bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite instability and novel mismatch repair gene mutations in northern Chinese population with Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer
Authors: SHENG Jian Qiu , CHAN Tsun Leung , CHAN Yee Wai , HUANG Ji Sheng , CHEN Ji Gui , ZHANG Ming Zhi , GUO Xiu Lan , MU Hong , CHAN Annie Sy , LI Shi Rong , YUEN Siu Tsan , LEUNG Suet Yi 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE:  Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer with an early age of onset. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and germline mutation in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes are found in the majority of HNPCC families and provide an opportunity for genetic diagnosis and prophylactic screening. The MMR gene mutation spectrum may vary across different populations and be influenced by founder mutations that prevail in specific ethnic groups. China is a big and ancient nation with enormous genetic diversity, which is especially notable between the northern and southern Chinese populations. A MMR gene mutation database for the southern Chinese population based in Hong Kong has been previously established. This study compares the MMR gene mutation spectrum and the MSI of HNPCC between the northern and southern Chinese populations.METHODS:  Twenty‐five HNPCC families from northern China were systematically analyzed. The MSI analysis was performed using five loci in the USA National Cancer Institute (NCI) panel (D2S123, D5S346, BAT‐25, BAT‐26 and BAT‐40) by PCR from the tumor and normal tissue. MSH2, MSH6 and MLH1 were performed using immunohistochemical staining. Two founder mutations of MSH2 and MLH1 were examined by PCR base analyses using primers flanking the two deletion sites (c.1452_1455delAATG in MSH2 and 1.8 kb deletion involving exon 11 of MLH1).RESULTS:  Of the 25 families collected, 19 met Bethesda guideline (BG) 1 and six met BG3. Twenty‐two (15.7%) were extra‐colonic cancers with gastric cancer (in seven patients) being the most common cancer type. Of the 25 tumors analyzed, 21 (84%) were high level microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) and four (16%) were microsatellite stable (MSS). Eighteen (86%) of the 21 MSI‐H tumors showed loss of either the MLH1 or the MSH2 protein. Three MSI‐H tumors and all four MSS tumors showed no loss of expression of the three MMR proteins. Out of the 21 patients with MSI‐H tumors, 12 (57%) showed pathogenic germline mutations in either MLH1 (n = 8) or MSH2 (n = 4). Overall, three novel mutations (in patients H22, H17 and H29) have been identified. One of them, c.503_4insA, caused a frameshift mutation in the MLH1 gene. The other two were found in the MSH2 gene, including a frameshift (c.899_890insAT) and a splice junction (IVS7‐1G→A, SA of Exon 8) mutation.CONCLUSIONS:  The results suggest a distinctly different mutation spectrum of MMR genes between northern and southern Chinese populations and call for a systematic, nationwide study to facilitate the design of a MMR gene mutation detection strategy tailored for individual populations in China.
Locomotor activity correlates with modifications of hippocampal mossy fibre synaptic transmission
Authors: Kobayashi Katsunori , Ikeda Yumiko , Suzuki Hidenori 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe hippocampus has long been implicated in memory formation. Although accumulating evidence suggests involvement of the hippocampus in other brain functions including locomotor regulation and emotional processes, cellular and synaptic bases underlying these functions remain largely unknown. We here report that environmental manipulations in mice unveiled the association of locomotor activity with the hippocampal mossy fibre (MF) synaptic transmission. Electrophysiological recordings of synaptic responses were made using hippocampal slices prepared from mice whose behaviour had been analysed. Environmental enrichment induced parallel decreases in open‐field locomotor activity and MF synaptic facilitation. Facilitation induced by paired‐pulse stimulation at relatively long intervals (≥200 ms) was selectively reduced while the basal synaptic efficacy and high‐frequency transmission were unaffected. Social isolation caused a change in behaviour in an elevated plus‐maze, but neither the open‐field activity nor the MF synaptic transmission was significantly altered. Effects of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for locomotor regulation, on the MF synapse were also examined using these mice. Environmental manipulations did not cause significant changes in potentiation of the MF synaptic transmission induced by dopamine. However, analysis of behavioural and electrophysiological results in individual subjects revealed that locomotor activity negatively correlates with magnitude of the dopamine‐induced potentiation. These results suggest that the MF synapse plays important roles in the regulation of locomotor activity. We propose that the MF synapse can serve as the synaptic model for certain forms of locomotor regulation, with potential importance for investigation of the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases using animal models.
