bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐related properties of the tumour vasculature in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Meehan Brian , Appu Sree , St Croix Brad , Rak‐Poznanska Krystyna , Klotz Laurence , Rak Janusz 
Published: August 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Little is known about the impact of vascular ageing on the angiogenic features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a disease in which antiangiogenic therapy currently has a well established role. It is also rather surprising that this question has not been raised in a disease context where patients’ age may differ by several decades. We provide the first glimpse in to the related vasclar changes, including morphology and some of the molecular features.OBJECTIVETo assess whether ageing processes influence angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) we carried out a pilot study of vascular properties in a series of archival primary kidney tumours in patients of different ages.PATIENTS AND METHODSA cohort of patients with RCC was identified restrospectively, with an age range of 35–84 years.Paraffin‐embedded, formalin‐fixed sections of surgical tumour specimens were stained for endothelial (CD31, von Willebrand factor [vWF]), pericyte (alpha smooth muscle actin [SMA]) and leucocytic (CD45) markers, as well as for proliferative (Ki67) and angiogenic activity (tumour endothelial markers [TEMs], delta‐like 4 [Dll4], Dll1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]).Vascular properties were compared between patients above and below 65 years of age.RESULTSMicrovascular density (MVD) within capillary hot spots was generally higher in patients with non‐metastatic clear‐cell RCC (ccRCC; n= 21) than in those with metastatic RCC (mRCC; n= 9).Patients with ccRCC who were more than 65 years old showed significantly higher MVD than their younger (<65 years) counterparts. There were dividing (Ki67‐positive) endothelial and mural cells in both small (<20 µm) capillary and large (>20 µm), pre‐capillary vessels, suggesting the involvement of both angiogenic and remodelling/arteriogenic processes.Tumour endothelial markers (TEM1, TEM7, TEM8), Notch ligands (Dll1, Dll4), and other molecular characteristics (eNOS) were analysed. Age‐related differences were observed in the frequency of pre‐capillary vessels expressing Dll1, which was significantly higher in tumours of younger patients (<65 years), while eNOS was more prevalent among capillaries associated with ccRCC in older patients (>65 years).CONCLUSIONSThe results of the present study suggest that age influences the structural and molecular properties of the tumour vasculature in ccRCC.We postulate that vascular ageing could also be relevant in the context of anti‐angiogenic therapy.
Comparative analysis of drought‐responsive transcriptome inIndicarice genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance
Authors: Lenka Sangram K. , Katiyar Amit , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Bansal Kailash C. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryGenetic improvement in drought tolerance in rice is the key to save water for sustainable agriculture. Drought tolerance is a complex trait and involves interplay of a vast array of genes. Several genotypes of rice have evolved features that impart tolerance to drought and other abiotic stresses. Comparative analysis of drought stress‐responsive transcriptome between drought‐tolerant (DT) landraces/genotypes and drought‐sensitive modern rice cultivars will unravel novel genetic regulatory mechanisms involved in stress tolerance. Here, we report transcriptome analysis in a highly DT rice landrace, Nagina 22 (N22), versus a high‐yielding but drought‐susceptible rice variety IR64. Both genotypes exhibited a diverse global transcriptional response under normal and drought conditions. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that drought tolerance of N22 was attributable to the enhanced expression of several enzyme‐encoding genes. Drought susceptibility of IR64 was attributable to significant down‐regulation of regulatory components that confer drought tolerance. Pathway analysis unravelled significant up‐regulation of several components of carbon fixation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and flavonoid biosynthesis and down‐regulation of starch and sucrose metabolism in both the cultivars under drought. However, significant up‐regulation of α‐linolenic acid metabolic pathway observed in N22 under drought appears to be in good agreement with high drought tolerance of this genotype. Consensuscis‐motif profiling of drought‐induced co‐expressed genes led to the identification of novelcis‐motifs. Taken together, the results of the comparative transcriptome analysis led to the identification of specific genotype‐dependent genes responsible for drought tolerance in the rice landrace N22.
