bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sympathomimetic Infusion and Cardiac Repolarization: The Normative Effects of Epinephrine and Isoproterenol in Healthy Subjects
Authors: MAGNANO ANTHONY R. , TALATHOTI NARESH , HALLUR RAVINDRA , BLOOMFIELD DANIEL M. , GARAN HASAN 
Published: August 2006

Introduction: Catecholamines are known to affect cardiac repolarization, and provocation with either isoproterenol or epinephrine has been proposed as a tool for uncovering latent repolarization abnormalities. This study systematically compares the effects of isoproterenol and epinephrine infusions on QT interval (QT), T waves and U waves in normal subjects. Methods and Results: Twenty‐four normal subjects (29 ± 8 years) were evaluated during graded infusions of up to 0.30 μg/kg/minute epinephrine and 5.0 μg/minute isoproterenol. Heart rates at peak doses were 81 ± 13 bpm at 0.28 ± 0.04 μg/kg/minute epinephrine and 104 ± 5 bpm at 2.4 μg/minute isoproterenol. The longest absolute QT increase was 4 ± 5 msec above baseline during isoproterenol (P < 0.001) and 12 ± 23 msec during epinephrine (P = 0.07), while the longest corrected QT interval (QTc) increase was 67 ± 28 msec (P < 0.0001) and 79 ± 40 msec (P < 0.0001) above baseline during isoproterenol and epinephrine, respectively (P = 0.12 for difference). There was a 2‐fold increase in U‐wave amplitude during each intervention (P < 0.001). The specificity of paradoxical QT prolongation (≥30 msec at 0.05 μg/kg/minute or ≥35 msec at 0.10 μg/kg/minute epinephrine) and an increase in QTc ≥600 msec at any dose epinephrine were 100%. However, the specificity of other proposed criteria that utilized QTc measurement (≥30 msec at 0.10 μg/kg/minute or ≥65 msec at any dose) was poor whether all leads or only lead II were assessed. Conclusion: Both epinephrine and isoproterenol are associated with QTc prolongation and amplification of the U wave in normal subjects. The specificity of proposed criteria for epinephrine provocation in diagnosis of the long‐QT syndrome is variable; however, paradoxical QT prolongation at low‐dose epinephrine or a QTc ≥600 msec is highly specific.
Oral administration of lactoferrin increases hemoglobin and total serum iron in pregnant womenThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 7th International Conference on Lactoferrin: Structure, Function, and Applications, and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Paesano Rosalba , Torcia Francesco , Berlutti Francesca , Pacifici Enrica , Ebano Valeria , Moscarini Massimo , Valenti Piera 
Published: August 2006

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy continues to be of world-wide concern. IDA is a risk factor for preterm delivery and subsequent low birth weight, and possibly for poor neonatal health. Iron supplementation in pregnancy is a widely recommended practice, yet intervention programs have met with many controversies. In our study, 300 women at different trimesters of pregnancy were enrolled in a trial of oral administration of ferrous sulfate (520 mg once a day) or 30% iron-saturated bovine lactoferrin (bLf) (100 mg twice a day). Pregnant women refusing treatment represented the control group. In this group hemoglobin and total serum iron values measured after 30 d without treatment decreased significantly, especially in women at 18–31 weeks of pregnancy. In contrast, after 30 d of oral administration of bLf, hemoglobin and total serum iron values increased and to a greater extent than those observed in women treated orally for 30 d with ferrous sulfate, independently of the trimester of pregnancy. Unlike ferrous sulfate, bLf did not result in any side effects. These findings lead us to hypothesize that lactoferrin could influence iron homeostasis directly or through other proteins involved in iron transport out of the intestinal cells into the blood.
Environmental stochasticity: empirical estimates of prairie vole survival with implications for demographic models
Authors: Reed Aaron W. , Slade Norman A. 
Published: August 2006

