bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cryptic heterogametic transition revealed by sex‐linked DNA markers in Palearctic green toads
Authors: STÖCK M. , CROLL D. , DUMAS Z. , BIOLLAY S. , WANG J. , PERRIN N. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn sharp contrast to birds and mammals, most cold‐blooded vertebrates have homomorphic (morphologically undifferentiated) sex chromosomes. This might result either from recurrent X‐Y recombination (occurring e.g. during occasional events of sex reversal) or from frequent turnovers (during which sex‐determining genes are overthrown by new autosomal mutations). Evidence for turnovers is indeed mounting in fish, but very few have so far been documented in amphibians, possibly because of practical difficulties in identifying sex chromosomes. Female heterogamety (ZW) has long been established in Bufo bufo, based on sex reversal and crossing experiments. Here, we investigate a sex‐linked marker identified from a laboratory cross between Palearctic green toads (Bufo viridis subgroup). The F1 offspring produced by a female Bufo balearicus and a male Bufo siculus were phenotypically sexed, displaying an even sex ratio. A sex‐specific marker detected in highly reproducible AFLP genotypes was cloned. Sequencing revealed a noncoding, microsatellite‐containing fragment. Reamplification and genotyping of families of this and a reciprocal cross showed B. siculus to be male heterogametic (XY) and suggested the same system for B. balearicus. Our results thus reveal a cryptic heterogametic transition within bufonid frogs and help explain patterns of hybrid fitness within the B. viridis subgroup. Turnovers of genetic sex‐determination systems may be more frequent in amphibians than previously thought and thus contribute to the prevalence of homomorphic sex chromosomes in this group.
Asymmetry in thermal tolerance trade‐offs between the B and Q sibling species of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: ELBAZ M. , WEISER M. , MORIN S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe investigated life history trade‐offs related to thermal tolerance in two sibling species, commonly referred to as the B and Q biotypes, of Bemisia tabaci. We focused on basal resistance to short unpredicted heat stress, which reflects the organism investment, during both optimal and stressful conditions, in insuring its survival. At 27 °C, the relative reproductive performance of B was seven‐fold higher than Q. After short stress of 42 °C, these differences increased to 23‐fold. A turnover took place after short stress of 43 and 45 °C, in which Q adults performed better. As the expression of the analysed Hsp70 and other stress‐related genes was found to be higher in the Q species, our data likely reflects two different strategies for optimal performance. B lowers soma protection for achieving maximum reproduction (‘direct inhibitory’ trade‐off model), whereas Q invests significant resources in being always ‘ready’ for a challenge.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Ram Sperm Frozen in Tris Egg‐yolk and Supplemented with Superoxide Dismutase and Reduced Glutathione
Authors: Silva SV , Soares AT , Batista AM , Almeida FC , Nunes JF , Peixoto CA , Guerra MMP 
Published: February 2011

ContentsThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) to ram semen freezing extender. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected between groups regarding total motility (TM), straightness (STR) and wobble (WOB), for which the GSH 7 mm group had lesser TM and better STR than the other groups and the GSH 5 and 7 mm groups had higher wobble values than the control, SOD 25 and 100 U/ml groups. The ultrastructural analysis revealed that the acrosome was better preserved after freezing in the SOD 100 U/ml and GSH 2 and 5 mm (p < 0.05) groups than the other groups, whereas mitochondria in both the control group and the 7 mm GSH group suffered the greatest damage. The plasma membrane remained preserved after freezing, regardless of the group. For in vivo fertilization, the SOD group achieved better results than the GSH group (p > 0.05). It can therefore be concluded that the addition of SOD 100 U/ml and GSH 2 and 5 mm preserves the acrosome integrity of frozen ram spermatozoa, while the addition of SOD 100 U/ml to Tris egg‐yolk extender offers protection to the membranes of sperm cells after thawing.
