bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Somatostatin immunoreactivity in quail pterygopalatine ganglion
Authors: Schrödl Falk , De Stefano M. Egle , Minvielle Francis , Brehmer Axel , Neuhuber Winfried L. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn the ciliary ganglion of the chicken and quail, somatostatin (SOM) is an exclusive marker for parasympathetic postganglionic neurons innervating the choroid. A second parasympathetic pathway projecting to the choroid originates from the pterygopalatine ganglion. The aim of this study was to investigate SOM immunoreactivity in the pterygopalatine ganglion of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and on neurons within the choroid, the intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICN). We did so using immunohistochemistry and subsequent light, electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Pterygopalatine neurons were characterized by nNOS‐immunohistochemistry or NADPH‐diaphorase cytochemistry. SOM immunoreactivity was absent in the perikarya, but neurons were densely surrounded by SOM‐positive nerve fibres. Electron microscopy revealed that these fibres formed contacts with and without membrane specializations on pterygopalatine neurons. In the choroid, neuronal nitric‐oxide synthase (nNOS)‐immunoreactive ICN were likewise closely apposed by SOM‐immunoreactive nerve fibres, as revealed by confocal microscopy. There was no detectable co‐localization of the markers. In the absence of tracing studies, it is open to speculation whether SOM immunoreactivity originates from preganglionic fibres of the superior salivatory nucleus, postganglionic fibres of the ciliary ganglion or fibres of the brainstem via as yet unknown pathways. SOM may regulate the production of NO in pterygopalatine neurons and ICN, respectively, and is therefore involved in neuronal circuits regulating ocular homeostasis.
The origin of extrinsic nitrergic axons supplying the human eye
Authors: Gottanka Johannes , Kirch Wolfram , Tamm Ernst R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractNitrergic nerve fibres of intrinsic and extrinsic origin constitute an important component of the autonomic innervation in the human eye. The intrinsic source of nitrergic nerves are the ganglion cells in choroid and ciliary muscle. In order to obtain more information on the origin of extrinsic nitrergic nerves in the human eye, we obtained superior cervical, ciliary, pterygopalatine and trigeminal ganglia from six human donors, and stained them for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐D). In the superior cervical ganglia, nNOS/NADPH‐D‐positive varicose axons were observed whereas perikarya were consistently negative. Fewer than 1% of perikarya in the ciliary ganglia were labelled for nNOS/NADPH‐D. The diameter of nNOS/NADPH‐D‐positive ciliary perikarya was between 8 and 10 µm, which was markedly smaller than the diameter of the vast majority of negative perikarya in the ciliary ganglion. More than 70% of perikarya in the pterygopalatine ganglia were intensely labelled for both nNOS and NADPH‐D. In trigeminal ganglia, 18% of perikarya were nNOS/NADPH‐D‐positive. The average diameter of trigeminal nNOS/NADPH‐D perikarya was between 25 and 45 µm. Pterygopalatine and trigeminal ganglia are the most likely sources for extrinsic nerve fibres to the human eye.
Cellular inflammatory response induced by sensory denervation of the conjunctiva in monkeys
Authors: Oduntan Alabi O. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe inflammatory response induced by sensory denervation of the cornea, neuroparalytic (neurotrophic) keratitis, has been widely reported in the literature. Clinical evidence has shown that the conjunctiva also responds to sensory denervation, but little is known of the cytology of the conjunctival tissue response to denervation. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate the cytological aspects of tissue response induced in the conjunctiva of monkeys by sensory denervation. Intracranial ophthalmic neurotomy was carried out in three monkeys, maxillary neurotomy in four, combined ophthalmic and maxillary neurotomy in two, and infraorbital nerve transaction in one monkey. These various operations were performed for other experimental purposes, but the conjunctival tissues from the animals were suitable and available to study the cytology of the inflammatory response induced in the tissue following the sensory denervation. The cytological changes were studied using light microscopy. Complete or severe ophthalmic nerve transection induced significant inflammatory responses, which were largely confined to the tarsal region of the conjunctiva. The responses included a substantial increase in the infiltration of the epithelium by polymorphonuclear leucocytes and severe disruption of the epithelium. The number of macrophages in the conjunctiva also increased. The response induced by maxillary denervation, however, was not as pronounced as that induced by sensory denervation. The restriction of the conjunctival tissue response to the tarsal region was considered to be due to the friction between the tarsal conjunctiva (and the hard tarsal plate) and the cornea during blinking. This study shows that sensory denervation of the conjunctiva elicits an inflammatory response characterized by substantial infiltration of the epithelium by neutrophil and macrophage and disorganization of the conjunctival tissue.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: February 2005

