bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-Parametric Confidence Bands in Deconvolution Density Estimation
Authors: Bissantz Nicolai , Dümbgen Lutz , Holzmann Hajo , Munk Axel 
Published: May 2007

SummaryUniform confidence bands for densities f via non-parametric kernel estimates were first constructed by Bickel and Rosenblatt. In this paper this is extended to confidence bands in the deconvolution problem g=f*ψ for an ordinary smooth error density ψ. Under certain regularity conditions, we obtain asymptotic uniform confidence bands based on the asymptotic distribution of the maximal deviation (L∞-distance) between a deconvolution kernel estimator f^ and f. Further consistency of the simple non-parametric bootstrap is proved. For our theoretical developments the bias is simply corrected by choosing an undersmoothing bandwidth. For practical purposes we propose a new data-driven bandwidth selector that is based on heuristic arguments, which aims at minimizing the L∞-distance between f^ and f. Although not constructed explicitly to undersmooth the estimator, a simulation study reveals that the bandwidth selector suggested performs well in finite samples, in terms of both area and coverage probability of the resulting confidence bands. Finally the methodology is applied to measurements of the metallicity of local F and G dwarf stars. Our results confirm the ‘G dwarf problem’, i.e. the lack of metal poor G dwarfs relative to predictions from ‘closed box models’ of stellar formation.
Deconstructing Jaco: Genetic Heritage of an Afrikaner
Authors: Greeff J. M. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIt is often assumed that Afrikaners stem from a small number of Dutch immigrants. As a result they should be genetically homogeneous, show founder effects and be rather inbred. By disentangling my own South African pedigree, that is on average 12 generations deep, I try to quantify the genetic heritage of an Afrikaner. As much as 6% of my genes have been contributed by slaves from Africa, Madagascar and India, and a woman from China. This figure compares well to other genetic and genealogical estimates. Seventy three percent of my lineages coalesce into common founders, and I am related in excess of 10 times to 20 founder ancestors (30 times to Willem Schalk van der Merwe). Significant founder effects are thus possible. The overrepresentation of certain founder ancestors is in part explained by the fact that they had more children. This is remarkable given that they lived more than 300 years (or 12 generations) ago. DECONSTRUCT, a new program for pedigree analysis, identified 125 common ancestors in my pedigree. However, these common ancestors are so distant from myself, paths of between 16 and 25 steps in length, that my inbreeding coefficient is not unusually high (f ≈ 0.0019).
Interaction of Genetic Risk Factors Confers Higher Risk for Thrombotic Stroke in Male Chinese: A Multicenter Case‐Control Study
Authors: Shen Chun‐Duo , Zhang Wei‐Li , Sun Kai , Wang Yi‐Bo , Zhen Yi‐Song , Hui Ru‐Tai 
Published: May 2007

SummaryStroke is a polygenic or multifactorial disease, and each single susceptibility gene has modest effects. We hypothesize that combined effects of multiple genes might confer a higher stroke risk than a single susceptibility gene. To test our hypothesis we initially recruited 2000 stroke patients (44.3% thrombosis, 28.3% lacunar infarction and 27.4% intracerebral hemorrhage) and 2000 controls, and examined 6 polymorphisms in 5 candidate genes for stroke. Plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level was defined as a categorical variable and also included. Interactions between genetic risk factors were detected by the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method and further evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. A significant combined effect on stroke due to the C677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), the T2354A polymorphism of 5‐lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP), and Lp(a) level, was detected using the MDR method. Furthermore, the combination of MTHFR 677TT, ALOX5AP 2354AA and Lp(a) elevation (Lp(a) concentration≥30 mg/dL) was found to be strongly associated with thrombotic stroke in males (OR, 10.419; 95%CI, 2.602 to 41.749; P= 0.001) using the multivariate logistic regression model.In conclusion, our results show that a combination of genetic risk factors can confer a higher risk for stroke than a single risk factor, indicating that people with multiple genetic risk factors have a higher risk of stroke and should be targets for prevention of this disease.
