bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fixed Rehabilitation of an ACP PDI Class III Patient with Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Sadighpour Leyla , Geramipanah Farideh , Nikzad Sakineh
Published: September 2008

This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a 19‐year‐old woman diagnosed with hypoplastic‐type amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). She presented with discolored and mutilated teeth, missing teeth, anterior open bite, and posterior short crowns. She was classified as an American College of Prosthodontists Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (ACP PDI) class III patient. The aim of treatment was to restore esthetics and improve masticatory function. The patient's esthetic and functional expectations were successfully attained with porcelain laminate veneers and all‐ceramic and metal‐ceramic restorations after extensive crown lengthening. The patient was regularly recalled during the postoperative period. Loss of retention of one all‐ceramic crown and minimal recession of the gingiva of one laminate veneer were noted at 4‐year recall.
An Alternative Approach to the Immediate Overdenture
Authors: Gilboa Ilan , Cardash Harold S.
Published: September 2008

A procedure is described for fabricating an immediate complete overdenture where several teeth retain an interim fixed partial denture (FPD) until the complete denture is finished. Nonessential posterior teeth were first extracted. An interim fixed restoration was fitted to five strategic teeth, and the four maxillary incisors were reduced to the gingival margin. The reduced teeth and the maxillary right molars were extracted at subsequent visits. After 3 months of healing, an immediate prosthesis was fabricated using the interim restoration as a guide. Artificial teeth were tried in the mouth and approved by the patient, and the prosthesis was completed. As no extractions were performed at this time, the prosthesis was delivered in a clean, bloodless field. The remaining five strategic teeth were fitted with dome‐shaped metal copings. This procedure allowed better control over the esthetic result and the occlusion and was less traumatic for the patient.
Reduction in adverse reactions to platelets by the removal of plasma supernatant and resuspension in a new additive solution (M‐sol)
Authors: Azuma Hiroshi , Hirayama Junichi , Akino Mitsuaki , Miura Reiko , Kiyama Yoshio , Imai Kiyotoshi , Kasai Masaharu , Koizumi Kazuki , Kakinoki Yasutaka , Makiguchi Yusuke , Kubo Koji , Atsuta Yoshiko , Fujihara Mitsuhiro , Homma Chihiro , Yamamoto Sadamitsu , Kato Toshiaki , Ikeda Hisami
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Leukodepletion reduces but does not eliminate adverse reactions to platelet concentrate (PC). As an alternative strategy, plasma reduction or washing of platelets should be considered. However, the efficacy of this strategy is still unclear.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients who experienced adverse reactions at a 29 to 100 percent reaction rate for plasma‐PC were enrolled. The reactions were allergic reactions and nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, such as chills. Plasma‐removed PC (W/R‐PC), which was suspended in a recently developed additive solution (M‐sol) containing less than 20 mL plasma, was prepared. W/R‐PCs in M‐sol were then transfused into patients after an overnight storage period; the occurrence of adverse reactions was monitored and 1‐ and 24‐hour corrected count increment (CCI) values were evaluated.

RESULTS: Although plasma‐PC caused reaction in 12 patients, W/R‐PC prevented reactions in 11 of 12 patients, with 1 patient having one minor allergic reaction of 15 transfusions. There was a significant difference in the incidence of reaction (p < 0.0001, Fisher's exact test). On a per‐transfusion basis, the reaction rate for W/R‐PC (1/156, 0.64%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02%‐3.5%) was reduced significantly compared to that for plasma‐PC (117/276, 42%; 95% CI, 36%‐48%; p < 0.0001). W/R‐PC gave findings of satisfactory CCI at 1 hour (22,400 ± 8,000/µL) and 24 hours (15,400 ± 8,000/µL). No clinically evident bleeding episodes were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: W/R‐PC suspended in M‐sol in the presence of less than 20 mL plasma can be transfused safely and eliminate a wide range of adverse reactions to plasma‐PC.
Enhanced detection of blood bank sample collection errors with a centralized patient database
Authors: MacIvor Duncan , Triulzi Darrell J. , Yazer Mark H.
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Pittsburgh's Centralized Transfusion Service (CTS) provides transfusion support to 16 hospitals and features an electronic database that contains patient transfusion and serologic histories. This database can be accessed from any hospital in the system. A major cause of ABO‐incompatible transfusions is the “wrong blood in tube” (WBIT) phenomenon, that is, the sample is not from the recipient identified on the label. We hypothesized that having access to patient historical ABO types from anywhere in the CTS system can identify WBIT errors and prevent mistransfusions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The transfusion committee records of the 16 CTS hospitals from March 2005 to September 2007 were reviewed for major collection errors, that is, the current ABO type differed from the historical type in the database. The patient's historical ABO type, the discrepant type, and the hospital(s) where these samples were collected were recorded.

RESULTS: In 6 of 16 major collection errors for which complete information was available, the current and historical ABO types were obtained from different hospitals within the CTS system. In 3 cases, selection of ABO type–specific blood based on the current sample would have led to an ABO‐compatible transfusion (e.g., correct type A, current type O). In the other 3 cases, an ABO‐incompatible transfusion would have resulted (e.g., correct type O, current type A).