The range of books reviewed is wide, covering theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems (no software is reviewed). In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. Publishers who wish to have their books reviewed should send them to Professor Benjamin Lev. We list the books received; not all books received can be reviewed because space is limited. Those who would like to review books are urged to send me their names, addresses, and specific areas of expertise. We commission all reviews and do not accept unsolicited book reviews. Readers are encouraged to suggest books that might be reviewed or to ask publishers to send me copies of such books. The authors or editors of the books reviewed in this issue are Emile Aarts, Jan Karel Lenstra, Rommert Dekker, Moritz Fleischmann, Karl Inderfurth, Luk N. Van Wassenhove, Gianpaolo Ghiani, Gilbert Laporte, Roberto Musmanno, Nikitas-Spiros Koutsoukis, Gautam Mitra, Panos M. Pardalos, and Victor Korotkikh.
Excess of Loss Reinsurance and the Probability of Ruin in Finite Horizon
Authors: Centeno Maria de Lourdes 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe upper bound provided by Lundberg's inequality can be improved for the probability of ruin in finite horizon, as Gerber (1979) has shown. This paper studies this upper bound as a function of the retention limit, for an excess of loss arrangement, and compares it with the probability of ruin.
On Stop-Loss Order and the Distortion Pricing Principle
Authors: Hürlimann Werner 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA number of more or less well-known, but quite complex, characterizations of stop-loss order are reviewed and proved in an elementary way. Two recent proofs of the stop-loss order preserving property for the distortion pricing principle are invalidated through a simple counterexample. A new proof is presented. It is based on the important Hardy-Littlewood transform, which is known to characterize the stop-loss order by reduction to the usual stochastic order, and the dangerousness characterization of stop-loss order under a finite crossing condition. Finally, we complete and summarize the main properties of the distortion pricing principle.
On the Use of Equispaced Discrete Distributions
Authors: Walhin J.F. , Paris J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe Kolmogorov distance is used to transform arithmetic severities into equispaced arithmetic severities in order to reduce the number of calculations when using algorithms like Panjer's formulae for compound distributions. An upper bound is given for the Kolmogorov distance between the true compound distribution and the transformed one. Advantages of the Kolmogorov distance and disadvantages of the total variation distance are discussed. When the bounds are too big, a Berry-Esseen result can be used. Then almost every case can be handled by the techniques described in this paper. Numerical examples show the interest of the methods.
Correction Note to Prediction of Outstanding Liabilities in Non-Life Insurance, AB 23, 95-115
Authors: Norberg Ragnar 
Published: February 2005