Propiverine hydrochloride in Japanese patients with overactive bladder: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Gotoh Momokazu , Yokoyama Osamu , Nishizawa Osamu 
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of propiverine for overactive bladder (OAB) in Japanese patients.Methods:  In this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind study, patients ≥20 years old with symptoms of OAB for ≥12 weeks were allocated to either propiverine (20 mg once daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Efficacy and quality of life were assessed using a 7‐day bladder diary, the OAB symptom score, and King's Health Questionnaire. Safety was mainly assessed by adverse events and the QTc interval.Results:  A total of 567 patients were allocated. Change in number of micturitions/24 h was significantly greater in the propiverine group than in the placebo group (–1.86 vs−1.36, P = 0.001). Compared to placebo, propiverine produced significant improvements in urgency, urgency incontinence, urine volume/micturition, and the OAB symptom score. Significant improvements in urgency, urgency incontinence, and micturition frequency were observed at the first 4 weeks of treatment. All nine domains of King's Health Questionnaire were improved more with propiverine than with placebo. Adverse effects with propiverine were mostly mild, and no patient developed QTc interval prolongation exceeding 500 ms.Conclusion:  Propiverine is effective for Japanese OAB patients by improving their symptoms and quality of life with a predictable side‐effect profile.
The impact of auctions on residential property prices
Authors: Frino Alex , Peat Maurice , Wright Danika 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis study assesses whether the sale method in residential real estate markets – auction versus private treaty – is a determinant of sale price. Utilising a larger and richer dataset than previous research, we test for a price effect in auction sales in Sydney and Christchurch. When self‐selection biases are corrected for, using two‐stage hedonic regression analysis and a matched sampling procedure, we find no significant difference between prices of properties sold at auction to those sold by private treaty. This conflicts with the conclusions of previous research in the Australian and New Zealand housing markets, which have documented a price premium associated with auction sales.
Equity value, implied cost of equity and shareholders’ real options
Authors: Sohn Byungcherl Charlie 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of shareholders’ real options on (i) firm financial performance and (ii) estimations of the implied cost of equity. After measuring the equity value of steady‐state operations using the residual income model, and the abandonment and expansion options using the Black‐Scholes option pricing model, I find that firms with a large expansion (abandonment) option value experience better (worse) financial performance than those with a small such value. I also find that ignoring these options results in a downward bias in implied cost of equity estimates by an average of 1.23 percentage points.
Does Latin America Comprise Transnational ‘Subregions’?
Authors: Berg Gerald C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe live in a world of nations, but also one of multi‐nation systems. These systems, or transnational regions, affect global economics, politics and diplomacy. Latin America is a widely recognised and documented transnational region. It contains subregional nation systems that might have all of the characteristics and significance of regions and might also affect the broader integration of Latin America. The author defines regionality on the basis of economic integration and measures it with two methods for Latin America, North America, three Latin American subregional systems and one arbitrarily defined nation system within Latin America. He finds a high degree of integration in Latin America, the Andean nations and the Southern Cone of South America. He finds only a modest degree of integration in North America and not significantly greater integration in South America than in Latin America. The division of Latin America into subregions is consistent with the incidence of sub‐regional trade initiatives in the past two decades and might be at least partly responsible for the limited progress to date towards Latin America‐wide integration. Latin American subregions might now be providing a foundation on which to build regionalism in the future.
Foreign Direct Investment and De‐industrialisation
Authors: Kang Sung Jin , Lee Hongshik 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to discuss the various issues regarding de‐industrialisation and to systematically analyse the causes of this phenomenon. In addition, the effect of the recent increase in foreign direct investment on de‐industrialisation will be analysed. Unlike extant studies, this study employs a more reliable method of estimation, known as the generalised method of moments system, for establishing the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) with regard to de‐industrialisation. For a general assessment of the different factors of de‐industrialisation, including FDI, this study classifies the causes of de‐industrialisation in OECD countries into external and internal factors. As a result, the analysis has proved that not only internal and external factors are major factors of de‐industrialisation, FDI inflow and outflow are also major factors.
