bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuritic complexity of hippocampal neurons depends on WIP‐mediated mTORC1 and Abl family kinases activities
Authors: Franco‐Villanueva Ana , Wandosell Francisco , Antón Inés M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionNeuronal morphogenesis is governed mainly by two interconnected processes, cytoskeletal reorganization, and signal transduction. The actin‐binding molecule WIP (Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein [WASP]‐interacting protein) was identified as a negative regulator of neuritogenesis. Although WIP controls activity of the actin‐nucleation‐promoting factor neural WASP (N‐WASP) during neuritic differentiation, its implication in signal transduction remains unknown.MethodsUsing primary neurons from WIP‐deficient and wild‐type mice we did an immunofluorescence, morphometric, and biochemical analysis of the signaling modified by WIP deficiency.ResultsHere, we describe the WIP contribution to the regulation of neuritic elaboration and ramification through modification in phosphorylation levels of several kinases that participate in the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)‐p70S6K (phosphoprotein 70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase, S6K) intracellular signaling pathway. WIP deficiency induces an increase in the number of neuritic bifurcations and filopodial protrusions in primary embryonic neurons. This phenotype is not due to modifications in the activity of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathway, but to reduced phosphorylation of the S6K residues Ser411 and Thr389. The resulting decrease in kinase activity leads to reduced S6 phosphorylation in the absence of WIP. Incubation of control neurons with pharmacological inhibitors of mTORC1 or Abl, two S6K regulators, conferred a morphology resembling that of WIP‐deficient neurons. Moreover, the preferential co‐distribution of phospho‐S6K with polymerized actin is altered in WIP‐deficient neurons.ConclusionThese experiments identify WIP as a member of a signaling cascade comprised of Abl family kinases, mTORC1 and S6K, which regulates neuron development and specifically, neuritic branching and complexity. Thus, we postulated a new role for WIP protein.
Female genital mutilation/cutting type IV in Cambodia: a case report
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Irion Olivier , de Tejada Begoña Martinez 
Published: October 2015

Key Clinical MessageNontherapeutic female genital modifications can cause short‐ and long‐term consequences. Caregivers should promote women's self knowledge on genitals' anatomy and physiology, and psychophysical and sexual health. They should also inform on possible negative consequences of vulvar nontherapeutic alterations requested and avoid the medicalization of female genital mutilation.
Antiarthritis Effect of Morin is Associated with Inhibition of Synovial Angiogensis
Authors: Zeng Ni , Tong Bei , Zhang Xinyu , Dou Yannong , Wu Xin , Xia Yufeng , Dai Yue , Wei Zhifeng 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

Morin, a flavonoid isolated from Morus alba L. (Moraceae), possesses anti‐inflammatory, antiangiogenic among other biological activities. This study investigated its effect on type II collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explored the underlying mechanisms in view of synovial angiogenesis. Morin administered po attenuated arthritic progression as indicated by reduction of arthritis scores and paw swelling. It also markedly reduced serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), but increased the level of anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10, and ameliorated histopathological changes of joints. Morin markedly inhibited expression of CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor in synovial membrane tissues, and decreased serum levels of VEGF in CIA rats. In vitro, morin markedly inhibited VEGF‐induced migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicate that morin had antirheumatoid potential, and its mechanism might be associated with inhibition of synovial angiogenesis. Drug Dev Res 76 : 463–473, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling directional spatio‐temporal processes in island biogeography
Authors: Carvalho José C. , Cardoso Pedro , Rigal François , Triantis Kostas A. , Borges Paulo A. V. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA key challenge in island biogeography is to quantity the role of dispersal in shaping biodiversity patterns among the islands of a given archipelago. Here, we propose such a framework. Dispersal within oceanic archipelagos may be conceptualized as a spatio‐temporal process dependent on: (1) the spatial distribution of islands, because the probability of successful dispersal is inversely related to the spatial distance between islands and (2) the chronological sequence of island formation that determines the directional asymmetry of dispersal (hypothesized to be predominantly from older to younger islands). From these premises, directional network models may be constructed, representing putative connections among islands. These models may be translated to eigenfunctions in order to be incorporated into statistical analysis. The framework was tested with 12 datasets from the Hawaii, Azores, and Canaries. The explanatory power of directional network models for explaining species composition patterns, assessed by the Jaccard dissimilarity index, was compared with simpler time‐isolation models. The amount of variation explained by the network models ranged from 5.5% (for Coleoptera in Hawaii) to 60.2% (for Pteridophytes in Canary Islands). In relation to the four studied taxa, the variation explained by network models was higher for Pteridophytes in the three archipelagos. By the contrary, small fractions of explained variation were observed for Coleoptera (5.5%) and Araneae (8.6%) in Hawaii. Time‐isolation models were, in general, not statistical significant and explained less variation than the equivalent directional network models for all the datasets. Directional network models provide a way for evaluating the spatio‐temporal signature of species dispersal. The method allows building scenarios against which hypotheses about dispersal within archipelagos may be tested. The new framework may help to uncover the pathways via which species have colonized the islands of a given archipelago and to understand the origins of insular biodiversity.
