bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geostatistics and spatial analysis in biological anthropology
Authors: Relethford John H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA variety of methods have been used to make evolutionary inferences based on the spatial distribution of biological data, including reconstructing population history and detection of the geographic pattern of natural selection. This article provides an examination of geostatistical analysis, a method used widely in geology but which has not often been applied in biological anthropology. Geostatistical analysis begins with the examination of a variogram, a plot showing the relationship between a biological distance measure and the geographic distance between data points and which provides information on the extent and pattern of spatial correlation. The results of variogram analysis are used for interpolating values of unknown data points in order to construct a contour map, a process known as kriging. The methods of geostatistical analysis and discussion of potential problems are applied to a large data set of anthropometric measures for 197 populations in Ireland. The geostatistical analysis reveals two major sources of spatial variation. One pattern, seen for overall body and craniofacial size, shows an east–west cline most likely reflecting the combined effects of past population dispersal and settlement. The second pattern is seen for craniofacial height and shows an isolation by distance pattern reflecting rapid spatial changes in the midlands region of Ireland, perhaps attributable to the genetic impact of the Vikings. The correspondence of these results with other analyses of these data and the additional insights generated from variogram analysis and kriging illustrate the potential utility of geostatistical analysis in biological anthropology. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological variation of major human populations based on nonmetric dental traits
Authors: Hanihara Tsunehiko 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe patterns of inter‐ and intra‐regional variation among 12 major geographical groups from around the world were investigated based on 15 nonmetric dental traits. The R‐matrix method was applied using a pooled within‐group variance‐covariance matrix estimated with the maximum likelihood method (tetrachoric correlation matrix) and the threshold value for each trait estimated by univariate probit analysis. Using average heritability rates that range from 0.40 to 1.00, the inter‐regional variation represented by Fst falls between 7.19% and 16.23% of the total variance. This range of variation is compatible with those obtained by genetic, craniometric, and odontometric data. Subsaharan Africans show the largest intra‐regional diversity among the groups compared. The degree of intra‐regional variation shows, moreover, rough clinalities from subsaharan Africa to peripheral regions. The relationship between regional variation and geographic distance from subsaharan Africa supports serial bottlenecks and the founder effect of ancient populations originating in Africa. The variation of East/Northeast Asians is relatively large, suggesting a complex population history such as possible earlier divergence and multiple migrations from outside sources. The present findings are in agreement with both the recent African model for the origin of anatomically modern humans and the current scenario for human migration history suggested by genetic analyses. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetization transfer ratio evolution with demyelination and remyelination in multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Chen Jacqueline T. , Collins D. Louis , Atkins Harold L. , Freedman Mark S. , Arnold Douglas L. ,   the Canadian MS/BMT Study Group
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess demyelination and remyelination in vivo in acute gadolinium (Gd)‐enhancing lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsWe measured significant changes in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) consistent with demyelination and remyelination of individual lesion voxels, as well as the mean normalized MTR over all lesion voxels during and after contrast enhancement, in MS patients participating in a 3‐year Canadian trial assessing immunoablation and autologous stem cell transplantation for treatment of MS.ResultsThe average mean normalized lesion MTR over all lesions exhibited partial recovery over 2 to 4 months after Gd enhancement. Voxel‐based analysis demonstrated that approximately 70% of the initially enhancing lesion volume (GdLV) was left with stably low MTR over 39 months of evaluation. The percentage of the GdLV undergoing significant increases in MTR consistent with remyelination increased for approximately 7 months after enhancement and then stabilized at 21 %GdLV. Significant decreases in MTR consistent with demyelination were ongoing for approximately 33 months after enhancement, stabilizing at 9 %GdLV. The estimated error of these measurements, based on scan/rescan analysis, was less than 0.4 %GdLV.InterpretationWe found significant changes in MTR consistent with demyelination and remyelination that followed different temporal evolutions and were ongoing in different lesion regions for at least 3 years after lesion formation. Ann Neurol 2008
