bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Endocrine Study of the Ovarian Interstitial Tissue of Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus)
Authors: Gil Esteban , FORNERIS Myriam , Domínguez Susana , Penissi Alicia , Fogal Teresa , Piezzi Ramón S. , Scardapane Luis 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe morphological and endocrine aspects of the ovarian interstitial tissue of adult female viscachas were investigated to establish the probable function and the biological significance of this compartment in this rodent. Pregnant and nonpregnant adult female viscachas were used. The histological characteristics, histochemical properties, and ultrastructural features of the interstitial tissue were studied. A morphometric study was carried out to measure the relative area of lipid droplets. The progesterone and androstenedione levels in ovarian tissue as well as in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. In this species, the histological observations showed an abundant interstitial tissue that contained a large amount of lipids. The cholesterol and its esters were present in nonpregnant females and were scarce in pregnant animals. The most ultrastructural differences were observed at mid‐pregnancy. At this stage, the interstitial cells showed features that suggested higher steroidogenic activity. Furthermore, during mid‐pregnancy, the relative area of lipid droplets was smaller. Both progesterone and androstenedione levels in ovarian tissue and serum were higher during pregnancy. Our results suggest that the interstitial tissue may be storage of precursor substances for the steroidogenesis via. These precursors are probably used when the endocrine requirements are high, that is, during the pregnancy. Thus, this compartment may contribute to the normal gestation of Lagostomus. However, the relation between the interstitial tissue and the pregnancy is complex, and further studies are needed to clearly establish it. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical Shape Analysis of Differences in the Shape of the Corpus Callosum Between Genders
Authors: Ozdemir Senem Turan , Ercan Ilker , Sevinc Ozdemir , Guney Ibrahim , Ocakoglu Gokhan , Aslan Elif , Barut Cagatay 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSexual dimorphic characteristics, which play an important role in human evolution studies and biological research, can be studied morphologically and metrically. Geometric morphometrics allows a better assessment of morphological characteristics. Statistical shape analysis has a long history in neuroanatomical and other research. The aim of this study was to identify shape differences of the corpus callosum between genders. Landmark coordinate data were collected from two‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging scans of 93 homogeneously aged patients, 45 men and 48 women. These data were analyzed using Euclidean distance matrix analysis and thin plate spline analysis. The general shape variability of the corpus callosum of men was greater than that of women (men, 0.134; women, 0.097). We found no significant difference between sexes in the general shape of the corpus callosum, but we did find significant differences in the distances between some landmarks. Deformation of the corpus callosum between men to women was mainly detected in the posterior of the corpus callosum. These results serve as a reference for future studies on shape alterations of the corpus callosum associated with certain conditions. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of New (N α‐Dipicolinoyl)‐bis‐L‐valyl‐L‐phenylalanyl Linear and Macrocyclic Bridged Peptides as Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Amr Abd El‐Galil E. , Abo‐Ghalia Mohamed H. , Abdalah Mohamed M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn continuation to our search for new chiral macrocyclic peptide‐based anti‐inflammatories, the suggestion, synthesis, structure elucidation of some Nα‐bis‐dipicolinoyl amino acids, linear, tetra and cyclic (penta and octa)‐bridged peptides 3–10, were realized herein. The newly synthesized compounds showed potent anti‐inflammatory activity with low toxicity (LD50) comparable to indomethacin and diclofenac as reference anti‐inflammatory drugs.
New 4‐[(1‐Benzyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)carbonyl]‐3‐hydroxyfuran‐2(5H)‐ones, β‐Diketo Acid Analogs as HIV‐1 Integrase Inhibitors
Authors: Ferro Stefania , Barreca Maria Letizia , De Luca Laura , Rao Angela , Monforte Anna Maria , Debyser Zeger , Witvrouw Myriam , Chimirri Alba 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn addition to our recent report on a series of rationally designed benzylindolyldiketo acids acting as potent HIV‐1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors, we disclose the results obtained with novel compounds chemically modified on the diketo acid moiety in order to investigate its influence on the biological activity and cytotoxicity. The activity of designed and synthesized 4‐[(1‐benzyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)carbonyl]‐3‐hydroxyfuran‐2(5H)‐one derivatives lies in the micromolar range with regard to HIV IN enzymatic activity. The microwave‐assisted synthesis was employed in some steps of the chemical procedures.