The acquisition of phonetic categories in bilingual infants: new data from an anticipatory eye movement paradigm
Authors: Albareda‐Castellot Bàrbara , Pons Ferran , Sebastián‐Gallés Núria 
Published: August 2010

AbstractContrasting results have been reported regarding the phonetic acquisition of bilinguals. A lack of discrimination has been observed for certain native contrasts in 8‐month‐old Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants (Bosch & Sebastián‐Gallés, 2003a), though not in French‐English bilingual infants (Burns, Yoshida, Hill & Werker, 2007; Sundara, Polka & Molnar, 2008). At present, the data for Catalan‐Spanish bilinguals constitute an exception in the early language acquisition literature. This study contributes new findings that show that Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants do not lose the capacity to discriminate native contrasts. We used an adaptation of the anticipatory eye movement paradigm (AEM; McMurray & Aslin, 2004) to explore this question. In two experiments we tested the ability of infants from Catalan and Spanish monolingual families and from Catalan‐Spanish bilingual families to discriminate a Spanish‐Catalan common and a Catalan‐specific vowel contrast. Results from both experiments revealed that Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants showed the same discrimination abilities as those shown by their monolingual peers, even in a phonetic contrast that had not been discriminated in previous studies. Our results demonstrate that discrimination can be observed in 8‐month‐old bilingual infants when tested with a measure not based on recovery of attention. The high ratio of cognates in Spanish and Catalan may underlie the reason why bilinguals failed to discriminate the native vowels when tested with the familiarization‐preference procedure but succeeded with the AEM paradigm.
SAMPLING AND ESTIMATION IN THE PRESENCE OF CUT‐OFF SAMPLING
Authors: Haziza David , Chauvet Guillaume , Deville Jean‐Claude 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCut‐off sampling consists of deliberately excluding a set of units from possible selection in a sample, for example if the contribution of the excluded units to the total is small or if the inclusion of these units in the sample involves high costs. If the characteristics of interest of the excluded units differ from those of the rest of the population, the use of naïve estimators may result in highly biased estimates. In this paper, we discuss the use of auxiliary information to reduce the bias by means of calibration and balanced sampling. We show that the use of the available auxiliary information related to both the variable of interest and the probability of being excluded enables us to reduce the potential bias. A short numerical study supports our findings.
Taxation Reform and Income Distribution in Australia
Authors: Meagher G. A. , Agrawal Nisha 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis article contains an analysis of the effects of changes in the existing tax mix on the distribution of income in Australia. Shifts from direct to indirect taxes, similar to ‘Option C’ in the Government's Draft White Paper on tax reform, are considered. The general equilibrium effects of the policy changes are analysed using an extended version of the ORANI model of the Australian economy. The Shorrocks I0 index is then used to identify the sources of inequality in the pre‐ and post‐change distributions. The results are based on data from the ABS Income and Housing Survey for 1981–82.
Inside the Crystal Ball of Finance: Understanding Financial Economists' Attitudes to Market and Society
Authors: Bryan Dick , Wilson Shaun 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMarket economists are thought to wield tremendous power—not only over financial markets but over governments that stray from the ‘market way’. Still, there is mystery about what economists think, and how they form their judgements. This article reports results from a survey of over 50 financial market economists from leading financial institutions in Australia conducted in December 2003 and January 2004. It provides insight into the opinions of economists who impact on markets and policy, especially through media commentary. The article identifies their economic and social views, comparing them with the Australian public. We then examine how professional views of economists differ from their personal views. Differences in professional and private views—especially over the role of government and labour markets—are an opportunity to ponder how judgements are formed and used. We offer tentative answers to the question: do these professionals—highly paid for their opinions—occasionally self‐censor?
On the effects of a plant extract of Orthosiphon stamineus on sebum‐related skin imperfections
Authors: Vogelgesang B. , Abdul‐Malak N. , Reymermier C. , Altobelli C. , Saget J. 
