bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies in Cranial Suture Biology: Part I. Increased Immunoreactivity for TGF-β Isoforms (β1, β2, and β3) During Rat Cranial Suture Fusion
Authors: Roth Douglas A. , Longaker Michael T. , McCarthy Joseph G. , Rosen David M. , McMullen Heather F. , Levine Jamie P. , Sung Joanne , Gold Leslie I. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The mechanisms involved in normal cranial suture development and fusion as well as the pathophysiology of craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of the cranial sutures, are not well understood. Transforming growth factor-β isoforms (TGF-β1, β2, and β3) are abundant in bone and stimulate calvarial bone formation when injected locally in vivo. To gain insight into the role of these factors in normal growth and development of cranial sutures and the possible etiology of premature cranial suture fusion, we examined the temporal and spatial expression of TGF-β isoforms during normal cranial suture development in the rat. In the Sprague-Dawley rat, only the posterior frontal cranial suture undergoes fusion between 12 and 22 days of age, while all other cranial sutures remain patent. Therefore, immunohistochemical analysis of the fusing posterior frontal suture was compared with the patent sagittal suture at multiple time points from the fetus through adult. Whereas the intensity of immunostaining was the same in the posterior frontal and sagittal sutures in the fetal rat, there was increased immunoreactivity for TGF-β isoforms in the actively fusing posterior frontal suture compared with the patent sagittal suture starting 2 days after birth and continuing until approximately 20 days. There were intensely immunoreactive osteoblasts present during fusion of the posterior frontal suture. In contrast, the patent sagittal suture was only slightly immunoreactive. A differential immunostaining pattern was observed among the TGF-β isoforms; TGF-β2 was the most immunoreactive isoform and was also most strongly associated with osteoblasts adjacent to the dura and the margin of the fusing suture. Since the increased expression of TGF-β2 during suture fusion suggested a possible regulatory role, recombinant TGF-β2 was added directly to the posterior frontal and sagittal sutures in vivo to determine if suture fusion could be initiated. Exogenously added TGF-β2 stimulated fusion of the ectocranial surface of the posterior frontal suture. These data provide evidence for a regulatory role for these growth factors in cranial suture development and fusion. Additionally, the intense immunostaining for TGF-β2 in the dura mater underlying the fusing suture supports a role for the dura mater in suture fusion. It is possible that premature or excessive expression of these factors may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of craniosynostosis and that modulation of the growth factor profile at the suture site may have potential therapeutic value.
Evidence for Both Abnormal Set Point of PTH Stimulation by Calcium and Adaptation to Serum Calcium in Hemodialysis Patients with Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Rodriguez Mariano , Caravaca Francisco , Fernandez Elvira , Borrego Maria J. , Lorenzo Victor , Cubero Juan , Martin-Malo Alejandro , Betriu Angels , Rodriguez Aurelio P. , Felsenfeld Arnold J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
In vitro studies of parathyroid glands removed from dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia have demonstrated the presence of an increased set point of parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation by calcium (set point [PTHstim]), suggesting an intrinsic abnormality of the hyperplastic parathyroid cell. However, clinical studies on dialysis patients have not observed a correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and the magnitude of hyperparathyroidism. In the present study, 58 hemodialysis patients with moderate to severe hyperparathyroidism (mean PTH 780 ± 377 pg/ml) were evaluated both before and after calcitriol treatment to establish the relationship among PTH, serum calcium, and the set point (PTHstim) and to determine whether changes in the serum calcium, as induced by calcitriol treatment, modified these relationships. Calcitriol treatment decreased serum PTH levels and increased the serum calcium and the setpoint (PTHstim); however, the increase in serum calcium was greater than the increase in the setpoint (PTHstim). Before treatment with calcitriol, the correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and the serum calcium was r = 0.82, p &lt; 0.001, and between the set point (PTHstim) and PTH was r = 0.39, p = 0.002. After treatment with calcitriol, the correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and the serum calcium remained significant (r = 0.70, p &lt; 0.001), but the correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and PTH was no longer significant (r = 0.09); moreover, a significant correlation was present between the change in the set point (PTHstim) and the change in serum calcium that resulted from calcitriol treatment (r = 0.73, p &lt; 0.001). The correlation between the residual values (deviation from the regression line) of the set point (PTHstim), derived from the correlation between PTH and the set point (PTHstim), and serum calcium was r = 0.77, p &lt; 0.001 before calcitriol and r = 0.72, p &lt; 0.001 after calcitriol. In conclusion, the set point (PTHstim) increased after a sustained increase in the serum calcium, suggesting an adaptation of the set point to the existing serum calcium; the increase in serum calcium resulting from calcitriol treatment was greater than the increase in the set point (PTHstim); the set point (PTHstim) was greater in hemodialysis patients with higher serum PTH levels; and the correlation between PTH and the set point (PTHstim) may be obscured because the serum calcium directly modifies the set point (PTHstim).
