bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase diagram and excitations of a Coulomb glass
Authors: Malik Vikas , Kumar Deepak
Published: January 2008

This paper studies the phase diagram and the singleparticle density of states of a lattice model of the Coulomb glass in three dimensions. For this purpose we calculate the free energy in the random phase approximation using the replica method to average over disorder. We find that the system has a transition to an antiferromagnetic phase below a critical disorder. Above the critical disorder the system has a glassy ‘independent spin phase’ at zero temperature which crosses over to paramagnetic phase as the temperature is increased. In the antiferromagnetic phase the single‐particle excitation density has a feature, including the gap at the Fermi level due to long‐range order. In the glassy phase we find the density of states (DOS) at nonzero temperatures and find that with temperature the DOS at the Fermi level increases faster than quadratically and the Coulomb gap decreases linearly. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The clinical investigator site audit – process‐driven good clinical practice
Authors: Winchell Terry
Published: January 2008

This article describes a process‐driven approach to the conduct of a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) audit at a clinical investigator site and to the assessment of systemic GCP compliance in just a few days with little or no background information. The technique involves looking at the site and resulting observations from a system‐related point of view, with the primary goal of finding flaws in methods of operation as opposed to looking for isolated errors. Then, expanding the impact of corrective actions to the maximum extent (i.e. to all systemic flaws). To put it simply, it is a process‐driven approach with the ultimate goal of getting the GCP system under satisfactory control. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality assurance in cardiac surgery: setting up the Austrian heart register. Are standard hospital information systems suitable?
Authors: Staudinger O. , Staudinger B. , Ostermann H. , Staudinger R. , Tilg B.
Published: January 2008

Objectives: The Austrian Health 2006 Structural Plan of 28 June 2006 requires that reference centres for cardiac surgery ‘participate in result‐quality registers (e.g. heart registers)’. The aim of the project was to determine the conditions under which existing hospital information systems (HIS) would be suitable for the intended heart register system.

Methods: Between November 2004 and December 2005, a survey was performed in the Austrian heart centers in order to ascertain the medical requirements, the existing technical and organizational situation, and the demands potential users would make on a comprehensive, national heart register. The possibilities of using existing hospital information systems for this purpose were evaluated on the basis of a criteria catalogue.

Results: From the medical point of view, the requirements of a heart register covering the whole of Austria, though complex, are readily definable. The reality of heterogeneous information technology (IT) landscapes, coupled with demands for interactivity (on‐line queries to a central cardiac database) and benchmarking the users within a single system, combined with what must objectively be regarded as a small group of users, are the reasons why this function is not provided as standard in any HIS.

Conclusion: The level of standardization of predictive models and data records is too low in the light of the local and national demands and expectations of a heart register, so that an adequate Quality Assurance (QA) function for cardiac surgeries, which is based on statistical data, is not offered as a standard module in today's HIS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced resolution triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry for ultra‐sensitive and quantitative analysis of the investigational anticancer agent EO9 (apaziquone) and its metabolite EO5a in human and dog plasma to support (pre)‐clinical studies of EOquin® given intravesically
Authors: Vainchtein Liia D. , Rosing Hilde , Mirejovsky Dorla , Huynh Van , Lenaz Luigi , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H.
Published: January 2008

A highly sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method was developed to quantify the experimental anticancer agent EO9 and its metabolite EO5a in biological matrices. A 200‐µL aliquot of human/dog plasma was spiked with a mixture of deuterated internal standards EO9‐d3 and EO5a‐d4 and extracted with 1.25 mL of ethyl acetate. Dried extracts were reconstituted in 0.1 M ammonium acetate/methanol (7:3, v/v) and 20‐µL volumes were injected onto the LC system. Separation was achieved on a 150 × 2.1 mm C18 column using an alkaline eluent (1 mM ammonium hydroxide/methanol (gradient system)). The detection was performed by a Finnigan TSQ Quantum Ultra equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in positive mode and enhanced mass resolution capability. It demonstrated improved sensitivity with a factor 10–20 for EO9 and EO5a over a 3‐decades dynamic range, with acceptable accuracy and precision, when compared with the previously described assay for EO9 and EO5a, developed by our group, using an API 2000. The assay quantifies a range from 0.5 to 500 ng/mL for EO9 and EO5a using 200‐µL human plasma and dog samples. The described mass resolution method was successfully applied for the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic profile of EO9 and its metabolite EO5a in human and dog plasma. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of locating tumours in lung via kinaesthetic feedback
Authors: McCreery G. L. , Trejos A. L. , Naish M. D. , Patel R. V. , Malthaner R. A.
Published: January 2008

Background

Localizing lung tumours during minimally invasive surgery is difficult, since restricted access precludes manual palpation and pre‐operative imaging cannot map directly to the intra‐operative lung. This study analyses the force‐sensing performance that would allow an instrumented kinaesthetic probe to localize tumours based on stiffness variations of the lung parenchyma.

Methods

Agar injected intoex vivoporcine lungs produced a model approximating commonly encountered tumours. Force‐deformation data were collected from multiple sites at various palpation depths and velocities, before and after the tumours were injected.

