bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estrogen produced in cultured hippocampal neurons is a functional regulator of a GABAergic machinery
Authors: Ikeda Takamitsu , Matsuki Norio , Yamada Maki K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that estrogen is produced locally by the neurons in the brain. We observed that a 48‐hr treatment with the estrogen receptor antagonists ICI 182780 and tamoxifen decreased the level of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)‐65, a rate‐limiting γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐synthesizing enzyme, in a dissociated hippocampal neuronal culture. Aromatase is an essential enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis. Treatment with an aromatase inhibitor decreased the GAD 65 level, indicating that estrogen biogenesis functions to maintain the level of this enzyme for GABAergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, insofar as the effect of ICI 182780 was observed equivalently in the presence of either brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or BDNF‐receptor inhibitor K252a, estrogen probably regulates GAD level independently of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Thus, estrogen produced by neurons is considered to be an intrinsic regulatory factor for neuronal networks that maintain GABAergic neurotransmission. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Net present value: blame the workman not the tool
Authors: Connor Tom 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

The suggestion that use of the net present value (NPV) rule in major investment decisions induces illusions of certainty and encourages over‐confidence on the part of users is contested. In the event that poor decisions are made when the NPV rule has been used, it is argued here that the causes will be behavioural and competence‐centred rather than technique‐based.
The argument is advanced that the NPV rule is an important rational evaluation technique that provides astute and numerate managers and directors with important economic information and satisfies the demands of the investing community for a wealth creation‐based criterion for strategic decisions.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anti‐allergenic properties of milk kefir and soymilk kefir and their beneficial effects on the intestinal microflora
Authors: Liu Je‐Ruei , Wang Sheng‐Yao , Chen Ming‐Ju , Yueh Pei‐Ying , Lin Chin‐Wen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFood allergy is now recognized as a worldwide problem, and like other atopic disorders its incidence appears to be increasing. Kefir is reported to possess the ability to reduce intestinal permeation of food antigens; however, no experimental study has clearly evaluated the relationships between kefir consumption, allergen‐specific IgE response, and intestinal microflora. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral consumption of milk kefir and soymilk kefir on in vivo IgE and IgG1 production induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. The effects of kefir administration on the murine intestinal microflora were also examined. Oral administration of milk kefir and soymilk kefir for 28 days significantly increased the fecal populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, while it significantly decreased those of Clostridium perfringens. Milk kefir and soymilk kefir also significantly decreased the serum OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1 levels for both groups, but not those of the IgG2a analogues. Consumption of milk kefir and soymilk kefir suppressed the IgE and IgG1 responses and altered the intestinal microflora in our supplemented group, suggesting that milk kefir and soymilk kefir may be considered among the more promising food components in terms of preventing food allergy and enhancement of mucosal resistance to gastrointestinal pathogen infection. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical, biological and sensory evaluation of pasta products supplemented with α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours
Authors: Torres Alexia , Frias Juana , Granito Marisela , Guerra Marisa , Vidal‐Valverde Concepción 
Published: October 2006

Abstractα‐Galactoside‐free lupin flour has been used to supplement durum wheat semolina flour in order to increase the nutritive value of pasta products. Supplemented pasta products had a shorter cooking time, higher cooking water absorption, cooking loss and protein loss in water than control pasta prepared with only semolina. Sensory evaluation of cooked pastas showed that products supplemented with 80 g kg−1 of α‐galactoside‐free Lupinus angustifolius var. Emir flour or with 100 g kg−1 of α‐galactoside‐free Lupinus angustifolius var. Troll flour showed the same acceptability by panellists as the semolina pasta. These levels of supplementation were selected for further studies. The cooked α‐galactoside‐free lupin/semolina pastas showed higher amounts of protein, dietary fibre, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and antioxidant capacity than control pasta and a reasonable level of vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin E. Biological assessment of cooked pastas indicated that the true protein digestibility did not change after the fortification of semolina but protein efficiency ratio increased sharply in the pasta supplemented with α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours (2.07 and 1.92 for Emir and Troll lupin varieties, respectively) in comparison with the control pasta (1.11). It is concluded that the α‐galactoside‐free lupin flours are an adequate ingredient to improve the nutritional quality of pasta products without adding flatulent oligosaccharides. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of total mesorectal excision on local recurrence and survival in rectal cancer patients: A population‐based study in greater Amsterdam
