bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of physiological phenotypes of dentate gyrus synapses of PDZ1/2 domain‐deficient PSD‐95‐knockin mice
Authors: Nagura Hitoshi , Doi Tomoko , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe hippocampal formation is involved in several important brain functions of animals, such as memory formation and pattern separation, and the synapses in the dentate gyrus (DG) play critical roles as the first step in the hippocampal circuit. Previous studies have reported that mice with genetic modifications of the PDZ1/2 domains of postsynaptic density (PSD)‐95 exhibit altered synaptic properties in the DG and impaired hippocampus‐dependent behaviors. Based on the involvement of the DG in the regulation of behaviors, these data suggest that the abnormal behavior of these knockin (KI) mice is due partly to altered DG function. Precise understanding of the phenotypes of these mutant mice requires characterization of the synaptic properties of the DG, and here we provide detailed studies of DG synapses. We have demonstrated global changes in the PSD membrane‐associated guanylate kinase expression pattern in the DG of mutant mice, and DG synapses in these mice exhibited increased long‐term potentiation under a wide range of stimulus intensities, although the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor dependence of the long‐term potentiation was unchanged. Furthermore, our data also indicate increased silent synapses in the DG of the KI mice. These findings suggest that abnormal protein expression and physiological properties disrupt the function of DG neurons in these KI mice.
Satellite chlorophyll fluorescence measurements reveal large‐scale decoupling of photosynthesis and greenness dynamics in boreal evergreen forests
Authors: Walther Sophia , Voigt Maximilian , Thum Tea , Gonsamo Alemu , Zhang Yongguang , Köhler Philipp , Jung Martin , Varlagin Andrej , Guanter Luis 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMid‐to‐high latitude forests play an important role in the terrestrial carbon cycle, but the representation of photosynthesis in boreal forests by current modelling and observational methods is still challenging. In particular, the applicability of existing satellite‐based proxies of greenness to indicate photosynthetic activity is hindered by small annual changes in green biomass of the often evergreen tree population and by the confounding effects of background materials such as snow. As an alternative, satellite measurements of sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) can be used as a direct proxy of photosynthetic activity. In this study, the start and end of the photosynthetically active season of the main boreal forests are analysed using spaceborne SIF measurements retrieved from the GOME‐2 instrument and compared to that of green biomass, proxied by vegetation indices including the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) derived from MODIS data. We find that photosynthesis and greenness show a similar seasonality in deciduous forests. In high‐latitude evergreen needleleaf forests, however, the length of the photosynthetically active period indicated by SIF is up to 6 weeks longer than the green biomass changing period proxied by EVI, with SIF showing a start‐of‐season of approximately 1 month earlier than EVI. On average, the photosynthetic spring recovery as signalled by SIF occurs as soon as air temperatures exceed the freezing point (2–3 °C) and when the snow on the ground has not yet completely melted. These findings are supported by model data of gross primary production and a number of other studies which evaluated in situ observations of CO2 fluxes, meteorology and the physiological state of the needles. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of space‐based SIF measurements to light‐use efficiency of boreal forests and their potential for an unbiased detection of photosynthetic activity even under the challenging conditions interposed by evergreen boreal ecosystems.
Productivity and water use efficiency ofAgave americanain the first field trial as bioenergy feedstock on arid lands
Authors: Davis Sarah C. , Kuzmick Emily R. , Niechayev Nicholas , Hunsaker Douglas J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAgavespecies are high‐yielding crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants, some of which are grown commercially and recognized as potential bioenergy species for dry regions of the world. This study is the first field trial ofAgavespecies for bioenergy in the United States, and was established to compare the production ofAgave americanawith the production ofAgave tequilanaandAgave fourcroydes, which are produced commercially in Mexico for tequila and fiber. The field trial included four experimental irrigation levels to test the response of biomass production to water inputs. After 3 years, annual production of healthyA. americanaplants reached 9.3 Mg dry mass ha−1 yr−1(including pup mass) with 530 mm of annual water inputs, including both rainfall and irrigation. Yields in the most arid conditions tested (300 mm yr−1water input) were 2.0–4.0 Mg dry mass ha−1 yr−1.Agave tequilanaandAgave fourcroydeswere severely damaged by cold in the first winter, and produced maximum yields of only 0.04 Mg ha−1 yr−1and 0.26 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) emerged as an important challenge forA. americanacropping, killing a greater number of plants in the higher irrigation treatments. Physiological differences inA. americanaplants across irrigation treatments were most evident in the warmest season, with gas exchange beginning up to 3 h earlier and water use efficiency declining in treatments with the greatest water input (780 mm yr−1water input). Yields were lower than previous projections forAgavespecies, but results from this study suggest thatA. americanahas potential as a bioenergy crop and would have substantially reduced irrigation requirements relative to conventional crops in the southwesternUSA. Challenges for pest management and harvesting must still be addressed before an efficient production system that usesAgavecan be realized.