Magnesium in Newly Formed Dentin Mineral of Rat Incisor
Authors: Dr. Wiesmann Hans-Peter , Tkotz Thomas , Joos Ulrich , Zierold Karl , Stratmann Udo , Szuwart Thomas , Plate Ulrich , Höhling Hans J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Small amounts of magnesium are always detectable in addition to calcium and phosphorus in mineralized tissues such as dentin or bone. Magnesium has been considered to influence the mineralization process, especially crystal growth. The present study reports on the location and enrichment of magnesium in the newly mineralized dentin by using the high lateral resolution of energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy. To this end, we have used the continuously growing rat incisor as a model for a collagenous mineralizing system. Dental tissue was dissected free and cryofixed in liquid nitrogen–cooled propane. The distribution of elements was measured in freeze-dried ultrathin cryosections. The magnesium distribution of the newly formed dentin area near the predentin area was found to be inhomogeneous. In certain small dentin areas, characteristical magnesium enrichments were observed. Further, high magnesium-to-phosphate molar ratios were found in these areas, and these were correlated with low calcium-to-phosphate molar ratios. Our results support the theory that magnesium is involved in the process of biological apatite crystal formation.
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)-I, -II, IGF Binding Proteins (IGFBP)−3, −4, and −5 Levels in the Conditioned Media of Normal Human Bone Cells Are Skeletal Site-Dependent
Authors: Malpe Rashmi , Baylink David J. , Linkhart Thomas A. , Wergedal Jon E. , Dr. Mohan Subburaman 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The skeleton in its function of affording strength and support to the body is subject to differential mechanical loading which has been implicated to mediate some of its effects on bone formation via the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which are important regulators of bone metabolism. We, therefore, sought to conduct the present study with the hypothesis that the skeletal site-dependent differences in mechanical loading and other variables including stage of osteoblast differentiation would be associated with site-specific differences in the production of the IGF system components. To test this hypothesis, conditioned media (CM) from normal human bone cells (control and IGF-II–treated 48-h cultures) from five different skeletal sites were obtained and assayed for IGF-I, IGF-II (following separation of IGF binding proteins [IGFBPs]), IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, and IGFBP-5 protein levels employing specific radioimmunoassays for each protein. IGF-I levels were lower than any other IGF system component but were significantly different between the various sites tested. IGF-II levels were greatest in the CM from mandibular cells, followed by calvarial and rib cells, and least in the marrow stromal cells. IGFBP-3 levels were highest in the CM of vertebral cells and lowest in the CM of rib and mandibular cells. The relative abundance of IGFBP-4 in decreasing order was observed in mandibular, calvarial, vertebral, rib, and stromal cells' CM. IGFBP-5 was produced maximally by the calvarial cells, followed by the mandibular, vertebral, stromal, and rib cells. IGFBP-4 appeared to be the IGF system component most abundantly produced by all the cell types from the skeletal sites tested. On a molar basis, the IGFBPs in general were estimated to be produced at a higher magnitude than the IGFs. These findings indicate that there are skeletal site-dependent differences in the production of IGF system components and suggest that the regulation of bone metabolism may vary at the various skeletal sites.