Modelling the independent insurance agent's product evaluation strategy: An application of conjoint analysis
Authors: Kling Nathan D. , Browne Lorne , Robinson Earl J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA major property‐casualty insurance company had streamlined underwriting procedures and hoped to design a new commercial insurance package which would appeal to its independent agents. They hoped to do this by improving service times, premium and/or commission, but making these improvements would require the agents to fill out a new underwriting form. The research used conjoint analysis to determine for management the optimum levels of each of the factors to be employed in the new programme and the possible negative impact of the new underwriting form. Also discussed are issues relating to the use of conjoint analysis; in particular, the handling of large factorial designs and the aggregation of individual results.
Non‐parametric estimation for renewal processes from event count data
Authors: Dattero Ronald 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA procedure is developed for estimating the interevent time distribution of a stationary renewal process that uses only data in the form of counts (the number of events occurring in each of several adjacent disjoint intervals) that are predominantly zeros and ones. Some properties of the procedure are derived, and the procedure's performance is assessed via Monte Carlo simulation.
Testing for the stability of automatic stabilizers
Authors: Uri Noel D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the question of the stability of automatic stabilizers in the United States. Using a test suggested by Brown, Durbin and Evans, the analysis suggests that the magnitude of automatic stabilization of economic activity afforded by personal tax receipts has remained virtually invariant over the period 1939–1985. The automatic stabilization effectiveness of transfer payments, however, has increased, especially since 1964. This is attributed to the implementaton of various Great Society Programs beginning in 1964.
Generalized linear models for the analysis of taguchi‐type experiments
Authors: Nelder J. A. , Lee Y. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecent interest in Taguchi's methods have led to developments in joint analysis of the mean and dispersion from designed experiments. A commonly used method is the analysis of variance of the transformed data. However, a single transformation cannot necessarily produce the Normality, constancy of variance and linearity of systematic effects for the mean and dispersion models. We describe the use of generalized linear models for the analysis of such experiments and illustrate the methods with a data set.
Threshold dose—response model—RIP: 1911 to 2006
Authors: Calabrese Edward J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis essay represents a serious but fictional obituary of a scientific concept called the Threshold Dose–Response Model, which has long dominated the fields of toxicology and the broader biomedical sciences. Recent evidence indicates that the Threshold Dose–Response Model has long outlived its utility to predict low‐dose effects. In fact, so poorly does this model predict low‐dose responses that the idea arose that it should receive a symbolic burial recounting its achievements and failings, hence this obituary. BioEssays 29:686–688, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The echinoderm collagen fibril: a hero in the connective tissue research of the 1990s
Authors: Szulgit Greg 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCollagen fibrils are some of the most‐abundant and important extracellular structures in our bodies, yet we are unsure of their shape and size. This is largely due to an inherent difficulty in isolating them from their surrounding tissues. Echinoderms have collagenous tissues that are similar to ours in many ways, yet they can be manipulated to easily relinquish their collagen fibrils, providing an excellent opportunity to study native fibrillar structure. In the early 1990s, they were found to defy the commonly accepted fibrillar model of the time in that they were much shorter, they were shaped like double‐ended spindles, and their centers exhibited a reversal in molecular polarity. Realization of these features helped to reform the questions that were being asked about vertebrate fibrils, shifting the focus toward shape and size. Since then, researchers working with both groups (echinoderms and vertebrates) have worked together to find the structure of native fibrils. This information will be fundamental in understanding what holds collagenous tissues together at the fibrillar level, and could have important implications for people with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome. BioEssays 29:645–653, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA microarrays in the clinic: how soon, how extensively?
