bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Niban in renal interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Liu Jishi , Qin Jiao , Mei Wenjuan , Zhang Hao , Yuan Qiongjing , Peng Zhangzhe , Luo Renna , Yuan Xiangning , Huang Ling , Tao Lijian 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimApoptosis is one of the most important mechanisms underlying renal interstitial fibrosis. We identified the role of protein Niban in apoptosis of tumour cells. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of Niban in renal interstitial fibrosis of humans and rats.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to detect Niban in patients with obstructive nephropathy. Proteomics and gene array analysis were performed to screen different molecules involved in the pathophysiology of unilateral‐ureteral obstruction rats. We confirmed Niban using immunohistochemistry and Western blot in renal cortex of UUO rats and HK‐2 cells. TUNEL assay and flow cytometry revealed apoptosis of renal tubular cells. siRNA and overexpression plasmid were transfected specifically to study the possible function of Niban.ResultsNiban was decreased apparently in renal tubular cells of patients with obstructive nephropathy, compared with controls. Niban decreased in renal cortex of UUO rats and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐stimulated HK‐2 cells. siRNA of Niban increased apoptosis of HK‐2 cells. TGF‐β1 also increased apoptosis of HK‐2 cells. Overexpression of Niban failed to diminish apoptosis of HK‐2 cells induced by TGF‐β1.ConclusionsNiban decreased in renal tubular cells of patients of obstructive nephropathy, UUO rats and TGF‐β1 stimulated HK‐2 cells. Suppressing Niban increases apoptosis in HK‐2 cells. Niban may be associated with apoptosis of HK‐2 cells.
Determination of optimum time for intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in children premedicated with midazolam
Authors: Kilicaslan Alper , Gök Funda , Erol Atilla , Okesli Selmin , Sarkilar Gamze , Otelcioglu Şeref 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBackgroundIt has been shown that early placement of an intravenous line in children administered sevoflurane anesthesia increased the incidence of laryngospasm and movement. However, the optimal time for safe cannulation after the loss of the eyelash reflex during the administration of sevoflurane and nitrous oxide is not known.AimThe aim of the study was to determine the optimum time for intravenous cannulation after the induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in children premedicated with oral midazolam.MethodWe performed a prospective, observer‐blinded, up–down sequential, allocation study, and children, aged 2–6 years, ASA physical status I, scheduled for an elective procedure undergoing inhalational induction were included in the study. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide after premedication with oral midazolam. For the first child, 4 min after the loss of the eyelash reflex, the intravenous cannulation was attempted by an experienced anesthesiologist. The time for intravenous cannulation was considered adequate if movement, coughing, or laryngospasm did not occur. The time for cannulation was increased by 15 s if the time was inadequate in the previous patient, and conversely, the time for cannulation was decreased by 15 s if the time was adequate in the previous patient. The probit test was used in the analysis of up–down sequences.ResultsA total of 32 children were enrolled sequentially during the study period. The adequate time for effective intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in 50% and 95% of patients were 1.29 min (95% confidence interval, 0.96–1.54 min) and 1.86 min (95% confidence interval 1.58–4.35 min), respectively.ConclusionWe recommend waiting 2 min for attempting intravenous placement following the loss of the eyelash reflex in children sedated with midazolam and receiving an inhalation induction with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Moderate Dose of Tapentadol Prolonged Release for Managing Severe, Chronic Low Back Pain with a Neuropathic Component: An Open‐label Continuation Arm of a Randomized Phase 3b Study
Authors: Baron Ralf , Kern Uwe , Müller Matthias , Dubois Cecile , Falke Dietmar , Steigerwald Ilona 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of tapentadol prolonged release (PR) for severe, chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component in a subpopulation that achieved adequate pain relief with tapentadol PR 300 mg/day in a randomized, double‐blind, phase 3b study.MethodsPatients with painDETECT “unclear” or “positive” ratings and pain intensity ≥ 6 (11‐point NRS‐3 [average 3‐day pain intensity]) were titrated to tapentadol PR 300 mg/day over 3 weeks. A subpopulation with pain intensity < 4 continued receiving tapentadol PR 300 mg/day during an 8‐week, open‐label continuation arm. For the primary study population, patients with ≥ 1‐point decrease from baseline and pain intensity ≥ 4 were randomized to tapentadol PR 500 mg/day or tapentadol PR 300 mg/day plus pregabalin 300 mg/day during a concurrent 8‐week, double‐blind comparative period.ResultsFrom baseline to end of titration and to final evaluation, significant improvements were observed in pain intensity (mean [SD] changes from baseline to: end of titration; − 5.3 [1.78]; final evaluation; − 5.2 [2.39]; both P < 0.0001), neuropathic pain symptoms, and quality‐of‐life measures in the open‐label continuation arm, with greater improvements in this selected subpopulation than in either group in the primary study population. A favorable tolerability profile was observed, with incidences of all individual treatment‐emergent adverse events ≤ 5.1% during the continuation period.ConclusionsA subpopulation of patients with low back pain with a neuropathic component responded very well to tapentadol PR 300 mg/day, with significant improvements in pain intensity, neuropathic pain‐related symptoms, and quality of life. Further research is needed to identify factors associated with a very positive treatment response.
On the Role of Exponential Smoothing in Circadian Dosimetry
Authors: Price Luke L. A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe effects lighting has on health through modulation of circadian rhythms are becoming increasingly well documented. Data are still needed to show how light exposures are influenced by architecture and lighting design and circadian dosimetry analyses should provide duration, phase and amplitude measures of 24 h exposure profiles. Exponential smoothing is used to derive suitable metrics from 24 h light measurements collected from private dwellings. A further application of these modified exposure time series as physiological models of the light drive is discussed. Unlike previous light drive models, the dose rate persists into periods of darkness following exposures. Comparisons to long duration exposure studies suggest this type of persistent light drive model could be incorporated into contemporary physiological models of the human circadian oscillator.
What is and what could have been: An ERP study on counterfactual comparisons
Authors: Osinsky Roman , Walter Helen , Hewig Johannes 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPrior research indicates that the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) reflects a good versus bad evaluation of decision outcomes, which is insensitive to the local utilitarian relation between chosen and unchosen outcomes. We tested whether this negative finding holds when the chosen outcome has an objective value of zero and therefore a comparison with the unchosen outcome is needed to identify overall choice valence. Participants completed a gambling task in which chosen and unchosen options could result in monetary wins, losses, or breaking even. Results show that the FRN does not reflect local favorableness but rather a dichotomy of gain versus no‐gain for both chosen and unchosen outcomes. In contrast, P300 amplitude appears to reflect motivational salience derived from counterfactual comparisons of chosen and unchosen outcomes. Based on our and prior findings, we propose a threefold taxonomy of contextual factors and their relation to the FRN.
Knowing Other People: A Second‐Person Framework
Authors: Talbert Bonnie M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWhat does it mean to know another person, and how is such knowledge different from other kinds of knowledge? These questions constitute an important part of what I call ‘second‐person epistemology’ – the study of how we know other people. I claim that knowledge of other people is not only central to our everyday lives, but it is a kind of knowledge that is unlike other kinds of knowledge. In general, I will argue that second‐person knowledge arises from repeated interactions with another person, and that it also requires employment of certain cognitive abilities and a unique kind of second‐order knowledge.This paper provides the framework for a second‐person epistemology by examining some of our ordinary claims about what it means to know another person. I describe four conditions that typically characterize knowing another person. Then I describe the psychological grounds of knowing a person. Finally, I conclude with some thoughts about the unique symmetries of second person knowledge and the role of such knowledge in our broader epistemological endeavours.
Integrated Evaluation of Scrotal Temperature and Testosteronemia after GnRH Administration in Young Bulls with Low Semen Production
Authors: Vencato J , Cestaro L , Vazzana I , Carrer G , Carlo E , Dara S , Stelletta C 
Published: April 2014

ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine the suitability of thermographic monitoring of scrotal surface temperature (SST) as a method to monitor testicular function. Yearling bulls (n = 23) with low semen production were selected. Scrotal surface temperature and serum testosterone (T) concentrations were evaluated before and after administration of 10.5 μg buserelin acetate IV. Thermographic images of scrotum were recorded at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min post‐GnRH, while blood sampling was only performed at 60 min post‐GnRH. Bulls were divided in two groups: LowTemp bulls (n = 10) had a decreased SST at 60 min; HighTemp bulls (n = 13) had an increased SST. After 60 min, LowTemp bulls had higher T concentrations compared to HighTemp bulls: 14.32 ng/ml ± 0.53 vs 10.30 ± 1.37 ng/ml (mean ± SEM; p < 0.05), respectively. Reproductive performances in both groups improved after GnRH administration, resulting in an increased number of inseminating doses from each collection, which was higher in LowTemp bulls. Pearson correlation test showed a negative relationship between T and SST (r = −0.554). In conclusion, a decreased scrotal surface temperature 60 min after GnRH treatment was associated with improved semen production.
Effect of Artificial Insemination Protocol and Dose of Frozen/Thawed Stallion Semen on Pregnancy Results in Mares
Authors: Govaere JLJ , Hoogewijs MK , De Schauwer C , De Vliegher S , Van Soom A , Duchateau L , de Kruif A 
Published: April 2014

