bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of the medium‐duration afterhyperpolarization in rat serotonergic neurons
Authors: Alix Philippe , Venkatesan Kumar , Scuvée‐Moreau Jacqueline , Massotte Laurent , Nguyen Trung Mai‐Linh , Cornil Charlotte A. , Seutin Vincent 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMost serotonergic neurons display a prominent medium‐duration afterhyperpolarization (mAHP), which is mediated by small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) channels. Recent ex vivo and in vivo experiments have suggested that SK channel blockade increases the firing rate and/or bursting in these neurons. The purpose of this study was therefore to characterize the source of Ca2+ which activates the mAHP channels in serotonergic neurons. In voltage‐clamp experiments, an outward current was recorded at −60 mV after a depolarizing pulse to +100 mV. A supramaximal concentration of the SK channel blockers apamin or (‐)‐bicuculline methiodide blocked this outward current. This current was also sensitive to the broad Ca2+ channel blocker Co2+ and was partially blocked by both ω‐conotoxin and mibefradil, which are blockers of N‐type and T‐type Ca2+ channels, respectively. Neither blockers of other voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels nor DBHQ, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release, had any effect on the SK current. In current‐clamp experiments, mAHPs following action potentials were only blocked by ω‐conotoxin and were unaffected by mibefradil. This was observed in slices from both juvenile and adult rats. Finally, when these neurons were induced to fire in an in vivo‐like pacemaker rate, only ω‐conotoxin was able to increase their firing rate (by ~30%), an effect identical to the one previously reported for apamin. Our results demonstrate that N‐type Ca2+ channels are the only source of Ca2+ which activates the SK channels underlying the mAHP. T‐type Ca2+ channels may also activate SK channels under different circumstances.
Partner manipulation stabilises a horizontally transmitted mutualism
Authors: Heil Martin , Barajas‐Barron Alejandro , Orona‐Tamayo Domancar , Wielsch Natalie , Svatos Ales 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMutualisms require protection from non‐reciprocating exploiters. Pseudomyrmex workers that engage in an obligate defensive mutualism with Acacia hosts feed exclusively on the sucrose‐free extrafloral nectar (EFN) that is secreted by their hosts, a behaviour linking ant energy supply directly to host performance and thus favouring reciprocating behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that Acacia hosts manipulate this digestive specialisation of their ant mutualists. Invertase (sucrose hydrolytic) activity in the ant midguts was inhibited by chitinase, a dominant EFN protein. The inhibition occurred quickly in cell‐free gut liquids and in native gels and thus likely results from an enzyme–enzyme interaction. Once a freshly eclosed worker ingests EFN as the first diet available, her invertase becomes inhibited and she, thus, continues feeding on host‐derived EFN. Partner manipulation acts at the phenotypic level and means that one partner actively controls the phenotype of the other partner to enhance its dependency on host‐derived rewards.
Leukotrienes as key mediators and amplifiers in allergic inflammation: insights from the bench and clinic
Authors: Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLipid mediators, such as leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandins (PGs), have a variety of physiological roles through their respective receptors. They are involved in both the maintenance of homoeostasis and the pathobiology of many diseases. Recent developments in relevant gene‐targeted animals and receptor‐selective compounds have significantly advanced our understanding of the role of lipid mediators in the immune system. In the Viewpoint entitled, ‘Leukotrienes orchestrating allergic skin inflammation’, Dr Sadik and colleagues provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress on the new roles of LTs in cutaneous allergy and sketch important future research avenues.
Dissolution of UK High‐Level Waste Glass Under Simulated Hyperalkaline Conditions of a Colocated Geological Disposal Facility
Authors: Corkhill Claire L. , Cassingham Nathan J. , Heath Paul. G. , Hyatt Neil C. 
