bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life‐course socio‐economic position, area deprivation and Type 2 diabetes: findings from the British Women's Heart and Health Study
Authors: Andersen A. F. , Carson C. , Watt H. C. , Lawlor D. A. , Avlund K. , Ebrahim S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives  We examined whether area deprivation influenced risk of Type 2 diabetes, fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance over and above the effect of individual socio‐economic position (SEP) measured across the life course.Methods  A cross‐sectional analysis of 4286 women aged 60 to 79 years from 457 British electoral wards in 23 towns.Results  Area deprivation was positively associated with diagnosed [odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13, 1.53, per quintile of area deprivation, n = 2895], but not undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes after adjustment for individual life‐course SEP. This association was robust to adjustment for adult health behaviours and physiological risk factors. Insulin resistance [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score] increased by 1.90% (95% CI 0.01, 3.82, n = 2526) per quintile of area deprivation after adjustment for individual SEP, while fasting blood glucose increased by 0.69% (95% CI 0.16, 1.22, n = 2875) after adjustment for individual SEP.Conclusions  Area level deprivation independently influences diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and fasting blood glucose. Examination of more specific characteristics of places is needed to understand the mechanisms by which these effects arise.
A Ranking of Journals in Economics and Related Fields
Authors: Ritzberger Klaus 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
This paper presents an update of the ranking of economics journals by the invariant method, as introduced by Palacio-Huerta and Volij, with a broader sample of journals. By comparison with the two other most prominent rankings, it also proposes a list of ‘target journals’, ranked according to their quality, as a standard for the field of economics.
Research Productivity in Business Economics: An Investigation of Austrian, German and Swiss Universities
Authors: Fabel Oliver , Hein Miriam , Hofmeister Robert 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
We draw on a new and comprehensive dataset that collects the research output of business economists employed by Austrian, German and Swiss universities. We compute research rankings of departments and identify the leading departments in selected subdisciplines. Moreover, we investigate how institutional design and individual characteristics affect research productivity and draw some conclusions for the training of junior scientists.
The impact of climate change on long‐term population trends of birds in a central European country
Authors: Reif J. , Voříšek P. , Št'astný K. , Koschová M. , Bejček V. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractNumerous studies have shown that climate changes associated with increasing global temperature affect bird species. For instance, long‐distance migrants are not able to respond adequately to rapid advances in spring phenology, and thus their populations decline due to lower breeding performance. Moreover, many species in the Northern Hemisphere have shifted their northern breeding range boundaries further north. However, studies focusing on bird populations at the scale of individual countries, which are responsible for creating environmental policies, are rather scarce. We hypothesized that bird species with different European latitudinal breeding distributions would have different long‐term population trends in the Czech Republic, a small central European country, as a result of range dynamics caused by increasing spring temperature. In accordance with this prediction, the results of an analysis based on large‐scale monitoring data (from 1982 to 2006) showed that species with more northern latitudinal distributions had more negative population trends in the Czech Republic. However, the strength of the relationship depended on the approach used for characterization of the species latitudinal distributions. When a phylogenetic regression was applied, the only significant explanatory variable was the latitudinal distribution expressed in categories defined by species range areas in different latitudinal bands. A more detailed analysis showed that southern and northern species groups have opposite population trajectories: the former increased and the latter declined throughout the study period. The effect of climate change remained significant when habitat association and the migratory strategy of each species were taken into account. However, it is difficult to determine whether climate change or habitat change is the more important driver of long‐term trends in bird populations as the effects of both factors are dependent on interspecific variability in levels of species specialization.
