P. , Goldenberg Jamie L. , Arndt Jamie 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesAccording to the terror management health model, conscious thoughts of death motivate productive health behaviours when the targeted behaviour is perceived as an effective route for mitigating the threat and removing death‐related thought from focal awareness. The present study thus examined whether messages manipulating the efficacy of a health behaviour moderate health outcomes when participants are presented with a fear appeal that makes death thought conscious.DesignA 3 (fear appeal: cancer vs. appearance vs. neutral) × 2 (delay vs. no delay) × 2 (effective vs. non‐effective) between‐subjects ANOVA was conducted.MethodsBeach patrons were randomly assigned to a cancer, appearance, or neutral‐threat fear appeal followed by a delay or no delay. Subsequently, they read messages highlighting the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of sun protection behaviours and reported their intentions to engage in those behaviours.ResultsWhen fear appeals primed conscious thoughts of death, framing sun protection as ineffective decreased sun protection intentions relative to framing sun protection as effective. In contrast, fear appeals that did not consciously prime death, or appeals followed by a delay that allowed thoughts of death to fade from consciousness, did not interact with efficacy messages.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that messages impacting sun protection efficacy moderated sun protection intentions only when death was conscious. The findings have implications for understanding the conditions that render certain fear appeals, and accompanying messages of efficacy, more influential than others.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Health communications that arouse fear motivate adaptive health behaviours to the extent that people perceive that the behaviour is capable of being performed (i.e., self‐efficacy) and will be effective at preventing the undesired outcome (i.e., response efficacy). According to the terror management health model (TMHM), health threats associated with mortality activate conscious thoughts of death. Moreover, the TMHM has found that when death thoughts are conscious, the belief that a health behaviour is effective predicts greater prevention intentions in an effort to remove the health threat, and conscious thoughts of death, from focal attention.

What does this study add?

Framing sun protection behaviours as effective increases sun protection behaviours among individuals exposed to a fear appeal that primes conscious thoughts of death (e.g., skin cancer from sun damage) relative to framing the behaviour as ineffective.

Framing sun protection behaviours as effective after a fear appeal that does not prime death‐related thoughts (e.g., appearance damage from sun damage) does not affect sun protection behaviours.

