bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered expression of mitochondrial and extracellular matrix genes in the heart of human fetuses with chromosome 21 trisomy
Authors: Conti Anna , Fabbrini Floriana , D'Agostino Paola , Negri Rosa , Greco Dario , Genesio Rita , D'Armiento Maria , Olla Carlo , Paladini Dario , Zannini Mariastella , Nitsch Lucio
Published: August 2007

Background

The Down syndrome phenotype has been attributed to overexpression of chromosome 21 (Hsa21) genes. However, the expression profile of Hsa21 genes in trisomic human subjects as well as their effects on genes located on different chromosomes are largely unknown. Using oligonucleotide microarrays we compared the gene expression profiles of hearts of human fetuses with and without Hsa21 trisomy.

Results

Approximately half of the 15,000 genes examined (87 of the 168 genes on Hsa21) were expressed in the heart at 18–22 weeks of gestation. Hsa21 gene expression was globally upregulated 1.5 fold in trisomic samples. However, not all genes were equally dysregulated and 25 genes were not upregulated at all. Genes located on other chromosomes were also significantly dysregulated. Functional class scoring and gene set enrichment analyses of 473 genes, differentially expressed between trisomic and non-trisomic hearts, revealed downregulation of genes encoding mitochondrial enzymes and upregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins. There were no significant differences between trisomic fetuses with and without heart defects.

Conclusion

We conclude that dosage-dependent upregulation of Hsa21 genes causes dysregulation of the genes responsible for mitochondrial function and for the extracellular matrix organization in the fetal heart of trisomic subjects. These alterations might be harbingers of the heart defects associated with Hsa21 trisomy, which could be based on elusive mechanisms involving genetic variability, environmental factors and/or stochastic events.
Impact of polysialylated CD56 on natural killer cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Moebius Jeannette M , Widera Darius , Schmitz Juergen , Kaltschmidt Christian , Piechaczek Christoph
Published: August 2007

Background

Siglec-7, a sialic acid binding inhibitory receptor expressed by NK cells is masked in vivo by a so far unknown ligand. It shows a strong binding prevalence for α-2,8-linked disialic acids in vitro.

Results

Here we describe the expression of PSA-NCAM (α-2,8-linked polysialic acid modified NCAM) on functional adult peripheral blood natural killer cells and examine its possible role in masking Siglec-7. Unmasking of Siglec-7 using Clostridium perfringens neuraminidase massively reduces NK cell cytotoxicity. By contrast a specific removal of PSA using Endo-NF does not lead to a reduction of NK cell cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

The results presented here therefore indicate that PSA-NCAM is not involved in masking Siglec-7.
Exploratory behaviour in NO-dependent cyclase mutants of Drosophila shows defects in coincident neuronal signalling
Authors: Tinette Sylvette , Zhang Lixing , Garnier Amélie , Engler Gilbert , Tares Sophie , Robichon Alain
Published: August 2007

Background

Drosophila flies explore the environment very efficiently in order to colonize it. They explore collectively, not individually, so that when a few land on a food spot, they attract the others by signs. This behaviour leads to aggregation of individuals and optimizes the screening of mates and egg-laying on the most favourable food spots.

Results

Flies perform cycles of exploration/aggregation depending on the resources of the environment. This behavioural ecology constitutes an excellent model for analyzing simultaneous processing of neurosensory information. We reasoned that the decision of flies to land somewhere in order to achieve aggregation is based on simultaneous integration of signals (visual, olfactory, acoustic) during their flight. On the basis of what flies do in nature, we designed laboratory tests to analyze the phenomenon of neuronal coincidence. We screened many mutants of genes involved in neuronal metabolism and the synaptic machinery.

Conclusion

Mutants of NO-dependent cyclase show a specifically-marked behaviour phenotype, but on the other hand they are associated with moderate biochemical defects. We show that these mutants present errors in integrative and/or coincident processing of signals, which are not reducible to the functions of the peripheral sensory cells.
Tailoring intervention procedures to routine primary health care practice; an ethnographic process evaluation
Authors: Jansen Yvonne JFM , de Bont Antoinette , Foets Marleen , Bruijnzeels Marc , Bal Roland
Published: August 2007

Background

Tailor-made approaches enable the uptake of interventions as they are seen as a way to overcome the incompatibility of general interventions with local knowledge about the organisation of routine medical practice and the relationship between the patients and the professionals in practice. Our case is the Quattro project which is a prevention programme for cardiovascular diseases in high-risk patients in primary health care centres in deprived neighbourhoods. This programme was implemented as a pragmatic trial and foresaw the importance of local knowledge in primary health care and internal, or locally made, guidelines. The aim of this paper is to show how this prevention programme, which could be tailored to routine care, was implemented in primary care.

Methods

An ethnographic design was used for this study. We observed and interviewed the researchers and the practice nurses. All the research documents, observations and transcribed interviews were analysed thematically.

