bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silencing of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α by RNA interference inhibits growth of SK‐NEP‐1 Wilms tumour cells in vitro, and suppresses tumourigenesis and angiogenesis in vivo
Authors: Shi Bo , Li Ying , Wang Xiuli , Yang Yi , Li Dan , Liu Xin , Yang Xianghong 
Published: March 2016

SummaryWilms tumour is the most common tumour of the pediatric kidney. Elevation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) has been detected in 93% to 100% of human Wilms tumour specimens, suggesting a potential value of HIF‐1α as a therapeutic target for Wilms tumour. In the present study, a stable HIF‐1α‐silenced Wilms tumour cell strain was established by introducing HIF‐1α short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) into SK‐NEP‐1 cells. Silencing of HIF‐1α significantly reduced single‐cell growth capacity, suppressed proliferation and arrested cell cycle of SK‐NEP‐1 cells. In addition, reduction of HIF‐1α expression induced apoptosis in SK‐NEP‐1 cells, which was accompanied by increased levels of cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Bax as well as downregulation of Bcl‐2 in the cells. Furthermore, when inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice, HIF‐1α‐silenced SK‐NEP‐1 cells displayed retarded tumour growth and impaired tumour angiogenesis. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that HIF‐1α plays a critical role in the development of Wilms tumour, and it may serve as a candidate target of gene therapy for Wilms tumour.
The Critical Angle for Perforation versus Ricochet of a .38 CAL. LRN Bullet on a Windshield
Authors: Hirakawa Shunsuke , Saimoto Akihide , Ishimatsu Takakazu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFrom forensic point of view, it is important to clarify the condition whether ricochet or perforate for a bullet fired toward the automobile windshield. The purpose of this study was to specify the critical angle at which the ricochet of the fired bullet takes place. To estimate the result of firing, a rigid‐body dynamics simulation of the bullet together with the test‐firing using .38 CAL. LRN bullet was examined. It was found both from numerical simulation and firing test that when the incidence angle is <45°, a complete perforation of the windshield was observed, whereas the bullet ricocheted remaining a characteristic damage on the windshield when the incidence angle is >60°. To measure the static failure resistance of various windshields, static indentation test was also examined.
Optimal Reorganization of NASA Earth Science Data for Enhanced Accessibility and Usability for the Hydrology Community
Authors: Teng William , Rui Hualan , Strub Richard , Vollmer Bruce 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA long‐standing “Digital Divide” in data representation exists between the preferred way of data access by the hydrology community and the common way of data archival by earth science data centers. Typically, in hydrology, earth surface features are expressed as discrete spatial objects (e.g., watersheds), and time‐varying data are contained in associated time series. Data in earth science archives, although stored as discrete values (of satellite swath pixels or geographical grids), represent continuous spatial fields, one file per time step. This Divide has been an obstacle, specifically, between the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. and NASA earth science data systems. In essence, the way data are archived is conceptually orthogonal to the desired method of access. Our recent work has shown an optimal method of bridging the Divide, by enabling operational access to long‐time series (e.g., 36 years of hourly data) of selected NASA datasets. These time series, which we have termed “data rods,” are pre‐generated or generated on‐the‐fly. This optimal solution was arrived at after extensive investigations of various approaches, including one based on “data curtains.” The on‐the‐fly generation of data rods uses “data cubes,” NASA Giovanni, and parallel processing. The optimal reorganization of NASA earth science data has significantly enhanced the access to and use of the data for the hydrology user community.
Optimizing ecological survey effort over space and time
Authors: Moore Alana L. , McCarthy Michael A. 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Previous studies that optimize allocation of surveillance resources over space have assumed that detection rates are constant over time and that travel or survey costs are the same for all sites. Other recent research explicitly accounts for stochastically varying detection rates and distinct travel costs but restricts attention to the optimal number of visits to a single site. Here, we integrate these approaches to construct a model that optimizes the allocation of surveillance effort over both space and time.

The solution defines the budget that should be allocated to each site and the number of visits over which that search budget should be expended. We show that the solution has close affinities with that of Hauser and McCarthy (Ecology Letters, 12, 2009, 683), which ignored temporal variation in detection rates and travel costs. We illustrate our approach by finding the optimal allocation of survey effort over space and time that maximizes the expected number of detections of the cascade treefrog (Litoria pearsoniana) in a region.

In deriving our model, we also solve an alternative model to Moore et al. (PLoS One, 9, 2014) that considers the trade‐off between the number of visits and length of each visit when the detection rate at a site varies over time. We compare the predictions of the original model of Moore et al. (PLoS One, 9, 2014) and the new model using experimental data on detections of two species, showing the two models perform similarly well.

