bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Substoichiometric molecular control and amplification of the initiation and nature of amyloid fibril formation: lessons from and for blood clotting
Authors: Kell Douglas B. , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe chief and largely terminal element of normal blood clotting is considered to involve the polymerisation of the mainly α-helical fibrinogen to fibrin, with a binding mechanism involving ‘knobs and holes’ but with otherwise littl change in protein secondary structure. We recognise, however, that extremely unusual mutations, or mechanical stressing,cancause fibrinogen to adopt a conformation containing extensive β-sheets. Similarly, prions can change morphology from a largely alpha-helical to a largely β-sheet conformation, and the latter catalyses both the transition and the self-organising polymerisation of the β-sheet structures. Many other proteins can do this, where it is known as amyloidogenesis. When fibrin is formed in samples from patients harbouring different diseases it can have widely varying diameters and morphologies. We here develop the idea, and summarise the evidence, that in many cases the anomalous fibrin fibre formation seen in such diseases actually amounts to amyloidogenesis. In particular, fibrin can interact withthe amyloid-β (Aβ) protein that is misfolded in Alzheimer's disease. Seeing these unusual fibrin morphologies as true amyloids explains a great deal about fibrin(ogen) biology that was previously opaque, and provides novel strategies for treating such coagulopathies. The literature on blood clotting can usefully both inform and be informed by that on prions and on the many other widely recognised (β)-amyloid proteins.“Novel but physiologically important factors that affect fibrinolysis have seldom been discovered and characterized in recent years” [1]
Apontic regulates cell proliferation and development by activating the expression ofhedgehogandcyclin E
Authors: Wang Xian-Feng , Cheng Qian , Fu Chong-Lei , Zhou Zi-Zhang , Hirose Susumu , Hirose Susumu 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTHedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and Cyclin E are key players in cell proliferation and development. Hyperactivation ofhhandcyclin E.has been linked to several types of cancer. However, transcriptional regulation ofhhandcyclin E.are not well understood. Here we show that an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor Apontic (Apt) is an activator ofhhandcyclin E.inDrosophila. Apt directly promotes the expression ofhhandcyclin E.through its binding site in the promoter regions ofhhandcyclin E.during wing development. This Apt-dependent proper expression ofhhandcyclin E.is required for cell proliferation and development of the wing. Apt-mediated expression ofhhandcyclin E.can direct proliferation of Hh-expressing cells and simultaneous growth, patterning and differentiation of Hh-recipient cells. The discovery of the coordinated expression of Hh and principal cell-cycle regulator Cyclin E. by Apt implicates insight into the mechanism by which deregulatedhhandcyclin Epromotes tumor formation.Summary statementWe identified a novel role for Apontic as an important common regulator of the transcription ofhedgehogandcyclin E.Our study provides important insights into the mechanism of organ development.
Transnational activities of Colombians in the US
Authors: Santamaria Alvarez Sandra Milena , S′liwa Martyna 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to analyse the transnational activities of Colombian migrants in the USA; the reasons why migrants engage, or not, in these activities; and the impact of migrants’ transnational activities at the household, community and national levels.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyses data obtained from focus groups with migrant families and interviews with government officials and an expert researcher, as well as secondary data sources.

Findings
The main transnational activities in which Colombian migrants engage in are individually oriented, while participation in collective actions such as philanthropy or membership of political parties and hometown associations is limited. The impact of those activities varies when analysed at different levels. Overall, transnational activities of Colombian migrants can be seen as contributing to the perpetuation of south–north dependency, even if they help improve the socioeconomic situation of migrants and their families.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the migration–development nexus debate by pointing to the significance of distinguishing the level of analysis (micro, meso and macro) when studying the impacts of transnationalism on development.
Shareholder activism and the ethical harnessing of institutional investors
Authors: Ivanova Mila 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThis study aims to foster a deeper understanding of socio-ethical shareholder activism by outlining the corporate campaigning strategies of a UK-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) and by assessing their impact on both institutional investors and the practices of two multinational companies. As we move into a world where shareholder ownership is becoming more democratised, shareholder activism is gaining prominence in the USA, Europe and Asia, opening new avenues for participation in corporate governance by stakeholders such as NGOs who have traditionally been uninvolved in corporate decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe article adopts a qualitative methodology and case study research design. It relies on semi-structured interviews, analysis of documents and participant observation.FindingsFirst, the study sheds light into the ways in which NGOs are connecting themselves to the financial sector. It argues that they can pursue their political goals by framing their arguments in a way that emphasises the short-term financial risks/benefits for investors. Secondly, it demystifies the term “shareholder activism”, transforming it from an action tool belonging only to big and powerful institutions, to a tool which gives other stakeholders such as NGOs and ordinary people a real stake in companies’ affairs. What is more, the study highlights the divergent nature of institutional shareholder activist intervention in the USA and the UK.Research Limitations/implicationsGiven the generally long-term nature of shareholder campaigns, which can sometimes span over several years, it could be beneficial to adopt a longitudinal research design. Future research can endeavour to focus on a number of different campaigns over a period that exceeds three years.Practical ImplicationsThe research has implications for NGOs adopting a shareholder activist campaigning model and for policy makers aiming to encourage investor stewardship.Originality/valueThe fact that the research field of NGO socio-ethical shareholder activism is relatively new and under-explored by academia, coupled with the growing incidence of the phenomenon in the UK and across the world, as well as its potential benefits for society as a whole, renders further investigation into the topic necessary.
