bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central Nervous System Demyelination and Remyelination is Independent from Systemic Cholesterol Level in Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Raddatz Barbara B. , Sun Wenhui , Brogden Graham , Sun Yanyong , Kammeyer Patricia , Kalkuhl Arno , Colbatzky Florian , Deschl Ulrich , Naim Hassan Y. , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Ulrich Reiner 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHigh dietary fat and/or cholesterol intake is a risk factor for multiple diseases and has been debated for multiple sclerosis. However, cholesterol biosynthesis is a key pathway during myelination and disturbances are described in demyelinating diseases. To address the possible interaction of dyslipidemia and demyelination, cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression, composition of the body's major lipid repositories and Paigen diet‐induced, systemic hypercholesterolemia were examined in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis (TME) using histology, immunohistochemistry, serum clinical chemistry, microarrays and high‐performance thin layer chromatography. TME‐virus (TMEV)‐infected mice showed progressive loss of motor performance and demyelinating leukomyelitis. Gene expression associated with cholesterol biosynthesis was overall down‐regulated in the spinal cord of TMEV‐infected animals. Spinal cord levels of galactocerebroside and sphingomyelin were reduced on day 196 post TMEV infection. Paigen diet induced serum hypercholesterolemia and hepatic lipidosis. However, high dietary fat and cholesterol intake led to no significant differences in clinical course, inflammatory response, astrocytosis, and the amount of demyelination and remyelination in the spinal cord of TMEV‐infected animals. The results suggest that down‐regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis is a transcriptional marker for demyelination, quantitative loss of myelin‐specific lipids, but not cholesterol occurs late in chronic demyelination, and serum hypercholesterolemia exhibited no significant effect on TMEV infection.
Impaired face detection may explain some but not all cases of developmental prosopagnosia
Authors: Dalrymple Kirsten A. , Duchaine Brad 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDevelopmental prosopagnosia (DP) is defined by severe face recognition difficulties due to the failure to develop the visual mechanisms for processing faces. The two‐process theory of face recognition (Morton & Johnson, 1991) implies that DP could result from a failure of an innate face detection system; this failure could prevent an individual from then tuning higher‐level processes for face recognition (Johnson, 2005). Work with adults indicates that some individuals with DP have normal face detection whereas others are impaired. However, face detection has not been addressed in children with DP, even though their results may be especially informative because they have had less opportunity to develop strategies that could mask detection deficits. We tested the face detection abilities of seven children with DP. Four were impaired at face detection to some degree (i.e. abnormally slow, or failed to find faces) while the remaining three children had normal face detection. Hence, the cases with impaired detection are consistent with the two‐process account suggesting that DP could result from a failure of face detection. However, the cases with normal detection implicate a higher‐level origin. The dissociation between normal face detection and impaired identity perception also indicates that these abilities depend on different neurocognitive processes.
Acute but not chronic activation of brain glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptors enhances glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in mice
Authors: Tudurí E. , Beiroa D. , Porteiro B. , López M. , Diéguez C. , Nogueiras R. 
Published: May 2015

AimTo investigate the role of brain glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) in pancreatic β‐cell function.MethodsTo determine the role of brain GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) on β‐cell function, we administered intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of GLP‐1 or the specific GLP‐1 antagonist exendin‐9 (Ex‐9), in both an acute and a chronic setting.ResultsWe observed that acute i.c.v. GLP‐1 infusion potentiates glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and improves glucose tolerance, whereas central GLP‐1R blockade with Ex‐9 impaired glucose excursion after a glucose load. Sustained activation of central nervous system GLP‐1R, however, did not produce any effect on either GSIS or glucose tolerance. Similarly, ex vivo GSIS performed in islets from mice chronically infused with i.c.v. GLP‐1 resulted in no differences compared with controls. In addition, in mice fed a high‐fat diet we observed that acute i.c.v. GLP‐1 infusion improved glucose tolerance without changes in GSIS, while chronic GLP‐1R activation had no effect on glucose homeostasis.ConclusionsOur results indicate that, under non‐clamped conditions, brain GLP‐1 plays a functional neuroendocrine role in the acute regulation of glucose homeostasis in both lean and obese rodents.