Published: November 2013

We report analysis of chemical durability of UK HLW MW+25% simulant glass under model hyperalkaline conditions of a colocated geological disposal facility. Glass powders and monoliths were dissolved for 168 days in saturated Ca(OH)2. Dissolution in the presence of high concentrations of Ca (>200 mg/L) was an order of magnitude lower than dissolution in water. Dissolution of Si did not occur until a Ca:Si ratio of <2 was achieved. The mechanism of dissolution involved the incorporation of Ca into the hydrated surface (initial, incubation regime), the precipitation of C‐S‐H phases, including a range of compositions in the C‐(N)‐(A)‐S‐H and M‐S‐H systems (intermediate regime), and the precipitation of C‐S‐H phases (the residual regime). Thermodynamic analysis and consideration of the CaO‐SiO2‐H2O phase diagram suggest that the rate‐limiting step of glass dissolution in Ca‐rich solutions is Ca‐Si equilibrium, involving the precipitation of C‐S‐H phases, which change in chemical composition as a function of solution chemistry. In low SA/V ratio experiments, the dissolution progressed only to the initial incubation regime, resulting from fewer surface sites for Ca incorporation. Overall, these results suggest that Ca and Si in solution play an important role in the long‐term durability of UK HLW in Ca‐rich solutions.
A survey of spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions in 10 years of activity in a pharmacovigilance centre in Portugal
Authors: Marques Joana , Ribeiro-Vaz Inês , Pereira Altamiro Costa , Polónia Jorge 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objective
Reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may differ between countries.

Methods
In a retrospective descriptive study we analysed the potential causative drugs and clinical situations related to spontaneously reported ADRs over 10 years to a regional pharmacovigilance centre in Portugal.

Key findings
We collected 3165 cases (36% of all national reports) of ADRs reported by doctors (54%), pharmacists (31%), and nurses (15%), 56% of which were classified as serious, 22% as unexpected and 13% as both serious and unexpected. According to World Health Organization causality criteria of ADRs related to drugs, 67% where probable, 20% possible, 7% conditional, 6% certain and 1% unclassifiable or unlikely. There was a predominance of females (66%, P &lt; 0.005) both for total and serious ADRs. Physicians, while working in hospitals, reported more (68%) and more serious ADRs (75%) than those working in primary care (29%). Pharmacists working outside hospitals reported more (90%) than those working in hospitals. Drugs more frequently associated with ADRs were antibiotics (22%), followed by vaccines (16%), drugs acting on the nervous system (15%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (14%) and those working on the cardiovascular system (11%). The most common systems, organs or disorders affected by ADRs were skin manifestations (21%), followed by general disorders (20%), gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary disorders (15%), nervous system disorders (11%) and immune system disorders (6%).

Conclusions
Our study shows a general commitment of Portuguese health professionals to ADR reporting with a clear predominance of serious rather than non-serious ADRs. This study may help to improve the recognition of the general aspects of ADRs occurring in Portugal.
Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera) gut transcriptome analysis: expression of RNA interference‐related genes
Authors: Swevers L. , Huvenne H. , Menschaert G. , Kontogiannatos D. , Kourti A. , Pauchet Y. , ffrench‐Constant R. , Smagghe G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the search for new methods of pest control, the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) is being explored. Because the gut is the first barrier for the uptake of double‐stranded (ds)RNA, pyrosequencing of the gut transcriptome is a powerful tool for obtaining the necessary sequences for specific dsRNA‐mediated pest control. In the present study, a dataset representing the gut transcriptome of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) was generated and analysed for the presence of RNAi‐related genes. Almost all selected genes that were implicated in silencing efficiency at different levels in the RNAi pathway (core machinery, associated intracellular factors, dsRNA uptake, antiviral RNAi, nucleases), which uses different types of small RNA (small interfering RNA, microRNA and piwi‐RNA), were expressed in the CPB gut. Although the database is of lower quality, the majority of the RNAi genes are also found to be present in the gut transcriptome of the tobacco hornworm [TH; Manduca sexta (19 out of 35 genes analysed)]. The high quality of the CPB transcriptome database will lay the foundation for future gene expression and functional studies regarding the gut and RNAi.
