bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoxemia after single‐shot anesthesia in common marmosets
Authors: Konoike Naho , Miwa Miki , Ishigami Akiyo , Nakamura Katsuki 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundIt remains unknown how single‐shot anesthesia influences physical parameters, especially respiratory function and blood oxygen level of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) which came to be used for laboratory research.MethodsWe measured blood oxygen levels, both before and after oxygenation, in 13 common marmosets under two single‐shot anesthesia conditions: ketamine/xylazine/atropine and alphaxalone.Results and ConclusionsWe found that SpO2 values decreased to about 80% in the ketamine/xylazine/atropine protocol and fell just below 90% in the alphaxalone protocol. We observed a clear decrease in PaO2 values under the anesthetized condition compared to the awake condition. Our data indicate that single‐shot anesthesia may cause hypoxemia in marmosets. Previous studies on other non‐human primate have reported no SpO2 decrease and hypoxemia; thus, our experiment suggests that marmosets may have a more fragile respiratory system and require intensive veterinary care during anesthesia.
Personalized genetics of the cholinergic blockade of neuroinflammation
Authors: Simchovitz Alon , Heneka Michael T. , Soreq Hermona 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAcetylcholine signaling is essential for cognitive functioning and blocks inflammation. To maintain homeostasis, cholinergic signaling is subjected to multi‐leveled and bidirectional regulation by both proteins and non‐coding microRNAs (‘CholinomiRs’). CholinomiRs coordinate the cognitive and inflammatory aspects of cholinergic signaling by targeting major cholinergic transcripts including the acetylcholine hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Notably, AChE inhibitors are the only currently approved line of treatment for Alzheimer's disease patients. Since cholinergic signaling blocks neuroinflammation which is inherent to Alzheimer's disease, genomic changes modifying AChE's properties and its susceptibility to inhibitors and/or to CholinomiRs regulation may affect the levels and properties of inflammasome components such as NLRP3. This calls for genomic‐based medicine approaches based on genotyping of both coding and non‐coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes involved in cholinergic signaling. An example is a SNP in a recognition element for the primate‐specific microRNA‐608 within the 3′ untranslated region of the AChE transcript. Carriers of the minor allele of that SNP present massively elevated brain AChE levels, increased trait anxiety and inflammation, accompanied by perturbed CholinomiR‐608 regulatory networks and elevated prefrontal activity under exposure to stressful insults. Several additional SNPs in the AChE and other cholinergic genes await further studies, and might likewise involve different CholinomiRs and pathways including those modulating the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. CholinomiRs regulation of the cholinergic system thus merits in‐depth interrogation and is likely to lead to personalized medicine approaches for achieving better homeostasis in health and disease.This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Cyclic imine toxins from dinoflagellates: a growing family of potent antagonists of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Molgó Jordi , Marchot Pascale , Aráoz Rómulo , Benoit Evelyne , Iorga Bogdan I. , Zakarian Armen , Taylor Palmer , Bourne Yves , Servent Denis 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe present an overview of the toxicological profile of the fast‐acting, lipophilic macrocyclic imine toxins, an emerging family of organic compounds associated with algal blooms, shellfish contamination and neurotoxicity. Worldwide, shellfish contamination incidents are expanding; therefore, the significance of these toxins for the shellfish food industry deserves further study. Emphasis is directed to the dinoflagellate species involved in their production, their chemical structures, and their specific mode of interaction with their principal natural molecular targets, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or with the soluble acetylcholine‐binding protein, used as a surrogate receptor model. The dinoflagellates Karenia selliformis and Alexandrium ostenfeldii / A. peruvianum have been implicated in the biosynthesis of gymnodimines and spirolides, while Vulcanodinium rugosum is the producer of pinnatoxins and portimine. The cyclic imine toxins are characterized by a macrocyclic skeleton comprising 14–27 carbon atoms, flanked by two conserved moieties, the cyclic imine and the spiroketal ring system. These phycotoxins generally display high affinity and broad specificity for the muscle type and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a feature consistent with their binding site at the receptor subunit interfaces, composed of residues highly conserved among all nAChRs, and explaining the diverse toxicity among animal species.This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Advance Refundings of Municipal Bonds
Authors: ANG ANDREW , GREEN RICHARD C. , LONGSTAFF FRANCIS A. , XING YUHANG 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTThe advance refunding of debt is a widespread practice in municipal finance. In an advance refunding, municipalities retire callable bonds early and refund them with bonds with lower coupon rates. We find that 85% of all advance refundings occur at a net present value loss, and that the aggregate losses over the past 20 years exceed $15 billion. We explore why municipalities advance refund their debt at loss. Financially constrained municipalities may face pressure to advance refund since it allows them to reduce short‐term cash outflows. We find strong evidence that financial constraints are a major driver of advance refunding activity.
