bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notch signaling in the epididymal epithelium regulates sperm motility and is transferred at a distance within epididymosomes
Authors: Murta D. , Batista M. , Silva E. , Trindade A. , Henrique D. , Duarte A. , Lopes‐da‐Costa L. 
Published: January 2016

SummarySpermatozoa undergo sequential maturation changes during their transit along the epididymis. These changes are modulated by the epididymal epithelium and require a finely tuned gene expression. The Notch cell signaling pathway is a major regulator of cell fate decisions in several tissues, including the testis. Here, we evaluated the transcription and expression patterns of Notch components (Notch1‐3,Dll1,Dll4,andJagged1) and effectors (Hes1‐2andHes5) in the adult mouse epididymis, and evaluated the role of Notch signaling in the epididymis through its in vivo blockade following administration of an inhibitor (DAPT). Notch components and effectors were dynamically transcribed and expressed in the epididymis andvas deferens, each segment exhibiting a specific combination of epithelial receptor/ligand/effector expression patterns. Nuclear detection of Notch effectors indicates that Notch signaling was active. Notch components (but not effectors) were identified in the cytoplasmic droplet of spermatozoa, in a dynamic and specific pattern along the epididymis. In addition, Notch components were identified within large and small vesicles in the epididymal lumen. A purified population of these membranous vesicles from different epididymal segments was obtained, and through dot blot analysis, it was confirmed that Notch components were carried within these vesicles in a dynamic pattern along the epididymal lumen. We hypothesize that these vesicles (epididymosomes) allow Notch signaling at distance from epididymal epithelial cells to spermatozoa.DAPT‐induced in vivo Notch signaling blockade, although showing a low efficiency, disrupted the expression patterns of Notch components and effectors in the epididymal epithelium and in spermatozoa, and significantly decreased sperm motility, although not affecting male fertility. These results prompt for a regulatory role of Notch signaling in epididymal epithelial function and sperm maturation.
Initiation and exclusivity of breastfeeding: association with mothers' and fathers' prenatal and postnatal depression and marital distress
Authors: Ahlqvist‐Björkroth Sari , Vaarno Jenni , Junttila Niina , Pajulo Marjaterttu , Räihä Hannele , Niinikoski Harri , Lagström Hanna 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntroductionThis study explored the effects of mothers' and fathers' prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms and marital distress on breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration.Material and methodsThis was a prospective follow‐up of a cohort sample of 873 families participating to an intensive follow‐up cohort of longitudinal Steps to the Healthy Development and Well‐being of Children study (The STEPS study) in Southwestern Finland. The depressive symptoms were evaluated by The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and marital distress by the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale at 20th gestational week and at 4 months postpartum. EBF was self‐reported real‐time and defined as an infant receiving no food or drink other than mother's breast milk since birth, except occasionally water.ResultsNeither parents' prenatal depressive symptoms predicted breastfeeding initiation or EBF duration. The mothers' prenatal depressive symptoms, in turn, predicted their postnatal depressive symptoms, which were associated with shorter duration of EBF. The EBF duration was shortest amongst the mothers who had depressive symptoms both pre‐ and postnatally compared to mothers who had depressive symptoms only in either time point alone (M = 1.54, 2.06 and 2.04 months, respectively). Higher prenatal maternal marital distress was associated with longer EBF duration.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the continuity of maternal depressive symptoms throughout the perinatal period has adverse effect on EBF duration. Identification and treatment of mothers' depressive symptoms already during the prenatal period may improve breastfeeding practices. The finding of mothers' marital distress having positive impact on breastfeeding practices requires further investigation.
General Ser/Thr Kinases Pharmacophore Approach for Selective Kinase Inhibitors Search as Exemplified by Design of Potent and Selective Aurora A Inhibitors
Authors: Vasilevich Natalya I. , Aksenova Elena A. , Kazyulkin Denis N. , Afanasyev Ilya I. 