Authors: Visser O. , Bakx R. , Zoetmulder F.A.N. , Levering C.C. , Meijer S. , Slors J.F.M. , van Lanschot J.J.B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo determine retrospectively in a population‐based setting, the influence of the introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) on local recurrence and survival in patients with rectal carcinoma.MethodsAll rectal carcinomas diagnosed during 1988–1991 (979 patients, conventional surgery with blunt dissection of the rectum) and 1998–2000 (890 patients, TME resection) were selected from the Amsterdam Cancer Registry. For all patients who underwent a macroscopically radical resection in the absence of distant dissemination, information on the occurrence of local recurrent disease and distant metastasis was collected.ResultsThe cumulative 5‐year recurrence rate decreased significantly from 20% for patients diagnosed in 1988–1991 to 11% in 1998–2000. Stage (T‐category, nodal status), period of diagnosis (conventional surgery vs. TME resection), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were independent variables of local recurrence in multivariate analysis. There was a non‐significant trend for improved 5‐year relative survival for all rectal carcinoma cases from 52% (95% CI 48–55) for patients diagnosed in 1988–1991 to 59% (95% CI 55–63) in 1998–2000.ConclusionsA significant decrease in local recurrence and a trend for improved relative survival were observed. The broad introduction of TME and the shift towards preoperative radiotherapy are the most plausible explanations for these observations. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007; 95: 447–454. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Segmenting mainland Chinese residents based on experience, intention and desire to visit Hong Kong
Authors: Hsu Cathy , Crotts John C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe general consensus among marketers is that the People's Republic of China will have an enormous impact on the world's economy. However, much of this discussion is centred on China's strength as a centre of manufacturing and exports. The increase in affluence in pockets of China's 1.3 billion residents has also been the focus of firms interested in this large and virtually untapped consumer market. However, relatively little attention has been given to this market as potential sources of tourists. The purpose of this study was to profile the important visitor segments from mainland China who had previously visited, had the intention to visit or desired to visit Hong Kong—a destination traditionally priced and positioned for Western markets. Based on a sample of 470 Chinese from three cities in the mainland, the distinctive characteristics of tourists who had previously visited Hong Kong and who had strong intentions or interest to visit in the future were identified. It is hoped that this information will help tourism marketing professionals not only gain insights as to the potential of China as a source of visitors, but also highlight a useful approach to the market segmentation process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swimming with dolphins: a phenomenological exploration of tourist recollections
Authors: Curtin Susanna 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOpportunities to swim with dolphins both in captivity and in the wild have recently proliferated. In order to understand the nature of the swim‐with‐dolphin experience, 14 respondents were selected to take part in a phenomenological study based on their recollections of the activity. The results discuss the physical attributes of the experience, the attraction of dolphins, the importance of making a connection either through eye contact or touch, prior conceptions of what it would be like and, finally, ‘animal sensitivities’ towards the nature of the performance. Cognitive dissonance and a heavily anthropomorphic virtual capital are present in nearly all respondents. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The design of single particle laser mass spectrometers
Authors: Murphy Daniel M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis review explores some of the design choices made with single particle mass spectrometers. Different instruments have used various configurations of inlets, particle sizing techniques, ionization lasers, mass spectrometers, and other components. Systematic bias against non‐spherical particles probably exceeds a factor of 2 for all instruments. An ionization laser tradeoff is the relatively poor beam quality and reliability of an excimer laser versus the longer wavelengths and slower response time of an Nd‐YAG laser. Single particle instruments can make special demands on the speed and dynamic range of the mass spectrometers. This review explains some of the choices made for instruments that were developed for different types of measurements in the atmosphere. Some practical design notes are also given from the author's experience with each section of the instrument. Published 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 26:150–165, 2007
