bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence that AKT and GSK‐3β pathway are involved in acute hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: da Cunha Aline A. , Horn Ana Paula , Hoppe Juliana B. , Grudzinski Patrícia B. , Loureiro Samanta O. , Ferreira Andréa G.K. , da Cunha Maira J. , Schmitz Felipe , Salbego Christianne G. , Wyse Angela T.S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHomocysteine is a neurotoxic amino acid that accumulates in several disorders including homocystinuria, neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. In the present study we evaluated the effect of acute and chronic hyperhomocysteinemia on Akt, NF‐κB/p65, GSK‐3β, as well asTauprotein in hippocampus of rats. For acute treatment, rats received a single injection of homocysteine (0.6 μmol/g body weight) or saline (control). For chronic treatment, rats received daily subcutaneous injections of homocysteine (0.3–0.6 μmol/g body weight) or saline (control) from the 6th to the 28th days‐of‐age. One or 12 h after the last injection, rats were euthanized, the hippocampus was removed and samples were submitted to electrophoresis followed by Western blotting. Results showed that acute hyperhomocysteinemia increases Akt phosphorylation, cytosolic and nuclear immunocontent of NF‐κB/p65 subunit andTauprotein phosphorylation, but reduces GSK‐3β phosphorylation at 1 h after homocysteine injection. However, 12 h after acute hyperhomocysteinemia there is no effect on Akt and GSK‐3β phosphorylation. Furthermore, chronic hyperhomocysteinemia did not alter Akt and GSK‐3β phosphorylation at 1 h and 12 h after the last administration of this amino acid. Our data showed that Akt, NF‐κB/p65, GSK‐3β andTauprotein are activated in hippocampus of rats subjected to acute hyperhomocysteinemia, suggesting that these signaling pathways may be, at least in part, important contributors to the neuroinflammation and/or brain dysfunction observed in some hyperhomocystinuric patients.
Is the body adiposity index (hip circumference/height1·5) more strongly related to skinfold thicknesses and risk factor levels than is BMI? The Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Freedman David S. , Blanck Heidi M. , Dietz William H. , DasMahapatra Pronabesh , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Berenson Gerald S. 
Published: April 2012

Because of its strong association (r 0·85) with percentage of body fat determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, hip circumference divided by height1·5 (the body adiposity index) has recently been proposed as an index of body fatness among adults. We examined whether this proposed index was more strongly associated with skinfold thicknesses and levels of CVD risk factors (lipids, fasting insulin and glucose, and blood pressure) than was BMI among 2369 18- to 49-year-olds in the Bogalusa Heart Study. All analyses indicated that the body adiposity index was less strongly associated with skinfold thicknesses and CVD risk factors than was either waist circumference or BMI. Correlations with the skinfold sum, for example, were r 0·81 (BMI) v.r 0·75 (body adiposity index) among men, and r 0·87 (BMI) v.r 0·80 among women; P< 0·001 for both differences. An overall index of seven CVD risk factors was also more strongly associated with BMI (r 0·58) and waist circumference (r 0·61) than with the body adiposity index (r 0·49). The weaker associations with the body adiposity index were observed in analyses stratified by sex, race, age and year of examination. Multivariable analyses indicated that if either BMI or waist circumference were known, the body adiposity index provided no additional information on skinfold thicknesses or risk factor levels. These findings indicate that the body adiposity index is likely to be an inferior index of adiposity than is either BMI or waist circumference.
