bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aldose reductase gene is associated with diabetic macroangiopathy in Japanese Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Watarai A. , Nakashima E. , Hamada Y. , Watanabe G. , Naruse K. , Miwa K. , Kobayashi Y. , Kamiya H. , Nakae M. , Hamajima N. , Sekido Y. , Niwa T. , Oiso Y. , Nakamura J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims The aldose reductase (AR) gene, a rate‐limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, has been investigated as a candidate gene in determining susceptibility to diabetic microangiopathy. However, the association of theARgene with diabetic macroangiopathy has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine whether genetic variations ofARmay determine susceptibility to diabetic macroangiopathy.Methods There were 378 Type 2 diabetic patients enrolled in this study. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region (C‐106T) was genotyped and the AR protein content of erythrocytes measured by ELISA.Results There were no significant differences in genotypic or allelic distribution in patients with or without ischaemic heart diseases, but there was a significant increase in the frequency of the CT + TT genotype and T allele in patients with stroke (P = 0.019 andP = 0.012). The erythrocyte AR protein content was increased in patients with the CT and TT genotype compared with those with the CC genotype. After adjustment for age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, and serum creatinine, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in multivariate logistic‐regression models, the association between thisARgenotype and stroke remained significant.Conclusions Our results suggest that the CT or TT genotype of theARgene might be a genetic marker of susceptibility to stroke in Type 2 diabetic patients. This observation might contribute to the development of strategies for the prevention of stroke in Type 2 diabetic patients.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus: circadian changes and their seasonal dependence
Authors: Gerics Balázs , Szalay Ferenc , Hajós Ferenc 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe pacemaker of the biological clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, was studied in intact male rats to determine its immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a specific marker of astrocytes. Animals were kept under 12‐h light–dark cycles in synchrony with day–night periods. Immunohistochemical reactions were carried out at midday and late at night in both winter (January) and summer (July). In winter, GFAP immunoreactivity was found to be low during the day and high at night. The findings were reversed in summer, when GFAP immunoreactivity was high during the day and low at night. Increased GFAP immunoreactivity appeared in the form of an abundance of thick immunopositive fibres rather than of cell bodies. This was interpreted as a hypertrophy of pre‐existing astrocytes due to alternating photic stimulation conveyed by retinofugal fibres to the SCN.The observed seasonal reversal in the direction of GFAP oscillations raises the possibility that a circannual timer exists outside the SCN.
Total sleep deprivation inhibits the neuronal nitric oxide synthase and cytochrome oxidase reactivities in the nodose ganglion of adult rats
Authors: Chang Hung‐Ming , Wu Un‐In , Lin Tzer‐Bin , Lan Chyn‐Tair , Chien Wei‐Ching , Huang Wei‐Ling , Shieh Jeng‐Yung 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSleep disorders are a form of stress associated with increased sympathetic activity, and they are a risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Given that nitric oxide (NO) may play an inhibitory role in the regulation of sympathetic tone, this study set out to determine the NO synthase (NOS) reactivity in the primary cardiovascular afferent neurons (i.e. nodose neurons) following total sleep deprivation (TSD). TSD was performed by the disc‐on‐water method. Following 5 days of TSD, all experimental animals were investigated for quantitative nicotinamine adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d, a co‐factor of NOS) histochemistry, neuronal NOS immunohistochemistry and neuronal NOS activity assay. In order to evaluate the endogenous metabolic activity of nodose neurons, cytochrome oxidase (COX) reactivity was further tested. All the above‐mentioned reactivities were objectively assessed by computerized image analysis. The clinical significance of the reported changes was demonstrated by alterations of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). The results indicated that in normal untreated rats, numerous NADPH‐d/NOS‐ and COX‐reactive neurons were found in the nodose ganglion (NG). Following TSD, however, both the labelling and staining intensity of NADPH‐d/NOS as well as COX reactivity were drastically reduced in the NG compared with normal untreated ganglions. MAP was significantly higher in TSD rats (136 ± 4 mmHg) than in normal untreated rats (123 ± 2 mmHg). NO may serve as an important sympathoinhibition messenger released by the NG neurons, and decrease of NOS immunoexpression following TSD may account for the decrease in NOS content. In association with the reduction of NOS activity, a defect in NOS expression in the primary cardiovascular afferent neurons would enhance clinical hypertension, which might serve as a potential risk factor in the development of TSD‐relevant cardiovascular disturbances.