Essential Threats to the Security of the GCC Countries in the Post Arab Spring Era
Authors: Binhuwaidin Mohamed M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe so called Arab Spring has brought more challenges to the security of the Arabian Gulf states members of the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC). This article aims to reach a better understanding of the main threats facing the GCC states in the post Arab Spring era. It argues that the conservative system of the GCC states, originated in the paternalistic conservatism, is facing an essential threat from three very important elements that are instigated by the eruption of the so called Arab Spring: political liberal ideas, political Islamic movement, and sectarianism. The article investigates the impact of these elements on the GCC states.
The Role of Culture and Technology in Civil Society Promotion in the Middle East: A Case Study Approach
Authors: Bardhan Soumia , Wood Richard L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFor over a decade, the U.S. administration has been sponsoring capacity‐building efforts focusing on technology to support democracy activists in Middle Eastern societies; such efforts have often fallen short in their effectiveness. In this article, using a case study approach, we argue that capacity‐building efforts must be approached in a culture‐specific manner. It is imperative to begin exploring the specific nature of civil society in different Middle Eastern societies and translate the Western concept of “civil society” into terms appropriate to Middle Eastern contexts. Based on a culture‐specific understanding, programs involving technology to promote democratic institutions in Middle Eastern societies can be designed.
The Effects of Landmarks on Territorial Behavior in a Convict Cichlid, Amatitlania siquia
Authors: Suriyampola Piyumika S. , Eason Perri K. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDefense of a territory is a primary factor determining the fitness of territorial individuals. Thus, territorial animals use a variety of means to lower the cost of territorial defense. Although landmarks are known to lower the defense costs of territories, little is known about how they could affect fundamental properties of territories, which could ultimately affect the demography, population regulation, individual behavior, and spatial ecology of a territorial species. This field study examined the effects of natural landmarks on territory size, shape, and defensive costs in Amatitlania siquia, a little‐studied member of the convict cichlid group native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. We investigated the territorial behavior of 103 breeding pairs in a caldera lake in Nicaragua. During 10‐min focal observations, we recorded the locations at which residents chased intruders and then used these locations to outline the territory boundaries. Landmarks affected both size and shape of A. siquia territories. Territory size decreased as the percentage of the boundary at landmarks increased. Territories with <20% of their boundaries at landmarks were approximately circular in shape, while territories with 20–60% of their boundaries at landmarks were on average more elongated. These variations in territory size and shape significantly affected defense costs, with higher numbers of chases per square meter in small and elongated territories. These effects of landmarks on territory size and shape and defense costs are useful to understand the widely seen size and shape variations in naturally occurring territories.
The suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx in normal horses
Authors: Pollitt C. C. , Collins S. N. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx (SADP) is functionally and clinically important.ObjectivesTo investigate SADP form and function and the microanatomy of its insertion zone.Study designDescriptive gross and microanatomy.MethodsThe feet of 6 normal Standardbred horses were sectioned into blocks along the traditional perpendicular transverse axis and along functional axes of the SADP, decalcified and processed for staining with haematoxylin and eosin, Jones' periodic acid silver methenamine or Masson's trichrome stains.ResultsIn traditional midline toe transverse plane sections SADP collagen bundles were irregular with an unstructured appearance. In sections made transversely along planes (70° and 30°) aligned with the long axis of the SADP, collagen bundles were arranged in linear rows. The linear bundles were continuous from their origin on parietal ridges of the distal phalanx through to the secondary epidermal lamellar basement membrane. At the parietal ridge interface the collagen bundles coalesced into smaller, strongly silver staining, linear structures that penetrated the cortical bone and merged with adjacent osteons. In proximal sagittal sections collagen bundles were also linear, angled at 70° to the ground surface. In distal sagittal sections collagen bundles were also arranged linearly but in a multi‐angled, ‘spokes of a wheel’ arrangement, centred on the distal phalanx apex.ConclusionsSectioning along functional axes demonstrated the true suspensory nature of the SADP connecting the parietal surface to the lamellar hoof wall. SADP/distal phalanx insertions showed penetrating fibres extending through the chondral–apophyseal interface up to and between distal phalanx osteons. Lamellar measurements made from sections perpendicular to the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx are underestimations but if made along the longer, functional midline 70° transverse plane would accurately reflect the suspensory function of the lamellae. Laminitis pathophysiology correctly viewed as SADP degradation should inform logical, future therapeutic strategies.
