bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of the Electroencephalogram in Normal Horses during Spontaneous Drowsiness and Sleep
Authors: Williams D.C. , Aleman M. , Holliday T.A. , Fletcher D.J. , Tharp B. , Kass P.H. , Steffey E.P. , LeCouteur R.A.
Published: December 2008

Background: The influence of sleep on the equine electroencephalogram (EEG) has not been well documented.

Hypothesis: The objectives were to develop a noninvasive method of electrode placement for recording the EEG in horses and to establish normal EEG parameters for the various states of vigilance. Findings are compared with previously published reports on equine sleep based on electrocorticography (ECoG).

Animals: Five neurologically normal horses.

Methods: Overnight EEGs were recorded digitally in association with simultaneous videotaping of the horses' behavior. Data were analyzed by visual inspection, states of vigilance were identified, and representative segments were quantitatively processed. Transient EEG events were examined.

Results: Slow wave sleep (SWS) was significantly different (P < .05) in frequency and power from drowsiness and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Second‐degree heart block was associated with SWS as were transient events commonly recognized in EEGs of humans. Drowsiness and REM sleep were similar. In both, background activity was low‐amplitude β activity admixed with prominent activity of approximately 4 Hz. Standing REM sleep was associated with numerous partial collapses in 1 horse.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Normative data for several states were described and probable benign variants identified. This information will serve as control data for sedative and anesthetic studies in this species. The sleep patterns observed during this study are those of horses removed from their usual surroundings, and thus may represent those encountered in a clinical environment.
Hypercoagulability in Cats with Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Stokol T. , Brooks M. , Rush J.E. , Rishniw M. , Erb H. , Rozanski E. , Kraus M.S. , Gelzer A.L.
Published: December 2008

Background: Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a common complication of feline cardiomyopathy; however, the pathogenesis of ATE is unknown.

Hypothesis: Systemic activation of the coagulation cascade (hypercoagulability) and endothelial injury promote ATE in cardiomyopathic cats.

Animals: Healthy cats (n = 30) and 3 groups of cardiomyopathic cats: Group (1) left atrial enlargement only (LAE [n = 11]), ie, left atrial to aortic ratio >1.4; Group (2) LAE with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, atrial thrombi or both (SEC‐T [n = 16]); and Group (3) acute ATE with LAE (n = 16).

Methods: Hypercoagulability was defined by 2 or more laboratory abnormalities reflecting coagulation factor excess (high fibrinogen concentration or Factor VIII coagulant activity), inhibitor deficiency (low antithrombin activity), or thrombin generation (high thrombin‐antithrombin complex [TAT] and d‐dimer concentrations). High von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (vWF : Ag) was considered a marker of endothelial injury. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics.

Results: The 3 groups of cats with cardiac disease had higher median fibrinogen concentrations than did the healthy cats. Criteria of hypercoagulability were found exclusively in cats with SEC‐T (50%) and ATE (56%). Hypercoagulability was not associated with left atrial size or congestive heart failure (CHF). ATE cats had significantly higher median vWF : Ag concentration than did the other groups.

Conclusinos and Clinical Importance: Systemic hypercoagulability is evident in many cardiomyopathic cats, often without concurrent CHF or overt ATE. Hypercoagulabilty may represent a risk factor for ATE. High vWF : Ag in ATE cats was attributed to downstream endothelial injury from the occlusive thrombus.
Estimation of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure by Doppler Echocardiography in Dogs with Pacing‐Induced Heart Failure
Authors: Schober K.E. , Stern J.A. , DaCunha D.N.Q.T. , Pedraza‐Toscano A.M. , Shemanski D. , Hamlin R.L.
Published: December 2008

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common clinical syndrome characterized by elevated filling pressure.

Hypothesis: Doppler echocardiographic (DE) variables of left ventricular (LV) filling can predict a decline of LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) induced by acute preload reduction in dogs with compensated CHF.

Animals: Five male hound dogs.

Methods: Dogs previously instrumented with a transvenous cardiac pacemaker and a LV pressure gauge were paced at 160–180 bpm to induce mild CHF characterized by LVEDP > 20 mmHg. LVEDP and 9 DE variables of LV filling derived from diastolic time intervals, transmitral and pulmonary venous flow, and tissue Doppler imaging were measured simultaneously at baseline and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after furosemide (4 mg/kg, IV) or placebo (0.9% saline, IV). Repeated measures analysis of variance and correlation analysis were used to determine the association between the decline of LVEDP after furosemide and DE measures of LV filling pressure (LVFP).

Results: Furosemide but not placebo decreased LVEDP (P < .001). The ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to LV isovolumic relaxation time (E : IVRT) predicted LVEDP best (R2= .50; P < .001). Correlations were also found between LVEDP and IVRT, E, ratio between E and late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E : A), and early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (Ea). The ratio of E to Ea (E : Ea) was not useful in the prediction of LVEDP in this model.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: E : IVRT can be used to predict LVFP in dogs with mild left‐sided CHF induced by rapid pacing.
Idiopathic Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia in 7 Horses
Authors: Bell S.A. , Drew C.P. , Wilson W.D. , Pusterla N.
Published: December 2008

Background: Idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of horses is incompletely described.

Objectives: To describe the physical examination, clinicopathologic, histopathologic, and radiographic features and response to corticosteroid treatment of idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia of horses.