CDS and bank ownership structures: does the credit side show who advocates more risk?
Authors: Froneberg Dennis , Kiesel Florian , Schiereck Dirk 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether ownership compositions effect credit risk profiles of banks prior to and during the financial crisis. In detail, this study examines whether more powerful owners of a bank impact the credit risk profile.

Design/methodology/approach
The effects of the ownership structure on credit risk are estimated using credit default swap (CDS) spreads. Therefore, 86 global privately held and publicly listed banks from 23 countries are considered in a panel analysis for the period 2005-2008.

Findings
The results indicate that banks with a more concentrated ownership structure tend to be riskier, as they have larger CDS spreads. Furthermore, we observe that bank regulation has a negative impact on banks’ credit risk. Larger banks exhibit significantly lower risk than smaller banks.

Originality/value
These findings are of high relevance for the respective national regulative environment and for the respective financial institutions themselves. Regulatory bodies have to be aware of whether certain ownership compositions lead to a significant risk factor and which risk indicators exhibit the risk more precisely and in timely fashion.
Exploring the bacterial assemblages along the human nasal passage
Authors: Wos‐Oxley Melissa L. , Chaves‐Moreno Diego , Jáuregui Ruy , Oxley Andrew P. A. , Kaspar Ursula , Plumeier Iris , Kahl Silke , Rudack Claudia , Becker Karsten , Pieper Dietmar H. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe human nasal passage, from the anterior nares through the nasal vestibule to the nasal cavities, is an important habitat for opportunistic pathogens and commensals alike. This work sampled four different anatomical regions within the human nasal passage across a large cohort of individuals (n = 79) comprising individuals suffering from chronic nasal inflammation clinically known as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and individuals not suffering from inflammation (CRS‐free). While individuals had their own unique bacterial fingerprint that was consistent across the anatomical regions, these bacterial fingerprints formed into distinct delineated groups comprising core bacterial members, which were consistent across all four swabbed anatomical regions irrespective of health status. The most significant observed pattern was the difference between the global bacterial profiles of swabbed and tissue biopsy samples from the same individuals, being also consistent across different anatomical regions. Importantly, no statistically significant differences could be observed concerning the global bacterial communities, any of the bacterial species or the range of diversity indices used to compare between CRS and CRS‐free individuals, and between two CRS phenotypes (without nasal polyps and with nasal polyps). Thus, the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of sinusitis remains uncertain.
Climate change and human impact in a sensitive ecosystem: the Holocene environment of the Northwest Icelandic highland margin
Authors: Eddudóttir Sigrún D. , Erlendsson Egill , Tinganelli Leone , Gísladóttir Guðrún 
Published: May 2016

Complex interactions of climate and volcanic activity have shaped the environment of Iceland during the Holocene. Palaeoecological records from Iceland offer a unique look at a Holocene environment that was uninhabited by humans and free of mammal herbivores until about AD 870. We present a new reconstruction of Holocene vegetation and landscape dynamics from a small lake, Barðalækjartjörn, located near the highland margin in Northwest Iceland. A multi‐proxy approach was used to reconstruct vegetation based on pollen and plant macrofossil analysis and landscape stability based on lithological proxies. The record covers the period c. 10 300–200 cal. a BP. For the first two millennia aeolian processes probably played a part in vegetation development. This period is characterized by high input of minerogenic material into the lake and a vegetation assemblage in which plants tolerant of aeolian deposition are prominent. Betula pubescens woodland reached a maximum between c. 7400 and 6500 cal. a BP. Betula nana‐dominated dwarf shrub heath replaced woodland after c. 4000 cal. a BP, following the onset of Neoglaciation. Land use following human settlement caused an environmental shift at the highland margin. Betula pubescens probably disappeared from the vicinity of the lake soon thereafter. Large‐scale soil erosion began at c. 1000 cal. a BP in the wake of human activities, such as introduction of grazing livestock and woodcutting. This study offers an important long‐term perspective of the development of the highland ecosystem under both wholly natural and human‐influenced conditions.
