bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Technique for Fabrication of an Interim Ocular Prosthesis
Authors: Kale Ediz , Meşe Ayşe , İzgi Ayça Deniz
Published: August 2008

Several ocular and orbital disorders require surgical intervention that may result in ocular defects. Immediate intervention is required to preserve the anophthalmic socket size and prevent scar tissue contractures that may follow surgery. Unfortunately, immediate fitting of an anophthalmic socket with an artificial eye may not always be possible, and a delayed prosthesis delivery may result in settling and sinking of the prosthesis into the socket, therefore requiring orbital cavity conformation. This article presents a short review of the most commonly used techniques for processing an ocular prosthesis, while suggesting a practical transition to the application of some of them. A technique for fabricating a custom‐made provisional ocular prosthesis using digital imaging technology is described. This technique may be considered in order to avoid costly procedures that might be required as a result of delayed artificial eye insertion. The technique described in this article provides a cost‐effective choice for optimal orbital cavity conformation and serves as a diagnostic aid for predicting the patient's compliance to ocular prosthetic treatment. The esthetic advantages and the relative ease of fabrication of this interim prosthesis allow it to be considered a first step in the management of untreated anophthalmic sockets.
A Prognostic Index Relating 24‐Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure to Cardiac Events in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Following Defibrillator Implantation
Authors: ANTONINI LANFRANCO , COLIVICCHI FURIO , PASCERI VINCENZO , GRECO SALVATORE , VARVERI ANTONIO , TURANI LEOPOLDO , KOL AMIR , SANTINI MASSIMO
Published: August 2008

Background:

We assessed the role of left ventricular ejection fraction and of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to predict cardiac death and heart failure in patients with defibrillator fulfilling MADIT II criteria. ABPM variables assessed included: mean 24 hours diastolic and systolic blood pressure, mean 24 hours heart rate, and pulse pressure.

Methods:

We studied 105 consecutive patients (age 67 ± 11), all with a defibrillator and ejection fraction ≤ 30%).

Results:

At 1‐year follow‐up, there were 29 events (25%), three cardiac deaths, and 26 hospitalizations for heart failure. Age, creatinine, mean 24 hours diastolic blood pressure, and mean 24 hours systolic blood pressure (but not ejection fraction) were associated with events. A prognostic index (PI) was built by age and ABPM variables, according to the formula (120 – age) + (mean 24 hours diastolic blood pressure + mean 24 hours systolic blood pressure). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the best cutoff for PI = 220 (sensitivity 81%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value 56%, negative predictive value 88%). Cox regression analysis confirmed the significant association between lower PI (< 220) and clinical events (HR 4.8, 95% CI 1.8–12.3, P = 0.0001 for PI). Overall, 12% of patients with high PI values (≥ 220 n = 71) had clinical events at 12‐month follow‐up, compared with 61% of patients with low PI (< 220 n = 34) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The PI built by mean 24 hours diastolic and systolic blood pressure and age could be a simple method to stratify risk of cardiac death and acute heart failure in MADIT II patients, in whom ejection fraction, uniformly depressed, is not predictive.
Atrial and Ventricular Arryhthmogenic Potential in Turner Syndrome
Authors: SOZEN AHMET B. , CEFLE KIVANÇ , KUDAT HASAN , OZTURK SUKRU , OFLAZ HUSEYIN , PAMUKCU BURAK , AKKAYA VAKUR , ISGUVEN PINAR , PALANDUZ SUKRU , OZCAN MUSTAFA , GOREN TANER , GUVEN OZEN
Published: August 2008

Background: P‐wave dispersion (Pd), corrected P‐wave dispersion (Pdc), QT‐wave dispersion (QTd), and corrected QT‐wave dispersion (QTdc) parameters were not assessed in Turner Syndrome (TS) before. The aim of this study is to investigate the cardiac arrhythmogenic potential in patients with TS.

Methods: Thirty‐one patients with TS and 30 healthy women were enrolled in the study. For this purpose 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and 24‐hour ambulatory ECG recordings were performed.

Results: Pd, Pdc, QTd, and QTdc were significantly higher in patients with TS. On 24‐hour ambulatory ECG recording, the mean heart rate (HR) was higher, while the mean of all RR intervals between normal beats (MeanNN), the standard deviation of all the RR intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean of the squared differences of two consecutive RR intervals (rMSSD), and the percentage of the beats with consecutive RR interval difference more than 50 milliseconds (pNN50) were lower in TS.

