bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dwarf morphology of the annual plant Persicaria longiseta as a local adaptation to a grazed habitat, Nara Park, Japan
Authors: SUZUKI RYO O. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractI conducted a common garden experiment using three populations of an annual species, Persicaria longiseta, with different grazing histories to compare plant morphology and its plasticity in response to grazing among populations. Seeds collected from the populations were assigned to clipping and nutrient treatments. Regardless of the treatment conditions, after 5 months individuals of the Nara Park population (long history of deer grazing) exhibited shorter shoots, smaller leaves and lower plant mass and developed a larger number of shoots and inflorescences compared with the Miwa and Heijo populations (no grazing history). Across nutrient conditions, the three populations exhibited few differences in plasticity in response to clipping. I also conducted a field experiment in which cultivated individuals from the three populations were transplanted to the Nara Park site. Results of the transplant experiment revealed that the dwarf morphology reduced grazing damage in such a way that small‐formed individuals of the Nara population exhibited significantly higher survival and a lower grazing rate than large‐formed individuals from the Miwa and Heijo populations. In conclusion, the dwarf morphology of P. longiseta in the Nara population is likely to have evolved as a genetically stable form as a result of selection pressure from deer grazing. Although phenotypic plasticity contributed in part to the development of the dwarf forms, I observed no evidence of evolution of plasticity specific to Nara Park.
Theta burst stimulation‐induced inhibition of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reveals hemispheric asymmetry in striatal dopamine release during a set‐shifting task – a TMS–[11C]raclopride PET study
Authors: Ko Ji H. , Monchi Oury , Ptito Alain , Bloomfield Peter , Houle Sylvain , Strafella Antonio P. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe prefrontostriatal network is considered to play a key role in executive functions. Previous neuroimaging studies have shown that executive processes tested with card‐sorting tasks requiring planning and set‐shifting [e.g. Montreal‐card‐sorting‐task (MCST)] may engage the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while inducing dopamine release in the striatum. However, functional imaging studies can only provide neuronal correlates of cognitive performance and cannot establish a causal relation between observed brain activity and task performance. In order to investigate the contribution of the DLPFC during set‐shifting and its effect on the striatal dopaminergic system, we applied continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to left and right DLPFC. Our aim was to transiently disrupt its function and to measure MCST performance and striatal dopamine release during [11C]raclopride PET. A significant hemispheric asymmetry was observed. cTBS of the left DLPFC impaired MCST performance and dopamine release in the ipsilateral caudate–anterior putamen and contralateral caudate nucleus, as compared to cTBS of the vertex (control). These effects appeared to be limited only to left DLPFC stimulation while right DLPFC stimulation did not influence task performance or [11C]raclopride binding potential in the striatum. This is the first study showing that cTBS, by disrupting left prefrontal function, may indirectly affect striatal dopamine neurotransmission during performance of executive tasks. This cTBS‐induced regional prefrontal effect and modulation of the frontostriatal network may be important for understanding the contribution of hemisphere laterality and its neural bases with regard to executive functions, as well as for revealing the neurochemical substrate underlying cognitive deficits.