Syndromic microphthalmia‐3 caused by a mutation on gene SOX2 in a Colombian male patient
Authors: Ramirez‐Botero Andrés Felipe , Pachajoa Harry 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSyndromic microphthalmia‐3 is a rare congenital syndrome associated with brain anomalies, esophageal atresia and genital anomalies. This is the case of a 4‐year‐old male with bilateral microphthalmia, short stature, neurodevelopmental delay, genital anomalies, and maternal exposition to glyphosate during pregnancy. Genetic testing detected a previously reported pathogenic heterozygous mutation in the SOX2 gene, confirming a diagnosis of syndromic microphthalmia‐3. Whenever a patient presents bilateral microphthalmia, it is necessary to determine whether it is isolated or syndromic; afterwards, genetic testing should be performed in order to offer an effective genetic counseling.
Effects of different titanium zirconium implant surfaces on initial supragingival plaque formation
Authors: John Gordon , Becker Jürgen , Schwarz Frank 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the current study was the evaluation of biofilm development on different implant surfaces.Material and MethodsInitial biofilm formation was investigated on five different implant surfaces, machined titanium (MTi), modified machined acid‐etched titanium (modMATi), machined titanium zirconium (MTiZr), modified machined and acid‐etched titanium zirconium (modMATiZr) and sandblasted large grid and acid‐etched titanium zirconium surface (SLATiZr) for 24 and 48 h. Biocompatibility was tested after tooth brushing of the samples via cell viability testing with human gingival fibroblasts.ResultsAfter 24 h of biofilm collection, mean plaque surface was detected in the following descending order:After 24 h: MTiZr > MTi > SLATiZr > modMATiZr > modMATi. Both M surfaces showed significant higher biofilm formation than the other groups.After 48 h: MTiZr > MTi > SLATiZr > modMATiZr > modMATi.After tooth brushing: SLATiZr > modMATi > modMATiZr > MTi > MTiZr. All native samples depicted significant higher cell viability than their corresponding surfaces after biofilm removal procedure.ConclusionsThe TiZr groups especially the modMATiZr group showed slower and less biofilm formation. In combination with the good biocompatibility, both modMA surfaces seem to be interesting candidates for surfaces in transgingival implant design.
Involvement of microRNAs in epileptogenesis
Authors: Cattani Adriano A. , Allene Camille , Seifert Volker , Rosenow Felix , Henshall David C. , Freiman Thomas M. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryPatients who have sustained brain injury or had developmental brain lesions present a non‐negligible risk for developing delayed epilepsy. Finding therapeutic strategies to prevent development of epilepsy in at‐risk patients represents a crucial medical challenge. Noncoding microRNA molecules (miRNAs) are promising candidates in this area. Indeed, deregulation of diverse brain‐specific miRNAs has been observed in animal models of epilepsy as well as in patients with epilepsy, mostly in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Herein we review deregulated miRNAs reported in epilepsy with potential roles in key molecular and cellular processes underlying epileptogenesis, namely neuroinflammation, cell proliferation and differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and synaptic remodeling. We provide an up‐to‐date listing of miRNAs altered in epileptogenesis and assess recent functional studies that have interrogated their role in epilepsy. Last, we discuss potential applications of these findings for the future development of disease‐modifying therapeutic strategies for antiepileptogenesis.
Perennial species mixtures for multifunctional production of biomass on marginal land
Authors: Carlsson Georg , Mårtensson Linda‐Maria , Prade Thomas , Svensson Sven‐Erik , Jensen Erik S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMultifunctional agriculture provides noncommodity functions and services along with food, feed and bioenergy feedstocks, for example by preserving or promoting biodiversity, improving soil fertility, mitigating climate change and environmental degradation, and contributing to the socio‐economic viability of rural areas. Producing biomass for bioenergy from low‐input perennial species mixtures on marginal land has the potential to support biodiversity and soil carbon sequestration in synergy with greenhouse gas mitigation. We compared biomass production in species‐rich mixtures of perennial grasses, legumes and forbs with pure‐stand grasses and relatively species‐poor mixtures under different nitrogen fertilization regimes. Field experiments were performed on different types of marginal land, that is agricultural field margins and land with poor soil fertility, at four sites in southernmost and western Sweden. Biomass production was measured for three years in perennial grasses grown as pure stands, in legume‐grass mixtures, and legume‐grass‐forb mixtures across a species richness gradient. In unfertilized species‐rich mixtures, average biomass yields per experimental site and year were in the range from 3 to 9 metric ton DM ha−1 yr−1. While the most productive pure‐stand grasses fertilized with 60–120 kg N ha−1 yr−1 often produced higher biomass yields than unfertilized mixtures, these differences were generally smaller than the variations between years and sites. Calculations of climate impact using the harvested biomass for conversion to biogas as vehicle fuel showed that the average greenhouse gas emissions per energy unit were about 50% lower in unfertilized systems than in treatments fertilized with 100–120 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Our findings thereby show that unfertilized species‐rich perennial plant mixtures on marginal land provide resource‐efficient biomass production and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. Perennial species mixtures managed with low inputs thus promote synergies between productivity and biodiversity in the perspective of climate‐smart and multifunctional biomass production.
