bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intended Use of Proceeds, Underwriter Quality and the Long‐run Performance of SEOs in the UK
Authors: Silva André , Bilinski Pawel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe document that prospectus disclosure of (i) the motives for a seasoned equity offering, and (ii) the choice of underwriter explain the long‐run performance of equity issuers in the UK. Firms citing investment needs show no abnormal performance after the offering and have higher investment rates post‐issue compared to the period before the offering. Issuers that state general corporate purposes and recapitalisation motives underperform, have similar investment rates pre‐ and post‐issue, and their leverage tends to increase after the offering. Further, consistent with the certifying role of underwriters, equity issues underwritten by high‐quality brokers show no evidence of post‐issue abnormal returns, but offerings taken public by low‐quality underwriters exhibit negative abnormal performance. Together, our results document the significant role that prospectus information on the intended use of offering proceeds and on the underwriter play in predicting issuers post‐offering performance in the UK.
Correlation between endogenous polyamines in human cardiac tissues and clinical parameters in patients with heart failure
Authors: Meana Clara , Rubín José Manuel , Bordallo Carmen , Suárez Lorena , Bordallo Javier , Sánchez Manuel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPolyamines contribute to several physiological and pathological processes, including cardiac hypertrophy in experimental animals. This involves an increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and intracellular polyamines associated with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) increases. The aim of the study was to establish the role of these in the human heart in living patients. For this, polyamines (by high performance liquid chromatography) and the activity ofODCand N1‐acetylpolyamine oxidases (APAO) were determined in the right atrial appendage of 17 patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation to correlate with clinical parameters. There existed enzymatic activity associated with the homeostasis of polyamines. Left atria size was positively associated withODC(r= 0.661,P= 0.027) and negatively withAPAO‐N1‐acetylspermine (r= −0.769,P= 0.026), suggesting that increased levels of polyamines are associated with left atrial hemodynamic overload. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart rate were positively associated with spermidine (r= 0.690,P= 0.003;r= 0.590,P= 0.021) and negatively with N1‐acetylspermidine (r= −0.554,P= 0.032;r= −0.644,P= 0.018).LVEFwas negatively correlated withcAMPlevels (r= −0.835,P= 0.001) and withcAMP/ODC(r= −0.794,P= 0.011),cAMP/spermidine (r= −0.813,P= 0.001) andcAMP/spermine (r= −0.747,P= 0.003) ratios. AbnormalLVEFpatients showed decreasedODCactivity and spermidine, and increased N1‐acetylspermidine, andcAMP. Spermine decreased in congestive heart failure patients. The trace amine isoamylamine negatively correlated with septal wall thickness (r= −0.634,P= 0.008) and was increased in cardiac heart failure. The results indicated that modifications in polyamine homeostasis might be associated with cardiac function and remodelling. IncreasedcAMPmight have a deleterious effect on function. Further studies should confirm these findings and the involvement of polyamines in different stages of heart failure.
Species turnover regulates leaf‐cutter ant densities in environmental gradients across the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Costa A. N. , Vieira‐Neto E. H. M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEnvironmental changes resulting from Atta leaf‐cutter ant activities characterize them as ecosystem engineers of ecological and economic importance in multiple habitats. Although Atta effects depend strongly on colony density, there has been limited and inconsistent information available on their abundance and interspecific dominance in natural areas and across environmental gradients in the Brazilian Cerrado. Our study bridges this gap by testing the hypothesis that Atta nest density at genus level is high and relatively constant across locations regardless of vegetation type due to strong effects of dominant species turnover. To do so, we conducted a natural experiment surveying Atta nest abundance in five different vegetation types representing the environmental gradient from forest to savannah habitats found in the Cerrado. Our linear transect surveys covered 48.9 km in four well‐preserved areas across two Brazilian states in which we recorded 124 colonies. Of these, 84 nests belonged to A. laevigata and 40 to A. sexdens, the two dominant Atta species in the region. We also found no nests in 30% of the sampled area, which when combined with strong variation in density measured per transect indicates colonies tend to be aggregated in the landscape. Furthermore, we observed a strong dominant species turnover from forest habitats where 90% of nests belonged to A. sexdens to savannah habitats where 92% of nests were A. laevigata. Turnover effect was reflected in the absence of a significant difference in density between locations and vegetation types, indicating that density at genus level remains high and relatively constant regardless of nest aggregation. Our findings allow larger scale inferences about Atta effects and reveal new insights of their dynamics into natural areas that could affect plant species distribution and contribute to spatial heterogeneity of vegetation, having important implications for Cerrado conservation.