Published: January 2016

A general pharmachophore model for various types of Ser/Thr kinases was developed. Search for the molecules fitting to this pharmacophore among ASINEX proprietary library revealed a number of compounds, which were tested and appeared to possess some activity against several Ser/Thr kinases such as Aurora A, Aurora B and Haspin. The possibility of performing the fine‐tuning of the general Ser/Thr pharmacophore to desired types of kinase to get active and selective inhibitors was exemplified by Aurora A kinase. As a result, several hits in 3–5 nm range of activity against Aurora A kinase with rather good selectivity and ADME properties were obtained.
The Debate Over Single‐Sex Schooling
Authors: Pahlke Erin , Hyde Janet S. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSupporters of single‐sex schooling believe that separating boys and girls, by classrooms or schools, increases students' academic achievement. Critics of single‐sex schooling believe that gender segregation increases students' gender stereotypes and has no effect on students' achievement. In this article, we present these rationales, focusing on developmental issues that may affect the effectiveness of single‐sex schooling. We then review the research on the effectiveness of single‐sex schooling. Overall, findings suggest that single‐sex schooling is not more effective than coeducational schooling at improving students' academic achievement or attitudes. More work is needed to explore a broader range of outcomes, examine developmental factors that may influence the effectiveness of various types of schooling, and communicate results to parents, educators, and policymakers.
Developmental bias for number words in the intraparietal sulcus
Authors: Lussier Courtney A. , Cantlon Jessica F. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChildren and adults show behavioral evidence of psychological overlap between their early, non‐symbolic numerical concepts and their later‐developing symbolic numerical concepts. An open question is to what extent the common cognitive signatures observed between different numerical notations are coupled with physical overlap in neural processes. We show that from 8 years of age, regions of the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) that exhibit a numerical ratio effect during non‐symbolic numerical judgments also show a semantic distance effect for symbolic number words. In both children and adults, the IPS showed a semantic distance effect during magnitude judgments of number words (i.e. larger/smaller number) but not for magnitude judgments of object words (i.e. larger/smaller object size). The results provide novel evidence of conceptual overlap between neural representations of symbolic and non‐symbolic numerical values that cannot be explained by a general process, and present the first demonstration of an early‐developing dissociation between number words and object words in the human brain.
Cultural differences in self‐recognition: the early development of autonomous and related selves?
Authors: Ross Josephine , Yilmaz Mandy , Dale Rachel , Cassidy Rose , Yildirim Iraz , Suzanne Zeedyk M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFifteen‐ to 18‐month‐old infants from three nationalities were observed interacting with their mothers and during two self‐recognition tasks. Scottish interactions were characterized by distal contact, Zambian interactions by proximal contact, and Turkish interactions by a mixture of contact strategies. These culturally distinct experiences may scaffold different perspectives on self. In support, Scottish infants performed best in a task requiring recognition of the self in an individualistic context (mirror self‐recognition), whereas Zambian infants performed best in a task requiring recognition of the self in a less individualistic context (body‐as‐obstacle task). Turkish infants performed similarly to Zambian infants on the body‐as‐obstacle task, but outperformed Zambians on the mirror self‐recognition task. Verbal contact (a distal strategy) was positively related to mirror self‐recognition and negatively related to passing the body‐as‐obstacle task. Directive action and speech (proximal strategies) were negatively related to mirror self‐recognition. Self‐awareness performance was best predicted by cultural context; autonomous settings predicted success in mirror self‐recognition, and related settings predicted success in the body‐as‐obstacle task. These novel data substantiate the idea that cultural factors may play a role in the early expression of self‐awareness. More broadly, the results highlight the importance of moving beyond the mark test, and designing culturally sensitive tests of self‐awareness.
