bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supratentorial Age-Related White Matter Changes Predict Outcome in Cerebellar Stroke
Authors: Grips Eva , Sedlaczek Oliver , Bäzner Hansjörg , Fritzinger Michael , Daffertshofer Michael , Hennerici Michael
Published: August 2005

Background and Purpose—

Little is known about the relevance of age related white matter lesions (WMLs) concerning outcome after first-ever territorial stroke. Based on an index patient, we hypothesized that age and pre-existent WMLs rather than infarct volume and topography determine outcome.

Patients and Methods—

Thirty-four consecutive patients with magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging–proven isolated acute cerebellar infarction were prospectively entered on our stroke data registry. Patients with pre-existent neurological deficits, hemorrhagic, or malignant cerebellar infarction were excluded. Patients were stratified using Rankin and Barthel disability scales into groups: I complete recovery, II moderate, and III significant disability 14 days after stroke onset.

Results—

Initial neurological and functional scores were similar among all the groups with vertigo, nausea, unsteadiness, and limb ataxia being the most common. Infarct volume, vascular territories, and comorbidity did not predict clinical outcome. In contrast, presence and severity of supratentorial WMLs and age significantly determined outcome by functional tests.

Conclusions—

In patients with isolated cerebellar infarction functional outcome correlated with the coexistence of age-related WMLs rather than stroke volume and topography. This reflects the loss of compensatory network integrity as the equivalent of functional incapacity beyond local lesion disturbances.
3D Ultrasound Measurement of Change in Carotid Plaque Volume
Authors: Ainsworth Craig D. , Blake Christopher C. , Tamayo Arturo , Beletsky Vadim , Fenster Aaron , Spence J. David
Published: August 2005

Background and Purpose—

New therapies are being developed that are antiatherosclerotic but that lack intermediate end points, such as changes in plasma lipids, which can be measured to test efficacy. To study such treatments, it will be necessary to directly measure changes in atherosclerosis. The study was designed to determine sample sizes needed to detect effects of treatment using 3D ultrasound (US) measurement of carotid plaque.

Methods—

In 38 patients with carotid stenosis >60%, age±SD 69.42±7.87 years, 15 female, randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to 80 mg atorvastatin daily (n=17) versus placebo (n=21), we measured 3D plaque volume at baseline and after 3 months by disc segmentation of voxels representing carotid artery plaque, after 3D reconstruction of parallel transverse duplex US scans into volumetric 3D data sets.

Results—

There were no significant differences in baseline risk factors. The rate of progression was 16.81±74.10 mm
3
in patients taking placebo versus regression of −90.25±85.12 mm
3
in patients taking atorvastatin (
P
<0.0001)

Conclusions—

3D plaque volume measurement can show large effects of therapy on atherosclerosis in 3 months in sample sizes of ≈20 patients per group. Sample sizes of 22 per group would be sufficient to show an effect size of 25% that of atorvastatin in 6 months. This technology promises to be very useful in evaluation of new therapies.
Stirring by Small-Scale Vortices Caused by Patchy Mixing
Authors: Sundermeyer Miles A. , Ledwell James R. , Oakey Neil S. , Greenan Blair J. W.
Published: August 2005

Evidence is presented that lateral dispersion on scales of 1–10 km in the stratified waters of the continental shelf may be significantly enhanced by stirring by small-scale geostrophic motions caused by patches of mixed fluid adjusting in the aftermath of diapycnal mixing events. Dye-release experiments conducted during the recent Coastal Mixing and Optics (CMO) experiment provide estimates of diapycnal and lateral dispersion. Microstructure observations made during these experiments showed patchy turbulence on vertical scales of 1–10 m and horizontal scales of a few hundred meters to a few kilometers. Momentum scaling and a simple random walk formulation were used to estimate the effective lateral dispersion caused by motions resulting from lateral adjustment following episodic mixing events. It is predicted that lateral dispersion is largest when the scale of mixed patches is on the order of the internal Rossby radius of deformation, which seems to have been the case for CMO. For parameter values relevant to CMO, lower-bound estimates of the effective lateral diffusivity by this mechanism ranged from 0.1 to 1 m2 s−1. Revised estimates after accounting for the possibility of long-lived motions were an order of magnitude larger and ranged from 1 to 10 m2 s−1. The predicted dispersion is large enough to explain the observed lateral dispersion in all four CMO dye-release experiments examined.
A Model of the Zonally Averaged Stratification and Overturning in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Olbers Dirk , Visbeck Martin
Published: August 2005

