bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IFN-gamma signaling in the central nervous system controls the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis independently of the localization and composition of inflammatory foci
Authors: Lee Eunyoung , Chanamara Sarah , Pleasure David , Soulika Athena M 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundMurine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for multiple sclerosis, presents typically as ascending paralysis. However, in mice in which interferon-gamma (IFNγ) signaling is disrupted by genetic deletion, limb paralysis is accompanied by atypical deficits, including head tilt, postural imbalance, and circling, consistent with cerebellar/vestibular dysfunction. This was previously attributed to intense cerebellar and brainstem infiltration by peripheral immune cells and formation of neutrophil-rich foci within the CNS. However, the exact mechanism by which IFNγ signaling prohibits the development of vestibular deficits, and whether the distribution and composition of inflammatory foci within the CNS affects the course of atypical EAE remains elusive.MethodsWe induced EAE in IFNγ-/- mice and bone marrow chimeric mice in which IFNγR is not expressed in the CNS but is intact in the periphery (IFNγRCNSKO) and vice versa (IFNγRperiKO). Blood-brain barrier permeability was determined by Evans blue intravenous administration at disease onset. Populations of immune cell subsets in the periphery and the CNS were quantified by flow cytometry. CNS tissues isolated at various time points after EAE induction, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for composition of inflammatory foci and patterns of axonal degeneration.ResultsIncidence and severity of atypical EAE were more pronounced in IFNγRCNSKO as compared to IFNγRperiKO mice. Contrary to what we anticipated, cerebella/brainstems of IFNγRCNSKO mice were only minimally infiltrated, while the same areas of IFNγRperiKO mice were extensively populated by peripheral immune cells. Furthermore, the CNS of IFNγRperiKO mice was characterized by persistent neutrophil-rich foci as compared to IFNγRCNSKO. Immunohistochemical analysis of the CNS of IFNγ-/- and IFNγR chimeric mice revealed that IFNγ protective actions are exerted through microglial STAT1.ConclusionsAlterations in distribution and composition of CNS inflammatory foci are not sufficient for the onset of atypical EAE. IFNγ dictates the course of neuroinflammatory disorders mainly through actions exerted within the CNS. This study provides strong evidence that link microglial STAT1 inactivation to vestibular dysfunction.
A convenient method for simultaneous quantification of multiple phytohormones and metabolites: application in study of rice-bacterium interaction
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Wang Shiping 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Simultaneous analysis of multiple functional-related phytohormones and their metabolites will improve our understanding of interactions among different hormones in the same biologic process.

Results
A method was developed for simultaneous quantification of multiple phytohormones, abscisic acid, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid, hormone conjugates, IAA-aspartic acid, JA-isoleucine, and methyl JA, and phytoalexins, momilactone A, naringenin, and sakuranetin. This method combines a convenient procedure for preparing filtrated crude extracted samples and a sensitive quantification assay using ultra fast liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-ESI-MS). With this method, we determined the dynamic profiles of defense-related phytohormones, hormone metabolites, and phytoalexins in the interaction of rice with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which causes bacterial blight, one of the most devastating diseases of rice worldwide.

Conclusion
This UFLC-ESI-MS method is convenient, sensitive, reliable, and inexpensive for quantification of multiple phytohormones and metabolites compared to current methods. The results obtained by application of this method in studying rice-bacterial interaction provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of rice defense responses.
Meningeal defects alter the tangential migration of cortical interneurons in Foxc1
hith/hith
mice
Authors: Zarbalis Konstantinos , Choe Youngshik , Siegenthaler Julie A , Orosco Lori A , Pleasure Samuel J 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Tangential migration presents the primary mode of migration of cortical interneurons translocating into the cerebral cortex from subpallial domains. This migration takes place in multiple streams with the most superficial one located in the cortical marginal zone. While a number of forebrain-expressed molecules regulating this process have emerged, it remains unclear to what extent structures outside the brain, like the forebrain meninges, are involved.

Results
We studied a unique Foxc1 hypomorph mouse model (Foxc1

hith/hith
) with meningeal defects and impaired tangential migration of cortical interneurons. We identified a territorial correlation between meningeal defects and disruption of interneuron migration along the adjacent marginal zone in these animals, suggesting that impaired meningeal integrity might be the primary cause for the observed migration defects. Moreover, we postulate that the meningeal factor regulating tangential migration that is affected in homozygote mutants is the chemokine Cxcl12. In addition, by using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we provide evidence that the Cxcl12 gene is a direct transcriptional target of Foxc1 in the meninges. Further, we observe migration defects of a lesser degree in Cajal-Retzius cells migrating within the cortical marginal zone, indicating a less important role for Cxcl12 in their migration. Finally, the developmental migration defects observed in Foxc1

hith/hith
mutants do not lead to obvious differences in interneuron distribution in the adult if compared to control animals.

