bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Corpus Luteum of the Dog: Source and Target of Steroid Hormones?
Authors: Papa PC , Hoffmann B 
Published: February 2011

ContentsAim of this paper is to review our present understanding on the endocrine control of luteal function in the bitch and to add some new data generated in our laboratories in support of the hypothesis of a paracrine/autocrine role of corpus luteum (CL) derived steroid hormones. Luteal lifespan in non‐pregnant dogs often exceeds that of pregnant dogs, where luteal regression terminates in a rapid luteolysis, immediately prior to parturition. In non‐pregnant dogs, luteal regression occurs independently of a uterine luteolysin and in spite of increased gonadotropic support during the last third of dioestrus. The CL is the only source of progesterone (P4) maintaining pregnancy, and they have the capacity to synthesize oestrogens as substantiated by expression of the CYP19 (aromatase) gene observed in this study. Our data demonstrated that lutein and non‐lutein cells of the canine CL express in a rather constant manner the progesterone receptor (PR) and the oestrogen receptor, classifying them as targets for an autocrine/paracrine activity of CL‐derived steroids. Therefore, a functional role of P4 within a positive loop feedback system, including StAR and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, has been postulated.
Phenotypic selection on flowering phenology and size in two dioecious plant species with different pollen vectors
Authors: MUNGUIA‐ROSAS MIGUEL A. , OLLERTON JEFF , PARRA‐TABLA VICTOR 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDioecious plants may be pollinated biotically by animals or abiotically via wind or water currents. It has been hypothesized that these two types of pollen vectors might impose contrasting selective pressures on plant flowering phenology. In the present study we describe the flowering phenology of two sympatric dioecious species with contrasting pollination modes:Mercurialis perennis(wind‐pollinated) andTamus communis(insect‐pollinated). We estimated selection differentials and gradients for flowering time and flowering synchrony. As flowering time might depend on the accumulation of enough internal resources, we also estimated direct and indirect selection on plant size. Both species have male‐biased sexual ratios, and males are bigger and produce larger flower displays than females, but only inT. communisdo males bloom earlier and for longer than females. Selection gradients suggest that selection tends to favor early‐flowering females ofT. communis. There is no evidence of direct current selection on the flowering phenology ofM. perennis. Intersexual differences in phenology fit with sex allocation and sexual selection theories. As we hypothesized, phenology of the animal‐pollinated species is under stronger selection than that of the wind‐pollinated species and we discuss the potential role of pollen vectors in shaping the flowering phenologies of the study species.
Industry‐based retrospective cohort study of the risk of prostate cancer among rotating‐shift workers
Authors: Kubo Tatsuhiko , Oyama Ichiro , Nakamura Takehiro , Kunimoto Masamizu , Kadowaki Koji , Otomo Hajime , Fujino Yoshihisa , Fujimoto Naohiro , Matsumoto Tetsuro , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  The risk of prostate cancer among shift workers was examined in the present industry‐based retrospective cohort study.Methods:  The study was established based on a health‐care database from a Japanese manufacturing corporation. Work schedules of 4995 male workers (mean age = 55.5 years) were followed up retrospectively; mean follow‐up period = 25.0 years. Of the subjects, 4168 had previously undertaken only daytime work (daytime workers), whereas 827 had undertaken rotating three‐shift work for >80% of their career (shift workers). All subjects had undergone prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing. Prostate cancer incidence data were obtained from the health insurance records of 13 daytime and four shift workers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risk of prostate cancer for the two groups with adjustments for age, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking, exercise and marital status.Results:  Compared with daytime workers, shift workers showed a non‐significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.57, 5.68; P‐value = 0.32).Conclusions:  Some increase in the risk of prostate cancer for shift workers was observed, although the result was not statistically significant as a result of the small number of cases. To identify the prostate cancer risk among shift workers, longer‐term follow up, including the period after retirement, is required.
Perioperative management of pediatric patients on mechanical cardiac support
Authors: Mossad Emad B. , Motta Pablo , Rossano Joseph , Hale Brittani , Morales David L. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe population of children with end‐stage heart failure requiring mechanical circulatory support is growing. These children present for diagnostic imaging studies, various interventions and noncardiac surgical procedures that require anesthetic care. This article is a review of the population demographics of children on mechanical cardiac support, the alternative devices available, and the important concepts for safe perioperative management of these patients. The discussion will be limited to devices for short‐ and long‐term cardiac support, excluding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for respiratory support.
Lessons in modelling and management of marine ecosystems: the Atlantis experience
Authors: Fulton Elizabeth A , Link Jason S , Kaplan Isaac C , Savina‐Rolland Marie , Johnson Penelope , Ainsworth Cameron , Horne Peter , Gorton Rebecca , Gamble Robert J , Smith Anthony D M , Smith David C 
Published: February 2011