Published: August 2010

SynopsisOverproduction of sebum is very common and results in an undesirable oily, shiny complexion with enlarged pores. Sebum secretion is basically under the control of 5‐α reductase, and more particularly under that of type 1 isozyme. But it is also highly sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and food. Moreover, in Asia, the edicts of a flawless facial skin turn oily skin into a major concern for Asian women. We identified Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract as an interesting ingredient for reducing the oily appearance of skin thanks to its ability to reduce 5‐α reductase type 1 expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. This was confirmed ex vivo, where Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract was shown to reduce 5‐α reductase activity as well as the production of squalene, one of the main components of sebum that was used as a tracer of sebum. To evaluate the efficacy of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract at reducing sebum‐related skin imperfections in vivo, we performed two different clinical studies, one in France on a panel of Caucasian volunteers and the other one in Thailand on a panel of Asian volunteers. Using instrumental techniques as well as clinical evaluation and self‐evaluation, we could highlight that an O/W cosmetic formula containing 2% of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extract could visibly reduce the oily appearance of skin as well as the size of pores, thus leading to a significant improvement of complexion evenness and radiance. Overall, the results obtained were better than those observed with the same formula containing 1% of zinc gluconate, an ingredient frequently used in oily skin care products.
Infant skin physiology and development during the first years of life: a review of recent findings based on in vivo studies
Authors: Stamatas G. N. , Nikolovski J. , Mack M. C. , Kollias N. 
Published: August 2010

SynopsisInfant skin is often presented as the cosmetic ideal for adults. However, compared to adult skin it seems to be more prone to develop certain pathological conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Therefore, understanding the physiology of healthy infant skin as a point of reference is of interest both from the cosmetic as well as from the clinical point of view. Clinical research on healthy infants is, however, limited because of ethical considerations of using invasive methods and therefore until recently data has been scarce. Technical innovations and the availability of non‐invasive in vivo techniques, such as evaporimetry, electrical impedance measurement, in vivo video and confocal microscopy, and in vivo fibre‐optic based spectroscopy, opened up the field of in vivo infant skin physiology research. Studies incorporating such methods have demonstrated that compared to adult, infant skin continues to develop during the first years of life. Specifically, infant skin appears to have thinner epidermis and stratum corneum (SC) as well as smaller corneocytes at least until the second year of life. The water‐handling properties are not fully developed before the end of the first year and infant SC contains more water and less amounts of natural moisturizing factors. Such findings re‐evaluate the old notions that skin is fully matured at birth. Armed with this knowledge, we are in a position not only to better understand infant dermatological conditions but also to design better skin care products respecting the distinct qualities of infant skin.
Effect of cationic charge and hydrophobic index of cellulose‐based polymers on the semipermanent dyestuff process for hair
Authors: Ballarin B. , Galli S. , Mogavero F. , Morigi M. 
Published: August 2010

SynopsisIn this work, the effects of a new class of polymers generally used in hair and skin cleansing products, the SoftCAT (SofCAT SL and SoftCAT SX), on the dye uptake on the hair fibre and the fading effects has been studied. These polymers, based on quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethylcellulose, are cationic products that differ in viscosity, hydrophobic substitution index (HS) and/or cationic substitution (CS, % N). UV–Vis spectroscopy has been used to analyse the extracted dyes from the hair cuticle and the cortex. The results indicate that the presence of polymers in the dye bath improve both the quality of the dyeing process and the anti‐fading effect during the washing cycles. This phenomenon is postulated to be attributable to the polymers hydrophobically bonding with the dyes and so facilitating their increased penetration into the hair.