Frequency of pediatric migraine with aura in a clinic‐based sample
Authors: Genizi Jacob , Khourieh Matar Amal , Zelnik Nathanel , Schertz Mitchell , Srugo Isaac 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and risk factors for pediatric migraine with aura (MWA) among patients presenting to pediatric neurology clinics.BackgroundHeadache is a common complaint among children, and the prevalence of migraine is about 8%. Up to one third of adults with migraine report experiencing aura; however, the exact percentage in children is unknown.MethodsMedical records of children presenting with headache to three pediatric neurology clinics in Haifa in the last 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of migraine headache at 5‐18 years of age.ResultsOf 260 children (140 female) who had migraine, 26.2% experienced aura. MWA was more common among females compared to males (32.6% vs 18.9%, P < .01) and among older children (OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.20‐5.20; P < .01). Among those who experienced aura, visual aura was more common in females than males (66.7% vs 33.3%, P < .04). Family history of migraine was strongly related to MWA (P < .02): the odds of MWA were 2.46 times greater in children who had a family history of migraine. (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.08‐5.62; P < .03).ConclusionsMWA is as common in children as in adults. Aura is more common in older children. Children who have MWA are more likely to have a family history of migraine.
Cytoplasmic expression of maspin predicts unfavourable prognosis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Matsuoka Yuki , Takagi Yuzo , Nosaka Kanae , Sakabe Tomohiko , Haruki Tomohiro , Araki Kunio , Taniguchi Yuji , Shiomi Tatsushi , Nakamura Hiroshige , Umekita Yoshihisa 
Published: December 2015

AimsMaspin is known to be a tumour suppressor protein, and its prognostic significance in patients with several types of cancer, including lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), has been reported. However, its prognostic impact on lung SCC has been controversial. We explored the prognostic value of maspin expression with particular reference to its subcellular localization in patients with lung SCC.Methods and resultsParaffin‐embedded tissue samples from 101 curatively resected patients with lung SCC were analysed immunohistochemically using an antibody for maspin. Maspin positivity was defined as strong expression in only the cytoplasm and observed in 25 patients (24.6%). It correlated significantly with the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006) and higher pathological stage (P = 0.003). The patients were followed‐up for 2–119 months (median: 50 months), and the maspin‐positive group had shorter disease‐free survival (DFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) by log‐rank test (P = 0.002, P = 0.016, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the status of maspin was the only independent prognostic factor for DFS and DSS (P = 0.017, P = 0.047, respectively).ConclusionsCytoplasmic expression of maspin could be an independent unfavourable prognostic indicator in patients with lung SCC.
Biological markers of fertility (inhibin‐B) in HIV‐infected men: influence of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Moreno‐Pérez O , Boix V , Merino E , Picó A , Reus S , Alfayate R , Giner L , Mirete R , Sánchez‐Payá J , Portilla J 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesInhibin B (IB) levels and the IB: follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (IFR), biomarkers of global Sertoli cell function, show a strong relationship with male fertility. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of impaired fertility potential in HIV‐infected men and the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on fertility biomarkers.MethodsA cross‐sectional study with sequential sampling was carried out. A total of 169 clinically stable patients in a cohort of HIV‐infected men undergoing regular ambulatory assessment in a tertiary hospital were included. The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] age of the patients was 42.6 ± 8.1 years, all were clinically stable, 61.5% had disease classified as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage A, and were na?ve to ART or had not had any changes to ART for 6 months (91.1%). Morning baseline IB and FSH concentrations were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with impaired fertility, defined as IB < 119 pg/mL or IFR < 23.5.ResultsThe mean (± SD) IB level was 250 ± 103 pg/mL, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] FSH concentration was 5.1 (3.3–7.8) UI/L and the median (IQR) IFR was 46.1 (26.3–83.7). The prevalence of impaired fertility was 21.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3–20.7%]. Negative correlations of body mass index and waist: hip ratio with FSH and IB levels were observed (P < 0.01), while a sedentary lifestyle and previous nevirapine exposure were associated with a decreased risk of IB levels ≤ 25th percentile in multivariate analysis. Only older age, as a risk factor, and sedentary lifestyle, with a protective effect, were independently associated with impaired fertility in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsGlobal testicular Sertoli cell function and fertility potential, assessed indirectly through serum IB levels and IB: FSH ratio, appear to be well maintained in HIV‐infected men and not damaged by ART.