AbstractModels are key tools for integrating a wide range of system information in a common framework. Attempts to model exploited marine ecosystems can increase understanding of system dynamics; identify major processes, drivers and responses; highlight major gaps in knowledge; and provide a mechanism to ‘road test’ management strategies before implementing them in reality. The Atlantis modelling framework has been used in these roles for a decade and is regularly being modified and applied to new questions (e.g. it is being coupled to climate, biophysical and economic models to help consider climate change impacts, monitoring schemes and multiple use management). This study describes some common lessons learned from its implementation, particularly in regard to when these tools are most effective and the likely form of best practices for ecosystem‐based management (EBM). Most importantly, it highlighted that no single management lever is sufficient to address the many trade‐offs associated with EBM and that the mix of measures needed to successfully implement EBM will differ between systems and will change through time. Although it is doubtful that any single management action will be based solely on Atlantis, this modelling approach continues to provide important insights for managers when making natural resource management decisions.
The influence of an online auction’s product price and e‐retailer reputation on consumers’ perception, attitude, and behavioral intention
Authors: WU WANN‐YIH , HUANG PO‐CHING , FU CHEN‐SU 
Published: February 2011

Wu, W.‐Y. Huang, P.‐C. & Fu, C.‐S. (2011). The influence of an online auction’s product price and e‐retailer reputation on consumers’ perception, attitude, and behavioral intention. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology52, 290–302.Online auctions combine the conventional auction model with information technology. However, information asymmetry within such auctions causes risks and uncertainties that influence consumer purchase intentions. In this study, a 2 (product price: high vs. low) × 2 (e‐retailer reputation: high vs. low) experimental design was used to understand whether the product price and e‐retailer reputation will influence consumers’ perceived risk, attitude toward the website and purchase intention. The results of this study indicate that perceived risk negatively influences consumer attitude toward the website and online purchase intention, while consumer attitude toward the website positively influences purchase intention. Moreover, involvement moderates the influence of product price and e‐retailer reputation only on social risk but does not have a significant effect on consumer attitude toward the website. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of online auction users’ behavior. Finally, the managerial implications, limitations and future research directions are also provided.
Smoke in the (Tariff) Water
Authors: Foletti Liliana , Fugazza Marco , Nicita Alessandro , Olarreaga Marcelo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAs the economic crisis deepened and widened, fears of a return to the protectionist spiral of the 1930s become more common. However, an important difference between the 1930s and today is the existence of the World Trade Organization and the legal limits it imposes on the protectionist responses members can pursue. The first objective of this paper is to assess the extent to which applied tariffs can be legally raised without violating bound tariff obligations and compare it with what is economically feasible. The second objective is the examination of whether individual countries have taken advantage of these legal tariff hikes as protectionist responses during economic crises, after the creation of the WTO. Results suggest that the policy space left when looking at what is economically possible is indeed quite large. However, in the recent past little of the available policy space has been used by countries suffering from an economic crisis.
Appreciating the Renminbi
Authors: Tyers Rod , Zhang Ying 
Published: February 2011