Vitamin K2 Enhances Osteocalcin Accumulation in the Extracellular Matrix of Human Osteoblasts In Vitro
Authors: Koshihara Yasuko , Hoshi Kazuko 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The role of vitamin K in osteocalcin accumulation in the extracellular matrix of normal human osteoblasts in culture was investigated by using a human intact osteocalcin-specific assay system. Human osteoblasts produced osteocalcin by treatment with 10−9 M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) for 20 days in culture. With the addition of vitamin K2 (1.5–5.0 μM), osteocalcin accumulation in the extracellular matrix of the osteoblasts was increased, but the osteocalcin content in the conditioned medium decreased, in comparison with that treated with 10−9 M 1,25(OH)2D3 alone. The enhancement of osteocalcin accumulation induced by vitamin K2 was dependent on the duration of the treatment. The vitamin K2 plus 1,25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin accumulation was blocked by the addition of warfarin 2 days before the vitamin treatment. At that time, warfarin significantly reduced the mineralization by osteoblasts in vitro. Osteocalcin accumulated in the extracellular matrix was almost completely precipitated by a low concentration of hydroxyapatite, 10 mg/ml. Moreover, the γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)-containing osteocalcin level was increased by the vitamin K2 plus 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. These results proved that vitamin K2 increased Gla-containing osteocalcin, which accumulated osteocalcin in the extracellular matrix, and facilitated mineralization in vitro. Vitamin K2 also enhanced the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin mRNA level, but vitamin K2 alone did not show osteocalcin mRNA expression. We thus demonstrated that vitamin K2 enhanced not only the accumulation of Gla osteocalcin, but also the osteocalcin production induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 in human osteoblasts in culture.
Identification of Peptide Fragments Generated by Digestion of Bovine and Human Osteocalcin with the Lysosomal Proteinases Cathepsin B, D, L, H, and S
Authors: Baumgrass Ria , Williamson Matthew K. , Price Paul A. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
We have determined the primary cleavage sites in the bone Gla protein (BGP; osteocalcin) for several of the proteases that could act on the protein during bone resorption and turnover, cathepsins B, D, L, H, and S. The time course of BGP digestion by each cathepsin was first determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We then incubated human and bovine BGP with each cathepsin for a sufficient time to reduce the level of intact protein by at least 20-fold, isolated the major cleavage peptides, and identified each by N-terminal sequence analysis and by amino acid analysis. Our results show that BGP has relatively few cathepsin-sensitive sites and that these sites are located at the N and C terminus of the 49-residue protein. Cathepsins B, L, H, and S readily cleave BGP at the G7-A8 bond; cathepsin L also cleaves at R43–R44; cathepsin B also cleaves at R44–F45; and cathepsin D cleaves only at A41–Y42. The immunoreactivity of the major peptides generated by cathepsin cleavage was evaluated using the original radioimmunoassay developed for the detection of BGP in human serum. The BGP 8–49 fragment cross-reacts identically with native BGP, while the 8–43 and the 1–44 fragments require 20- to 40-fold higher concentrations to achieve the same level of displacement as the native protein. The 1–41 and 8–41 fragments are unable to significantly displace the labeled native BGP tracer at any concentration tested. These results demonstrate the utility of peptides generated by cathepsin digestion in the mapping of the antigenic epitopes recognized by a given BGP immunoassay.
Androgen Supplementation in Eugonadal Men with Osteoporosis: Effects of Six Months' Treatment on Markers of Bone Formation and Resorption
Authors: Dr. Anderson F. H. , Francis R. M. , Peaston R. T. , Wastell H. J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
There is no established treatment for osteoporosis in men, a common and disabling condition the incidence of which is increasing rapidly. We conducted an open study to investigate the efficacy and mode of action of testosterone therapy in eugonadal men with osteoporotic vertebral crush fracture. Twenty-one men, aged 34–73 (mean 58), were treated with intramuscular testosterone esters (Sustanon 250®) every 2 weeks for 6 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and 6 months. We also measured biochemical markers of bone turnover, testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and gonadotrophins at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Treatment was well tolerated, and side effects were uncommon. Lumbar spine BMD increased by 5% from 0.799 to 0.839 g/cm2 (p &lt; 0.001). All bone markers decreased, indicating that treatment suppressed bone turnover. Although serum osteocalcin levels fell only slightly, there were large reductions in urinary deoxypyridinoline and N-telopeptide (p &lt; 0.05), which were correlated with the increase in spinal BMD. Interpretation of the findings with other markers, such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and pyridinoline, was confounded by the wide scatter of values. Serum testosterone increased by 55%, while SHBG decreased by 20%, leading to a rise in free androgen of 90%. Serum estradiol also increased by 45%. The change in spine BMD was significantly correlated with a change in serum estradiol but not with a change in serum testosterone. We therefore conclude that testosterone is a promising treatment for men with idiopathic osteoporosis, acting to suppress bone resorption by a mechanism that may involve estrogen.
