bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antigen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes protect against lethal West Nile virus encephalitis
Authors: Purtha Whitney E. , Myers Nancy , Mitaksov Vesselin , Sitati Elizabeth , Connolly Janet , Fremont Daved H. , Hansen Ted H. , Diamond Michael S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractInfection with West Nile virus (WNV) causes fatal encephalitis in immunocompromised animals. Previous studies in mice have established that T cell protection is required for clearance of WNV infection from tissues and preventing viral persistence. The current study assessed whether specific WNV peptide epitopes could elicit a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response capable of protecting against virus infection. Hidden Markov model analysis was used to identify WNV‐encoded peptides that bound the MHC class I proteins Kb or Db. Of the 35 peptides predicted to bind MHC class I molecules, one immunodominant CTL recognition peptide was identified in each of the envelope and non‐structural protein 4B genes. Addition of these but not control peptides to CD8+ T cells from WNV‐infected mice induced IFN‐γ production. CTL clones that were generated ex vivo lysed peptide‐pulsed or WNV‐infected target cells in an antigen‐specific manner. Finally, adoptive transfer of a mixture of envelope‐ and non‐structural protein 4B‐specific CTL to recipient mice protected against lethal WNV challenge. Based on this, we conclude that CTL responses against immundominant WNV epitopes confer protective immunity and thus should be targets for inclusion in new vaccines.
Voltammetry of Electroinactive Species Using Quinone/Hydroquinone Redox: A Known Redox System Viewed in a New Perspective
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad , Nematollahi Davood 
Published: June 2007

AbstractElectrochemical behavior of p‐benzoquinone (Q), hydroquinone (H2Q) and quinhydrone complex (QH) have been investigated in aqueous unbuffered solutions. The results revealed that in unbuffered solution the half wave potential of hydroquinone has a significant difference with quinone's half wave potential. It shown that, added acid in an unbuffered solution of Q, give rise to a new reduction peak at a more positive potential than original reduction peak of Q. The half‐peak potential of this new peak is dependent on acidity of added acid (pKa) and its height is proportional to the acid concentration. Also, added base in an unbuffered solution of H2Q, give rise to a new oxidation peak at a more negative potential than original oxidation peak of H2Q. The half‐peak potential of this new peak is dependent on basicity of added base (pKb) and its height is proportional to the base concentration. This paper shows new perspectives for a known system in aqueous unbuffered solutions, by means of voltammetric responses that can be exploited for the electrochemical investigation of non electroactive species such as HPO$\rm{ _4^{2 - } }$, HCO$\rm{ _3^ - }$ or CH3COOH.
Differences in depression symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: evidence from the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15)
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Xie Sharon , Karlawish Jason , Siderowf Andrew 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveDepression occurs frequently in patients with both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), but there has been little comparison of depression symptoms in the two populations.MethodThe 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) was administered as a depression screening instrument to 232 AD patients and 266 PD specialty care patients with at most mild dementia. Logistic regression models were used to determine disease‐specific associations with individual GDS‐15 items, and factor analysis was used to assess GDS‐15 factor structure in the two populations.ResultsControlling for total GDS‐15 score and other covariates, AD patients reported more dissatisfaction with life (p = 0.03) and memory problems (p < 0.001), while PD patients reported more fearfulness (p = 0.01), helplessness (p < 0.01), a preference to stay at home (p = 0.02), and diminished energy (p < 0.01). Three factors were generated in PD (explaining 55% of the total variance) and five in AD (explaining 59% of the total variance), and the two main factors generated in both populations related primarily to unhappiness and negative thoughts.ConclusionsThe factor structure of the GDS‐15 is similar in AD and PD patients with at most mild stage dementia, but between‐group differences on 6 of the GDS‐15 items suggests the non‐specificity of certain items in the two populations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conversion of amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment to dementia of Alzheimer type is independent to memory deterioration
