bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmic reticulum stress during the embryonic development of the central nervous system in the mouse
Authors: Zhang Xiaochu , Szabo Eva , Michalak Marek , Opas Michal 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn the present study, we have found evidence for ER stress occurring during development of the central nervous system in the mouse. Several ER‐resident stress‐regulated chaperones, such as calreticulin, glucose regulated protein 78, glucose regulated protein 94, ER protein 57 and protein disulfide isomerase, were expressed at higher levels in embryonic brain and retina, compared with adult tissues. In contrast, calnexin, a chaperone that is not regulated by stress was equally abundant in embryonic and adult tissues. We also detected unfolded protein response during embryonic development. Both eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and its phosphorylated form were more abundant in embryonic brain and retina than in adult tissues. Spliced X‐box binding protein‐1 mRNA was detected in embryonic brain and retina, while it was absent in adult counterparts. Partially glycosylated form of activating transcription factor 6α, another ER stress indicator, was detected predominantly in embryonic brain. Finally, apoptotic pathway components, caspase‐7 and ‐12, were more abundant in embryonic brain than in adult. The pattern of expression of chaperones together with activation of the unfolded protein response factors suggests the presence of ER stress during development of brain and retina. Furthermore, our data suggest that ER stress‐like mechanism may induce apoptosis via activation of the caspases during embryonic development of the central nervous system.
Social and economic consequences of obstetric fistula: Life changed forever?
Authors: Ahmed S. , Holtz S.A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo summarize the social, economic, emotional, and psychological consequences incurred by women with obstetric fistula; present the results of a meta‐analysis for 2 major consequences, divorce/separation and perinatal loss; and report on improvements in health and self‐esteem and on the possibility of social reintegration following successful fistula repair.MethodsWe conducted a review of the literature published between 1985 and 2005 on fistula in developing countries. We then performed a meta‐analysis for 2 of the major consequences of having a fistula, divorce/separation and perinatal child loss.ResultsStudies suggest that surgical treatment usually closes the fistula and improves the physical and mental health of affected women.ConclusionWith additional social support and counseling, women may be able to successfully reintegrate socially following fistula repair.
Veiled entrapment: a study of social isolation of older Chinese migrants in Brisbane, Queensland
Authors: IP DAVID , LUI CHI WAI , CHUI WING HONG 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the findings of a study of the support and service needs of older Chinese people in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. There were two specific objectives: to ascertain the problems encountered by older Chinese-Australians in their daily lives and social activities; and to develop policy and service development recommendations, with a view to mitigating their problems, meeting their unmet needs, improving their quality of life, and enhancing their participation in Australian society. The study used multiple methods, including a literature review, focus group meetings, and a community survey. The findings indicate that older Chinese people, and particularly women, experience significant restrictions in their activity patterns, social isolation and loneliness. Their lack of proficiency in the English language, and the difficulties they have in accessing language-support and interpretation services, limit their autonomous mobility and make them heavily dependent on their adult children, not least for transport. Their physical and psychological wellbeing is affected further by strained relations with their adult children, and these are compounded by financial concerns. The implications of the findings for welfare policy and practice are discussed at the end of the paper.
Does early retirement lead to longer life?
Authors: LITWIN HOWARD 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTIt has been claimed, but not empirically supported, that early retirement leads to longer life. The present investigation addressed this question using data from a 1997 Israeli national household survey of adults aged 60 or more years linked to mortality records from the national death registry, for 2004. The study examined the association between early retirement and seven-year all-cause mortality among the population of older Jewish Israelis who were employed prior to or at baseline (N=2,374). Both the timing of retirement and the reasons for exit from the labour force were considered in the analysis. The initial hazard regression models, adjusted by gender and reason for retirement including poor health, showed that early retirees indeed had lower mortality risk ratios than respondents who had retired ‘on time’. When additional variables were controlled in the final analytic model, however, the association between early retirement and mortality was not supported. Older age, male gender, and having been diagnosed with one or more of five major illnesses were all associated with greater risk for mortality. Medium level education and being employed at baseline were associated with lesser mortality risk. Nevertheless, the timing of retirement, viz. early versus normative exit from the workforce, was not related to survival. In sum, the respondents who had prematurely exited the labour force did not benefit from disproportionately longer lives when compared with the respondents who retired ‘on time’.
Development of the peripheral glial cells in Drosophila
Authors: Silies Marion , Edenfeld Gundula , Engelen Daniel , Stork Tobias , Klämbt Christian 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn complex organisms the nervous system comprises two cell types: neurons and glial cells. Their correct interplay is of crucial importance during both the development of the nervous system and for later function of the nervous system. In recent years tools have been developed for Drosophila that enable genetic approaches to understanding glial development and differentiation. Focusing on peripheral glial cells we first summarize wild-type development, then introduce some of the relevant genes that have been identified. Despite obvious differences between Drosophila and mammalian glial cells, the molecular machinery that controls terminal differentiation appears well conserved.
No pun intended: future directions in invertebrate glial cell migration studies
Authors: Cafferty Patrick , Auld Vanessa J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractGlial cells play a wide range of essential roles in both nervous system development and function and has been reviewed recently (Parker and Auld, 2006). Glia provide an insulating sheath, either form or direct the formation of the blood–brain barrier, contribute to ion and metabolite homeostasis and provide guidance cues. Glial function often depends on the ability of glial cells to migrate toward specific locations during nervous system development. Work in nervous system development in insects, in particular in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, has provided significant insight into the roles of glia, although the molecular mechanisms underlying glial cell migration are being determined only now. Indeed, many of the processes and mechanisms discovered in these simpler systems have direct parallels in the development of vertebrate nervous systems. In this review, we first examine the developmental contexts in which invertebrate glial cell migration has been observed, we next discuss the characterized molecules required for proper glial cell migration, and we finally discuss future goals to be addressed in the study of glial cell development.
Negative inotropic effects of endothelin‐1 in mouse cardiomyocytes: evidence of a role for Na+‐Ca2+ exchange
Authors: James A F 
Published: August 2007

