bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Satellite microglia show spontaneous electrical activity that is uncorrelated with activity of the attached neuron
Authors: Wogram Emile , Wendt Stefan , Matyash Marina , Pivneva Tatyana , Draguhn Andreas , Kettenmann Helmut 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMicroglia are innate immune cells of the brain. We have studied a subpopulation of microglia, called satellite microglia. This cell type is defined by a close morphological soma‐to‐soma association with a neuron, indicative of a direct functional interaction. Indeed, ultrastructural analysis revealed closely attached plasma membranes of satellite microglia and neurons. However, we found no apparent morphological specializations of the contact, and biocytin injection into satellite microglia showed no dye‐coupling with the apposed neurons or any other cell. Likewise, evoked local field potentials or action potentials and postsynaptic potentials of the associated neuron did not lead to any transmembrane currents or non‐capacitive changes in the membrane potential of the satellite microglia in the cortex and hippocampus. Both satellite and non‐satellite microglia, however, showed spontaneous transient membrane depolarizations that were not correlated with neuronal activity. These events could be divided into fast‐rising and slow‐rising depolarizations, which showed different characteristics in satellite and non‐satellite microglia. Fast‐rising and slow‐rising potentials differed with regard to voltage dependence. The frequency of these events was not affected by the application of tetrodotoxin, but the fast‐rising event frequency decreased after application of GABA. We conclude that microglia show spontaneous electrical activity that is uncorrelated with the activity of adjacent neurons.
Predicting when climate‐driven phenotypic change affects population dynamics
Authors: McLean Nina , Lawson Callum R. , Leech Dave I. , van de Pol Martijn 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSpecies' responses to climate change are variable and diverse, yet our understanding of how different responses (e.g. physiological, behavioural, demographic) relate and how they affect the parameters most relevant for conservation (e.g. population persistence) is lacking. Despite this, studies that observe changes in one type of response typically assume that effects on population dynamics will occur, perhaps fallaciously. We use a hierarchical framework to explain and test when impacts of climate on traits (e.g. phenology) affect demographic rates (e.g. reproduction) and in turn population dynamics. Using this conceptual framework, we distinguish four mechanisms that can prevent lower‐level responses from impacting population dynamics. Testable hypotheses were identified from the literature that suggest life‐history and ecological characteristics which could predict when these mechanisms are likely to be important. A quantitative example on birds illustrates how, even with limited data and without fully‐parameterized population models, new insights can be gained; differences among species in the impacts of climate‐driven phenological changes on population growth were not explained by the number of broods or density dependence. Our approach helps to predict the types of species in which climate sensitivities of phenotypic traits have strong demographic and population consequences, which is crucial for conservation prioritization of data‐deficient species.
Plasma uric acid concentrations and risk of ischaemic stroke in women
Authors: Jiménez M. C. , Curhan G. C. , Choi H. K. , Forman J. P. , Rexrode K. M. 
Published: April 2016

Background and purposeElevated plasma uric acid has been inconsistently associated with an increased risk of total stroke; however, data are sparse amongst women. The association between plasma uric acid concentrations and ischaemic stroke amongst women was examined and the effect modification by key cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated.MethodsA nested case−control design with matching by age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, menopausal status, postmenopausal hormone therapy use, date of blood draw and fasting status was utilized amongst female participants of the Nurses' Health Study who provided blood samples between 1989 and 1990. Plasma uric acid was measured on stored blood samples. The National Survey of Stroke criteria were utilized to confirm 460 incident cases of ischaemic stroke by medical records from 1990 to 2006. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were estimated.ResultsIn matched analysis, risk of ischaemic stroke increased by 15% for each 1 mg/dl increase in plasma uric acid [95% confidence interval (CI) 3%–28%], but was no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, particularly history of hypertension. The highest quartile of uric acid was significantly associated with greater risk of ischaemic stroke (relative risk 1.56; 95% CI 1.06–2.29, extreme quartiles) in matched analysis, but estimates were no longer significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (relative risk 1.43; 95% CI 0.93–2.18). Significant effect modification by key cardiovascular risk factors was not observed.ConclusionsPlasma uric acid levels were not independently associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke in this cohort of women. Whilst plasma uric acid was associated with stroke risk factors, it was not independently associated with stroke risk.
