bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium-induced tertiary structure modifications of endo-β-1,3-glucanase from Pyrococcus furiosus in 7.9 M guanidinium chloride
Authors: CHIARALUCE Roberta , GIANESE Giulio , ANGELACCIO Sebastiana , FLORIO Rita , van LIESHOUT Johan F. T. , van der OOST John , CONSALVI Valerio 
Published: March 2005

The family 16 endo-β-1,3 glucanase from the extremophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus is a laminarinase, which in 7.9 M GdmCl (guanidinium chloride) maintains a significant amount of tertiary structure without any change of secondary structure. The addition of calcium to the enzyme in 7.9 M GdmCl causes significant changes to the near-UV CD and fluorescence spectra, suggesting a notable increase in the tertiary structure which leads to a state comparable, but not identical, to the native state. The capability to interact with calcium in 7.9 M GdmCl with a consistent recovery of native tertiary structure is a unique property of this extremely stable endo-β-1,3 glucanase. The effect of calcium on the thermodynamic parameters relative to the GdmCl-induced equilibrium unfolding has been analysed by CD and fluorescence spectroscopy. The interaction of calcium with the native form of the enzyme is studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the absorption region of carboxylate groups and by titration in the presence of a chromophoric chelator. A homology-based model of the enzyme is generated and used to predict the putative binding site(s) for calcium and the structural interactions potentially responsible for the unusual stability of this protein, in comparison with other family 16 glycoside hydrolases.
Shape Memory‐Like Effect Phenomena in a Ce‐TZP/Al2O3 Composite
Authors: Schmid Chiari , Sbaizero Orfeo , Sergo Valter , Meriani Sergio 
Published: March 2005

During an investigation of the role of alumina particles in ceria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Ce‐TZP)1 we observed that a group of samples (based on a Ce‐TZP matrix (8.5 mol% Ceria) containing 15 vol% dispersed alumina particles), exhibited an extended plastic deformation after the first elastic response. This deformation could be retained upon a prompt unloading from a fourpoint bend jig. These deformed (bent) specimens recovered their original straight shape when heated above 200°C, exhibiting features like the shape memory effect (SME). A careful examination of the samples revealed the presence of wedgelike transformation zones intruding the bulk of the specimen inwards from the tensioned side.In an attempt to increase the degree of bending, other samples of the same composition and microstructure have been placed under a static load and maintained under that condition for ≅15 min. The penetration depth of the transformation zone reached the opposite face of the samples and the monoclinic‐phase concentration rose about 50% on both sides. Through this inwards movement, these samples, that were initially bent, showed an elongation of about 0.5% and became straightened. These samples returned to their original size after heating at ≅250°C. To get a deeper insight, samples have been examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermodilatometry (TD).
Changes in platelet count after cardiac surgery can effectively predict the development of pathogenic heparin‐dependent antibodies
Authors: Pouplard Claire , May Marc Antoine , Regina Sandra , Marchand Michel , Fusciardi Jacques , Gruel Yves 
Published: March 2005

SummaryCardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces the release of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and patients are at risk of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This study was aimed to determine whether an abnormal evolution in platelet count (PC) after CPB is predictive of the development of HIT antibodies. Two abnormal PC patterns were defined: pattern P1, characterized by a decrease in PC following previous correction of thrombocytopenia occurring during CPB, and pattern P2, defined as a persistent low PC in the days following CPB. PC was evaluated for 10 d in 305 consecutive patients before and after CPB. Serotonin release assay (SRA) was carried out between days 8 and 10 to detect pathogenic heparin‐dependent antibodies. Moreover, antibodies to heparin–PF4 (H–PF4) complexes were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. PC evolution after CPB was normal in 300 patients although antibodies to H–PF4 were frequently present (53·4%). Changes in PC were abnormal in five patients with pattern P1 (n = 4) or P2 (n = 1). As SRA was positive in four of the five cases, the positive predictive value of abnormal PC pattern for pathogenic HIT antibodies was 80%. Careful follow‐up of PC after CPB makes it possible to predict with high specificity (99%) for those patients who develop pathogenic HIT antibodies.
Sturge–Weber syndrome in a 6‐year‐old girl
Authors: PEREZ D. E. C. , PEREIRA NETO J. S. , GRANER E. , LOPES M. A. 
Published: March 2005

