bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female choice for male cuticular hydrocarbon profile in decorated crickets is not based on similarity to their own profile
Authors: Steiger S. , Capodeanu‐Nägler A. , Gershman S. N. , Weddle C. B. , Rapkin J. , Sakaluk S. K. , Hunt J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIndirect genetic benefits derived from female mate choice comprise additive (good genes) and nonadditive genetic benefits (genetic compatibility). Although good genes can be revealed by condition‐dependent display traits, the mechanism by which compatibility alleles are detected is unclear because evaluation of the genetic similarity of a prospective mate requires the female to assess the genotype of the male and compare it to her own. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), lipids coating the exoskeleton of most insects, influence female mate choice in a number of species and offer a way for females to assess genetic similarity of prospective mates. Here, we determine whether female mate choice in decorated crickets is based on male CHCs and whether it is influenced by females' own CHC profiles. We used multivariate selection analysis to estimate the strength and form of selection acting on male CHCs through female mate choice, and employed different measures of multivariate dissimilarity to determine whether a female's preference for male CHCs is based on similarity to her own CHC profile. Female mating preferences were significantly influenced by CHC profiles of males. Male CHC attractiveness was not, however, contingent on the CHC profile of the choosing female, as certain male CHC phenotypes were equally attractive to most females, evidenced by significant linear and stabilizing selection gradients. These results suggest that additive genetic benefits, rather than nonadditive genetic benefits, accrue to female mate choice, in support of earlier work showing that CHC expression of males, but not females, is condition dependent.
Pulsed Electric Field‐Assisted Enzymatic Extraction of Protein from Abalone (Haliotis Discus Hannai Ino) Viscera
Authors: Li Meijuan , Lin Jie , Chen Jinquan , Fang Ting 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDifferent conditions of pulsed electric field (PEF) intensity strength, treatment time and the ratio of material to solvent of PEF‐assisted enzymatic extraction of the abalone viscera protein (AVP) were studied in the article. Optimal PEF extraction conditions were achieved (PEF intensity strength of 20 kV/cm, treatment time of 600 μs and the ratio of material to solvent of 4:1). Detailed comparison of various properties (degree of hydrolysis, nitrogen yield, hydrolysis rate, function properties) of two AVPs was investigated. Application of PEF‐assisted enzymatic extraction resulted in fully hydrolyzed, high AVP product yield and good emulsifying properties of AVP when compared to purely enzymatic extraction; however, the foaming properties and viscosity were reduced. In particular, the increase of solubility (91.54%) and the reduction of viscosity of AVP had a good effect on the improvement of solubility of spices, providing a theoretical basis for the development of abalone condiments.Practical ApplicationsThe abalone viscera protein AVP is presently extracted through enzymatic extraction. The disadvantage of this method is incomplete hydrolysis. The AVP obtained by pulsed electric field‐assisted enzymatic extraction had good hydrolysis (high solubility) and good properties (low foaming properties, viscosity and high emulsify properties). The process developed in this study could be suitable for abalone manufacturers to utilize the abalone viscera to be developed as seafood seasoning.
Development and comparison of the methods for quantitative electron probe X‐ray microanalysis analysis of thin specimens and their application to biological material
Authors: WARLEY A. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIn recent years, there has been a return to the use of electron probe X‐ray microanalysis for biological studies but this has occurred at a time when the Hall programme which acted as the mainstay for biological microanalysis is no longer easily available. Commercial quantitative routines rely on the Cliff‐Lorimer method that was originally developed for materials science applications. Here, the development of these two main routines for obtaining quantitative data from thin specimens is outlined and the limitations that are likely to be met when the Cliff‐Lorimer routine is applied to biological specimens is discussed. The effects of specimen preparation on element content is briefly summarized and the problems encountered when using quantitative analysis on resin‐embedded materials emphasized.
