bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of the association of a functional serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism with alcohol dependence
Authors: Feinn Richard , Nellissery Maggie , Kranzler Henry R. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe neurotransmitter serotonin (5‐HT) has been shown to regulate alcohol consumption in both animals and humans. Since activity of the 5‐HT transporter protein (5‐HTT) regulates 5‐HT levels, the gene encoding this protein may contribute to the risk of alcohol dependence (AD). Studies of the association to AD of a functional insertion‐deletion polymorphism in the 5‐HTT‐linked promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a meta‐analysis of data from 17 published studies (including 3,489 alcoholics and 2,325 controls) investigating the association between 5‐HTTLPR alleles and AD. The frequency of the short (S) allele at 5‐HTTLPR was significantly associated with AD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.33). Moreover, a greater association with the S allele was seen among individuals with AD complicated by either a co‐morbid psychiatric condition or an early‐onset or more severe AD subtype [OR = 1.34 (95% CI = 1.11–1.63)]. Allelic variation at 5‐HTTLPR contributes to risk for AD, with the greatest effect observed among individuals with a co‐occurring clinical feature. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family history influences age of onset in bipolar I disorder in females but not in males
Authors: Grigoroiu‐Serbanescu Maria , Nöthen Markus M. , Ohlraun Stephanie , Propping Peter , Maier Wolfgang , Wickramaratne Priya , Georgescu Marie‐Jana , Prelipceanu Dan , Grimberg Mihaela , Sima Dorina , Rietschel Marcella 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAge of onset (AO) has been proposed as a promising criterion by which to select homogeneous subgroups for the genetic analysis of bipolar disorder. This is the first study to investigate the effect of the interaction between gender and family history (FH)‐type on AO in bipolar disorder. In accordance with the literature, no difference in AO was observed between females and males in our sample of 264 Romanian bipolar I probands. Cox regression, however, showed a strong influence of FH‐type on AO (P = 0.006). This was due to a significant variation in AO according to the type of FH in females (P = 0.002) but not in males (P = 0.64). Female bipolar disorder patients with a negative FH (FH−) had a later AO than females with either a FH of bipolar and/or schizoaffective disorder (P = 0.001) or a FH of recurrent unipolar major depression only (P = 0.04). Females with FH− had a later AO than males with FH− (P = 0.03). No sex difference was observed for AO in the group with a FH of recurrent unipolar depression. In the group with a FH of bipolar and/or schizoaffective disorder, females had an earlier AO than males (P = 0.01). A trend for support was observed in an independent sample of 217 German bipolar I patients for an influence of FH‐type on AO in females (P = 0.09) but not in males (P = 0.15). Female bipolar disorder patients with FH− had a later AO than females with either a FH of bipolar and/or schizoaffective disorder (P = 0.04) or a FH of recurrent unipolar major depression only (P = 0.05). Females with FH− had a later AO than males with FH− (P = 0.05). Other comparisons were statistically not significant, which may be due to limited sample size. Our findings emphasize that the interaction between gender and FH‐type is a source of heterogeneity for AO in bipolar disorder. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Site‐specific cytosine methylation in S‐COMT promoter in 31 brain regions with implications for studies involving schizophrenia
Authors: Murphy Brenda C. , O'Reilly Richard L. , Singh Shiva M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe catechol‐o‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene on chromosome 22q11 has been considered a strong candidate gene for schizophrenia (SZ) susceptibility. A functional Val/Met polymorphism in exon 4, with potential to affect COMT activity has been implicated in SZ, but the results remain inconclusive. We hypothesized that the association of COMT gene with SZ is not strictly a genetic alteration but could involve DNA methylation, as an epigenetic alteration. Thus, we chose to examine the cytosine DNA methylation profile of the human COMT promoter regions, which partially overlaps with the MB‐COMT coding region and covers a total of 56 cytosines. Our analysis of 31 brain regions and 51 individual blood samples suggests that the cytosine methylation in his region is restricted to the CpG dinucleotides only. Also, the methylation pattern is nearly identical in the brain and blood with few exceptions. One cytosine (#27) is partially methylated in 5 brain regions and another cytosine (#23) is partially methylated in 81 of 82 samples studied. The exception being the blood DNA from a single SZ patient with prominent extreme negative symptoms, which was completely methylated. Interestingly, there was no difference in methylation at these sites in the blood DNA from three pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for SZ. The results support the use of blood DNA in methylation studies and rule out S‐COMT promoter methylation as a common cause of SZ. The unique observation of a completely methylated cytosine 23 in one patient with SZ may have the potential to affect COMT mRNA transcription and gene activity, but remains to be evaluated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The metabolism of methylarsine oxide and sulfide
Authors: Cullen William R , McBride Barry C , Manji Hasseini , Pickett A Wendy , Reglinski John 
Published: January 2005

AbstractMethylarsine oxide and sulfide are more toxic to Candida humicola than arsenite; the sulfide is rapidly metabolized to trimethylarsine (Me3As) and methylarsine (MeAsH2) and the oxide to dimethylarsinic acid [Me2AsO(OH)]. Cell‐free extracts of C. humicola also convert the oxide to Me2AsO(OH). The glutathione (RSH) derivative Me2AsSR is metabolized by C. humicola to Me3As and Me2AsH, but some other Me2AsSR′ compounds are unaffected. Studies involving the interaction of the arsenic(III) compounds with natural ecosystems and other micro‐organisms such as Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Straptococcus sanguis, Escherichia coli, and Veillonella alcalescens are described.