Naïve Realism, Privileged Access, and Epistemic Safety
Authors: Kennedy Matthew 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWorking from a naïve‐realist perspective, I examine first‐person knowledge of one's perceptual experience. I outline a naive‐realist theory of how subjects acquire knowledge of the nature of their experiences, and I argue that naive realism is compatible with moderate, substantial forms of first‐person privileged access. A more general moral of my paper is that treating “success” states like seeing as genuine mental states does not break up the dynamics that many philosophers expect from the phenomenon of knowledge of the mind.
Besteuerungsprinzipien und effektive Unternehmenssteuerbelastungen in der Europäischen Union: Regelt sich die EU-weite Steuerharmonisierung von selbst?
Authors: Elschner Christina , Heckemeyer Jost H. , Spengel Christoph 
Published: February 2011

AbstractEU law demands that the allocation of factors and goods within the European Union shall not be distorted by taxes. Efforts to formally harmonize corporate tax regimes in Europe have, however, stalled in recent years. What is more, the source principle has prevailed over residence based taxation which is seen to be more in line with EU law. Tax induced distortions of cross-border investment decisions are supposed to be the consequence. Based on country-specific effective average tax rates from 1998 to 2009, this article shows that there is, however, non-coordinated convergence of tax burdens within the EU. Thus, distortions of cross-border investment decisions are limited and decreasing even without formal harmonization.
Staatsfonds als Ankerinvestoren: Eine Note zum Einstieg von Aabar bei Daimler
Authors: Mietzner Mark , Schiereck Dirk 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe group of sovereign wealth funds (SWF) is gaining growing importance in the discussion on corporate governance quality as critical success factor for the longrun performance of exchange listed companies. These institutional investors mostly act as long-term oriented minority block holders (anchor investors) in international capital markets. We show for a specific case how capital market participants evaluate SWF investments in exchange listed companies. From the overall stock price reaction we can conjecture that investors expect from this investment of Aabar a positive impact on the corporate governance. However, there is also the alternative explanation that SWF have superior target selection abilities which allow them to detect undervalued companies in an inefficient capital market.
The ecological effectiveness of protected areas: a case study for South African birds
Authors: Greve M. , Chown S. L. , van Rensburg B. J. , Dallimer M. , Gaston K. J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWhile the importance of individual protected areas (PAs) to biological conservation is widely acknowledged, rather few empirical studies have explicitly attempted to assess their ecological effectiveness. Significantly, this includes consideration of how well they represent the biodiversity of taxonomic groups for which the designation of these areas was not a primary or intentional goal. Here, we provide one of the most detailed comparisons to date of the avian biodiversity found inside and outside PAs, focusing on three PAs distributed widely across South Africa. Typically, bird assemblages were richer, with a higher density, and a different structural and functional composition inside than outside the PAs. Importantly, insectivore richness was much higher inside than outside, and the converse was true of granivores. Overall, these findings suggest that PAs do indeed provide valuable repositories for native biodiversity, with species richness, density and species composition being substantially different beyond their bounds. With human land‐use increasing in South Africa, and habitat transformation recognized as a major and growing threat to biodiversity, such differences are expected to become greater.
Information search behaviour and its determinants: the case of ethical attributes of organic food
Authors: Zander Katrin , Hamm Ulrich 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDaily decisions on food purchase are known to be undertaken using limited information search. However, when confronted with ‘ethical’ products, consumers often become more involved, and this results in a more extensive search for information. This research focuses on the information search behaviour of European consumers with regard to ethical attributes like animal welfare or environmental aspects of organic food by means of an Information Display Matrix. Row‐wise information search by product characteristics (attributes) was widely preferred over information search by product alternatives (column‐wise). Therefore, information (e.g. in the Internet) should increasingly be provided by attributes. The majority of consumers use simplifying and selective search strategies when looking for information on organic food with additional ethical attributes. Consumers tend to start information search in the top, left hand corner and move towards the bottom, right hand corner. Thus, principal attributes should be placed in the upper left corner and be followed by the next most important and so on when presenting information on an array of different products. Our results show that information search patterns of consumers depend on socio‐demographic characteristics like gender and age and, to a lesser extent, also on attitudes regarding environmental or social aspects of food production. Thus, marketers, particularly those using the Internet, should revise their systems of information provision and focus increasingly on consumers' needs.
