bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of quercetin from onion solid wastes
Authors: Jang Mi , Asnin Leonid , Nile Shivraj Hariram , Keum Young Soo , Kim Hwang Yeon , Park Se Won 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe extraction of quercetin with aqueous ethanol solutions from onion solid waste under sonication conditions was investigated using rational experimental design methodologies. It was found that the ethanol concentration (40–80%, v/v) and the temperature (40–60 °C) of extraction are the most influential parameters in the recovery yield, whereas pH (2–6), liquid/solid ratio (30–60 mL g−1) and extraction time (15–35 min) do not significantly influence the completeness of the extraction. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be an ethanol percentage of 59% and extraction temperature of 49 °C, yielding a total quercetin content of 11.08 mg per g dry weight of onion solid waste. An empirical relationship between extraction parameters and the extraction yield was suggested and verified.
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase is an Upstream Regulator of the Phosphodiesterase 3B Pathway of Leptin Signalling that may not Involve Activation of Akt in the Rat Hypothalamus
Authors: Sahu A. , Koshinaka K. , Sahu M. 
Published: September 2012

Leptin, the product of the obese gene, regulates energy homeostasis by acting primarily at the level of the hypothalamus. Leptin action through its receptor involves various pathways, including the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), and phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B)‐cAMP signalling in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. In the hypothalamus, leptin stimulates STAT3 activation, and induces PI3K and PDE3B activities, among others. We have previously demonstrated that PDE3B activation in the hypothalamus is critical for transducing the anorectic and body weight reducing effects of leptin. Similarly, PI3K has been implicated to play a critical role in leptin signalling in the hypothalamus. Although, in the insulin signalling pathway, PI3K is known to be an upstream regulator of PDE3B in non‐neuronal tissues, it is still unknown whether this is also the case for leptin signalling in the hypothalamus. To address this possibility, the effect of wortmannin, a specific PI3K inhibitor, was examined on leptin‐induced PDE3B activity in the hypothalamus of male rats. Intracerebroventricular injection of leptin (4 μg) significantly increased PDE3B activity by two‐fold in the hypothalamus as expected. However, previous administration of wortmannin completely reversed the stimulatory effect of leptin on PDE3B activity in the hypothalamus. To investigate whether leptin stimulates phospho (p)‐Akt levels and that there might be a possible upstream regulator of PDE3B, we examined the effects of i.c.v. leptin on p‐Akt levels in the hypothalamus and compared them with the known stimulatory effect of insulin on p‐Akt. We observed that insulin increased p‐Akt levels but leptin failed to do so, although it increased p‐STAT3 levels, in the rat hypothalamus. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the biochemical findings in that leptin failed but insulin increased the number of p‐Akt positive cells in various hypothalamic nuclei. Taken together, these results implicate PI3K but not Akt as an upstream regulator of the PDE3B pathway of leptin signalling in the rat hypothalamus.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for seed storability in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: LI LINFANG , LIN QIUYUN , LIU SHIJIA , LIU XI , WANG WENYAN , HANG NGO THI , LIU FENG , ZHAO ZHIGANG , JIANG LING , WAN JIANMIN 
Published: September 2012