Preparation of temperature‐ and pH‐sensitive, stimuli‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) nanoparticles
Authors: Tian Peng , Wu Qinglin , Lian Kun 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe effects of the monomer ratio, surfactant, and crosslinker contents on the particle size and phase‐transition behavior of the copolymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) (PNIPAAm–MAA) were investigated with Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic laser scattering techniques. In addition to the thermoresponsive property of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), ionized methacrylic acid groups brought pH sensitivity to the PNIPAAm–MAA copolymer particles. The polymer particle size varied with the amounts of the monomer ratio, surfactant, and crosslinker. As the monomer ratio and crosslinker content increased and the amount of the surfactants decreased, the particle size increased. The influence of the crosslinker content on the particle size was less significant than the effect of the monomer ratio and surfactants. When the temperature increased, the particles tended to shrink and decreased in size to near or below 100 nm. Particle sizes at 20°C decreased to less than 100 nm with increased surfactant content. The control of the particle size within the 100‐nm range makes PNIPAAm–MAA copolymer particles useful for biomedical and heavy‐metal‐ion adsorption applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
How potential users of music search and retrieval systems describe the semantic quality of music
Authors: Lesaffre Micheline , Voogdt Liesbeth De , Leman Marc , Baets Bernard De , Meyer Hans De , Martens Jean‐Pierre 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA large‐scale study was set up aiming at the clarification of the influence of demographic and musical background on the semantic description of music. Our model for rating high‐level music qualities distinguishes between affective/emotive, structural and kinaesthetic descriptors. The focus was on the understanding of the most important attributes of music in view of the development of efficient search and retrieval systems. We emphasized who the users of such systems are and how they describe their favorite music. Particular interest went to inter‐subjective similarities among listeners. The results from our study suggest that gender, age, musical expertise, active musicianship, broadness of taste and familiarity with the music have an influence on the semantic description of music.
Human in vivo cellular response to a cross-linked acellular collagen implant
Authors: Hammond T M , Chin-Aleong J , Navsaria H , Williams N S 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Background
Hernia surgery, in particular parastomal hernia mesh repair and new techniques for hernia prevention, require novel biomaterials that avoid fibrosis and potential bowel erosion, while retaining adequate strength for their intended purpose. The aim was to evaluate the human host response to an acellular porcine-derived cross-linked collagen implant.

Methods
In a prospective pilot study on prevention of parastomal herniation, 15 patients undergoing loop stoma formation had an implant placed within the anterior abdominal wall. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyse the implant qualitatively and, where appropriate, quantitatively for biocompatibility, degradation, cellular infiltration, neo-extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and neovascularization.

Results
At a median of 7 (range 1–8) months, 12 of 15 patients had stoma reversal and 11 implant biopsies were obtained. In biopsies from ten of the 11 patients all responses were limited to the periphery of the implant and native pores. There was a minimal inflammatory response and minimal degradation of the implant. Fibroblastic and neovascular infiltration were noted, as was matrix metalloproteinase 1 activity with organized deposition of host collagen, fibronectin and laminin.

Conclusion
The collagen implant demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and resistance to degradation in most patients. However, fibrovascular in-growth and ECM deposition were limited. This implant has excellent potential for soft tissue reinforcement.