Results

Analysis showed an increase in force after the tumours were injected, in the range 0.07–0.16 N at 7 mm (p< 10−4). A 2 mm/s palpation velocity minimized exponential stress decay at constant depths, facilitating easier comparisons between measurements.

Conclusion

A sensing range of 0–2 N, with 0.01 N resolution, should allow a kinaesthetic palpation probe to resolve local tissue stiffness changes that suggest an underlying tumour. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface characterization of photodegraded dyed styrene butadiene and natural rubbers
Authors: Ruch David , Exposito Junien , Becker Claude , Aubriet Frédéric
Published: January 2008

The combination of laser ablation coupled to mass spectrometry, Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry EDX) as independent techniques to investigate the surface photooxidation of dyed filled natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), designed for outdoor applications, have been investigated. The aging results in the deterioration of the exposed surface material properties. Results indicate that dyed filled NR and SBR samples behave differently during the photooxidation. The fading of the dyed polymers was found to be promoted in the NR sample. This is proved by the disappearance of [M − H]− pseudomolecular ion of orange pigment and also its fragment ions after aging, which was detected by LDI–FTICRMS. This is confirmed by both EDX and UV/vis spectroscopy. EDX analysis indicates a concentration of chlorine atoms, which is a marker of orange pigment or of its degradation products, at the surface of SBR flooring after aging, which is not observed with NR. Reactivity of the radicals formed during flooring aging is thought to greatly affect the behavior of the organic pigment and is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive management: making it happen through participatory systems analysis
Authors: Smith Carl , Felderhof L. , Bosch O. J. H.
Published: January 2008

Participatory systems analysis was used to construct system models of the operating environment for fire management in conservation reserves in north Queensland, Australia. The aim of the study was to identify stumbling blocks to the adaptive management of fire and to test whether this could be done using participatory methods and a systems modelling tool called Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN). Results from the case study indicate that the participatory system analysis approach provides a co‐learning environment that captures the collective (corporate) knowledge of the factors influencing planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing outcomes, thus allowing critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the success of adaptive management to be identified. BBN provided the scaffolding for piecing together this knowledge, allowing managers to structure complex problems and conduct dynamic sensitivity and scenario analysis to identify where intervention or investment can significantly improve the practice of adaptive management within a natural resource management (NRM) agency. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant Intraportal Venous Chemotherapy for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Portal Vein Tumor Thrombi Following Hepatectomy Plus Portal Thrombectomy
Authors: Liang Li‐Jian , Hu Wen‐Jie , Yin Xiao‐Yu , Zhou Qi , Peng Bao‐Gang , Li Dong‐Ming , Lu Ming‐De
Published: January 2008

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of adjuvant chemobiotherapy via portal vein for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombi (PVTT) following hepatectomy plus thrombectomy.

Methods

Eighty‐six HCC patients with tumor thrombi in the portal trunk and/or the first‐order branch were divided into groups A (n = 33) and B (n = 53). Patients in group A were treated with hepatectomy plus portal thrombectomy in combination with postoperative adjuvant chemobiotherapy administered via portal vein. The chemobiotherapy regimen consisted of 5‐FU, adriamycin, cisplatin, and IFNα. Patients in Group B were subjected to hepatectomy plus thrombectomy alone. Survival rates of the two groups were compared and prognostic factors were identified using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Group A had a significantly longer median tumor‐free survival time and median survival time compared with group B, i.e., 5.1 vs. 2.5 months (p = 0.017) and 11.5 vs. 6.2 months (p = 0.007), respectively. One‐, two‐, and three‐year tumor‐free survival rates were remarkably higher in group A than in group B, i.e., 18.4% vs. 8.4%, 13.8% vs. 4.2%, and 9.2% vs. 4.2%, respectively. One‐, two‐, and three‐year survival rates were markedly greater in group A than in group B, i.e., 46.8% vs. 23.4%, 14.4% vs. 5.8%, and 9.6% vs. 5.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that adjuvant chemobiotherapy, pathologic grading, and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for survival time (p = 0.000, 0.001, and 0.013, respectively), and chemobiotherapy and pathologic grading were independent prognostic factors for tumor‐free survival time (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

Surgical resection combined with adjuvant chemobiotherapy via portal vein is an effective and safe treatment modality for hepatocellular carcinoma with major portal vein thrombus.
Viability of Cryopreserved Parathyroid Tissue: When Is Continued Storage versus Disposal Indicated?
Authors: Guerrero Marlon A. , Evans Douglas B. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Bao Ruijun , Bereket Abby , Gantela Swaroop , Griffin Gary D. , Perrier Nancy D.
Published: January 2008

Background

Parathyroid cryopreservation is used for potential autografting in patients who are rendered hypocalcemic following surgery. Cryopreservation employs multiple resources and carries a significant cost for processing and storage of tissue. Importantly, the length of time that parathyroid tissue remains functional after cryopreservation is not known. The goal of our study was to assess ex‐vivo viability of parathyroid tissue in relation to the length of time in storage. We sought to define the appropriate time frame for tissue utilization and disposal to assist with long‐term surgical planning.