Diagnostic value of sonography in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective study
Authors: Ziswiler Hans‐Rudolf , Reichenbach Stephan , Vögelin Esther , Bachmann Lucas M. , Villiger Peter M. , Jüni Peter 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic value of sonography in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of 110 wrists in 74 consecutive patients with suspected CTS who had been referred to a tertiary care center. We determined the largest cross‐sectional area of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Because of the lack of a universally accepted reference standard, we first examined the association of sonography with nerve conduction. Then, we compared sonography with a reference standard based on the combination of nerve conduction studies and signs and symptoms. Sonography and reference standard tests were performed independently and interpreted under blinded conditions. Based on a fitted receiver operating characteristic curve, we estimated likelihood ratios (LRs) and posttest probabilities for different cutoffs.ResultsThere was a high concordance between sonography and nerve conduction. Based on the combined reference standard, a cutoff of 10 mm2 resulted in approximately equal sensitivity and specificity, but only moderate LRs. A cutoff of <8 mm2 had satisfactory power to rule out CTS: the fitted‐negative LR was 0.13. Conversely, a cutoff of ≥12 mm2 had excellent power to rule in CTS, with a fitted‐positive LR of 19.9. For nerves ≥12 mm2 and a pretest probability of 70% expected in patients with suspected CTS in tertiary care, we found a posttest probability of CTS of 98%.ConclusionDepending on setting and purpose, different cutoff values for the largest cross‐sectional area may be used to accurately rule in or rule out CTS. Using sonography as a first‐line test may cost‐effectively reduce the number of nerve conduction studies in patients with suspected CTS. A large‐scale, randomized controlled trial is required to determine the effects of sonography on clinical outcomes, the number of nerve conduction studies performed, and the total cost.
Increase in activated CD8+ T lymphocytes expressing perforin and granzyme B correlates with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Blanco Patrick , Pitard Vincent , Viallard Jean‐François , Taupin Jean‐Luc , Pellegrin Jean‐Luc , Moreau Jean‐François 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjectiveCytotoxic T lymphocyte–mediated killing using granzyme B has recently been proposed to be a preferential and selective source of autoantigens in systemic autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while other reports have indicated that cytolytic activity in SLE patients was decreased. The aim of this study was to examine the phenotypic and functional status of the CD8+ T cells in SLE patients.MethodsPhenotype analysis of CD8+ T cells was carried out using flow cytometry. The cytotoxic potential of CD8+ T cells and its consequences were examined in redirected‐killing experiments. SLE patients with quiescent disease (n = 41) were compared with SLE patients with active disease (n = 20), normal individuals (n = 36), and control patients with vasculitis (n = 14). Cytotoxic CD8+ T cell differentiation was examined by coculture with differentiated dendritic cells (DCs) in the presence of SLE patient sera.ResultsPatients with disease flares were characterized by higher proportions of perforin‐ and/or granzyme B–positive lymphocytes with a differentiated effector phenotype (CCR7− and CD45RA+). The frequency of these cells in peripheral blood correlated with clinical disease activity as assessed by the SLE Disease Activity Index. These cells generated high amounts of soluble nucleosomes as well as granzyme B–dependent unique autoantigen fragments. Finally, the activation of DCs with serum from a patient with active lupus induced granzyme B expression in CD8+ T lymphocytes.ConclusionDCs generated in the presence of sera from SLE patients with active disease could promote the differentiation of CD8+ effector T lymphocytes that are fully functional and able to generate SLE autoantigens. Our data disclose a new and pivotal role of activated CD8+ T lymphocytes in SLE pathogenesis.
