bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation and predictive performances of saliva and plasma nicotine concentration on tobacco withdrawal‐induced craving
Authors: Teneggi Vincenzo , Squassante Lisa , Iavarone Laura , Milleri Stefano , Bye Alan , Gomeni Roberto 
Published: March 2003

Aims
To investigate whether saliva is a useful alternative to plasma for routine monitoring of nicotine and evaluate the predictive performances of saliva and plasma concentration on craving estimated by a Tiffany Questionnaire on Smoking Urge‐Brief Form.
Methods
Thirteen healthy smokers were enrolled in a randomized, two period, crossover trial. Linear and power models were evaluated to predict the plasma nicotine concentrations from the saliva measurements, whereas a population PK/PD indirect response model was used to predict craving using either saliva or plasma nicotine concentration as the independent variable.
Results
The   results   of   the   analysis   revealed   that   the   power   model   was   preferred over the   linear   one   The   bias   on   the   predicted   plasma   concentrations   was of 0.47 ng ml−1 with a 95% confidence interval of [‐0.57, 1.52] and a precision of 5.68 ng ml−1. The placebo effect model was initially fitted to data, then the indirect response approach (with inhibition in kin) was used to model the craving scores using plasma and saliva nicotine concentrations as independent variables. The two indirect response PK/PD models based on saliva and plasma nicotine concentrations, adequately described the onset, extent, and duration of craving. The maximal inhibition Imax was 0.722 and 1 for saliva and plasma concentrations while the estimated nicotine concentrations giving 50% of the maximal inhibition were 269 ng ml−1 and 24.3 ng ml−1 for saliva and plasma, respectively.
Conclusions
A good correlation between plasma and saliva nicotine concentrations has been found using a power model. Comparable values of bias and precision on the model‐predicted craving indicate that plasma and saliva concentration can equally well be used to predict the onset of tobacco withdrawal induced craving. Analysis of saliva definitely offers a potentially more attractive way to assess nicotine concentration values, as samples can be collected easily and noninvasively. In addition, saliva sampling avoids the pain and discomfort involved in venepuncture. In studies that assess psychological measures, such as subjective mood, blood collection could present a possible confounding factor because of the anxiety and pain that accompanies it. For these reasons saliva can reasonably be considered as the ideal sampling site for all clinical studies conducted for the evaluation of the potential activity of drugs on nicotine deprivation symptoms.
Types of carbonate platforms: a genetic approach
Authors: Pomar L. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTMany types of carbonate platforms have been described, from homoclinal ramps to rimmed shelves and a full spectrum of variations in between; the distinction between these different types can be problematic. Nevertheless, classification of carbonate platforms is not just a semantic or academic issue. For example, it is clearly important for the accurate interpretation of seismic images of facies geometry and for assessing the potential of stratigraphic traps. Even though predictive efficiency of conceptual models depends on the degree of comprehension of the genetic factors controlling depositional profiles and the distribution of facies belts, current models for classification of carbonate platforms are basically descriptive and mainly based on depositional profile, size, and attachment to or detachment from a landmass.A genetic approach considers the variability of depositional profiles among carbonate platforms as a function of the type of sediment that was produced (basically grain size), the locus of sediment production, and the hydraulic energy. Three groups of carbonate‐producing biota may be distinguished according to their dependence upon light: (1) euphotic (good light) in shallow, wave‐agitated areas; (2) oligophotic (poor light) in deeper, commonly non‐wave‐agitated areas; and (3) photo‐independent biota in all water‐depth ranges.Several platform types in wave‐dominated seas can be considered in relation to genetic factors, even when simplifying the many possible scenarios. Euphotic framework‐producing biota create rimmed shelves similar to modern reef platforms. Soft‐substrate‐dwelling biota, which produce gravel‐sized carbonate in the shallow euphotic zone, create flat‐topped open shelves. Oligophotic gravel‐producing biota, such as some larger foraminifera and red algae, generate distally steepened ramps. Mud‐dominated carbonate production, in either euphotic or oligophotic zones, generate homoclinal ramps. Carbonate production dominated by photo‐independent biota (crinoids, sponges, bryozoans, etc.) above wave base give rise to open shelves or ramps, depending upon grain size, but may produce mounds if carbonate production occurs below the base of wave/current sweeping.
