bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuclear localization of eukaryotic class II release factor (eRF3): Implication for the multifunction of eRF3 in ciliates Euplotes cell
Authors: Chai Baofeng , Wang Wei , Liang Aihua 
Published: January 2008

AbstractClass II polypeptide release factor (eRF3), a ribosome and eRF1‐dependent GTPase, is an important factor, which acts cooperatively with eRF1 to promote hydrolysis of the ester bond linking the polypeptide chain with the peptidyl site tRNA in process of termination of protein synthesis. We prepared antibodies against eRF3 of Euplotes octocarinatus, and performed localization studies by immunoelectron microscopy in the ciliate. Our results indicate that eRF3 is present both in the cytoplasm and the two types of nuclei of this organism. The functions of eRF3 in these nuclei were analyzed by RNA interference methods. The nuclei loose their shape in eRF3 gene‐interfered Euplotes cells, suggesting that eRF3 is probably involved in the morphological organization of nuclei. This suggests that eRF3 is a multifunctional protein with roles additionals to its function in the process of termination of protein synthesis.
Electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of mixed states in bipolar disorder
Authors: Valentí Marc , Benabarre Antoni , García-Amador Margarita , Molina Oriol , Bernardo Miquel , Vieta Eduard 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIntroductionMixed bipolar states are not infrequent and may be extremely difficult to treat. Lithium, anticonvulsants including valproate and carbamazepine, and antipsychotics such as olanzapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole have been reported to be at least partially effective in controlled clinical trials, but many patients do not respond to pharmacological approaches. Electroconvulsive therapy has been tested to be efficacious for the treatment of both manic and depressive episodes, but much less evidence is available with regards to mixed states. The aim of the review was to report the available evidence for the use of electroconvulsive therapy in mixed bipolar states.MethodsA systematic review of the literature on treatment of mixed states, focused on electroconvulsive therapy, was made, beginning in August 1992 and ending in March 2007. The key words were “electroconvulsive therapy” and “mixed bipolar”.ResultsOnly three studies met the required quality criteria and were included. This literature suggests that ECT is an effective, safe, and probably underutilized treatment of mixed states. Recent technical developments have made ECT more friendly, tolerable, and safe. Potential alternatives, such as vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, or transcranial stimulation, are still far to be proved as effective as ECT.
Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Hungarian quality of life in depression scale
Authors: Viola Reka , Lovas Kornelia , Szabo Zoltan , Czenner Zsuzsanna , Meads David M. , Soos Gyongyver , McKenna Stephen P. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe paper describes the adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Hungarian version of the quality of life in depression scale. The adaptation procedure involved: bilingual translation; field-testing for face and content validity; and assessment of instrument's reliability and construct validity. The new language version was shown to be well-accepted by respondents and to have excellent psychometric properties.
Effects of apigenin, lycopene and astaxanthin on 7β-hydroxycholesterol-induced apoptosis and Akt phosphorylation in U937 cells
Authors: Lordan Sinéad , O'Neill Cora , O'Brien Nora M. 
Published: January 2008

Oxysterols arise from the enzymic or non-enzymic oxidation of cholesterol and have been shown to be cytotoxic to certain cell lines. In particular, apoptosis induced by the oxysterol 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OH) has been associated with the generation of oxidative stress, cytochrome c release and caspase activation. Due to the fundamental importance of apoptosis in pathological processes, the identification of substances capable of modulating this form of cell death is now actively researched. The objective of the present study was to investigate if apigenin, lycopene and astaxanthin could inhibit 7β-OH-induced apoptosis in U937 cells. Pretreatment with 0·1 μm-astaxanthin protected against apoptosis, while lycopene did not oppose the adverse effects of 7β-OH. At low concentrations, apigenin did not protect against oxysterol-induced apoptosis; however, at higher concentrations it intensified cell death. Additionally, we investigated the effect of 7β-OH, apigenin and astaxanthin on the activation of the serine threonine kinase Akt (phosphorylated Akt:Akt ratio) to determine whether the effect on cell viability and growth was linked to the Akt signalling pathway. Akt activation was decreased in the oxysterol-treated cells compared with control cells; however, this did not attain significance. Interestingly, activation of Akt was significantly reduced compared with control cells following incubation with apigenin and astaxanthin both in the absence and in the presence of 7β-OH. Our data suggest that apigenin, lycopene and astaxanthin failed to protect against 7β-OH-induced apoptosis, and the decrease in cell viability and the increase in apoptotic nuclei induced by the antioxidants appear to be associated with down regulation of Akt activity.
DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION AND FERTILITY BEHAVIOUR IN AN AFRICAN CONTEXT: AN EXAMINATION OF COUPLE DATA FROM GHANA
Authors: GYIMAH STEPHEN OBENG , TAKYI BAFFOUR , TENKORANG ERIC YEBOAH 
Published: January 2008

SummaryAlthough studies have examined religious differences in fertility in sub-Saharan Africa, it is argued in this paper that using women-only sample data may be conceptually problematic in patriarchal African societies where the influence of husbands on their wives’ reproductive preferences is paramount. The present study contributes to this discourse by examining the relationship between religion and fertility behaviour using matched-couple data from Ghana. Guided by the ‘religious values’ and ‘characteristics’ hypotheses, the results indicate significant religious differences in fertility. Compared with Traditionalists, Christians and Muslims have lower fertility, albeit these differences diminish significantly after controlling for socioeconomic variables. The impact of wife’s religious denomination on marital fertility is attenuated after controlling for husband’s religious affiliation. Also, fertility was found to be higher if couples belong to the same faith compared with those of different faiths.
FERTILITY DECLINE DRIVEN BY POVERTY: THE CASE OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Authors: GURMU ESHETU , MACE RUTH 
Published: January 2008

SummaryDemographic transition theory states that fertility declines in response to development, thus wealth and fertility are negatively correlated. Evolutionary theory, however, suggests a positive relationship between wealth and fertility. Fertility transition as a result of industrialization and economic development started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Western Europe; and it extended to some of the Asian and Latin American countries later on. However, economic crises since the 1980s have been co-incident with fertility decline in sub-Sahara Africa and other developing countries like Thailand, Nepal and Bangladesh in the last decade of the 20th century. A very low level of fertility is observed in Addis Ababa (TFR=1·9) where contraceptive prevalence rate is modest and recurrent famine as well as drought have been major causes of economic crisis in the country for more than three consecutive decades, which is surprising given the high rural fertility. Detailed socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of 2976 women of reproductive age (i.e. 15–49 years) residing in Addis Ababa were collected during the first quarter of 2003 using an event history calendar and individual women questionnaire. Controlling for the confounding effects of maternal birth cohort, education, marital status and accessible income level, the poor (those who have access to less than a dollar per day or 250 birr a month) were observed to elongate the timing of having first and second births, while relatively better-off women were found to have shorter birth intervals. Results were also the same among the ever-married women only model. More than 50% of women currently in their 20s are also predicted to fail to reproduce as most of the unmarried men and women are ‘retreating from marriage’ due to economic stress. Qualitative information collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews also supports the statistical findings that poverty is at the root of this collapse in fertility. Whilst across countries wealth and fertility have been negatively correlated, this study shows that within one uniform population the relationship is clearly positive.
The revision theory of resurrection
Authors: STEINHART ERIC 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA powerful argument against the resurrection of the body is based on the premise that all resurrection theories violate natural laws. We counter this argument by developing a fully naturalistic resurrection theory. We refer to it as the revision theory of resurrection (RTR). Since Hick's replica theory is already highly naturalistic, we use Hick's theory as the basis for the RTR. According to Hick, resurrection is the recreation of an earthly body in another universe. The recreation is a resurrection counterpart. We show that the New Testament supports the idea of resurrection counterparts. The RTR asserts that you are a node in a branching tree of increasingly perfect resurrection counterparts. These ever better counterparts live in increasingly perfect resurrection universes. We give both theological arguments and an empirical argument for the RTR.