Framing sun protection behaviours as effective or non‐effective has no effect on sun protection intentions when death is no longer conscious.
Implicit associations and compensatory health beliefs in smokers: Exploring their role for behaviour and their change through warning labels
Authors: Glock Sabine , Müller Barbara C.N. , Krolak‐Schwerdt Sabine 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesSmokers might think that the negative effects of smoking can be compensated for by other behaviours, such as doing exercise or eating healthily. This phenomenon is known as compensatory health beliefs (CHBs). Graphic warning labels on cigarette packets emphasize the negative effects of smoking, which may impact CHBs. Research so far has assessed CHBs explicitly only via questionnaires, although implicit cognition might be an important factor in continuing to smoke. This study investigated the impact of graphic warning labels on CHBs, by testing CHBs both implicitly and explicitly.DesignThe study had a three‐group experimental design. ANOVAs and multiple regression analyses were run on the results.MethodsWe assessed explicit CHBs among non‐smokers, smokers, and smokers confronted with graphic warning labels (N = 107; 47 females, 23.89 years old, 78 daily smokers). Implicit associations between smoking and CHB‐specific behaviours (e.g., eating healthy food) were measured using a Single‐Target Implicit Association Test. After the experiment, participants were able to choose between a healthy and unhealthy food reward.ResultsNon‐smokers and smokers differed in explicit CHBs but not in implicit cognitions. Warning labels influenced implicit associations among smokers but did not affect explicit CHBs. Most interestingly, implicit associations and explicit CHBs predicted food choice and smoking among smokers not confronted with warning labels.ConclusionsGraphic warning labels could be used in interventions to inhibit automatic associations between smoking and healthy behaviours. Unlearning implicit cognitions might in turn affect explicit CHBs, thus decreasing their role in reducing the negative feelings caused by smoking.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Smokers develop compensatory health beliefs as means to reduce cognitive dissonance. CHBs predict behavioural intentions but not actual behaviours. CHBs so far are assessed via questionnaires. The influence of warning labels has not been investigated so far.What does this study add? Warning labels only affected implicit cognitions. Implicit as well as explicit CHBs predicted smoking behaviour as well as actual healthy nutrition behaviour among the smokers control group.
MPP+‐dependent inhibition of Ih reduces spontaneous activity and enhances EPSP summation in nigral dopamine neurons
Authors: Masi A , Narducci R , Landucci E , Moroni F , Mannaioni G 
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose1‐Methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+), a potent parkinsonizing agent in primates and rodents, is a blocker of mitochondrial complex I, therefore MPP+‐induced parkinsonism is believed to depend largely on mitochondrial impairment. However, it has recently been proposed that other mechanisms may participate in MPP+‐induced toxicity. We tackled this issue by probing the effects of an acute application of MPP+ on substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine (DA) neurons.Experimental ApproachThe effects of MPP+ on SNc DA neurons in acute midbrain slices were investigated with electrophysiology techniques.Key ResultsMPP+ (50 μM) was able to (i) hyperpolarize SNc DA neurons by ∼6 mV; (ii) cause an abrupt and marked (over 50%) reduction of the spontaneous activity; and (iii) inhibit the hyperpolarization‐activated inward current (Ih). MPP+ shifted Ih activation curve towards negative potentials by ∼11 mV both in Wistar rats and in C57/BL6 mice. Inhibition was voltage‐ and concentration‐dependent (Imax = 47%, IC50 = 7.74 μM). MPP+ slowed Ih activation kinetics at all potentials. These effects were not dependent on (i) block of mitochondrial complex I/fall of ATP levels; (ii) activation of type 2 DA receptor; and (iii) alteration of cAMP metabolism. Finally, MPP+‐dependent inhibition of Ih facilitated temporal summation of evoked EPSPs in SNc DA, but not in CA1 hippocampal neurons.Conclusion and ImplicationsReduced functionality of Ih in SNc DA neurons, via increased responsiveness towards synaptic excitation, might play a role in MPP+‐induced parkinsonism and, possibly, in the pathogenesis of human Parkinson's.
The Consequences of Income Instability for Children's Well‐Being
Authors: Hill Heather D. , Morris Pamela , Gennetian Lisa A. , Wolf Sharon , Tubbs Carly 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIncome instability is an important and understudied dimension of the established empirical relation between family income and children's healthy development. Frequent fluctuations in income may influence daily processes and routines of family life, but the nature of such effects also may vary by specific patterns of income instability, parents' responses, and children's characteristics. In this article, we review existing theory and research on income, family functioning, and child development to better understand the potential implications of income instability for children's development. We also integrate theoretical insights from developmental psychology, economics, sociology, and social neuroscience to propose a set of testable hypotheses for social science investigations on this topic.
Increases in Cognitive and Linguistic Processing Primarily Account for Increases in Speaking Rate With Age
Authors: Nip Ignatius S. B. , Green Jordan R. 
Published: January 2013