Regulation of the pH sensitivity of human P2X3 receptors by N‐linked glycosylation
Authors: Wirkner Kerstin , Stanchev Doychin , Milius Doreen , Hartmann Lars , Kato Erzsebet , Zadori Zoltan S. , Mager Peter P. , Rubini Patrizia , Nörenberg Wolfgang , Illes Peter 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe human (h) P2X3 receptor and its mutants deficient in one out of four N‐glycosylation sites were expressed in HEK293 cells. Concentration–response curves were generated by whole‐cell recordings of α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐meATP)‐induced currents. A gradual change of external pH from the alkaline 8.0 to the acidic 5.0 successively decreased the maximum current amplitude (Emax) without affecting the EC50 value. The replacement of Asn‐139 and ‐170 by Asp (N139D, N170D) abolished the pH sensitivity of the wild‐type (WT) hP2X3 receptor. In the case of N194D, the Emax was again the highest at the alkaline pH value with no change from 7.4 to 6.5, whereas in the case of N290D, there was an inverse pH sensitivity, with an increase of Emax in the acidic range. However, this effect appeared to be due to enhanced protonation by the insertion of Asp into the receptor, because replacement of Asn by the neutral Thr resulted in a comparable potency of α,β‐meATP at any of the pH values investigated. In accordance with the reported finding that His‐206 is involved in the modulation of WT P2X3 receptors by protons, we showed that the normal change of Emax by an acidic, but not alkaline pH was abolished after substitution of this His by Ala. However, the double mutant H206A + N290D did not react to acidification or alkalinization with any change in Emax. In conclusion, only fully N‐glycosylated P2X3 receptors recognize external pH with a modified sensitivity towards α,β‐meATP.
Inhibition of rat glioma cell migration and proliferation by a calix[8]arene scaffold exposing multiple GlcNAc and ureido functionalities
Authors: Viola Santa , Consoli Grazia M. L. , Merlo Sara , Drago Filippo , Sortino Maria Angela , Geraci Corrada 
Published: September 2008

Abstractβ1,4‐Galactosyltransferases (β1,4‐GalTase) exposed on the cell surface are involved in cell migration. Specifically, β1,4‐GalTase V is highly expressed in glioma and promotes invasion, growth, and survival of glioma cells. A glycocalix[8]arene exposing N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues (compound 1) inhibited rat C6 glioma cell migration as assessed in a scratch wound model. This effect was related to inhibition of focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation, measured by western blot analysis, and specifically observed in the area bordering the scratch wound. Compound 1 inhibited also C6 cell proliferation, an effect unrelated to its ability to interact with GalTase as it was mimicked by different calix[8]arene derivatives, all characterized by multivalency and ureido groups. Compound 1 did not induce apoptotic death, but caused a different distribution of C6 cells within the cell cycle. The results here reported identify compound 1 as a molecule able to exert inhibitory effects on C6 cell migration and proliferation, independently, because of distinct components in its structure.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity may not be necessary for the neuropathology of Niemann–Pick type C mice
Authors: Zhang Min , Hallows Janice L. , Wang Xuezhen , Bu Bitao , Wang Wei , Vincent Inez 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHyperphosphorylation of neurofilament and tau, and formation of cytoskeletal lesions, are notable features of several human neurodegenerative diseases, including Niemann‐Pick Disease Type C (NPC). Previous studies suggested that the MAPKs, extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) may play a significant role in this aspect of NPC. To test this idea, we treated npc mice with PD98059, a specific and potent inhibitor of MAPK activation. Although activity of ERK1/2 was inhibited by 40%, a 2‐week intracerebroventricular infusion of PD98059 just prior to onset of cytoskeletal pathology and symptoms in npc mice did not delay or inhibit prominent hallmarks of NPC. Unexpectedly, ERK1/2 inhibition led to aggravation of tau hyperphosphorylation, particularly in oligodendroctyes, in a manner similar to that of certain human tauopathies. Our results suggest that ERK1/2 does not play a major role in NPC neuropathology, and therefore, that MAPK inhibition is unlikely to be a useful strategy for managing the disease.
