bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ontogenetic scaling of locomotor kinetics and kinematics of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Smith Nicola C. , Jespers Karin J. , Wilson Alan M. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYKinematic and kinetic parameters of running gait were investigated through growth in the ostrich, from two weeks up to 10 months of age, in order to investigate the effects of increasing body size. Ontogenetic scaling relationships were compared with published scaling relationships found to exist with increasing body size between species to determine whether dynamic similarity is maintained during growth. During the study, ostrich mass (Mb) ranged from 0.7 kg to 108.8 kg. Morphological measurements showed that lengths scaled with positive allometry during growth (hip height ∝Mb0.40; foot segment length ∝Mb0.40; tarsometatarsus length ∝Mb0.41; tibiotarsus length ∝Mb0.38; femur length ∝Mb0.37), significantly exceeding the close to geometric scaling observed between mammalian and avian species of increasing body size. Scaling of kinematic variables largely agreed with predicted scaling for increasing size and demonstrated relationships close to dynamic similarity and, as such, ontogenetic scaling of locomotor parameters was similar to that observed with increasing body mass between species. However, the ways in which these scaling trends were achieved were very different, with ontogenetic scaling of locomotor mechanics largely resulting from simple scaling of the limb segments rather than postural changes, likely to be due to developmental constraints. Small deviations from dynamic similarity of kinematic parameters and a reduction in the predicted scaling of limb stiffness (∝Mb0.59) were found to be accounted for by the positive allometric scaling of the limb during growth.
Life in acid: interactive effects of pH and natural organic acids on growth, development and locomotor performance of larval striped marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii)
Authors: Barth B. J. , Wilson R. S. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARY
The low pH of naturally acidic aquatic environments is the result of soft-water with low buffering capacity and high concentrations of natural organic acids. Our current understanding of the influence of pH on aquatic organisms is largely limited to laboratory studies conducted under controlled conditions with little incorporation of these organic acids. Recent studies suggest natural organic acids may influence the physiology of aquatic species independent of low pH. We examined the effects of pH and varying concentrations of natural wallum water, which is high in organic acids on the hatching success, growth and locomotor performance of larval striped marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii). Based on previous studies, we predicted that the detrimental effects of low pH would be further exacerbated by higher concentrations of naturally occurring organic acids (high concentrations of wallum water). In artificial soft-water, embryos experienced both reduced growth and reduced survival when exposed to low pH. However, greater concentrations of natural organic acids did not exacerbate these effects of low pH on growth and development. Instead, we found some evidence that the natural organic acids within wallum water improved growth and swimming performance across all pH treatments. Using path analyses to investigate the effects of pH and natural organic acid concentration on burst swimming performance, we found performance was directly affected by both body length and organic acid concentration. Our data further highlight our limited understanding of the importance of natural organic acids for aquatic organisms and the need to incorporate greater ecological relevance into these studies.
Activity, abundance, distribution and expression of Na+/K+-ATPase in the salt glands ofCrocodylus porosusfollowing chronic saltwater acclimation
Authors: Cramp Rebecca L. , Hudson Nicholas J. , Franklin Craig E. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYSaltwater crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus, possess lingual salt glands which function to remove excess Na+ and Cl− accumulated as a consequence of living in salt water. Little is known about the nature of ion transport systems in C. porosus salt glands and how these systems respond to an osmotic challenge. In the present study, we examined the distribution and regulation of the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) pump, specifically the α-(catalytic) subunit in the salt glands of C. porosus chronically acclimated (6 months) to freshwater (FW) or 70% seawater (SW). We hypothesised that in the SW-acclimated C. porosus there would be an up-regulation of the abundance, activity and gene expression of the NKA transporter. NKA was immunolocalised to the lateral and basal membrane of secretory cells. As predicted, the NKA α-subunit was 2-fold more abundant in SW-acclimated C. porosus salt glands. NKA gene expression was also elevated in the salt glands of SW- vs FW-acclimated crocodiles. There was no increase in the specific activity of NKA in SW-acclimated animals and the in vitro rate of oxygen consumption by salt gland slices from SW-acclimated animals was not significantly different from that of FW-acclimated animals. The proportion of tissue oxygen consumption rate attributable to NKA activity was not different between SW- and FW-acclimated animals (approximately 50%). These data suggest that either chronic SW acclimation does not affect NKA in crocodile salt glands in the same manner as seen in other models or crocodiles possess the capacity to moderate NKA activity following prolonged exposure to SW.
The treatment of varicose veins: an investigation of patient preferences and expectations
Authors: Shepherd A C , Gohel M S , Lim C S , Hamish M , Davies A H 
Published: March 2010