Do Funds Make More When They Trade More?
Authors: PÁSTOR ĽUBOŠ , STAMBAUGH ROBERT F. , TAYLOR LUCIAN A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTWe model fund turnover in the presence of time‐varying profit opportunities. Our model predicts a positive relation between an active fund's turnover and its subsequent benchmark‐adjusted return. We find such a relation for equity mutual funds. This time‐series relation between turnover and performance is stronger than the cross‐sectional relation, as the model predicts. Also as predicted, the turnover‐performance relation is stronger for funds trading less‐liquid stocks and funds likely to possess greater skill. Turnover is correlated across funds. The common component of turnover is positively correlated with proxies for stock mispricing. Turnover of similar funds helps predict a fund's performance.
N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide and Phonocardiography in Differentiating Innocent Cardiac Murmurs from Congenital Cardiac Anomalies in Asymptomatic Puppies
Authors: Marinus S.M. , van Engelen H. , Szatmári V. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundDifferentiating innocent cardiac murmurs from murmurs caused by congenital cardiac anomalies can be challenging with auscultation alone in asymptomatic puppies.HypothesisPlasma N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations and phonocardiograms recorded by an electronic stethoscope can differentiate innocent from pathologic cardiac murmurs.AnimalsA total of 186 client‐owned asymptomatic dogs: 135 Cairn Terriers (age: 45–124 days), 20 adult Cairn Terriers (age: 7.5 months to 13.5 years), and 31 puppies of various breeds (age: 29–396 days).MethodsStudy design is a cross‐sectional survey. Each dog was auscultated, and when a cardiac murmur was heard, a phonocardiogram was recorded and an echocardiogram was performed. Plasma NT‐proBNP concentrations were measured by a single laboratory by an ELISA.ResultsNo significant (P = .41) difference in plasma NT‐proBNP levels was found between puppies without a murmur and puppies with an innocent murmur (median 300 versus 326 pmol/L), and between clinically healthy adult Cairn Terriers and Cairn Terrier puppies. Plasma NT‐proBNP levels in puppies with a congenital heart disease were significantly (P < .001) higher than those in puppies with innocent murmurs (median 1,102 versus 326 pmol/L). However, some puppies with severe pulmonic stenosis did not have increased plasma NT‐proBNP levels. On phonocardiograms, innocent murmurs had a significantly (P < .001) shorter “murmur‐to‐systole duration ratio” than the abnormal ones (median 66 versus 100%). The “murmur‐to‐S1 (first cardiac sound) amplitude ratio” was significantly (P < .001) lower of the innocent murmurs compared with that of the abnormal ones (median 16 versus 58 %).Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePlasma NT‐proBNP concentrations within the reference range do not rule out a congenital cardiac anomaly. Murmurs longer than 80% of the systole are most likely abnormal, whereas murmurs shorter than that could be either innocent or pathologic.