Stereological assessment of pancreatic beta‐cell mass development in male Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats: correlation with pancreatic beta‐cell function
Authors: Paulsen Sarah Juel , Vrang Niels , Larsen Leif Kongskov , Larsen Philip Just , Jelsing Jacob 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe present study was initiated to improve our understanding of pancreatic beta‐cell dynamics in male Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats and hence provide a framework for future diabetes studies in this animal model. Male ZDF rats from 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 26 weeks of age were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The animals were then euthanized and pancreases were removed for morphometric analyses of pancreatic beta‐cell mass. As evident by a marked fourfold increase in insulin secretion, insulin resistance developed rapidly from 6 to 8 weeks of age. Simultaneously, the pancreatic beta‐cell mass expanded from 6.17 ± 0.41 mg at 6 weeks of age, reaching a maximum of 16.5 ± 2.5 mg at 16 weeks of age, at which time pancreatic beta‐cell mass gradually declined. The corresponding changes in glucose/insulin homeostasis were analysed using a standard insulin sensitivity index (ISI), an area under the curve (AUC) glucose‐insulin index, or simple semi‐fasted glucose levels. The study demonstrated that male ZDF rats underwent rapid changes in pancreatic beta‐cell mass from the onset of insulin resistance to frank diabetes coupled directly to marked alterations in glucose/insulin homeostasis. The study underscores the need for a critical co‐examination of glucose homeostatic parameters in studies investigating the effects of novel anti‐diabetic compounds on pancreatic beta‐cell mass in the male ZDF rat. A simple assessment of fasting glucose levels coupled with information about age can provide a correct indication of the actual pancreatic beta‐cell mass and the physiological state of the animal.
Fetal and infant growth patterns of the mandibular symphysis in modern humans and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Coquerelle Michael , Bookstein Fred L. , Braga José , Halazonetis Demetrios J. , Weber Gerhard W. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractComparison of the early development of the mandibular symphysis between primates and modern humans is of particular interest in human palaeontology. Using geometric morphometric methods, we explored and compared the ontogenetic shape changes of 14 chimpanzee mandibles (Pan troglodytes) against 66 human CT‐scanned mandibles over the age range from fetal life to the complete emergence of the deciduous dentition in a visualization incorporating the deciduous tooth arrangement. The results reveal that the symphysis is anteriorly inclined in the youngest chimpanzee fetuses but develops an increasingly vertical orientation up until birth. At the same time, the anterior teeth reorient before a vertical emergence, and a symphyseal tuber appears on the labial side. When the deciduous canine emerges, the symphysis inclines anteriorly again, exhibiting the adult characteristic slope. These two phases are characterized by a repositioning of the simian shelf. Unlike chimpanzees, the human symphysis remains vertical throughout fetal development. However, the combination of morphological changes observed in chimpanzee fetuses is similar to that of modern humans after birth, as the mental region projects forward. By elongating the alveolar process, the inclination of the chimpanzee symphysis could be a key event for emergence of the deciduous canine, as space is lacking at the alveolar ridge in a vertical symphysis once the deciduous incisors and molars have emerged. The repositioning of the simian shelf suggests that the suprahyoid muscles have a significant influence on the anterior growth of the symphysis. The anteroposterior positioning of the basal symphysis in both species may be related to hyoid bone position during ontogeny.
Oromotor dysfunction and communication impairments in children with cerebral palsy: a register study
Authors: PARKES JACKIE , HILL NAN , PLATT MARY JANE , DONNELLY CAROLINE 
Published: August 2010

Aim  To report the prevalence, clinical associations, and trends over time of oromotor dysfunction and communication impairments in children with cerebral palsy (CP).Method  Multiple sources of ascertainment were used and children followed up with a standardized assessment including motor speech problems, swallowing/chewing difficulties, excessive drooling, and communication impairments at age 5 years.Results  A total of 1357 children born between 1980 and 2001 were studied (781 males, 576 females; median age 5y 11mo, interquartile range 3–9y; unilateral spastic CP, n=447; bilateral spastic CP, n=496; other, n=112; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level: I, 181; II, 563; III, 123; IV, 82; IV, 276). Of those with ‘early‐onset’ CP (n=1268), 36% had motor speech problems, 21% had swallowing/chewing difficulties, 22% had excessive drooling, and 42% had communication impairments (excluding articulation defects). All impairments were significantly related to poorer gross motor function and intellectual impairment. In addition, motor speech problems were related to clinical subtype; swallowing/chewing problems and communication impairments to early mortality; and communication impairments to the presence of seizures. Of those with CP in GMFCS levels IV to V, a significant proportion showed a decline in the rate of motor speech impairment (p=0.008) and excessive drooling (p=0.009) over time.Interpretation  These impairments are common in children with CP and are associated with poorer gross motor function and intellectual impairment.