AbstractInternational pressure to revalue China’s currency stems in part from the expectation that rapid economic growth should be associated with an underlying real exchange rate appreciation. This hinges on the Balassa–Samuelson hypothesis, which sees growth as stemming from improvements in traded sector productivity and associated rises in wages and non‐traded prices. Yet, despite extraordinary growth after the mid‐1990s China’s real exchange rate showed no tendency to appreciate until after 2004. We use a dynamic general equilibrium model to simulate the economy and show that, during this period, trade reforms and a rising national saving rate were offsetting forces in the presence of elastic labour supply. We then examine the possible determinants of the striking transition to real appreciation thereafter, noting mounting evidence that an improved rural term of trade has tightened China’s labour market. We show that should the Chinese government bow to international pressure by appreciating the renminbi either via an extraordinary monetary contraction or via export disincentives, the consequences would be harmful for both Chinese and global interests.
Relationship between clinical features of facial dry skin and biophysical parameters in Asians
Authors: Baek J. H. , Lee M. Y. , Koh J. S. 
Published: February 2011

SynopsisThere have been few reports classifying the biophysical characteristics of Korean women with healthy skin. Consequently, the aim of this study was to find the most useful parameters for categorizing skin types based on a clinical assessment. One hundred and three female volunteers, aged 20–59, participated in this study. We conducted a self‐evaluation questionnaire, a clinical assessment of the facial skin, and non‐invasive measurements on the cheek under controlled environmental conditions. The questionnaire survey indicated that 72% of respondents had dry skin. However, results of the clinical assessment focusing on skin roughness and scaling of the cheek showed that 6 subjects had very dry skin (6%), 29 had dry skin (28%) and 68 had normal skin with sufficient moisture (66%). We analysed the correlation between the clinical assessment and biophysical parameters. As a result, we obtained six biophysical parameters that had relatively higher correlations with clinical assessment than other parameters. Our study provided general information about the physiological characteristics of normal skin in Korean women and suggested useful parameters for characterizing dry skin.
Mammalian forebrain ketimine reductase identified as μ‐crystallin; potential regulation by thyroid hormones
Authors: Hallen André , Cooper Arthur J. L. , Jamie Joanne F. , Haynes Paul A. , Willows Robert D. 
Published: February 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 379–387.AbstractKetimine reductase (E.C. 1.5.1.25) was purified to apparent homogeneity from lamb forebrain by means of a rapid multi‐step chromatography protocol. The purified enzyme was identified by MS/MS (mass spectrometry) as μ‐crystallin. The identity was confirmed by heterologously expressing human μ‐crystallin in Escherichia coli and subsequent chromatographic purification of the protein. The purified human μ‐crystallin was confirmed to have ketimine reductase activity with a maximum specific activity similar to that of native ovine ketimine reductase, and was found to catalyse a sequential reaction. The enzyme substrates are putative neuromodulator/transmitters. The thyroid hormone 3,5,3′‐l‐triiodothyronine (T3) was found to be a strong reversible competitive inhibitor, and may have a novel role in regulating their concentrations. μ‐Crystallin is also involved in intracellular T3 storage and transport. This research is the first to demonstrate an enzyme function for μ‐crystallin. This newly demonstrated enzymatic activity identifies a new role for thyroid hormones in regulating mammalian amino acid metabolism, and a possible reciprocal role of enzyme activity regulating bioavailability of intracellular T3.
Importance of Anti‐angiogenic Factors in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Angiogenesis
Authors: OLFERT I. MARK , BIROT OLIVIER 
Published: February 2011