Approaches of intensive care nurses towards sensory requirements of patients
Authors: Üzar Özçetin Yeter Sinem , Hiçdurmaz Duygu 
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to identify the approaches used by nurses to address the sensory requirements of patients to respond to the concerns and needs in this area.BackgroundPreventing sensory problems is very important for intensive care nurses as these problems may cause various additional health problems in intensive care patients; however, no study has evaluated the approaches used by nurses in this respect.DesignThe study was conducted as a descriptive study in all internal medicine intensive care units at hospitals located within the borders of the metropolitan municipality in the capital city of Turkey.MethodData were collected using case forms that were developed through expert opinions to identify the approaches of nurses for the sensory requirements of patients. The study was conducted with 95 nurses who agreed to be involved in the study of the 107 internal medicine intensive care nurses in the research population.ResultsMost of the nurses (86·3%) who took part in this study indicated that intensive care patients had sensory requirements, but 80% clarified that their priority was to maintain life support and to meet their physiological needs. Almost all of the nurses were able to accurately identify the specific sensory problems of the six different ones in cases that were assigned to them. However, this ratio decreased when identifying the proper approach for the given sensory requirement.ConclusionsNurses were able to identify sensory requirements of patients, but they do need support in deciding the appropriate management approach. This study may fill the gap in the literature regarding the approaches of nurses towards sensory requirements and to provide contribution for future research.Relevance to clinical practiceTo help intensive care patients with sensory problems, nurses should routinely assess patients' psychology and should do appropriate interventions.
Spatial patterns in the diet of the Japanese macaque Macaca fuscata and their environmental determinants
Authors: Tsuji Yamato , Ito Takehiko Y. , Wada Kazuo , Watanabe Kunio 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We aimed to ascertain the environmental determinants of the diets of Japanese macaques Macaca fuscata in relation to geographical variables (latitude and elevation) and environmental variables [annual rainfall, mean temperature, snow characteristics and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a proxy for primary productivity]
We collected dietary data from the entire range of Japanese macaques (29 study sites) and extracted each dietary component to determine spatial patterns over the species' range and between forest types. We then conducted model selection to identify the environmental determinants of staple diets and dietary diversity.
Japanese macaques' diets were mainly composed of 1) foliage, 2) fruits and seeds, and 3) bark and leaf buds, throughout the entire range. Percentages of bark and buds were greater in deciduous forests than in evergreen forests; significant differences in the proportions of the other two major components and in dietary diversity were not observed in different forest types.
Macaques inhabiting forests with higher NDVI and with less snow fed more on fruits and seeds, and a high dietary diversity was observed. In snowy forests, macaques inhabiting higher elevation fed more on foliage, while those inhabiting lower elevations fed mainly on bark and buds.
When studying spatial patterns in the feeding behaviour of mammals, both environmental and geographical variables should be treated equally since the effect of environmental variables may be independent of the effect of geographical variables. In addition, more emphasis should be placed on snow characteristics, because snow cover leads to decreased availability of terrestrial food items and to increased energy costs (for locomotion and body temperature regulation), which can affect feeding behaviour and dietary diversity.
Neuroprotection by safinamide in the 6‐hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sadeghian Mona , Mullali Gizem , Pocock Jennifer M. , Piers Thomas , Roach Arthur , Smith Kenneth J. 
Published: August 2015

AimsCurrent therapies in Parkinson's disease mainly treat symptoms rather than provide effective neuroprotection. We examined the effects of safinamide (monoamine oxidase B and sodium channel blocker) on microglial activation and the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of PD in vivo, and on microglia in vitro.MethodsRats received unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine into the medial forebrain bundle on day 0: The contralateral side served as control. Safinamide or vehicle was delivered from days 0 or 1, for 7 days, via sub‐cutaneous mini‐pumps.ResultsIn vehicle‐treated rats 6‐hydroxydopamine caused a significant increase in the number of activated MHC‐II+ microglia compared with the contralateral side, and only 50% of the dopaminergic neurons survived in the ipsilateral SNc. In contrast, rats treated daily with safinamide 50 and 150 mg/ml (on day 0 or 1) exhibited a significantly reduced number of activated microglia (55% reduction at 150 mg/ml) and a significant protection of dopaminergic neurons (80% of neurons survived) (P < 0.001) compared with vehicle‐treated controls. Rasagiline, a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, and lamotrigine, a sodium channel blocking drug, also protected dopaminergic neurons, indicating that safinamide may act by either or both mechanisms. Safinamide also reduced the activation of microglial cells in response to lipopolysaccharide exposure in vitro.ConclusionSafinamide therapy suppresses microglial activation and protects dopaminergic neurons from degeneration in the 6‐hydroxydopamine model of PD, suggesting that the drug not only treats symptoms but also provides neuroprotection.