Überprüfung und Bewertung der seismischen Bemessungsgrößen nach DIN 19700 am Beispiel der Thüringer Talsperren
Authors: Schwarz Jochen , Biewald Wolfgang , Deubner Helmut 
Published: January 2005

AbstractDurch die DIN 19700 werden Talsperren u. ä. Wasserbauwerke hinsichtlich ihrer Bedeutung, ihres Stauvolumens und Höhe (bzw. Stauhöhe) in unterschiedliche Klassen eingeteilt, verbunden mit unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an die Auslegung und Nachweisführung. Da die Talsperren in seismisch unterschiedlich aktiven Erdbebengebieten liegen, sind die Nachweisanforderungen in Abhängigkeit von der Gefährdung (Erdbebenzonen mit bestimmten Intensitätsintervallen) zu staffeln.Es wird untersucht, welche Anforderungen aus der Einführung DIN 19700 abzuleiten sind und wie auf Ebene der Bundesländer die praktische Umsetzung erfolgen kann. In diesem Zusammenhang wird die Thüringer Technische Anleitung Stauanlagen gesondert gewürdigt, die gegenüber der DIN veränderte Festlegungen beinhaltet.Im folgenden werden Grundzüge einer vereinheitlichten Vorgehensweise für den Freistaat Thüringen entwickelt und die notwendigen Bearbeitungsphasen erläutert. Sie sind so gestaltet, daß Synergieeffekte erreicht werden können und eine Übertragbarkeit auf die anderen Bundesländer gewährleistet ist.
Bemessung und Überwachung einer geokunststoffbewehrten Tragschicht auf HSP‐Pfählen
Authors: Bussert Florian , Meyer Norbert , de Lange Andre P. , van der Stoel Almer E. C. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractZur kreuzungsfreien Querung einer 2spurigen Nahverkehrstraße und einer Autobahn mußte im Anschluß an eine neu errichtete Vierfeldbrücke ein Dammbauwerk errichtet werden. Der bis zu 8,50 m hohe Damm wurde mit einer Böschungsneigung von 1:2 erstellt, um eine möglichst geringe Baubreite aufzuweisen.Trotz sehr geringer Untergrundsteifigkeiten sollte eine kurzfristige Inbetriebnahme bei langfristig möglichst geringen Unterhaltungskosten gewährleistet werden. In enger Zusammenarbeit zwischen der bauausführenden Behörde, dem geotechnischen Ingenieurbüro CRUX Engineering BV und der bauausführenden Firma Voorbij Funderingstechniek BV wurde ein flexibles Gründungssystem entworfen, das lokal an die Tragfähigkeit des Untergrundes angepaßt werden kann, Setzungsdifferenzen bauwerksverträglich überbrückt und das benachbarte Naherholungsgebiet minimal beeinträchtigt. Zur Abtragung der Dammlasten in die tragfähigen Sandschichten wurde eine Kombination aus Voton HSP‐Pfählen (Hochgeschwindigkeitspfählen) und einem darüberliegenden lastverteilenden geokunststoffbewehrten Erdkörper gewählt. Diese innovative Kombination ermöglicht bei größter Wirtschaftlichkeit eine optimale Abtragung der Lasten in den tragfähigen Baugrund. Ein geotechnisches Meßprogramm wurde installiert um nachzuweisen, daß die auftretenden Belastungen der Bauglieder die zulässigen nicht überschreiten.
Räumliche Ausbreitung von Feinstbindemittelsuspensionen im Lockergestein
Authors: Kuk Matthias , Schlötzer Carsten 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBei der Injektion von Feinstbindemittelsuspensionen kommt es als Folge von Tiefenfiltrationsmechanismen zu einer Anreicherung der Bindemittelpartikel in der Nähe der Injektionsquelle sowie reduzierten Bindemittelgehalten in den Randzonen der Injektionskörper. Hierdurch kommt es zu einer Verringerung der prognostizierten Injektionsreichweiten. Gleichzeitig ergeben sich in den Randzonen der Injektionskörper erhöhte Durchlässigkeiten und reduzierte Festigkeiten. Mit Hilfe einer Serie von großmaßstäblichen Injektionsversuchen wurden die Auswirkungen von Tiefenfiltrationsmechanismen auf die Ausbreitung von Feinstbindemittelsuspensionen in Lockergesteinen untersucht und Hinweise für die Ausführung von Injektionsmaßnahmen mit Feinstbindemittelsuspensionen gegeben.