Performance of a New-Generation Chemiluminescent Assay for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Authors: Chen Dan , Kaplan Lawrence A 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: The usual criteria for analysis of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are detection of HBsAg and result confirmation by antibody neutralization. We observed that with the Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay [Diagnostics Product Corporation (DPC)] a relatively high percentage of weakly reactive (WR) samples did not pass the neutralization step.
Methods: For each of 3 lots of Immulite 2000 HBsAg reagent (DPC), we collected and analyzed HBsAg data from ∼3000 to 4000 patient blood samples and compared these data with HBsAg data from 3393 samples tested with the Abbott Auszyme assay. For 127 samples with initially WR detection signals (relative signal/cutoff index of 1.00–2.5) on the Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay, we then measured hepatitis B (HB) viral load and/or other HB serologic markers.
Results: The Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay produced more initially reactive results than the Abbott Auszyme method. Many of these reactive samples, however, were WR and did not meet the confirmation criteria in the neutralization test. Moreover, DNA PCR testing indicated that 22 of the 38 WR samples (58%) that did meet the confirmation criteria had no detectable HB viral DNA.
Conclusions: Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay results include a unique group of WR samples that are associated with both false-positive and false-negative results, regardless of neutralization status, and require careful interpretation. WR HBsAg samples should be reported as confirmed HBsAg reactive only if the samples not only meet the neutralization criteria but also are positive for other HB serologic markers such as anti-HB core total and anti-HB core IgM.
Shame Sanctions – Ehrenstrafen im Lichte der Straftheorie
Authors: Kubiciel Michael 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
I. Einführung
Eine Frau, der man Ehebruch vorwarf, wird an einem gut sichtbaren Ort der Menge vorgeführt und sodann auf einem Schandwagen durch die Stadt gefahren. Ein anderer Ort, ein vergleichbares Vorgehen: Kundennamen von Prostituierten werden in Zeitungen, an Anschlagbrettern oder im kommunalen Fernsehen veröffentlicht. Das erste Beispiel wird uns aus dem antiken Griechenland überliefert, das zweite Beispiel ist Praxis in einigen Bundesstaaten der USA am Ausgang des 20. Jahrhunderts. Zwischen den Beispielen liegt nicht nur ein Zeitraum von zweitausend Jahren. Sie trennt der Epochenwandel der Aufklärung, eine Zeitenwende, welche auch das strafrechtliche Sanktionensystem nicht unberührt ließ.
An Efficient DCT-Based Cryptocompression Scheme for a Secure and Authentic Medical Image Transmission
Authors: Bouhlel MS , Kammoun F , Garcia E 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The use of telecommunications and information technologies in the medicine domain evolved these last years breathtakingly. This involves the development of the applications bound to the telemedicine. Seeing the importance of this discipline in the improvement of the care quality and in the reduction of treatment costs, the optimization of medical applications performances remains a necessity. In this work, we propose a new and efficient cryptocompression scheme applied to the telediagnostic sector for a secure and authentic medical image transmission. Since only 15% of discrete cosine transform components are encrypted in our approach, a significant reduction in processing time during the encryption and decryption, without tampering the high compression rate of the compression algorithm, can be performed by the proposed scheme.
