bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Shortcut Way of Pricing Default Risk Through Zero‐Utility Principle
Authors: Tibiletti Luisa 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPricing the default risk is a hot challenge for every risk manager. The problem is tackled in the framework of the zero‐utility principle. According to Pratt (1964), an approximation of the risk premium should be proportional to the Arrow–Pratt absolute risk aversion coefficient and the variance. Is that still true as a default risk is concerned? The answer appears to be negative, because the variance does not look to be an appropriate tool for asymmetrical risk. On the other hand, fear of ruin coefficient and probability of default are proved to be well‐tailored tools for a preliminary pricing. Bid and ask price approximations are both elicited and a necessary condition for risk exchange set out.
Testing for Asymmetric Information in the Automobile Insurance Market Under Rate Regulation
Authors: Saito Kuniyoshi 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThis article examines whether adverse selection or moral hazard could be induced by rate regulation, which prohibits insurance companies from considering some attributes of drivers in setting premiums. Using an individual data set from a heavily regulated automobile insurance market, we arrived at several conclusions, as follows. First, no evidence of adverse selection or moral hazard is found in general: conditional on all the variables observed by insurer, the null hypothesis of independence between risk and coverage is not rejected at reasonable levels of statistical significance. Second, this result is robust in the sense that it holds under several empirical procedures and different definitions of risk and coverage. Third, we find that unobserved variables do not induce adverse selection: the null hypothesis that consumers in risky regions are more likely to purchase insurance is tested against the alternative and rejected. Our study supports the view that the adverse selection phenomenon exists only to a very limited extent in this market.
Contrast sensitivity and disability glare in patients with dry eye
Authors: Puell María C. , Benítez‐del‐Castillo José M. , Martínez‐de‐la‐Casa José , Sánchez‐Ramos Celia , Vico Eva , Pérez‐Carrasco María J. , Pedraza Constanza , Del‐Hierro Almudena 
Published: May 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate contrast sensitivity and disability glare in patients with dry eye using the Contrast Glaretester 1000.Methods:  Contrast sensitivity and disability glare were determined in 33 eyes of 33 patients with dry eye and 30 eyes of 30 healthy control subjects for six target sizes with a visual angle of 6.3–0.7 degrees using the Contrast Glaretester 1000, whose working mechanism is similar to that of the conventional perimetry instrument.Results:  Contrast sensitivity was significantly worse in dry eye group when viewing all target sizes (reduction of 0.10–0.25 log contrast units, p < 0.01) except at 6.3 degrees. In the presence of glare, differences in log contrast sensitivity between the groups (0.10–0.25 units) were significant (p < 0.01) for all target sizes, with the dry eye group showing worse results. The reduction in contrast sensitivity induced by glare (disability glare) was significantly worse in the dry eye group versus the control group but only for the 2.5‐degree size target, where 0.14 log contrast units were lost.Conclusions:  Contrast sensitivity with and without glare was significantly reduced in patients with dry eye compared with control subjects, but the number of log contrast units lost with glare (disability glare) was similar in the two groups, except for the 2.5‐degree size target.
Repeatability (test‐retest variability) of refractive error measurement in clinical settings
Authors: Leinonen Jaakko , Laakkonen Eero , Laatikainen Leila 
Published: May 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To estimate the repeatability of refractive error measurement (REM) in a clinical environment in cataractous, pseudophakic and healthy eyes.Methods:  The refractive error of patients referred for cataract surgery or consultation measured by ophthalmic professionals was re‐examined and the measurement results were compared. A total of 99 eyes from 99 persons (41 cataractous, 36 pseudophakic and 22 healthy eyes) with visual acuity (VA) of 0.3–1.3 (logMAR 0.52 to − 0.11) were included. The differences between measurements 1 and 2 were calculated as 3‐dimensional vector values and spherical equivalents (SEs) and expressed as the coefficient of repeatability (CR). The mean time interval between the first and second examinations was 45 days.Results:  The CRs for all eyes for vertical (V), torsional (T) and horizontal (H) vectors were 0.74 D, 0.34 D and 0.93 D, respectively. The CR of SE for all eyes was 0.74 D. Eyes with lower VA (0.3–0.45) had larger variability in vector and SE values but the differences between VA groups were not statistically significant. The difference in the mean defocus equivalent (DE) between measurements 1 and 2 was, however, significantly greater in the group with lower VA. In all VA groups the mean difference vector was very close to the zero vector, which means that there was no systematic difference.Conclusions:  Repeatability of refractive error measurements in clinical settings has a certain degree of variability. In this series, the variability in eyes with better VA was not great and was in accordance with earlier findings in healthy eyes. Eyes with lower VA had greater variability due to greater tolerance to defocus. Thus, conclusions concerning changes in the refractive state and the need to make changes in the refractive correction of eyes with poorer vision should be made with caution.
