bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Voluntary Locomotion and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide on the Dynamics of Single Dural Vessels in Awake Mice
Authors: Gao Yu-Rong , Drew Patrick J. 
Published: February 2016

The dura mater is a vascularized membrane surrounding the brain and is heavily innervated by sensory nerves. Our knowledge of the dural vasculature has been limited to pathological conditions, such as headaches, but little is known about the dural blood flow regulation during behavior. To better understand the dynamics of dural vessels during behavior, we used two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) to measure the diameter changes of single dural and pial vessels in the awake mouse during voluntary locomotion. Surprisingly, we found that voluntary locomotion drove the constriction of dural vessels, and the dynamics of these constrictions could be captured with a linear convolution model. Dural vessel constrictions did not mirror the large increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) during locomotion, indicating that dural vessel constriction was not caused passively by compression. To study how behaviorally driven dynamics of dural vessels might be altered in pathological states, we injected the vasodilator calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which induces headache in humans. CGRP dilated dural, but not pial, vessels and significantly reduced spontaneous locomotion but did not block locomotion-induced constrictions in dural vessels. Sumatriptan, a drug commonly used to treat headaches, blocked the vascular and behavioral the effects of CGRP. These findings suggest that, in the awake animal, the diameters of dural vessels are regulated dynamically during behavior and during drug-induced pathological states.SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTThe vasculature of the dura has been implicated in the pathophysiology of headaches, but how individual dural vessels respond during behavior, both under normal conditions and after treatment with the headache-inducing peptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is poorly understood. To address these issues, we imaged individual dural vessels in awake mice and found that dural vessels constricted during voluntary locomotion, and this constriction did not follow locomotion-induced intracranial pressure increases. CGRP injection caused baseline dural vessel dilation and reduced locomotion but did not block locomotion-induced constrictions of dural vessels or affect pial vessels. These novel findings reveal dynamic regulation of dural vessels that are distinct from those in cerebral blood vessels during both normal behavior and after dilation by CGRP.
microRNA-155 Regulates Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Models of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Thome Aaron D. , Harms Ashley S. , Volpicelli-Daley Laura A. , Standaert David G. 
Published: February 2016

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a chief mediator of Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and widespread aggregates of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn). Recently, microRNAs, small, noncoding RNAs involved in regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, have been recognized as important regulators of the inflammatory environment. Using an array approach, we found significant upregulation of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in anin vivomodel of PD produced by adeno-associated-virus-mediated expression of α-syn. Using a mouse with a complete deletion of miR-155, we found that loss of miR-155 reduced proinflammatory responses to α-syn and blocked α-syn-induced neurodegeneration. In primary microglia from miR-155−/−mice, we observed a markedly reduced inflammatory response to α-syn fibrils, with attenuation of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) and proinflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Treatment of these microglia with a synthetic mimic of miR-155 restored the inflammatory response to α-syn fibrils. Our results suggest that miR-155 has a central role in the inflammatory response to α-syn in the brain and in α-syn-related neurodegeneration. These effects are at least in part due to a direct role of miR-155 on the microglial response to α-syn. These data implicate miR-155 as a potential therapeutic target for regulating the inflammatory response in PD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe main feature associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) is the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain accompanied by signs of inflammation and immune activation. Our studies suggest that microRNA-155 is a key inflammation-initiating molecule that could be a viable target for PD therapeutics.
Going into labor and beyond: phospholipase A2 in pregnancy
Authors: Besenboeck Carolin , Cvitic Silvija , Lang Uwe , Desoye Gernot , Wadsack Christian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe phospholipase A2(PLA2) family is a very diverse group of enzymes, all serving in the cleavage of phospholipids, thereby releasing high amounts of arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophospholipids. AA serves as a substrate for prostaglandin production, which is of special importance in pregnancy for the onset of parturition. Novel research demonstrates that PLA2action affects the immune response of the mother toward the child and is therefore probably implied in the tolerance of the fetus and prevention of miscarriage. This review presents data on the biochemical and enzymatic properties of PLA2during gestation with a special emphasis on its role for the placental function and development of the fetus. We also critically discuss the possible pathophysiological significance of PLA2alterations and its possible functional consequences. These alterations are often associated with pregnancy pathologies such as preeclampsia and villitis or pregnancy complications such as obesity and diabetes in the mother as well as preterm onset of labor.
Progesterone effects on mouse sperm kinetics in conditions of viscosity
Authors: Pérez-Cerezales S , López-Cardona A P , Gutiérrez-Adán A 
Published: February 2016

