bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Apoptosis in Bovine Embryo’s Development
Authors: Antunes G , Chaveiro A , Santos P , Marques A , Jin HS , Moreira da Silva F 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe correlation between apoptosis and early bovine embryonic loss is still not fully elucidated. In the present study, the relationship between the arrest of bovine embryos at the different stages of development and apoptosis was evaluated. We used embryos 7 days after in vitro maturation and fertilization, and morphologic and biochemical apoptotic analyses were performed by using a phase contrast microscope and by the terminal transferase dUTP nick end‐labelling respectively. For the statistic, the apoptotic cell ratio (ACR) was determined as the percentage of apoptotic cells per embryo. To evaluate the relation between ACR and fragmentation pattern, embryos were divided into five groups, groups I–V. To assess the relation between ACR and cytoplasmatic fragmentation, embryos were divided into three groups, according to the fragmentation percentage (<5%; 5–15% and >15%). Of the total 139 embryos included, 65 arrested at 2–8 cells; 14 arrested at 9–16 cells; 18 compacted morula and 42 were non‐arrested blastocysts. The average number of embryonic fragmentation at different stages of the development, 2–8 cells, 9–16 cells, compacted morula and blastocyst, was 16.0 ± 1.5, 28.7 ± 4.4, 4.4 ± 2.4 and 1 ± 0.3 respectively. The embryos at the stage of arrested 9–16 cells and compacted morula had higher ACR than those at the blastocyst stage, excluding the stage of 2–8 cells (the genome is not yet active). The correlation detected between embryonic development and ACR was 0.92 (p < 0.01). It was observed that embryos possessing high fragmentation showed the higher ACR value (r = 0.98, p < 0.05). Comparing the results between fragmentation percentage and ACR, it was observed that the embryos with higher percentage of fragmentation corresponded to higher ACR (r = 0.97, p < 0.01). These results clearly demonstrated that bovine embryonic arrest at different stages of development is correlated with the apoptotic mechanisms.
NOX2‐CONTAINING NADPH OXIDASE AND XANTHINE OXIDASE ARE SOURCES OF SUPEROXIDE IN MOUSE TRACHEA
Authors: Westover Alana , Harrison Craig B , Selemidis Stavros 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY

Superoxide anion plays an important role in host defence against invading pathogens and in the inflammation that arises in lungs. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the two key candidate superoxide‐producing enzymes in mammalian cells, namely Nox2‐containing NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase, are responsible for superoxide production in mouse trachea.
Superoxide production by isolated trachea, as measured by L‐012‐dependent chemiluminescence, was markedly reduced by superoxide dismutase (300 U/mL) and the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol (100 µmol/L). Tracheas from Nox2−/– mice had significantly lower levels (~60%) of superoxide than control mice.
These novel findings suggest that superoxide production by mouse trachea is attributed to both Nox2‐containing NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase.
Effect of being overweight on postoperative morbidity and long‐term surgical outcomes in proximal gastric carcinoma1
Authors: Oh Sung Jin , Hyung Woo Jin , Li Chen , Song Jyewon , Rha Sun Young , Chung Hyun Cheol , Choi Seung Ho , Noh Sung Hoon 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The prevalence of being overweight has risen remarkably in Korea. This study sought to clarify the relationship between being overweight and surgical outcomes in gastric cancer patients.Methods:  A total of 410 patients who underwent curative total gastrectomies with D2 dissection from January 2000 to December 2003 were retrospectively studied from a prospectively designed database. The patients were assigned to two groups based upon their body mass index (BMI): non‐overweight, BMI < 25 kg/m2; overweight, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Perioperative surgical outcomes, postoperative morbidity, mortality, recurrence, and prognosis were analyzed.Results:  The overweight group had longer operation time and more postoperative complications than the non‐overweight group. The two groups were similar in terms of transfusion volumes, postoperative bowel movement, time to initiation of a soft diet, and postoperative hospital stay. Patterns of recurrence and cumulative survival rates were similar for each group. Multivariate analysis showed that being overweight was not a risk factor for recurrence or poor prognosis.Conclusion:  Although being overweight was associated with increased operation time and higher risk of complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing curative total gastrectomy, it had no effect on recurrence or long‐term survival.