Changes in chocolate crystallization are influenced by type and amount of introduced filling lipids
Authors: Rothkopf Isabell , Danzl Wolfgang 
Published: October 2015

Filled chocolates are particularly susceptible to quality loss due to oil migration. Since the fillings are often softer than the chocolate coatings, the filling lipids can function as an activator for diffusion processes with the formation of fat bloom as a consequence. Filling lipids can merge with chocolate during production or storage. However, in most studies concerning crystallization or migration cocoa butter and hazelnut oil were analyzed, investigations on chocolate are rare. To cover a broad variety of fillings, dark chocolate was blended with hazelnut oil, butterfat, and coconut oil and crystallization was analyzed. All investigated lipids reduced the solid fat content to the same extend. However, crystallization behavior of the blended samples differed. Hazelnut oil accelerated crystallization rate and did not affect crystallization time, while butterfat reduced crystallization rate and time. The effect of coconut oil addition was in between those of hazelnut oil and butterfat. Nucleation and crystal growth rate, which affect the crystallization speed, have been shown to be affected by the type of filling lipid. Additionally, there is evidence that crystal transformation during crystallization is also affected by filling lipids.Practical applications: Based on the results of this study, manufacturers of filled chocolate products may adapt their processing parameters such as temperature and retention time in the cooling tunnel accordingly. The analytical methods may be used to control the production of confectionery and to determine filling fat concentrations in the chocolate shells of freshly produced pralines. As different filling lipids in small contents cause similar softening of chocolate shells, the solid fat content (SFC) of chocolate is an appropriate method to control filling lipid migration into chocolate.Isothermal crystallization of non‐tempered samples shown as solid fat content (SFC) versus time indicate that hazelnut oil has a less retarding effect on crystallization than butterfat and the effect of coconut oil is in between, but closer to hazelnut oil.
Individualised Versus Standardised Assessment of Quality of Life in Eating Disorders
Authors: Las Hayas Carlota , Padilla Patricia , del Barrio Andrés Gómez , Beato‐Fernandez Luís , Muñoz Pedro , Gámez‐Guadix Manuel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIndividualised measures of quality of life (QoL) refer to instruments that encourage the respondent to actively elicit which areas of their life are most relevant for his/her QoL. The aim of this study is to compare individualised versus standard measures of QoL in a sample of patients with eating disorder (ED). The Schedule for the Evaluation of the Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) and a generic measure of QoL [World Health Organization Brief Quality of Life Assessment Scale (WHOQOL‐BREF)] were applied on two occasions (one‐year follow‐up) to a sample of 165 patients with ED, 57 recovered patients with ED, and 349 women from the general population. The areas of ‘family’, ‘education/career or job’, ‘friends’, ‘leisure’, ‘romantic partner’ and ‘health’ were identified as the most important for their QoL for all groups, both times. The WHOQOL‐BREF was more sensitive than the SEIQoL in detecting changes that occurred over time. Clinical interventions for ED should consider social components as objectives of intervention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The great solar boom: a global perspective into the far reaching impact of an unexpected energy revolution
Authors: Meneguzzo Francesco , Ciriminna Rosaria , Albanese Lorenzo , Pagliaro Mario 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study offers a unified perspective into the unexpected solar energy photovoltaic revolution, and its far reaching impact onto both energy generation and electricity markets. Practically relevant aspects, such as those related to the value of solar PV electricity, land consumption, energy return on energy invested, reliability of the technology, the structure of the global PV industry, the cost of Li ion batteries and related market trends are clarified. We identify the main barriers to overcome for solar PV to expand beyond a niche market (say, <10% of a country's power generation), and the related societal benefits with electrification of energy end uses.
