bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dopamine D1‐receptor‐expressing pathway from the nucleus accumbens to ventral pallidum‐mediated sevoflurane anesthesia in mice
Authors: Zhang Jie , Peng Yiting , Liu Chengxi , Zhang Yu , Liang Xiaoli , Yuan Chengdong , Shi Wenyan , Zhang Yi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundGeneral anesthesia has long been used in clinical practice, but its precise pharmacological effects on neural circuits are not fully understood. Recent investigations suggest that the sleep–wake system may play a role in the reversible loss of consciousness induced by general anesthetics. Studies in mice have shown that microinjection of dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) agonists into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) promotes recovery from isoflurane anesthesia, while microinjection of D1R antagonists has the opposite effect. Furthermore, during the induction and maintenance of sevoflurane anesthesia, there is a significant decrease in extracellular dopamine levels in the NAc, which subsequently increases during the recovery period. These findings suggest the involvement of the NAc in the regulation of general anesthesia. However, the specific role of D1R‐expressing neurons in the NAc during general anesthesia and the downstream effect pathways are still not well understood.MethodsIn order to analyze the impact of sevoflurane anesthesia on NAcD1R neurons and the NAcD1R‐VP pathway, this study employed calcium fiber photometry to investigate alterations in the fluorescence intensity of calcium signals in dopamine D1‐receptor‐expressing neurons located in the nucleus accumbens (NAcD1R neurons) and the NAcD1R‐VP pathway during sevoflurane anesthesia. Subsequently, optogenetic techniques were utilized to activate or inhibit NAcD1R neurons and their synaptic terminals in the ventral pallidum (VP), aiming to elucidate the role of NAcD1R neurons and the NAcD1R‐VP pathway in sevoflurane anesthesia. These experiments were supplemented with electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and behavioral tests. Lastly, a genetically‐encoded fluorescent sensor was employed to observe changes in extracellular GABA neurotransmitters in the VP during sevoflurane anesthesia.ResultsOur findings revealed that sevoflurane administration led to the inhibition of NAcD1R neuron population activity, as well as their connections within the ventral pallidum (VP). We also observed a reversible reduction in extracellular GABA levels in the VP during both the induction and emergence phases of sevoflurane anesthesia. Additionally, the optogenetic activation of NAcD1R neurons and their synaptic terminals in the VP resulted in a promotion of wakefulness during sevoflurane anesthesia, accompanied by a decrease in EEG slow wave activity and burst suppression rate. Conversely, the optogenetic inhibition of the NAcD1R‐VP pathway exerted opposite effects.ConclusionThe NAcD1R‐VP pathway serves as a crucial downstream pathway of NAcD1R neurons, playing a significant role in regulating arousal during sevoflurane anesthesia. Importantly, this pathway appears to be associated with the release of GABA neurotransmitters from VP cells.
Delayed CO2 postconditioning promotes neurological recovery after cryogenic traumatic brain injury by downregulating IRF7 expression
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Ru , Shen Gui‐Ping , Yin Jing , Li Yu , Zhao Jing , Nan Fang , Zhang Shu‐Han , Zhang Hui‐Feng , Yang Cai‐Hong , Wu Mei‐Na , Fan Yan‐Ying 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsFew treatments are available in the subacute phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI) except rehabilitation training. We previously reported that transient CO2 inhalation applied within minutes after reperfusion has neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, it was hypothesized that delayed CO2 postconditioning (DCPC) starting at the subacute phase may promote neurological recovery of TBI.MethodsUsing a cryogenic TBI (cTBI) model, mice received DCPC daily by inhaling 5%/10%/20% CO2 for various time‐courses (one/two/three cycles of 10‐min inhalation/10‐min break) at Days 3–7, 3–14 or 7–18 after cTBI. Beam walking and gait tests were used to assess the effect of DCPC. Lesion size, expression of GAP‐43 and synaptophysin, amoeboid microglia number and glia scar area were detected. Transcriptome and recombinant interferon regulatory factor 7 (Irf7) adeno‐associated virus were applied to investigate the molecular mechanisms.ResultsDCPC significantly promoted recovery of motor function in a concentration and time‐course dependent manner with a wide therapeutic time window of at least 7 days after cTBI. The beneficial effects of DCPC were blocked by intracerebroventricular injection of NaHCO3. DCPC also increased puncta density of GAP‐43 and synaptophysin, and reduced amoeboid microglia number and glial scar formation in the cortex surrounding the lesion. Transcriptome analysis showed many inflammation‐related genes and pathways were altered by DCPC, and Irf7 was a hub gene, while overexpression of IRF7 blocked the motor function improvement of DCPC.ConclusionsWe first showed that DCPC promoted functional recovery and brain tissue repair, which opens a new therapeutic time window of postconditioning for TBI. Inhibition of IRF7 is a key molecular mechanism for the beneficial effects of DCPC, and IRF7 may be a potential therapeutic target for rehabilitation after TBI.