Effects of nitric oxide‐active drugs on the discharge of subthalamic neurons: microiontophoretic evidence in the rat
Authors: Sardo Pierangelo , Carletti Fabio , D'Agostino Stefania , Rizzo Valerio , Ferraro Giuseppe 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe presence of nitric oxide (NO) synthase and of soluble guanylyl cyclase, the main NO‐activated metabolic pathway, has been demonstrated in many cells of the subthalamic nucleus. In this study, the effects induced on the firing of 96 subthalamic neurons by microiontophoretically administering drugs modifying NO neurotransmission were explored in anaesthetized rats. Recorded neurons were classified into regularly and irregularly discharging on the basis of their firing pattern. Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME; a NO synthase inhibitor), 3‐morpholino‐sydnonimin‐hydrocloride (SIN‐1; a NO donor), S‐nitroso‐glutathione (SNOG; another NO donor) and 8‐Br‐cGMP (a cell‐permeable analogue of cGMP, the main second‐messenger of NO neurotransmission) were iontophoretically applied while performing single‐unit extracellular recordings. The activity of most neurons was influenced in a statistically significant way: in particular, both current‐related inhibitory L‐NAME‐induced effects (20/39 tested cells) and excitatory effects of SIN‐1 (25/41 tested neurons), SNOG (19/32 tested cells) and 8‐Br‐cGMP (13/19 tested neurons) were demonstrated. Neither statistically significant differences between the responses of regularly and irregularly discharging cells, nor specific topographical clustering of responding neurons, were demonstrated. Neurons administered drugs oppositely modulating the NO neurotransmission often displayed responses to only one treatment. We hypothesize that NO neurotransmission could exert a modulatory influence upon subthalamic neurons, with a prevalent excitatory effect. However, in the light of the presence of some responses of opposite sign to the same drug displayed by different subthalamic neurons, more complex effects of NO neurotransmission could be suggested, probably due to interactions with other classical neurotransmitter systems.
Haemoglobin A1c is not a surrogate for glucose and insulin measures for investigating the early life and childhood determinants of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in healthy children. An analysis from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Shultis W. A. , Leary S. D. , Ness A. R. , Scott J. , Martin R. M. , Whincup P. H. , Smith G Davey ,   the ALSPAC Study Team
Published: October 2006

AbstractAims  Research into early life and childhood determinants of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes are complicated by requirements for fasting blood samples and glucose tolerance tests. We investigated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker of glycaemia measured in non‐fasting blood, as an alternative.Methods  HbA1c was measured in 1645 children aged 9–11 years without diabetes from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Thirty‐nine children had two HbA1c measurements. Data on parental, child and potential confounding factors were collected prospectively from questionnaires, medical records and direct examination. Data from a shortened 30‐min oral glucose tolerance test were available for 431 children at age 8 years. Body composition was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.Results  Mean (sd) HbA1c was 4.91(0.29)%. HbA1c increased with age and was higher in boys compared with girls, non‐white compared with white children, and in children with anaemia. Mean difference between repeated HbA1c measurements was 0.01%. HbA1c was weakly positively associated with fasting glucose (β = 0.066%/mmol/l, P = 0.05), but was not associated with 30‐min glucose, fasting or 30‐min insulin, or homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance. HbA1c was weakly inversely associated with weight sd score (β =−0.02%/unit, P = 0.004), body mass index sd score (β = −0.02%/unit, P = 0.002), and total body fat (β = −0.003%/kg, P = 0.06) and lean mass (β = −0.011%/kg, P = 0.01), but was not associated with birthweight or breastfeeding.Conclusions  HbA1c is not a good marker of fasting or post‐load glucose and insulin measures in healthy children, and is not a viable alternative to these measures for investigating the determinants of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in children.
Relative accuracy and predictive ability of direct valuation methods, price to aggregate earnings method and a hybrid approach
Authors: Courteau Lucie , Kao Jennifer L. , O’Keefe Terry , Richardson Gordon D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we assess the relative performance of the direct valuation method and industry multiplier models using 41 435 firm‐quarter Value Line observations over an 11 year (1990–2000) period. Results from both pricing‐error and return‐prediction analyses indicate that direct valuation yields lower percentage pricing errors and greater return prediction ability than the forward price to aggregated forecasted earnings multiplier model. However, a simple hybrid combination of these two methods leads to more accurate intrinsic value estimates, compared to either method used in isolation. It would appear that fundamental analysis could benefit from using one approach as a check on the other.
Discrete Approximations to Continuum Optimal Flow Problems
Authors: Lippert Ross A. 
Published: October 2006

Problems in partial differential equations with inequality constraints can be used to describe a continuum analog to various optimal flow/cut problems. While general concepts from convex optimization (like duality) carry over into continuum problems, the application of ideas and algorithms from linear programming and network flow problems is challenging. The capacity constraints are nonlinear (but convex).In this article, we investigate a discretized version of the planar maximum flow problem that preserves the nonlinear capacity constraints of the continuum problem. The resulting finite‐dimensional problem can be cast as a second‐order cone programming problem or a quadratically constrained program. Good numerical results can be obtained using commercial solvers. These results are in agreement with the continuum theory of a “challenge” problem posed by Strang.