The cognitive science of religion: philosophical observations
Authors: NÄREAHO LEO 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe cognitive science of religion seeks to find genuine causal explanations for the origin and transmission of religious ideas. In the cognitive approach to religion, so-called intuitive and counter-intuitive concepts figure importantly. In this article it is argued that cognitive scientists of religion should clarify their views about the explanatory and semantic role they give to counter-intuitive concepts and beliefs in their theory. Since the cognitive science of religion is a naturalistic research programme, it is doubtful that its proponents can remain neutral on important ontological questions.
Acute Leakage Patterns of Fluorescent Plasma Flow Markers after Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia Suggest Large Openings in Blood‐Brain Barrier
Authors: Nagaraja Tavarekere N. , Keenan Kelly A. , Fenstermacher Joseph D. , Knight Robert A. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTObjective: This study tested the hypothesis that blood‐brain barrier (BBB) opening during acute reperfusion permits the passage of smaller macromolecules but not larger ones and that this molecular size restriction disappears over time.Methods: Following 3 hours (h) of unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion and either 3 or 21 h of reperfusion, Wistar rats (n = 42) were injected with Evans blue (EB, a fluorescent dye that binds instantly to plasma albumin yielding EB‐tagged albumin, EB‐Alb) and with one of three fluorescent dextrans ranging in size from 77‐ to 2000‐kDa. During occlusion and reperfusion, ischemic status of the affected tissue was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Blood‐to‐brain transfer of the dextrans relative to that of EB‐Alb was examined by fluorescence microscopy within three regions with ischemic damage.Results: Increase in EB‐Alb leakage from 3 to 21 h of reperfusion was significant (from 40–60% to 80–90% of fields examined; p < 0.05). Co‐leakage of the largest dextran used 2000‐kDa, with EB‐Alb was observed in only 40% of the fields at 3+3 h, but nearly in all at 3 + 21 h (p < 0.01). Parenchymal distribution of the tracers differed among the fields and included considerable cellular uptake of EB‐Alb and some of dextrans.Conclusions: Supporting the hypothesis, opening of the BBB was insufficient to allow passage of the largest dextran at 3 + 3 h in about 40% of the microvascular networks viewed. The number of total leaky microvascular beds increased by nearly 50% between 3 + 3 h and 3 + 21 h.
Static Magnetic Fields Affect Capillary Flow of Red Blood Cells in Striated Skin Muscle
Authors: Brix Gunnar , Strieth Sebastian , Strelczyk Donata , Dellian Marc , Griebel JüRgen , Eichhorn Martin E. , Andrā Wilfried , Bellemann Matthias E. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTBlood flowing in microvessels is one possible site of action of static magnetic fields (SMFs). We evaluated SMF effects on capillary flow of red blood cells (RBCs) in unanesthetized hamsters, using a skinfold chamber technique for intravital fluorescence microscopy. By this approach, capillary RBC velocities (vRBC), capillary diameters (D), arteriolar diameters (Dart), and functional vessel densities (FVD) were measured in striated skin muscle at different magnetic flux densities. Exposure above a threshold level of about 500 mT resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) reduction of vRBC in capillaries as compared to the baseline value. At the maximum field strength of 587 mT, vRBC was reduced by more than 40%. Flow reduction was reversible when the field strength was decreased below the threshold level. In contrast, mean values determined at different exposure levels for the parameters D, Dart, and FVD did not vary by more than 5%.Blood flow through capillary networks is affected by strong SMFs directed perpendicular to the vessels. Since the influence of SMFs on blood flow in microvessels directed parallel to the field as well as on collateral blood supply could not be studied, our findings should be carefully interpreted with respect to the setting of safety guidelines.
