bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic sleep restriction disrupts interendothelial junctions in the hippocampus and increases blood–brain barrier permeability
Authors: HURTADO‐ALVARADO G. , VELÁZQUEZ‐MOCTEZUMA J. , GÓMEZ‐GONZÁLEZ B. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryChronic sleep loss in the rat increases blood–brain barrier permeability to Evans blue and FITC‐dextrans in almost the whole brain and sleep recovery during short periods restores normal blood–brain barrier permeability. Sleep loss increases vesicle density in hippocampal endothelial cells and decreases tight junction protein expression. However, at the ultrastructural level the effect of chronic sleep loss on interendothelial junctions is unknown. In this study we characterised the ultrastructure of interendothelial junctions in the hippocampus, the expression of tight junction proteins, and quantified blood–brain barrier permeability to fluorescein‐sodium after chronic sleep restriction. Male Wistar rats were sleep restricted using the modified multiple platform method during 10 days, with a daily schedule of 20‐h sleep deprivation plus 4‐h sleep recovery at their home‐cages. At the 10th day hippocampal samples were obtained immediately at the end of the 20‐h sleep deprivation period, and after 40 and 120 min of sleep recovery. Samples were processed for transmission electron microscopy and western blot. Chronic sleep restriction increased blood–brain barrier permeability to fluorescein‐sodium, and decreased interendothelial junction complexity by increasing the frequency of less mature end‐to‐end and simply overlap junctions, even after sleep recovery, as compared to intact controls. Chronic sleep loss also induced the formation of clefts between narrow zones of adjacent endothelial cell membranes in the hippocampus. The expression of claudin‐5 and actin decreased after chronic sleep loss as compared to intact animals. Therefore, it seems that chronic sleep loss disrupts interendothelial junctions that leads to blood–brain barrier hyperpermeability in the hippocampus.
Combination of kinematic analyses and diffusion tensor tractrography to evaluate the residual motor functions in spinal cord‐hemisected monkeys
Authors: Zhao Can , Song Wei , Rao Jia‐Sheng , Zhao Wen , Wei Rui‐Han , Zhou Xia , Tian Peng‐Yu , Yang Zhao‐Yang , Li Xiao‐Guang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) causes loss of locomotor functions. Nowadays, the relationship between the residual locomotion after SCI and the diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) results still remains unclear.MethodsFour rhesus monkeys were suffered thoracic cord hemisection. Kinematic evaluation and DTT were performed prior‐ and post‐SCI (6 and 12 weeks). The longitudinal changes of gait parameters and the DTT parameters were analyzed for the injury‐contralateral hindlimb. The correlations between gaits and DTT parameters were also investigated.ResultsAlmost gait parameters significantly changed after SCI, meanwhile, the caudal‐rostral connection rate of DTT showed negative correlation with all gait parameters, demonstrating that the locomotor changes of the injury‐contralateral hindlimb were associated with the ratio of residual fibers.ConclusionsThe combinatory use of gait analysis and DTT has been demonstrated to be sensitive to locomotion changes after SCI, and may therefore have potential applications in the pre‐clinical studies of SCI.
What Drives the Cross‐Section of Credit Spreads?: A Variance Decomposition Approach
Authors: NOZAWA YOSHIO 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTI decompose the variation of credit spreads for corporate bonds into changing expected returns and changing expectation of credit losses. Using a log‐linearized pricing identity and a vector autoregression applied to microlevel data from 1973 to 2011, I find that expected returns contribute to the cross‐sectional variance of credit spreads nearly as much as expected credit loss does. However, most of the time‐series variation in credit spreads for the market portfolio corresponds to risk premiums.
Influence of different wild-garlic (Allium ursinum) extracts on the gastrointestinal system: spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
Authors: Pavlović Dragana R , Veljković Milica , Stojanović Nikola M , Gočmanac-Ignjatović Marija , Mihailov-Krstev Tatjana , Branković Suzana , Sokolović Dušan , Marčetić Mirjana , Radulović Niko , Radenković Mirjana 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objectives
As there are no previous studies of the European wild-garlic (Allium ursinum) effects on the gastrointestinal system, despite its traditional applications in gastrointestinal disorders' treatment and regular use in the human diet, we have quantified and compared spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of its different leaf extracts.