CONCLUSIONS: Access to a centralized patient database detected 38 percent more ABO typing errors and prevented six mistransfusions, which would not have been prevented at a single institution. Centralization of patient transfusion data should be encouraged.
Toward a Museum Culture in Ghana: Processes and Challenges
Authors: Labi Kwame Amoah
Published: September 2008

This article discusses how the Institute of African Studies mounted a community‐based exhibition drawing on indigenous knowledge and narratives of culture contact and influence, with the hope that this, and similar exhibitions in Ghana, would help to develop a museum culture in local communities. The article also addresses the methods and procedures used in developing the content of the local exhibition, including consultations with leaders of Sekondi and neighboring areas.
Effects of SRO Buffer Layer on Multiferroic BiFeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Zheng R. Y. , Sim C. H. , Wang J. , Ramakrishna S.
Published: September 2008

Crystallization, surface morphology, and electrical behavior of BiFeO3 thin films are improved by SrRuO3 (SRO) buffer layer with optimized grain size. Large‐grained SRO buffer layer promotes the growth of dense multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films and reduces structural defects. Phase identification by using X‐ray diffraction and surface morphology studies by using scanning electron microscopy show that the large‐grained SRO buffer layer formed by sputtering thicker SRO films promotes the formation of the perovskite phase as well as the crystallinity. These BFO films have also shown reduced leakage current, as suggested by the weaker frequency dependence of the ferroelectric hysteresis loops as compared with the BFO films deposited on smaller‐grained SRO buffer layer. Investigation into the dielectric properties and fatigue endurance reveals that the structural defects of the BFO thin film have also been reduced by employing the larger‐grained SRO buffer layer.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba5Nb4O15–BaWO4 Composite Ceramics for LTCC Applications
Authors: Zhuang Hao , Yue Zhenxing , Zhao Fei , Li Longtu
Published: September 2008

Low‐temperature‐sintered composite ceramics in Ba5Nb4O15–BaWO4 system were prepared by cofiring mixtures of Ba5Nb4O15 and BaWO4 powders. Thermo‐mechanical analysis indicated that a small amount of B2O3 addition significantly promoted the densification process and lowered the sintering temperature to ∼900°C. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that Ba5Nb4O15 and BaWO4 coexisted in the sintered ceramics. With increasing B2O3 content, a secondary phase, BaNb2O6, appeared which affects the microwave dielectric properties. Microwave dielectric properties of the aforementioned compositions were as follows: dielectric constant of 16.8–19.2, Q×f values of 33 900–50 300 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency of −3.4 to −8.6 ppm/°C. The chemical compatibility of BNW6502 ceramics with silver during the cofiring process has also been investigated, and no evidence of chemical reaction between Ag and ceramics was observed, indicating that the as‐prepared composite ceramics are suitable for low‐temperature cofired ceramics applications.
Hierarchical Trimodal Porous Hydroxyapatite Fabricated by Colloidal Crystal Templating Using Single‐Size Latex Particles
Authors: Fujishima Musashi , Okawa Yohei , Uchida Kumao
Published: September 2008

Hierarchical trimodal porous hydroxyapatite (tpHAP) was fabricated by colloidal crystal templating using single‐size latex particles with controlled calcination. In the overall framework structure, the tpHAP was revealed to have three kinds of pores, i.e., periodically ordered submicrometer‐sized macropores of inverse opal structure, sponge‐like larger macropores, and mesopores. The sponge‐like macropores should be formed through removal of a sacrificial latex template, which fused in the process of low‐temperature calcination. It was also found that high‐temperature calcination leads to an increase in the crystallinity of the tpHAP, which resulted in deterioration of the ordered macropore arrays and a decrease in specific surface areas. Because of the trimodal porous structure, the tpHAP will serve as a multifunctional porous bioceramic in the fields of medical implants, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.
Comparison of Water‐Based and Solvent‐Based Tape Casting for Preparing Multilayer ZnO Varistors
Authors: Wang Lanyi , Tang Guoyi , Xu Zheng‐Kui
Published: September 2008