Expression and regulation of a low‐density lipoprotein receptor exon 12 splice variant
Authors: Ling I‐Fang , Gopalraj Rangaraj K. , Simpson James F. , Estus Steven 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 614–624.AbstractAs low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) contributes to cholesterol and amyloid beta homeostasis, insights into LDLR regulation may facilitate our understanding of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, we identified LDLR isoforms that lacked exon 12 or exons 11–12 and that are predicted to encode soluble, dominant negative, LDLR. Moreover, these isoforms were associated with rs688, an exon 12 polymorphism that was associated with LDL‐cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease risk. In this study, we present evidence that although the truncated LDLR isoforms are translatedin vitro, they represent < 0.1% of CSF proteins. As these LDLR isoforms likely represent a loss of mRNA‐encoding functional LDLR, we then focused upon identifying intron–exon boundary and exonic splicing enhancer elements critical to splicing. Exon 12 inclusion is enhanced by altering the 5′ splice site in intron 12 towards a consensus splice donor sequence, consistent with its being a weak 5′ splice site. Additionally, of the nine evolutionarily conserved putative splicing enhancer regions within exon 12, two regions that flank rs688 were critical to exon 12 inclusion. Overall, these results suggest that LDLR splice variants represent a loss of mRNA encoding functional LDLR and provide insights into the regulatory elements critical for LDLR exon 12 splicing.
A single prenatal exposure to the endocrine disruptor 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin alters developmental myelination and remyelination potential in the rat brain
Authors: Fernández M. , Paradisi M. , D’Intino G. , Del Vecchio G. , Sivilia S. , Giardino L. , Calzà L. 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 897–909.AbstractPolychlorinated dibenzo‐dioxins, furans and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls are ubiquitous in foodstuffs of animal origin and accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals and humans. The most toxic congener is 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), a lipophilic endocrine‐disrupting molecule that accumulates in adipose tissue, placenta and milk. polychlorinated biphenyls and TCDD are known to interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and signaling in the developing brain. As thyroid hormone is critical in the myelination process during development, we investigated the effect of a single dose of TCDD prenatal exposure (gestational day 18) on the myelination process. A semi‐quantitative analysis of oligodendrocyte markers at different stages of maturation was performed in the offspring’s medulla oblongata, cerebellum, diencephalon and telenchephalon at different postnatal days (2/3, 14, 30 and 135). The most significant alterations observed were: (i) cerebellum and medulla oblongata: altered expression of oligodendroglial lineage and platelet‐derived growth factor alpha receptor, myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNAs (P2/3, P135) and MBP protein (P135); (ii) diencephalon: increase in platelet‐ derived growth factor alpha receptor mRNA level (P2/3); (iii) telenchephalon: decrease in MBP mRNA expression. The oligodendroglial generation capability of adult neural stem/precursor cells obtained ex vivo from TCDD and vehicle‐treated dams was then explored. TCDD impairs neurosphere proliferation and retards CNPase‐positive cell generation from adult neurospheres.
Niemann‐Pick type C disease: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches
Authors: Rosenbaum Anton I. , Maxfield Frederick R. 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 789–795.AbstractCholesterol is an important lipid of mammalian cells. Its unique physicochemical properties modulate membrane behavior and it serves as the precursor for steroid hormones, oxysterols and vitamin D. Cholesterol is effluxed from the late endosomes/lysosomes via the concerted action of at least two distinct proteins: Niemann‐Pick C (NPC)1 and NPC2. Mutations in these two proteins manifest as NPC disease – a very rare, usually fatal, autosomal, recessive, neurovisceral, lysosomal storage disorder. In this review, we discuss the possible mechanisms of action for NPC1 and NPC2 in mediating cholesterol efflux, as well as the different therapeutic approaches being pursued for the treatment of this lipid storage disorder.