Results

Our ethnographic process evaluation showed that the opportunity of tailoring intervention procedures to routine care in a pragmatic trial setting did not result in a well-organised and well-implemented prevention programme. In fact, the lack of standard protocols hindered the implementation of the intervention. Although it was not the purpose of this trial, a guideline was developed. Despite the fact that the developed guideline functioned as a tool, it did not result in the intervention being organised accordingly. However, the guideline did make tailoring the intervention possible. It provided the professionals with the key or the instructions needed to achieve organisational change and transform the existing interprofessional relations.

Conclusion

As tailor-made approaches are developed to enable the uptake of interventions in routine practice, they are facilitated by the brokering of tools such as guidelines. In our study, guidelines facilitated organisational change and enabled the transformation of existing interprofessional relations, and thus made tailoring possible. The attractive flexibility of pragmatic trial design in taking account of local practice variations may often be overestimated.
The influence of lifestyle, menstrual function and oral contraceptive use on bone mass and size in female military cadets
Authors: Ruffing Jamie A , Nieves Jeri W , Zion Marsha , Tendy Susan , Garrett Patricia , Lindsay Robert , Cosman Felicia
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To determine the influence of menstrual irregularity, oral contraceptive use and other factors on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone size at different skeletal sites in 135 college-aged fit women.

Methods

Menstrual history, oral contraceptive use, exercise history, and nutritional factors including calcium, caffeine, and alcohol intake as well as tobacco use were determined by written survey. Height, weight and fitness levels were measured. Spine and hip BMD were measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), calcaneus BMD by peripheral DXA, and tibial bone mineral content (BMC) and size by peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (p QCT).

Results

The mean age was 18.4 ± 0.8 years. Weight and prior exercise were positively related to BMD at most skeletal sites and to tibial bone size. Milk intake was positively related to calcaneal BMD, tibial BMC and cortical thickness. Fracture history was an important predictor of spine, hip and heel BMD. Women who had ≥ 10 menstrual cycles in the year prior to BMD measurement had higher BMD at all sites as well as a greater tibial mineral content and cortical thickness than women who had oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea (≤ 9 cycles in the prior year; all p < 0.05). Oral Contraceptive (OC) users had significantly lower BMD in the spine (p < 0.02) and calcaneus (p = 0.04), smaller tibial periosteal circumference and lower tibial mineral content (p < 0.02) than non-OC users.

Conclusion

In a population of fit, college-aged women, OC use and oligomenorrhea were associated with reduced BMD and bone size. Weight, as well as prior exercise and milk intake was positively related to bone density and size at some skeletal sites. Understanding these relationships would help improve skeletal health in young women.
Heterogeneity of autoantibodies in 100 patients with autoimmune myositis: insights into clinical features and outcomes
Authors: Koenig Martial , Fritzler Marvin J , Targoff Ira N , Troyanov Yves , Senécal Jean-Luc
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, mutual associations, clinical manifestations, and diagnoses associated with serum autoantibodies, as detected using recently available immunoassays, in patients with autoimmune myositis (AIM). Sera and clinical data were collected from 100 patients with AIM followed longitudinally. Sera were screened cross-sectionally for 21 autoantibodies by multiplex addressable laser bead immunoassay, line blot immunoassay, immunoprecipitation of in vitro translated recombinant protein, protein A assisted immunoprecipitation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Diagnoses were determined using the Bohan and Peter classification as well as recently proposed classifications. Relationships between autoantibodies and clinical manifestations were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. One or more autoantibodies encompassing 19 specificities were present in 80% of the patients. The most common autoantibodies were anti-Ro52 (30% of patients), anti-Ku (23%), anti-synthetases (22%), anti-U1RNP (15%), and anti-fibrillarin (14%). In the presence of autoantibodies to Ku, synthetases, U1RNP, fibrillarin, PM-Scl, or scleroderma autoantigens, at least one more autoantibody was detected in the majority of sera and at least two more autoantibodies in over one-third of sera. The largest number of concurrent autoantibodies was six autoantibodies. Overall, 44 distinct combinations of autoantibodies were counted. Most autoantibodies were unrestricted to any AIM diagnostic category. Distinct clinical syndromes and therapeutic responses were associated with anti-Jo-1, anti-fibrillarin, anti-U1RNP, anti-Ro, anti-Ro52, and autoantibodies to scleroderma autoantigens. We conclude that a significant proportion of AIM patients are characterized by complex associations of autoantibodies. Certain myositis autoantibodies are markers for distinct overlap syndromes and predict therapeutic outcomes. The ultimate clinical features, disease course, and response to therapy in a given AIM patient may be linked to the particular set of associated autoantibodies. These results provide a rationale for patient profiling and its application to therapeutics, because it cannot be assumed that the B-cell response is the same even in the majority of patients in a given diagnostic category.
Reduced selection leads to accelerated gene loss in Shigella
Authors: Hershberg Ruth , Tang Hua , Petrov Dmitri A
Published: August 2007

Background

Obligate pathogenic bacteria lose more genes relative to facultative pathogens, which, in turn, lose more genes than free-living bacteria. It was suggested that the increased gene loss in obligate pathogens may be due to a reduction in the effectiveness of purifying selection. Less attention has been given to the causes of increased gene loss in facultative pathogens.