How does clay constrain woody biomass in drylands?
Authors: Fensham Roderick J. , Butler Don W. , Foley Jenny 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the role of clay in limiting the development of woody biomass in drylands.LocationAustralia.MethodsSpatial data representing woody biomass, soil clay content and climate for the Australian continent were interpreted to explore the relationship between a moisture index and woody biomass on clay and non‐clay substrates. Moisture and soil water potential were investigated through time for clay and sand plains. Sub‐soil clay and other soil characteristics were compared between areas with and without high tree mortality after drought.ResultsThe substantially lower woody biomass on clay soils than non‐clay soils in the drylands of the Australian continent verifies the inverse texture effect. A clay floodplain consistently held more water than an adjacent sandplain, but soil moisture in the clay was effectively inaccessible to plants for much longer periods because of more negative values of water potential in the clay soil. Small increases in sub‐soil clay were associated with high tree mortality.Main conclusionsOur findings suggest that the ‘inverse texture effect’, which describes the negative association of woody biomass with soil clay content in drylands, may mostly relate to the moisture‐retentive properties of clay rather than being caused by reduced infiltration and enhanced evaporation from clay‐rich soils. Our evidence suggests that clay soils constrain woodiness in drylands by exacerbating water stress, and confirm the fundamental role of aridity in determining woody biomass and the global distribution of grassland.
Analysis of stable states in global savannas – a response to Staver and Hansen
Authors: Hanan Niall P. , Tredennick Andrew T. , Prihodko Lara , Bucini Gabriela , Dohn Justin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractStaver & Hansen (2015, Global Ecology and Biogeography, doi: 10.1111/geb.12285) comment on our recent paper (Hanan et al., Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2014, 23, 259–263) in which we argue that classification and regression tree methods used with remote sensing data to predict tree cover may bias inference of bifurcations in savanna vegetation communities. While we agree with several of their comments, we remain unconvinced that a remote sensing product based on an inherently discontinuous statistical approach can, or should, be used to test for discontinuities.
Multi‐hierarchical macroecology at species and genetic levels to discern neutral and non‐neutral processes
Authors: Baselga Andrés , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Vogler Alfried P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimLarge‐scale DNA barcoding allows the simultaneous assessment of variation in community composition at species level and below. We here propose that the patterns emerging across multiple hierarchical levels can be used to discern the effects of neutral and non‐neutral macroecological processes, which otherwise have proven difficult to separate.LocationIberian Peninsula.MethodsWe performed cox1 barcoding on 20 complete assemblages of leaf beetles for 4533 individuals of 203 species. The neutrality of cox1 sequence evolution was tested using Tajima's test. Haplotypes (n = 2020) were grouped into nested n‐step networks of up to five intraspecific hierarchical levels. We then assessed whether the spatial variation in assemblage composition at all hierarchical levels from haplotype to species was self‐similar (fractal) and predictable from level to level.ResultsTajima's test on a subset of widely sampled species (n = 136) was consistent with neutral evolution in 83% of the species, but only 3% of cases exhibited balancing selection. Multiple hierarchical levels representing haplotype genealogies of various ages showed a similar rate of distance decay of assemblage similarity. In addition, we found strong log‐log correlations between hierarchical level (lineage age) and number of lineages, lineage range size and assemblage similarity. Similarity at the species level was strongly correlated to similarity at the haplotype level for the whole assemblage (r2 = 0.75) or for within‐species haplotype similarity (mean r2 = 0.17, SE = 0.03).Main conclusionsThese findings suggest great regularities in the pattern of assemblage variation at all lineage ages that are best explained by the enduring action of stochastic (neutral) processes of mutation and dispersal. The multi‐hierarchical analysis therefore bridges predictions of the neutral theory of molecular evolution and the neutral theory of biodiversity. Neutral processes thus emerge as a unifying principle of ecology and evolution, which has deep implications in biodiversity assessment and conservation.
