bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-2 Deletion Impairs Synaptic Plasticity and Hippocampal-Dependent Memory
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nor Zaihana , Greenwood Sam M. , Brett Ros R. , Tossell Kyoko , Ungless Mark A. , Plevin Robin , Bushell Trevor J. 
Published: February 2016

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate brain function and their dysfunction is implicated in a number of brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Thus, there is great interest in understanding the signaling systems that control MAPK function. One family of proteins that contribute to this process, the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases (MKPs), directly inactivate MAPKs through dephosphorylation. Recent studies have identified novel functions of MKPs in development, the immune system, and cancer. However, a significant gap in our knowledge remains in relation to their role in brain functioning. Here, using transgenic mice where theDusp4gene encoding MKP-2 has been knocked out (MKP-2−/−mice), we show that long-term potentiation is impaired in MKP-2−/−mice compared with MKP-2+/+controls whereas neuronal excitability, evoked synaptic transmission, and paired-pulse facilitation remain unaltered. Furthermore, spontaneous EPSC (sEPSC) frequency was increased in acute slices and primary hippocampal cultures prepared from MKP-2−/−mice with no effect on EPSC amplitude observed. An increase in synapse number was evident in primary hippocampal cultures, which may account for the increase in sEPSC frequency. In addition, no change in ERK activity was detected in both brain tissue and primary hippocampal cultures, suggesting that the effects of MKP-2 deletion were MAPK independent. Consistent with these alterations in hippocampal function, MKP-2−/−mice show deficits in spatial reference and working memory when investigated using the Morris water maze. These data show that MKP-2 plays a role in regulating hippocampal function and that this effect may be independent of MAPK signaling.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRecently, there has been significant focus on proteins that control mitogen-activated protein kinases' (MAPKs) function, namely the mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases (MKPs). Recent studies have revealed novel roles for a specific MKP, MKP-2, in the immune system and cancer. In the present study, we focus on MKP-2 to determine its role in neuronal function. Using transgenic mice where theDusp4gene encoding MKP-2 has been knocked out, we use a number of techniques to reveal that MKP-2 deletion increases spontaneous neurotransmitter release, impairs the induction of synaptic plasticity, and induces deficits in hippocampal-dependent memory. These findings provide a new insight into role that MKP-2 plays in regulation hippocampal function and that this may be independent of MAPK signaling.
Gating of Acoustic Transducer Channels Is Shaped by Biomechanical Filter Processes
Authors: Hummel Jennifer , Schöneich Stefan , Kössl Manfred , Scherberich Jan , Hedwig Berthold , Prinz Simone , Nowotny Manuela 
Published: February 2016

Mechanoelectrical transduction of acoustic signals is the fundamental process for hearing in all ears across the animal kingdom. Here, we performedin vivolaser-vibrometric and electrophysiological measurements at the transduction site in an insect ear (Mecopoda elongata) to relate the biomechanical tonotopy along the hearing organ to the frequency tuning of the corresponding sensory cells. Our mechanical and electrophysiological map revealed a biomechanical filter process that considerably sharpens the neuronal response. We demonstrate that the channel gating, which acts on chordotonal stretch receptor neurons, is based on a mechanical directionality of the sound-induced motion. Further, anatomical studies of the transduction site support our finding of a stimulus-relevant tilt. In conclusion, we were able to show, in an insect ear, that directionality of channel gating considerably sharpens the neuronal frequency selectivity at the peripheral level and have identified a mechanism that enhances frequency discrimination in tonotopically organized ears.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe evolutionarily conserved ability of sensory cells to sense sound-induced mechanical forces is a fundamental process that still need investigating. In ears, the transduction process of acoustic signals from sound to frequency-specific neuronal responses of sensory cells is based on the opening of mechanosensitive ion channels. Here, we investigated mechanotransduction in the katydid's hearing organ within vivomeasurements of the sound-induced mechanical stimulus and of the electrical responses of the sensory cell at the transduction site. By combining anatomical, biophysical, and neurophysiological data, we present for the first time evidence of a crucial frequency-filter mechanism integral to the channel gating process. This filter takes effect at the first step of the signal transduction chain and shapes behavior-relevant hearing information.
Mitochondria and senescence: new actors for an old play
Authors: Herranz Nicolás , Gil Jesús 
Published: February 2016