Authors: Rozzini Luca , Chilovi Barbara Vicini , Conti Marta , Bertoletti Erik , Delrio Ilenia , Trabucchi Marco , Padovani Alessandro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment defines a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia, and reflects the clinical situation where a person has memory complaints and objective evidence of cognitive impairment but no evidence of dementia. To plan the care of patients with MCI, it is important to predict as accurately as possible potential risk factors modulating the conversion to AD.AimTo investigate the risk factors associated of conversion to dementia of Alzheimer type (AD) for subjects with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI).Methods and MaterialsOne hundred nineteen subjects consecutively recruited who met the operational criteria for aMCI (with or without deficits in other cognitive domains). They underwent multidimensional assessment and a neuropsychological battery at baseline and at follow‐up, after 1 year. Diagnosis for dementia was based on a deficit in two or more cognitive domains severe enough to affect the participant functional abilities. Subjects converted to AD over time were classified as Demented; subjects that remained unchanged, or became cognitively normal during follow‐up, were defined as Stable.ResultsDemented MCI (N = 40; 33.6%) were older (mean age 73.5 ± 8.5 vs. 69.2 ± 7.0; p = 0.006) when compared to Stable (N = 79; 66.4) and their global cognitive performances, at baseline, were more compromised when assessed by ADAS‐Cog (mean score 10.7 ± 3.9 vs 6.7 ± 3.4; p = .000) and by MMSE (mean score 26.1 ± 1.9 vs. 27.3 ± 1.8; p = 0.002). Demented were similarly compromised in basic activities of daily living (BADL mean 0.2 ± 0.4 vs 0.1 ±  0.3 functions lost; p = NS) but more compromised on instrumental daily functions (IADL mean 0.7 ± 0.8 vs. 0.1 ± 0.5 functions lost; p = 0.001). The presence of white matter lesions (WML) on CT or MRI was more pronounced in Demented group (p = 0.02). After 1 year; Demented worsened on phonemic verbal fluency (PFL) (p = 0.009), Raven's coloured matrices (p = 0.003), Trail Making test A and B (p = 0.008 and p = 0.007 respectively) and in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (p =0 .000) respect to Stable. Logistic regression analysis revealed that ADAS‐Cog basal score, Trail Making B, IADL but not memory deterioration were significantly associated to the conversion to AD.ConclusionsIn subjects with aMCI poor global cognitive performance at baseline, the worsening on executive functions and on functional status but not the worsening on memory functions are independently associated with the conversion to dementia of Alzheimer type at 1 year, follow‐up. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Venlafaxine versus nortriptyline in the treatment of elderly depressed inpatients: a randomised, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Kok Rob M. , Nolen Willem A. , Heeren Thea J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of the trials in the elderly are outpatient trials which excluded psychotic patients and patients with common comorbid physical disorders. Consequently information is lacking about the more complex cases of elderly depressed patients, as found in inpatient wards.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of two antidepressants, venlafaxine and nortriptyline, in a clinically representative sample of elderly depressed inpatients.MethodA 12‐week, double blind, randomised, controlled trial in 81 elderly inpatients from one centre. All patients fulfilled DSM‐IV criteria for major depression and were assessed using the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Clinical Global Improvement and the Symptom, sign, and Side‐effect Checklist.ResultsOverall, remission was achieved by 26 (32.1%) of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients achieving remission on the MADRS between venlafaxine (11 out of 40 patients) and nortriptyline (15 out of 41 patients; p = 0.381) or in any of the secondary outcome variables. The number and severity of side‐effects was not statistically different between both treatment groups and most side effects were mild or moderate in intensity.ConclusionsIn elderly inpatients with severe depression, venlafaxine and nortriptyline appeared to be equally effective and equally well tolerated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebro‐ and cardiovascular conditions in adults with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic medications
