bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The long and the short of sperm selection in vitro and in vivo: swim-up techniques select for the longer and faster swimming mammalian sperm
Authors: Holt W. V. , Hernandez M. , Warrell L. , Satake N. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Sperm competition and sexual selection outcomes are sometimes reported as depending on sperm velocity and flagellar length, suggesting that sperm shape may be optimized for maximum efficiency. This is a largely unexamined assumption regarding sperm performance. Here, we examine this idea using a ‘swim-up’ selection technique as a proxy for sperm transport within the female tract, testing the hypothesis that variation in sperm tail length should be reduced by this procedure. We detected small but significant (P &lt; 0.001) increases in mean flagellar length in brown hare, pig and bull spermatozoa without reduction in variance. Applying the swim-up technique to boar ejaculates confirmed that the selected populations were enriched for fast motile spermatozoa. These effects were also reflected in vivo where boar spermatozoa with both short and long flagellae were able to reach and colonize the oviductal sperm reservoir. The benefits of possessing a longer flagellum thus appear to be marginal, suggesting that sperm selection in vivo is based on more complex criteria.
Pre‐synaptic and post‐synaptic neuronal activity supports the axon development of callosal projection neurons during different post‐natal periods in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Mizuno Hidenobu , Hirano Tomoo , Tagawa Yoshiaki 
Published: January 2010

AbstractCallosal projection neurons, one of the major types of projection neurons in the mammalian cerebral cortex, require neuronal activity for their axonal projections [H. Mizuno et al. (2007) J. Neurosci., 27, 6760–6770; C. L. Wang et al. (2007) J. Neurosci., 27, 11334–11342]. Here we established a method to label a few callosal axons with enhanced green fluorescent protein in the mouse cerebral cortex and examined the effect of pre‐synaptic/post‐synaptic neuron silencing on the morphology of individual callosal axons. Pre‐synaptic/post‐synaptic neurons were electrically silenced by Kir2.1 potassium channel overexpression. Single axon tracing showed that, after reaching the cortical innervation area, green fluorescent protein‐labeled callosal axons underwent successive developmental stages: axon growth, branching, layer‐specific targeting and arbor formation between post‐natal day (P)5 and P9, and the subsequent elaboration of axon arbors between P9 and P15. Reducing pre‐synaptic neuronal activity disturbed axon growth and branching before P9, as well as arbor elaboration afterwards. In contrast, silencing post‐synaptic neurons disturbed axon arbor elaboration between P9 and P15. Thus, pre‐synaptic neuron silencing affected significantly earlier stages of callosal projection neuron axon development than post‐synaptic neuron silencing. Silencing both pre‐synaptic and post‐synaptic neurons impaired callosal axon projections, suggesting that certain levels of firing activity in pre‐synaptic and post‐synaptic neurons are required for callosal axon development. Our findings provide in‐vivo evidence that pre‐synaptic and post‐synaptic neuronal activities play critical, and presumably differential, roles in axon growth, branching, arbor formation and elaboration during cortical axon development.
Causality between local field potentials of the subthalamic nucleus and electromyograms of forearm muscles in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Florin Esther , Gross Joachim , Reck Christiane , Maarouf Mohammad , Schnitzler Alfons , Sturm Volker , Fink Gereon R. , Timmermann Lars 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDeep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, although its precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. To gain further insight into the mechanisms underlying deep brain stimulation, we analysed the causal relationship between forearm muscle activity and local field potentials derived from the subthalamic nucleus. In 19 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease of the akinetic‐rigid subtype, we calculated the squared partial directed coherence between muscles of the contralateral forearm and the subthalamic nucleus or zona incerta during both a rest and a hold condition of the arm. For both recording regions, data analysis revealed that, during the rest condition, electromyographic activity was significantly more often ‘Granger‐causal’ for the local field potentials than the opposite causation. In contrast, during the hold condition, no significant difference was found in the occurrence of causalities. Contrary to the existing basal ganglia model and the current concept of Parkinson’s disease pathophysiology, we found the subthalamic nucleus to receive more ‘afferences’ than it emitted ‘efferences’, suggesting that its role is more complex than a simple driving nucleus in the basal ganglia loop. Therefore, the effect of deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus could, at least in part, result from a blockade of pathological afferent input.