Yield, nutritive value and ensilage characteristics of whole-crop maize, and of the separated cob and stover components – nitrogen, harvest date and cultivar effects
Authors: LYNCH J. P. , O'KIELY P. , DOYLE E. M. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe objectives of the present study were to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) application rate, harvest date and maize cultivar on the yield, quality and the subsequent conservation characteristics of whole-crop, cob and stover silages. The experiment was organized in a spilt-plot design, with harvest date (15 September, 6 October and 27 October) as the main plot, and a three (maize cultivars: Tassilo, Andante and KXA 7211)×two (N application rate: 33 and 168 kg N/ha) factorial arrangement of treatments as the sub-plot, within three replicate blocks, and was conducted at Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland in 2009. The three harvest dates represented early, normal and late harvests, respectively, for a midland site in Ireland. Of the three maize cultivars selected, cvars Tassilo and Andante represent conventional cultivars sown by commercial livestock farmers in Ireland, while cvar KXA 7211 is categorized as a high biomass cultivar. No effect of N application rate was observed on the dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value or ensiling characteristics of maize whole-crop or cob. Whole-crop and stover harvested on the later date had a lower digestible DM (DDM) content and the silages underwent a more restricted fermentation, compared to silages produced from herbage harvested on earlier dates. Cob silages produced from crops harvested on 15 September had lower DDM content and higher DM loss during ensiling than later harvest dates. Despite higher whole-crop DM yields, the later maturing cultivar KXA 7211 did not improve the DM yields of cob and also resulted in increased DM losses from the ensilage of cob, when compared with the other cultivars. In addition to the DM yield and nutritive value of forage maize at harvest, the subsequent fermentation profile during ensilage influences the optimum choice of cultivar and date for crop harvest in a maize silage production system.
Development and availability of the free-living stages of Ostertagia gruehneri, an abomasal parasite of barrenground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), on the Canadian tundra
Authors: HOAR BRYANNE M. , RUCKSTUHL KATHREEN , KUTZ SUSAN 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYClimate change in the Arctic is anticipated to alter the ecology of northern ecosystems, including the transmission dynamics of many parasite species. One parasite of concern is Ostertagia gruehneri, an abomasal nematode of Rangifer ssp. that causes reduced food intake, weight loss, and decreased pregnancy rates in reindeer. We investigated the development, availability, and overwinter survival of the free-living stages of O. gruehneri on the tundra. Fecal plots containing O. gruehneri eggs were established in the Northwest Territories, Canada under natural and artificially warmed conditions and sampled throughout the growing season of 2008 and the spring of 2009. Infective L3 were present 3–4 weeks post-establishment from all trials under both treatments, except for the trial established 4 July 2008 under warmed conditions wherein the first L3 was recovered 7 weeks post-establishment. These plots were exposed to significantly more time above 30°C than the natural plots established on the same date, suggesting a maximum temperature threshold for development. There was high overwinter survival of L2 and L3 across treatments and overwintering L2 appeared to develop to L3 the following spring. The impact of climate change on O. gruehneri is expected to be dynamic throughout the year with extreme maximum temperatures negatively impacting development rates.
Foetal origins of depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis of low birth weight and later depression
Authors: Wojcik W. , Lee W. , Colman I. , Hardy R. , Hotopf M. 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundThe foetal origins hypothesis suggests an association between low birth weight and later depression, yet evidence supporting this association has been inconsistent.MethodWe systematically reviewed evidence for an association between low birth weight and adult depression or psychological distress in the general population by meta-analysis. We searched EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and ISI Web of Science for studies reporting observational data with low birth weight as the exposure and self- or clinician-rated depression or psychological distress measures as an outcome. Selective studies of exposures such as famine or outcomes such as severe illness only were excluded. Altogether,1454 studies were screened for relevance, 26 were included in the qualitative synthesis, 18 were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects meta-analysis method was used to obtain a pooled estimate of effect size.ResultsThe odds of depression or psychological distress was greater for those of low birth weight (<2500 g) compared to those of normal birth weight (>2500 g) or greater [odds ratio (OR) 1.15, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.00–1.32]. However, this association became non-significant after trim-and-fill correction for publication bias (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.92–1.27). Using meta-regression, no differences in effect size were observed by gender, outcome measure of depression or psychological distress, or whether the effect size was adjusted for possible confounders.ConclusionsWe found evidence to support a weak association between low birth weight and later depression or psychological distress, which may be due to publication bias. It remains possible that the association may vary according to severity of symptoms or other factors.