The testicular capsule and peritubular tissue of birds: morphometry, histology, ultrastructure and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Aire T. A. , Ozegbe P. C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe testicular capsule was studied histologically, morphometrically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically in the Japanese quail, domestic fowl, turkey and duck (all members of the Galloanserae). The testicular capsule was, relative to mammals, thin, being 81.5 ± 13.7 µm in the quail, 91.7 ± 6.2 µm in the domestic fowl, 104.5 ± 29.8 µm in the turkey and 91.8 ± 18.9 µm in the duck. The orchido‐epididymal border (hilus) of the capsule was much thicker than elsewhere in all birds (from 233.7 ± 50.7 µm in the duck to 550.0 ± 147.3 µm thick in the turkey). The testicular capsule, other than the tunica serosa and tunica vasculosa, comprised, in the main, smooth muscle‐like or myoid cells running mainly in one direction, and disposed in one main mass. Peritubular tissue was similarly composed of smooth muscle‐like cells disposed in several layers. Actin and desmin intermediate filaments were immunolocalized in the inner cellular layers of the capsule in the quail, domestic fowl and duck, but uniformly in the turkey. Vimentin intermediate filament immunoreaction in the capsule was moderately and uniformly positive in the testicular capsule of only the quail. Actin and desmin, but not vimentin (except very faintly in the turkey) or cytokeratin, were immunolocalized in the peritubular tissue of all birds. The results therefore establish, or complement, some previous observations that these birds have contractile cells in their testicular capsule and peritubular tissue, whose function probably includes the transport of testicular fluid into the excurrent duct system.
GFP imaging of live astrocytes: regional differences in the effects of ischaemia upon astrocytes
Authors: Shannon Clare , Salter Mike , Fern Robert 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe basic division between white matter ‘fibrous’ astrocytes and grey matter ‘protoplasmic’ astrocytes is well established in terms of their morphological differences. The availability of transgenic animals with green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression restricted to specific glial cell types now provides an approach for looking at changes in cell number and morphology in the two astrocyte types in whole mount preparations. This is an important goal, as the ease of generating astrocyte cultures has led to a proliferation of studies that have examined ischaemic effects on astrocytes in vitro. This has in turn engendered a belief that astrocytes have an extraordinary resistance to ischaemic injury, a belief that runs counter to almost all the data available from in vivo and whole‐mount preparations. One possible source of this confusion is the reactive changes that occur in astrocytes following injury, which include an increase in cell number that may obscure early astrocyte cell death and which has been reported to initiate within hours of an ischaemic event. However, we show here that neither white matter nor grey matter GFP(+) astrocytes exhibit any feature of reactive astrocytosis within a 180‐min period of reperfusion following modelled ischaemia in neonatal whole‐mount preparations. We also show that white matter astrocytes are much more sensitive to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury than are grey matter astrocytes, a feature that may have high significance for developmental disorders of white matter tracts such as cerebral palsy.
Time course and mechanisms of mental stress‐induced changes and their recovery: Hematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, whole blood viscosity, coagulation times, and hemodynamic activity
Authors: De Boer Dolf , Ring Christopher , Wood Matthew , Ford Caroline , Jessney Nathan , McIntyre David , Carroll Douglas 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe mechanisms for stress‐induced changes in hematocrit and blood viscosity are unclear. Twenty‐two males completed experimental (30 min baseline, 10 min mental stress, 30 min recovery) and no‐stress control conditions (70 min). Hemostatic and hemodynamic activity were measured throughout. Hematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, and blood viscosity displayed parallel patterns: a progressive increase with stress, followed by a gradual recovery. Correlational and covariance analyses indicated that the increase in hematocrit may be mediated by arterial pressure whereas recovery may be mediated by colloid osmotic pressure. Analyses also indicated that acute changes in blood viscosity may depend on hematocrit. These data suggest that stress disturbs hematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, and blood viscosity through arterial pressure. Poststress, elevated colloid osmotic pressure may drive its own recovery and that of hematocrit and blood viscosity.
Cross‐species amplification of 105 Lolium perenne SSR loci in 23 species within the Poaceae
Authors: JENSEN LOUISE BACH , HOLM PREBEN BACH , LÜBBERSTEDT THOMAS 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAmplification of 105 Lolium perenne SSR markers was studied in 23 grass species representing seven tribes from three subfamilies of Poaceae. Twelve of the SSR markers are published for the first time. Between 2% and 96% of the SSR markers could be amplified within a given species. A subset of eight SSR markers was evaluated for polymorphism across nine of the 23 grass species. Four to seven of the markers were polymorphic within each species, with an average detection of 2.4 alleles per species.
Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, the vector for citrus greening disease, huanglongbing
Authors: BOYKIN LAURA M. , BAGNALL RUTH ANN , FROHLICH DONALD R. , HALL DAVID G. , HUNTER WAYNE B. , KATSAR CATHERINE S. , MCKENZIE CINDY L. , ROSELL ROSEMARIE C. , SHATTERS JR. ROBERT G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTwelve polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries and mined from an expressed sequence tags library of Diaphorina citri, the vector of the citrus greening disease (huanglongbing). Analysis of 288 individuals from Florida, Texas, and Brazil showed that allelic diversity ranged from three to eight alleles per locus and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.014 to 0.569 and from 0.052 to 0.653, respectively. These variable microsatellite loci can provide means for assessing overall genetic variation and migration patterns for this agriculturally important pest species. This information can be used to aid in developing successful management strategies.