Methods

From 1991 to 2006, 501 parathyroid specimens from 149 patients were cryopreserved at −80°C according to standardized techniques. A single trained technician assessed viability, using a hemacytometer to count viable (clear cell) and nonviable (blue cell) tissue. Univariate analysis was performed to correlate length of preservation, diagnosis with viability. Results: We evaluated 106 random parathyroid specimens. Samples were divided into two groups: those stored > 24 months and those stored ≤ 24 months. Eleven (10%) of 106 specimens were deemed viable. Length of storage time was associated with ex‐vivo tissue viability. Viability of samples cryopreserved ≤ 24 months was 71% (10/14) versus 1% (1/92) of those specimens stored > 24 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Viability of cryopreserved parathyroid cells is associated with duration of storage. Parathyroids preserved for greater than 24 months are unlikely to be viable. It seems reasonable to limit parathyroid cryopreservation to 24 months when frozen at −80°C. Further studies are needed to optimize the process of cryopreservation to enhance cell viability.
Misattribution bias of threat-related facial expressions is related to a longer duration of illness and poor executive function in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Premkumar Preethi , Cooke Michael A. , Fannon Dominic , Peters Emmanuelle , Michel Tanja M. , Aasen Ingrid , Murray Robin M. , Kuipers Elizabeth , Kumari Veena
Published: January 2008

Background

While it is known that patients with schizophrenia recognize facial emotions, specifically negative emotions, less accurately, little is known about how they misattribute these emotions to other emotions and whether such misattribution biases are associated with symptoms, course of the disorder, or certain cognitive functions.

Method

Outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (n = 73) and healthy controls (n = 30) performed a computerised Facial Emotion Attribution Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Patients were also rated on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

Patients were poor at recognizing fearful and angry emotions and attributed fear to angry and angry to neutral expressions. Fear-as-anger misattributions were predicted independently by a longer duration of illness and WCST perseverative errors.

Conclusion

The findings show a bias towards misattributing fearful and angry facial emotions. The propensity for fear-as-anger misattribution biases increases as the length of time that the disorder is experienced increases and a more rigid style of information processing is used. This, at least in part, may be perpetuated by subtle fearfulness expressed by others while interacting with people with schizophrenia.
Anti‐oligomeric single chain variable domain antibody differentially affects huntingtin and α‐synuclein aggregates
Authors: Nannenga Brent L. , Zameer Andleeb , Sierks Michael R.
Published: January 2008

Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases are both neurodegenerative disorders caused at least in part by misfolding and aggregation of huntingtin (htt) and α‐synuclein, respectively. Here we use a single chain antibody fragment (scFv) isolated against oligomeric α‐synuclein to probe similarities and differences between the aggregation and toxic mechanisms of htt and α‐synuclein. When incubated with htt, the scFv both blocks formation of and promotes dissociation of fibrillar aggregates, but stabilizes formation of cytotoxic oligomeric aggregates. Previous studies with monomeric α‐synuclein showed the scFv prevented fibrillar aggregation, but blocked toxicity of oligomeric aggregates. These divergent effects suggest the toxic mechanisms of oligomeric aggregates differ among amyloidogenic protein species.
Risk factors for isolation ofStaphylococcus aureusorStreptococcus dysgalactiaefrom milk culture obtained approximately 6 days post calving
Authors: Østerås Olav , Whist Anne Cathrine , Sølverød Liv
Published: January 2008

Milk culture results at approximately 6 d post calving were assessed in a 2-year retrospective single-cohort study in 178 Norwegian herds. A combined teat dipping and selective antibiotic therapy trial was performed in these herds where cows with composite milk somatic cell count (CMSCC) >100 000 cells/ml before drying-off (geometric mean of the last three CMSCC test-days) and isolation ofStaphylococcus aureusorStreptococcus dysgalactiaewere selected for either short-acting lactation antibiotic treatment or long-acting dry cow antibiotic treatment. Milk culture results at approximately 6 d post-calving were available from 437 treated cows and 3061 non-treated cows before drying-off and separate multivariable logistic regression models were ran for these two groups. Risk factors associated with isolation ofStaph. aureus6 d post calving for non-treated cows were CMSCC >400 000 cells/ml before drying-offv. <400 000 cells/ml (Odds ratio (OR)=2·4) and clinical mastitis (CM) in the previous lactationv. non-treated (OR=1·5). Risk factors associated withStaph. aureus6 d post calving for treated cows was a CMSCC >200 000 cells/ml before drying-offv. <200 000 cells/ml (OR=2·3) and CM in the previous lactation versus non-treated (OR=1·7). For non-treated cows it was 1·7-times more likely to isolateStr. dysgalactiae6 d post-calving if the CMSCC was >50 000 cells/ml compared with <50 000 cells/ml. For treated cows it was 3·7–5·8-times more likely to isolateStr. dysgalactiae6 d post calving if given short-acting lactation formula at quarter level compared with long-acting dry cow formula used at cow level. Regular use of iodine post-milking teat disinfection (PMTD) did not influence the isolation ofStaph. aureus6 d post calving, but it was less likely to isolateStr. dysgalactiae6 d post calving if iodine PMTD was used regularly rather than irregularly. The external teat sealant had no effect on either of the two bacteria.

