bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signaling Through FSH Receptors on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Promotes Angiogenesis
Authors: Stilley Julie A. , Guan Rongbin , Duffy Diane M. , Segaloff Deborah L. 
Published: February 2014

Context:
The FSH receptor (FSHR) is traditionally thought to play a role in female reproductive physiology solely within the context of ovarian FSHR. However, FSHR is also expressed in endothelial cells of the placental vasculature and human umbilical cord vessels, suggesting additional facets of female reproduction regulated by extragonadal FSHR.

Objective:
We sought to determine the functional role of FSHR on human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs), hypothesizing that activation of the FSHR would stimulate angiogenesis.

Design:
The ability of FSH to stimulate several angiogenic processes in HUVECs was determined.

Setting:
This was a laboratory-based study using commercially prepared HUVECs.

Results:
Tube formation, wound healing, cell migration, cell proliferation, nitric oxide production, and cell survival were stimulated in response to FSH. Quantitative comparisons between HUVECs incubated with maximally stimulatory concentrations of FSH vs vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a well-characterized angiogenic factor, revealed that FSH is as efficacious as VEGF in promoting angiogenic processes. FSH did not provoke increased secretion of VEGF by HUVECs, suggesting the direct stimulation of angiogenic processes by FSH in endothelial cells. In contrast to gonadal cells, the FSHR on HUVECs did not mediate an FSH-stimulated increase in cAMP. However, increased phosphorylation of AKT in response to FSH was observed, suggesting that FSH stimulation of HUVEC FSHR stimulates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusions:
Our studies reveal a novel role for FSHR in female reproductive physiology. Its ability to promote angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells suggests that the FSHR may have an influential role in pregnancy.
Bumblebees are not deterred by ecologically relevant concentrations of nectar toxins
Authors: Tiedeken Erin Jo , Stout Jane C. , Stevenson Philip C. , Wright Geraldine A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen that contain nutrients and simultaneously facilitate plant sexual reproduction. Paradoxically, nectar produced to attract pollinators often contains deterrent or toxic plant compounds associated with herbivore defence. The functional significance of these nectar toxins is not fully understood, but they may have a negative impact on pollinator behaviour and health, and ultimately plant pollination. This study investigates whether a generalist bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, can detect naturally occurring concentrations of nectar toxins. Using paired-choice experiments, we identified deterrence thresholds for five compounds found in the nectar of bee-pollinated plants: quinine, caffeine, nicotine, amygdalin, and grayanotoxin. The deterrence threshold was determined when bumblebees significantly preferred a sucrose solution over a sucrose solution containing the compound. Bumblebees had the lowest deterrence threshold for the alkaloid quinine (0.01 mM); all other compounds had higher deterrence thresholds, above the natural concentration range in floral nectar. Our data combined with previous work using honeybees suggest that generalist bee species have poor acuity for the detection of nectar toxins. The fact that bees do not avoid nectar relevant concentrations of these compounds is likely to indicate that it is difficult for them to learn to associate floral traits with the presence of toxins, thus, maintaining this trait in plant populations.
Olfactory foraging in temperate waters: Sensitivity to dimethylsulfide by shearwaters in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Dell'Ariccia Gaia , Celerier Aurelie , Gabirot Marianne , Palmas Pauline , Massa Bruno , Bonadonna Francesco 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMany procellariiforms use olfactory cues to locate food patches over the seemingly featureless ocean surface. In particular, some of them are able to detect and are attracted by dimethylsulfide (DMS), a volatile compound naturally occurring over worldwide oceans in correspondence with productive feeding areas. However, current knowledge is restricted to sub-Antarctic species, and to only one study realized under natural conditions at sea. Here, for the first time, we investigated the response to DMS in parallel in two different environments in temperate waters, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, employing Cory's (Calonectris borealis) and Scopoli's shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) as models. To test whether these birds can detect and respond to DMS, we presented them with this substance in a Y-maze. Then, to determine if they use this molecule in natural conditions, we tested the response to DMS at sea. The number of birds that chose the DMS in the Y-maze and that were recruited at DMS-scented slicks at sea suggest that these shearwaters are attracted to DMS in both non-foraging and natural contexts. Our findings show that the use of DMS as a foraging cue may be a strategy used by procellariiforms across oceans but that regional differences may exist, giving a worldwide perspective to previous hypotheses concerning the use of DMS as chemical cue.
Octopaminergic modulation of the visual flight speed regulator ofDrosophila
Authors: van Breugel Floris , Suver Marie P. , Dickinson Michael H. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that flies’ sensitivity to large field optic flow is increased by the release of octopamine during flight. This increase in gain presumably enhances visually-mediated behaviors such as the active regulation of forward speed, a process that involves the comparison of a vision-based estimate of velocity with an internal set point. To determine where in the neural circuit this comparison is made, we selectively silenced the octopamine neurons in the fruit fly, Drosophila, and examined the effect on vision-based velocity regulation in free flying flies. We found that flies with inactivated octopamine neurons accelerated more slowly in response to visual motion than control flies, but maintained nearly the same baseline flight speed. Our results are parsimonious with a circuit architecture in which the internal control signal is injected into the visual motion pathway upstream of the interneuron network that estimates groundspeed.
Fueling the engine: induction of AMP-activated protein kinase in trout skeletal muscle by swimming
Authors: Magnoni Leonardo J. , Palstra Arjan P. , Planas Josep V. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is well known to be induced by exercise and to mediate important metabolic changes in the skeletal muscle of mammals. Despite the physiological importance of exercise as a modulator of energy use by locomotory muscle, the regulation of this enzyme by swimming has not been investigated in fish. We found that sustained swimming (40 days at 0.75 BLs-1) increased AMPK activity in red and white trout skeletal muscle (3.9 and 2.2 fold, respectively) as well as the expression of AMPK target genes involved in energy use: LPL and CS in red and white muscle and CPT1β1b and PGC-1α in red muscle. Furthermore, electrical pulse stimulation of cultured trout myotubes increased AMPK activity and glucose uptake (1.9 and 1.2 fold, respectively) in an AMPK-dependent manner. These results suggest that AMPK may play an important mediatory role in the metabolic adaptation to swimming in fish skeletal muscle.
Electron-Transfer Processes in Highly-Correlated Electron Systems of Thiazyl Radicals
Authors: Awaga Kunio , Nomura Kenji , Kishida Hideo , Fujita Wataru , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Matsushita Michio M , Hu Laigui , Shuku Yoshiaki , Suizu Rie 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Heterocyclic thiazyl radicals possess unique chemical and physical properties as building blocks for molecule-based conductors and magnetic materials. They do not need protecting groups on their molecular skeletons, and the lack of such substituents permits close packing in the solid state. Moreover, thiazyl radical solids often involve a multidimensional network consisting of π–π overlaps and S···N contacts. The electronic structures of the thiazyl radicals can be compared to highly-correlated electron systems. In this account, we describe various electron-transfer processes in the solids of the thiazyl radicals, which manifest themselves by external stimuli such as temperature change, electric field, and photoillumination.
Preparation of siRNA Carrier Based on Boronic Acid-functionalized Amphiphilic Poly(γ-glutamic acid) Nanoparticles
Authors: Shima Fumiaki , Shudo Manami , Akagi Takami , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Boronic acid-grafted amphiphilic poly(γ-glutamic acid) was successfully synthesized with carbodiimide. These copolymers could form 200-nm-sized monodispersed nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs were stable in saline and could efficiently load small interfering RNA (siRNA) in a dose-dependent manner at about 80% efficiency. These results demonstrated that the polymer chemistry could contribute to the development of siRNA-based gene therapies.
Case Report: A case report of acromegaly associated with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Matrozova Joanna , Vandeva Silvia , Zacharieva Sabina 
Published: February 2014

