bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Defence of Capitalisation Weights: Evidence from the FTSE 100 and S&P 500 Indices
Authors: Tabner Isaac T. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA simple method for decomposing the variance covariance matrix of portfolio returns at the level of individual stocks is applied to the FTSE 100 Index. During extreme negative shocks, the largest index constituents exhibit lower than average covariance, thereby reducing the volatility of the capitalisation‐weighted index. The risk‐adjusted returns of the capitalisation‐weighted FTSE 100 Index exceed those of an equally‐weighted version of the same index and the outperformance is robust to the method of risk adjustment applied. The equally‐weighted index also exhibits greater systematic (market) risk than the capitalisation‐weighted version.
A deformation‐based morphometry study of patients with early‐stage Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Borghammer P. , Østergaard K. , Cumming P. , Gjedde A. , Rodell A. , Hall N. , Chakravarty M. M. 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Previous volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) utilized primarily voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), and investigated mostly patients with moderate‐ to late‐stage disease. We now use deformation‐based morphometry (DBM), a method purported to be more sensitive than VBM, to test for atrophy in patients with early‐stage PD.Methods:  T1‐weighted MRI images from 24 early‐stage PD patients and 26 age‐matched normal control subjects were compared using DBM. Two separate studies were conducted, where two minimally‐biased nonlinear intensity‐average were created; one for all subjects and another for just the PD patients. The DBM technique creates an average population‐based MRI‐average in an iterative hierarchical fashion. The nonlinear transformations estimated to match each subject to the MRI‐average were then analysed.Results:  The DBM comparison between patients and controls revealed significant contraction in the left cerebellum, and non‐significant trends towards frontal, temporal and cingulate sulcal expansions with frontal and temporal white matter contractions. Within the patient group, the unified PD rating scores were highly correlated with local expansions in or near sulci bordering on frontal and temporal cortex.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that DBM could be a sensitive method for detecting morphological changes in early‐stage PD.
Genetic regulation of meiosis in polyploid species: new insights into an old question
Authors: Cifuentes Marta , Grandont Laurie , Moore Graham , Chèvre Anne Marie , Jenczewski Eric 
Published: November 2009

SummaryPrecise chromosome segregation is vital for polyploid speciation. Here, we highlight recent findings that revitalize the old question of the genetic control of diploid‐like meiosis behaviour in polyploid species. We first review new information on the genetic control of autopolyploid and allopolyploid cytological diploidization, notably in wheat and Brassica. These major advances provide new opportunities for speculating about the adaptation of meiosis during polyploid evolution. Some of these advances are discussed, and it is suggested that research on polyploidy and on meiosis should no longer be unlinked.
Factors and outcomes associated with the induction of labour in Latin America
Authors: Guerra GV , Cecatti JG , Souza JP , Faúndes A , Morais SS , Gülmezoglu AM , Parpinelli MA , Passini Jr R , Carroli G ,   for the World Health Organisation 2005 Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health Research Group
Published: November 2009

Objective  To describe the prevalence of labour induction, together with its risk factors and outcomes in Latin America.Design  Analysis of the 2005 WHO global survey database.Setting  Eight selected Latin American countries.Population  All women who gave birth during the study period in 120 participating institutions.Methods  Bivariate and multivariate analyses.Main outcome measures  Indications for labour induction per country, success rate per method, risk factors for induction, and maternal and perinatal outcomes.Results  Of the 97 095 deliveries included in the survey, 11 077 (11.4%) were induced, with 74.2% occurring in public institutions, 20.9% in social security hospitals and 4.9% in private institutions. Induction rates ranged from 5.1% in Peru to 20.1% in Cuba. The main indications were premature rupture of membranes (25.3%) and elective induction (28.9%). The success rate of vaginal delivery was very similar for oxytocin (69.9%) and misoprostol (74.8%), with an overall success rate of 70.4%. Induced labour was more common in women over 35 years of age. Maternal complications included higher rates of perineal laceration, need for uterotonic agents, hysterectomy, ICU admission, hospital stay >7 days and increased need for anaesthetic/analgesic procedures. Some adverse perinatal outcomes were also higher: low 5‐minute Apgar score, very low birthweight, admission to neonatal ICU and delayed initiation of breastfeeding.Conclusions  In Latin America, labour was induced in slightly more than 10% of deliveries; success rates were high irrespective of the method used. Induced labour is, however, associated with poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes than spontaneous labour.