Water‐soluble acrylic was used as the binder of the water‐based (aqueous) slurry while polyvinyl butyral was the binder of the solvent‐based (nonaqueous) slurry. Both types of slurry exhibited shear thinning properties suitable for tape casting. The casting parameters for them were different when the same thick green sheets were cast. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to find the binder burnout temperatures of the aqueous and nonaqueous green tape. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that both types of green tapes have smooth defect‐free surfaces but the aqueous green tape is denser than the nonaqueous one. The multilayer ZnO varistors prepared by aqueous tape casting display comparable good electrical properties to those prepared by nonaqueous tape casting because both types of ceramic have a uniform, fine grain microstructure with a homogeneous dopant distribution indicated using SEM and transmission electron microscopy.
Detecting an Undiagnosed Case of Nonsyndromic Facial Dysmorphism Using Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Harris Sheena M. , Ross Ann H.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  The Johns Hopkins University Center for Craniofacial Development and Disorders estimates that 1 in 3,000 children born in the United States is diagnosed with a rare form of craniosynostosis. Although the medical literature has documented numerous descriptions of craniofacial disorders from an anthropometric or genetic perspective, considerably fewer reports of these anomalies have been documented in the context of forensic anthropology. Similar genetic origins of many craniofacial anomalies generate ranges of phenotypic variation between and even within documented cases, producing difficulties in acquiring correct diagnoses. Identical physical characteristics manifested in different disorders create further complications in identifying a craniofacial syndrome in skeletal remains. Reported here is an unusual case of a possibly undiagnosed craniofacial abnormality in a set of identified skeletal remains from a North Carolina homicide case. Traditional metric and geometric morphometric approaches were utilized to further investigate morphological shape differences between the case study and a reference sample. Results show significant differences suggesting a nonsyndromic form of craniosynostosis.
A Real‐Time Multiplex SNP Melting Assay to Discriminate Individuals
Authors: Nicklas Janice A. , Buel Eric
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  A method that quickly and inexpensively differentiates crime scene samples from multiple donors would expedite casework analysis by allowing the selection of probative items requiring comprehensive testing. This new method need not be perfectly definitive nor give a complete 13 locus short tandem repeat (STR) profile; it simply must be able to differentiate between most victim and suspect samples. We describe the development of multiplex, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to fulfill this need. Dual probes, one fluorescently labeled and the other labeled with a quencher, are monitored during a melt analysis to reveal an increase in fluorescence, which allows the assessment of the two SNP alleles. Two alternate 6‐plex assays (with and without gender determination) have been developed for the six‐color RG6000 real‐time instrument (Corbett Robotics, Inc.) and one seven SNP plus gender assay (performed as two 4‐plex assays, one with gender the other without) have been developed for use in four/five color real‐time instruments. This technique can discriminate between 95% and 99% of samples from different individuals. This assay is fast (∼2 h), much less expensive than STR analysis, and uses a real‐time PCR instrument which is found in most forensic and molecular biology labs.
High glucose attenuates VEGF expression in rat multipotent adult progenitor cells in association with inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling
Authors: Liu Zehao , Lei Minxiang , Jiang Yuehua , Hao Hong , Chu Ling , Xu Jian , Luo Min , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Zweier Jay L. , Liu Zhenguo
Published: September 2008

This study was to investigate the effect of high glucose (HG) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in bone marrow stem cells and JAK2/STAT‐3 signalling. Adult rat bone marrow multipotent progenitor cells (rMAPCs) were cultured to evaluate VEGF expression (both mRNA and protein) with or without exposure to HG for up to 48 hrs using RT‐PCR and ELISA. JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in rMAPCs was analysed by Western blotting. With cells in normal media, VEGF mRNA level after 24 hrs of culture was significantly increased by 15 times over baseline (day 0) with detectable level of VEGF protein intracellularly using immunofluorescence staining. Although there was no measurable VEGF in the media after 24 hrs of culture, a significant amount of VEGF was detected in the media after 48 hrs of incubation. VEGF expression was associated with constitutive activation of JAK2 and STAT3 in rMAPCs. However, VEGF mRNA level was significantly reduced without detectable VEGF in the media when rMAPCs exposed to HG for 48 hrs. Tyrosine‐phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated STAT3 were significantly decreased in the cells exposed to HG for 48 hrs. When JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation was blocked by the selective inhibitor AG490, VEGF mRNA level was significantly decreased in rMAPCs in normal media by 80% with no detectable VEGF in the media. VEGF expression was significantly suppressed in rMAPCs cultured in HG media that was further reduced by AG490. VEGF expression in rMAPCs is impaired by HG possibly through inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling.
Effects of raloxifene on breast cancer cell migration and invasion through the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Flamini Marina Ines , Fu Xiao‐Dong , Sanchez Angel Matias , Giretti Maria Silvia , Garibaldi Silvia , Goglia Lorenzo , Pisaneschi Silvia , Tosi Veronica , Genazzani Andrea Riccardo , Simoncini Tommaso
Published: September 2008