Interestingly, when variable detection rates and travel costs are considered using our model, the form of the resulting objective function is very similar to the case in which they are ignored; in both cases, the probability of failed detection at each site is a negative exponential function of effort. However, travel costs impose a discontinuity into the solution space making the decision variables semi‐continuous (i.e. the optimal surveillance effort at each site is either zero or a value greater than the travel cost). This discontinuity complicates the task of finding the optimal solution. We propose a straightforward algorithm that finds very good approximate solutions.
G Protein‐Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel Subunit 3 Knock‐Out Mice Show Enhanced Ethanol Reward
Authors: Tipps Megan E. , Raybuck Jonathan D. , Kozell Laura B. , Lattal K. Matthew , Buck Kari J. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundG protein‐gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels contribute to the effects of a number of drugs of abuse, including ethanol. However, the roles of individual subunits in the rewarding effects of ethanol are poorly understood.MethodsWe compare conditioned place preference (CPP) in GIRK3 subunit knock‐out (GIRK3−/−), heterozygote (GIRK3+/−), and wild‐type (WT) mice. In addition, the development of locomotor tolerance/sensitization and the effects of EtOH intoxication on associative learning (fear conditioning) are also assessed.ResultsOur data show significant EtOH CPP in GIRK3−/− and GIRK3+/− mice, but not in the WT littermates. In addition, we demonstrate that these effects are not due to differences in EtOH metabolism, the development of EtOH tolerance/sensitivity, or associative learning abilities. While there were no consistent genotype differences in the fear conditioning assay, our data do show a selective sensitization of the impairing effects of EtOH intoxication on contextual learning, but no effect on cued learning.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that GIRK3 plays a role in EtOH reward. Furthermore, the selectivity of this effect suggests that GIRK channels could be an effective therapeutic target for the prevention and/or treatment of alcoholism.
The Alcohol Sensitivity Questionnaire: Evidence for Construct Validity
Authors: Fleming Kimberly A. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Hilgard Joseph , McCarthy Denis M. , O'Neill Susan E. , Steinley Douglas , Sher Kenneth J. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundVariability in sensitivity to the acute effects of alcohol is an important risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The most commonly used retrospective self‐report measure of sensitivity, the Self‐Rating of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) form, queries a limited number of alcohol effects and relies on respondents’ ability to recall experiences that might have occurred in the distant past. Here, we investigated the construct validity of an alternative measure that queries a larger number of alcohol effects, the Alcohol Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASQ), and compared it to the SRE in predicting momentary subjective responses to an acute dose of alcohol.MethodsHealthy young adults (N = 423) completed the SRE and the ASQ and then were randomly assigned to consume either alcohol or a placebo beverage (between‐subjects manipulation). Stimulation and sedation (Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale) and subjective intoxication were measured multiple times after drinking.ResultsHierarchical linear models showed that the ASQ reliably predicted each of these outcomes following alcohol but not placebo consumption, provided unique prediction beyond that associated with differences in recent alcohol involvement, and was preferred over the SRE (in terms of model fit) in direct model comparisons of stimulation and sedation.ConclusionsThe ASQ compared favorably with the better‐known SRE in predicting increased stimulation and reduced sedation following an acute alcohol challenge. The ASQ appears to be a valid self‐report measure of alcohol sensitivity and therefore holds promise for identifying individuals at‐risk for AUD and related problems.
Sex hormones and systemic inflammation are modulators of the obese‐asthma phenotype
Authors: Scott H. A. , Gibson P. G. , Garg M. L. , Upham J. W. , Wood L. G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundBoth systemic inflammation and sex hormones have been proposed as potential mediators of the obese‐asthma phenotype. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between sex hormones, oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use, systemic inflammation and airway inflammation in adults with asthma.MethodsObese (n = 39) and nonobese (n = 42) females and obese (n = 24) and nonobese (n = 25) males with asthma were recruited. Females were further categorized as reproductive‐aged (<50 years old; n = 36) or older (>50 years old; n = 45). Thirteen (36.1%) reproductive‐aged females were using the OCP. Participants had induced sputum cell counts measured and blood analysed for sex hormones and inflammatory markers.ResultsObese reproductive‐aged females had higher sputum %neutrophils than nonobese reproductive‐aged females (45.4 ± 24.3% vs 27.5 ± 17.5%, P = 0.016); however, there was no difference in sputum neutrophils in obese compared with nonobese males (P = 0.620) or older females (P = 0.087). Multiple linear regression analysis found testosterone and OCP use to be negative predictors of sputum %neutrophils, while C‐reactive protein and IL‐6 were positive predictors of sputum %neutrophils. BMI and age were not significant predictors in the multivariate model. Reproductive‐aged females using the OCP had significantly lower sputum %neutrophils than those not using the OCP (23.2 ± 12.6% vs 42.1 ± 23.8%, P = 0.015).ConclusionsThis study suggests that sex hormones and systemic inflammation may be mediating the obese‐asthma phenotype. The observation that OCP use was associated with lower sputum %neutrophils in reproductive‐aged females warrants further investigation.