Targeting of prolamins by RNAi in bread wheat: effectiveness of seven silencing‐fragment combinations for obtaining lines devoid of coeliac disease epitopes from highly immunogenic gliadins
Authors: Barro Francisco , Iehisa Julio C. M. , Giménez María J. , García‐Molina María D. , Ozuna Carmen V. , Comino Isabel , Sousa Carolina , Gil‐Humanes Javier 
Published: August 2015

SummaryGluten proteins are responsible for the viscoelastic properties of wheat flour but also for triggering pathologies in susceptible individuals, of which coeliac disease (CD) and noncoeliac gluten sensitivity may affect up to 8% of the population. The only effective treatment for affected persons is a strict gluten‐free diet. Here, we report the effectiveness of seven plasmid combinations, encompassing RNAi fragments from α‐, γ‐, ω‐gliadins, and LMW glutenin subunits, for silencing the expression of different prolamin fractions. Silencing patterns of transgenic lines were analysed by gel electrophoresis, RP‐HPLC and mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), whereas gluten immunogenicity was assayed by an anti‐gliadin 33‐mer monoclonal antibody (moAb). Plasmid combinations 1 and 2 downregulated only γ‐ and α‐gliadins, respectively. Four plasmid combinations were highly effective in the silencing of ω‐gliadins and γ‐gliadins, and three of these also silenced α‐gliadins. HMW glutenins were upregulated in all but one plasmid combination, while LMW glutenins were downregulated in three plasmid combinations. Total protein and starch contents were unaffected regardless of the plasmid combination used. Six plasmid combinations provided strong reduction in the gluten content as measured by moAb and for two combinations, this reduction was higher than 90% in comparison with the wild type. CD epitope analysis in peptides identified in LC‐MS/MS showed that lines from three plasmid combinations were totally devoid of CD epitopes from the highly immunogenic α‐ and ω‐gliadins. Our findings raise the prospect of breeding wheat species with low levels of harmful gluten, and of achieving the important goal of developing nontoxic wheat cultivars.
Genetic resources offer efficient tools for rice functional genomics research
Authors: Lo Shuen‐Fang , Fan Ming‐Jen , Hsing Yue‐Ie , Chen Liang‐Jwu , Chen Shu , Wen Ien‐Chie , Liu Yi‐Lun , Chen Ku‐Ting , Jiang Mirng‐Jier , Lin Ming‐Kuang , Rao Meng‐Yen , Yu Lin‐Chih , Ho Tuan‐Hua David , Yu Su‐May 
Published: August 2015

Summary statementCompared with the robustness of genome sequencing and bioinformatics techniques, progress in understanding the function of rice genes has lagged, hampering the utilization of rice genes for cereal crop improvement. In this review, we discuss the important features of existing T‐DNA activation‐ and knockout‐tagged rice mutant populations, summarize the recent progress in functional genomics research using these resources and discuss how to more effectively utilize these resources to expedite functional genomics and phenomics studies following forward and reverse genetics approaches. These studies utilizing the T‐DNA insertion mutant populations may facilitate the translation of rice functional genomics research to improvements of rice and other cereal crops.
Genetics of melanocytic nevi
Authors: Roh Mi Ryung , Eliades Philip , Gupta Sameer , Tsao Hensin 
Published: August 2015

SummaryMelanocytic nevi are a benign clonal proliferation of cells expressing the melanocytic phenotype, with heterogeneous clinical and molecular characteristics. In this review, we discuss the genetics of nevi by salient nevi subtypes: congenital melanocytic nevi, acquired melanocytic nevi, blue nevi, and Spitz nevi. While the molecular etiology of nevi has been less thoroughly studied than melanoma, it is clear that nevi and melanoma share common driver mutations. Acquired melanocytic nevi harbor oncogenic mutations in BRAF, which is the predominant oncogene associated with melanoma. Congenital melanocytic nevi and blue nevi frequently harbor NRAS mutations and GNAQ mutations, respectively, while Spitz and atypical Spitz tumors often exhibit HRAS and kinase rearrangements. These initial ‘driver’ mutations are thought to trigger the establishment of benign nevi. After this initial phase of the cell proliferation, a senescence program is executed, causing termination of nevi growth. Only upon the emergence of additional tumorigenic alterations, which may provide an escape from oncogene‐induced senescence, can malignant progression occur. Here, we review the current literature on the pathobiology and genetics of nevi in the hope that additional studies of nevi promise to inform our understanding of the transition from benign neoplasm to malignancy.