1. In (4.17) a factor W is missing in the numerator of the expression in the middle.2. The predictor of Xorns proposed in Paragraph 5B is not unbiased in general as a simple counterexample will show. The proposed reserve on an individual orns claim with past history T, U, V > υ′ = τ – T – U, {Y′(υ″); 0 ≤ υ″ ≤ υ′}, isSuppose that Y = V and Y′(υ″) = Q(υ″/V)V, 0 ≤ υ″ ≤ V, where Q is a non-decreasing, deterministic function on [0,1] such that Q(0) = 0 and Q(1) = 1. In this case R = E[V∣T, U, V > Y′(υ′)] – Y′(υ′). If Q(s) > s for all s ∈ (0, 1), then Y′(υ′) = Q(υ′/V)V > υ′, hence
Estimating the Value of the Wincat Coupons of the Winterthur Insurance Convertible Bond: A Study of the Model Risk
Authors: Schmock Uwe 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe three annual 2¼% interest coupons of the Winterthur Insurance convertible bond (face value Chf 4 700) will only be paid out if during their corresponding observation periods no major storm or hail storm on one single day damages at least 6 000 motor vehicles insured with Winterthur Insurance. Data for events, where storm or hail damaged more than 1 000 insured vehicles, are available for the last ten years. Using a constant-parameter model, the estimated discounted value of the three Wincat coupons together is Chf 263.29. A conservative evaluation, which accounts for the standard deviation of the estimate, gives a coupon value of Chf 238.25. However, fitting models which admit a trend or a change-point, leads to substantially higher knock-out probabilities of the coupons. The estimated discounted values of the coupons can drop below the above conservative value; a conservative evaluation as above leads to substantially lower values. Hence, already the model uncertainty is higher than the standard deviations of the used estimators. This shows the dominance of the model risk. Consistency, dispersion, robustness and sensitivity of the models are analysed by a simulation study.
Initial Selection and Cause of Disability for Individual Permanent Health Insurance
Authors: Gutiérrez-Delgado María Cristina , Korabinski Athol A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe investigate the influence of initial selection (the impact of underwriting during the early years of a policy's life) on individual Permanent Health Insurance claim inceptions. In Gutiérrez-Delgado (1999) a decreasing trend was found. In this paper we include the effect of cause of disability and fit a generalized linear model in order to gain a greater understanding of the phenomenon. Both effects, policy duration and cause of disability, are found to have a significant effect on the number of claims. We describe their influence using factors that collect the information available through the fitted model. Results from both factors suggest that the grouping of diseases selected for the research helps to explain partially our earlier results. In addition there is some evidence of moral hazard in mental disorders and musculoskeletal diseases which also contributes to the understanding of the negative trend found.
Poz‐itively transformational: Sex workers and HIV/AIDS education
Authors: Hill Robert J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractHIV and AIDS are complex events that offer numerous opportunities for adult education. However, mainstream education on this issue has often not been relevant to a number of subpopulations, including sex workers. This chapter explores sources and content of HIV/AIDS education in the sex work industry (including art and the Internet) and suggests possibilities to theorize a convention‐defying adult education—one that is poz‐itively transformational.
Modeling of calcium oxalate and amorphous silica composite fouling
Authors: Yu Hong , Sheikholeslami Roya , Doherty William O. S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAn analytical model has been used to describe the composite scale formation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and amorphous silica (SiO2) in sugar solutions. The model incorporated the effects of the liquid bulk subcooling and deposition consolidation process arising from microlayer evaporation under subcooled nucleate flow boiling. The proposed model was shown to provide a better fit to the COMSiO2 composite fouling data than models considering only particulate fouling or silica deposition over a range of process thermal hydraulic parameters which included surface temperature, fluid velocity and bulk subcooling. For a better description of the composite fouling process in sugar factory, it is suggested that the effects of solution pH and composition on composite fouling be considered in future work. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Analysis of structural change in keratin fibers resulting from chemical treatments using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kuzuhara Akio 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn order to investigate the influence of chemical treatments (reduction, heating, and oxidation) on keratin fibers, the structure of virgin white human hair resulting from a permanent hair straightening process at various depths of cross‐sectional samples was directly analyzed without isolating the cuticle and cortex, using Raman spectroscopy. The band shape of the cuticle was different from that of the cortex, and the cuticle had a more amorphous structure, compared with the cortex. The SS band intensity existing in the hair surface remarkably decreased, while the SS band intensity in the hair center was not changed by performing the reduction process. In the case of heating the keratin fibers after the reduction process, this tendency was unchanged. On the other hand, the amide III (unordered) band intensity in the cortex region increased, indicating that proteins existing throughout the cortex region caused a change to the random coil form. Moreover, approximately 95% of the disconnected SS groups were clearly reconnected by performing the oxidation process after heating (the degree of reconnection of SS groups was about 90%, in the case of oxidizing after reduction). From these experiments, we concluded that the heat treatment process in the permanent hair straightening treatment caused the randomization of proteins existing throughout the cortex region, thereby contributing to the acceleration of the reconnection of SS groups during the oxidation process. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 77: 335–344, 2005
Generation of peptides by human erythrocytes: Facts and artifacts
Authors: Ivanov Vadim T. , Karelin Andrei A. , Yatskin Oleg N. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPreviously reported data on peptide composition of human erythrocyte lysate were obtained under conditions that did not exclude proteolytic degradation of hemoglobin in the process of peptide isolation. Comparative chromatographic analysis of the diluted erythrocyte lysate incubated in acidic conditions with or without proteolytic enzyme inhibitors showed that several peptides earlier identified as intraerythrocyte ones in fact result from hemoglobin degradation by erythrocyte acidic protease(s) during incubation of the lysate. A rational scheme excluding postlysis proteolysis was developed for isolation of peptide fraction. Further analysis resulted in determination of structure and content of about 50 endogenous intraerythrocyte hemoglobin fragments. A primary endopeptidase splitting of α‐ and β‐globin chains followed by consecutive exopeptidase trimming of primary fragments is suggested as a degradation mechanism. The intraerythrocyte peptides were shown to differ from peptides excreted by the erythrocytes to the extracellular medium in the primary culture. It was also found that intraerythrocyte peptides cannot play the role of precursors of hemoglobin fragments present in tissue extracts. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2005
Does the anesthetic 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol interact with bovine serum albumin by direct binding or by solvent‐mediated effects? A calorimetric and spectroscopic investigation
Authors: Banerjee Tuhina , Kishore Nand 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThermal unfolding of bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied in the presence of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) using high‐sensitivity microdifferential scanning calorimetry. Quantitative thermodynamic parameters accompanying the thermal transitions have been evaluated. TFE is observed to be a stabilizer or a destabilizer of the folded state of BSA depending on the pH. CD spectroscopy revealed an increase in the α‐helical content of BSA and a decrease in the tertiary structure in the presence of increasing molalities of TFE. Isothermal titration calorimetric results do not indicate appreciable binding of the TFE molecules to BSA. TFE quenches the steady‐state tryptophan fluorescence of BSA only at higher molalities and there is no effect on the tryptophan fluorescence at lower molalities. The calorimetric and spectroscopic results obtained in this work suggest that solvent‐mediated effects dominate the interaction of TFE with BSA and the binding component may be very weak. Since the binding component is very weak, one of the possibilities of anesthetic action of TFE molecules on the actual targets may be through perturbation of the structural and dynamic properties of the lipid bilayer so that the function of crucial but unspecified membrane proteins is affected. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 78: 78–86, 2005
Randomized clinical trial comparing oral nifedipine with lateral anal sphincterotomy and tailored sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure
Authors: Ho K-S , Ho Y-H 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Background
The conventional treatment of chronic anal fissure is lateral sphincterotomy (LAS). The alternative options of tailored sphincterotomy (TS) and ‘chemical sphincterotomy’ using medication such as nifedipine have recently become available.