A rich theory exists regarding the potential impact of correlations among vital rates on population projections derived from demographic models. However, relatively little is known about the magnitude of correlations among vital rates in natural populations, particularly in mammals. We used 30 years of mark–recapture data from a population of prairie voles ( Microtus ochrogaster (Wagner, 1842)) to test for differences in survival among mass classes and sexes, in correlations among vital rates, in correlations between vital rates and environmental factors, and in autocorrelation in vital rates. Estimated monthly survival rates did not differ significantly among mass classes and there were no significant cross-correlations among mass classes. Survival of large prairie voles increased in mild winters (i.e., warm temperatures and low snowfall). Survival rates of medium and large voles were negatively autocorrelated at time lags of 9–12 months, and survivals of large voles were positively autocorrelated for time lags of <3 months. These autocorrelations were not explained by patterns of temperature or precipitation. The observed degree of autocorrelation in vital rates is sufficient to affect projections from demographic models, particularly in short-lived taxa that require seasonal or monthly estimation of vital rates.
PERCOLATION ON GROWING LATTICES
Authors: TIGGEMANN DANIEL 
Published: August 2006

In order to investigate the dependence on lattice size of several observables in percolation, the Hoshen–Kopelman algorithm was modified so that growing lattices could be simulated. By this way, when simulating a lattice of size L, lattices of smaller sizes can be simulated in the same run for free, saving computing time. Here, site percolation in three dimensions was studied. Lattices of up to L = 5000, with many L-steps in between, have been simulated, for occupation probabilities of p = 0.25, p = 0.3, p = pc = 0.311608, and p = 0.35.
The Role of the Amicus curiae before International Criminal Tribunals
Authors: Woolaver Hannah , Williams Sarah 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe amicus curiae brief has increasingly been used before international criminal tribunals. The practice of accepting or inviting amicus curiae briefs or submissions has been included in the rules of procedure and evidence of the ICTY, the ICTR, the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the International Criminal Court. This article examines the role of amicus curiae before international criminal courts, including: how and when amicus are granted permission to appear; how amicus curiae are used by these international courts; the influence, if any, of amicus briefs on decisions and judgments; and whether the role of amicus curiae in international criminal courts has diverged from the traditional concept of an amicus curiae. Also considered are the arguments in support of the continued role of amicus curiae before international criminal tribunals.
The Story of Gviha Ben-Psisa and Alexander the Great
Authors: Amitay Ory 
Published: August 2006

The story of Gviha Ben-Psisa and Alexander the Great is a rabbinic myth. The mythical Alexander represents the historical Pompey. Gviha, on the other hand, is a fully historical figure (a grandson of Jonathan Maqabi and great-grandfather of Josephus).The myth emerged out of the realities and anxieties created by the rise of Hasmonean imperialism under Hyrkanos I and his sons, and by its collapse at the hands of Pompey. It defends the Jewish rights over Eretz Israel by establishing the Torah as a source of legitimacy in international law. The myth also reflects Jewish ambivalence towards Pompey: at once a defiler and a preserver of the Temple.
Wavelet Transform for Structural Health Monitoring: A Compendium of Uses and Features
Authors: Taha M. M. Reda , Noureldin A. , Lucero J. L. , Baca T. J. 
Published: August 2006