Authors: Jordan Bertrand R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlthough DNA microarrays are now widely used in research settings, they have been slow to penetrate clinical practice in spite of their apparent advantages. This is due to the very different requirements for a clinical test in contrast to a research tool, and to a strict necessity for demonstrated clinical utility. There is a clear differentiation between two types of DNA array tests: “genomic” diagnostics, developed to ascertain the presence or absence of mutations, deletions or duplications, and for which clinical evidence is already established, and tests using expression profiling for prognosis or predictive purposes, in which case the clinical correlate must be proven. Most array diagnostics currently used belong, understandably, to the “genomic” variety. It is to be expected that future improvements in tailored technology, as well as a logical trend towards measuring an ever‐increasing number of parameters, will ensure an important diagnostic role for DNA arrays in the coming decade. BioEssays 29:699–705, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolution of size and pattern in the social amoebas
Authors: Schaap Pauline 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA fundamental goal of biology is to understand how novel phenotypes evolved through changes in existing genes. The Dictyostelia or social amoebas represent a simple form of multicellularity, where starving cells aggregate to build fruiting structures. This review summarizes efforts to provide a framework for investigating the genetic changes that generated novel morphologies in the Dictyostelia. The foundation is a recently constructed molecular phylogeny of the Dictyostelia, which was used to examine trends in the evolution of novel forms and in the divergence of genes that shape these forms. There is a major trend towards the formation of large unbranched fruiting bodies, which is correlated with the use of cyclic AMP (cAMP) as a secreted signal to coordinate cell aggregation. The role of cAMP in aggregation arose through co‐option of a pathway that originally acted to coordinate fruiting body formation. The genotypic changes that caused this innovation and the role of dynamic cAMP signaling in defining fruiting body size and pattern throughout social amoeba evolution are discussed. BioEssays 29:635–644, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The two faces of short‐range evolutionary dynamics of regulatory modes in bacterial transcriptional regulatory networks
Authors: Balaji S. , Aravind L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractStudies on the conservation of the inferred transcriptional regulatory network of prokaryotes have suggested that specific transcription factors are less‐widely conserved in comparison to their target genes. This observation implied that, at large evolutionary distances, the turnover of specific transcription factors through loss and non‐orthologous displacement might be a major factor in the adaptive radiation of prokaryotes. However, the recent work of Hershberg and Margalit1 suggests that, at shorter phylogenetic scales, the evolutionary dynamics of the bacterial transcriptional regulatory network might exhibit distinct patterns. The authors find previously unnoticed relationships between the regulatory mode (activation or repression), the number of regulatory interactions and their conservation patterns in γ‐proteobacteria. These relationships might be shaped by the differences in the adaptive value and mode of operation of different regulatory interactions. BioEssays 29:625–629, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracellular nucleic acids
Authors: Vlassov Valentin V. , Laktionov Pavel P. , Rykova Elena Y. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractExtracellular nucleic acids are found in different biological fluids in the organism and in the environment: DNA is a ubiquitous component of the organic matter pool in the soil and in all marine and freshwater habitats. Data from recent studies strongly suggest that extracellular DNA and RNA play important biological roles in microbial communities and in higher organisms. DNA is an important component of bacterial biofilms and is involved in horizontal gene transfer. In recent years, the circulating extracellular nucleic acids were shown to be associated with some diseases. Attempts are being made to develop noninvasive methods of early tumor diagnostics based on analysis of circulating DNA and RNA. Recent observations demonstrated the possibility of nucleic acids exchange between eukaryotic cells and extracellular space suggesting their participation in so far unidentified biological processes. BioEssays 29:654–667, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Granny, (don't) get your gun: competency issues in gun ownership by older adults
