bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of potential therapeutic targets in hypertension‐associated bladder dysfunction
Authors: Yono Makoto , Yoshida Masaki , Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Imanishi Aya , Fukagawa Atsushi , Latifpour Jamshid , Eto Masatoshi 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate differential gene expression profiles in the bladder of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), as the underlying mechanisms involved in hypertension‐associated bladder dysfunction remain to be clarified.MATERIALS AND METHODSSHR and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats were distributed initially in three groups: group 1 received doxazosin (30 mg/kg/day); group 2 received nifedipine (30 mg/kg/day); and group 3 received the vehicle orally for 4 weeks. The alterations in gene expression levels of candidate genes identified by microarray analysis with potential biological relevance were verified by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).RESULTSVoiding frequency was significantly higher, and mean voided volume was significantly lower in untreated SHRs than untreated WKY rats. Microarray analysis revealed that 25 of the differentially expressed genes in untreated SHRs compared to untreated WKY rats were related to Gs, Gi, Gq and G12/13 signalling, calcium handling, ion transport and smooth muscle‐related genes. Furthermore, RT‐PCR data, in accord with the microarray analysis, indicated that untreated SHRs had lower mRNA expression levels of Adcy2, Adcy3, Rgs2, Rgs3, Rgs4 and Arhgdia, and higher mRNA expression levels of Arhgef1, Arhgef11, Arhgef12, Geft, Rock1 and Rock2 than untreated WKY rats. The differential alterations in the micturition patterns and in the expression of several genes related to G‐protein signalling pathway observed in SHRs were attenuated by treatment with doxazosin, but not nifedipine.CONCLUSIONOur data suggest that differential alterations in the expression of several genes related to Gs, Gq and G12/13 signalling pathways in the SHR bladder might be important in hypertension‐associated bladder dysfunction.
First trimester serum neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in gestational diabetes
Authors: D’Anna R. , Baviera G. , Corrado F. , Giordano D. , Recupero S. , Di Benedetto A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAims  Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is highly expressed in damaged epithelia, during inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Soluble NGAL was measured in women who subsequently developed gestational diabetes.Methods  From a cohort of 908 pregnant outpatients who participated in a screening programme for Down’s syndrome at 9–12 weeks of gestation, we considered all 41 women with a singleton pregnancy, who developed gestational diabetes in the previous 12 months, and a control group of 82 normal pregnancies. Circulating NGAL and insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment ratio (HOMA‐IR) were determined in the first trimester.Results  Median serum NGAL concentrations were higher in the gestational diabetes group [51.3 ng/ml (39.8–66.1 ng/ml)] compared with the control group [17.8 ng/ml (15.5–20.9 ng/ml)] (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with HOMA‐IR (P < 0.001).Conclusions  In the first trimester, circulating NGAL was significantly increased in women who subsequently developed gestational diabetes compared with the control group.
Plantar pressures in diabetic patients with foot ulcers which have remained healed
Authors: Owings T. M. , Apelqvist J. , Stenström A. , Becker M. , Bus S. A. , Kalpen A. , Ulbrecht J. S. , Cavanagh P. R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAims  The recurrence of foot ulcers is a significant problem in people with diabetic neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to measure in‐shoe plantar pressures and other characteristics in a group of neuropathic patients with diabetes who had prior foot ulcers which had remained healed.Methods  This was an epidemiological cohort study of patients from diabetes clinics of two Swedish hospitals. From a database of 2625 eligible patients, 190 surviving patients with prior plantar ulcers of the forefoot (hallux or metatarsal heads) caused by repetitive stress were identified and 49 patients agreed to participate. Barefoot and in‐shoe plantar pressures were measured during walking. Data on foot deformity, activity profiles and self‐reported behaviour were also collected.Results  Mean barefoot plantar peak pressure at the prior ulcer site (556 kPa) was lower than in other published series, although the range was large (107–1192 kPa). Mean in‐shoe peak pressure at this location averaged 207 kPa when measured with an insole sensor. Barefoot peak pressure only predicted ∼35% of the variance of in‐shoe peak pressure, indicating variation in the efficacy of the individual footwear prescriptions (primarily extra‐depth shoes with custom insoles).Conclusions  We propose that the mean value for in‐shoe pressures reported in these patients be used as a target in footwear prescription for patients with prior ulcers. Although plantar pressure is only one factor in a multifaceted strategy to prevent ulcer recurrence, the quantitative focus on pressure reduction in footwear is likely to have beneficial effects.
