bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative morphological description of the Late Cretaceous ammonite Baculites inornatus Meek from western North America: implications for species concepts in the biostratigraphically important Baculitidae
Authors: Ward Peter D. , Haggart James W. , Mitchell Ross , Catlin Eric 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLarge collections of well-preserved specimens of the ammonite Baculites inornatus Meek (1862) from two lower to middle Campanian localities on the Pacific coast of North America are analyzed quantitatively to examine both variability and evolutionary change of species-level distinguishing characters. To this end, we present a new method of describing the morphology of the biostratigraphically important Upper Cretaceous zonal index fossil Baculites, using five independent shell characters that can be measured quantitatively. We then use this method to test hypotheses of phyletic evolutionary change in B. inornatus specimens collected from Sucia Island, Washington, USA, and Punta San Jose, Baja California, Mexico.The greatest observed character change is in mature shell size: baculitids from the older of the two outcrops (Sucia islands) show a smaller mean diameter at maturity compared to those of the younger of the two outcrops (Punta San Jose). Other than this phyletic size increase, no other directional changes were observed from specimens collected at sub-meter precision from the 90 m-thick measured stratigraphic section of the Rosario Formation located at Punta San Jose. Importantly, neither the younger nor older baculitid assemblages show a size distribution of mature specimens that can be attributed to sexual dimorphism. We observed fluctuating proportions of individuals with ribs and/or keels through this section; since both characters have been used in previous taxonomic studies to define, or differentiate between, other Baculites species, our results indicate that no single character is sufficient to discriminate species within this lineage, and that there is far more variation of these characters than has previously been accepted. Our methodology can also be used to assess morphologic variation and taxonomic assignments of Baculites species in other biogeographic provinces, as well as to evaluate ecological influences on population variation and to test hypotheses of lineage evolution.
Probiotics: a proactive approach to health. A symposium report
Authors: Thomas Linda V. , Suzuki Kaori , Zhao Jia 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis report summarises talks given at the 8th International Yakult Symposium, held on 23–24 April 2015 in Berlin. Two presentations explored different aspects of probiotic intervention: the small intestine as a probiotic target and inclusion of probiotics into integrative approaches to gastroenterology. Probiotic recommendations in gastroenterology guidelines and current data on probiotic efficacy in paediatric patients were reviewed. Updates were given on probiotic and gut microbiota research in obesity and obesity-related diseases, the gut–brain axis and development of psychobiotics, and the protective effects of equol-producing strains for prostate cancer. Recent studies were presented on probiotic benefit for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and people with HIV, as well as protection against the adverse effects of a short-term high-fat diet. Aspects of probiotic mechanisms of activity were discussed, including immunomodulatory mechanisms and metabolite effects, the anti-inflammatory properties ofFaecalibacterium prausnitzii, the relationship between periodontitis, microbial production of butyrate in the oral cavity and ageing, and the pathogenic mechanisms ofCampylobacter. Finally, an insight was given on a recent expert meeting, which re-examined the probiotic definition, advised on the appropriate use and scope of the term and outlined different probiotic categories and the prevalence of different mechanisms of activity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of nut consumption and incident risk of CVD and all-cause mortality
Authors: Mayhew Alexandra J. , de Souza Russell J. , Meyre David , Anand Sonia S. , Mente Andrew 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDietary patterns containing nuts are associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality, and increased nut consumption has been shown to have beneficial effects on CVD risk factors including serum lipid levels. Recent studies have reported on the relationship between nut intake and CVD outcomes and mortality. Our objective was to systematically review the literature and quantify associations between nut consumption and CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality. Five electronic databases (through July 2015), previous reviews and bibliographies of qualifying articles were searched. In the twenty included prospective cohort studies (n 467 389), nut consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (ten studies; risk ratio (RR) 0·81; 95 % CI 0·77, 0·85 for highest v. lowest quantile of intake, Phet=0·04, I2=43 %), CVD mortality (five studies; RR 0·73; 95 % CI 0·68, 0·78; Phet=0·31, I2=16 %), all CHD (three studies; RR 0·66; 95 % CI 0·48, 0·91; Phet=0·0002, I2=88 %) and CHD mortality (seven studies; RR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·64, 0·76; Phet=0·65, I2=0 %), as well as a statistically non-significant reduction in the risk of non-fatal CHD (three studies; RR 0·71; 95 % CI 0·49, 1·03; Phet=0·03, I2=72 %) and stroke mortality (three studies; RR 0·83; 95 % CI 0·69, 1·00; Phet=0·54, I2=0 %). No evidence of association was found for total stroke (two studies; RR 1·05; 95 % CI 0·69, 1·61; Phet=0·04, I2=77 %). Data on total CVD and sudden cardiac death were available from one cohort study, and they were significantly inversely associated with nut consumption. In conclusion, we found that higher nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, total CVD, CVD mortality, total CHD, CHD mortality and sudden cardiac death.