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to both cellular senescence and ageing. Despite the relationship, it is still unclear whether mitochondria have a causal role in senescence. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Correia‐Melo et al () combine targeted depletion of mitochondria with impairment of their biogenesis to demonstrate that decreased numbers of mitochondria impair the senescence response. Their results suggest that targeting mitochondria could reduce the detrimental effects of senescence during ageing.
Prognostic utility of blood pressure-adjusted global and basal systolic longitudinal strain
Authors: Rhea Isaac B. , Rehman Shuja , Jarori Upasana , Choudhry Muhammad W. , Feigenbaum Harvey , Sawada Stephen G. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Assessment of global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS) and longitudinal systolic strain of the basal segments (BLS) has shown prognostic value in cardiac disorders. However, strain is reduced with increased afterload. We assessed the prognostic value of GLS and BLS adjusted for afterload. GLS and BLS were determined in 272 subjects with normal ejection fraction and no known coronary disease, or significant valve disease. Systolic blood pressure (SP) and diastolic blood pressure (DP) obtained at the time of echocardiography were used to adjust GLS and BLS as follows: strain×P (mmHg)/120 mmHg and strain×P (mmHg)/80 mmHg. Patients were followed for cardiac events and mortality. The mean age was 53±15 years and 53% had hypertension. There were 19 cardiac events and 70 deaths over a mean follow-up of 26±14 months. Cox analysis showed that left ventricular mass index (P=0.001), BLS (P<0.001), and DP-adjusted BLS (P<0.001) were independent predictors of cardiac events. DP-adjusted BLS added incremental value (P<0.001) to the other two predictors and had an area under the curve of 0.838 for events. DP (P=0.001), age (P=0.001), ACE inhibitor use (P=0.017), and SP-adjusted BLS (P=0.012) were independent predictors of mortality. SP-adjusted BLS added incremental value (P=0.014) to the other independent predictors. In conclusion, DP-adjusted BLS and SP-adjusted BLS were independent predictors of cardiac events and mortality, respectively. Blood pressure-adjusted strain added incremental prognostic value to other predictors of outcome.
Evidence for a PGF2α auto-amplification system in the endometrium in mares
Authors: Kozai Keisuke , Tokuyama Shota , Szóstek Anna Z , Toishi Yuko , Tsunoda Nobuo , Taya Kazuyoshi , Sakatani Miki , Takahashi Masashi , Nambo Yasuo , Skarzynski Dariusz J , Yamamoto Yuki , Kimura Koji , Okuda Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn mares, prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) secreted from the endometrium is a major luteolysin. Some domestic animals have an auto-amplification system in which PGF2αcan stimulate its own production. Here, we investigated whether this is also the case in mares. In anin vivostudy, mares at the mid-luteal phase (days 6–8 of estrous cycle) were injected i.m. with cloprostenol (250 µg) and blood samples were collected at fixed intervals until 72 h after treatment. Progesterone (P4) concentrations started decreasing 45 min after the injection and continued to decrease up to 24 h (P < 0.05). In turn, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α(PGFM) metabolite started to increase 4h after an injection and continued to increase up to 72 h (P < 0.05). PGF receptor (PTGFR) mRNA expression in the endometrium was significantly higher in the late luteal phase than in the early and regressed luteal phases (P < 0.05).In vitro, PGF2αsignificantly stimulated (P < 0.05) PGF2αproduction by endometrial tissues and endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and significantly increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2), an enzyme involved in PGF2αsynthesis in endometrial cell. These findings strongly suggest the existence of an endometrial PGF2αauto-amplification system in mares.
Health Care Use During Transfer to Adult Care Among Youth With Chronic Conditions
Authors: Cohen Eyal , Gandhi Sima , Toulany Alene , Moore Charlotte , Fu Longdi , Orkin Julia , Levy Deborah , Stephenson Anne L. , Guttmann Astrid 
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE:
To compare health care use and costs for youth with chronic health conditions before and after transfer from pediatric to adult health care services.