GABAergic networks jump‐start focal seizures
Authors: de Curtis Marco , Avoli Massimo 
Published: April 2016

SummaryAbnormally enhanced glutamatergic excitation is commonly believed to mark the onset of a focal seizure. This notion, however, is not supported by firm evidence, and it will be challenged here. A general reduction of unit firing has been indeed observed in association with low‐voltage fast activity at the onset of seizures recorded during presurgical intracranial monitoring in patients with focal, drug‐resistant epilepsies. Moreover, focal seizures in animal models start with increased γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneuronal activity that silences principal cells. In vitro studies have shown that synchronous activation of GABAA receptors occurs at seizure onset and causes sizeable elevations in extracellular potassium, thus facilitating neuronal recruitment and seizure progression. A paradoxical involvement of GABAergic networks is required for the initiation of focal seizures characterized by low‐voltage fast activity, which represents the most common seizure‐onset pattern in focal epilepsies.
Emerging Frontiers in Social Neuroendocrinology and the Study of Nonapeptides
Authors: Ondrasek Naomi R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSocial neuroendocrinology, which elucidates the physiological mediators of social behavior, has undergone numerous advances since its inception more than 20 yrs ago. Among these was the discovery that the nonapeptides—a family of homologous peptides that includes oxytocin and vasopressin—play a significant role in mediating a variety of affiliative behaviors. However, important gaps remain in our understanding of how the non‐apeptide systems contribute to variations in behavior at several levels, including among species, between the sexes, and within different environmental contexts. This study acknowledges the work and foresight of the late James Goodson by examining emerging trends in social neuroendocrinology.
Bacteraemia before, during and after tooth extraction in horses in the absence of antimicrobial administration
Authors: Kern I. , Bartmann C. P. , Verspohl J. , Rohde J. , Bienert‐Zeit A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundTransient bacteraemia can occur during tooth extraction in humans, and dogs and can lead to severe infectious sequelae. Several case reports describe distant site infections following equine tooth extraction, but the occurrence of bacteraemia during dental surgery has not been evaluated in the horse.ObjectivesTo determine if transient bacteraemia occurs during tooth extraction in horses, describe isolated organisms and compare these with those found in the diseased teeth.Study designProspective, observational study.MethodsBlood was collected aseptically for blood culture before, during and after oral extraction of incisor, canine or cheek teeth from 20 adult horses undergoing dental extraction that had not received antimicrobial agents for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. Bacteria found in blood cultures were compared with those found in swab samples obtained from the extracted teeth.ResultsEighteen of 20 horses had positive blood cultures at one or more time points. Streptococcus spp., Actinomyces spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Prevotella spp. were most commonly found. Bacterial genera isolated from swab samples of extracted teeth largely corresponded with those identified in blood cultures.Main limitationsThis study was limited by its use of only conventional bacterial culture, the lack of statistical analysis to explore associations between gingiva score and the occurrence of bacteraemia, and the lack of an age‐matched control group of horses not undergoing exodontia.ConclusionsTransient bacteraemia of oral origin commonly occurs during dental extraction in horses. As none of the horses developed complications associated with bacteraemia during the observation period after surgery, the significance of this bacteraemia remains uncertain.
The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting Information.