Determination of icariin in rat plasma by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography after oral administration of a lipid‐based suspension of Epimedium koreanum extract
Authors: Pozharitskaya Olga N. , Karlina Marina V. , Shikov Alexander N. , Kosman Vera M. , Makarova Marina N. , Makarov Valery G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA simple, specific and sensitive method for quantitative determination of icariin in rat plasma using reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV‐detection was developed and applied to an animal study of a lipid‐based suspension of the Epimedium koreanum extract in rats. Rutin was selected as the internal standard and methanol was found to be the best solvent for extraction of icariin from the plasma. Linearity was observed between 0.030 and 100 µg/mL (r > 0.99). The extraction recoveries of icariin and rutin were approximately 75 and 80%, respectively, in plasma. The intra‐ and inter‐day coefficients of variation were less than 5%. The limit of detection was 6 ng/mL and the limit of quantification was 18 ng/mL. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyanide Sensing with Organic Dyes: Studies in Solution and on Nanostructured Al2O3 Surfaces
Authors: Gimeno Nélida , Li Xiaoe , Durrant James R. , Vilar Ramón 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of two new azo phenyl thiourea compounds and their optical response to different anions is reported herein. Solution studies in methanol indicate that cyanide induces a colour change in these dyes (whereas no changes are observed in the presence of other anions, such as F−, Cl−, Br−, CH3COO−, H2PO4−, HSO4−). Interestingly, in DMSO these dyes are responsive not only to cyanide, but also to fluoride, acetate and dihydrogen phosphate. Each of these anions induces a different colour change. In the second part of the paper, we report the attachment of one of these dyes onto nanostructured TiO2 and Al2O3 films. The stability of these sensitised films to pH was studied and we concluded that the sensitised Al2O3 films are more robust, and hence, better than the TiO2 for anion sensing. The dye‐sensitised Al2O3 films were immersed in solutions of different anions and their response studied. The films can detect cyanide down to 3 ppm in aqueous solution with relatively good selectivity over other anions.
Wolfram oder Tungsten? Die Namen der chemischen Elemente
Authors: Diemann Ekkehard , Müller Achim 
Published: February 2008

AbstractZur Vereinheitlichung der Nomenklatur in der Chemie hat die Internationale Union für Reine und Angewandte Chemie (IUPAC) aktuelle Empfehlungen herausgegeben, die bei der Benennung der Elemente Neuerungen beinhalten. Die nun schon über zweihundert Jahre andauernde Kontroverse um den Namen des Elements 74 – Wolfram oder Tungsten – wird als ein typisches Beispiel in ihrer historischen Entwicklung beleuchtet.
Können Vögel das Erdmagnetfeld sehen?
Authors: Feil Sylvia 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIm Frühjahr ziehen Gänse rufend über uns hinweg, zurück auf dem Weg nach Norden. Ein Blick nach oben zeigt ihre Fluglinie. Kleinere Vögel wie die Gartengrasmücke (Sylvia borin) sind nachts unterwegs. Nun hat die Gartengrasmücke schon eine gute Nachtsicht, aber ohne das Erdmagnetfeld könnte sie sich nicht orientieren. Ihre Rezeptoren des Erdmagnetfelds stehen offenbar mit dem Sehsinn in Verbindung.
Chemie‐Museum Merseburg
Authors: Schwedt Georg 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAm Standort der ehemaligen TH “Carl Schorlemmer” Leuna‐Merseburg und heutigen Hochschule Merseburg (FH) entstand ab 1993 der Technikpark Deutsches Chemie‐Museum Merseburg. Der Förderverein “Sachzeugen der chemischen Industrie e.V.” ist Träger des Aufbaus, der 1997 in gemeinsamer Trägerschaft mit der Hochschule auch das Experimentallabor “Chemie zum Anfassen” einrichtete.
Kieselsäure – wie kommt sie ins Zellgewebe?
Authors: Jaenicke Lothar 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSilicium, in Form der Kieselsäure, ist für Pflanzen essentiell. Es fördert Wachstum, vermindert Wasserverlust durch Transpiration, vermehrt die Resistenz gegen Parasiten. Bei Kieselalgen bildet es durch besondere Enzymmechanismen die so schön gemusterten Schalen. Es wird in unterschiedlichem Maß von allen höheren Pflanzen im Parenchym‐Gewebe angehäuft, in das es über den Safttransport aus den Wurzeln gelangt. Es muss also einen Weg aus dem Erdreich durch Zellwandschichten in den Saftstrom der Leitbahnen und von dort wiederum durch Zellschichten in das Gewebe geben. Das Problem ist aber, dass die Plasmamembran, die hinter der Zellulosewand den Zell‐Inhalt gegen außen, gegen Osmoseveränderungen und Substratverluste abschirmt, für alle gelösten Stoffe, außer für Wasser und Gase, undurchlässig ist. Man hat also nach eigenen und auswählenden Transportsystemen durch die Membran zu suchen.
Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Coupling and Influential Factors in Nonrheumatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Cui Qi‐Qiong , Zhang Wei , Wang Hu , Sun Xin , Wang Rong , Yang Huan‐Yi , Meng Xian‐Qiang , Zhang Yun , Wang Hao 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundSequential analysis of atrial electromechanical coupling (P‐A) by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) might provide important insight into the mechanisms of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).HypothesisThe purpose of this study was to evaluate P‐A and the dispersion of P‐A, and to analyze the influential factors of P‐A.MethodsOne hundred and ten patients with PAF and 87 normal controls were enrolled. Using DTI, the time intervals from the beginning of P‐wave to the onset of atrioventricular ring motion related to atrial contraction were measured.ResultsAtrial electromechanical coupling at the interventricular septum atrioventricular annulus (P‐A1), left lateral mitral annulus (P‐A2) and right lateral tricuspid annulus (P‐A3) in PAF group were significantly longer than those in control (p < 0.001). The difference between P‐A2 and P‐A1 (T1), P‐A2 and P‐A3 (T3) in PAF group were greater than those in control before age correction (p < 0.05). The linear regression analysis showed that the duration of PAF episodes and age were the greatest influential factors of P‐A1 (r = 0.564). Left atrial anterior‐posterior dimension (LAD) and age were the greatest influential factors of P‐A2 (r = 0.459). The LAD was the greatest influential factors of T1 and T3 (r = 0.408, 0.542).ConclusionsThe atrial electromechanical coupling was significantly longer and the dispersion of P‐A at left lateral mitral annulus was greater in PAF patients. The prolongation of P‐A may be related to left atrial enlargement, long episodes of PAF and aging and the dispersion of P‐A at left lateral mitral annulus to LAD. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic variation and response to morphine in cancer patients
Authors: Ross Joy R. , Riley Julia , Taegetmeyer Annie B. , Sato Hiroe , Gretton Sophy , du Bois Roland M. , Welsh Kenneth I. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDPain is a common symptom for patients with cancer, and opioids are the treatment of choice for moderate or severe cancer‐related pain. Central side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and hallucinations, can limit the use of opioids in clinical practice.METHODSThe authors prospectively recruited 228 cancer patients who received morphine. Clinical data, including pain and side‐effect scores, were correlated with genotype data.RESULTSGenetic variation in the multidrug resistance‐1 gene (MDR‐1) was associated with moderate or severe drowsiness and confusion or hallucinations. Patients who carried the common guanosine (G) allele at position 2677 in exon 26 were less likely to experience drowsiness and confusion or hallucinations than patients who carried the variant thymidine or adenosine alleles, which code for alternate amino‐acid substitutions (chi‐square statistic, 13.3; P = .0003). In addition, genetic variation in the catechol‐O‐methyltansferase (COMT) enzyme was associated independently with these central side effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in intron 1 were associated significantly with central side effects; the most significant was at position −4873G (chi‐square statistic, 9.1; P = .003). SNPs in intron 1, defined as haplotype, were present in 10.4% of the population and were associated significantly with central side effects (chi‐square statistic, 7.7; P = .005). Genotype data did not correlate with morphine dose or serum morphine or metabolite concentrations in this study.CONCLUSIONSCOMT and MDR‐1 genotypes were correlated with morphine‐related central side effects. The authors believe that this work adds significantly to the current understanding of genetic variants that may influence an individual's response to opioids. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Obsessional beliefs, compulsive behaviours and symptom severity: their evolution and interrelation over stages of treatment
Authors: Grenier Sébastien , O'Connor Kieron , Bélanger Claude 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe current study reports a case series examining (1) the variation in strength of obsessional doubt and belief in consequences of the doubt; and (2) the interaction between these cognitive components and symptom measures of duration and severity of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), over 24 weeks of cognitive behaviour therapy. Eight participants diagnosed with OCD, four with contamination‐related rituals and four with checking behaviours, were selected on the basis of the Yale–Brown obsessive–compulsive scale (Y‐BOCS) and Padua ratings. All participants completed daily diaries measuring strength of principal obsessional doubt (0–100), strength of belief in consequences of the doubt (0–100) and the duration of the compulsive rituals throughout the 24 weeks of therapy. Severity of symptomatology was measured pre‐ and post‐treatment using the Y‐BOCS. Change in all measures was analysed over time following the procedure outlined by Storchheim and O'Mahoney (2006). Results showed that decrease in belief in secondary consequences is always accompanied by a decrease in strength of obsessions, but the converse does not hold. Furthermore, change in OCD symptomatology may precede cognitive changes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Danis Ramazan , Ozmen Sehmus , Akin Davut , Celik Fatma , Yazanel Orhan 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to identify the role of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation and other predictive factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.METHODSA total of 144 patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for at least 6 months were recruited. The mean age of patients was 44.84 ± 16.23 years. Serum folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine (tHcy), albumin, lipids, MTHFR C677T mutation, and smoking habits were analyzed relative to the presence of CVD.RESULTSForty‐two of the 144 patients (29.1%) had CVD. Mean age, duration of dialysis, body mass index, CRP, Kt/V, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and currently smoking were found to be significantly higher in patients with CVD than in those without CVD (p < 0.05). The means of serum folate, vitamin B12, tHcy, albumin, and percentage of past smokers were not significant (p > 0.05). MTHFR C677T mutation was not found to be associated with CVD risk factors. The mean differences in tHcy levels between the TT and CC and the CT and CC genotype allele groups were significant.CONCLUSIONWe recommend that duration of ESRD and CRP predictors with traditional risk factors be taken into account when examining CVD. We suggest that if patients with ESRD have normal B12 and folate levels, abnormal tHcy level and tHcy metabolism are not risk factors for CVD in patients with ESRD. We do not recommend evaluation of the MTHFR C677T mutation and tHcy level in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The discriminative ability of risk predictors in CVD found in the study present new ideas for researchers studying this subject.
Autoregulation of XTcf‐4 depends on a Lef/Tcf site on the XTcf‐4 promoter
Authors: Koenig Sabrina F. , Lattanzio Roberto , Mansperger Katrin , Rupp Ralph A.W. , Wedlich Doris , Gradl Dietmar 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe restricted expression of XTcf‐4 in the anterior midbrain is regulated via an active wnt/β‐catenin pathway (Kunz et al.,2004, Dev Biol 273:390‐401). The molecular mechanism of this autoregulatory loop, however, remained elusive. Here we show that the activity of a 1,775 bp promoter fragment containing a consensus Lef/Tcf binding site at position −1,437 to −1,428 is upregulated by activating transcription factors of the Lef/Tcf family. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that endogenous β‐catenin is bound to the Lef/Tcf site on the promoter. Thus, regulation of XTcf‐4 by canonical wnt‐signaling is directly controlled by binding to and activating a consensus Lef/Tcf binding site within its own promoter. genesis 46:81–86, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple roles for apoptosis facilitating condensation of the Drosophila ventral nerve cord
Authors: Page Damon T. , Olofsson Birgitta 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAt the end of embryogenesis, the ventral nerve cord (VNC) of Drosophila undergoes a shape change, termed condensation. During condensation the length of the VNC shortens by 25%, a process dependent on extracellular matrix deposited by hemocytes, an intact cytoskeleton of glia and neurons and neural activity. Here we show that cell death contributes to nerve cord shortening. Firstly, apoptosis occurs at the interface of the epidermis and the nerve cord where it plays a role in the separation of these two tissues. Separation precedes condensation and in conditions where separation is prevented, condensation fails. Secondly, many cells undergo apoptosis within VNC during condensation. This cell death is localized mainly to the posterior part of the nerve cord where more than half of all cell death occurs. Preventing apoptosis either in neurons or glia partially inhibits VNC shortening during condensation. Despite the importance of midline glia in axon tract development, preventing midline glia cell death results in normal hatching and adult formation. We find that undead midline glia are eliminated from the midline and become mispositioned or expelled from the nervous system. We suggest that this represent a form of pattern repair that operates to reduce the impact of the additional cells. genesis 46:61–68, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.