Histopathology Image Analysis in Two Long‐Term Animal Experiments with Helical Flow Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Wotke Jiri , Homolka Pavel , Vasku Jaromír , Dobsak Petr , Palanova Petra , Mrkvicova Veronika , Konecny Petr , Soska Vladimir , Pohanka Michal , Novakova Marie , Yurimoto Terumi , Saito Itsuro , Inoue Yusuke , Isoyama Takashi , Abe Yusuke 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHistopathological analysis can provide important information in long‐term experiments with total artificial heart (TAH). Recently, a new type of blood pump, the helical flow total artificial heart (HF‐TAH) was developed. This study aimed to investigate the changes in selected vital organs in animal experiments with implanted HF‐TAH. Samples from lung, liver, and kidneys from two female goats (No. 1301 and No. 1304) with implanted HF‐TAH were analyzed. Tissue samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and 4 µm thick transverse sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin (HE). Additional staining was done for detection of connective tissue (Masson‐Goldner stain) and for detection of iron (hemosiderin) deposits (Perls stain). Sections were scanned at 100× and 500× magnification with a light microscope. Experiment no. 1301 survived 100 days (cause of termination was heavy damage of the right pump); experimental goat no.1304 survived 68 days and was sacrificed due to severe right hydrodynamic bearing malfunction. Histopathological analysis of liver samples proved signs of chronic venostasis with limited focal necrotic zones. Dilated tubules, proteinaceous material in tubular lumen, and hemosiderin deposits were detected in kidney samples. Contamination of the organs by embolized micro‐particles was suspected at the autopsy after discovery of visible damage (scratches) of the pump impeller surface (made from titanium alloy) in both experiments. Sporadic deposits of foreign micro‐particles (presumably titanium) were observed in most of the analyzed parenchymal organs. However, the described deposits were not in direct connection with inflammatory reactions in the analyzed tissues. Histopathological analysis showed the presence of minimal contamination of the lung, kidney, and liver tissue samples by foreign material (titanium very likely). The analysis showed only limited pathological changes, especially in liver and kidneys, which might be attributed to the influence of artificial perfusion often observed in chronic TAH experiments.
From housing bust to credit crunch: Evidence from small business loans
Authors: Huang Haifang , Stephens Eric 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper provides evidence that the 2007–2009 housing bust in the United States precipitated a “credit crunch” for small businesses. To remove demand‐driven correlations, we rely on within‐city comparisons. We ask whether banks whose mortgage portfolios were more heavily weighted in harder‐hit cities cut back lending to a greater extent in all cities where they make small business loans, relative to other banks in those cities. The evidence is consistent with a credit crunch. Large banks reacted with heavier cuts, but consistent evidence is also found among smaller banks. Quantitatively, the detected contribution to the overall decline in lending from the crunch appears modest.
Government policy under price uncertainty: A source of volatility in illegal immigration
Authors: Guzman Mark G. , Haslag Joseph H. , Orrenius Pia M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper provides an alternative explanation for why illegal immigration can exhibit substantial volatility. We develop a model economy where migrants make decisions in the face of uncertain border enforcement and transfers from the host country. The uncertainty is extrinsic, a sunspot, and arises due to ambiguity regarding government policy; the sunspot manifests itself as uncertainty in the commodity price of money. Immigration volatility stems from both the trade‐off between the marginal benefits and costs (transfers and enforcement) to migrating and the existence of a sunspot. Finally, we examine the impact of changes in government policies on migration levels.
The evolution of financial intermediation: Evidence from 19th‐century Ontario microdata
Authors: Di Matteo Livio , Redish Angela 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMicrodata for Ontario decedents in 1892 and 1902 is analyzed to help explain the dramatic growth of the Canadian banking system in the late 19th century. Combining data from probate inventories with census data at the township level, we find that the expansion of deposit banking happened at the extensive rather than intensive margin and was correlated with the expansion of the branch network of the banking system, although we cannot assign causation. Wealth and urbanization help to explain the growth of deposit banking but the significance of a dummy variable for 1902 points to other time‐correlated factors such as innovations in transportation and financial innovations that lowered costs and facilitated access to banking services.
