bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MEArec: a fast and customizable testbench simulator for ground-truth extracellular spiking activity
Authors: Buccino Alessio P. , Einevoll Gaute T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhen recording neural activity from extracellular electrodes, bothin vivoandin vitro, spike sorting is a required and very important processing step that allows for identification of single neurons’ activity. Spike sorting is a complex algorithmic procedure, and in recent years many groups have attempted to tackle this problem, resulting in numerous methods and software packages. However, validation of spike sorting techniques is complicated. It is an inherently unsupervised problem and it is hard to find universal metrics to evaluate performance. Simultaneous recordings that combine extracellular and patch-clamp or juxtacellular techniques can provide ground-truth data to evaluate spike sorting methods. However, their utility is limited by the fact that only a few cells can be measured at the same time. Simulated ground-truth recordings can provide a powerful alternative mean to rank the performance of spike sorters. We present hereMEArec, a Python-based software which permits flexible and fast simulation of extracellular recordings.MEArecallows users to generate extracellular signals on various customizable electrode designs and can replicate various problematic aspects for spike sorting, such as bursting, spatio-temporal overlapping events, and drifts. We expectMEArecwill provide a common testbench for spike sorting development and evaluation, in which spike sorting developers can rapidly generate and evaluate the performance of their algorithms.
Neoteny in visual system development of the spotted unicornfish,Naso brevirostris(Acanthuridae)
Authors: Tettamanti Valerio , de Busserolles Fanny , Lecchini David , Marshall Justin , Cortesi Fabio 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOntogenetic changes of the visual system are often correlated to shifts in habitat and feeding behaviour of animals. Coral reef fishes begin their lives in the pelagic zone and then migrate to the reef. This transition of habitat frequently involves a change in diet and light environment as well as major morphological modifications. The spotted unicornfish,Naso brevirostris, is known to shift diet from zooplankton to algae and back to zooplankton when transitioning from larval to juvenile and then to adult stages. Concurrently,N. brevirostrisalso moves from an open pelagic to a coral-associated habitat before migrating up in the water column when reaching adulthood. Using retinal mapping techniques, we discovered that the distribution and density of ganglion and photoreceptor cells inN. brevirostrisdo not change with the habitat or the feeding habits of each developmental stage. Instead, fishes showed a neotenic development with a slight change from larval to juvenile stages and not many modifications thereafter. Visual gene expression based on RNA sequencing mirrored this pattern; independent of stage, fishes mainly expressed three cone opsin genes (SWS2B, RH2B, RH2A), with a quantitative difference in the expression of the green opsin genes (RH2AandRH2B) when transitioning from larvae to juveniles. Hence, contrary to the ontogenetic changes found in many animals, the visual system is fixed early on inN. brevirostrisdevelopment calling for a thorough analysis of visual system development of the reef fish community.
Neural correlates of experience with CCTV surveillance of naturalistic prosocial and antisocial interactions: a reverse correlation analysis
Authors: Gillard Julia A. , Petrini Karin , Noble Katie , Rodriguez Perez Jesus A. , Pollick Frank E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPrevious research using reverse correlation to explore the relationship between brain activity and presented image information found that Face Fusiform Area (FFA) activity could be related to the appearance of faces during free viewing of the Hollywood movie “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” (Hasson, et al, 2004). We applied this approach to the naturalistic viewing of unedited footage of city-centre closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance. Two 300 second videos were used, one containing prosocial activities and the other antisocial activities. Brain activity revealed through fMRI as well as eye movements were recorded while fifteen expert CCTV operators with a minimum of 6 months experience of CCTV surveillance alongside an age and gender matched control group of fifteen novice viewers were scanned while watching the videos. Independent scans functionally localized FFA and posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus (pSTS) activity using faces/houses and intact/scrambled point-light biological motion displays respectively. Reverse correlation revealed peaks in FFA and pSTS brain activity corresponding to the expert and novice eye movements directed towards faces and biological motion across both videos. In contrast, troughs in activation corresponded to camera-induced motion when a clear view of visual targets were temporarily not available. Our findings, validated by the eye movement data, indicate that the predicted modulation of brain activity occurs as a result of salient features of faces and biological motion embedded within the naturalistic stimuli. The examination of expertise revealed that in both pSTS and FFA the novices had significantly more activated timeframes than the experienced observers for the prosocial video. However, no difference was found for the antisocial video. The modulation of brain activity, as well as the effect of expertise gives a novel insight into the underlying visual processes in an applied real-life task.