Results

We examined in detail the rate of gene loss in two groups of facultative pathogenic bacteria: pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Shigella. We show that Shigella strains are losing genes at an accelerated rate relative to pathogenic E. coli. We demonstrate that a genome-wide reduction in the effectiveness of selection contributes to the observed increase in the rate of gene loss in Shigella.

Conclusion

When compared with their closely related pathogenic E. coli relatives, the more niche-limited Shigella strains appear to be losing genes at a significantly accelerated rate. A genome-wide reduction in the effectiveness of purifying selection plays a role in creating this observed difference. Our results demonstrate that differences in the effectiveness of selection contribute to differences in rate of gene loss in facultative pathogenic bacteria. We discuss how the lifestyle and pathogenicity of Shigella may alter the effectiveness of selection, thus influencing the rate of gene loss.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of Centrally Reviewed Expression of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in a Randomized Trial Comparing Letrozole and Tamoxifen Adjuvant Therapy for Postmenopausal Early Breast Cancer: BIG 1-98
Authors: Viale Giuseppe , Regan Meredith M. , Maiorano Eugenio , Mastropasqua Mauro G. , Dell'Orto Patrizia , Rasmussen Birgitte Bruun , Raffoul Johnny , Neven Patrick , Orosz Zsolt , Braye Stephen , Öhlschlegel Christian , Thürlimann Beat , Gelber Richard D. , Castiglione-Gertsch Monica , Price Karen N. , Goldhirsch Aron , Gusterson Barry A. , Coates Alan S.
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To evaluate locally versus centrally assessed estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PgR) receptor status and the impact of PgR on letrozole adjuvant therapy compared with tamoxifen in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Breast International Group (BIG) 1-98 randomly assigned 8,010 patients to four arms comparing letrozole and tamoxifen with sequences of each agent. The Central Pathology Office received material for 6,549 patients (82%), of which 79% were assessable (6,291 patients). Prognostic and predictive value of both local and central hormone receptor expression on disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated among 3,650 assessable patients assigned to the monotherapy arms. Prognostic value and the treatment effect were estimated for centrally assessed ER and PgR expression levels using the Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot.

Results

Central review confirmed 97% of tumors as hormone receptor–positive (ER and/or PgR ≥10%). Of 105 tumors locally ER-negative, 73 were found to have more than 10% positive cells, and eight had 1% to 9%. Of 6,100 tumors locally ER positive, 66 were found to have no staining, and 54 had only 1% to 9%. Discordance was more marked for PgR than ER. Patients with tumors reclassified centrally as ER-negative, or as hormone receptor–negative, had poor DFS. Centrally assessed ER and PgR showed prognostic value. Among patients with centrally assessed ER-expressing tumors, letrozole showed better DFS than tamoxifen, irrespective of PgR expression level.

Conclusion

Central review changed the assessment of receptor status in a substantial proportion of patients, and should be performed whenever possible in similar trials. PgR expression did not affect the relative efficacy of letrozole over tamoxifen.
Exhaustive, ONE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF SUBTHALAMIC NUCLEUS DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION IN A LARGE, SINGLE-CENTER COHORT OF PARKINSONIAN PATIENTS
Authors: Tir Melissa , Devos David , Blond Serge , Touzet Gustavo , Reyns Nicolas , Duhamel Alain , Cottencin Olivier , Dujardin Kathy , Cassim François , Destée Alain , Defebvre Luc , Krystkowiak Pierre
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively assess the impact of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) at 12 months after surgery in a series of 100 consecutive patients treated in a single center. The primary objective was to describe the clinical outcome in terms of efficacy and tolerance in STN-DBS patients. A secondary objective was to discuss presurgery clinical characteristics a posteriori as a function of outcome.

METHODS

One hundred and three consecutive patients with severe Parkinson's disease received bilateral STN-DBS in our clinic between May 1998 and March 2003. Clinical assessment was performed before and 12 months after surgery and was based on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Parts II, III, and IV A; the Schwab and England Scale; and cognitive evaluation. Patient-rated overall improvement was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Twelve months after surgery, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III score decreased by 43%, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part II score (activities of daily living) fell by 34%, and the severity of dyskinesia-related disability decreased by 61%. The main surgical complications after STN-DBS were as follows: infection (n = 7), intracerebral hematoma (n = 5), electrode fracture (n = 4), and incorrect lead placement (n = 8). We observed cognitive decline and depression in 7.7 and 18% of the patients, respectively. The mean patient-rated overall improvement score was 70.7%.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety of STN-DBS in our center's large cohort of Parkinsonian patients are generally similar to the results obtained by other groups, albeit at the lower limit of the range of reported values. In contrast to efficacy, the occurrence of adverse events cannot be predicted. Younger patients with Parkinson's disease (i.e., those younger than 60 yr) often show an excellent response to levodopa. However, in view of our data on overall patient satisfaction and the occurrence of adverse events, we suggest that older patients (but not those older than 70 yr) and less dopa-sensitive patients (but not those with a response <50%) should still be offered the option of STN-DBS.
Colour perception in a dichromat
Authors: Roth Lina S. V. , Balkenius Anna , Kelber Almut
Published: August 2007