Regulatory enzymes of mitochondrial β‐oxidation as targets for treatment of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Schreurs M. , Kuipers F. , Van Der Leij F. R. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryInsulin sensitizers like metformin generally act through pathways triggered by adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) controls mitochondrial β‐oxidation and is inhibited by malonyl‐CoA, the product of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). The adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase‐ACC‐CPT1 axis tightly regulates mitochondrial long‐chain fatty acid oxidation. Evidence indicates that ACC2, the isoform located in close proximity to CPT1, is the major regulator of CPT1 activity. ACC2 as well as CPT1 are therefore potential targets to treat components of the metabolic syndrome such as obesity and insulin resistance. Reversible inhibitors of the liver isoform of CPT1, developed to prevent ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia, have been found to be associated with side effects like hepatic steatosis. However, stimulation of systemic CPT1 activity may be an attractive means to accelerate peripheral fatty acid oxidation and hence improve insulin sensitivity. Stimulation of CPT1 can be achieved by elimination or inhibition of ACC2 activity and through activating transcription factors like peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors and their protein partners. The latter leads to enhanced CPT1 gene expression. Recent developments are discussed, including a recently identified CPT1 isoform, i.e. CPT1C. This protein is highly expressed in the brain and may provide a target for new tools to prevent obesity.
CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES: A DISSENTING VOICE
Authors: Henderson David 
Published: August 2009

(The text which follows formed the basis for a brief presentation to a conference held on 22 April 2009 at the Said Business School, Oxford University. The subject of the conference was ‘Beyond Kyoto – Green Innovation and Enterprise in the 21st Century’.)Governments across the world are mishandling climate change issues. The content, the orientation, and in particular the basis and rationale of current policies to curb emissions of (so‐called) ‘greenhouse gases’, are all open to serious question.
A Disabled Market: Free Movement of Goods and Services in the EU and Disability Accessibility
Authors: Waddington Lisa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIndividuals with a disability who wish to use goods and services can have a variety of specific needs, ranging from accessible written information to standard products and services which have disability accessibility features built into them. In light thereof, this article focuses on the impact which Community law has had, and could potentially have, on ensuring an EU‐wide market in products and services which are accessible to consumers with a disability. The article examines the (possible) impact of a variety of provisions, including the rules relating to the free movement of goods and services (Articles 28 and 49 EC, respectively), the internal market (Articles 94 and 95 EC), non‐discrimination (Article 13 EC), EU citizenship provisions, and the work of the European standardisation bodies such as CEN. The central question throughout the article is does EC law allow for, or discourage, the establishment of mandatory disability accessibility standards at the national or EU level, and have the provisions been used to permit or establish such standards to date?
A Comparative Analysis of the Drafting of European Private Law
Authors: Van Zelst Bastiaan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe development of the ‘Common Frame of Reference’ is a highly prominent topic on the agenda of European integration. However, its underlying procedures have had only limited investigation. This article discusses the European private law project by inquiring into the drafting experiences of four other private law legislative processes, with a focus on sales law. These instruments concern Article 2 (on sales) of the American Uniform Commercial Code, the Vienna Sales Convention, the Dutch Civil Code and the Directive on Consumer Sales and Associated Guarantees. Ultimately, the article asks what can the European project learn from these experiences.