Aus Sand erbaut – Saugspannungen infolge Teil sättigung ermöglichen scheinbar Unmögliches
Authors: Grabe Jürgen , Schwarz Heli‐Natalie 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAus teilgesättigtem Sand lassen sich erstaunliche Figuren und Bauwerke erstellen. “Curver” formen Kunstobjekte aus Sand, die dann in Ausstellungen unter freiem Himmel präsentiert werden. Es kann gezeigt werden, daß Saugspannungen aus Zwickelwasserfilmen in den Porenräumen die physikalische Ursache für die erstaunliche Zugfestigkeit von teilgesättigtem Sand sind.
CTRL‐Tunnelbauwerke – TBM‐Vortriebe beendet
Authors: Brux Gunther 
Published: January 2005

AbstractGroßbritanniens erste Eisenbahn‐Hochgeschwindigkeitsstrecke, Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), wird den Kanaltunnel mit der City von London verbinden. Der erste Bauabschnitt (74 km) mit dem im Sprengvortrieb aufgefahrenen North Downs Tunnel wurde Ende 2003 in Betrieb genommen; mit der Fertigstellung des zweiten 39 km langen Bauabschnitts mit 60% Tunnelanteil rechnet man erst im Jahr 2007.
The recalcitrance of overconfidence and its contribution to decision aid neglect
Authors: Sieck Winston R. , Arkes Hal R. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThree experiments tested the hypothesis that people's overconfidence in the quality of their intuitive judgment strategies contributes to their reluctance to use helpful actuarial judgment aids. Participants engaged in a judgment task that required them to use five cues to decide whether a prospective juror favored physician‐assisted suicide. Participants had the opportunity to examine the judgments of a statistical equation that correctly classified 77% of the prospective jurors. In all experiments, participants infrequently examined the equation, performed worse than the equation, and were highly overconfident. In Experiments 1 and 2, outcome feedback and calibration feedback failed to reduce overconfidence. In Experiment 3, enhanced calibration feedback reduced overconfidence and increased reliance on the equation, thus leading to improved judgment performance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Application of Fluorescent Ras Proteins for Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Reents Reinhard , Wagner Melanie , Schlummer Stefanie , Kuhlmann Jürgen , Waldmann Herbert 
Published: January 2005

AbstractSemisynthetic Ras proteins are efficient probes for cell‐biology experiments. With a Bodipy FL fluorophore introduced at an appropriate site on the Ras peptide by solid‐phase synthesis, the resulting Ras chimera is processed by the cellular machinery and the intracellular localization of the protein can then be visualized by means of confocal laser fluorescence microscopy at relatively low concentrations. The absence of a large N‐terminal protein tag overcomes possible interferences in the interaction with cellular partner proteins. The fluorescence emission from Bodipy FL is continuous and disappears only after irreversible bleaching. These characteristics make Ras proteins with nonprotein fluorophores suitable for biophysical analysis. The easy accessibility of the lipopeptide moiety by chemical synthesis opens up numerous options for further biological investigations.
Electronic Communication through π‐Conjugated Wires in Covalently Linked Porphyrin/C60 Ensembles
Authors: de la Torre Gema , Giacalone Francesco , Segura José L. , Martín Nazario , Guldi Dirk M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractNovel photo‐ and electroactive triads, in which π‐conjugated p‐phenylenevinylene oligomers (oPPVs) of different length are connected to a photoexcited‐state electron donor (i.e., zinc tetraphenylporphyrin) and an electron acceptor (i.e., C60), were designed, synthesized, and tested as electron‐transfer model systems. A detailed physicochemical investigation, concentrating mainly on long‐range charge separation and charge recombination and kinetics, revealed small attenuation factors β of 0.03±0.005 Å−1. Energy matching between the HOMO levels of C60 and oPPVs emerged as a key parameter for supporting molecular‐wire‐like behavior: It favors rapid and efficient electron or hole injection into the oPPV wires. Large electronic coupling values were determined as a result of paraconjugation in the oPPV moieties.
Pharmacokinetic data of propranolol enantiomers in a comparative human study with (S)‐ and (R,S)‐propranolol
Authors: Lindner W. , Rath M. , Stoschitzky K. , Semmelrock H. J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics of (S)‐propranolol were compared after the oral administration of a 40 mg dose of the pure enantiomer and an 80 mg dose of a racemic mixture of (R,S)‐propranolol. The results of this study indicate that the bioavailability of (S)‐propranolol, as expressed by the mean area uner the concentration‐time curve (AUC) and maximum serum concentration, is lower after 40mg of the optically pure drug than after the racemic drug.
