bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixation of Ilyanassa Snail Embryos and Larvae: Figure 1.
Authors: Gharbiah Maey , Cooley James , Leise Esther M. , Nakamoto Ayaki , Rabinowitz Jeremy S. , Lambert J. David , Nagy Lisa M. 
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTIONThe marine gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta is a long-standing and very useful model for studies of embryonic development. It is an especially important model for spiralian development, and for studies of asymmetric cell division. The embryos are amenable to classic embryological manipulation techniques, as well as a growing number of molecular approaches. Ilyanassa is also an important model for studies of metamorphosis, the ecology of parasitism, the effects of environmental contaminants on morphology and sexual function, and comparative neurobiology. Ilyanassa embryos are particularly well suited for RNA and protein localization studies because of the relatively large cells and favorable properties for imaging. This protocol describes how to fix and store Ilyanassa embryos and larvae for use in whole-mount in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies.
Isolating Protein from Ilyanassa Snail Embryos
Authors: Gharbiah Maey , Cooley James , Leise Esther M. , Nakamoto Ayaki , Rabinowitz Jeremy S. , Lambert J. David , Nagy Lisa M. 
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTIONThe marine gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta is a long-standing and very useful model for studies of embryonic development. It is an especially important model for spiralian development, and for studies of asymmetric cell division. The embryos are amenable to classic embryological manipulation techniques as well as a growing number of molecular approaches. Ilyanassa is also an important model for studies of metamorphosis, the ecology of parasitism, the effects of environmental contaminants on morphology and sexual function, and comparative neurobiology. This protocol describes the procedure for extracting protein from Ilyanassa embryos for use in techniques such as Western blotting or two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis.
In Situ Hybridization of Helobdella (Leech) Embryos
Authors: Weisblat David A. , Kuo Dian-Han 
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTIONThe purpose of this protocol is to reveal the localization of transcripts in the Helobdella (leech) embryo. In situ hybridization protocols for Helobdella embryos are derived from those used for zebrafish and Xenopus. The protocols are different for early- and late-stage embryos (stages 1-8 and stages 9-11, respectively) due to a difference in tissue permeability.
Quick Preparation of Genomic DNA from Drosophila
Authors: Huang Audrey M. , Rehm E. Jay , Rubin Gerald M. 
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes a standard miniprep for Drosophila melanogaster that requires very few flies and produces high-quality DNA. This method can also be used to isolate RNA when RNase-free conditions are utilized; an extra step must be taken to rid the sample of genomic DNA (e.g., RNase-free DNase digestion).
Emotional well‐being and mental health of looked after children in England
Authors: McAuley Colette , Davis Teresa 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe national prevalence studies of the mental health of looked after children in Great Britain provide sobering reading. Forty‐five per cent of looked after children in England were found to have a diagnosable mental health disorder. In contrast, this is to one in 10 in the general population. Carers estimated that mental health problems were even more widespread. Children with mental health disorders were also more likely to have education, health and social issues. This paper discusses the findings and argues for early intervention along with inter‐departmental and interdisciplinary approaches. The recent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Review clearly indicates that issues of access to appropriate and timely Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services remain. However, the introduction of evidence‐based approaches is encouraging. Young people's views on the services they want and on what is important for emotional well‐being and mental health are important considerations.
Immunomodulatory drug FTY720 induces regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cellsin vitro
Authors: Zhou P J , Wang H , Shi G H , Wang X H , Shen Z J , Xu D 
Published: April 2009

SummaryAs a novel immunosuppressant, FTY720 (2-amino-2-(2-[4-octylphenyl] ethyl)-1, 3-propanediol hydrochloride) has been used to prevent the allograft rejection in organ transplantation. FTY720 can prolong markedly survival of the allograft by inducing apoptosis of reactive lymphocytes and by redirecting the homing of lymphocytes. However, as the archetype of a new class of immune modulators, the potential effect of FTY720 on the immune response needs to be elucidated further. In this study, FTY720 was added into the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) consisting of murine splenocytes from BALB/c and C57BL/6, to observe its direct effect on the induction of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. It was demonstrated that the proportion of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells in MLR were increased significantly by FTY720 treatment, and the expression of FoxP3 mRNA in lymphocytes was also enhanced markedly by the drug. A synergetic effect was observed between FTY720 and co-stimulation blockades. Moreover, analysis of the function of FTY720-treated cells manifested an increased suppressive activity in an in vitro antigen-specific proliferation assay. In conclusion, FTY720 can increase the number and enhance the functional activity of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in MLR, and these FTY720-treated cells possess the activity to down-regulate the alloreactivity of lymphocytes, indicating its potential use for therapeutic purposes.