Animals: Seven horses with eosinophilic pneumonia.

Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study.

Results: Anamnesis, clinical signs, and clinicopathologic and radiologic findings in 7 adult horses with histologically confirmed eosinophilic pneumonia were reviewed. The horses were examined for signs of chronic respiratory disease. The horses ranged in age from 8 to 20 years. Significant findings on physical examination included tachypnea and abnormal respiratory sounds. Thoracic radiography revealed severe diffuse interstitial patterns of increased pulmonary density in all horses. There was a predominance of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and 6 of 7 horses had peripheral blood eosinophilia. Lung biopsies revealed eosinophilic infiltrates in all horses. Dexamethasone was administered to 3 horses and resulted in short‐term clinical improvement in all three.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A diagnosis of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia should be considered in horses with a history of chronic pulmonary disease, diffuse interstitial pattern of increased pulmonary density on thoracic radiographs, and a predominance of eosinophils in BALF. Horses with this condition may show a temporary response to treatment with dexamethasone.
A Numerical Investigation into the Effectiveness of Multi-Element Pressure Screen Rotor Foils
Authors: Delfel Sean , Ollivier-Gooch Carl , Olson James
Published: December 2008

Pressure screening is an efficient way to remove unwanted debris from a pulp stream, which improves the quality of the end product paper. Past work has found that increased foil camber and angle-of-attack improve the performance of pressure screen foil rotors by increasing the magnitude and width of the negative pressure pulse on the screen cylinder while at the same time reducing the magnitude of the positive pressure pulse on the screen cylinder. Too large an angle-of-attack or too much camber leads to separation of the flow over the foil and a loss in rotor performance, however. This study therefore investigates, using computational fluid dynamics, the ability of multi-element rotor foils to delay stall over the foil and improve upon the performance of an existing pressure screen rotor foil. In this study, the effect of foil angle-of-attack, flap angle, the geometry of the trailing edge of the main foil, and the positioning of the flap relative to the main foil were studied. A multi-element foil was developed based on the NACA 8312, a foil used in industrial pressure screen rotors. In general, stall was delayed and a larger angle-of-attack was obtained than the single-element foil, and increased camber was added to the foil by deflecting the flap. Positive pressure pulse on the screen cylinder approached a negligible value with both increasing angle-of-attack and increasing flap angle, while the negative pressure pulse increased in magnitude with both increasing angle-of-attack and flap angle before the foil began to separate and the suction was lost. The x-positioning of the flap was shown to have less of an effect on the foil performance than the y-positioning. All told, the magnitude of the negative pressure pulse was increased by 15% while at the same time eliminating the positive pressure pulse.
Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of
Salmonella
Isolates from Infections in Humans in Henan Province, China
Authors: Xia Shengli , Hendriksen Rene S. , Xie Zhiqiang , Huang Lili , Zhang Jin , Guo Wanshen , Xu Bianli , Ran Lu , Aarestrup Frank M.
Published: December 2008

We characterized 208 human
Salmonella
isolates from 2006 to 2007 and 27 human
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium isolates from 1987 to 1993 from Henan Province, China, by serotyping, by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and, for the most common serovars, by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The most common serovars among the 2006-2007 isolates were
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium (27%),
S. enterica
serovar Enteritidis (17%),
S. enterica
serovar Derby (10%),
S. enterica
serovar Indiana (6%), and
S. enterica
serovar Litchfield (6%). A high percentage of the isolates were multiple-drug resistant, and 54% were resistant to both nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Of these, 42% were resistant to a high level of ciprofloxacin (MIC > 4 μg/ml), whereas for the remaining isolates, the MICs ranged from 0.125 to 2 μg/ml. Five isolates (2%) were ceftiofur resistant and harbored
bla
CTX-M14
or
bla
CTX-M15
. With the possible exception of the quinolones and cephalosporins, the 1987-1993
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium isolates were almost as resistant as the recent isolates. PFGE typing of
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium showed that the most common cluster predominated over time. Two other clusters have emerged, and another cluster has disappeared.
Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Infants by Use of Dried Blood Spots and an Ultrasensitive p24 Antigen Assay
Authors: Cachafeiro Ada , Sherman Gayle G. , Sohn Annette H. , Beck-Sague Consuelo , Fiscus Susan A.
Published: December 2008

We tested 617 dried blood spots (DBS) from human immunodeficiency virus-exposed infants from five countries using an ultrasensitive p24 antigen assay (Up24). The sensitivity was 94.4% (67/71) and the specificity was 100% (431/431) for infants with DBS specimens ≤20 months old; DBS older than 30 months demonstrated only 72.2% sensitivity (39/54) (
P
< 0.001) but displayed 100% specificity (61/61).
Development of a Rapid High-Throughput Method for High-Resolution Melting Analysis for Routine Detection and Genotyping of Noroviruses
Authors: Tajiri-Utagawa Etsuko , Hara Masayuki , Takahashi Kuniaki , Watanabe Mayumi , Wakita Takaji
Published: December 2008