Predicting writing development in dual language instructional contexts: exploring cross‐linguistic relationships
Authors: Savage Robert , Kozakewich Meagan , Genesee Fred , Erdos Caroline , Haigh Corinne 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study examined whether decoding and linguistic comprehension abilities, broadly defined by the Simple View of Reading, in grade 1 each uniquely predicted the grade 6 writing performance of English‐speaking children (n= 76) who were educated bilingually in both English their first language and French, a second language. Prediction was made from (1) English to English; (2) French to French; and (3) English to French. Results showed that both decoding and linguistic comprehension scores predicted writing accuracy but rarely predicted persuasive writing. Within the linguistic comprehension cluster of tests, Formulating Sentences was a strong consistent within‐ and between‐language predictor of writing accuracy. In practical terms, the present results indicate that early screening for later writing ability using measures of sentence formulation early in students’ schooling, in their L1 or L2, can provide greatest predictive power and allow teachers to differentiate instruction in the primary grades. Theoretically, the present results argue that there are correlations between reading‐related abilities and writing abilities not only within the same language but also across languages, adding to the growing body of evidence for facilitative cross‐linguistic relationships between bilinguals’ developing languages.
3D Xplane Echocardiographic Technique for Validation of Mitral Leaflet Separation to Assess Severity of Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Gokhroo Rajendra K. , Ranwa Bhanwar L. , Kishor Kamal , Priti Kumari , Avinash Ananthraj , Gupta Sajal , Bisht Devendra 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundDetermining the severity of mitral stenosis (MS) is important for both prognostic and therapeutic implications. Mitral valve area (MVA) calculation techniques have more limitations. Mitral leaflet separation (MLS) is a precise and operator friendly alternative to planimetry. In contrast to previous researchers, we have used a novel 3D Xplane technique to validate MLS for assessing the severity of MS. 3D Xplane is superior for validation of MLS due to simultaneous real time acquisition of MLS in parasternal long‐axis view and corresponding MVA by planimetry in parsternal short‐axis view.MethodsIt was a prospective observational single center study. A total of 174 patients with MS were evaluated for MVA estimation by various echocardiographic modalities. Maximum leaflet separation and corresponding planimetered MVA were measured using novel 3D Xplane technique.ResultsWith 3D Xplane technique, there was strong positive correlation between planimetered MVA and MLS (R = 0.925, P < 0.001), irrespective of coexisting MR (R = 0.886, P < 0.001) or AF (R = 0.912, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves of MLS demonstrated AUC for mild and severe MS to be 0.966 and 0.995, respectively. MLS less than 8.62 mm predicted severe MS with 95.5% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity and MLS more than 12.23 mm predicted mild MS with 93.2% sensitivity and 91.4% specificity.ConclusionIn our study, a strong correlation between planimetered MVA and MLS was found using 3D Xplane technique. 3D Xplane thus validates and standardizes MLS by excluding errors due to temporal and spatial variations which are important limitations of 2D echocardiography.
Assessment of Impact of Weight Loss on Left and Right Ventricular Functions and Value of Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Obese Patients
Authors: Yuksel Isa Oner , Akar Bayram Nihal , Koklu Erkan , Ureyen Cagin Mustafa , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Arslan Sakir , Bozkurt Engin 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveIn our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of weight loss on left and right ventricular functions in obese patients.MethodsThirty patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 and without any exclusion criteria were included in the study. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were assessed with conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE). At the end of 3 months, echocardiographic examination was repeated in patients with weight loss for cardiac function evaluation and it was compared to the baseline echocardiographic parameters.ResultsAt the end of 3 months of weight loss period, conventional Doppler echocardiography revealed an improvement in diastolic functions with an increase in mitral E‐wave, a decrease in mitral A‐wave and an increase in E/A ratio. Deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time were ascertained shortened and Tei index decreased. TDE showed an increase in left ventricular lateral wall systolic wave (Sm) and E‐wave velocity (Em). Mitral septal annular isovolumetric acceleration time (IVA), Sm and Em, were found to be increased, whereas Tei index was ascertained reduced. Right ventricular tissue Doppler examination following weight loss revealed an increase in RV‐ IVA, RV‐Sm, and RV‐Em, and a decrease in Tei index.ConclusionWe disclosed that left ventricular structural changes and diastolic dysfunction occur in obese patients, and by weight loss, these abnormalities may be reversible which we demonstrated both by conventional and TDE. In addition, obesity might impair RV function as well, and we observed an enhancement in right ventricular functions by weight loss.
