bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spike Train Probability Models for Stimulus-Driven Leaky Integrate-and-Fire Neurons
Authors: Koyama Shinsuke , Kass Robert E. 
Published: March 2008

Mathematical models of neurons are widely used to improve understanding of neuronal spiking behavior. These models can produce artificial spike trains that resemble actual spike train data in important ways, but they are not very easy to apply to the analysis of spike train data. Instead, statistical methods based on point process models of spike trains provide a wide range of data-analytical techniques. Two simplified point process models have been introduced in the literature: the time-rescaled renewal process (TRRP) and the multiplicative inhomogeneous Markov interval (m-IMI) model. In this letter we investigate the extent to which the TRRP and m-IMI models are able to fit spike trains produced by stimulus-driven leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons. With a constant stimulus, the LIF spike train is a renewal process, and the m-IMI and TRRP models will describe accurately the LIF spike train variability. With a time-varying stimulus, the probability of spiking under all three of these models depends on both the experimental clock time relative to the stimulus and the time since the previous spike, but it does so differently for the LIF, m-IMI, and TRRP models. We assessed the distance between the LIF model and each of the two empirical models in the presence of a time-varying stimulus. We found that while lack of fit of a Poisson model to LIF spike train data can be evident even in small samples, the m-IMI and TRRP models tend to fit well, and much larger samples are required before there is statistical evidence of lack of fit of the m-IMI or TRRP models. We also found that when the mean of the stimulus varies across time, the m-IMI model provides a better fit to the LIF data than the TRRP, and when the variance of the stimulus varies across time, the TRRP provides the better fit.
Women, Gender and Religion in Premodern China: A Brief Introduction
Authors: Grant Beata 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis is an introduction to the eight essays included in this special two-issue volume of Nan Nü: Men, Women and Gender in China dedicated to the theme of women, gender and religion in premodern China. It is not intended as a comprehensive state-of-the-field overview. Rather, it seeks to address some of the issues and trends in this relatively under-represented area of scholarly research. It is for this reason that the discussion of the eight essays in this and the companion issue to follow is thematic rather than in order of appearance. The purpose is to show how these essays both provide, and illustrate the need for, a fuller understanding of the various ways in which Buddhist and Daoist religious practices and ideals in particular, were woven through the fabric of the lives of many women as well as men, not so much in opposition to, as in conjunction with, traditional Confucian norms.
Conversion to Chastity: A Buddhist Catalyst in Early Imperial China
Authors: Yuet Keung Lo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper traces the history of the notion of female chastity (zhen) in China from pre-Qin to the mid-imperial era and argues that, prior to the arrival of Buddhism in China, the idea of female “chastity” was concerned not so much with physical virginity as the dutiful fulfillment of wifely obligations as stipulated by the Confucian marriage rites. A woman's chastity was determined by her moral rectitude rather than by her biological condition. The understanding of the physical body as a sacrosanct entity that must be defended against defilement and violation emerged under the influence of Buddhist notions of the uncontaminated body, the pious observance of the Buddhist monastic code, and the performance of religious charity that became popular in early imperial China. Based on a critical analysis of a wide array of Confucian canonical texts, dynastic histories, Indian Buddhist scriptures, biographies of Chinese monks and nuns, the monastic code, and Chinese Buddhist encyclopedias, this paper delineates the gradual process by which the Buddhist concept of the “pure body” became fully assimilated into the indigenous Chinese notion of female “rectitude” and the notion of female chastity finally acquired an ontological identity around the end of the sixth century.
Ambiguous Visions of the Past: The Perception of History in Nineteenth-Century German Jewry
Authors: Gotzmann Andreas 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article not only provides a characterisation of the concept and meaning of historical thought—as a new concept—created by 19th century German Jewry. It also elaborates on the general nature of the newly developed historical approaches, showing the deeply ambivalent character of this major discourse on Jewish identity in modern times that included a general concept of self-perception that would soon overpower and characterize even religion. Although an amazingly unified perception of Jewish history can be found throughout the century, it remained janus-faced in many respects. Such ambivalences were the outcome of a modern historical approach and of 'minority history'. Its aim was to establish Jewish history within the wider frame of a national and evolutionary world history, at the same time defining it as a distinct and decisive one, central not only to Jewish identity, but to all of mankind through its purpose of upholding the quest for excellence, uniqueness, and power.
