bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masking Disrupts Reentrant Processing in Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Fahrenfort J. J. , Scholte H. S. , Lamme V. A. F. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn masking, a stimulus is rendered invisible through the presentation of a second stimulus shortly after the first. Over the years, authors have typically explained masking by postulating some early disruption process. In these feedforward-type explanations, the mask somehow “catches up” with the target stimulus, disrupting its processing either through lateral or interchannel inhibition. However, studies from recent years indicate that visual perception—and most notably visual awareness itself—may depend strongly on cortico-cortical feedback connections from higher to lower visual areas. This has led some researchers to propose that masking derives its effectiveness from selectively interrupting these reentrant processes. In this experiment, we used electroencephalogram measurements to determine what happens in the human visual cortex during detection of a texture-defined square under nonmasked (seen) and masked (unseen) conditions. Electro-encephalogram derivatives that are typically associated with reentrant processing turn out to be absent in the masked condition. Moreover, extrastriate visual areas are still activated early on by both seen and unseen stimuli, as shown by scalp surface Laplacian current source-density maps. This conclusively shows that feedforward processing is preserved, even when subject performance is at chance as determined by objective measures. From these results, we conclude that masking derives its effectiveness, at least partly, from disrupting reentrant processing, thereby interfering with the neural mechanisms of figure-ground segmentation and visual awareness itself.
Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS): Cross-sectional MRI Data in Young, Middle Aged, Nondemented, and Demented Older Adults
Authors: Marcus Daniel S. , Wang Tracy H. , Parker Jamie , Csernansky John G. , Morris John C. , Buckner Randy L. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The Open Access Series of Imaging Studies is a series of magnetic resonance imaging data sets that is publicly available for study and analysis. The initial data set consists of a cross-sectional collection of 416 subjects aged 18 to 96 years. One hundred of the included subjects older than 60 years have been clinically diagnosed with very mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The subjects are all right-handed and include both men and women. For each subject, three or four individual T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained in single imaging sessions are included. Multiple within-session acquisitions provide extremely high contrast-to-noise ratio, making the data amenable to a wide range of analytic approaches including automated computational analysis. Additionally, a reliability data set is included containing 20 subjects without dementia imaged on a subsequent visit within 90 days of their initial session. Automated calculation of whole-brain volume and estimated total intracranial volume are presented to demonstrate use of the data for measuring differences associated with normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Social Regulation of Affective Experience of Humor
Authors: Goel Vinod , Dolan Raymond J. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The element of surprise, a necessary condition for the experience of humor, often derives from the fact that the alternative interpretation/resolution offered by the punch line of a joke is physically or socially forbidden. Children's humor typifies violation of physical norms, whereas adult humor typically pushes the boundaries of social norms. Excess norm violation, to the point of offending, can attenuate the experience of humor/mirth. To examine the neural basis of regulation of affective experience of humor by social norms, we scanned 16 normal subjects while they viewed a series of cartoons that varied in funniness and social acceptability. Behavioral results indicated two separate groups of subjects, those who found the cartoons less offensive and those who found them more offensive. In the group that found the jokes more offensive, there was a negative correlation between funniness and social inappropriateness. In this group, the corresponding Humor by Social inappropriateness interaction during functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed enhanced activation in the right hippocampus along with relative deactivation in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). By contrast, the Funniness by Social appropriateness interaction resulted in activation in the VMPFC and relative deactivation in the right hippocampus. These results suggest that the regulation of humor by social norms involves reciprocal response patterns between VMPFC and hippocampus regions implicated in contextual regulation of behavior and memory, respectively.
Caspase-cleaved HPK1 induces CD95L-independent activation-induced cell death in T and B lymphocytes
Authors: Brenner Dirk , Golks Alexander , Becker Mareike , Müller Wolfgang , Frey Christian R. , Novak Rostislav , Melamed Doron , Kiefer Friedemann , Krammer Peter H. , Arnold Rüdiger 
Published: August 2007

