bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol Produces Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor Receptor‐Dependent Enhancement of Spontaneous Glutamatergic Transmission in the Mouse Central Amygdala
Authors: Silberman Yuval , Fetterly Tracy L. , Awad Elias K. , Milano Elana J. , Usdin Ted B. , Winder Danny G. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundEthanol (EtOH) modulation of central amygdala (CeA) neurocircuitry plays a key role in the development of alcoholism via activation of the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptor (CRFR) system. Previous work has predominantly focused on EtOH × CRF interactions on the CeA GABA circuitry; however, our laboratory recently showed that CRF enhances CeA glutamatergic transmission. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether EtOH modulates CeA glutamate transmission via activation of CRF signaling.MethodsThe effects of EtOH on spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and basal resting membrane potentials were examined via standard electrophysiology methods in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Local ablation of CeA CRF neurons (CRFCeAhDTR) was achieved by targeting the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) to CeA CRF neurons with an adeno‐associated virus. Ablation was quantified post hoc with confocal microscopy. Genetic targeting of the diphtheria toxin active subunit to CRF neurons (CRFDTA mice) ablated CRF neurons throughout the central nervous system, as assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction quantification of CRF mRNA.ResultsAcute bath application of EtOH significantly increased sEPSC frequency in a concentration‐dependent manner in CeA neurons, and this effect was blocked by pretreatment of co‐applied CRFR1 and CRFR2 antagonists. In experiments utilizing a CRF‐tomato reporter mouse, EtOH did not significantly alter the basal membrane potential of CeA CRF neurons. The ability of EtOH to enhance CeA sEPSC frequency was not altered in CRFCeAhDTR mice despite a ~78% reduction in CeA CRF cell counts. The ability of EtOH to enhance CeA sEPSC frequency was also not altered in the CRFDTA mice despite a 3‐fold reduction in CRF mRNA levels.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that EtOH enhances spontaneous glutamatergic transmission in the CeA via a CRFR‐dependent mechanism. Surprisingly, our data suggest that this action may not require endogenous CRF.
Clinical roles and applications of progesterone in reproductive medicine: an overview
Authors: Filicori Marco 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe physiologic and clinical value of progesterone is undisputed and a cornerstone of human reproduction. Better understanding of the exact dynamics and effects of endogenous progesterone secretion, as well as its therapeutic actions, is critical to ensure optimal clinical results in artificial reproduction technology, and to enhance chances of successfully completing pregnancy. Novel progesterone‐based drugs and administration regimens will provide clinicians with greater options to make the management and treatment of infertile couples less burdensome and more successful.
Pediatric Targeted Therapy: Clinical Feasibility of Personalized Diagnostics in Children with Relapsed and Progressive Tumors
Authors: Selt Florian , Deiß Alica , Korshunov Andrey , Capper David , Witt Hendrik , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Jones David T. W. , Witt Ruth , Sahm Felix , Reuss David , Kölsche Christian , Ecker Jonas , Oehme Ina , Hielscher Thomas , von Deimling Andreas , Kulozik Andreas E. , Pfister Stefan M. , Witt Olaf , Milde Till 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe “pediatric targeted therapy” (PTT) program aims to identify the presence and activity of druggable targets and evaluate the clinical benefit of a personalized treatment approach in relapsed or progressive tumors on an individual basis. 10 markers (HDAC2, HR23B, p‐AKT, p‐ERK, p‐S6, p‐EGFR, PDGFR‐alpha/beta, p53 and BRAFV600E) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Pediatric patients with tumors independent of the histological diagnosis, with relapse or progression after treatment according to standard protocols were included. N = 61/145 (42%) cases were eligible for analysis between 2009 and 2013, the most common entities being brain tumors. Immunohistochemical stainings were evaluated by the H‐Score (0–300). In 93% of the cases potentially actionable targets were identified. The expressed or activated pathways were histone deacetylase (HDACs; 83.0% of cases positive), EGFR (87.2%), PDGFR (75.9%), p53 (50.0%), MAPK/ERK (43.3%) and PI3K/mTOR (36.1%). Follow‐up revealed partial or full implementation of PTT results in treatment decision‐making in 41% of the cases. Prolonged disease stabilization responses in single cases were noticed, however, response rates did not differ from cases treated with other modalities. Further studies evaluating the feasibility and clinical benefit of personalized diagnostic approaches using paraffin material are warranted.