The use of serial outpatient complete blood count (CBC) results to derive biologic variation: a new tool to gauge the acceptability of hematology testing
Authors: Cembrowski G. , Topping K. , Versluys K. , Tran D. , Malick M. , Holmes D. , Clarke G. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIntroductionMost estimates of biologic variation (sb) are based on periodically acquiring and storing specimens from reference subjects, followed by analysis within a tightly controlled analytic run. We demonstrate that reliable estimates of sb can be derived for virtually all constituents of the CBC from previously obtained paired patient results and summary QC data.MethodsA laboratory data repository provided all of the outpatient CBC results measured over 20.5 months at a large Canadian referral laboratory. These CBC measurements were taken on one of four Beckman Coulter LH analyzers. A total of 1852 different patients had CBCs repeated at least twice within 84 h. We tabulated the pairs of intrapatient constituents that were separated by 0–6, 6–12, 12–18,… 72–78, and 78–84 h. The standard deviations of duplicates (SDD) of the paired data were then regressed against time. The y‐intercept represents the sum of sb and short‐term analytic variation (sa): y0 =(s2a +s2b)1/2. The short‐term imprecision was determined from normal range Coulter quality control specimens.ResultsPatient sb for hematocrit, MCH, absolute monocytes, and absolute neutrophils are extremely close to those determined by biologic variation experiments using healthy volunteers. Most of the other estimates of sb tended to be slightly lower than literature estimates.ConclusionsWe describe a novel approach to deriving sb. The ratio of the sb to sa (a measure of sigma) indicates that the Beckman Coulter LH is extremely suitable for CBC monitoring of outpatients as well as for inpatients, whose sb is generally higher.
How Successful are Highly Qualified Return Migrants in the Lithuanian Labour Market?
Authors: Barcevičius Egidijus 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article analyses whether the human capital gained abroad helps returning migrants to integrate into the Lithuanian labour market. The analysis focuses on highly qualified migrants, defined narrowly as people with higher education who held qualified jobs when working abroad. The article found that for this group of returnees professional aims were important when taking a decision to return, together with other motives such as family reasons and home‐sickness. Most of the returnees were able to find employment and pursue their careers without major difficulties, although a significant minority signalled an intention to emigrate again. The article examines the key factors that sometimes helped and sometimes hindered integration of the returnees and discusses the role of the public policy.
The potential role of retroviruses in autoimmunity
Authors: Yu Philipp 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIn the last 20 years research in Immunology underwent fundamental changes. Most importantly, the identification of the key role of innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize evolutionarily conserved molecular patterns on infectious pathogens. This results in priming of innate immune cells, which in turn activate and direct the adaptive immune response. Progress in innate immune recognition instigated the current working hypothesis, that recognition of endogenous ligands by PRRs results in innate immune cell activation (autoinflammation) or activation of adaptive cells, with self‐reactive antigen receptors (autoimmunity). In particular, nucleic acid‐sensing innate immune receptors seem to be prime candidates for a mechanistic understanding of autoreactive activation of the immune system. However, it remains uncertain what the actual source of nucleic acid ligands is and what other signals are needed to drive activation of autoreactive innate immune cells and break self‐tolerance of the adaptive immune system. Here, I will review our present understanding about whether the infection with exogenous retroviruses or the reactivation of endogenous retroviruses might play an etiological role in certain autoimmune conditions of humans and murine experimental models.
Mechanisms involved in triggering rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Catrina Anca I. , Joshua Vijay , Klareskog Lars , Malmström Vivianne 
Published: December 2015

SummaryRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory syndrome with a strong autoimmune component. The autoantigens in RA are neither tissue nor organ‐specific, but comprise a broad collection of post‐translational modified proteins, such as citrullinated proteins. These modifications are likely to be triggered by innate stimuli. In genetically susceptible hosts, they can lead to a more substantiated secondary autoimmune reaction targeting the joints and precipitating the clinical onset of RA. Both innate and adaptive mechanisms will then closely interplay to promote chronic joint inflammation in the several absence of appropriate treatment. This scenario, is shared with other autoimmune diseases where potentially pathogenic immune responses are present already before disease onset. Better understanding of these processes will allow both earlier diagnosis of RA and identification of those healthy individuals that are at risk of developing disease, opening possibilities for disease prevention. In this review, we discuss the iterative processes of innate and adaptive immunity responsible for the (longitudinal) development of immune reactions that may contribute to the development of RA.