This study indicates that the CMSCC limit for sampling cows before drying-off can be reduced to 50 000 cells/ml in herds with aStr. dysgalactiaeproblem. Iodine PMTD should also be recommended in these herds. Cows with a CMSCC >400 000 cells/ml prior to drying-off should receive long-acting dry cow formula irrespective of the milk culture result.
Costs of mastitis: facts and perception
Authors: Huijps Kirsten , Lam Theo JGM , Hogeveen Henk
Published: January 2008

A model to calculate the economic losses of mastitis on an average Dutch dairy farm was developed and used as base for a tool for farmers and advisors to calculate farm-specific economic losses of mastitis. The economic losses of a clinical case in a default situation were calculated as €210, varying from €164 to €235 depending on the month of lactation. The total economic losses of mastitis (subclinical and clinical) per cow present in a default situation varied between €65 and €182/cow per year depending on the bulk tank somatic cell count. The tool was used to measure perception of the total economic losses of mastitis on the farm and the farmers' assessment of the cost factors of mastitis on 78 dairy farms, of which 64 were used for further analyses. Most farmers (72%) expected their economic losses to be lower than those revealed by our calculation made with their farm information. Underestimating the economic losses of mastitis can be regarded as a general problem in the dairy sector. The average economic losses assessed by the farmers were €78/cow per year, but a large variation was given, €17–198/cow per year. Although the average assessment of the farmers of the different cost factors is close to the default value, there is much variation. To improve the adoption rate of advice and lower the incidence of mastitis, it is important to show the farmers the economic losses of mastitis on their farm. The tool described in this paper can play a role in that process.
Extended lactation in dairy cows: effects of milking frequency, calving season and nutrition on lactation persistency and milk quality
Authors: Sorensen Annette , Muir D Donald , Knight Christopher H
Published: January 2008

Twelve spring-calving and twelve winter-calving cows were managed for extended lactation cycles of 18-months duration, with the former group then completing a second extended lactation. Half of the cows were fed according to standard management practice for the herd; the other half received supplementary concentrate from week 9 of lactation onwards. Commencing at the same time, half of the udder of each cow was subjected to increased milking frequency (thrice daily rather than twice daily). Lactation persistency (and hence total milk yield) was significantly increased by frequent milking. Winter calving cows and supplemented cows also exhibited better persistency, but this was only evident up until the point of re-breeding, at around lactation week 33. Milk composition was measured in the spring-calving cows in both their first and second extended lactations. Composition altered during the course of the lactation, protein and fat percentages increasing and lactose percentage decreasing, irrespective of treatment. The quality of the milk for processing into cheese, fermented products, heat-treated products and cream liqueurs was assessed by calculation of casein number (casein protein as a proportion of total protein). Processing quality declined across the course of lactation in those groups that showed poor persistency but not in those that maintained a persistent lactation. Milk hygienic quality (somatic cell counts) showed parallel changes. Body condition score increased during the course of lactation but was not affected by supplementation; none of the cows became excessively fat. All cows remained healthy throughout the extended lactations and the majority (33/36) re-bred successfully. By demonstrating that lactation persistency is plastic and can be improved by simple management interventions, the results lend support to the economic arguments in favour of extended lactation cycles. The likely welfare benefits of extended lactation are also discussed.
Non-invasive detection of fatty liver in dairy cows by digital analyses of hepatic ultrasonograms
Authors: Bobe Gerd , Amin Viren R , Hippen Arnold R , She Pengxiang , Young Jerry W , Beitz Donald C
Published: January 2008

During early lactation, many dairy cows develop fatty liver, which is associated with decreased health and reproductive performance. Currently, fatty liver can be detected reliably only by using liver biopsy followed by chemical or histological analysis, which is not practical in most on-farm situations. We tested whether digital analyses of hepatic ultrasonograms can be used to detect non-invasively fatty liver and estimate liver triacylglycerol content. A total of 49 liver biopsies and ultrasonograms were taken from 29 dairy cows within 2 weeks postpartum. The usefulness of 17 first- or second-order parameters from digital analysis of B-mode ultrasonograms were evaluated by discriminant, correlation, and regression analyses. A group of linear combinations of the 17 parameters correctly classified 40 of 49 samples into normal liver as well as mild, moderate and severe fatty liver when cut-off values were 1%, 5% and 10% and correctly classified 45 of 49 samples when cut-off values were 5% and 10% triacylglycerol of wet weight. A linear combination of 16 image parameters estimated triacylglycerol concentrations of 38 of the 39 liver samples below the cut-off value of 10% within 2·5% of liver wet weight, and a linear combination of 3 parameters estimated triacylglycerol concentrations of the 10 liver samples above the cut-off value of 10% within 2% of liver wet weight. Therefore, ultrasound imaging followed by digital analysis of sonograms has potential to non-invasively detect fatty liver and estimate liver triacylglycerol content.
Modification of the volatile compound profile of cheese, by aLactococcus lactisstrain expressing a mutant oligopeptide binding protein
Authors: Picon Antonia , Fernández-García Estrella , Gaya Pilar , Nuñez Manuel
Published: January 2008