We describe a patient with a rare combination of acromegaly and primary aldosteronism. A 37 year-old female patient was diagnosed with acromegaly on the basis of typical clinical, hormonal and image characteristics. She presented also with one of the most common co-morbidities – arterial hypertension. The patient has been regularly followed-up and after three surgical interventions, irradiation and adjuvant treatment with a dopamine agonist, acromegaly was finally controlled in 2008 (20 years after diagnosis). Arterial hypertension however, remained a therapeutic problem even after prescription of four antihypertensive drugs. She had normal biochemical parameters, except for low potassium levels 3.2 (3.5-5.6) mmol/l. This raised the suspicion of primary hyperaldosteronism, confirmed by a high aldosterone to plasma rennin activity ratio, high aldosterone level after a Captopril challenge test and visualization of a 35 mm left adrenal nodule on a CT scan. After an operation, the patient recovered from hypokalemia and antihypertensive therapy was reduced to a small dose of a Ca blocker.Co-morbid arterial hypertension is common in acromegaly, though it is rare for this to be caused by Conn’s adenoma. The association of Conn’s adenoma with acromegaly has been interpreted in two lines: as a component of multiple endocrine neoplasia type (MEN1) syndrome or as a direct mitogenic effect of hyperactivated GH-IGF1 axis.
The impact of technical risks in the financial activities of the insurance company
Authors: Козлов Александр , Kozlov Aleksandr , Козлова Елена , Kozlova Elena 
Published: February 2014