Frequency of Fish Consumption, Retinal Microvascular Signs and Vascular Mortality
Authors: Kaushik Shweta , Wang Jie Jin , Flood Victoria , Liew Gerald , Smith Wayne , Mitchell Paul 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTObjective: Fish consumption has established cardiovascular and cerebrovascular benefits, but its effects on microvascular structure have not been examined in population‐based studies. We investigated this association, in relation to vascular mortality in an Australian cohort (1992–2004).Methods: Of 3654 participants aged 49+ years, 2683 (73%) with available data were included. Retinal arteriolar and venular diameters were measured, and signs of arterio‐venous nicking and retinopathy were assessed from digital retinal images. Fish consumption was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire.Results: Both wider mean arteriolar diameter (p = 0.002) and narrower venular diameter (p = 0.02) were associated with increasing frequency of consuming any or oily fish, after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, diet, inflammatory factors and socioeconomic status. This association was mainly present in persons with hypertension. Greater frequency of fish consumption was associated with a reduced prevalence of arterio‐venous nicking and a borderline significant trend for reduced retinopathy prevalence. Ten year stroke‐related mortality was significantly lower in persons consuming fish at least once per week compared to less frequent consumption (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.93).Conclusions: Recent evidence shows that narrower arterioles and wider venules may predict vascular events. Our new findings suggest that the vascular protective effects of consuming fish could act, in part, by preventing pathological microvasculature change.
Kupffer Cells Are Mandatory for Adequate Liver Regeneration by Mediating Hyperperfusion via Modulation of Vasoactive Proteins
Authors: Abshagen Kerstin , Eipel Christian , Kalff Jörg C. , Menger Michael D. , Vollmar Brigitte 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTObjective:Physiological liver regeneration requires adequate microvascular perfusion after partial hepatectomy. Although Kupffer cells (KCs) are known to play a key role in modulating hepatocyte proliferation, their impact on regulating hepatic microcirculation during liver regeneration has so far been disregarded. With respect to their expression and modulation of vasoactive mediators, KCs may provide important signals that regulate hepatic perfusion during liver regeneration.Methods:Intravital fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and RT‐PCR were used to analyze livers of KC‐depleted mice (liposome‐encapsulated clodronate application) and KC‐competent mice at days 3, 5, and 8 after 68% hepatectomy.Results:Selective and long‐lasting KC elimination limited the resection‐associated hyperperfusion, as evidenced by an only 1.7‐ to 2‐fold increase of sinusoidal volumetric blood flow and shear stress in contrast to a 3.5‐ to 5‐fold increase in KC‐competent mice. In accordance to that livers of KC‐depleted mice showed an altered pattern of vasoregulatory gene expression. KC‐depleted mice failed to show resection‐induced increase of HO‐1 and eNOS protein expression, but revealed a reduction of hepatic eNOS and HO‐1 protein levels to 22 and 12% of the corresponding values in KC‐competent mice. In addition, the eNOS inhibitory protein caveolin‐1 was increased in KC‐depleted animals prior to as well as after resection. Furthermore, resection‐associated accumulation of ET‐1 mRNA was absent in KC‐depleted livers. Finally, liver mass restoration was impaired, with a regain of only 79% weight within 8 days after resection in KC‐depleted mice.Conclusion:The present study documents a remarkable change of the vasoactive mediator profile upon KC‐depletion and liver resection, limiting intrahepatic hyperperfusion. Therefore, KC‐dependent molecular mechanisms seem to be mandatory in regulating vasotonus during the process of liver regeneration and therewith maintaining intrahepatic shear stress as a trigger of hepatic proliferation.