Lactococcus lactisstrain AMP2I expresses OppA(D471R), a mutant oligopeptide binding OppA protein in which the aspartyl residue at position 471 was replaced by arginine. As a consequence of a different peptide transport in this strain, experimental Hispánico cheese made withLc. lactisAMP2I had a higher content of total free amino acids than control cheese made withLc. lactisAMP1I, an isogenic strain expressing wild-type OppA (Picon et al. 2005, 2007). In this work higher levels of diketones, hydroxy-ketones and, to a lesser extent, branched chain aldehydes were recorded for experimental cheese compared with control cheese. These differences levelled off as ripening proceeded. Strong correlations support the hypothesis that the increased levels of these volatile compounds in cheese made withLc. lactisAMP2I are linked to higher concentrations of free amino acids threonine, valine and leucine.
Influence of microorganisms on retinol isomerization in milk
Authors: Panfili Gianfranco , Fratianni Alessandra , Di Criscio Tiziana , Gammariello Daniela , Sorrentino Elena
Published: January 2008

In order to have a deeper insight into the retinol isomerization phenomenon, in this work different milk samples have been analysed for their content of trans retinol and its cis-isomers, by means of reliable HPLC techniques. Levels of the different isomers and the degree of retinol isomerization (13-cis/all-trans ratio, %) have been monitored during milk storage at different temperatures and after addition of specific microorganisms. In raw milk stored at 4°C for 96 h the degree of retinol isomerization shifted from 1·1 to 2·3%, while in raw milk stored at 22°C for 24 h it increased from 1·1 to 12·7%. Among microorganisms tested in pasteurized milk, the most active in causing an increment in the 13-cis/all-trans ratio (%), from 3·4 to 33·4% in 8 h, was Streptococcus thermophilus. The results obtained demonstrated a relationship between microbial evolution and retinol isomerization. Therefore, the determination of retinol isomers is of importance not only for a more precise evaluation of vitamin A activity but also for the evaluation of the microbiological quality of milk.
15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2induces chemokine expression, oxidative stress and microfilament reorganization in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Lutzow Ylva Strandberg , Gray Christian , Tellam Ross
Published: January 2008

The roles of the pro-adipogenic ligands of the transcription factor Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma (PPARG) in regulating innate immune responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. The analyses revealed that 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2(15d-PGJ2) enhanced the expression ofInterleukin 8(IL-8) andChemokine (C-X-C motif)ligand 6(CXCL6) in these cells in a dose-dependent manner. 15d-PGJ2also induced the expression of transcripts encoding proteins involved in oxidative stress, includingFerritin heavy chainandSuperoxide dismutase 1, as well as substantial microfilament reorganization. In contrast, synthetic PPARG agonists displayed a different and much smaller range of effects on the cells, causing down-regulation ofInterleukin 1-beta,Interleukin 6andIL-8and increased expression ofChemokine (C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2) andTumour necrosis factor alpha(TNFα). In an independent analysis, the cells were pre-incubated with PPARG agonists followed by lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This study revealed that troglitazone increased the responsiveness of the cells to lipopolysaccharide resulting in up-regulation ofInterleukin 1-beta,TNFα,IL-8,CCL2andCXCL6while 15d-PGJ2caused down-regulation ofTNFα,CCL2andCXCL6. These findings are relevant to understanding the anti-inflammatory potential of the PPARG ligands and underline different mechanisms of action of 15d-PGJ2and troglitazone in bMEC. Furthermore, the present results demonstrate that the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators can be modulated by currently available therapeutic agents and may therefore be of value in the treatment of mastitis in ruminants.
ADHD and Stroop interference from age 9 to age 41 years: a meta-analysis of developmental effects
Authors: Schwartz K. , Verhaeghen P.
Published: January 2008

Background

In this meta-analysis, we investigated whether response inhibition is sensitive to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) status and, if so, what influence maturation has on this attentional symptom of ADHD.

Method

We examined 25 studies that reported data on the Stroop color word test in children and adults with ADHD and in age-matched controls; average ages ranged from 9 to 41 years. We utilized a hierarchical approach to analyze the strength of the Stroop effect and whether the effect varies as a function of age. Additionally, we assessed potential differences in maturation rates based on reaction time (RT) of color and color-word conditions.

Results

First, we found that the relationship between color-word and color RT was multiplicative, and the slope of this function (the ratio of color-word RT over color RT) was identical across age groups and ADHD status. Second, we found that although ADHD individuals were on average 1.14 times slower than age-matched controls in both the color and the color-word condition, the maturation rate was identical for both groups.