The bone histology of osteoderms in temnospondyl amphibians and in the chroniosuchianBystrowiella
Authors: Witzmann Florian , Soler‐Gijón Rodrigo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWitzmann, F. and Soler‐Gijón, R. 2010. The bone histology of osteoderms in temnospondyl amphibians and in the chroniosuchianBystrowiella. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)91: 96–114Bone histology of osteoderms in the armoured temnospondylPeltobatrachus, plagiosaurids (Gerrothorax,Plagiosuchus) and dissorophids (Aspidosaurus,Cacops,Platyhystrix), as well as in the chroniosuchianBystrowiella, is studied. The massive osteoderms ofPeltobatrachusandGerrothoraxconsist of homogeneous parallel‐fibred bone, whereas in dissorophids, a lightly built, trabecular middle region is mantled by a thin cortex that is composed of a plywood‐type structure. InBystrowiellaandPlagiosuchus, the osteoderms consist to a large degree of interwoven primary fibres and have cell lacunae that bear stumpy canaliculi. The differences in the histological structure of dissorophids and plagiosaurids suggest an iterative evolution of osteoderms. Furthermore, histology inPlagiosuchusindicates a metaplastic development of the osteoderms, whereas the osteoderms ofGerrothoraxrepresent periosteal ossifications as in dissorophids. This suggests a convergent origin of osteoderms also within plagiosaurids. The extensive armour inGerrothoraxprobably constituted a calcium reservoir, indicated by cyclical resorption events preserved in the external cortex and interpreted as a physiological response to periodic changes in salinity of the aquatic environment. In contrast, the unique osteoderm structure of dissorophids provides maximum stability and minimum bone mass, and is coherent with the interpretation that the osteoderms served to strengthen the vertebral column during terrestrial locomotion.
Targeting and post‐translational processing of human α1‐antichymotrypsin in BY‐2 tobacco cultured cells†
Authors: Benchabane Meriem , Saint‐Jore‐Dupas Claude , Bardor Muriel , Faye Loïc , Michaud Dominique , Gomord Véronique 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe post‐translational processing of human α1‐antichymotrypsin (AACT) in Bright Yellow‐2 (BY‐2) tobacco cells was assessed in relation to the cellular compartment targeted for accumulation. As determined by pulse‐chase labelling experiments and immunofluorescence microscopy, AACT sent to the vacuole or the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was found mainly in the culture medium, similar to a secreted form targeted to the apoplast. Unexpectedly, AACT expressed in the cytosol was found in the nucleus under a stable, non‐glycosylated form, in contrast with secreted variants undergoing multiple post‐translational modifications during their transit through the secretory pathway. All secreted forms of AACT were N‐glycosylated, with the presence of complex glycans as observed naturally on human AACT. Proteolytic trimming was also observed for all secreted variants, both during their intracellular transit and after their secretion in the culture medium. Overall, the targeting of human AACT to different compartments of BY‐2 tobacco cells led to the production of two protein products: (i) a stable, non‐glycosylated protein accumulated in the nucleus; and (ii) a heterogeneous mixture of secreted variants resulting from post‐translational N‐glycosylation and proteolytic processing. Overall, these data suggest that AACT is sensitive to resident proteases in the ER, the Golgi and/or the apoplast, and that the production of intact AACT in the plant secretory pathway will require innovative approaches to protect its structural integrity in vivo. Studies are now needed to assess the activity of the different AACT variants, and to identify the molecular determinants for the nuclear localization of AACT expressed in the cytosol.