Please cite this paper as: Olfert and Birot (2011). Importance of Anti‐angiogenic Factors in the Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Angiogenesis. Microcirculation 18(4), 316–330.AbstractThe microcirculation is essential for delivery of oxygen and nutrients to maintain skeletal muscle health and function. The network of microvessels surrounding skeletal myocytes has a remarkable plasticity that ensures a good match between muscle perfusion capacities and myofiber metabolic needs. Depending on physiologic conditions, this vascular plasticity can either involve growth (e.g., exercise‐induced angiogenesis) or regression (e.g., physical deconditioning) of capillaries. This angio‐adaptative response is thought to be controlled by a balance between pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors and their receptors. While changes in the expression or activity for pro‐angiogenic factors have been well studied in response to acute and chronic exercise during the past two decades, little attention thus far has been devoted to endogenous negative regulators that are also likely to be important in regulating capillary growth/regression. Indeed, the importance and contribution of anti‐angiogenic factors in controlling skeletal muscle angiogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we highlight the emerging research related to skeletal muscle expression of several negative angiogenic factors and discuss their potential importance in controlling skeletal muscle angio‐adaptation, particularly in physiologic response to physical activity.
Quantitative evaluation of patch test reactions: a comparison between visual grading and erythema index image analysis
Authors: Ohshima Hiroshi , Takiwaki Hirotsugu , Washizaki Kumiko , Ishiko Akira , Itoh Masatoshi , Kanto Hiromi 
Published: February 2011

Background/aims: The interpretation of patch test reactions may vary between examiners. As test results are graded, an issue also arises when differing degrees of erythema are placed in the same grade. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the degree of erythema in patch tests using image analysis and to study the usefulness of this method by comparing it with visual grading.Methods: A total of 121 Japanese patients were patch tested with various materials. At 48 h, digital photographs of the patch test areas were taken, in addition to a visual evaluation by dermatologists. Digital images of the areas were converted to erythema index (EI) images using image processing and both EI and ΔEI (the difference between the patch test site and adjacent normal skin) values of the patch test sites were compared with the corresponding visual grades.Results: An excellent linear correlation (r=0.95) was found between ΔEI and visual grades, although EI also significantly correlated with visual grades. There were significant differences (P<0.0001–0.05) between the mean ΔEI values of any two adjacent visual grades.Conclusion: ΔEI values derived from image processing appear to be suitable for the quantitative evaluation of erythema in patch tests. This method may be helpful in overcoming the subjectiveness of visual evaluation and for training non‐experts in patch testing.
Relationship between the echogenicity of subcutaneous tissue and the depth of eye corner wrinkles
Authors: Tsukahara Kazue , Osanai Osamu , Hotta Mitsuyuki , Sano Tomohiko , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori , Tsujimoto Fumio 
Published: February 2011

Background/purpose: A close relationship was found between the internal structure of subcutaneous tissue and wrinkle depth in our previous study of human forehead. The present study examined the relationship in the eye corner.Methods: One hundred and seventy‐three Japanese subjects were divided into four age groups (21–28 years, 35–41 years, 47–59 years and 65–75 years). The maximum wrinkle depth (Rmax) of an eye corner wrinkle was obtained. On an ultrasound image, which was captured by scanning perpendicular to the wrinkle, we set a 12.5‐mm‐wide region of interest (ROI) by aligning the deepest point of the wrinkle at its center and then obtained the ratio of the area exceeding an echogenicity threshold to the total area as the echogenicity.Results: No correlation was found between the Rmax and echogenicity. The relationship was further analyzed by dividing the ROI into two: one above and the other below the deepest point of the wrinkle. A negative correlation was detected in the lower ROI of the oldest group. The difference in echogenicity between the upper and the lower ROIs of the oldest group showed a positive correlation with the Rmax.Conclusion: These results suggest that the subcutaneous tissue structure is related to wrinkle depth.
Using human hair follicle‐derived keratinocytes and melanocytes for constructing pigmented tissue‐engineered skin
Authors: Liu Fei , Luo Xu‐Song , Shen Hai‐Yan , Dong Jia‐Sheng , Yang Jun 
Published: February 2011