AbstractLife and death of peripheral lymphocytes is strictly controlled to maintain physiologic levels of T and B cells. Activation-induced cell death (AICD) is one mechanism to delete superfluous lymphocytes by restimulation of their immunoreceptors and it depends partially on the CD95/CD95L system. Recently, we have shown that hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) determines T-cell fate. While full-length HPK1 is essential for NF-κB activation in T cells, the C-terminal fragment of HPK1, HPK1-C, suppresses NF-κB and sensitizes toward AICD by a yet undefined cell death pathway. Here we show that upon IL-2–driven expansion of primary T cells, HPK1 is converted to HPK1-C by a caspase-3 activity below the threshold of apoptosis induction. HPK1-C se-lectively blocks induction of NF-κB–dependent antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members but not of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim. Interestingly, T and B lymphocytes from HPK1-C transgenic mice undergo AICD independently of the CD95/CD95L system but involving caspase-9. Knock down of HPK1/HPK1-C or Bim by small interfering RNA shows that CD95L-dependent and HPK1/HPK1-C–dependent cell death pathways complement each other in AICD of primary T cells. Our results define HPK1-C as a suppressor of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and provide a molecular basis for our understanding of CD95L-independent AICD of lymphocytes.
Improve protective efficacy of a TB DNA-HSP65 vaccine by BCG priming
Authors: Gonçalves Eduardo DC , Bonato Vânia Luiza D , da Fonseca Denise M , Soares Edson G , Brandão Izaíra T , Soares Ana Paula M , Silva Célio L 
Published: August 2007

AbstractVaccines are considered by many to be one of the most successful medical interventions against infectious diseases. But many significant obstacles remain, such as optimizing DNA vaccines for use in humans or large animals. The amount of doses, route and easiness of administration are also important points to consider in the design of new DNA vaccines. Heterologous prime-boost regimens probably represent the best hope for an improved DNA vaccine strategy. In this study, we have shown that heterologous prime-boost vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) using intranasal BCG priming/DNA-HSP65 boosting (BCGin/DNA) provided significantly greater protection than that afforded by a single subcutaneous or intranasal dose of BCG. In addition, BCGin/DNA immunization was also more efficient in controlling bacterial loads than were the other prime-boost schedules evaluated or three doses of DNA-HSP65 as a naked DNA. The single dose of DNA-HSP65 booster enhanced the immunogenicity of a single subcutaneous BCG vaccination, as evidenced by the significantly higher serum levels of anti-Hsp65 IgG2a Th1-induced antibodies, as well as by the significantly greater production of IFN-γ by antigen-specific spleen cells. The BCG prime/DNA-HSP65 booster was also associated with better preservation of lung parenchyma.The improvement of the protective effect of BCG vaccine mediated by a DNA-HSP65 booster suggests that our strategy may hold promise as a safe and effective vaccine against TB.
Isokinetic eccentric exercise can induce skeletal muscle injury within the physiologic excursion of muscle-tendon unit: a rabbit model
Authors: Tsuang Yang-Hwei , Lam Shui-Ling , Wu Lien-Chen , Chiang Chang-Jung , Chen Li-Ting , Chen Pei-Yu , Sun Jui-Sheng , Wang Chien-Che 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background and Purpose
Intensive eccentric exercise can cause muscle damage. We simulated an animal model of isokinetic eccentric exercise by repetitively stretching stimulated triceps surae muscle-tendon units to determine if such exercise affects the mechanical properties of the unit within its physiologic excursion.

Methods
Biomechanical parameters of the muscle-tendon unit were monitored during isokinetic eccentric loading in 12 rabbits. In each animal, one limb (control group) was stretched until failure. The other limb (study group) was first subjected to isokinetic and eccentric cyclic loading at the rate of 10.0 cm/min to 112% (group I) or 120% (group II) of its initial length for 1 hour and then stretched to failure. Load-deformation curves and biomechanical parameters were compared between the study and control groups.