The ocean area south of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) frontal system is a region of major watermass modification. Influx of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), small-scale mixing, eddy transport and diffusion, as well as the fluxes of momentum and buoyancy at the sea surface combine in a complex array of processes to generate the unique stratification of the Southern Ocean with its southward uprising isopycnals and northward flux of Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) and Antarctic Bottom Water. Comprehensive analytical models of this scenario are rare. The authors develop and apply a model based on zonally and temporally averaged theory to explain the conversion of NADW into AAIW with all of the aforementioned processes contained in an extremely simplified way. Eddies appear via a transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) approach with a conventional downgradient parameterization of the meridional density flux. The structure of the eddy coefficient is estimated from hydrographic and wind stress data by a simple inverse approach. Mixing is limited to a near-surface layer and is treated in a most simple entrainment form. The model determines the zonal mean density stratification in the Southern Ocean and the baroclinic transport of the ACC from the applied wind stress and the surface density flux and unravels the role and importance of the different processes responsible for shaping the stratification (Ekman and eddy-induced advection and pumping, mixing, surface buoyancy flux, and eddy-induced diffusion). All of these processes must be present to yield an agreement between the simulated stratification and the observed one, but details of their parameterization might not be too critical. The ACC transport is shown to have a contribution forced by the local wind stress as well as another contribution relating to the nonlocal forcing by wind stress and density flux over the entire Antarctic zone.
Wind Effects on Shoaling Wave Shape
Authors: Feddersen Falk , Veron Fabrice
Published: August 2005

Near the shore, cross-shore winds strongly affect the location of the break point and the breaking-wave height. From casual observation from the beach, wind direction (onshore or offshore) and speed also appear to affect wave shape (i.e., skewness and asymmetry), although as of yet this effect has not been quantified near the shore. The effect of wind on shoaling wave shape is investigated with laboratory experiments using monochromatic waves and onshore-directed wind. Wind increases the shoaling wave energy at discrete multiples of the primary frequency and has a significant effect on the wave shape at both a deeper and shallower shoaling locations. At the shallower location, the ratio of wave energy at 2 times the primary frequency to the primary frequency is also a function of wind speed, indicating interaction between the wind and the nonlinear wave shoaling process. Nearshore wave models do not account for these wind effects. Incorrect predictions of third-order velocity moments (wave shape), believed to control wave-driven sediment transport, would result in incorrect beach morphological evolution predictions.
Extracellular KIT receptor mutants, commonly found in core binding factor AML, are constitutively active and respond to imatinib mesylate
Authors: Cammenga Jörg , Horn Stefan , Bergholz Ulla , Sommer Gunhild , Besmer Peter , Fiedler Walter , Stocking Carol
Published: August 2005

Multiple genetic alterations are required to induce acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Mutations in the extracellular domain of the KIT receptor are almost exclusively found in patients with AML carrying translocations or inversions affecting members of the core binding factor (CBF) gene family and correlate with a high risk of relapse. We demonstrate that these complex insertion and deletion mutations lead to constitutive activation of the KIT receptor, which induces factor-independent growth of interleukin-3 (IL-3)–dependent cells. Mutation of the evolutionary conserved amino acid D419 within the extracellular domain was sufficient to constitutively activate the KIT receptor, although high expression levels were required. Dose-dependent growth inhibition and apoptosis were observed using either the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (STI571, Gleevec) or by blocking the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT pathway. Our data show that the addition of kinase inhibitors to conventional chemotherapy might be a new therapeutic option for CBF-AML expressing mutant KIT.
Potential approach to immunotherapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): enhanced immunogenicity of CLL cells via infection with vectors encoding for multiple costimulatory molecules
Authors: Palena Claudia , Foon Kenneth A. , Panicali Dennis , Yafal Alicia Gómez , Chinsangaram Jarasvech , Hodge James W. , Schlom Jeffrey , Tsang Kwong Y.
Published: August 2005

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease of CD5+ B lymphocytes (designated as CLL cells) that are inefficient antigen-presenting cells. Their poor ability to present antigens to the T cells, largely due to an inadequate costimulatory capacity, is manifested as a failure to stimulate proliferation of both allogeneic and autologous T cells. We have investigated the ability of in vitro manipulated CLL cells, via hyperexpression of a triad of costimulatory molecules (B7-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and leukocyte-function–associated antigen 3 [LFA-3], designated TRICOM), to stimulate effective antitumor T-cell responses. A recombinant modified vaccinia virus strain Ankara (MVA), which is a highly attenuated, replication-impaired virus variant, was successfully used to infect and deliver the simultaneous expression of the 3 human costimulatory molecules in TRICOM on the surface of the CLL cells. Proliferation of allogeneic and autologous T cells was observed when MVA-TRICOM–infected CLL cells were used as stimulators in proliferation assays. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes, generated in vitro by stimulation of autologous T cells with MVA-TRICOM–infected CLL cells, showed cytotoxicity against unmodified/uninfected CLL cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the use of CLL cells infected ex vivo with MVA-TRICOM or direct injection of MVA-TRICOM in patients with CLL has potential for the immunotherapy of CLL.
Human CD8+ T cells store CXCR1 in a distinct intracellular compartment and up-regulate it rapidly to the cell surface upon activation
Authors: Gasser Olivier , Missiou Anna , Eken Ceylan , Hess Christoph
Published: August 2005