Summary.Sturge–Weber syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by vascular facial birthmarks and neurological abnormalities. Oral cavity involvement may occur, and the extent of the vascular abnormality may vary considerably. The present authors report the case of a 6‐year‐old girl with Sturge–Weber syndrome, focusing on the clinical and radiographic features. Her dental management involved a multidisciplinary team and included orthodontic treatment using removable appliances.
Inhibition by Lipopolysaccharide of Naloxone‐Induced Luteinising Hormone Secretion Is Accompanied by Increases in Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor Immunoreactivity in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Neurones in Female Rats
Authors: He D. , Akema T. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe have recently reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, inhibits steroid‐induced as well as naloxone‐induced luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in ovariectomised oestrogen‐primed rats. In the present study, we examined whether corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) may be involved in the LPS‐induced inhibition of LH secretion. Unanaesthetised rats were treated with an intravenous (i.v.) injection of LPS (10 µg) or saline, followed by an i.v. injection of naloxone (20 mg/kg). After sequential blood samples were collected for determination of serum LH concentrations, the brains were fixed and CRF‐immunoreactivity was examined histochemically. In control rats receiving saline injections, only a small number of CRF‐immunoreactive (ir) cells were found in the parvocellular portion of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and naloxone significantly increased serum LH concentrations within 10 min. By contrast, in LPS‐treated rats, the number of CRF‐ir cells was significantly greater than that in control rats, and the effect of naloxone was completely abolished. In a separate experiment, an intracerebroventricular injection of 5 µg CRF inhibited naloxone‐induced LH release, mimicking the effect of LPS. These results suggest that LPS stimulates production of CRF in PVN neurones, which in turn inhibits LH secretion without opioidergic mediation.
Male and Female Prolactin Receptor mRNA Expression in the Brain of a Biparental and a Uniparental Hamster, Phodopus, Before and After the Birth of a Litter
Authors: Ma E. , Lau J. , Grattan D. R. , Lovejoy D. A. , Wynne‐Edwards K. E. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractProlactin receptor (PRL‐R) mRNA transcript level was quantified in the choroid plexus (ChP) of a naturally biparental hamster, Phodopus campbelli, and its otherwise similar, yet nonpaternal, sibling species, Phodopus sungorus. Pair‐housed males and females on the day before the birth of their first litter (G17), the day after birth (L1), lactation day 5 (L5), and unpaired animals that were sexually naïve, were tested. PRL‐R mRNA transcript level relative to total RNA, was evaluated by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction using primers common to the long‐ and short‐form of the PRL‐R in Phodopus. In the ChP, a region implicated in prolactin transport into the central nervous system, females had the expected increase in PRL‐R mRNA transcript from dioestrus to L5, consistent with known actions of prolactin. As predicted, males and females of the biparental species were similar, although PRL‐R mRNA in naïve males was higher than in dioestrus females. Males of the two species also differed as predicted. PRL‐R mRNA transcript levels were higher in the biparental males. In addition, P. campbelli males had low PRL‐R mRNA at G17 compared to L5. By contrast, non‐paternal P. sungorus males had elevated PRL‐R mRNA transcript levels on G17 relative to unpaired males. We conclude that PRL‐R mRNA in the ChP is differentially regulated before and after birth in a paternal and a nonpaternal male.
Vitamin E does not reduce the side‐effects of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Kus Sadiye , Gün Dilek , Demirçay Zeynep , Sur Haydar 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground  Isotretinoin is widely used in the treatment of severe, recalcitrant, nodular acne. Mucocutaneous side‐effects are seen in the great majority of patients and some of them have elevations in their serum lipid and liver enzyme profiles. Recently, it has been shown that addition of vitamin E decreased the toxicity of high‐dose retinoids.Objective  The purpose of this investigator‐blinded, randomized study was to assess whether vitamin E would reduce the side‐effects of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris.Methods  Eighty two patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups with isotretinoin (1 mg/kg/day) alone or combined with vitamin E (800 IU/day). The treatment duration was 16 weeks. Mucocutaneous side‐effects such as facial erythema, facial dryness, cheilitis and serum lipid and liver enzyme profiles were assessed.Results  There was no difference in the incidence and severity of side‐effects related to isotretinoin between the two treatment groups.Conclusion  Eight hundred IU/day vitamin E did not improve the side‐effects of 1 mg/kg/day of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
The development of cutaneous lesions during follow‐up of patients with primary neuritic leprosy
Authors: Suneetha Sujai , Sigamoni Arunthathi , Kurian Nisha , Chacko Chinoy J. G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground  Primary neuritic leprosy (PNL) is a rare form of leprosy where the characteristic skin lesions are absent. Investigations of apparently normal skin from the areas of sensory change have revealed microscopic evidence of nerve involvement. Clinical studies have found that a proportion of patients develop visible skin lesions during follow‐up. The aim of the study was to perform a clinical and histological analysis of PNL patients who developed visible skin lesions during treatment and follow‐up, to gain insight into the pathogenesis of the disease.Methods  Twenty‐nine individuals in a series of 182 PNL patients developed visible skin lesions during follow‐up. Analysis of the number, location, histology and time of onset of the new skin lesions in relation to the type and regularity of the treatment regimen were noted. A biopsy from the new skin lesion when available was compared with the nerve biopsy findings at the time of initial diagnosis.Results  Thirty‐eight per cent of patients developed a single patch and 28% developed two patches. Over three‐quarters of these were on the lower limb (47%) or the upper limb (29%). Sixty‐two per cent of patients developed the lesions within 2 years of the onset of symptoms. Patients on regular treatment developed patches earlier than those on irregular treatment or no treatment. A skin biopsy from the new patch revealed borderline tuberculoid leprosy histology in 47% of the patients.Conclusions  The findings suggest that leprosy primarily affects the nerve and that a neuritic phase precedes the development of visible cutaneous lesions.
Lost in Translation? Health Systems in the US and the UK
Authors: Ham Chris 
Published: March 2005