Between ‘Common Values’ and Competing Universals—The Promotion of the EU's Common Values through the European Neighbourhood Policy
Authors: Leino Päivi , Petrov Roman 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe aim of this article is to discuss the position of common values in defining the EU's identity by using the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) as an example. It is argued that the notion ‘common values’ is used by the EU institutions as both a universal and as an EU concept, which highlights the abstract nature of these values. This abstraction is also reflected in the way in which Russia has recently aimed to develop its own set of values which could be adopted by its neighbouring countries. The abstraction of values means that, in practice, their meaning in the context of ENP is decided by the European Commission through the implementation of Action Plans. The central position given to the promotion of common values requires that the ENP be reformulated so as to guarantee a stronger degree of participation of the neighbouring countries in the formulation and implementation of the ENP objectives.
Stratification in Higher Education, Choice and Social Inequalities in Greece
Authors: Sianou‐Kyrgiou Eleni 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHigher education has expanded to a remarkable extent in many countries in recent decades. Although this has led to high levels of participation, inequalities not only persist but are also strengthened. The persistence of inequalities is partly the result of policies for the widening of participation having been accompanied by institutional stratification with educational choices being unequal and socially defined. There is evidence that with the development of new university departments and the increase in the number of university entrants in Greece, a stratified system of higher education has emerged. This study draws on quantitative data that provides evidence that choice has been driven largely by the students' social class: the close relationship between social class and educational opportunities has remained intact. Furthermore, social inequalities in access and distribution in higher education persist, despite the substantial increase in participation in higher education. Social class is a key factor in the interpretation of choice of study, which, along with the performance in the national level examinations that determines entrance into universities, has also led to the increase in the stratification of higher education institutions.
Research Managers Uncovered: Changing Roles and ‘Shifting Arenas’ in the Academy
Authors: Shelley Louise 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper draws on findings from a study that explored the changing roles and career experience of research managers and research administrators in English universities. It explores how research support has evolved during a period when the higher education sector was responding to changing science and higher education policy. These changes have impacted on research managers and research administrators roles, altered the occupational group and moved field boundaries. The paper draws on Bourdieu's theory of social practice to understand these changes and identifies a shared space of tension, the ‘shifting arena,’ where the research manager field crosses into the academic field. It is suggested that an increased understanding of this space will enhance the collaborative working of all those involved in research and help maximise research activity.
Challenges to the Work Life of Academics: The Experience of a Renowned University in the Chinese Mainland
Authors: Lai Manhong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractUnder the major educational reform movement in the Chinese Mainland, which began in 1985, higher education was considered the most important apparatus for national development. The Ministry of Education initiated ‘Project 985’ to develop two top national universities into world‐class universities. As part of this project to raise educational quality and academic standing, the Ministry of Education carried out a reform of the university personnel system. The reform aimed to launch a new system of employment practices based on performance and contract, with an emphasis on competition and rewards. This research focuses on the severe constraints academics at a sample university in China faced at the state, university and faculty level. First, at the state level, the state directly set the direction of academic research. Second, at the university level, the new employment reform was imposed using a top‐down model. Most academics conformed to it but some employed a ‘double bookkeeping’ strategy. ‘Administrative domination’ also reflected a centralised approach at the university. Third, at the faculty level, a few academic‐administrators held most of the decision making power. Academics urged the university to offer a more supportive environment for conducting genuine scholarship.
Is the endangered Grevy's zebra threatened by hybridization?