Authors: Greene Edith , Bornstein Brian H. , Dietrich Hannah 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article explores the possible risks associated with gun ownership by older adults. We summarize existing regulations on who may own firearms, especially with respect to age. We then present data on older gun owners and violence committed by older adults in general, followed by a discussion of gun violence perpetrated by gun owners whose functional and cognitive abilities have declined, perhaps as a result of dementia. For comparison purposes, we review regulations on driving among older adults, drawing parallels to gun ownership. The paper concludes with recommendations for ensuring the safety of older gun owners and others, balanced against citizens' right to bear arms, and with some directions for research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of cardiac ischemic preconditioning on rat left ventricular gene expression profile
Authors: Canatan Halit 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIschemic preconditioning (IPC) is a phenomenon where heart is rendered more resistant to subsequent ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R)‐induced injury by one or more brief episodes of I‐R. The mechanisms responsible for cardio‐protective effects of IPC are not well characterized. The objective of the study was to characterize gene expression profiles in the left ventricle of male Wistar rat hearts exposed to I‐R or IPC followed by I‐R. Group 1 included hearts that were only perfused for 30 min. Group 2 included hearts that underwent 30 min perfusion followed by 40 min I and 30 min R. Group 3 comprised 30 min perfused hearts that were subjected to IPC (5 min I + 10 min R + 5 min I + 10 min R) followed by I‐R. Total RNAs were isolated from left ventricular tissues. Codelink gene expression system (GE Healthcare) was used for cRNA target preparation, hybridization of microarrays (Rat UniSet 10 K CodeLink bioarrays, GE Healthcare) and detection. Microarrays were scanned with Affymetrix 428 Array scanner. Data analyses were carried out with GeneSifter microarray data analysis software. We determined a total of 140 transcripts (≥2‐fold change) whose expressions were changed (44 up‐regulated and 96 down‐regulated) accompanying to I‐R injury compared to perfused only hearts. Twenty‐three transcripts including Ryr3, Crk, Dio1, Npy1r, Ptpra, Cyp51 that were down‐regulated by I‐R injury, were up‐regulated by cardiac IPC. IPC down‐regulated the expression of several transcripts including Atf3 (activating transcription factor 3), carboxypeptidase A1 (Cpa1), Slc38a4, Blk which were up‐regulated by I‐R. In conclusion, evaluation of global gene expression profiling via microarray‐based technologies provides a molecular portrait of cardiac IPC of the left ventricular tissue of rat heart. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Programmable Biomolecular Computing Machine with Bacterial Phenotype Output
Authors: Kossoy Elizaveta , Lavid Noa , Soreni‐Harari Michal , Shoham Yuval , Keinan Ehud 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe main advantage of autonomous biomolecular computing devices over electronic computers is their ability to interact directly with biological systems. No interface is required since all components of molecular computers, including hardware, software, input, and output are molecules that interact in solution along a cascade of programmable chemical events. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the output of a computation preduced by a molecular finite automaton can be a visible bacterial phenotype. Our 2‐symbol‐2‐state finite automaton utilized linear double‐stranded DNA inputs that were prepared by inserting a string of six base pair symbols into the lacZ gene on the pUC18 plasmid. The computation resulted in a circular plasmid that differed from the original pUC18 by either a 9 base pair (accepting state) or 11 base pair insert (unaccepting state) within the lacZ α region gene. Upon transformation and expression of the resultant plasmids in E. coli, the accepting state was represented by production of functional β‐galactosidase and formation of blue colonies on X‐gal medium. In contrast, the unaccepting state was represented by white colonies due to a shift in the open reading frame of lacZ.
