bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Australian bird phenology: a search for climate signals
Authors: CHAMBERS LYNDA E. , KEATLEY MARIE R. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTemporal and climate‐related changes in avian phenology were assessed for seven species of south‐eastern Australia using data obtained from members of the public, naturalist groups and other organizations. Despite significantly warmer temperatures (∼0.02–0.03°C per year) and reduced rainfall (∼1.6–8.0 mm per year) over much of south‐eastern Australia in recent decades, most species showed no corresponding trends in their timing of migration or breeding, the notable exceptions being the grey fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) and the flame robin (Petroica phoenicea), which migrate through Melbourne, Victoria, during autumn and spring. In many species, however, migration or breeding timing appeared to be influenced to some extent by local, rather than regional, climate conditions, particularly local daily maximum and minimum temperatures. Whether these species will noticeably change their phenology to match projected changes in climate, perhaps when a currently unknown climate threshold is crossed, or whether these species are sufficiently flexible in their foraging strategies or food sources to be able to maintain their current timing, remains to be seen.
Immunohistochemical expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes in prostate tissue from cystoprostatectomies with incidental prostate cancer
Authors: Morichetti Doriana , Mazzucchelli Roberta , Stramazzotti Daniela , Santinelli Alfredo , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Scarpelli Marina , Bono Aldo V. , Cheng Liang , Montironi Rodolfo 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVETo examine immunohistochemically the expression of the five somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) in cystoprostatectomies (CyPs) with incidental prostate cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe five SSTRs (SSTR1–5) were evaluated in ‘normal‐looking’ epithelium (NEp), high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and pT2a Gleason score 6 adenocarcinoma in 20 CyP specimens with incidental prostate cancer and 20 radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens with clinically detected prostate cancer.RESULTSFor cytoplasm expression, the mean percentage of positive secretory cells with strong cytoplasmic staining increased from NEp to HGPIN and prostate cancer, being slightly lower in the CyP than in the RP specimens. Both in the CyP and RP specimens SSTR4 was found in the highest percentage of cells. There was membrane staining in the secretory cells for SSTR3 and SSTR4. There was nuclear staining in the secretory cells for SSTR4 and SSTR5. For SSTR1 and SSTR3 the mean proportions of positive basal cells were higher than for the other three subtypes, and greater in NEp than in HGPIN. There were positive smooth muscle and endothelial cells for all five SSTR subtypes, the highest proportions being SSTR1 and the lowest SSTR5.CONCLUSIONSThis immunohistochemical study expands our knowledge of the expression and localization of SSTRs in the various tissue components in the prostate with incidental cancer, compared with clinically detected cancer. Such information might be useful in developing further non‐invasive strategies for the prevention and treatment of pre‐neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the prostate.
Circulating endothelial cells and progenitors: potential biomarkers of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Namdarian Benjamin , Tan Kevin V.S. , Fankhauser Matthew J. , Nguyen Thanh T. , Corcoran Niall M. , Costello Anthony J. , Hovens Christopher M. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVETo compare the levels of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and progenitors (CEPs) between tumour‐bearing mice and healthy controls, in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) xenograft models. The secondary objective was to correlate CEC and CEP levels with tumour variables such as tumour volume, weight and vascularity, indicators of disease severity.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwo human RCC xenograft models were used. Tumour cells were inoculated either subcutaneously or beneath the renal subcapsule (orthotopic). Tumour dimensions were recorded and blood samples were taken throughout the experiment, as well as at the end of the experiment, upon which tumours were excised and prepared for histological examination. All blood samples were analysed by flow cytometry.RESULTSCEC and CEP levels were significantly elevated in tumour‐bearing mice compared with healthy controls. In particular, there was a divergence in CEC levels between RCC‐bearing mice and controls during early phases in disease, whereas CEP levels were only elevated towards the end. Additionally, CEC levels correlated with tumour variables such as tumour volume, when tumour volume was <200 mm3 and with tumour vascularity in certain models. CEP levels did not correlate significantly with most tumour variables examined.CONCLUSIONIn human RCC xenograft models, CEC levels showed promise as an adjuvant biomarker in evaluating disease burden. RESULTSfrom correlating CEC levels with tumour variables such as tumour volume, weight and vascularity suggested that CEC levels were a better prognostic indicator during early phases of tumour growth. CEP levels were elevated in tumour‐bearing mice compared with controls; however, enumerated numbers were small and require further validation in future studies.