Activation and subsequent differentiation of naive CD8+ T cells lead to the development of memory subsets with distinct homing and effector capacities. On nonlymphoid homing subsets, expression of “inflammatory” chemokine receptors (such as CXCR3, CCR5, CX3CR1, and CXCR1) is believed to promote migration into sites of infection/inflammation. Here we show that CXCR1 can be up-regulated to the cell surface within minutes of activating human CD8+ T cells. No concurrent up-regulation of other inflammatory chemokine receptors was observed. Up-regulation of CXCR1 preferentially occurred on central memory CD8+ T cells—that is, cells with a lymph node homing phenotype—and was functionally relevant. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed CXCR1 to be present in intracellular vesicles that do not significantly colocalize with perforin, RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), or the lysosomal marker CD63. By contrast, partial colocalization with the Golgi marker GM130, the constitutive secretory pathway marker β2-microglobulin, and the early endosome marker EEA1 was observed. Up-regulation of CXCR1 did not occur after T-cell receptor cross-linking. By contrast, supernatants from activated neutrophils, but not from monocytes or dendritic cells, induced its up-regulation. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells can rapidly adapt their homing properties by mobilizing CXCR1 from a distinct intracellular compartment.
Vitamin K epoxide reductase significantly improves carboxylation in a cell line overexpressing factor X
Authors: Sun Yan-Mei , Jin Da-Yun , Camire Rodney M. , Stafford Darrel W.
Published: August 2005

Previously we reported that we could increase the fraction of carboxylated factor X by reducing the affinity of the propeptide for its binding site on human gamma glutamyl carboxylase. We attributed this to an increased turnover rate. However, even with the reduced affinity propeptide, when sufficient overproduction of factor X is achieved, there is still a significant fraction of uncarboxylated recombinant factor X. We report here that the factor X of such a cell line was only 52% carboxylated but that the fraction of carboxylated factor X could be increased to 92% by coexpressing the recently identified gene for vitamin K epoxide reductase. Because vitamin K is in excess in both the untransfected and vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR)–transfected cells, the simplest explanation for this result is that VKOR catalyzes both the reduction of vitamin K epoxide to vitamin K and the conversion of vitamin K to vitamin K hydroquinone. In addition to its mechanistic relevance, this observation has practical implications for overproducing recombinant vitamin K–dependent proteins for therapeutic use.
The non-invasive documentation of coronary microcirculation impairment: role of transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Dimitrow Pawel Petkow , Galderisi Maurizio , Rigo Fausto
Published: August 2005

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic-derived coronary flow reserve is an useful hemodynamic index to assess dysfunction of coronary microcirculation. Isolated coronary microvascular abnormalities are overt by reduced coronary flow reserve despite normal epicardial coronary arteries. These abnormalities may occur in several diseases (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, syndrome X, aortic valve disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy). The prognostic role of impaired microvascular coronary flow reserve has been shown unfavourable especially in hypertrophic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathies. Coronary flow reserve reduction may be reversible, for instance after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy subsequent to valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis, after anti-hypertensive treatment or using cholesterol lowering drugs. Coronary flow reserve may increase by 30% or more after pharmacological therapy and achieve normal level >3.0. In contrast to other non invasive tools as positron emission tomography, very expensive and associated with radiation exposure, transthoracic Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve is equally non invasive but cheaper, very accessible and prone to a reliable exploration of coronary microvascular territories, otherwise not detectable by invasive coronary angiography, able to visualize only large epicardial arteries.
In vivo rescue of defective memory CD8+ T cells by cognate helper T cells
Authors: Kumaraguru Udayasankar , Banerjee Kaustuv , Rouse Barry T
Published: August 2005

The magnitude and efficacy of CD8+ T cell memory may notably regress, especially if immune induction occurs in the absence of adequate CD4+ help. This report demonstrates that this CD8+ memory malfunction could be remedied if a source of cognate antigen-recognizing helper cells were provided during recall. The inability of adoptive transfer of memory SIINFEKL-specific CD8 cells to reject tumors was overcome if recipients were primed for ovalbumin-specific helper cell responses. Additionally, animals primed for a SIINFEKL-specific memory response and incapable of rejecting the tumor could regain protective immunity if given helper cells. This pattern of CD8+ T cell functional rescue or reprogramming by helper cell transfer was replicated using a Herpes simplex virus antiviral immunity system. Our results could mean that therapeutic vaccine approaches could be designed to compensate situations that have defective CD8+ T cell function.
Chronic Elevation of Parathyroid Hormone in Mice Reduces Expression of Sclerostin by Osteocytes: A Novel Mechanism for Hormonal Control of Osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Bellido T. , Ali A. A. , Gubrij I. , Plotkin L. I. , Fu Q. , O’Brien C. A. , Manolagas S. C. , Jilka R. L.
Published: August 2005