Forschungen Zur Judenfrage: A Notorious Journal and Some of its Contributors
Authors: Markner Reinhard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAmong the many publishing ventures of the “Reichsinstitut für die Geschichte des neuen Deutschlands,” the journal Forschungen zur Judenfrage (1936–1944) has gained most notoriety. In its nine volumes, various aspects of the “Jewish question,” ranging from the Jews in antiquity to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, were dealt with from a strictly National Socialist point of view. The ambitious project proved to be a failure even before the Third Reich collapsed. While some of the journal's contributors managed to pursue their academic careers in post-war West Germany, its founder, Walter Frank, committed suicide in 1945.
Evolving roles of oncology pharmacists in Singapore: A survey on prescribing patterns of antiemetics for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) at a cancer centre†
Authors: Chan Alexandre , Shih Vivianne , Chew Lita 
Published: March 2008

Background. National Cancer Centre (NCC) is currently the largest ambulatory oncology treatment centre in Singapore that treats mainly solid tumors and lymphomas. Oncology pharmacists at NCC play an active role in the management of CINV. In order to improve the clinical services delivered by pharmacy, particularly in the utilization of antiemetics, pharmacy department conducted a survey that aimed to understand the prescribing patterns of antiemetics for CINV. Objectives. ves. The primary aim of this study was to describe medical oncologists' perceptions of factors that can influence prescribing of antiemetics for acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. A secondary aim was to assess medical oncologists' perception of antiemetic counseling by oncology pharmacists. Methods. This was a single-centered, non-randomized survey conducted at NCC in Singapore. Twenty-seven oncologists in the Department of Medical Oncology (DMO) were invited to participate in this survey. Survey forms were distributed to the medical oncologists at weekly DMO and tumor board meetings in November 2006. Results. Twenty oncologists returned surveys during the study period. Most oncologists closely adhered to the institution guideline on antiemetics utilization; however, results showed a trend of overprescribing acute antiemetics for low emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. Oncologists have identified anxiety, age and gender as the top three patient risk factors taken into consideration when they prescribe antiemetics. Majority of oncologists found pharmacists' counseling on antiemetics to be effective. Conclusions. Through this survey, oncology pharmacists at NCC were able to identify areas of antiemetics utilization that needed refinement. Results from this survey provide opportunities for oncology pharmacists to collaborate with medical oncologists to further improve the management of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2008) 14: 23—29.
Targeting NF-κB in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Authors: Leleu Xavier , Eeckhoute Jérôme , Jia Xiaoying , Roccaro Aldo M. , Moreau Anne-Sophie , Farag Mena , Sacco Antonio , Ngo Hai T. , Runnels Judith , Melhem Molly R. , Burwick Nicolas , Azab Abdelkareem , Azab Feda , Hunter Zachary , Hatjiharissi Evdoxia , Carrasco Daniel R. , Treon Steven P. , Witzig Thomas E. , Hideshima Teru , Brown Myles , Anderson Kenneth C. , Ghobrial Irene M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) path-way has been implicated in tumor B-cell survival, growth, and resistance to therapy. Because tumor cells overcome single-agent antitumor activity, we hypothesized that combination of agents that target differentially NF-κB pathway will induce significant cytotoxicity. Therapeutic agents that target proteasome and Akt pathways should induce significant activity in B-cell malignancies as both pathways impact NF-κB activity. We demonstrated that perifosine and bortezomib both targeted NF-κB through its recruitment to the promoter of its target gene IκB using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. This combination led to synergistic cytotoxicity in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) cells that was mediated through a combined reduction of the PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways, found to be critical for survival of WM cells. Moreover, a combination of these drugs with the CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab further increased their cytotoxic activity. Thus, effective WM therapy may require combination regimens targeting the NF-κB pathway.