Where does Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) overwinter in adjacent peach, pear and apple orchards?
Authors: Yang X.-F. , Fan F. , Wang C. , Wei G.-S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe Oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major pest of tree fruits worldwide, and the diapausing larvae overwinter in cryptic habitats. Investigations of overwintering G. molesta were conducted in adjacent peach, pear and apple orchards in Northern China over three consecutive winters to determine the overwintering site and habitat preferences of the moth. Counts of overwintering larvae in the different orchards demonstrated that the late-maturing peach orchard (‘Shenzhou honey peach’) was the most preferred overwintering habitat with more than 90% of the collected larvae. Larvae were more abundant in host trees, and they very rarely overwintered in the soil. The overwintering site preferences on the host trees were significantly different; over 50% larvae were located in the tree trunks, and followed by main branches. Most of the G. molesta overwintered on the sunny side of the host trees at or below 60 cm from the ground; a few were cocooned on the shaded sides of the trees or greater than 60 cm from the ground. G. molesta began overwintering between August and October, mid- to late September was the peak period for entering winter diapause during 2011–2013 (77.78, 67.59 and 71.15%, respectively). Our findings improve understanding of the orchard habitat and overwintering site preferences of G. molesta and would be useful in the development of efficient forecasting and pest-management strategies for orchards during the winter and early spring.
Disorder-specific and shared neurophysiological impairments of attention and inhibition in women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and women with bipolar disorder
Authors: Michelini G. , Kitsune G. L. , Hosang G. M. , Asherson P. , McLoughlin G. , Kuntsi J. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundIn adults, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder (BD) have certain overlapping symptoms, which can lead to uncertainty regarding the boundaries of the two disorders. Despite evidence of cognitive impairments in both disorders separately, such as in attentional and inhibitory processes, data on direct comparisons across ADHD and BD on cognitive–neurophysiological measures are as yet limited.MethodWe directly compared cognitive performance and event-related potential measures from a cued continuous performance test in 20 women with ADHD, 20 women with BD (currently euthymic) and 20 control women.ResultsThe NoGo-N2 was attenuated in women with BD, reflecting reduced conflict monitoring, compared with women with ADHD and controls (both p < 0.05). Both ADHD and BD groups showed a reduced NoGo-P3, reflecting inhibitory control, compared with controls (both p < 0.05). In addition, the contingent negative variation was significantly reduced in the ADHD group (p = 0.05), with a trend in the BD group (p = 0.07), compared with controls.ConclusionsThese findings indicate potential disorder-specific (conflict monitoring) and overlapping (inhibitory control, and potentially response preparation) neurophysiological impairments in women with ADHD and women with BD. The identified neurophysiological parameters further our understanding of neurophysiological impairments in women with ADHD and BD, and are candidate biomarkers that may aid in the identification of the diagnostic boundaries of the two disorders.