Percutaneous left ventricular assist device complicated by a patent foramen ovale: Importance of identification and management
Authors: Loyalka Pranav , Idelchik Gary M. , Kar Biswajit 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecently, the TandemHeart® percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pVAD) has become available as a means to both resuscitate and support patients in cardiogenic shock pending myocardial recovery or definitive surgical or percutaneous intervention. Hypoxia during pVAD support may arise from multiple pulmonary etiologies, including pulmonary edema and mechanisms resulting in right‐to‐left shunting. We report two cases of patients supported by pVADs in who patent foramen ovale (PFO) present as right‐to‐left shunts following initiation of TandemHeart® support. A review of the mechanisms and hemodynamics resulting in PFO patency during pVAD support as well as suggestions for management are presented. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Device fracture and severe tricuspid regurgitation after percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect: A case report
Authors: Mertens Luc , Meyns Bart , Gewillig Marc 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe report a case in which fracture of an Amplatzer perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) device occurred within 1 month after placement. This was associated with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Surgical removal of the device and repair of the tricuspid valve was performed with reasonable outcome. We propose a hypothesis on how this complication might have occurred and how it could be prevented. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new simplified method for calculating mean mitral pressure gradient
Authors: Cui Wei , Dai Ruping , Zhang Gejun 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:Mean mitral valve pressure gradient (MVPG) is one of the key measures of the severity of mitral stenosis. The method for calculating MVPG, however, is complex and time consuming. The purpose of this study is to establish a new simple method for calculating MVPG.Methods:Hemodynamic data were analyzed in 105 patients who underwent percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). A new simplified method for calculating mitral pressure gradient was proposed, i.e., mean MVPG = MLAP – LVEDP/2, where MLAP is mean left atrial pressure, and LVEDP is left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure.Results:MVPGs derived from the standard and the new method were 13.28 ± 7.42 mm Hg and 13.50 ± 7.93 mm Hg, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the values of these two methods (P = 0.065). The MVPG derived from the new simplified method correlated closely with that calculated by the standard approach (r = 0.975, P < 0.001). Moreover, there was no significant difference between mitral valve areas (MVA) derived from the standard and the new approach either before or after PBMV in the 38 patients in whom cardiac output was measured.Conclusion:We conclude that mitral pressure gradient can be calculated reliably with our new simplified method. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paradoxical emboli through the patent foramen ovale as the suspected cause of myocardial and renal infarction in a 48‐year‐old woman
Authors: Garachemani Ali , Eshtehardi Parham , Meier Bernhard 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe review the case of a 48‐year‐old woman who underwent elective percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure following successive renal and myocardial infarction with normal renal and coronary arteries, probably as a consequence of paradoxical emboli. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemie in Wolken, Nebel und Niederschlag
Authors: Herrmann Hartmut , Jaeschke Wolfgang , Möller Detlev 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDie wesentlichen Züge der Chemie in Wolken, Nebel und Niederschlag inklusive der Rolle der Eisphase werden dargestellt. Die physikalischen Systeme und die wichtigsten chemischen Umsetzungen werden beschrieben. Experimente im Feld und Laborexperimente werden dargestellt und wichtige Forschungsthemen benannt.
Organische Verbindungen und der Photosmog
Authors: Barnes Ian , Becker Karl‐Heinz , Wiesen Peter 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn der Troposphäre werden infolge des stofflichen Eintrags aus natürlichen und anthropogenen Quellen mannigfaltige photochemische Reaktionen ausgelöst. Insbesondere wird die Bildung von Photooxidantien, verursacht durch die Emission reaktiver organischer Gase und Stickoxide als Vorkäufersubstanzen für Ozon, verändert. Einige grundlegende Reaktionsmechanismen für den Abbau verschiedener Gruppen organischer Verbindungen werden diskutiert. Der wichtigste Oxidationsmechanismus verläuft über OH‐Reaktionen in einer Radikalkette, die sich vor allem tagsüber in der belasteten Luft bei Sonneneinstrahlung ausbildet. Da über den Oxidationsmechanismus aromatischer Kohlenwasserstoffe die größten Wissenslücken bestehen, werden die dafür verantwortlichen bekannten und vorgeschlagenen Reaktionsmechanismen ausführlich erläutert. Schließlich wird das Problem der steigenden NO2‐Konzentrationen in urbaner Luft angesprochen.