Lava Flows and Moraines as Corridors for Early Plant Colonization of Glacier Forefronts on Tropical Volcanoes
Authors: Suárez Esteban , Orndahl Katie , Goodwin Katie 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPlant colonization in areas recently exposed by retreating glaciers in Tropical Andean volcanoes seems to be facilitated by moraines or lava flows. As a consequence, upward rearrangement of plant communities under climate change scenarios could be strongly influenced by the availability of protected substrates for plant colonization in these mountains.
Changes in Species Richness, Abundance, and Composition of Arboreal Twig‐nesting Ants Along an Elevational Gradient in Coffee Landscapes
Authors: Gillette Penelope N. , Ennis Katherine K. , Domínguez Martínez Gabriel , Philpott Stacy M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe distribution, diversity, and assembly of tropical insects have long intrigued ecologists, and for tropical ants, can be affected by competitive interactions, microhabitat requirements, dispersal, and availability and diversity of nesting sites. Arboreal twig‐nesting ants are limited by the number of hollow twigs available, especially in intensive agricultural systems. Ant diversity and abundance may shift along elevation gradients, but no studies have examined if the proportion of occupied twigs or richness of arboreal twig‐nesting ants vary with elevation. In coffee agroecosystems, there are over 40 species of arboreal twig‐nesting ants. We examined communities of twig‐nesting ants in coffee plants along an elevational gradient to answer the following questions: (1) Do species richness and colony abundance decline with elevation or show a mid‐elevation peak? (2) Does community composition change with elevation? (3) Is elevation an important predictor of change in ant abundance, richness, and relative abundance of common species? We surveyed 42 10 × 10 m plots in 2013 from 450 to1550 m elevation across a coffee landscape in Chiapas, Mexico. We sampled a total of 2211 hollow coffee twigs, 77.1 percent of which were occupied by one of 28 species of ants.Pseudomyrmex simplexwas more abundant in lower elevations, whereasPseudomyrmex ejectusdominated in high elevations. Species richness and the percent of occupied hollow twigs both peaked at mid‐elevations (800–1050 m). In sum, we found that species richness, abundance, and composition of arboreal twig‐nesting ants shift with elevation. These findings may provide important insights for understanding ant communities in coffee agroecosystems.
Phenology of Predation on Insects in a Tropical Forest: Temporal Variation in Attack Rate on Dummy Caterpillars
Authors: Molleman Freerk , Remmel Triinu , Sam Katerina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn communities of tropical insects, adult abundance tends to fluctuate widely, perhaps in part owing to predator–prey dynamics. Yet, temporal patterns of attack rates in tropical forest habitats have not been studied systematically; the identity of predators of insects in tropical forests is poorly known; and their responses to temporal variation in prey abundance have rarely been explored. We recorded incidence and shape of marks of attacks on dummy caterpillars (proxy of predation rate) in a sub‐montane tropical forest in Uganda during a yearlong experiment, and explored correlations with inferred caterpillar abundance. Applying the highest and lowest observed daily attack rates on clay dummies over a realistic duration of the larval stage of butterflies, indicates that the temporal variation in attack rate could cause more than 10‐fold temporal variation in caterpillar survival. Inferred predators were almost exclusively invertebrates, and beak marks of birds were very scarce. Attack rates by wasps varied more over time than those of ants. Attack rates on dummies peaked during the two wet seasons, and appeared congruent with inferred peaks in caterpillar density. This suggests (1) a functional response (predators shifting to more abundant resource) or adaptive timed phenology (predators timing activity or breeding to coincide with seasonal peaks in prey abundance) of predators, rather than a numerical response (predator populations increasing following peaks in prey abundance); and (2) that predation would dampen abundance fluctuations of tropical Lepidoptera communities.