Theta‐burst stimulation over primary motor cortex degrades early motor learning
Authors: Iezzi Ennio , Suppa Antonio , Conte Antonella , Agostino Rocco , Nardella Andrea , Berardelli Alfredo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTheta‐burst stimulation (TBS) is currently used for inducing long‐lasting changes in primary motor cortex (M1) excitability. More information is needed on how M1 is involved in early motor learning (practice‐related improvement in motor performance, motor retention and motor consolidation). We investigated whether inhibitory continuous TBS (cTBS) is an effective experimental approach for modulating early motor learning of a simple finger movement in healthy humans. In a short task, 11 subjects practised 160 movements, and in a longer task also testing motor consolidation ten subjects practised 600 movements. During both experiments subjects randomly received real or sham cTBS over the left M1. Motor evoked potentials were tested at baseline and 7 min after cTBS. In the 160‐movement experiment to test motor retention, 20 movements were repeated 30 min after motor practice ended. In the 600‐movement experiment motor retention was assessed 15 and 30 min after motor practice ended, motor consolidation was tested by performing 20 movements 24 h after motor practice ended. Kinematic variables – movement amplitude, peak velocity and peak acceleration – were measured. cTBS significantly reduced the practice‐related improvement in motor performance of finger movements in the experiment involving 160 movements and in the first part of the experiment involving 600 movements. After cTBS, peak velocity and peak acceleration of the 20 movements testing motor retention decreased whereas those testing motor consolidation remained unchanged. cTBS over M1 degrades practice‐related improvement in motor performance and motor retention, but not motor consolidation of a voluntary finger movement.
Ecology of pathogenic and non‐pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the French Atlantic coast. Effects of temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll a
Authors: Julie Deter , Solen Lozach , Antoine Véron , Jaufrey Chollet , Annick Derrien , Dominique Hervio‐Heath 
Published: January 2010

Summary Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of the principal bacterial causes for seafood‐borne gastroenteritis in the world. In the present study, three sites located on the French Atlantic coast were monitored monthly for environmental parameters over 1 year. The presence of total and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in sediment, water and mussel samples was detected following enrichment by culture and real‐time PCR (toxR gene, tdh, trh1 and trh2 virulence genes). Using generalized linear models, we showed that the presence of V. parahaemolyticus in water could be explained by a combination of mean temperature over the 7 days before the day of sampling (P < 0.001) and turbidity (P = 0.058). In mussels, an effect of chlorophyll a (P = 0.005) was detected when an effect of the mean salinity over the 7 days before sampling was significant for the sediment (P < 0.001). We did not detect any significant effect of phytoplanktonic blooms or of the number of culturable bacteria on V. parahaemolyticus presence. No sample was revealed positive for tdh. The presence of trh1 and trh2 was positively influenced by the mean temperature during the 2 days before the day of sampling (P < 0.001 and P = 0.032). The importance of these ecological parameters is discussed in relation to the biology of V. parahaemolyticus.
The effects of species pool, dispersal and competition on the diversity–productivity relationship
Authors: Xiao Sa , Zobel Martin , Szava‐Kovats Robert , Pärtel Meelis 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTAim The diversity–productivity relationship is a controversial issue in ecology. Diversity is sometimes seen to increase with productivity but a unimodal relationship has often been reported. Competitive exclusion was cited initially to account for the decrease of diversity at high productivity. Subsequently, the roles of evolutionary history (species pool size) and dispersal rate have been acknowledged. We explore how the effects of species pool, dispersal and competition combine to produce different diversity–productivity relationships.Methods We use a series of simulations with a spatially explicit, individual‐based model. Following empirical expectations, we used four scenarios to characterize species pool size along the productivity gradient (uniformly low and high, linear increase and unimodal). Similarly, the dispersal rate varied along the productivity gradient (uniformly low and high, and unimodal). We considered both neutral communities and communities with competitive exclusion.Results and main conclusions Our model predicts that competitive interactions will result in unimodal diversity–productivity relationships. The model often predicts unimodal patterns in neutral communities as well, although the decline in richness at high productivity is less than in competing communities. A positive diversity–productivity relationship is simulated for neutral communities when the species pool size increases with productivity and the dispersal rate is high. This scenario is probably more widespread in nature than the others since positive diversity–productivity relationships have been observed more frequently than previously expected, especially in the tropics and for woody species. Our simulated effects of species pool, dispersal and competition on diversity patterns can be linked to empirical observations to uncover mechanisms behind the diversity–productivity relationship.
An analysis of communication in conversation after severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rousseaux M. , Vérigneaux C. , Kozlowski O. 