Most mammals have dichromatic colour vision based on two different types of cones: a short-wavelength-sensitive cone and a long-wavelength-sensitive cone. Comparing the signal from two cone types gives rise to a one-dimensional chromatic space when brightness is excluded. The so-called `neutral point'refers to the wavelength that the animal cannot distinguish from achromatic light such as white or grey because it stimulates both cone types equally. The question is: how do dichromats perceive their chromatic space? Do they experience a continuous scale of colours or does the neutral point divide their chromatic space into two colour categories, i.e. into colours of either short or long wavelengths?

We trained horses to different colour combinations in a two-choice behavioural experiment and tested their responses to the training and test colours. The horses chose colours according to their similarity/relationship to rewarded and unrewarded training colours. There was no evidence for a categorical boundary at the neutral point or elsewhere.

This study suggests that dichromats perceive their chromatic space as a continuous scale of colours, treating the colour at the neutral point as any other colour they can distinguish.
Life history consequences of temperature transients inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dillon Michael E. , Cahn Liza R. Y. , Huey Raymond B.
Published: August 2007

The physiological and life history consequences of chronic temperatures are well studied in ectotherms. However, little is known about the consequences of short-term exposure to unusually high or low temperatures, as would occur during a weather front. What are the immediate life-history effects of such thermal transients? Can ectotherms recover quickly or do they suffer carry-over effects that persist after weather returns to normal? We measured the impact of thermal transients on egg and progeny production of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen from Washington State. We reared flies at 25°C and then transferred 3- to 5-day old adults to one of three transient treatments (1 or 3 days at 18°C, 1 day at 29°C) before returning them to 25°C. We monitored daily egg production and egg-to-adult viability before (as a control), during, and after the transient as well as fecundity and viability of flies held at constant 18°, 25° and 29°C. This population appears particularly heat tolerant as neither constant nor transient exposure to 29°C (usually a stressful temperature for this species) affected female fecundity or the viability of her progeny. However, a 1- or 3-day exposure to 18°C reduced female fecundity by 75–90% relative to controls, and eggs laid during the 3-day exposure had greatly reduced viability. When returned to 25°C after transient exposure to 18°C, females immediately matched the fecundity and viability of females maintained constantly at 25°C. Therefore, these flies do not suffer negative carry-over effects from these moderate thermal transients. Surprisingly, fitness (intrinsic rate of population growth) was not depressed by transient temperature exposure. However, the severity and especially the timing of the transient will probably determine the likelihood of carry-over effects as well as its effect on fitness.
Managing Product Variety in Automobile Assembly: The Importance of the Sequencing Point
Authors: Swaminathan Jayashankar M. , Nitsch Thomas R.
Published: August 2007

In recent years, globalization of markets and increased consumer sophistication have led to an increase in the variety of products that customers demand and a consequent increase in the number of variants of any given product line that a manufacturer must supply. At the same time, an increasing number of companies have pushed the task of accommodating product variety up the supply chain to suppliers. This makes it increasingly difficult to understand where and how variety is accommodated. Based on our study of the automotive industry, we introduce the concept of a sequencing point, which we define as where component variants are placed in the sequence that final assembly requires. We discuss the implications of alternative sequencing-point-location strategy on management of product variety. For each strategy, we discuss associated trade-offs and provide short case studies.
Steaming on Convex Hulls
Authors: Brown Gerald G. , Kline Jeffrey E. , Rosenthal Richard E. , Washburn Alan R.
Published: August 2007

This is a sea story about using a simple classroom example to save a great deal of money, as well as to convince beginning Postgraduate Naval School operations research students—experienced, skeptical military officers—that mathematical analysis can yield immediate results. The application is planning a ship’s transit from one point to another in a fixed amount of time, given that the ship can operate with one or more of its propulsion plants idled to save fuel. Simple analysis yields nonintuitive results that US Navy shipboard energy-conservation guides overlook. One of the authors (Kline) solved this homework problem as a student and subsequently applied this example when he took command of USS AQUILA, a patrol hydrofoil missile ship. AQUILA achieved results so striking in comparison to her sister ships that the squadron material officer inspected her engineering plant to ensure that no safety settings were being overridden to achieve this record. Kline’s spreadsheet decision-support tool was provided to other hydrofoil commanders. A more general version has been conveyed to the US Navy. Considering that our navy spends about a billion dollars per year on fuel for surface-combatant ships alone, this development promises substantial, long-term returns.