Dietary Dependence of Predatory Arthropods on Volant Aquatic Insects in Tropical Stream Riparia
Authors: Yuen Elaine Y. L. , Dudgeon David 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe dietary dependence on volant aquatic insects of eight species of predatory arthropods from three different orders was determined by stable isotope analyses in combination with three‐source, two‐isotope (C and N) Bayesian mixing models. The predators were collected from riparian zones along three streams in tropical Hong Kong during both the wet and dry seasons. Dietary importance of aquatic insects varied according to predator hunting modes, and showed a consistent pattern across all sites during the wet season. The web‐building tetragnathid spider (Orsinome diporusa) had the greatest reliance (~40–55%) on this water‐to‐land subsidy, followed by two species of damselflies (40–50%), three cursorial spiders (Lycosidae, Pisauridae, and Sparassidae: 32–51%) and two neustic gerrids (17–36%). Such reliance also varied according to the microhabitat preferences of different cursorial spiders. Four species of predators (gerrids and cursorial spiders) that were active year‐round showed generally consistent reliance on aquatic insects between seasons, which probably reflected the observed lack of seasonal variability in the relative proportions of aquatic and terrestrial prey. There was a marked overlap in isotopic signatures of aquatic and terrestrial prey at all sites which, combined with the absence of data on the extent to which isotopic fractionations may vary among individual species of prey and predators, contributes some uncertainty to the estimates of dietary compositions derived by mixing models. The findings of the present study are thus likely to be indicative rather than definitive.
Pairwise Registration by Local Orientation Cues
Authors: Petrelli Alioscia , Di Stefano Luigi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractInspired by recent work on robust and fast computation of 3D Local Reference Frames (LRFs), we propose a novel pipeline for coarse registration of 3D point clouds. Key to the method are: (i) the observation that any two corresponding points endowed with an LRF provide a hypothesis on the rigid motion between two views, (ii) the intuition that feature points can be matched based solely on cues directly derived from the computation of the LRF, (iii) a feature detection approach relying on a saliency criterion which captures the ability to establish an LRF repeatably. Unlike related work in literature, we also propose a comprehensive experimental evaluation based on diverse kinds of data (such as those acquired by laser scanners, Kinect and stereo cameras) as well as on quantitative comparison with respect to other methods. We also address the issue of setting the many parameters that characterize coarse registration pipelines fairly and realistically. The experimental evaluation vouches that our method can handle effectively data acquired by different sensors and is remarkably fast.
Consumers’ Valuation for a Reduced Salt Product: A Nonhypothetical Choice Experiment
Authors: Lee Sang Hyeon , Han Doo Bong , Caputo Vincenzina , Nayga Rodolfo M. 
Published: October 2015

Reducing intakes of salt can help decrease a person's risk of heart‐related chronic diseases. This study utilized a nonhypothetical choice experiment (with some hypothetical product options) to examine consumers’ valuation for “Reduced Salt” canned ham in Korea. This study analyzed different sources of heterogeneity, such as correlation across utilities, income effects, and risk preferences, by estimating four different specifications of the random parameters logit model. Results suggest that the range of discount needed for consumers to switch from “Reduced Salt” canned ham to standard canned ham is 274 KRW ($USD 0.24) to 313 KRW ($USD 0.28) per can, which is approximately 7.8–8.9% of the average price of a canned ham. The results also suggest that consumers prefer the canned ham using domestic pork to the canned ham using imported pork. Moreover, respondents who are highly risk averse were more likely to purchase products with domestic ingredients.Une diminution de l'apport en sodium peut contribuer à réduire le risque de maladies cardiaques chroniques. Dans la présente étude, nous avons utilisé une méthode des choix discrets non hypothétiques (comprenant quelques options de produits hypothétiques) pour examiner l’évaluation des consommateurs coréens concernant le jambon en conserve « réduit en sodium ». Nous avons analysé diverses sources d'hétérogénéité, telles que la corrélation des fonctions d'utilité, l'effet de revenu et les préférences quant au risque, en estimant quatre spécifications du modèle logit à paramètres aléatoires. Les résultats de notre étude indiquent que la fourchette d'escompte nécessaire pour inciter les consommateurs à passer du jambon en conserve « réduit en sodium » au jambon en conserve ordinaire varie de 274 KRW (0,24 $ US) à 313 KRW (0,28 $ US) par conserve, soit environ 7,8 à 8,9 % du prix moyen du jambon en conserve. Les résultats indiquent également que les consommateurs préfèrent le jambon en conserve provenant de porcs élevés en Corée plutôt que porcs importés. De plus, les répondants qui avaient une forte aversion pour le risque étaient plus susceptibles d'acheter des produits contenant des ingrédients provenant de la Corée.