METHODS:
Youth born in Ontario, Canada, between April 1, 1989, and April 1, 1993, were assigned to 11 mutually exclusive, hierarchically arranged clinical groupings, including “complex” chronic conditions (CCCs), non-complex chronic conditions (N-CCCs), and chronic mental health conditions (CMHCs). Outcomes were compared between 2-year periods before and after transfer of pediatric services, the subjects’ 18th birthday.

RESULTS:
Among 104 497 youth, mortality was highest in those with CCCs, but did not increase after transfer (1.3% vs 1.5%, P = .55). Costs were highest among youth with CCCs and decreased after transfer (before and after median [interquartile range]: $4626 [1253–21 435] vs $3733 [950–16 841], P &lt; .001);Costs increased slightly for N-CCCs ($569 [263–1246] vs $589 [262–1333], P &lt; .001), and decreased for CMHCs ($1774 [659–5977] vs $1545 [529–5128], P &lt; .001). Emergency department visits increased only among youth with N-CCCs (P &lt; .001). High-acuity emergency department visits increased CCCs (P = .04) and N-CCCs (P &lt; .001), but not for CMHC (P = .59), who had the highest visit rate. Among the 11 individual conditions, costs only increased in youth with asthma (P &lt; .001), and decreased (P &lt; .05) in those with neurologic impairment, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and mood/affective disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:
Pediatric transfer to adult care is characterized by relatively stable short-term patterns of health service use and costs among youth with chronic conditions.
Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, and Google Scholar: A Comparison of Search Performance Using User Queries
Authors: Ciccone Karen , Vickery John 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objectives - To evaluate and compare the results produced by Summon and EBSCO Discovery
Service (EDS) for the types of searches typically performed by library users at North Carolina State University. Also, to compare the performance of these products to Google Scholar for the same types of searches.

Methods - A study was conducted to compare the search performance of two web-scale discovery services: ProQuest’s Summon and EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS). The performance of these services was also compared to Google Scholar. A sample of 183 actual user searches, randomly selected from the NCSU Libraries’ 2013 Summon search logs, was used for the study. For each query, searches were performed in Summon, EDS, and Google Scholar. The results of known-item searches were compared for retrieval of the known item, and the top ten results of topical searches were compared for the number of relevant results.

Results - There was no significant difference in the results between Summon and EDS for either known-item or topical searches. There was also no significant difference between the performance of the two discovery services and Google Scholar for known-item searches. However, Google Scholar outperformed both discovery services for topical searches.

Conclusions - There was no significant difference in the relevance of search results between Summon and EDS. Thus, any decision to purchase one of those products over the other should be based upon other considerations (e.g., technical issues, cost, customer service, or user interface).
Varied Search Protocols Lead to Clinically Relevant Results
Authors: Brown Marcy L. 
Published: February 2016

A review of:
Patel, Manesh R., Connie M. Schardt, Linda L. Sanders, and Sheri A. Keitz. “Randomized Trial for Answers to Clinical Questions: Evaluating a Pre-Appraised Versus a MEDLINE Search Protocol.” Journal of the Medical Library Association 94.4 (2006): 382-6.

Objective – To determine the success rate of electronic resources for answering clinical questions by comparing speed, validity, and applicability of two different protocols for searching the medical literature.

Design – Randomized trial with results judged by blinded panel.

Setting – Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.

Subjects – Thirty-two 2nd and 3rd year internal medicine residents on an eight-week general medicine rotation at the Duke University Medical Center.

Methods – Two search protocols were developed:

Protocol A: Participants searched MEDLINE first, and then searched pre-appraised resources if needed.

Protocol B: Participants searched pre-appraised resources first, which included UpToDate, ACP Journal Club, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and DARE. The residents then searched MEDLINE if an answer could not be found in the initial group of pre-appraised resources.