We developed a simple, rapid, high-throughput detection and genotyping method for noroviruses using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis to create a difference plot. The capsid gene was amplified by real-time RT-PCR in the presence of ResoLight HRM dye, a saturating DNA dye. Following optimization of the HRM assay conditions, the major norovirus genotypes were selected. Because we had only small quantities of the patient stool samples used in this study, we constructed plasmids for each genotype and used these to optimize the HRM assay. We selected six stool samples, each positive for one of the six dominant subtypes of noroviruses that have been circulating in Japan, namely, genotypes 4, 8, and 9 from genogroup 1 and genotypes 3, 4, and 10 from genogroup 2. The specific high-resolution derivate plot of the HRM assay for each plasmid was constructed by subtracting the melting-curve shape of the plasmid from the reference or base curve. The RNAs extracted from 14 clinical samples positive for small round structured viruses were then directly analyzed using the HRM assay. The HRM data from the clinical RNA samples corresponded with the genotype results obtained by RT-PCR and sequencing of the clinical samples. In addition, the HRM data from the clinical RNA samples corresponded with the HRM data from the six reference plasmid DNAs, indicating that this assay is useful for the direct detection and genotyping of noroviruses in clinical samples. This assay requires no multiplexing or hybridization probes and provides a new approach to the genetic screening of noroviruses in clinical virology laboratories.
Comparison of a Commercial Real-Time PCR Assay for
tcdB
Detection to a Cell Culture Cytotoxicity Assay and Toxigenic Culture for Direct Detection of Toxin-Producing
Clostridium difficile
in Clinical Samples
Authors: Stamper Paul D. , Alcabasa Romina , Aird Deborah , Babiker Wisal , Wehrlin Jennifer , Ikpeama Ijeoma , Carroll Karen C.
Published: December 2008

Rapid detection of toxin-producing strains of
Clostridium difficile
is essential for optimal management of patients with
C. difficile
infection. The BD GeneOhm (San Diego, CA) Cdiff assay, a real-time PCR assay that amplifies
tcdB
, was compared to a cell culture neutralization assay (Wampole
C. difficile
Toxin B [TOX-B] test; TechLab, Blacksburg, VA) and to toxigenic culture. Using liquid (
n
= 273) and soft (
n
= 131) stool specimens from 377 symptomatic patients, all testing was performed on the same day by independent laboratory staff according to the manufacturers' protocols. Toxigenic bacterial culture was performed as follows. A 0.5-ml aliquot of stool was heated to 80°C for 10 min, followed by inoculation onto modified cycloserine cefoxitin fructose agar with and without horse blood (Remel, Lenexa, KS) and into prereduced chopped-meat broth. Of the 404 stool specimens tested, 340 were negative and 40 were positive (10.0% prevalence) both by PCR for
tcdB
and by cytotoxin production. The overall agreement between the BD GeneOhm Cdiff assay and the TOX-B test was 94.8% (380/401). When the TOX-B test was used as the reference method, the initial sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the BD GeneOhm Cdiff assay were 90.9% (40/44), 95.2% (340/357), 70.2% (40/57), and 98.8% (340/344), respectively. When toxigenic culture was used as the “gold standard,” the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the BD GeneOhm Cdiff assay were 83.6%, 98.2%, 89.5%, and 97.1%, respectively, and those of the TOX-B test were 67.2%, 99.1%, 93.2%, and 94.4%, respectively. PCRs for three samples were inhibited upon initial testing; one sample was resolved upon retesting. One sample produced nonspecific cytotoxin results. The BD GeneOhm Cdiff assay performed well compared to a standard cell culture neutralization assay and to toxigenic culture for the detection of toxigenic
C. difficile
directly from fecal specimens.
Multiplex Assay for Simultaneously Typing and Subtyping Influenza Viruses by Use of an Electronic Microarray
Authors: Huang Ying , Tang Huong , Duffy Stuart , Hong Yuwen , Norman Sylvia , Ghosh Madhu , He Jie , Bose Michael , Henrickson Kelly J. , Fan Jiang , Kraft Andrea J. , Weisburg William G. , Mather Elizabeth L.
Published: December 2008

We report on the use of an electronic microarray to simultaneously type influenza A and B viruses and to distinguish influenza A virus subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 from the potentially pandemic avian virus subtype H5N1. The assay targets seven genes: the H1, H3, H5, N1, and N2 genes of influenza A virus; the matrix protein M1 gene of influenza A virus; and the nonstructural protein (NS) gene of influenza B virus. By combining a two-step reverse transcription-multiplex PCR with typing and subtyping on the electronic microarray, the assay achieved an analytical sensitivity of 10
2
to 10
3
copies of transcripts per reaction for each of the genes. The assay correctly typed and subtyped 15 different influenza virus isolates, including two influenza B virus, five A/H1N1, six A/H3N2, and two A/H5N1 isolates. In addition, the assay correctly identified 8 out of 10 diluted, archived avian influenza virus specimens with complete typing and subtyping information and 2 specimens with partial subtyping information. In a study of 146 human clinical specimens that had previously been shown to be positive for influenza virus or another respiratory virus, the assay showed a clinical sensitivity of 96% and a clinical specificity of 100%. The assay is a rapid, accurate, user-friendly method for simultaneously typing and subtyping influenza viruses.
Vaccinia Virus-Mediated Inhibition of Type I Interferon Responses Is a Multifactorial Process Involving the Soluble Type I Interferon Receptor B18 and Intracellular Components
Authors: Waibler Zoe , Anzaghe Martina , Frenz Theresa , Schwantes Astrid , Pöhlmann Christopher , Ludwig Holger , Palomo-Otero Marcos , Alcamí Antonio , Sutter Gerd , Kalinke Ulrich
Published: December 2008