Raloxifene (RAL) is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and for the prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, little is known on the effects of this SERM on breast cancer cell metastasis, which is the main cause of morbidity and death. Cell movement is critical for local progression and distant metastasis of cancer cells. These processes rely on the dynamic control of the actin cytoskeleton and of cell membrane morphology. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of RAL or of 17β‐estradiol (E2) plus RAL on oestrogen receptor (ER) positive T47‐D breast cancer cell cytoskeletal remodelling, migration and invasion. Our findings show that, when given alone, RAL induces a weak actin cytoskeleton remodelling in breast cancer cells, with the formation of specialized cell membrane structures implicated in cell motility. However, in the presence of physiological amounts of estradiol, which potently drives breast cancer cell cytoskeletal remodelling and motility, RAL displays a powerful inhibitory effect on oestrogen‐promoted cell migration and invasion. These actions are plaid through an interference of RAL with an extra‐nuclear signalling cascade involving G proteins and the RhoA‐associated kinase, ROCK‐2, linked to the recruitment of the cytoskeletal controller, moesin. Hence, in the presence of estradiol, RAL acts as an ER antagonist. These results highlight a novel mechanism of action of the SERM raloxifene that might be important for the interference of breast cancer progression or metastasis induced by oestrogens in postmenopausal women.
Cranial irradiation‐induced inhibition of neurogenesis in hippocampal dentate gyrus of adult mice: attenuation by melatonin pretreatment
Authors: Manda Kailash , Ueno Megumi , Anzai Kazunori
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Radiation is an important therapeutic tool in the treatment of cancer. The tremendous development in radiotherapeutic techniques and dosimetry has made it possible to augment the patient survival. Therefore, attention has focused on long‐range treatment side effects especially in relation to the neurocognitive changes. As cognitive health of an organism is considered to be maintained by the capacity of hippocampal neurogenesis, this study designed to evaluate the delayed effect of cranial irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis, possible implication of oxidative stress and prophylactic action of melatonin in mice. One month after cranial irradiation (6 Gy, X‐ray), changes in the population of immature and proliferating neurons in dentate gyrus were localized through the expression of the microtubule binding protein doublecortin (Dcx) and proliferation marker Ki‐67. We found a substantial reduction in the Dcx and Ki‐67 positive cells after irradiation. Melatonin pretreatment significantly ameliorated the radiation‐induced decline in the Dcx and Ki‐67 positive cells. In addition, profound increase in the 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine positive cells were reported in subventricular zone, granular cell layer and hilus after day 30 postirradiation. Immunoreactivity of these oxidative stress markers were significantly inhibited by melatonin pretreatment. To confirm the magnitude of free‐radical scavenging potential of melatonin, we measured the in‐vitro OH radical scavenging power of melatonin by electron spin resonance. Interestingly, the melatonin was capable of scavenging the OH radicals at very low concentration (IC50 = 214.46 nm). The findings indicate the possible benefit of melatonin treatment to combat the delayed side effects of cranial radiotherapy.
Effect of Bupleuri Radix Extracts on the Toxicity of 5‐Fluorouracil in HepG2 Hepatoma Cells and Normal Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Kang Su Jin , Lee Young Joon , Kim Byeong Mo , Kim Yang Jee , Woo Hae Dong , Jeon Hye Kyoung , Chung Hai Won
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Despite the excellent chemotherapeutic effect of 5‐fluorouracil, its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in normal cells remain a major problem. We sought to assess whether Bupleuri Radix extract enhances 5‐fluorouracil‐induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 hepatoma cells, while protecting normal blood lymphocytes. Bupleuri Radix, used for treatment of liver disease in oriental medicine, possesses antitumour properties; it induces apoptosis through cell arrest in tumour cells, but does not affect normal lymphocytes. In this study, we evaluated the protective and enhancing effects of Bupleuri Radix on 5‐fluorouracil‐induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and normal lymphocytes. Treatment with Bupleuri Radix increased the micronuclei frequency and DNA damage, resulting from 5‐fluorouracil treatment. However, when human lymphocytes were cotreated with Bupleuri Radix and 5‐fluorouracil, the frequency of 5‐fluorouracil‐induced micronuclei decreased. Although the extent of 5‐fluorouracil‐induced DNA damage, determined by single‐cell gel electrophoresis, increased after treating HepG2 cells with Bupleuri Radix, it decreased in normal lymphocytes. When cells were treated with 20 µM 5‐fluorouracil and 200 µg/ml Bupleuri Radix simultaneously, Bax protein increased in HepG2 cells at 24 hr; however, p21 and p53 proteins were up‐regulated in normal human lymphocytes. Cotreatment with 200 µg/ml Bupleuri Radix and 20 µM 5‐fluorouracil resulted in cell arrest at the late G1/early S phase in HepG2 cells (55.80 ± 0.19%) and normal lymphocytes (97.19 ± 0.27%). In addition, Bupleuri Radix and 5‐fluorouracil treatment increased mitochondria membrane potential collapse only in HepG2 cells (19.02%), while it was not changed in lymphocytes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Bupleuri Radix may be effective as a therapeutic agent to treat hepatomas.
Antipsychotic Drugs Inhibit the Function of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein
Authors: Wang Jun‐Sheng , Zhu Hao‐Jie , Markowitz John S. , Donovan Jennifer L. , Yuan Hong‐Jie , DeVane C. Lindsay
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  The ABCG2 transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) has been identified in several physiological sites. It has been suggested to play an important role in disposition of many drugs and environmental toxins. We investigated the effects of several antipsychotic drugs, including risperidone, 9‐hydroxy‐risperidone (paliperidone), olanzapine, quetiapine, clozapine, haloperidol and chlorpromazine, and a positive control inhibitor Ko143 on functions of BCRP in MCF7 and BCRP over‐expressing MCF7/MX100 cell lines using a BCRP prototypical substrate mitoxantrone. Our findings indicated that the tested antipsychotics rank order of potency of inhibition of BCRP according to concentrations required to reach 50% of maximum inhibition (IC50) was as follows: Ko143 (0.07 µM) > risperidone (38.1 µM) > clozapine (42.0 µM) > paliperidone (51 µM) > chlorpromazine (52.2 µM) > quetiapine (66.1 µM) > olanzapine = haloperidol (>100.0 µM). We further tested the effects of various concentrations of risperidone on the BCRP‐mediated transport of oestrone‐3‐sulfate in a colon carcinoma cell line, Caco‐2, a widely used model to study drug absorption. Our findings show that risperidone at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 µM significantly inhibited intracellular accumulation of oestrone‐3‐sulfate in Caco‐2 cell monolayers. The present results suggest that a potential source of pharmacokinetic interactions exists between BCRP substrates and several antipsychotics.
Sildenafil Improves the Beneficial Haemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Nitrite Infusion during Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Dias‐Junior Carlos A. , Montenegro Marcelo F. , Florencio Barbara C. , Tanus‐Santos Jose E.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Acute pulmonary embolism produces acute pulmonary hypertension, which can be counteracted by activating the nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. While previous studies have shown that sildenafil (an inhibitor of cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterase type 5) or nitrite (a storage molecule for nitric oxide) produces beneficial effects during acute pulmonary embolism, no previous study has examined whether the combination of these drugs can produce additive effects. Here, we expand previous findings and examine whether sildenafil enhances the beneficial haemodynamic effects produced by a low‐dose infusion of nitrite in a dog model of acute pulmonary embolism. Haemodynamic and arterial blood gas evaluations were performed in non‐embolized dogs treated with saline (n = 4), and in embolized dogs (intravenous injections of microspheres) that received nitrite (6.75 µmol/kg intravenously over 15 min. followed by 0.28 µmol/kg/min.) and sildenafil (0.25 mg/kg over 30 min.; n = 8), or nitrite followed by saline (n = 8), or saline followed by sildenafil (n = 7), or only saline (n = 8). Plasma thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were determined using a fluorometric method. Acute pulmonary embolism increased pulmonary artery pressure by ∼24 mmHg. While the infusion of nitrite or sildenafil infusions reversed this increase by ∼42% (both P < 0.05), the combined infusion of both drugs reversed this increase by ∼58% (P < 0.05). Similar effects were seen on the pulmonary vascular resistance index. Nitrite or sildenafil alone produced no significant hypotension. However, the combined infusion of both drugs caused transient hypotension (P < 0.05). Both dugs, either alone or combined, blunted the increase in TBARS concentrations caused by acute pulmonary embolism (all P < 0.05). These results suggest that sildenafil improves the beneficial haemodynamic effects of nitrite during acute pulmonary embolism.
Sexing European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and mountain hares (Lepus timidus) with ZFX and ZFY loci
Authors: FONTANESI LUCA , TAZZOLI MARCO , PECCHIOLI ELENA , HAUFFE HEIDI C. , ROBINSON TERENCE J. , RUSSO VINCENZO
Published: September 2008