Published: January 2010

Background and objective:  Communication disorders have been reported following severe traumatic brain injury. However, we have little information about patient behaviour during dyadic interaction. Here, we analyzed conversation at the rehabilitation and chronic phase post traumatic brain injury (TBI), to define the main mechanisms of verbal and non‐verbal communication disorders and relationship with other cognitive difficulties.Methods:  Sixteen patients were evaluated at the rehabilitation phase (2–12 months) and 18 at the chronic phase (after 2 years) following severe TBI. They were compared with equivalent groups of matching (gender, age, education level) control subjects. We used the Lille Communication Test, which comprises three parts: participation to communication (greeting, attention, engagement), verbal communication (verbal comprehension, speech outflow, intelligibility, word production, syntax, verbal pragmatics, verbal feedback) and non‐verbal communication (understanding gestures, affective expressivity, producing gestures, pragmatics, non‐verbal feedback). We also investigated executive functions (Stroop test, trail‐making test, categorical evocation), language (Montreal‐Toulouse protocol) and behaviour (Neurobehavioural Rating Scale). Verbal communication disorders were relatively equivalent at the rehabilitation and chronic phases.Results:  Patients were impaired (P ≤ 0.01) in their participation to communication, especially in greeting behaviour. Verbal communication was mostly affected by difficulties in producing fluent and intelligible language and using pragmatics (responding to open questions, presenting new information and introducing new themes, organizing discourse and adapting to interlocutor knowledge). Non‐verbal communication was impaired by difficulties in using pragmatics (mostly adapted prosody). Participation and verbal communication correlated with the executive functions, language and behavioural assessment.Conclusions:  Disorders of social communication justify systematic assessment in patients with TBI.
Membrane lipid modification by polyunsaturated fatty acids sensitizes oligodendroglial OLN‐93 cells against oxidative stress and promotes up‐regulation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HSP32)
Authors: Brand Annette , Bauer Nina G. , Hallott Amanda , Goldbaum Olaf , Ghebremeskel Kebreab , Reifen Ram , Richter‐Landsberg Christiane 
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 465–476.AbstractPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are highly abundant in brain tissue, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) might protect cells from oxidative stress (OS) during inflammation and demyelinating disorders, but also might exert pro‐oxidant effects. Here we investigated if PUFA supplements lead to heat shock protein induction, altered cell survival properties and stress responses to OS exerted by hydrogen peroxide in oligodendroglial OLN‐93 cells. The data show that supplements of various fatty acids (FA) with 18–22 carbons chain length and 2–6 double bonds led to PUFA enrichment in cellular membranes. Depending on the degree of desaturation, FA‐supplements caused the up‐regulation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HSP32), a stress protein inducible by OS, and an increase in sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide‐treatment. DHA, with the highest number of double bonds, was most effective. Co‐treatment with DHA and the lipophilic vitamin E analogue α‐tocopherol, suppressed heme oxygenase‐1 up‐regulation and cell survival was restored. Analysis of the lipid profile demonstrates that α‐tocopherol not only has antioxidant capacities, but also directly modified the PUFA profile in cell membranes. Enrichment with higher omega‐3, ‐6 and ‐9 PUFA and an increase in the biosynthesis rate of very long chain fatty acids, mainly changed the FA profile of ethanolamine and serine phosphoglycerides.
Signaling, delivery and age as emerging issues in the benefit/risk ratio outcome of tPA For treatment of CNS ischemic disorders
Authors: Armstead William M. , Ganguly Kumkum , Kiessling J. W. , Riley John , Chen Xiao‐Han , Smith Douglas H. , Stein Sherman C. , Higazi Abd A. R. , Cines Douglas B. , Bdeir Khalil , Zaitsev Sergei , Muzykantov Vladimir R. 
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 303–312.AbstractStroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. While tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the only FDA‐approved treatment for ischemic stroke, clinical use of tPA has been constrained to roughly 3% of eligible patients because of the danger of intracranial hemorrhage and a narrow 3 h time window for safe administration. Basic science studies indicate that tPA enhances excitotoxic neuronal cell death. In this review, the beneficial and deleterious effects of tPA in ischemic brain are discussed along with emphasis on development of new approaches toward treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke. In particular, roles of tPA‐induced signaling and a novel delivery system for tPA administration based on tPA coupling to carrier red blood cells will be considered as therapeutic modalities for increasing tPA benefit/risk ratio. The concept of the neurovascular unit will be discussed in the context of dynamic relationships between tPA‐induced changes in cerebral hemodynamics and histopathologic outcome of CNS ischemia. Additionally, the role of age will be considered since thrombolytic therapy is being increasingly used in the pediatric population, but there are few basic science studies of CNS injury in pediatric animals.
Nuclear localization of the G protein β5/R7–regulator of G protein signaling protein complex is dependent on R7 binding protein
Authors: Panicker Leelamma M. , Zhang Jian‐Hua , Posokhova Ekaterina , Gastinger Matthew J. , Martemyanov Kirill A. , Simonds William F. 