Conclusions

The results from this analysis indicate that the Stroop interference effect is not larger in ADHD individuals than in age-matched controls. Further, we did not find evidence for differential maturation rates for persons with ADHD and the control groups. The Stroop interference effect appears to be immune to age, regardless of ADHD status.
LEARNING DYNAMICS AND ENDOGENOUS CURRENCY CRISES
Authors: CHO IN-KOO , KASA KENNETH
Published: January 2008

This paper introduces adaptive learning into the third-generation currency crisis model of Aghion, Bacchetta, and Banerjee (2001, Currency crises and monetary policy in an economy with credit constraints,European Economic Review45, 1121–1150). Adaptive learning might reflect, for example, uncertainty about the economy's exposure to adverse balance sheet effects. Even when equilibrium is unique, we show that the learning algorithm's escape dynamics can produce the same kind of Markov-switching exchange rate behavior that is typically attributed to sunspots or herds. An advantage of our learning model is that currency crises become endogenous, in the sense that their stochastic properties can be related to assumptions about learning and other structural features of the economy.
Design and Construction of a Preparative‐Scale Dynamic Field Gradient Focusing Apparatus
Authors: Tracy Noah I. , Huang Zheng , Ivory Cornelius F.
Published: January 2008

A linear model is used to show that dynamic field gradient focusing (DFGF) can be scaled to preparative capacity, ∼O (10 mgs). This paper explains how the preparative‐scale DFGF apparatus was designed and fabricated. Scaled‐down experiments and mathematical modeling guided material selection and design changes during construction to increase the probability that the prototype preparative‐scale DFGF apparatus would perform as intended. The finished prototype successfully focused bovine hemoglobin from an initial concentration of 6.82 to 15 mg/mL and allowed for 86% recovery of injected protein.
Thin‐plate modeling of interseismic deformation and asymmetry across the Altyn Tagh fault zone
Authors: Jolivet R. , Cattin R. , Chamot‐Rooke N. , Lasserre C. , Peltzer G.
Published: January 2008

Creeping dislocations in an elastic half‐space are commonly used to model interseismic deformation. However, this semi‐infinite conventional model can lead to biased inferences of the slip rate and the fault locking depth. We therefore favor the use of a thin‐plate model sheared at its base in agreement with the current knowledge of the seismogenic thickness of the lithosphere. We apply these two approaches to interpret InSAR data across the Altyn Tagh fault system near longitude 94°E, in a region of clear asymmetry of interseismic velocity distribution. Our results suggest a locking depth of 7–9 km and a present‐day geodetic slip rate of 8–10 mm/yr, consistent with the rate based on GPS measurements at this longitude. We interpret the asymmetric pattern as the joint effect of a rigidity decrease from the Tarim basin north of the fault to the Qaidam basin south of it and of a 5–7 km southward offset of strain concentration from the quaternary northern active fault. This suggests that the rigidity contrast as well as most of the creep at depth occurs on the southern geological fault.
Sizes and relative geoeffectiveness of interplanetary coronal mass ejections and the preceding shock sheaths during intense storms in 1996–2005
Authors: Zhang J. , Poomvises W. , Richardson I. G.
Published: January 2008

We present a statistical study of the sizes of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and the preceding shock sheath regions in near‐Earth space. The 46 events studied are a subset of the events responsible for intense (Dst ≤ −100 nT) geomagnetic storms in 1996–2005 in which only a single ICME was responsible for generating the storm. We find that the durations and radial sizes of these ICMEs range from 8.0 to 62.0 hr and 0.08 to 0.63 AU, respectively, with average values of 30.6 hr and 0.37 AU. The sheath durations and radial sizes range from 2.6 to 24.5 hr and 0.03 to 0.31 AU, with average values of 10.6 hr and 0.13 AU. On average, the ICME radial size is 2.8 times that of the sheath. In terms of their relative geoeffectiveness, ICMEs contribute on average about 71% of the total energy input (sheath + ICME) into the magnetosphere.
On the coupling between vegetation and rainfall inter‐annual anomalies: Possible contributions to seasonal rainfall predictability over land areas
Authors: Alessandri Andrea , Navarra Antonio
Published: January 2008

It's well known that rainfall affects vegetation through its effect on soil moisture content, but the extent to which vegetation could in turn impact precipitation occurrence is poorly understood. Here we focus on the assessment, from observations, of the reciprocal forcing of seasonal‐mean vegetation and rainfall interannual anomalies over land areas using the coupled manifold technique. Considering global lands, we estimate at the 1% significance level that 19% (12%) of the vegetation (precipitation) variance is forced by precipitation (vegetation). Our analysis reveals that the dominant component of the vegetation‐forced rainfall variability is a delayed response to ENSO cycles. Vegetation appears to provide a biophysical memory of ENSO and is supposed to act through delayed feedbacks on rainfall. As ENSO cycles are currently well predicted by dynamical seasonal forecasting systems, this result displays the potential for a reliable soil moisture‐vegetation initialization to improve rainfall prediction over lands.
Discontinuity in Jupiter's main auroral oval
Authors: Radioti A. , Gérard J.‐C. , Grodent D. , Bonfond B. , Krupp N. , Woch J.
Published: January 2008