Neuropeptide Y alters sedation through a hypothalamic Y1‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Naveilhan Philippe , Canals Josep M. , Valjakka Antti , Vartiainen Jukka , Arenas Ernest , Ernfors Patrik 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNeuropeptide Y (NPY) has been reported to profoundly influence and regulate brain circuits involved in a number of behaviours, like anxiety, alcohol intake, pain and energy homeostasis. Here we show that NPY increases sedation induced by different types of anaesthetics through interactions with the Y1 receptor. Consistently, in Y1–/– (homozygote knockout) mice NPY does not potentiate the pentobarbital‐induced sedation. Similar results were obtained for avertin but not for ketalar‐ (NMDA antagonist) induced sedation. Local microinjection of NPY exhibited the strongest potentiating effect on pentobarbital‐induced sedation in the posterior hypothalamic area and Y1 expression was found in the dorsal‐premammillary and medial part of medial mammillary nuclei. These results show that Y1 is essential for NPY‐induced enhancement of sedation and place this activity of NPY in the posterior hypothalamic area, a region of the brain previously implicated in the regulation of the wake–sleep cycle.
Design and characterization of a DNA‐encoded, voltage‐sensitive fluorescent protein
Authors: Sakai Rieko , Repunte‐Canonigo Vez , Raj Christopher D. , Knöpfel Thomas 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOptical imaging of electrical activity has been suggested as a promising approach to investigate the multineuronal representation of information processing in brain tissue. While considerable progress has been made in the development of instrumentation suitable for high‐speed imaging, intrinsic or extrinsic dye‐mediated optical signals are often of limited use due to their slow response dynamics, low effective sensitivity, toxicity or undefined cellular origin. Protein‐based and DNA‐encoded voltage sensors could overcome these limitations. Here we report the design and generation of a voltage‐sensitive fluorescent protein (VSFP) consisting of a voltage sensing domain of a potassium channel and a pair of cyan and yellow emitting mutants of green fluorescent protein (GFP). In response to a change in transmembrane voltage, the voltage sensor alters the amount of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the pair of GFP mutants. The optical signals respond in the millisecond time‐scale of fast electrical signalling and are large enough to allow monitoring of voltage changes at the single cell level.
Cysteinyl leukotriene‐dependent interleukin‐5 production leading to eosinophilia during late asthmatic response in guinea‐pigs
Authors: Nabe T. , Yamashita K. , Miura M. , Kawai T. , Kohno S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground Allergic airway eosinophilia is suppressed by cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptor (CysLT1 receptor) antagonists in several species including humans and guinea‐pigs, suggesting that CysLTs are directly or indirectly involved in induction of the response.Objective We examined the effect of CysLT antagonists (pranlukast and MCI‐826) on antigen inhalation‐induced eosinophilia in peripheral blood and lung, and on IL‐5 activity in serum during late increase of airway resistance (late asthmatic response, LAR) in sensitized guinea‐pigs.Methods Guinea‐pigs inhaled ovalbumin (OVA) + Al(OH)3 and OVA mists alternately for sensitization and challenge, respectively, once every 2 weeks. At the fifth challenge, the effects of CysLT antagonists and an anti‐IL‐5 antibody (TRFK‐5) on the occurrence of LAR, and blood and lung eosinophilia, which appeared at 5 h after challenge, were examined. The time‐course of IL‐5 activity in the serum after the challenge was evaluated by measuring in vitro‘eosinophil survival prolongation activity’. The influence of CysLT antagonists on IL‐5 activity was assessed.Results CysLT antagonists and TRFK‐5 completely abolished blood and lung eosinophilia. LAR was suppressed by both MCI‐826 and TRFK‐5 by 40–50%. Sera obtained from sensitized, challenged animals 3 h and 4 h after challenge induced an obvious prolongation of eosinophil survival. The activity of the sera was completely neutralized by prior exposure to TRFK‐5, suggesting that it reflected IL‐5 activity. Increased IL‐5 activity in the serum was inhibited by both pranlukast and MCI‐826 by over 90%.Conclusions CysLTs produced after antigen provocation sequentially induced IL‐5 production from some immune component cells via CysLT1 receptor activation. Thus, it is likely that CysLTs indirectly cause antigen‐induced eosinophilia through IL‐5 production.
Genetic algorithms for geophysical parameter inversion from altimeter data
Authors: Ramillien Guillaume 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA new approach for inverting several geophysical parameters at the same time from altimeter and marine data by implementing genetic algorithms (GAs) is presented. These original techniques of optimization based on non-deterministic rules simulate the evolution of a population of candidate solutions for a given objective function to minimize. They offer a robust and efficient alternative to gradient techniques for non-linear parameter inversion. Here genetic algorithms are used for solving a discrete gravity problem of data associated with an undersea relief, to retrieve seven parameters at the same time: the elastic thickness, the mean ocean depth, the seamount location (longitude/latitude), its amplitude, radius and density from its observed gravity/geoid signature. This approach was also successfully used to adjust lithosphere parameters in the real case of the Rarotonga seamount [21.2°S; 159.8°W] in the Southern Cook Islands region, where GA simulations provided robust estimates of these seven parameters. The GA found very realistic values for the mean ocean depth and the seamount amplitude and the precise geographical location of Rarotonga Island. Moreover, the values of elastic thickness (∼14–15km) and seamount density (∼2850–2870kgm−3) estimated by the GA are consistent with the ones proposed in earlier studies.