Poxviruses such as virulent vaccinia virus (VACV) strain Western Reserve encode a broad range of immune modulators that interfere with host responses to infection. Upon more than 570 in vitro passages in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF), chorioallantois VACV Ankara (CVA) accumulated mutations that resulted in highly attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA). MVA infection of mice and of dendritic cells (DC) induced significant type I interferon (IFN) responses, whereas infection with VACV alone or in combination with MVA did not. These results implied that VACV expressed an IFN inhibitor(s) that was functionally deleted in MVA. To further characterize the IFN inhibitor(s), infection experiments were carried out with CVA strains isolated after 152 (CVA152) and 386 CEF passages (CVA386). Interestingly, neither CVA152 nor CVA386 induced IFN-α, whereas the latter variant did induce IFN-β. This pattern suggested a consecutive loss of inhibitors during MVA attenuation. Similar to supernatants of VACV- and CVA152-infected DC cultures, recombinantly expressed soluble IFN decoy receptor B18, which is encoded in the VACV genome, inhibited MVA-induced IFN-α but not IFN-β. In the same direction, a B18R-deficient VACV variant triggered only IFN-α, confirming B18 as the soluble IFN-α inhibitor. Interestingly, VACV infection inhibited IFN responses induced by a multitude of different stimuli, including oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs, poly(I:C), and vesicular stomatitis virus. Collectively, the data presented show that VACV-mediated IFN inhibition is a multistep process involving secreted factors such as B18 plus intracellular components that cooperate to efficiently shut off systemic IFN-α and IFN-β responses.
Construction and Characterization of a Single-Cycle Chimeric Flavivirus Vaccine Candidate That Protects Mice against Lethal Challenge with Dengue Virus Type 2
Authors: Suzuki Ryosuke , Winkelmann Evandro R. , Mason Peter W.
Published: December 2008

We have previously described a novel flavivirus vaccine technology based on a single-cycle, capsid (C) gene-deleted flavivirus called RepliVAX. RepliVAX can be propagated in cells that express high levels of C but undergoes only a single cycle of infection in vaccinated hosts. Here we report that we have adapted our RepliVAX technology to produce a dengue vaccine by replacing the prM/E genes of RepliVAX WN (a West Nile virus [WNV] RepliVAX) with the same genes of dengue virus type 2 (DENV2). Our first RepliVAX construct for dengue virus (RepliVAX D2) replicated poorly in WNV C-expressing cells. However, addition of mutations in prM and E that were selected during blind passage of a RepliVAX D2 derivative was used to produce a second-generation RepliVAX D2 (designated D2.2) that displayed acceptable growth in WNV C-expressing cells. RepliVAX D2.2 grew better in DENV2 C-expressing cells than WNV C-expressing cells, but after several passages in DENV2 C-expressing cells it acquired further mutations that permitted efficient growth in WNV C-expressing cells. We tested the potency and efficacy of RepliVAX D2.2 in a well-described immunodeficient mouse model for dengue (strain AG129; lacking the receptors for both type I and type II interferons). These mice produced dose-dependent DENV2-neutralizing antibody responses when vaccinated with RepliVAX D2.2. When challenged with 240 50% lethal doses of DENV2, mice given a single inoculation of RepliVAX D2.2 survived significantly longer than sham-vaccinated animals, although some of these severely immunocompromised mice eventually died from the challenge. Taken together these studies indicate that the RepliVAX technology shows promise for use in the development of vaccines that can be used to prevent dengue.
Assembly Properties of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag-Leucine Zipper Chimeras: Implications for Retrovirus Assembly
Authors: Crist Rachael M. , Datta Siddhartha A. K. , Stephen Andrew G. , Soheilian Ferri , Mirro Jane , Fisher Robert J. , Nagashima Kunio , Rein Alan
Published: December 2008

Expression of the retroviral Gag protein leads to formation of virus-like particles in mammalian cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that nucleic acid is also required for particle assembly. However, several studies have demonstrated that chimeric proteins in which the nucleocapsid domain of Gag is replaced by a leucine zipper motif can also assemble efficiently in mammalian cells. We have now analyzed assembly by chimeric proteins in which nucleocapsid of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag is replaced by either a dimerizing or a trimerizing zipper. Both proteins assemble well in human 293T cells; the released particles lack detectable RNA. The proteins can coassemble into particles together with full-length, wild-type Gag. We purified these proteins from bacterial lysates. These recombinant “Gag-Zipper” proteins are oligomeric in solution and do not assemble unless cofactors are added; either nucleic acid or inositol phosphates (IPs) can promote particle assembly. When mixed with one equivalent of IPs (which do not support assembly of wild-type Gag), the “dimerizing” Gag-Zipper protein misassembles into very small particles, while the “trimerizing” protein assembles correctly. However, addition of both IPs and nucleic acid leads to correct assembly of all three proteins; the “dimerizing” Gag-Zipper protein also assembles correctly if inositol hexakisphosphate is supplemented with other polyanions. We suggest that correct assembly requires both oligomeric association at the C terminus of Gag and neutralization of positive charges near its N terminus.
Origin and Biology of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus in Wild-Living Western Gorillas
Authors: Takehisa Jun , Kraus Matthias H. , Ayouba Ahidjo , Bailes Elizabeth , Van Heuverswyn Fran , Decker Julie M. , Li Yingying , Rudicell Rebecca S. , Learn Gerald H. , Neel Cecile , Ngole Eitel Mpoudi , Shaw George M. , Peeters Martine , Sharp Paul M. , Hahn Beatrice H.
Published: December 2008