We describe a new method for the sex determination of tissue originating from Oryctolagus cuniculus (European rabbit), Lepus europaeus (European brown hare) and Lepus timidus (mountain hare) based on PCR‐RFLP analysis of point mutations that differentiate the ZFX and ZFY gene sequences. Among several applications, this PCR‐RFLP method could be used to investigate gender ratio and evaluate the population dynamics of these species using samples collected when sex cannot be identified.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Authors: HICKMAN CALEB R. , PETERS MAUREEN B. , CRAWFORD NICHOLAS G. , HAGEN CRIS , GLENN TRAVIS C. , SOMERS CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: September 2008

We isolated and characterized nine microsatellite loci from the American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. The loci were screened in 23 individuals from the eastern and western populations of North America and were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to eight. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.185 to 0.820 and observed heterozygosity from 0.217 to 0.957. These new loci will provide tools for studies of population structure in this species, thereby aiding conservation planning.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the ornamental discus fish Symphysodon discus and cross‐species amplification in other Heroini cichlid species
Authors: AMADO MANUELLA VILLAR , HRBEK TOMAS , GRAVENA WALESKA , FANTIN CLEITON , DE ASSUNÇÃO ENEDINA NOGUEIRA , ASTOLFI‐FILHO SPARTACO , FARIAS IZENI P.
Published: September 2008

The discus fishes (Symphysodon spp.) are economically important ornamental species. Thirteen microsatellite markers were developed from a CT12‐ and CA12‐enriched whole genomic DNA library of Symphysodon discus. Allelic variability was tested on 44 individuals of two species (S. discus and S. aequifasciatus). Allelic richness ranged from two to 11 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities from 0.083 to 0.998. All loci were at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and no pair of loci showed linkage disequilibrium within a species. Cross‐species amplification was also successfully performed in the Neotropical cichlids Uaru amphiacanthoides, Hoplarchus psittacus, Hypselecara coryphaenoides, Pterophyllum sp., Mesonauta sp. and Heros sp.
Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Australian plague locust,Chortoicetes terminifera
Authors: CHAPUIS MARIE‐PIERRE , POPPLE JULIE‐ANNE , SIMPSON STEPHEN J. , ESTOUP ARNAUD , MARTIN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , STEINBAUER MARTIN , MCCULLOCH LAURENCE , SWORD GREGORY A.
Published: September 2008

Few population genetics studies have been carried out on major locust species. In particular, an understanding of the population genetic structure of the Australian plague locust,Chortoicetes terminifera, is lacking. We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite loci inC. terminifera, and described experimental conditions for polymerase chain reaction multiplexing and genotyping these loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 11 to 29 and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.797 to 0.977. One locus was found to be X‐linked. Results of cross‐taxon amplification tests are reported in four species of the Oedipodinae subfamily.
Eight new tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the agile frog (Rana dalmatina)
Authors: HAUSWALDT J. S. , FUESSEL J. , GUENTHER J. , STEINFARTZ S.
Published: September 2008