Foraging behaviour of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and size‐dependent predation risk
Authors: Willette T. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTwo hypotheses related to effects of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) foraging behaviour and size on their predation risk were evaluated using field data collected in Prince William Sound, Alaska 1995–97. My results supported the hypothesis that low macrozooplankton density leads to dispersion of juvenile salmon from shallow nearshore habitats and greater predation risk, but zooplankton type was an important factor. When the biomass of large copepods (primarily Neocalanus spp.) declined, salmon dispersed from shallow nearshore habitats, and mean daily individual predator consumption of salmon increased by a factor of 5. A concomitant five‐fold increase in the probability of occurrence of salmon in predator stomachs supported the notion that increased predation on salmon was caused by a greater overlap between predator and prey when salmon dispersed offshore, not an increase in the number of salmon consumed per feeding bout. The results also generally supported the hypothesis that the timing of predation events modifies the nature of size‐dependent predation losses of salmon to different predator groups (small and large planktivores and piscivores). Size‐dependent vulnerabilities of salmon to predators were a function of both predator and prey sizes. When simulated predation was shifted from May to June, the vulnerability of salmon became more dependent on their growth than initial size. But, the size‐ and growth‐dependent vulnerabilities of salmon differed more among predator groups than between May and June, suggesting that changes in the composition of predator fields could more strongly affect the nature of size‐dependent predation than changes in the timing of predation losses.
The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Gastric Juice and Blood Ammonia Concentrations and on Visual Evoked Potentials in Cirrhotics
Authors: Demirtürk Levent , Yazgan Yusuf , İzci Özgür , Özel Melih , Toğrol Erdem , Gültepe Mustafa , Gürbüz Ahmet Kemal , Yıldırım Şükrü 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTBackground.The primary source of ammonia is the gut. Ammonia can also be generated by the urease activity of Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of H. pylori eradication on blood and gastric juice ammonia levels and on visual evoked potential (VEP) recordings in cirrhotic patients.Materials and Methods.Male patients with cirrhosis and H. pylori infection were prospectively evaluated. All patients were given triple regimen for eradication for 10 days. Gastroscopy together with gastric juice sampling for ammonia and mucosal sampling for H. pylori status was performed before and after therapy. Gastric juice and blood ammonia levels were measured and VEP recordings were obtained before and after treatment.Results.Twenty‐seven patients were included in the study. Patients with overt clinical hepatic encephalopathy were excluded from the study. Twenty‐four out of twenty‐seven patients became H. pylori‐negative after the treatment. Ammonia measurements and VEP recordings were evaluated in the 24 patients in whom eradication was successful. A slight but statistically significant decrease in blood and a considerable decrease in gastric juice ammonia levels were observed after treatment [from 44.23 µmol/l to 41.6 µmol/l compared with 3234 µmol/l to 2709 µmol/l, respectively (p < .05)] in patients in whom H. pylori was eradicated. VEP recordings were abnormal in 14 out of 24 patients before the treatment. Only four of these 14 patients with abnormal recordings showed improvement. (p > .05).Conclusions. Helicobacter pylori eradication in cirrhotics decreases blood and gastric juice ammonia concentrations whereas it does not provide an improvement in VEP recordings.
Identification of Environmental Stress‐Regulated Genes in Helicobacter pylori by a lacZ Reporter Gene Fusion System
Authors: De Vries Nicolette , Kuipers Ernst J. , Kramer Naomi E. , Van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , Bijlsma Jetta J. E. , Kist Manfred , Bereswill Stefan , Vandenbroucke‐Grauls Christina M. J. E. , Kusters Johannes G. 
Published: March 2003

abstractBackground. Helicobacter pylori persists in the human stomach for decades. This requires an efficient adaptation of H. pylori to the gastric niche and involves the regulation of bacterial genes in response to environmental stress. Efficient molecular tools to identify regulated H. pylori genes are scarce, therefore we developed a genomic lacZ reporter gene fusion system in H. pylori to screen for stress‐regulated genes.Materials and methods.The integration vector pBW was constructed and used to generate random genomic lacZ fusions in H. pylori. Two‐hundred‐and‐fifty H. pylori transformants were selected from this library, replica‐plated and screened for differential lacZ expression after exposure to two environmental stress conditions: increased temperature (42°C), and iron‐limitation.Results.From a library of H. pylori transformants with random genomic transcriptional lacZ fusions, two stress‐regulated H. pylori loci were identified. The transcription of a gene of unknown function (designated hsp12) was increased by incubation at 42°C. The transcription of a locus, consisting of the three fumarate reductase subunit genes (frdCAB) and the HP0190 gene from H. pylori strain 26695, was decreased under iron‐limitation.Conclusions.This is the first time that a genomic transcriptional lacZ reporter gene H. pylori library has been used as a tool for the fast and efficient identification of environmental stress‐regulated H. pylori genes.