Both chronic excess of PTH, as in hyperparathyroidism, and intermittent elevation of PTH (by daily injections) increase the number of osteoblasts; albeit, the former is associated with bone catabolism and the later with bone anabolism. Intermittent PTH increases osteoblast number by attenuating osteoblast apoptosis, an effect that requires the transcription factor Runx2. However, chronic elevation of PTH does not affect osteoblast apoptosis because it stimulates the proteasomal degradation of Runx2. Here, we studied the effects of PTH on Sost, a Runx2 target gene expressed in osteocytes (former osteoblasts embedded in the bone matrix), which antagonizes the pro-osteoblastogenic actions of bone morphogenetic proteins and Wnts. We report that continuous infusion of PTH to mice for 4 d decreased Sost mRNA expression in vertebral bone by 80–90%. This effect was accompanied by a comparable reduction of sclerostin, the product of Sost, in osteocytes, as determined by quantitative immunoblot analysis of bone extracts and by immunostaining. In contrast, a single injection of PTH caused a transient 50% reduction in Sost mRNA at 2 h, but four daily injections had no effect on Sost mRNA or sclerostin. PTH strongly decreased Sost expression in osteocytes formed in primary cultures of neonatal murine calvaria cells as well as in osteocytic MLO-A5 cells, demonstrating a direct effect of PTH on this cell type. These results, together with evidence that sclerostin antagonizes bone morphogenetic proteins and Wnts, strongly suggest that suppression of Sost by PTH represents a novel mechanism for hormonal control of osteoblastogenesis mediated by osteocytes.
Analysis of the Biochemical Mechanisms for the Endocrine Actions of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23
Authors: Yu Xijie , Ibrahimi Omar A. , Goetz Regina , Zhang Fuming , Davis Siobhan I. , Garringer Holly J. , Linhardt Robert J. , Ornitz David M. , Mohammadi Moosa , White Kenneth E.
Published: August 2005

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 has emerged as an endocrine regulator of phosphate and of vitamin D metabolism. It is produced in bone and, unlike other FGFs, circulates in the bloodstream to ultimately regulate phosphate handling and vitamin D production in the kidney. Presently, it is unknown which of the seven principal FGF receptors (FGFRs) transmits FGF23 biological activity. Furthermore, the molecular basis for the endocrine mode of FGF23 action is unclear. Herein, we performed surface plasmon resonance and mitogenesis experiments to comprehensively characterize receptor binding specificity. Our data demonstrate that FGF23 binds and activates the c splice isoforms of FGFR1–3, as well as FGFR4, but not the b splice isoforms of FGFR1–3. Interestingly, highly sulfated and longer glycosaminoglycan (GAG) species were capable of promoting FGF23 mitogenic activity. We also show that FGF23 induces tyrosine phosphorylation and inhibits sodium-phosphate cotransporter Npt2a mRNA expression using opossum kidney cells, a model kidney proximal tubule cell line. Removal of cell surface GAGs abolishes the effects of FGF23, and exogenous highly sulfated GAG is capable of restoring FGF23 activity, suggesting that proximal tubule cells naturally express GAGs that are permissive for FGF23 action. We propose that FGF23 signals through multiple FGFRs and that the unique endocrine actions of FGF23 involve escape from FGF23-producing cells and circulation to the kidney, where highly sulfated GAGs most likely act as cofactors for FGF23 activity. Our biochemical findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms by which dysregulated FGF23 signaling leads to disorders of hyper- and hypophosphatemia.
High-Resolution Serum Proteomic Profiling of Alzheimer Disease Samples Reveals Disease-Specific, Carrier-Protein–Bound Mass Signatures
Authors: Lopez Mary F , Mikulskis Alvydas , Kuzdzal Scott , Bennett David A , Kelly Jeremiah , Golenko Eva , DiCesare Joseph , Denoyer Eric , Patton Wayne F , Ediger Richard , Sapp Lisa , Ziegert Tillmann , Lynch Christopher , Kramer Susan , Whiteley Gordon R , Wall Michael R , Mannion David P , della Cioppa Guy , Rakitan John S , Wolfe Gershon M
Published: August 2005

Background: Researchers typically search for disease markers using a “targeted” approach in which a hypothesis about the disease mechanism is tested and experimental results either confirm or disprove the involvement of a particular gene or protein in the disease. Recently, there has been interest in developing disease diagnostics based on unbiased quantification of differences in global patterns of protein and peptide masses, typically in blood from individuals with and without disease. We combined a suite of methods and technologies, including novel sample preparation based on carrier-protein capture and biomarker enrichment, high-resolution mass spectrometry, a unique cohort of well-characterized persons with and without Alzheimer disease (AD), and powerful bioinformatic analysis, that add statistical and procedural robustness to biomarker discovery from blood.

Methods: Carrier-protein–bound peptides were isolated from serum samples by affinity chromatography, and peptide mass spectra were acquired by a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) orthogonal time-of-flight (O-TOF) mass spectrometer capable of collecting data over a broad mass range (100 to >300 000 Da) in a single acquisition. Discriminatory analysis of mass spectra was used to process and analyze the raw mass spectral data.

Results: Coupled with the biomarker enrichment protocol, the high-resolution MALDI O-TOF mass spectra provided informative, reproducible peptide signatures. The raw mass spectra were analyzed and used to build discriminant disease models that were challenged with blinded samples for classification.