We describe eight new polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the agile frog (Rana dalmatina). In 25 individuals from the Nature Reserve Lüneburger Heide (Lower Saxony, Germany), the number of alleles per locus ranged from four to nine and average observed heterozygosities from 69.1% to 80.7%. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was found and none of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. These microsatellite DNA markers are suitable tools for addressing population genetics issues in this endangered species.
Improved COI barcoding primers for Southeast Asian perching birds (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: LOHMAN DAVID J. , PRAWIRADILAGA DEWI M. , MEIER RUDOLF
Published: September 2008

The All Birds Barcoding Initiative aims to assemble a DNA barcode database for all bird species, but the 648‐bp ‘barcoding’ region of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) can be difficult to amplify in Southeast Asian perching birds (Aves: Passeriformes). Using COI sequences from complete mitochondrial genomes, we designed a primer pair that more reliably amplifies and sequences the COI barcoding region of Southeast Asian passerine birds. The 655‐bp region amplified with these primers overlaps the COI region amplified with other barcoding primer pairs, enabling direct comparison of sequences with previously published DNA barcodes.
Isolation and characteristics of 10 microsatellite markers from the endangered coconut crab (Birgus latro)
Authors: GAN CHAI‐HSIA , TEE SEE‐MIN , TANG PEI‐CIAO , YANG JAY MING‐CHE , FREIRE FRANCIS , MCGOWAN ANDREW , NARRIMAN JIDDAWI , MOHAMMED MOHAMMED SULEIMAN , HSIEH HWEY‐LIAN , CHEN CHANG‐PO , SHEPPARD CHARLES , CHEN CHAOLUN ALLEN
Published: September 2008

The coconut crab (Birgus latro), an endangered marine‐dispersed crustacean, is facing severe and probably accelerating population extinction worldwide, but biological information on its conservation remains deficient. In order to reveal the genetic structure of B. latro, 10 microsatellite loci were developed. A high degree of polymorphism was observed with a mean number of alleles per locus of 16.9. The mean expected heterozygosities were also high, ranging from 0.742 to 0.965. The observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.210 to 0.925. Departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed at five loci after the Bonferroni correction. These hypervariable markers will be utilized to study the genetic diversity and conservation of B. latro throughout its distribution range in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Does Sutton apply to supermarkets?
Authors: Ellickson Paul B.
Published: September 2008

I present empirical evidence that endogenous fixed costs play a central role in determining the equilibrium structure of the supermarket industry. Using the framework developed in Sutton (1991), I construct a model of supermarket competition where escalating investment infirm‐level distribution systems is driven by the incentive to produce a greater variety of products in every store. Employing a store‐level census and 51 distinct geographic markets, I demonstrate that the supermarket industry is a natural oligopoly in which a small number of firms (between four and six)capture the majority of sales, regardless of market size.
Reliability and competitive electricity markets
Authors: Joskow Paul , Tirole Jean
Published: September 2008

We derive the optimal prices and investment program for an electric power system when there are price‐insensitive retail consumers served by load serving entities that can choose any level of rationing contingent on real‐time prices. We then examine the assumptions required for competitive electricity markets to achieve this optimal price and investment program and the implications of relaxing several of these assumptions. We analyze the interrelationships between regulator‐imposed wholesale market price caps and generating capacity obligations. The implications of potential network collapses for operating reserve requirements and whether market prices yield generation investments consistent with these reserve requirements are examined.
Corporate strategy and information disclosure
Authors: Ferreira Daniel , Rezende Marcelo
Published: September 2008

We examine voluntary disclosures of information about corporate strategies. We develop a model in which managers choose whether to reveal their strategic plans only to some partners of the firm or also to the outside world. We show that managers face a tradeoff when deciding whether to disclose their private information to outsiders. On the one hand, by disclosing their intentions, managers become reluctant to change their minds in the future. This may lead them to make inefficient project implementation decisions. On the other hand, information disclosure about corporate strategy provides strong incentives for partners of the firm to undertake strategy‐specific investments.
Does divestiture crowd out new investment? The “make or buy” decision in the U.S. electricity generation industry
Authors: Ishii Jun , Yan Jingming
Published: September 2008

An empirical model of the “make or buy” decision faced by independent power producers (IPPs)in restructured U.S. wholesale electricity markets is derived to analyze power plant investment decisions by major IPPs from 1996 to 2000. The estimated investment cost and expected profit functions are used to evaluate the effectiveness of divestiture programs (which sold utility power plants to IPPs)in encouraging greater IPP participation. The estimates and counterfactual simulations indicate that a minimal amount of new plant investments were “crowded out” by divestiture and that divestiture encouraged greater (short‐run)entry, especially among utility‐affiliated IPPs.
Collusion and dynamic (under‐) investment in quality
Authors: Nocke Volker
Published: September 2008

