bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schultz’s Unruly Rule: Dental Developmental Sequences and Schedules in Small-Bodied, Folivorous Lemurs
Authors: Godfrey Laurie R. , Samonds Karen E. , Wright Patricia C. , King Stephen J.
Published: March 2005

Schultz’s rule (as reconstructed by Smith) states that there is a relationship between the pattern (or relative order) of eruption of molar versus secondary (replacement) teeth and the overall pace (or absolute timing) of growth and maturation. Species with ‘fast’ life histories (rapid dental development, rapid growth, early sexual maturation, short life spans) are said to exhibit relatively early eruption of the molars and late eruption of the secondary replacement teeth (premolars, canines, incisors), whereas species with ‘slow’ life histories are said to exhibit relatively late eruption of the molars and early eruption of the secondary dentition. In a recent review, B.H. Smith noted that primates with tooth combs might violate this rule because tooth combs tend to erupt early, regardless of the pace of life history. We show that exceptions to Schultz’s rule among lemurs are not limited to the relative timing of eruption of the tooth comb. Rather, among lemurs, some species with extremely accelerated dental development exhibit a pattern of eruption of molars and of secondary teeth in direct opposition to the expectations of Schultz’s rule. We focus particularly on the pattern (order) and pace (absolute timing) of dental development and eruption in Avahi and Lepilemur – two relatively small, nocturnal folivores with rapid dental development. These taxa differ markedly in their eruption sequences (the premolars erupt after M2 and M3 in Lepilemur but not Avahi ). We offer an explanation for the failure of Schultz’s rule to predict these differences. Schultz’s rule presumes that eruption timing is dependent on the size of the jaw and that, therefore, molar crown formation and eruption will be delayed in species with slow-growing jaws. We show that a variety of processes (including developmental imbrication) allows the crowns of permanent teeth to form and to erupt into jaws that might appear to be too small to accommodate them.
Additive Impairment of the Barrier Function and Irritation by Biogenic Amines and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate: A Controlled in vivo Tandem Irritation Study
Authors: Fluhr J.W. , Kelterer D. , Fuchs S. , Kaatz M. , Grieshaber R. , Kleesz P. , Elsner P.
Published: March 2005

Biogenic amines are potential irritants e.g. in fish-, meat-, milk- and egg-processing professions like cooks, butchers and bakers. The aim of this study was to test the irritative and barrier-disrupting properties of the biogenic amines ammonium hydroxide (AM), dimethylamine (DMA) and trimethylamine (TMA). A repeated sequential irritation of 30 min twice per day was performed over a total of 4 days (tandem repeated irritation test) on the back of 20 healthy volunteers of both sexes with AM, DMA, TMA and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). The epidermal barrier function was assessed with a Tewameter TM 210, stratum corneum surface pH was measured with a Skin-pH-Meter 900, inflammation was assessed with a Chromameter CR-300 on the a* axis for redness and a visual score was recorded. All tested biogenic amines (AM, DMA and TMA) induced a barrier disruption and a pH increase paralleled with a 1-day-delayed onset of inflammatory signs. These effects were further enhanced and accelerated by a sequential application of SLS together with the biogenic amines, and inflammation occurred earlier than with the single compounds. Acetic acid (AA) in contrast did only show mild barrier disruption and no significant inflammatory signs. Our system allowed a ranking of the different compounds in their irritative potential in the tandem irritation with SLS: SLS > NaOH > TMA > AA > AM > DMA. The results are suggestive that in the food-processing industry the simultaneous contact with biogenic amines and harmful detergents like SLS should be minimized.
Sequential Treatment with Irinotecan and Doxifluridine: Optimal Dosing Schedule in Murine Models and in a Phase I Study for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mishima Hideyuki , Kato Takeshi , Yanagisawa Mieko , Tsujinaka Toshimasa , Nishisho Isamu , Tsujie Masaki , Fujimoto-Ouchi Kaori , Tanaka Yutaka , Kikkawa Nobuteru
Published: March 2005

Background: Irinotecan (CPT-11) and doxifluridine (5′-DFUR) are active agents against colorectal cancer. Each drug, however, has the possibility of causing diarrhea. Methods and Results: First, we determined the optimal dosing regimen in murine models. CPT-11 (i.v., q2d ×3) and 5′-DFUR (p.o., qd ×14) were administered to mice bearing a human colorectal cancer xenograft model. Diarrhea was stronger in the simultaneously administered schedule but not much stronger in the sequentially administered schedule compared with monotherapies. Both schedules yielded similar antitumor efficacies. Next, we conducted a phase I study combining CPT-11 on days 1 and 15, and 5′-DFUR on days 3–14 and 17–28 every 5 weeks in 19 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The doses of CPT-11 ranged from 80 to 150 mg/m2 and those of 5′-DFUR from 800 to 1,200 mg. Diarrhea of grade 3/4 developed in only 1 patient at 100 mg/m2/800-mg doses. Dose-limiting toxicities were hyperbilirubinemia and skipping doses due to fatigue at 150 mg/m2/1,200-mg doses. Conclusion: For the phase II study, the recommended dose was set at CPT-11 150 mg/m2 and 5′-DFUR 800 mg.
Erythrocyte Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Preterm Infants with and without Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Fu Ren-Huei , Yang Pen-Hong , Chiang Ming-Chou , Chiang Chiao-Ching , Cho Yu-Hsueh , Chou Yi-Hung
Published: March 2005