Life‐history traits and ontogenetic colour change in an arboreal tropical python, Morelia viridis
Authors: Wilson D. , Heinsohn R. , Wood J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Pythonidae are a widely distributed group of snakes that fill a variety of niches in Africa, Asia and Australasia. We used mark–recapture techniques to describe the life‐history traits and colour change in the green python Morelia viridis, a species that is popular in the captive pet industry but poorly known in the wild. Modelling of growth rates revealed that males and females reach sexual maturity after 2.4 and 3.6 years, respectively, and are predicted to live for at least 15 years. Extrapolation from small individuals revealed a highly seasonal breeding period with hatching in late November. However, few hatchlings were recorded in any one year, suggesting that adults do not breed every year. The adult sex ratio did not differ from parity, but immature females outnumbered immature males. Approximately 50% of all snakes captured were adult sized. Sexual dimorphism was not detected in the adults, but juvenile females have larger heads than males. Ontogenetic colour change (OCC) from yellow to green occurred between 53 and 59 cm and, based on growth rates, occurs at c. 1 year of age. This change took place rapidly without an associated shedding of skin. Green pythons have a slow life history, and populations may be vulnerable to removal of individuals for the captive pet trade. They also provide excellent opportunities for examining the evolutionary significance of OCC.
RNA interference in pain research
Authors: Röhl Thomas , Kurreck Jens 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWithin the course of only the last few years, RNA interference (RNAi) has been established as a standard technology for investigation of protein function and target validation. The present review summarizes recent progress made in the application of RNAi in neurosciences with special emphasis on pain research. RNAi is a straightforward method to generate loss‐of‐function phenotypes for any gene of interest. In mammals, silencing is induced by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which have been shown to surpass traditional antisense molecules. Due to its high specificity, RNAi has the potential for subtype selective silencing of even closely related genes. One of the major challenges for in vivo investigations of RNAi remains efficient delivery of siRNA molecules to the relevant tissues and cells, particularly to the central nervous system. Various examples will be given to demonstrate that intrathecal application of siRNAs is a suitable approach to analyse the function of receptors or other proteins that are hypothesized to play an important role in pain signalling. Intensive efforts are currently ongoing to solve remaining problems such as the risk of off‐target effects, the stability of siRNA molecules and their efficient delivery to the CNS. RNAi has thus demonstrated that it is an extremely valuable tool for the development of new analgesic drugs.
Day Care Service Use Is Associated with Lower Mortality in Community‐Dwelling Frail Older People
Authors: Kuzuya Masafumi , Masuda Yuichiro , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Iwata Mitsunaga , Enoki Hiromi , Hasegawa Jun , Iguchi Akihisa 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the association between day care service use and 21‐month mortality in community‐dwelling frail older people.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (the Nagoya Longitudinal Study for Frail Elderly).SETTING: Community‐based.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand six hundred seventy‐three community‐dwelling older people (540 men, 1,133 women).MEASUREMENTS: Data included the clients' demographic characteristics; depression as assessed using the short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale; a rating for basic activities of daily living (ADLs); comorbidity; number of prescribed medications and physician‐diagnosed chronic diseases; use of home‐care services, including day care, visiting nurse, and home‐help services; and number of regular medical checkups. Survival analysis of 21‐month mortality was conducted using Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.RESULTS: Of the 1,673 participants, 726 were day care service users at baseline, and 268 (94 day care service users, 174 nonusers) died during the 21‐month follow‐up. Multivariate Cox regression models adjusting for potential confounders showed that day care service use was associated with reduction in mortality. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that day care service use was associated with less risk of mortality in subjects who were female; were in the youngest age group (65–74); had higher ADL scores, lower comorbidity, depression, no dementia; and used a visiting nurse service. Participants using day care service two and three times or more a week had 63% or 44% lower relative hazard ratios, respectively, than participants not using the service.CONCLUSION: Among community‐dwelling frail older people, day care service use two or more times per week was associated with 44% to 63% lower 21‐month mortality.
The Effect of Urinary Incontinence on Quality of Life in Older Nursing Home Residents
Authors: DuBeau Catherine E. , Simon Samuel E. , Morris John N. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether nursing home residents with urinary incontinence (UI) have worse quality of life (QoL) than continent residents, whether the relationship between UI and QoL differs across strata of cognitive and functional impairment, and whether change in continence status is associated with change in QoL.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using a Minimum Data Set (MDS) database to determine cross‐sectional and longitudinal (6 month) associations between UI and QoL.SETTING: All Medicare‐ or Medicaid‐licensed nursing homes in Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New York, and South Dakota during 1994 to 1996.PARTICIPANTS: All residents aged 65 and older, excluding persons unable to void or with potentially unstable continence or QoL status (recent nursing home admission, coexistent delirium, large change in functional status, comatose, near death).MEASUREMENTS: UI was defined as consistent leakage at least twice weekly over 3 months and continence as consistent dryness over 3 months. QoL was measured using the validated MDS‐derived Social Engagement Scale.RESULTS: Of 133,111 eligible residents, 90,538 had consistent continence status, 58,850 (65%) of whom were incontinent. UI was significantly associated with worse QoL in residents with moderate cognitive and functional impairment. New or worsening UI over 6 months was associated with worse QoL (odds ratio=1.46, 95% confidence interval=1.36–1.57) and was second only to cognitive decline and functional decline in predicting worse QoL.CONCLUSION: This is the first study to quantitatively demonstrate that prevalent and new or worsening UI decreases QoL even in frail, functionally and cognitively impaired nursing home residents. These results provide a crucial incentive to improve continence care and quality in nursing homes and a rationale for targeting interventions to those residents most likely to benefit.