Relationship between serum leptin concentrations and the marbling scores in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: YONEKURA Shinichi , OKA Akio , NODA Masanobu , UOZUMI Norio , YONEZAWA Tomo , KATOH Kazuo , OBARA Yoshiaki 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between marbling and serum leptin concentrations. First, we compared serum leptin concentrations between Japanese Black cattle and Holstein calves, and found that the mean serum concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Japanese Black cattle (2.67 ± 0.41 ng/mL, n = 13) than in Holstein calves (1.79 ± 0.43 ng/mL, n = 5). We then examined the effects of roughage intake or vitamin A on the serum leptin concentrations in Japanese Black cattle. Although the leptin concentrations for the high roughage group were significantly higher than those for the low roughage group at 4, 7 and 20 months old, there was no significant difference in the carcass characteristics of the two groups. In addition, although there was a significant difference in the marbling score between the high vitamin A group and low vitamin A group, there was no significant difference in serum leptin concentrations between the groups. These results suggest that although serum leptin concentrations were not significantly correlated to the marbling scores they may be related to the genetic advantage for marbling in Japanese Black cattle.
Possibility of amino acid nutrition in broiler
Authors: ISHIBASHI Teru , YONEMOCHI Chisato 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe consumption of poultry meats exceeds 50% of total meat consumption. With the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and foot and mouth disease, the consumption of poultry meat is set to increase. The use of meat bone meal derived from cattle and pigs is prohibited. Therefore, plant protein has to be used more frequently and the importance of the study of amino acid nutrition is increasing. In order to improve dietary efficiency, it is necessary to elucidate the exact amino acid requirements of poultry. The amino acid requirements are not constant and are affected by various factors. By using the plasma amino acid concentration as a parameter, it is possible to predict the amino acid requirements within a short period using a small number of animals repeatedly. By satisfying the amino acid requirements through supplementing crystalline amino acids, it is possible to reduce dietary protein and excretory nitrogen simultaneously. However, when the dietary protein is reduced, the abdominal fat tends to increase. This is solved by deciding the optimum dietary protein level, but it is difficult to control the taste of poultry meat by dietary amino acids.
Mechanism of insulin action on glucose metabolism in ruminants
Authors: SASAKI Shin‐ichi 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis review presents a brief overview on the mechanism of insulin action on glucose metabolism at the molecular basis in ruminants. For ruminants, an exact mechanism of insulin on glucose metabolism is still rudimentary, but it is clear that originally, if not all, the mechanism of insulin action in ruminants was the same as in other species. Like non‐ruminants, the insulin‐sensitive glucose transporter GLUT 4 is thought to be a key‐protein in the control of glucose uptake and metabolism in ruminants, and insulin regulates glucose transport by stimulating the translocation of GLUT 4 from an intracellular membrane pool to the plasma membrane in adipocytes and muscles. Moreover, insulin‐induced GLUT 4 translocation is activated through the common intracellular signaling pathway of insulin phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐kinase) signaling pathway rather than the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase)‐dependent signaling pathway. However, GLUT 4 mRNA and protein, and insulin‐induced GLUT 4 translocation on adipocytes and muscles in ruminants are lower than those in rodents and human subjects. Furthermore, insulin‐induced PI3‐kinase activation is reduced concomitantly with the lower content of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in ruminants. In spite of normal status, a resistance to the stimulatory action of insulin on glucose metabolism in ruminants as compared to non‐ruminants may be due to, at least in part, the lower content of GLUT 4 and the lower capacity of insulin signal transduction, resulting to the lower glucose transport activity.
ECG and heart rate determination in fetal cattle using a digital signal processing method
Authors: CHEN Wenxi , NEMOTO Tetsu , KOBAYASHI Toshio , SAITO Toshiyuki , KASUYA Etsuko , HONDA Yoshifumi 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTA method of recording the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate (HR) is described. An abdominal lead and a thoracic lead were used to measure the fetal ECG and maternal ECG, respectively. The maternal component in the abdominal lead measurement was estimated by a digital adaptive filter using the thoracic lead measurement as a reference. By suppressing the estimated maternal components in the abdominal lead, the fetal ECG could be detected. The beat‐by‐beat fetal QRS complex peaks were determined by a digital matched filter from the fetal ECG enhanced in this way. The method was trialed in 10 pregnant Holstein cows at gestational periods ranging from 136 to 224 days. The results show that this method can extract the fetal ECG and determine the fetal HR from the raw noisy measurement data. The results suggest that the method would have applicability in monitoring fetal ECG as well as providing a non‐invasive, continuous HR profile during gestation, which will enable better understanding of the development of cattle fetuses before delivery.