Wilson's disease tremor is associated with magnetic resonance imaging lesions in basal ganglia structures
Authors: Südmeyer Martin , Saleh Andreas , Wojtecki Lars , Cohnen Mathias , Gross Joachim , Ploner Markus , Hefter Harald , Timmermann Lars , Schnitzler Alfons 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism yielding marked motor deficits, including a severely disabling tremor. As a structural correlate of the disease, a variety of cerebral abnormalities has been revealed. However, the relationship between motor deficits and cerebral lesions has remained largely unknown. Here, we investigated correlation between WD tremor and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Cerebral MRI abnormalities in 6 symptomatic WD patients were compared to findings in 6 asymptomatic WD patients and 10 healthy controls. All patients were treated with long‐term copper chelating therapy. Motor symptoms including tremor were determined by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS‐III). MRI findings in symptomatic WD patients revealed significant symmetric T2*‐weighted hypointense signal alterations of globus pallidus, head of the caudate nucleus, and substantia nigra. In contrast, MRI of asymptomatic WD patients did not differ from healthy controls. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between MRI basal ganglia lesions and UPDRS action tremor score. Our results demonstrate for the first time that Wilson's disease tremor is associated with lesions of the globus pallidus, the head of the caudate nucleus, and the substantia nigra. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Finite dimensional approximations for the electronic ground state solution of a molecular system
Authors: Zhou Aihui 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper, finite dimensional approximations for the electronic ground state solution of a molecular system are studied in the Thomas–Fermi–von Weizsäcker type setting. The convergence of the finite dimensional approximations obtained by a Galerkin discretization of the nonlinear eigenvalue equation is proved. In particular, several upper bounds of the approximation errors are established. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of sialic acid in bovine sperm–zona pellucida binding
Authors: Velásquez José Guillermo , Canovas Sebastián , Barajas Patricia , Marcos Julián , Jiménez‐Movilla María , Gallego Ricardo Gutiérrez , Ballesta José , Avilés Manuel , Coy Pilar 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSperm binding activity has been detected in zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins and it is generally accepted that this activity resides in the carbohydrate moieties. In the present study we aim to identify some of the specific carbohydrate molecules involved in the bovine sperm–ZP interaction. We performed sperm binding competition assays, in vitro fecundation (IVF) in combination with different lectins, antibodies and neuraminidase digestion, and chemical and cytochemical analysis of the bovine ZP. Both MAA lectin recognising α‐2,3‐linked sialic acid and neuraminidase from Salmonella typhimurium with catalytic activity for α‐2,3‐linked sialic acid, demonstrated a high inhibitory effect on the sperm–ZP binding and oocyte penetration. These results suggest that bovine sperm–ZP binding is mediated by α‐2,3‐linked sialic acid. Experiments with trisaccharides (sialyllactose, 3′‐sialyllactosamine and 6′‐sialyllactosamine) and glycoproteins (fetuin and asialofetuin) corroborated this and suggest that at least the sequence Neu5Ac(α2‐3)Gal(β1‐4)GlcNAc is involved in the sperm–ZP interaction. Moreover, these results indicate the presence of a sperm plasma membrane specific protein for the sialic acid. Chemical analysis revealed that bovine ZP glycoproteins contain mainly Neu5Ac (84.5%) and Neu5GC (15.5%). These two types of sialic acid residues are probably linked to Galβ1,4GlcNAc and GalNAc by α‐2,3‐ and α‐2,6‐linkages, respectively, as demonstrated by lectin cytochemical analysis. The use of a neuraminidase inhibitor resulted in an increased number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP and penetrating the oocyte. From this last result we hypothesize that a neuraminidase from cortical granules would probably participate in the block to polyspermy by removing sialic acid from the ZP. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 617–628, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simplified mesh‐free method for shear bands with cohesive surfaces