An OLG Model for Optimal Investment and Insurance Decisions
Authors: Li Bingqing , Liao Pu , Xu Jingfeng 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article uses overlapping generation (OLG) model to study individuals' optimal decision on consumption, investment, insurance, and education expenses. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to discuss the individuals' demand for insurance with the consideration of intergenerational transfer payments. In the article, we incorporate insurance into the OLG model to describe individuals' optimization problem on consuming and saving, and we solve the optimal proportions of expenditure on investment, survival insurance, life insurance, and education, with the optimal consumption to be the remaining parts of expenditure. We observe that the numerical outputs are consistent with the actual data. It is also interesting to find that the human capital investment is independent of both risky asset investment and individuals' risk aversion coefficient.
The Impact of Insurer Name Changes on The Demand for Insurance
Authors: Cole Cassandra R. , Fier Stephen G. , Carson James M. , Andrews Demetra 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCorporate name changes are relatively common events, with some evidence suggesting that name changes are strategic in nature. Although prior research has examined the effect of name changes on the firm, these studies have focused primarily on the stock price reaction to name changes. Such a focus has a number of limitations, including a reliance on samples that consist solely of publicly traded firms and an inability to determine whether the source of the impact is driven by increases in revenue, increases in efficiency, and/or reductions in costs. We overcome these limitations by testing the impact of corporate name changes on U.S. property–casualty insurers using detailed statutory data. We find a significant and positive relation between name changes and subsequent growth in premiums. The results are robust across various model specifications and suggest that name changes contain information that consumers interpret as meaningfully positive.
Passion and challenging goals: drawbacks of rushing into goal‐setting processes
Authors: Thorgren Sara , Wincent Joakim 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study shows that passion may have a potential downside for setting challenging goals. Hypotheses are developed by drawing on self‐determination theory and goal‐setting theory. Data is collected from a sample of 134 team leaders and hypotheses are tested using ordinary least squares regression analyses. Findings demonstrate that in a project context, team leaders' own competence positively influences their obsessive passion, while their perceptions of team members' competence positively influence their harmonious passion. Goal‐setting speed is included as a mediator in the relationship between passion and degree of goal challenge, proving both harmonious passion and obsessive passion ultimately negatively influence the ability to develop challenging goals because they increase the likelihood of rushing into the goal‐setting process.
Injection of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota affects autonomic nerve activities in a tissue‐specific manner, and regulates glucose and lipid metabolism in rats
Authors: Tanida Mamoru , Imanishi Kazuki , Akashi Haruna , Kurata Yasutaka , Chonan Osamu , Naito Eiichiro , Kunihiro Satoru , Kawai Mitsuhisa , Kato‐kataoka Akito , Shibamoto Toshishige 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionPreviously, it was observed that long‐term ingestion of a probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) ameliorates insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rats fed a high‐fat diet. In the present study, we examined its possible role in the autonomic nervous system during LcS‐induced modulations in glucose and lipid metabolism or cardiovascular functions.Materials and MethodsThe present study examined the effects of intragastric (IG) LcS injection on autonomic nerve tones in anesthetized rats by electrophysiological method.ResultsWe found that an IG injection of LcS suppressed neural activity of sympathetic nerves supplying the white adipose tissue of urethane‐anesthetized rats in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas sympathetic nerve outflow to brown adipose tissue was not affected by the IG LcS injection. Furthermore, the IG LcS injection reduced efferent sympathetic nerve outflow to the adrenal gland and liver, but did not alter gastric vagal nerve activity, renal sympathetic nerve activity, as well as mean arterial pressure. To test the involvement of afferent vagal nerves and the abdominal organs, we examined the adrenal sympathetic response to an LcS injection in rats with ablated afferent vagal nerves, and found that the adrenal sympathetic nerve response to LcS was inhibited in vagotomized rats. In addition, we found that oral ingestion of LcS attenuated the hyperglycemic response to glucose loading and blood glycerol levels in conscious rats.ConclusionsOur data suggest that LcS might affect tissue‐specific autonomic nerves through the afferent vagal nerve pathway to modulate glucose and lipid metabolism.