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1101–1112.AbstractThe neuronally expressed Gβ5 subunit is the most structurally divergent among heterotrimeric Gβ isoforms and unique in its ability to heterodimerize with the R7 subfamily of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. The complex between Gβ5 and R7‐type RGS proteins targets the cell nucleus by an unknown mechanism. Although the nuclear targeting of the Gβ5/R7‐RGS complex is proposed to involve the binding of R7‐binding protein (R7BP), this theory is challenged by the observations that endogenous R7BP is palmitoylated, co‐localizes strongly with the plasma membrane, and has never been identified in the cytosol or nucleus of native neurons or untreated cultured cells. We show here mutant RGS7 lacking the N‐terminal Disheveled, EGL‐10, Pleckstrin homology domain is expressed in transfected cells but, unlike wild‐type RGS7, is excluded from the cell nucleus. As the Disheveled, EGL‐10, Pleckstrin homology domain is essential for R7BP binding to RGS7, we studied the subcellular localization of Gβ5 in primary neurons and brain from mice deficient in R7BP. The level of endogenous nuclear Gβ5 and RGS7 in neurons and brains from R7BP knockout mice is reduced by 50–70%. These results suggest that R7BP contributes significantly to the nuclear localization of endogenous Gβ5/R7‐RGS complex in brain.
Obesity enhances eosinophilic inflammation in a murine model of allergic asthma
Authors: Calixto MC , Lintomen L , Schenka A , Saad MJ , Zanesco A , Antunes E 
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Obesity is associated with deterioration in asthma outcomes. Although airways eosinophil accumulation is characteristic of lung allergic diseases, little is known about the influence of obesity on the allergic eosinophil trafficking from bone marrow to lung tissues, and recruitment to airways lumen. Here, we have assessed the effects of diet‐induced obesity on allergic eosinophilic inflammation in mice, examining eosinophil trafficking from bone marrow to airways, and production of TH1/TH2 cytokines.Experimental approach:  C57BL/6 mice fed for 10 weeks with standard chow or high‐fat diet were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. At 24–96 h post‐ovalbumin challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung tissue and bone marrow were examined.Key results:  The high‐fat‐fed mice exhibited increased body weight and epididymal fat, glucose intolerance and alterations in lipid profile compared with the lean mice. Obesity markedly elevated serum leptin and lowered adiponectin levels. Ovalbumin challenge in obese mice promoted a markedly higher eosinophil accumulation in bone marrow and connective tissue surrounding the bronchial and bronchiolar segments. Eosinophil number in BAL fluid of obese mice was lower at 24 and 48 h. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐5, eotaxin, tumour necrosis factor‐α and IL‐10 in BAL fluid of obese mice were significantly higher than in lean mice.Conclusions and implications:  Diet‐induced obesity enhanced eosinophil trafficking from bone marrow to lung tissues, and delayed their transit through the airway epithelium into the airway lumen. Consequently, eosinophils remain longer in lung peribronchiolar segments due to overproduction of TH1/TH2 cytokines and chemokines.
Determinants of Adoption of Protected Designation of Origin Label: Evidence from the French Brie Cheese Industry
Authors: Bouamra‐Mechemache Zohra , Chaaban Jad 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper investigates empirically the determinants of agro‐food firms’ adoption of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. A unique dataset containing firm‐level cost and production information on the French Brie cheese is used, covering the period 1980–2000. The Brie cheese data are especially relevant as PDO Brie producers have coexisted with other non‐PDO producers since 1981. To evaluate the producers’ incentive to opt for PDO certification, we use a structural switching regression model which incorporates cost and production structure variables. Results show that PDO certification is less attractive the higher the costs of raw materials and the greater the size of the company. PDO Brie cheese production costs are estimated to be on average 40% higher than those for non‐PDO Brie. The PDO production process could be technically inefficient when compared with the unconstrained non‐PDO manufacturing; yet, PDO producers benefit from a price premium on their product which offsets their higher production cost.
Ice‐free conditions in Sweden during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3?
Authors: WOHLFARTH BARBARA 
Published: January 2010

Wohlfarth, B. 2010: Ice‐free conditions in Sweden during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3? Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00137.x. ISSN 0300‐9483Published and unpublished 14C dates for Sweden older than the Last Glacial Maximum ice advance were evaluated. Acceptable 14C dates indicate that age ranges for interstadial organic material in northern and central Sweden are between c. 60 and c. 35 cal. kyr BP and for similar deposits in southern Sweden are between c. 40 and c. 25 cal. kyr BP, which is in good agreement with recently derived Optical Stimulated Luminescence ages. 14C dates on mammoth remains show a larger scatter, possibly as a result of incomplete laboratory pretreatment. A possible scenario based on calibrated 14C dates from interstadial deposits is that central and northern Sweden was ice‐free during the early and middle part of Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 and that southern Sweden remained ice‐free until c. 25 cal. kyr BP. A first ice advance into northern and central Sweden might have occurred as late as around 35 cal. kyr BP, more or less coeval with the Last Glacial Maximum ice advance onto the Norwegian shelf. To test the conclusions drawn here, new multi‐proxy and high‐resolution investigations of several key sites in north, central and south Sweden are required.