bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
[Nε‐(γ‐glutamyl) lysine] as a potential biomarker in neurological diseases : New detection method and fragmentation pathways
Authors: Hoffner Guylaine , Hoppilliard Yannik , van der Rest Guillaume , Dansette Patrick , Djian Philippe , Ohanessian Gilles 
Published: December 2007

AbstractProtein aggregates are characteristic of a number of diseases of the central nervous system such as diseases of polyQ expansion. Covalent bonds formed by the action of transglutaminase are thought to participate in the stabilization of these aggregates. Transglutaminase catalyzes the formation of cross‐links between the side chains of glutaminyl and lysyl residues of polypeptides. Identification of the isodipeptide Nε‐(γ‐glutamyl) lysine (iEK) in terminal proteolytic digests of neuronal aggregates would demonstrate participation of transglutaminase in neurological diseases. In order to identify and quantify the iEK present in the brain of patients with neurological disease, a method combining liquid chromatography and multistep mass spectrometry was developed. Because isobaric peptides of iEK could be present in the digest of aggregated proteins, the choice of fragment diagnostic ions was crucial. These ions were identified by mass spectrometry on sodiated iEK, which was derivatized on the carboxylic functions and terminal amines in order to improve sensitivity. Deuterated molecules as well as 13C6‐ and 15N2‐isotopomers were used to derive filiations in the multistep fragmentations. The main fragmentation patterns have been identified, so that two ions (m/z 396 [MH − 56–42 u]+ and 350 [MH − 56–88 u]+) are shown to be adequate markers for quantitation experiments. In order to gain a better understanding of the fragmentation processes, detailed quantum chemical calculations have been performed at levels which are expected to provide good accuracy. A thorough study has been carried out with a reduced model in which only the ‘active’ part of the molecule is retained. This allowed obtaining full mechanistic details on the pathways leading to a number of observed fragments. In particular, it has been shown that losses of 87 and 88 u from A+ = [MH − 56 u]+ are competitive. Computations on the entire derivatized isodipeptide have been used to validate the use of the smaller model in order to obtain reliable energetics and mechanisms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete particle simulations of solids compaction and conveying in a single‐screw extruder
Authors: Moysey P.A. , Thompson M.R. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis paper studies granular flow and compaction behavior of high‐density polyethylene by discrete particle modeling in order to gain greater understanding of the stress distribution within the solids‐conveying zone of a single‐screw extruder. The contact force–displacement model used in the simulations was first validated by simulating uniaxial compression in a batch compaction cell. Subsequently, the discrete particle approach was used to model in 3D the movement of particles within the solids‐inflow and solids‐conveying zone of a 32‐mm single‐screw extruder. Results of the simulations showed that axial pressure development did not increase in an exponential manner, as suggested by continuum models, largely due to the compressibility of the solids. The nature by which pressure developed was shown to be further complicated by the retarding frictional forces of the granular bed, indicating Archimedean transport phenomena close to the feed opening when the head pressure was low and inadequate stress transmission occurred along the screw. In the cross‐channel direction, the anisotropic stress field predicted found that the highest pressure in the screw channel was located at the screw root, while the lowest pressure corresponded to the retreating flight. The results were subsequently discussed in comparison to available continuum models. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:62–73, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Lepidium sativum L. on renal glucose reabsorption and urinary TGF‐β1 levels in diabetic rats