Auditors’ Quantitative Materiality Judgments: Properties and Implications for Financial Reporting Reliability
Authors: CHOUDHARY PREETI , MERKLEY KENNETH , SCHIPPER KATHERINE 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTWe analyze data made available through the PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) to provide descriptive evidence on the properties of auditors’ actual quantitative materiality judgments and the implications of those judgments for financial reporting. Auditors’ quantitative materiality judgments do not appear to result simply from applying conventional rules of thumb (e.g., 5% of pretax income), but instead are associated with size‐related financial statement outcomes (income, revenues, and assets), where the relative importance of the size‐related outcomes varies with client characteristics such as financial performance. Using the distribution of actual materiality amounts reported by auditors to the PCAOB as part of the audit‐inspection process, we construct a materiality‐judgment measure that locates a specific materiality amount within a normal range that is both comparable across varying client characteristics and supported by guidance in audit firm internal policy manuals. We find that looser materiality (an amount closer to the high end of a normal materiality range) is associated with fewer audit hours and lower audit fees, supporting the construct validity of this measure. We also find that looser materiality is associated with lower amounts of proposed audit adjustments and, in extreme cases, with a greater incidence of restatements, highlighting the importance of auditor materiality assessments for financial reporting reliability.
Staff perceptions of the emergency department working environment: An international cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Crilly Julia , Greenslade Jaimi H , Johnston Amy , Carlström Eric , Thom Ogilvie , Abraham Louisa , Mills Donna , Wallis Marianne 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to describe clinical staff perceptions of their ED working environment and to explore associations between staff demographics, coping styles and the work environment.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in one Swedish ED and two Australian EDs in 2015–2016. Descriptive statistics were used to explore stressors, coping styles and aspects of the working environment for the combined cohort and the cohort split by age, sex, professional role, years of employment in the ED and country. Regression analyses examined the impact of coping style and demographic characteristics on staff perceptions of the working environment.ResultsTwo hundred and six ED staff completed the survey (response rate: 64%). Factors most stressful for ED staff included death or sexual abuse of a child, heavy workload and poor skill mix. Staff perceptions of the working environment differed based on age, sex, country, tenure and job role. Regression analysis of perceptions of the work environment on demographics and coping strategies revealed that negative coping strategies were associated with low self‐realisation, high workload, high conflict and high nervousness. Active coping and positive thinking were associated with increased self‐realisation. Positive thinking was associated with lower levels of conflict.ConclusionsEmployees engaging in positive coping strategies had more positive perceptions of the work environment, while those engaging in maladaptive coping strategies reported negative perceptions of the work environment. These data suggest that strategies that promote the use of active coping and positive thinking should be encouraged and warrant further research in the ED.