Residents were randomised by computer-assisted block order into four blocks of eight residents each. Two blocks were assigned to Protocol A, and two to Protocol B. Each day, residents developed at least one clinical question related to caring for patients. The questions were transcribed onto pocket-sized cards, with the answer sought later using the assigned protocol. If answers weren’t found using either protocol, searches were permitted in other available resources.

When an article that answered a question was found, the resident recorded basic information about the question and the answer as well as the time required to find the answer (less than five minutes; between five and ten minutes; or more than ten minutes). Residents were to select answers that were “methodologically sound and clinically important” (384). Ten faculty members formally trained in evidence-based medicine (EBM) reviewed a subset of therapy-related questions and answers. The reviewers, who were blinded to the search protocols, judged the applicability and internal validity of the answers.

Results – In total, 120 questions were searched using protocol A and 133 using protocol B; 104 answers were found by the protocol A group and 117 by the protocol B group. In protocol A, 97 answers were found in MEDLINE (80.8%) and six answers were found in pre-appraised resources (5.0%). In protocol B, 85 answers were found in pre-appraised resources (64.6%) and 31 were found in MEDLINE (23.3%). UpToDate was the major resource for answers in protocol B.

A statistically greater number of answers were found in less than five minutes in protocol B (p
The Implications Of Granting Backdated Options
Authors: Owers James E. 
Published: February 2016

Option backdating has recently been receiving extensive attention. The remarkable pattern of stock prices systematically declining before and increasing after the granting of options has been documented in research papers for approximately a decade but only recently have firms been facing charges of improper procedures associated with this pattern. One associated issue remaining to be investigated is what the implications are for shareholders of affected firms. This paper addresses that issue. It finds that there are marked negative implications for stockholders. On average, when investigations into backdating are announced firms lose approximately 11% of their market value. This translates into an average decline of more than half a billion dollars in market capitalization in the month leading up to the formal announcement of an investigation.
Goodwill And Goodwill Write-Downs: Their Effects On Earnings Quality For 2008 And 2009
Authors: Giacomino Don E. , Akers Michael D. 
Published: February 2016

This paper examines goodwill on corporate balance sheets. Specifically, the paper measures the extent to which goodwill exists on corporate balance sheets and the degree of goodwill write-downs that have occurred recently. We report on our study and a study by Intangible Business, which show that many firms carry substantial amounts of goodwill on their 2008 balance sheets. Thus, because of the recent downturn in the economy and the markets, the potential for big bath earnings management for 2008 and 2009 exists. In addition, because of reductions in expected returns on pension plan assets, many firms are likely to record much higher pension expenses. We expect that the combination of goodwill impairments and increased pension expense will have significant effects on both the amount and the quality of earnings for 2008 and, possibly, 2009.
REIVENÇÕES DE SI: acervos pessoais e o uso de escritas ordinárias como fontes para produção histórica
Authors: Vieira Letícia 
Published: February 2016

“Viver e Escrever: cadernos de escritas ordinárias de um professor catarinense (Sec XX)”, livro de autoria de Maria Teresa Santos Cunha e Flávia de Freitas Souza, configura-se como escrito de base por trazer à cena estudos acerca dos cadernos e colocar em pauta a questão das escritas ordinárias enquanto testemunhos de construções de si. Tomando por objeto de estudo parte do acervo pessoal do intelectual catarinense Victor Márcio Konder, e destinando atenção à descrição do processo de restauro, organização e salvaguarda do material componente desta parcela do acervo - especificamente um conjunto de quarenta e cinco cadernos manuscritos produzidos pelo professor entre as décadas de 1960 e 1980 -, a obra convida-nos ao debate acerca do uso de cadernos enquanto fonte para produção histórica, levando-nos a atentar à estes documentos, “portadores de ressonâncias”, e aos rastros que habitam cada espaço destes enquanto suportes de escrita.
Is There a Genetic Predisposition to Frozen Shoulder?
Authors: Prodromidis Apostolos D. , Charalambous Charalambos P. 
Published: February 2016

Background:
Frozen shoulder is a common disorder that leads to substantial functional loss for patients by impairing activities of daily living. It also adversely affects patients and society by impairing the ability to work. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence suggesting a genetic link to frozen shoulder.