“But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes, Feed'st thy light'st flame with self-substantial fuel.” Shakespeare, Sonnet I
Nurse Scheduling: From Academia to Implementation or Not?
Authors: Kellogg Deborah L. , Walczak Steven
Published: August 2007

The scheduling of nursing staff is a long-standing problem with myriads of research models published by academia. The exploratory research that we discuss examines the models that academia has produced and the models that hospitals have actually used. We use data from many sources, including research articles, e-mail and telephone surveys, an industry database, and a software source catalog. Only 30 percent of systems that research articles discuss are implemented, and there is very little academic involvement in systems that third-party vendors offer. We examine causes for the research-application gap and discuss directions for future academic research to make it more applicable.
Age of acquisition effects in reading Chinese: Evidence in favour of the arbitrary mapping hypothesis
Authors: Chen Bao Guo , Zhou Hui Xia , Dunlap Susan , Perfetti Charles A.
Published: August 2007

Two experiments explored the locus of the age of acquisition (AoA) effects in the processing of Chinese characters and tested the arbitrary mapping hypothesis of AoA effects. In Experiment 1, AoA and predictability from orthography to pronunciation of Chinese characters were manipulated in a naming task. Results showed a larger AoA effect for characters from low‐predictive families than for characters from high‐predictive families. In Experiment 2, AoA and predictability from orthography to meaning were manipulated in a semantic category judgment task. Results showed a larger AoA effect for characters from low‐predictive families than for characters from high‐predictive families. In summary, the two experiments provided empirical support for the arbitrary mapping hypothesis to explain AoA effects.
Hypermnesia: A further examination of age differences between young and older adults
Authors: Otani Hajime , Kato Koichi , Von Glahn Nicholas R. , Nelson Meghann E. , Widner Robert L. , Goernert Phillip N.
Published: August 2007

Previous studies that examined age differences in hypermnesia reported inconsistent results. The present experiment investigated whether the different study materials in these studies were responsible for the inconsistency. In particular, the present experiment examined whether the use of a video, as opposed to words and pictures, would eliminate previously reported age differences in hypermnesia. Fifteen college students and 15 older adults viewed a 3‐minute video clip followed by two free‐recall tests. The results indicated that older adults, as a whole, did not show hypermnesia. However, when older adults were divided into low and high memory groups based on test 1 performance, the high memory group showed hypermnesia whereas the low memory group did not show hypermnesia. The older adults in the low memory group were significantly older than the older adults in the high memory group – indicating that hypermnesia is inversely related to age in older adults. Reminiscence did not show an age‐related difference in either the low or high memory group whereas inter‐test forgetting did show an age difference in the low memory group. As expected, older adults showed greater inter‐test forgetting than young adults in the low memory group. Findings from the present experiment suggest that video produces a pattern of results that is similar to the patterns obtained when words and pictures are used as study material. Thus, it appears that the nature of study material is not the source of inconsistency across the previous studies.
Appraisals of pain from controlled stimuli: Relevance to quantitative sensory testing
Authors: Dannecker Erin A. , Price Donald D. , O'Connor Patrick D. , Robinson Michael E.
Published: August 2007

Objective Sensory testing has been advocated for the diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome evaluation of pain patients, but responses to controlled stimuli have not been well correlated to clinical pain. As an initial step for improving the clinical relevance of sensory testing, this investigation compared appraisals of and responses to controlled pain stimuli.

Design A prospective within subjects design was used.

Methods Heat, ischaemic, and delayed‐onset muscle pain were induced in the upper extremity of 44 participants (47.7% women) during four experimental sessions.

Results The threat of heat and ischaemic pain was higher than delayed‐onset muscle pain (F2, 86=5.30, p<.01, η2=.11). Threat, challenge, predictability, and controllability were related to heat pain most consistently. The affective‐sensory ratios of ischaemic and delayed‐onset muscle pain resembled those of clinical pain and were higher than heat pain (F2, 84=11.64, p<.01, η2=.22). Delayed‐onset muscle pain meaningfully affected daily activities, which correlated to delayed‐onset muscle pain ratings (rs=.60–.68, ps <.001).

Conclusions Heat stimuli may be well suited for instructional manipulations of appraisals to improve the clinical relevance of quantitative sensory testing and delayed‐onset muscle pain's effects on daily activities are clinically relevant.
Single-cell A3243G Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Load Assays for Segregation Analysis
Authors: Tafrechi Roshan S. Jahangir , Rijke Frans M. van de , Allallou Amin , Larsson Chatarina , Sloos Willem C. R. , Sande Marchien van de , Wählby Carolina , Janssen George M. C. , Raap Anton K.
Published: August 2007

Segregation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an important underlying pathogenic factor in mtDNA mutation accumulation in mitochondrial diseases and aging, but the molecular mechanisms of mtDNA segregation are elusive. Lack of high-throughput single-cell mutation load assays lies at the root of the paucity of studies in which, at the single-cell level, mitotic mtDNA segregation patterns have been analyzed. Here we describe development of a novel fluorescence-based, non-gel PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method for single-cell A3243G mtDNA mutation load measurement. Results correlated very well with a quantitative in situ Padlock/rolling circle amplification—based genotyping method. In view of the throughput and accuracy of both methods for single-cell A3243G mtDNA mutation load determination, we conclude that they are well suited for segregation analysis.
Suction Equilibration Time for a High Capacity Tensiometer
Authors: Oliveira O. M. , Marinho F. A. M.
Published: August 2007