Results
When the muscle-tendon unit received eccentric cyclic loading to 112%, changes in all biomechanical parameters – except for the slope of the load-deformation curve – were not significant. In contrast, most parameters, including the slope of the load-deformation curve, peak load, deformation at peak load, total energy absorption, and energy absorption before peak load, significantly decreased after isokinetic eccentric cyclic loading to 120%.

Conclusion
We found a threshold for eccentrically induced injury of the rabbit triceps surae muscle at between 12% and 20% strain, which is within the physiologic excursion of the muscle-tendon units. Our study provided evidence that eccentric exercise may induce changes in the biomechanical properties of skeletal muscles, even within the physiologic range of the excursion of the muscle-tendon unit.
Androgens and Glucuronidated Androgen Metabolites Are Associated with Metabolic Risk Factors in Men
Authors: Vandenput Liesbeth , Mellström Dan , Lorentzon Mattias , Swanson Charlotte , Karlsson Magnus K. , Brandberg John , Lönn Lars , Orwoll Eric , Smith Ulf , Labrie Fernand , Ljunggren Östen , Tivesten Åsa , Ohlsson Claes 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Context: Androgens are associated with metabolic risk factors in men. However, the independent impact of androgens and androgen metabolites on metabolic risk factors in men is unclear.
Objective: Our objective was to determine the predictive value of serum levels of androgens and glucuronidated androgen metabolites for metabolic risk factors.
Design and Study Subjects: We conducted a population-based study of two Swedish cohorts (1068 young adult and 1001 elderly men).
Main Outcome Measures: We measured correlation of serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), and glucuronidated androgen metabolites with fat mass, fat distribution, serum lipids, and insulin resistance.
Results: Both DHT and T were negatively associated with different measures of fat mass in both cohorts (P &lt; 0.001). Further statistical analysis indicated that DHT, but not T, was independently negatively associated with different measures of fat mass and insulin resistance (P &lt; 0.001). The glucuronidated androgen metabolite androstane-3α,17β-diol-17glucuronide (17G) was independently positively associated with fat mass (P &lt; 0.001). Most importantly, the 17G to DHT ratio was strongly correlated, not only with fat mass but also with central fat distribution, intrahepatic fat, disturbed lipid profile, insulin resistance, and diabetes, explaining a substantial part of the total variance in total body fat (12% in young adult men, 15% in elderly men), the homeostasis model assessment index (10%), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (7%).
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that 17-glucuronidation of the DHT metabolite androstane-3α,17β-diol is strongly associated with several metabolic risk factors in men. Future longitudinal studies are required to determine the possible impact of the 17G to DHT ratio as a metabolic risk factor in men.
Partnerships and the role of financial advisors: private control over public policy?
Authors: Shaoul Jean , Stafford Anne , Stapleton Pamela 
Published: August 2007

English
This article shows how the use of private sector advisors, predominantly from the Big Four accounting firms, to develop and manage the government's Public–Private Partnerships policy, has led to the privatisation of policy formulation and implementation. Financial advisors develop the policy and appraisal procedures, appraise individual projects, and advise both public and private sector clients. In some cases, the firms also have an equity stake and/or are key subcontractors. They prepare evaluative reports on the same policies in which they have a vested interest. Such conflicts of interest raise questions about who controls policy and the implications for democracy.
Differential ability and attainment in language and arithmetic of Dutch primary school pupils
Authors: Mooij Ton , Driessen Geert 
Published: August 2007