Patterns of host cell inheritance in the bacterial symbiosis of whiteflies
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Rui , Li Na‐Na , Bao Xi‐Yu , Douglas Angela E. , Luan Jun‐Bo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhiteflies possess bacterial symbionts Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidium that are housed in specialized cells called bacteriocytes and are faithfully transmitted via the ovary to insect offspring. In one whitefly species studied previously, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1, transmission is mediated by somatic inheritance of bacteriocytes, with a single bacteriocyte transferred to each oocyte and persisting through embryogenesis to the next generation. Here, we investigate the mode of bacteriocyte transmission in two whitefly species, B. tabaci MED, the sister species of MEAM1, and the phylogenetically distant species Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Microsatellite analysis supported by microscopical studies demonstrates that B. tabaci MED bacteriocytes are genetically different from other somatic cells and persist through embryogenesis, as for MEAM1, but T. vaporariorum bacteriocytes are genetically identical to other somatic cells of the insect, likely mediated by the degradation of maternal bacteriocytes in the embryo. These two alternative modes of transmission provide a first demonstration among insect symbioses that the cellular processes underlying vertical transmission of bacterial symbionts can diversify among related host species associated with a single lineage of symbiotic bacteria.
Geographic information system‐based evaluation of spatial accessibility to maternal health facilities in Siaya County, Kenya
Authors: Ouko Jacob Joseph Ochieng , Gachari Moses Karoki , Sichangi Arthur Wafula , Alegana Victor 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMaternal mortality is a major problem in middle‐income and low‐income countries, and the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities offering safe delivery is important in averting maternal deaths. Siaya County, in Kenya, has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country—far more than the national average. This study aimed to evaluate geographic access to health facilities offering delivery services in Siaya County. A mixed‐methods approach incorporating geographic information system analysis and individual data from semi‐structured interviews was used to derive travel time maps to facilities using different travel scenarios: AccessMod5 and ArcGIS were used for these tasks. The derived maps were then linked to georeferenced household survey data in a multilevel logistic regression model in R to predict the probability of expectant women delivering in a health facility. Based on the derived travel times, 26 per cent (13,140) and 67 per cent (32,074) of the estimated 46,332 pregnant women could reach any facility within one and two hours, respectively, while walking with the percentage falling to seven per cent (3,415) and 20 per cent (8,845) when considering referral facilities. Motorised transport significantly increased coverage. The findings revealed that the predicted probability of a pregnant woman delivering in a health facility ranged between 0.14 and 0.86. Significant differences existed in access levels with transportation‐based interventions significantly increasing coverage. The derived maps can help health policy planners identify underserved areas and monitor future reductions in inequalities. This work has theoretical implications for conceptualising healthcare accessibility besides advancing the literature on mixed methodologies.
Anaerobic nitrate respiration in the aerobe Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2): helping maintain a proton gradient during dormancy
Authors: Sawers R. Gary , Fischer Marco , Falke Dörte 
Published: July 2019

SummaryRespiratory nitrate reductases (Nar) catalyse the reduction of nitrate to nitrite, coupling this process to energy conservation. The obligate aerobic actinobacterium Streptomyces coelicolor synthesizes three Nar enzymes that contribute to maintenance of a membrane potential when either the mycelium or the spores become hypoxic or anoxic. No growth occurs under such conditions but the bacterium survives the lack of O2 by remaining metabolically active; reducing nitrate is one means whereby this process is aided. Nar1 is exclusive to spores, Nar2 to vegetative mycelium and Nar3 to stationary‐phase mycelium, each making a distinct contribution to energy conservation. While Nar2 and Nar3 appear to function like conventional menaquinol oxidases, unusually, Nar1 is completely dependent for its activity on a cytochrome bcc‐aa
3 oxidase supercomplex. This suggest that electrons within this supercomplex are diverted to Nar1 during O2 limitation. Receiving electrons from this supercomplex potentially allows nitrate reduction to be coupled to the Q‐cycle of the cytochrome bcc complex. This modification likely improves the efficiency of energy conservation, extending longevity of spores under O2 limitation. Knowledge gained on the bioenergetics of NO3− respiration in the actinobacteria will aid our understanding of how many microorganisms survive under conditions of extreme nutrient and energy restriction.