Fragmented, Long‐Duration, Low‐Amplitude Electrograms Characterize the Origin of Focal Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: DE GROOT NATASJA M.S. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. 
Published: July 2006

Background: Focal atrial tachycardias (FAT) originate from areas with poor cell‐to‐cell coupling. Due to cellular uncoupling extracellular potentials become fractionated. The degree of fragmentation may be used to identify the site of origin of FAT prior to catheter ablation. We studied electrical fragmentation in relation to the distance to the site of earliest activity during FAT. Methods: Three‐dimensional (3‐D) electroanatomical activation/voltage maps obtained from patients (n = 15: 6 male, age 40 ± 14 (19–72) years) referred for catheter ablation of FAT were analyzed. Bipolar atrial potentials (BP) were categorized according to the number of deflections. The peak‐to‐peak amplitude and the time interval between the first and last deflection (fractionation duration) of each BP were measured. Results: Eighteen different atrial tachycardias (AT) (CL 346 ± 109 [190–550]) msec were analyzed. The incidence of single potentials ranged from 30 to 81 (59 ± 16)%. The occurrence of double and fractionated potentials ≤2 cm of the site of earliest activity (“focal area”) was higher compared to the remainder of the atria (67 ± 22% vs 34 ± 14%, P < 0.001). Focal area potentials were characterized by a longer duration (49 ± 22 msec vs 34 ± 17 msec, P < 0.001) and a lower peak‐to‐peak amplitude (0.51 ± 0.43 [0.12–1.7] mV vs 0.94 ± 0.69 [0.22–2.58] mV, P = 0.03). Fractionation was not associated with FAT cycle length (r =−0.26, P = 0.29) or left atrial diameter (r = 0.47, P = 0.30). Conclusion: Significant differences in fractionation, fractionation duration, and peak‐to‐peak‐amplitude of atrial potentials between the focal area and the remainder of the atria exist. Fractionation and voltage mapping can be used, besides activation mapping, to identify the site of origin of FAT during catheter ablation.
Intergalactic C iv absorption at redshifts 5.4 to 6
Authors: Ryan-Weber Emma V. , Pettini Max , Madau Piero 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
We report the discovery of a strong C ivλλ1548, 1550 absorption system at zabs= 5.7238 in the near-infrared spectrum (J-band) of the zem= 6.28 QSO SDSS J1030+0524. These observations, obtained with the Infrared Spectrometer And Array Camera (ISAAC) on the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope (ESO VLT), demonstrate that, with modern instrumentation, QSO absorption line spectroscopy can be successfully extended to near-infrared wavelengths to probe the intergalactic medium near the end of the reionization epoch. Although the statistics of this pilot study are limited, the mass density of triply ionized carbon implied by our data is comparable to the values of ΩC IV reported at lower redshifts. Neither the column density distribution of C iv absorbers nor its integral show significant redshift evolution over a period of time which stretches from 1 to 4.5 Gyr after the big bang, suggesting that a large fraction of intergalactic metals may already have been in place at redshifts above 6. Alternatively, the strong C iv system we have detected may be associated with outflowing, highly-ionized, gas from a foreground massive galaxy; deep imaging and spectroscopy of galaxies near the QSO sightline should be able to distinguish between these two possibilities.
The loss of New Zealand's active dunes and the spread of marram grass (Ammophila arenaria)
Authors: Hilton Michael J. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  This article examines the decline of New Zealand's active dunes in relation to the introduction of marram grass (Ammophila arenaria). The area of active dunes in New Zealand declined from 129 000 ha in the early 1900s to about 39 000 ha in 2000; a reduction of 70%. The extent of active dunes has declined since the 1950s in all regions, particularly in Northland, Auckland and the Manawatu. The loss of active dunes on the west coast of the North Island resulted primarily from the introduction of marram grass, followed by the establishment of Pinus radiata plantations and extensive pastoral farming. Between 1985 and 2005 marram grass extended its range to the detriment of the indigenous foredune flora. Conservation and resource management agencies should urgently identify dune systems for conservation management and marram grass eradication.