Genotype × environment interaction analysis of North American shrub willow yield trials confirms superior performance of triploid hybrids
Authors: Fabio Eric S. , Volk Timothy A. , Miller Raymond O. , Serapiglia Michelle J. , Gauch Hugh G. , Van Rees Ken C. J. , Hangs Ryan D. , Amichev Beyhan Y. , Kuzovkina Yulia A. , Labrecque Michel , Johnson Gregg A. , Ewy Robert G. , Kling Gary J. , Smart Lawrence B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDevelopment of dedicated bioenergy crop production systems will require accurate yield estimates, which will be important for determining many of the associated environmental and economic impacts of their production. Shrub willow (Salix spp) is being promoted in areas of the USA and Canada due to its adaption to cool climates and wide genetic diversity available for breeding improvement. Willow breeding in North America is in an early stage, and selection of elite genotypes for commercialization will require testing across broad geographic regions to gain an understanding of how shrub willow interacts with the environment. We analyzed a dataset of first‐rotation shrub willow yields of 16 genotypes across 10 trial environments in the USA and Canada for genotype‐by‐environment interactions using the additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) model. Mean genotype yields ranged from 5.22 to 8.58 oven‐dry Mg ha−1 yr−1. Analysis of the main effect of genotype showed that one round of breeding improved yields by as much as 20% over check cultivars and that triploid hybrids, most notably Salix viminalis × S. miyabeana, exhibited superior yields. We also found important variability in genotypic response to environments, which suggests specific adaptability could be exploited among 16 genotypes for yield gains. Strong positive correlations were found between environment main effects and AMMI parameters and growing environment temperatures. These findings demonstrate yield improvements are possible in one generation and will be important for developing cultivar recommendations and for future breeding efforts.
Any value in a specialist review of liver biopsies? Conclusions of a 4‐year review
Authors: Paterson Anna L , Allison Michael E D , Brais Rebecca , Davies Susan E 
Published: January 2016

AimsLiver pathology is a challenging subspeciality, with histopathologists frequently seeking specialist opinions. This study aims to determine the impact of specialist reviews on the final diagnosis and patient management.Methods and resultsAgreement with the initial reporting centre in the histopathological diagnosis of 1265 liver biopsies was determined. The nature of differences was explored in more depth for 103 discrepant cases. Differences in the histopathological interpretation were present in 749 of 1265 (59%) biopsies, of which 505 of 749 (67%) were predicted at the time of reporting to impact upon patient management. Agreement was good in cases with chronic viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, malignancy and minimal pathological changes, while diagnostic differences occurred in more than 70% with biliary disease, autoimmune hepatitis or vascular/architectural changes. A clinical review of a subset of reports with histopathological differences predicted changes in patient management in 63 of 103 (61%).ConclusionsClinically significant differences in liver biopsy interpretation between local pathologists and subspecialists are common. Diagnoses with frequent discrepancies, such as biliary disease, may benefit from a specialist review as standard when diagnosed initially, while cases requiring specialist advice from disease subgroups where discrepancies are less common, such as chronic viral hepatitis, could be selected during the clinicopathological conference process.