Comparison of lipopolysaccharides and soluble CD14 measurement between clinically endotoxaemic and nonendotoxaemic horses
Authors: Fogle J. , Jacob M. , Blikslager A. , Edwards A. , Wagner B. , Dean K. , Fogle C. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryReasons for performing studyClinically useful biomarkers are needed for early identification of endotoxaemic horses. Soluble CD14 (sCD14) is amplified early in response to inflammatory signals, including bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and may prove a useful biomarker for clinical endotoxaemia.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine if sCD14 could serve as a more reliable biomarker of the clinical signs of endotoxaemia, compared to measuring LPS alone.Study designProspective observational study in horses at a veterinary teaching hospital.MethodsPlasma samples were collected from 20 healthy horses and 35 horses presenting for emergency evaluation. Horses were classified as clinically endotoxaemic, using previously established criteria, if they had a heart rate >70 beats/min, packed cell volume >45% and/or a lesion likely to result in endotoxaemia. Soluble CD14 was measured using a cytometric bead‐based assay and LPS was measured using a Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.ResultsSoluble CD14 was higher in horses classified as clinically endotoxaemic (median 1102 ng/ml, interquartile range 439 ng/ml), compared to clinically nonendotoxaemic (median 692 ng/ml, interquartile range 455 ng/ml, P = 0.03. There was no difference in LPS concentrations between clinically nonendotoxaemic (median 5.4 endotoxin units [EU]/ml, interquartile range 5 EU/ml) and endotoxaemic horses (median 7.2 EU/ml, interquartile range 17 EU/ml, P = 0.2). There was no correlation between sCD14 and LPS values in paired serum samples. LPS and sCD14 values were used to generate a receiver operating characteristic curve. The area under the curve for LPS and sCD14 was <0.7, suggesting that sCD14 and LPS were poor predictors of clinical endotoxaemia for the horses in this study.ConclusionsFurther investigation is warranted to assess the utility of sCD14 measurement as a clinically useful biomarker to identify endotoxaemia in horses.
Field fertility of liquid stored and cryopreserved flow cytometrically sex‐sorted stallion sperm
Authors: Gibb Z. , Grupen C. G. , Maxwell W. M. C. , Morris L. H. A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe fertility of sex‐sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm must be improved for the sex‐sorting technology to be applied commercially.ObjectivesTo optimise the conditions used to liquid store stallion sperm prior to sex‐sorting and assess the fertility of sperm following sex‐sorting and cryopreservation.Study designBoth in vitro experiment and randomised controlled trial in healthy, client‐owned mares.MethodsStallion ejaculates (n = 9) were diluted in either a skimmed milk (KMT) or BSA (I‐BSA) based media to 25 × 106 sperm/ml directly (+SP25) or washed to remove seminal plasma and diluted to 25 or 111 × 106 sperm/ml (‐SP25 and ‐SP111). Sperm were stored for 18 h at 10 to 15°C and ‐SP25 and +SP25 treatments were centrifuged and resuspended to 111 × 106 sperm/ml. Sperm were incubated under H33342 staining conditions and motility, viability and acrosome integrity assessed. Semen was collected from stallions (n = 4), liquid stored at 10–15°C for up to 5 h and sperm either cryopreserved directly, sex‐sorted and cryopreserved, or sex‐sorted and returned to liquid storage until insemination. Low‐dose hysteroscopic insemination was performed in 23 mares randomly allocated to the semen preparation group and pregnancy determined following embryo flushing on Day 9 after ovulation, or via transrectal ultrasonography on Day 14 after ovulation.ResultsSkimmed milk was superior to I‐BSA in maintaining motility, viability and acrosome integrity. Seminal plasma removal did not affect the parameters measured at the concentrations examined. Conception rates did not differ significantly between the groups, although a high incidence of pregnancy loss was observed in both the cryopreserved groups.ConclusionsWhile the conception rates achieved are among the highest yet reported for sex‐sorted, cryopreserved stallion sperm, the high incidence of pregnancy loss suggests that the development of the resulting embryos was significantly impaired by the sperm processing treatments.