Search for the best alternative: An experimental approach
Authors: Özkan‐Seely Gülru F. , Hall David C. , Hutchison‐Krupat Jeremy 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTEffectively implementing any dimension of a company's strategy requires a careful balance between ensuring a sufficient number of opportunities have been explored and the execution has taken place in a timely manner for a specific initiative. Naturally, the importance of specific characteristics of an initiative will vary according to the strategic objective. Alternatives vary in their likelihood of success, how sensitive their value is to time, and the resources required to explore additional options. Extant research has established optimal rules for what constitutes a sufficient degree of exploration, and how to go about exploring alternatives. Yet, how individuals vary their behavior according to the characteristics of an initiative is not well understood. We use a controlled experiment to study how individuals' decisions are impacted by these characteristics. As expected, individuals perform significantly worse than optimal behavior would predict. However, the underlying drivers of this performance deviation critically depend on the characteristics of the initiative. Individuals who face simple initiatives that lack sensitivity to time tend to evaluate far too many options. In contrast, when a simple initiative's value is sensitive to time, individuals tend to evaluate far too few options. When the individuals face more difficult initiatives, they do not exhibit such extreme tendencies in terms of how many alternatives they evaluate. Rather, for the most challenging initiatives, individuals exhibit near optimal behavior in terms of how many alternatives they evaluate. Our findings help to provide insight to managers on where they should focus their attention in terms of pushing for more or less exploration.
Diagnostic delay in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gwathmey Kelly G. , Corcia Philippe , McDermott Chris J. , Genge Angela , Sennfält Stefan , de Carvalho Mamede , Ingre Caroline 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease, and the time from symptom onset to diagnosis remains long. With the advent of disease‐modifying treatments, the need to identify and diagnose ALS in a timely fashion has never been greater.MethodsWe reviewed the literature to define the severity of ALS diagnostic delay, the various factors that contribute to this delay (including patient and physician factors), and the role that site of symptom onset plays in a patient's diagnostic journey.ResultsDiagnostic delay is influenced by general practitioners’ lack of recognition of ALS due to disease rarity and heterogenous presentations. As a result, patients are referred to non‐neurologists, have unnecessary diagnostic testing, and may ultimately be misdiagnosed. Patient factors include their illness behavior—which impacts diagnostic delay—and their site of symptom onset. Limb‐onset patients have the greatest diagnostic delay because they are frequently misdiagnosed with degenerative spine disease or peripheral neuropathy.ConclusionPrompt ALS diagnosis results in more effective clinical management, with earlier access to disease‐modifying therapies, multidisciplinary care, and, if desired, clinical trial involvement. Due to lack of commercially available ALS biomarkers, alternative strategies to identify and triage patients who likely have ALS must be employed. Several diagnostic tools have been developed to encourage general practitioners to consider ALS and make an urgent referral to ALS specialists, bypassing unnecessary referrals to non‐neurologists and unnecessary diagnostic workup.