Background: Traditional tissue‐engineered skin does not produce a satisfactory long‐term result because it lacks natural skin pigmentation and leads to discolored cosmetically unpleasing skin that only functions to cover the body of patients. Additionally, the cell sources for tissue‐engineered skin are generally derived from normal skin, which is often limited in patients with skin defects.Methods: In this study, hair follicle melanocytes and keratinocytes were isolated from human scalp. The melanocytes were co‐cultured with keratinocytes until the second passage and then purified. Purified melanocytes and keratinocytes were seeded onto the chitosan–gelatin membrane for 1 week to construct pigmented tissue‐engineered skin. The pigmented skin equivalent was used to resurface the skin defect in nude mice. Four weeks after grafting, skin biopsies were harvested to take hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining of Melan‐A and HLA‐ABC.Results: Large quantities of purified melanocytes can be obtained with co‐culture method. The hematoxylin and eosin staining of repaired skin biopsy demonstrated that the tissue‐engineered skin can repair skin defects successfully. Engineered skin contained pigmentation and stained positive for Melan‐A and HLA‐ABC, which confirmed the presence of melanocytes and its sources were of human origin.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the possibility of constructing pigmented tissue‐engineered skin with human hair follicle‐derived keratinocytes and melanocytes, which brings a promising method to make up for the deficiency of traditional tissue‐engineered skin and provides an alternative treatment for depigmentation diseases.
Mandibular and femoral growth alteration after sex hormone disruption in growing mice
Authors: Márquez Hernández RA , Ohtani J , Fujita T , Sunagawa H , Ishikawa E , Tsubamoto N , Kawata T , Kaku M , Motokawa M , Tanne K 
Published: February 2011

To cite this article:
Márquez Hernández RA, Ohtani J, Fujita T, Sunagawa H, Ishikawa E, Tsubamoto N, Kawata T, Kaku M, Motokawa M, Tanne K:  Mandibular and femoral growth alteration after sex hormone disruption in growing mice  Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:63–69Structured AbstractAuthors –  Márquez Hernández RA, Ohtani J, Fujita T, Sunagawa H, Ishikawa E, Tsubamoto N, Kawata T, Kaku M, Motokawa M, Tanne KObjectives –  To investigate how mandibular and femoral growth is affected when sex hormone– specific receptor antagonist is administered in growing mice.Materials and methods –  Forty C57BL/6J mice were used in this experiment. At 5 days of age, the mice received daily injection of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), or androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, and their body weight was assessed every 4 days. One, four and eight weeks after the initial injection, radiographs of the mandible and femur were taken and measured. Analyses of variance and pairwise comparisons (Fisher) were performed to examine the differences in values measured among the groups.Results –  Mandibular growth was affected by ERβ antagonist injection in male mice at 4 and 8 weeks. In female mice, the growth was affected during all the experimental period, when ERβ was administered. Moreover, at 8 weeks, mandibular growth was also affected in male and female mice injected with ERα antagonist and in male mice injected with AR antagonist. Femoral growth was affected during all the experimental period in male and female mice injected with ERβ antagonist. Moreover, at 8 weeks, the growth was affected in male and female mice injected with ERα antagonist and in male mice injected with AR antagonist.Conclusions –  Growth of the mandible and femur in mice, in part, is induced in response to the stimulation of ERβ in chondrocytes before and during early puberty. In late and after puberty, the growth is induced by the stimulation of ERα in male and female mice and that of AR in male mice.
Incidence of canal systems in the mesio‐buccal roots of maxillary first and second molars in Saudi Arabian population
Authors: Al‐Fouzan Khalid S. , Ounis Hani F. , Merdad Khalid , Al‐Hezaimi Khalid 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe aim of this prospective study was to determine the number of canals treated in the mesio‐buccal roots of the maxillary first and second molars teeth of a Saudi Arabian population during a 1‐year period in a postgraduate endodontic program. The attending endodontic faculty member supervising the case verified the number of canals in the teeth clinically and radiographically. In total, 308 maxillary first molars and 162 maxillary second molars, of which 158 (51.3%) and 32 (19.7%) met the criterion of having two canals detected and treated in the mesio‐buccal root of the maxillary first and second molars, respectively. It was concluded that the occurrence of mesio‐palatal canal in the mesio‐buccal root of the maxillary first and second molars of a Saudi Arabian population was high. The fact that almost more than half the mesio‐buccal roots of the maxillary first molars bear two canals is enough reason to always assume that two canals exist until careful examination proves otherwise.