Time to eligibility for antiretroviral therapy in adults with CD4 cell count > 500 cells/μL in rural KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: McGrath N , Lessells RJ , Newell ML 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesUnderstanding of progression to antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility and associated factors remains limited. The objectives of this analysis were to determine the time to ART eligibility and to explore factors associated with disease progression in adults with early HIV infection.MethodsHIV‐infected adults (≥ 18 years old) with CD4 cell count > 500 cells/μl were enrolled in the study at three primary health care clinics, and a sociodemographic, behavioural and partnership‐level questionnaire was administered. Participants were followed 6‐monthly and ART eligibility was determined using a CD4 cell count threshold of 350 cells/μl. Kaplan − Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression modelling were used in the analysis.ResultsA total of 206 adults contributed 381 years of follow‐up; 79 (38%) reached the ART eligibility threshold. Median time to ART eligibility was shorter for male patients (12.0 months) than for female patients (33.9 months). Male sex [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.82–5.39], residing in a household with food shortage in the previous year (aHR 1.58; 95% CI 0.99–2.54), and taking nutritional supplements in the first 6 months after enrolment (aHR 2.06; 95% CI 1.11–3.83) were associated with shorter time to ART eligibility. Compared with reference CD4 cell count ≤  559 cells/μl, higher CD4 cell count was associated with longer time to ART eligibility [aHR 0.46 (95% CI 0.25–0.83) for CD4 cell count 560–632 cells/μl; aHR 0.30 (95% CI 0.16–0.57) for CD4 cell count 633–768 cells/μl; and aHR 0.17 (95% CI 0.08–0.38) for CD4 cell count > 768 cells/μl].ConclusionsOver one in three adults with CD4 cell count > 500 cells/μl became eligible for ART at a CD4 cell count threshold of 350 cells/μl over a median of 2 years. The shorter time to ART eligibility in male patients suggests a possible need for sex‐specific pre‐ART care and monitoring strategies.
The Production and Characterization of Ytterbium‐Stabilized Zirconia Films for SOFC Applications
Authors: Yildiz Esra , Yilmaz Serdar , Turkoglu Orhan 
Published: May 2015

(ZrO2)1–x(Yb2O3)x binary systems were investigated in the doping range of 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.12. Ytterbium‐doped zirconia powders were synthesized using the Pechini method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that fcc ZrO2 was stabilized for 8–12 mol% Yb‐doping rate. The produced Yb‐stabilized Zr (YbSZ) films were characterized; their thickness and homogeneity properties depended on the nature of the YbSZ slurry. All coating parameters were optimized and determined with precoating treatments. The samples were characterized by differential thermal analysis/thermal gravimetry (DTA/TG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ac impedance measurements.
Model of corporate intelligence, secrecy, and economic growth
Authors: Parello Carmelo Pierpaolo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper plugs informal intellectual property rights (IPR) and secrecy into a scale‐invariant Schumpeterian model of growth. In doing so, the paper envisages the existence of two‐stage research and development races in which firms initially introduce a new way to produce new quality products, and then try to refine it in order to make the innovation suitable for patent application. In the passage from the first stage to the second, research firms keep the discovery secret, but face a positive probability that some sensitive information can leak from the firm because of corporate intelligence. The model displays a unique steady state, which is then used to study the long‐run effects of strengthening secrecy protection. Stronger secrecy protection is found to be welfare‐improving and beneficial for innovation and growth, even in the case where research firms can prevent corporate‐intelligence firms from obtaining sensitive information through information‐protecting activities.