TrkB activation by 7, 8‐dihydroxyflavone increases synapse AMPA subunits and ameliorates spatial memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gao Lei , Tian Mi , Zhao Hong‐Yun , Xu Qian‐Qian , Huang Yu‐Ming , Si Qun‐Cao , Tian Qing , Wu Qing‐Ming , Hu Xia‐Min , Sun Li‐Bo , McClintock Shawn M. , Zeng Yan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe recently demonstrated that activation of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) by 7, 8‐dihydroxyflavone (7, 8‐DHF), the selective TrkB agonist, increased surface alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (AMPARs) AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 (GluA1) subunit expression at the synapses of Fragile X Syndrome mutant mice. This present study investigated the effects of 7, 8‐DHF on both memory function and synapse structure in relation to the synapse protein level of AMPARs in the Tg2576 Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model. The study found that chronic oral administration of 7, 8‐DHF significantly improved spatial memory and minimized dendrite loss in the hippocampus of Tg2576 mice. A key feature of 7, 8‐DHF action was the increased expression of both GluA1 and GluA2 at synapses. Interestingly, 7, 8‐DHF had no effect on the attenuation of amyloid precursor protein or Aβ exhibiting in the Tg2576 AD brains, yet it activated the phosphorylation of TrkB receptors and its downstream signals including CaMKII, Akt, Erk1/2, and cAMP‐response element‐binding protein. Importantly, cyclotraxin B (a TrkB inhibitor), U0126 (a Ras‐ERK pathway inhibitor), Wortmannin (an Akt phosphorylation inhibitor), and KN‐93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) counteracted the enhanced expression and phosphorylation of AMPAR subunits induced by 7, 8‐DHF. Collectively, our results demonstrated that 7, 8‐DHF acted on TrkB and resolved learning and memory impairments in the absence of reduced amyloid in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice partially through improved synaptic structure and enhanced synaptic AMPARs. The findings suggest that the application of 7, 8‐DHF may be a promising new approach to improve cognitive abilities in AD.
imageWe provided extensive data demonstrating that 7, 8‐dihydroflavone, the TrkB agonist, improved Tg2576 mice spatial memory. This improvement is correlated with a reversion to normal values of GluA1 and GluA2 AMPA receptor subunits and dendritic spines in CA1. This work suggests that 7, 8‐DHF is a suitable drug to potentiate in vivo Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling in the Alzheimer's disease mice model.
The Skin Safety Model: Reconceptualizing Skin Vulnerability in Older Patients
Authors: Campbell Jill L. , Coyer Fiona M. , Osborne Sonya R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo develop a unique skin safety model (SSM) that offers a new and unified perspective on the diverse yet interconnected antecedents that contribute to a spectrum of potential iatrogenic skin injuries in older hospitalized adults.Organizing ConstructDiscussion paper.MethodsA literature search of electronic databases was conducted for published articles written in English addressing skin integrity and iatrogenic skin injury in elderly hospital patients between 1960 and 2014.FindingsThere is a multiplicity of literature outlining the etiology, prevention, and management of specific iatrogenic skin injuries. Complex and interrelated factors contribute to iatrogenic skin injury in the older adult, including multiple comorbidities, factors influencing healthcare delivery, and acute situational stressors. A range of injuries can result when these factors are complicated by skin irritants, pressure, shear, or friction; however, despite skin injuries sharing multiple antecedents, no unified overarching skin safety conceptual model has been published.ConclusionsThe SSM presented in this article offers a new, unified framework that encompasses the spectrum of antecedents to skin vulnerability as well as the spectrum of iatrogenic skin injuries that may be sustained by older acute care patients. Current skin integrity frameworks address prevention and management of specific skin injuries. In contrast, the SSM recognizes the complex interplay of patient and system factors that may result in a range of iatrogenic skin injuries. Skin safety is reconceptualized into a single model that has the potential for application at the individual patient level, as well as healthcare systems and governance levels.Clinical RelevanceSkin safety is concerned with keeping skin safe from any iatrogenic skin injury, and remains an ongoing challenge for healthcare providers. A conceptual framework that encompasses all of the factors that may contribute to a range of iatrogenic skin injuries is essential, and guides the clinician in maintaining skin integrity in the vulnerable older patient.