Age‐related increases of speaking rate are not fully understood, but have been attributed to gains in biologic factors and learned skills that support speech production. This study investigated developmental changes in speaking rate and articulatory kinematics of participants aged 4 (N = 7), 7 (N = 10), 10 (N = 9), 13 (N = 7), 16 (N = 9) years, and young adults (N = 11) in speaking tasks varying in task demands. Speaking rate increased with age, with decreases in pauses and articulator displacements but not increases in articulator movement speed. Movement speed did not appear to constrain the speaking. Rather, age‐related increases in speaking rate are due to gains in cognitive and linguistic processing and speech motor control.
Human Influence and Classical Biogeographic Predictors of Rare Species Occurrence
Authors: BENNETT JOSEPH R. , ARCESE PETER 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBiogeographic theory predicts that rare species occur more often in larger, less‐isolated habitat patches and suggests that patch size and connectivity are positive predictors of patch quality for conservation. However, in areas substantially modified by humans, rare species may be relegated to the most isolated patches. We used data from plant surveys of 81 meadow patches in the Georgia Basin of Canada and the United States to show that presence of threatened and endangered plants was positively predicted for patches that were isolated on small islands surrounded by ocean and for patches that were isolated by surrounding forest. Neither patch size nor connectivity were positive predictors of rare species occurrence. Thus, in our study area, human influence, presumably due to disturbance or introduction of competitive non‐native species, appears to have overwhelmed classical predictors of rare species distribution, such that greater patch isolation appeared to favor presence of rare species. We suggest conservation planners consider the potential advantages of protecting geographically isolated patches in human‐modified landscapes because such patches may represent the only habitats in which rare species are likely to persist.Influencia Humana y Predictores Biogeográficos Clásicos de la Ocurrencia de Especies Raras
Seasonal and annual influence on insulin and cortisol results from overnight dexamethasone suppression tests in normal ponies and ponies predisposed to laminitis
Authors: Borer‐Weir K. E. , Menzies‐Gow N. J. , Bailey S. R. , Harris P. A. , Elliott J. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyA simple, accurate test for identifying individual animals at increased risk of laminitis would aid prevention. Laminitis‐prone ponies have a greater serum insulin response to dexamethasone administration than normal ponies in the summer, but the response during different seasons is unknown.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that previously laminitic ponies have a greater insulin response to dexamethasone than normal ponies, which is present during all seasons.Study designProspective longitudinal study.MethodsOvernight dexamethasone suppression tests were performed on 7 normal ponies and 5 previously laminitic ponies in spring 2009 and 2010, summer 2008 and 2010, autumn 2009 and winter 2008, while the ponies were at pasture. In spring 2010, a dexamethasone suppression test was performed after the ponies had been fed only hay for 3 weeks. Serum cortisol and insulin concentrations pre‐ and post dexamethasone were measured. Linear mixed models were used to analyse the data.ResultsInsulin concentrations pre‐ and post dexamethasone were significantly higher in previously laminitic ponies than in normal ponies during spring 2009 and summer 2008, but there was no difference between groups in spring 2010, summer 2010, autumn 2009 or winter 2008. Insulin concentration varied significantly with season. Diet had no apparent effect on insulin concentration pre‐ or post dexamethasone in spring 2010. Cortisol concentrations post dexamethasone were significantly higher in previously laminitic ponies than in normal ponies in autumn 2009, with concentrations above the reference range (<25 nmol/l) in both groups in summer 2008 and autumn 2009. Individual ponies had insufficient cortisol suppression in all seasons.ConclusionsThere were significant differences between groups in insulin and cortisol concentrations post dexamethasone during some seasons, but this was not present in all years. Wide interindividual variation in response limits the usefulness of a dexamethasone suppression test for predicting the susceptibility of an individual animal to laminitis.Potential relevanceAbnormal insulin and cortisol responses to dexamethasone must be interpreted in the light of the individual animal, seasonal and annual variation reported here.
Neural nitric oxide synthase participates in pemphigus vulgaris acantholysis through upregulation of Rous sarcoma, mammalian target of rapamycin and focal adhesion kinase
Authors: España Agustín , Mòdol Teresa , Gil Maria P. , López‐Zabalza Maria J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease characterized by suprabasal acantholysis produced as a consequence of desmoglein (Dsg) and non‐Dsg autoantibodies binding to several targeting molecules localized on the membrane of keratinocytes. Nitric oxide (NO) may exert a pathogenic function in several immunological processes. We have previously demonstrated that neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays part in PV acantholysis. Also, our group has described a relevant role for HER [human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) related] isoforms and several kinases such as Src (Rous sarcoma), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), as well as caspases in PV development. Using a passive transfer mouse model of PV, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the increase in nNOS and EGFR, Src, mTOR and FAK kinase upregulation observed in PV lesions. Our results revealed a new function for nNOS, which contributes to EGFR‐mediated PV acantholysis through the upregulation of Src, mTOR and FAK. In addition, we found that nNOS participates actively in PV at least in part by increasing caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 activities. These findings underline the important issue that in PV acantholysis, caspase activation is a nNOS‐linked process downstream of Src, mTOR and FAK kinase upregulation.
Do traditional fishers recognise reef fish species declines? Shifting environmental baselines in Eastern Brazil
Authors: Bender M. G. , Floeter S. R. , Hanazaki N. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLocal fisher knowledge is an important source of information for the adjustment of environmental baselines relative to anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems. This knowledge is also susceptible to the shifting baseline syndrome. Four generations of fishers neighbouring a marine park in Eastern Brazil, were surveyed regarding the conservation status of nine reef fish species. Shifts in environmental baselines were detected among fisher generations. Fishers older than 50 years not only caught larger individual fish, but catches of large fish occurred four decades ago, suggesting that bigger fish are in decline in the region. Of nine reef fish species, seven exhibited significant declining catch trends based on information provided by fishers. Such declining status was not reported by all informants of younger generations, so the ability to identify such species increases significantly with fisher age. The fish species most cited as overexploited were Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey), Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes) and Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch), emphasising that special attention should be given to the management and conservation of these species in Eastern Brazil. These results also showed that knowledge acquired by elder fishers (> 50 years old) can provide valuable insights into the conservation status of reef fish and the adjustment of environmental baselines for proper management of a marine park.