Complexity and pitfalls in maximal exercise testing for persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schlagheck Marit L. , Bansi Jens , Wenzel Charlotte , Kuzdas‐Sallaberger Marina , Kiesl David , Gonzenbach Roman , Zimmer Philipp 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeValid measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are essential during inpatient rehabilitation for a precise evaluation of the current health status, for defining appropriate exercise intensities, and for evaluation of exercise intervention studies. We aim (i) to examine the proportion of pwMS who attain the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) criteria for maximal effort during graded cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and (ii) to provide insight into participant characteristics that limit maximal exercise performance.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study comprises a retrospective examination of ACSM criteria for maximal effort during graded CPET of n = 380 inpatient pwMS (mean age = 48 ± 11 years, 66% female). Chi‐squared or Fisher's exact tests were conducted to compare differences in the distribution of criteria achieved. Participants' characteristics were examined as potential predictors using binary logistic regression.ResultsOnly 60% of the overall sample attained a respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.10. With regard to the definition applied, only 24% or 40% of the participants achieved an oxygen consumption plateau, and 17% or 50% attained the heart rate criterion. Forty‐six percent met at least two of three criteria. Disability status, gender, disease course, and body mass index were associated with the attainment of maximal effort.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a relevant proportion of inpatient pwMS do not attain common criteria utilized to verify maximal oxygen consumption. Identified predictors for criteria attainment can be used to create models to predict cardiorespiratory fitness and to optimize CPET protocols in restrictive groups of pwMS.
Deep brain stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus increases slow wave activity in non‐rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Buenzli Jana C. , Werth Esther , Baumann Christian R. , Belvedere Anina , Renzel Roland , Stieglitz Lennart H. , Imbach Lukas L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies suggest that intermittent deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) affects physiological sleep architecture. Here, we investigated the impact of continuous ANT DBS on sleep in epilepsy patients in a multicenter crossover study in 10 patients.MethodsWe assessed sleep stage distribution, delta power, delta energy, and total sleep time in standardized 10/20 polysomnographic investigations before and 12 months after DBS lead implantation.ResultsIn contrast to previous studies, we found no disruption of sleep architecture or alterations of sleep stage distribution under active ANT DBS (p = .76). On the contrary, we observed more consolidated and deeper slow wave sleep (SWS) under continuous high‐frequency DBS as compared to baseline sleep prior to DBS lead implantation. In particular, biomarkers of deep sleep (delta power and delta energy) showed a significant increase post‐DBS as compared to baseline (36.67 ± 13.68 μV2 /Hz and 799.86 ± 407.56 μV2*s, p < .001). Furthermore, the observed increase in delta power was related to the location of the active stimulation contact within the ANT; we found higher delta power and higher delta energy in patients with active stimulation in more superior contacts as compared to inferior ANT stimulation. We also observed significantly fewer nocturnal electroencephalographic discharges in DBS ON condition. In conclusion, our findings suggest that continuous ANT DBS in the most cranial part of the target region leads to more consolidated SWS.SignificanceFrom a clinical perspective, these findings suggest that patients with sleep disruption under cyclic ANT DBS could benefit from an adaptation of stimulation parameters to more superior contacts and continuous mode stimulation.