Baicalein increases keratin 1 and 10 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes via TRPV4 receptor activation
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Feng , Ma Kuo‐Hsing , Liu Pei‐Shan , Chen Bo‐Wei , Chueh Sheau‐Huei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this study, we characterized the effect of baicalein on the regulation of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, which are abnormal in atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Treatment of HaCaT keratinocytes with 10 μm baicalein slightly inhibited cell growth, caused morphological differentiation and increased expression of keratins 1 and 10 (K1/K10) without affecting ROS generation, cytochrome c release or apoptosis. Baicalein treatment caused growth arrest in G0/G1 phase and also induced Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 receptor activation. Phosphorylation of ERK, Akt and p38 MAPK, but not JNK, was increased by baicalein, and inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK, but not that of Akt or p38 MAPK, blocked the baicalein‐induced increase in K1/K10 expression, suggesting that ERK activation is involved in this increase. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blockade of Ca2+ influx by pharmacological inhibition or silencing of the TRPV4 receptor did not affect growth arrest, ROS generation or apoptosis, but inhibited baicalein‐induced ERK phosphorylation and K1/K10 expression. Thus, baicalein treatment increases differentiation, and decreases proliferation, of keratinocytes. The mechanism of differentiation of keratinocytes is distinct from that of proliferation, the former being Ca2+ dependent and the latter Ca2+ independent.
Does an Agency‐Type of Audit Model Fit a Stewardship Context? Evidence from Performance Auditing in Dutch Municipalities
Authors: Tillema Sandra , ter Bogt Henk J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe degree of auditor independence is an important issue in the performance auditing literature. However, little attention has been paid to the influence of the context in which an audit body operates. This paper investigates how an audit model with a high degree of auditor independence, which is consistent with agency theory's rather formal view of relationships in organizations, functions in a context with more informal relationships, as implied by stewardship theory. Based on two case studies and a survey, the paper concludes that Dutch councilors are more satisfied with audit reports if in their municipality there is a fit between context and audit model.
A Longitudinal Study of Parental Depressive Symptoms and Coparenting in the First 18 Months
Authors: Tissot Hervé , Favez Nicolas , Ghisletta Paolo , Frascarolo France , Despland Jean‐Nicolas 
Published: April 2016

Although the negative impact of postpartum depression on parenting behaviors has been well established—albeit separately—for mothers and fathers, the respective and joint impact of both parents' mood on family‐group interactive behaviors, such as coparenting support and conflict behaviors between the parents, have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the association between parental depressive symptoms and coparenting behaviors in a low‐risk sample of families with infants, exploring reciprocity between the variables, as well as gender differences between mothers and fathers regarding these links. At 3 (T1), 9 (T2), and 18 months postpartum (T3), we assessed both parents' depressive symptoms with a self‐report questionnaire and observed coparenting support and conflict during triadic mother–father–child interactions. The results revealed that higher maternal depressive symptoms at T1 were associated with lower support at T1 and T2. Conflict at T3 was associated with higher maternal depressive symptoms at T3 and, more surprisingly, with less depressive symptoms in mothers at T2 and fathers at T3. Cross‐lagged associations suggested that parental depressive symptoms were more likely to influence coparenting than the reverse. Moreover, maternal depressive symptoms were more likely to be linked to coparenting behaviors than were paternal depressive symptoms. These results confirm that parental—mostly maternal—depressive symptoms, even of mild intensity, may jeopardize the development of healthy family‐level relations, which previous research has shown to be crucial for child development.
A novel mode of ubiquitin recognition by the ubiquitin‐binding zinc finger domain of WRNIP1
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiro , Rohaim Ahmed , Kato Ryuichi , Dikic Ivan , Wakatsuki Soichi , Kawasaki Masato 
Published: April 2016

The ubiquitin‐binding zinc finger (UBZ) is a type of zinc‐coordinating β‐β‐α fold domain found mainly in proteins involved in DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the crystal structure of the UBZ domain of Y‐family DNA polymerase (pol) η and the crystal structure of the complex between the UBZ domain of Werner helicase‐interacting protein 1 (WRNIP1) and ubiquitin, crystallized using the GFP fusion technique. In contrast to the pol η UBZ, which has been proposed to bind ubiquitin via its C‐terminal α‐helix, ubiquitin binds to a novel surface of WRNIP1 UBZ composed of the first β‐strand and the C‐terminal α‐helix. In addition, we report the structure of the tandem UBZ domains of Tax1‐binding protein 1 (TAX1BP1) and show that the second UBZ of TAX1BP1 binds ubiquitin, presumably in a manner similar to that of WRNIP1 UBZ. We propose that UBZ domains can be divided into at least two different types in terms of the ubiquitin‐binding surfaces: the pol η type and the WRNIP1 type.DatabaseStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 3WUP (pol η UBZ), 3VHS (WRNIP1 UBZ), 3VHT (GFP‐WRNIP1/ubiquitin), 4Z4K (TAX1BP1 UBZ1 + 2), and 4Z4M (TAX1BP1 UBZ2).