Objectives A number of modalities are now available for the treatment of varicose veins. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors considered important by patients when contemplating treatment of their varicose veins. Methods Consecutive new patients referred to a vascular surgery service were invited to complete a short anonymous questionnaire prior to their consultation. The questionnaire consisted of 13 multiple choice questions relating to symptoms, potential varicose vein treatments and patient knowledge of existing therapies. Results Of 111 patients, there were 83 complete responses (75%). Symptoms of pain or aching were reported as moderate or severe by 77/103 (75%) of patients and significantly limited the activities of 47/101 (47%). Although the majority (89/103 [86%]) of patients were aware of surgery, only 52/103 (51%) knew of the existence of endothermal ablation (either laser or radiofrequency) and only 23/103 (22%) were aware of foam sclerotherapy. Some 58/92 (63%) were in favour of local anaesthetic treatment. Most patients (74/103, 72%) felt inadequately informed to express a preference regarding treatment type prior to their consultation, although 24/103 (23%) expressed a preference for endovenous treatment. Interestingly, 74/92 (80%) stated that the opinion of their vascular surgeon would be likely to or definitely influence their treatment decision and the majority of patients stated that what they had read in magazines (54/80, 64%) or on the Internet (51/85, 60%) would have no influence on their decision regarding treatment, respectively. Conclusion Only a minority of patients referred with varicose veins were aware of endovenous treatments or felt adequately informed to express a treatment preference prior to consultation. Over half of patients expressed a preference for local anaesthetic therapy and a preference for a single visit treatment, although most would be strongly influenced by the opinion of their vascular surgeon and not influenced by media advertising.
Fostering Better Policing through the Use of Indicators to Measure Institutional Strengthening
Authors: Mohar Edgar 
Published: March 2010