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Maghrani Mhamed 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism underlying the hypoglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract perfusion of Lepidium sativum L. (LS) in normal and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. The aqueous LS extract was administered intravenously and the blood glucose levels were determined within 4 h of treatment. Plasma insulin concentrations and glycosuria were determined. The 24 h urinary transforming growth factor‐β1 (ELISA) was evaluated in diabetic and control rats 15 days after oral treatment with the aqueous LS extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg.The study showed that LS at a dose of 10 mg/kg/h reduced blood glucose levels both in normal and diabetic rats (p < 0.001). At the same time as a potent increase of glycosuria was observed both in normal and diabetic rats (p < 0.001). In addition, oral administration of LS for 15 days normalized glycaemia (p < 0.001), enhanced glycosuria (p < 0.05 vs diabetic control) and decreased the amount of urinary TGF‐β1 (p < 0.01) in diabetic rats.It is concluded that the aqueous LS extract caused a potent inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption which in turn reduced blood sugar. This renal effect is at least one mechanism explaining the observed hypoglycaemic activity of this plant in normal and diabetic rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A likelihood‐based method for real‐time estimation of the serial interval and reproductive number of an epidemic
Authors: Forsberg White L. , Pagano M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe present a method for the simultaneous estimation of the basic reproductive number, R0, and the serial interval for infectious disease epidemics, using readily available surveillance data. These estimates can be obtained in real time to inform an appropriate public health response to the outbreak. We show how this methodology, in its most simple case, is related to a branching process and describe similarities between the two that allow us to draw parallels which enable us to understand some of the theoretical properties of our estimators. We provide simulation results that illustrate the efficacy of the method for estimating R0 and the serial interval in real time. Finally, we implement our proposed method with data from three infectious disease outbreaks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive value of angiogenic factors and uterine artery Doppler for early‐ versus late‐onset pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Crispi F. , Llurba E. , Domínguez C. , Martín‐Gallán P. , Cabero L. , Gratacós E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate potential differences in the prediction of early‐ vs. late‐onset pre‐eclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction (PE/IUGR) by second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler examination, and measurement of maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1).MethodsUterine artery mean pulsatility index (PI) and maternal serum PlGF and sFlt1 levels were measured at 24 weeks of gestation in 76 healthy pregnant women and 38 cases of PE/IUGR, of which 19 were defined as early onset (< 32 weeks).ResultsFor a specificity of 95%, the sensitivities of uterine artery mean PI, PlGF and sFlt1 for early‐onset PE/IUGR were 47.4%, 84.4% and 36.8%, respectively. When combining uterine artery Doppler with PlGF, the sensitivity for identifying early‐onset PE/IUGR was 89.5% with a specificity of 95%. Conversely, the sensitivity for late‐onset PE/IUGR was below 11% for all parameters analyzed.ConclusionsAngiogenic factors and uterine artery Doppler evaluation may be useful second‐trimester screening tests for early‐onset, but not late‐onset, PE/IUGR. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deficient lower‐segment Cesarean section scars: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Ofili‐Yebovi D. , Ben‐Nagi J. , Sawyer E. , Yazbek J. , Lee C. , Gonzalez J. , Jurkovic D. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the sonographic features of transverse lower‐segment uterine Cesarean section scars in non‐pregnant, premenopausal women and to identify factors associated with scar deficiency.MethodsNon‐pregnant, premenopausal women with histories of previous transverse lower‐segment Cesarean sections, who were referred for an ultrasound scan for a variety of gynecological indications, were included in this study. An attempt was made to identify the uterine scars on transvaginal ultrasound scan and to describe their locations and morphological features. Various demographic, clinical and ultrasound data were examined in order to identify factors associated with deficient scars. Deficient scars were defined as detectable myometrial thinning at the site of the Cesarean section scar.ResultsLower‐segment uterine scars were detected in 321/324 (99.1%; 95% CI, 98.0–100) women with a history of previous Cesarean section. Sixty‐three (19.4%; 95% CI, 15.1–23.8) women had evidence of deficient Cesarean scars. Using multivariate analysis, a history of multiple Cesarean sections, uterine retroflexion and the inability to visualize all Cesarean scars in women with previous multiple Cesarean sections were all shown to be significantly associated with deficient scars.ConclusionDeficient uterine scars are a frequent finding in women with a history of previous Cesarean section. The risk of scar deficiency is increased in women with a retroflexed uterus and in those who have undergone multiple Cesarean sections. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphine‐induced depression of spinal excitation is not altered following acute disruption of GABAA or GABAB receptor activity