The effect of long‐term hormonal treatment on voiding patterns during filling cystometry and on urethral histology in a postpartum, ovariectomized female rat
Authors: Breyer Benjamin N. , Wang Guifang , Lin Guiting , Shindel Alan W. , Yang Rong , Lin Ching‐Shwun , Lue Tom F. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVETo study whether long‐term treatment with oestrogen (E2), selective E2 receptor modulators (SERMs), or growth hormone (GH) can prevent the development of abnormal voiding patterns during filling cystometry (CMG) in a postpartum, ovariectomized (Ovx) female rat.MATERIALS AND METHODSImmediately after spontaneous delivery, 60 primiparous Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into six equal groups. One group served as uninjured sham controls and five groups underwent intravaginal balloon dilatation. On day seven, previously dilated rats underwent bilateral Ovx and implantation of a subcutaneous hormone‐delivery pump. The five treatment groups received normal saline (control), E2, raloxifene, levormeloxifene, or GH for 7 weeks. Conscious CMG was performed 7 weeks after Ovx. Urethral sphincter tissue was harvested for elastin immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction of α1A‐adrenoceptor mRNA.RESULTSNo abnormal voiding patterns were detected in the group treated with GH. The E2, raloxifene and levormeloxifene groups had greater detrusor overactivity and urethral relaxation incontinence than control rats. The raloxifene group had a significantly lower baseline bladder pressure and opening pressure. GH‐treated rats had higher elastin content in the urethra. Urethral α1A‐adrenoceptor mRNA concentration was significantly lower in the SERM‐treated rats compared with controls.CONCLUSIONSGH prevents the development of abnormal voiding patterns during filling CMG in a rat model of parturition‐induced incontinence; E2 and SERMs may worsen voiding patterns.
PROBABILIST ANTIREALISM
Authors: DOUVEN IGOR , HORSTEN LEON , ROMEIJN JAN‐WILLEM 
Published: March 2010

AbstractUntil now, antirealists have offered sketches of a theory of truth, at best. In this paper, we present a probabilist account of antirealist truth in some formal detail, and we assess its ability to deal with the problems that are standardly taken to beset antirealism.
Perception of the Ebbinghaus illusion in 5‐ to 8‐month‐old infants
Authors: YAMAZAKI YUKA , OTSUKA YUMIKO , KANAZAWA SO , YAMAGUCHI MASAMI K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe Ebbinghaus illusion is a geometric illusion based on a size‐contrast between a central circle and surrounding circles. A central circle surrounded by small inducing circles is perceived as being larger than a central circle surrounded by large inducing circles. In the present study we investigated 5‐ to 8‐month‐old infants' perception of the Ebbinghaus illusion using a preferential‐looking paradigm. We measured the preference between a central circle surrounded by small inducing circles (overestimated figure) and a central circle surrounded by large inducing circles (underestimated figure). Infants showed a significant preference for the overestimated figure when the central circle was flashing, but not when it was static. Furthermore, there was no preference between the two figures when the central circles were removed. These results suggest that infants' preference reflects their perception of the size illusion of the central circle. There is a possibility that 5‐ to 8‐month‐old infants perceive the Ebbinghaus illusion.
Role of saline fluids in deep‐crustal and upper‐mantle metasomatism: insights from experimental studies
Authors: NEWTON R. C. , MANNING C. E. 