A COMPARISON OF PHARMACEUTICAL REIMBURSEMENT AGENCIES' PROCESSES AND METHODS IN FRANCE AND SCOTLAND
Authors: Bending Matthew , Hutton John , McGrath Clare 
Published: April 2012

Objectives:Pharmaceutical reimbursement agencies’ processes and methods of appraisal vary across countries. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of formal health economic analysis in a process using such analysis in Scotland in comparison to a process not routinely using such analysis in France.Methods:A framework for classifying reimbursement systems was used to analyze the two systems. A typology of recommendation was defined and a qualitative analysis of decisions on a sample of medicines appraised by both reimbursement agencies was conducted. Reasons for differences in recommendations were analyzed and case studies selected to illustrate the common reasons.Results:Thirty-nine common medicines appraised by both agencies were identified between 2005 and 2010, treating a variety of diseases for which the Scottish Medicines Consortium tended to provide more restrictive, or did not recommend, listing. Similarities in clinical evidence submitted to the respective reimbursement committees were observed. Differences in recommendation can be explained by a combination of the manufacturer's freedom to set price and the incentives provided by the consideration of health economic analysis and quality of life, alongside differences in relevant comparators, relevant outcomes, treatment guidelines, and the propensity to use network meta-analysis, in decision making.Conclusions:This study provides some explanations and hypotheses for the differences observed in recommendations for a selected sample of medicines with regards to differences in appraisal processes and methods adopted. Further research using larger datasets may allow stakeholders to assess the impact of such differences on the efficient use of health resources.
Interferon-α induces nitric oxide synthase expression and haem oxygenase-1 down-regulation in microglia: implications of cellular mechanism of IFN-α-induced depression
Authors: Lu Dah-Yuu , Leung Yuk-Man , Su Kuan-Pin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSubstantiating evidence for the inflammation theory of depression is that interferon-alpha (IFN-α) induces clinical depression. Despite numerous researches on neurochemical and neuroendocrinological mechanisms from human and animal studies, the direct mechanisms of IFN-α at cellular levels are still lacking. In this study, we aimed to identify the cellular mechanisms for IFN-α-induced neuroinflammatory response with the murine BV-2 microglia cell line. IFN-α potently induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) release and down-regulated haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, which could be dampened by Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition, respectively. IFN-α activated JAK1, JNK, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 and STAT3, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3 (PI3) kinase, signal pathways. The transfection with STAT1 and STAT3 siRNA also inhibited IFN-α-induced iNOS/NO expression and HO-1 down-regulation. The HO-1 activator, CoppIX, reversed iNOS/NO up-regulation and HO-1 down-regulation induced by IFN-α. On the other hand, a knockdown of HO-1 expression enhanced IFN-α-induced iNOS/NO expression. The effects of IFN-α-induced iNOS/NO up-regulation and HO-1 down-regulation in microglia are associated with JAK1/JNK/STAT1 and STAT3 signalling pathways. The different effects between IFN-α and IFN-γ on HO-1 regulation and ERK phosphorylation might provide a possible explanation of different risk in their induction of neuropsychiatric adverse effects in clinical and animal studies. The results from this study add the missing part of direct cellular mechanisms for IFN-α-induced depression.
Interplanetary dust detection by radio antennas: Mass calibration and fluxes measured by STEREO/WAVES
Authors: Zaslavsky A. , Meyer‐Vernet N. , Mann I. , Czechowski A. , Issautier K. , Le Chat G. , Pantellini F. , Goetz K. , Maksimovic M. , Bale S. D. , Kasper J. C. 
