The reptilian oviduct: a review of structure and function and directions for future research

2002 ◽  
Vol 293 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane E. Girling
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Jacob A. Miller ◽  
Mark D'Esposito ◽  
Kevin S. Weiner

Stuss considered the human prefrontal cortex (pFC) as a “cognitive globe” [Stuss, D. T., & Benson, D. F. Neuropsychological studies of the frontal lobes. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 3–28, 1984] on which functions of the frontal lobe could be mapped. Here, we discuss classic and recent findings regarding the evolution, development, function, and cognitive role of shallow indentations or tertiary sulci in pFC, with the goal of using tertiary sulci to map the “cognitive globe” of pFC. First, we discuss lateral pFC (LPFC) tertiary sulci in classical anatomy and modern neuroimaging, as well as their development, with a focus on those within the middle frontal gyrus. Second, we discuss tertiary sulci in comparative neuroanatomy, focusing on primates. Third, we summarize recent findings showing the utility of tertiary sulci for understanding structural–functional relationships with functional network insights in ventromedial pFC and LPFC. Fourth, we revisit and update unresolved theoretical perspectives considered by C. Vogt and O. Vogt (Allgemeinere ergebnisse unserer hirnforschung. Journal für Psychologie und Neurologie, 25, 279–462, 1919) and F. Sanides (Structure and function of the human frontal lobe. Neuropsychologia, 2, 209–219, 1964) that tertiary sulci serve as landmarks for cortical gradients. Together, the consideration of these classic and recent findings indicate that tertiary sulci are situated in a unique position within the complexity of the “cognitive globe” of pFC: They are the smallest and shallowest of sulci in pFC, yet can offer insights that bridge spatial scales (microns to networks), modalities (functional connectivity to behavior), and species. As such, the map of tertiary sulci within each individual participant serves as a coordinate system specific to that individual on which functions may be further mapped. We conclude with new theoretical and methodological questions that, if answered in future research, will likely lead to mechanistic insight regarding the structure and function of human LPFC.


2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (6) ◽  
pp. L1113-L1140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. S. Prakash

Airway structure and function are key aspects of normal lung development, growth, and aging, as well as of lung responses to the environment and the pathophysiology of important diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fibrosis. In this regard, the contributions of airway smooth muscle (ASM) are both functional, in the context of airway contractility and relaxation, as well as synthetic, involving production and modulation of extracellular components, modulation of the local immune environment, cellular contribution to airway structure, and, finally, interactions with other airway cell types such as epithelium, fibroblasts, and nerves. These ASM contributions are now found to be critical in airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling that occur in lung diseases. This review emphasizes established and recent discoveries that underline the central role of ASM and sets the stage for future research toward understanding how ASM plays a central role by being both upstream and downstream in the many interactive processes that determine airway structure and function in health and disease.


2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy H. Brock

It is now some 50 years since iron-binding lactoferrin was first isolated and purified, an event that opened the way to subsequent extensive research on lactoferrin structure and function. The initial recognition that lactoferrin closely resembled the plasma iron-transport protein transferrin meant that lactoferrin was first thought to mediate intestinal iron absorption or to act as an antimicrobial agent. It was also suggested that it could mediate the hyposideraemia of inflammation. This paper will assess to what extent early proposals have stood the test of time and also suggest possible mechanisms by which lactoferrin can mediate the large number of potential functions that have subsequently been proposed. It will also review the ability of lactoferrin to resist digestion in the gastrointestinal tract and identify areas for future research.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Lee Wood ◽  
Dustin S. Stoltz ◽  
Justin Van Ness ◽  
Marshall A. Taylor

A perennial concern in frame analysis is explaining how frames structure perception and persuade audiences. In this article, we suggest that the distinction between personal culture and public culture offers a productive way forward. We propose an approach centered on an analytic contrast between schemas, which we define as a form of personal culture, and frames, which we define as a form of public culture. We develop an “evocation model” of the structure and function of frames. In the model, frames are conceived as material assemblages that activate a network of schemas, thereby evoking a response when people are exposed to them. We discuss how the proposed model extends, and clarifies, extant approaches, and consider new directions for future research.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narcisa Martinez-Quiles ◽  
Leigh Ann Feuerbacher ◽  
María Benito-León ◽  
Philip R. Hardwidge