Glycemic responses to maize flour stiff porridges prepared using local recipes in Malawi
Authors: Mlotha Vincent , Mwangwela Agnes Mbachi , Kasapila William , Siyame Edwin W.P. , Masamba Kingsley 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGlycemic index is defined as the incremental area under the blood glucose response curve of a 50 g carbohydrate portion of a test food expressed as a percent of the response to the same amount of carbohydrate from a standard food taken by the same subject. This study investigated glycemic index of maize stiff porridges consumed as staple food in Malawi and a large majority of other countries in sub‐Saharan Africa to identify areas for improvement in consumer diets. Stiff porridges were prepared using flour from whole maize, maize grits, and fermented maize grits. The porridges were served to 11 healthy volunteers for 3 weeks, with two serving sessions a week. Glucose was served as a reference food during weekly serving sessions. Results from descriptive analysis revealed that glycemic responses varied across subjects and porridge types. Porridge prepared from fermented maize grits had moderate glycemic index of 65.49 and was comparable in nutrient composition and sensory characteristics with the other test porridges. Glycemic indices of the porridges prepared from whole maize flour and grits were high at 94.06 and 109.64, respectively, attributed to the effect of traditional maize flour processing, preparation, and cooking methods used. The study also calculated glyaemic load of the porridges and drew recommendations to inform diet planning and modifications for healthy and diabetic individuals.
Long‐term streamflow trends in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin: detecting drivers of change
Authors: Gao Zhaoliang , Zhang Lu , Zhang Xiaoping , Cheng Lei , Potter Nick , Cowan Tim , Cai Wenju 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe catchments in the Loess Plateau, in China's middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin, experienced unprecedented land use changes in the last 50 years as a result of large‐scale soil conservation measure to control soil erosion. The climate of the region also exhibited some levels of change with decreased precipitation and increased temperature. This study combined the time‐trend analysis method with a sensitivity‐based approach and found that annual streamflow in the Loess Plateau decreased significantly since the 1950s and surface runoff trends appear to dominate the streamflow trends in most of the catchments. Annual baseflow exhibited mostly downward trends, but significant upward trends were also observed in 3 out of 38 gauging stations. Mean annual streamflow during 1979−2010 decreased by up to 65% across the catchments compared with the period of 1957−1978, indicating significant changes in the hydrological regime of the Loess Plateau. It is estimated that 70% of the streamflow reduction can be attributed to land use change, while the remaining 30% is associated with climate variability. Land use change because of the soil conservation measures and reduction in precipitation are the key drivers for the observed streamflow trends. These findings are consistent with results of previous studies for the region and appear to be reasonable given the accelerated level of the soil conservation measures implemented since the late 1970s. Changes in sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean, as indicated by variations in El Niño–Southern Oscillation and phase shifts of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, appear to have also affected the annual streamflow trends. The framework described in this study shows promising results for quantifying the effects of land use change and climate variability on mean annual streamflow of catchments within the Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human‐made structures, vegetation, and weather influence ferruginous hawk breeding performance
Authors: Wallace Zachary P. , Kennedy Patricia L. , Squires John R. , Olson Lucretia E. , Oakleaf Robert J. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTStudies of anthropogenic impacts on wildlife may produce inconclusive or biased results if they fail to account for natural sources of variation in breeding performance and do not use probabilistic sampling at a scale functional for management. We used stratified random sampling and generalized linear mixed models to test hypotheses on relationships of daily nest survival rate (DSR) and fledgling production with anthropogenic and environmental factors that influence reproduction in the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis). We conducted the study across ferruginous hawk range in Wyoming, USA, 2010–2012. We performed extensive field surveys of prey, vegetation, and nest substrates, and used spatially explicit data to quantify weather, and the most widespread forms of anthropogenic infrastructure (i.e., roads, oil and gas well pads) in ferruginous hawk territories. We found strong evidence that DSR and productivity were greater for nests on anthropogenic structures (i.e., artificial nest platforms, gas condensation tanks, abandoned windmill platforms, power poles) compared to natural substrates (i.e., trees, cliffs, rock outcrops). Additionally, ferruginous hawks produced more fledglings at territories with greater shrub cover and fewer severe storms during the June brood‐rearing period. Amount of oil and gas development and prey was not associated with either measure of breeding performance. Our results suggest that artificial nest platforms are an effective tool to improve breeding success of ferruginous hawks and nesting on anthropogenic structures does not constitute an ecological trap for this species. Although ferruginous hawks nested in some areas with very little vegetative cover, territories with greater amounts of shrub cover produced more fledglings. The negative impact of severe spring storms on fledgling production illustrates the importance of including future weather scenarios in management planning for this species because storms are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Male greater sage‐grouse detectability on leks