The article describes the main specific risks arising from the
activities of the insurance organizations and related delivery on insurance
liabilities — technical risks. The study analyzed the impact of
technical risks in the financial condition of the insurer. The authors
determined the risk of deficiency of the insurance fund for certain
types of insurance. The authors used computational and analytical
and statistical methods for the evaluation of technical risks.
Code of Judicial Ethics and disciplinary responsibility of judges
Authors: Романовская Ольга , Romanovskaya Olga 
Published: February 2014

This article discusses the meaning and content of the Code
of Judicial Ethics, approved by the All-Russian Congress of Judges
VIII December 19, 2012. Considered the Bangalore Principles
of Judicial Conduct, and their influence on the formation of the
Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation regarding the role
of the Code of Judicial Ethics in the system of legal acts of the
Russian Federation. The article examines the nature of disciplinary
responsibility of judges, draws conclusions about the need to
strengthen the role of the Code of Judicial Ethics, which should
unreservedly recognized as a normative act, which has full legal
force.
Corruption as the negative social phenomenon: essence and kinds
Authors: Братановский Сергей , Bratanovsky Sergey , Зеленов Михаил , Zelenov Mikhail 
Published: February 2014

In the article essential signs of corruption as socially-legal
institute are investigated. Various scientific approaches to development
of concept “corruption” are analyzed. The author investigated
station the international and Russian national right on a question
definition the approach to the specified concept. They offered
both wide, and the narrow approach to corruption definition.
Audience responses to environmental fiction and non-fiction films
Authors: Brereton Pat , Hong Chao-Ping 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Having been closely involved with developing a textual analysis strategy for examining ecology within Hollywood fiction, it has become necessary to test some of the hypotheses and assertions embedded in such analysis and explore how actual audiences perceive and decode ecocinema. Consequently in this small pilot study of communications students at Dublin City University, using pilot survey/questionnaires, discussion groups and the Q-methodology, we have tried to tease out the relative benefits and usage of such methods with the aim of producing some tentative findings, which will be explored and tested across further studies over the next few years. In particular this article focuses on comparing audience perspectives using non-fictional as against fictional evocations of an environmental agenda.
Review
Authors: Chu Kiu-wai 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Ecocinema Theory and Practice, Stephen Rust, Salma Monani and Sean Cubitt (eds) (2013) New York and Oxon: Routledge (AFI Film Reader), vii + 325 pp., ISBN: 978-0-415-89943-7, p/bk, USD$36.95
Physiological Changes in Older Adults and Their Effect on Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Gates Brian J. , Walker Kevin M. 
Published: February 2014

In Brief
Physiological changes associated with aging have the potential to affect the treatment of diabetes. However, evidence regarding treatment of diabetes in geriatric patients has been limited, especially for “oldest-old” patients. Recent research has provided greater insight into the risks and benefits of treatment, and new guidelines provide more specific information regarding treatment goals in older people with diabetes and encourage greater individualization of treatment.
Listening to Older Adults' Values and Preferences for Type 2 Diabetes Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Beverly Elizabeth A. , Wray Linda A. , LaCoe Cynthia L. , Gabbay Robert A. 
Published: February 2014

In Brief
Individuals' values and preferences have a considerable impact on their motivation and, therefore, their willingness to follow treatment recommendations. This qualitative study aimed to describe older adults' values and preferences for type 2 diabetes care. Older adults valued an effective physician-patient treatment relationship and quality of life in their diabetes care. They preferred physicians who knew them as a person and were honest about their diabetes treatment and progression of the illness. When developing treatment plans, providers should assess the effect that treatment will likely have on older adults' health, while explicitly acknowledging their values and preferences for care as a prelude to better patient-centered care and potentially shared decision-making.
“Es como uno bomba de tiempo [It's like a time bomb]”: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceptions of Diabetes Among First-Degree Relatives of Latino Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Castro-Rivas Erida , Boutin-Foster Carla , Milan Maria , Kanna Balavenkatesh 
Published: February 2014