Nedd4‐mediated AMPA receptor ubiquitination regulates receptor turnover and trafficking
Authors: Lin Amy , Hou Qingming , Jarzylo Larissa , Amato Steve , Gilbert James , Shang Fu , Man Heng‐Ye 
Published: February 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 27–39.Abstractα‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole‐4‐propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) are the primary mediators of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. Alterations in AMPAR localization and turnover have been considered critical mechanisms underpinning synaptic plasticity and higher brain functions, but the molecular processes that control AMPAR trafficking and stability are still not fully understood. Here, we report that mammalian AMPARs are subject to ubiquitination in neurons and in transfected heterologous cells. Ubiquitination facilitates AMPAR endocytosis, leading to a reduction in AMPAR cell‐surface localization and total receptor abundance. Mutation of lysine residues to arginine residues at the glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluA1) C‐terminus dramatically reduces GluA1 ubiquitination and abolishes ubiquitin‐dependent GluA1 internalization and degradation, indicating that the lysine residues, particularly K868, are sites of ubiquitination. We also find that the E3 ligase neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down‐regulated 4 (Nedd4) is enriched in synaptosomes and co‐localizes and associates with AMPARs in neurons. Nedd4 expression leads to AMPAR ubiquitination, leading to reduced AMPAR surface expression and suppressed excitatory synaptic transmission. Conversely, knockdown of Nedd4 by specific siRNAs abolishes AMPAR ubiquitination. These data indicate that Nedd4 is the E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for AMPAR ubiquitination, a modification that regulates multiple aspects of AMPAR molecular biology including trafficking, localization and stability.
Effect of Limb Lead Electrodes Location on ECG and Localization of Idiopathic Outflow Tract Tachycardia: A Prospective Study
Authors: ARYA ARASH , HUO YAN , FROGNER FREDRICK , WETZEL ULRIKE , SOMMER PHILIPP , GASPAR THOMAS , RICHTER SERGIO , PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , HINDRICKS GERHARD 
Published: February 2011

Role of ECG in Localization of OT‐VT. Background: Different kinds of the surface ECG limb electrode positions may affect the limb lead vector and therefore the accuracy of the 12‐lead ECG in localization of outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (OTVT). This study was intended to evaluate and compare the accuracy of the standard and the modified 12‐lead ECG for localization of OTVT using the current published criteria.
Methods and Results:
Twenty consecutive patients (10 men, mean age, 51.6 ± 13.4 years) with OT‐VT were included. A standard ECG with the distal placement of the limb lead electrodes and a modified ECG with the limb electrodes placed on the torso were recorded during the OT‐VT and were used for localization by 2 electrophysiologists who were blinded to the successful ablation site to compare the accuracy of the 2 ECGs. The R wave amplitude during OT‐VT in lead I of the standard 12‐lead ECG was significantly higher compared to the modified surface ECG (0.225 ± 0.145 mV vs 0.139 ± 0.111 mV, P = 0.032). The S wave in aVR during OT‐VT was significantly more negative compared to the modified surface ECG (−0.682 ± 0.182 mV vs −0.527 ± 0.228 mV, P = 0.017). The rate of accurate localization of the successful ablation sites in the anterior versus posterior outflow tract by the 2 observers using standard ECG (70% and 80%) were higher compared to modified ECG (50% and 60%, P = 0.042).