Keratinocyte growth factor and androgen blockade work in concert to protect against conditioning regimen-induced thymic epithelial damage and enhance T-cell reconstitution after murine bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Kelly Ryan M. , Highfill Steven L. , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Taylor Patricia A. , Boyd Richard L. , Holländer Georg A. , Blazar Bruce R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMyeloablative conditioning results in thymic epithelial cell (TEC) injury, slow T-cell reconstitution, and a high risk of opportunistic infections. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) stimulates TEC proliferation and, when given preconditioning, reduces TEC injury. Thymocytes and TECs express androgen receptors, and exposure to androgen inhibits thymopoiesis. In this study, we have investigated whether TEC stimulation via preconditioning treatment with KGF and leuprolide acetate (Lupron), 2 clinically approved agents, given only before conditioning would circumvent the profound TEC and associated T-cell deficiency seen in allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. Only combined treatment with KGF plus leuprolide acetate normalized TEC subset numbers and thymic architecture. Thymopoiesis and thymic output were supranormal, leading to the accelerated peripheral reconstitution of naive CD4 and CD8 T cells with a broad Vβ repertoire and decreased homeostatic T-cell proliferation. Combined therapy facilitated T:B cooperativity and enabled a B-cell humoral response to a CD4 T cell–dependent neoantigen challenge soon after BMT. In vivo antigen-specific CD8 T-cell responses and clearance of a live pathogen was superior with combined versus individual agent therapy. Thus, KGF combined with androgen blockade represents a novel approach to restore thymic function and facilitates the rapid recovery of peripheral T-cell function after allogeneic BMT.
TGF-β1 and IFN-γ stimulate mouse macrophages to express BAFF via different signaling pathways
Authors: Kim Hyun-A , Jeon Seong-Hyun , Seo Goo-Young , Park Jae-Bong , Kim Pyeung-Hyeun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractB cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is primarily expressed by macrophages and dendritic cells and stimulates the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of B cells and their Ig production. In the present study, we examined the pathways by which TGF-β1 and IFN-γ induce BAFF expression to see if TGF-β1 and IFN-γ regulate B cell differentiation via macrophages. We found that TGF-β1 stimulated mouse macrophages to express BAFF and that a typical TGF-β signaling pathway was involved. Thus, Smad3 and Smad4 promoted BAFF promoter activity, and Smad7 inhibited it, and the BAFF promoter was shown to contain three Smad-binding elements. Importantly, TGF-β1 enhanced the expression of membrane-bound and soluble forms of BAFF. IFN-γ further augmented TGF-β1-induced BAFF expression. IFN-γ caused phosphorylation of CREB, and overexpression of CREB increased IFN-γ-induced BAFF promoter activity. Furthermore, H89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, abrogated the promoter activity. Neither Stat1α (a well-known transducing molecule of IFN-γ) nor AG490 (a JAK inhibitor) affected BAFF expression in response to IFN-γ. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TGF-β1 and IFN-γ up-regulate BAFF expression through independent mechanisms, i.e., mainly Smad3/4 and PKA/CREB, respectively.