It is well established, the importance of the measurement of soil suction for the assessment of mechanical and hydraulic behavior of unsaturated soils. Among the methods to obtain the soil suction, the tensiometer is one of the most convenient and reliable. However conventional tensiometer has a limitation related to the maximum suction it is capable of measure. This limitation was overcome by Ridley and Burland (1993), with the development of a high capacity tensiometer, which is capable of measure suction well above 100 kPa. The equipment has a quick response time, allowing the determination of suction in minutes. This paper presents a study about the factors that affect the equilibrium time for high capacity tensiometers in the laboratory. Soil specimens were prepared at three different conditions, creating different soil structures. In addition to that an investigation about the characteristic of the interface that is required between the soil sample and the porous ceramic of the tensiometer was carried out; showing the role of the paste on the technique. The results also suggested that it is possible to infer the hydraulic conductivity function using the equilibrium curve obtained during the measurement of the soil suction using the high capacity tensiometer.
Weiche strukturvariable Regelungen mit Beobachtern für einen hydraulischen Aktor (Soft Variable-structure Control with Observers for a Hydraulic Actuator)
Authors: Lens Hendrik , Adamy Jürgen
Published: August 2007

Für das lineare Modell eines hydraulischen Aktors mit Stellgrößenbeschränkung werden verschiedene weiche strukturvariable Regelungen entworfen, die eine außerordentlich schnelle Ausregelung aufweisen. Es wird gezeigt, wie der Aktor auch bei Verwendung eines linearen Zustandsbeobachters stabil und mit hoher Güte geregelt werden kann. Dabei wird die Regelgüte der weichen strukturvariablen Regelungen mit der zeitoptimalen Steuerung und einer linearen Regelung verglichen sowie der Einfluss des Beobachters auf die Regelgüte betrachtet.
X-ray diffraction study of the piezoelectric properties of BiB3O6 single crystals
Authors: Gorfman Semen , Schmidt Oleg , Pietsch Ullrich , Becker Petra , Bohatý Ladislav
Published: August 2007

We have determined all eight components of the piezoelectric tensor of a monoclinic crystal, BiB3O6, by means of synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. The experiments have been performed on a four circle goniometer using the ω-scan method introduced by Graafsma [1] which is universal in the choice of appropriate reflections. The determined values of the piezoelectric tensor are in good agreement with those obtained earlier for BiB3O6 with the use of an optical Michelson interferometer.
Synthesis, thermal, spectroscopic and structural properties of di(aqua)bis(N, N′-dimethylethylenediamine-κ
2
N, N′)copper(II) acesulfamate
Authors: Icbudak Hasan , Uyanik Ahmet , Bulut Ahmet , Arici Cengiz , Ülkü Dincer
Published: August 2007

The complex [Cu(C4H12N2)2(H2O)2]2+ [(C4H4NO4S)–]2, which is the first structurally characterized complex with acesulfamate as the counter anion, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic and conductivity measurements, UV/vis, FT-IR and mass spectra. The thermal behaviour of the complexes was studied by simultaneous TG, DTG and DTA methods in a static air atmosphere. In the crystal structure, the copper cation, lying on a crystallographic centre of symmetry, adopts an elongated octahedral trans-[CuN4O2] coordination geometry, with long axial Cu–O(aqua) bond length and short equatorial Cu–N bonds, of 2.479(2), 2.035(2) and 2.051(2) Å, respectively. The coordinated water molecules together with the amine part of the dimethylethylene diamine molecule link the acesulfamate ions to the metal complex via intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
A structural investigation of the four phases of 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane
Authors: Palin Luca , Brunelli Michela , Pattison Philip , Fitch Andrew N.
Published: August 2007

Powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies confirm that 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, (oxanorbornane), forms three solid phases on cooling and four on warming, as previously indicated by spectroscopic and DSC meas urements. The two highest temperature phases are orien tationally disordered with phase I being face-centred cubic (a = 8.5469(1) Å at 240 K) and phase II primitive cubic (a = 10.60558(4) Å at 194 K). Phase III, which appears over a narrow temperature range on warming, is monoclinic, space group P21/a, Z′ = 4, with a = 21.858(4) Å, b = 10.964(2) Å, c = 9.333(1) Å β = 90.491(8)° at 185 K. Phase IV, which occurs below 175 K, is monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z′ = 3, with a = 13.6372(2) Å, b = 10.2593(1) Å, c = 24.0466(3) Å, β = 102.5212(4)° at 50 K. The structures of phases III and IV are ordered and have been solved from the powder diffraction data by direct-space methods, then refined by the Rietveld method, restraining the molecules to the known structure, which has m2m (C
2v) symmetry.
"Breaking the Conspiracy of Silence": Testimony, Traumatic Memory, and Psychotherapy with Survivors of Political Violence
Authors: McKinney Kelly
Published: August 2007