Water availability drives signatures of local adaptation in whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) across fine spatial scales of the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA
Authors: Lind Brandon M. , Friedline Christopher J. , Wegrzyn Jill L. , Maloney Patricia E. , Vogler Detlev R. , Neale David B. , Eckert Andrew J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPatterns of local adaptation at fine spatial scales are central to understanding how evolution proceeds, and are essential to the effective management of economically and ecologically important forest tree species. Here, we employ single and multilocus analyses of genetic data (n = 116 231 SNPs) to describe signatures of fine‐scale adaptation within eight whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) populations across the local extent of the environmentally heterogeneous Lake Tahoe Basin, USA. We show that despite highly shared genetic variation (FST = 0.0069), there is strong evidence for adaptation to the rain shadow experienced across the eastern Sierra Nevada. Specifically, we build upon evidence from a common garden study and find that allele frequencies of loci associated with four phenotypes (mean = 236 SNPs), 18 environmental variables (mean = 99 SNPs), and those detected through genetic differentiation (n = 110 SNPs) exhibit significantly higher signals of selection (covariance of allele frequencies) than could be expected to arise, given the data. We also provide evidence that this covariance tracks environmental measures related to soil water availability through subtle allele frequency shifts across populations. Our results replicate empirical support for theoretical expectations of local adaptation for populations exhibiting strong gene flow and high selective pressures and suggest that ongoing adaptation of many P. albicaulis populations within the Lake Tahoe Basin will not be constrained by the lack of genetic variation. Even so, some populations exhibit low levels of heritability for the traits presumed to be related to fitness. These instances could be used to prioritize management to maintain adaptive potential. Overall, we suggest that established practices regarding whitebark pine conservation be maintained, with the additional context of fine‐scale adaptation.
A single haplotype hyposensitive to light and requiring strong vernalization dominates Arabidopsis thaliana populations in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Kasulin Luciana , Rowan Beth A. , León Rolando J.C. , Schuenemann Verena J. , Weigel Detlef , Botto Javier F. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe growing collection of sequenced or genotyped Arabidopsis thaliana accessions includes mostly individuals from the native Eurasian and N. African range and introduced North American populations. Here, we describe the genetic and phenotypic diversity, along with habitats and life history, of A. thaliana plants collected at the southernmost end of its worldwide distribution. Seed samples were harvested from plants growing in four sites within a ~3500‐km2‐area in Patagonia, Argentina, and represent the first germplasm to be collected in South America for this species. Whole‐genome resequencing revealed that plants from the four sites and a Patagonia herbarium specimen collected in 1967 formed a single haplogroup (Pat), indicating that the phenotypic variation observed in the field reflected plastic responses to the environment. admixture and principal components analyses suggest that the ancestor of the Pat haplogroup either came from Italy or the Balkan/Caucasus regions of Eurasia. In the laboratory, plants from the Pat haplogroup were hyposensitive to continuous red (Rc) and shade light, with corresponding changes in the expression of phytochrome signalling genes. Pat had higher PIF3 and PIF5 and lower HY5 expression under Rc light; and lower expression of PIL1, ATHB2 and HFR1 under shade compared to Col‐0. In addition, Pat plants had a strong vernalization requirement associated with high levels of FLC expression. We conclude that including Pat in studies of natural variation and in comparison with other introduced populations will provide additional information for association studies and allow for a more detailed assessment of the demographic events following colonization.
Animal tracking meets migration genomics: transcriptomic analysis of a partially migratory bird species
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Irisarri Iker , Fudickar Adam , Schmidt Andreas , Meyer Axel , Wikelski Martin , Partecke Jesko 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSeasonal migration is a widespread phenomenon, which is found in many different lineages of animals. This spectacular behaviour allows animals to avoid seasonally adverse environmental conditions to exploit more favourable habitats. Migration has been intensively studied in birds, which display astonishing variation in migration strategies, thus providing a powerful system for studying the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape migratory behaviour. Despite intensive research, the genetic basis of migration remains largely unknown. Here, we used state‐of‐the‐art radio‐tracking technology to characterize the migratory behaviour of a partially migratory population of European blackbirds (Turdus merula) in southern Germany. We compared gene expression of resident and migrant individuals using high‐throughput transcriptomics in blood samples. Analyses of sequence variation revealed a nonsignificant genetic structure between blackbirds differing by their migratory phenotype. We detected only four differentially expressed genes between migrants and residents, which might be associated with hyperphagia, moulting and enhanced DNA replication and transcription. The most pronounced changes in gene expression occurred between migratory birds depending on when, in relation to their date of departure, blood was collected. Overall, the differentially expressed genes detected in this analysis may play crucial roles in determining the decision to migrate, or in controlling the physiological processes required for the onset of migration. These results provide new insights into, and testable hypotheses for, the molecular mechanisms controlling the migratory phenotype and its underlying physiological mechanisms in blackbirds and other migratory bird species.
