bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QTL Mapping for Low‐Dose Ethanol Activation in the LXS Recombinant Inbred Strains
Authors: Downing Chris , Carosone‐Link Phyllis , Bennett Beth , Johnson Thomas E. 
Published: June 2006

Background: Most mouse quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for behavioral traits have been mapped using populations of mice derived from C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2). It is also important to identify QTLs for behavior in populations derived from other progenitors. We report results from QTL mapping for low‐dose (ethanol) locomotor activation (LDA) using the recently developed LXS recombinant inbred (RI) strains, derived from Inbred Long Sleep (ILS) and Inbred Short Sleep (ISS) progenitors. The LXS RI panel has additional genetic variation, and greater power due to a larger number of strains, compared with other RI panels and strain crosses.Methods: Mice were tested using a 3‐day protocol in which activity levels were monitored for 15 minutes each day. On day 1, baseline activity was recorded; on day 2, mice were injected with saline before testing; and on day 3, mice were injected with 1.8 g/kg ethanol and tested.Results: Several suggestive QTLs were found, on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, and 13; 3 of these QTLs were sex‐specific.Conclusions: Two apparently novel LDA QTLs were identified, on chromosomes 4 and 8. The other QTLs appear to replicate previously identified LDA QTLs. These replicated QTLs will be pursued in subsequent studies designed to identify candidate genes.
Abnormal Transsulfuration and Glutathione Metabolism in the Micropig Model of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Villanueva Jesus A. , Esfandiari Farah , Wong Donna H. , Ahmad Iram , Melnyk Stepan , James S. Jill , Halsted Charles H. 
Published: June 2006

Background: Alcoholic liver disease is associated with abnormalities of methionine metabolic enzymes that may contribute to glutathione depletion. Previously, we found that feeding micropigs a combination of ethanol with a folate‐deficient diet resulted in the greatest decreases in S‐adenosylmethionine and glutathione and increases in liver S‐adenosylhomocysteine and oxidized disulfide glutathione.Methods: To study the mechanisms of glutathione depletion, we analyzed the transcripts and activities of enzymes involved in its synthesis and metabolism in liver and plasma specimens that were available from the same micropigs that receive folate‐sufficient or folate‐depleted diets with or without 40% of energy as ethanol for 14 weeks.Results: Ethanol feeding, folate deficiency, or their combination decreased liver and plasma glutathione and the activities of hepatic copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increased the activity of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase. Hepatic levels of cysteine and taurine were unchanged while plasma cysteine was increased in the combined diet group. Cystathionine β‐synthase transcripts and activity were unaffected by ethanol feeding, while the activities of other transsulfuration enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis were increased. Glutathione transferase transcripts were increased 4‐fold and its mean activity was increased by 34% in the combined ethanol and folate‐deficient diet group, similar in magnitude to the observed 36% reduction in hepatic glutathione.Conclusions: Chronic ethanol feeding and folate deficiency acted individually or synergistically to affect methionine metabolism in the micropig by depleting glutathione pools and altering transcript expressions and activities of enzymes involved in its synthesis, utilization, and regeneration. The data suggest that the observed decrease in hepatic glutathione during ethanol feeding reflects its increased utilization to meet increased antioxidant demands, rather than reduction in its synthesis.
Complex visual hallucination and mirror sign in posterior cortical atrophy
Authors: Yoshida T. , Yuki N. , Nakagawa M. 
Published: June 2006

Objective:  In posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), visual hallucinations are rare symptoms and mirror sign has not been described.Method:  Single case report.Results:  We reported a 60‐year‐old woman with PCA who reported complex visual hallucinations, such as a man walking in her room, and mirror sign, which was the perception of a stranger staring at her when she looked into a mirror. She could not recognize images of herself in the mirror correctly, although she could recognize that a person standing next to her and the images of that person reflected in the mirror were the same person.Conclusion:  Early complex visual hallucinations in this patient appeared to be more characteristic of dementia with Lewy body than Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is hard to explain mirror sign in this patient as being because of either prosopagnosia, Balint's syndrome or advanced AD. This patient may have other underlying cognitive dysfunction.
