bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catecholamine mapping within nucleus accumbens: differences in basal and amphetamine‐stimulated efflux of norepinephrine and dopamine in shell and core
Authors: McKittrick Christina R. , Abercrombie Elizabeth D. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe nucleus accumbens is believed to play a critical role in mediating the behavioral responses to rewarding stimuli. Although most studies of the accumbens focus on dopamine, it receives afferents from many other nuclei, including noradrenergic cell groups in the brainstem. We usedin vivomicrodialysis to measure extracellular levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine in the accumbens shell and core. Regional analysis of shell and core and border regions demonstrated that norepinephrine was high in shell and decreased from medial shell to lateral core, where baseline levels were low or undetectable. Conversely, extracellular dopamine in core was twice the level seen in shell. Both catecholamines increased following a single injection of amphetamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.). The norepinephrine response was greater and long‐lasting in shell compared with core. The maximal dopamine response was higher in core than in shell, but the duration of the effect was comparable in both regions. The distinct neurochemical characteristics of shell and core are likely to contribute to the functional heterogeneity of the two subregions. Furthermore, norepinephrine may be involved in many of the functions generally attributed to the accumbens, either directly or indirectly via modulation of extracellular dopamine.
ISOLATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES DNA FROM MEAT PRODUCTS FOR QUANTITATIVE DETECTION BY REAL‐TIME PCR
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ‐LÁZARO DAVID , HERNÁNDEZ MARTA 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT We report a study of two different procedures for extraction of Listeria monocytogenes genomic DNA from cooked pork ham products, to be coupled to a specific real‐time (RTi‐) PCR assay, an open formula protocol based on the Chelex‐100 resin and the Wizard DNA kit. The reliability of each DNA extraction was evaluated by performing three independent experiments using eight replicates. The quality and quantity of the L. monocytogenes DNA were tested using both a fluorescence‐based DNA measuring protocol and a specific quantitative RTi‐PCR assay. The total DNA yield was similar for both extraction protocols. However, the Wizard‐based protocol produced a better quality of L. monocytogenes DNA, as it enhanced the RTi‐PCR results (approximately one order of magnitude greater than the Chelex‐based protocol). Thus, the protocol based on the Wizard DNA kit was more suitable for L. monocytogenes DNA extraction from meat samples when sensitive and accurate results are needed.
Effects of a Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis Vaccine on Immune Responses in Murine Local Lymph Node and Lung Allergy Models
Authors: Vandebriel Rob J. , Gremmer Eric R. , van Hartskamp Michiel , Dormans Jan A. M. A. , Mooi Frits R. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

We have previously shown that in mice, diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccination before
Bordetella pertussis
infection resulted in, besides effective clearance, immediate hypersensitivity (lung eosinophilia, increased total serum immunoglobulin E [IgE], and increased ex vivo Th2 cytokine production by cells from the bronchial lymph nodes). To better appreciate the extent of these findings, we measured DTaP vaccination effects in the local lymph node assay (LLNA) and an ovalbumin (OVA) lung allergy model. In the LLNA, mice were vaccinated or adjuvant treated before being sensitized with trimellitic anhydride (TMA; inducing a Th2-directed response) and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB; inducing a Th1-directed response). Compared to the adjuvant-treated controls, the vaccinated mice showed a decreased response to TMA and (to a much lesser extent) an increased response to DNCB. The decreased response to TMA coincided with increased transforming growth factor β levels. With the exception of filamentous hemagglutinin, all vaccine constituents contributed to the decreased response to TMA. In the lung allergy model, sensitization induced OVA-specific IgE, lung pathology (peribronchiolitis, perivasculitis, and hypertrophy of the bronchiolar mucus cells) and increased the number of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Vaccination failed to modulate these parameters. In conclusion, although DTaP vaccination may affect the LLNA response, we found no evidence of an effect on lung allergy.
Use of Outer Surface Protein Repeat Regions for Improved Genotyping of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Monk Alastair B. , Archer Gordon L. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is an important nosocomial pathogen, but little is known of its epidemiology. Accurate, reproducible typing systems would greatly improve epidemiologic investigations of
S. epidermidis
. The sequence-based typing technique most recently evaluated, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), often lacks discrimination and can be expensive. PCR and sequence-based analyses of the serine-aspartate repeat region of
sdrG
(Fbe) and the repeat region of the accumulation-associated protein gene (
aap
) were evaluated for the ability to discriminate among previously well-characterized
S. epidermidis
clinical isolates. Forty-eight strains were investigated, with
sdrG
found in 100% and
aap
found in 79% of all strains tested. Both genes demonstrated PCR product size and nucleotide sequence variation. Each system by itself gave an index of discrimination similar in value to that of MLST (0.924 and 0.953 compared to 0.96), but discrimination was further improved when combinations of the three systems were used. We conclude that typing systems using amino acid and nucleotide repeat regions of the
S. epidermidis
surface proteins SdrG and Aap show promise as typing tools and should be investigated using a larger panel of clinically relevant isolates.