Abstract This paper compares health systems in the US and the UK in relation to levels and types of finance and provision. The main part of the paper focuses on comparisons between the British National Health Service (NHS) and Kaiser Permanente in California. Although major differences in financing and provision make cross‐national comparisons between the US and the UK difficult, recent work comparing service utilization between the NHS and Kaiser Permanente has highlighted opportunities for learning between the two systems. The paper describes the results of this work, and the way in which the NHS has sought to apply and adapt some of the managed care techniques used in Kaiser Permanente. It concludes by identifying the cultural and other obstacles that have to be addressed in translating practices from one system to another.
Effects of HIV disease on lipid, glucose and insulin levels: results from a large antiretroviral‐naïve cohort
Authors: El‐Sadr WM , Mullin CM , Carr A , Gibert C , Rappoport C , Visnegarwala F , Grunfeld C , Raghavan SS 
Published: March 2005

ObjectivesWith the use of potent antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV disease, changes in lipid parameters and glucose homeostasis have been noted. However, these effects have been difficult to interpret because of the varied demographic and treatment characteristics of the cohorts and the complexity of differentiating the effect of HIV disease from that of the drugs used in its treatment. This study was designed to explore these issues.MethodsDemographic information and fasting blood samples were collected from 419 antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐1‐infected patients.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 38.2 years, with 21% being female, 60% being African American, and 14% having a history of injection drug use. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 216 cells/μL, the mean baseline log10 HIV viral load was 4.98 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL, and 26% of patients had a history of AIDS‐defining events. Women and African Americans had significantly higher levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and older age was associated with higher total cholesterol levels. Lower CD4 lymphocyte counts and higher HIV RNA levels were independently associated with lower HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, higher HIV RNA level was associated with lower levels of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and higher levels of very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. A history of AIDS‐defining events was associated with higher total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. With respect to glucose homeostasis, a higher CD4 lymphocyte count was associated with less evidence of insulin resistance. However, a higher body mass index was associated with higher lipid levels and with more evidence of insulin resistance.ConclusionsBoth HIV disease and demographic characteristics were found to influence lipid values and glucose homeostasis in the absence of antiretroviral treatment. More advanced HIV disease was associated with less favourable lipid and glucose homeostatic profiles. The independent association between HIV RNA levels and various lipid parameters suggests that viral replication had a direct effect on lipid levels. Interpretation of the effects of various HIV treatment regimen and drugs on metabolic parameters must take into account the stage of HIV disease and the demographic characteristics of the population studied.
When more is not better: the role of cumulative risk in child behavior outcomes
Authors: Appleyard Karen , Egeland Byron , van Dulmen Manfred H.M. , Alan Sroufe L. 
Published: March 2005

Background:  Cumulative risk research has established the deleterious effects of co‐occurring risk factors on child behavior outcomes. However, extant literature has not addressed potential differential effects of cumulative risk at different points in development and has left open questions about whether a threshold model or a linear risk model better describes the impact of cumulative risk on behavior outcomes. The current study examined the impact of cumulative risk factors (i.e., child maltreatment, inter‐parental violence, family disruption, low socioeconomic status, and high parental stress) in early and middle childhood on child behavior outcomes in adolescence.Methods:  Using data from an ongoing longitudinal study of at‐risk urban children (N = 171), the cumulative effects of these five risk factors across early and middle childhood were investigated.Results:  The findings support the cumulative risk hypothesis that the number of risks in early childhood predicts behavior problems in adolescence. Evidence for a linear but not a threshold model of cumulative risk was found; the more risks present, the worse the child outcome. Moreover, the presence of multiple risks in early childhood continues to explain variations in predicting adolescent behavior outcomes even after including the effects of risk in middle childhood.Conclusions:  The results support the need for comprehensive prevention and early intervention efforts with high‐risk children, such that there does not appear to be a point beyond which services for children are hopeless, and that every risk factor we can reduce matters.
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS FOR ANALYSING CREDIT MARKET CONDITIONS
Authors: Beales R. E. , Berman L. S. 
Published: March 2005