Conclusions: Carrier-protein enrichment of disease biomarkers coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry and discriminant pattern analysis is a powerful technology for diagnostics and population screening. The mass fingerprint model successfully classified blinded AD patient and control samples with high sensitivity and specificity.
Cantilever-Type Local Deformation Transducer for Local Axial Strain Measurement in Triaxial Test
Authors: Yimsiri S , Soga K , Chandler SG
Published: August 2005

The cantilever-type local deformation transducer (cantilever-LDT) was developed as an alternative local axial strain measurement device for triaxial testing. The transducer behaves as a cantilever beam and the deflection at its free-end is measured by the output from the strain gages attached near the fixed-end. By placing two cantilever-LDTs along the same vertical alignment but at different levels of a specimen, the local axial strain is obtained from the relative movements of two cantilever-LDTs. The advantages over the original-LDT proposed by Goto et al. (1991) are: (i) a linear calibration curve, (ii) capability to release itself at large strains, and (iii) larger working range. With a gage length of 50 mm, the resolution, accuracy, and working range are 0.0012 %, 0.003 %, and 6 %, respectively. The triaxial test results on heavily overconsolidated clay specimens show that the cantilever-LDT can be used satisfactorily to measure the local axial strain accurately, but the reliability depends very much on the quality of specimen preparation and setup.
New Local System of Measurement of Axial Strains for Triaxial Apparatus Using LVDT
Authors: Ibraim E , Di Benedetto H
Published: August 2005

This paper presents a new local system of measurement of axial strains for triaxial apparatus using LVDT. The bodies of four nonsubmersible transducers are supported by an independent circular ring, while the rods are simply put on local targets (pins pushed through the membrane into the sample). A flexible metal plate is used to attach the body of the LVDT to the circular ring and a nonrigid connection is considered between the rod and the pin. These original developments allow the system to investigate the soil behavior in large strains, up to 15 × 10−2 m/m, and to accommodate the radial deformation, tilting, and usually inevitable barreling of the sand specimen. The soil stiffness in the small strain domain, less than some 10−5 m/m, can be evaluated with good accuracy, as well as its evolution during triaxial compression or extension tests. The assessment of errors is discussed and the performance of the device is shown with results of tests on Hostun RF sand.
Apparatus Induced Error in Hydraulic Conductivity Measurement Using a Lucite® Fixed Wall Permeameter
Authors: Yeung AT , Sadek SM
Published: August 2005

Hydraulic conductivity is the most variable parameter in geotechnical engineering. Although accurate measurement of hydraulic conductivity of fine-grained soil is not an easy task, it is often required to satisfy the legitimate requirements of various agencies regulating the design, construction, and operation of compacted clay liners. Results are sensitive to the experimental apparatus and testing procedure used for the measurement. As the flow volumes being measured are very small, any minute leakage of permeant during the test will significantly affect the results obtained. The quantification of a significant unexpected loss of permeant through fixed wall permeameters made of Lucite is documented and discussed in this paper.
Application of High-Speed Digital CCD Cameras to Observe Static and Dynamic Deformation Characteristics of Sand
Authors: Watanabe K , Koseki J , Tateyama M
Published: August 2005

A mesh-printed membrane was often used to evaluate the deformation of soil quantitatively, in bearing capacity tests or plain strain compression tests. The deformation of soil can be evaluated quantitatively by measuring the displacement of each mesh captured by taking pictures. However, this method requires much time to obtain the displacement and cannot be applied to the dynamic field, such as shaking table tests, because of the limitation of frame rate of the conventional analog camera. In this study, a new image processing system using a high-speed digital CCD camera was established to make it possible to evaluate the deformation characteristics of models quantitatively and automatically in both static and dynamic fields. Further, this system was applied to the shaking table tests on a retaining wall model, and the magnitude of seismic earth pressure was found to be influenced strongly by the seismic behavior of the backfill soil.
Behavior of Embedded Footings Supported on Geogrid Cell Reinforced Foundation Beds
Authors: Sitharam TG , Sireesh S
Published: August 2005

The results from laboratory model tests on an embedded circular footing supported on geogrid cell reinforced foundation beds are presented. The embedment depth of the footing (depth of placement of the footing with respect to the fill surface) was varied from zero to 0.6 times the footing width with foundation beds made of dry sand and saturated silty clay. The cellular mattress was prepared using a biaxial polymer geogrid, called a “Geogrid cell.” The various parameters studied in this testing program include the depth of placement of cellular mattress below the footing base, width, and height of the cellular mattress. The load carrying capacity of the geogrid-cell reinforced sand beds have improved up to about 9.5 times with increase in the embedment depth of foundation as against 6.5 times for surface footings. In case of cellular reinforced soft clay beds, a fourfold increase in the performance of the surface footing is observed against unreinforced bed, and it increases up to 5.5 with the footing embedment depth. In case of sand beds, the increased performance of the footing is observed with increase in footing settlement. In case of clay beds a sharp decrease in performance improvement of the footing at around 15 % of the footing settlement is observed at all embedment depths. The effect of embedment depth of footing becomes marginal in case of sand beds when compared with clay beds at higher embedment depths. The sand bed was instrumented with earth pressure cells, and strain gages were mounted on a strip of geogrid that was placed below the cellular mattress. The earth pressure cells embedded in the subgrade soil show that with insertion of the cellular mattress, the footing pressure is distributed more uniformly over a wider area with footing embedment depth. The strain measurements also show a fairly uniform strain in geogrid strip under footing contact pressure.
Ten Years After Daubert: The Status of the States
Authors: Keierleber JA , Bohan TL
Published: August 2005