Twelve microsatellite loci for marine and riverine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia guianensis and Sotalia fluviatilis)
Authors: CUNHA HAYDÉE A. , WATTS PHILLIP C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTwelve dinucleotide polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the marine tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia guianensis). Levels of genetic diversity were assessed using 34 individuals from the coasts of Rio de Janeiro and Pará, Brazil. Numbers of alleles varied between two and 14, and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.040 to 0.704, and from 0.093 to 0.818, respectively. Moreover, eight of these loci were variable in the riverine tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis. This is the first description of microsatellite primers from a dolphin that does not belong to the Delphininae. These loci are currently being used in the analysis of population structure of both tucuxi species.
Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms
Authors: Verdier‐Sévrain Sylvie , Bonté Frédéric 
Published: May 2007

SummaryWater is absolutely essential for the normal functioning of the skin and especially its outer layer, the stratum corneum (SC). Loss of water from the skin must be carefully regulated, a function dependent on the complex nature of the SC. The retention of water in the SC is dependent on two major components: (1) the presence of natural hygroscopic agents within the corneocytes (collectively referred to as natural moisturizing factor) and (2) the SC intercellular lipids orderly arranged to form a barrier to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The water content of the SC is necessary for proper SC maturation and skin desquamation. Increased TEWL impairs enzymatic functions required for normal desquamation resulting in the visible appearance of dry, flaky skin. There have been recent discoveries regarding the complex mechanisms of skin hydration. In particular, it has been discovered that glycerol, a well‐known cosmetic ingredient, exists in the SC as a natural endogenous humectant. Hyaluronan, which has been regarded mainly as dermal component, is found in the epidermis and is important for maintaining normal SC structure and epidermal barrier function. More importantly, the discovery of the existence of the water‐transporting protein aquaporin‐3 in the viable epidermis and the presence of tight junction structures at the junction between the stratum granulosum and SC have brought new insights into the mechanisms of skin water distribution and barrier function.
A hydroquinone formulation with increased stability and decreased potential for irritation
Authors: Smiles Kenneth A , Dong Kelly K , Canning Matthew T , Grimson Roger , Walfield Alan M , Yarosh Daniel B 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  Long‐term treatment with a high‐strength hydroquinone (HQ) cream (usually 4% HQ) is the mainstay therapy for hyperpigmentation disorders. Instability and high potential for irritancy hinders patient compliance. A new 4% HQ preparation has been designed with an innovative antioxidant for stability and a biomimetic of an herbal extract for skin calming.Aims  To investigate the activity, stability, and irritancy of a new HQ cream.Methods  To evaluate the new HQ cream in comparison with commercial 4% HQ creams for stability by temperature stress test, for irritancy by repeated‐insult patch test on human subjects, and for lightening effect using the MelanoDerm™ B skin equivalent model.Results  The new HQ is more resistant to browning and shows less irritancy than three commercially available 4% HQ products. It has comparable bleaching effect with faster onset than a 4% HQ product containing 0.05% tretinoin and 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide.Conclusion  Based on its improved stability, lower irritancy, and activity in skin lightening, the new approach to the formulation of 4% HQ may improve therapeutic outcomes by improving patient compliance to dosing.
Combined trichloroacetic acid peel and topical ascorbic acid versus trichloroacetic acid peel alone in the treatment of melasma: a comparative study
Authors: Soliman Mohsen Mohamed , Ramadan Shahira Abdel‐Rahman , Bassiouny Dalia Ahmed , Abdelmalek, MSc Marwa 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  Melasma is a common acquired hypermelanosis that is difficult to treat. Several chemical peeling agents were used in treatment of melasma. Topical vitamin C was also used with minimal side effects.Aim  To compare the effect of 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel alone vs. 20% TCA peel combined with topical 5% ascorbic acid in cases of epidermal melasma.Patients and methods  Thirty women with bilateral epidermal melasma (Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) were divided into two groups (A and B, 15 patients each). Before therapy, digital photography and a melasma area and severity index (MASI) score were done for each patient. Groups A and B were primed for 2 weeks before TCA peel. Group B also applied 5% ascorbic acid topically once daily; 20% TCA peel was done for all patients weekly until clearance of melasma or for a maximum of six peels. Group B continued to use 5% ascorbic acid topically in between peels and during the 16‐week follow‐up period. Patients were assessed at the end of peeling sessions and at the end of follow‐up by photography, MASI score, and a global evaluation by the patient.Results  Group B compared with group A showed a significant decrease in MASI score at the end of TCA peels (P < 0.001) and at the end of the 16‐week follow‐up period (P < 0.003). Global evaluation showed that 13 patients (87%) in group B improved or maintained their improvement compared with only 10 patients (67%) in group A.Conclusion  Topical ascorbic acid combined with 20% TCA peel in melasma improves the results and helps in maintaining the response to therapy.