Using the antisaccade task to investigate the relationship between the development of inhibition and the development of intelligence
Authors: Michel Fiona , Anderson Mike 
Published: November 2008

Abstract A number of authors have proposed models of cognitive development that explain improvements in intelligence over the course of childhood via changes in the efficiency of inhibitory processes (Anderson, 2001; Bjorklund & Harnishfeger, 1990; Dempster, 1991, 1992; Dempster & Corkill, 1999a; Harnishfeger, 1995; Harnishfeger & Bjorklund, 1993). A review of the literature reveals little empirical support for the thesis. This is largely due to a failure to distinguish between age‐related and non‐age‐related changes in both inhibitory ability and intelligence. Empirical evidence is presented from a developmental study employing the antisaccade task to provide support for the role of inhibitory processes in the development of intelligence. Additionally, a case is made for a functional difference underlying antisaccade errors that are subsequently corrected and those that remain uncorrected.
Age‐related changes in transient and oscillatory brain responses to auditory stimulation during early adolescence
Authors: Poulsen Catherine , Picton Terence W. , Paus Tomáš 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Maturational changes in the capacity to process quickly the temporal envelope of sound have been linked to language abilities in typically developing individuals. As part of a longitudinal study of brain maturation and cognitive development during adolescence, we employed dense‐array EEG and spatiotemporal source analysis to characterize maturational changes in the timing of brain responses to temporal variations in sound. We found significant changes in the brain responses compared longitudinally at two time points in early adolescence, namely 10 years (65 subjects) and 11.5 years (60 of the 65 subjects), as well as large differences between adults, studied with the same protocol (Poulsen, Picton & Paus, 2007), and the children at 10 and 11.5 years of age. The transient auditory evoked potential to tone onset showed decreases in the latency of vertex and T‐complex components, and a highly significant increase in the amplitude of the N1 wave with increasing age. The auditory steady state response to a 40‐Hz frequency‐modulated tone increased in amplitude with increasing age. The peak frequency of the envelope‐following response to sweeps of amplitude‐modulated white noise also increased significantly with increasing age. These results indicate persistent maturation of the cortical mechanisms for auditory processing from childhood into middle adulthood.
Holistic processing for faces and cars in preschool‐aged children and adults: evidence from the composite effect
Authors: Cassia Viola Macchi , Picozzi Marta , Kuefner Dana , Bricolo Emanuela , Turati Chiara 
Published: November 2008

Abstract The current study compared the development of holistic processing for faces and non‐face visual objects by testing for the composite effect for faces and frontal images of cars in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children and adults in a series of four experiments using a two‐alternative forced‐choice recognition task. Results showed that a composite effect for faces was present as early as

years, and none of the age groups tested showed signs of a composite effect for cars. These findings provide the first demonstration that holistic processing is already selective for faces in early childhood, and confirm existing evidence that sensitivity to holistic information in faces does not increase from 4 years to adulthood.
Does Raising the Principal's Wage Improve the School's Outcomes? Quasi‐experimental Evidence from an Unusual Policy Experiment in Israel
Authors: Lavy Victor 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper reports estimates of the causal effects of a 50 percent increase in the salary of headmasters of high schools in Israel. The results suggest that the program led to significant improvements in twelfth‐grade students' academic achievements. However, the effect was relatively modest, comprising increases of about 5–10 percent in the school mean matriculation rate, average score and number of subjects and credit units taken in matriculation programs. Based on these results and the lack of evidence regarding the effect of increasing teachers' salary, it seems that priority should be given to paying higher wages to school principals.
Quasi‐experimental Estimates of the Effect of Class Size on Achievement in Norway*
Authors: Leuven Edwin , Oosterbeek Hessel , Rønning Marte 
Published: November 2008

AbstractUsing a comprehensive Norwegian administrative database, we exploit independent quasi‐experimental methods to estimate the effect of class size on student achievement at the end of lower‐secondary school. Identification based on maximum class‐size rules and population variation (and variations on these methods) give very similar estimates. We cannot reject that the class‐size effect is equal to zero, and can rule out effects as small as 1.5 percent of a standard deviation for a one‐student change in class size during three consecutive years.
