bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
hTERT Transcription Is Repressed by Cbfa1 in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Populations
Authors: Isenmann Sandra , Cakouros Dimitrios , Zannettino Andrew , Shi Songtao , Gronthos Stan 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Human BMSSCs lose telomerase activity in vitro, which leads to chromosomal instability and cellular senescence. We observed an inverse expression pattern between the osteogenic master regulatory gene, CBFA1, and the stem cell–associated gene, hTERT. We showed that Cbfa1 acts as a partial repressor of TERT, which may facilitate cellular differentiation.
Introduction: The absence of telomerase activity by cultured human bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSSCs) causes critical shortening of chromosomal telomeres, leading eventually to cellular senescence. Ex vivo expansion of BMSSCs correlates to an increase in osteogenic lineage associated markers such as alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin that are regulated by the master regulatory transcription factor, Cbfa1 (Runx2). This study examined whether Cbfa1 was capable of regulating the promoter of the early stem cell–associated gene, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).
Materials and Methods: Human BMSSCs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Telomerase activity was determined using the telometric repeat amplification protocol. CBFA1 and TERT gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR. The functional capacity of Cbfa1 to bind to the hTERT promoter was performed using a modified electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis was used to examine Cbfa1 binding to the hTERT promoter in vivo. Functional analysis of CBFA-1 wildtype and mutant DNA binding sites on TERT promoter fragments was assessed using the promoterless green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter vector, pEGFP-1, after transfection into HOS cells.
Results: This study showed an inverse expression pattern between the osteogenic master regulatory gene, CBFA1, and the stem cell–associated gene, hTERT. The data showed that BMSSCs undergo osteogenic commitment after the loss of hTERT expression, with concomitant elevated levels of CBFA1 transcripts. In addition, two unique Cbfa1 DNA binding sites were identified on the hTERT proximal promoter by EMSA supershift assay. Mutated forms of the putative Cbfa1 binding sites, created by site-directed mutagenesis, were able to abolish this interaction. ChIP analysis showed that Cbfa1 interacted directly with the hTERT promoter in vivo. Functional studies using GFP reporter constructs, driven by 2- and 3-kbp hTERT proximal promoter fragments, showed significantly lower levels of transcriptional activity compared with corresponding constructs with mutated Cbfa1 binding site Oligo 2.
Conclusions: These studies suggest that Cbfa1 may act as a repressor of early stem cell markers such as hTERT as one possible mechanism for facilitating cellular differentiation.
Contribution of Trochanteric Soft Tissues to Fall Force Estimates, the Factor of Risk, and Prediction of Hip Fracture Risk*
Authors: Bouxsein Mary L , Szulc Pawel , Munoz Fracoise , Thrall Erica , Sornay-Rendu Elizabeth , Delmas Pierre D 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
We compared trochanteric soft tissue thickness, femoral aBMD, and the ratio of fall force to femoral strength (i.e., factor of risk) in 21 postmenopausal women with incident hip fracture and 42 age-matched controls. Reduced trochanteric soft tissue thickness, low femoral aBMD, and increased ratio of fall force to femoral strength (i.e., factor of risk) were associated with increased risk of hip fracture.
Introduction: The contribution of trochanteric soft tissue thickness to hip fracture risk is incompletely understood. A biomechanical approach to assessing hip fracture risk that compares forces applied to the hip during a sideways fall to femoral strength may by improved by incorporating the force-attenuating effects of trochanteric soft tissues.
Materials and Methods: We determined the relationship between femoral areal BMD (aBMD) and femoral failure load in 49 human cadaveric specimens, 53–99 yr of age. We compared femoral aBMD, trochanteric soft tissue thickness, and the ratio of fall forces to bone strength (i.e., the factor of risk for hip fracture, Φ), before and after accounting for the force-attenuating properties of trochanteric soft tissue in 21 postmenopausal women with incident hip fracture and 42 age-matched controls.
