bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hsp70 suppresses apoptosis in sympathetic neurones by preventing the activation of c‐Jun
Authors: Bienemann A. S. , Lee Y. B. , Howarth J. , Uney J. B 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe anti‐apoptotic effects of heat‐shock protein (Hsp70) were assessed in SCG neurones following nerve growth factor (NGF) withdrawal. The results showed that the virally mediated expression of Hsp70 mirrored the effects of the c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK) binding domain (JBD) of JNK interacting protein (an inhibitor of JNK and c‐Jun activation) and suppressed the phosphorylation of c‐Jun. Preventing c‐Jun transcriptional activity subsequently led to reduced cytochrome c release and prevented caspase activation as indicated by a decrease in poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP) cleavage. Together, these results show that Hsp70 is a highly effective inhibitor of apoptosis in sympathetic neurones and that it mediates this effect primarily by suppressing c‐Jun transcriptional signalling.
Effect of Analysts' Optimism on Estimates of the Expected Rate of Return Implied by Earnings Forecasts
Authors: EASTON PETER D. , SOMMERS GREGORY A. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTRecent literature has used analysts' earnings forecasts, which are known to be optimistic, to estimate implied expected rates of return, yielding upwardly biased estimates. We estimate that the bias, computed as the difference between the estimates of the implied expected rate of return based on analysts' earnings forecasts and estimates based on current earnings realizations, is 2.84%. The importance of this bias is illustrated by the fact that several extant studies estimate an equity premium in the vicinity of 3%, which would be eliminated by the removal of the bias. We illustrate the point that cross‐sample differences in the bias may lead to the erroneous conclusion that cost of capital differs across these samples by showing that analysts' optimism, and hence, bias in the implied estimates of the expected rate of return, differs with firm size and with analysts' recommendation. As an important aside, we show that the bias in a value‐weighted estimate of the implied equity premium is 1.60% and that the unbiased value‐weighted estimate of this premium is 4.43%.
Contact metamorphism in the Malashan dome, North Himalayan gneiss domes, southern Tibet: an example of shallow extensional tectonics in the Tethys Himalaya
Authors: KAWAKAMI T. , AOYA M. , WALLIS S. R. , LEE J. , TERADA K. , WANG Y. , HEIZLER M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCombined petrographic, structural and geochronological study of the Malashan dome, one of the North Himalayan gneiss domes, reveals that it is cored by a Miocene granite, the Malashan granite, that intruded into the Jurassic sedimentary rocks of Tethys Himalaya. Two other granites in the area are referred to as the Paiku and Cuobu granites. New zircon SHRIMP U‐Pb and muscovite and biotite40Ar‐39Ar dating show that the Paiku granite was emplaced during 22.2–16.2 Ma (average 19.3 ± 3.9 Ma) and cooled rapidly to 350–400 °C at around 15.9 Ma. Whole‐rock granite chemistry suggests the original granitic magma may have formed by muscovite dehydration melting of a protolith chemically similar to the High Himalayan Crystalline Sequence. Abundant calcareous metasedimentary rocks and minor garnet‐staurolite‐biotite‐muscovite ± andalusite schists record contact metamorphism by three granites that intruded intermittently into the Jurassic sediments between 18.5 and 15.3 Ma. Two stages of widespread penetrative ductile deformation, D1 and D2, can be defined. Microstructural studies of metapelites combined with geothermobarometry and pseudosection analyses yieldP–Tconditions of 4.8 ± 0.8 kbar at 550 ± 50 °C during a non‐deformational stage between D1 and D2, and 3.1–4.1 kbar at 530–575 °C during syn‐ to post‐D2. The pressure estimates for the syn‐ to post‐D2 growth of andalusite suggest relatively shallow (depth of ∼15.2 km) extensional ductile deformation that took place within a shear zone of the South Tibetan Detachment System. Close temporal association between intrusion of the Malashan granite and onset of D2 suggests extension may have been triggered by the intrusion of the Malashan granite.
Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy with a mutation in the CHRNB2 gene
Authors: Díaz‐Otero Fernando , Quesada Mar , Morales‐Corraliza José , Martínez‐Parra Carlos , Gómez‐Garre Pilar , Serratosa José M 
Published: September 2007

Summary Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE; MIM 600513) has been associated with mutations in the genes coding for the alfa‐4 (CHRNA4), beta‐2 (CHRNB2), and alpha‐2 (CHRNA2) subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and for the corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH). A four‐generation ADNFLE family with six affected members was identified. All affected members presented the clinical characteristics of ADNFLE. Interictal awake and sleep EEG recordings showed no epileptiform abnormalities. Ictal video‐EEG recordings showed focal seizures with frontal lobe semiology. Mutation analysis of the CHRNB2 gene revealed a c.859G>A transition (Val287Met) within the second transmembrane domain, identical to that previously described in a Scottish ADNFLE family. To our knowledge, this is the third family reported presenting a mutation in CHRNB2. The clinical phenotype appears similar to that described with mutations in CHRNA4, suggesting that mutations in these two subunits lead to similar functional alterations of the nAChR.
Ictal asystole: A benign condition?
Authors: Schuele Stephan U. , Bermeo Adriana C. , Locatelli Eduardo , Burgess Richard C. , Lüders Hans O. 
Published: September 2007

Summary Ictal asystole (IA) has been implicated as a preventable cause of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy presumably provoked by a direct autonomic effect of the electrical stimulus on the heart. An electronic database search of patients with IA was performed comparing heart rate (HR) characteristics to a group of patients with vasovagal asystole. IA was seen in eight patients, all with temporal lobe epilepsy. No statistical difference was found in duration of asystole, bradycardia, and baseline HR characteristics except of a higher HR acceleration postasystole in the controls. None of the six patients with IA who underwent pacemaker implantation had recurrence of asystolic events during mean follow‐up of 5 years. This study in a small group of patients suggests that the epileptic activation leading to IA is possibly mediated through a transient increase in vagal tone and not by a direct autonomic effect on the heart.
Extracorporeal photophoresis increases sensitivity of monocytes from patients with graft‐versus‐host disease to HLA‐DR–mediated cell death
Authors: Setterblad Niclas , Garban Frédéric , Weigl Roman , Assier Eric , Drillat Philippe , Charron Dominique , Dickinson Anne , Greinix Hildegard , Mooney Nuala 
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains a cause of long‐term morbidity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and recent studies indicate that extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) is useful for treatment of steroid‐refractory GVHD although the mechanisms are unclear. Antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells have a central role in GVHD, and apoptosis of APCs by HLA‐DR monoclonal antibody (MoAb) has been documented in vitro and in vivo. Monocytes have been identified as precursors of dendritic cells in vivo and particularly under conditions of inflammation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study examined whether ECP altered the survival of peripheral blood monocytes from patients with GVHD, monocyte apoptosis after engagement of HLA‐DR antigens with MoAb, and monocyte apoptosis after allointeraction with primary CD4+ T lymphocytes. Samples from patients from two centers were studied.RESULTS: It is reported here that ECP induced apoptosis of monocytes over a period of at least 48 hours. ECP also clearly increased cell death of monocytes after engagement of HLA‐DR antigens with MoAb. In contrast, engagement of HLA‐DR by allointeraction failed to induce significant cell death of monocytes, and this was unaltered by ECP treatment.CONCLUSION: These data reveal that monocytes from patients with GVHD are sensitive to HLA‐DR–mediated apoptosis and that ECP treatment increases sensitivity to both spontaneous and HLA‐DR–mediated apoptosis. Therefore, ECP treatment in combination with HLA‐DR MoAbs could rapidly deplete monocytes and thereby reduce the contribution of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells to GVHD.
Neutralization of human parvovirus B19 by plasma and intravenous immunoglobulins
Authors: Modrof Jens , Berting Andreas , Tille Björn , Klotz Andreas , Forstner Christina , Rieger Sandra , Aberham Claudia , Gessner Matthias , Kreil Thomas R. 