This paper examines how many of the states have changed their respective scientific-evidence admissibility standards under the influence of the United States Supreme Court's 1993 Daubert decision. The authors offer a definition of what constitutes a Daubert state, and using this definition classify the fifty states into three categories. These are: Frye states (15 states, 10 with codified evidence rules patterned after the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE)); Daubert states (26 states, 24 with FRE-based rules), and non-Frye/non-Daubert states (9 states, 7 with FRE-based rules). The authors discuss how the reliability requirement varies among the non-Frye states, and examine how particular types of evidence have fared in the Daubert era. Finally, the authors offer some predictions for the scientific evidence trends of the states.
A Large-Scale Statistical Analysis of Barefoot Impressions
Authors: Kennedy RB , Chen S , Pressman IS , Yamashita AB , Pressman AE
Published: August 2005

In an earlier paper, outlines of footprints of persons walking normally were studied to determine whether different people make verifiably distinct footprints. Our basic null hypothesis is: given a footprint outline trace made by Subject A (Alice), then Subject B (Bob), a distinct person, cannot produce a footprint outline trace indistinguishable from that of Alice. We showed in the previous work that the probability of a chance match is less than 10−8. In this paper we report two new advances in our research. First, we establish a rigorous mathematical framework for calculating worstcase and average chance-match probabilities. Second, we repeat the previous experiment to substantiate the earlier results, but with an expanded population sample size and a more representative and significantly bigger repeated sample. These improvements and a new automated tracing procedure for extracting all numerical measures lead to a sharpened accuracy with average chance match probabilities of 7.88 × 10−10 for a general population. In other words, the odds of a chance match are one in 1.27 billion.
Strategy for the Estimation of Chronological Age Using the Aspartic Acid Racemization Method with Special Reference to Coefficient of Correlation Between D/L Ratios and Ages
Authors: Ohtani S , Yamamoto T
Published: August 2005

The estimation of chronological age has been performed by various methods in forensic science. Among these, racemization methods, which are based on the age-dependent non-enzymatic changes of L-form amino acids to D-form mainly using aspartic acid, are one of the most reliable and accurate methods to date. Separation of enantiomers is generally performed by gas chromatography or high performance liquid chromatography. Various tissues with low metabolic rates have been applied for this purpose. In addition, single proteins purified from these target tissues are also applicable. In this brief review we describe this method in detail, noting points of caution, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the different target tissues. In addition, special attention is given to the correlation rates obtained between chronological age and enantiomer ratios. Currently, based on accuracy of estimated age, simplicity of the method, time required, and reproducibility, tooth dentin is considered one of the best target tissues. Alternatively, analysis of osteocalcin and elastin have also provided accurate and reproducible results.
Assessment of HV1 and HV2 mtDNA Variation for Forensic Purposes in an Uruguayan Population Sample
Authors: Pagano S , Sans M , Pimenoff V , Cantera AM , Alvarez JC , Lorente JA , Peco JM , Mones P , Sajantila A
Published: August 2005

In order to assess the utility of mtDNA typing for forensic purposes in Uruguay, a population sample of 120 maternally unrelated individuals were amplified and directly sequenced for the HV1 and for the HV2 segments in the control region of the human mtDNA, following previous international recommendations (1).
Optimal Storage Conditions for Highly Dilute DNA Samples: A Role for Trehalose as a Preserving Agent
Authors: Smith S , Morin PA
Published: August 2005

DNA extraction from trace samples or noninvasively collected samples often results in the recovery of low concentration solutions of DNA that are prone to DNA degradation or other loss. Because of the difficulty in obtaining such samples, and their potentially high value in wildlife and forensic studies, it is critical that optimal methods are employed for their long-term storage. We assessed the amplification yield of samples kept under different storage conditions with the addition of potential preserving agents. We stored dilutions of known concentration human placental DNA, and gorilla fecal DNA, under four conditions (+4°C, −20°C, −80°C, dry at room temperature), and with three additives (Tris EDTA (TE) buffer, Hind III digested Lambda DNA, trehalose). The effectiveness of the treatment methods was tested at regular intervals using qPCR to assess the quantity of amplifiable DNA, and a PCR assay of a larger 757 bp fragment to evaluate the quality of that remaining DNA. The highest quantity of DNA remained in samples stored at —80°C, regardless of storage additives, and those dried at room temperature in the presence of trehalose. Surprisingly, DNA quality was best preserved in the presence of trehalose, either dried or at −80°C; significant quality loss occurred with −20°C and +4°C storage.
A Duplex Real-Time qPCR Assay for the Quantification of Human Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA in Forensic Samples: Implications for Quantifying DNA in Degraded Samples
Authors: Timken MD , Swango KL , Orrego C , Buoncristiani MR
Published: August 2005