Returns to Apprenticeship Training in Austria: Evidence from Failed Firms*
Authors: Fersterer Josef , Pischke Jörn‐Steffen , Winter‐Ebmer Rudolf 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn the German‐speaking countries, little is known about the payoffs to apprenticeship training for the participants. OLS estimates suggest that the returns are similar to those of other types of schooling. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the quality of apprenticeships offered, and institutional descriptions suggest that there might be an important element of selection in who obtains an apprenticeship, and what type. In order to overcome the resulting ability bias, we estimate returns to apprenticeship training for apprentices in small Austrian firms which cease to operate. When a firm fails, current apprentices cannot complete their training in this firm. Since apprentices will be at different stages in their apprenticeship at that time, the failure of a firm will manipulate the length of the apprenticeship period completed for some apprentices. The time to firm failure can therefore serve as an instrument for the length of the apprenticeship completed both at the original firm and at other firms. We find instrumental variables returns which are similar or larger than the OLS returns in our sample, indicating relatively little selection.
Proxying Ability by Family Background in Returns to Schooling Estimations is Generally a Bad Idea*
Authors: Mellander Erik , Sandgren‐Massih Sofia 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWhen schooling is measured with error and data on ability are lacking, return to schooling estimates will be subject to positive omitted variable bias (OVB) and negative measurement error bias (MEB). We investigate how these biases are affected when ability is proxied by family background variables. We show that the effect on OVB is uncertain, while MEB invariably increases in magnitude. Our empirical analysis demonstrates that MEB generally dominates OVB. With more background variables or increased measurement error, the total bias rapidly becomes negative and increasing in magnitude, thereby driving the return estimate further and further away from the true value.
Petrosal anatomy in the fossil mammal Necrolestes: evidence for metatherian affinities and comparisons with the extant marsupial mole
Authors: Ladevèze Sandrine , Asher Robert J. , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe present reconstructions of petrosal anatomy based on high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography scans for the fossil mammal Necrolestes and for the marsupial mole Notoryctes sp. Compared with other mammals, Necrolestes exhibits a mosaic of plesiomorphic and derived characters, but most of the evidence supports its metatherian status. We revised previous descriptions and report on features of phylogenetic or functional significance. Necrolestes exhibits features that support metatherian affinities, such as the presence of a short and lateral prootic canal, and the loss of the stapedial artery in adults. A deep groove at the anterior pole of the promontorium is present in front of the cochlear housing, a variant on the extrabullar pathway of the internal carotid artery. The promontorium is laterally bordered by a large bony projection resembling the eutherian tegmen tympani [De Beer GR (1937) The Development of the Vertebrate Skull, Oxford, Clarendon Press, p. 391]. Posteromedial to the secondary facial foramen and anterolateral to the fenestra vestibuli is a pronounced fossa for the tensor tympani muscle. On the medial part of the pars canalicularis there is a great inflation of the medial side of the caudal tympanic process, a structure of unknown function. The internal acoustic meatus exhibits a broad transverse septum and is bordered laterally by a broad prefacial commissure. The cochleae of Necrolestes and of Notoryctes have fewer spiral turns (1.1 and 1.6, respectively) than most marsupials. The lateral semicircular canal is more expanded than the posterior semicircular canal in Necrolestes but not in Notoryctes. Both Necrolestes and Notoryctes have a second crus commune, i.e. the lateral semicircular canal opens into the ampulla of the posterior semicircular canal. A stylomastoid foramen enclosed anterodorsally by both the pars cochlearis and pars canalicularis is present in Dasyuridae, Dromiciops gliroides and Notoryctes.