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a highly prevalent pathogen, and plasma pools for manufacturing of plasma‐derived products have been shown to contain antibodies against B19V (B19V immunoglobulin G [IgG]).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The megakaryoblastic cell line UT7/Epo‐S1 can be infected with B19V Genotype 1 and as demonstrated here by immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of B19V‐specific mRNA, also with the more recently discovered Genotype 2. Based on B19V RT‐PCR analysis of infected UT7/Epo‐S1 cells, an infectivity assay was established and implemented for a B19V neutralization assay. To investigate the role of B19V neutralization in relation to B19V IgG titers, more than 1000 manufacturing plasma pools were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Plasma pools were found to contain a mean B19V IgG titer of 33 ± 9 IU per mL, with the lowest titer at 11 IU per mL. These 11 IU per mL B19V IgG neutralized 4.6 log B19V Genotype 1 and greater than 3.9 log Genotype 2 infectivity. Accordingly, a 10 percent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) product prepared from such pools was found to contain an even higher B19V neutralization capacity.CONCLUSION: A high capacity of B19V Genotypes 1 and 2 neutralization was demonstrated in plasma pools for fractionation, an inherent feature based on the constantly high titer of B19V IgG in these pools. The neutralizing activity of B19V IgG was shown to be maintained in the 10 percent IVIG product tested.
Correlation between serology and genetics of weak D types in Denmark
Authors: Christiansen Mette , Samuelsen Betina , Christiansen Lene , Morbjerg Trine , Bredahl Conny , Grunnet Niels 
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: To date more than 100 variant D types have been reported and the frequencies vary among populations. Blood donor typing should reveal all donors expressing D antigens, while patient typing should prevent the development of anti‐D in patients with a D– or variant D blood type. Serotyping is the standard method to assign transfusion strategies, whereas molecular classification offers a more specific grouping of weak and partial D.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood donor and patient samples with discrepant results of D phenotyping were collected to investigate the frequency of weak D subtypes in Denmark and to evaluate currently used serologic methods.RESULTS: Nine different weak D types were identified among the 101 samples. Weak D Types 1, 2, and 3 constituted 80 percent of the analyzed samples and 10 percent of the samples identified as weak D from serology were actually partial D.CONCLUSION: The distribution of weak D types in Denmark was found to resemble the distribution in Northern Germany in respect to the three most prevalent weak D types. Correctly defining all samples that show weak reactions in D typing as weak D or partial D is not possible with serotyping alone; genotyping offers the only exact categorization. Serology is superior for routine blood typing, however.
Quantitative Assessment of Angiographic Right Ventricular Wall Motion in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C)
Authors: INDIK JULIA H. , WICHTER THOMAS , GEAR KATHLEEN , DALLAS WILLIAM J. , MARCUS FRANK I. 
Published: September 2007

Introduction: Angiography of the right ventricle (RV) is a standard, reference technique to diagnose wall motion abnormalities in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). RV wall motion is usually assessed by qualitative, visual impression, and has lacked a quantitative basis for defining abnormalities. Since the normal RV has a markedly asymmetric movement, angiographic interpretation can differ, even among experienced clinicians. The purpose of this study was to quantify RV wall motion based on contrast ventriculography in patients with ARVD/C and to specify the severity and location of wall motion abnormalities, as compared with normal subjects. Methods and Results: We analyzed the angiographic contours of the RV in three views from 19 normal subjects and 23 subjects with ARVD/C. Contour area movement during contraction was calculated circumferentially and further analyzed in nine zones. RV ejection fraction was also computed. Wall motion in ARVD/C was depressed by more than 30% at the tricuspid valve and inferior wall regions (P < 0.001) and significantly reduced at the apex (P = 0.003). However, the RVOT and anterior wall motion were not significantly reduced. RV ejection fraction was depressed from 60 ± 11% in normal subjects to 41 ± 12% in ARVD/C patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Wall motion abnormalities in ARVD/C can be quantified and compared with normal controls, showing primarily reduced movement in the tricuspid and inferior wall regions. This study delineates objective measurements that can be used to aid in the diagnosis of ARVD/C. In addition, they may be incorporated in future refinements of criteria to diagnose ARVD/C.
Pain and Anatomical Locations of Radiofrequency Ablation as Predictors of Esophageal Temperature Rise During Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: ARYANA ARASH , HEIST E. KEVIN , D'AVILA ANDRE , HOLMVANG GODTFRED , CHEVALIER JIANPING , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , MANSOUR MOUSSA C. 