Survival and function of human thymic dendritic cells are dependent on autocrine Hedgehog signaling
Authors: Varas Alberto , Hernández-López Carmen , Valencia Jaris , Mattavelli Silvia , Martínez Victor G , Hidalgo Laura , Gutiérrez-Frías Cruz , Zapata Agustín G , Sacedón Rosa , Vicente Angeles 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe Hedgehog (Hh) family of signaling molecules functions in the development of numerous tissues during embryogenesis and has also been involved in adult self-renewing tissues. Recent results have demonstrated that the different components of the Hh signaling pathway are expressed in the human thymus. In this study, we investigate whether thymic dendritic cells (DCs) are cell targets for Hh signaling. Both components of the Hh receptor, Patched and Smoothened, as well as other Hh-binding proteins with modulating functions, are expressed by human thymic DCs. The expression of Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 transcription factors suggests that the Hh signaling pathway is active in thymic DCs, and approximately one-half of thymic DCs produces Sonic Hh (Shh). The culture of thymic DCs with Shh protects them from apoptosis [similarly to CD40 ligand (CD40L)], and these antiapoptotic effects are related to an up-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL protein expression. The addition of the Hh pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, decreases DC viability and impairs their allostimulatory function in vitro. In addition, the blockade of the Hh signaling pathway by cyclopamine treatment abrogates the up-regulation of HLA-DR, CD86, CD80, and CD83 expression induced by CD40L on thymic DCs. Finally, we also show that after activation with CD40L thymic DCs down-regulate the expression of Hh receptor components as well as Shh production. Taken together, these results suggest that the survival and function of thymic DCs are regulated by an autocrine Hh signaling.
Adipokine Protein Expression Pattern in Growth Hormone Deficiency Predisposes to the Increased Fat Cell Size and the Whole Body Metabolic Derangements
Authors: Ukropec Jozef , Penesová Adela , Škopková Martina , Pura Mikuláš , Vlček Miroslav , Rádiková Žofia , Imrich Richard , Ukropcová Barbara , Tajtáková Mária , Koška Juraj , Zórad Štefan , Belan Vítazoslav , Vaňuga Peter , Payer Juraj , Eckel Juergen , Klimeš Iwar , Gašperíková Daniela 
Published: March 2008

AbstractContext: GH deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with central adiposity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.Objective: The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that GHD might change the spectrum of adipokines and thus influence the adipose tissue and the whole-body metabolic and inflammatory status leading to development of insulin resistance.Design: This was a single-center observational study with a cross-sectional design.Participants and Methods: Protein arrays were used to characterize adipokines expressed in the sc adipose tissue obtained from young GHD adults and compared with age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched group of healthy individuals. All subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, and magnetic resonance imaging examination.Results: Presence of abdominal obesity, enlarged adipocytes, increased circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, impaired glucose tolerance, and decreased insulin action were found in GHD. Changes in adipokine protein expression due to GHD were highly dependent on the obesity phenotype. Lean GHD individuals (BMI ∼23 kg/m2) had decreased protein levels for stem cell factor and epithelial growth factor, indicating a possible defect in adipocyte differentiation and proliferation. Decrease of vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal cell-derived factor, angiopoietin-2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor advocated for attenuated angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Presence of obesity (BMI ∼31 kg/m2) eliminated these inhibitory effects. However, adipose tissue expansion in GHD individuals was paralleled by an elevation of adipose tissue proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, interferon-γ) and chemoattractants (interferon-inducible T cell α-chemoattractant, monocyte chemotactic protein-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-3, eotaxin).Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that GHD modulates adipokine and cytokine protein expression pattern, which might influence the adipose tissue growth and differentiation and predispose to tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and a defect in the whole-body insulin action.
Plasma Osteopontin Increases After Bariatric Surgery and Correlates with Markers of Bone Turnover But Not with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Riedl Michaela , Vila Greisa , Maier Christina , Handisurya Ammon , Shakeri-Manesch Soheila , Prager Gerhard , Wagner Oswald , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Ludvik Bernhard , Clodi Martin , Luger Anton 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Context: Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein involved in bone metabolism, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. OPN levels are elevated in the plasma and adipose tissue of obese subjects, and are decreased with diet-induced weight loss.
Objective: We investigated the effect of bariatric surgery on plasma OPN concentrations in morbidly obese patients.
Setting: The study was performed at a university hospital.
Subjects: We investigated 40 obese patients aged 43.1 ± 1.8 yr, scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was performed in 30 subjects (27 females, three males), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in 10 subjects (eight females, two males).
Study Design: All patients were studied before and 1 yr (10.3–14.8 months) after the intervention.
Main Outcome Measures: OPN, leptin, C-reactive protein, insulin, the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index, calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C telopeptide, and osteocalcin were determined.