On the basis of a series of FUV Hubble Space Telescope images obtained between 1997 and 2007 it is shown that there is a segment of the main auroral oval where the emission drops significantly from a few hundreds to a few tens of kiloRayleigh, forming a discontinuity in the oval. It is shown that the discontinuity is present in both hemispheres and confined in magnetic local time. Its equatorial source is located in the prenoon and early noon sector. The main auroral oval is associated with the ionosphere‐magnetosphere coupling current system which is related to the breakdown of corotation in the middle magnetosphere. Necessary for the electron precipitation in the ionosphere and the formation of the main auroral oval is the presence of upward field‐aligned currents, carried by downward moving electrons. Field‐aligned currents inferred by Pioneer, Voyager and Galileo in situ observations in the near equatorial plane showed evidence of reduced or/and downward field‐aligned currents in the prenoon and early afternoon sector, the location of the equatorial source of the discontinuity. Additionally, we estimate the precipitation energy flux in the ionosphere, for a typical reduced upward field‐aligned current value at that region, which is found to be within the range of the observed brightness of the discontinuity. Field aligned current distributions in the ionosphere based on magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere have predicted a region of downward currents implying a discontinuity at the main auroral oval emission, in very good agreement with the HST observations presented in this work.
Ozone quasi‐biennial oscillations (QBO), semiannual oscillations (SAO), and correlations with temperature in the mesosphere, lower thermosphere, and stratosphere, based on measurements from SABER on TIMED and MLS on UARS
Authors: Huang Frank T. , Mayr Hans G. , Reber Carl A. , Russell James M. , Mlynczak Martin G. , Mengel John G.
Published: January 2008

The ozone and temperature measurements from Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) on the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere‐Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite form a unique set. They provide global information over the range of local solar times, from the lower stratosphere into the lower thermosphere, going back to 2002, by one instrument. On the basis of zonal means of these data, we present new results from 20 to 100 km in altitude and from 48°S to 48°N in latitude of ozone and temperature semiannual oscillations (SAO) and quasi‐biennial oscillations (QBO). While some of the results are new for the stratosphere, such results for the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) have not been available before. The SAO and QBO components are mostly symmetric with respect to the Equator. The correlations of ozone and temperatures provide the opportunity to study the relative effects of dynamics and chemistry. Our results show that the ozone oscillations are largely and positively correlated to those of the temperature below about 30 km and above 80 km, and mostly anti‐correlated with temperature between about 30 and 80 km. We compare with measurements made about 10 years earlier by the MLS instrument on UARS, and with results by others from the solar mesosphere explorer (SME) satellite, the solar backscatter ultraviolet (SBUV), space shuttle experiments (CRISTA), and ground‐based measurements.
Detection and localization of hydromechanical disturbances in a sandbox using the self‐potential method
Authors: Crespy A. , Revil A. , Linde N. , Byrdina S. , Jardani A. , Bolève A. , Henry P.
Published: January 2008

Four sandbox experiments were performed to understand the self‐potential response to hydro‐mechanical disturbances in a water‐infiltrated controlled sandbox. In the first two experiments, ∼0.5 mL of water was abruptly injected through a small capillary at a depth of 15 cm using a syringe impacted by a hammer stroke. In the second series of experiments, ∼0.5 mL of pore water was quickly pumped out of the tank, at the same depth, using a syringe. In both type of experiments, the resulting self‐potential signals were measured using 32 sintered Ag/AgCl medical electrodes. In two experiments, these electrodes were located 3 cm below the top surface of the tank. In two other experiments, they were placed along a vertical section crossing the position of the capillary. These electrodes were connected to a voltmeter with a sensitivity of 0.1 μV and an acquisition frequency of 1.024 kHz. The injected/pumped volumes of water produced hydro‐mechanical disturbances in the sandbox. In turn, these disturbances generated dipolar electrical anomalies of electrokinetic nature with an amplitude of few microvolts. The source function is the product of the dipolar Green's function by a source intensity function that depends solely on the product of the streaming potential coupling coefficient of the sand to the pore fluid overpressure with respect to the hydrostatic pressure. Numerical modeling using a finite element code was performed to solve the coupled hydro‐mechanical problem and to determine the distribution of the resulting self‐potential during the course of these experiments. We use 2D and 3D algorithms based on the cross‐correlation method and wavelet analysis of potential fields to show that the source was a vertical dipole. These methods were also used to localize the position of the source of the hydromechanical disturbance from the self‐potential signals recorded at the top surface of the tank. The position of the source agrees with the position of the inlet/outlet of the capillary showing the usefulness of these methods for application to active volcanoes.
The effect of bedrock jointing on the formation of straths in the Cache la Poudre River drainage, Colorado Front Range
Authors: Wohl Ellen
Published: January 2008