Western lowland gorillas (
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
) are infected with a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVgor) that is closely related to chimpanzee and human immunodeficiency viruses (SIVcpz and HIV-1, respectively) in west central Africa. Although existing data suggest a chimpanzee origin for SIVgor, a paucity of available sequences has precluded definitive conclusions. Here, we report the molecular characterization of one partial (BQ664) and three full-length (CP684, CP2135, and CP2139) SIVgor genomes amplified from fecal RNAs of wild-living gorillas at two field sites in Cameroon. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all SIVgor strains clustered together, forming a monophyletic lineage throughout their genomes. Interestingly, the closest relatives of SIVgor were not SIVcpz
Ptt
strains from west central African chimpanzees (
Pan troglodytes troglodytes
) but human viruses belonging to HIV-1 group O. In trees derived from most genomic regions, SIVgor and HIV-1 group O formed a sister clade to the SIVcpz
Ptt
lineage. However, in a tree derived from 5′
pol
sequences (∼900 bp), SIVgor and HIV-1 group O fell within the SIVcpz
Ptt
radiation. The latter was due to two SIVcpz
Ptt
strains that contained mosaic
pol
sequences, pointing to the existence of a divergent SIVcpz
Ptt
lineage that gave rise to SIVgor and HIV-1 group O. Gorillas appear to have acquired this lineage at least 100 to 200 years ago. To examine the biological properties of SIVgor, we synthesized a full-length provirus from fecal consensus sequences. Transfection of the resulting clone (CP2139.287) into 293T cells yielded infectious virus that replicated efficiently in both human and chimpanzee CD4
+
T cells and used CCR5 as the coreceptor for viral entry. Together, these results provide strong evidence that
P. t. troglodytes
apes were the source of SIVgor. These same apes may also have spawned the group O epidemic; however, the possibility that gorillas served as an intermediary host cannot be excluded.
Body mass index and injury risk among US children 9–15 years old in motor vehicle crashes
Authors: Pollack K M , Xie D , Arbogast K B , Durbin D R
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and injury risk among US children in motor vehicle crashes.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using data from the Partners for Child Passenger Safety study, a child-focused crash surveillance system.

Participants:

A probability sample of children, 9–15 years of age, involved in crashes in parent-operated vehicles between 1 December 2000 and 31 December 2006.

Main outcome measure:

The odds ratio of Abbreviated Injury Severity (AIS) 2+ injuries (overall and body region specific) by BMI category: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese.

Results:

The study sample included 3232 children in 2873 vehicles, representing a population estimate of 54 616 children in 49 037 vehicles. Approximately 15% (n = 502) sustained an AIS 2+ injury to any body region; 34% of the children were overweight or obese. There was no overall increase in injury risk by BMI; however, body region differences were found. In multivariate logistic regression, compared with normal weight children, the odds of sustaining an AIS 2+ injury to the extremities for overweight and obese children was 2.64 (95% CI 1.64 to 4.77) and 2.54 (95% CI 1.15 to 5.59), respectively.

Conclusions:

Although overweight and obese children are not at increased overall risk of injury, they are at increased risk of injury to the lower and upper extremities. This increased risk may be due to a combination of physiology, biomechanical forces, and vehicle design.
Economic sanctions, military activity, and road traffic crashes in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Đurić P , Peek-Asa C
Published: December 2008

Background:

Political violence has not been examined as a risk factor for traumatic injuries from road traffic crashes.

Objective:

To identify trends in road traffic crashes related to war-related military activity and international economic sanctions in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia.

Methods:

Overall road traffic crashes and crashes leading to hospitalization and fatality in Vojvodina, Serbia were examined from 1996 through 2005. Rates were calculated per 100 000 population and per 10 000 registered vehicles. Three time periods were examined: years with international sanctions and military activity (1996–1999); years with international sanctions but no military activity (2000–2001); years with neither sanctions nor military activity (2002–2005).

Results:

Compared with the period with neither sanctions nor military activity, severe injury crashes were 1.23 times more common (95% CI 1.19 to 1.27) during the period with sanctions and military activity and 1.21 times more common (95% CI 1.16 to 1.27) during the period with sanctions but no military activity.