Seagram India
Authors: Reddy Y. Malini 
Published: January 2007

Seagram, India 's largest multinational player in the spirits business, had been operating across the entire wine and spirits spectrum in India since 1995. It had generated consumer pull through effective advertising. With India's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001, the decision to open up the sector for imports and the subsequent restructuring in 2002–03 led to intensification of competition in the industry. This battle at the marketplace was further fueled by the anticipation of a steep fall in sales due to the ban on liquor advertising. In November 2004, Seagram India was revisiting its marketing communications plans. With the aim of achieving greater market presence, it was developing its marketing communications strategy to achieve differentiation and competitive edge in the market. The company was exploring the emphasis on sales promotion rather than advertising to achieve that end.
A Simple Model for Simulating Tornado Damage in Forests
Authors: Holland Andrew P. , Riordan Allen J. , Franklin E. C. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
An analytical model is presented to describe patterns of downed trees produced by tornadic winds. The model uses a combined Rankine vortex of specified tangential and radial components to describe a simple tornado circulation. A total wind field is then computed by adding the forward motion of the vortex. The lateral and vertical forces on modeled tree stands are then computed and are compared with physical characteristics of Scots and loblolly pine. From this model, patterns of windfall are computed and are compared to reveal three basic damage patterns: cross-track symmetric, along-track asymmetric, and crisscross asymmetric. These patterns are shown to depend on forward speed, radial speed, and tree resistance. It is anticipated that this model will prove to be useful in assessing storm characteristics from damage patterns observed in forested areas.
Supplementary Notes on Charles John Andersson's Journey to the Okavango River
Authors: Wilmsen Edwin N. 
Published: January 2007

Recently in this journal (Wilmsen 2003:360-375), I delineated Charles John Andersson's route to the Okavango River based on entries in his diaries and an overlooked map of the route published by Thomas Baines in 1866. noted there that, while the place, Okambombo, where Andersson first stood on the banks of the Okavango was correctly plotted on Baines' map, its geographical coordinates were given only approximately. I also noted that Andersson did not bring along his astronomical instruments on his first excursion to the river, and assumed therefore that no coordinates for the place were obtained. However, in the course of my preparation of Andersson's papers for publication, I have since worked through the 116 unnumbered pages of geographical calculations recorded in volume 10 of the papers and found latitude observations for several points along the route, including Ombongo and Okambombo; his calculations for these latter two places are shown in Figure 1.Andersson left the river on 29 March 1859 and returned to it on 29 April (CJAP-3.3:169); on 4 May the correct latitude, 17°46′08″S, was determined by astronomical observation. About this, Andersson (CJAP-3.3:172) wrote, “[o]btained a latitude. Between Ombongo & this place (Okambombo) I am only out a mile in latitude.” The latitude for Ombongo was obtained just before this, on 16 April on his way back to the river (CJAP-3.3:165). On Baines' map this latitude is given as 17°37′53″S, but as can be seen, this is just one of Andersson's interim reckonings before the “True Latd 17°39′38″” is calculated (figure 1). Baines (1866:217) gave approximate coordinates for Okambombo in his text, writing “17°30′S. lat. and longitude about 19°E,” but the correct coordinates (17°46′08″S about 18°55′E) are plotted on the map. Both discrepancies are due to the fact that the published map was redrawn by Royal Geographical Society cartographers, who copied one that Andersson made in Cape Town at Galton's urging (GP-UCL 1866) based on “upwards of three thousand prismatic compass triangulations and astronomical observations of latitudes” (found in volume 10), while Baines copied from the letter Andersson wrote from Okambombo to Dr. Norton Shaw, secretary of the Society.