Results: Both bariatric procedures significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, insulin, leptin, and C-reactive protein 1 yr after surgery. Plasma OPN increased from 31.4 ± 3.8 to 52.8 ± 3.7 ng/ml after RYGB (P &lt; 0.001) and from 29.8 ± 6.9 to 46.4 ± 10.6 ng/ml after LAGB (P = 0.042). Preoperative OPN correlated with age, insulin, the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index, and postoperative OPN. Postoperative OPN correlated with C telopeptide and osteocalcin.
Conclusions: One year after RYGB and LAGB, plasma OPN levels significantly increased and correlated with biomarkers of bone turnover. Unlike other proinflammatory cytokines, OPN does not normalize but increases further after bariatric surgery.
Effect of Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives on Metabolic Risk Factors in African-American Women
Authors: Frempong Barbara A. , Ricks Madia , Sen Sabyasachi , Sumner Anne E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Context: The effect of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use on cardiovascular risk in African-American women is unknown.
Objective: Our objective was to examine in African-American women the effect of OCP use on insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and triglycerides (TGs).
Design: This was a cross-sectional study.
Setting: The study was conducted at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Center.
Participants: A total of 104 healthy nondiabetic African-American women [21 OCP users, 83 controls, age mean ± sd, 34.7 ± 7.6 yr, body mass index (BMI) 31 ± 8.4 kg/m2] was included in the study.
Interventions: Subjects had oral glucose tolerance tests, insulin-modified frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance tests, and fasting lipid profiles. Insulin resistance was determined by the insulin sensitivity index (SI).
Main Outcome Measures: Insulin resistance, glucose tolerance status, and TG levels were determined.
Results: Fasting glucose did not differ between OCP users and controls (P = 0.27). In contrast, compared with controls, 2-h glucose (135 ± 23 vs.120 ± 25 mg/dl; P = 0.01) and fasting TGs (73 ± 31 vs.57 ± 27 mg/dl; P = 0.02) were higher in OCP users. OCP users tended to be more insulin resistant than controls (SI: 2.51 ± 2.01 vs. 3.46 ± 2.09; P = 0.09). Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI, age, and OCP use were significant determinants of 2-h glucose (adjusted R2 = 0.37; P &lt; 0.001) and TG levels (adjusted R2 = 0.21; P &lt; 0.001). As BMI was a determinant of both 2-h glucose and TGs, participants were divided into nonobese and obese groups, and the analyses repeated. Among the nonobese women, the OCP users were more insulin resistant (SI: 2.91 ± 1.58 vs. 4.35 ± 1.88; P = 0.03) and had a higher prevalence of glucose intolerance than controls (odds ratio 5.7; 95% confidence interval 1.4–24; P = 0.01).
Conclusion: In African-American women, OCP use is associated with an increase in markers of cardiovascular risk manifested by increased insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and elevated TGs.
Effectiveness of endovenous laser treatment in eliminating superficial venous reflux
Authors: Elmore F A , Lackey D 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe a protocol for endovenous laser treatment that is highly effective, has no significant complications, and is well accepted by patients. This is the first published report that designates complete absence of the treated vein as the definition of a successful endovenous laser treatment. Methods A retrospective review of 516 endovenous laser treatments performed by a single physician in private medical practice over a 69-month period. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 65 months. All treatments were performed utilizing 810 nm laser energy (Diomed, Inc.). Periodic duplex ultrasound examinations were performed until the treated vein was absent. Surveys were done to assess post treatment pain and to evaluate the effect of treatment on quality of life. Results The described protocol for endovenous laser treatment has successfully eliminated 98.1% of 516 treated veins with a single laser treatment. Additionally, in the last 386 treated veins when increased energy levels were utilized, the success rate was 99.7%. There were no significant complications. Patient satisfaction with the procedure is extremely high. Conclusions Endovenous laser treatment is a highly effective procedure for eliminating superficial venous reflux in varicose veins selected for treatment when sufficient 810 nm (Diomed, Inc.) laser energy is utilized.