Ductile tearing simulation of Battelle pipe test using simplified stress‐modified fracture strain concept
Authors: Ryu H.‐W. , Bae K.‐D. , Kim Y.‐J. , Han J.‐J. , Kim J.‐S. , Budden P. J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this paper, numerical ductile tearing simulation results are compared with six circumferential through‐wall and surface cracked pipes made of two materials (SA‐333 Gr. 6 and A106 Gr. B carbon steels), performed at Battelle. For simulation, a model using a simplified fracture strain model is employed, by analysing tensile data of the material. By comparing experimental J‐R data with FE simulation results, the damage model dependent on the element size is determined based on the ductility exhaustion concept. The model is used to simulate ductile tearing behaviour of six circumferential through‐wall and surface cracked pipes. In all cases, simulated results agree well with experimental load, crack length and crack mouth opening displacement versus load line displacement data.
Uncertainty or Misvaluation? New Evidence on Determinants of Merger Activity from the Banking Industry
Authors: Loveland Robert , Okoeguale Kevin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe use data from the past 30 years of takeover activity in the U.S. banking industry to test competing neoclassical and misvaluation merger theories. Test results are consistent with evidence in the literature that merger activity is significantly related to both structural industry change and stock price misvaluation. Our primary contribution is to show that changes in misvaluation reflect a rise in industry‐wide risk taking and that increases in risk originate from changes in industry structure due to deregulation. A measure of bank risk taking subsumes the power of stock price misvaluation to explain subsequent merger activity.
The Effects of Reversible Investment on Capital Structure and Credit Risks
Authors: Jeon Haejun , Nishihara Michi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe propose a structural model with an optimal switching of diffusion regimes that integrates a wide range of investment reversibility. The default boundary and switching thresholds are endogenously determined, and they enable us to comprehend the interrelated problems of the investment decision, capital structure, and credit risks. We examine not only the under/overinvestment but also the under/overdisinvestment. The leverage ratio decreases when the firm has an option to invest in a reversible project, which can alleviate the capital structure puzzle. Furthermore, the model significantly reduces the wide dispersion of yield spreads depending on the credit grade of bonds.
Political Interference and Stock Price Consequences of Local Bias
Authors: Aabo Tom , Pantzalis Christos , Park Jung Chul 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPolitics can interfere with capital markets. We show that political interference is a necessary condition for local bias in the stock market. We extend the framework of Hong, Kubik and Stein (2008) and find that the inverse relation between market‐to‐book ratios and the ratio of the aggregate book value of firms to the aggregate risk tolerance of investors in a state (RATIO) is only prevalent among firms located in areas where politics has substantial influence on local markets. Our results indicate that the impact of politically induced local bias is primarily demand driven and stronger among firms that are less visible.
When Analysts Talk, Do Institutional Investors Listen? Evidence from Target Price Changes
Authors: Lin Shannon , Tan Hongping , Zhang Zenan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe find that institutions trade in the same direction as target price changes based on 6,415 U.S. firms from 1999 to 2011, even after controlling changes in stock recommendations and earnings forecasts. The impact of target price changes on institutional trading is more pronounced for small firms, firms followed by few analysts, and illiquid firms, and is mainly limited to transient institutions. We do not find any outperformance for institutions to follow analysts’ target price forecasts, suggesting that institutions could find it easier to justify their investment decisions by following analyst forecasts, although such trading does not result in outperformance.