Detecting spatial genetic signatures of local adaptation in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Forester Brenna R. , Jones Matthew R. , Joost Stéphane , Landguth Erin L. , Lasky Jesse R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe spatial structure of the environment (e.g. the configuration of habitat patches) may play an important role in determining the strength of local adaptation. However, previous studies of habitat heterogeneity and local adaptation have largely been limited to simple landscapes, which poorly represent the multiscale habitat structure common in nature. Here, we use simulations to pursue two goals: (i) we explore how landscape heterogeneity, dispersal ability and selection affect the strength of local adaptation, and (ii) we evaluate the performance of several genotype–environment association (GEA) methods for detecting loci involved in local adaptation. We found that the strength of local adaptation increased in spatially aggregated selection regimes, but remained strong in patchy landscapes when selection was moderate to strong. Weak selection resulted in weak local adaptation that was relatively unaffected by landscape heterogeneity. In general, the power of detection methods closely reflected levels of local adaptation. False‐positive rates (FPRs), however, showed distinct differences across GEA methods based on levels of population structure. The univariate GEA approach had high FPRs (up to 55%) under limited dispersal scenarios, due to strong isolation by distance. By contrast, multivariate, ordination‐based methods had uniformly low FPRs (0–2%), suggesting these approaches can effectively control for population structure. Specifically, constrained ordinations had the best balance of high detection and low FPRs and will be a useful addition to the GEA toolkit. Our results provide both theoretical and practical insights into the conditions that shape local adaptation and how these conditions impact our ability to detect selection.
Inferring the age of a fixed beneficial allele
Authors: Ormond Louise , Foll Matthieu , Ewing Gregory B. , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Jensen Jeffrey D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEstimating the age and strength of beneficial alleles is central to understanding how adaptation proceeds in response to changing environmental conditions. Several haplotype‐based estimators exist for inferring the age of segregating beneficial mutations. Here, we develop an approximate Bayesian‐based approach that rather estimates these parameters for fixed beneficial mutations in single populations. We integrate a range of existing diversity, site frequency spectrum, haplotype‐ and linkage disequilibrium‐based summary statistics. We show that for strong selective sweeps on de novo mutations the method can estimate allele age and selection strength even in nonequilibrium demographic scenarios. We extend our approach to models of selection on standing variation, and co‐infer the frequency at which selection began to act upon the mutation. Finally, we apply our method to estimate the age and selection strength of a previously identified mutation underpinning cryptic colour adaptation in a wild deer mouse population, and compare our findings with previously published estimates as well as with geological data pertaining to the presumed shift in selective pressure.
Convergence Towards the Normal Rate of Capacity Utilization in Neo‐Kaleckian Models: The Role of Non‐Capacity Creating Autonomous Expenditures
Authors: Lavoie Marc 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNeo‐Kaleckian models of growth and distribution have been highly popular among heterodox economists. Two drawbacks of these models have, however, been underlined in the literature: first, the models do not usually converge to their normal rate of capacity utilization; second, the models do not include the Harrodian principle of dynamic instability. Some Sraffian economists have long been arguing that the presence of non‐capacity creating autonomous expenditures provides a mechanism that brings back the model to normal rates of capacity utilization, while safeguarding the main Keynesian message and without going back to classical conclusions. The present article provides a very simple proof of this, showing within a neo‐Kaleckian model that the Harrodian principle of dynamic instability gets tamed by the presence of autonomous consumer expenditures.