Ontology‐Based Metadata
Authors: Schuurman Nadine , Leszczynski Agnieszka 
Published: October 2006

It is even more remarkable to some of us that up to this point, there has been no thoroughgoing discussion by GIS practitioners and theorists about the epistemology of their subject, the ontology of their objects, and the political commitments embedded in their practices.(Pickles 1997, p. 364)
AbstractMetadata are an extant mechanism for conveying ontological information about semantic data. Metadata have the advantage of being institutionally and structurally ensconced in GIS. At present, however, they lack fields to express information beyond the technical and geometric domain. This paper describes a framework for the creation of extended metadata for non‐spatial attributes, with the goal of incorporating ontological context. We use an informatics interpretation of ontology which refers to the total universe of discourse associated with a given attribute (database field). In other words, an ontology is the possible range of meaning offered by an encoded field. Current ontology research in GIScience has focused on data structuring and modelling. Implementation of these schemes demands restructuring of existing relational database models. An alternative is to extend current metadata schemes (e.g. ISO 19115) to include context‐based and tacit information about semantic attributes. Such ontology‐based extended metadata permits data selection and interoperability decisions that are ultimately more defensible. We have developed eight preliminary fields to add to existing metadata frameworks that will enable ontological context to travel with the data. This paper illustrates a preliminary implementation based on the integration of non‐commensurate cadastral data. The results illustrate the value of ontology‐based metadata in highlighting descriptive and substantive differences between similar classification systems. Recognition of semantic heterogeneity is the basis for creating defensible data linkages between multiple datasets. The development of ontology‐based metadata is profoundly different from the current trend to incorporate ontological context at the model level in GIScience. It is pragmatic, however, in that it presents a vehicle for incorporating use‐context with data in a manner that is accessible; requires little re‐engineering; and is intuitively understood by GIS users. Moreover, ontology‐based metadata are a mechanism for addressing Pickles’ (1997) concern about the ontology of spatial objects in GIS.
The Implications of Including Women's Daily Lives in a Feminist GIScience
Authors: Gilbert Melissa R , Masucci Michele 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we argue that a feminist geographical analysis that examines women as active agents in their daily lives, pays attention to the multiplicity of women's experiences in relational space, and values knowledge for transformative purposes, provides insights as to how GIScience might develop in the near future. We draw upon our research with two different community organizations in North Philadelphia to show how a feminist geographical analysis can shape the conceptualization of a community GIS. We argue that collaborative work with community organizations based on “a view from below” necessitates alternative institutional arrangements while providing rich data to better understand the intersection of daily life and information and communication technologies (ICT) as experienced, in the particular case of our work, by poor women. Our research illustrates that understanding ICT frameworks from the perspective of women and in the context of their daily lives has important implications for GIScience.
Reforming Social Welfare in Germany: An Applied General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Boeters Stefan , Gürtzgen Nicole , Schnabel Reinhold 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of social assistance reform proposals are discussed for the case of Germany using a computable general equilibrium model that incorporates a discrete choice model of labour supply. This allows us to identify general equilibrium effects of the reforms on wages and unemployment. The simulation results show that general equilibrium wage reactions mitigate labour supply effects and that unemployment in fact decreases. Wage reactions are thus sufficiently strong to prevent additional labour supply from translating into higher unemployment. The simulations indicate that major cuts in welfare payments are necessary to produce substantial employment effects.
Third-Degree Price Discrimination in the Presence of Subsidies
Authors: Felder Stefan 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
According to a classical result, a move from uniform pricing to third-degree price discrimination only improves welfare if total output increases. In this paper I show that the classical result fails in the presence of subsidies. This finding appears to be relevant for the pharmaceutical sector where a consumer pays a fraction of the actual drug price due to health insurance coverage.
Portfolio Choice in the Presence of Non-Tradable Income: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Klos Alexander , Weber Martin 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
This paper reports the results of an experiment on portfolio choice in the presence of non-tradable income. The non-tradable income part could either be riskless or risky (background risk). In many cases, we observe behavior that is qualitatively consistent with the predictions of normative theory. However, correlations between financial and non-tradable wealth are neglected. The computation of aggregated risk profiles helps subjects to partly overcome the deviations from normative theory due to neglect of correlations.