On voluntary and efficient allocations
Authors: Ünveren Burak 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA set of sufficiency conditions is presented for Walrasian equilibrium to be equivalent to voluntary and efficient allocations. An important corollary of this equivalence is that voluntary trade in non‐clearing markets, which is omnipresent in all market economies, is inefficient. Moreover, our assumptions generalize all the results on the Pareto‐efficiency properties of disequilibrium. This generalization also shows that the inefficiency of disequilibrium is germane to the existence of Walrasian equilibrium.
Vitamin B12 and folate levels increase during treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in young adult woman
Authors: Remacha A. F. , Wright I. , Fernández‐Jiménez M. C. , Toxqui L. , Blanco‐Rojo R. , Moreno G. , Vaquero M. P. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIntroductionThe relationship between iron deficiency and vitamin B12 and folate was recognized several decades ago. Combined deficiency is important in clinical practice owing to its relationship with malabsorption syndromes. By contrast, iron deficiency and low levels of serum vitamin B12 with normal metabolic markers were often found mostly in young adults. In this work, vitamin B12/folate changes were investigated during treatment of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) with pharmacological iron in young adult women.MethodsA cohort of 35 young adult women with IDA was treated with oral iron. An haematological response was obtained in 97.2% at 4‐month follow‐up. Changes in serum vitamin B12, serum folate and other biochemical parameters were monitored.ResultsTreatment with iron increased significantly serum folate and vitamin B12 from baseline. This increase was also observed in vitamin B12 levels ≤200 pmol/L (six patients, 17.1%), in whom serum vitamin B12 was above 200 pmol/L at the end of the study in all cases. Other biochemical parameters also changed. Significant increases were seen for glucose (P = 0.012), uric acid (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P = 0.023), HDL cholesterol (P = 0.026) and bilirubin (P < 0.001). Urea decreased significantly (P = 0.036).ConclusionsData from our work suggest that iron deficiency could affect many metabolic pathways, including vitamin B12, folate and lipids. These changes normalize after iron therapy, even in women with baseline low levels of serum vitamin B12. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of these changes in IDA management. The mechanisms controlling these changes remain to be explained, but they are probably related to the control of iron homeostasis (iron deficiency mediated stimuli).
Why Is Left Atrial Appendage Morphology Related to Strokes? An Analysis of the Flow Velocity and Orifice Size of the Left Atrial Appendage
Authors: LEE JUNG MYUNG , SEO JIWON , UHM JAE‐SUN , KIM YOUNG JIN , LEE HYE‐JEONG , KIM JONG‐YOUN , SUNG JUNG‐HOON , PAK HUI‐NAM , LEE MOON‐HYOUNG , JOUNG BOYOUNG 
Published: May 2015

Why Is Left Atrial Appendage Morphology Related to Strokes?BackgroundA specific morphology of left atrial appendage (LAA) has been reported to be related to stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, the mechanism is not completely understood. This study evaluated whether a specific LAA morphology was related to stroke, and whether it was related to the change of flow velocity and size of LAA in AF patients.MethodsThe morphology, size, and flow velocity of LAA were evaluated in AF patients with ischemic strokes (stroke, n = 160) and age‐matched AF patients without ischemic strokes (control, n = 200).ResultsCompared with control, the stroke group had a larger LA dimension (4.5 ± 0.7 vs. 4.2 ± 0.6 cm, P < 0.001), larger LAA orifice area (5.3 ± 2.1 vs. 4.1 ± 1.7 cm2, P < 0.001), and slower LAA flow velocity (37 ± 19 vs. 51 ± 20 cm/s, P < 0.001). The stroke group had the chicken wing type less frequently than the control (34% vs. 50%, P = 0.003). After an adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, the chicken wing type LAA had a decreased stroke risk (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.84, P = 0.020). Patients with a chicken wing LAA had a smaller LAA orifice area (4.4 ± 1.6 vs. 4.9 ± 2.2 cm2, P = 0.013) and higher LAA velocity (55 ± 19 vs. 41 ± 20 cm/s, P < 0.001) than those with non‐chicken wing LAA.ConclusionA chicken wing type of LAA was related to the less incidence of stroke. Our results suggest that the relationship between a specific LAA morphology and stroke might be partially explained by the change of the size and flow velocity of LAA.