Conclusions:

The data suggest that vehicle travel became safer after the end of military action and economic sanctions. Road traffic safety needs to be a priority during both periods of political unrest and its recovery phase.
STATISTICAL FUZZY CONVERGENCE
Authors: BURGIN MARK , DUMAN OKTAY
Published: December 2008

The goal of this work is the further development of neoclassical analysis, which extends the scope and results of the classical mathematical analysis by applying fuzzy logic to conventional mathematical objects, such as functions, sequences, and series. This allows us to reflect and model vagueness and uncertainty of our knowledge, which results from imprecision of measurement and inaccuracy of computation. Basing on the theory of fuzzy limits, we develop the structure of statistical fuzzy convergence and study its properties. Relations between statistical fuzzy convergence and fuzzy convergence are considered in the First Subsequence Theorem and the First Reduction Theorem. Algebraic structures of statistical fuzzy limits are described in the Linearity Theorem. Topological structures of statistical fuzzy limits are described in the Limit Set Theorem and Limit Fuzzy Set theorems. Relations between statistical convergence, statistical fuzzy convergence, ergodic systems, fuzzy convergence and convergence of statistical characteristics, such as the mean (average), and standard deviation, are studied in Secs. 2 and 4. Introduced constructions and obtained results open new directions for further research that are considered in the Conclusion.
Characterization of putative stem cells in isolated human colonic crypt epithelial cells and their interactions with myofibroblasts
Authors: Samuel S. , Walsh R. , Webb J. , Robins A. , Potten C. , Mahida Y. R.
Published: December 2008

Colonic epithelial stem cells are believed to be located at the crypt base where they have previously been shown to express musashi-1. The colonic stem cell niche, which includes extracellular matrix and myofibroblasts (together with other cell types), is likely to be important in maintaining the function of the progenitor cells. The aims of our studies were to characterize stem cells in isolated and disaggregated human colonic crypt epithelial cells and investigate their interactions with monolayers of primary human colonic myofibroblasts. In unfractionated preparations of disaggregated colonic crypts, musashi-1 positive cells preferentially adhered to colonic myofibroblasts, despite the presence of excess blocking anti-β1-integrin antibody. These adherent epithelial cells remained viable for a number of days and developed slender processes. Cells with side population characteristics (as demonstrated by ability to expel the dye Hoechst 33342) were consistently seen in the isolated colonic crypt epithelial cells. These side population cells expressed musashi-1, β1-integrin, BerEP4, and CD133. Sorted side population crypt epithelial cells also rapidly adhered to primary colonic myofibroblasts. In conclusion, in preparation of isolated and disaggregated human colonic crypts, cells with stem cell characteristics preferentially adhere to primary human colonic myofibroblasts in a β1-integrin-independent fashion.
Effects of stanniocalcin 1 on calcium uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo
Authors: Tseng Deng-Yu , Chou Ming-Yi , Tseng Yung-Che , Hsiao Chung-Der , Huang Chang-Jen , Kaneko Toyoji , Hwang Pung-Pung
Published: December 2008

Stanniocalcin (STC) formerly called hypocalcin or teleocalcin, is a 50-kDa disulfide-linked homodimeric glycoprotein that was originally identified in fish and secreted from the corpuscles of Stannius (CS). One of the main functions of STC-1 is Ca2+uptake inhibition; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we provide molecular evidence to elucidate how zebrafish STC-1 regulates Ca2+uptake in zebrafish embryos. In a wide variety of tissues including the kidney, brain, gill, muscle, and skin, zstc-1 was expressed. Incubating zebrafish embryos in low-Ca2+(0.02 mM) freshwater stimulated whole body Ca2+influx and zebrafish epithelial Ca2+channel ( zECaC) mRNA expression, while downregulated zstc-1 expression. A morpholino microinjection approach was used to knockdown the zSTC-1 protein, and the results showed that the Ca2+content, Ca2+influx, and zECaC mRNA expression all increased in morphants. These data suggest that zSTC-1 negatively regulates ECaC gene expression to reduce Ca2+uptake in zebrafish embryos.
Gap junctional intercellular communication in the juxtaglomerular apparatus
Authors: Yao Jian , Oite Takashi , Kitamura Masanori
Published: December 2008

The juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) is a specialized contact region between the glomerulus and the cortical thick ascending limb that plays an active role in the maintenance of ion homeostasis and control of blood pressure. The JGA accommodates several different cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, mesangial cells, macula densa cells, and renin-secreting juxtaglomerular granular cells. These cells, with the exception of the macular densa cells, are tightly coupled by gap junctions. Gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in the JGA provides a pathway for signal transduction and coordination of multicellular functions. Disruption of cell-to-cell communication in the JGA results in altered preglomerular vascular tone and renin secretion. This review summarizes recent data about the roles of gap junctions in the JGA and illustrates how gap junction-mediated intercellular Ca2+signals determine physiological responses in the JGA.
Chronic NF-κB blockade reduces cytosolic and mitochondrial oxidative stress and attenuates renal injury and hypertension in SHR
Authors: Elks Carrie M. , Mariappan Nithya , Haque Masudul , Guggilam Anuradha , Majid Dewan S. A. , Francis Joseph
Published: December 2008