The spermatozoa delivered to the female genital tract need to swim towards the oocyte through viscous secretions. Once close to the oocyte, the spermatozoa are guided by a gradient of progesterone (P4) and other unknown chemoattractants via a process known as chemotaxis. Using polyvinylpyrrolidone to establish the conditions of viscosity, we examined the response of mouse spermatozoa to P4. Herein, we show that in low-viscous media, P4induces hyperactive-like motility whereby sperm show erratic trajectories and non-progressive movement. However, an opposite response is produced in viscous medium in that trajectories are linear and motility is more progressive and less erratic. Our observations provide a behavioural explanation for the chemotaxis of spermatozoa swimming under viscous conditions in a spatial gradient of the chemoattractant P4. They also highlight the importance of using viscous solutions to mimicin vivoconditions when analysing sperm behaviour in response to any stimulus.Reproduction (2016) 151 501–507
Non-Cardiac Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Hypokalemia in a Patient with a Syncardia™ Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Prasad Amit , Ghodsizad Ali , Pae Walter , Singbartl Kai , Boone Jacqueline , Zeriouh M. , Ruhparwar Arjang , Loebe M. , Khorrami G. Sadat Hoesseini , Koerner Michael M. , Brehm Christoph 
Published: February 2016

<p>The Syncardia™ total artificial heart (TAH) is an option for patients as a bridge to transplant in those who are not candidates for left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) due to right ventricular failure. Postoperative course is highly dependent on volume status and aggressive diuresis is often necessary. One complication from aggressive diuresis is hypokalemia; however, in these patients we tolerate a lower potassium level because cardiac arrhythmias are not a concern. However, in two separate instances non-cardiac symptoms related to severe hypokalemia occurred. These symptoms included nystagmus in one patient and agitation, tremors, and having an “out-of-body” experience in the other patient. Both these patients had resolution of symptoms with potassium replacement.</p>
Developing and Applying an Information Literacy Rubric to Student Annotated Bibliographies
Authors: Rinto Erin E. 
Published: February 2016

Objective – This study demonstrates one method of developing and applying rubrics to student writing in order to gather evidence of how students utilize information literacy skills in the context of an authentic assessment activity. The process of creating a rubric, training scorers to use the rubric, collecting annotated bibliographies, applying the rubric to student work, and the results of the rubric assessment are described. Implications for information literacy instruction are also discussed.

Methods – The focus of this study was the English 102 (ENG 102) course, a required research-based writing course that partners the instructors with the university librarians for information literacy instruction. The author developed an information literacy rubric to assess student evaluation of information resources in the ENG 102 annotated bibliography assignment and trained three other librarians how to apply the rubric to student work. The rubric assessed the extent to which students critically applied the evaluative criteria Currency, Relevance, Accuracy, Authority, and Purpose to the information sources in their annotations. At the end of the semester, the author collected up to three de-identified annotated bibliographies from each of the 58 sections of ENG 102. The rubric was applied to up to five annotations in each bibliography, resulting in a total examination of 773 annotations (some sections turned in fewer than 3 samples, and some bibliographies had fewer than 5 annotations).
Results – The results of the study showed that students struggle with critically evaluating information resources, a finding that supports the existing information literacy assessment literature. The overwhelming majority of annotations consisted of summative information with little evidence that students used any evaluative criteria when they selected an information source. Of the five criteria examined, Relevance to the student’s research topic and Authority were the most commonly used methods of resource evaluation, while Currency, Accuracy, and Purpose were criteria least-often used. The low average scores on the rubric assessment indicate that students are not adequately learning how to apply this set of information literacy skills.

Conclusions – The library instruction sessions for ENG 102 need to move beyond the skills of choosing and narrowing a topic, selecting keywords, and searching in a library database. Students also need more targeted instruction on higher-order skills, particularly how to critically evaluate and question the sources they find. The results of this assessment are being used to refocus the learning outcomes of ENG 102 library sessions so that instruction can better meet student needs. The results are also being used to make the case for further collaboration between ENG 102 and the university library.
McClure and Samuels’ Study on Information Sources Used for Decision Making and the Connection to Organizational Climate Still Resonates Today
Authors: Koufogiannakis Denise 
Published: February 2016

A Review of:
McClure, C. R., & Samuels, A. R. (1985). Factors affecting the use of information for academic library decision making. College & Research Libraries, 46(6), 483-498.

Abstract

Objective - To investigate the use of information sources for decision making within academic libraries; specifically looking at what sources of information are used, whether information use is related to organizational climate, and what organizational factors lead to optimal information use in decision making.

Design - Cross-sectional survey on a random sample of libraries.

Setting - 18 medium to moderately large academic libraries from across the United States.
Subjects - 356 academic librarians holding a variety of positions and levels of responsibility within their organizations.

Methods - A questionnaire was mailed to participants in order to measure relationships between four main variables: information acquisition, information dissemination, information evaluation, and library climate. All instruments were validated and tested for reliability. Participants were given 10 library decision situations to consider, together with a list of potential information sources to inform the decision, and then choose which information source they would use primarily in each situation. Participants’ perception of their library climate was measured with five scales covering innovation, support, freedom, democratic governance, and esprit.