A Linear Growth Model for Nile Tilapia in Intensive Aquaculture
Authors: Soderberg Richard W 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Efficient intensive aquaculture requires a growth model that accurately predicts daily growth in length increments as a function of temperature. Using fish of different sizes but from the same source, I grew androgen-sex-reversed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus over a range of temperatures in two different years. In 2002, fish grew from 1.8 g (47 mm) to a range of 5–26 g (67–112 mm) in 50 d at 21–30°C temperatures. Fish growth (mm/d) was highly correlated with temperature (r = 0.99). The experiment was repeated with larger fish in 2005, during which 47-g (137-mm) fish grew to 107–219 g (178–225 mm) in 70 d. The coefficient of correlation for growth versus temperature was 0.94. The two slopes did not differ (P &lt; 0.05), so I present the following equation to predict Nile tilapia growth rates in flowing-water culture for the temperature range of 21–30°C: ΔL = −1.6707 + 0.09682T (r 2 = 0.95), where ΔL is predicted growth (mm/d) and T is temperature (°C). Weight (W; g) can be converted to length (L; mm) for male Nile tilapia with the expression W = 1,861 × 10−8 · L 3.
Application of Methods for the Detoxification and Neutralization of Formalin in Fish Hatchery Effluents
Authors: Gearheart J M , Masters A L , Bebak-Williams J 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Sodium sulfite, Neutralex, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide with a ferric iron catalyst were studied for potential application in reducing formalin in effluents from aquaculture facilities. The neutralization capacity of each method was examined at formalin concentrations that are typically found in effluents from fish hatcheries that utilize formalin to control ectoparasite infestations on fish. The toxicities of the products were also evaluated. A 75% reduction in formalin concentration was observed within the first 10 min after the addition of sodium sulfite at a 3:1 (sodium sulfite : formalin) mass treatment ratio. The addition of Neutralex to test solutions at a 6:1 (Neutralex : formalin) mass treatment ratio reduced the formalin concentration by approximately 90% of initial values within 10 min and completely eliminated formalin within 20 min. Degradation of formalin was not successful under the test conditions using hydrogen peroxide alone or in combination with a ferric iron catalyst. Both of the sodium sulfite-formalin and Neutralex-formalin reaction products were more toxic to Ceriodaphnia dubia test animals than formalin alone. Although regulatory limits for formalin discharge from aquaculture facilities could most likely be achieved with sodium sulfite or Neutralex, the direct discharge of their neutralizer-formalin reaction products would probably be harmful to some aquatic species.
An Environmentally Benign Method for Reducing Off-Flavor Terpenoids in Aquaculture: Initial Laboratory Studies
Authors: Kelly Anita M , Holmes William E , Schultz Tor P 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Aquaculture products can develop an undesirable (i.e., off-flavor) taste. The majority of off-flavor is caused by two terpenoids, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), which are produced by cyanobacteria. Off-flavor is usually controlled by the regular application of copper sulfate or other herbicides. However, environmental concerns about copper in aquatic systems have recently been raised, and there is a growing public debate on the use of chemicals in food production. We report on an alternative, environmentally benign, nonherbicidal method for reducing off-flavor terpenoids in aquaculture products. We found that a hydrophobic material placed in aquaculture water will absorb the off-flavor hydrophobic terpenoids and lower the concentration in the water, thereby lowering the level in the aquaculture product. Reductions in off-flavor terpenoid concentrations of up to 85% were achieved in 48 h when various hydrophobic solids and liquids were added to terpenoid-spiked water. In live-fish experiments, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were placed in aquaria containing water spiked with both MIB and geosmin. In aquaria with a co-added hydrophobic compound (e.g., polystyrene or paraffin), the fish were rated as on-flavor by a taste panel. Conversely, fish exposed to the same level of terpenoids but without a co-added hydrophobic compound were rated as off-flavor.
A Novel Model for Permeability Prediction in Uncored Wells
Authors: Shokir E. M. El-M. 
Published: June 2006

Summary
A fuzzy model is applied for permeability estimation in heterogeneous sandstone oil reservoirs using core porosity and gamma ray logs. The basic concepts of a fuzzy model are described, and we explain how to use the constructed model to analyze and interpret the results. The fuzzy-logic approach is used to represent a nonlinear relationship as a smooth concatenation of local linear submodels. The partitioning of the input space into fuzzy regions, represented by the individual rules, is obtained through fuzzy clustering. The results from the fuzzy model show that it is not only accurate but also provides some insight into the nonlinear relationship represented by the model. Furthermore, the results of the blind test developed a good agreement between the measured core permeability and the output of the fuzzy model.