ContentsDeep intra‐uterine insemination is commonly accepted as a routine procedure for artificial insemination in horses. The motives and principles of deep insemination are well described, but the equipment used may differ. In this trial, the efficiency of two different insemination pipettes for deep intra‐uterine insemination in the mare was compared with insemination into the uterine body using commercially available frozen–thawed semen of two stallions of proven fertility. These inseminations were performed using two different doses. The semi‐flexible Minitube pipette was compared with a newly designed insemination device with a more flexible telescopic insemination catheter (Ghent device). The semi‐flexibleMinitube pipette performed better than the newly designed insemination device with respect to pregnancy outcome (p = 0.008). The superiority of deep horn insemination over uterine body insemination was reflected by the better pregnancy rates obtained after deep insemination using the same low doses (30.6% better pregnancy rates) (p = 0.0123).
Detection of the Matrix Metalloproteinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 in Llama (Lama glama) Oviduct
Authors: Zampini R , Argañaraz ME , Miceli DC , Apichela SA 
Published: April 2014

ContentsMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in several reproductive events like oocyte–spermatozoa interaction and semen liquefaction. In order to study their role in the llama oviductal reproductive process, MMP activity in oviductal fluid (OF) was assayed. Considering that llama genome sequences are partially known, a strategy to procure cDNA sequences of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 was designed. Afterwards, their expression patterns in the different llama oviductal segments were assayed. Gelatine zymograms detected 62 and 94 kDa protease activities that matched MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9, respectively. Expression pattern analysis showed that MMP and TIMP mRNAs were present in ampulla, isthmus, utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) and papilla. Altogether, these findings support the argument that MMPs/TIMPs are produced in the oviduct and secreted into the oviductal lumen. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in reproductive oviductal events.
Direct Comparison of the Effects of Slow Freezing and Vitrification on Late Blastocyst Gene Expression, Development, Implantation and Offspring of Rabbit Morulae
Authors: Saenz‐de‐Juano MD , Marco‐Jimenez F , Viudes‐de‐Castro MP , Lavara R , Vicente JS 
Published: April 2014

ContentsThis study aimed to assess the effect of different cryopreservation procedures (slow freezing vs vitrification) on the gene expression in pre‐implantation embryos and its implication in post‐implantation embryo losses in rabbit. For this purpose, rabbit morulae were recovered at Day 3 of development, frozen or vitrified and transferred to recipients. Then, embryos were recovered on Day 3 post‐transfer (Day 6 of development) or kept until the end of gestation. Apart from the gene expression analysis at Day 6, we also studied the pre‐implantatory and foetal development ability of both cryopreserved embryo types by evaluating late blastocyst development at Day 6, embryo implantation at Day 11 post‐transfer (Day 14 of development) and birth rate. We reported that slow freezing and vitrification have similar effects on embryo developmental ability till Day 6, but the distribution of losses changes during implantation and further development. These similarities at Day 6 of development were also reflected in gene expression patterns, and transcriptome analysis showed no differences between frozen and vitrified embryos. Our results confirm that vitrification provides better implantation and birth rates than slow freezing for rabbit embryos. As both the techniques are commonly used in human assisted reproduction, further experiments must be conducted to clarify the causes that may hinder foetal development and their impact on adulthood.
The Regulation of Aromatase and Androgen Receptor Expression During Gonad Development in Male and Female European Eel
Authors: Peñaranda DS , Mazzeo I , Gallego V , Hildahl J , Nourizadeh‐Lillabadi R , Pérez L , Weltzien F‐A , Asturiano JF 
Published: April 2014

ContentsThis research investigated the regulation of aromatase and androgen receptor gene expression in the brain–pituitary–gonad (BPG) axis of male and female European eels (Anguilla anguilla) during induced sexual maturation. Complete A. anguilla aromatase (aa‐cyp19a1) and partial androgen receptor α and β (aa‐ara and aa‐arb) sequences were isolated, and qPCR assays were validated and used for quantification of transcript levels for these three genes. Expression levels of the genes varied with sex, tissue and stage of maturation. aa‐arb was expressed at higher levels than aa‐ara in the pituitary and gonad in both sexes, suggesting aa‐arb is the physiologically most important androgen receptor in these tissues. In the female brain, a decrease in aa‐ara and an increase in aa‐cyp19a1 were observed at the vitellogenic stage. In contrast, a progressive increase in all three genes was observed in the pituitary and ovaries throughout gonadal development, with aa‐arb and aa‐cyp19a1 reaching significantly higher levels at the vitellogenic stage. In the male pituitary, a decrease in aa‐arb and an increase in aa‐cyp19a1 were observed at the beginning of spermatogenesis, and thereafter remained low and high, respectively. In the testis, the transcript levels of androgen receptors and aa‐cyp19a1 were higher during the early stages of spermatogenesis and decreased thereafter. These sex‐dependent differences in the regulation of the expression of aa‐ara, aa‐arb and cyp19a1 are discussed in relation to the role of androgens and their potential aromatization in the European eel during gonadal maturation.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Fibroblast Growth Factor‐2 in the Sheep Ovary and its Effects on Pre‐antral Follicle Apoptosis and Development In Vitro
Authors: Santos JMS , Menezes VG , Barberino RS , Macedo TJS , Lins TLB , Gouveia BB , Barros VRP , Santos LP , Gonçalves RJS , Matos MHT 
Published: April 2014