Main Results - The study found that academic librarians prefer internal sources of information, such as interpersonal communication with library staff, and library committees, for making decisions. However, paraprofessional staff members were not seen as meaningful sources of information within this grouping. The participants rarely chose to consult external information sources, such as other professionals outside of the library, or library users. Information sources such as conducting research, continuing education, past experience, or personal opinion were not found to be important to the participants’ decision making. Written documents such as articles, books, and brochures were also seldom used. Democratic governance was the organizational climate dimension found to be most closely linked to information dissemination.

Conclusion - The authors conclude that the study suggests that academic librarians are not using a full complement of information sources to assist with their decision making, and that the “information that is used tends to be ‘opinion-based’ rather than empirically based” (p. 495). Proximity of information plays a role, with information that is closer and easier to obtain being used more frequently. The authors strongly stress, with concern, that, “current academic library decision-making processes encourage ineffective activities since they preclude or limit clientele input, empirical research, and additional environmental input” (p. 495).
Tacit Knowledge Sharing Behavior, Within A Relational Social Capital Framework, In A South African University Of Technology
Authors: Smith Carol , De Beer Marie , Mason Roger Bruce 
Published: February 2016

The sharing of tacit knowledge is an important influence on the development of intellectual capital in a University of Technology but whereas its effects are clear in a business context, they have been absent from studies in the context of higher education.This study integrated relational social capital and reasoned action theory to construct a model for investigating factors that predict an individual’s intention to share tacit knowledge. Specifically, it examined the relationship between relational social capital in terms of trust (affect and cognitive-based trust), shared norms and values (including social norms and norms of social support and reciprocity) and the individual’s attitude towards sharing tacit knowledge. It further examined the relationship between the individual’s attitude, their perceived norms and perceived behavioral control over the sharing of tacit knowledge and their intention to share tacit knowledge.A hypothesized, theoretical model of the individual’s intention to share tacit knowledge was developed. This model was found to be a poor fit to the data and an alternative model was developed which was found to be a good fit to the data. This study incorporated nine research interviews and five hundred and fifty four questionnaires. Relational social capital was found to be significant for predicting individuals’ intentions to share tacit knowledge but the reasoned action variables were found to be less significant, particularly perceived behavioral control over the sharing of tacit knowledge, indicating the need for further research.
The Labor Force Participation Rate: A Rexamination Of The Determinants Of Its Decline
Authors: Litzinger Patrick J. , Dunn John H. 
Published: February 2016

The U.S. Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is defined as the number of people in the labor force as a percentage of the civilian noninstitutional population 16 years and over. In a paper published in November, 2013, we examined the determinants of the decline in the LFPR from a 1998 peak of 67.2% to then, 63.3%. Consensus of a number of economic studies at that time was that the primary determinant of the decline was cyclical and that an improving economy would stop, if not reverse, the downward trend. Since that time the unemployment rate has declined from 7.2% to 5.3%. However, the LFPR has continued its decline to 62.6%. Structural issues in the economy would appear to have far greater effect on LFPR decline than previously believed. In this paper we examine the following classes of structural determinants and their effects on LFPR: demographics, including not only the prime working cohort of ages 25 to 54, but also those of retirement age; the impact of a welfare system that appropriately provides a critical safety net, but one that reduces incentive to work through disability payments, extended unemployment benefits, and other subsidies; education for both those of a higher level of attainment, as well as an underclass that no longer receives training by business, but must rely on both public and private vocational education; and finally the consequences of globalization on the economy, including the virtual disappearance of semi-skilled industries in the United States that heretofore have provided jobs for high school graduates.
Lake Drawdown: The Value Of 2 Inches Of Water
Authors: Kashian Russell 
Published: February 2016

This study uses the hedonic price model to estimate the effect a change in water level has on the value of real estate on Lake Koshkonong in Wisconsin. Hedonic techniques are employed to show that a 2 inch reduction in the lake’s water level had a significant effect on Lake Koshkonong’s shoreline property values. The body of existing research demonstrates that changes in both the subjective and objective indicators of value are important for estimating the implicit value of water quality in hedonic analyses. This paper provides new evidence on the economic harm created by the reduction of water levels and the concurrent publicity created by the action.
Division Of Labor In Banking: An Analysis Of Credit Derivative Usage By Commercial Banks
Authors: Schellhorn Carolin , Tezel Ahmet , McManus Ginette 
Published: February 2016