On the Perils of Structured Loans Financing in France and Italy
Authors: Oldani Chiara 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe restructuring process of sovereign debt is not yet managed under common global rules; public debt stabilisation is an explicit policy goal in the EU, but cannot be achieved if local public authorities do not control their liabilities and connected risks. EU local administrations’ debt soared due to the economic downturn, reduced resources transferred from the central state and increasing expenses. After 2000, French and Italian local authorities extensively underwrote complex financial instruments, such as over the counter (OTC) interest rate and exchange rate derivatives and structured loans (i.e. loans with embedded derivatives) to manage their growing liabilities; the proliferation of derivatives among European public administrations has been favoured by the absence of proper disclosure and of monitoring procedures. Losses due to structured loans accumulated and in 2017 French local authorities asked for state rescue; similarly, some Italian regions and municipalities reported relevant losses. The reduction of financial risks can be achieved by improving information and transparency, by reducing moral hazard, and limiting ‘revolving doors’.
Overexpression of ANLN in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with metastasis
Authors: Xu Jie , Zheng Hong , Yuan Shuai , Zhou Bodong , Zhao Weipeng , Pan Yuan , Qi Daliang 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundANLN has been identified as an actin‐binding protein and previous studies have suggested that ANLN is associated with actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Lung adenocarcinoma is a poor prognosis tumor. Metastasis is a very common complication and is regarded as the main cause for an unsatisfactory treatment outcome. Whether ANLN is involved in the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma is unknown.MethodsWe performed immunohistochemical staining and analyzed the correlation between the expression level and pathological parameters. We tested the migration and invasion of A549 and PC9 cell after interference with ANLN expression by Transwell and scratch wound healing assays. Protein expression of E‐cadherin, vimentin and N‐cadherin were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The same experiment was also tested after overexpression of ANLN.ResultsThe metastasis of patients with high expression of ANLN was significantly more than that of patients with low expression of ANLN. In vitro, after interfering with ANLN expression, E‐cadherin and vimentin expression were increased and N‐cadherin expression was decreased in A549 and PC9 cells. Migration and invasion ability of A549 and PC9 cells were decreased,vice versa.ConclusionOur study suggests that the expression of ANLN in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with metastasis of cancer cells. ANLN may be involved in the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma by promoting epithelial mesenchymal transformation of tumor cells.
Impact of high‐altitude therapy on type‐2 immune responses in asthma patients
Authors: Boonpiyathad Tadech , Capova Gertruda , Duchna Hans‐Werner , Croxford Andrew L. , Farine Herve , Dreher Anita , Clozel Martine , Schreiber Juliane , Kubena Petr , Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Mirer David , Rückert Beate , Satitsuksanoa Pattraporn , Tan Ge , Groenen Peter M. A. , Bersuch Eugen , Akdis Mübeccel , Strasser Daniel S. , Renner Ellen D. , Akdis Cezmi A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundAsthma patients present with distinct immunological profiles, with a predominance of type 2 endotype. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of high‐altitude treatment on the clinical and immunological response in asthma.MethodsTwenty‐six hospitalized asthma patients (nine eosinophilic allergic; EA, nine noneosinophilic allergic; NEA and eight noneosinophilic nonallergic; NN) and nine healthy controls in high altitude for 21 days were enrolled in the study. We assessed eosinophils, T cells, Tregs, and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) from peripheral blood using flow cytometry.ResultsThe number of eosinophils (both resting and activated) and chemoattractant receptor homolog expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2)‐expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased significantly in EA patients after altitude treatment. The frequency of CRTH2+ Tregs as decreased significantly in all the asthma phenotypes as well as the frequency of ILC2 was significantly reduced in EA after altitude treatment. After 21 days of altitude therapy, CRTH2‐expressing ILC2, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and Treg cells showed attenuated responses to exogenous PGD2. Furthermore, PGD2 signaling via CRTH2 was found to diminish the suppressive function of CRTH2+ Tregs which partially normalized during high‐altitude treatment. Improved asthma control was particularly evident in allergic asthma patients and correlated with decreased frequencies of CRTH2+ Treg cells in EA patients. Serum IL‐5 and IL‐13 decreased during climate treatment in asthma patients with high baseline levels.ConclusionsAsthma treatment in high altitude reduced the type 2 immune response, corrected the increased CRTH2 expression and its dysregulated functions.