kcna1a mutant zebrafish model episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1) with epilepsy and show response to first‐line therapy carbamazepine
Authors: Dogra Deepika , Meza‐Santoscoy Paola L. , Gavrilovici Cezar , Rehak Renata , de la Hoz Cristiane L. R. , Ibhazehiebo Kingsley , Rho Jong M. , Kurrasch Deborah M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveKCNA1 mutations are associated with a rare neurological movement disorder known as episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), and epilepsy is a common comorbidity. Current medications provide only partial relief for ataxia and/or seizures, making new drugs needed. Here, we characterized zebrafish kcna1a−/− as a model of EA1 with epilepsy and compared the efficacy of the first‐line therapy carbamazepine in kcna1a−/− zebrafish to Kcna1−/− rodents.MethodsCRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis was used to introduce a mutation in the sixth transmembrane segment of the zebrafish Kcna1 protein. Behavioral and electrophysiological assays were performed on kcna1a−/− larvae to assess ataxia‐ and epilepsy‐related phenotypes. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to measure mRNA levels of brain hyperexcitability markers in kcna1a−/− larvae, followed by bioenergetics profiling to evaluate metabolic function. Drug efficacies were tested using behavioral and electrophysiological assessments, as well as seizure frequency in kcna1a−/− zebrafish and Kcna1−/− mice, respectively.ResultsZebrafish kcna1a−/− larvae showed uncoordinated movements and locomotor deficits, along with scoliosis and increased mortality. The mutants also exhibited impaired startle responses when exposed to light–dark flashes and acoustic stimulation as well as hyperexcitability as measured by extracellular field recordings and upregulated fosab transcripts. Neural vglut2a and gad1b transcript levels were disrupted in kcna1a−/− larvae, indicative of a neuronal excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, as well as a significant reduction in cellular respiration in kcna1a−/−, consistent with dysregulation of neurometabolism. Notably, carbamazepine suppressed the impaired startle response and brain hyperexcitability in kcna1a−/− zebrafish but had no effect on the seizure frequency in Kcna1−/− mice, suggesting that this EA1 zebrafish model might better translate to humans than rodents.SignificanceWe conclude that zebrafish kcna1a−/− show ataxia and epilepsy‐related phenotypes and are responsive to carbamazepine treatment, consistent with EA1 patients. These findings suggest that kcna1−/− zebrafish are a useful model for drug screening as well as studying the underlying disease biology.
Communal nesting behaviour of Siberian flying squirrels during the non‐winter season
Authors: Kikuchi Hayato , Akasaka Takumi , Asari Yushin , Yanagawa Hisashi , Oshida Tatsuo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCommunal nesting behaviour of small mammals is thought to function mainly as a method of thermoregulation. However, this behaviour is also observed during the non‐winter season when there are no obvious thermoregulatory benefits. Siberian flying squirrels (Pteromys volans) nest communally during the non‐winter season. This may facilitate mating, but other functions such as thermoregulation have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, we examined whether communal nesting of P. volans during the non‐winter season plays a role in thermoregulation in addition to mating. In the event that communal nesting in the non‐winter season has any function other than mating, we expected an increase in non‐mating groups consisting of only‐males during the nurturing period (duration of mother squirrel and cubs living together) because females rearing their young do not participate in communal nesting. In Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan, during the non‐winter season (May–October) between 2019 and 2021, we captured P. volans in 252 nests by using nest boxes. The occurrence of male‐only groups showed a tendency to increase during the nurturing period. Moreover, the number of mixed‐sex groups increased between August and October each year; these changes in communal nesting during the non‐winter season were unrelated to the variation in air temperature or precipitation. These results suggest that during the non‐winter season, communal nesting of P. volans is related to reproductive behaviour. Additional studies are needed to determine how communal nesting during the non‐winter season enhances the reproductive success of male and female P. volans.
Do boutique investment banks have the Midas touch? Evidence from M&As
Authors: Alexandridis George , Antypas Nikolaos , Lee Vicky Y. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe study whether the meteoric rise of boutique advisors in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) is justified by their buy‐side performance. We find that acquiring firms represented by boutique advisors generate superior short‐ and long‐run abnormal returns over those employing full‐service advisors. This effect is mainly prominent in private deals, interindustry mergers, and deals involving inexperienced acquirers, where valuation uncertainty tends to be higher. Overall, our results reflect that acquirer shareholders benefit from boutique investment banks' high level of industry expertise and independent advice, supporting the rising demand for their financial advisory services.