Published: April 2012

We analyze dust impacts recorded by the S/WAVES radio instrument onboard the two STEREO spacecraft near 1 A.U. during the period 2007–2010. The impact of a dust particle on a spacecraft produces a plasma cloud whose associated electric field can be detected by on‐board electric antennas. For this study we use the electric potential time series recorded by the waveform sampler of the instrument. The high time resolution and long sampling times of this measurement enable us to deduce considerably more information than in previous studies based on the dynamic power spectra provided by the same instrument or by radio instruments onboard other spacecraft. The large detection area compared to conventional dust detectors provides flux data with a better statistics. We show that the dust‐generated signals are of two kinds, corresponding to impacts of dust from distinctly different mass ranges. We propose calibration formulas for these signals and show that we are able to use S/WAVES as a dust detector with convincing results both in the nanometer and micrometer size ranges. In the latter, the orbital motion of the spacecraft enables us to distinguish between interstellar and interplanetary dust components. Our measurements cover the mass intervals ∼10−22–10−20 kg and ∼10−17 − 5 × 10−16 kg. The flux of the larger dust agrees with measurements of other instruments on different spacecraft.
Involvement of CaM kinase II in the impairment of endothelial function and eNOS activity in aortas of Type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuneo , Nemoto Shingo , Ishida Keiko , Taguchi Kumiko , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kamata Katsuo 
Published: April 2012

In the present sutdy, we have examined the relationship between the CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) pathway and endothelial dysfunction in aortas from GK (Goto–Kakizaki) Type 2 diabetic rats. The ACh (acetylcholine)-induced relaxation and NO production were each attenuated in diabetic aortas (compared with those from age-matched control rats). ACh-stimulated Ser1177-eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) phosphorylation was significantly decreased in diabetic aortas (compared with their controls). ACh markedly increased the CaMKII phosphorylation level within endothelial cells only in control aortas (as assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting). ACh-stimulated Thr286-CaMKII phosphorylation within endothelial cells was significantly decreased in diabetic aortas (compared with their controls). The ACh-induced relaxations, NO production, eNOS phosphorylation, and CaMKII phosphorylation were inhibited by KN93 and/or by lavendustin C (inhibitors of CaMKII) in control aortas, but not in diabetic ones. Pre-incubation of aortic strips with a PP (protein phosphatase)-1 inhibitor, PPI2 (protein phosphatase inhibitor 2), or with a PP2A inhibitor, CA (cantharidic acid), corrected the above abnormalities in diabetic aortas. The expression of PP2A type A subunit was increased in diabetic aortas. The ACh-stimulated Thr320-phosphorylation level of PP1α was lower in diabetic aortas than in their controls, but the total PP1α protein level was not different. These results suggest that the aortic relaxation responses, NO production, and eNOS activity mediated by CaMKII phosphorylation are decreased in this Type 2 diabetic model, and that these impairments of CaMKII signalling may be, at least in part, due to enhancements of PP1α activity and PP2A expression.
Salience Theory of Choice Under Risk
Authors: Bordalo Pedro , Gennaioli Nicola , Shleifer Andrei 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
We present a theory of choice among lotteries in which the decision maker's attention is drawn to (precisely defined) salient payoffs. This leads the decision maker to a context-dependent representation of lotteries in which true probabilities are replaced by decision weights distorted in favor of salient payoffs. By specifying decision weights as a function of payoffs, our model provides a novel and unified account of many empirical phenomena, including frequent risk-seeking behavior, invariance failures such as the Allais paradox, and preference reversals. It also yields new predictions, including some that distinguish it from prospect theory, which we test.