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a peptide hormone produced within the myocardium which may modulate myocardial contractility in a paracrine‐autocrine fashion. In the majority of species, ET‐1 has a direct positive inotropic effect on the myocardium that involves both increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and increased Ca2+ transients. Ca2+ entry through reverse‐mode Na+‐Ca2+ exchange, involving both indirect effects via elevation of intracellular [Na+] and direct activation of the Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger, have been suggested to contribute to the increase in Ca2+ transients. Conversely, mouse cardiomyocytes show an exclusively negative inotropic response to ET‐1. Here, Nishimaru and colleagues present novel evidence that the negative inotropic effect of ET‐1 in mouse cardiomyocytes involves both a reduction in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and increased Ca2+ extrusion, via Na+‐Ca2+ exchange. Data obtained using the selective Na+‐Ca2+ exchange blocker, SEA0400, suggest that a re‐assessment of the role of the exchanger in Ca2+‐handling by mouse cardiomyocytes may be necessary.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 417–419; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707438; published online 27 August 2007
Brain magnetic resonance imaging does not contribute to the diagnosis of chronic neuroborreliosis
Authors: Aalto A. , Sjöwall J. , Davidsson L. , Forsberg P. , Smedby Ö. 
Published: August 2007

Background: Borrelia infections, especially chronic neuroborreliosis (NB), may cause considerable diagnostic problems. This diagnosis is based on symptoms and findings in the cerebrospinal fluid but is not always conclusive. Purpose: To evaluate brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in chronic NB, to compare the findings with healthy controls, and to correlate MRI findings with disease duration. Material and Methods: Sixteen well-characterized patients with chronic NB and 16 matched controls were examined in a 1.5T scanner with a standard head coil. T1- (with and without gadolinium), T2-, and diffusion-weighted imaging plus fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging were used. Results: White matter lesions and lesions in the basal ganglia were seen in 12 patients and 10 controls (no significant difference). Subependymal lesions were detected in patients down to the age of 25 and in the controls down to the age of 43. The number of lesions was correlated to age both in patients (ρ = 0.83, P<0.01) and in controls (ρ = 0.61, P<0.05), but not to the duration of disease. Most lesions were detected with FLAIR, but many also with T2-weighted imaging. Conclusion: A number of MRI findings were detected in patients with chronic NB, although the findings were unspecific when compared with matched controls and did not correlate with disease duration. However, subependymal lesions may constitute a potential finding in chronic NB.
Ultrasonography and core needle biopsy in the differential diagnosis of fibroadenoma and tumor phyllodes
Authors: Bode M. K. , Rissanen T. , Apaja-Sarkkinen M. 
Published: August 2007

Background: The diagnosis of phyllodes tumors of the breast is challenging due to many similarities with common fibroadenomas. Purpose: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of core needle biopsy in diagnosing phyllodes tumors and to analyze the ultrasonographic (US) features of phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas. Material and Methods: From 1999 to 2003, 1010 breast lesions underwent imaging-guided core needle biopsy. Of these, 57 fibroadenomas and 12 phyllodes tumors were removed surgically. The US and needle biopsy results of a total of 64 lesions (52 fibroadenomas and 12 phyllodes tumors) were further analyzed, compared, and correlated with surgical histological results. Results: The median sonographic sizes of the phyllodes tumors and the fibroadenomas were 3.2 cm and 1.6 cm, respectively. At US, 58% of the phyllodes tumors (7/12) were classified as equivocal or suspicious of malignancy and 42% (5/12) as probably benign, while 54% of the fibroadenomas (28/52) were classified as probably benign and 46% (24/52) as equivocal. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of core needle biopsy histology regarding tumor phyllodes were 83%, 92%, 71%, and 96%, respectively. Conclusion: Imaging-guided core needle biopsy was accurate in differentiating between fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors. US classification was unreliable due to considerable overlap in the findings. Combined use of US feature analysis and needle biopsy may help to avoid the misinterpretation of phyllodes as fibroadenoma.
Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of vertebral endplate signal (Modic) changes in the lumbar spine: the nordic modic consensus group classification
Authors: Jensen T. S. , Sorensen J. S. , Kjaer P. 
Published: August 2007