The skin‐depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin: in vitro evaluation using reconstructed pigmented human epidermis
Authors: Qiu J. , Chen M. , Liu J. , Huang X. , Chen J. , Zhou L. , Ma J. , Sextius P. , Pena A.‐M. , Cai Z. , Jeulin S. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe roots of the herb Paeonia lactiflora (‘White Peony’) are used in association with other herbs in traditional clinical cosmetic practice in China as oral treatment for skin pigmentary disorders, such as brown or dark pigmentary spots. However, the skin‐depigmenting potential of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and its main ingredient paeoniflorin has been scarcely investigated by topical application. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Paeonia lactiflora root extract and paeoniflorin as skin whitening agent in cosmetic application.MethodsPaeonia lactiflora root extract (containing 53.25% of paeoniflorin) and paeoniflorin (97% purity) were applied topically on reconstructed pigmented human epidermis model, a three‐dimensional (3D) human skin equivalent, showing morphological and functional characteristics similar to those of in vivo human skin. Two specific methods were used for quantifying melanin inside the reconstructed pigmented epidermis: Fontana–Masson staining (2D quantification) and multiphoton microscopy (3D quantification).ResultsCompared to vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide DMSO), a significant decrease in 2D and 3D melanin content was observed after topical application on reconstructed pigmented epidermis of Paeonia lactiflora extract at 300 μg mL−1 (−28% and −27%, respectively) and paeoniflorin at 120 μg mL−1/250 μM (−30% and −23%, respectively), which is in the same order of magnitude as the positive reference 4‐n‐butylresorcinol at 83 μg mL−1/500 μM (−26% and −40%, respectively).ConclusionThese results demonstrate, for the first time, the depigmenting potential of paeoniflorin and thus the potential interest of using Paeonia lactiflora root extracts containing paeoniflorin in cosmetic or dermatological applications for reducing the severity of some hyperpigmented skin disorders.
Movement kinematics and cyclic fatigue of NiTi rotary instruments: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira F. , Adeodato C. , Barbosa I. , Aboud L. , Scelza P. , Zaccaro Scelza M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe aim of this review was to provide a detailed analysis of the literature concerning the correlation between different movement kinematics and the cyclic fatigue resistance of NiTi rotary endodontic instruments. From June 2014 to August 2015, four independent reviewers comprehensively and systematically searched the Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for works published since January 2005, using the following search terms: endodontics; nickel–titanium rotary files; continuous rotation; reciprocating motion; cyclic fatigue. In addition to the electronic searches, manual searches were performed to include articles listed in the reference sections of high‐impact published articles that were not indexed in the databases. Laboratory studies in English language were considered for this review. The electronic and manual searches resulted in identification of 75 articles. Based on the inclusion criteria, 32 articles were selected for analysis of full‐text copies. Specific analysis was then made of 20 articles that described the effects of reciprocating and continuous movements on cyclic fatigue of the instruments. A wide range of testing conditions and methodologies have been used to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary endodontic instruments. Most studies report that reciprocating motion improves the fatigue resistance of endodontic instruments, compared to continuous rotation, independent of other variables such as the speed of rotation, the angle or radius of curvature of simulated canals, geometry and taper, or the surface characteristics of the NiTi instruments.
Flagging performance of the Sysmex XN2000 haematology analyser
Authors: Schoorl M. , Schoorl M. , Chevallier M. , Elout J. , van Pelt J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIntroductionWith the introduction of the Sysmex XN haematology analyser, the white blood cell differentiation channel (WDF) and abnormal cell detection channel (WPC) have been added with algorithms for flagging blasts and abnormal or atypical lymphocytes.MethodsIn this study, 2011 samples were evaluated on a Sysmex XN2000 analyser and microscopically reviewed using a CellaVision DM96 digital microscope.ResultsA reference group of apparently healthy blood donors (n = 262) demonstrated in only three samples a positive suspect flag, which could not be confirmed microscopically. Positive WBC suspect flags were demonstrated in 3% of the 2011 samples. From the 55 samples with positive WBC suspect flags, an automatic reflex test was performed within the WPC. The WPC reflex test resulted in 10× Blast?, 15× Abnormal lymph? and 15× Atypical lymph? flags, which could be confirmed microscopically in 33% of these cases. A negative flagging was demonstrated in 15 cases. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated no abnormalities in these 15 cases. However, laboratory technicians also reported the presence of abnormal lymphocytes in 158 samples without an Abnormal lymph? flag.ConclusionIn conclusion, the combined use of WDF and WPC resulted in a reduction of approximately 25% of the number blood smears. As a result of the various techniques for light microscopy and haemocytometry, the adequacy of the XN flagging for abnormal and atypical lymphocytes cannot be established with certainty. To improve the quality of the reported results, it is recommended that laboratory technicians incorporate the haemocytometry results and the flagging information in the microscopic slide review.