Background: Erythrocyte Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase is believed to play a major role as a first-line antioxidant defense. Studies have reported varying results from measures of superoxide dismutase activity in cord blood samples from neonates. Objective: The study goal was to assess enzyme activity for preterm infants representing a range of gestational ages during the 1st week of life. Clinical data were obtained and correlations with superoxide dismutase activity were examined. Methods: We collected blood samples from umbilical arterial lines or the radial artery of 44 preterm infants (gestational age range 25–30 weeks) on days 1, 3, and 6 after delivery and evaluated erythrocyte Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity. Results: There was no correlation between enzyme activity and gestational age or birth weight. Superoxide dismutase activity gradually increased in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia on days 3 and 6, with levels significantly higher than those of preterm infants without bronchopulmonary dysplasia on day 6. We found that packed red cell transfusion did not affect erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in either group. However, higher cumulative oxygen administration was noted in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Conclusion: Higher cumulative oxygen administration may be one factor that upregulates the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase.
Prediction of Preterm Delivery by Sonographic Estimation of Cervical Length
Authors: Botsis D. , Papagianni V. , Vitoratos N. , Makrakis E. , Aravantinos L. , Creatsas G.
Published: March 2005

Background: Identification of pregnant women presenting with threatened preterm labor who are destined to deliver prematurely would greatly assist planning their management. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length as a prognostic factor for predicting preterm birth in cases of threatened preterm labor. Methods: The study included 104 women with singleton pregnancies who presented with threatened preterm labor at 24–36 weeks of gestation. Cervical length at presentation was evaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography. Other potential prognostic factors, such as previous history of preterm labor, smoking, parity and administration of tocolytics were assessed. All women were observed for preterm delivery within 7 days of presentation. Results: The only significant predictor of preterm delivery was cervical length assessed by ultrasound (p < 0.000001, odds ratio 93.3, 95% Cl 10.4–837.1). Conclusions: Cervical length assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography in women presenting with threatened preterm labor is a powerful predictive tool for progression to preterm delivery.
Laparoscopic Ultrasonography in the Management of Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Noyan Volkan , Tiras M. Bulent , Oktem Mesut , Guner Haldun
Published: March 2005

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the role of laparoscopic ultrasonography in the management of ovarian cysts extirpated by means of endoscopic surgery. Methods: Laparoscopic ultrasonography was used during endoscopic surgery in 14 consecutive patients with an adnexal mass. The diagnostic accuracies of transvaginal and laparoscopic ultrasonography were compared according to the final pathological diagnosis. Estimations of the exact location of the ovarian mass by means of laparoscopic visualization and laparoscopic ultrasonography were compared. The presence of residual tumor tissue after cyst extirpation was monitored with laparoscopic ultrasonography. Results: Using laparoscopic ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound the correct diagnosis was made in 12 of 14 (85.7%) and 9 of 14 (64.3%) patients, respectively (not significantly different). With laparoscopic visualization, the exact location of the ovarian tumor could be demonstrated in 57.1% (8/14) of the cases, while with laparoscopic ultrasonography precise visualization of the ovarian mass was achieved in all cases (not significantly different). Two patients were found to have residual tumor tissue in the ovary when laparoscopic ultrasonography was performed again after tumor extirpation. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ultrasonography seems to be useful in patients with an adnexal mass managed by endoscopic surgery, in terms of evaluating the internal characteristics and predicting the histological diagnosis of the ovarian cyst, deciding on the correct placement of the incision to prevent unnecessary trauma to the ovary, and evaluation of the ovary after cyst extirpation to expose any residual tumor tissue.
The Role of Bisphosphonates in the Management of Advanced Cancer with a Focus on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Saba Nabil , Khuri Fadlo
Published: March 2005

With recent advances in cancer management, patients with metastatic bone disease are likely to have a prolonged clinical course, with skeletal-related events such as pain, hypercalcemia, pathologic fractures, spinal cord and nerve compression. Bisphosphonate use has resulted in the reduction of skeletal-related complications for a number of tumors including breast, prostate and myeloma, and improvements in the quality of life for patients. There is now evidence that newer, highly potent, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates reduce skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases from other solid tumors (including lung cancer). The early identification of patients at high risk for developing bone metastases may help curtail a complex and costly clinical problem – skeletal-related events. In this article, we review the different mechanisms of bisphosphonates and the potential role of newer-generation bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid, in the management of advanced, metastatic bone disease. We include a review of mechanistic studies and preclinical data. Additionally, the utility of evolving concepts such as bone markers and imaging of bone metastases are discussed.
Evaluation of Cirrus Cloud Properties Derived from MODIS Data Using Cloud Properties Derived from Ground-Based Observations Collected at the ARM SGP Site
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Zhang Yuying , Platnick Steven , King Michael D. , Minnis Patrick , Yang Ping
Published: March 2005