Bovine Oviduct Epithelial Cells Dedifferentiate Partly in Culture, While Maintaining their Ability to Improve Early Embryo Development Rate and Quality
Authors: Schmaltz‐Panneau B , Locatelli Y , Uzbekova S , Perreau C , Mermillod P 
Published: August 2015

ContentsThere are convincing arguments to suggest that the success of early reproductive events is reliant on a satisfactory dialogue between gametes–embryo and the oviduct epithelium. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize an in vitro model to study these interactions. Cattle zygotes produced in vitro were cultured in either SOF or TCM‐199 in the presence or absence of bovine oviduct cell monolayers (BOEC), under 20% or 5% O2. The embryonic development rate and its quality (cell numbers, cryosurvival) were evaluated, as were the BOEC contents in 11 candidate transcripts (real‐time PCR) at different time points. A BOEC co‐culture did indeed increase the rate of development in both media under 5% O2 (41 vs 27% and 28 vs 10% of Day 8 blastocysts in SOF and TCM‐199, respectively; p < 0.05). The effect of BOEC on the developmental rate was more pronounced under 20% O2 (35 vs 6% and 27 vs 4% of Day 8 blastocysts in SOF and TCM‐199, respectively; p < 0.05). BOEC significantly increased the embryonic cell count in TCM‐199 (122.5 ± 11.1 vs 70.3 ± 9.6; p < 0.05) and embryonic cryosurvival in both media. The expression levels of SOD, FGF2 and TGF‐β1 in BOEC remained steady during culture, although mRNA levels of OGP, C3, PGR and ESR2 were clearly reduced, suggesting a dedifferentiation of BOEC during culture. However, SSP1 and GPX4 transcripts were slightly increased during culture, this rise becoming significant by the end of the culture period. In conclusion, our co‐culture system with bovine oviduct epithelial cells used for the development of bovine zygotes produced in vitro enhanced blastocyst formation and above all the quality of the resulting embryos, which was associated with specific transcriptomic changes.
Public Debt, Economic Growth and Inflation inAfrican Economies
Authors: Lopes da Veiga José Augusto , Ferreira‐Lopes Alexandra , Sequeira Tiago Neves 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe analyse the relationship between public debt, economic growth and inflation in a group of 52African economies between 1950 and 2012. The results indicate that the limits of public debt are negatively related to economic growth and exhibit, from a given level of debt, an invertedUbehaviour regarding the relationship between economic growth and public debt. Briefly, the high levels of public debt are coincident with reduced rates of economic growth and rising levels of inflation. Our results for three specific geographical areas resemble those of the overall analysis, despite some differences. InNorthAfrican countries, the growth rates of the gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation also show an invertedUbehaviour as the ratio of public debt/GDPincreases. The highest rate of economic growth is recorded when the ratio of public debt/GDPis below 30% ofGDPand corresponds to an average inflation rate of 5.33%. An identical behaviour of theGDPgrowth rates and inflation also appears in Sub‐Saharan countries until the third interval (60–90%). However, the highest growth rate of theGDPandGDPper capita is registered when the public debt/GDPratio is in the second interval (30–60%). For the countries of theSouthernAfricaDevelopmentCommunity, the highest average rate of economic growth (6.8%) is similar toNorthAfrican countries, when the ratio public debt/GDPis below 30% ofGDP, with an average inflation rate of 11%. A number of robustness analyses were performed and the great majority of them confirm the general analysis.