Published: March 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 58–72AbstractChloride‐rich brines are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in high pressure and temperature metamorphic and magmatic systems. The origins of these saline multicomponent fluids are debated, but experimental evidence suggests that regardless of their origin they must be important agents of rock alteration and mass transfer wherever they occur. Studies of the solubility of quartz in H2O, CO2–H2O and salt–H2O solutions provide a framework for understanding the role of brines in the deep crust and upper mantle. While quartz solubility in the system SiO2–H2O–NaCl–CO2 is maximal at a given high pressure and temperature if the solvent is pure H2O, the decline in quartz solubility with NaCl content (salting‐out) is less severe than in CO2–H2O fluids at comparable H2O activities. Moreover, at lower pressures, quartz solubility initially salts in at low salt contents, before reaching a maximum and then declining. The behavior of quartz solubility in salt–H2O solutions has not yet been fully explained and is the subject of active debate. Experimental investigations of the solubility of some other rock‐forming oxides and silicates show enhancements due to NaCl addition. As illustrated by the well‐studied CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–NaCl–H2O system, enhancements initially increase to maxima, and then decline. This behavior can be explained by formation of a range of hydrated aqueous complexes and clusters with specific NaCl:H2O stoichiometries. In contrast, solubilities of calcium salts, including calcite, fluorite, fluorapatite and anhydrite, rise monotonically with increasing NaCl, implying complexing to form anhydrous ionic solutes and/or ion pairs. The experimental studies offer new insights into fluid‐rock interaction in a range of settings, including carbonatite–fenite complexes, granulite‐facies metamorphism, porphyry ore deposits and aluminum‐silicate vein complexes in high‐grade metamorphic terranes.
Modulation of bone morphogenic protein signalling alters numbers of astrocytes and oligodendroglia in the subventricular zone during cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Cate Holly S. , Sabo Jennifer K. , Merlo Daniel , Kemper Dennis , Aumann Tim D. , Robinson Julien , Merson Toby D. , Emery Ben , Perreau Victoria M. , Kilpatrick Trevor J. 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 11–22.AbstractThe adult subventricular zone (SVZ) is a potential source of precursor cells to replace neural cells lost during demyelination. To better understand the molecular events that regulate neural precursor cell responsiveness in this context we undertook a microarray and quantitative PCR based analysis of genes expressed within the SVZ during cuprizone‐induced demyelination. We identified an up‐regulation of the genes encoding bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) and its receptors. Immunohistochemistry confirmed an increase in BMP4 protein levels and also showed an increase in phosphorylated SMAD 1/5/8, a key component of BMP4 signalling, during demyelination. In vitro analysis revealed that neural precursor cells isolated from demyelinated animals, as well as those treated with BMP4, produce more astrocytes. Similarly, there were increased numbers of astrocytes in vivo within the SVZ during demyelination. Intraventricular infusion of Noggin, an endogenous antagonist of BMP4, during cuprizone‐induced demyelination reduced pSMAD1/5/8, decreased astrocyte numbers and increased oligodendrocyte numbers in the SVZ. Our results suggest that lineage commitment of SVZ neural precursor cells is altered during demyelination and that BMP signalling plays a role in this process.
Increased expression of cholesterol 24S‐hydroxylase results in disruption of glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 association with lipid rafts: a potential role in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tian Guilian , Kong Qiongman , Lai Liching , Ray‐Chaudhury Abhik , Lin Chien‐liang G. 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 978–989.AbstractThe glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 (excitatory amino acid transporter 2) is the major mediator of glutamate clearance that terminates glutamate‐mediated neurotransmission. Loss of EAAT2 and associated glutamate uptake function has been reported in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We previously reported that EAAT2 is associated with lipid raft microdomains of the plasma membrane. In the present study, we demonstrated that association of EAAT2 with lipid rafts is disrupted in AD brains. This abnormality is not a consequence of neuron degeneration, oxidative stress, or amyloid beta toxicity. In AD brains, cholesterol 24S‐hydroxylase (CYP46), a key enzyme in maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis in the brain, is markedly increased in astrocytes but decreased in neurons. We demonstrated that increased expression of CYP46 in primary astrocytes results in a reduction of membrane cholesterol levels and leads to the dissociation of EAAT2 from lipid rafts and the loss of EAAT2 and associated glutamate uptake function. These results suggest that a disturbance of cholesterol metabolism may contribute to loss of EAAT2 in AD.