Methods
A prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare LAS with TS and oral nifedipine. The main endpoints were fissure healing, symptom relief, recurrence and continence.

Results
One hundred and thirty-two patients were treated and followed up for 4 months. LAS was significantly more effective than TS in providing pain relief (P = 0·004) and better patient satisfaction (P = 0·020) at 4 weeks. Surgery (LAS and TS) was associated with significantly better fissure healing rates (both P &lt; 0·001 at 16 weeks) and less recurrence (both P = 0·003) than nifedipine. There were substantial problems with compliance in the nifedipine group (17 of 41 patients), related to side-effects and slow healing. There were no differences in continence between the three treatment groups.

Conclusion
LAS was most effective in providing pain relief and allowing rapid fissure healing, with minimal recurrence and no increased risk of incontinence, in patients with good anal sphincter function.
Patterns of local disease failure and outcome after salvage surgery in patients with anal cancer
Authors: Renehan A G , Saunders M P , Schofield P F , O'Dwyer S T 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Background
Salvage surgery for anal cancer is usually reserved for local disease failure, but issues relating to the prediction of local failure and surgical outcome are ill defined.

Methods
Between 1988 and 2000, 254 patients with non-metastatic anal epidermoid carcinoma were treated at a regional cancer centre with radiotherapy (n = 127) or chemoradiotherapy (n = 127).

Results
There were 99 local disease failures (39·0 per cent), all but five occurring within 3 years of initial treatment. Increasing age (P &lt; 0·001, Cox model), total radiation dose (P = 0·004) and tumour stage (P = 0·010) were independent predictors of local failure. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates after local disease failure were 46 and 29 per cent; the corresponding rates after salvage surgery (73 patients) were 55 and 40 per cent. A positive resection margin was the strongest negative predictor of survival after salvage surgery (P = 0·008, log rank test). Of 52 patients treated before the routine consideration of primary plastic reconstruction, delayed perineal wound healing occurred in 22 (42 per cent).

Conclusion
In the management of anal cancer, local disease failure is a major clinical problem requiring early detection followed by radical surgery, often accompanied by plastic reconstruction. By implication, these factors favour the centralization of treatment for this uncommon cancer to a multidisciplinary oncology team.
Anal intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Abbasakoor F , Boulos P B 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackgroundAnal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is believed to be a precursor of anal squamous cell cancer and its incidence is rising in high-risk groups, particularly those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The natural history of AIN is unclear and management strategies are lacking.MethodsThis review is based on a literature search (Medline and PubMed) with manual cross-referencing of all articles related to AIN.Results and conclusionsThe aetiology of AIN is intricately linked with human papilloma viruses. The pathological processes involved in the progression of AIN are becoming clearer but the natural history, particularly the rate of progression to invasive cancer, remains unknown. There is no standard management for AIN and this is mainly due to difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. A variety of treatment options have been tried with varying success. Surgery is associated with significant recurrence, particularly in HIV-positive patients. Non surgical approaches with imiquimod, photodynamic therapy and vaccination are appealing, and further work is required. Long-term follow-up of these patients is essential until the natural history of AIN becomes clearer.
The Montagues and the Capulets
Authors: Goble Carole , Wroe Chris 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPrologueTwo households, both alike in dignity, In fair Genomics, where we lay our scene, (One, comforted by its logic's rigour, Claims ontology for the realm of pure, The other, with blessed scientist's vigour, Acts hastily on models that endure), From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, When ‘being’ drives a fly‐man to blaspheme. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, Researchers to unlock the book of life; Whole misadventured piteous overthrows, Can with their work bury their clans' strife. The fruitful passage of their GO‐mark'd love, And the continuance of their studies sage, Which, united, yield ontologies undreamed‐of, Is now the hour's traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.