Amniotic fluid interleukin‐18 at mid‐trimester genetic amniocentesis: relationship to intraamniotic microbial invasion and preterm delivery
Authors: Daskalakis G , Thomakos N , Papapanagiotou A , Papantoniou N , Mesogitis S , Antsaklis A 
Published: November 2009

Objective  To determine the value of amniotic fluid interleukin‐18 (AF IL‐18) in the diagnosis of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and prediction of preterm delivery (PTD).Design  Analysis of the results of AF collected prospectively following genetic amniocentesis between February 2006 and September 2007.Setting  A tertiary referral centre for fetal medicine.Methods  Following amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid was transferred to the laboratory for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures, Ureaplasma urealyticum culture and IL‐18 assays. All women who delivered preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) formed the study group. The control group consisted of the two subsequent women who also underwent amniocentesis during the same time period and delivered a normal neonate at term, matched for maternal age, parity and indication for amniocentesis.Main outcome measures  The relationship between AF IL‐18 levels and the risk of both microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and PTD.Results  Forty‐eight women who delivered preterm (<37 weeks) were matched with 96 controls. The preterm delivery group had significantly higher concentrations of IL‐18 (median = 609 pg/ml, interquartile range: 445.7–782.7) compared to controls (median = 322.1 pg/ml, interquartile range: 277.7–414.4), (P < 0.001). IL‐18 level was also significantly higher (P < 0.001) in cases with positive amniotic fluid cultures (median = 697.7, interquartile range: 609.0–847.2) compared to those with negative ones (median = 330.9 pg/ml, interquartile range: 235.2–440.8).Conclusions  Elevated mid‐trimester concentrations of AF IL‐18 can identify women at risk for intraamniotic infection and spontaneous PTD.
Pelvic floor function is independently associated with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Brækken IH , Majida M , Ellström Engh M , Holme IM , Bø K 
Published: November 2009

Objective  To investigate the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), including physical activity, clinically measured joint mobility and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function.Design  One‐to‐one age‐ and parity‐matched case–control study.Setting  Akershus university hospital and one outpatient physiotherapy clinic in Norway.Population  Forty‐nine women with POP (POP quantification, stage ≥II) and 49 controls (stages 0 and I) were recruited from community gynaecologists and advertisements in newspapers.Methods  Validated questionnaires, interview and clinical examination, including Beighton’s scoring system (joint hypermobility) and vaginal pressure transducer measurements (PFM function), were used. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses for one‐to‐one matched case–control studies were used, and odds ratios with 95% CIs are reported.Main outcome measures  Pelvic floor muscle function (strength, endurance and resting pressure), socioeconomic status, body mass index, heavy occupational work, physical activity, family history, obstetric factors and markers of connective tissue weakness (striae, varicose veins, bruising, diastasis recti abdominis, joint hypermobility).Results  No significant differences were found between groups with regard to postmenopausal status, current smoking, current low‐intensity exercise, type of birth (caesarean, forceps, vacuum), birth weight, presence of striae, diastasis recti abdominis and joint hypermobility. Body mass index (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.1–23.0), socioeconomic status (OR 10.5; 95% CI 2.2–50.1), heavy occupational work (OR 9.6; 95% CI 1.3–70.3), anal sphincter lacerations (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.0–20.0), PFM strength (OR 7.5; 95% CI 1.5–36.4) and endurance (OR 11.5; 95% CI 2.0–66.9) were independently related to POP.Conclusions  Body mass index, socioeconomic status, heavy occupational work, anal sphincter lacerations and PFM function were independently associated with POP, whereas joint mobility and physical activity were not.