In a dynamic game of investment in product quality, I investigate whether collusive underinvestment equilibria can be supported by the threat of escalation in investment outlays. When there are no spillovers, underinvestment equilibria exist even though, by deviating, a firm can gain a persistent strategic advantage. When there are strong spillovers, underinvestment equilibria fail to exist. A weakening of patent protection can thus lead to more investment in equilibrium. A “nonfragmentation” result is shown to hold: in all free‐entry equilibria, industry concentration is bounded away from zero, no matter how large the market, and despite the existence of underinvestment equilibria.
Consumer preferences and product and process R&D
Authors: Saha Souresh
Published: September 2008

Firms often conduct both product and process R&D. Consumer preferences typically play a vital role in determining these R&D choices. The economics literature, however, has mostly ignored the interrelationship between the R&D choices of firms and consumer preferences. Istudy product and process R&D from the perspective of their relationship with consumer preferences. In doing so, I find a novel distinction between the two kinds of R&D. This distinction can explain several empirical observations regarding firms' choices of the two, and can also potentially enable us to better empirically identify the two.
Collusion under monitoring of sales
Authors: Harrington Joseph E. , Skrzypacz Andrzej
Published: September 2008

Collusion under imperfect monitoring is explored when firms' prices are private information and their quantities are public information; such an information structure is consistent with several recent price‐fixing cartels, such as those in lysine and vitamins. For a class of symmetric oligopoly games, it is shown that symmetric equilibrium punishments cannot sustain any collusion. An asymmetric punishment is characterized that does sustain collusion and it has firms whose sales exceed their quotas compensating those firms with sales below their quotas. In practice, cartels could have performed such transfers through sales among the cartel members.
Simple estimators for the parameters of discrete dynamic games (with entry/exit examples)
Authors: Pakes Ariel , Ostrovsky Michael , Berry Steven
Published: September 2008

We estimate parameters from data on discrete dynamic games, using entry/exit games to illustrate. Semiparametric first‐stage estimates of entry and continuation values are computed from sample averages of the realized continuation values of entrants and incumbents. Under certain assumptions, these values are easy‐to‐compute analytic functions of the parameters of interest. The entry and continuation values are used to determine the model's predictions for entry and exit conditional on the parameter vector, and the estimates compare these predictions with the data on entry and exit rates. Small‐sample properties are discussed and lead to the simplest of estimators.
Measuring consumerwelfareinthe CPU market: anapplication of the pure‐characteristics demand model
Authors: Song Minjae
Published: September 2008

In this article, I estimate demand for the personal computer central processing unit and measure consumer welfare using the pure characteristics demand model. The model is based on a quasilinear utility function with multiplicative random variables and does not have the idiosyncratic logit error term, so that consumer welfare directly reflects consumers' valuation of product characteristics. Welfare calculations show that consumer surplus comprises approximately 90% of total social surplus and that large welfare gains have resulted from the introduction of new products.
Product boundary, vertical competition, and the double mark‐upproblem
Authors: Cheng Leonard K. , Nahm Jae
Published: September 2008

We develop a model in which a main product (called product A) provides a performance quality z by itself, whereas a complementary product (called product B) is useless by itself but enhances the main product's performance quality to q > z. This asymmetric complementarity gives rise to the following results. First, if z is relatively small, then firms A and B behave as if the products are symmetrically complementary with the usual double marginalization problem. Second, if z is sufficiently large, then firms A and B price their products as if they are independent. Third, over a certain range of intermediate z, no pure‐strategy Nash equilibrium exists.
Teams versus individual accountability: solving multitask problems through job design
Authors: Corts Kenneth S.
Published: September 2008

Many organizations are structured so that workers are jointly accountable for performance, even though there exist alternative organizational structures that align incentive compensation more closely with each worker's tasks. I develop a multitask agency model that demonstrates that such organizations may be optimal when multitask problems are severe or risk considerations are not too important. I also show that, in some circumstances, it may be optimal to share poorly measured tasks among several agents, contrary to the results of the existing multitask literature.
What changes energy consumption? Prices and public pressures
Authors: Reiss Peter C. , White Matthew W.
Published: September 2008

Policymakers often seek to limit energy prices following market shocks, and instead issue public appeals to reduce demand. This article presents new evidence on how price changes and conservation appeals affect energy consumption, using household‐level data from California's energy crisis during 2000 and 2001. The evidence indicates that when policymakers cap energy prices following market shocks, they preclude substantial—and quite rapid—reductions in energy use. The data also reveal that conservation appeals and informational programs can produce sustained reductions in energy demand.
Illinois Walls: how barring indirect purchaser suits facilitates collusion
Authors: Pieter Schinkel Maarten , Tuinstra Jan , Rüggeberg Jakob
Published: September 2008

In its landmark ruling in Illinois Brick Co. v. Illinois in 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court restricted standing to sue for recovery of antitrust damages to direct purchasers. However, antitrust damages are typically (in part) passed on to intermediaries lower in the chain of production and ultimately to consumers. We show that the Illinois Brick rule facilitates collusion. It allows an upstream cartel to shield itself from private damage claims by forwarding a share of cartel profits to its direct purchasers. These benefits dissuade the direct purchasers from exercising their exclusive right to sue for private damages. The cartel can achieve this by rationing inputs at low prices. Several U.S. antitrust cases show symptoms of “Illinois Walls.”
Quantifying the benefits of entry into local phone service
Authors: Economides Nicholas , Seim Katja , Viard V. Brian
Published: September 2008