Despite the remarkable achievements in the development of Mexico's democracy, there is a lack of substantial progress in an essential matter: justice and police reform. This has been aggravated in recent years, following a very violent outbreak of organised crime, which has shown the incapability of, and the extent of the corruption within, these institutions. Although there have been 15 years of increased investment in the sector, it is easy to infer that lots of resources have been wasted and little progress achieved because of the lack of clear objectives and sound evaluation. The State of Queretaro, Mexico, developed a programme to promote police reform within the municipal police services, based on standards designed to strengthen the institutional capabilities to measure and improve individual and organisation performance. This paper relates the experience of evaluating police agencies in Queretaro where, as in the rest of the country, police institutions have been historically closed to public scrutiny. It shows the expected and unexpected outcomes, some positive and some negative, of a programme to reform police services through evaluation, with a voluntary, transparent and objective approach.
A native steroid hormone derivative triggers the resolution of inflammation
Authors: Niro Sandra , Hennebert Olivier , Morfin Robert 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Inflamed tissues produce both prostaglandins (PGs) and 7α-hydroxylated derivatives of native circulating 3β-hydroxysteroids. These 7α-hydroxysteroids are in turn transformed into 7β-hydroxylated epimers by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in the tissue. 7β-Hydroxy-epiandrosterone (7β-hydroxy-EpiA) affects PG production in two models of inflammation, dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in the rat and TNF-α-induced activation of PG production and PG synthase expression in cultured human peripheral blood monocytes (hPBMC). Treatment with 7β-hydroxy-EpiA led to a shift from high to low colonic PGE2 levels and from low to high 15-deoxy-Δ12–14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) levels, together with changes in the expression of the respective PG synthases and resolution of colonic inflammation. Addition of 7β-hydroxy-EpiA to hPBMC also changed the expression of PG synthases and decreased PGE2 while increasing 15d-PGJ2 production. These effects were only observed with 7β-hydroxy-EpiA and not with 7α-hydroxy- or 7β-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone (7α-hydroxy-DHEA and 7β-hydroxy-DHEA). 15d-PGJ2, which is the native ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor subtype γ, contributes to cell protection and to the resolution of inflammation. Our results therefore suggest that 7β-hydroxy-EpiA may facilitate inflammatory resolution by shifting PG production from PGE2 to PGD2 and 15d-PGJ2. The finding that 7β-hydroxy-EpiA was effective at nM concentrations, whereas the two structurally closely related hydroxysteroids 7α-hydroxy-DHEA and 7β-hydroxy-DHEA were inactive suggests that the effects of 7β-hydroxy-EpiA are specific to this steroid and may be mediated by a specific receptor.
Estrogen receptor-α: molecular mechanisms and interactions with the ubiquitin proteasome system
Authors: Stanišić Vladimir , Lonard David M. , O'Malley Bert W. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) is a protein with a long history of study that precedes the advent of modern molecular biology. Over the course of 50 years, ERα has been increasingly recognized as a prominent model for the study of the mechanism of gene transcription in vertebrates. It also serves as a regulatory molecule for numerous physiological and disease states. Several fundamental insights have been made using ERα as a model protein, from the discovery that endocrine hormones elicit gene transcription to our understanding of the relationship between ERα-mediated transcription and transcription factor degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Understanding of receptor protein degradation developed alongside other aspects of its molecular biology, from early observations in the 1960s that ERα is degraded on hormone treatment to the current understanding of ERα transcriptional regulation by the UPS. Here, we present the concept of ERα turnover from the perspective of the historical development of this notion and highlight some of the latest discoveries regarding this process. We discuss the logic and significance of ERα degradation pathways in the context of cell and whole-organism homeostasis.
Pharmacotherapy with 17β-estradiol and progesterone prevents development of mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Garay Laura , Gonzalez Deniselle Maria Claudia , Gierman Lobke , Lima Analia , Roig Paulina , De Nicola Alejandro F. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women with multiple sclerosis (MS) show disease remission in the third trimester concomitant with high circulating levels of sex steroids. Rodent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an accepted model for MS. Previous studies have shown that monotherapy with estrogens or progesterone exert beneficial effects on EAE. The aim of the present study was to determine if estrogen and progesterone cotherapy of C57BL/6 female mice provided substantial protection from EAE.

Methods: A group of mice received single pellets of progesterone (100 mg) and 17 β-estradiol (2.5 mg) subcutaneously 1 week before EAE induction, whereas another group were untreated before EAE induction. On day 16 we compared the two EAE groups and control mice in terms of clinical scores, spinal cord demyelination, expression of myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein, macrophage cell infiltration, neuronal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and protein, and the number of glial fribrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunopositive astrocytes.

Results: Clinical signs of EAE were substantially attenuated by estrogen and progesterone treatment. Steroid cotherapy prevented spinal cord demyelination, infiltration of inflammatory cells and GFAP+ astrogliocytes to a great extent. In motoneurons, expression of BDNF mRNA and protein was highly stimulated, indicating concomitant beneficial effects of the steroid on neuronal and glial cells.