IDENTIFICATION OF MILK SOURCE BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION–RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM ANALYSIS
Authors: EL‐RADY AHMED ABD , SAYED MOHAMMED 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT In this study, a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method was applied to identify the animal sources of milk by using a universal primer cytochrome b (cytb) (cytochrome b1 and cytochrome b2). It is common in Egypt to adulterate buffalo milk for sale or for use in cheese making with less expensive cow's milk. Identification of the animal source of milk is important from a theoretical standpoint and is useful because it allows the detection of fraud in the form of the substitution of a less costly type of milk for one of a higher quality. Milk samples were collected from four farm animal species (cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep) to differentiate each according to its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This method was based on mtDNA control region sequence variations. The DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytb gene (359‐bp fragments) was obtained from the gene bank database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The PCR product was digested using restriction endonuclease enzyme and yielded a species‐specific restriction profile. This technique is more specific and sensitive for milk source identification and differentiation. Therefore, this assay may be suitable as a routine test, because it is more rapid than conventional methods and shows considerable sensitivity. The economic impact of this situation leads to many investigations of potential fraud.
Behavior of Planetary Waves before and after Stratospheric Sudden Warming Events in Several Phases of the Equatorial QBO
Authors: Naito Yoko , Yoden Shigeo 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Almost a thousand stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) events are obtained through long time integrations with a simple global circulation model, and a statistical analysis based on such a large number of samples is made to investigate behavior of planetary waves before and after SSW events depending on the phase of the equatorial quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). An idealized zonal momentum forcing to mimic a phase of the QBO is imposed under a perpetual winter condition, and eight phases of the QBO-wind forcing are examined for 8 × 10 800-day datasets.
Some systematic dependence on the phase of the QBO-wind forcing is seen in the anomaly of the Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux in the winter hemisphere, both in the 10 800-day average and in the composites for SSW events. The composite analysis shows that before SSW events, the upward EP flux in the troposphere and midlatitude lower stratosphere as well as the equatorward flux above the tropopause is larger in the westerly forcing runs than in the easterly forcing runs. After SSW events, the upward EP flux in the troposphere is still larger in the westerly forcing runs. Correlation associated with the differences among SSW events that occurred in each run is significantly positive between the magnitude of the warming and the planetary wave activity flux before all the events in QBO-wind forcing in the stratosphere, but only in the easterly forcing runs in the troposphere.
Chemosensory properties of murine nasal and cutaneous trigeminal neurons identified by viral tracing
Authors: Damann Nils , Rothermel Markus , Klupp Barbara G , Mettenleiter Thomas C , Hatt Hanns , Wetzel Christian H 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Somatosensation of the mammalian head is mainly mediated by the trigeminal nerve that provides innervation of diverse tissues like the face skin, the conjunctiva of the eyes, blood vessels and the mucouse membranes of the oral and nasal cavities. Trigeminal perception encompasses thermosensation, touch, and pain. Trigeminal chemosensation from the nasal epithelia mainly evokes stinging, burning, or pungent sensations. In vitro characterization of trigeminal primary sensory neurons derives largely from analysis of complete neuronal populations prepared from sensory ganglia. Thus, functional properties of primary trigeminal afferents depending on the area of innervation remain largely unclear.

Results
We established a PrV based tracing technique to identify nasal and cutaneous trigeminal neurons in vitro. This approach allowed analysis and comparison of identified primary afferents by means of electrophysiological and imaging measurement techniques.
Neurons were challenged with several agonists that were reported to exhibit specificity for known receptors, including TRP channels and purinergic receptors. In addition, TTX sensitivity of sodium currents and IB4 binding was investigated.
Compared with cutaneous neurons, a larger fraction of nasal trigeminal neurons showed sensitivity for menthol and capsaicin. These findings pointed to TRPM8 and TRPV1 receptor protein expression largely in nasal neurons whereas for cutaneous neurons these receptors are present only in a smaller fraction. The majority of nasal neurons lacked P2X3 receptor-mediated currents but showed P2X2-mediated responses when stimulated with ATP. Interestingly, cutaneous neurons revealed largely TTX resistant sodium currents. A significantly higher fraction of nasal and cutaneous afferents showed IB4 binding when compared to randomly chosen trigeminal neurons.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the usability of PrV mediated tracing of primary afferents was demonstrated. Using this technique it could be shown that compared with neurons innervating the skin nasal trigeminal neurons reveal pronounced chemosensitivity for TRPM8 and TRPV1 channel agonists and only partially meet properties typical for nociceptors. In contrast to P2X3 receptors, TRPM8 and TRPV1 receptors seem to be of pronounced physiological relevance for intranasal trigeminal sensation.