Adverse reactions to polylactic acid injections in the periorbital area
Authors: Apikian M , Roberts S , Goodman G J 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  Correction of aging changes and contour deformities has been addressed largely by tissue augmentation agents whose volume is injected into tissues to achieve the required result. Polylactic acid (PLA) is an agent that is injected with the aim of enhancing the host's own collagen deposition.Objective  We describe the development of multiple nodules and one case of a foreign‐body granuloma formation following the administration of PLA to the face for correction of rhytides and contour deformities.Methods  Four case presentations, including clinical history, injection protocol, histopathology, individual treatment, and their outcomes, are discussed with pertinent literature review.Results  Four patients who received injections of PLA developed nodules that were clinically similar in size, shape, and consistency. Histopathologic examination revealed the presence of a foreign‐body granulomatous inflammatory reaction in one of the patients.Conclusion  Cosmetic treatment with PLA may be complicated by disfiguring nodules that may mask a granulomatous reaction. PLA‐induced nodules and foreign‐body granulomas have proven difficult to treat. Therefore, PLA should only be injected in the infraorbital area by experienced injectors who have had appropriate training. In addition to this, PLA should be injected in a “depot” method below the muscle at a significantly diluted volume. Due to the complications encountered after the use of PLA, we feel that a cautionary warning regarding the use of PLA in this area may be prudent regardless of the abovementioned precautions.
Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth–promoting activity
Authors: Roy Ram Kumar , Thakur Mayank , Dixit V K 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth–promoting potential.Aim  In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth–promoting activity.Methods  The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded.Results and conclusions  Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control. The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth–promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.
Ecological change in British broadleaved woodland since 1947
Authors: HOPKINS JOHN J. , KIRBY KEITH J. 
Published: May 2007

Over the last 60 years Britain's broadleaved woodlands have undergone a complex pattern of ecological change. The total extent has expanded fromc. 676 000 ha in 1947 toc. 904 000 ha in 2002, but there has also been significant turnover, with losses of ancient woodland and a gain from new planting. Structural change has occurred due, in part, to change in management. In 1947 21% of the broadleaved resource was classed as coppice, 28% as scrub and only 51% of the area as high forest, compared with 97% high forest in 2002. This has been accompanied by changes in ground flora and the regeneration pattern of tree species, which will impact upon the character of the woodlands. Woods have also become more ecologically isolated because of the decline in semi‐natural vegetation in the surrounding countryside, although the long‐term impacts of this are poorly understood. Other factors driving ecological change are increased pollution, change in grazing pressures, climate change, alien species and game management. Overall woodland specialist species and those of open habitats tend to be doing less well than woodland generalists. Progress has been made in reversing some adverse impacts such as acid deposition, and action is being taken to reduce the impact of others such as over‐grazing by deer. However, some drivers, notably climate change, will be more difficult to address. In the long term integrated management of woods as landscape components whilst meeting economic and societal needs will be required.
Relapse to prior therapy is the most important factor for the retreatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Sagir Abdurrahman , Heintges Tobias , Akyazi Zübeyde , Oette Mark , Erhardt Andreas , Häussinger Dieter 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: Treatment options for hepatitis C have developed rapidly in the past decade. The current treatment of choice is a combination of pegylated‐interferon‐α (PEG‐IFN‐α) and ribavirin. With the development of more therapy options, patients who failed in prior therapy hope to clear hepatitis C virus by undergoing a more effective retreatment regime. In this report, we investigated response rates to combination therapy [standard IFN‐α or PEG‐IFN‐α and ribavirin] in patients who relapsed or failed in prior therapy.Methods: Ninety‐three patients were included in this retrospective study. All patients failed to previous IFN‐α monotherapy (n=55) or to a combination of standard IFN‐α and ribavirin (n=38). Fifty‐nine patients were nonresponders and 34 were relapsers. Thirty‐five patients were retreated with standard IFN‐α plus ribavirin and 58 received PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy.Results: Sustained virologic response (SVR) was induced in 31% of all patients. The highest SVR rate (58%) was observed in relapsers to standard IFN‐α combination therapy who were retreated with PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy. The SVR rate in relapsers to standard IFN‐α monotherapy who received a standard IFN‐α combination therapy was 50%. Relapsers responded in a significantly higher proportion to retreatment than nonresponders (56% vs. 17%, P<0.001). Relapse to previous therapy was identified as an independent predictor for therapy response. The lowest SVR rate was observed in nonresponders to standard IFN‐α combination therapy who were retreated with PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy (1/26; 4%).Conclusions: In relapsers, retreatment with the most effective therapy regime to date a combination of PEG‐IFN‐α and ribavirin, is promising. However, retreatment with PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy in nonresponders to standard IFN combination therapy is not effective.