Germany’s New Insider Law: The Empirical Evidence after the First Year
Authors: Stotz Olaf 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
This paper investigates insider trading activities in German stocks during the first year following implementation of the new Insider Law on 1 July 2002. It can be observed that insiders act as contrarian investors. They buy stocks after prices have fallen and sell stocks after prices have risen. In general, insider trades are very profitable. A typical stock purchased by an insider yields an abnormal return of almost 3 per cent during the 25 days following the transaction. In contrast, a typical stock that has been sold by insiders achieves an abnormal return of nearly -3 per cent over the same time period. Outsiders who copy the transactions of insiders can achieve nearly the same abnormal returns. Abnormal returns remain substantial even after transaction costs. The results suggest that prices of stocks in which insiders trade do not seem to be semi-strong efficient.
Moral Hazard and Bargaining Power
Authors: Demougin Dominique , Helm Carsten 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
We introduce bargaining power in a moral hazard framework where parties are risk-neutral and the agent is financially constrained. We show that the same contract emerges if the concept of bargaining power is analyzed in either of the following three frameworks: in a standard principal-agent (P-A) framework by varying the agent’s outside opportunity, in an alternating offer game, and in a generalized Nash-bargaining game. However, for sufficiently low levels of the agent’s bargaining power, increasing it marginally does affect the equilibrium in the Nash-bargaining game, but not in the P-A model and in the alternating offer game.
Implications of the functional anatomy of the hand and forearm of Ailurus fulgens (Carnivora, Ailuridae) for the evolution of the ‘false‐thumb’ in pandas
Authors: Antón Mauricio , Salesa Manuel J. , Pastor Juan F. , Peigné Stéphane , Morales Jorge 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBoth the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) possess a ‘false‐thumb’, actually an enlarged radial sesamoid bone, which contributes to the gripping action of the hand. These species are not closely related, however, as one is an ursid and the other an ailurid, so the fact that they share this adaptation implies a remarkable convergence. We studied the functional anatomy of this structure in the red panda, comparing it with existing descriptions of the grasping mechanism in both pandas. Previous interpretations of the radial sesamoid in Ailurus as a rod‐like structure without direct articulation to the wrist bones are inaccurate. There are various important differences between the red panda and the giant panda. In the former, the lesser development of the radial sesamoid, its connection with the flexor retinaculum, the presence of an insertion of the muscle abductor pollicis longus in the first metacarpal, which enhances its supinatory action, and the presence of a muscle flexor brevis digitorum manus point to thin‐branch climbing features serving as an exaptation to the more recent role of the red panda hand in the manipulation of bamboo.
Signal quality in a three‐channel ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring system
Authors: Walamies Markku A 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackground:  Ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings are not infrequently hampered by technical artefacts. Verification of good original signal level and an adequate number of ECG channels should enhance the quality.Methods:  Data from all three‐channel (mV5, mV1, III) recordings in Peijas hospital during one‐calendar year were prospectively collected. A total of 255 recordings (24 h n = 239, and 48 h n = 16) made for 247 patients were analysed. Relative signal strength number (integer scale 5–0) was registered during hook‐up. Final quality of recordings were afterwards evaluated with a three‐point semi‐quantitative scale by an experienced physician.Results:  The signal strength number was adequate (3) in all 241 available cases. Distribution of signal strength did not significantly vary between ECG channels. The overall quality of recordings was ‘good’ in three‐fourth of the cases and only were they seldom ‘poor’. Signal strength and quality ratings were not significantly interrelated. The quality was, as expected, better in 24 h recording than in 48 recordings, and it was also better in channel III than in channel mV5.Conclusions:  The original signal strength level (impedance) is not a crucial fact in ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings as long as it is within (specified) acceptable limits. In terms of quality, a third (inferior) ECG channel is recommendable.
Early recovery from post‐traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Reske Andreas , Seiwerts Matthias , Reske Alexander , Gottschaldt Udo , Schreiter Dierk 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackground  To present and discuss the rationale and possible benefits of timely alveolar recruitment in early post‐traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome.Methods  A 17‐year‐old patient who had sustained blunt thoracic trauma presented with severe hypoxaemia on admission and whole body computed tomography showed pulmonary contusion and substantial bilateral atelectasis. Oxygenation and lung mechanics did not improve with low tidal volume ventilation using high positive end‐expiratory pressures (PEEPs). Therefore we applied an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre 7 h after admission. After alveolar recruitment, PEEP was titrated to the lowest level which prevented alveolar derecruitment.Results  Oxygenation and lung compliance improved rapidly and aeration of the entire lung was confirmed by computed tomography 27 h after the recruitment manoeuvre. The patient recovered completely and was discharged after 17 days.Conclusion  Although robust evidence is still lacking, several lines of evidence suggest potential benefits of timely alveolar recruitment. Patients with early post‐traumatic respiratory failure seem to most readily respond to alveolar recruitment manoeuvres and could thus benefit from the gain in functional lung volume and oxygenation. Moreover the probability of ventilator associated complications may be reduced.