With 5 figures and 2 tables
AbstractSeed storability is an important agronomic trait for rice. A population comprising 182 backcross recombinant inbred lines derived from the backcross ‘Koshihikari’ (japonica)/‘Kasalath’ (indica)//‘Koshihikari’ was used for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed storability. Germination rate was used as the phenotype of seed storability under room temperature conditions after storage for 32 months (grown only at Nanjing) and 48 months (grown at Nanjing, Jinhu and Lianyungang). Six QTL named qSS‐2, qSS‐3, qSS‐4, qSS‐6, qSS‐9 and qSS‐11 were detected. qSS‐9 was the most stable one and was detected in seeds from all environments and storage times, explaining 10.63–33.10% of the phenotypic variation. The existence of QTL qSS‐2, qSS‐4, qSS‐6 and qSS‐9 was confirmed using ‘Kasalath’ chromosome segment substitution lines in a ‘Koshihikari’ genetic background. These results provide an opportunity for map‐based cloning of qSS‐9, thereby gaining an understanding of seed storability in rice and possibilities for its improvement.
Interactions between superficial and deep dorsal horn spinal cord neurons in the processing of nociceptive information
Authors: Petitjean Hugues , Rodeau Jean‐Luc , Schlichter Rémy 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn acute rat spinal cord slices, the application of capsaicin (5 μm, 90 s), an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors expressed by a subset of nociceptors that project to laminae I–II of the spinal cord dorsal horn, induced an increase in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in about half of the neurons in laminae II, III–IV and V. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, which blocks action potential generation and polysynaptic transmission, capsaicin increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in only 30% of lamina II neurons and had no effect on the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in laminae III–V or on the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in laminae II–V. When the communication between lamina V and more superficial laminae was interrupted by performing a mechanical section between laminae IV and V, capsaicin induced an increase in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in laminae II–IV and an increase in spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current frequency in lamina II that were similar to those observed in intact slices. However, in laminae III–IV of transected slices, the increase in spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current frequency was virtually abolished. Our results indicate that nociceptive information conveyed by transient receptor potential vanilloid 1‐expressing nociceptors is transmitted from lamina II to deeper laminae essentially by an excitatory pathway and that deep laminae exert a ‘feedback’ control over neurons in laminae III–IV by increasing inhibitory synaptic transmission in these laminae. Moreover, we provide evidence that laminae III–IV might play an important role in the processing of nociceptive information in the dorsal horn.
Doing gesture promotes learning a mental transformation task better than seeing gesture
Authors: Goldin‐Meadow Susan , Levine Susan C. , Zinchenko Elena , Yip Terina KuangYi , Hemani Naureen , Factor Laiah 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPerforming action has been found to have a greater impact on learning than observing action. Here we ask whether a particular type of action – the gestures that accompany talk – affect learning in a comparable way. We gave 158 6‐year‐old children instruction in a mental transformation task. Half the children were asked to produce a Move gesture relevant to the task; half were asked to produce a Point gesture. The children also observed the experimenter producing either a Move or Point gesture. Children who produced a Move gesture improved more than children who observed the Move gesture. Neither producing nor observing the Point gesture facilitated learning. Doing gesture promotes learning better than seeing gesture, as long as the gesture conveys information that could help solve the task.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of safinamide as add‐on therapy in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schapira A. H. V. , Stocchi F. , Borgohain R. , Onofrj M. , Bhatt M. , Lorenzana P. , Lucini V. , Giuliani R. , Anand R. ,   The Study 017 Investigators
Published: September 2012

Background and purposeSafinamide is an α‐aminoamide with both dopaminergic and non‐dopaminergic mechanisms of action in Phase III clinical development as a once‐daily add‐on to dopamine agonist (DA) therapy for early Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsStudy 017 was a 12‐month, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pre‐planned extension study to the previously reported Study 015. Patients received safinamide 100 or 200 mg/day or placebo added to a single DA in early PD. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time from baseline (Study 015 randomization) to ‘intervention’, defined as increase in DA dose; addition of another DA, levodopa or other PD treatment; or discontinuation due to lack of efficacy. Safinamide groups were pooled for the primary efficacy endpoint analysis; post hoc analyses were performed on each separate dose group.ResultsOf the 269 patients randomized in Study 015, 227 (84%) enrolled in Study 017 and 187/227 (82%) patients completed the extension study. Median time to intervention was 559 and 466 days in the pooled safinamide and placebo groups, respectively (log‐rank test; P = 0.3342). In post hoc analyses, patients receiving safinamide 100 mg/day experienced a significantly lower rate of intervention compared with placebo (25% vs. 51%, respectively) and a delay in median time to intervention of 9 days (P < 0.05; 240‐ to 540‐day analysis).ConclusionsThe pooled data from the safinamide groups failed to reach statistical significance for the primary endpoint of median time from baseline to additional drug intervention. Post hoc analyses indicate that safinamide 100 mg/day may be effective as add‐on treatment to DA in PD.
No globally consistent effect of ectomycorrhizal status on foliar traits
Authors: Koele Nina , Dickie Ian A. , Oleksyn Jacek , Richardson Sarah J. , Reich Peter B. 
Published: September 2012

Summary

The concept that ectomycorrhizal plants have a particular foliar trait suite characterized by low foliar nutrients and high leaf mass per unit area (LMA) is widely accepted, but whether this trait suite can be generalized to all ectomycorrhizal clades is unclear.

We identified 19 evolutionary clades of ectomycorrhizal plants and used a global leaf traits dataset comprising 11 466 samples across c. 3000 species to test whether there were consistent shifts in leaf nutrients or LMA with the evolution of ectomycorrhiza.

There were no consistent effects of ectomycorrhizal status on foliar nutrients or LMA in the 17 ectomycorrhizal/non‐ectomycorrhizal pairs for which we had sufficient data, with some ectomycorrhizal groups having higher and other groups lower nutrient status than non‐ectomycorrhizal contrasts. Controlling for the woodiness of host species did not alter the results.