Methods
Wild-garlic extracts were tested for spasmolytic activity on isolated rat ileum, antimicrobial activity on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi by microdilution method and antioxidant capacity by DPPH radical-scavenging assay.

Key findings
Wild-garlic extracts were found to decrease ileal basal tone. As the relaxation of K+-induced contractions was similar to one caused by papaverin, the observed spasmolytic effect was most likely mediated through Ca2+-channel inhibition. Ethanolic extract (with the highest phenolic and high alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides’ levels) produced the strongest spasmolytic activity. In case of acetylcholine-induced contractions, only hydromethanolic extract showed no statistical difference in comparison with positive control. All samples exhibited certain antioxidant potential and strong antimicrobial activity against tested enteropathogenic strains (Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive, followed by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis).

Conclusion
Besides other already established health-promoting effects, wild garlic could be useful in treatment of mild gastrointestinal disturbances.
3D-quantitative structure–activity relationship and docking studies of coumarin derivatives as tissue kallikrein 7 inhibitors
Authors: Zheng Xin , He Mengxi , Tan Xiao , Zheng Jun , Wang Fangyu , Liu Sen 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is a secreted serine protease that plays important roles in skin desquamation and tumour progression, which makes it an attracting drug target. To guide the design of KLK7 inhibitors, a series of coumarin-based inhibitors were used to perform 3D-quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis.

Methods
3D conformations of 37 inhibitors were generated and used to construct CoMFA and CoMSIA models. Then a complex model between the inhibitors and KLK7 was built with molecular docking.

Key findings
With the training set, the CoMFA and CoMSIA models achieved q2 values of 0.521 and 0.498, and r2 values of 0.942 and 0.983, respectively. With the testing set, the predicted r2 values were 0.663 and 0.669, respectively, for CoMFA and CoMSIA. 3D contour maps from these two models identified steric and hydrophobic interactions as the most important molecular features of these inhibitors. Furthermore, molecular docking study was performed to understand the binding modes between these compounds and KLK7, in which the critical steric and hydrophobic interactions between the inhibitors and KLK7 were confirmed.

Conclusions
Steric and hydrophobic interactions are critical in the efficient binding of KLK7 inhibitors. Our analysis would provide a meaningful guideline for the rational design of novel KLK7 inhibitors.
Century‐long tree population dynamics in a deciduous forest stand in central Sweden
Authors: Hytteborn Håkan , Svensson Brita M. , Kempe Kerstin , Press Andreas , Rydin Håkan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionWe quantify tree dynamics over a century of free development in a small broad‐leaved forest dominated by Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus glabra. What are the internal and external factors driving the changes, and how predictable are they? What were the time scale and effects of the spread of Dutch elm disease (DED)?LocationVårdsätra, eastern central Sweden.MethodsThe survival, growth and recruitment of all trees (≥12 cm girth) were monitored in 1912, 1967, 1988 and 2013 (more often for a part of the forest). Woody species in the field and shrub layers were surveyed in permanent plots in 1976 and 2012. We used transition matrix models to project changes in population sizes and species composition within the century and for 2050.ResultsThe results indicate that the forest was in a successional development during the first period. The species composition had stabilized by 1967, except for an expansion of Acer platanoides and the drastic effect of DED that struck the forest around 2000. It took only a decade to kill virtually all large elms in the forest, leading to strong decrease in stem density and basal area. The evidence for effects of DED is still weak, but there has been an increase in saplings, notably of Fraxinus, Prunus padus, Ulmus, and of shoots of Corylus avellana. Several species that are abundant in the vicinity and as seeds fail to establish (Picea abies, Betula spp., Quercus robur, Populus tremula). Projections for 2050 based on the third period (1988–2013) are probably unrealistic since Fraxinus may also disappear because of the recent arrival of ash dieback.ConclusionsSlow dynamics in forests that could follow from climate change will locally probably be overruled by unforeseen catastrophes, such as invasions of forest pathogens. These initiate changes with long lag phases that are difficult to quantify. Still, a dense deciduous forest can resist invasion of colonist species and of regionally dominant conifers; the reason being unfavourable conditions for establishment rather than dispersal limitation.