The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the NASA Terra satellite has been collecting global data since March 2000 and the one on the Aqua satellite since June 2002. In this paper, cirrus cloud properties derived from ground-based remote sensing data are compared with similar cloud properties derived from MODIS data on Terra. To improve the space–time correlation between the satellite and ground-based observations, data from a wind profiler are used to define the cloud advective streamline along which the comparisons are made. In this paper, approximately two dozen cases of cirrus are examined and a statistical approach to the comparison that relaxes the requirement that clouds occur over the ground-based instruments during the overpass instant is explored. The statistical comparison includes 168 cloudy MODIS overpasses of the Southern Great Plains (SGP) region and approximately 300 h of ground-based cirrus observations. The physical and radiative properties of cloud layers are derived from MODIS data separately by the MODIS Atmospheres Team and the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Science Team using multiwavelength reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation measurements. Using two ground-based cloud property retrieval algorithms and the two MODIS algorithms, a positive correlation in the effective particle size, the optical thickness, the ice water path, and the cloud-top pressure between the various methods is shown, although sometimes there are significant biases. Classifying the clouds by optical thickness, it is demonstrated that the regionally averaged cloud properties derived from MODIS are similar to those diagnosed from the ground. Because of a conservative approach toward identifying thin cirrus pixels over this region, the area-averaged cloud properties derived from the MODIS Atmospheres MOD06 product tend to be biased slightly toward the optically thicker pixels. This bias tendency has implications for model validation and parameterization development applied to thin cirrus retrieved over SGP-like land surfaces. A persistent bias is also found in the derived cloud tops of thin cirrus with both satellite algorithms reporting cloud top several hundred meters less than that reported by the cloud radar. Overall, however, it is concluded that the MODIS retrieval algorithms characterize with reasonable accuracy the properties of thin cirrus over this region.
A Survey of the Economic Situation in Xinjiang and its Role in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Chaudhuri Debasish
Published: March 2005

This paper discusses the macro economic profile of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China during the reform period, the Western Development Strategy and the importance of the region in the changing geo-strategic and geo-economic environment in Central Asia. Xinjiang is the largest administrative unit in China and is rich in mineral resources, especially oil and natural gas, that will make it a major player in generating rapid economic growth in the western part of China in the coming decades. Xinjiang is not only far ahead of other western provinces, it also has the advantage of a flourishing international trade with eight neighbouring countries as well as with other CIS countries and West Asia. The region has also achieved more in basic education. This paper draws attention to the intra-regional economic disparities and the inherent weakness of this arid and water scarce region.
VCAM-1 expression in adult hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells is controlled by tissue-inductive signals and reflects their developmental origin
Authors: Ulyanova Tatiana , Scott Linda M. , Priestley Gregory V. , Jiang Yi , Nakamoto Betty , Koni Pandelakis A. , Papayannopoulou Thalia
Published: March 2005

Although expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in endothelial cells and its functional implications have been previously appreciated, VCAM-1 expression in other than endothelial cells, especially hematopoietic cells, has been recently recognized and has not been explored in detail. Using normal mice and mice with a conditional ablation of VCAM-1 through a Tie2-driven cre transgene, we have studied the biodistribution and the pattern of VCAM-1 expression in circulating versus tissue-residing cells before and after their enforced mobilization. In the normal mouse, both at basal hematopoiesis or following mobilization, VCAM-1 expression is confined to myeloid cells residing in hematopoietic tissues, whereas free cells in circulation or in body cavities are devoid of VCAM-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein. However, following culture, proliferating myeloid cells, but not lymphoid cells, express VCAM-1. In the VCAM-1–ablated mouse, there is an increase in circulating progenitors as a consequence of their ongoing release from bone marrow, a process enhanced by splenectomy. We postulate that the main mechanism leading to their release is the ablation of VCAM-1 by fibroblastic and by endothelial cells. Ablation of VCAM-1 in fibroblasts by Tie2-driven cre is a novel finding and likely denotes their developmental ancestry by Tie2-expressing (mesenchymal?) progenitor cells during development.
Hematologic abnormalities in Shwachman Diamond syndrome: lack of genotype-phenotype relationship
Authors: Kuijpers Taco W. , Alders Mariel , Tool Anton T. J. , Mellink Clemens , Roos Dirk , Hennekam Raoul C. M.
Published: March 2005

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by short stature, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and hematologic defects. The causative SBDS gene was sequenced in 20 of 23 unrelated patients with clinical SDS. Mutations in the SBDS gene were found in 75%, being identical in 11 patients. Hematologic parameters for all 3 lineages were determined over time such as absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs), granulocyte functions, and erythroid and myeloid colony formation (erythroid burst-forming unit [BFU-E] and granulocyte-monocyte colony-forming unit [CFU-GM]) from hematopoietic progenitor cells, percentage of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), and platelet counts. Persistent neutropenia was present in 43% in the absence of apoptosis and unrelated to chemotaxis defects (in 65%) or infection rate. Irrespective of the ANC in vivo, abnormal CFU-GM was observed in all patients with SDS tested (14 of 14), whereas BFU-E was less often affected (9 of 14). Cytogenetic aberrations occurred in 5 of 19 patients in the absence of myelodysplasia. One child died during allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. In conclusion, neutropenia and defective chemotaxis did not result in severe clinical infection in SDS. CFU-GMs were impaired in all patients tested. From the SBDS sequence data, we conclude that in patients with genetically proven SDS a genotype-phenotype relationship in SDS does not exist in clinical and hematologic terms.
Estimating a preference-based index for a menopause specific health quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Brazier John E , Roberts Jennifer , Platts Maria , Zoellner York F
Published: March 2005