Optic nerve pH and PO2: the effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition, and metabolic and respiratory acidosis
Authors: Pedersen Daniella B. , Stefánsson Einar , Kiilgaard Jens F. , Jensen Peter K. , Eysteinsson Thor , Bang Kurt , La Cour Morten 
Published: May 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  Earlier studies have demonstrated that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) increase optic nerve oxygen tension (ONPO2) in pigs. We hypothesized that the mechanism of this effect was either a CO2 increase or a pH decrease in tissue and blood. To test this hypothesis we investigated and compared how optic nerve pH (ONpH) and ONPO2 are affected by: (1) carbonic anhydrase inhibition; (2) respiratory acidosis, and (3) metabolic acidosis.Methods:  We measured ONpH with a glass pH electrode and ONPO2 with a polarographic oxygen electrode. One of the electrodes was placed in the vitreous cavity 0.5 mm over the optic nerve in the eyes of domestic pigs. We measured ONpH during carbonic anhydrase inhibition and ONpH or ONPO2 during NH4Cl‐induced metabolic acidosis and during CO2 breathing (respiratory acidosis).Results:  Baseline ONpH was 0.12 ± 0.06 lower than arterial pH (mean ± SD, n = 10, p < 0.001). Optic nerve pH decreased with arterial pH during carbonic anhydrase inhibition, metabolic and respiratory acidosis. Optic nerve oxygen tension was not affected by metabolic acidosis but increased during CO2 breathing, as it has been shown to do during carbonic anhydrase inhibition.Conclusions:  There is a close correlation between arterial blood pH and intraocular pH. Isolated ONpH changes do not affect ONPO2, thus the ONPO2 increase seen with carbonic anhydrase inhibition is probably not only due to pH changes in the blood and optic nerve. Accumulation of CO2, either alone or in combination with a pH change, is likely to cause the ONPO2 increase, but a direct vascular effect should also be considered.
Dental health of aboriginal pre‐school children in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Seow W. Kim , Amaratunge Ari , Bennett Robyn , Bronsch Dulcie , Lai P. Y. 
Published: May 2006

Seow WK, Amaratunge A, Bennett R, Bronsch D, Lai PY: Dental health of Aboriginal pre‐schools children in Brisbane, Australia.Abstract This investigation studied the dental health status of a group of 184 Australian Aboriginal children with a mean age of 4.4±0.8 years, who were attending pre‐schools in metropolitan Brisbane, a non‐fluoridated stale capital city. The DDE (Developmental Detects of Enamel) Index was used to chart enamel hypoplasia and enamel opacities. WHO criteria was used to diagnose dental caries. The results showed that 98% of children had at least one tooth showing developmental enamel defects. Each child had a mean of 3.8 ± 1.7 teeth affected by enamel hypoplasia and another 1.1 ± 0.8 teeth affected by enamel opacity. Seventy‐eight percent of the children had dental caries. The mean number of decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) per child was 3.8±3.7. The decayed component consituted 3.5 (95%) of the mean dmft, indicating a high unmet restorative need in this group. The mean dmft (decayed, missing, filled, surfaces) was 5.9 ± 7.3. Maxillary anterior labial decay of al least one tooth affected 43(23%) of the children. In this sub‐group, the dmft and dmfs was 9.1 ± 2.8 and 15.4 ± 7.7 respectively. Oral debris was found in 98% of the children. It is hypothesized that the high levels of underlying developmental enamel defects, compounded by low fluoride exposure, poor oral hygiene and a diet high in refined sugars pose an important caries risk factor in this group of children.