Does functional soil microbial diversity contribute to explain within‐site plant β‐diversity in an alpine grassland and a dehesa meadow in Spain?
Authors: Araya Yoseph N. , Bartelheimer Maik , Valle Cipriano J. , Crujeiras Rosa M. , García‐Baquero Gonzalo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionsOnce effects of hydrological and chemical soil properties have been accounted for, does soil microbial diversity contribute to explain change in plant community structure (i.e. within‐site β‐diversity)? If so, at what spatial scale does microbial diversity operate?LocationLa Mina in Moscosa Farm, Salamanca, western Spain (dehesa community) and Laguna Larga in the Urbión Peaks, Soria, central‐northern Spain (alpine grassland).MethodsThe abundance of vascular plant species, soil Gram‐negative microbial functional types and soil chemical properties (pH, available P, extractable cations) were sampled at both sites, for which hydrological models were available. RDA was used to partition variation in plant community structure into hydrological, chemical and microbial components. Spatial filters, arranged in scalograms, were used to test for the spatial scales at which plant community structure changes.ResultsIn the case of the dehesa the diversity of soil Gram‐negative microbes, weakly driven by soil pH, contributed to a small extent (adj‐R2 = 2%) and at a relative medium spatial scale to explain change in plant community structure. The abundance of a few dehesa species, both annual (Trifolium dubium, Vulpia bromoides) and perennial (Poa bulbosa, Festuca ampla), was associated with either increasing or decreasing soil microbial diversity. In the alpine meadow the contribution was negligible.ConclusionsMicrobial diversity can drive community structure, although in the hierarchy of environmental factors structuring communities it appears to rank lower than other soil factors. Still, microbial diversity appears to promote or restrain individual plant species. This paper aims to encourage future studies to use more comprehensive and insightful techniques to assess microbial diversity and to combine this with statistical approaches such as that used here.
Development and validation of the Patient‐Physician Relationship Scale among patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Kurlander J. E. , Chey W. D. , Morris C. B. , Hu Y. J. B. , Padival R. K. , Bangdiwala S. I. , Norton N. J. , Norton W. F. , Drossman D. A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundAn effective patient‐physician relationship (PPR) is essential to the care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We sought to develop and validate an IBS‐specific instrument to measure expectations of the PPR.MethodsWe conducted structured focus groups about PPRs with 12 patients with IBS. Qualitative analysis was used to generate a questionnaire (the Patient‐Physician Relationship Scale [PPRS]), which was modified with input from content experts and usability testing. For validation, we administered it online to US adults with IBS. Participants also completed the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index, the Rome III Adult Functional gastrointestinal (GI) Disorder Criteria Questionnaire, and modified versions of the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT‐15) and Patient‐Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ‐9). We performed principal components factor analysis for the PPRS.Key ResultsThe PPRS contained 32 questions with responses on a 7‐item Likert scale. Themes included interpersonal features, clinical care expectations, and aspects of communication. One thousand and fifty‐four eligible individuals completed the survey (88% completion rate). Most participants were middle aged (mean 48 years, SD 16.3), white (90%), and female (86%). Factor analysis showed only one relevant factor, relating to quality of PPR. The final scale ranged from possible‐96 to +96 (mean 62.0, SD 37.6). It correlated moderately with the CAT‐15 (r=.40, P<.001) and PDRQ‐9 (r=.30, P<.001), establishing concurrent validity.Conclusions & InferencesWe describe the development and validation of the first questionnaire for use in measuring patient expectations of the PPR, which can be used for future outcomes studies and training physicians.