Background

The aim of the study was to develop a menopause-specific, preference-based health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) index reflecting both menopausal symptoms and potential side-effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Methods

The study had three phases: the development of a health state classification, a prospective valuation survey and the estimation of a model to interpolate HRQoL indices for all remaining health states as defined by the classification. A menopausal health state classification was developed with seven dimensions: hot flushes, aching joints/muscles, anxious/frightened feelings, breast tenderness, bleeding, vaginal dryness and undesirable androgenic signs. Each dimension contains between three and five levels and defines a total of 6,075 health states. A sample of 96 health states was selected for the valuation survey. These states were valued by a sample of 229 women aged 45 to 60, randomly selected from 6 general practice lists in Sheffield, UK. Respondents were asked to complete a time trade-off (TTO) task for nine health states, resulting in an average of 16.5 values for each health state.

Results

Mean health states valued range from 0.48 to 0.98 (where 1.0 is full health and zero is for states regarded as equivalent to death). Symptoms, as described by the classification system, can be rank-ordered in terms of their impact (from high to low) on menopausal HRQoL as follows: aching joints and muscles, bleeding, breast tenderness, anxious or frightened feelings, vaginal dryness, androgenic signs. Hot flushes did not significantly contribute to model fit. The preferred model produced a mean absolute error of 0.053, but suffered from bias at both ends of the scale.

Conclusion

This article presents an attempt to directly value a condition specific health state classification. The overall fit was disappointing, but the results demonstrate that menopausal symptoms are perceived by patients to have a significant impact on utility. The overall effect is modest compared to the more generic health state descriptions such as the EQ-5D. The resultant algorithm generates a preference-based index that can be used economic evaluation and that reflects the impact of this condition.
Genome-wide prediction and identification of cis-natural antisense transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xiu-Jie , Gaasterland Terry , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: March 2005

Background

Natural antisense transcripts (NAT) are a class of endogenous coding or non-protein-coding RNAs with sequence complementarity to other transcripts. Several lines of evidence have shown that cis- and trans-NATs may participate in a broad range of gene regulatory events. Genome-wide identification of cis-NATs in human, mouse and rice has revealed their widespread occurrence in eukaryotes. However, little is known about cis-NATs in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Results

We developed a new computational method to predict and identify cis-encoded NATs in Arabidopsis and found 1,340 potential NAT pairs. The expression of both sense and antisense transcripts of 957 NAT pairs was confirmed using Arabidopsis full-length cDNAs and public massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) data. Three known or putative Arabidopsis imprinted genes have cis-antisense transcripts. Sequences and the genomic arrangement of two Arabidopsis NAT pairs are conserved in rice.

Conclusion

We combined information from full-length cDNAs and Arabidopsis genome annotation in our NAT prediction work and reported cis-NAT pairs that could not otherwise be identified by using one of the two datasets only. Analysis of MPSS data suggested that for most Arabidopsis cis-NAT pairs, there is predominant expression of one of the two transcripts in a tissue-specific manner.
Importance of carbohydrate positioning in the recognition of mutated CPY for ER-associated degradation
Authors: Kostova Zlatka , Wolf Dieter H.
Published: March 2005

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), N-linked glycans (N-glycans) function as signals to recruit the lectin chaperones involved in protein folding, quality control and ER-associated degradation. We undertook a systematic study of the four N-glycans of mutated carboxypeptidase yscY (CPY*) to determine whether there are positional differences between the glycans in ER-associated degradation. We constructed hypoglycosylated CPY* variants containing one, two or three N-glycans in various combinations and studied their degradation kinetics. We found that the four carbohydrate chains on CPY* are not equal in their signaling function: presence of the Asn368-linked glycan is necessary and sufficient for efficient degradation of CPY*. We also analysed the involvement of the ER lectins Htm1p and Cne1p (yeast calnexin) in the glycan-based recognition process with respect to number and position of N-glycans. We observed that Htm1p function depends on the presence of N-glycans in general but that there is no positional preference for a particular glycan. Cne1p, however, is selective with respect to substrate, and participates in the quality control only of some underglycosylated variants. For cases in which both lectins are involved, Cne1p and Htm1p play competing roles in targeting the substrate for degradation: loss of Cne1p accelerates degradation, whereas loss of Htm1p stabilizes the substrate.
Choosing among Alternative Service Delivery Modes: An Investigation of Customer Trial of Self-Service Technologies
Authors: Meuter Matthew L. , Bitner Mary Jo , Ostrom Amy L. , Brown Stephen W.
Published: March 2005