The North Fork Poudre and Poudre Rivers have incised deep, narrow canyons into Precambrian‐age granite and gneiss along the Colorado Front Range. Longitudinally discontinuous active strath surfaces and strath terraces are present along each river. Although the crystalline bedrock of the study area is resistant to weathering and erosion, differences in joint spacing and orientation create significant differences in rock mass strength along each river. The vertical spacing of active straths along the North Fork Poudre correlates strongly with the spacing of prominent subhorizontal joint surfaces. Strath terraces along the Poudre River occur in areas of wider valley bottom upstream from a profile convexity. Especially wide segments with the greatest downstream extent reflect the locations of shear zones that create more densely spaced joints and lower rock resistance. I interpret the absence of strath terraces in wider canyon segments downstream from the convexity to indicate that the Poudre River is capable of laterally eroding the entire valley bottom as the river incises, leaving behind only fill terraces. Upstream from the convexity, in contrast, lateral erosion has created canyon segments with wider valley bottoms, but the entire valley bottom has not been lowered at the same rate, leaving discontinuous strath terraces. The Poudre River is regionally unique in having relatively well‐developed strath terraces, but strath terraces in other major drainages of the Front Range are also only present upstream from convexities in the longitudinal profile.
Too dangerous to ignore: self‐tolerance and the control of ignorant autoreactive T cells
Authors: Parish Ian A , Heath William R
Published: January 2008

Self‐reactive T cells often escape thymic negative selection and are released into the periphery. While many of these T cells are tolerized by peripheral deletion or anergy, a proportion persists in a naïve (or ignorant) state. Self‐ignorant T cells are probably one of the greatest threats to the maintenance of self‐tolerance, as inadvertent activation of these cells may provoke autoimmune pathology. Nevertheless, despite the presence of self‐ignorant T cells within most individuals, the majority of people fail to develop autoimmunity. The means by which self‐ignorant T cells are silenced by the immune system remains a major issue within the tolerance field and it has received surprisingly little attention within the literature. In this review, we first summarize the factors that allow such cells to persist in a self‐ignorant state, with a particular focus on the role of self‐antigen dose. We next consider the conditions under which such self‐reactive cells may become activated and speculate on how the immune system is able to prevent such cells from precipitating autoimmune disease.
Receptors for complement C5a. The importance of C5aR and the enigmatic role of C5L2
Authors: Lee Hyun , Whitfeld Peter L , Mackay Charles R
Published: January 2008

Complement component C5a is one of the most potent inflammatory chemoattractants and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory diseases. C5a binds two receptors, C5aR and C5L2. Most of the C5a functional effects occur through C5aR, and the pharmaceutical industry has focused on this receptor for the development of new anti‐inflammatory therapies. We used a novel approach to generate and test therapeutics that target C5aR. We created human C5aR knock‐in mice, and used neutrophils from these to immunize wild‐type mice. This yielded high‐affinity blocking mAbs to human C5aR. We tested these anti‐human C5aR mAbs in mouse models of inflammation, using the human C5aR knock‐in mice. These antibodies completely prevented disease onset and were also able to reverse established disease in the K/B × N arthritis model. The physiological role of the other C5a receptor, C5L2 is still unclear, and our studies with blocking mAbs to human C5L2 have failed to demonstrate a clear functional role in signaling to C5a. The development of effective mAbs to human C5aR is an alternative approach to drug development, for this highly attractive target.
Target-assembled exciplexes based on Scorpion oligonucleotides
Authors: Gbaj Abdul , Walsh Lindsey , Rogert Maria Candelaria , Sardarian Alireza , Bichenkova Elena V. , Etchells Laura L. , Whitcombe David , Douglas Kenneth T.
Published: January 2008

Scorpion probes, specific DNA probe sequences maintained in a hairpin–loop, can be modified to carry the components of an exciplex for use as a novel fluorescence-based method for specific detection of DNA. The exciplex partners (5′-pyrenyl and 3′-naphthalenyl) were attached to oligonucleotides via phosphoramidate links to terminal phosphate groups. Hybridization of the probe to a complementary target in a buffer containing trifluoroethanol produced an obvious fluorescence change from blue (pyrene locally excited state emission) to green (exciplex emission).
Comparison of Accuracy and Efficiency of Directed Scanning and Group-Item Scanning for Augmentative Communication Selection Techniques With Typically Developing Preschoolers
Authors: Dropik Patricia L. , Reichle Joe
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Directed scanning and group-item scanning both represent options for increased scanning efficiency. This investigation compared accuracy and speed of selection with preschoolers using each scanning method. The study’s purpose was to describe performance characteristics of typically developing children and to provide a reliable assessment protocol to evaluate scanning skills.

Method

Investigators examined within-participant performance on an identity matching-to-sample task using directed and group-item scanning with 13 typically developing preschoolers. Children selected line-drawn symbols from a 36-symbol display configured for each scanning method.

Results

Children were more accurate using directed than group-item scanning. They required a greater number of cursor movements to accurately select symbols with group-item than with directed scanning; however, no differences in actual selection time were apparent. Further analyses comparing performance using group-item scanning for selections requiring either a low or a high number of cursor movements revealed no differences in children’s accuracy or efficiency.

Conclusions

Children were more accurate using directed scanning to select target symbols. However, directed scanning did not afford a relative advantage in children’s selection efficiency compared with group-item scanning. Performance using group-item scanning does not appear to be affected by requisite cursor movements for selection. Limitations and educational implications are discussed.