Results: Femoral aBMD correlated strongly with femoral failure load (r2 = 0.73–0.83). Age, height, and weight did not differ; however, women with hip fracture had lower total femur aBMD (OR = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.19–3.56) and trochanteric soft tissue thickness (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.01, 3.31). Incorporation of trochanteric soft tissue thickness measurements reduced the estimates of fall forces by ∼50%. After accounting for force-attenuating properties of trochanteric soft tissue, the ratio of fall forces to femoral strength was 50% higher in cases than controls (0.92 ± 0.44 versus 0.65 ± 0.50, respectively; p = 0.04).
Conclusions: It is possible to compute a biomechanically based estimate of hip fracture risk by combining estimates of femoral strength based on an empirical relationship between femoral aBMD and bone strength in cadaveric femora, along with estimates of loads applied to the hip during a sideways fall that account for thickness of trochanteric soft tissues. Our findings suggest that trochanteric soft tissue thickness may influence hip fracture risk by attenuating forces applied to the femur during a sideways fall and provide rationale for developing improved measurements of trochanteric soft tissue and for studying a larger cohort to determine whether trochanteric soft tissue thickness contributes to hip fracture risk independently of aBMD.
Twin entanglement revisited
Authors: Kurzel Richard B 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA fear of interlocking twins is one factor that has led to a high Cesarean section (C/S) rate in breech (A)/vertex (B) (Bra/Vtxb) twins. We sought to estimate the frequency of occurrence of twin entanglement, and of interlocking Bra/Vtxbtwins in vaginal deliveries. 541 twins and 48 195 deliveries were retrospectively studied for the period 1987–1995. The incidence of Bra/Vtxbdeliveries was noted, and the number of deliveries marked by interlocking and collision of fetuses. The mode of delivery, reason for C/S, and sources of perinatal mortality were noted. Only 43 deliveries were Bra/Vtxb(7.9% of all twins) and of these only 14 (32.6%) were delivered vaginally. One case of interlocking (2.3% of all Bra/Vtxbpairs) and five cases of collision of twins (ie competition for entry into the pelvic inlet with obstruction) were noted. All cases mentioned were delivered by C/S. No perinatal mortality resulted from these cases. In recent years the trend has been for greater use of C/S and ultrasound in managing twin deliveries. In this study 67.4% of Bra/Vtxbtwins were delivered by C/S. Although there are fewer vaginal deliveries of these twins and the rate for interlocking (2.3%; 95% CI: 0.06–12.3%) for the whole group has remained about the same, we found the rate in those twins allowed vaginal delivery was 6.7% (95% CI: 0.2–31.9%). The presentation at greatest risk for entanglement was found to be Bra/Vtxb.
The interaction of cartoonist's gender and formal features of cartoons
Authors: Samson Andrea C , Huber Oswald 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe present study investigates gender differences in the use of formal features of cartoons, like the amount of text, the number of panels, or the application of color. For the analysis, 300 cartoons (150 each by female and male cartoonists) were selected randomly from the works of 1519 cartoonists. Twenty-one formal features were analyzed. On average, female cartoonists use more text, include text more frequently, and also draw more panels. These differences were expected, because Differential Psychology has shown for a long time in a variety of cultures that, on average, women tend to perform better in tasks testing verbal intelligence whereas men perform significantly better in tasks that require spatial intelligence. We also found a difference in the type of joke: Women more frequently draw cartoons with incongruity-resolution humor, whereas men prefer to draw cartoons with nonsense humor. The results are discussed in relation to gender differences in humor processing and gender differences in general.
How native and non-native English speakers adapt to humor in intercultural interaction
Authors: Bell Nancy D 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHumor can often carry an implicit negative message and thus be potentially dangerous to use. In addition, it is culturally and linguistically complex and sophisticated. Because of these things, it poses a challenge for L2 (second language) speakers and we might expect to see attempts at humor failing and causing offense in intercultural interaction. This paper reports on a study that examined humor in interaction between native and non-native speakers of English and found that humor did not seem to be a cause of conflict because of adjustments speakers made to their speech and their situated interpretations of meaning. In general, taboo topics and potentially dangerous forms of humor were avoided and humor was carefully contextualized. Native speakers reported being careful about the vocabulary they used in creating humor and both sides appeared to approach humor in intercultural communication prepared to accommodate the other and with an attitude of leniency.