Electronic commerce is an increasingly popular business model with a wide range of tools available to firms. An application that is becoming more common is the use of self-service technologies (SSTs), such as telephone banking, automated hotel checkout, and online investment trading, whereby customers produce services for themselves without assistance from firm employees. Widespread introduction of SSTs is apparent across industries, yet relatively little is known about why customers decide to try SSTs and why some SSTs are more widely accepted than others. In this research, the authors explore key factors that influence the initial SST trial decision, specifically focusing on actual behavior in situations in which the consumer has a choice among delivery modes. The authors show that the consumer readiness variables of role clarity, motivation, and ability are key mediators between established adoption constructs (innovation characteristics and individual differences) and the likelihood of trial.
Interpretation of Material Hardness, Stress Ratio, and Crack Size Effects on the ΔKth of Small Cracks Based on Crack Closure Measurement
Authors: Kondo Y , Sakae C , Kubota M , Kashiwagi M
Published: March 2005

Fatigue tests were performed on materials containing small cracks to investigate the effects of material hardness, mean stress, and crack size on the threshold stress intensity factor of small cracks. The crack closure measurement on a very small crack was done. Although most of those effects could be explained by the characteristic behavior of crack closure in small cracks, it was also shown that (ΔKeff)th was also affected by crack size. The combination of (ΔKeff)th and the crack closure behaviors caused the peculiar characteristics of ΔKth in small cracks. At an extremely high R region, an unusual decrease in ΔKth was found to occur. The large reduction occurred under the conjunction of three factors: extremely high stress ratio higher than 0.8, shallow crack less than a few tenths of a millimeter, and hard material whose HV is higher than 300. The near-threshold fatigue crack propagation rate could be uniquely evaluated even in such a short crack regime using the effective stress intensity factor with the following modification {ΔKeff − (ΔKeff)th,a}. This expression could be applicable in the short crack regime. ΔKeff still plays a role as the governing parameter for fatigue crack propagation of short crack as short as 0.04 mm.
Temperature Dependent Fracture Toughness of a Single Crystal Nickel Superalloy
Authors: Bahr DM , Steven Johnson W
Published: March 2005

An important application of nickel base superalloys is in the industrial gas turbine (IGT) industry, where the high temperature capabilities of these alloys are exploited. Extensive testing has focused on the tensile and fatigue properties of single crystal versions of these alloys. The single crystals are utilized in the hottest parts of the turbine, where a detailed knowledge of material behavior is critical to design and life assessment. However, studies on the effects of temperature on fracture toughness have largely been absent in both past and present literature. Therefore, the goal of this research is to characterize the fracture toughness properties of a second-generation single crystal nickel superalloy at elevated temperatures. The experimental methods follow ASTM guidelines, as does the analysis for the elastic (K) and plastic (J integral) deformation. The toughness values were invalid for plain strain fracture toughness, but this should be expected from a structural material. In spite of this fact, both the K- and J-based analyses reveal consistent trends. Increased plasticity at elevated temperatures results in an overall increase in toughness as temperature increases. Unusual cases with inclined pre-cracks and microstructural defects did not technically yield valid results, although they were consistent with the nominal cases. Overall, the results indicate that the toughness of single crystal nickel alloys is actually quite high. Thus, the lack of work in this subject is understandable. However, it would seem that any design and lifting work would benefit from an understanding of such a fundamental property.
Revised Interlaboratory Study of Sweating Thermal Manikins Including Results from the Sweating Agile Thermal Manikin
Authors: Richards MGM , McCullough EA
Published: March 2005

Recently thermal and evaporative resistances of five clothing ensembles were measured using thermal manikins at six laboratories. For evaporative resistances, the manikin surfaces were wetted prior to or constantly during measurement. In this paper, previous resistance values are combined with results from the Sweating Agile Thermal Manikin of EMPA. For all ensembles, reproducibility of the intrinsic thermal resistance between labs improved by 4–9% after including EMPA results and a further 16–39% for four ensembles after excluding results from another lab. The intrinsic evaporative resistance reproducibility for three ensembles improved by 7–9% after including EMPA and by 7–29% excluding the other lab. In spite of these improvements, differences in manikin design, measurement, and calculation methodologies still account for the large reproducibilities ranging from 22–46% and from 41–38% for the intrinsic thermal and evaporative resistances, respectively. Presently, ASTM is drafting a new standard for sweating thermal manikins. Standardization and methodological improvement, including proposals presented here, should help to reduce these reproducibilities in future.
Predicted Deposition Variability Due to Fluctuations in Release Height and Drop Size Distribution
Authors: Teske ME , Thistle HW , Reardon RC , Cormier G , Amirault P , Davies DC , Scott Cameron R , Dorr G , Hewitt AJ , Brown JR , LeClerc MY , Karipot A
Published: March 2005

An extensive field study has been undertaken to quantify the aerial release of spray material through the changes in meteorology as the day progresses. An important subset of these collected data is one-second interval data of the aircraft behavior and the mechanical release systems. These unique data provide an excellent source of information on bounding the variability in the expected deposition patterns, and how this variability might impact any error bounds established around the time-averaged predictions generated by the AGDISP model. This paper quantifies the variability in aerial application parameters and makes suggestions with regard to possible implications of this variability on the variability of deposition predictions in the flight line direction.
Use of HMA Stiffness Results as a Referee Test in Indiana
Authors: McDaniel RS , Gallivan VL , Huber GA , Andrewski DH , Miller M
Published: March 2005