Cochlear implantation in obstructed cochleas: the effect of the degree of obstruction on the number of activated electrodes and the amount of postoperative speech perception
Authors: Rinia A.B. , Olphen A.F. , Dunnebier E.A. 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  With cochlear implantation, insertion of the electrodes can be hampered by cochlear obstructions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these obstructions on the number of activated electrodes and postoperative speech perception.Study design and setting:  Retrospective analysis of the operation reports and CT‐scans of patients who underwent cochlear implantation, at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University Medical Center of Utrecht (n = 295).Patients and interventions:  Fifty patients with a certain degree of cochlear obstruction were included. Based on the surgical intervention to overcome these obstructions they were subdivided into first‐, second‐ and third degree obstructions. The number of implanted and activated electrodes was determined.Main outcome measures:  Three different speech perception tests after 12 months of cochlear implant use.Results:  The number of activated electrodes significantly diminished with increasing obstruction degree (P < 0.01). This was caused by a lower amount of implanted electrodes combined with a higher amount of switched off electrodes. With a higher degree of obstruction the amount of postoperative speech perception decreased significantly (P < 0.01). This is partly explained by the lower number of activated electrodes and partly explained by the fact that a higher obstructions degree correlates with a higher degree of (retro‐) cochlear pathology. Significantly more electrodes can be inserted into the severely obstructed cochlea using a Double Array Cochlear Implant.Conclusion:  Cochlear obstructions pose a surgical threat and negatively influence the postoperative speech perception results. Fortunately, due to surgical techniques, first and second degree obstructed cochleas can often be bypassed. Implanting of a Double Array implant brightens the prospects of patients with third (severe) degree obstructed cochleas.
A comparison of temporal bone fracture classification systems
Authors: Rafferty M.A. , Mc Conn Walsh R. , Walsh M.A. 
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  To compare the traditional and otic capsule classification system of temporal bone fractures for clinical relevance.Design:  A retrospective review of all patients with a radiological diagnosis of a skull‐base fracture over a 5‐year period.Setting:  All patients were seen at Beaumont Hospital, the national tertiary referral centre for Neuro‐otology.Participants:  Patients with a clinical diagnosis of skull fracture were identified from the hospitals in patient enquiry (HIPE) database. Of 338 patients, 31 (9%) were identified as having a temporal bone fracture on high‐resolution CT scanning.Main outcome measures:  The rate and distribution of each major clinical complications within each classification system to establish if either one was more clinically useful.Results:  Fractures were classified as mixed in 14 (45%), longitudinal in 9 (29%) and horizontal in 8 (26%). Alternatively, 2 (7%) were otic capsule violating and 29 (93%) were otic capsule sparing. Seventeen patients (54.8%) sustained a hearing loss. Seven patients (23%) sustained a facial nerve injury. Four (13%) developed a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Of all clinical findings only sensorineural hearing loss occurred significantly more often in the horizontal as opposed to the longitudinal group (P = 0.029) and in the otic violating as opposed to the otic sparing group (P = 0.013).Conclusions:  We acknowledge that the relatively small size of our cohort diminishes the statistical power of our conclusions. However, we found that the otic capsule‐based classification system was not significantly better than the traditional system in predicting the likelihood of sustaining specific injuries from fractures of the temporal bone.
Nonlinear Dynamics and Control of a Pneumatic Vibration Isolator
Authors: Heertjes Marcel , van de Wouw Nathan 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The nonlinear dynamics of a single-degree-of-freedom pneumatic vibration isolator are studied. Based on a physical model, a nonsymmetric stiffness nonlinearity is derived to describe the stiffness property of the isolator. For a full nonlinear pneumatic isolator model, the response to two different types of disturbances is studied: forces applied to the isolated payload and base vibrations. The dynamic behavior of the isolator in case of a disturbance applied to the payload is studied using the generalized force-mobility function and features coexisting steady-state responses and a superharmonic resonance. Base vibrations transmitted via the isolator are studied on the basis of the generalized transmissibility function again showing rich nonlinear dynamic behavior. The presence of a nonsymmetric nonlinearity also induces high-energy low-frequency response to multiple high-frequency excitation. For both types of excitation, the nonlinear behavior is seriously compromising the performance of the isolator. To avoid any expression of nonlinearity whatsoever and, at the same time, to enhance the performance of the passive isolator, an overall nonlinear control design is proposed. It consists of a linear PID-based controller together with a nonlinear computed torque controller (CTC). For either linear or nonlinear control, the isolator performance is quantified in terms of generalized force mobility and transmissibility. The latter with a special focus on multiple high-frequency excitation.