Authors: Jerrell Jeanette M. , McIntyre Roger S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo report on the relative risk of cerebro‐ and cardiovascular disorders associated with antipsychotic treatment among adults with schizophrenia.MethodMedical and pharmacy claims data from the South Carolina Medicaid program were extracted to compare the prevalence rates for four coded cerebrovascular (cerebrovascular disease; cerebrovascular accident; cerebrovascular hemorrhage; and peripheral vascular disease) and four cardiovascular (myocardial infarction; ischemic heart disease; arrhythmias; and cardiomyopathy) conditions. The analysis employed a retrospective cohort design with a 3 years time period as the interval of interest. Schizophrenic adults (18–54) (n = 2251) prescribed one of six atypical or two conventional antipsychotic medications were identified and comprised the analysis set.ResultsIncidence rates for cerebrovascular disorders ranged from 0.5 to 3.6%. No significant association between antipsychotic usage and cerebrovascular disorders was noted largely due to the low base rate. Incidence rates for overall cardiovascular conditions ranged from 6 to 20%. The odds of developing cardiomyopathy were significantly lower for aripiprazole (OR = −3.45; p = 0.02), while the odds of developing hypertension were significantly lower for males (OR = −1.37; p = 0.009) but significantly higher for patients prescribed ziprasidone (OR = 1.91; p = 0.01) relative to conventional antipsychotics.ConclusionNo significant association between antipsychotic usage and cerebro‐ or cardiovascular disorders was noted. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operational performance of current synthetic aperture radar sensors in mapping soil surface characteristics in agricultural environments: application to hydrological and erosion modelling
Authors: Baghdadi Nicolas , Cerdan Olivier , Zribi Mehrez , Auzet Véronique , Darboux Frédéric , El Hajj Mahmoud , Kheir Rania Bou 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSynthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors are often used to characterize the surface of bare soils in agricultural environments. They enable the soil moisture and roughness to be estimated with constraints linked to the configurations of the sensors (polarization, incidence angle and radar wavelength). These key soil characteristics are necessary for different applications, such as hydrology and risk prediction.This article reviews the potential of currently operational SAR sensors and those planned for the near future to characterize soil surface as a function of users' needs. It details what it is possible to achieve in terms of mapping soil moisture and roughness by specifying optimal radar configurations and the precision associated with the estimation of soil surface characteristics.The summary carried out for the present article shows that mapping soil moisture is optimal with SAR sensors at low incidence angles (<35 ). This configuration, which enables an estimated moisture accuracy greater than 6% is possible several times a month taking into account all the current and future sensors. Concerning soil roughness, it is best mapped using three classes (smooth, moderately rough, and rough). Such mapping requires high‐incidence data, which is possible with certain current sensors (RADARSAT‐1 and ASAR both in band C). When L‐band sensors (ALOS) become available, this mapping accuracy should improve because the sensitivity of the radar signal to Soil Surface Characteristics (SSC) increases with wavelength. Finally, the polarimetric mode of certain imminent sensors (ALOS, RADARSAT‐2, TerraSAR‐X, etc.), and the possibility of acquiring data at very high spatial resolution (metre scale), offer great potential in terms of improving the quality of SSC mapping. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the estimation of antecedent wetness conditions in rainfall–runoff modelling
Authors: Brocca L. , Melone F. , Moramarco T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe analysis of the physical processes involved in a conceptual model of soil water content balance is addressed with the objective of its application as a component of rainfall–runoff modelling. The model uses routinely measured meteorological variables (rainfall and air temperature) and incorporates a limited number of significant parameters. Its performance in estimating the soil moisture temporal pattern was tested through local measurements of volumetric water content carried out continuously on an experimental plot located in central Italy. The analysis was carried out for different periods in order to test both the representation of infiltration at the short time‐scale and drainage and evapotranspiration processes at the long time‐scale. A robust conceptual model was identified that incorporated the Green–Ampt approach for infiltration and a gravity‐driven approximation for drainage. A sensitivity analysis was performed for the selected model to assess the model robustness and to identify the more significant parameters involved in the principal processes that control the soil moisture temporal pattern.The usefulness of the selected model was tested for the estimation of the initial wetness conditions for rainfall–runoff modelling at the catchment scale. Specifically, the runoff characteristics (runoff depth and peak discharge) were found to be dependent on the pre‐event surface soil moisture. Both observed values and those estimated by the model gave good results. On the contrary, with the antecedent wetness conditions furnished by two versions of the antecedent precipitation index (API), large errors were obtained. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping multi‐year ground water salinity patterns in irrigation areas using time‐series analysis of ground water salinity maps