Cardiac implantable electronic device hematomas: Risk factors and effect of prophylactic pressure bandaging
Authors: Koh Youlin , Bingham Nicholas E. , Law Natalie , Le Dustin , Mariani Justin A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundCardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) hematomas are associated with many adverse outcomes. We examined the incidence and risk factors associated with hematoma formation post‐CIED implantation, and explored the preventative effect of prophylactic pressure bandaging (PPB) in a large tertiary center.Methods1,091 devices were implanted during October 2011–December 2014. Clinically significant hematomas (CSH) were those that necessitated prolonged admission, including those due to reoperation, and clinically suspicious hematomas were swellings noted by medical/nursing staff. We screened for variables affecting hematoma incidence prior to conducting multivariate logistic regression analyses, one for all hematomas and one for CSH.Results61 hematomas were identified (5.6% of patients), with 12 of those clinically significant (1.1% of patients). Factors significantly increasing the odds of developing any hematoma were stage 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.08–7.94], P = 0.034) and 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 3.39 [1.20–9.56], P = 0.021), unfractionated heparin/therapeutic enoxaparin (OR = 3.15 [1.22–8.14], P = 0.018), and dual antiplatelets–aspirin + clopidogrel (OR = 2.95 [1.14–7.65], P = 0.026) + other combinations. Body Mass index (BMI) 25.0–29.9 (OR 0.52 [0.28–0.98], P = 0.044) and >30 were associated with decreased hematoma risk (OR 0.43 [0.20‐0.91], P = 0.028). Factors significant for CSH formation were unfractionated heparin/therapeutic enoxaparin (OR = 9.55 [1.83–49.84], P = 0.007) and aspirin + clopidogrel (OR = 7.19 [1.01–50.91], P = 0.048). PPB nonsignificantly increased the odds of total hematoma development (OR = 1.53 [0.87–2.69], P = 0.135), and reduced CSH (OR = 0.67 [0.18–2.47], P = 0.547).ConclusionsHeparin and dual antiplatelet use remain strong predictors of overall hematoma formation. CKD is a comparatively moderate predictor. BMI > 25 may decrease the risk of hematoma formation. PPB had nonsignificant effects on hematoma development.
Experimental study of cryofreezing energy applications on the ventricular myocardium using sheep hearts
Authors: Okishige Kaoru , Friedman Peter L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundCryofreezing energy has been utilized to abolish arrhythmogenic substrates of various kinds of tachyarrhythmias. However, systematic electrophysiological and histological investigations of cryothermia have never been performed. The aim of this study was to clarify those aspects using sheep beating hearts.MethodsA total of eight adult sheep were utilized under total anesthesia, and a pericardial cradle was made by opening the pericardium. Eight epicardial plaque electrodes were sutured on the epicardial surface of the left ventricle 2∼3 cm apart from each other. A cryoprobe was inserted through a vent made in the left ventricular apex, and positioned so as to locate the probe tip at a site just opposite the center of the epicardial plaque electrodes. Ventricular electrograms and pacing threshold were measured during endocardial freezing. The volume of the necrotized lesion created by the cryofreezing was measured in the excised hearts after staining.ResultsThe cryoprobe tip temperature was lowered to −50°C for 10 minutes. A significant increase in the pacing threshold and significant reduction in the ventricular electrograms were observed after endocardial freezing. The transmurality of the necrotized lesions varied depending on the situation of the cryoapplications, and the lesion depth and volume were significantly larger in the transmural lesions; however, there was no significant difference between the transmural and nontransmural lesions regarding the lesion width.ConclusionsEndocardial cryofreezing could provoke significant electrophysiological and injurious effects on the ventricular myocardium in the goat heart. Transmural cryolesions could be created when cryoprobe was appropriately applied.
Thrombocytopenia Associated with Localized Scleroderma: Report of Four Pediatric Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jindal Ankur Kumar , Gupta Anju , Dogra Sunil , Rawat Amit , Suri Deepti , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Singh Surjit 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report on four children with localized scleroderma (morphea) and thrombocytopenia. All four had the en coup de sabre subtype of morphea and had varying degrees of thrombocytopenia (8 × 109/L to 120 × 109/L). None of them had major bleeding manifestations, and thrombocytopenia resolved with treatment of morphea. (One patient was also given an injection of anti‐D immunoglobulin.) We propose that thrombocytopenia associated with localized scleroderma is usually benign and requires no specific therapy.