Authors: Rabczuk T. , Areias P. M. A. , Belytschko T. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA simple methodology to model shear bands as strong displacement discontinuities in a mesh‐free particle method is presented. The shear band is represented as a set of sheared particles. A sheared particle is developed through enrichment by tangential displacement discontinuities. The representation of the shear band as set of cohesive segments provides a simple and versatile model of shear bands. The loss of material stability is used as the criterion for switching from a classical continuum description of the constitutive behaviour to a traction‐separation law acting on the discontinuity surface. The method is implemented for two and three dimensions. Examples of shear band progression in rate‐dependent and rate‐independent materials are presented, including the Kalthoff problem, where the transition from brittle fracture to shear banding is studied. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic safety analysis of structures under hybrid uncertainty
Authors: Chakraborty Subrata , Sam Palash Chandra 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe probabilistic and the possibilistic methods of safety evaluation of structure under uncertain parameters have been developed independently. When the structural system is defined with some of the input parameters as possibilistic and others are sufficient enough to model as probabilistic, available literatures normally start with either probabilistic or possibilistic description of all the variables. This may pose restriction on necessary flexibility to the designer at early stage of modelling of the structural system. The primary objective of the present work is to critically examine various emerging methods of transformation of the possibilistic variables to equivalent probabilistic variables so that probabilistic safety evaluation approach becomes compatible with the nature and quality of the input data. Relying on the fundamental concept of equivalent transformations, i.e. the entropy based transformation and the scaling of fuzzy membership function, the reliability analysis is proposed in the framework of second moment format. In doing so, the bounds on the reliability indices based on the evidence theory are also obtained encompassing the first‐order reliability analysis for consistent comparison among alternative transformations. Finally, the reliability computation under hybrid uncertainty is elucidated numerically with examples for comparative study on the suitability of the transformation alternatives. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phonon heat bath approach for the atomistic and multiscale simulation of solids
Authors: Karpov E. G. , Park H. S. , Liu Wing Kam 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe present a novel approach to numerical modelling of the crystalline solid as a heat bath. The approach allows bringing together a small and a large crystalline domain, and model accurately the resultant interface, using harmonic assumptions for the larger domain, which is excluded from the explicit model and viewed only as a hypothetic heat bath. Such an interface is non‐reflective for the elastic waves, as well as providing thermostatting conditions for the small domain. The small domain can be modelled with a standard molecular dynamics approach, and its interior may accommodate arbitrary non‐linearities. The formulation involves a normal decomposition for the random thermal motion term R(t) in the generalized Langevin equation for solid–solid interfaces. Heat bath temperature serves as a parameter for the distribution of the normal mode amplitudes found from the Gibbs canonical distribution for the phonon gas. Spectral properties of the normal modes (polarization vectors and normal frequencies) are derived from the interatomic potential. Approach results in a physically motivated random force term R(t) derived consistently to represent the correlated thermal motion of lattice atoms. We describe the method in detail, and demonstrate applications to one‐ and two‐dimensional lattice structures. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal design of skeletal structures using ant colony optimization
Authors: Kaveh A. , Shojaee S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this article, the ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is employed for optimal design of skeletal structures. The advantage of using ACO lies in the fact that the discrete spaces can be optimized in a simple manner. The results of the present method are compared to those of the other optimization algorithms for some classic examples from the literature. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic knowledge of human aquaporins
Authors: Magni Fulvio , Sarto Cecilia , Ticozzi Davide , Soldi Monica , Bosso Niccolò , Mocarelli Paolo , Kienle Marzia Galli 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAquaporins (AQPs) are an ubiquitous family of proteins characterized by sequence similarity and the presence of two NPA (Asp‐Pro‐Ala) motifs. At present, 13 human AQPs are known and they are divided into two subgroups according to their ability to transport only water molecules (AQP0, AQP1, AQP2, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, and AQP8), or also glycerol and other small solutes (AQP3, AQP7, AQP9, AQP10, AQP12). The genomic, structural, and functional aspects of this family are briefly described. In particular, proteomic approaches to identify and characterize the most studied AQPs, mainly through SDS‐PAGE followed by MS analysis, are discussed. Moreover, the clinical importance of the best studied aquaporin (AQP1) in human diseases is also provided.