Interleukin-17 and systemic lupus erythematosus: current concepts
Authors: Nalbandian A , Crispín J C , Tsokos G C 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe emerging role of interleukin (IL)-17 as a hallmark proinflammatory cytokine of the adaptive immune system, produced primarily by a new T helper cell subset termed ‘Th17’, has received considerable attention. Differentiation of Th17 cells is driven by the simultaneous presence of transforming growth factor-β and certain inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-6, IL-21), and recent studies have shown that inflammation instigated by IL-17-producing cells is central to the development and pathogenesis of several human autoimmune diseases and animal models of autoimmunity. In this review, we focus on the information regarding IL-17 and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The work that has explored the development and behaviour of IL-17-producing cells in SLE is discussed, and different mechanisms by which IL-17 could potentially augment inflammation and autoantibody production in the context of SLE are proposed.
Interpretation case study of the Sahl El Qaa area, southern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Authors: Rabeh Taha , Miranda Jorge Miguel , Carvalho Joao , Bocin Andrei 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe study area is located in the Sinai Peninsula, which is considered one of the most promising regions for oil resources. Three different tectonic forces affect the area in the triple junction structures associated with the opening of the Gulf of Suez and the strike slip movement along the Gulf of Aqaba. The main goal of this work is to model the structure of the basement rocks in the study area using magnetic methods. To achieve this, a high‐resolution land magnetic survey was acquired and the results were combined with existing seismic reflection data. The magnetic interpretation was carried out using the analytical signal, horizontal gradient, Euler and Werner deconvolution and 3D magnetic modelling methods. We concluded that most of the deduced structures are trending in N–S, N35°–N45° west and E–W directions. The Aqaba trend (N15°–N25° east) is barely noticeable. The depth to the basement rocks ranges from 1 km to more than 2 km below sea level and these results are in agreement with the available well log data. In addition, interpretation of seismic reflection sections was carried out and compared with overlapping magnetic profiles interpreted using Euler deconvolution. They show that the sedimentary section was affected by the basement tectonics, with faults extending from the basement upwards through the sedimentary cover. These faults constitute good potential structural traps for oil accumulation.
Comparison between the Fourier finite‐difference method and the generalized‐screen method
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Hai , Wang Wei‐Min , Yao Zhen‐Xing 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe Fourier finite‐difference propagator and the generalized‐screen propagator are two general high‐order forms of one‐way dual‐domain methods. We compare these two propagators mainly on phase accuracy, computational efficiency and 3D extension. A comparison of phase accuracy shows that the high‐order generalized‐screen propagator is preferable to the Fourier finite‐difference propagator for heterogeneous media with a weak velocity contrast and wide dip angle. With increasing velocity contrast, the accuracy improvement gained by the high‐order generalized‐screen propagator declines rapidly. The Fourier finite‐difference propagator is more robust and flexible to lateral velocity variations than the generalized‐screen propagator. The 2D Fourier finite‐difference propagator is superior to the 2D generalized‐screen propagator when the velocity contrast is stronger than 23%. Despite the two‐way splitting error, the 3D Fourier finite‐difference propagator is more accurate than the second‐order generalized‐screen propagator when the velocity contrast is stronger than 20% and is more accurate than the fourth‐order generalized‐screen propagator when the velocity contrast is stronger than 40%. Numerical experiments on the SEG/EAGE salt model demonstrate that the Fourier finite‐difference propagator behaves better than the generalized‐screen propagator when imaging steep salt boundary and faults beneath the salt body. Under the same hardware and software conditions, the computational cost of the Fourier finite‐difference propagator in our implementation is greater than that of the second‐order generalized‐screen propagator but smaller than that of the third‐order generalized‐screen propagator. Compared with the Fourier finite‐difference propagator, the generalized‐screen propagator requires fewer grid points per wavelength and has more potential to improve running speed in the presence of a much faster Fourier transform. These analyses are applicable for both forward modelling and depth migration.