The strategic and monetary value of the civil infrastructure worldwide necessitates the development of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems that can accurately monitor structural response due to real-time loading conditions, detect damage in the structure, and report the location and nature of this damage. In the last decade, extensive research has been carried out for developing vibration-based damage detection algorithms that can relate structural dynamics changes to damage occurrence in a structure. In the mean time, the wavelet transform (WT), a signal processing technique based on a windowing approach of dilated ‘scaled’ and shifted wavelets, is being applied to a broad range of engineering applications. Wavelet transform has proven its ability to overcome many of the limitations of the widely used Fourier transform (FT); hence, it has gained popularity as an efficient means of signal processing in SHM systems. This increasing interest in WT for SHM in diverse applications motivates the authors to write an exposition on the current WT technologies. This article presents a utilitarian view of WT and its technologies. By reviewing the state-of-the-art in WT for SHM, the article discusses specific needs of SHM addressed by WT, classifies WT for damage detection into various fields, and describes features unique to WT that lends itself to SHM. The ultimate intent of this article is to provide the readers with a background on the various aspects of WT that might appeal to their need and sector of interest in SHM. Additionally, the comprehensive literature review that comprises this study will provide the interested reader a focused search to investigate using wavelets in SHM.
A murine specific expansion of the Rhox cluster involved in embryonic stem cell biology is under natural selection
Authors: Jackson Melany , Watt Alistair J , Gautier Philippe , Gilchrist Derek , Driehaus Johanna , Graham Gerard J , Keebler Jon , Prugnolle Franck , Awadalla Philip , Forrester Lesley M 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe rodent specific reproductive homeobox (Rhox) gene cluster on the X chromosome has been reported to contain twelve homeobox-containing genes,Rhox1-12.ResultsWe have identified a 40 kb genomic region within theRhoxcluster that is duplicated eight times in tandem resulting in the presence of eight paralogues ofRhox2andRhox3and seven paralogues ofRhox4. Transcripts have been identified for the majority of these paralogues and all but three are predicted to produce full-length proteins with functional potential. We predict that there are a total of thirty-twoRhoxgenes at this genomic location, making it the most gene-rich homoeobox cluster identified in any species. From the 95% sequence similarity between the eight duplicated genomic regions and the synonymous substitution rate of theRhox2,3and4paralogues we predict that the duplications occurred after divergence of mouse and rat and represent the youngest homoeobox cluster identified to date. Molecular evolutionary analysis reveals that this cluster is an actively evolving region withRhox2and4paralogues under diversifying selection andRhox3evolving neutrally. The biological importance of this duplication is emphasised by the identification of an important role forRhox2andRhox4in regulating the initial stages of embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation.ConclusionThe gene richRhoxcluster provides the mouse with significant biological novelty that we predict could provide a substrate for speciation. Moreover, this unique cluster may explain species differences in ES cell derivation and maintenance between mouse, rat and human.
Strand bias in complementary single-nucleotide polymorphisms of transcribed human sequences: evidence for functional effects of synonymous polymorphisms
Authors: Qu Hui-Qi , Lawrence Steve G , Guo Fan , Majewski Jacek , Polychronakos Constantin 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Complementary single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may not be distributed equally between two DNA strands if the strands are functionally distinct, such as in transcribed genes. In introns, an excess of A↔G over the complementary C↔T substitutions had previously been found and attributed to transcription-coupled repair (TCR), demonstrating the valuable functional clues that can be obtained by studying such asymmetry. Here we studied asymmetry of human synonymous SNPs (sSNPs) in the fourfold degenerate (FFD) sites as compared to intronic SNPs (iSNPs).

Results
The identities of the ancestral bases and the direction of mutations were inferred from human-chimpanzee genomic alignment. After correction for background nucleotide composition, excess of A→G over the complementary T→C polymorphisms, which was observed previously and can be explained by TCR, was confirmed in FFD SNPs and iSNPs. However, when SNPs were separately examined according to whether they mapped to a CpG dinucleotide or not, an excess of C→T over G→A polymorphisms was found in non-CpG site FFD SNPs but was absent from iSNPs and CpG site FFD SNPs.

Conclusion
The genome-wide discrepancy of human FFD SNPs provides novel evidence for widespread selective pressure due to functional effects of sSNPs. The similar asymmetry pattern of FFD SNPs and iSNPs that map to a CpG can be explained by transcription-coupled mechanisms, including TCR and transcription-coupled mutation. Because of the hypermutability of CpG sites, more CpG site FFD SNPs are relatively younger and have confronted less selection effect than non-CpG FFD SNPs, which can explain the asymmetric discrepancy of CpG site FFD SNPs vs. non-CpG site FFD SNPs.
Regulation of gene expression by photosynthetic signals triggered through modified CO2availability
Authors: Wormuth Dennis , Baier Margarete , Kandlbinder Andrea , Scheibe Renate , Hartung Wolfram , Dietz Karl-Josef 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
To coordinate metabolite fluxes and energy availability, plants adjust metabolism and gene expression to environmental changes through employment of interacting signalling pathways.