Using scale characteristics and water temperature to reconstruct growth rates of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Beakes M. P. , Sharron S. , Charish R. , Moore J. W. , Satterthwaite W. H. , Sturm E. , Wells B. K. , Sogard S. M. , Mangel M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractJuvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from a northern California Central Valley population were reared in a controlled laboratory experiment. Significantly different rates of growth were observed among fish reared under two ration treatments and three temperature treatments (8, 14 and 20° C). Wider circulus spacing and faster deposition was associated with faster growth. For the same growth rate, however, circulus spacing was two‐fold wider and deposited 36% less frequently in the cold compared to the hot temperature treatment. In a multiple linear regression, median circulus spacing and water temperature accounted for 68% of the variation in observed O. mykiss growth. These results corroborate previous research on scale characteristics and growth, while providing novel evidence that highlights the importance of water temperature in these relationships. Thus, this study establishes the utility of using scale analysis as a relatively non‐invasive method for inferring growth in salmonids.
HB‐EGF affects astrocyte morphology, proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of intermediate filament proteins
Authors: Puschmann Till B. , Zandén Carl , Lebkuechner Isabell , Philippot Camille , de Pablo Yolanda , Liu Johan , Pekny Milos 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHeparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF), a vascular‐derived trophic factor, belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of neuroprotective, hypoxia‐inducible proteins released by astrocytes in CNS injuries. It was suggested that HB–EGF can replace fetal calf serum (FCS) in astrocyte cultures. We previously demonstrated that in contrast to standard 2D cell culture systems, Bioactive3D culture system, when used with FCS, minimizes the baseline activation of astrocytes and preserves their complex morphology. Here, we show that HB‐EGF induced EGF receptor (EGFR) activation by Y1068 phosphorylation, Mapk/Erk pathway activation, and led to an increase in cell proliferation, more prominent in Bioactive3D than in 2D cultures. HB‐EGF changed morphology of 2D and Bioactive3D cultured astrocytes toward a radial glia‐like phenotype and induced the expression of intermediate filament and progenitor cell marker protein nestin. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin protein expression was unaffected. RT‐qPCR analysis demonstrated that HB‐EGF affected the expression of Notch signaling pathway genes, implying a role for the Notch signaling in HB‐EGF‐mediated astrocyte response. HB‐EGF can be used as a FCS replacement for astrocyte expansion and in vitro experimentation both in 2D and Bioactive3D culture systems; however, caution should be exercised since it appears to induce partial de‐differentiation of astrocytes.
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HB‐EGF (heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor) was previously suggested to replace serum, a common and undefined component in primary astrocyte cultures. We show that both in standard 2D and in our newly developed Bioactive3D culture system, HB‐EGF affects astrocyte morphology, proliferation, gene/protein expression and leads to partial de‐differentiation of astrocytes. Thus, HB‐EGF should only be used with caution as a serum replacement in astrocyte cultures.
Cross‐talk between IGF‐1 and estrogen receptors attenuates intracellular changes in ventral spinal cord 4.1 motoneuron cells because of interferon‐gamma exposure
Authors: Park Sookyoung , Nozaki Kenkichi , Smith Joshua A. , Krause James S. , Banik Naren L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInsulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is a neuroprotective growth factor that promotes neuronal survival by inhibition of apoptosis. To examine whether IGF‐1 exerts cytoprotective effects against extracellular inflammatory stimulation, ventral spinal cord 4.1 (VSC4.1) motoneuron cells were treated with interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). Our data demonstrated apoptotic changes, increased calpain:calpastatin and Bax:Bcl‐2 ratios, and expression of apoptosis‐related proteases (caspase‐3 and ‐12) in motoneurons rendered by IFN‐γ in a dose‐dependent manner. Post‐treatment with IGF‐1 attenuated these changes. In addition, IGF‐1 treatment of motoneurons exposed to IFN‐γ decreased expression of inflammatory markers (cyclooxygenase‐2 and nuclear factor‐kappa B:inhibitor of kappa B ratio). Furthermore, IGF‐1 attenuated the loss of expression of IGF‐1 receptors (IGF‐1Rα and IGF‐1Rβ) and estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) induced by IFN‐γ. To determine whether the protective effects of IGF‐1 are associated with ERs, ERs antagonist ICI and selective siRNA targeted against ERα and ERβ were used in VSC4.1 motoneurons. Distinctive morphological changes were observed following siRNA knockdown of ERα and ERβ. In particular, apoptotic cell death assessed by TUNEL assay was enhanced in both ERα and ERβ‐silenced VSC4.1 motoneurons following IFN‐γ and IGF‐1 exposure. These results suggest that IGF‐1 protects motoneurons from inflammatory insult by a mechanism involving pivotal interactions with ERα and ERβ.