Background. In preschool and primary education, pupils differ in many abilities and competences (giftedness). Yet mainstream educational practice seems rather homogeneous in providing age‐based or grade–class subject matter approaches.Aims. To clarify whether pupils scoring initially at high ability level do develop and attain differently at school with respect to language and arithmetic compared with those displaying other initial ability levels. To investigate whether specific individual, family, or educational variables covary with the attainment of these different types of pupils in school.Samples. Data from the large‐scale PRIMA cohort study including a total of 8,258 Grades 2 and 4 pupils from 438 primary schools in The Netherlands.Methods. Secondary analyses were carried out to construct gain scores for both language and arithmetic proficiency and a number of behavioural, attitudinal, family, and educational characteristics. The pupils were grouped into four different ability categories (highly able, able, above average, average or below average). Further analyses used Pearson correlations and analyses of variance both between‐ and within‐ability categories. Cross‐validation was done by introducing a cohort of younger pupils in preschool and grouping both cohorts into decile groups based on initial ability in language and arithmetic.Results. Highly able pupils generally decreased in attainment in both language and arithmetic, whereas pupils in average and below‐average groups improved their language and arithmetic scores. Only with highly able pupils were some educational characteristics correlated with the pupils' development in achievement, behaviour, and attitudes.Conclusions. Preschool and primary education should better match pupils' differences in abilities and competences from their start in preschool to improve their functioning, learning processes, and outcomes. Recommendations for educational improvement strategies are presented at the end of the article.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG SHRUB ENCROACHMENT, LAND MANAGEMENT, AND LITTER DECOMPOSITION IN A SEMIDESERT GRASSLAND
Authors: Throop Heather L. , Archer Steven R. 
Published: August 2007

Encroachment of woody plants into grasslands, and subsequent brush management, are among the most prominent changes to occur in arid and semiarid systems over the past century. Despite the resulting widespread changes in landcover, substantial uncertainty about the biogeochemical impacts of woody proliferation and brush management exists. We explored the role of shrub encroachment and brush management on leaf litter decomposition in a semidesert grassland where velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) abundance has increased over the past 100 years. This change in physiognomy may affect decomposition directly, through altered litter quality or quantity, and indirectly through altered canopy structure. To assess the direct and indirect impacts of shrubs on decomposition, we quantified changes in mass, nitrogen, and carbon in litterbags deployed under mesquite canopies and in intercanopy zones. Litterbags contained foliage from mesquite and Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana), a widespread, nonnative grass in southern Arizona. To explore short‐ and long‐term influences of brush management on the initial stages of decomposition, litterbags were deployed at sites where mesquite canopies were removed three weeks, 45 years, or 70 years prior to study initiation.Mesquite litter decomposed more rapidly than lovegrass, but negative indirect influences of mesquite canopies counteracted positive direct effects. Decomposition was positively correlated with soil infiltration into litterbags, which varied with microsite placement, and was lowest under canopies. Low under‐canopy decomposition was ostensibly due to decreased soil movement associated with high under‐canopy herbaceous biomass. Decomposition rates where canopies were removed three weeks prior to study initiation were comparable to those beneath intact canopies, suggesting that decomposition was driven by mesquite legacy effects on herbaceous cover‐soil movement linkages. Decomposition rates where shrubs were removed 45 and 70 years prior to study initiation were comparable to intercanopy rates, suggesting that legacy effects persist less than 45 years.Accurate decomposition modeling has proved challenging in arid and semiarid systems but is critical to understanding biogeochemical responses to woody encroachment and brush management. Predicting brush‐management effects on decomposition will require information on shrub–grass interactions and herbaceous biomass influences on soil movement at decadal timescales. Inclusion of microsite factors controlling soil accumulation on litter would improve the predictive capability of decomposition models.
The Cost-Effectiveness of the Management of Acute Sinusitis
Authors: Anzai Yoshimi , Jarvik Jeffrey G. , Sullivan Sean D. , Hollingworth William 
Published: August 2007