Authors: Fremgen Aleshia L. , Hansen Christopher P. , Rumble Mark A. , Gamo R. Scott , Millspaugh Joshua J. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIt is unlikely all male sage‐grouse are detected during lek counts, which could complicate the use of lek counts as an index to population abundance. Understanding factors that influence detection probabilities will allow managers to more accurately estimate the number of males present on leks. We fitted 410 males with global positioning system and very high frequency transmitters, and uniquely identifiable leg‐bands over 4 years in Carbon County, Wyoming. We counted male sage‐grouse using commonly used lek‐count protocols and evaluated variables associated with our ability to detect marked males using sightability surveys on 22 leks. We evaluated detection probabilities of male sage‐grouse based on factors related to bird characteristics such as age or posture, lek and group size, lek characteristics such as vegetation cover or aspect, light conditions, weather, and observer. We then applied the detection probabilities to more accurately estimate male counts on leks. Detection probabilities were generally high ( = 0.87) but varied among leks from 0.77 to 0.93. Male sage‐grouse detection declined with increasing sagebrush height and bare ground and increased with more snow cover. Detection probabilities were also lower when observers counted from a higher elevation than the lek. Our sightability models predicted detection well and can be used to accurately estimate male abundance on leks from lek counts, which is especially useful where accurate abundance estimates are required or inference about population status is based on only 1 count. Further, it is important to consider lek attendance as a component of counts on leks because it affects availability of male sage‐grouse for detection during lek counts. Detection can be maximized by conducting lek counts from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunrise, although current protocols recommend lek counts can be performed up to 1 hour after sunrise. Detection can also be maximized by conducting lek counts ≥2 days after snowfall, which maximizes attendance and detection. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Estimates of small Indian mongoose densities: Implications for rabies management
Authors: Johnson Shylo R. , Berentsen Are R. , Ellis Christine , Davis Amy , Vercauteren Kurt C. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is an invasive species and rabies reservoir in Puerto Rico. In the continental United States, terrestrial wildlife rabies is primarily managed by the National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) of the United States Department of Agriculture through oral rabies vaccination (ORV); the distribution of the vaccine baits is influenced by the population density of the target species. The NRMP uses a density index for estimating raccoon (Procyon lotor) population density to guide bait distribution. In Puerto Rico, a wildlife rabies vaccination program does not exist and vaccination of domestic animals is limited and not compulsory. To acquire information on density and other population dynamics, we compared a mongoose density index (MDI) adapted from the NRMP raccoon density index (RDI) to 3 other methods (2 types of capture–mark–recapture [CAPTURE and MARK] and spatially explicit capture–recapture [SECR]) for estimating density that incorporate modeling procedures on detection probabilities, and examined the spatial distribution of mongooses within our study plots. We used the RDI trapping protocol modified for mongooses to livetrap mongooses in El Yunque National Forest (El Yunque) and Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge (Cabo Rojo) in fall of 2011 and spring of 2012 resulting in 4 trapping sessions. The MDI estimates were consistently less than those from other methods for estimating mongoose densities. The MDI detected a greater mongoose density during the wet season (0.55 mongooses/ha) than the dry season (0.34 mongooses/ha) at Cabo Rojo, consistent with all 3 other density estimation methods. Overall, the correlation coefficient between MDI and the other calculation methods was ≥0.68. When we examined known locations of mongooses and travel distances, we detected more mongooses in a smaller area within the study plot at Cabo Rojo than at El Yunque. The MDI provided information on the spatial distribution of mongooses, which will be needed to implement an ORV program to target mongooses in Puerto Rico. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Ab initio description of the thermoelectric properties of heterostructures in the diffusive limit of transport
Authors: Hinsche Nicki F. , Rittweger Florian , Hölzer Martin , Zahn Peter , Ernst Arthur , Mertig Ingrid 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe scope of this review is to present the recent progress in the understanding of the microscopic origin of thermoelectric transport in semiconducting heterostructures and to identify and elucidate mechanisms which could lead to enhanced thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Based on first‐principles calculations a consistent and convenient method is presented to fully describe the thermoelectric properties in the diffusive limit of transport for bulk systems and their associated heterostructures. While fundamentals of the functionality of phonon‐blocking and electron‐transmitting superlattices could be unveiled, we provide also distinct analysis and ideas for thermoelectric enhancement for two archetypical thermoelectric heterostructures based on and Si/Ge. A focus was on the influence of bulk and interfacial strain, varying charge carrier concentration, temperature, and superlattice periods on the thermoelectric transport properties.Transmission electron micrograph of a 10 Å/50 Å  superlattice. Red and green areas highlight the layered structure. For optimal cross‐plane transport () phonons (p) are expected to be scattered at the interfaces, while electrons (e−) transmit without losses.