Background: The lumbar vertebral endplate is considered a potential cause of specific low back pain. However, in relation to future research, there is need for a reliable and detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol to be used in the evaluation of vertebral endplate signal changes. Purpose: To assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of the “Nordic Modic classification” protocol. Material and Methods: MRI scans of 50 individuals representative of the general Danish population aged 40 were evaluated by two observers. Criteria for grading the changes were developed by the Nordic Modic Consensus Group. After consensus was established, all 50 MRI examinations were evaluated independently by each observer. Intraobserver reliability was assessed by re-evaluation of the 50 examinations by one of the observers. Kappa statistics were used to calculate agreement. Results: Intra- and interobserver agreement of the evaluation of variables describing vertebral signal changes, i.e. Modic type, location, volume, maximum height, and endplate area, were all found to have substantial to almost perfect agreement. The evaluation of osteophytes was found to be reliable, whereas the evaluation of localized endplate defects and irregular endplates had only moderate agreement. The evaluation of development over time was found to have substantial intraobserver agreement but only moderate interobserver agreement. As expected, intraobserver agreement was generally better than interobserver agreement. Conclusion: In this study, we found convincing reproducibility of a detailed evaluation protocol of vertebral endplate signal changes, the “Nordic Modic Classification.” The authors recommend that the evaluation protocol should be used in future studies investigating vertebral endplate signal changes.
Ultrasound guidance for puncture and injection in the radiocarpal joint
Authors: Lohman M. , Vasenius J. , Nieminen O. 
Published: August 2007

Background: The use of intra-articular contrast agent has been shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy of wrist magnetic resonance (MR) in patients with suspected trauma of the wrist ligaments. Traditionally, the contrast agent has been applied under fluoroscopic guidance. Purpose: To present a method based on ultrasound guidance for the injection of intra-articular contrast agent in wrist MR. Material and Methods: One hundred eight patients (56 female and 52 male, mean age 36 years) referred for wrist MR arthrograms due to suspected ligament rupture were included in this retrospective study. The preferred injection point is about 1 cm distal to Lister's tubercle in the distal radius. A correct positioning of the injection needle can be ensured using ultrasound guidance. Results: Using this technique, the injection was intra-articular in 93.5% of the 108 injections over a 2-year learning period. Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance of the contrast injection in radiocarpal MR arthrograms is a cost-effective and safe alternative to fluoroscopically guided procedures. Furthermore, the use of ultrasound guidance provides clues about possible fluid collections within the joint.
Abnormal default-mode network activation in cirrhotic patients: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Zhang Long Jiang , Yang Guifen , Yin Jianzhong , Liu Yawu , Qi Ji 
Published: August 2007

Background: Recently, increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated that, in humans, a default-mode functional network exists in the resting state. Abnormal default-mode network in various diseases has been reported; however, no report concerning hepatic cirrhosis has been published to date. Purpose: To prospectively explore whether the resting-state network in patients with hepatic cirrhosis is abnormal or not, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Material and Methods: 14 patients with hepatic cirrhosis (12 male, two female; 45±9 years) and 14 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (12 male, two female; 42±10 years) participated in a blocked-design fMRI study. A modified Stroop task with Chinese characters was used as the target stimulus. Statistical Parametric Mapping 99 software was employed to process the functional data. Individual maps and group data were generated for patients with hepatic cirrhosis and for healthy controls, respectively. Intergroup analysis between patients and healthy controls was also generated using the two-sample t-test model. Cluster analyses were done based on the group data, and an identical P value ⩽0.01 with continuously connected voxels of no less than 10 was defined as significant deactivation. After fMRI scanning was complete, behavioral Stroop interference tests were performed on all subjects; reaction time and error number were recorded. Results: Functionally, deactivation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and precuneus was absent when subjects performed the incongruous word-reading task; deactivation of the PCC, precuneus, and ventral medial prefrontal cortex was increased when they performed the incongruous color-naming task. Conclusion: The functional as well as behavioral data suggest that cirrhotic patients may have an abnormal deactivation mode. The absence of deactivation in the PCC and precuneus may be a sensitive rather than specific marker in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.
Clusters, Coxeter-sortable elements and noncrossing partitions
Authors: Reading Nathan 
Published: August 2007

We introduce Coxeter-sortable elements of a Coxeter group

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.