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) began implementing volumetric acceptance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures in 2001. In some cases the air void contents of the plant-produced mixtures have been less than 2.0%. Rather than require removal and replacement of low air void mixes in all cases, INDOT implemented an optional referee testing procedure. This procedure allows contractors to leave low air void material in place, at reduced pay, if the stiffness of the placed material is equal to or greater than a specified minimum. If the stiffness is less, that sublot must be removed and replaced. The rationale is that if the stiffness is high enough, even if the air voids are low, the material would be expected to perform adequately. If the low air voids are accompanied by low stiffness, rutting performance would likely be compromised. This paper describes the rationale, development, and implementation of this program.
Inhibitors for Reducing Hydrogen Ingress During Corrosion of Zirconium Alloys
Authors: Elmoselhi MB , Donner A
Published: March 2005

Zirconium alloys, used in manufacturing nuclear core components, particularly fuel cladding (in most reactor types) and pressure tubes in CANDU® (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactors, are usually subject to aqueous corrosion and hydrogen uptake during service. The build up of hydrogen concentration during operation can be a life-limiting factor for these components. In order to slow down the rate of hydrogen uptake and to prolong the operating life of these critical reactor components, a remedial action was targeted. A comprehensive experimental program has been carried out to identify potential inhibiting agents to be introduced into the environment of the corrosion process. The inhibiting agents were expected to intervene in the corrosion reactions to reduce the hydrogen uptake rate. Screening experiments were conducted in short-term exposures (up to 30 days) of coupons from several zirconium alloys, such as Zircaloy-2,Zircaloy-4 and Zr-2.5 weight % Nb, in high temperature (340°C) aqueous out-reactor environments simulating the CANDU heat transport coolant with various chemical compound additives. Several additives of nitrogen-containing compounds appeared to reduce hydrogen ingress significantly; up to 90% reduction was observed. The beneficial effect of the presence of nitrogen on hydrogen uptake in these exposures might be related to its role in the production of ammonia from hydrogen liberated by the zirconium corrosion reactions. The ammonia generation mechanism has been proposed in the Ceramics literature as a means of increasing the yield of cubic zirconia during the hydrothermal oxidation of Zr in the presence of calcium nitrate. The formation of ammonia is associated with a significant reduction in the hydrogen available for pickup by the alloy. This hypothesis was confirmed in our experiments by the detection of ammonia in the post-exposure solutions. For all tested solutions with nitrogen-containing additives, ammonia was detected in the post-exposure solutions, while no ammonia was found in the post-exposure control solution or other solutions with non-nitrogen additives such as boric acid. Results from post-exposure analyses, oxide characterization, and a preliminary investigation into radiolysis implications are presented.
Recovery and Quantification of Mycobacterium Immunogenum DNA from Metalworking Fluids Using Dual-Labeled Probes
Authors: Veillette M , Pagé G , Thorne PS , Duchaine C
Published: March 2005

Mycobacteria in metalworking fluids (MWF) are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis but are difficult to recover using culture. Quantitative PCR is a promising approach to quantify mycobacteria, but three challenges exist: mycobacterial cell lysis, high-yield DNA extraction, and removal of PCR inhibitors. We used Mycobacterium spp. primers to amplify polymorphic regions of 16S-rDNA flanked with highly conserved regions. A standard curve was constructed by cloning M. immunogenum amplification product. We developed single tube DNA extraction employing mixer mill cell disruption, enzymatic digestions (lysozyme, proteinase K) followed by a mechanical disruption, and column purification. MWF was spiked with M. immunogenum, and DNA was successfully extracted. Mycobacterial 16S-RNA genes were quantified by comparing PCR amplification detection (Cycle Threshold) from our samples with that obtained from the standard curve. Recovery and quantification of mycobacterial DNA from spiked samples approached 100 %. A rapid method for quantification of mycobacteria in MWF was demonstrated.
The Disulfide Isomerase Grp58 Is a Protective Factor against Prion Neurotoxicity
Authors: Hetz Claudio , Russelakis-Carneiro Milene , Wälchli Sébastien , Carboni Sonia , Vial-Knecht Elisabeth , Maundrell Kinsey , Castilla Joaquín , Soto Claudio
Published: March 2005

Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative disorders characterized by extensive neuronal apoptosis and accumulation of misfolded prion protein (PrPSC). Recent reports indicate that PrPSCinduces neuronal apoptosis via activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway and activation of the ER resident caspase-12. Here, we investigate the relationship between prion replication and induction of ER stress during different stages of the disease in a murine scrapie model. The first alteration observed consists of the upregulation of the ER chaperone of the glucose-regulated protein Grp58, which was detected during the presymptomatic phase and followed closely the formation of PrPSC. An increase in Grp58 expression correlated with PrPSCaccumulation at all stages of the disease in different brain areas, suggesting that this chaperone may play an important role in the cellular response to prion infection. Indeed,in vitrostudies using N2a neuroblastoma cells demonstrated that inhibition of Grp58 expression with small interfering RNA led to a significant enhancement of PrPSCtoxicity. Conversely, overexpression of Grp58 protected cells against PrPSCtoxicity and decreased the rate of caspase-12 activation. Grp58 and PrP were shown to interact by coimmunoprecipitation, observing a higher interaction in cells infected with scrapie prions. Our data indicate that expression of Grp58 is an early cellular response to prion replication, acting as a neuroprotective factor against prion neurotoxicity. Our findings suggest that targeting Grp58 interaction may have applications for developing novel strategies for treatment and early diagnosis of prion diseases.
Stimulation of Microglial Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor mGlu2 Triggers Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Induced Neurotoxicity in Concert with Microglial-Derived Fas Ligand
Authors: Taylor Deanna L. , Jones Fleur , Kubota Eva S. F. Chen Seho , Pocock Jennifer M.
Published: March 2005

Activated microglia may be detrimental to neuronal survival in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, strategies that reduce microglial neurotoxicity may have therapeutic benefit. Stimulation of group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors on rat primary microglia with the specific group II agonist 2S,2′R,3′R-2-(2′,3′-dicarboxy-cyclopropyl)glycine for 24 h induced microglial activation and resulted in a neurotoxic microglial phenotype. These effects were attributable to preferential mGlu2 stimulation, becauseN-acetyl-l-aspartyl-l-glutamate, a specific mGlu3 agonist, did not induce microglial activation or neurotoxicity. Stimulation of microglial mGlu2 but not mGlu3 induced caspase-3 activation in cerebellar granule neurons in culture, using microglial-conditioned media as well as cocultures. Stimulation of microglial mGlu2 induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) release, which contributed to microglial neurotoxicity mediated via neuronal TNF receptor 1 and caspase-3 activation. Stimulation of microglial group I or III mGlu receptors did not induce TNFα release. TNFα was only neurotoxic in the presence of microglia or microglial-conditioned medium. The toxicity of TNFα could be prevented by coexposure of neurons to conditioned medium from microglia stimulated by the specific group III agonistl-2-amino-4-phosphono-butyric acid. The neurotoxicity of TNFα derived from mGlu2-stimulated microglia was potentiated by microglial-derived Fas ligand (FasL), the death receptor ligand. FasL was constitutively expressed in microglia and shed after mGlu2 stimulation. Our data suggest that selective and inverse modulation of microglial mGlu2 and mGlu3 may prove a therapeutic target in neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Loss of Swiss Cheese/Neuropathy Target Esterase Activity Causes Disruption of Phosphatidylcholine Homeostasis and Neuronal and Glial Death in AdultDrosophila
Authors: Mühlig-Versen Max , da Cruz Alexandre Bettencourt , Tschäpe Jakob-Andreas , Moser Markus , Büttner Reinhard , Athenstaedt Karin , Glynn Paul , Kretzschmar Doris
Published: March 2005

TheDrosophila Swiss cheese(sws) mutant is characterized by progressive degeneration of the adult nervous system, glial hyperwrapping, and neuronal apoptosis. The Swiss cheese protein (SWS) shares 39% sequence identity with human neuropathy target esterase (NTE), and a brain-specific deletion of SWS/NTE in mice causes a similar pattern of progressive neuronal degeneration. NTE reacts with organophosphate compounds that cause a paralyzing axonal degeneration in humans and has been shown to degrade endoplasmic reticulum-associated phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) in cultured mammalian cells. However, its function within the nervous system has remained unknown. Here, we show that both the fly and mouse SWS proteins can rescue the defects that arise inswsmutant flies, whereas a point mutation in the proposed active site cannot restore SWS function. Overexpression of catalytically active SWS caused formation of abnormal intracellular membraneous structures and cell death. Cell-specific expression revealed that not only neurons but also glia depend autonomously on SWS. In wild-type flies, endogenous SWS was detected by immmunohistochemistry in the endoplasmic reticulum (the primary site of PtdCho processing) of neurons and in some glia. swsmutant flies lacked NTE-like esterase activity and had increased levels of PtdCho. Conversely, overexpression of SWS resulted in increased esterase activity and reduced PtdCho. We conclude that SWS is essential for membrane lipid homeostasis and cell survival in both neurons and glia of the adultDrosophilabrain and that NTE may play an analogous role in vertebrates.
Configuration Interaction: Corrections for Size‐Consistency
Authors: Szalay Péter G.
Published: March 2005

In this article, the size‐consistency corrected MR‐CI methods are reviewed. First, the origin of the size‐consistency error of the CI method is analyzed and the possible corrections derived, in particular, the importance of the EPV (exclusion principle violating) terms is discussed. A complete list of methods using such a correction is presented. These methods belong to two groups depending on whether the correction modifies the original CI equations or just the CI energy is correcteda posteriori. The first group is referred to asCEPA‐type methods, while the second one is known asDavidson‐type methods. According to the approximation used for the correction, the methods can be classified whether they include EPV terms or not.