Molecular identification of Histoplasma capsulatum using rolling circle amplification
Authors: Furuie Jason L. , Sun Jiufeng , do Nascimento Mariana M. F. , Gomes Renata R. , Waculicz‐Andrade Caroline E. , Sessegolo Gisele C. , Rodrigues Anderson M. , Galvão‐Dias Maria A. , de Camargo Zoilo P. , Queiroz‐Telles Flávio , Najafzadeh Mohammad J. , de Hoog Sybren G. , Vicente Vania A. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryHistoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease that occurs worldwide, causing symptomatic infection mostly in immunocompromised hosts. Etiological agent is the dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, which occurs in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Major limitation in recognition of H. capsulatum infections is the low awareness, since other diseases may have similar symptomatology. The molecular methods have gained importance because of unambiguous diagnostic ability and efficiency. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a padlock probe in view of rolling circle amplification (RCA) detection method which targets ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) rDNA of H. capsulatum enabling rapid and specific detection of the fungus in clinical samples. Two padlock probes were designed and one of these (HcPL2) allowed specific amplification of H. capsulatum DNA while no cross‐reactivity was observed with fungi used as negative controls. This method proved to be effective for H. capsulatum specific identification and demonstrated to be faster than the traditional method of microbiological identification.
1,3‐ß‐D‐glucan concentrations in blood products predict false positive post‐transfusion results
Authors: Liss B. , Cornely O. A. , Hoffmann D. , Dimitriou V. , Wisplinghoff H. 
Published: November 2015

Summary1,3‐ß‐D‐glucan (BDG) is increasingly used to diagnose invasive fungal infections (IFI), although false positive results are a concern. To evaluate the potential interaction of blood products with the BDG assay, human albumin (HA), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), undiluted platelet transfusion (UPT) and packed red blood cells (PRBC) were tested for their BDG content using two different b‐D‐glucan tests. UPTs tested negative, FFP, PBRC and HA tested positive for BDG. In serial dilution, BDG concentration correlated with blood product concentration. To investigate the clinical impact of blood product transfusions, we measured BDG levels before and after the transfusion in three patients (2 PRBC, 1 HA). In the patients receiving PRBC transfusions, BDG values increased from 13 and 17 pg ml−1 to 183 and 361 pg ml−1, the HA transfusion increased the serum level from 42 to 58 pg ml−1. BDG concentrations measured in blood products can be used to predict false positive BDG results.
To What Extent Does the Interest Burden Affect Firm Survival? Evidence from a Panel of UK Firms during the Recent Financial Crisis
Authors: Guariglia Alessandra , Spaliara Marina‐Eliza , Tsoukas Serafeim 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUsing a panel of mainly unquoted UK firms over the period 2000–09, we document a significant effect of changes in the interest burden from debt‐servicing on firm survival. The effect is found to be stronger during the recent financial crisis compared with more tranquil periods. Furthermore, the survival chances of bank‐dependent, younger, and non‐exporting firms are most affected by changes in the interest burden, especially during the crisis. Our results are robust to using different estimation methods and different interest burden measures They suggest that one way for policymakers to mitigate the effects of financial crises by limiting firm failures would be to prevent financing costs from rising, especially for those firms more likely to face liquidity constraints.
Anxiety reduction on atomoxetine and methylphenidate medication in children with ADHD
Authors: Snircova Eva , Marcincakova‐Husarova Veronika , Hrtanek Igor , Kulhan Tomas , Ondrejka Igor , Nosalova Gabriela 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundAtomoxetine and methylphenidate are widely used to treat attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with similar effectiveness after 8 weeks of treatment, when atomoxetine has reached its a full effect. Both drugs have also been shown to have an effect on comorbid anxiety. To the best of our knowledge, no study has compared their effect on the dynamics of anxiety symptom reduction. The aim of this study was to compare the medication effect on core and comorbid anxiety symptom dynamics in children with ADHD.MethodsSixty‐nine patients participated in the study: 36 patients were taking atomoxetine and 33 patients, methylphenidate. Therapeutic effect on core symptoms of ADHD was measured on the ADHD‐rating scale IV, and symptoms of anxiety were measured using the Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). Symptoms were measured prior to and every 2 weeks during 8 weeks of treatment.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in CPRS anxiety subscale score in both medication groups. Anxiety subscale score was significantly lower in the atomoxetine group in the fourth week, and lasted through to 8 weeks of medication.ConclusionBoth atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduced the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Atomoxetine was more effective in anxiety symptom reduction from the fourth week of treatment.