“…in Japan, we are just imitating the ‘real’ thing…”. (Re)doing racialized authentic self in classical music
Authors: Kowalczyk Beata M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractScholars exploring the entwinement of “authenticity” and “race” in cultural production demonstrate that artists are frequently evaluated according to racialized standards, whereby differences in musical expression are believed not only to be the result of cultural differences but to be rooted in ethnic and racial differences in the popular imagination. Heretofore, the research has focused either on evidencing that authenticity is entirely a social construct or on tracing racially informed discriminatory practices against artists of color. Exponents of an artform traditionally associated with a racial group other than their own are frequently deemed “inauthentic.” However, less attention has been devoted to investigating whether, and if so how artists resist, or otherwise deal with, this racialized construction of authenticity. This article contributes to the literature on authenticity, race, and identity in creative work by examining the ways in which artists navigate racialized representations of authenticity in Western art music. The analysis is informed by qualitative research conducted among 75 Japanese musicians in France, Poland, and Japan. It draws on performative theories to conceptualize both authenticity and race as something that people “do” and “redo,” rather than “have” or “are.” My findings demonstrate that Japanese artists are doing authentic music self through race by self‐aligning with a Western personality, a Western sense of music, and by training their bodies to fit Western instruments. The various means available to an artist to resist racialized preconceptions and appraisals are additionally examined and their feasibility and effectiveness assessed. I argue that an artist has considerable, albeit limited, agency and that the hierarchical racial divisions in Western classical music can therefore be temporarily dissolved to make it more inclusive.
Enhancement of photoluminescence intensity of sintered CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ red phosphor‐bismuthate glass composites
Authors: Shyu Jiin‐Jyh , Wu Chun‐Han 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWavelength converters in white light‐emitting diodes are usually made by sintering of phosphor‐glass powder compacts. An issue is that the sintering process usually results in the reduction of phosphor amount. In the present study, composites containing CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ red phosphor and Bi2O3‐B2O3‐ZnO‐Sb2O5 glass were fabricated by sintering method. Influences of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphor content (10 vol%–30 vol%) and sintering temperature (410–430°C) on the residual amount of the phosphor phase and the resulting luminescence intensity of the composites were investigated. The change of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ content due to sintering was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction. The interdiffusion between the CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ and glass matrix was examine by scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. This paper focuses on the change of luminescence intensity after sintering. It was found that although the content of phosphor CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ reduces after sintering; the luminescent intensity of the composites anomalously increases. The optimum luminescence intensity is 14% higher than that of the as‐mixed, unfired powder. It is proposed that the incorporation of Bi3+ ions from the glass matrix into the phosphor CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ during sintering improves the luminescence ability of the phosphor particles.
Synthesis and properties of alkali‐activated iron ore tailings blended with metakaolin
Authors: Defáveri do Carmo e Silva Keoma , Andrade Alvarenga Henrique Barbosa , Rocha Saulo Ferreira , Peixoto Ricardo André Fiorotti , Brigolini Guilherme Jorge Silva 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this study, synthesis, microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, and environmental compatibility of alkali‐activated binders derived from iron ore tailings (IOT)—with partial replacement with metakaolin (MK)—were investigated. The binders were produced with a NaOH solution, IOT, and MK. A thermal cure at 100°C was used and the MK was applied as a partial replacement of IOT in three proportions (10, 20, and 30 wt%). The IOT‐based specimens presented an average of 98.0 and 18.0 MPa at 7 days age of curing for compressive and flexural strength, respectively. The mechanical properties of the alkali‐activated binders with MK decreased as the substitution ratio increased. By the microstructural analysis, it was found a zeolite‐type phase in alkali‐activated IOT, while in the binders blended with MK, three new mineral phases were identified. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared, quantitative X‐ray diffraction, and environmental analysis suggest that the Fe species present in IOT acted in the alkali‐activation reaction.