Human TrkB gene: novel alternative transcripts, protein isoforms and expression pattern in the prefrontal cerebral cortex during postnatal development
Authors: Luberg Kristi , Wong Jenny , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Timmusk Tõnis 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 952–964.AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin‐4 high‐affinity receptor tropomyosine related kinase (Trk) B is required for the differentiation and maintenance of specific neuron populations. Misregulation of TrkB has been reported in many human diseases, including cancer, obesity and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Alternative splicing that generates receptor isoforms with different functional properties also regulates TrkB function. Here, we describe numerous novel isoforms of TrkB proteins, including isoforms generated by alternative splicing of cassette exons in the regions encoding both the extracellular and intracellular domain and also N‐terminally truncated isoforms encoded by novel 5′ exon‐containing transcripts. We also characterize the intracellular localization and phosphorylation potential of novel TrkB isoforms and find that these proteins have unique properties. In addition, we describe the expression profiles of all the known human TrkB transcripts in adult tissues and also during postnatal development in the human prefrontal cortex. We show that transcripts encoding the full‐length TrkB receptor and the C‐terminally truncated TrkB‐T1 have different expression profiles as compared to the proteins they encode. Identification of 36 potential TrkB protein isoforms suggests high complexity in the synthesis, regulation and function of this important neurotrophin receptor emphasizing the need for further study of these novel TrkB variants.
Drosophila models of human tauopathies indicate that Tau protein toxicity in vivo is mediated by soluble cytosolic phosphorylated forms of the protein
Authors: Feuillette Sébastien , Miguel Laetitia , Frébourg Thierry , Campion Dominique , Lecourtois Magalie 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 895–903.AbstractTau is a neuronal microtubule‐associated protein involved in microtubules assembly and stabilization. Tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease and fronto‐temporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the presence of intraneuronal filamentous inclusions of abnormally and hyperphosphorylated Tau. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying Tau‐mediated cellular toxicity remain elusive. To address the determinants of Tau neurotoxicity, we used Drosophila models of human tauopathies to study the microtubule‐binding properties of human Tau proteins in vivo. We showed that, in contrast to endogenous Drosophila Tau, human Tau proteins bind very poorly to microtubules in Drosophila, and are mostly recovered as soluble cytosolic hyperphosphorylated species. This weak binding of human Tau to microtubules is neither because of microtubules saturation nor competition with endogenous Drosophila Tau, but clearly depends on its phosphorylation degree. We also reported that accumulation of cytosolic hyperphosphorylated forms of human Tau proteins correlates with human Tau‐mediated neurodegeneration in flies, supporting the key role of soluble cytosolic hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins as toxic species in vivo.
Systemic polarisation and spatial voting
Authors: PARDOS‐PRADO SERGI , DINAS ELIAS 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe controversy between proximity and directional models of issue voting has not been settled. Instead of appointing an ultimate winner, this article explores the conditioning impact of the level of systemic polarisation and provides evidence that proximity is a more relevant determinant of voter behaviour in less polarised systems, whereas there is a centrifugal and directional dynamic in more polarised contexts. By so doing, the article shows how a largely forgotten notion – namely Sartori's idea of the spatial elasticity of the political spectrum – leads to different spatial viewpoints. In distinguishing between party (supply side) and voter (demand side) polarisation, this framework provides a comprehensive picture about the conditions that turn a centripetal electoral dynamic into a purely centrifugal one.