Results
Comparing the response of Arabidopsis wild-type plants with that of the mutants adg1, pgr1 and vtc1 upon altered CO2-availability, the regulatory role of the cellular energy status, photosynthetic electron transport, the redox state and concentration of ascorbate and glutathione and the assimilatory force was analyzed in relation to the transcript abundance of stress-responsive nuclear encoded genes and psaA and psbA encoding the reaction centre proteins of photosystem I and II, respectively. Transcript abundance of Bap1, Stp1, psaA and psaB was coupled with seven metabolic parameters. Especially for psaA and psaB, the complex analysis demonstrated that the assumed PQ-dependent redox control is subordinate to signals linked to the relative availability of 3-PGA and DHAP, which define the assimilatory force. For the transcripts of sAPx and Csd2 high correlations with the calculated redox state of NADPH were observed in pgr1, but not in wild-type, suggesting that in wild-type plants signals depending on thylakoid acidification overlay a predominant redox-signal. Strongest correlation with the redox state of ascorbate was observed for 2CPA, whose transcript abundance regulation however was almost insensitive to the ascorbate content demonstrating dominance of redox regulation over metabolite sensing.

Conclusion
In the mutants, signalling pathways are partially uncoupled, demonstrating dominance of metabolic control of photoreaction centre expression over sensing the redox state of the PQ-pool. The balance between the cellular redox poise and the energy signature regulates sAPx and Csd2 transcript abundance, while 2CPA expression is primarily redox-controlled.
Genome-wide significance for a modifier of age at neurological onset in Huntington's Disease at 6q23-24: the HD MAPS study
Authors: Li Jian-Liang , Hayden Michael R , Warby Simon C , Durr Alexandra , Morrison Patrick J , Nance Martha , Ross Christopher A , Margolis Russell L , Rosenblatt Adam , Squitieri Ferdinando , Frati Luigi , Gómez-Tortosa Estrella , García Carmen Ayuso , Suchowersky Oksana , Klimek Mary Lou , Trent Ronald JA , McCusker Elizabeth , Novelletto Andrea , Frontali Marina , Paulsen Jane S , Jones Randi , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Lazzarini Alice , Wheeler Vanessa C , Prakash Ranjana , Xu Gang , Djoussé Luc , Mysore Jayalakshmi Srinidhi , Gillis Tammy , Hakky Michael , Cupples L Adrienne , Saint-Hilaire Marie H , Cha Jang-Ho J , Hersch Steven M , Penney John B , Harrison Madaline B , Perlman Susan L , Zanko Andrea , Abramson Ruth K , Lechich Anthony J , Duckett Ayana , Marder Karen , Conneally P Michael , Gusella James F , MacDonald Marcy E , Myers Richard H 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Age at onset of Huntington's disease (HD) is correlated with the size of the abnormal CAG repeat expansion in the HD gene; however, several studies have indicated that other genetic factors also contribute to the variability in HD age at onset. To identify modifier genes, we recently reported a whole-genome scan in a sample of 629 affected sibling pairs from 295 pedigrees, in which six genomic regions provided suggestive evidence for quantitative trait loci (QTL), modifying age at onset in HD.

Methods
In order to test the replication of this finding, eighteen microsatellite markers, three from each of the six genomic regions, were genotyped in 102 newly recruited sibling pairs from 69 pedigrees, and data were analyzed, using a multipoint linkage variance component method, in the follow-up sample and the combined sample of 352 pedigrees with 753 sibling pairs.

Results
Suggestive evidence for linkage at 6q23-24 in the follow-up sample (LOD = 1.87, p = 0.002) increased to genome-wide significance for linkage in the combined sample (LOD = 4.05, p = 0.00001), while suggestive evidence for linkage was observed at 18q22, in both the follow-up sample (LOD = 0.79, p = 0.03) and the combined sample (LOD = 1.78, p = 0.002). Epistatic analysis indicated that there is no interaction between 6q23-24 and other loci.