Detection of Autoantibodies to Tumour‐Associated Antigens in Sera of Patients with Systemic Autoimmunity Using a Novel Protein Microblot Array
Authors: Canzler U. , Bartsch H. , Ulitzsch S. , Kurien B. T. , Dorri Y. , Scofield R. H. , Grossmann K. , Lehmann W. , Pilarsky C. , Denz A. , Grützmann R. , Conrad K. , Schmitz M. , Rieber E. P. , Distler W. , Bachmann M. P. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryIt is well known that sera of patients with systemic autoimmunity contain autoantibodies to nuclear antigens. It is also known that patients with systemic autoimmunity have an increased risk for the development of tumours. Interestingly, tumour patients frequently develop autoantibodies and there is a growing list of potential tumour‐associated antigens. It is, however, not known whether or not patients with systemic autoimmunity also develop antibodies to tumour‐associated antigens. Here we describe the development of a novel multiprotein array allowing us to screen for autoantibodies to 30 different tumour‐associated antigens in parallel. Using this novel assay, we found that the frequency of autoantibodies to the selected tumour‐associated antigens is increased between 2‐ and 14‐fold in patients with systemic autoimmunity compared with an age‐matched control group.
Taking Complement to the Clinic – has the Time Finally Come?
Authors: Lachmann P. J. , Smith R. A. G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractComplement has been studied for over a century and its role in promoting the effector side of antibody‐mediated immune reactions and of inducing inflammation is well understood. Nevertheless, it has proved surprisingly difficult to translate this information into pharmaceutical agents that can be used to treat immunopathological and inflammatory disease. There are, however, now clear signs that this situation will change. New types of therapeutic agents to interfere with complement function are being developed and it has become apparent quite recently that some common and otherwise untreatable diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration are very largely due to mutations in the complement system that leads to a hyperinflammatory state. This has stimulated a renaissance of interest in the complement system as a therapeutic target and in this short review we discuss the possible ways of taking complement to the clinic, and the indications for which this may be carried out.
Experimental evidence that high levels of inbreeding depress sperm competitiveness
Authors: ZAJITSCHEK S. R. K. , LINDHOLM A. K. , EVANS J. P. , BROOKS R. C. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe effects of inbreeding on sperm quantity and quality are among the most dramatic examples of inbreeding depression. The extent to which inbreeding depression results in decreased fertilization success of a male’s sperm, however, remains largely unknown. This task is made more difficult by the fact that other factors, such as cryptic female choice, male sperm allocation and mating order, can also drive patterns of paternity. Here, we use artificial insemination to eliminate these extraneous sources of variation and to measure the effects of inbreeding on the competitiveness of a male’s sperm. We simultaneously inseminated female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) with equal amounts of sperm from an outbred (f = 0) male and either a highly (f = 0.59) or a moderately inbred (f = 0.25) male. Highly inbred males sired significantly fewer offspring than outbred males, but share of paternity did not differ between moderately inbred and outbred males. These findings therefore confirm that severe inbreeding can impair the competitiveness of sperm, but suggest that in the focal population inbreeding at order of a brother–sister mating does not reduce a male’s sperm competitiveness.