Quantitative analysis of eyes and other optical systems in linear optics
Authors: Harris William F. , Evans Tanya , van Gool Radboud D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeTo show that 14‐dimensional spaces of augmented point P and angle Q characteristics, matrices obtained from the ray transference, are suitable for quantitative analysis although only the latter define an inner‐product space and only on it can one define distances and angles. The paper examines the nature of the spaces and their relationships to other spaces including symmetric dioptric power space.MethodsThe paper makes use of linear optics, a three‐dimensional generalization of Gaussian optics. Symmetric 2 × 2 dioptric power matrices F define a three‐dimensional inner‐product space which provides a sound basis for quantitative analysis (calculation of changes, arithmetic means, etc.) of refractive errors and thin systems. For general systems the optical character is defined by the dimensionally‐heterogeneous 4 × 4 symplectic matrix S, the transference, or if explicit allowance is made for heterocentricity, the 5 × 5 augmented symplectic matrix T. Ordinary quantitative analysis cannot be performed on them because matrices of neither of these types constitute vector spaces. Suitable transformations have been proposed but because the transforms are dimensionally heterogeneous the spaces are not naturally inner‐product spaces.ResultsThe paper obtains 14‐dimensional spaces of augmented point P and angle Q characteristics. The 14‐dimensional space defined by the augmented angle characteristics Q is dimensionally homogenous and an inner‐product space. A 10‐dimensional subspace of the space of augmented point characteristics P is also an inner‐product space.ConclusionsThe spaces are suitable for quantitative analysis of the optical character of eyes and many other systems. Distances and angles can be defined in the inner‐product spaces. The optical systems may have multiple separated astigmatic and decentred refracting elements.
Feruloylation and structure of arabinoxylan in wheat endosperm cell walls from RNAi lines with suppression of genes responsible for backbone synthesis and decoration
Authors: Freeman Jackie , Ward Jane L. , Kosik Ondrej , Lovegrove Alison , Wilkinson Mark D. , Shewry Peter R. , Mitchell Rowan A.C. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryArabinoxylan (AX) is the major component of the cell walls of wheat grain (70% in starchy endosperm), is an important determinant of end‐use qualities affecting food processing, use for animal feed and distilling and is a major source of dietary fibre in the human diet. AX is a heterogeneous polysaccharide composed of fractions which can be sequentially extracted by water (WE‐AX), then xylanase action (XE‐AX) leaving an unextractable (XU‐AX) fraction. We determined arabinosylation and feruloylation of AX in these fractions in both wild‐type wheat and RNAi lines with decreased AX content (TaGT43_2 RNAi, TaGT47_2 RNAi) or decreased arabinose 3‐linked to mono‐substituted xylose (TaXAT1 RNAi). We show that these fractions are characterized by the degree of feruloylation of AX, <5, 5–7 and 13–19 mg bound ferulate (g−1 AX), and their content of diferulates (diFA), <0.3, 1–1.7 and 4–5 mg (g−1 AX), for the WE, XE and XU fractions, respectively, in all RNAi lines and their control lines. The amount of AX and its degree of arabinosylation and feruloylation were less affected by RNAi transgenes in the XE‐AX fraction than in the WE‐AX fraction and largely unaffected in the XU‐AX fraction. As the majority of diFA is associated with the XU‐AX fraction, there was only a small effect (TaGT43_2 RNAi, TaGT47_2 RNAi) or no effect (TaXAT1 RNAi) on total diFA content. Our results are compatible with a model where, to maintain cell wall function, diFA is maintained at stable levels when other AX properties are altered.