Apoptosis induction and growth suppression by U19/Eaf2 is mediated through its ELL‐binding domain
Authors: Hahn Junghyun , Xiao Wuhan , Jiang Feng , Simone Federico , Thirman Michael J. , Wang Zhou 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDU19/Eaf2 is an androgen‐response gene and its downregulation is frequently observed in advanced human prostate cancer. U19/Eaf2 interacts with ELL, a fusion partner of MLL in the (11;19) (q23;p13.1) translocation in acute myeloid leukemia. U19/Eaf2 overexpression induces apoptosis and suppresses xenograft tumor growth.METHODSTransfection and colony formation were used to assay for apoptosis and growth suppression of various U19/Eaf2 mutants. Co‐immunoprecipitation was performed to test the interaction between the U19/Eaf2 constructs and ELL.RESULTSThe region of U19/Eaf2 essential for apoptosis and growth suppression was mapped to amino acids 68–113. This region was necessary and sufficient for binding ELL. Co‐expression of U19/Eaf2 and ELL in 293 cells lead to significant increase in cell death and growth suppression.CONCLUSIONSThese observations argue that the interaction with ELL is essential for the induction of apoptosis and growth suppression by U19/Eaf2. Prostate © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist as an angiogenic inhibitor in prostate cancer
Authors: Kosaka Takeo , Miyajima Akira , Takayama Eiji , Kikuchi Eiji , Nakashima Jun , Ohigashi Takashi , Asano Tomohiko , Sakamoto Michiie , Okita Hajime , Murai Masaru , Hayakawa Masamichi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDAngiotensin II (AII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonists are used widely as antihypertensive agents, and long‐term AT1R blockade may have a protective effect against cancer. We previously demonstrated that specific AT1R blockade with candesartan, an AT1R antagonist, inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and dramatically decreased lung metastasis of renal cancer by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. This study was then undertaken to investigate the effects of AT1R blockade using candesartan in prostate cancer (PCa).METHODSWe first determined whether hormone‐independence is associated with tumor angiogenesis and AT1R expression. Accordingly, we postulated that AT1R blockade may affect angiogenesis in androgen‐independent PCa rather than in androgen‐dependent PCa, and investigated the effects of AII and candesartan on PCa cell lines and a tumor xenograft model.RESULTSA human hormone‐refractory PCa (HRPC) and C4‐2 androgen‐independent PCa cell line showed significantly higher expression of VEGF, MVD, and AT1R than did human androgen‐dependent PCa and an LNCaP androgen‐dependent PCa cell line. In vitro, AII and candesartan did not directly affect the proliferation of LNCaP and C4‐2 cells, but candesartan significantly suppressed VEGF production in C4‐2 cells. In vivo, candesartan significantly suppressed VEGF expression, serum PSA concentration and tumor growth (1.1 ± 0.2, 45.0 ± 17.6 ng/ml, 235.8 ± 37.4 mm3) in C4‐2 xenografts in castrated mice, compared with the controls (2.4 ± 0.6, 376.7 ± 74.2 ng/ml, 830.8 ± 147.6 mm3).CONCLUSIONSCandesartan exerted preventive effects on HRPC, rather than on androgen‐sensitive PCa, through the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Prostate 67:41–49, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.