Trajectories of psychological distress after prison release: implications for mental health service need in ex-prisoners
Authors: Thomas E. G. , Spittal M. J. , Heffernan E. B. , Taxman F. S. , Alati R. , Kinner S. A. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundUnderstanding individual-level changes in mental health status after prison release is crucial to providing targeted and effective mental health care to ex-prisoners. We aimed to describe trajectories of psychological distress following prison discharge and compare these trajectories with mental health service use in the community.MethodThe Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was administered to 1216 sentenced adult prisoners in Queensland, Australia, before prison release and approximately 1, 3 and 6 months after release. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify K10 trajectories after release. Contact with community mental health services in the year following release was assessed via data linkage.ResultsWe identified five trajectory groups, representing consistently low (51.1% of the cohort), consistently moderate (29.8%), high increasing (11.6%), high declining (5.5%) and consistently very high (1.9%) psychological distress. Mood disorder, anxiety disorder, history of self-harm and risky drug use were risk factors for the high increasing, very high and high declining trajectory groups. Women were over-represented in the high increasing and high declining groups, but men were at higher risk of very high psychological distress. Within the high increasing and very high groups, 25% of participants accessed community mental health services in the first year post-release, for a median of 4.4 contact hours.ConclusionsFor the majority of prisoners with high to very high psychological distress, distress persists after release. However, contact with mental health services in the community appears low. Further research is required to understand barriers to mental health service access among ex-prisoners.
Tropical montane cloud forest: environmental drivers of vegetation structure and ecosystem function
Authors: Fahey Timothy J. , Sherman Ruth E. , Tanner Edmund V.J. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract:Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) are characterized by short trees, often twisted with multiple stems, with many stems per ground area, a large stem diameter to height ratio, and small, often thick leaves. These forests exhibit high root to shoot ratio, with a moderate leaf area index, low above-ground production, low leaf nutrient concentrations and often with luxuriant epiphytic growth. These traits of TMCF are caused by climatic conditions not geological substrate, and are particularly associated with frequent or persistent fog and low cloud. There are several reasons why fog might result in these features. Firstly, the fog and clouds reduce the amount of light received per unit area of ground and as closed-canopy forests absorb most of the light that reaches them the reduction in the total amount of light reduces growth. Secondly, the rate of photosynthesis per leaf area declines in comparison with that in the lowlands, which leads to less carbon fixation. Nitrogen supply limits growth in several of the few TMCFs where it has been investigated experimentally. High root : shoot biomass and production ratios are common in TMCF, and soils are often wet which may contribute to N limitation. Further study is needed to clarify the causes of several key features of TMCF ecosystems including high tree diameter : height ratio.
Pure type systems with explicit substitutions
Authors: FRIDLENDER DANIEL , PAGANO MIGUEL 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe introduce a new formulation of pure type systems (PTSs) with explicit substitution and de Bruijn indices and formally prove some of its meta-theory. Using techniques based on Normalisation by Evaluation, we prove that untyped conversion can be typed for predicative PTSs. Although this equivalence was settled by Siles and Herbelin for the conventional presentation of PTSs, we strongly conjecture that our proof method can also be applied to PTSs with η.
Social capital dynamics and collective action: the role of subjective satisfaction in a common pool resource experiment
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Castriota Stefano , Conzo Pierluigi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn low-income countries, grassroots collective action for the management of a common environmental resource is a well-known substitute for government provision of public goods. In our research we test experimentally what its effect is on social capital. To this purpose we structure a ‘sandwich’ experiment in which participants play a common pool resource game (CPRG) between two trust games in a Nairobi slum where social capital is scarce but informal rules regulating the commons are abundant. Our findings show that the change in trustworthiness between the two trust game rounds generated by the CPRG experience is crucially affected by the subjective satisfaction about the CPRG, rather than by standard objective measures related to CPRG players' behaviour. These results highlight that subjective satisfaction in a collective action has relevant predictive power on social capital creation, providing information which can be crucial to designing successful self-organized environmental resource regimes.