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays an important role in hypertensive renal injury; however, its roles in perpetuating mitochondrial oxidative stress and renal dysfunction remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effects of chronic NF-κB blockade with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) on renal dysfunction and mitochondrial redox status in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). PDTC (150 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1) or vehicle was administered orally to 8-wk-old SHR and their respective controls for 15 wk. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography at the start of and at every third week throughout the study. After 15 wk of treatment, anesthetized rats underwent acute renal experiments to determine renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate using PAH and inulin clearance techniques, respectively. Following renal experiments, kidneys were excised from killed rats, and cortical mitochondria were isolated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements using electron paramagnetic resonance. Tissue mRNA and protein levels of NF-κB and oxidative stress genes were determined using real-time PCR and immunofluorescence or Western blotting, respectively. PDTC treatment partially attenuated the increase in SBP (196.4 ± 9.76 vs. 151.4 ± 2.12; P < 0.05) and normalized renal hemodynamic and excretory parameters and ATP production rates in SHR. PDTC treatment also attenuated the higher levels of cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS generation and tissue mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB and oxidative stress genes in SHR without any comparable responses in control rats. These findings suggest that NF-κB activation by ROS induces the cytosolic and mitochondrial oxidative stress and tissue injury that contribute to renal dysfunction observed in SHR.
Visual Avoidance inXenopusTadpoles Is Correlated With the Maturation of Visual Responses in the Optic Tectum
Authors: Dong Wei , Lee Ryan H. , Xu Heng , Yang Shelley , Pratt Kara G. , Cao Vania , Song Yoon-Kyu , Nurmikko Arto , Aizenman Carlos D.
Published: December 2008

The optic tectum is central for transforming incoming visual input into orienting behavior. Yet it is not well understood how this behavior is organized early in development and how it relates to the response properties of the developing visual system. We designed a novel behavioral assay to study the development of visually guided behavior in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. We found that, during early development, visual avoidance—an innate, tectally mediated behavior—is tuned to a specific stimulus size and is sensitive to changes in contrast. Using in vivo recordings we found that developmental changes in the spatial tuning of visual avoidance are mirrored by changes in tectal receptive field sharpness and the temporal properties of subthreshold visual responses, whereas contrast sensitivity is affected by the gain of the visual response. We also show that long- and short-term perturbations of visual response properties predictably alter behavioral output. We conclude that our assay for visual avoidance is a useful functional measure of the developmental state of the tectal circuitry. We use this assay to show that the developing visual system is tuned to facilitate behavioral output and that the system can be modulated by neural activity, allowing it to adapt to environmental changes it encounters during development.
GABA Transporter GAT1 Prevents Spillover at Proximal and Distal GABA Synapses Onto Primate Prefrontal Cortex Neurons
Authors: Gonzalez-Burgos Guillermo , Rotaru Diana C. , Zaitsev Aleksey V. , Povysheva Nadezhda V. , Lewis David A.
Published: December 2008

The plasma membrane GABA transporter GAT1 is thought to mediate uptake of synaptically released GABA. In the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), GAT1 expression changes significantly during development and in schizophrenia. The consequences of such changes, however, are not well understood because GAT1's role has not been investigated in primate neocortical circuits. We thus studied the effects of the GAT1 blocker 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-[2-[[(diphenylmethylene)amino]oxy] ethyl]- 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (NO711) on GABA transmission onto pyramidal neurons of monkey DLPFC. As in rat cortex, in monkey DLPFC NO711 did not substantially alter miniature GABA transmission, suggesting that GAT1 does not regulate single-synapse transmission. In rat cortical circuits, between-synapse GABA spillover produced by NO711 clearly prolongs the inhibitory postsynaptic currents, but whether NO711 also prolongs the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) is unclear. Moreover, whether spillover differentially affects perisomatic versus dendritic inputs has not been examined. Here we found that NO711 prolonged the GABAAreceptor-mediated IPSPs (GABAAR-IPSPs) evoked by stimulating perisomatic synapses. Dendritic, but not perisomatic, synapse stimulation often elicited a postsynaptic GABABreceptor-mediated IPSP that was enhanced by NO711. Blocking GABABreceptors revealed that NO711 prolonged the GABAAR-IPSPs evoked by stimulation of dendrite-targeting inputs. We conclude that a major functional role for GAT1 in primate cortical circuits is to prevent the effects of GABA spillover when multiple synapses are simultaneously active. Furthermore, we report that, at least in monkey DLPFC, GAT1 similarly restricts GABA spillover onto perisomatic or dendritic inputs, critically controlling the spatiotemporal specificity of inhibitory inputs onto proximal or distal compartments of the pyramidal cell membrane.
Simulation of Casing Treatments ofa Transonic Compressor Stage
Authors: Hembera M. , Kau H.-P. , Johann E.
Published: December 2008

This article presents the study of casing treatments on an axial compressor stage for improving stability and enhancing stall margin. So far, many simulations of casing treatments on single rotor or rotor‐stator configurations were performed. But as the application of casing treatments in engines will be in a multistage compressor, in this study, the axial slots are applied to a typical transonic first stage of a high‐pressure 4.5‐stage compressor including an upstream IGV, rotor, and stator. The unsteady simulations are performed with a three‐dimensional time accurate Favre‐averaged Navier‐stokes flow solver. In order to resolve all important flow mechanisms appearing through the use of casing treatments, a computational multiblock grid consisting of approximately 2.4 million nodes was used for the simulations. The configurations include axial slots in 4 different variations with an axial extension ranging into the blade passage of the IGV. Their shape is semicircular with no inclination in circumferential direction. The simulations proved the effectiveness of casing treatments with an upstream stator. However, the results also showed that the slots have to be carefully positioned relative to the stator location.
NCR‐PCOPGene: An Exploratory Tool for Analysis of Sample‐Classes Effect on Gene‐Expression Relationships
Authors: Cedano Juan , Huerta Mario , Querol Enrique
Published: December 2008