Effect of strength training with blood flow restriction on muscle power and submaximal strength in eumenorrheic women
Authors: Gil Ana L. S. , Neto Gabriel R. , Sousa Maria S. C. , Dias Ingrid , Vianna Jeferson , Nunes Rodolfo A. M. , Novaes Jefferson S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBlood flow restriction (BFR) training stimulates muscle size and strength by increasing muscle activation, accumulation of metabolites and muscle swelling. This method has been used in different populations, but no studies have evaluated the effects of training on muscle power and submaximal strength (SS) in accounted for the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of strength training (ST) with BFR on the muscle power and SS of upper and lower limbs in eumenorrheic women. Forty untrained women (18–40 years) were divided randomly and proportionally into four groups: (i) high‐intensity ST at 80% of 1RM (HI), (ii) low‐intensity ST at 20% of 1RM combined with partial blood flow restriction (LI + BFR), (iii) low‐intensity ST at 20% of 1RM (LI) and d) control group (CG). Each training group performed eight training sessions. Tests with a medicine ball (MB), horizontal jump (HJ), vertical jump (VJ), biceps curls (BC) and knee extension (KE) were performed during the 1st day follicular phase (FP), 14th day (ovulatory phase) and 26–28th days (luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle. There was no significant difference among groups in terms of the MB, HJ, VJ or BC results at any time point (P>0·05). SS in the KE exercise was significantly greater in the LI + BFR group compared to the CG group (P = 0·014) during the LP. Therefore, ST with BFR does not appear to improve the power of upper and lower limbs and may be an alternative to improve the SS of lower limbs of eumenorrheic women.
Determinants of ventricular arrhythmias in human explanted hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Parajuli Nirmal , Valtuille Lucas , Basu Ratnadeep , Famulski Konrad S. , Halloran Philip F. , Sergi Consolato , Oudit Gavin Y. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe molecular and cellular determinants of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with nonischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) remain poorly defined.Materials and methodsWe examined 20 NIDCM hearts where VT was reported in 10 cases and VT was absent in 10 cases, using a double‐blinded case–control study design, and assessed the molecular and cellular features of the adverse myocardial remodelling.ResultsExplanted hearts from patients with VT showed greater hypertrophic changes based on cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional area and expression of disease markers, and increased myocardial fibrosis which extended into the left ventricular and right ventricular outflow tract regions. The VT group also showed increased oxidative stress with reduction in reduced glutathione levels. Connexin 43 levels in the intercalated discs showed increased levels in the VT group with reduced phosphorylation. Microarray mRNA analysis of gene expression in the left ventricle (LV) free wall revealed several families of genes which were differentially upregulated or downregulated in hearts with documented VT compared to hearts without VT. Notably, we identified reduced expression of the Ca2+‐activated K+ channel (KCNN2) and increased expression of the transient receptor potential cation channel 7 (TRPM7) and intracellular chloride channel 3. Western blot analysis on LV membrane fractions showed reduced KCNN2 and increased TRPM7 levels in hearts with VT.ConclusionsIn explanted human hearts with NIDCM, VT is associated with greater hypertrophy, oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis, differential gene expression, and altered ion channel levels indicative of a distinctive adverse myocardial remodelling process associated with clinically significant VT.