A duplex real-time qPCR assay was developed for quantifying human nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in forensic samples. The nuclear portion of the assay utilized amplification of a ∼170–190 bp target sequence that spans the repeat region of the TH01 STR locus, and the mitochondrial portion of the assay utilized amplification of a 69 bp target sequence in the ND1 region. Validation studies, performed on an ABI 7000 SDS instrument using TaqMan® detection, demonstrated that both portions of the duplex assay provide suitable quantification sensitivity and precision down to 10–15 copies of each genome of interest and that neither portion shows cross-reactivity to commonly encountered non-human genomes. As part of the validation studies, a series of DNase-degraded samples were quantified using three different methods: the duplex nuclearmitochondrial qPCR assay, the ABI Quantifiler™ Human DNA Quantification Kit qPCR assay, which amplifies and detects a 62 bp nuclear target sequence, and slot blot hybridization. For non-degraded and moderately degraded samples in the series, all three methods were suitably accurate for quantifying nuclear DNA to achieve successful STR amplifications to yield complete profiles using the ABI AmpFlSTR® Identifiler™ kit. However, for highly degraded samples, the duplex qPCR assay provided better estimates of nuclear template for STR amplification than did either the commercial qPCR assay, which overestimated the quantity of STR-sized DNA fragments, leading to an increased proportion of undetected alleles at the larger STR loci, or slot blot hybridization, which underestimated the quantity of nuclear DNA, leading to an increased proportion of STR amplification artifacts due to amplification of excess template.
A Novel Method for STR-based DNA Profiling Using Microarrays
Authors: Kemp JT , Davis RW , White RL , Wang SX , Webb CD
Published: August 2005

We describe a novel method for rapidly identifying and distinguishing between different DNA sequences using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and DNA microarrays. The method can be used to deduce identity, length, and number of STRs of the target molecule. We refer to this technique as the “variable-length probe array” method for STR profiling (VLPA). The method involves hybridization of the unknown STR target sequence to a DNA microarray displaying complementary probes that vary in length to cover the range of possible STRs. A post-hybridization enzymatic digestion of the DNA hybrids is then used to selectively remove labeled single-stranded regions of DNA from the microarray surface. The number of repeats in the unknown target is then deduced based on the pattern of target DNA that remains hybridized to the array. This DNA profiling technique is useful for performing forensic analysis to uniquely identify individual humans or other species.
Fatality Following Right Atrial Perforation by a Screw-in Pacemaker Electrode
Authors: deRoux SJ
Published: August 2005

This paper describes the first reported fatality from right atrial perforation complicating the insertion of a screw-in right atrial pacemaker electrode. The patient was an 84-year-old woman with the sick sinus syndrome who also had hepatic cirrhosis.
The Influence of Brain Abnormalities on Psychosocial Development, Criminal History and Paraphilias in Sexual Murderers
Authors: Briken P , Habermann N , Berner W , Hill A
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the number and type of brain abnormalities and their influence on psychosocial development, criminal history and paraphilias in sexual murderers. We analyzed psychiatric court reports of 166 sexual murderers and compared a group with notable signs of brain abnormalities (N = 50) with those without any signs (N = 116). Sexual murderers with brain abnormalities suffered more from early behavior problems. They were less likely to cohabitate with the victim at the time of the homicide and had more victims at the age of six years or younger. Psychiatric diagnoses revealed a higher total number of paraphilias: Transvestic fetishism and paraphilias not otherwise specified were more frequent in offenders with brain abnormalities. A binary logistic regression identified five predictors that accounted for 46.8% of the variance explaining the presence of brain abnormalities. Our results suggest the importance of a comprehensive neurological and psychological examination of this special offender group.
A Review of the Analysis of Vegetable Oil Residues from Fire Debris Samples: Spontaneous Ignition, Vegetable Oils, and the Forensic Approach
Authors: Stauffer E
Published: August 2005

This paper reviews the literature on the analysis of vegetable (and animal) oil residues from fire debris samples. The process of selfheating and spontaneous ignition is well-known by fire investigators and causes many fires. Vegetable oils are often the chemicals that originate such phenomenon. Vegetable oils are composed of lipids, which contain fatty acids. The autooxidation of the double bonds present in unsaturated fatty acids is the exothermic reaction at the origin of the self-heating process. The degree of unsaturation of fatty acids directly influences the propensity of an oil to undergo self-heating and, eventually, spontaneous ignition. When fire debris samples are collected, it is possible to examine them at the laboratory to extract and identify vegetable oil residues. This is typically performed by solvent extraction, followed by gas chromatographic(-mass spectrometric) analysis of the extract. Such analyses differ from ignitable liquid residue analyses, so a different forensic approach is necessary.
Analysis of Glass Fragments by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Bajic SJ , Aeschliman DB , Saetveit NJ , Baldwin DP , Houk RS
Published: August 2005

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is used to differentiate glass samples with similar optical and physical properties based on trace elemental composition. Laser ablation increases the number of elements that can be used for differentiation by eliminating problems commonly associated with dissolution and contamination. In this study, standard residential window and tempered glass samples that could not be differentiated by refractive index or density were successfully differentiated by LA-ICP-MS. The primary analysis approach used is Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the complete mass spectrum. PCA, a multivariate analysis technique, provides rapid analysis of samples without time-consuming pair-wise comparison of calibrated analyses or prior knowledge of the elements present in the samples. Probabilities for positive association of the individual samples are derived from PCA. Utilization of the Q-statistic with PCA allowed us to distinguish all samples within the set to a certainty greater than the 99% confidence interval.
A Simplified Method for Mitochondrial DNA Extraction from Head Hair Shafts
Authors: Graffy EA , Foran DR
Published: August 2005