Guidance for choosing the best among thse methods will be given on the basis of theoretical arguments, availability, and numerical experience. The latter analysis is mostly based on data from the literature but this article will also present some results to demonstrate the performance of the various methods. Importance of the possible calculation of analytical gradients is also discussed.
Inside the Experiences of High-Achieving African American Male Students
Authors: Harper Shaun R.
Published: March 2005

More than two-thirds of all African American males who begin college never finish. This and a legion of other discouraging facts about African American males are the usual headlines. But what about those among this population who beat the odds, make the most of college, and achieve in multiple ways inside and outside of the classroom? Who are they, and what can they teach us?
My Medicated Students
Authors: Williams Lee Burdette
Published: March 2005

I'm not that kind of doctor.
On Bonds and Bridges
Authors: McDonald William M.
Published: March 2005

What it takes to construct a strong community.
Kombinierte Säurekatalyse in der asymmetrischen Synthese durch “Designer‐Säuren”
Authors: Yamamoto Hisashi , Futatsugi Kentaro
Published: March 2005

Lewis‐ und Brønsted‐Säuren können durch verfeinerte Techniken in effektivere Reagentien überführt werden. Ziel der Entwicklung solcher “Designer‐Säuren” sind hohe Reaktivitäten und Selektivitäten sowie eine vielseitige Anwendbarkeit bei Reaktionen, die das Potenzial von Säurekatalysatoren nicht vollständig ausschöpfen. In der Katalysatorplanung wird insbesondere das Konzept der kombinierten Säuren zum Design enantioselektiver Katalysen genutzt. Diese sind unterteilt in Brønsted‐Säure‐aktivierte Lewis‐Säuren (BLAs), Lewis‐Säure‐aktivierte Lewis‐Säuren (LLAs), Lewis‐Säure‐aktivierte Brønsted‐Säuren (LBAs) und Brønsted‐Säure‐aktivierte Brønsted‐Säuren (BBAs). Bei der kombinierten Anwendung von Säuren bleibt zum einen die inhärente Reaktivität der assoziierten Komponenten erhalten, zum anderen stehen höher organisierte Strukturen zur Verfügung, die eine wirksame asymmetrische Umgebung schaffen.
Kontroversen in der Chemie: Wie beweist man ein Negativum? – Die Fälle Phlogiston und Kalte Fusion
Authors: Labinger Jay A. , Weininger Stephen J.
Published: March 2005

Ob Sie es glauben oder nicht: Manchmal kann es schwierig sein zu beweisen, dass eine Vorstellung falsch ist, wenn sie den menschlichen Geist einmal erfasst hat. Dieser Umstand wird anhand der beiden zeitlich getrennten Fälle Phlogiston und kalte Fusion veranschaulicht. Auch wenn sich diese beiden Fälle klar unterscheiden, belegen sie doch, wie schwer es sein kann, die Nichtexistenz einer einmal gefassten Vorstellung zu beweisen.
Controversy in Chemistry: How Do You Prove a Negative?—The Cases of Phlogiston and Cold Fusion
Authors: Labinger Jay A. , Weininger Stephen J.
Published: March 2005

Believe it or not: It can sometimes be difficult to prove an idea is wrong once it has caught the human imagination. This situation is demonstrated for the two temporally separated cases of phlogiston and cold fusion. Although there are clear differences between the two cases, they both illustrate how difficult it can be to prove the non‐existence of a conceived idea.
Correlations between access to mammography and breast cancer stage at diagnosis
Authors: Marchick Julie , Henson Donald E.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of data on the access to mammography and its relation to the incidence of early breast cancer. In this study, the authors evaluated access by correlating geographically the number of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐certified mammography facilities and the AJCC stage of breast cancer at diagnosis by county.

METHODS

Breast cancer incidence rates and stage at diagnosis were compared with the number of FDA‐certified mammography facilities by county in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results reporting areas. The objective was to determine whether the number of certified facilities was associated with the percent of breast cancers diagnosed at the in situ stage. This was a multiple‐group ecologic study, and counties were used as the units of analysis.

RESULTS

There was a strong correlation between the number of mammography facilities and the population of a county, whereas there was no correlation between the number of mammography facilities and the land area of a county. A correlation existed between the percent of incident breast cancers that were diagnosed as in situ disease and the number of mammography facilities per 10,000 women among both whites and African Americans.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an association between the number of mammography facilities and population. In counties with ≥ 30,000 black and white females, 1) the percent of in situ breast cancers in black women and white women was correlated with the number of facilities per 10,000 women, indicating that population density is a factor in access for both racial groups; 2) except for 2 counties with ≥ 30,000 black women, the percent of incident in situ cases was similar in both black women and white women, indicating equal access in both groups; and 3) there was a correlation between the percent in situ incidence and number of facilities per 1000 square miles in white women, but not in black women. There was a direct correlation of statewide mammography rates with the number of facilities per 1000 square miles, indicating that the rate of screening depends on availability. Maximum rates of statewide screening were achieved when there were > 15 mammography facilities per 1000 square miles. Cancer 2005;103:1571–80. © 2005 American Cancer Society.