Childhood malnutrition and growth in a rural area of Western Kenya
Authors: Semproli Samantha , Gualdi‐Russo Emanuela 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAn anthropometric survey was carried out on 1,383 school students aged 5–17 years in Suba district (a rural area of western Kenya). Body size and proportion were computed from height, weight, sitting height, arm circumference, and skinfolds. The aim of the study was to evaluate patterns of growth and nutritional status of the Luo population by assessment of the prevalence and trends of malnutrition among children and adolescents. Very few age‐groups show significant sex differences for height, body weight, and arm muscle area. However, there are several differences in skinfold thicknesses and arm circumference, always with higher mean values in girls. Analysis of the nutritional status (weight‐for‐age, height‐for‐age, and BMI‐for‐age) shows significant differences among the age‐groups in both sexes. Boys present lower Z‐scores than girls and there are higher percentages of malnourished subjects (stunted and underweight) among the males. The Luo data were compared with those of other African populations. Their body dimensions, nutritional status, and growth are similar to those of the other sub‐Saharan samples. In conclusion, the Luo children are generally undernourished at the older ages: adolescents (11–16 years of age) show the most severe undernutrition and the highest percentages of undernourished subjects. In addition to the higher risk of undernutrition in teenagers, an emerging problem of over‐nutrition is evident among the younger age‐groups, with a higher prevalence in females. These findings are discussed in light of sexual dimorphism in sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Karyotypic changes detected by comparative genomic hybridization in a stillborn infant with chorioangioma and liver hemangioma
Authors: Miliaras Dimosthenis , Conroy Jeffrey , Pervana Stavroula , Meditskou Soultana , McQuaid Devin , Nowak Norma 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:Placental hemangioma (chorioangioma) and congenital hemangioma are relatively common tumors, which on rare occasions may occur together. Very little is known about the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying these lesions.CASE:Herein we describe a rare case of a stillborn infant with chorioangioma, placental mesenchymal dysplasia, and liver cavernous hemangioma. In addition, we present the findings of the karyotype analysis of these lesions, which was done with the bacterial artificial chromosome arrays using the comparative genomic hybridization method. The chromosomal abnormalities that we found were deletions at 2q13 and 7p21.1 and were common to both placental and liver lesions.CONCLUSIONS:None of the identified chromosomal aberrations have been previously associated with chorioangiomas or hemangiomas. Important genes that lie in these DNA regions may be implicated in the pathogenesis of congenital hemangiomas and mesenchymal dysplasia. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypothalamus region‐specific global gene expression profiling in early stages of central endocrine disruption in rat neonates injected with estradiol benzoate or flutamide
Authors: Shibutani Makoto , Lee Kyoung‐Youl , Igarashi Katsuhide , Woo Gye‐Hyeong , Inoue Kaoru , Nishimura Tetsuji , Hirose Masao 
Published: January 2007

AbstractTo identify genes linked to early stages of disruption of brain sexual differentiation, hypothalamic region‐specific microarray analyses were performed using a microdissection technique with neonatal rats exposed to endocrine‐acting drugs. To validate the methodology, the expression fidelity of microarrays was first examined with two‐round amplified antisense RNAs (aRNAs) from methacarn‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue (PET) in comparison with expression in unfixed frozen tissue (UFT). Decline of expression fidelity when compared with the 1×‐amplified aRNAs from UFTs was found as a result of the preferential amplification of the 3′ side of mRNAs in the second round in vitro transcription. However, expression patterns for the 2×‐amplified aRNAs were mostly identical between methacarn‐fixed PET and UFT, suggesting no obvious influence of methacarn fixation and subsequent paraffin embedding on expression levels. Next, in the main experiment, neonatal rats at birth were treated subcutaneously either with estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 μg/pup) or flutamide (FA; 250 μg/pup), and medial preoptic area (MPOA)‐specific microarray analysis was performed 24 h later using 2×‐amplified aRNAs from methacarn‐fixed PET. Numbers of genes showing constitutively high expression in the MPOA predominated in males, implying a link with male‐type growth supported by perinatal testosterone. Around 60% of genes showing sex differences in expression demonstrated altered levels after EB treatment in females, suggesting an involvement of genes necessary for brain sexual differentiation. When compared with EB, FA affected a rather small number of genes, but fluctuation was mostly observed in females, as with EB. Moreover, many selected genes common to EB and FA showed down‐regulation in females with both drugs, suggesting a common mechanism for endocrine center disruption in females, at least at early stages of post‐natal development. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Neural precursor cells from a fatal human motoneuron disease differentiate despite aberrant gene expression
Authors: Pakkasjärvi Niklas , Kerosuo Laura , Nousiainen Heidi , Gentile Massimiliano , Saharinen Juha , Suhonen Satu , Sariola Hannu , Peltonen Leena , Kestilä Marjo , Wartiovaara Kirmo 
Published: January 2007

AbstractPrecursor cells of the human central nervous system can be cultured in vitro to reveal pathogenesis of diseases or developmental disorders. Here, we have studied the biology of neural precursor cells (NPCs) from patients of lethal congenital contracture syndrome (LCCS), a severe motoneuron disease leading to prenatal death before the 32nd gestational week. LCCS fetuses are immobile because of a motoneuron defect, seen as degeneration of the anterior horn and descending tracts of the developing spinal cord. The genetic defect for the syndrome is unknown. We show that NPCs isolated postmortem from LCCS fetuses grow and are maintained in culture, but display increased cell cycle activity. Global transcript analysis of undifferentiated LCCS precursor cells present with changes in EGF‐related signaling when compared with healthy age‐matched human controls. Further, we show that LCCS‐derived NPCs differentiate into cells of neuronal and glial lineage and that the initial differentiation is not accompanied by overt apoptosis. Cells expressing markers Islet‐1 and Hb9 are also generated from the LCCS NPCs, suggesting that the pathogenic mechanism of LCCS does not directly affect the differentiation capacity or survival of the cells, but the absence of motoneurons in LCCS may be caused by a noncell autonomous mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