Local telecommunications competition was an important goal of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. We evaluate the consumer welfare effects of entry into residential local telephone service in New York State using household‐level data from September 1999 to March 2003. We address the prevalence of nonlinear tariffs by developing a discrete/continuous demand model that allows for service bundling and unobservable provider quality. We find that the average subscriber to the entrants' services gains a monthly equivalent of $2.33, or 6.2% of her bill, in welfare from competition. These gains accrue primarily from firm differentiation and new plan introductions rather than from price effects.
A retail benchmarking approach to efficient two‐way access pricing: no termination‐based price discrimination†
Authors: Jeon Doh‐Shin , Hurkens Sjaak
Published: September 2008

We study access pricing rules that determine the access prices between two networks as a linear function of marginal costs and (average) retail prices set by both networks. When firms compete in linear prices, there is a unique linear rule that implements the Ramsey outcome as the unique equilibrium, independently of underlying demand conditions. When firms compete in two‐part tariffs, there exists a class of rules under which firms choose the variable price equal to the marginal cost. Therefore, the regulator can choose among these rules to pursue additional objectives such as increasing consumer surplus or promoting socially optimal investment.
Domestic airline alliances and consumer welfare
Authors: Armantier Olivier , Richard Oliver
Published: September 2008

This article investigates the consumer welfare consequences of the recent code‐share agreement between Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines. We develop a discrete choice model based on individual flight characteristics. This structural model recognizes that consumers (i) may have heterogeneous preferences for flight attributes, and (ii) may face different prices for the same flight. The empirical methodology also deals with the measurement error problem stemming from the absence of consumer‐level data on prices. The estimation results suggest that, whereas the code‐share agreement did not impact consumers significantly on average, it increased the average surplus of connecting passengers but decreased the average surplus of nonstop passengers. Interestingly, the magnitude of our welfare results may be attributed in large part to changes in product characteristics other than prices.
What is your diagnosis? Intracranial mass in a cat
Authors: Wills Tamara B. , Chen Annie V. , Haldorson Gary J.
Published: September 2008

Abstract: A 14‐year‐old female spayed cat was presented with a 3–4‐month history of circling to the left and intermittent head pressing. Neurologic examination findings localized the lesion to the left supratentorial region. Using magnetic resonance imaging, an extra‐axial mass was found on the dorsal aspect of the brain at the level of the frontal and parietal lobes, compressing and displacing the brain ventrally and caudally. Craniectomy was performed and the mass was submitted for cytologic and histopathologic evaluation. Impression smears revealed abundant cholesterol crystals and loose clusters of mildly pleomorphic spindle cells, compatible with a meningioma. The histopathologic diagnosis was meningioma with psammoma bodies and numerous cholesterol clefts. Abundant cholesterol crystals within meningiomas in cats may present a diagnostic challenge when nucleated cells are scant. Other differential diagnoses for abundant cholesterol crystals in an intracranial mass include cholesterol granulomas and keratinizing cysts.
Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of
Babesia gibsoni
Dihydrofolate Reductase-Thymidylate Synthase: Inhibitory Effect of Antifolates on Its Catalytic Activity and Parasite Proliferation
Authors: Aboge Gabriel O. , Jia Honglin , Terkawi Mohamad A. , Goo Youn-Kyoung , Nishikawa Yoshifumi , Sunaga Fujiko , Namikawa Kuzuhiko , Tsuji Naotoshi , Igarashi Ikuo , Suzuki Hiroshi , Fujisaki Kozo , Xuan Xuenan
Published: September 2008

Dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) is a well-validated antifolate drug target in certain pathogenic apicomplexans, but not in the genus
Babesia
, including
Babesia gibsoni
. Therefore, we isolated, cloned, and expressed the wild-type
B. gibsoni dhfr-ts
gene in
Escherichia coli
and evaluated the inhibitory effect of antifolates on its enzyme activity, as well as on in vitro parasite growth. The full-length gene consists of a 1,548-bp open reading frame encoding a 58.8-kDa translated peptide containing DHFR and TS domains linked together in a single polypeptide chain. Each domain contained active-site amino acid residues responsible for the enzymatic activity. The expressed soluble recombinant DHFR-TS protein was approximately 57 kDa after glutathione
S
-transferase (GST) cleavage, similar to an approximately 58-kDa native enzyme identified from the parasite merozoite. The non-GST fusion recombinant DHFR enzyme revealed

K
m

values of 4.70 ± 0.059 (mean ± standard error of the mean) and 9.75 ± 1.64 μM for dihydrofolic acid (DHF) and NADPH, respectively. Methotrexate was a more-potent inhibitor of the enzymatic activity (50% inhibition concentration [IC
50
] = 68.6 ± 5.20 nM) than pyrimethamine (IC
50
= 55.0 ± 2.08 μM) and trimethoprim (IC
50
= 50 ± 12.5 μM). Moreover, the antifolates' inhibitory effects on DHFR enzyme activity paralleled their inhibition of the parasite growth in vitro, indicating that the
B. gibsoni
DHFR could be a model for studying antifolate compounds as potential drug candidates. Therefore, the
B. gibsoni
DHFR-TS is a molecular antifolate drug target.