Protease‐activated receptor dependent and independent signaling by kallikreins 1 and 6 in CNS neuron and astroglial cell lines
Authors: Vandell Alexander G. , Larson Nadya , Laxmikanthan Gurunathan , Panos Michael , Blaber Sachiko I. , Blaber Michael , Scarisbrick Isobel A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWhile protease‐activated receptors (PARs) are known to mediate signaling events in CNS, contributing both to normal function and pathogenesis, the endogenous activators of CNS PARs are poorly characterized. In this study, we test the hypothesis that kallikreins (KLKs) represent an important pool of endogenous activators of CNS PARs. Specifically, KLK1 and KLK6 were examined for their ability to evoke intracellular Ca2+ flux in a PAR‐dependent fashion in NSC34 neurons and Neu7 astrocytes. Both KLKs were also examined for their ability to activate mitogen‐activated protein kinases (extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, C‐Jun N‐terminal kinases, and p38) and protein kinase B (AKT) intracellular signaling cascades. Cumulatively, these studies show that KLK6, but not KLK1, signals through PARs. KLK6 evoked intracellular Ca2+ flux was mediated by PAR1 in neurons and both PAR1 and PAR2 in astrocytes. Importantly, both KLK1 and KLK6 altered the activation state of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and AKT, suggestive of important roles for each in CNS neuron and glial differentiation, and survival. The cellular specificity of CNS–KLK activity was underscored by observations that both proteases promoted AKT activation in astrocytes, but inhibited such signaling in neurons. PAR1 and bradykinin receptor inhibitors were used to demonstrate that KLK1‐mediated activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases in neurons occurred in a non‐PAR, bradykinin 2 (B2) receptor‐dependent fashion, while similar signaling by KLK6 was mediated by the combined activation of PAR1 and B2. Cumulatively results indicate KLK6, but not KLK1 is an activator of CNS PARs, and that both KLKs are poised to signal in a B2 receptor‐dependent fashion to regulate multiple signal transduction pathways relevant to CNS physiologic function and dysfunction.
Mechanisms for recycling and biosynthesis of endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2‐arachidonylglycerol
Authors: Placzek Ekaterina A. , Okamoto Yasuo , Ueda Natsuo , Barker Eric L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe mechanisms of endogenous cannabinoid biosynthesis are not completely understood. We hypothesized that anandamide could be recycled by the cell to form new endocannabinoid molecules and released into the extracellular space. We determined that new endocannabinoids derived from exogenous anandamide or arachidonic acid were synthesized and released from RBL‐2H3 cells in response to ionomycin. Treatment of RBL‐2H3 cells with nystatin and progesterone, agents that disrupt organization of lipid raft/caveolae, resulted in the attenuation of anandamide and 2‐arachidonyl glycerol synthesis and/or release in response to stimulation with ionomycin suggesting a role for these membrane microdomains in endocannabinoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, anandamide synthesis may be independent ofN‐acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D as expression of the enzyme was not detected in RBL‐2H3 cells. We also established that extracellular calcium is necessary for endocannabinoid biosynthesis because release of intracellular calcium stores alone does not promote endocannabinoid biosynthesis. Next, we examined the role of calcium as a ‘switch’ to activate the synthesis of anandamide and simultaneously reduce uptake. Indeed, [3H] anandamide uptake was reduced in the presence of calcium. Our findings suggest a mechanism indicative of calcium‐modulated activation of anandamide synthesis and simultaneous termination of uptake.
Mexiletine for Refractory Chronic Daily Headache: A Report of Nine Cases
Authors: Marmura Michael J. , Passero Frank C. , Young William B. 
Published: September 2008

Objective.— To describe the use of mexiletine in the treatment of chronic daily headache in a refractory headache population.Background.— Intravenous lidocaine is a novel treatment for chronic daily headache with medication overuse and SUNCT syndrome. Mexiletine is a similar but orally active anti‐arrhythmic that has been demonstrated to be an effective analgesic in various types of neuropathic pain. We looked at mexiletine as a preventative treatment for headache in refractory patients.Methods.— We reviewed the medical records of all patients with an order for mexiletine. For each patient, we determined diagnosis, presence of medication overuse on initial evaluation, pain scores, and if the patient received intravenous lidocaine before starting the medication. We then contacted patients by phone to confirm their dose, to review side effects and current pain scores, and to obtain a global impression of effectiveness.Results.— We identified 9 patients with a chronic daily headache, including chronic migraine or new daily persistent headache, with significant clinical improvement while using mexiletine as a headache preventative. Each patient had failed to respond to multiple preventative and acute treatments. Seven of the 9 rated mexiletine “much more effective” and 2 “more effective” than previous preventative headache medications. The daily dose ranged from 600 mg/day to 1500 mg/day. Side effects were common and occurred in 7 patients. The majority of patients with an order for mexiletine did not respond to treatment or had intolerable side effects.Discussion.— The preliminary study suggests mexiletine is a useful preventative treatment for some patients with chronic daily headache, including refractory patients with medication overuse or those who have failed multiple preventatives in the past.