For the period 2002-2005, we examine a sample of 131 end-of-year observations for 57 banks that participate in the credit derivatives market. We find that buyers of credit protection tend to be loan sellers and may have a comparative advantage in loan origination, while credit protection sellers tend to be loan buyers and may have a comparative advantage in funding loans. Furthermore, some net credit protection buyers may derive an advantage as loan originators from a high-quality reputation, while others seem to be better able to break down informational barriers due to their position as market makers in credit derivatives.
The Impact Of Demographic Variables On The Perceptions Of A Behavioral Safety Process In Manufacturing
Authors: Jones Joy M. , Preziosi Robert C. 
Published: February 2016

This study examined safety perceptions of manufacturing employees involved in a safety behavioral modification process, and the perceptions of employees who are not involved in the same process, based on the idea that such a process helps to decrease injuries in the workplace. The Neal-Griffin Safety Climate/Safety Performance Instrument was used in a specific workplace to determine if race, gender, and age affect employees’ perceptions of safety in an industrial/manufacturing setting. The results of this quantitative study found that, overall, the vast majority of the workers, regardless of demographic group membership, provided relatively high survey ratings, which indicate that they had positive perceptions regarding their company’s safety procedures and miscellaneous safety issues.
Efecto antibacteriano de extractos etanólicos de plantas utilizadas en la tradiciones culinarias andinas sobre microorganismos de la cavidad bucal
Authors: Pimentel Ramirez Erika , Castillo Andamayo Diana , Quintana Del Solar Martin , Maurtua Torres Dora , Villegas Vílchez León , Díaz Santisteban Camilo 
Published: February 2016

Objetivos: Determinar la actividad antibacteriana in vitro del extracto etanólico de Origanum vulgare (orégano), Tagetes elliptica (chincho) y del Tagetes minuta (huacatay) comparado con Clorhexidina al 0.12% y ColgatePlax frente a cepas de Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 y Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277. Material y métodos: Se evaluó la actividad antimicrobiana mediante el método de Difusión en Agar, MínimaConcentración Inhibitoria y Técnica Pour Plate (Técnica de Vertido en Placa). El diseño del estudio fue de tipo experimental in vitro de corte transversal. El análisis estadístico univariado y bivariado se hizo en el programaSPSS 17.0. Resultados: Se determinó que la actividad antibacteriana de las sustancias experimentales para la cepa Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 fue el extracto etanólico del orégano al 100% tuvo un promedioen los halos de inhibición de 18,43 ± 3,96 mm, el extracto etanólico del chincho al 100% de 20,5 ± 2,99 mm, clorhexidina al 0,12% de 21,3 ± 0,38 m y Colgate Plax 14,93 ± 0,84 mm. Frente a la cepa Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277:el extracto etanólico de chincho 100% tuvo un promedio en los halos de inhibición de 16.27 ± 2,67, el extracto etanólico de orégano 100% tuvo un promedio en los halos de inhibición de 25,86 ± 1,18 mm, el extracto etanólico del huacatay 100% de 24,49 ± 3,21 mm, con clorhexidina al 0,12% de 19,59 ± 0,48 mm y con Colgate Plax 14,29 ± 0,3 mm. La MIC del extracto etanólico del chincho frente a la cepa Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 fue de 125 mg/mL, encontrando la medida de los halos de inhibición de 10,33 mm. Conclusiones: Existe actividad antibacteriana in vitro del extracto etanólico de Origanum vulgare (orégano), Tagetes elliptica (chincho) comparado con Clorhexidina al 0,12% y Colgate Plax frente a cepas de Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 y Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277; asimismo el Tagetes minuta (huacatay) tiene efectividad con esta última cepa bacteriana.
Evaluación anatómica del piso de boca mediante resonancia magnética
Authors: Quispe Huarcaya Magaly , Sovero Gaspar Abell , Gutiérrez Ventura Fredy 
Published: February 2016

El presente artículo de revisión fue realizado para reconocer las estructuras anatómicas del piso de boca mediante imágenes de resonancia magnética; esta es una de las regiones más delicadas de la cavidad oral, constituidasolamente por tejidos blandos, muchos de ellos vasculares, glandulares y nerviosos, carece de reparos anatómicos óseos siendo susceptible a patologías que deben ser diagnosticadas por el estomatólogo. Se considera a la resonancia magnética el estudio de elección para los tejidos blandos pues permite conocer la anatomía, límites y contenido presentes en el piso de boca; sin embargo su uso es óptimo cuando se requiera evaluar el disco articular. El presente trabajo consistió en una revisión bibliográfi ca mediante búsqueda de artículos en bases de datos e internet. La resonancia magnética es útil porque evita las radiaciones ionizantes, se puede aplicar en la mayoríade los casos excepto cuando existan elementos ferromagnéticos. Dicha técnica es adecuada para el estudio de la anatomía del piso de boca, a pesar de existir algún grado de difi cultad en la interpretación es considerada por losradiólogos como la prueba diagnóstica del futuro.