Toll‐like receptor 2 stimulation augments esophageal barrier integrity
Authors: Ruffner Melanie A. , Song Li , Maurer Kelly , Shi Lihua , Carroll Margaret C. , Wang Joshua X. , Muir Amanda B. , Spergel Jonathan M. , Sullivan Kathleen E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundGermline‐encoded innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRR) are expressed at epithelial surfaces and modulate epithelial defenses. Evidence suggests that stimulation of the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) family of PRR may regulate epithelial barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction (TJ) complex protein expression, but it is not known whether this mechanism is utilized in esophageal epithelial cells. TJ complex proteins maintain intact barrier function and are dysregulated in atopic disorders including eosinophilic esophagitis.MethodsPattern recognition receptors expression was assessed in EoE and control primary esophageal epithelial cells, demonstrating robust expression of TLR2 and TLR3. The three‐dimensional air‐liquid interface culture (ALI) model was used to test whether TLR2 or TLR3 stimulation alters epithelial barrier function using an in vitro model of human epithelium. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC‐Dextran permeability were evaluated to assess membrane permeability. ALI cultures were evaluated by histology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).ResultsTLR3 stimulation did not change TEER in the ALI model. TLR2 stimulation increased TEER (1.28‐ to 1.31‐fold) and decreased paracellular permeability to FITC‐Dextran, and this effect was abolished by treatment with anti‐TLR2 blocking antibody. TJ complex proteins claudin‐1 and zonula occludens‐1 were upregulated following TLR2 stimulation, and ChIP assay demonstrated altered histone 4 acetyl binding at the TJP1 enhancer and CLDN1 enhancer and promoter following zymosan treatment, implying the occurrence of durable chromatin changes.ConclusionsOur findings implicate the TLR2 pathway as a potential regulator of esophageal epithelial barrier function and suggest that downstream chromatin modifications are associated with this effect.
Vemurafenib acts as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist: Implications for inflammatory cutaneous adverse events
Authors: Hawerkamp Heike C. , Kislat Andreas , Gerber Peter A. , Pollet Marius , Rolfes Katharina M. , Soshilov Anatoly A. , Denison Michael S. , Momin Afaque A. , Arold Stefan T. , Datsi Angeliki , Braun Stephan A. , Oláh Péter , Lacouture Mario E. , Krutmann Jean , Haarmann‐Stemmann Thomas , Homey Bernhard , Meller Stephan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib has been successfully established in the therapy of advanced melanoma. Despite its superior efficacy, the use of vemurafenib is limited by frequent inflammatory cutaneous adverse events that affect patients’ quality of life and may lead to dose reduction or even cessation of anti‐tumor therapy. To date, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of vemurafenib‐induced rashes have remained largely elusive.MethodsIn this study, we deployed immunohistochemistry, RT‐qPCR, flow cytometry, lymphocyte activation tests, and different cell‐free protein‐interaction assays.ResultsWe here demonstrate that vemurafenib inhibits the downstream signaling of the canonical pathway of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in vitro, thereby inducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, TNF) and chemokines (eg, CCL5). In line with these results, we observed an impaired expression of AhR‐regulated genes (eg, CYP1A1) and an upregulation of the corresponding proinflammatory genes in vivo. Moreover, results of lymphocyte activation tests showed the absence of drug‐specific T cells in respective patients.ConclusionTaken together, we obtained no hint of an underlying sensitization against vemurafenib but found evidence suggesting that vemurafenib enhances proinflammatory responses by inhibition of canonical AhR signaling. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the central role of the AhR in skin inflammation and may point toward a potential role for topical AhR agonists in supportive cancer care.