The stereochemical resolution of enantiomeric free and derivatized amino acids using and hplc chiral stationary phase based on immobilized α‐chymotrypsin: Ciral separation due to solue structure or enzyme activity
Authors: Jadaud Philippe , Thelohan Sylvie , Schonbaum Gregory R. , Wainer Irving W. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe stereochemical separation of free and derivatized amino acids on active α‐chymotrypsin bonded to silica is governed by two mechanisms based on the structure of the solutes or on the enzymatic activity of the enzyme. Te deactivation of the hydrolytically active site of the enzyme demonstrated that a significant portion of the retention on this support is due to hydrophobic interactions at other sites. These sites appear to be stereoselective for the ester derivatives of amino acids but not for the other studied solutes.
The absolute configuration of benproperinium dihydrogen phosphate, an antitussive drug
Authors: Schjelderup Lise , Aasen Arne JØRgen 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe (+)‐ and (−)‐enantiomers of benproperinium dihydrogen phosphate, an antitussive drug, have been assigned the R‐ and S‐configurations, respectively, by syntheses of both enantiomers using (S)‐2‐hydroxypropanoic acid (L‐lactic acid) as chiral synthon. The key intermediate, (S)‐2‐metyl‐2‐[‐2‐(phenylmethyl)phenoxy]ethyl p‐toluenesulfonate, was subjected to an SN2‐type reaction with piperidine furnishing (+)‐(R)‐benproperinium dihydrogen phosphate. (−)‐(S)‐Benproperinium dihydrogen phosphate was obtained by submitting the same tosylate to two consecutive SN2‐type reactions with Br− and piperidine, respectively, acting as nucleophiles.
Stereoselective sulfation of terbutaline by the rat liver cytosol: evaluation of experimental approaches
Authors: Walle U. Kristina , Walle Thomas 
Published: January 2005

AbstractLittle is known about the stereochemistry of sulfation of chiral phenolic drugs. In this study we examined several in vitro approaches to this question, using (+)‐, (−)‐, or (±)‐terbutaline as the substrate and the rat liver cytosol as the phenolsulfotransferase enzyme source. The cosubstrate PAPS was either generated by the cytosol from inorganic sulfate and ATP or added to the cytosol. The intact sulfate conjugates formed were determined by HPLC. Using the PAPS generating system, which is best suited for the production of relatively large quantities of sulfate conjugates, with the individual enantiomers as substrates, (+)‐terbutaline was conjugated to a much greater extent than (−)‐terbutaline; the (+)/(−)‐enantiomer ratio was 7.3 ± 0.3 (mean ± SE). When (±)‐terbutaline was the substrate and chiral derivatization was employed to separate the sulfate enantiomers formed, a similar (+)/(−)‐enantiomer ratio of 7.9 ± 0.2 was obtained. With PAP35S added to the cytosol, an approach best suited for kinetic studies, the substrate concentration dependence of sulfation could be determined. The Km app for this reaction was identical for (+)‐ and (−)‐terbutaline. However, the Vmax app was 8.1 ± 0.4 times greater for (+)‐terbutaline. This study for the first time shows enantioselectivity in sulfation of a chiral phenolic drug. The experimental approaches used should be valuable for human studies of stereoselectiven sulfation of terbutaline and other chiral drugs.
Direct separation of albendazole sulfoxide enantiomers by liquid chromatography on a chiral column deriving from (S)‐N‐(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl)tyrosine: application to enantiomeric assays on plasma samples
Authors: Lienne M. , Caude M. , Rosset R. , Tambuté A. , Delatour P. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe direct enantiomeric resolution of albendazole sulfoxide (SOABZ), an anthelmintic drug belonging to the benzimidazole class, is reported on a chiral stationary phase (CSP) synthesized by covalent binding of (S)‐N‐(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl)tyrosine‐O‐(2‐propen‐1‐yl) methyl ester on a γ‐mercaptopropylsilanized silica gel. A comparison with the resolution achieved on commercially available Pirkle‐type CSPs obtained from N‐(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl) derivatives of (R)‐phenyglycine or (S)‐phenylalanine is described. Some structurally related chiral sulfoxides including oxfendazole (SOFBZ) are also studied. Optimization of the mobile phase nature and composition is investigated showing that a hexane–dioxane–ethanol ternary mixture affords an almost baseline resolution (Rs = 1.25); however, in this case, albendazole sulfone (SO2ABZ) is eluted between the two sulfoxide enantiomers; accordingly, a hexane–ethanol mobile phase would be preferred for biological samples containing both metabolites. The influence of temperature on the resolution is depicted with a hexane–ethanol mobile phase. Finally, application to the enantiomeric assays of SOABZ in plasmatic extracts of rat, sheep, bovin, and man after oral administration of albendazole (sulfoxidized to SOABZ and SO2ABZ) is reported. Some distortions in the enantiomeric ratios are evidenced depending on the species.