Paucity of enkephalin production in neostriatal striosomal neurons: analysis with preproenkephalin–green fluorescent protein transgenic mice
Authors: Koshimizu Yoshinori , Wu Sheng‐Xi , Unzai Tomo , Hioki Hiroyuki , Sonomura Takahiro , Nakamura Kouichi C. , Fujiyama Fumino , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWhether or not the striosome compartment of the neostriatum contained preproenkephalin (PPE)‐expressing neurons remained unresolved. To address this question by developing a sensitive detection method, we generated transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the specific transcriptional control of the PPE gene. Eight transgenic lines were established, and three of them showed GFP expression which was distributed in agreement with the reported localization of PPE mRNA in the central nervous system. Furthermore, in the matrix compartment of the neostriatum of the three lines, intense GFP immunoreactivity was densely distributed in the neuronal cell bodies and neuropil, and matrix neurons displayed > 94% co‐localization for GFP and PPE immunoreactivities. In sharp contrast, GFP immunoreactivity was very weak in the striosome compartment, which was characterized by intense immunoreactivity for mu‐opioid receptors (MOR). Although neostriatal neurons were divided into GFP‐immunopositive and ‐negative groups in both the striosome and matrix compartments, GFP immunoreactivity of cell bodies was much weaker (∼1/5) in GFP‐positive striosomal neurons than in GFP‐positive matrix neurons. A similar reciprocal organization of PPE and MOR expression was also suggested in the ventral striatum, because GFP immunoreactivity was weaker in intensely MOR‐immunopositive regions than in the surrounding MOR‐negative regions. As PPE‐derived peptides are endogenous ligands for MOR in the neostriatum and few axon collaterals of matrix neurons enter the striosome compartment, the present results raised the question of the target of those peptides produced abundantly by matrix neurons.
Dispersal failure contributes to plant losses in NW Europe
Authors: Ozinga Wim A. , Römermann Christine , Bekker Renée M. , Prinzing Andreas , Tamis Wil L. M. , Schaminée Joop H. J. , Hennekens Stephan M. , Thompson Ken , Poschlod Peter , Kleyer Michael , Bakker Jan P. , Van Groenendael Jan M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe ongoing decline of many plant species in Northwest Europe indicates that traditional conservation measures to improve the habitat quality, although useful, are not enough to halt diversity losses. Using recent databases, we show for the first time that differences between species in adaptations to various dispersal vectors, in combination with changes in the availability of these vectors, contribute significantly to explaining losses in plant diversity in Northwest Europe in the 20th century. Species with water‐ or fur‐assisted dispersal are over‐represented among declining species, while others (wind‐ or bird‐assisted dispersal) are under‐represented. Our analysis indicates that the ‘colonization deficit’ due to a degraded dispersal infrastructure is no less important in explaining plant diversity losses than the more commonly accepted effect of eutrophication and associated niche‐based processes. Our findings call for measures that aim to restore the dispersal infrastructure across entire regions and that go beyond current conservation practices.
p73 expression and its clinical significance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Su X.‐L. , Ouyang X.‐H. , Yan M.‐R. , Liu G.‐R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  To explore p73 mRNA and p73 protein expression and their clinical significance in colorectal cancer.Method  p73 mRNA and p73 protein expression were detected using hybridization in situ and immunohistochemical method in cancerous tissue from 60 patients of colorectal cancer and in paracancerous tissue from 23 patients among the corresponding 60 patients of colorectal cancer. Quantitative analysis was performed using Smartscape image analysis system.Results  Compared with paracancerous tissue, p73 mRNA and p73 protein expression in cancerous tissue was increased with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) and was associated with differentiation level and lymphatic metastasis.Conclusion  High expression of p73 mRNA and p73 protein in colorectal cancer may be involved in the progression of colorectal cancer and p73 mRNA and p73 protein may serve as a potential index to predict differentiation level and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
Canine ocular gliomas: a retrospective study
Authors: Naranjo Carolina , Schobert Charles , Dubielzig Richard 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  The purpose of this paper is to classify glial tumors observed in the canine retina and optic nerve, describe the histopathological features and provide prognostic information on these neoplasms.Methods  The database of the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) was searched to collect canine glioma cases. Clinical and follow‐up information was gathered from submission forms and an extensive follow‐up survey. Slides were reviewed to describe the histopathological characteristics of the neoplasm and classify them. Immunohistochemistry for Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) was performed in all cases.Results  18 canine glioma cases were found in the COPLOW database. There was no breed or gender predilection. The mean age was 9.33 ± 3.67 years. Follow‐up information was available for 12 dogs, 8 of which were dead at the time of most recent contact, with a survival time ranging from 0 days (globes received after euthanasia) up to 20 months post‐enucleation. In 6 of the 8 dogs that had died during this stud), tumor extended to the margin where the optic nerve had been sectioned. Light microscopic examination of the optic nerve of the affected eyes of four dogs that were still alive during this study revealed no tumor at this surgical margin. One neoplasm was classified as low‐grade astrocytoma, 5 tumors as medium‐grade astrocytoma, 11 tumors as high grade‐astrocytoma and 1 tumor as oligodendroglioma. GFAP was positive in all but two tumors.Conclusion  Retinal and optic nerve gliomas may be considered as differential diagnoses of intraocular and orbital masses. The metastatic potential appears to be low, but ascending invasion into the ventral aspect of the brain is possible.