Conclusions
Our results suggest a critical role for the forebrain meninges to promote during development the tangential migration of cortical interneurons along the cortical marginal zone and Cxcl12 as the factor responsible for this property.
Effect of maternal body mass index on pregnancy outcome and newborn weight
Authors: Yazdani Shahla , Yosofniyapasha Yousofreza , Nasab Bahman Hassan , Mojaveri Mohsen Haghshenas , Bouzari Zinatossadat 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Maternal obesity has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, pre- and post-term delivery, induction of labor, macrosomia, increased rate of caesarean section, and post-partum hemorrhage. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods
1000 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. In order to explore the relationship between maternal first trimester Body Mass Index and pregnancy outcomes, participants were categorized into five groups based on their first trimester Body Mass Index. The data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square tests in SPSS 18. Differences were considered significant if p < 0.05.

Results
Women with an above-normal Body Mass Index had a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia, induction of labor, caesarean section, pre-term labor, and macrosomia than women with a normal Body Mass Index (controls). There was no significant difference in the incidence of post-term delivery between the control group and other groups.

Conclusion
Increased BMI increases the incidence of induction of labor, caesarean section, pre-term labor and macrosomia. The BMI of women in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.
Influence of respiratory rate and end-expiratory pressure variation on cyclic alveolar recruitment in an experimental lung injury model
Authors: Hartmann Erik K , Boehme Stefan , Bentley Alexander , Duenges Bastian , Klein Klaus U , Elsaesser Amelie , Baumgardner James E , David Matthias , Markstaller Klaus 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Cyclic alveolar recruitment/derecruitment (R/D) is an important mechanism of ventilator-associated lung injury. In experimental models this process can be measured with high temporal resolution by detection of respiratory-dependent oscillations of the paO2 (ΔpaO2). A previous study showed that end-expiratory collapse can be prevented by an increased respiratory rate in saline-lavaged rabbits. The current study compares the effects of increased positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) versus an individually titrated respiratory rate (RRind) on intra-tidal amplitude of Δ paO2 and on average paO2 in saline-lavaged pigs.

Methods
Acute lung injury was induced by bronchoalveolar lavage in 16 anaesthetized pigs. R/D was induced and measured by a fast-responding intra-aortic probe measuring paO2. Ventilatory interventions (RRind (n = 8) versus extrinsic PEEP (n = 8)) were applied for 30 minutes to reduce Δ paO2. Haemodynamics, spirometry and Δ paO2 were monitored and the Ventilation/Perfusion distributions were assessed by multiple inert gas elimination. The main endpoints average and Δ paO2 following the interventions were analysed by Mann-Whitney-U-Test and Bonferroni's correction. The secondary parameters were tested in an explorative manner.

Results
Both interventions reduced Δ paO2. In the RRind group, ΔpaO2 was significantly smaller (P < 0.001). The average paO2 continuously decreased following RRind and was significantly higher in the PEEP group (P < 0.001). A sustained difference of the ventilation/perfusion distribution and shunt fractions confirms these findings. The RRind application required less vasopressor administration.