A Dutch day treatment program for anorexia and bulimia nervosa in comparison with internationally described programs
Authors: Lammers M. W. , Exterkate C. C. , De Jong C. A. J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA Dutch day treatment program for patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa is described and compared to intensive day treatment programs for patients with eating disorders outlined in international literature. The 5‐day program is described in terms of its general characteristics, intended outcome and specific treatment interventions. Along these parameters it is compared to the programs found in a systematic literature search of day hospitalization programs for eating disorders. Global inspection shows a lot of similarities between all the programs. Looking more closely, also many important differences exist (concerning, e.g. treatment duration, intensity of treatment, theoretical orientation, goals of treatment and weight gain regime). Because of the differences, it is hard to compare outcome data between centres. Besides, on many of these dimensions, the literature does not yet tell us unambiguously what is best for our patients. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the dialogue between treatment centres going. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Ex post and ex ante prediction of unobserved multivariate time series: a structural‐model based approach
Authors: Nieto Fabio H. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractA methodology for estimating high‐frequency values of an unobserved multivariate time series from low‐frequency values of and related information to it is presented in this paper. This is an optimal solution, in the multivariate setting, to the problem of ex post prediction, disaggregation, benchmarking or signal extraction of an unobservable stochastic process. Also, the problem of extrapolation or ex ante prediction is optimally solved and, in this context, statistical tests are developed for checking online the ocurrence of extreme values of the unobserved time series and consistency of future benchmarks with the present and past observed information. The procedure is based on structural or unobserved component models, whose assumptions and specification are validated with the data alone.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caloric restrictions affect some factors involved in age‐related hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Martini Chiara , Pallottini Valentina , Cavallini Gabriella , Donati Alessio , Bergamini Ettore , Trentalance Anna 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAgeing has been defined as a progressive decrease in physiological capacity and a reduced ability to respond to environmental stresses. It has been observed that diet‐restricted animals show a minor morbidity in age‐related disease. Among these age‐related diseases, hypercholesterolemia is the most recurring one and it is often associated with cardiac failure. Several studies have been published indicating age‐dependent changes in circulating levels of cholesterol in both humans and in rodents; recently changes have also been reported in the proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis, that is, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoAR), Insig‐induced gene (Insig) protein, SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP), sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), and low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr). Most age‐related modifications of biochemical parameters are normalized or very improved in food‐restricted animals, so the aim of this work is to examine whether or not alterations of the factors involved in cholesterol homeostasis which occur during ageing could be counteracted by caloric restriction (CR). The data show that the diet restrictions used attenuate the age‐related effects on the factors involved in the synthesis and the degradation rate of HMG‐CoAR; in spite of this, CRs have a good effect on the age‐related hypercholesterolemia whose reduction seems to depend both on the correct membrane LDLr localization and on the proper restored HMG‐CoAR activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 235–243, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical and hodological characterization of calbindin‐D28k‐containing neurons in the spinal cord of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans
Authors: Morona Ruth , López Jesús M. , Domínguez Laura , González Agustín 
Published: January 2007

AbstractNeurons and fibers containing the calcium‐binding protein calbindin‐D28k (CB) were studied by immunohistochemical techniques in the spinal cord of adult and juvenile turtles, Pseudemys scripta elegans. Abundant cell bodies and fibers immunoreactive for CB were widely and distinctly distributed throughout the spinal cord. Most neurons and fibers were labeled in the superficial dorsal horn, but numerous cells were also located in the intermediate gray and ventral horn. In the dorsal horn, most CB‐containing cells were located in close relation to the synaptic fields formed by primary afferents, which were not labeled for CB. Double immunohistofluorescence demonstrated distinct cell populations in the dorsal horn labeled only for CB or nitric oxide synthase, whereas in the dorsal part of the ventral horn colocalization of nitric oxide synthase was found in about 6% of the CB‐immunoreactive cells in this region. Choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry revealed that only about 2% of the neurons in the dorsal part of the ventral horn colocalized CB, whereas motoneurons were not CB‐immunoreactive. The involvement of CB‐containing neurons in ascending spinal projections to the thalamus, tegmentum, and reticular formation was demonstrated combining the retrograde transport of dextran amines and immunohistochemistry. Similar experiments demonstrated supraspinal projections from CB‐containing cells mainly located in the reticular formation but also in the thalamus and the vestibular nucleus. The revealed organization of the neurons and fibers containing CB in the spinal cord of the turtle shares distribution and developmental features, colocalization with other neuronal markers, and connectivity with other tetrapods and, in particular with mammals. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.