Published: September 2007

Introduction: Esophageal temperature rise (ETR) during ablation inside left atrium has been reported as a marker for esophageal thermal injury. We sought to investigate the possible relationships between chest pain and ETR during radiofrequency (RF) ablation, and ETR and locations of RF application, in patients undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation under moderate sedation. Methods and Results: We analyzed anatomical locations of each RF application and its association with esophageal temperature and presence/absence of pain. Data from 40 consecutive patients (mean age: 56 ± 10 years) were analyzed. There were a total of 4,071 RF applications resulting in 291 episodes of pain (7.1%) and 223 ETRs (5.5%). Thirty‐five patients (87.5%) experienced at least one pain episode and 32 (80.0%) had at least one ETR. While 77.4% of posterior wall applications that caused pain also corresponded to an ETR (P < 0.0001), only 0.8% of pain‐free posterior wall applications were associated with ETRs (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of pain during ablation for ETR were 94% and 98%, respectively. No ETRs were observed during anterior wall applications. ETRs occurred more frequently during ablation on the left (86.1%) versus the right (13.9%), and in inferior (70.4%) versus superior (29.6%) segments. Conclusion: In patients undergoing PV isolation, ETR was encountered when ablating in the posterior left atrium with the distribution left > right and inferior > superior. Pain during ablation was associated with ETR, and lack of pain was strongly associated with absence of ETR. Pain during RF ablation may thus serve as a predictor of esophageal heating and potential injury.
Lesions in the central nervous system associated with perinatal lamb mortality
Authors: DUTRA F , QUINTANS G , BANCHERO G 
Published: September 2007

Objective  To identify and describe the occurrence of neurological lesions that could have an effect on lamb mortality.Procedure  The central nervous system was investigated macroscopically (n = 92) and microscopically (n = 72) in lambs dying in the perinatal period during 3 years in flocks of adult Corriedale ewes. The central nervous system was removed intact and samples of cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus, mesencephalon, cerebellar cortex, medulla oblongata, and cervical spinal cord were scored microscopically for the severity of neuronal dead, cytotoxic and perivascular oedema, and haemorrhage.Results  Neurologic findings between birth and 6 days included haemorrhages in meninges, brain congestion and oedema, neuronal ischemic necrosis, intraparenchymal haemorrhages in medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord, parasagittal cerebral necrosis, and periventricular leukomalacia. No significant lesions were found in anteparturient deaths or in those aged between 7 and 16 days. Oedema was more severe in the brain than in other regions of the central nervous system. Ischaemic neurons first appeared 24 hours post partum, increased linearly in number between 48 hours and 5 days post partum, and had a laminar distribution in the cerebral cortex, indicating a hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Haemorrhages were most severe in the gray matter of medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord, suggesting trauma due to instability of atlantoaxialis joint.Conclusion  Lesions in the central nervous system can explain most deaths at birth and within 6 days of birth. The lesions were hypoxic‐ischemic and appeared to be related to birth injury.
Genetic analysis of canine parvovirus from dogs in Australia
Authors: MEERS J , KYAW‐TANNER M , BENSINK Z , ZWIJNENBERG R 
Published: September 2007

Objective To determine the genetic variants of canine parvovirus‐2 (CPV) present in domestic dogs in Australia and to investigate 26 cases of apparent vaccine failure.Design Thirty‐three samples of faeces or intestinal tissues and 16 cell culture virus isolates collected over a period from 1980 to 2005 from five Australian states were analysed.Procedure DNA was extracted from the samples and a 1975 bp fragment of the VP1/2 gene of CPV was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Sequences were compared to published strains of CPV‐2, CPV‐2a, CPV‐2b and CPV‐2c.Results Forty‐one of 43 PCR‐positive samples contained CPV‐2a viruses. One sample collected in 2002 from a pup in northern NSW contained a CPV‐2b virus. One sample that had been included in the study as a CPV‐antigen negative control sample contained a CPV‐2 virus.Conclusion CPV‐2a remains the predominant genetic variant of CPV in dogs in Australia and has not been replaced by CPV‐2b or CPV‐2c as in many other countries. The vaccine failures investigated in the study were likely caused not by genetic variation of field viruses but by maternal antibody interference in the response of pups to vaccination.