How Does Financing Impact Investment? The Role of Debt Covenants
Authors: CHAVA SUDHEER , ROBERTS MICHAEL R. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTWe identify a specific channel (debt covenants) and the corresponding mechanism (transfer of control rights) through which financing frictions impact corporate investment. Using a regression discontinuity design, we show that capital investment declines sharply following a financial covenant violation, when creditors use the threat of accelerating the loan to intervene in management. Further, the reduction in investment is concentrated in situations in which agency and information problems are relatively more severe, highlighting how the state‐contingent allocation of control rights can help mitigate investment distortions arising from financing frictions.
Default and Recovery Implicit in the Term Structure of Sovereign CDS Spreads
Authors: PAN JUN , SINGLETON KENNETH J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the nature of default arrival and recovery implicit in the term structures of sovereign CDS spreads. We argue that term structures of spreads reveal not only the arrival rates of credit events , but also the loss rates given credit events. Applying our framework to Mexico, Turkey, and Korea, we show that a single‐factor model with following a lognormal process captures most of the variation in the term structures of spreads. The risk premiums associated with unpredictable variation in are found to be economically significant and co‐vary importantly with several economic measures of global event risk, financial market volatility, and macroeconomic policy.
Expression levels of apoptosis‐related proteins and Ki‐67 in nasal NK / T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Yasuda Hajime , Sugimoto Koichi , Imai Hidenori , Isobe Yasushi , Sasaki Makoto , Kojima Yuko , Nakamura Shinji , Oshimi Kazuo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Nasal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma is characterized by chemo‐resistance, angiodestruction, and aggressive tumor progression. Few studies exist on molecular characteristics of this disease entity.Methods:  Expression levels of major apoptosis‐related proteins Bcl‐2, Bcl‐x, Mcl‐1, Bax, and a proliferative marker Ki‐67 were analyzed in 11 nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma cases by immunohistochemical methods. Nine cases were of NK‐cell lineage and two cases were of T‐cell lineage. For comparison, 12 follicular lymphoma (FL) cases and 16 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cases were also studied.Results and conclusions:  Bax expression was low in all nasal NK‐cell lymphoma cases, which constitute the major population of nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma. Bax expression in nasal NK‐cell lymphoma was similar to FL and significantly lower compared with DLBCL. Bcl‐2 expression was significantly lower in nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma compared with that of FL and DLBCL. Bcl‐x expression was high in all three lymphomas. Two distinct Mcl‐1 expression groups existed for nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma (6.2 ± 5.2% and 59.1 ± 12.3%, 95% CI). Ki‐67 expression was high in nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, and worse prognostic groups tended to express higher levels of Ki‐67. The results suggest a combination of impaired apoptosis and aggressive proliferation in nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, and may provide explanations for its poor prognosis.
Porous red cell ultrastructure and loss of membrane asymmetry in a novel case of hemolytic anemia
Authors: Banerjee Debasis , Saha Sutapa , Basu Sumanta , Chakrabarti Abhijit 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTransmission electron microscopic study revealed large pores on the erythrocyte ghost membranes, disrupted cytoskeleton and microcytosis of circulating erythrocytes in a novel case of hemolytic anemia. Greater loss of phosphatidylserine (PS) asymmetry was observed in younger erythrocytes compared with the aged ones in contrast to the normal red cells. Levels of sialylated glycoconjugates, such as glycophorin, measured by the binding of wheat germ agglutinin, showed greater loss upon aging. Such drastic loss of PS asymmetry leads to faster eryptosis, mediated by shedding of glycophorin‐containing microvesicles leaving highly PS‐exposed erythrocytes accessible to the phagocytes.