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Pro‐inflammatory Th1 cytokine, IFN‐γ induced cellular damage was investigated in VSC4.1 motoneurons. IFN‐γ resulted in apoptosis and inflammatory changes in motoneurons. Apoptosis was mediated via up‐regulation of calpain and subsequent cleavage of caspase‐3. IGF‐1 is suggested as potentially neuroprotective in motoneuron following cytokine exposure. Cellular protective effects of IGF‐1 are mediated by cross‐talk with ERα and ERβ in VSC4.1 motoneurons.
Hepatitis B virus x protein induces autophagy via activating death‐associated protein kinase
Authors: Zhang H.‐T , Chen G. G. , Hu B.‐G. , Zhang Z.‐Y. , Yun J.‐P , He M.‐L. , Lai P. B. S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryHepatitis B virus x protein (HBX), a product of hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a multifunctional protein that regulates viral replication and various cellular functions. Recently, HBX has been shown to induce autophagy; however, the responsible mechanism is not fully known. In this study, we established stable HBX‐expressing epithelial Chang cells as the platform to study how HBX induced autophagy. The results showed that the overexpression of HBX resulted in starvation‐induced autophagy. HBX‐induced autophagy was related to its ability to dephosphorylate/activate death‐associated protein kinase (DAPK). The block of DAPK by its siRNA significantly counteracted HBX‐mediated autophagy, confirming the positive role of DAPK in this process. HBX also induced Beclin 1, which functions at the downstream of the DAPK‐mediated autophagy pathway. Although HBX could activate JNK, a kinase known to participate in autophagy in certain conditions, the change in JNK failed to influence HBX‐induced autophagy. In conclusion, HBX induces autophagy via activating DAPK in a pathway related to Beclin 1, but not JNK. This new finding should help us to understand the role of autophagy in HBX‐mediated pathogenesis and thus may provide targets for intervening HBX‐related disorders.
A comparative analysis of ontogenetic bite‐force scaling among Crocodylia
Authors: Erickson G. M. , Gignac P. M. , Lappin A. K. , Vliet K. A. , Brueggen J. D. , Webb G. J. W. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInterspecific adult bite forces for all extant crocodylian species are now known. However, how bite forces scale during ontogeny across the clade has yet to be studied. Here we test the hypotheses that extant crocodylians share positively allometric and statistically comparable developmental scaling coefficients for maximal bite‐force capacity relative to body size. To do this, we measured bite forces in the Australian freshwater crocodile Crocodylus johnsoni and the Saltwater crocodile C. porosus, and determined how performance changed during ontogeny. We statistically compared these results with those for the American alligator Alligator mississippiensis using 95% prediction intervals and interpreted our findings in a phylogenetic context. We found no observable taxon‐specific shifts in the intraspecific scaling of biomechanical performance. Instead, all bite‐force values in our crocodylid dataset fell within the bounds of the A. mississippiensis 95% prediction intervals, suggesting similar bite‐force capacity when same‐sized individuals are compared. This holds true regardless of differences in developmental stage, potential adult body size, rostro‐dental form, bone mineralization, cranial suturing, dietary differences or phylogenetic relatedness. These findings suggest that intraspecific bite‐force scaling for crocodylians with feeding ecologies comparable with those of extant forms has likely remained evolutionarily static during their diversification.