Background Sinusitis is a common medical disease with a tremendous economic impact on health care. Our objective was to determine the most cost-effective strategy for the management of acute sinusitis from the societal and payers’ perspectives. Methods A Markov disease simulation model was used for comparing four treatment strategies: (1) no antibiotic (Abx), (2) empiric Abx, (3) CT-based Abx, and (4) clinical guideline-based Abx. Results Empiric Abx treatment was the most cost-effective from the societal perspective. Clinical guideline-based treatment was the most cost-effective strategy from the payers’ perspective ($38,515/quality-adjusted life year). Cost and effectiveness of Abx, time lost from work, and prevalence of acute bacterial sinusitis are influential variables. Conclusion Empiric Abx treatment is a cost-effective strategy from the short-term societal perspective. However, Abx resistance will lead to increased costs and reduced efficacy of this strategy in the long-term. Clinical guidelines provide a low-cost method of targeting therapy.
Stentgraft-Implantation for Treatment of Internal Carotid Artery Injury during Endonasal Sinus Surgery
Authors: Lippert Burkard M. , Ringel Kurt , Stoeter Peter , Hey Otto , Mann Wolf J. 
Published: August 2007

Background Damage of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is very rare but can be a dramatic complication of endonasal sinus surgery. In the literature only a few cases are reported, some of them with fatal results. Methods We present two cases with massive bleeding of the ICA caused by endonasal sinus surgery. Results In both cases bleeding could be stopped sufficiently by implanting a stentgraft. Conclusion The lumen of the artery could be preserved and no neurological deficits were observed.
Comparison of Antileukotrienes and Antihistamines in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Ho Ching-Yin , Tan Ching-Ting 
Published: August 2007

Background The aim of this study was to compare the effect of antileukotriene (anti-LT), antihistamine, and a combination of anti-LT and antihistamine on the symptoms and nasal resistance in allergic rhinitis patients. Methods We performed a placebo-controlled study, with 120 persistent, moderate to severe allergic rhinitis patients randomly selected to receive the different treatments for 4 weeks: no treatment, 10 mg of cetirizine once per day, 20 mg of zafirlukast once per day, 20 mg of zafirlukast twice per day, a combination of 20 mg of zafirlukast and 10 mg of cetirizine once per day, or a combination of 20 mg of zafirlukast twice per day and 10 mg cetirizine once per day. The nasal secretion nitric oxide (NO) concentration, nasal symptom score, and nasal resistance were measured before and after treatment. Results Total symptom scores improved in each treated group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Nasal obstruction significantly improved in the anti-LT-treated groups (p < 0.05). High-dose anti-LT or the combination of low-dose anti-LT and antihistamine significantly improved allergy symptoms compared with no treatment, low-dose anti-LT, or antihistamine alone (p < 0.05). Furthermore, anti-LT decreased NO concentration in nasal secretions (p < 0.05), regardless of the dose administered. Conclusion These results suggest that high-dose anti-LT alone or the combination of low-dose anti-LY and antihistamine can effectively treat allergic rhinitis.
Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide is Up-Regulated in the Eosinophilic Mucus Subgroup of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Ooi Eng Hooi , Wormald Peter-John , Carney A. Simon , James Craig Lloyd , Tan Lor Wai 
Published: August 2007

Background Eosinophilic mucus chronic rhinosinusitis (EMCRS) patients are a subgroup of CRS with a poorer prognosis due to frequent recurrences of disease. The cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) is an important innate defense peptide but its role in CRS is not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate CAMP mRNA and protein expression from EMCRS, CRS, and normal control patients. Methods Biopsy specimens of nasal mucosa and nasal polyps were taken from 59 CRS patients and 9 controls. CAMP mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunoassay, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results The expression of CAMP mRNA was significantly increased in EMCRS patients compared with CRS patients (p = 0.0004). By immunohistochemistry, expression of CAMP was localized to nasal epithelial, submucosal glands, and inflammatory subepithelial cells. Western blotting confirmed the presence of CAMP in EMCRS, CRS, and control patients. However, we did not detect statistically significant differences in the protein levels in tissue homogenates between EMCRS, CRS, and control patients. Conclusion This study shows expression of CAMP in nasal mucosa supporting its role in innate defenses against inhaled pathogens. Although CAMP mRNA was up-regulated in EMCRS patients, there were no statistically significant differences in protein levels in the nasal mucosa of EMCRS compared with CRS patients and controls.