Correlates of nutrition label use among college students and young adults: a review
Authors: Christoph Mary J , An Ruopeng , Ellison Brenna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveNutrition labels are an essential source for consumers to obtain nutrition-related information on food products and serve as a population-level intervention with unparalleled reach. The present study systematically reviewed existing evidence on the correlates of nutrition label use among college students and young adults.DesignKeyword and reference searches were conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria included: study design (randomized controlled trial, cohort study, pre–post study or cross-sectional study); population (college students and young adults 18–30 years old); main outcome (nutrition label use); article type (peer-reviewed publication); and language (English).SettingCollege/university.SubjectsCollege students and young adults.ResultsSixteen studies based on data from college surveys in four countries (USA, UK, Canada, South Korea) were identified from keyword and reference search. Reported prevalence of nutrition label use varied substantially across studies; a weighted average calculation showed 36·5 % of college students and young adults reported using labels always or often. Females were more likely to use nutrition labels than males. Nutrition label use was found to be associated with attitudes towards healthy diet, beliefs on the importance of nutrition labels in guiding food selection, self-efficacy, and nutrition knowledge and education.ConclusionsThe impact of nutrition labelling on food purchase and intake could differ by population subgroups. Nutrition awareness campaigns and education programmes may be important mechanisms for promoting nutrition label use among college students and young adults. Future research is warranted to assess the role of label use on improved dietary decisions.
Exposure to Endosulfan can result in male infertility due to testicular atrophy and reduced sperm count
Authors: Sebastian R , Raghavan SC 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEndosulfan (ES) is a widely used organochlorine pesticide and is speculated to be detrimental to human health. However, very little is known about mechanism of its genotoxicity. Using mouse model system, we show that exposure to ES affected physiology and cellular architecture of organs and tissues. Among all organs, damage to testes was extensive and it resulted in death of different testicular-cell populations. We find that the damage in testes resulted in qualitative and quantitative defects during spermatogenesis in a time-dependent manner, increasing epididymal reactive oxygen species levels, affecting sperm chromatin integrity. This further culminated in reduced number of epididymal sperms and actively motile sperms. Finally, we show that ES exposure affected fertility in male but not in female mice. Therefore, we demonstrate that ES exerts pathophysiological changes in mice, induces testicular atrophy, affects spermatogenesis, reduces quantity and vigour of epididymal sperm and leads to infertility in males.
Development of massively parallel electron beam direct write lithography using active-matrix nanocrystalline-silicon electron emitter arrays
Authors: Esashi Masayoshi , Kojima Akira , Ikegami Naokatsu , Miyaguchi Hiroshi , Koshida Nobuyoshi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNanoscale lithographic technologies have been intensively studied for the development of the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing practices. While mask-less/direct-write electron beam (EB) lithography methods serve as a candidate for the upcoming 10-nm node approaches and beyond, it remains difficult to achieve an appropriate level of throughput. Several innovative features of the multiple EB system that involve the use of a thermionic source have been proposed. However, a blanking array mechanism is required for the individual control of multiple beamlets whereby each beamlet is deflected onto a blanking object or passed through an array. This paper reviews the recent developments of our application studies on the development of a high-speed massively parallel electron beam direct write (MPEBDW) lithography. The emitter array used in our study includes nanocrystalline-Si (nc-Si) ballistic electron emitters. Electrons are drifted via multiple tunnelling cascade transport and are emitted as hot electrons. The transport mechanism allows one to quickly turn electron beamlets on or off. The emitter array is a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) that is hetero-integrated with a separately fabricated active-matrix-driving complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) large-scale integration (LSI) system that controls each emitter individually. The basic function of the LSI was confirmed to receive external writing bitmap data and generate driving signals for turning beamlets on or off. Each emitted beamlet (10 × 10 μm2) is converged to 10 × 10 nm2 on a target via the reduction electron optic system under development. This paper presents an overview of the system and characteristic evaluations of the nc-Si emitter array. We examine beamlets and their electron emission characteristics via a 1:1 exposure test.