Authors: Buesa Itsaso , Urrutia Andrés , Bilbao Juan , Aguilera Luciano , Zimmermann Manfred , Azkue Jon Jatsu 
Published: December 2007

AbstractLoss of spinal inhibitory mechanisms is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of abnormal pain states, including neuropathic pain. By using an evoked spinal field potential technique, the hypothesis was tested here that decreased spinal GABAergic control underlies poor response to morphine (MOR) that often accompanies neuropathic pain. Therefore, field potentials evoked by electrical peripheral nerve stimulation during spinal superfusion with MOR were recorded in rats rendered neuropathic by a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) procedure, and compared to responses recorded in naïve rats. MOR effects on evoked field potentials were then assessed in rats in which spinal GABAergic inhibition had been acutely reduced by treatment with GABAA and GABAB receptor‐antagonists.In naïve animals, field potentials evoked by peripheral C fibre‐input were significantly decreased by spinal superfusion with 1μM MOR, whereas those elicited by Aδ fibre input were reduced to a lesser extent also (10μM, p<0.05). Nine to eleven days after surgery, animals subjected to SNL exhibited significantly reduced thresholds to plantar stimulation with von Frey filaments. In electrophysiological experiments, a small but significant decrease of the IC50 value (2.17±0.38μM) for MOR was found in rats subjected to SNL, relative to naïve rats (8.65±0.76μM). In contrast, MOR failed to reduce field potentials evoked by peripheral Aδ fibre‐activation at any dose tested (up to 1mM).C fibre‐ and Aδ fibre‐evoked spinal field potentials disinhibited by prior application of the GABAB or GABAA receptor‐antagonists CGP35348 (1mM) or bicuculline (50μM), respectively, were both significantly reduced by MOR, with IC50 values not significantly differing from those in naïve animals. Two‐way analysis of variance revealed no interaction of MOR with either CGP354348 (p=0.42) or BIC (p=0.14).Evidence is presented here that injury to the primary afferent system results in significant changes in the ability of spinal MOR to depress field potentials evoked by peripheral input. However, the present findings do not support a pathogenic role for decreased GABAergic inhibition in such changes.
Is the duration of untreated psychosis temporally stable?
Authors: Jackson Deirdre , Lawoyin Richard , Gaynor Keith , Clarke Mary , Browne Stephen , Renwick Laoise , Sutton Marie , Turner Niall , Kinsella Anthony , Waddington John L. , Larkin Conall , O'Callaghan Eadbhard 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAlthough there is some evidence that duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is geographically stable, few have examined whether the phenomenon is temporally stable. We examined DUP in two cohorts within two discrete time periods (1995–1999 and 2003–2005) spanning a decade in the same geographically defined community psychiatric service with no early intervention programme. Patients were diagnosed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID) and we determined the DUP using the Beiser Scale. The DUP of the 240 participants did not differ significantly between study periods.
Knockdown of the L3/Lhx8 gene suppresses cholinergic differentiation of murine embryonic stem cell‐derived spheres
Authors: Manabe Takayuki , Tatsumi Kouko , Inoue Masahide , Matsuyoshi Hiroko , Makinodan Manabu , Yamauchi Takahira , Makinodan Eri , Yokoyama Shohei , Sakumura Ryoko , Okuda Hiroaki , Wanaka Akio 
Published: December 2007

AbstractL3/Lhx8, a member of the Lim‐homeobox gene family, is selectively and specifically expressed in the murine embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE). Our previous study demonstrated that L3/Lhx8‐deficient mice specifically lack cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. In this manuscript, we report the in vitro effects of reduced L3/Lhx8 gene expression on cholinergic differentiation in murine embryonic stem (ES) cell‐derived spheres without dissociation. The knockdown of L3/Lhx8 gene expression dramatically decreased the cholinergic phenotype of spheres without altering other known phenotypes (TuJ1, GABA and GFAP). These results strongly suggest that L3/Lhx8 is a key factor for cholinergic differentiation of murine ES cell‐derived spheres and is involved in basal forebrain development.
Polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, intakes of folate and related B vitamins and colorectal cancer: a case–control study in a population with relatively low folate intake
Authors: Sharp Linda , Little Julian , Brockton Nigel T. , Cotton Seonaidh C. , Masson Lindsey F. , Haites Neva E. , Cassidy Jim 
Published: December 2007

Folate is key in one-carbon metabolism, disruption of which can interfere with DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Efficient one-carbon metabolism requires other B vitamins and the optimal activity of enzymes including 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). We report a population-based case–control study of folate intake, related dietary factors andMTHFRpolymorphisms (C677T, A1298C) and colorectal cancer in a population with relatively high colorectal cancer incidence and relatively low folate intake. A total of 264 cases with histologically confirmed incident colorectal cancer and 408 controls participated. There was no clear trend in risk with reported intakes of total, or dietary, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12or vitamin B6, nor were there interactions between folate intake and the other B vitamins or alcohol. For C677T, risk decreased with increasing variant alleles (multivariate OR for CTv.CC = 0·77 (95 % CI 0·52, 1·16); OR for TTv.CC = 0·62 (95 % CI 0·31, 1·24)), which, although not statistically significant, was consistent with previous studies. For A1298C, compared with AA subjects, CC subjects had modest, non-significant, reduced risk (multivariate OR = 0·81 (95 % CI 0·45, 1·49)). There were significant interactions between total folate and C677T (P = 0·029) and A1298C (P = 0·025), and total vitamin B6and both polymorphisms (C677T,P = 0·016; A1298C,P = 0·033), although the patterns observed differed from previous studies. Seen against the setting of low folate intake, the results suggest that the role of folate metabolism in colorectal cancer aetiology may be more complex than previously thought. Investigation of particular folate vitamers (for example, tetrahydrofolate, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate) may help clarify carcinogenesis pathways.
Population-specific Mini Nutritional Assessment effectively predicts the nutritional state and follow-up mortality of institutionalized elderly Taiwanese regardless of cognitive status
Authors: Tsai Alan C. , Ku Pei-Yu 
Published: December 2007

The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a modified Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for assessing the nutritional status and predicting follow-up mortality of institutionalized elderly Taiwanese. The study was conducted in a large long-term care centre in central Taiwan. Trained interviewers assisted by the caregivers elicited sociodemographic data, healthcare and disease history, and answers to the MNA screen from each subject. One researcher performed all subjects' anthropometric measurements. Plasma albumin and cholesterol concentrations were determined. Results showed that the MNA without BMI, modified according to population-specific mid-arm circumference and calf circumference cut-points, effectively predicted the nutritional risk status of the elderly regardless of cognitive status. Substituting caregiver's assessments for self-viewed nutrition and health status (questions O and P of MNA) improved the predicting power of the tool in cognition-normal subjects. Results showed that 21·9 % of the elderly were malnourished, 59·2 % were at risk of malnutrition and 18·9 % were normal according to self-assessment whereas 14·2 % were malnourished, 59·2 % were at risk of malnutrition, and 26·6 % were normal according to caregiver's evaluation. The tool was also effective in predicting 12- and 6-month follow-up mortality in cognition-normal and cognition-impaired elderly, respectively. Results indicate that a population-specific MNA can effectively predict the nutritional status and 6-month follow-up mortality of elderly Taiwanese regardless of cognitive condition. Easier and wider application of the tool will enable early detection of emerging nutritional problems and timely intervention to prevent the development of severe malnutrition in the elderly.
Excitation of zonal flow by the modulational instability in electron temperature gradient driven turbulence
Authors: ZALIZNYAK Yu. A. , YAKIMENKO A. I. , LASHKIN V. M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe generation of large-scale zonal flows by small-scale electrostatic drift waves in electron temperature gradient driven turbulence model is considered. The generation mechanism is based on the modulational instability of a finite amplitude monochromatic drift wave. The threshold and growth rate of the instability as well as the optimal spatial scale of zonal flow are obtained.