The laughter of the 1962 Tanganyika ‘laughter epidemic’
Authors: Hempelmann Christian F 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe present article discusses the role of laughter in the much cited ‘laughter epidemic’ that occurred in Tanganyika in 1962. Despite its extraordinary nature, the veracity of the event is confirmed, crucially on the basis of similar reports. But most current representations are flawed by their exaggeration and misinterpretation of the role of laughter in the event, relating it to a humorous stimulus, a virus or environmental contaminant, or identifying it as contagious laughter. It is argued that the event is a motor-variant case of mass psychogenic illness of which laughter is one common symptom. Therefore it cannot serve as support for other arguments in humor research.
Burnout and humor relationship among university lecturers
Authors: Tümkaya Songül 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis research is aimed to identify the relationship between burnout and the variables of lecturers' humor styles, demographic information, occupational conditions, and ability to cope with humor in general. The effects of these variables in relation to burnout prediction were also investigated. Two hundred eighty-three full-time lecturers working at Çukurova University, Turkey, participated in this study. Data was collected through the “Maslach Burnout Inventory,” “Humor Styles Questionnaire,” “Coping Humor Scale” and “Demographic Information and Occupational Conditions Questionnaire.” The results revealed that in terms of age, younger lecturers experience much more burnout, and female lecturers experience more emotional exhaustion than do males. In addition, a significantly negative or low relationship was found between the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, coping humor scale, affiliative humor, and self-enhancing humor, while there existed a positive but low relationship between the three dimensions of burnout, aggressive humor, and self-defeating humor. Thus, the results suggest that academic status may account for a considerable difference between the dimension scores of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. Furthermore, the regression analysis indicates that occupational variables and humor are important predictors of the dimensions of burnout.
Theorizing Charismatic Authority in Early Islamic Law*
Authors: Brockopp Jonathan E. 
Published: March 2007

In Islamic Studies, charisma has usually been reserved for the study of marginalized individuals. I argue here that charisma may also be applied to leadership among legal scholars. To do so, I join a long line of scholars who have
modified Max Weber’s initial insights, and put forth a new, dynamic model of charismatic authority. The purpose of my model is to account for the fact that religious histories emphasize the uniqueness of the originating charismatic
event, be that Prophet Muhammad’s revelations, Jesus’ theophany or the Buddha’s enlightenment, while at the same time recognizing that the charismatic cycle never quite ends. In contrast with Weber, I argue that charismatic authority in religious traditions is best understood as a network of influence and interaction through which the routinization of charisma reinterprets and redefines the meaning of the originating charismatic event.
Adab and Banarsipan: Embodying Community among Muslim Artisans in Varanasi, India*
Authors: Lee Christopher 
Published: March 2007

In this article, I consider adab (“cultured respectfulness”) and banarsipan (“Banaras-ness”) as two ways-of-being for working-class Muslims in the Indian city of Varanasi. Each of these identities contain its own ontology and truths about the remembered past, the lived present, and the processes which
created them, and thus serves as alternatives to nationalist and communal identities and the histories they present. These ways-of-being are examined using a theoretical orientation that brings together concepts of bodily hexis and
social memory, which offers a promising way to consider local or marginal Muslim communities, their emic configurations of meaning, power, status and personhood, and their relationship with dominant or normative Muslim groups and identities.
Micropiles reinforcement for expansive soils:large-scale experimental investigation
Authors: Nusier O. K. , Alawneh A. S. , Rabadi R. 