A complex t(1;22;11)(q44;q13;q23) translocation causing MLL‐p300 fusion gene in therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ohnishi Hiroaki , Taki Tomohiko , Yoshino Hiroshi , Takita Junko , Ida Kohmei , Ishii Masami , Nishida Kazuhiro , Hayashi Yasuhide , Taniwaki Masafumi , Bessho Fumio , Watanabe Takashi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe p300 protein shows a striking homology with cyclic‐AMP‐response‐element‐binding‐protein binding protein (CBP) and both proteins form a family of DNA‐binding transcriptional coactivators/histone acetyltransferases. The authors, herein, report a therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia with MLL‐p300 fusion gene. Spectral karyotyping clarified that chromosome 11 is involved in complex t(1;22;11)(q44;q13;q23), and is fused to the chromosome 22, and direct sequencing revealed the fusion of exon 8 of MLL and exon 15 of p300 in this case. This is only the second reported case of leukemia with an MLL‐p300 fusion gene, and the other case with MLL‐p300 was also a therapy‐related leukemia. Considering that the MLL‐CBP fusion gene is also found almost exclusively in therapy‐related leukemia, the association of MLL‐p300 and MLL‐CBP with therapy‐related leukemia rather than de novo leukemia is thereby suggested.
Retinal Microvascular Signs: A Key to Understanding the Underlying Pathophysiology of Different Stroke Subtypes?
Authors: Lindley Richard I. ,   and The Multi-Centre Retinal Stroke Study Collaborative
Published: September 2008

Background The heterogeneity of the pathology of stroke has been a major difficulty in assessing new treatments for acute stroke, and contributes to the complexity of stroke medicine. Some underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, such as small vessel (lacunar) disease. New technology such as advanced brain imaging has transformed our knowledge of large vessel disease and we suggest that other new technology such as detailed analysis of retinal vessels may provide new insights into the pathology of small vessel (lacunar) stroke disease. We hypothesise that retinal microvascular signs differ by pathological stroke subtype, and we plan to test this hypothesis in over 1000 acute stroke patients. Summary Eligible patients undergo a standardised neurological assessment followed by digital retinal photography. At a consensus meeting, an anatomical and aetiological classification is determined. Retinal photographs will be assessed qualitatively (e.g. retinal emboli, arteriovenous nicking) and quantitatively (arteriolar/venule ratio). Six-month vascular event rates together with disability and vital status are collected. Conclusion Retinal vessel appearances may provide a ‘window’ to the brain and help determine the important underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of small vessel disease stroke.
Incidence of open‐angle glaucoma in central Sweden
Authors: Ekström Curt 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To estimate the incidence rate of open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) in a population in which pseudoexfoliation is a common finding.Methods:  A population‐based survey of 760 people aged 65–74 years was conducted in the municipality of Tierp, in central Sweden, during 1984−86. Visual fields (VFs) were tested with the Competer 350 automated perimeter. The present report concerns 711 people, all of whom participated in the survey and were not diagnosed with glaucoma. Since 1988, a follow‐up study of the 530 individuals in this cohort with normal and reliable VFs has been in progress. Incident cases of OAG were identified among study participants and patients seeking medical attention at the Eye Department in Tierp. Records of prescriptions for anti‐glaucoma drugs were used to search for unidentified patients. A time‐weighted mean intraocular pressure (IOP) for all visits was calculated.Results:  By the end of the study in May 2006, 51 new cases of definite OAG had been identified, 31 with capsular and 20 with chronic simple glaucoma. Of these, 46 cases were detected in the follow‐up study, corresponding to an incidence of 7.11 (95% confidence interval 5.06–9.17) per 1000 person‐years. Twelve of the 51 cases were classified as normal‐tension glaucoma, all of which were found in the follow‐up study. Open‐angle glaucoma with a mean IOP ≥ 23 mmHg tended to emerge closer to the baseline examination than OAG with a mean IOP < 23 mmHg.Conclusions:  The incidence of OAG was high compared with that reported for other studies conducted in White populations.