The Crk adaptor family of proteins comprises the alternatively spliced CrkI and CrkII isoforms, as well as the paralog Crk-like (CrkL) protein, which is encoded by a different gene. Initially thought to be involved in signaling during apoptosis and cell adhesion, this ubiquitously expressed family of proteins is now known to play essential roles in integrating signals from a wide range of stimuli. In this review, we describe the structure and function of the different Crk proteins. We then focus on the emerging roles of Crk adaptors during Enterobacteriaceae pathogenesis, with special emphasis on the important human pathogensSalmonella,Shigella,Yersinia, and enteropathogenicEscherichia coli. Throughout, we remark on opportunities for future research into this intriguing family of proteins.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 761-778
Author(s):  
Monika H. Egerer ◽  
Benjamin Wagner ◽  
Brenda B. Lin ◽  
Dave Kendal ◽  
Kai Zhu

Abstract Context Land use change requires measuring shifting patterns in biodiversity at various spatial scales to inform landscape management. Assessing vegetation change at different scales is challenging in urban ecosystems managed by many individuals. Thus, we do not know much about the structure and function of green spaces that support biodiversity. Objective We aim to understand how vegetation structure and function indicators in urban community gardens vary with spatial scale, applying new and traditional methods in landscape ecology to inform future research and application. Methods We performed two methods to assess garden vegetation structure (height) and function (species diversity, cover) at the garden- and garden plot scale. First, we used traditional field sampling to estimate garden vegetation at the garden scale (1 m2 quadrats along transects) and at the plot scale (estimated within entire plot) to measure height, diversity and cover. Second, we used UAV aerial imagery to derive measures of garden and plot vegetation using canopy height models (CHMs). We evaluated differences in CHMs at each scale across the gardens, and compared field and UAV-derived measures. Results Garden vegetation characteristics vary with spatial scale. Plant species richness and vegetation cover, but not height, related to UAV-derived imagery. Conclusions New technologies paired with traditional field methods can together inform how vegetation structure and function vary with spatial scale in urban landscapes. Spatial scale is key to accurate and meaningful urban vegetation analyses. New and traditional methods in urban ecology research should develop together to improve and streamline their future application.


2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy H Brock

This paper reviews our current knowledge of the structure and function of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin. In particular, it attempts to relate the various proposed physiological functions of lactoferrin to its most characteristic biochemical properties, i.e. its ability to bind iron and its highly basic nature. The extent to which various physiological functions can be considered as definitely established is critically reviewed, and suggestions for future research are proposed.Key words: lactoferrin, iron, nutrition, immunology, infection, inflammation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 2461-2480 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gurung ◽  
D. P. Prata

The powerful genome-wide association studies (GWAS) revealed common mutations that increase susceptibility for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), but the vast majority were not known to be functional or associated with these illnesses. To help fill this gap, their impact on human brain structure and function has been examined. We systematically discuss this output to facilitate its timely integration in the psychosis research field; and encourage reflection for future research. Irrespective of imaging modality, studies addressing the effect of SZ/BD GWAS risk genes (ANK3, CACNA1C, MHC, TCF4, NRGN, DGKH, PBRM1, NCANandZNF804A) were included. Most GWAS risk variations were reported to affect neuroimaging phenotypes implicated in SZ/BD: white-matter integrity (ANK3andZNF804A), volume (CACNA1CandZNF804A) and density (ZNF804A); grey-matter (CACNA1C, NRGN, TCF4andZNF804A) and ventricular (TCF4) volume; cortical folding (NCAN) and thickness (ZNF804A); regional activation during executive tasks (ANK3, CACNA1C, DGKH, NRGNandZNF804A) and functional connectivity during executive tasks (CACNA1CandZNF804A), facial affect recognition (CACNA1CandZNF804A) and theory-of-mind (ZNF804A); but inconsistencies and non-replications also exist. Further efforts such as standardizing reporting and exploring complementary designs, are warranted to test the reproducibility of these early findings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 228080002110649
Author(s):  
Chenyang Lei ◽  
Sheng Mei ◽  
Chun Zhou ◽  
Chen Xia

In humans, the trachea is a conduit for ventilation connecting the throat and lungs. However, certain congenital or acquired diseases may cause long-term tracheal defects that require replacement. Tissue engineering is considered a promising method to reconstruct long-segment tracheal lesions and restore the structure and function of the trachea. Decellularization technology retains the natural structure of the trachea, has good biocompatibility and mechanical properties, and is currently a hotspot in tissue engineering studies. This article lists various recent representative protocols for the generation of decellularized tracheal scaffolds (DTSs), as well as their validity and limitations. Based on the advancements in decellularization methods, we discussed the impact and importance of mechanical properties, revascularization, recellularization, and biocompatibility in the production and implantation of DTS. This review provides a basis for future research on DTS and its application in clinical therapy.


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