A three‐dimensional microcomputed tomographic study of site‐specific variation in trabecular microarchitecture in the human second metacarpal
Authors: Lazenby Richard A. , Angus Sarah , Cooper David M. L. , Hallgrímsson Benedikt 
Published: November 2008

AbstractVariation in trabecular microarchitecture is widely accepted as being regulated by both functional (mechanical loading) and genetic parameters, although the relative influence of each is unclear. Studies reporting inter‐site differences in trabecular morphology (volume, number and structure) reveal a complex interaction at the gene–environment interface. We report inter‐ and intra‐site variation in trabecular anatomy using a novel model of contralateral (left vs right) and ipsilateral (head vs base) comparisons for the human second metacarpal in a sample of n = 29 historically known 19th century EuroCanadians. Measures of bone volume fraction, structure model index, connectivity, trabecular number, spacing and thickness as well as degree of anisotropy were obtained from 5‐mm volumes of interest using three‐dimensional microcomputed tomography. We hypothesized that: (i) the more diverse loading environment of metacarpal heads should produce a more robust trabecular architecture than corresponding bases within sides and (ii) the ipsilateral differences between epiphyses will be larger on the right side than on the left side, as a function of handedness. Analysis of covariance (Side × Epiphysis) with Age as covariate revealed a clear dichotomy between labile and constrained architectures within and among anatomical sites. The predicted variation in loading was accommodated by changes in trabecular volume, whereas trabecular structure did not vary significantly by side or by epiphysis within sides. Age was a significant covariate only for females. We conclude that environmental and genetic regulation of bone adaptation may act through distinct pathways and local anatomies to ensure an integrated lattice of sufficient mass to meet normal functional demands.
Morphology of deltoid origin and end tendons – a generic model
Authors: Leijnse J. N. A. L. , Han S.‐H. , Kwon Y. H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study provides a model of the complex deltoid origin and end tendons, as a basis for further anatomical, biomechanical and clinical research. Although the deltoid is used in transpositions with upper limb paralysis, its detailed morphology and segmentation has not been object of much study. Morphologically, the deltoid faces two distinct challenges. It closely envelops a ball joint, and it reduces its width over a short distance from a very wide origin along clavicle, acromion and spina scapula, to an insertion as narrow as the humerus. These challenges necessitate specific morphological tendon adaptations. A qualitative model for these tendons is developed by the stepwise transformation of a unipennate muscle model into a functional deltoid muscle. Each step is the solution to one of the mentioned morphological challenges. The final model is of an end tendon consisting of a continuous succession of bipennate end tendon blades centrally interspaced by unipennate tendon parts. The origin tendon consists of lamellae that interdigitate with the end tendon blades, creating a natural segmentation. The model is illustrated by qualitative dissection results. In addition, in view of a proliferation of terms found in the literature to describe deltoid tendons, tendon concepts are reviewed and the systematic use of the unique and simple terminology of ‘origin and end tendons’ is proposed.
Caenorhabditis elegansglutamate transporter deletion induces AMPA‐receptor/adenylyl cyclase 9‐dependent excitotoxicity
Authors: Mano Itzhak , Driscoll Monica 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn stroke and several neurodegenerative diseases, malfunction of glutamate (Glu) transporters causes Glu accumulation and triggers excitotoxicity. Many details on the cascade of events in the neurodegenerative process remain unclear. As molecular components of glutamatergic synapses are assembled inCaenorhabditis elegansand as many fundamental cellular processes are conserved from nematodes to humans, we studied Glu‐induced necrosis inC. elegansand probed its genetic requirements. We combinedΔglt‐3, a Glu transporter‐null mutation, with expression of a constitutively active form of the alpha subunit of the G protein Gs. While neitherΔglt‐3nor expression of the constitutively active form of the alpha subunit of the G protein Gs is severely toxic toC. eleganshead interneurons, their combination induces extensive neurodegeneration.Δglt‐3‐dependent neurodegeneration acts through Ca2+‐permeable Glu receptors of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) subtype, requires calreticulin function, and is modulated by calcineurin and type‐9 adenylyl cyclase (AC9). We further show that mammalian AC9 hyperactivates mammalian AMPA‐receptors (AMPA‐Rs) in aXenopusoocyte expression system, supporting that the relationship between AMPA‐Rs hyperactivation and AC9 might be conserved between nematodes and mammals. AMPA‐Rs–AC9 synergism is thus critical for nematode excitotoxicity and could potentially be involved in some forms of mammalian neurodegeneration.