Mechanistic Studies on the Peroxyoxalate Chemiluminescence Using Sodium Salicylate as Base Catalyst
Authors: Souza Glalci A. , Lang André P. , Baader Wilhelm J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMechanistic studies on the peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence are often conducted with imidazole as base and nucleophilic catalyst. However, it is also known that this compound, at high concentrations, leads to a drastic reduction in the chemiluminescence quantum yields, apparently due to the destruction of the high‐energy intermediate. Consequently, the search for new catalysts for this transformation is of importance for mechanistic studies as well as analytical application. Therefore, we report here a study on the mechanism of the peroxyoxalate reaction with sodium salicylate as base catalyst, which has already been utilized in this reaction; however, no detailed mechanistic investigation is known. In this work, a kinetic study on the sodium salicylate‐catalyzed reaction of bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl) oxalate with hydrogen peroxide using 9,10‐diphenylanthracene as activator is reported, where observed rate constants, singlet quantum yields and activation parameters are determined in different reaction conditions, leading to the formulation of a general mechanistic reaction scheme.
Catastrophe theory and the financial crisis
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper develops and estimates catastrophe‐augmented models of the financial crisis. We employ catastrophe theory to explain discontinuous jumps in state variables of dynamic systems. We estimate an augmented bank failure model showing that the buildup of risk and an increase in the Federal Funds rate combined with low reserves (negative insurance effect) have been the main drivers of the financial crisis. Therefore, macroprudential policy and rating agencies play a key role in preventing the buildup of (systemic) risk and preventing the economy from entering a bifurcation area.
Entry into exit: insolvency in English professional football
Authors: Szymanski Stefan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study uses a unique database of financial accounts for English football clubs between 1974 and 2010 to examine the process by which firms fail, which in this context means entering insolvency proceedings. From the data it is possible to estimate shocks to demand and productivity and to show that failing firms typically experience a series of negative shocks. This is consistent with the standard IO theory models of exit.
Gene rearrangement and sequence analysis of mitogenomes suggest polyphyly of Archaeobalanid and Balanid barnacles (Cirripedia: Balanomorpha)
Authors: Tsang Ling Ming , Shen Xin , Cheang Chi Chiu , Chu Ka Hou , Chan Benny Kwok Kan 
Published: May 2017

The acorn barnacles (Cirripedia, Thoracica, Balanomorpha) are a diverse group of crustaceans found in virtually all marine and estuarine habitats. Barnacles are important model species in various biological researches, including evolution, intertidal ecology, larval biology and antifouling. However, there remains a lack of a thorough understanding of the phylogeny for this group of animals, particularly at higher taxonomic levels. In this study, we attempt to determine the phylogenetic relationships among balanomorphan families based on analysis of complete mitochondrial genome from various barnacle families and investigate the evolution of mitogenome in barnacles. Whole mitogenomes of six barnacles were newly sequenced, including Acasta sulcata (Archaeobalanidae), Armatobalanus allium (Archaeobalanidae), Chelonibia testudinaria (Chelonibiidae), Octomeris sp. (Chthamalidae), Savignium biporata (Pyrgomatidae) and Tetraclitella divisa (Tetraclitidae), which exhibit five different gene arrangements. Phylogenetic analysis on 15 complete mitochondrial genome sequences from major barnacle families supported Chthamalidae, Pyrgomatidae and Tetraclitidae formed monophyletic units, but suggested polyphyly of both Archaeobalanidae and Balanidae. Chthamalidae was the earliest diverged lineage in Balanomorpha. Chelonibiidae + Tetraclitidae formed the sister taxon to the monophyletic superfamily Balanoidea (Archaeobalanidae + Balanidae + Pyrgomatidae). The members of Archaeobalanidae and Balanidae intermingled in the inferred topology with the monophyletic Pyrgomatidae deeply nested within. Two Megabalanus species from the family Balanidae and A. sulcata from the family Archaeobalanidae share the same six‐gene‐cluster inversion as compared to the other ten balanomorphan barnacles, providing further evidence for the non‐monophyly for the two families. We showed here that the informativeness of the complete mitogenome sequence and rare genomic events in resolving various questions concerning Balanomorpha relationships. The non‐monophyletic status of Archaeobalanidae and Balanidae falsified many previous hypotheses concerning the complex evolution of Balanomorpha and call for further investigations and careful revision on the taxonomy of the group. Future study focusing on the enigmatic and tentatively basal lineages, for example, Chionelasmatoidea Pachylasmatoidea and Catophragmidae, would be most helpful in fully resolving the phylogeny and mitogenome evolutionary history of acorn barnacles.