Follicular dendritic cell tumour/sarcoma: a commonly misdiagnosed tumour in the thorax
Authors: Viola Patrizia , Vroobel Katherine M , Devaraj Anand , Jordan Simon , Ladas George , Dusmet Michael , Montero Angeles , Rice Alexandra , Wotherspoon Andrew C , Nicholson Andrew G 
Published: May 2016

AimsFollicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare tumour reported to occur occasionally in association with the hyaline‐vascular type of Castleman's disease (HVCD). Most cases arise in lymph nodes, although extranodal presentation is described.Methods and resultsClinical, radiological and histological characteristics, including diagnosis on pre‐resection material, were assessed in seven intrathoracic cases from five males and two females with a median age of 38 years. Clinical symptoms were related to mass location, six cases presenting within central and/or posterior mediastinal compartments and one within the lungs. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography demonstrated marked fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose avidity and the prominent vessels traversing the lesions. Four of six cases (67%) were misdiagnosed initially. HVCD was present in three cases. Two cases with high mitotic rates recurred after resection. All were positive for at least one of the follicular dendritic cell markers (CD21, CD35 and CD23). Six of seven cases (86%) show cyclin D1 expression ranging from 5% to 90%.ConclusionsFollicular dendritic cell sarcoma is often misdiagnosed on biopsy and pathologists need to be aware of the tumour to request the relevant immunohistochemistry, especially in masses presenting in the central/posterior mediastinum with high vascularity and standardized uptake values. Background HVCD appears more common than previously thought.
Serum GDF‐15 level in Behçet's disease: relationships between disease activity and clinical parameters
Authors: Sarıyıldız Mustafa Akif , Yazmalar Levent , Batmaz İbrahim , Alpaycı Mahmut , Burkan Yahya Kemal , Sula Bilal , Kaplan İbrahim , Yıldız Mehmet , Akar Zeynel Abidin , Bozkurt Mehtap 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGrowth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15), a member of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily of cytokines, plays an important role in cell growth, signal transduction, and apoptosis regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GDF‐15 levels and their relationships with disease‐related variables in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). Forty‐six patients diagnosed with BD and 30 demographically matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. GDF‐15 levels were measured in blood samples from patients and controls. The Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) was used to evaluate the disease activity of BD. There were no significant differences between the two groups in C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), age, body mass index, and mean GDF‐15 levels (P > 0.05). Serum GDF‐15 levels were positively correlated with findings for peripheral arthritis and CRP, and with BDCAF erythema nodosum, BDCAF arthralgia, and BDCAF arthritis scores. Patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence of peripheral arthritis; nine subjects (20%) were positive for peripheral arthritis. Serum ESR, CRP, white blood cell counts, and GDF‐15 levels were significantly higher in the group that was positive for peripheral arthritis (P < 0.05). GDF‐15 may play a role in the progression and pathway of Behçet's joint involvement and erythema nodosum that is independent of classic inflammatory response measures.
Diversity matters – heterogeneity of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral mesencephalon and its relation to Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Vogt Weisenhorn Daniela Maria , Giesert Florian , Wurst Wolfgang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDopaminergic neurons in the ventral mesencephalon (the ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic complex) are known for their role in a multitude of behaviors, including cognition, reward, addiction and voluntary movement. Dysfunctions of these neurons are the underlying cause of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, addiction and schizophrenia. In addition, Parkinson's disease (PD), which is the second most common degenerative disease in developed countries, is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to the core motor symptoms of the disease. However, only a subset of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral mesencephalon is highly vulnerable to the disease process. Indeed, research over several decades revealed that the neurons in the ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic complex do not form a homogeneous group with respect to anatomy, physiology, function, molecular identity or vulnerability/dysfunction in different diseases. Here, we review how the concept of dopaminergic neuron diversity, assisted by the advent and application of new technologies, evolved and was refined over time and how it shaped our understanding of PD pathogenesis. Understanding this diversity of neurons in the ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic complex at all levels is imperative for the development of new and more selective drugs for both PD and various other neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Several decades of research revealed that the neurons in the ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic complex do not form a homogeneous group in respect to anatomy, physiology, function, molecular identity or vulnerability/dysfunction in diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we review how this concept evolved and was refined over time and how it shaped our understanding of the pathogenesis of PD. Source of the midbrain image: www.wikimd.org/wiki/index.php/The_Midbrain_or_Mesencephalon; downloaded 28.01.2016. See also Figures and of the paper.
This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.