In this discussion, I examine ways the "trauma story" is elicited and structured in the context of psychotherapy with survivors of political violence. Data from two ethnographic case studies are presented. One is based on the activities at a rehabilitation program for survivors of torture and refugee trauma in New York, where I was a participant‐observer. This case deals with the themes of countertransference and the "conspiracy of silence." The other is based on interviews I conducted with clinicians and discursive materials that address the topic of a therapeutic approach called the "testimony method." Through these examples and an analysis of several ethical, normative, and epistemological assumptions related to traumatic memory and the memory work of testimony and witnessing, I will demonstrate how an ideology may form that works against restoring the full agency of clients. Conclusions of this study have relevance for anthropologists who act as "witnessing professionals."
Narrating Anorexia: "Full" and "Struggling" Genres of Recovery
Authors: Shohet Merav
Published: August 2007

Exploring narrative processes through which women treated for anorexia reframe their illness and recovery experiences, I identify features of two distinct genres, "full recovery" (FR) and "struggling to recover" (SR) that differently shape, while also being shaped by, women's lived senses of self. Analysis suggests that full recovery may entail a temporal disjuncture between past and present selves, and the construction of a coherent empowerment narrative with clear beginnings, turning points, and felicitous, institutionally condoned endings. Alternatively, the habitual telling of equivocal struggling to recover narratives, in which protagonists question received wisdom, ponder past and hypothetical life paths, and envision self‐starvation as both good and bad, may perpetuate a cyclical life course in which anorexia recurs and permanent recovery eludes narrators. Illuminating why complete recovery may remain ephemeral and, perhaps, not desirable, for some women, this article contributes to scholarship on the possible role (and limits) of narrative as a therapeutic medium and resource for confronting illness.
Sentencing and Consequences: A Divergence between Blameworthiness and Liability to Punishment
Authors: Donnelly Bebhinn
Published: August 2007

A defendant who attempts a crime may have a similar moral status to a defendant who completes the same crime. This paper seeks to show that there are nonmoral differences between such defendants that may be relevant to sentencing, notwithstanding the primary role of (moral) proportionality in determining relative sentences. A particularly significant nonmoral difference is seen in the effects experienced by defendants depending on whether their criminal acts succeed or fail. It will be argued that for murder/attempted murder, the disparity in likely effects could be regarded as significant enough to require wholly different sentencing considerations for the respective offenses.
The Struggle for Orchestral Control: Power, Dialogue, and the Role of the Orchestra in Wagner's Ring
Authors: Baileyshea Matt
Published: August 2007

This article examines the degree to which characters in Wagner's Ring might be heard to control the orchestra for specific rhetorical purposes. Using Edward Cone's work as a starting point, I adopt a "fully diegetic" perspective in which music is understood as a physical presence in the Ring, a continuous tissue of sound that can be altered, shaped, and re-created according to a given character's conscious or unconscious intentions. An analysis of Die Walkure, act III, sc. 3, clarifies the approach.
Nurses' Expectations, Experiences and Attitudes towards the Intervention of a ‘No Lifting Policy’
Authors: Engkvist Inga‐Lill
Published: August 2007

Nurses' Expectations, Experiences and Attitudes towards the Intervention of a ‘No Lifting Policy’: Inga‐Lill Engkvist, Department of Medicine and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden—The aim of the study was to evaluate expectations and attitudes towards a No Lifting Policy programme, the “No Lift system”, among nurses at hospitals where an introduction of the intervention was planned (PreNLS hospitals), and to make a comparison with nurses' experiences and attitudes at one hospital where the intervention had already been implemented (NLS hospital). A cross‐sectional study of nurses at two PreNLS hospitals and one NLS hospital was performed. Most nurses at both the PreNLS hospitals and the NLS hospital were positive or very positive to the intervention. The expected and experienced obstacles differed between nurses at the PreNLS hospitals and the NLS hospital; however, there was more agreement concerning benefits. The most frequently expected obstacles at the PreNLS hospitals were organisational issues and obstacles related to the facilities, while most obstacles identified at the NLS hospital concerned specific transfers or were patient‐related. A decrease in the number of injuries was the most often considered benefit among most nurses. Nurses at the NLS hospital rated their physical exertion as lower in seven out of nine specific patient transfers compared with nurses at the PreNLS hospitals. They also reported increased well‐being at work and an improved ability to manage their daily work. The comprehensive approach and participatory design, including all levels of staff and extensive support from the nurses' own union and management, is probably one important explanation for the positive attitudes and successful introduction of the intervention.
Nonoperative Management of Perianal Abscess in Infants Is Associated With Decreased Risk for Fistula Formation
Authors: Christison-Lagay Emily R. , Hall Jason F. , Wales Paul W. , Bailey Karen , Terluk Andrew , Goldstein Allan M. , Ein Sigmund H. , Masiakos Peter T.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE. We sought to determine the frequency of progression in infants of perianal abscess with and without surgical drainage to fistula in ano to optimize a treatment plan for these children.