Our findings suggest that the concepts of ectomycorrhizal plant trait suites should be re‐examined to ensure that they are broadly reflective of mycorrhizal status across all evolutionary clades, rather than reflecting the traits of a few commonly studied groups, such as the Pinaceae and Fagales.
Dynamic CEO Compensation
Authors: EDMANS ALEX , GABAIX XAVIER , SADZIK TOMASZ , SANNIKOV YULIY 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTWe study optimal compensation in a dynamic framework where the CEO consumes in multiple periods, can undo the contract by privately saving, and can temporarily inflate earnings. We obtain a simple closed‐form contract that yields clear predictions for how the level and performance sensitivity of pay vary over time and across firms. The contract can be implemented by escrowing the CEO's pay into a “Dynamic Incentive Account” that comprises cash and the firm's equity. The account features state‐dependent rebalancing to ensure its equity proportion is always sufficient to induce effort, and time‐dependent vesting to deter short‐termism.
Financial Flexibility, Bank Capital Flows, and Asset Prices
Authors: PARLOUR CHRISTINE A. , STANTON RICHARD , WALDEN JOHAN 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTIn our parsimonious general‐equilibrium model of banking and asset pricing, intermediaries have the expertise to monitor and reallocate capital. We study financial development, intraeconomy capital flows, the size of the banking sector, the value of intermediation, expected market returns, and the risk of bank crashes. Asset pricing implications include: a market's dividend yield is related to its financial flexibility, and capital flows should be important in explaining expected returns and the risk of bank crashes. Our predictions are broadly consistent with the aggregate behavior of U.S. capital markets since 1950.
The Vote Is Cast: The Effect of Corporate Governance on Shareholder Value
Authors: CUÑAT VICENTE , GINE MIREIA , GUADALUPE MARIA 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates whether improvements in the firm's internal corporate governance create value for shareholders. We analyze the market reaction to governance proposals that pass or fail by a small margin of votes in annual meetings. This provides a clean causal estimate that deals with the endogeneity of internal governance rules. We find that passing a proposal leads to significant positive abnormal returns. Adopting one governance proposal increases shareholder value by 2.8%. The market reaction is larger in firms with more antitakeover provisions, higher institutional ownership, and stronger investor activism for proposals sponsored by institutions. In addition, we find that acquisitions and capital expenditures decline and long‐term performance improves.
Testosterone Deficiency in Men: Systematic Review and Standard Operating Procedures for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Buvat Jacques , Maggi Mario , Guay André , Torres Luiz Otavio 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Testosterone (T) deficiency (TD) may significantly affect sexual function and multiple organ systems.

Aim
To provide recommendations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on best evidence for diagnosis and treatment of TD in men

Methods
Medical literature was reviewed by the Endocrine subcommittee of the ISSM Standards Committee, followed by extensive internal discussion over two years, then public presentation and discussion with other experts

Main Outcome Measure
Recommendations and SOPs based on grading of evidence-based medical literature and interactive discussion

Results
TD is the association of a low serum T with consistent symptoms or signs. T level tends to decline with age. T modulates sexual motivation and erection. It also plays a broader role in men's health. Recent studies have established associations between low T, male sexual dysfunctions and metabolic risk factors. Though association does not mean causation, low T is associated with reduced longevity, risk of fatal cardiovascular events, obesity, sarcopenia, mobility limitations, osteoporosis, frailty, cognitive impairment, depression, Sleep Apnea Syndrome, and other chronic diseases. The paper proposes a standardized process for diagnosis and treatment of TD, and updates the knowledge on T therapy (Tth) and prostate and cardiovascular safety. There is no compelling evidence that Tth causes prostate cancer or its progression in men without severe TD. Polycythemia is presently the only cardiovascular-related adverse-event significantly associated with Tth. But follow-up of controlled T trials is limited to 3 years

Conclusions
Men with sexual dysfunctions, and/or with visceral obesity and metabolic diseases should be screened for TD and treated. Young men with TD should also be treated. Benefits and risks of Tth should be carefully assessed in older men. Prospective, long-term, placebo-controlled, interventional studies are required before screening for TD in more conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, and considering correction of TD as preventive medicine.
SOP: Corpus Cavernosum Assessment (Cavernosography/Cavernosometry)
Authors: Glina Sidney , Ghanem Hussein 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is no universal gold standard diagnostic test to differentiate psychogenic from organic erectile dysfunction (ED). Cavernosography/cavernosometry has been used to evaluate veno-occlusive dysfunction (VOD) in men with a proposed organic ED.

Aim
To develop evidence-based guidelines for the performance and interpretation of cavernosography/cavernosometry.

Methods
Review the methodology behind cavernosography/cavernosometry and evaluate the evidence that supports its use and interpretation of results.

Main Outcome Measure
Expert opinion based on review of the literature, extensive internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Results
The detailed technique of cavernosography/cavernosometry is described. An evidence-based perspective to the use and interpretation of cavernosometry is presented.