Authors: Gundogdu Kemal Sulhi , Akkaya Aslan S.Tulin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn irrigation areas, ground water salinity (GWS) levels may vary depending on the amount and quality of irrigation water applied and on the activity of the drainage system. GWS plays a vital role in irrigation systems by influencing whether the environment is suitable for plant growth. Hence, it is necessary to monitor changes in GWS both temporally and spatially. Maps are generally used to visualize this information. However, evaluation of temporal and spatial variations of GWS can be difficult because of the necessity of assessing many maps together to understand both temporal and spatial changes.In this study, a data assessment method that can be used for multi‐year ground water salinity evaluations is presented. The method looks at the spatial and temporal relationships between the main salinity classes present in the study area, their typical locations (i.e. areas where the salinity classes are most frequently located), and the alternate salinity classes in those locations in any of the years of the time series. As a case study, the method was applied to multi‐year (1990–2000) GWS observations in the Mustafakemalpasa irrigation project (19 370 ha) in the Marmara region of north‐western Turkey. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fuzzy model identification based on cluster estimation for reservoir inflow forecasting
Authors: Nayak P. C. , Sudheer K. P. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFuzzy theory appears to be extremely effective at handling dynamic, non‐linear and noisy data, especially when the underlying physical relationships are not fully understood. Since hydrologists are still uncertain about many of the aspects of the physical processes in the watershed, fuzzy theory has proved to be a very attractive tool enabling them to investigate such problems. The effectiveness of the fuzzy model lies in the identification of the antecedent membership function (MF), which is generally addressed through a fuzzy clustering approach. Most of the applications of fuzzy computing in hydrology seem to have selected the clustering algorithm quite arbitrarily. However, it is apparent that, as the antecedent parameters are based solely on the identified clusters, the method used for clustering should certainly have an impact on the overall performance of the model. This paper presents the results of a study conducted to investigate the impact of choice of clustering algorithm on the overall performance of a fuzzy‐based hydrologic model. The research is illustrated through a case study of developing a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model for reservoir inflow forecasting in the Narmada basin, India. The model was developed using two popular clustering techniques, namely Gustafson–Kessel (GK) and subtractive clustering (SC), and was extensively evaluated for performance based on various statistical indices. The results show that the model performance is comparable at a 1 h lead forecast. However, it is observed that the GK approach results in a better performance than the SC approach in computing forecasts at higher lead times. The analysis suggest that the GK method clusters the input space based on the actual pattern, since it uses a membership‐grade weighted‐distance measure as the measure of closeness, whereas the SC method classifies the input space more logically according to the magnitude of flow available in the data set. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunities for manipulating catchment water balance by changing vegetation type on a topographic sequence: a simulation study
Authors: Wang Enli , Cresswell Hamish , Paydar Zahra , Gallant John 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis simulation study explores opportunities to reduce catchment deep drainage through better matching land use with soil and topography, including the ‘harvesting’ (evapotranspiration) of excess water running on to lower land units. A farming system simulator was coupled with a catchment hydrological framework to enable analysis of climate variability and 11 different land‐use options as they impact the catchment water balance. These land‐use options were arranged in different configurations down a sequence of three hydrologically interconnected slope units (uphill, mid‐slope and valley floor land units) in a subcatchment of