W.

For finite

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,

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we give bijective proofs that Coxeter-sortable elements are equinumerous with clusters and with noncrossing partitions. We characterize Coxeter-sortable elements in terms of their inversion sets and, in the classical cases, in terms of permutations.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE GREEN ALGA DICHOTOMOSIPHON TUBEROSUS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF STRIATED TUBULES IN THE CHLOROPLAST1
Authors: Moestrup Øjvind , Hoffman Larry R. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe ultrastructure of the siphonous green alga Dichotomosiphon tuberosus (A. Br.) Ernst is compared with that of other siphonous plants. There is a characteristic association between the Golgi bodies and endoplasmic reticulum, but. the mitochondria are not involved in the association as they are in Vaucheria and the phycomycete Saprolegnia. An unusual structure and arrangement of the chloroplasts is described as well as a previously unreported type of “striated tubule” which occurs in most if not all chloroplasts, and amyloplasts. The structure of these tubules is compared with that of other tubules recently found in green algae and higher plants. In addition, cytoplasmic microtubules arranged in the longitudinal direction of the siphon suggest a function in cytoplasmic streaming.
A CONTINUOUS CULTURE STUDY OF PHOSPHATE UPTAKE, GROWTH RATE AND POLYPHOSPHATE IN SCENEDESMUS SP.1
Authors: Rhee G‐Yull 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe kinetics of phosphate uptake and growth in Scenedesmus sp. have been studied in continuous culture with particular reference to the shifts in the cellular P compounds as a function of growth rate.Uptake velocity is a function of both internal and external substrate concentrations and can be described by the kinetics of noncompetitive enzyme inhibition. The concentrations of polyphosphates (alkali‐extractable or 7‐min) can he substituted as inhibitors in the kinetic equation. The apparent half‐saturation constant of uptake. Km, is 0.6 μM. The apparent half‐saturation concentration for growth is less than Km, by 1 order of magnitude. Growth is a function of cellular P concentrations, and the polyphosphates (alkali‐extractable or 7‐min) appear to regulate growth rate directly or indirectly. To understand P limitation, therefore, it is necessary to measure both external P and internal polyphosphate levels. Evidence indicates that alkali‐extractable polyphosphates, which can be quantitatively determined by a simple method of measuring surplus P, are involved in cell division process find that a maintenance concentration of functional phosphate exists in the form of poly phosphates. Alkaline phosphatase activity has an inversely linear relationship to growth rate and to the reciprocals of both polyphosphates and surplus P. Changes in lipid P, RNA P, and presumably all other forms except DNA are related to changes in growth rate.
UTILIZATION OF SEM AND FREEZE‐ETCH TECHNIQUES IN THE STUDY OF HYPNOSPORES1
Authors: Archibald Patricia A. , Teigler Dian J. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYHypnospores, a type of sculptured‐walled resting spore formed by some zoosporic chlorophycean and chrysophycean algae, have been viewed at the ultrastructural level using thin section, SEM, and freeze‐etch techniques. The “spiny” wall of the hypnospore, as seen in the light microscope, appears as a raised, scalloped surface at the ultrastructural level. The PAS‐positive wall is composed of 2 distinct layers. Prior to the formation of the wall, vacuoles form in the cytoplasm, lipid deposits are detectable, and typical cytoplasmic organelles apparently degenerate. The entire process is completed in less than 24 hr.
NITROGEN ASSIMILATION OF AN OCEANIC DIATOM IN NITROGEN‐LIMITED CONTINUOUS CULTURE1
Authors: Eppley Richard W. , Renger Edward H. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYThe oceanic diatomThalassiosira pseudonanaHasle and Heimdal (formerlyCyclotella nana) was grown with 12L:12D illumination cycles in nitrogen‐limited continuous culture with a mixture of ammonium and nitrate as the N source. Measurements included, at 3 different growth rates (degrees of N limitation), cell concentration, cell carbon, nitrogen, and chlorophyllacontents, cell volume, photosynthetic carbon assimilation vs. irradiance, short‐term uptake of ammonium and nitrate vs. their ambient concentrations, andin vitroactivities of the assimilatory enzymes nitrate reductase and glutamic dehydrogenase.The various parameters showed either an increase (patterna) or a decrease (patternb) with increasing N limitation. Those following patternawere nitrate reductase activity and the capacity to assimilate nitrate and ammonium. Those following patternbwere glutamic dehydrogenase activity, photosynthetic rate, nitrogen:carbon and chlorophylla:carbon composition ratios. Results are discussed in terms of the interpretation such measurement for natural phytoplankton and effects of circadian periodicity.