The genetic diversity of Epstein–Barr virus in the setting of transplantation relative to non‐transplant settings: A feasibility study
Authors: Allen Upton D. , Hu Pingzhao , Pereira Sergio L. , Robinson Joan L. , Paton Tara A. , Beyene Joseph , Khodai‐Booran Nasser , Dipchand Anne , Hébert Diane , Ng Vicky , Nalpathamkalam Thomas , Read Stanley 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis study examines EBV strains from transplant patients and patients with IM by sequencing major EBV genes. We also used NGS to detect EBV DNA within total genomic DNA, and to evaluate its genetic variation. Sanger sequencing of major EBV genes was used to compare SNVs from samples taken from transplant patients vs. patients with IM. We sequenced EBV DNA from a healthy EBV‐seropositive individual on a HiSeq 2000 instrument. Data were mapped to the EBV reference genomes (AG876 and B95‐8). The number of EBNA2 SNVs was higher than for EBNA1 and the other genes sequenced within comparable reference coordinates. For EBNA2, there was a median of 15 SNV among transplant samples compared with 10 among IM samples (p = 0.036). EBNA1 showed little variation between samples. For NGS, we identified 640 and 892 variants at an unadjusted p value of 5 × 10−8 for AG876 and B95‐8 genomes, respectively. We used complementary sequence strategies to examine EBV genetic diversity and its application to transplantation. The results provide the framework for further characterization of EBV strains and related outcomes after organ transplantation.
Is the thin layer of methyl aminolevulinate used during photodynamic therapy sufficient?
Authors: Wiegell Stine R. , Lerche Catharina M. , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundIf the recommended 1.0 mm layer of methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is used during photodynamic therapy (PDT) of large areas with multiple actinic keratoses (AK) huge amounts of cream are needed.ObjectivesTo report the amount of MAL used for PDT of AK and basal cell carcinomas (BCC) in daily routine. The association of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence and thickness of MAL was investigated in a randomized paired study in healthy volunteers.MethodsAmount of cream used per cm2 during conventional and daylight PDT was recorded. In 16 healthy volunteers, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm MAL cream were applied for 3 h on tape‐stripped areas on each forearm randomized to light‐permeable or light‐impermeable occlusion. PpIX fluorescence was measured.ResultsLess than 0.4 mm MAL was used during PDT of BCC and 0.2 mm for AK. No difference in PpIX fluorescence was found between the different thicknesses of MAL using light‐impermeable occlusion.ConclusionIn daily routine <0.4 mm MAL was used during PDT of BCC and 0.1–0.2 mm MAL during PDT of AK. The recommended 1.0 mm MAL did not result in a higher accumulation of PpIX compared to thinner MAL layers after light‐impermeable occlusion for 3 h.
Mast cells: new therapeutic target in helminth immune modulation
Authors: Vukman K. V. , Lalor R. , Aldridge A. , O'Neill S. M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryHelminth infection and their secreted antigens have a protective role in many immune‐mediated inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. However, studies have focused primarily on identifying immune protective mechanisms of helminth infection and their secreted molecules on dendritic cells and macrophages. Given that mast cells have been shown to be implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of many inflammatory disorders, their role should also be examined and considered as cellular target for helminth‐based therapies. As there is a dearth of studies examining the interaction of helminth‐derived antigens and mast cells, this review will focus on the role of mast cells during helminth infection and examine our current understanding of the involvement of mast cells inTH1/TH17‐mediated immune disorders. In this context, potential mechanisms by which helminths could target theTH1/TH17 promoting properties of mast cells can be identified to unveil novel therapeutic mast cell driven targets in combating these inflammatory disorders.