Opium and the Company: Maritime Trade and Imperial Finances on Java, 1684–1796
Authors: SOUZA GEORGE BRYAN 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWhile trade in opium was of limited financial significance in the eighteenth century to the larger accounts of the Dutch East India Company as a whole, this article shows its critical importance to the Company's comptoir accounts at Batavia. The article examines the VOC's commercial operations at Batavia in the eighteenth century and places opium trade and opium revenues within that larger context. It examines how the trade in Bengal opium through Batavia changed over time, based on a statistical analysis of the Company's accounts. These results show that opium dwarfed all other individual or groups of commodities that were available to the Company to sell profitably on Java and in the Indonesian Archipelago over the long eighteenth century.
Distribution, status and conservation of the bats of the Fiji Islands
Authors: Palmeirim Jorge M. , Champion Alan , Naikatini Alifereti , Niukula Jone , Tuiwawa Marika , Fisher Martin , Yabaki-Gounder Mere , Thorsteinsdóttir Sólveig , Qalovaki Stanley , Dunn Thomas 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe poorly studied bat fauna of the Fiji Islands is of notable conservation importance because it includes one endemic species, several near endemics, and the best global populations of several threatened species. In addition, some of the species play a keystone role as pollinators and seed dispersers in valuable forest ecosystems. We visited 30 islands of the archipelago to survey bats and assess their conservation status and the potential threats to their continued existence. The VulnerableNotopteris macdonaldioccurs on the three main islands but may only have nurseries on one of them. The Critically Endangered, endemicMirimiri acrodontaappears to be restricted to a small montane area on a single island.Pteropus tonganusis consumed throughout rural Fiji but remains common and is not currently threatened by the harvest. The Near ThreatenedPteropus samoensisis locally common on the largest islands but threatened on some smaller islands. The EndangeredChaerephon bregullaeexists only on two islands and appears to concentrate in a single large colony to nurse young. The EndangeredEmballonura semicaudatahas declined dramatically in Fiji, as across most of its range, although a few substantial populations remain on some small islands. Factors threatening these species are variable but include small ranges, concentration in a reduced number of colonies, deforestation, over-harvesting, and introduced predators. We propose conservation measures and indicate a number of priority sites.
How many tigers Panthera tigris are there in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand? An estimate using photographic capture-recapture sampling
Authors: Simcharoen Saksit , Pattanavibool Anak , Karanth K. Ullas , Nichols James D. , Kumar N. Samba 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe used capture-recapture analyses to estimate the density of a tiger Panthera tigris population in the tropical forests of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand, from photographic capture histories of 15 distinct individuals. The closure test results (z = 0.39, P = 0.65) provided some evidence in support of the demographic closure assumption. Fit of eight plausible closed models to the data indicated more support for model Mh, which incorporates individual heterogeneity in capture probabilities. This model generated an average capture probability $\hat p$ = 0.42 and an abundance estimate of $\widehat{N}(\widehat{SE}[\widehat{N}])$ = 19 (9.65) tigers. The sampled area of $\widehat{A}(W)(\widehat{SE}[\widehat{A}(W)])$ = 477.2 (58.24) km2 yielded a density estimate of $\widehat{D}(\widehat{SE}[\widehat{D}])$ = 3.98 (0.51) tigers per 100 km2. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary could therefore hold 113 tigers and the entire Western Forest Complex c. 720 tigers. Although based on field protocols that constrained us to use sub-optimal analyses, this estimated tiger density is comparable to tiger densities in Indian reserves that support moderate prey abundances. However, tiger densities in well-protected Indian reserves with high prey abundances are three times higher. If given adequate protection we believe that the Western Forest Complex of Thailand could potentially harbour >2,000 wild tigers, highlighting its importance for global tiger conservation. The monitoring approaches we recommend here would be useful for managing this tiger population.