Conclusions: Cotherapy with estrogen and progesterone inhibits the development of major neurochemical abnormalities and clinical signs of EAE. We suggest that a combination of neuroprotective, promyelinating and immuno-suppressive mechanisms are involved in these beneficial effects.
The influence of low dose finasteride, a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, on circulating neuroactive steroids
Authors: Dušková Michaela , Hill Martin , Stárka Luboslav 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor that has received clinical approval for the treatment of human benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia. The treatment is practically without side effects, although some occasional cases of depression syndrome have been reported. 5α-Reductase is an enzyme responsible for the reduction of testosterone, progesterone or deoxycorticosterone to their 5α-reduced derivatives possessing anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anxiolytic activity. Therefore, the formation of GABAergic neuroactive steroids is likely to be impacted by finasteride.Objective: The objective of the study was to show how the treatment of premature androgenetic alopecia with low doses (1 mg/day) of finasteride influences the broad spectrum of steroids with potential neuroactivity.Methods: A group of 12 men with premature androgenetic alopecia participated in the present study. The steroid hormone profile was determined for all individuals. Finasteride was administered for 4 months at a daily dose of 1 mg. After the treatment, the same hormonal profile was determined again.Results: 5α-Reduced steroids, e.g., 5α-dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, epiandrosterone, 5α-androstene-3α,17β-diol, allopregnanolone, isopregnaolone, and some 5-ene steroids, such as dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone, decreased gradually during treatment.Conclusions: The decrease of 5α-reduced steroids, especially of allopregnanediol, dihydrotestosterone, and pregnenolone, is probably one of the factors responsible for the increased occurrence of depression in men treated with finasteride, even at low doses.
Differential effects of overexpression of ERα and ERβ in MCF10A immortalised, non-transformed human breast epithelial cells
Authors: Pugazhendhi Dhamayanthi , Darbre Philippa D. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background: Cellular effects of oestrogen are mediated by two intracellular receptors ERα and ERβ. However, to compare responses mediated through these two receptors, experimental models are needed where ERα and ERβ are individually stably overexpressed in the same cell type.

Methods: We compared the effects of stable overexpression of ERα and ERβ in the MCF10A cell line, which is an immortalised but non-transformed breast epithelial cell line without high endogenous ER expression.

Results: Clones of MCF10A cells were characterised which stably overexpressed ERα (10A-ERα2, 10A-ERα13) or which stably overexpressed ERβ (10A-ERβ12, 10A-ERβ15). Overexpression of either ERα or ERβ allowed induction of an oestrogen-regulated ERE-LUC reporter gene by oestradiol which was not found in the untransfected cells. Oestradiol also increased proliferation of 10A-ERα13 and 10A-ERβ12 cells, but not untransfected cells, by 1.3-fold over 7 days. The phytoestrogen, genistein, which is reported to bind more strongly to ERβ than to ERα, could induce luciferase gene expression from an ERE-LUC reporter gene at concentrations of 10−6 M and 10−5 M but only in the clones overexpressing ERβ and not in those overexpressing ERα. Clone 10A-ERβ12 also yielded growth stimulation with 10-6 M genistein. Finally, the overexpression of ERα, but not ERβ, gave rise to increased growth in semi-solid methocel suspension culture in the presence of 70 nM oestradiol, suggesting that overexpression of ERα, but not ERβ, produces characteristics of a transformed phenotype.

Conclusions: This provides a model system to compare effects of oestradiol with other oestrogenic ligands in cells stably overexpressing individually ERα or ERβ.
A Laboratory Evaluation of Plastic (Stucco) Cement-Based Plaster as a Barrier to Water Penetration of Concrete Masonry Construction at Hurricane Force Wind Speeds
Authors: Flynn Russell T. , Gulde Jim 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Hurricanes cause significant damage to residential construction due to water intrusion. While it is assumed that Portland cement-based exterior plaster (stucco) applied to concrete masonry construction increases the resistance to water penetration, a review of the literature has found no comprehensive tests on this subject. This research was undertaken to provide some information as to the effectiveness of stucco made with plastic (stucco) cement in the prevention of water intrusion through the concrete block and stucco wall system. Results of walls tested in accordance with ASTM E514-06 indicate significant protection against wind driven rain at various wind speeds up to and exceeding those of a Category 5 hurricane.
Theoretical Solutions for Strength-Scaled Unreinforced Masonry for Scaled Soil-Structure Experimentation
Authors: Laefer Debra F. , Erkal Aykut , Cording Edward J. , Long James H. , Hong Linh Truong 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Reduced-scale masonry testing offers advantages of lower costs and shorter schedules compared to full-scale testing, but achieving results reflective of full-scale behavior requires development and fulfillment of appropriate scaling relationships. In many model-scale experiments, geometric scaling occurs, but kinematic and/or dynamic similitude is not fully satisfied. This paper describes the theoretical basis and evolution of the equations necessary to achieve kinematic similitude for soil-structure testing at one-gravity for unreinforced masonry. Critical considerations relate to preventing the soil from being overloaded. By adopting a standard linear relationship of increased soil stiffness with depth, the controlling principle becomes the application of restricted scaled-loads throughout the entirety of the structure-soil system. As such, material strength and stiffness must be scaled accordingly to respond appropriately under the reduced stress. An example is provided for an adjacent excavation experiment with related empirical verification and computational quantification.
Reel Teaching = Real Learning: Motivating Reluctant Students Through Film Studies
Authors: Smilanich Brad , Lafreniere Nicole 
Published: March 2010