Authors: Cordingley J. E. , Sundaresan S. R. , Fischhoff I. R. , Shapiro B. , Ruskey J. , Rubenstein D. I. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHybridization between an abundant species and an endangered species is cause for concern. When such hybridization is observed, it is both urgent and necessary to assess the level of threat posed to the endangered species. We report the first evidence of natural hybridization between two equids: the endangered Grevy's zebra Equus grevyi and the abundant plains zebra Equus burchelli. Grevy's zebra now number <3000 individuals globally, and occur only in northern Kenya and Ethiopia. In recent years, Grevy's zebra have become increasingly concentrated in the south of their range due to habitat loss in the north. Both species are sympatric in the Laikipia ecosystem of northern Kenya, where we have observed purportedly hybrid individuals. Using mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA, we confirmed the hybrid status of the morphologically identified hybrids and demonstrate conclusively that all first‐generation hybrids are the offspring of plains zebra females and Grevy's zebra males. Behaviorally, hybrids integrate themselves into plains zebra society, rather than adopting the social organization of Grevy's zebra. Two hybrids have successfully raised foals to over 3 months in age, including one which has reached adulthood, indicating the fertility of female hybrids and viability of their offspring. We hypothesize that hybridization occurs due to (1) skewed sex ratios, in favor of males, within Grevy's zebra and (2) the numerical dominance of plains zebra in the region where hybridization is occurring. Stakeholders have discussed hybridization as a potential threat to Grevy's zebra survival. We argue, however, based on behavioral observations, that hybridization is unlikely to dilute the Grevy's zebra gene pool in the short term. As a conservation concern, hybridization is secondary to more direct causes of Grevy's zebra declines.
A histochemical study of keratinization in the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Cane A. K. , Spearman R. I. C. 
Published: August 2009

The microanatomy of the epidermis of the domestic fowl is described and related to the distribution of various histochemical constituents involved in keratinization.The avian horny layer over the back is composed of a loose network of structurally solid horny cells. This is in contrast to most mammalian epidermal horny cells in which structural keratin is found only in the peripheral cytoplasm, and the interior of the keratinocyte contains soluble products of cytolysis with possibly some free keratin filaments dispersed in the fluid material.The avian tarsal epidermal horny scales show similarities to both the scales of lizards and snakes and to mammalian tail scales which appear to be homologous structures.It is suggested that a thin layer of cells containing no detectable disulphide bonds, found in the tarsal scale region of the young chick, is probably mechanically weak and may function as a fission plane for sloughing of the horny layer. A specialized epidermis and thickened horny layer is developed in the fowl on the plantar underside of the toes, but this is quite different in structure from the mammalian plantar epidermis.The overlapping of zones rich in ribonucleic acid (RNA) and bound cysteine (SH) in the growing feather suggests that protein synthesis and the preparatory stages to keratin disulphide bonding normally occur concurrently in feather formation. This is in contrast to the growing hair which has a region rich in RNA followed immediately before it becomes keratinized by a discrete keratogenous zone weak in RNA but rich in bound cysteine.
A taxonomic revision of the subfamilies Monocotylinae Gamble, 1896 and Dendromonocotylinae Hargis, 1955 (Monogenoidea: Monocotylidae)
Authors: Young P. C. 
Published: August 2009

Monogenoidea from the monocotylid subfamilies Monocotylinae and Dendromonocotylinae have been studied and the diagnoses of the two subfamilies emended.The diagnosis of Monocotyle is emended and includes M. myliobatis Taschenberg, 1878; M. diademalis Hargis, 1955; M. ijimae Goto, 1894; M. pricei Pearse, 1949; M. kuhlii sp. n.; M. granulatae sp. n. and M. tritestis sp. n. The diagnosis of Heterocotyle is emended and includes H.pastinacae Scott, 1904; H. americana Hargis, 1955; H. minima (MacCallum, 1916) Price, 1938; H. pseudominima Hargis, 1955; H. robusta (Johnston & Tiegs, 1922) Price, 1938 and H. granulatae sp. n. Dasybatotrema and Spinuris have their diagnoses emended and the type and only species of each restudied. The diagnosis of Horricauda is emended and includes H. rhynchobatidis Tripathi, 1959 and H. rhinobatidis sp. n. The type species of Neoheterocotyle is restudied. The new genera Anoplocotyloides, Decacotyle, Papillicotyle, and Troglocephalus are proposed to contain the species A. papillatus (Doran, 1953) comb, n.; D. lymmae sp. n.; P. floridana (Pratt, 1910) comb, n.; P. octona sp. n. and T. rhinobatidis sp. n.The diagnosis of bendromonocotyle is emended and includes D. octodiscus Hargis, 1955 and D. kuhlii sp. n. The new genus Clemacotyle is proposed for C. australis sp. n.Corrections are made where necessary to earlier descriptions of some of the species and all new species are described and figured. Keys to species in the subfamilies are included.