The Toreutics of Colchis in the 5th-4th Centuries BC Local Traditions, Outside Influences, Innovations
Authors: Treister Mikhail Yu. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTwo silver vessels: a silver aryballos from the mid-5th century BC burial No. 11/1969 in Vani and a silver goblet from the ritual complex No. 1 of the Ulyap barrow No. 1 in the Kuban basin, dated to the late 5th-early 4th century BC, are discussed. e similarities in details of the vessels and their decoration with those of the silver vessels found in Lydia and the vicinity of Sinope are pointed out. A group of items of toreutics from the 5th-4th centuries BC complexes in Colchis and outside it is singled out: they are decorated with incised animal or mythological images, the bodies of which are covered with vertical rows of horizontal notches. One can not exclude, that this kind of decoration goes back to the images on the Colchian bronze axes and belts of the 8th-6th centuries BC. The characteristic rosette decorating the bottoms of the vessels from Vani, Ulyap and the phiale No. 61 from the Treasure of Akhalgori is analysed; its genesis is discussed going back to the rosettes on the 6th century BC phialai from Iran, Asia Minor and the Balkans. Further the examples of Lydian metalware found in Colchis are discussed, including the phiale with the votive inscription to the temple of Apollo in Phasis found in the later Sarmatian burial in the Kuban basin. Finally, the problem of the 'international Achaemenid style' and the regional school of Achamenid-inspired toreutics is analysed. In general the author comes to the conclusion of the strong influence of toreutics of the Lydian-Ionian school and Anatolia in a broad sense of this term on the local school of toreutics, which emerged in Colchis in the 5th-4th centuries BC.
Basin-Scale Carbon Monoxide Distributions in the Parallel Ocean Program
Authors: Chu Shaoping , Elliott Scott , Erickson David 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
As a primary photochemical constituent in upper-ocean and tropospheric geocycling, carbon monoxide is of interest to a variety of global change research communities. Dynamic three-dimensional simulations of its marine concentration patterns, emphasizing Pacific surface waters, are presented. Calculations were driven by nitrogen/iron ecodynamics within the Parallel Ocean Program (POP) transport framework. Photoproduction was estimated following broadband transfer of ultraviolet A radiation down to and penetrating the mixed layer. Quantum efficiency, absorption, the chromophoric fraction of dissolved organics, and related microchemical parameters were all varied, in some cases collectively. Bacterial uptake was parameterized through stages of refinement ranging from a single global average time constant to the application of steady-state zooplanktonic grazing pressure. Major features of basin-spanning ship track data can be reproduced including tropical to gyre and temperate frontal ratios. Evidence for ecosystem structural influence upon the removal kinetics is reviewed and investigated. Polar waters exhibit unique processing modes and the periphery of the ocean requires specialized handling of organic and bacterial behavior. Large-scale budgets are consistent with recent independent determinations both with respect to internal turnover and flux to the atmosphere. A parsimonious mechanism involving optimized yield is recommended for early system model efforts. Areas awaiting improvement include resolution of UV and the segregation of both light-interacting carbon compounds and microbial populations as tracers.
Proteomic profile determination of autosomal aneuploidies by mass spectrometry on amniotic fluids
Authors: Mange Alain , Desmetz Caroline , Bellet Virginie , Molinari Nicolas , Maudelonde Thierry , Solassol Jerome 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Background
Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities by cytogenetic analysis is time-consuming, expensive, and requires highly qualified technicians. Rapid diagnosis of aneuploidies followed by reassurance of women with normal results can be performed by molecular analysis of uncultured foetal cells. In the present study, we developed a proteomic fingerprinting approach coupled with a statistical classification method to improve diagnosis of aneuploidies, including trisomies 13, 18, and 21, in amniotic fluid samples.

Results
The proteomic spectra obtained from 52 pregnant women were compiled, normalized, and mass peaks with mass-to-charge ratios between 2.5 and 50 kDa identified. Peak information was combined together and analysed using univariate statistics. Among the 208 expressed protein peaks, 40 differed significantly between aneuploid and non aneuploid samples, with AUC diagnostic values ranging from 0.71 to 0.91. Hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis and support vector machine (SVM) analysis were performed. Two class predictor models were defined from the training set, which resulted in a prediction accuracy of 92.3% and 96.43%, respectively. Using an external and independent validation set, diagnostic accuracies were maintained at 87.5% and 91.67%, respectively.

Conclusion
This pilot study demonstrates the potential interest of protein expression signature in the identification of new potential biological markers that might be helpful for the rapid clinical management of high-risk pregnancies.