It is only within the last two years that the published United Kingdom accounts have been extended to include sector financial accounts; their use for market analysis is, therefore, still in its infancy.The sectors and sub‐sectors distinguished in the financial accounts agree very closely with those recommended by the Working Group on Financial Statistics of the Conference of European Statisticians. A major difference is that in the United Kingdom accounts particular emphasis is placed on the distinction between the public sector and the private sector. For this purpose the public sector consists not only of general government but also includes public corporations (that is, public non‐financial corporate enterprises). The classification of assets and liabilities is based on a general list which is also similar to that developed by the Conference of European Statisticians.Because of the large capital formation of public corporations and local authorities, the public sector is normally a substantial borrower from the pirvate sector, although its borrowing requirements fluctuate considerably from quarter to quarter because of the uneven incidence of tax receipts. The personal sector provides about one‐third of the total saving of the economy, much of which is in the form of contractual saving—through life assurance and superannuation funds and the repayment of house purchase loans. No direct information is available about transactions in stocks and shares by the personal sector, but it is estimated that the sector is a very large seller of securities and in recent years its sales have amounted to £700 million a year.One factor which is important in the analysis of financial accounts and which is not shown specifically as part of the system is the rate of interest. The proportion of personal saving going into the different forms of short term assets has tended to vary according to the relative rate of interest received. The rate of interest also affects the pattern of borrowing by public authorities.The United Kingdom prepares short term forecasts of national income and of the balance of payments, and also forecasts of the borrowing requirement of the public sector and of the central government in particular. For internal purposes, forecasts are made of the various ways in which the government is expected to finance its borrowing requirement. These forecasts provide a useful framework for considering monetary prospects and are particularly important for showing the relation between the forecasts of the balance of payments and of government borrowing from domestic sources, especially from the banks.
A SOCIAL WELFARE VIEW OF THE MEASUREMENT OF INCOME EQUALITY
Authors: Aigner D. J. , Heins A. J. 
Published: March 2005

Economists' use of the term “equality” in reference to a distribution of incomes has historically been in the sense of a consensus for some statistical characteristic(s) of the distribution rather than a firm concept of equality. Of course such a concept rests on appropriate welfare assumptions about income and its distribution, assumptions which, for the most part, have been left implicit (and unknown) in discussions of income equality in the literature.Our purpose in this paper is dual: first, we wish to discover an unambiguous, welfare‐related equality measure. This we accomplish through suitable assumptions on a social welfare function. What is produced is an “index” of equality which describes the performance of a given distribution relative to the maximum welfare derivable from the total income it represents. The measure thus depends functionally on the welfare attributes of income, something which in reality we know little about.This impasse leads us to inquire into the sensitivity of the index over specifications of the welfare function, which is done by comparing equality ranks for the states of the United States for 1960 under various functional forms and among curves within a given form. As an interesting secondary issue, the performance of traditional equality measures is tested relative to the welfare‐oriented index to discover implications about their welfare content.It is found that the equality index is, in certain ranges for the welfare function, insensitive to its specification. The findings lead directly to conclusions concerning traditional equality measures, their usefulness in correctly accounting for equality differences among alternative income distributions and, concomitantly, their implicit welfare inputs.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME BY SIZE: THE CASE OF INDIA
Authors: Swamy Subramanian 
Published: March 2005

The interrelation between changes in the economic structure, i.e., industrial distribution of income and labor force, and the size distribution of income is studied in this paper in a case study of India (1951–1960).The change in the size distribution of income is the sum of changes due to (1) inter‐sectoral factors and (2) intra‐sectoral factors. The need for this distinction is emphasized by the result obtained for India, that 85% of the changes in the size distribution may be assigned to inter‐sectoral factors, and only 15% to intra‐sectoral factors. Since the inter‐sectoral factors are significantly influenced by changes in the industrial distribution of income and labor force, our result points out a relation between economic growth and the size distribution which quite often is overlooked in studies of the size distribution.The results obtained in this paper support several cross‐section results of Professor Kuznets. In particular some of these are: (a) inter‐sectoral inequality in the economic structure widened with economic growth, (b) the inequality in the size distribution of India widened, (c) the level of inequality in India is higher than in any of the eight developed countries considered.