First histological observations on the incorporation of a novel nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste OSTIM® in human cancellous bone
Authors: Huber Franz-Xaver , Belyaev Orlin , Hillmeier Joachim , Kock Hans-Juergen , Huber Colette , Meeder Peter-Juergen , Berger Irina 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground:A commercially available nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste Ostim®has been reported in few recent studies to surpass other synthetic bone substitutes with respect to the observed clinical results. However, the integration of this implantable material has been histologically evaluated only in animal experimental models up to now. This study aimed to evaluate the tissue incorporation of Ostim®in human cancellous bone after reconstructive bone surgery for trauma.Methods:Biopsy specimens from 6 adult patients with a total of 7 tibial, calcaneal or distal radial fractures were obtained at the time of osteosynthesis removal. The median interval from initial operation to tissue sampling was 13 (range 3–15) months. Samples were stained with Masson-Goldner, von Kossa, and toluidine blue. Osteoid volume, trabecular width and bone volume, and cortical porosity were analyzed. Samples were immunolabeled with antibodies against CD68, CD56 and human prolyl 4-hydroxylase to detect macrophages, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts, respectively. TRAP stainings were used to identify osteoclasts.Results:Histomorphometric data indicated good regeneration with normal bone turnover: mean osteoid volume was 1.93% of the trabecular bone mass, trabecular bone volume – 28.4%, trabecular width – 225.12 μm, and porosity index – 2.6%. Cortical and spongious bone tissue were well structured. Neither inflammatory reaction, nor osteofibrosis or osteonecrosis were observed. The implanted material was widely absorbed.Conclusion:The studied nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste showed good tissue incorporation. It is highly biocompatible and appears to be a suitable bone substitute for juxtaarticular comminuted fractures in combination with a stable screw-plate osteosynthesis.
Glycopeptidolipids from Mycobacterium avium promote macrophage activation in a TLR2- and MyD88-dependent manner
Authors: Sweet Lindsay , Schorey Jeffrey S 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key components in the immune response against numerous pathogens. Previous studies have indicated that TLR2 plays an essential role in promoting immune responses against mycobacterial infections. Prior work has also shown that mice deficient in TLR2 are more susceptible to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and Mycobacterium avium. Therefore, it is important to define the molecules expressed by pathogenic mycobacteria, which bind the various TLRs. Although a number of TLR agonists have been characterized for M. tuberculosis, no specific TLR ligand has been identified in M. avium. We have found that glycopeptidolipids (GPLs), which are highly expressed surface molecules on M. avium, can stimulate the nuclear factor-κB pathway as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines when added to murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. This stimulation was dependent on TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) but not TLR4. M. avium express apolar and serovar-specific (ss)GPLs, and it is the expression of the latter that determines the serotype of a particular M. avium strain. It is interesting that the ssGPLs activated macrophages in a TLR2- and MyD88-dependent manner, and no macrophage activation was observed when using apolar GPLs. ssGPLs also differed in their ability to activate macrophages with Serovars 1 and 2 stimulating inhibitor of κB p38 and phosphorylation and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secretion, while Serovar 4 failed to stimulate p38 activation and TNF-α production. Our studies indicate that ssGPLs can function as TLR2 agonists and promote macrophage activation in a MyD88-dependent pathway.
Increased Plasma Concentration of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Nilsson Lennart , Jonasson Lena , Nijm Johnny , Hamsten Anders , Eriksson Per 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: Plaque rupture is often associated with breakdown of the extracellular matrix in the shoulder region of a plaque. We tested whether plasma concentrations of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) could serve as markers for plaque instability as well as relationships between plasma MMPs and inflammatory markers.
Methods: The study group included 65 men with angiographically verified CAD (45 with stable and 20 with unstable CAD) and 28 healthy controls. Circulating MMP, TIMP-1, C-reactive protein, and cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. Leukocyte subtype counts in whole blood were determined, and T-cell subsets and natural killer cells were measured by flow cytometry. Differences in continuous variables between groups were tested by ANOVA with the Scheffé F-test used as a post hoc test, and correlations were analyzed by a linear regression method.
Results: The plasma concentration of MMP-7 was increased in patients with stable and unstable CAD, whereas MMP-2 and -3 concentrations were decreased. The plasma concentration of TIMP-1 was significantly increased in patients with unstable CAD. MMP-2, -3, and -7 showed no correlations with established markers of inflammation. However, MMP-2 correlated positively with the number of natural killer cells in patients with stable and unstable CAD.
Conclusion: Plasma concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs may be markers of CAD but appear to be differentially regulated.