Physical and mental health related to dental amalgam fillings in Swedish twins
Authors: Björkman Lars , Pedersen Nancy L. , Lichtenstein Paul 
Published: May 2006

Björkman L, Pedersen NL, Lichtenstein P: Physical and mental health related to dental amalgam fillings in Swedish twins.Abstract In the past years increasing attention has been paid to possible adverse health effects of mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings. To evaluate possible health effects from amalgam fillings, dental status registered by specially trained nurses was obtained from 587 subjects included in the ongoing Swedish Adoption/ Twin Study of Aging (SATSA). Data on physical and mental health were collected and memory function tested. Mean age was 66 years (SD 9, range 46–89). In the entire material, 25% of the individuals had no own teeth and in the group with own teeth the median number of teeth surfaces filled with dental amalgam was 15 (range 0–65). Analyses of associations between number of surfaces filled with dental amalgam and a number of scales estimating somatic and mental health and memory functions were performed both for the entire group and for individuals having at least 12 teeth. Regardless of the sample, no negative effects on physical or mental health were found from amount of dental amalgam, even after controlling for age, gender, education and number of remaining teeth. When using a co‐twin control design with twin pairs discordant for amalgam exposure, no negative health effects associated with dental amalgam were detected. This study does not indicate any negative effects from dental amalgam on physical or mental health or memory functions in the general population over 50 years of age.
Reversible inactivation of the transcriptional function of P53 protein by farnesylation
Authors: Couderc Bettina , Penary Marie , Tohfe Mustapha , Pradines Anne , Casteignau Antoine , Berg Danièle , Favre Gilles 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The use of integrating viral vectors in Gene therapy clinical trials has pointed out the problem of the deleterous effect of the integration of the ectopic gene to the cellular genome and the safety of this strategy. We proposed here a way to induce the death of gene modified cells upon request by acting on a pro-apoptotic protein cellular localization and on the activation of its apoptotic function.

Results
We constructed an adenoviral vector coding a chimeric p53 protein by fusing p53 sequence with the 21 COOH term amino acids sequence of H-Ras. Indeed, the translation products of Ras genes are cytosolic proteins that become secondarily associated with membranes through a series of post-translational modifications initiated by a CAAX motif present at the C terminus of Ras proteins. The chimeric p53HRCaax protein was farnesylated efficiently in transduced human osteosarcoma p53-/- cell line. The farnesylated form of p53 resided mainly in the cytosol, where it is non-functional. Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs) specifically inhibited farnesyl isoprenoid lipid modification of proteins. Following treatment of the cells with an FTI, p53HRCaax underwent translocation into the nucleus where it retained transcription factor activity. Shifting p53 into the nucleus resulted in the induction of p21waf1/CIP1 and Bax transcription, cell growth arrest, caspase activation and apoptosis.

Conclusion
Artificial protein farnesylation impaired the transcriptional activity of p53. This could be prevented by Farnesyl transferase inhibition. These data highlight the fact that the artificial prenylation of proteins provides a novel system for controlling the function of a transactivating factor.
Sporadic ALS is not associated with VAPB gene mutations in Southern Italy
Authors: Conforti Francesca Luisa , Sprovieri Teresa , Mazzei Rosalucia , Ungaro Carmine , Tessitore Alessandro , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Patitucci Alessandra , Magariello Angela , Gabriele AnnaLia , Labella Vincenzo , Simone Isabella Laura , Majorana Giovanni , Monsurrò Maria Rosaria , Valentino Paola , Muglia Maria , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) gene have been reported to cause adult-onset autosomal dominant Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (FALS). In sporadic cases (SALS) de novo mutations in the Sod1 gene have occasionally been observed. The recent finding of a mutation in the VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated membrane protein B (VAPB) gene as the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS8), prompted us to investigate the entire coding region of this gene in SALS patients. One hundred twenty-five unrelated patients with adult-onset ALS and 150 healthy sex-age-matched subjects with the same genetic background were analyzed.
Genetic analysis for all exons of the VAPB gene by DHPLC revealed 5 variant profiles in 83 out of 125 SALS patients. Direct sequencing of these PCR products revealed 3 nucleotide substitutions. Two of these were found within intron 3 of the gene, harbouring 4 variant DHPLC profiles. The third nucleotide variation (Asp130Glu) was the only substitution present in the coding region of the VAPB gene, and it occurred within exon 4. It was found in three patients out of 125. The frequency of the detected exon variation in the VAPB gene was not significantly different between patients and controls. In conclusion, our study suggests that VAPB mutations are not a common cause of adult-onset SALS.