A new genus of Chthamalidae (Cirripedia, Balanomorpha) from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean*
Authors: Newman William A. 
Published: August 2009

A new four‐plated chthamalid genus, Tetrachthamalus, is described. The arrangement of wall plates is identical to that seen in the Lower Miocene chthamalid, Tessarelasma, but the two are not closely related. While Tessarelasma has been derived from the Hexelasma‐Pachylasma group, Tetrachthamalus is derivable from the Chthamalus stellatus group. An analysis of four‐platedness in the Balanomorpha suggests that a four‐plated organization plan is in part an adaptation to an intertidal existence.Two populations of Tetrachthamalus are known; one from the upper end of the Red Sea, the other from the islands of the Seychelles‐Mauritius Ridge in the Indian Ocean. No significant differences between the two were found, and they have been assigned to the same species; Tetrachthamalus oblitteratus gen. et sp. n. The disjunct and restricted distribution suggests T. oblitteratus is not presently competitive with six‐plated chthamalids occupying the same habitat in the intervening areas–that is, the species is presumed to be a biological relict that at one time enjoyed a wider distribution than it does today.
On some commensal decapod crustaceans from Singapore (Palaemonidae and Porcellanidae)
Authors: Johnson D. S. 
Published: August 2009

A description is given of a new species of pontoniinid prawn commensal with bivalves of the genus Placuna. The species is close to members of the genus Comhodytes but differs in extreme flattening and consequent modifications which can be taken as adaptations to its peculiar environment. In behaviour and morphology it differs strikingly from the well known bivalve commensal Anchistus custos Forskal but is equally well adapted for its' commensal life. The presence of filtratory mouthparts represents an unusual adaptation. Redescriptions and morphological comments are also given for two little known commensal porcelain crabs. In these also it is possible to explain many of the morphological peculiarities in functional terms.SummaryAccounts are given of the structure and some aspects of the biology of three commensal crustaceans from Singapore. One of these represents a new genus of prawns of the subfamily Pontoniinae; the others are little known members of the family Porcellanidae.It is suggested that the apparent rarity of these and other tropical commensal decapods is probably a spurious phenomenon resulting from inadequate collecting methods.The functional taxonomy of these commensals is discussed and it is suggested that many of their structural peculiarities can be interpreted as adaptations to their mode of life.
The taxonomy and biology of two sympatric sibling species of Culex, C. pipiens and C. torrentium (Diptera, Culicidae)
Authors: Service M. W. 
Published: August 2009

The mosquito Culex torrentium Martini is a sibling species of C. pipiens L. and was first discovered in Britain in 1951. However, it is now evident that it was present in this country from at least 1900. Collections from a few southern localities in England indicate that the size of its population is about a third that of C. pipiens.A comparative taxonomic study showed that neither the eggs nor larvae can be separated from those of C. pipiens, and that only in certain instances can the pupae of the two species be distinguished. Males are readily separated on the structure of the terminalia. Previously it was considered that C. torrentium could be distinguished by the presence of a pre‐alar patch of scales, but it is shown that in a few specimens they are absent and in others they may become easily detached.Larvae of both species frequently occur together in the same habitats, and no differences were observed in the biology of their immature stages. Serological tests showed that adults of both species feed on birds. Adult females of both species hibernate during the autumn, but whereas those of C. pipiens are common in man‐made shelters, C. torrentium is absent.