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the results of field tests performed on large-scale steel micropiles 6·5 cm in diameter and 3·0 m long, embedded in natural expansive clay. The clay is classified as the CH type of soil, and it has high swelling potential. The micropiles were placed at the centre of drilled holes 16·5 cm in diameter at up to 3·0 m depth. The annular space around the micropile was filled with sand compacted to a relative density of 70%. Reinforced concrete footings (1·0 m × 1·0 m × 0·40 m) were constructed on the expansive clay. The tops of the steel micropiles were tied to the reinforced concrete footings. Four footings were constructed with one, two, three and four micropiles respectively; another footing was constructed without micropile support, and was taken as a reference case to investigate the effect of micropiles in heave control. A level device was used to measure the upward movement of the footings after flooding the site. The effect of the number of micropiles on the magnitude of the footings' upward movement was measured. Interpretation of the test results showed that the percentage reduction in heave increases as the number of micropiles is increased. The measured and predicted percentage reduction in heave were compared, as suggested by Nusier and Alawneh: the results demonstrate acceptable agreement. Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude sur le terrain réalisée sur des micropieux en acier à grande é chelle, de 6,5 m de diamètre et de 3,0 m de long, enfoncés dans de l'argile naturelle gonflante. Cette argile est classée comme type de sol CH, ćest-à-dire à forte plasticité, puisqu'elle présente un fort potentiel de gonflement. Les micropieux sont placés au centre de trous forés de 16,5 cm de diamètre jusqu' à une profondeur de 3,0 m. L'espace annulaire autour des micropieux est rempli de sable compacté jusqu' à une densité relative de 70 %. Des semelles renforcées en béton armé (1,0 m × 1,0 m × 0,40 m) sont construites sur l'argile gonflante. Le haut des micropieux en acier est rattaché à ces semelles renforcées en béton armé. Quatre semelles sont construites, avec un, deux, trois et quatre micropieux respectivement. Une autre semelle a été construite sans support de micropieu, servant comme modèle de référence pour évaluer l'effet des micropieux sur le contrôle du soulèvement. Un dispositif de mesure de niveau est utilisé pour évaluer le mouvement de relèvement des semelles après que le site est recouvert d'eau. On a pu ainsi évaluer l'influence du nombre de micropieux sur l'amplitude du mouvement de soulèvement des semelles. L'interprétation des résultats obtenus montre que la réduction du soulèvement en pourcentage augmente avec le nombre de micropieux. Les réductions en pourcentage, mesurée et estimée, ont été comparées, comme suggéré par Nusier et Alawneh. Les résultats montrent une corrélation acceptable.
Currarino syndrome shown by prenatal onset ventriculomegaly and spinal dysraphism
Authors: Crétolle C. , Sarnacki S. , Amiel J. , Geneviève D. , Encha‐Razavi F. , Zrelli S. , Zérah M. , Nihoul Fékété C. , Lyonnet S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe most frequent cause of ventriculomegaly is spina bifida when associated with Arnold–Chiari type II malformation. We report on a prenatal diagnosis of severe ventriculomegaly in association with spinal dysraphism that was indicative of a Currarino syndrome (CS) due to a c.584delA, p.H195fsX28 truncated mutation within the HLXB9 gene. Physiopathology of the ventriculomegaly is discussed in reference to the fetopathological examination and CS embryopathology. In the present case, prognosis was poor and pregnancy termination was authorized. However, such a decision may be controversial in fetuses with less severe malformations on sonographic examination, since mutations in the HLXB9 gene can predict neither the severity nor the long‐term prognosis of the disease. Due to a lack of genotype–phenotype correlation and the broad variability of phenotype in heterozygotes, clinical and genetic investigations among relatives are mandatory in all HLXB9 gene mutation cases, to detect asymptomatic CS cases and to prevent the occurrence of severe complications. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutations in GJB2, GJB6, and mitochondrial DNA are rare in African American and Caribbean Hispanic individuals with hearing impairment
Authors: Samanich Joy , Lowes Christina , Burk Robert , Shanske Sara , Lu J. , Shanske Alan , Morrow Bernice E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAutosomal recessive nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing impairment (ARNSHI) comprises 80% of familial hearing loss cases. Approximately half result from mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) gene, GJB2, in Caucasian populations. Heterozygous mutations in GJB2 occasionally co‐occur with a deletion of part of GJB6 (connexin 30; Cx30). It is estimated that approximately 1% of deafness is maternally inherited, due to mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Few studies have focused on the frequency of mutations in connexins or mtDNA in African American (AA) and Caribbean Hispanic (CH) admixture populations. In this study, we performed bidirectional sequencing of