Delta-secretase cleaves amyloid precursor protein and regulates the pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Zhentao , Song Mingke , Liu Xia , Su Kang Seong , Duong Duc M. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Cao Xuebing , Cheng Liming , Sun Yi E. , Ping Yu Shan , Jia Jianping , Levey Allan I. , Ye Keqiang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe age-dependent deposition of amyloid-β peptides, derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP), is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite age being the greatest risk factor for AD, the molecular mechanisms linking ageing to APP processing are unknown. Here we show that asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), a pH-controlled cysteine proteinase, is activated during ageing and mediates APP proteolytic processing. AEP cleaves APP at N373 and N585 residues, selectively influencing the amyloidogenic fragmentation of APP. AEP is activated in normal mice in an age-dependent manner, and is strongly activated in 5XFAD transgenic mouse model and human AD brains. Deletion of AEP from 5XFAD or APP/PS1 mice decreases senile plaque formation, ameliorates synapse loss, elevates long-term potentiation and protects memory. Blockade of APP cleavage by AEP in mice alleviates pathological and behavioural deficits. Thus, AEP acts as a δ-secretase, contributing to the age-dependent pathogenic mechanisms in AD.
KCNK5 channels mostly expressed in cochlear outer sulcus cells are indispensable for hearing
Authors: Cazals Yves , Bévengut Michelle , Zanella Sébastien , Brocard Frédéric , Barhanin Jacques , Gestreau Christian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn the cochlea, K+ is essential for mechano-electrical transduction. Here, we explore cochlear structure and function in mice lacking K+ channels of the two-pore domain family. A profound deafness associated with a decrease in endocochlear potential is found in adult Kcnk5−/− mice. Hearing occurs around postnatal day 19 (P19), and completely disappears 2 days later. At P19, Kcnk5−/− mice have a normal endolymphatic [K+] but a partly lowered endocochlear potential. Using Lac-Z as a gene reporter, KCNK5 is mainly found in outer sulcus Claudius’, Boettcher’s and root cells. Low levels of expression are also seen in the spiral ganglion, Reissner’s membrane and stria vascularis. Essential channels (KCNJ10 and KCNQ1) contributing to K+ secretion in stria vascularis have normal expression in Kcnk5−/− mice. Thus, KCNK5 channels are indispensable for the maintenance of hearing. Among several plausible mechanisms, we emphasize their role in K+ recycling along the outer sulcus lateral route.
NADH oxidase-dependent CD39 expression by CD8+ T cells modulates interferon gamma responses via generation of adenosine
Authors: Bai Aiping , Moss Alan , Rothweiler Sonja , Serena Longhi Maria , Wu Yan , Junger Wolfgang G. , Robson Simon C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractInterferon gamma (IFNγ)-producing CD8+ T cells (Tc1) play important roles in immunological disease. We now report that CD3/CD28-mediated stimulation of CD8+ T cells to generate Tc1 cells, not only increases IFNγ production but also boosts the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and augments expression of CD39. Inhibition of NADPH oxidases or knockdown of gp91phox in CD8+ T cells abrogates ROS generation, which in turn modulates JNK and NFκB signalling with decreases in both IFNγ levels and CD39 expression. CD39+CD8+ T cells substantially inhibit IFNγ production by CD39−CD8+ T cells via the paracrine generation of adenosine, which is operational via adenosine type 2A receptors. Increases in numbers of CD39+CD8+ T cells and associated enhancements in ROS signal transduction are noted in cells from patients with Crohn’s disease. Our findings provide insights into Tc1-mediated IFNγ responses and ROS generation and link these pathways to CD39/adenosine-mediated effects in immunological disease.