The shadow of forgotten ancestors differently constrains the fate of Alligatoroidea and Crocodyloidea
Authors: Piras Paolo , Teresi Luciano , Buscalioni Angela D. , Cubo Jorge 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAim We tested the hypothesis that the evolutionary fates of two sister groups (Alligatoroidea and Crocodyloidea) are differently constrained by phylogenetic and ecological (functional) factors in the face of climatic change.Location Global.Methods We quantified disparity in skull rostrum shape by means of geometric morphometrics. Mechanical performance of the rostrum was analyzed by applying beam theory calculations to morphological data and experimentally measured bite force. The phylogeny was expressed in the form of principal coordinates, the first ones of which were used as a set of explanatory variables. Extents of species occurrence were computed using species distribution maps. Finally, species maximum skull size were measured and considered as a proxy of maximum body size. We performed variation partitioning analyses in order to compare differential contributions of phylogenetic and ecological factors in Alligatoroidea and Crocodyloidea.Results Alligatoroidea show higher ‘pure’ historical components than Crocodyloidea in explaining both rostrum shape and extent of occurrence (after controlling for body size). On the contrary, geometric variation of skull rostra of Crocodyloidea unequivocally shows a higher ‘pure’ functional component (linked to performance on prey capture) and a higher phylogenetically structured environmental variation than those found in Alligatoroidea. Results obtained for body size variation are consistent with these patterns. In Alligatoroidea, body size variation contains a higher phylogenetic signal than in Crocodyloidea.Main Conclusions Our results suggest that Crocodyloidea and Alligatoroidea may react differently when faced with significant environmental changes. We predict that global climatic changes will have a more important effect on Crocodyloidea than in Alligatoroidea by (1) promoting trait shift, adaptation to the new diet and speciation and (2) modifying the geographical range distribution of species (which may track favourable ecological conditions).
Knowledge Representation Using Fact Segments
Authors: DAVEY‐WILSON IAN E. G. 
Published: November 2008

A central part of the construction of an expert system is the way in which the knowledge is represented. A computer can only store and manipulate knowledge in discrete chunks representing approximations to the real world, but the human mind can work on an infinitely variable sliding scale representing real‐world values. The greater the computerized discretization, the more precise the computer model becomes. The knowledge base within a computer expert system can take many forms depending on the type of domain problem, the language of execution and the nature of the system.The GWX expert system gives advice on groundwater control in excavations for construction projects. The system was written in Prolog and the knowledge base was created by breaking information down into very small pieces, each referring to a segment of data—fact segment—about precise details of the domain. The way in which fact segments have been devised for the GWX expert system is described.