ContentsStudies with sheep are important to improve our knowledge about the factors that control folliculogenesis in mammals and to explore possible physiological differences among species. The aims of this study were to characterize FGF‐2 protein expression in ovine ovaries and to verify the effect of FGF‐2 on the morphology, apoptosis and growth of ovine pre‐antral follicles cultured in vitro. After collection, one fragment of ovarian tissue was fixed for histological analysis and TUNEL analysis (fresh control). The remaining fragments were cultured for 7 days in control medium (α‐MEM+) alone or supplemented with FGF‐2 at different concentrations (1, 10, 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml). After culturing, ovarian tissue was destined to histology and TUNEL analysis, and oocyte and follicle diameters were measured. The immunostaining for FGF‐2 was observed in oocytes from primordial, primary and secondary follicles, as well as in granulosa cells of secondary and antral follicles. The percentage of normal follicles was similar among control medium, 1 and 10 ng/ml FGF‐2, and significantly higher than those observed in 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml FGF‐2. A significant increase in follicle diameter was observed when tissues were cultured in 10, 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml FGF‐2 compared with the fresh control and the other treatments. Similar results were observed for oocyte diameter in tissues cultured with 50, 100 or 200 ng/ml FGF‐2 (p < 0.05). However, the percentage of apoptotic cells only decreased (p < 0.05) in ovarian tissues cultured in 1 or 10 ng/ml FGF‐2 compared with the control medium and other FGF‐2 treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the presence of FGF‐2 in ovine ovaries. Furthermore, 10 ng/ml FGF‐2 inhibits apoptosis and promotes ovine follicle growth. As the sheep ovary is more similar to that of humans, the culture system demonstrated in this work seems to be an appropriate tool for studies towards human folliculogenesis.
A Joint Modelling Approach for Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Zhang Weiping , Leng Chenlei , Tang Cheng Yong 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn longitudinal studies, it is of fundamental importance to understand the dynamics in the mean function, variance function and correlations of the repeated or clustered measurements. For modelling the covariance structure, Cholesky-type decomposition-based approaches have been demonstrated to be effective. However, parsimonious approaches for directly revealing the correlation structure between longitudinal measurements remain less well explored, and existing joint modelling approaches may encounter difficulty in interpreting the covariation structure. We propose a novel joint mean–variance correlation modelling approach for longitudinal studies. By applying hyperspherical co-ordinates, we obtain an unconstrained parameterization for the correlation matrix that automatically guarantees its positive definiteness, and we develop a regression approach to model the correlation matrix of the longitudinal measurements by exploiting the parameterization. The modelling framework proposed is parsimonious, interpretable and flexible for analysing longitudinal data. Extensive data examples and simulations support the effectiveness of the approach proposed.
Confidence Bands in Non-Parametric Errors-In-Variables Regression
Authors: Delaigle Aurore , Hall Peter , Jamshidi Farshid 
Published: April 2014

Summary
Errors-in-variables regression is important in many areas of science and social science, e.g. in economics where it is often a feature of hedonic models, in environmental science where air quality indices are measured with error, in biology where the vegetative mass of plants is frequently obscured by mismeasurement and in nutrition where reported fat intake is typically subject to substantial error. To date, in non-parametric contexts, the great majority of work has focused on methods for estimating the mean as a function, with relatively little attention being paid to techniques for empirical assessment of the accuracy of the estimator. We develop methodologies for constructing confidence bands. Our contributions include techniques for tuning parameter choice aimed at minimizing the coverage error of confidence bands.
Bootstrapping Locally Stationary Processes
Authors: Kreiss Jens-Peter , Paparoditis Efstathios 
Published: April 2014

SummaryWe propose a non-parametric method to bootstrap locally stationary processes which combines a time domain wild bootstrap approach with a non-parametric frequency domain approach. The method generates pseudotime series which mimic (asymptotically) correct, the local second- and to the necessary extent the fourth-order moment structure of the underlying process. Thus it can be applied to approximate the distribution of several statistics that are based on observations of the locally stationary process. We prove a bootstrap central limit theorem for a general class of statistics that can be expressed as functionals of the preperiodogram, the latter being a useful tool for inferring properties of locally stationary processes. Some simulations and a real data example shed light on the finite sample properties and illustrate the ability of the bootstrap method proposed.