Structures and Sorption Properties of Ionic Crystals of Polyoxometalates with Macrocation
Authors: Mizuno Noritaka , Uchida Sayaka 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Polyoxometalates are nanosized metal–oxygen macroanions and suitable building blocks of ionic crystals with nanostructures in combination with appropriate macrocations. In this review, (1) formation of ionic crystals by the complexation of the polyoxometalates with a macrocation and the hydrophilic guest sorption properties, (2) effects of charges of polyoxometalates on the structures and sorption properties of ionic crystals, and (3) construction of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic channels in the crystal lattice of the polyoxometalate based ionic crystals are highlighted.
Unusual Photophysical Properties of Emerald Green [60]Fullerene
Authors: El-Khouly Mohamed E , Canteenwala Taizoon , Araki Yasuyuki , Ito Osamu , Chiang Long Y 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Near-IR absorptive emerald green [60]fullerene (EF-6MC2) is capable of highly light-harvesting molecule. Photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer between EF-6MC2 and several electron donors in benzonitrile led to observation of the optical absorption of (EF-6MC2)•− at 1300 nm, the longest absorption wavelength among many [60]fullerenyl radical anions.
Pubertal Timing Predicts Previous Fractures and BMD in Young Adult Men: The GOOD Study
Authors: Kindblom Jenny M , Lorentzon Mattias , Norjavaara Ensio , Hellqvist Asa , Nilsson Staffan , Mellström Dan , Ohlsson Claes 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The importance of pubertal timing for adult BMD in males was studied through association of pubertal timing with young adult bone phenotype. Pubertal timing was found to predict both cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD and previous fractures in young adult men. Thus, late puberty is a risk factor for low BMD and previous fractures in young adult men.
Introduction: Peak bone mass (PBM), achieved during puberty, is a determinant of the risk for osteoporosis and future fractures. The role of variations within the normal range in pubertal timing for fractures during pubertal development and for adult bone mass in men is unknown.
Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of pubertal timing for adult BMD and for fractures before achievement of PBM in men. The population-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) study is a well-characterized cohort of young adult Swedish males 18–20 years of age. Detailed growth charts from birth to 18–20 years of age were retrieved for 642 men participating in the GOOD study. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) was estimated and used as an assessment of pubertal timing. The skeletal phenotype was analyzed at young adult age using DXA and pQCT and previous fractures were assessed by questionnaires.
Results: Age at PHV was a negative independent predictor of both adult cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD and of total body and radius areal BMD. Moreover, age at PHV was associated with previous fractures in a logistic regression analysis. The OR for cortical osteopenia was 2.49 (95% CI, 1.91–3.24; p &lt; 0.001) and for previous upper limb fractures was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.04–1.75; p &lt; 0.05) per year increment in age at PHV.
Conclusions: Age at PHV is a negative independent predictor of BMD and a positive predictor of previous fractures in young adult men. Longitudinal studies to determine if pubertal timing also predicts BMD and fractures in elderly men are required.
Sp1 Family of Transcription Factors Regulates the Human α2 (XI) Collagen Gene (COL11A2) in Saos-2 Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: Goto Tomohiro , Matsui Yoshito , Fernandes Russell J , Hanson Dennis A , Kubo Takahiro , Yukata Kiminori , Michigami Toshimi , Komori Toshihisa , Fujita Takashi , Yang Liu , Eyre David R , Yasui Natsuo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Genes encoding type XI collagen, normally associated with chondrogenesis, are also expressed by osteoblasts. By studying Saos-2 cells, we showed that the transcription factors, Sp1, Sp3, and Sp7 (Osterix), regulate COL11A2 expression through its proximal promoter. The findings indicate both ubiquitous and osteoblast-specific mechanisms of collagen gene regulation.
Introduction: Type XI collagen is essential for skeletal morphogenesis. Collagen XI gene regulation has been studied in chondrocytes but not in osteoblasts.
Materials and Methods: We cultured Saos-2 cells, a human osteosarcoma-derived line of osteoblasts, and analyzed them for α2(XI) protein and COL11A2 regulatory mechanisms.