ISICAD: Interactive System for Integrating CAD and Computer‐Based Construction Systems
Authors: Kartam Nabil A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is extremely fragmented. Professionals from various organizations are involved in different project phases requiring constant transfer of data among participants. Islands of automation exist throughout the project life cycle. However, methods for sharing data across discipline boundaries are still precarious. Improved methods for generating, sharing, and maintaining project data not only reduce fragmentation but also increase competitiveness by bridging gaps between and within project phases.The primary objective of this research is to develop ISICAD (interactive system for integrating CAD and computer‐based construction systems) which captures selected design data and represents these data in an object‐oriented project model during the design stage of AEC projects. In the heirarchy of object‐oriented classes and subclasses, the design data get inherited; hence all functional, geometric, structural, construction, and design evolution data from the different design domains—architectural, engineering, contractual, estimation, management, scheduling, etc.—are shared across class boundaries. This design data can be used as input to various computer‐based construction systems (e.g., knowledge‐based planning system) and to support reasoning about geometric, topologic, spatial, and temporal issues in the project life cycle. Consequently, the decoding of drawings is abolished from the AEC project process. More important, industry integration is increased.
The Career Perceptions of Academic Staff and Human Resource Discourses in English Higher Education
Authors: Strike Tony , Taylor John 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper sets out findings from research that considered the interplay between English national policy developments in human resources management in higher education and the personal stories of academic staff as career participants. Academic careers are pursued in an institutional and national policy context but it was not clear that the formal management agenda coincided with the real concerns of the objects of these policy initiatives, academic staff themselves. Twenty‐one academic participants, across six case study sites, were interviewed. Significantly, the research found that the policy issues that dominate the national and institutional human resource management discourse such as pay and conditions of service, bargaining structures, tenure and competitiveness are not the same as those issues that academics raise. The research highlights a found disjuncture between the national human resources policy discourse and the social reality of academic staff as objects of that policy and suggests changes as a result.
Neurochemical changes in a mouse model of Rett syndrome: changes over time and in response to perinatal choline nutritional supplementation
Authors: Ward Bonnie C. , Kolodny Nancy H. , Nag Nupur , Berger‐Sweeney Joanne E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRett syndrome (RTT), the second leading cause of mental retardation in girls, is caused by mutations in the X‐linked gene for methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a transcriptional repressor. In addition to well‐documented neuroanatomical and behavioral deficits, RTT is characterized by reduced markers of cholinergic activity and general neuronal health. Previously, we have shown that early postnatal choline (Cho) supplementation improves behavioral and neuroanatomical symptoms in a mouse model of RTT (Mecp21lox mice). In this study, we use NMR spectroscopy to quantify the relative amounts of Cho, Glutamate (Glu), Glutamine (Gln), and N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the brains of wild type and mutant mice at 21, 35, and 42 days of age and in mice receiving postnatal Cho supplementation. We find that the mutant mice have reduced levels of Cho, Glu, and NAA, but elevated Gln levels, compared with their wild type littermates. These differences emerge at different developmental ages. Cho supplementation increases NAA levels, a marker of neuronal integrity, but has no effect on Cho, Glu, or Gln. These data suggest that postnatal nutritional supplementation may improve neuronal function and could serve as a therapeutic agent for human RTT patients.
Characterisation of 5‐HT3C, 5‐HT3Dand 5‐HT3Ereceptor subunits: evolution, distribution and function
Authors: Holbrook Joanna D. , Gill Catherine H. , Zebda Noureddine , Spencer Jon P. , Leyland Rebecca , Rance Kim H. , Trinh Han , Balmer Gemma , Kelly Fiona M. , Yusaf Shahnaz P. , Courtenay Nicola , Luck Jane , Rhodes Andrew , Modha Sundip , Moore Stephen E. , Sanger Gareth J. , Gunthorpe Martin J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe 5‐HT3receptor is a member of the ‘Cys‐loop’ family of ligand‐gated ion channels that mediate fast excitatory and inhibitory transmission in the nervous system. Current evidence points towards native 5‐HT3receptors originating from homomeric assemblies of 5‐HT3Aor heteromeric assembly of 5‐HT3Aand 5‐HT3B. Novel genes encoding 5‐HT3C, 5‐HT3D, and 5‐HT3Ehave recently been described but the functional importance of these proteins is unknown. In the present study,in silicoanalysis (confirmed by partial cloning) indicated that 5‐HT3C, 5‐HT3D, and 5‐HT3Eare not human–specific as previously reported: they are conserved in multiple mammalian species but are absent in rodents. Expression profiles of the novel human genes indicated high levels in the gastrointestinal tract but also in the brain, Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) and other tissues. Following the demonstration that these subunits are expressed at the cell membrane, the functional properties of the recombinant human subunits were investigated using patch clamp electrophysiology. 5‐HT3C, 5‐HT3D, and 5‐HT3Ewere all non‐functional when expressed alone. Co‐transfection studies to determine potential novel heteromeric receptor interactions with 5‐HT3Ademonstrated that the expression or function of the receptor was modified by 5‐HT3Cand 5‐HT3E, but not 5‐HT3D. The lack of distinct effects on current rectification, kinetics or pharmacology of 5‐HT3Areceptors does not however provide unequivocal evidence to support a direct contribution of 5‐HT3Cor 5‐HT3Eto the lining of the ion channel pore of novel heteromeric receptors. The functional and pharmacological contributions of these novel subunits to human biology and diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome for which 5‐HT3receptor antagonists have major clinical usage, therefore remains to be fully determined.