Characterization of Cylindrocarpon liriodendri Associated with Black Foot Disease of Grapevine in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Hamid , Alaniz Sandra , Banihashemi Zia , Armengol Josep 
Published: April 2009

AbstractEight Cylindrocarpon isolates recovered from the trunk bases of 10‐year‐old grapevines showing decline symptoms from two vineyards in Bavanat (Fars province, south‐western Iran) were studied. Based on phenotypical characteristics, mating experiments and molecular data, they were identified as Cylindrocarpon liriodendri. Pathogenicity was confirmed with selected isolates inoculated into 8‐month‐old dormant rooted cuttings of grapevine rootstock cv. 110 Richter. This is the first report of C. liriodendri causing black foot disease of grapevines in Iran.
A Model‐based Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Variability on Fusarium Head Blight Seasonal Risk in Southern Brazil
Authors: Del Ponte Emerson M. , Fernandes José M. C. , Pavan Willingthon , Baethgen Walter E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe frequency of Fusarium head blight (FHB) outbreaks increased considerably in many countries in the last two decades. We used a crop‐disease model to assess the impacts of climate variability over a 50‐year period at Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Thirty individual simulation runs of a wheat model were performed for each year by varying planting dates from 1 June to 30 June. For each simulation, an FHB risk index was estimated with the disease model using the heading date simulated by the crop model. A seasonal FHB risk index was estimated by averaging the 30 indices each year. Our simulation results showed that climate at Passo Fundo became favourable to FHB after the 1980s following a period of less favourable conditions for epidemics in the 1960s and 1970s. The risk for FHB was higher for the later planting dates in the most recent decades. Consideration of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (deviations from long‐term mean values) in the Tropical Pacific Ocean allowed the separation of groups of years with frequently low FHB risk (negative SST anomalies, La Niña like years) and years with frequently high FHB risks (positive SST anomalies – El Niño like years, and near‐normal SST – neutral years). Southern Atlantic SST anomalies were then included to separate years with different FHB risks in El Niño‐like years and Neutral years. However, the consideration of these anomalies did not result in an improvement. Our results suggest that increased spring rainfall linked to warm sea surface temperature in the Pacific after the 1980s was associated with higher frequency of FHB epidemics in southern Brazil.
Effect of outsourcing public sector audits on cost‐efficiency
Authors: Chong Kar‐Ming , Dolley Colin , Houghton Keith , Monroe Gary S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study compares the cost‐efficiency of ‘in‐house’ and outsourced to private sector audit supplier arrangements to deliver financial audits in the public sector by examining audit cost‐efficiency within the context of the public sector arrangement at one state in Australia (Western Australia). The results for 178 public agencies show that outsourced audits are, in general, more costly than in‐house audits, but this result is conditional on the type and size of public agency. Specifically, outsourced audits are more costly than in‐house audits for small statutory authority audits, whereas for specialist audits (i.e. hospitals) and large and complex statutory authority audits, the in‐house supply is equally efficient as the outsourced service.
Health‐related stigma
Authors: Scambler Graham 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe concept of stigma, denoting relations of shame, has a long ancestry and has from the earliest times been associated with deviations from the ‘normal’, including, in various times and places, deviations from normative prescriptions of acceptable states of being for self and others. This paper dwells on modern social formations and offers conceptual and theoretical pointers towards a more convincing contemporary sociology of health‐related stigma. It starts with an appreciation and critique of Goffman's benchmark sensitisation and traces his influence on the personal tragedy or deviance paradigm dominant in the medical sociology from the 1970s. To allow for the development of an argument, the focus here is on specific types of disorder – principally, epilepsy and HIV – rather than the research literature as a whole. Brief and critical consideration is given to attempts to operationalise or otherwise ‘measure’ health‐related stigma. The advocacy of a rival oppression paradigm by disability theorists from the 1980s, notably through re‐workings of the social model of disability, is addressed. It is suggested that we are now in a position to learn and move on from this paradigm ‘clash’. A re‐framing of notions of relations of stigma, signalling shame, and relations of deviance, signalling blame, is proposed. This framework, and the positing of a variable and changing dynamic between cultural norms of shame and blame – always embedded in social structures of class, command, gender, ethnicity and so on – is utilised to explore recent approaches to health stigma reduction programmes.