METHODS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients who were ≤1 year of age and presented with perianal abscess to 2 pediatric tertiary care institutions during a 10-year period (January 1995 to February 2005, inclusive). Patients were divided into those who underwent surgical drainage and those who did not, and the rate of subsequent fistula formation was determined.

RESULTS. Of 165 children initially identified, follow-up was available for 140. Ninety-four percent of children were male. Mean age was 4.2 ± 3.1 months. Of the 140 patients, 83 abscesses were drained and 57 were not drained. Of patients who underwent surgical drainage, 50 developed a fistula, whereas of those who did not undergo drainage only 9 developed a fistula. Synchronous administration of antibiotics (intravenous or oral) used in 57 of 58 patients from 1 institution was associated with an even greater decrease in fistula formation (12.5%) in the undrained population.

CONCLUSIONS. Perianal abscess formation in infants who are younger than 12 months is a separate entity from abscess formation in older age groups. In this largest study to date, a combined center series of patients who presented to 2 academic pediatric hospitals with infantile perianal abscess, local hygiene and systemic antibiotics without surgical drainage minimized formation of fistula in ano.
Identifying Risk Factors for Underimmunization by Using Geocoding Matched to Census Tracts: A Statewide Assessment of Children in Hawaii
Authors: Whitehead Sara J. , Cui Kate X. , De Anindya K. , Ayers Tracy , Effler Paul V.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE. Obtaining childhood immunization coverage data for small geographic areas is difficult and resource-intensive, especially in the absence of comprehensive immunization registries. To identify factors that are associated with delayed immunization, we collected school-entry immunization records statewide and used geocoding to link to publicly available census tract sociodemographic data.

METHODS. Immunization records were reviewed for children who were enrolled in all public and private school kindergarten programs in Hawaii in the 2002–2003 school year; immunization status at the time of the second birthday was determined. The main outcome variable was up-to-date status for the 4:3:1:3:3 vaccination series (4 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, 3 doses of polio, 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella, 3 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b, and 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccines). Children's home addresses were geocoded to census tracts; coverage rates by tract were mapped, and sociodemographic data from Census 2000 files were used to identify factors that were associated with delays in immunization.

RESULTS. Records were obtained for 15275 of 15594 children registered in Hawaii kindergartens. Overall, 78% had completed their 4:3:1:3:3 series by their second birthday. Risk factors for delayed immunization included delayed immunization at 3 months of age, living in Maui County, living in a neighborhood where a low proportion of adults had postsecondary education, and living in a neighborhood where a high proportion of households spoke a language other than English at home. The majority (80%) of underimmunized children would have required only 1 additional visit to bring them up-to-date.

CONCLUSIONS. Retrospective review of kindergarten-entry immunization data revealed geographic areas with lower immunization coverage, and geocoding to census tracts identified associated sociodemographic risk factors. This is a practical method for state or city health departments to identify pockets of need and to direct resources appropriately.
Factors Affecting Nest Survival of Greater Sage‐Grouse in Northcentral Montana
Authors: MOYNAHAN BRENDAN J. , LINDBERG MARK S. , ROTELLA JAY J. , THOMAS JACK WARD
Published: August 2007

Abstract:We studied greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in northcentral Montana, USA, to examine the relationship between nest success and habitat conditions, environmental variables, and female sage‐grouse characteristics. During 2001‐2003, we radiomarked 243 female greater sage‐grouse, monitored 287 nests, and measured 426 vegetation plots at 4 sites in a 3,200‐km2landscape. Nest survival varied with year, grass canopy cover, daily precipitation with a 1‐day lag effect, and nesting attempt. In all years, daily survival rate increased on the day of a rain event and decreased the next day. There was temporal variation in nest success both within and among years: success of early (first 28 d of nesting season) nests ranged from 0.238 (SE = 0.080) in 2001 to 0.316 (SE = 0.055) in 2003, whereas survival of late (last 28 d of nesting season) nests ranged from 0.276 (SE = 0.090) in 2001 to 0.418 (SE = 0.055) in 2003. Renests experienced higher survival than first nests. Grass cover was the only important model term that could be managed, but direction and magnitude of the grass effect varied. Site, shrub and forb canopy cover, and Robel pole reading were less useful predictors of nest success; however, temporal and spatial variation in these habitat covariates was low during our study. We note a marked difference between both values and interpretations of apparent nest success, which have been used almost exclusively in the past, and maximum‐likelihood estimates used in our study. Annual apparent nest success (0.46) was, on average, 53% higher than maximum‐likelihood estimates that incorporate individual, environmental, and habitat covariates. The difference between estimates was variable (range = +8% to +91%). Management of habitats for nesting sage‐grouse should focus on increasing grass cover to increase survival of first nests and contribute to favorable conditions for renesting, which should be less likely if survival of first nests increases.