The authors provide a rationale for the critical study of film texts in the English language arts. For struggling or reluctant students, film offers an accessibility that the printed text may not. Students who are intimidated by, or impeded from, accessing print text are able to discuss film with acuity and insight. The study of visual texts can help bridge the gap between the literal and the figurative, an abstraction with which students frequently struggle.يعرض المؤلفون سبباً للقيام بدراسة نصوص الأفلام بشكل نقدي في الفنون اللغوية الإنكليزية. وبالنسبة للطلاب المواجهين صعوبات في القراءة أو الطلاب المترددين فيها فإن الفيلم يوفر وسيلة لدخوله قد لا تكون موجودة عند النصوص المطبوعة. والطلاب الذين يخافون من محاولة قراءة النصوص المطبوعة أو يواجهون صعوبة في قراءتها فإنهم هم أنفسهم يستطيعون أن يناقشوا الأفلام بالحدة وبنفاذ البصيرة. قد تساعد دراسة النصوص المرئية في سد الثغرة بين الحرفية والمجازية وهذه من الأمور الغامضة التي يواجه الطلاب صعوبة في فهمها.本文作者为在英语语言艺术学科推行批判式电影文本学习提出其理据。对于有阅读困难或不愿意阅读的学生来说，电影文本所能提供的学习门径可能是印刷文本所不能给予的。那些被印刷文本吓怕或难倒的学生，却能够在讨论电影内容时表现出很有敏锐力和洞察力。学习视觉文本，可以联接字面上的意义和比喻上的意义，而学生对这种抽象的理解却经常感到困难。Les auteurs présentent un outil pour 'étude critique des textes des films en anglais. Pour les étudiants en difficulté ou peu motivés, le film offre une accessibilité que le texte imprimé n'a pas. Les élèves intimidés ou ne parvenant pas à accéder au texte écrit réussissent à discuter du film avec précision et pertinence. 'étude des textes visuels peut les aider à franchir le pont entre le littéral et le figuré, abstraction avec laquelle les élèves se battent souvent.Авторы предлагают научное обоснование для включения критического анализа фильмов в программу по родному языку. Слабоуспевающих или нерадивых учеников кинотекст привлекает больше, нежели текст печатный. При общении с печатным текстом у многих школьников возникает страх, внутренний барьер, а фильмы они способны обсуждать живейшим образом и достаточно глубоко. Работа над визуальными текстами может стать мостом между буквой и образом и научить школьников связывать абстрактное с конкретным, что часто дается им нелегко.Los autores presentan fundamentos para la enseñanza crítica de guiones de películas en las clases de las artes lingüísticas. La cinematografía les podría ofrecer a los estudiantes con dificultades o reacios una accesibilidad que el texto impreso no les ofrece. Estudiantes temerosos del texto impreso, o los que no los pueden accesar fácilmente, pueden discutir películas con perspicacia y discernimiento. El estudio de textos visuales puede superar la brecha entre lo literal y lo figurado, una abstracción con la que los estudiantes a menudo tienen problemas.