Background. The South Bronx, a largely Latino community, has become an epicenter of the diabetes epidemic in New York City. In this community, nondiabetic first-degree relatives of people with diabetes are prime targets for intervention. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the knowledge of diabetes and attitudes toward health behavior modification of Latino adults who are first-degree relatives of people with diabetes.
Methods. Participants were recruited from three settings in the South Bronx (a community-based organization, a faith-based organization, and a taxi station). The Common Sense Model was used to develop focus-group items. This model provides a framework for exploring illness representations along five domains: identity, cause, consequences, timeline, and perceptions of curability. Responses were transcribed verbatim, and data analysis proceeded in the following order: data immersion, assignment of codes, grouping of key concepts to form categories, and construction of higher-order themes.
Results. Of the 115 potential participants identified, 53 were found to be eligible, and 23 of these participated in the focus group. Of these, 20 were Dominicans, 2 were Puerto Ricans, and 1 was Salvadorian. The mean age was 46.39 years, 35% were women, 61% were married, and 26% had less than a high school education. Qualitative analyses resulted in 547 codes that were grouped into 52 concepts, from which 9 categories and 4 overarching themes emerged. The dominant themes were 1) family, genetics, and culture play a major role in the etiology of diabetes; 2) being Latino and having a first-degree relative with diabetes makes getting diabetes inevitable, and, like a time bomb exploding, it is destined to happen; 3) once one develops diabetes, the physical and emotional consequences are devastating and destructive; and 4) diabetes can be “cured” through healthy eating and with insulin.
Conclusions. In this study, first-degree relatives of patients with diabetes were knowledgeable about the risks and consequences of diabetes. However, some participants felt that being Latino and having a first-degree relative with diabetes made one destined to have diabetes. Addressing this misperception through culturally tailored interventions has implications for diabetes prevention and may help to stem the diabetes epidemic in Latino communities.
John Labatt Blows In and Out of the Windy City: A Case Study in Entrepreneurship and Business Failure, 1889–1896
Authors: Bellamy Matthew 
Published: February 2014

Abstract: The Labatt brewery of London, Ontario, just 200 kilometres from the Canada–United States border, was the first Canadian brewery to attempt a strategic expansion into the United States. The paper examines the reasons why John Labatt decided to expand into the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. It analyzes both the “push” and “pull” factors that caused him to attempt to sell his ales, porters, and stouts in Chicago. The paper argues that while entrepreneurial factors played a central role in Labatt's geographic expansion into the United States, structural factors were more important as a factor in the ultimate inability of Labatt to capture a share of the Chicago market.
“No Political Significance of Any Kind”: Glenn Gould's Tour of the Soviet Union and the Culture of the Cold War
Authors: Carr Graham 
Published: February 2014

Abstract: The article examines the history of Glenn Gould's 1957 concert tour of the ussr as a pivotal moment in the Cold War and the evolution of Canadian cultural diplomacy. Classical music was a disarming weapon in the conduct of foreign relations because it was understood to have universal significance that transcended politics and ideology, even though the critical rhetoric of music performance often invoked notions of artistic power and triumph. Gould was the first North American pianist to perform behind the Iron Curtain, and his visit was a spectacular success artistically and politically. Western commentators played up his individualism, national identity, and modernist repertoire, describing the impact of his performances on Soviet audiences and translating the significance of that experience back home. Privately endorsed, but not officially sponsored by the Canadian government, the tour was organized by Gould's manager, Walter Homburger. Drawing on government documents about the planning of the tour, media coverage, personal memoirs, and the lectures about culture in the ussr that Gould delivered on his return to Toronto, the article explores the role of non-state actors in advancing the interests of Canadian foreign policy both at home and abroad.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity
Authors: Chamiraju Parthasarathi , Bhatia Sanjiv , Sandberg David I. , Ragheb John 
Published: February 2014

Object
The aim of this study was to determine the role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) in the management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity (PHHP) and to analyze which factors affect patient outcomes.

Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed medical records of 27 premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and hydrocephalus treated with ETV and CPC from 2008 to 2011. All patients were evaluated using MRI before the procedure to verify the anatomical feasibility of ETV/CPC. Endoscopic treatment included third ventriculostomy, septostomy, and bilateral CPC. After ETV/CPC, all patients underwent follow-up for a period of 6–40 months (mean 16.2 months). The procedure was considered a failure if the patient subsequently required a shunt. The following factors were analyzed to determine a relationship to patient outcomes: gestational age at birth, corrected age and weight at surgery, timing of surgery after birth, grade of IVH, the status of the prepontine cistern and cerebral aqueduct on MRI, need for a ventricular access device prior to the endoscopic procedure, and scarring of the prepontine cistern noted at surgery.

Results
Seventeen (63%) of 27 patients required a shunt after ETV/CPC, and 10 patients did not require further CSF diversion. Several factors studied were associated with a higher rate of ETV/CPC failure: Grade IV hemorrhage, weight 3 kg or less and age younger than 3 months at the time of surgery, need for reservoir placement, and presence of a normal cerebral aqueduct. Two factors were found to be statistically significant: the patient's corrected gestational age of less than 0 weeks at surgery and a narrow prepontine cistern on MRI. The majority (83%) of ETV/CPC failures occurred in the first 3 months after the procedure. None of the patients had a complication directly related to the procedure.

Conclusions
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy/CPC is a safe initial procedure for hydrocephalus in premature infants with IVH and hydrocephalus, obviating the need for a shunt in selected patients. Even though the success rate is low (37%), the lower rate of complications in comparison with shunt treatment may justify this procedure in the initial management of hydrocephalus. As several of the studied factors have shown influence on the outcome, patient selection based on these observations might increase the success rate.