Long‐term vaginal ring pessary use: discontinuation rates and adverse events
Authors: Sarma S , Ying T , Moore KH 
Published: November 2009

Objective  To evaluate, at a minimum of 6 years, the long‐term discontinuation rates and incidence of adverse events associated with vaginal ring pessary use.Design  Retrospective case identification.Setting  Tertiary urogynaecology unit.Sample  All women fitted with either a Portex ring pessary or Introl bladder neck support device during the index period (1992–2002).Methods  Retrospective chart review.Main outcome measures  Length of use and complications of pessary use, including bleeding, extrusion, malodorous vaginal discharge, constipation and incontinence.Results  Of the 273 women fitted with a ring pessary, 167 were successfully using it at 4 weeks; subsequently, 93 (56%) experienced complications comprising bleeding, extrusion, severe vaginal discharge, pain and constipation, in that order, although 38 women (23%) had more than one type of complication and most had more than one episode. Only 23 of 167 (14%) continued with pessary use at the study endpoint (November 2008). The median duration of use was 7 years (interquartile range, 6–9 years; range, 2.25–13.9 years). Of those who discontinued, the median duration was 1.4 years (range, 0.1–11 years; interquartile range, 0.5–3.6 years). After cessation, 73 (44%) chose conservative treatment and 50 (30%) chose surgery. Twelve women died during the time frame; nine returned to their GP.Conclusions  We were surprised to find a 56% complication rate in pessary users. Our study shows that, over time, the majority of women chose to discontinue using pessaries. Women should be informed of these data when deciding on the management of their pelvic organ prolapse.
Distribution of RGS9‐2 in neurons of the mouse striatum
Authors: Mancuso James J. , Qian Yan , Long Cheng , Wu Gang‐Yi , Wensel Theodore G. 
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 651–661.AbstractRegulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins negatively modulate G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling activity by accelerating G protein hydrolysis of GTP, hastening pathway shutoff. A wealth of data from cell culture experiments using exogenously expressed proteins indicates that RGS9 and other RGS proteins have the potential to down‐regulate a significant number of pathways. We have used an array of biochemical and tissue staining techniques to examine the subcellular localization and membrane binding characteristics of endogenous RGS9‐2 and known binding partners in rodent striatum and tissue homogenates. A small fraction of RGS9‐2 is present in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction, whereas the majority is present primarily associated with the plasma membrane and structures insoluble in non‐ionic detergents that efficiently extract the vast majority of its binding partners, R7BP and Gβ5. It is specifically excluded from the cell nucleus in mouse striatal tissue. In cultured striatal neurons, RGS9‐2 is found at extrasynaptic sites primarily along the dendritic shaft near the spine neck. Heterogeneity in RGS9‐2 detergent solubility along with its unique subcellular localization suggests that its mechanism of membrane anchoring and localization is complex and likely involves additional proteins beside R7BP. An important nuclear function for RGS9‐2 seems unlikely.
Reduced expression of glutamate receptors and phosphorylation of CREB are responsible for in vivoΔ9‐THC exposure‐impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity
Authors: Fan Ni , Yang Hongwei , Zhang Jian , Chen Chu 
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 691–702.AbstractChronic use of marijuana impairs synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. However, the molecular mechanisms by which marijuana alters long‐term synaptic plasticity are largely unknown. Here, we show that repeated in vivo exposures to Δ9‐THC for 7 consecutive days significantly impaired hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission. The Δ9‐THC exposure‐induced decrease in LTP was prevented by pharmacological inhibition or deletion of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R). To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying Δ9‐THC‐altered LTP, we targeted expression and function of the glutamate receptors (GluR) and phosphorylation status of cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB). Chronic in vivo exposure to Δ9‐THC produced CB1R‐dependent decreases in expression of hippocampal GluR1, NR2A, and NR2B, the ratio of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)/NMDA receptor‐gated currents, and phosphorylation of CREB. Our results suggest that reduced expression and function of the GluR subunits and phosphorylation of CREB may underlie the impaired long‐term synaptic plasticity induced by repeated in vivo exposure to Δ9‐THC.