Conclusions
Different recruitment kinetics were found compared to previous small animal models and these differences were primarily determined by kinetics of end-expiratory collapse. In this porcine model, respiratory rate and increased PEEP were both effective in reducing the amplitude of paO2 oscillations. In contrast to a recent study in a small animal model, however, increased respiratory rate did not maintain end-expiratory recruitment and ultimately resulted in reduced average paO2 and increased shunt fraction.
Trends in US Pediatric Drowning Hospitalizations, 1993–2008
Authors: Bowman Stephen M. , Aitken Mary E. , Robbins James M. , Baker Susan P. 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:In the United States, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children aged 1 to 19 years, accounting for nearly 1100 deaths per year. Although a decline in overall fatal drowning deaths among children has been noted, national trends and disparities in pediatric drowning hospitalizations have not been reported.METHODS:To describe trends in pediatric drowning in the United States and provide national benchmarks for state and regional comparisons, we analyzed existing data (1993–2008) from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest, longitudinal, all-payer inpatient care database in the United States. Children aged 0 to 19 years were included. Annual rates of drowning-related hospitalizations were determined, stratified by age, gender, and outcome.RESULTS:From 1993 to 2008, the estimated annual incidence rate of pediatric hospitalizations associated with drowning declined 49% from 4.7 to 2.4 per 100 000 (P &lt; .001). The rates declined for all age groups and for both males and females. The hospitalization rate for males remained consistently greater than for females at each point in time. Rates of fatal drowning hospitalization declined from 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.4–0.7) deaths per 100 000 in 1993–1994 to 0.3 (95% confidence interval, 0.2–0.4) in 2007–2008 (P &lt; .01). No difference was observed in the mean hospital length of stay over time.CONCLUSIONS:Pediatric hospitalization rates for drowning have decreased over the past 16 years. Our study provides national estimates of pediatric drowning hospitalization that can be used as benchmarks to target and assess prevention strategies.
Citizens’ Values Regarding Research With Stored Samples From Newborn Screening in Canada
Authors: Bombard Yvonne , Miller Fiona A. , Hayeems Robin Z. , Carroll June C. , Avard Denise , Wilson Brenda J. , Little Julian , Bytautas Jessica P. , Allanson Judith , Axler Renata , Giguere Yves , Chakraborty Pranesh 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVES:Newborn screening (NBS) programs may store bloodspot samples and use them for secondary purposes. Recent public controversies and lawsuits over storage and secondary uses underscore the need to engage the public on these issues. We explored Canadian values regarding storage and use of NBS samples for various purposes and the forms of parental choice for anonymous research with NBS samples.METHODS:We conducted a mixed-methods, public engagement study comprising 8 focus groups (n = 60), an educational component, deliberative discussion, and pre- and post-questionnaires assessing knowledge and values toward storage and parental choice.RESULTS:Canadian citizens supported the storage of NBS samples for quality control, confirmatory diagnosis, and future anonymous research (&gt;90%). There was broad support for use of NBS samples for anonymous research; however, opinions were split about the extent of parental decision-making. Support for a “routinized” approach rested on trust in authorities, lack of concern for harms, and an assertion that the population’s interest took priority over the interests of individuals. Discomfort stemmed from distrust in authorities, concern for harms, and prioritizing individual interests, which supported more substantive parental choice. Consensus emerged regarding the need for greater transparency about the storage and secondary use of samples.CONCLUSIONS:Our study provides novel insights into the values that underpin citizens’ acceptance and discomfort with routine storage of NBS samples for research, and supports the need to develop well-designed methods of public education and civic discourse on the risks and benefits of the retention and secondary use of NBS samples.
Effects of Size and Load on Transport Properties of Nanoscale Metal-Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Kraya Ramsey 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTWith interface sizes rapidly reducing to the nanometer scale, it has become vital to understand how size and structure can affect transport behavior between materials in order to tune the energy barrier for various applications. Here, the fabrication of Schottky Barriers between Au nanoparticles and doped SrTiO3 materials is reported. The effect of nanoparticle size on the transport properties is clearly evident providing an excellent opportunity to compare new theory on transport characteristics at the nanoscale to classical theory to determine the method that is most effective in predicting nanoscale transport properties.
Neoadjuvant Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer: The Emerging Paradigm?
Authors: Lim Kian-Huat , Chung Eugene , Khan Adeel , Cao Dengfeng , Linehan David , Ben-Josef Edgar , Wang-Gillam Andrea 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the current literature on the neoadjuvant therapies in patients with potentially resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.Cite the definition of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer as determined by the 2008 AHPBA consensus guidelines.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers due to difficulty in early diagnosis and its high resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. It is now clear that even patients with potentially resectable disease require multimodality treatment including chemotherapy and/or radiation to improve resectability and reduce recurrence. Tremendous efforts are currently being invested in refining preoperative staging to identify optimal surgical candidates, and also in developing various neoadjuvant or adjuvant regimens to improve surgical outcome. Although at present no studies have been done to directly compare the benefit of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant approaches, accumulating evidence suggests that the neoadjuvant approach is probably beneficial for a subset of the patient population, particularly those with borderline resectable disease in which complete surgical resection is almost certainly unachievable. In this article, we review the literature and rationales of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiation, as well as their potential limitations and caveats. We also review the pathological findings following neoadjuvant therapies, and potential surgical complications that may be associated with neoadjuvant therapies.
The Factors that Affect Accountants' Decisions to Seek Careers with Big 4 versus Non-Big 4 Accounting Firms
Authors: Bagley Penelope L. , Dalton Derek , Ortegren Marc 
Published: January 2012