Conclusion:
The R wave amplitude in lead I and the depth of the S wave amplitude in lead aVR of the standard surface ECG during OT‐VT is significantly larger compared to the modified surface ECG. As the QRS morphology of the OT‐VT is usually the first clue to the possible site of successful ablation, the standard 12‐lead ECG should be used for more accurate localization of the origin of the OT‐VT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 886‐891, August 2011)
Histological classification of melasma with reflectance confocal microscopy: a pilot study in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Huaxu , Lin Yan , Nie Xiaojuan , Chen Shengli , Chen Xuechao , Shi Benqing , Tian Hongqing , Shi Zhongxiang , Yu Meiling , Zhang Dizhan , Yang Baoqi , Wang Guangjin , Wu Mei , Zhang Furen 
Published: February 2011

Objective: To investigate the histological classification of melasma with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in vivo.Methods: Two hundred and ten cases with facial melasma lesions were enrolled. After informed consent, the target melasma lesion of 10 patients were imaged with RCM and then biopsied as well. Under the RCM scanning, the distribution of the melanin determined the histological types, and then, the results of RCM images were compared with those of the histopathology. The other 200 cases were tested only with RCM.Results: For the 10 cases imaged and biopsied, compared with that of the perilesional normal skin, the amount of melanin was significantly increased in the epidermis in all lesions under RCM, while three cases also found melanin in the dermis. Thus, seven of the10 patients were categorized as the epidermal type while the other three as mixed ones, and the results were well correlated with those of the histopathology. Of the other 200 patients, 143 cases 71.5%) were categorized as the epidermal type while the other 57 (28.5%) cases as mixed ones.Limitations: If more melasma cases are biopsied, the data will be more convincing.Conclusion: RCM in vivo analysis shows complete coherence with histopathology results, which could be an alternative for the classification of melasma, and based on the results of RCM imaging, melasma is classified into two major types: the epidermal type and mixed type.
The validity of a structured interactive 24‐hour recall in estimating energy and nutrient intakes in 15‐month‐old rural Malawian children
Authors: Thakwalakwa Chrissie M. , Kuusipalo Heli M. , Maleta Kenneth M. , Phuka John C. , Ashorn Per , Cheung Yin Bun 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the nutritional intake values among 15‐month‐old rural Malawian children obtained by weighed food record (WFR) with those obtained by modified 24‐hour recall (mod 24‐HR), and to develop algorithm for adjusting mod 24‐HR values so as to predict mean intake based on WFRs. The study participants were 169 15‐month‐old children who participated in a clinical trial. Food consumption on one day was observed and weighed (established criterion) by a research assistant to provide the estimates of energy and nutrient intakes. On the following day, another research assistant, blinded to the direct observation, conducted the structured interactive 24‐hour recall (24‐HR) interview (test method). Paired t‐tests and scatter‐plots were used to compare intake values of the two methods. The structured interactive 24‐HR method tended to overestimate energy and nutrient intakes (each P < 0.001). The regression‐through‐the‐origin method was used to develop adjustment algorithms. Results showed that multiplying the mean energy, protein, fat, iron, zinc and vitamin A intake estimates based on the test method by 0.86, 0.80, 0.68, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.76, respectively, provides an approximation of the mean values based on WFRs.
Treatment With Pravastatin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Protects Osteoblast Cell Viability From Indoxyl Sulfate
Authors: Iwasaki Yoshiko , Yamato Hideyuki , Fukagawa Masafumi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractChronic kidney disease has a high level of oxidative stress, a phenomenon that is induced, at least in part, by the accumulation of uremic toxins. Several reports have revealed that indoxyl sulfate, one of the uremic toxins, accelerates oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease. On the other hand, it is also well known that statins have pleiotropic effects; however, it still remains unclear whether statins suppress osteoblastic cell dysfunction or cytotoxicity induced by uremic toxins. To elucidate whether statins ameliorate osteoblast dysfunction induced by uremic toxins, we conducted an in vitro study using primary cultured osteoblastic cells from mouse calvariae. Indoxyl sulfate induced reactive oxygen species production and reduced cell viability in osteoblastic cells in a dose dependent manner. The addition of pravastatin suppressed reactive oxygen species production and ameliorated cell viability. These data suggest that pravastatin attenuates oxidative stress and protects osteoblastic cell viability from indoxyl sulfate.