TFE3‐positive renal cell carcinoma occurring in three children with dysfunctional kidneys on immunosuppression
Authors: Schaefer Beverly A. , Johnson Theodore S. , Hooper David K. , Nathan Jaimie D. , Geller James I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPediatric RCC is a rare pediatric neoplasm and is distinctly different compared to adult RCC, often demonstrating translocation morphology evidenced by unique histopathological features and TFE3 or TFEB nuclear expression. We report three cases of pediatric TFE3 positive RCC (TFE3‐RCC) occurring in the setting of chronic kidney disease and long‐term pharmacological immunosuppression, including two cases that developed in the native kidney following kidney transplantation. Together, these cases suggest that the kidney microenvironment in combination with immune dysregulation is likely contributing factors in the pathogenesis of some pediatric RCC, warranting further study. Long‐term post‐transplant surveillance may warrant screening for RCC.
Long‐distance movement of phosphate starvation‐responsive microRNAs in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huen A. K. , Rodriguez‐Medina C. , Ho A. Y. Y. , Atkins C. A. , Smith P. M. C. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Plant microRNAs are small RNAs that are important for genetic regulation of processes such as plant development or environmental responses. Specific microRNAs accumulate in the phloem during phosphate starvation, and may act as long‐distance signalling molecules.

We performed quantitative PCR on Arabidopsis hypocotyl micrograft tissues of wild‐type and hen1‐6 mutants to assess the mobility of several phosphate starvation‐responsive microRNA species.

In addition to the previously confirmed mobile species miR399d, the corresponding microRNA* (miR399d*) was identified for the first time as mobile between shoots and roots. Translocation by phosphate‐responsive microRNAs miR827 and miR2111a between shoots and roots during phosphate starvation was evident, while their respective microRNA*s were not mobile.

The results suggest that long‐distance mobility of microRNA species is selective and can occur without the corresponding duplex strand. Movement of miR399d* and root‐localised accumulation of miR2111a* opens the potential for persisting microRNA*s to be mobile and functional in novel pathways during phosphate starvation responses.
Influence of partial or total replacement of glycerol by alternative cryoprotectants in Ghent freezing extender on post‐thaw sperm quality in stallions
Authors: De Oliveira RA , Budik S , Aurich C 
Published: March 2017

ContentsAlthough glycerol is the cryoprotectant most commonly used in stallions, it has also a considerable toxicity for equine sperm. It was the aim of this study to analyse the quality of frozen‐thawed stallion semen after complete or partial replacement of glycerol in the freezing extender by alternative cryoprotectants. We hypothesized that partial or total replacement of glycerol by cryoprotectants occurring in cold‐resistant frog, insect or plant species results in similar or better semen quality after freezing–thawing. As basic medium, the commercial Ghent basic extender was used and either supplemented with glucose and urea, trehalose and proline, or trehalose and betaine. Based on a series of preliminary experiments, semen was frozen in either commercial Ghent cryopreservation extender (Ghent control), Ghent glucose–urea extender or a Ghent combined extender (glucose–urea, trehalose‐betaine and trehalose‐proline; volume ratio of 2:1:2) in a computer‐controlled rate freezer. After freezing–thawing, semen was analysed for motility, membrane integrity, phosphatidylserine translocation, mitochondrial membrane potential and chromatin condensation. No differences between Ghent control and Ghent glucose–urea extender were seen, while all endpoints except DNA integrity were negatively affected in Ghent combined extender (e.g., progressive motility: Ghent 49.2 ± 3.7, Ghent glucose–urea 46.5 ± 4.6, Ghent combined 24.4 ± 2.8%; p < .001). In conclusion, glycerol concentration in a commercial freezing extender for equine spermatozoa can be successfully reduced when urea as an additive cryoprotectant is added and the glucose concentration is elevated. However, total glycerol replacement with urea, betaine, proline and trehalose was less successful.