DNA isolation from hair shafts can involve a number of steps, each of which adds time to the procedure and increases the risk of contamination. A simple alkaline digestion procedure that directly dissolves hairs was developed and compared with a widely used glass grinding/organic extraction method, using samples collected from 30 volunteers with varying population ancestries, hair colors, and hair treatments. A 203 bp mtDNA product could be amplified from 90% of samples extracted by alkaline digestion and 73% of hairs extracted by glass grinding. DNA obtained from alkaline digested hair generated equal or greater amplification success for virtually all criteria examined, and mtDNA sequences matched buccal control sequences in all cases. The two methods were similar in DNA yield (amplification success at template dilution) and quality of DNA obtained (amplicon length). Alkaline digestion of hair shafts required 6–7 h to complete, compared to 22–24 h for glass grinding, and proved a less laborious yet equally robust method for mtDNA extraction.
Review of: Human Osteology & Skeletal Radiology: An Atlas and Guide
Authors: Buikstra JE
Published: August 2005

The stated goals of this volume include the presentation of bony anatomy through clear and detailed imagery, without introducing overly complex terminology. These goals are more than met, as this unique atlas should be valuable to any student or practitioner requiring a reference work on human skeletal anatomy and radiology. The authors include specialists and educators in human skeletal and dental anatomy and in medical imaging. This atlas speaks well of their experience and expertise.
Review of: Weight-of-Evidence for Forensic DNA Profiles
Authors: Gill P , Buckleton J
Published: August 2005

For a long time now, David Balding has been considered one of the most gifted mathematicians working in the field of forensic interpretation. His 1994 paper on population subdivision, relatedness and database searching must be one of the top papers of the 90's and led to significant changes in the way that DNA was interpreted in Europe and Australia. This book shows him to be a gifted writer as well.
Review of: Forensic Aspects of Chemical and Biological Terrorism
Authors: Wolf BC
Published: August 2005

The continuing threat of global terrorism has become a reality for western civilization. Although sporadic terrorist attacks against Americans have occurred for decades, events in recent years have highlighted the vulnerability of this country. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Americans have been acutely aware of the likelihood of further attacks. The possibility of bioterrorism also became a reality in 2001, when five Americans were killed and twelve others became ill due to anthrax apparently received through the U.S. mail system. Although terrorists formerly relied on conventional explosives and weapons, we must now be prepared for chemical and biological weapons. In this comprehensive reference book, Dr. Cyril H. Wecht M.D., J.D., draws upon the expertise of national and international experts from many specialties related to chemical and biological terrorism.
Distribution of D12S2080, D16S2619 and D9S1119 Alleles in Chinese Population Sample
Authors: Yu L , Wu X , Liu Z , Chen G , Han J , Liao M , Wang J , Long B , Zhang L
Published: August 2005

A total of 100 EDTA-blood samples were obtained from unrelated individuals of Chinese Han ethnic group in Chengdu of China. DNA was extracted by utilizing the Chelex-100 method as described by Walsh et al. (1). The allelic variation at three STR loci named as D12S2080, D16S2619 and D9S1119 were analyzed by PCR amplification whose respective conditions can be accessed at Nucleotide Database updated by NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), however, their annealing temperatures do not totally amount to those recommended by Database. The details of PCR conditions are described in Table 1. The volume of PCR reaction for each locus was 20 µL containing 2-10 ng DNA, 1 × Taq buffer, 1.5 mM MgCl2, 200 µM each dNTP (Pharmacia Biotech, Sweden), 2.0 U Taq polymerase and 0.3 µM each primer. PCR amplifications were carried out in a GeneAmp PCR System 9600 (Perkin-Elmer).The respective primers of these three loci are described in Table 2.
Review of: A Voice for the Dead
Authors: Brogdon BG
Published: August 2005

For those readers of this Journal who are familiar with Professor Starrs through his writings, lectures, breakfast presentations and television appearances, expectations will be met. For those few previously unexposed, a treat is in store, for this book is vintage Starrs.
Allele Frequency Distribution of the D1S80 VNTR Locus in a Tunisian Population
Authors: Kallel F , Mrad R , Refai M , Chaabouni M , Chaabouni H
Published: August 2005

EDTA blood samples were collected from 200 unrelated Tunisian healthy adults coming from different regions of the country. All subjects gave their informed consent. DNA was extracted from leucocytes by the standard phenol chloroform technique. Ampli.- cation of the D1S80 was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the primers described by Kasai et al. (1). Reaction was performed in a total volume of 50 µL containing 200 ng genomic DNA, 10 mM Tris-Hcl (pH 8.3), 50 mM Kcl, 1.5 mM MgC12, 2.5 units of AmplitaqTM polymerase (Perkin Elmer-Cetus USA), 200 µMdNTP and 1µM of each primer. The thermocycling used GeneAmpR PCR System 9700 PE Applied Biosystems. PCR fragments were analysed using a 3% agarose gel electrophoresis (Agarose LE Promega, France); a D1S80 allelic ladder (Perkin Elmer Cetus) was applied on the gel at two-lane intervals to allow correct sizing of the ampli.ed fragments. DNA fragments were visualised by ethidium bromide staining. Statistical analysis was performed using The TFPGA program version 1.3 (2).