DNA Millichips as a Low-Cost Platform for Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Heinrich Kurt W. , Wolfer Jamison , Hong DongGee , LeBlanc Melissa , Sussman Michael R. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Our goal was to create a DNA chip that is as easy, convenient, and inexpensive as an agarose gel. For a first-generation solution, we describe a low-cost, easy-to-use de novo synthesis oligonucleotide microarray technology that draws on the inherent flexibility of the maskless array synthesizer for in situ synthesis of thousands of photolithographically produced oligonucleotides covalently attached to a microscope slide. The method involves physically subdividing the slide into 1 × 1 mm millichips that are hybridized to fluorescent RNA or DNA of biological origin, in a microfuge tube at an ordinary laboratory benchtop, rather than in dedicated hybridization chambers. Fluorescence intensity is then measured with a standard microscope rather than sophisticated DNA chip scanners. For proof of principle, we measured changes in the transcriptome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants induced by growth in the presence of three major environmental abiotic stresses (temperature, light, and water status), in all possible combinations. Validation by comparison with quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed a high correlation coefficient and analysis of variance indicated a high technical reproducibility. These experiments demonstrate that low-cost DNA millichips can be made and reliably used at the benchtop in a normal laboratory setting, without assistance of core facilities containing costly specialized instrumentation.
Removing the boardroom glass ceiling
Authors: Hurn Brian J. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to review progress to date in the UK on Government strategy to increase the number of women on company boards. It includes discussion on the proposed quota system and the factors that inhibit women's progress despite the acknowledged special qualities they can bring to the boardroom.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a critical review of the current situation in the UK and rest of Europe, leading to recommendations for the way ahead.FindingsCorporate culture in top companies is gradually changing and some, albeit slow, progress has been made. However more impetus is required and suggestions are included as to future additional strategies.Practical implicationsAdditional suggestions, apart from the Government strategy, are given to improve women's career development in companies, in the educational system and in society in general.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward practical suggestions to assist women's career development and visibility to enable more qualified and experienced women to be strong candidates for board appointments.
A framework for auditing HR: strengthening the role of HR in the organisation
Authors: Cannings Anne , Hills Trevor 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to propose that a new approach to human resource (HR) audit is needed. It also aims to explain the new approach and introduce a range of tools to support it.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews traditional and existing common approaches, identifies the shortcomings of these, and proposes a new framework based on business contribution.FindingsExisting approaches to HR audit do not reflect the current aspirations and rhetoric on HR practices as promoted by Holbeche, and Ulrich et al.This emphasises the need for a new approach.Practical implicationsThe work proposes a new framework to assess HR activity against alignment and contribution to organisation strategy and goals, as well as the prevailing culture, thus forcing HR audit to move beyond legal compliance of HR practices. A range of processes, tools and techniques are identified.Originality/valueThe paper contains a completely new approach (the authors assert) to HR audit which is more rigorous and wide ranging in scope. It moves HR audit away from legal compliance to increasing the HR contribution to the organisation, thereby creating improved business performance.
Impact of oleoyl glycine on biodegradability and lubricity of lubricating oil
Authors: Chen Boshui , Huang Weijiu , Fang Jianhua 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the impacts of oleoyl glycine on biodegradation, friction and wear performances of a mineral lubricating oil.Design/methodology/approachThe biodegradabilities of a neat oil and its formulations with oleoyl glycine were evaluated on a biodegradation tester and the microbial characters in the biodegradation sewage observed through a microscope. Also, the friction and wear performances of neat oil and the formulated oil were determined on a four‐ball tribometer. The morphologies and tribochemical features of the worn surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.FindingsOleoyl glycine markedly enhanced biodegradation of unreadily biodegradable mineral oil and effectively improved its anti‐wear and friction‐reducing abilities. The enhancement of biodegradability of the mineral oil was preliminarily ascribed to the increment of microbial populations in the biodegradation processes, while the improvement of anti‐wear and friction‐reducing abilities was mainly attributed to the formation of a boundary adsorption film of oleoyl glycine on the friction surfaces.Originality/valueOleoyl glycine is a biodegradable and low eco‐toxic compound. The authors' work has shown that oleoyl glycine is effective in improving biodegradability and tribological performances of mineral lubricants. Enhancing biodegradability of petroleum‐based lubricants by additives is a new attempt. The paper has significance for improving ecological and tribological performances of mineral lubricants, even for developing petroleum‐based biodegradable lubricants.