Modern artificial hair implantation: a pilot study of 10 patients
Authors: Agrawal Manjul 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground  Androgenetic alopecia is an intriguing problem with significant psychological sequelae. Follicular unit transplantation is unsatisfactory in donor depleted cases and artificial hair implantation has historically been marred by poor quality fiber, untrained operators, and inadequate techniques.Objective  This paper aims to establish safety and efficacy of a new artificial copolyamide fiber implantation in androgenetic alopecia.Methods  Ten healthy adults with androgenetic alopecia who had failed prior conventional therapies were implanted with copolyamide fiber and were followed for a minimum of 3 years. Implantation consisted of 100 test fibers followed by subsequent sessions of up to500 fibers every 4–6 weeks to achieve a density of 20–40 fibers per cm2. Implantation techniques and follow‐ups maintained a strict adherence to schedule.Results  A total of 10 000 fibers were implanted with a mean of 1000 fibers per patient. With the exception of one patient, implantation was found to be safe, aesthetically pleasing, and psychologically rewarding to its recipients. Sebum deposition and temporary pitting at entry point of most fibers were universal. Recurrent mild folliculitis occurred in 30% of patients. Facial swelling, cellulitis, and severe scarring were absent. Annual fiber fall rate was 15–20%.Conclusion  Choice of fiber, implantation technique, and mandatory follow‐up were deemed to be some of the important contributory factors towards our positive results.
Ottoman Judicial Change in the Age of Modernity: A Reappraisal
Authors: Rubin Avi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractLegal reform was a key element in the passage of the Ottoman empire to modernity during the ‘long nineteenth century’. This article discusses the modern historiography of Ottoman judicial change while taking issue with the notions of secularization and westernization, which are omnipresent in the conventional legal history of the nineteenth century. An alternative conceptualization is called for, one that is free from the dichotomous and homogenizing binarity of religious/secular, thus allowing more nuanced representations of sociolegal change in general.
Reading the Rural Modern: Literacy and Morality in Republican China1
Authors: Merkel‐Hess Kate 
Published: November 2008

Abstract This essay was runner‐up in the 2007 History Compass Graduate Essay Prize, Asia Section.In the mid‐1920s many education reformers turned their attention away from the urban illiterates who had been the focus of recent mass education efforts and toward the countryside and rural residents instead. In order to engage rural readers, reformers created a body of literature that addressed rural issues, articulating a reformed vision of a modern countryside as they did so. As the most prominent of the mass education programs, the Mass Education Movement's publications reached millions of Chinese. On the pages of their 1920s publications, the MEM constructed a vision of a ‘rural modern’ that emphasized a literate citizenry as the basis of a reformed countryside and modern nation. In this way, even while reformers attempted to democratize access to knowledge, they affirmed a Confucian relationship of education to morality.