Endosomal Toll‐like receptors in clinically overt and silent autoimmunity
Authors: Clancy Robert M. , Markham Androo J. , Buyon Jill P. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryToll‐like receptors (TLRs), first identified as pattern recognition receptors, are now recognized to serve as a key interface between innate and adaptive immunity. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by both continuous and cyclic stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune system by endogenous nucleic acids released from apoptotic or necrotic cells. TLR7 and TLR9 function as innate sensors of viral infection as their ligands are ssRNA and dsDNA, respectively. Recognition of self nucleic acids by endosomal TLRs in B cells and pDCs is thought to be an important step in the pathogenesis of SLE, generating anti‐nuclear antibodies and producing type I IFN. In this review, we take a specific look at how TLR7, non‐coding RNA, and SSA/Ro60 can contribute to clinical autoimmunity and organ damage in the context of neonatal lupus (NL). Although 15 times less common than SLE, NL provides a unique opportunity to study two different aspects of autoimmunity: passively acquired tissue injury in a developing fetus and clinical progression of disease in an asymptomatic mother found to have anti‐Ro60 autoantibodies only after identification of heart block/rash in a child. Finally, we discuss hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use by asymptomatic subjects which may forestall the clinical expression of autoimmunity.
The role of Card9 overexpression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with aseptic acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yang Zhi‐wen , Weng Cheng‐zhao , Wang Jing , Xu Ping 
Published: December 2015

AbstractActivated mononuclear cells are an early event in the course of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). To date, the molecular mechanism triggering peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is poorly understood. The aim of this paper was to determine the potential role of Card9 in SAP. We collected data from 72 subjects between January 2013 and June 2014. Subsequently, PBMCs were isolated on day 1, 3 and 5 of pancreatitis. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and ELISA were used to determine the role of Card9 in SAP. Microbial culture showed that SAP patients at the early period did not develop any bacteria and fungi infection. Card9 expression in SAP patients was higher than that in mild acute pancreatitis and volunteer healthy controls, up to the peak on day 1. The monocyte‐derived cytokines interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α mediated by the induction of Card9 markedly increased in SAP patients compared with the control group. Furthermore, the inducible formation of Card9‐Bcl10 complex was found in PBMCs, which may be involved in nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and p38 activation in SAP. Receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that Card9 levels had a high sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 67.7%, showing the close correlation with SAP patients. Card9 overexpression was firstly found in aseptic SAP, which may be played an important role in NF‐κB and p38 activation in PBMCs. It also provided the new insights into therapeutic interventions by targeting monocytes activation in SAP patients.
Towards theory integration: Threshold model as a link between signal detection theory, fast‐and‐frugal trees and evidence accumulation theory
Authors: Hozo Iztok , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Luan Shenghua , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Gigerenzer Gerd 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTheories of decision making are divided between those aiming to help decision makers in the real, ‘large’ world and those who study decisions in idealized ‘small’ world settings. For the most part, these large‐ and small‐world decision theories remain disconnected.MethodsWe linked the small‐world decision theoretic concepts of signal detection theory (SDT) and evidence accumulation theory (EAT) to the threshold model and the large world of heuristic decision making that rely on fast‐and‐frugal decision trees (FFT).ResultsWe connected these large‐ and small‐world theories by demonstrating that seemingly different decision‐making concepts are actually equivalent. In doing so, we were able (1) to link the threshold model to EAT and FFT, thereby creating decision criteria that take into account both the classification accuracy of FFT and the consequences built in the threshold model; (2) to demonstrate how threshold criteria can be used as a strategy for optimal selection of cues when constructing FFT; and (3) to show that the compensatory strategy expressed in the threshold model can be linked to a non‐compensatory FFT approach to decision making. We also showed how construction and performance of FFT depend on having reliable information – the results were highly sensitive to the estimates of benefits and harms of health interventions. We illustrate the practical usefulness of our analysis by describing an FFT we developed for prescribing statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsBy linking SDT and EAT to the compensatory threshold model and to non‐compensatory heuristic decision making (FFT), we showed how these two decision strategies are ultimately linked within a broader theoretical framework and thereby respond to calls for integrating decision theory paradigms.
Does Industrial Waste Reuse Bring Dual Benefits of Economic Growth and Carbon Emission Reduction?: Evidence of Incorporating the Indirect Effect of Economic Growth in China
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Zhaohua , Lai Kee‐hung 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThis article employs panel data from 28 Chinese provinces over the period 1999–2011 to analyze the effects of industrial waste reuse (IWR) on carbon emissions. The extant studies mainly consider the direct effects that individual firms garner from IWR while ignoring other possible indirect effects in a more macroscopic context. Considering this research void, this article examines the potential indirect effects of IWR on carbon emissions through economic growth as the mediator. The results show that the direct effect of IWR on carbon emissions is negative and significant, but the positive indirect effect, through economic growth, is present. From the perspective of total effect, IWR is beneficial for both economic growth and carbon emission reduction (CER). However, the benefits for CER are mitigated when the economy is less developed, because the emission reduction could be compromised through the indirect effect of economic growth. Nevertheless, the indirect effect on compensating carbon emission is decreased with an increase in the economic growth. When the growth reaches a higher level, the indirect effect of IWR will alter to contribute to CER. The turning point in China is around 7,000 to 9,000 renminbi gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in 1999 constant price.