Simmons Creek, southern New South Wales, Australia. With annual crops, the valley floor land units were predicted to receive 187 mm year−1 of run‐on water in addition to annual rainfall in 1 in 10 years, and in excess of 94 mm year−1 in 1 in 4 years. In this valley floor position, predicted drainage averaged approximately 110 mm year−1 under annual crops and pastures, whereas permanent tree cover or perennial lucerne was predicted to reduce drainage by up to 99%. The planting of trees or lucerne on the valley floor units could ‘harvest’ run‐on water, reducing drainage for the whole subcatchment with proportionately small reduction in land areas cropped. Upslope land units, even though often having shallower soil, will not necessarily be the most effective locations to plant perennial vegetation for the purposes of recharge reduction. Water harvesting opportunities are site specific, dependent on the amounts and frequency of flows of water to lower landscape units, the amounts and frequency of deep drainage on the different land units, the relative areas of the different land units, and interactions with land use in the different slope positions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an inhibitor of the HER2 and IGF‐1 receptor tyrosine kinases, blocks the growth of HER2‐overexpressing human breast cancer cells
Authors: Zavodovskaya Marianna , Campbell Michael J. , Maddux Betty A. , Shiry Laura , Allan Geoffrey , Hodges Leslie , Kushner Peter , Kerner John A. , Youngren Jack F. , Goldfine Ira D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe have reported that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) inhibits the tyrosine kinase activities of the IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and the HER2 receptor in breast cancer cells. Herein, we studied the effects of NDGA on the growth of estrogen receptor (ER) positive MCF‐7 cells engineered to overexpress HER2 (MCF‐7/HER2‐18). These cells are an in vitro model of HER2‐driven, ER positive, tamoxifen resistant breast cancer. NDGA was equally effective at inhibiting the growth of both parental MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/HER2‐18 cells. Half maximal effects for both cell lines were in the 10–15 µM range. The growth inhibitory effects of NDGA were associated with an S phase arrest in the cell cycle and the induction of apoptosis. NDGA inhibited both IGF‐1R and HER2 kinase activities in these breast cancer cells. In contrast, Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor but not an IGF‐1R inhibitor, was more effective in MCF‐7/HER2‐18 cells than in the parental MCF‐7 cells and IGF binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) was more effective against MCF‐7 cells compared to MCF‐7/HER2‐18. MCF‐7/HER2‐18 cells are known to be resistant to the effects of the estrogen receptor inhibitor, tamoxifen. Interestingly, NDGA not only inhibited the growth of MCF‐7/HER2‐18 on its own, but it also demonstrated additive growth inhibitory effects when combined with tamoxifen. These studies suggest that NDGA may have therapeutic benefits in HER2‐positive, tamoxifen resistant, breast cancers in humans. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 624–635, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The fate of cranial neural crest cells in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri
Authors: Ericsson Rolf , Joss Jean , Olsson Lennart 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe cranial neural crest has been shown to give rise to a diversity of cells and tissues, including cartilage, bone and connective tissue, in a variety of tetrapods and in the zebrafish. It has been claimed, however, that in the Australian lungfish these tissues are not derived from the cranial neural crest, and even that no migrating cranial neural crest cells exist in this species. We have earlier documented that cranial neural crest cells do migrate, although they emerge late, in the Australian lungfish. Here, we have used the lipophilic fluorescent dye, DiI, to label premigratory cranial neural crest cells and follow their fate until stage 43, when several cranial skeletal elements have started to differentiate. The timing and extent of their migration was investigated, and formation of mandibular, hyoid and branchial streams documented. Cranial neural crest was shown to contribute cells to several parts of the head skeleton, including the trabecula cranii and derivatives of the mandibular arch (e.g., Meckel's cartilage, quadrate), the hyoid arch (e.g., the ceratohyal) and the branchial arches (ceratobranchials I–IV), as well as to the connective tissue surrounding the myofibers in cranial muscles. We conclude that cranial neural crest migration and fate in the Australian lungfish follow the stereotyped pattern documented in other vertebrates. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:345–354, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.