Normal mast cell numbers in the tissues of AhR‐deficient mice
Authors: Pilz Caroline , Feyerabend Thorsten , Sonner Jana , Redaelli Chiara , Peter Katharina , Kunze Anja , Haas Katharina , Esser Charlotte , Schäkel Knut , Wick Wolfgang , Rodewald Hans‐Reimer , Lanz Tobias V. , Platten Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) acts as an immunomodulatory molecule in several immune cell lineages. Recently, it has been implicated in development and maintenance of immune cells in barrier tissues such as skin and mucosa. To investigate its role on mast cell development and maintenance in skin, peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and lymph nodes, we studied in depth their phenotype in AhR‐deficient mice. Our findings do not provide any evidence for a suspected role of the AhR in mast cell homeostasis.
Local deformation at micro‐notches and crack initiation in an intermetallic γ‐TiAl‐alloy
Authors: Bode B. , Wessel W. , Brueckner‐Foit A. , Mildner J. , Wollenhaupt M. , Baumert T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe relation is studied between crack initiation from micro‐notches in a fully lamellar intermetallic γ‐TiAl alloy and the local strain field. These micro‐notches were introduced using femtosecond‐laser ablation and had dimensions below the average colony size. The specimen under investigation was then subjected to fatigue loading. Continuous monitoring using a travelling optical microscope allowed detecting microcracks at an early stage. Prior to fatigue loading, a sustained load was applied and the local strain field was determined using digital image correlation. This was supplemented by a Finite Element analysis of the notches and their neighbourhood. It was found that a crack was initiated from a notch causing high normal strains in lamella direction, whereas no crack was initiated from notches with high shear strains.
Interaction of human mitochondrial transcription factor A in mitochondria: its involvement in the dynamics of mitochondrial DNA nucleoids
Authors: Kasashima Katsumi , Endo Hitoshi 
Published: October 2015

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is a key regulator of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). TFAM interacts with itself and forms dimers; however, the precise interaction domain in vivo has not yet been determined. We herein showed that human TFAM formed oligomers in mitochondria by in situ chemical cross‐linking. We used the separated fluorescent protein, monomeric Kusabira‐Green, as a reporter to monitor their self‐association in mitochondria. This reporter successfully detected the TFAM–TFAM interaction in cells as fluorescent signals on mitochondria. We also found that the N‐terminal high‐mobility group box domain was sufficient for this interaction. The expression of the dimer‐defective mutant induced enlarged mtDNA nucleoids, suggesting the importance of dimerization in the distribution of mtDNA. The reporter system also supported the association and mixture between independent nucleoids through TFAM by a cell fusion assay using hemagglutinating virus of Japan. We here, for the first time, visualized the interaction of TFAM molecules in mitochondria and proposed its implications for the dynamics of mtDNA nucleoids.
Risk factors and outcomes of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen negative patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Han Ji Won , Yang Hyun , Lee Hae Lim , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Lee Jong‐Wook , Kim Hee Je , Lee Seok , Cho Seok Goo , Min Chang Ki , Kim Dong Wook , Yoon Seung Kew 
Published: October 2015

AimCurrent guidelines recommend all patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B virus core antigen (anti‐HBc) status. However, still, more research is needed to identify the risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. We retrospectively investigated the incidence, risk factors and outcome of HBV reactivation in HBsAg negative patients with hematological malignancies.MethodsSeven hundred and thirty‐eight HBsAg negative patients with hematological malignancies were included in the study. HBV reactivation was defined as reverse seroconversion of HBsAg (HBsAg reappearance). Risk factors, cumulative incidence and overall survival of HBV reactivation were analyzed.ResultsReactivation occurred in 23 of the 738 (3.1%) enrolled patients. As expected, the reactivation rate of the anti‐HBc positive group was significantly higher than that of the anti‐HBc negative group (5.4% vs 0.8%). Multivariate analysis indicated that loss of antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) was an independent risk factor. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma showed significantly higher reactivation rate than those with other diseases. The cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation after starting chemotherapy in the anti‐HBc positive subgroup was 0.3% at 1 year, 1.7% at 2 years and 10.5% at 3 years.ConclusionClose monitoring of HBV markers, including anti‐HBs, should be performed for longer than 24 months. Further study is needed to establish a strategy to prevent HBV reactivation after chemotherapy in HBsAg negative patients with hematological malignancies.