A novel effect of rivastigmine on pre‐synaptic proteins and neuronal viability in a neurodegeneration model of fetal rat primary cortical cultures and its implication in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bailey Jason A. , Lahiri Debomoy K. 
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 843–853.AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by deposition of amyloid‐β peptide plaque, disrupted amyloid‐β‐precursor protein (APP) metabolism, hyperphosphorylation of Tau leading to neurofibrillary tangles and associated neurotoxicity. Moreover, there is synaptic loss in AD, which occurs early and may precede frank amyloidosis. The central cholinergic system is especially vulnerable to the toxic events associated with AD, and reduced acetylcholine levels in specific brain regions is thought to be central to memory deficits in AD. First‐generation cholinesterase inhibitors have provided only symptomatic relief to patients with AD by prolonging the action of remaining acetylcholine with little or no change in the course of the disease. Some second‐generation cholinesterase inhibitors are multifunctional drugs that may provide more than purely palliative results. To evaluate the effects of the dual acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine on key aspects of AD, embryonic day 16 rat primary cortical cultures were treated with rivastigmine under media conditions observed to induce time‐dependent neurodegeneration. Samples were subjected to western blotting and immunocytochemistry techniques to determine what influence this drug may have on synaptic proteins and neuronal morphology. There was a strong increase in relative cell viability associated with rivastigmine treatment. Significant dose‐dependent increases were observed in the levels of synaptic markers synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP‐25) and synaptophysin, as well as the neuron‐specific form of enolase. Together with an observed enhancement of neuronal morphology, our results suggest a rivastigmine‐mediated novel neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative effects involving the synapse. Our observations may explain the potential for rivastigmine to alter the course of AD, and warrant further investigations into using butyrylcholinesterase inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for AD, especially with regard to restoration of synaptic function.
Analysis of hopanes and steranes in single oil‐bearing fluid inclusions using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS)
Authors: SILJESTRÖM S. , LAUSMAA J. , SJÖVALL P. , BROMAN C. , THIEL V. , HODE T. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSteranes and hopanes are organic biomarkers used as indicators for the first appearance of eukaryotes and cyanobacteria on Earth. Oil‐bearing fluid inclusions may provide a contamination‐free source of Precambrian biomarkers, as the oil has been secluded from the environment since the formation of the inclusion. However, analysis of biomarkers in single oil‐bearing fluid inclusions, which is often necessary due to the presence of different generations of inclusions, has not been possible due to the small size of most inclusions. Here, we have used time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) to monitor in real time the opening of individual inclusions trapped in hydrothermal veins of fluorite and calcite and containing oil from Ordovician source rocks. Opening of the inclusions was performed by using a focused C60+ ion beam and the in situ content was precisely analysed for C27–C29 steranes and C29–C32 hopanes using Bi3+ as primary ions. The capacity to unambiguously detect these biomarkers in the picoliter amount of crude oil from a single, normal‐sized (15–30 μm in diameter) inclusion makes the approach promising in the search of organic biomarkers for life’s early evolution on Earth.