Conclusion
In this replication study, linkage for modifier of age at onset in HD was confirmed at 6q23-24. Evidence for linkage was also found at 18q22. The demonstration of statistically significant linkage to a potential modifier locus opens the path to location cloning of a gene capable of altering HD pathogenesis, which could provide a validated target for therapeutic development in the human patient.
Breast cancer screening in women at increased risk according to different family histories: an update of the Modena Study Group experience
Authors: Cortesi Laura , Turchetti Daniela , Marchi Isabella , Fracca Antonella , Canossi Barbara , Battista Rachele , Ruscelli Silvia , Pecchi Anna Rita , Torricelli Pietro , Federico Massimo 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC) detection in women with a genetic susceptibility or strong family history is considered mandatory compared with BC screening in the general population. However, screening modalities depend on the level of risk. Here we present an update of our screening programs based on risk classification.MethodsWe defined different risk categories and surveillance strategies to identify early BC in 1325 healthy women recruited by the Modena Study Group for familial breast and ovarian cancer. Four BC risk categories included BRCA1/2 carriers, increased, intermediate, and slightly increased risk. Women who developed BC from January 1, 1994, through December 31, 2005 (N = 44) were compared with the number of expected cases matched for age and period. BRCA1/2 carriers were identified by mutational analysis. Other risk groups were defined by different levels of family history for breast or ovarian cancer (OC). The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was used to evaluate the observed and expected ratio among groups. All statistical tests were two-sided.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 55 months, there was a statistically significant difference between observed and expected incidence [SIR = 4.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6 to 7.6; p < 0.001]. The incidence observed among BRCA carriers (SIR = 20.3; 95% CI = 3.1 to 83.9;P< 0.001), women at increased (SIR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.5 to 8.3;P< 0.001) or intermediate risk (SIR = 7.0, 95% CI = 2.0 to 17.1;P= 0.0018) was higher than expected, while the difference between observed and expected among women at slightly increased risk was not statistically significant (SIR = 2.4, 95% CI = 0.9 to 8.3;P= .74).ConclusionThe rate of cancers detected in women at high risk according to BRCA status or strong family history, as defined according to our operational criteria, was significantly higher than expected in an age-matched general population. However, we failed to identify a greater incidence of BC in the slightly increased risk group. These results support the effectiveness of the proposed program to identify and monitor individuals at high risk, whereas prospective trials are needed for women belonging to families with sporadic BC or OC.
A survey of the clinical acceptability of screening for postnatal depression in depressed and non-depressed women
Authors: Gemmill Alan W , Leigh Bronwyn , Ericksen Jennifer , Milgrom Jeannette 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Information on clinical acceptability is needed when making cost-utility decisions about health screening implementation. Despite being in use for two decades, most data on the clinical acceptability of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) come from qualitative reports, or include relatively small samples of depressed women. This study aimed to measure acceptability in a survey of a relatively large, community sample with a high representation of clinically depressed women.

Methods
Using mail, telephone and face-to-face interview, 920 postnatal women were approached to take part in a survey on the acceptability of the EPDS, including 601 women who had screened positive for depression and 245 who had received DSM-IV diagnoses of depression. Acceptability was measured on a 5-point Likert scale of comfort ranging from "Not Comfortable", through "Comfortable" to "Very Comfortable".

Results
The response rate was just over half for postal surveys (52%) and was 100% for telephone and face-to-face surveys (432, 21 and 26 respondents for postal, telephone and face-to-face surveys respectively) making 479 respondents in total. Of these, 81.2% indicated that screening with the EPDS had been in the range of "Comfortable" to "Very Comfortable". The other 18.8 % rated screening below the "Comfortable" point, including a small fraction (4.3%) who rated answering questions on the EPDS as "Not Comfortable" at the extreme end of the scale. Comfort was inversely related to EPDS score, but the absolute size of this effect was small. Almost all respondents (97%) felt that screening was desirable.

Conclusion
The EPDS had good acceptability in this study for depressed and non-depressed women. Women's views on the desirability of postnatal depression screening appear to be largely independent of personal level of comfort with screening. These results should be useful to policy-makers and are broadly supportive of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as a suitable tool for universal perinatal depression screening.