The Shift from Dating to Hooking up in College: What Scholars Have Missed
Authors: Bogle Kathleen A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn recent years, research has been building that suggests dating has been replaced by hooking up as the dominant way for heterosexual students to get together on college campuses. Although recent studies have documented the phenomenon of hooking up, there is evidence that this behavior was likely in place long before it was recognized in the literature. Yet, for the past several decades, scholars have continued to examine ‘dating’ among college students. This calls into question whether scholars missed a fundamental shift in how heterosexual men and women form sexual and romantic relationships on campus. In this paper, I will (i) review the major findings on hooking up, (ii) explain the differences between traditional dating and hooking up, (iii) explore when traditional dating declined and hooking up emerged on the college campus, and (iv) discuss the effect of this shift on the literature.
Sociology of Terrorism and Counterterrorism: A Social Science Understanding of Terrorist Threat
Authors: Tosini Domenico 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to outline a social science understanding of terrorist threat, with special reference to political violence of new terrorist groups, fundamentalist movements and extremist organisations such as Al‐Qaeda. Four main terrorism topics will be examined: (i)Definition of terrorism. We will make explicit the political and moral implications of the word ‘terrorism’ by tracing a brief history of terrorism; at the same time, a definition of terrorism will be proposed based on an overview of terrorism studies. (ii)Typology of terrorism. The topic to be addressed here concerns the classification of terrorist groups, paying special attention to contemporary fundamentalist movements and extremist organisations (particularly after World War II). (iii)Explanation of terrorism.Criticism will be made of psychological explanations of terrorism that try to trace political violence back to specific personal traits or psychopathological profiles of terrorists. We will offer an alternative explanation, focusing on specific social, cultural and religious factors to be considered the root causes of terrorism. Suicide terrorism will be used as a case study. (iv) Counterterrorism policy. Here, we will discuss some of the limitations and counterproductive effects of the counterterrorism measures adopted by governments after 9/11, including new antiterrorism legislation, the case of special detention at Guantanamo Bay, and the Iraq invasion. Most of such limitations are due to a misunderstanding of the political culture and ideology of Islamic extremism and fundamentalism (Islamism). Some concluding remarks will summarise the findings of the article and underline the most important suggestions for a future research agenda in the sociology of terrorism and counterterrorism.
Tree species richness affects litter production and decomposition rates in a tropical biodiversity experiment
Authors: Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Luis Bonilla José , Potvin Catherine 
Published: September 2007

We report data on leaf litter production and decomposition from a manipulative biodiversity experiment with trees in tropical Panama, which has been designed to explore the relationship between tree diversity and ecosystem functioning. A total of 24 plots (2025 m2) were established in 2001 using six native tree species, with 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐species mixtures. We estimated litter production during the dry season 2005 with litter traps; decomposition was assessed with a litter bag approach during the following wet season.Litter production during the course of the dry season was highly variable among the tree species. Tree diversity significantly affected litter production, and the majority of the intermediate diverse mixtures had higher litter yields than expected based on yields in monoculture. In contrast, high diverse mixtures did not show such overyielding in litter production. Litter decomposition rates were also highly species‐specific, and were related to various measures of litter quality (C/N, lignin/N, fibre content). We found no overall effect of litter diversity if the entire litter mixtures were analyzed, i.e. mixing species resulted in pure additive effects and observed decomposition rates were not different from expected rates. However, the individual species changed their decomposition pattern depending on the diversity of the litter mixture, i.e. there were species‐specific responses to mixing litter. The analysis of temporal C and N dynamics within litter mixtures gave only limited evidence for nutrient transfer among litters of different quality.At this early stage of our tree diversity experiment, there are no coherent and general effects of tree species richness on both litter production and decomposition. Within the scope of the biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning relationship, our results therefore highlight the process‐specific effects diversity may have. Additionally, species‐specific effects on ecosystem processes and their temporal dynamics are important, but such effects may change along the gradient of tree diversity.