Modern Portfolio Theory: Some Main Results
Authors: Müller Heinz H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article summarizes some main results in modern portfolio theory. First, the Markowitz approach is presented. Then the capital asset pricing model is derived and its empirical testability is discussed. Afterwards Neumann–Morgenstern utility theory is applied to the portfolio problem. Finally, it is shown how optimal risk allocation in an economy may lead to portfolio insurance.
Between Individual and Collective Model for the Total Claims
Authors: Kaas R. , van Heerwaarden A. E. , Goovaerts M. J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article studies random variables whose stop-loss rank falls between a certain risk (assumed to be integer-valued and non-negative, but not necessarily of life-insurance type) and the compound Poisson approximation to this risk. They consist of a compound Poisson part to which some independent Bernoulli-type variables are added.Replacing each term in an individual model with such a random variable leads to an approximating model for the total claims on a portfolio of contracts that is computationally almost as attractive as the compound Poisson approximation used in the standard collective model. The resulting stop-loss premiums are much closer to the real values.
Predicting Ibnyr Events and Delays: I. Continuous Time
Authors: Jewell William S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAn IBNYR event is one that occurs randomly during some fixed exposure interval and incurs a random delay before it is reported. Both the rate at which such events occur and the parameters of the delay distribution are unknown random quantities. Given the number of events that have been reported during some observation interval, plus various secondary data on the dates of the events, the problem is to estimate the true values of the unknown parameters and to predict the number of events that are still unreported. A full-distributional Bayesian model is used, and it is shown that the amount of secondary data is critical. A recursive procedure calculates the predictive density; however, an explicit formula for the predictive mode can be obtained. The main computational work is the evaluation of an integral involving the prior density of the delay parameters, but this can be simplified in the exponential case using Gammoid approximations.
A Generalization of Automobile Insurance Rating Models: The Negative Binomial Distribution with a Regression Component
Authors: Dionne Georges , Vanasse Charles 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to provide an extension of well-known models of tarification in automobile insurance. The analysis begins by introducing a regression component in the Poisson model in order to use all available information in the estimation of the distribution. In a second step, a random variable is included in the regression component of the Poisson model and a negative binomial model with a regression component is derived. We then present our main contribution by proposing a bonus-malus system which integrates a priori and a posteriori information on an individual basis. We show how net premium tables can be derived from the model. Examples of tables are presented.
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder: Preliminary experience with 18‐month follow up
Authors: Pinto Robin J. , Dalvi Bharat V. , Sharma Satyavan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground: This study reports our experience in the nonsurgical closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in children and adolescents with the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder and the outcome of an 18‐month follow up. Methods and Results: Twenty patients (median age:10 years; median weight:32 kg) with perimembranous ventricular septal defect were selected for transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer device. The prosthesis diameter chosen was 1–2 mm larger than the largest measured diameter of the defect on transesophageal echo (TEE). All patients were put on oral aspirin (5 mg/kg/day in children and 150 mg/day in adults) five days prior to and for six months after closure. Follow‐up evaluation at 48 hr and 1, 6, 12 and 18 months included clinical examination, electrocardiogram, and a transthoracic echocardiogram. The mean defect diameter on color flow mapping on TEE was 7.1 ± 2.3 mm. The device diameter ranged from 6–14 mm (median = 8 mm). One patient developed an anaphylactic reaction to contrast. The procedure was successful in 17 out of 19 patients where it was attempted (89.4%). In two patients with associated significant aortic valve prolapse and mild aortic regurgitation the device could not be successfully deployed. A trivial residual shunt observed during postdeployment left ventricular angiogram in 7 of 17 patients (41.2%) completely disappeared at one month follow‐up. Three patients had right bundle branch block (2 complete and 1 incomplete) whereas one developed junctional escape rhythm with a right bundle branch block morphology. One patient had clinically silent thromboembolism to the left vertebral artery and another patient had hemolysis which resolved spontaneously within 48 hr. Follow‐up at 13.5 ± 5.3 months (range 1–18 months) revealed no residual shunt. The left ventricular internal dimension in diastole decreased significantly from 45 ± 6 mm to 40 ± 6 mm (P < 0.01) at the time of the last follow up. The baseline tricuspid regurgitation (n = 4) and aortic regurgitation (n = 3) remained unchanged during the follow up period. None of the patients developed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or new aortic or tricuspid regurgitation. There were no other device related complications such as device migration, systemic thromboembolism, infective endocarditis, pericardial effusion or delayed conduction disturbances. Conclusions: In carefully selected children and young adults, the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder is a promising device for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with encouraging results on short term follow up. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.