Methods:
A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases using relevant keywords revealed 5506 studies. After appropriate screening of titles, abstracts, and full studies, seven studies were analyzed.

Results:
Three studies investigated rates of frozen shoulder among relatives. One study (n = 1828 twin pairs) showed an 11.6% prevalence in twin pairs and demonstrated a heritability of 42% for frozen shoulder after adjusting for age. A second study (n = 273) showed that 20% of patients with frozen shoulder had a positive family history involving a first-degree relative. The relative risk of frozen shoulder was 4:1 when all patients with frozen shoulder were compared with a control population. A third study (n = 87) showed that 29% of patients with frozen shoulder had a first-degree relative with frozen shoulder. Two studies evaluated racial predilection for frozen shoulder. One study (n = 50) reported a substantially higher number of white patients (76%) with frozen shoulder than black patients (24%). A second study (n = 87) showed that being born or having parents or grandparents born in the British Isles were risk factors for frozen shoulder. Four immunological studies investigated human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 as a risk factor for frozen shoulder. Meta-analysis of two of these studies with clearly defined controls showed significantly higher rates of HLA-B27 positivity in patients with frozen shoulder as compared with controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The limited evidence points toward a genetic link to frozen shoulder. We used family history and racial predilection as markers for genetic association, both of which indicated the presence of a genetic predisposition to frozen shoulder. However, as there is a lack of unbiased genetic approaches, there is an opportunity for genome-wide association studies to address definitively the molecular genetics of frozen shoulder. Such studies may eventually lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of frozen shoulder and the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Multifunctional Stimulation of Gas Wells Operating in Gas Cap over a Depleted Oil Reservoir
Authors: Lakatos I. , Lakatos-Szabo G. , Szentes G. , Bodi T. , Vago T. , Karaffa Zs. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The primary aim of the research project was to develop an efficient technology to control excessive water production in gas wells. As a novelty, water sensitive petroleum-based solutions were developed, which spontaneously form extremely high viscosity barrier under reservoir condition when contacting with water. The beneficial effects of induced phase inversion of metastable systems on restriction on water flow were already detailed in previous papers and later the technology was deemed matured and necessary to test under field conditions. Two phases and the still running field pilots were accomplished in one of the gas capped oil reservoirs of the largest stacked hydrocarbon field Algyő, Hungary. The target gas wells were operating in the gas cap over the oil layer depleted by double-sided water injection. Until now, six active wells were treated with the self-conforming microemulsions including two repeated cases.
Analyzing the production history of wells, the detrimental (&gt;50 m3/d, sometimes much higher than 100 m3/d) water production was the primary factor selecting the target wells to be treated. Usually, 40–100 m3 microemulsion was injected into the wells after drying the vicinity of wells by water-miscible organic solvent and N2 injection. The post-injected inert gas also served to create deep penetration of the treating solution in the reservoir. The jobs were completed within 1–2 days, and after 2–3 weeks of shut-in period, the gas production was restarted. Evaluating the field results, it was concluded that the treatments prove a multifunctional mechanism. The water production in some wells dropped significantly (from 120 m3/d to 40–30 m3/d in one well); meanwhile the gas production remained unchained. In one well, the water production remained unchained, however, the gas production tripled. Surprisingly, all treated wells, never producing liquid hydrocarbons in the earlier period, started to produce substantial amount of oil (oil cut between 10% and 75% oil in net fluid rate). These positive results can be attributed to three different reasons: effective barrier formation against water influx, reducing skin factor caused by formation damage, and opening new flow paths from entrapped oil bodies existing below the gas cap. Thus, the treatment technology was qualified as a "multifunctional well stimulation" in contrast to the original term of "water shutoff" method. Based on the encouraging field results the technology became one of the strategic projects of the company in the coming years until 2020.