Background. Microarray technology is so expensive and powerful that it is essential to extract maximum value from microarray data. Our tools allow researchers to test and formulate from a hypothesis to entire models. Results. The objective of the NCRPCOPGene is to study the relationships among gene expressions under different conditions, to classify these conditions, and to study their effect on the different relationships. The web application makes it easier to define the sample classes, grouping the microarray experiments either by using (a) biological, statistical, or any other previous knowledge or (b) their effect on the expression relationship maintained among specific genes of interest. By means of the type (a) class definition, the researcher can add biological information to the gene‐expression relationships. The type (b) class definition allows for linking genes correlated neither linearly nor nonlinearly. Conclusions. The PCOPGene tools are especially suitable for microarrays with large sample series. This application helps to identify cellular states and the genes involved in it in a flexible way. The application takes advantage of the ability of our system to relate gene expressions; even when these relationships are noncontinuous and cannot be found using linear or nonlinear analytical methods.
High‐Resolution Magnetic Force Microscopy Using Carbon Nanotube Probes Fabricated Directly by Microwave Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Tanaka Kei , Yoshimura Masamichi , Ueda Kazuyuki
Published: December 2008

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully grown on the tip apex of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever by microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD). Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that the diameter of the CNTs is ∼30 nm and the magnetic particles with diameter of ∼20 nm, which was used as catalyst for the CNT growth, exist on the top. This CNT probe has been applied to magnetic force microscopy (MFM) on the ultrahigh‐density magnetic recording media with 1200 kilo flux change per inch (kfci).
Plasma Insulin-like Growth Factors, Insulin-like Binding Protein-3, and Outcome in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Results from Intergroup Trial N9741
Authors: Fuchs Charles S. , Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Wolpin Brian M. , Green Erin M. , Pitot Henry C. , Pollak Michael
Published: December 2008

Purpose: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II stimulate neoplastic cell growth and inhibit apoptosis, whereas IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) inhibits the bioavailability of IGF-I and has independent proapoptotic activity. We examined the influence of baseline plasma levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, and C-peptide on outcome among patients receiving first-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: The plasma levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, and C-peptide as well as data on prognostic factors and body size were measured at baseline among 527 patients participating in a randomized trial of first-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Results: Higher baseline plasma IGFBP-3 levels were associated with a significantly greater chemotherapy response rate (P = 0.03) after adjusting for other prognostic factors, whereas neither IGF-I nor IGF-II levels significantly predicted tumor response. Higher levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-3 were all univariately associated with improved overall survival (P = 0.0001 for all). In a model that mutually adjusted for IGF-I and IGFBP-3, as well as other prognostic factors, increasing baseline-circulating IGFBP-3 was associated with a significantly longer time to tumor progression (P = 0.03), whereas circulating IGF-I was not associated with disease progression (P = 0.95). Levels of C-peptide were not associated with any measure of patient outcome.

Conclusion: Among colorectal cancer patients receiving first-line chemotherapy, increasing levels of IGFBP-3, an endogenous antagonist to IGF-I, are associated with an improved objective treatment response and a prolonged time to cancer progression. The IGF pathway may represent an important target for future treatment strategies.
Time-Dependent Changes in Biomechanical Properties of Four Different Synthetic Materials in a Rabbit Model and the Importance in Respect to Sling Surgery
Authors: Atmaca Ali Fuat , Şerefoğlu Ege Can , Eroğlu Muzaffer , Gürdal Mesut , Metin Ahmet , Kayıgil Önder
Published: December 2008

Aim: To examine the time-dependent biomechanical properties of four different implanted synthetic materials. Materials and Methods: 18 New Zealand rabbits were randomly categorized into three groups: group 1 to be evaluated at the 2nd week, group 2 at the 8th week, and group 3 at the 12th week. Before the implantation, baseline values were obtained. Each of the 2 × 5 cm sized materials of mersilene, prolene, ultrapro and vypro mesh were placed in the anterior abdominal fascia. The mesh materials were removed, tensile strength (N/mm2) and ultimate strain (%) were measured by tensinometry and surface area losses (cm2) were calculated. Results: Tensile strength values (mean ± SD) were 9.2 ± 1.5, 8.5 ± 1.2 for mersilene, 25.2 ± 7.3, 14.0 ± 2.9 for prolene, 2.2 ± 0.6, 12.5 ± 1.4 for ultrapro and 8.1 ± 1.6, 7.0 ± 1.8 for vypro at baseline and the 12th week. Ultimate strain values (mean ± SD) were 131.2 ± 46.1, 110.4 ± 98.6 for mersilene, 181.0 ± 26.4, 78.5 ± 14.4 for prolene, 91.5 ± 8.2, 89.6 ± 20.5 for ultrapro and 84.3 ± 8.9, 55.0 ± 13.2 for vypro at baseline and the 12th week. Surface areas (mean ± SD) were 8.87 ± 0.14, 9.38 ± 0.17, 8.4 ± 0.32 and 8.76 ± 0.16 for mersilene, prolene, ultrapro and vypro at the 12th week respectively. Conclusions: Although prolene mesh demonstrated a decrease in its tensile strength it still remains the highest at the 12th week. Considering the significant time-dependent increase in its tensile strength, ultrapro mesh should be studied in humans. A final decision on the preference of ultrapro mesh in sling surgery could be reached after such studies.