A monobromobimane‐based assay to measure the pharmacokinetic profile of reactive sulphide species in blood
Authors: Wintner Edward A , Deckwerth Thomas L , Langston William , Bengtsson Asa , Leviten Dina , Hill Paul , Insko Michael A , Dumpit Ronald , VandenEkart Emily , Toombs Christopher F , Szabo Csaba 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a labile, endogenous metabolite of cysteine, with multiple biological roles. The development of sulphide‐based therapies for human diseases will benefit from a reliable method of quantifying H2S in blood and tissues.Experimental approach: Concentrations of reactive sulphide in saline and freshly drawn whole blood were quantified by reaction with the thio‐specific derivatization agent monobromobimane, followed by reversed‐phase fluorescence HPLC and/or mass spectrometry. In pharmacokinetic studies, male rats were exposed either to intravenous infusions of sodium sulphide or to H2S gas inhalation, and levels of available blood sulphide were measured. Levels of dissolved H2S/HS‐were concomitantly measured using an amperometric sensor.Key results: Monobromobimane was found to rapidly and quantitatively derivatize sulphide in saline or whole blood to yield the stable small molecule sulphide dibimane. Extraction and quantification of this bis‐bimane derivative were validated via reversed‐phase HPLC separation coupled to fluorescence detection, and also by mass spectrometry. Baseline levels of sulphide in blood were in the range of 0.4–0.9 µM. Intravenous administration of sodium sulphide solution (2–20 mg·kg−1·h−1) or inhalation of H2S gas (50–400 ppm) elevated reactive sulphide in blood in a dose‐dependent manner. Each 1 mg·kg−1·h−1of sodium sulphide infusion into rats was found to be pharmacokinetically equivalent to approximately 30 ppm of H2S gas inhalation.Conclusions and implications: The monobromobimane derivatization method is a sensitive and reliable means to measure reactive sulphide species in whole blood. Using this method, we have established a bioequivalence between infused sodium sulphide and inhaled H2S gas.
Women’s Labour Contribution to Productivity and Efficiency in Agriculture: Empirical Evidence From Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Sanzidur 
Published: March 2010

Abstract This article examines the contribution of women’s labour input to productivity and efficiency in crop farming using a large survey dataset of 1,839 households from 16 villages in two agro‐ecological regions of Bangladesh. Results reveal that female labour accounts for a substantial 28% of total labour use (mainly supplied from the family) and contributes significantly to productivity as well as technical efficiency. Contrary to expectation, the cost share of female labour input is significantly higher than the male share, and has a substitution relationship with all other inputs, including male labour. The estimated mean level of technical efficiency is 0.90, implying that crop output might be increased by 10% by eliminating technical inefficiency. Both male and female education have a significant impact on improving technical efficiency. Other significant technical efficiency shifters are farming experience, family size and crop diversification. Owner operators are found to be technically inefficient relative to the tenants. Policy implications include creation of a hired labour market for female labour so that more women can be involved in the production process, and can contribute to towards improving productivity and efficiency. In addition, investment in education for both men and women, strategies to promote crop diversification and effective regulation/modification of the tenancy market will significantly improve technical efficiency in this case.
What Do Farmers Want From Agri‐Environmental Scheme Design? A Choice Experiment Approach
Authors: Espinosa‐Goded Maria , Barreiro‐Hurlé Jesús , Ruto Eric 
Published: March 2010

Abstract Agri‐environmental schemes (AES) have had a limited effect on European agriculture due to farmers’ reluctance to participate. Information on how farmers react when AES characteristics are modified can be an important input to the design of such policies. This article investigates farmers’ preferences for different design options in a specific AES aimed at encouraging nitrogen fixing crops in marginal dry‐land areas in Spain. We use a choice experiment survey conducted in two regions (Aragón and Andalusia). The analysis employs an error component random parameter logit model allowing for preference heterogeneity and correlation amongst the non‐status quo alternatives. Farmers show a strong preference for maintaining their current management strategies; however, significant savings in cost or increased participation can be obtained by modifying some AES attributes.