SYNOPSIS
Finding qualified accounting staff has consistently been a top issue facing CPA firms. However, little is known about the factors that influence accountants' decisions to seek careers with different types of firms. In our paper, we use Ajzen's (1991) theory of planned behavior to examine the reasons why some accountants seek careers at Big 4 firms, while other accountants seek careers at non-Big 4 firms. We survey accounting students and find that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control each influence firm-choice decisions. To provide additional insight into our results, we survey accounting professionals from Big 4 and non-Big 4 accounting firms. We find that, overall, students' perceptions, while more limited, are similar to those of accounting professionals. Further, we find that accounting professionals provide a number of insightful comments that offer several important implications for accounting firms. Finally, we assess whether accounting professionals perceive that certain types of accounting students are more likely to succeed at Big 4 versus non-Big 4 firms, and whether recruiting efforts are consistent with these perceptions.
Data Availability: Data are available upon request.
Does Investment-Related Pressure Lead to Misreporting? An Analysis of Reporting Following M&A Transactions
Authors: Bens Daniel A. , Goodman Theodore H. , Neamtiu Monica 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
This study examines whether managers alter their financial reporting decisions in the face of investment-related pressure. We define investment-related pressure as the increased pressure managers feel to retain their job following an M&A poorly received by the market. We hypothesize that managers attempt to assuage pressure by delivering strong performance post-merger, creating incentives for misreporting. Our findings indicate that acquirers with more negative M&A announcement returns are more likely to misstate financial statements in the post-investment period and the issuance of misstated financials mitigates this pressure, at least in the near term. Our study contributes to the literature on the relation between corporate investing and financial reporting by showing how investment-related pressure leads to misreporting, even in a setting where the costs (e.g., greater probability of detection) are high. Our study also has implications for the large body of research that evaluates various consequences of M&As using post-merger performance. Specifically, researchers should be careful to distinguish real from misstated financial performance in the post-investment period.
Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources indicated in the text.
Tax Avoidance: Does Tax-Specific Industry Expertise Make a Difference?
Authors: McGuire Sean T. , Omer Thomas C. , Wang Dechun 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
This study investigates whether the tax-specific industry expertise of the external audit firm influences its clients' level of tax avoidance. Our results suggest that clients purchasing tax services from their external audit firm engage in greater tax avoidance when their external audit firm is a tax expert. Because the external audit firm potentially influences clients' tax avoidance activities via the provision of tax consulting services and the financial statement audit, we also examine whether the overall expertise (i.e., the combined tax and audit expertise) of the external audit firm is associated with tax avoidance. We find that the external audit firm's overall expertise is generally associated with greater tax avoidance, which suggests that overall experts are able to combine their audit and tax expertise to develop tax strategies that benefit clients from both a tax and financial statement perspective. In combination, our results suggest that the tax-specific industry expertise of the external audit firm plays a significant role in its clients' tax avoidance.
Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources identified in the article.
Auditor Tenure and the Pricing of Discretionary Accruals in the Post-SOX Era
Authors: Jenkins David S. , Velury Uma K. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
This study empirically examines the public policy implications of mandatory audit firm rotation in the context of the relation between auditor tenure and the market's perception of discretionary accruals quality in the pre- and post-SOX periods. Consistent with prior research, the pre-SOX results support the effects of auditor learning and auditor closeness on the relation between auditor tenure and audit quality. We further demonstrate that in the post-SOX period, there is no significant relation between auditor tenure and the pricing of discretionary accruals. The post-SOX results indicate that the market's perception of auditor tenure as a significant determinant of audit quality may have diminished in the environment of increased regulation under SOX. The findings further imply that ongoing consideration of a policy that mandates periodic audit firm rotation may no longer be essential with the passage of SOX.
Data Availability: Data used in this study were obtained from publicly available sources identified in the text.
The Effects of Public Pressure on CSR Behavior in a Capital Market Experiencing Excessive Moral Debt
Authors: Roush Pamela Barton , Mahoney Lois S. , Thorne Linda 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
The events surrounding the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Sarbanes) offer an opportunity to reflect on the influences of public pressure and possible public policy shifts on CSR behavior in a capital market experiencing excessive moral debt. Using the passage of Sarbanes to symbolize a potential public policy shift driven by public pressure, we examine the influence of social legitimacy variables on corporate social responsibility (CSR) behavior before (1991–2001) and after (2002–2005) the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We posit that changes in CSR strategies surrounding the passage of Sarbanes were used to maximize stakeholder interests by addressing social legitimacy involving corporate accountability issues.
Our findings support that CSR behaviors were significantly influenced by the public pressure variables of Sarbanes and company size, but were not significantly influenced by our economic legitimacy control measures, with the exception of a positive significant interaction between Leverage and Sarbanes for CSR Strengths. It appears that post-Sarbanes CSR behaviors were used to address social legitimacy concerns. Further, as CSR Weaknesses ratings exceeded CSR Strengths ratings post-Sarbanes, it appears that transparency of actual CSR performance may have improved post-Sarbanes.