β2‐Adrenoceptor agonists alleviate neuropathic allodynia in mice after chronic treatment
Authors: Choucair‐Jaafar Nada , Yalcin Ipek , Rodeau Jean‐Luc , Waltisperger Elisabeth , Freund‐Mercier Marie‐José , Barrot Michel 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Antidepressants are a first‐line treatment against neuropathic pain. We previously demonstrated that β2‐adrenoceptors are necessary for antidepressants to exert their anti‐allodynic action. The aim of the present study was to assess whether β2‐adrenoceptor agonists could be sufficient to alleviate neuropathic allodynia.Experimental approach: We used a murine model of neuropathy induced by unilateral sciatic nerve cuffing in C57BL/6J mice. We previously demonstrated that this animal model is sensitive to chronic, but not to acute, treatment with antidepressant drugs, which is clinically relevant. The mechanical allodynia was evaluated using the von Frey filaments.Key results: We showed that chronic but not acute treatment with the β‐adrenoceptor agonists, bambuterol, isoprenaline, fenoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline or ritodrine suppressed mechanical allodynia. We confirmed that the action of these β‐adrenoceptor agonists was mediated through β2‐adrenoceptors by blocking it with intraperitoneal or intrathecal, but not intracerebroventricular or intraplantar, injections of the antagonist ICI118551. We also showed that chronic treatments with the β‐adrenoceptor antagonists, propranolol or ICI118551 did not suppress the allodynia.Conclusions and implications: Our data show that chronic treatment with β‐adrenoceptor agonists has the same antiallodynic properties as treatments with antidepressant drugs. This study was, however, conducted in an animal model, and a clinical validation will be required to confirm the value of the present findings in patients.
Urban Metabolism of Paris and Its Region
Authors: Barles Sabine 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe article presents the results of a research project aimed at (1) examining the feasibility of material flow analysis (MFA) on a regional and urban scale in France, (2) selecting the most appropriate method, (3) identifying the available data, and (4) calculating the material balance for a specific case. Using the Eurostat method, the study was conducted for the year 2003 and for three regional levels: Paris, Paris and its suburbs, and the entire region. Applying the method on a local scale required two local indicators to be defined in order to take into account the impact of exported wastes on MFA: LEPO, local and exported flows to nature, and DMCcorr, a modified domestic material consumption (DMC) that excludes exported wastes (and imported ones if necessary).As the region extracts, produces, and transforms less material than the country as a whole, its direct material input (DMI) is lower than the national DMI. In all the areas, LEPO exceeds 50% of DMI; in contrast, recycling is very low. The multiscale approach reveals that urban metabolism is strongly impacted by density and the distribution of activities: the dense city center (Paris) exports all of its wastes to the other parts of the region and concentrates food consumption, whereas the agricultural and urban sprawl area consumes high levels of construction materials and fuel. This supports the use of MFA on an urban and regional scale as a basis for material flow management and dematerialization strategies and clearly reveals the important interactions between urban and regional planning and development, and material flows.
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY: Novel antibody screening cells, MUT+Mur kodecytes, created by attaching peptides onto red blood cells
Authors: Heathcote Damien , Carroll Tim , Wang Jui‐Jen , Flower Robert , Rodionov Igor , Tuzikov Alexander , Bovin Nicolai , Henry Stephen 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Antibody screening and identification panels are generally limited by the natural antigenic phenotypes present in their source donor population. However, the recent ability to attach peptides to the surface of cells has opened up the opportunity to create red blood cells (RBCs) with antigen profiles specifically designed for antibody screening and identification in a target population.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinically significant antibodies to variant glycophorins (GPs) such as GP.Mur are more commonly seen in certain Asian populations. Using peptides representative of the MNS antigens MUT and Mur, RBC antibody screening cells were created using KODE cell surface engineering constructs. MUT‐, Mur‐, and MUT+Mur‐modified RBCs, known as kodecytes, were tested against monoclonal reagents and polyclonal sera with specificity for epitopes on GP.Mur‐positive RBCs.RESULTS: Kodecytes retained their normal expression of intrinsic blood group antigens while expressing the new epitopes attached by KODE technology. The MUT, Mur, and MUT+Mur kodecytes, although unreactive with the various monoclonal reagents, were appropriately reactive with polyclonal sera containing antibodies reactive with GP.Mur‐positive RBCs.CONCLUSIONS: This study used selected MUT and Mur peptides and KODE cell surface engineering technology to create MUT+Mur kodecytes suitable for the detection and identification of RBC antibodies in human serum or plasma. This technology has the potential to create a large range of specialized RBCs for antibody screening and identification.