the GJB2 gene and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for the common GJB6 deletion, as well as PCR/RFLP analysis for three mutations in mtDNA (A1555G, A3243G, A7445G), in 109 predominantly simplex AA and CH individuals. Variations found were a 101T > C (M34T; 1/101 cases), 109G > A (V37I; 1/101), 35delG (mutation; 4/101, ¾ of non‐AA/CH ethnicity), 167delT (mutation; 1/101), 139G > T (mutation; E47X; 1/101 homozygote, consanguineous), −15C > T (1/101), 79G > A (V27I; 9/101), 380G > A (R127H; 4/101; Guyana, India, Pakistan ethnicity), 670A > C (Indeterminate; K224Q; 1/101), 503A > G (novel; K168R; 3/101) and 684C > A (novel; 1/101). All but one of the AA and CH patients had monoallelic variations. There were no hemizygous GJB6 deletions in those with monoallelic GJB2 variations. We also did not identify any patients with the three mutations in mtDNA. Bidirectional sequencing of the GJB2 gene was performed in 187 AA and Hispanic healthy individuals. Our results reveal that GJB2 mutations, GJB6 deletions, and mtDNA mutations may not be significant in these minority admixture populations. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p75NTR gene and suicide attempts in young adults with a history of childhood‐onset mood disorder
Authors: McGregor S. , Strauss J. , Bulgin N. , De Luca V. , George C.J. , Kovacs M. , Kennedy J.L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRecently, evidence has accumulated for the role of neurotrophic processes in mood disorders. Neurotrophins operate on receptors, one of which is the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). We examined three p75NTR markers at the p75NTR gene, including a missense polymorphism that changes serine to leucine (S205L), for association with suicide attempt (SA) in 203 childhood‐onset mood disorder (COMD) cases. There was no difference between COMD suicide attempters and COMD non‐attempters with logistic regression models for any of the three markers. We also compared the three polymorphisms between 192 COMD cases and 192 matched healthy controls and found no significant differences between COMD and healthy controls. Our results do not support an association of the p75NTR S205L polymorphism with risk for COMD or SA in COMD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 polymorphisms and harm avoidance in Japanese
Authors: Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Kaneda Ayako , Iwashima Kumiko , Saito Manabu , Nakagami Taku , Tsuchimine Shoko , Kaneko Sunao 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPolymorphic enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 is expressed not only in the liver but also in the brain and mediates the biotransformation of 5‐hydroxytriptamine (5‐HT). We investigated possible association between genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 and individual personality traits, possibly influenced by neurotransmitters. Mentally and physically healthy Japanese subjects were enrolled in this study (n = 352). Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and CYP2C19 genotyping were performed in all subjects. We detected CYP2C19*2 and *3 (http://www.imm.ki.se/CYPalleles/) using Amplichip CYP450 DNA tip. The number of genotypes classified as homozygous extensive metabolizer (EM), heterozygous EM, and poor metabolizer were 113, 181, and 58, respectively. Significant difference was found in TCI score in harm avoidance (HA; F = 3.138, P < 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed that TCI score in harm avoidance in homozygous EM was significantly lower than that in heterozygous EM (P < 0.05) or PM (P < 0.05). In sub‐item analyses, HA3 (shyness with strangers, P < 0.01) and HA1 (anticipatory worry, P < 0.05) of TCI scores were significantly different among CYP2C19 genotypes. Meanwhile, there were no differences in TCI scores of novelty seeking (NS; F = 0.350, n.s.), reward dependence (RD; F = 1.080, n.s.), or persistence (P; F = 0.786, n.s.) among CYP2C19 genotypes. This study demonstrated that a significant association between CYP2C19 activity and HA is present in Japanese. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and imaging evidence of zolpidem effect in hypoxic encephalopathy
Authors: Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Payoux Pierre , Ory Fabierine , Sommet Agnes , Slaoui Tarik , Raboyeau Gaelle , Lemesle Beatrice , Puel Michele , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Demonet Jean‐Francois , Cardebat Dominique 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐patient (N = 1) trial to evaluate the efficacy of zolpidem in a 48‐year‐old woman with an akinetic mutism. Motor and cognitive examinations and functional imaging were performed. Acute administration of zolpidem markedly improved motor performance and neuropsychological status. Cerebral metabolism (18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) increased in postrolandic territories and in frontal cortex. Using the H215O positron emission tomography, we found a drug‐induced activation in the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices. Zolpidem induced a transient improvement in motor and cognitive performances. This paradoxical effect could result from an activation of limbic loops modulating motivational processes. Ann Neurol 2007