Prospective diagnostic accuracy evaluation and clinical utilization of a modified assay for platelet‐associated immunoglobulin in thrombocytopenic and nonthrombocytopenic dogs
Authors: Bachman Dawn E. , Forman Marnin A. , Hostutler Roger A. , Corn Stephanie , Lin JuiMing , Kociba Gary J. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundNo diagnostic tests reliably distinguish primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (pIMT) from other causes of thrombocytopenia.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to evaluate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity using modified direct and indirect platelet‐associated immunoglobulin (PAIg) assays and reticulated platelets (RP) by flow cytometry for the classification of thrombocytopenic dogs and differentiatingpIMT.MethodsPlatelets were isolated from plasma samples of thrombocytopenic dogs and nonthrombocytopenic healthy and ill dogs. For directPAIg, they were analyzed by flow cytometry after incubation with anti‐human amylase fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC, negative control), anti‐canine IgG‐FITC, anti‐canine IgM‐FITC, and anti‐humanCD61‐conjugated fluorochrome (AF647). For indirectPAIg, platelets from normothrombocytic dogs were incubated with thrombocytopenic dog plasma and analyzed similar to directPAIg.RPpercentages were determined based on forward light scatter vs thiazole orange fluorescence.ResultsSeventy‐five thrombocytopenic dogs, 16 nonthrombocytopenic ill dogs, and 24 healthy dogs were evaluated. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity utilizing direct IgG was 29.4% and 75.9%, respectively; when combining direct/indirect assays (IgG/IgM), it was 76.5% and 65.5%, respectively, for distinguishingpIMT. ForRP, no significant difference betweenpIMTandsIMTwas noted.RP> 8% with positivePAIg had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 27.6% for distinguishingpIMT. There was a significant difference in platelet concentration andCD61% staining between control andpIMT.ConclusionsThe combined modified assays resulted in fair diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis ofpIMT. The modification of the immunoglobulin assays improved diagnostic accuracy; however, a single panel to accurately classify thrombocytopenia remains elusive.
Cardiopulmonary and arterial baroreceptor unloading during passive hyperthermia does not contribute to hyperthermia‐induced hyperventilation
Authors: Lucas Rebekah A. I. , Pearson James , Schlader Zachary J. , Crandall Craig G. 
Published: August 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Does baroreceptor unloading during passive hyperthermia contribute to increases in ventilation and decreases in end‐tidal carbon dioxide during that exposure?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Hyperthermic hyperventilation is not mitigated by expanding central blood volume and reloading the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors via rapid saline infusion or by reloading the arterial baroreceptors via phenylephrine administration. The absence of a reduction in ventilation upon reloading the baroreceptors to pre‐hyperthermic levels indicates that cardiopulmonary and arterial baroreceptor unloading with hyperthermia is unlikely to contribute to hyperthermic hyperventilation in humans.
This study tested the hypothesis that baroreceptor unloading during passive hyperthermia contributes to increases in ventilation and decreases in end‐tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide () during that exposure. Two protocols were performed, in which healthy subjects underwent passive hyperthermia (increasing intestinal temperature by ∼1.8°C) to cause a sustained increase in ventilation and reduction in . Upon attaining hyperthermic hyperventilation, in protocol 1 (n = 10; three females) a bolus (19 ± 2 ml kg−1) of warm (∼38°C) isotonic saline was rapidly (5–10 min) infused intravenously to restore reductions in central venous pressure, whereas in protocol 2 (n = 11; five females) phenylephrine was infused intravenously (60–120 μg min−1) to return mean arterial pressure to normothermic levels. In protocol 1, hyperthermia increased ventilation (by 2.2 ± 1.7 l min−1, P < 0.01), while reducing (by 4 ± 3 mmHg, P = 0.04) and central venous pressure (by 5 ± 1 mmHg, P <0.01). Saline infusion increased central venous pressure by 5 ± 1 mmHg (P < 0.01), restoring it to normothermic values, but did not change ventilation or (P > 0.05). In protocol 2, hyperthermia increased ventilation (by 5.0 ± 2.7 l min−1, P <0.01) and reduced (by 5 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.01) and mean arterial pressure (by 9 ± 7 mmHg, P <0.01). Phenylephrine infusion increased mean arterial pressure by 12 ± 3 mmHg (P < 0.01), restoring it to normothermic values, but did not change ventilation or (P > 0.05). The absence of a reduction in ventilation upon reloading the cardiopulmonary and arterial baroreceptors to pre‐hyperthermic levels indicates that baroreceptor unloading with hyperthermia is unlikely to contribute to hyperthermic hyperventilation in humans.