Conclusion
The positive predictive value of cavernosometry still needs further assessment. It is unknown how many potent men would test positive for VOD (false positive).
Standard Operating Procedures for Taking a Sexual History
Authors: Althof Stanley E. , Rosen Raymond C. , Perelman Michael A. , Rubio-Aurioles Eusebio 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
While there is evidence of increased professional and public awareness of sexual problems, both male and female sexual dysfunctions remain underdiagnosed and undertreated by health care professionals around the world. Health care professionals (HCPs) are typically reluctant, disinterested, or unskilled in sexual problem management and regrettably are often disinclined to inquire about sexual issues. HCPs in all countries receive variable, nonstandardized, or inadequate training in sexual history taking and its treatment.

Aim
This article presents a standard operating procedure (SOP) for taking a sexual history from men or women with sexual problems or performance concerns.

Methods
Review of relevant evidence-based literature identified through a PubMed search, integrated with expert opinion.

Results
Guidelines for taking a sexual history are presented along with the relevant domains, opening and follow-up questions.

conclusion
The SOP presented in this article offers HCPs a brief, structured, and uniform method for obtaining a sexual history from men or women seeking health care services. Sexual history taking should be based on three basic principles, which serve as the foundation for managing sexual problems in men and women. These include the following: (i) a patient-centered approach; (ii) evidenced-based diagnostic and treatment recommendations; and (iii) use of a unified management approach for men and women. Sexual history taking should always be conducted in a culturally sensitive manner, taking account of the individual's background and lifestyle, status of the partner relationship, and the clinician's comfort and experience with the topic. Sexual inquiry should be incorporated into all new patient encounters, when possible, if only to ask one or two broad questions such as the following: “Are you sexually active? Do you have any sexual concerns or problems you would like to discuss?” Sexual history taking is a cornerstone of sexual medicine clinical practice. All patients should be provided an opportunity for frank and open discussion of sexual issues or concerns, conducted in an atmosphere of sensitivity and respect.
Standard Operating Procedures in the Disorders of Orgasm and Ejaculation
Authors: McMahon Chris G. , Jannini Emmanuele , Waldinger Marcel , Rowland David 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ejaculatory/orgasmic disorders are common male sexual dysfunctions and include premature ejaculation (PE), inhibited ejaculation, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, and anorgasmia.

Aim
To provide recommendations and guidelines of the current state-of-the-art knowledge for management of ejaculation/orgasmic disorders in men as standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the treating health care professional.

Methods
The International Society of Sexual Medicine Standards Committee assembled over 30 multidisciplinary experts to establish SOPs for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The SOP for the management of disorders of orgasm and ejaculation represents the opinion of four experts from four countries developed in a process over a 2-year period.

Main Outcome Measure
Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, limited expert opinion, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Results
PE management is largely dependent upon etiology. Lifelong PE is best managed with PE pharmacotherapy (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and/or topical anesthetics). The management of acquired PE is etiology specific and may include erectile dysfunction (ED) pharmacotherapy in men with comorbid ED. All men seeking treatment for PE should receive basic psychosexual education. Graded behavioral therapy is indicated when psychogenic or relationship factors are present and is often best combined with PE pharmacotherapy in an integrated treatment program. Delayed ejaculation, anejaculation, and/or anorgasmia may have a biogenic and/or psychogenic etiology. Men with age-related penile hypoanesthesia should be educated, reassured, and instructed in revised sexual techniques which maximize arousal. Retrograde ejaculation is managed by education, patient reassurance, and pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions
Additional research is required to further the understanding of the disorders of ejaculation and orgasm.
Canonical TGF‐β Pathway Activity Is a Predictor of SHH‐Driven Medulloblastoma Survival and Delineates Putative Precursors in Cerebellar Development
Authors: Aref Donya , Moffatt Connor J. , Agnihotri Sameer , Ramaswamy Vijay , Dubuc Adrian M. , Northcott Paul A. , Taylor Michael D. , Perry Arie , Olson James M. , Eberhart Charles G. , Croul Sidney E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMedulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Very little is known about aggressive forms of this disease, such as metastatic or recurrent MBs. In order to identify pathways involved in aggressive MB pathophysiology, we performed unbiased, whole genome microarrays on MB tumors at both the human and murine levels. Primary human MBs were compared, transcriptomically, to their patient‐matched recurrent or metastatic tumors. Expression profiling was also performed on murine tumors from two spontaneously developing MB mouse models (Ptch+/− and Smo/Smo) that present with differing clinical severities. At both the human and murine levels we identified transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) as a potential contributor to MB progression/metastasis. Smad3, a major downstream component of the TGF‐β pathway, was also evaluated using immunohistochemistry in malignant human tissues and was shown to correlate with MB metastasis and survival. Similarly, Smad3 expression during development identified a subset of cerebellar neuronal precursors as putative cells of origin for the Smad3‐positive MBs. To our knowledge, this is the first study that links TGF‐β to MB pathogenesis. Our research suggests that canonical activation of this pathway leads to better prognosis for patients.