Results and Conclusions: Although types I and V were the dominant collagens deposited by Saos-2 cells, they expressed COL11A2 mRNA, and α2(XI) chains were present in the extracellular matrix. The COL11A2 promoter region (from −149 to −40) containing three Sp1 binding sites was required for promoter activity in transient transfection assays. All three Sp1 sites were critical for binding by nuclear proteins in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Further analysis using consensus oligonucleotides and specific antibodies as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation assay implicated Sp1 and Sp3 in binding to this promoter region. Overexpressing Sp1 or Sp3 significantly increased COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous COL11A2 gene expression, an effect that was suppressed by the Sp1-binding inhibitor mithramycin A. Further experiments showed that Sp1, Sp3, CREB-binding protein (CBP), p300, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) were physically associated and HDAC inhibitors (trichostatin A or NaB) upregulated COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression. Another Sp1 family member, Sp7 (Osterix), was expressed in Saos-2 cells, but not in chondrocytes, and was shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation to occupy the COL11A2 promoter. Overexpressing Sp7 increased COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression, an effect also blocked by mithramycin A. Using siRNA to knockdown Sp1, Sp3, or Sp7, it was shown that depression of any of them decreased COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression. Finally, primary cultures of osteoblasts expressed COL11A2 and Sp7, upregulated COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression when Sp1, Sp3, or Sp7 were overexpressed, and downregulated them when Sp1, Sp3, or Sp7 were selectively depressed. The results establish that Sp1 proteins regulate COL11A2 transcription by binding to its proximal promoter and directly interacting with CBP, p300, and HDAC.
Interleukin-7 Influences Osteoclast Function In Vivo but Is Not a Critical Factor in Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss
Authors: Lee Sun-Kyeong , Kalinowski Judith F , Jacquin Claire , Adams Douglas J , Gronowicz Gloria , Lorenzo Joseph A 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIL-7 is produced by stromal cells in bone marrow and is a major regulator of B and T lymphopoiesis. It is also a direct inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis in vitro. In this study we show that IL-7–deficient mice have increased OC and decreased trabecular bone volume compared with WT mice but mimic WT mice in the amount of trabecular but not cortical bone lost after ovariectomy.Introduction: Interleukin (IL)-7 is a potent regulator of lymphocyte development, which has significant effects on bone. Bone marrow cell cultures from IL-7 deficient (IL-7KO) mice produced significantly more TRACP+ osteoclasts (OCs) than did cells from wildtype (WT) mice. A previous study found that treatment of mice with a neutralizing antibody to IL-7 blocked ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. We examined if differences exist between the bones of WT and IL-7KO mice and if OVX altered bone mass in IL-7KO mice.Materials and Methods: Studies were in 2-month-old sham-operated (SHAM) and OVX female mice that were killed 4 weeks after surgery. IL-7KO mice and WT controls were in a C57BL/6 background. Both vertebrae (L1) and femora were evaluated by DXA, μCT, and histomorphometry. IL-7KO mice were confirmed as IL-7 deficient by their almost total lack of mature B cells in their bone marrow.Results: There was significantly less trabecular bone volume in the vertebrae of IL-7KO mice than in WT mice. In addition, IL-7KO mice had significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05) trabecular number (13%) and increased trabecular spacing (15%). OVX decreased vertebral trabecular bone volume (TBV) by 21% (p &lt; 0.05) in WT mice and by 22% (p &lt; 0.05) in IL-7KO mice compared with SHAM. IL-7KO SHAM mice also had significantly less (30%) TBV (TA/TTA) in their femurs, as measured histomorphometrically, than did WT SHAM mice. Femurs from IL-7KO SHAM mice had significantly increased percent OC surface (23%) compared with WT SHAM. As in the vertebrae, OVX significantly decreased femoral TBV in both WT and IL-7KO mice by similar amounts (47% and 48%, respectively, p &lt; 0.05 for both) compared with SHAM. However, OVX decreased cortical bone mass in WT but not in IL-7KO bones. We also examined bone marrow cells from WT and IL-7KO mice. Bone marrow cells from IL-7KO animals showed a significant increase in the number of TRACP+ osteoclast-like cells (OCLs), which formed in cultures that were stimulated with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and RANKL (both at 30 ng/ml). However, there was no significant difference in the number of OCLs that formed in B lymphocyte–depleted (B220−) bone marrow cell cultures from WT and IL-7KO mice.Conclusions: IL-7 deficiency in mice caused increased OC number in bone and decreased bone mass. OVX-induced bone loss in IL-7–deficient mice was selective and occurred in trabecular but not cortical bone.