The Influence of Receiver Status on Donor Prosociality in 6‐ to 11‐Year‐Old Children
Authors: McGuigan Nicola , Fisher Ruth , Glasgow Rory 
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the interplay between donor prosociality and receiver status using a fixed‐choice resource distribution paradigm. Sixty children aged 6–11 years allocated resources to two high‐status adults and two lower status adults under three different payoff structures. The donor could choose between an egalitarian option and an option that either resulted in an allocation that favored either the donor (Prosocial) or the receiver (Envy), or one in which the donor sacrificed resources to maintain parity (Costly Sharing). The results showed that the interplay between receiver status, donor age, and the payoff structure was complex, with children displaying selective generosity in which the status of the receiver played a key role.
HFS‐Triggered AMPK Activation Phosphorylates GSK3β and Induces E‐LTP in Rat Hippocampus In Vivo
Authors: Yu Dan‐Fang , Shen Zu‐Cheng , Wu Peng‐Fei , Guan Xin‐Lei , Chen Tao , Jin You , Hu Zhuang‐Li , Ni Lan , Wang Fang , Chen Jian‐Guo , Long Li‐Hong 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy and nutrient status, with substantial amount of cross talk with other signaling pathways, including its phosphorylation by Akt, PKA, and GSK3β.AimsVarious signaling pathways and energy‐consuming transport of glutamate receptors subunits are required in synaptic plasticity. However, it is unknown which energy sensors integrate the signaling pathways in these processes. In this article, we elucidated the role of AMPK activation and GSK3β phosphorylation after HFS during the inducement of early‐phase long‐term potentiation (E‐LTP).MethodsSynaptic LTP in vivo was induced by high‐frequency stimulation (HFS at 200 Hz at a 5‐s interval). In addition, phosphorylation of AMPK and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) were measured using Western blotting. The amount of hippocampal AMP, ADP and ATP was measured by HPLC.ResultsWe showed that the phosphorylation of AMPK and GSK3β was significantly increased by HFS in vivo. HFS‐induced AMPK activation occurred via increased (AMP + ADP)/ATP ratio and activation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase kinase beta (CaMKKβ). Pharmacological inhibition of AMPK by compound C (CC) prevented HFS‐induced inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β and the induction of LTP in dentate gyrus (DG) area in vivo.ConclusionsOur findings reveal that HFS‐triggered AMPK activation phosphorylates GSK3β and induces E‐LTP in vivo.
Neuroprotective Role of Steroidal Sex Hormones: An Overview
Authors: Siddiqui Ali Nasir , Siddiqui Nahida , Khan Rashid Ali , Kalam Abul , Jabir Nasimudeen R. , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Firoz Chelapram Kandy , Tabrez Shams 
Published: March 2016

SummaryProgesterone, estrogens, and testosterone are the well‐known steroidal sex hormones, which have been reported to have “nonreproductive “effects in the brain, specifically in the neuroprotection and neurotrophy. In the last one decade, there has been a surge in the research on the role of these hormones in neuroprotection and their positive impact on different brain injuries. The said interest has been sparked by a desire to understand the action and mechanisms of these steroidal sex hormones throughout the body. The aim of this article was to highlight the potential outcome of the steroidal hormones, viz. progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone in terms of their role in neuroprotection and other brain injuries. Their possible mechanism of action at both genomic and nongenomic level will be also discussed. As far as our knowledge goes, we are for the first time reporting neuroprotective effect and possible mechanism of action of these hormones in a single article.
Primary HPV testing: a proposal for co‐testing in initial rounds of screening to optimise sensitivity of cervical cancer screening
Authors: Herbert A. 
Published: March 2016

As explained by Kitchener in a previous issue of Cytopathology (2015;26:4‐6), primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is likely to be introduced in the UK for all women aged 25–64 years following pilot site studies already in place. This will be necessary when the prevalence of cervical cancer and its precursors declines when vaccination takes effect but there is a risk in abandoning cytology as a primary test: a risk that would be most apparent in the present unvaccinated population in which the prevalence of cervical cancer and its precursors is exceptionally high. HPV testing is more sensitive than cytology but has a significant false‐negative rate that could be detrimental to a successful screening programme if introduced without cytology backup. Accurate cytology would be needed for triage and could be compromised if HPV‐negative tests were excluded from examination.This article proposes a compromise: cytology and HPV co‐testing for the first two screening tests to optimise the sensitivity of the test as a whole. Registrations of invasive and in situ carcinoma of the uterine cervix in England indicate that the prevalence of the disease is highest in young women in the early rounds of screening. Calculations of the likely impact on the workload of this proposal have been based on a service evaluation of 295 cytology tests received at St Thomas’ Hospital, which suggests that the volume of cytology tests would be reduced by approximately 60% compared with 80% for primary HPV testing alone. This proposal should be debated openly before irrevocable changes are made to a skilled workforce.