On the Geometry of the Instrumental Variable Estimator*
Authors: Mehlum Halvor 
Published: April 2009

AbstractI derive the exact distribution of the exact determined instrumental variable estimator using a geometric approach. The approach provides a decomposition of the exact estimator. The results show that by geometric reasoning one may efficiently derive the distribution of the estimation error. The often striking non‐normal shape of the instrumental variable estimator, in the case of weak instruments and small samples, follows intuitively by the geometry of the problem. The method allows for intuitive interpretations of how the shape of the distribution is determined by instrument quality and endogeneity. The approach can also be used when deriving the exact distribution of any ratio of stochastic variables.
Neuropeptide Y inhibits [Ca2+]i changes in rat retinal neurons through NPY Y1, Y4, and Y5 receptors
Authors: Álvaro Ana Rita , Rosmaninho‐Salgado Joana , Ambrósio António F. , Cavadas Cláudia 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNeuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY receptors are widely distributed in the CNS, including the retina, but the role of NPY in the retina is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NPY modulates intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) changes in retinal neurons and identify the NPY receptors involved. As NPY decreased the [Ca2+]i amplitudes evoked by 30 mM KCl in only 50% of neurons analyzed, we divided them in two populations: NPY‐non‐responsive neurons (Δ2/Δ1 ≥ 0.80) and NPY‐responsive neurons (Δ2/Δ1 < 0.80), being the Δ2/Δ1 the ratio between the amplitude of [Ca2+]i increase evoked by the second (Δ2) and the first (Δ1) stimuli of KCl. The NPY Y1/Y5, Y4, and Y5 receptor agonists (100 nM), but not the Y2 receptor agonist (300 nM), inhibited the [Ca2+]i increase induced by KCl. In addition, the inhibitory effect of NPY on evoked‐[Ca2+]i changes was reduced in the presence of the Y1 or the Y5 receptor antagonists. In conclusion, NPY inhibits KCl‐evoked [Ca2+]i increase in retinal neurons through the activation of NPY Y1, Y4, and Y5 receptors. This effect may be viewed as a potential neuroprotective mechanism of NPY against retinal neurodegeneration.
Transcriptional response of the neuromuscular system to exercise training and potential implications for ALS
Authors: Ferraiuolo Laura , De Bono Joseph P. , Heath Paul R. , Holden Hazel , Kasher Paul , Channon Keith M. , Kirby Janine , Shaw Pamela J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe transcriptional adaptive response of motoneurons and muscles to voluntary exercise has been investigated by using laser capture microdissection and microarray analysis. Our results show that motoneurons respond to physical activity by activating a complex transcriptional plan, with changes involved in neurotrophic factor signalling, electrophysiological changes and synaptic reorganization. Gastrocnemius muscle shows increases in transcripts responsible for neovascularization and new myogenesis. Both tissues show transcriptional changes involved in the growth and reinforcement of the neuromuscular junction. This study indicates that the neuromuscular system undergoes significant structural and functional alterations, aiming to optimize the transmission of both chemical and electrical stimuli, thus prompting axonal outgrowth and mechanisms similar to long‐term potentiation in hippocampal neurons. Understanding the response of these cells during exercise has potentially important implications for human neuromuscular disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, by highlighting candidate genes pivotal for the balance between the physiology and the pathology of the neuromuscular system in terms of the stress response to physical exercise.
How (not) to operationalise subnational political opportunity structures: A critique of Kestilä and Söderlund's study of regional elections
Authors: ARZHEIMER KAI , CARTER ELISABETH 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBased on an aggregate analysis of the French regional elections of 2004, Kestilä and Söderlund, in their 2007 article, ‘Subnational Political Opportunity Structures and the Success of the Radical Right: Evidence from the March 2004 Regional Elections in France’, examine the impact of subnational political opportunity structures on the success of the radical right and argue that such an approach can control for a wider range of factors and provide more reliable results than cross‐national analyses. The present article disputes this claim on theoretical, conceptual and methodological grounds and demonstrates that their empirical findings are spurious.