Conclusion: There were significant increases in Pd, Pdc, QTd, and QTdc in patients with TS and they may be features of the disease. The frequency of supraventricular arrhythmias was increased. There also was a significant deterioration of sympathetic and parasympathetic components of autonomic function as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) in Turner patients.
Correlates of Patient Acceptance of the Cardioverter Defibrillator: Cross‐Validation of the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey in Danish Patients
Authors: PEDERSEN SUSANNE S. , SPINDLER HELLE , JOHANSEN JENS B. , MORTENSEN PETER T. , SEARS SAMUEL F.
Published: August 2008

Background:

Device acceptance may comprise one of the keys to identifying implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients at risk for adverse health outcomes in clinical practice. We examined (1) the validity and reliability of the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey (FPAS) and (2) correlates of device acceptance in a large sample of Danish patients.

Methods:

A cohort of consecutive patients (N = 566; 82.2% males; mean age = 61.9 ± 14.3) implanted with an ICD since 1989 and still alive on November 1, 2006, completed a set of psychological questionnaires.

Results:

The four‐factor structure and the validity of the FPAS were confirmed, with the four factors accounting for 64.3% of the variance. The reliability, measured by Cronbach's α, was acceptable for the total scale and all subscales, ranging from 0.73 to 0.85. Correlates of poor device acceptance included older age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), symptomatic heart failure (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.12–6.08), Type D personality (OR: 3.51; 95% CI: 1.95–6.30), anxiety (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.24–4.38), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.00–5.00), and ICD concerns (OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.55–6.80); having a partner was associated with better acceptance (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.31–0.91), adjusting for demographic and clinical factors including shocks. Shocks were not associated with outcome (P = 0.59).

Conclusions:

The FPAS was shown to be a valid and reliable measure of device acceptance in a large sample of Danish ICD patients. Psychological factors rather than clinical factors were the primary correlates of poor device acceptance, whereas having a partner was associated with better acceptance. These preliminary findings suggest that screening for psychological factors may aid clinicians in identifying patients at risk of poor device acceptance.
Cardiac Pacing: Memories of a Bygone Era
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , HUNT DAVID , VOHRA JITENDRA , SLOMAN J. GRAEME
Published: August 2008

The first cardiac pacemaker implants occurred in the late 1950s and involved insertion of epicardial or epimyocardial leads and abdominal pulse generators. By the mid 1960s, cardiologists were making attempts to insert transvenous leads into the right ventricle. These early unipolar leads had large, polished, high polarization electrodes, no fixation device, and no lumen in which to place a stylet for lead positioning. The lead implantation procedures were usually long and the irradiation to both patient and operator excessive. Pulse generators were powered by zinc‐mercury cells, which were large, unreliable, and prone to sudden output failure. Postoperative complications such as lead dislodgement, exit block, and premature power source failure were very common with most patients requiring further surgery within a year. Little has been written of this period and in particular the experiences of the operators, such that today's pacemaker implanters have virtually no knowledge of this bygone era. This historical report by four Australian cardiologists details the operative procedures and follow‐up management of those original pacemaker recipients.
Transvenous Pacing via a Disconnected Superior Vena Cava in a Patient with Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: STEADMAN CHRISTOPHER D. , CLIFT PAUL , THORNE SARA A. , DE GIOVANNI JOSEPH V.
Published: August 2008

We describe successful implantation of a permanent pacemaker via the right subclavian vein in a 28‐year‐old man with operated transposition of the great arteries where the superior vena cava is completely disconnected from the systemic venous atrium following a previous Glenn procedure.
Effect of Ta Content on Phase Structure and Electrical Properties of Piezoelectric Lead‐Free [(Na0.535K0.480)0.942Li0.058](Nb1−xTax)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Zhao Pei , Tu Rong , Goto Takashi , Zhang Bo‐Ping , Yang Shu
Published: August 2008

The Li/Ta‐codoped lead‐free (Na,K)NbO3 ceramics with Na:K ratio of 0.535:0.480 were prepared by normal sintering, whose nominal formula was noted as [(Na0.535K0.480)0.942Li0.058](Nb1−xTax)O3 (x=2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 at.%). The X‐ray diffraction patterns and the corresponding calculation of lattice parameters showed that a morphotropic phase boundary crossing orthorhombic and tetragonal symmetries occurs at the compositions containing 6∼8 at.% Ta. Because of such transitional behavior achieved by optimizing Ta content, the piezoelectric coefficient (d33), electromechanical coupling coefficient (kp), and dielectric constant (ɛ) were enhanced to peak values, 232 pC/N, 39.4%, and 710, respectively. However, the Curie temperature (TC) and remanent polarization (Pr) show a decreasing tendency with raising Ta content, and their maximum values are 462°C and 8.73 μC/cm2, respectively.
Association between age of onset and symptom profiles of late‐life depression
Authors: Corruble E. , Gorwood P. , Falissard B.
Published: August 2008

Objective: The recognition of later late‐onset (LLO) major depression (MD) is a matter of concern.

Method: Cross‐sectional study assessed MD with the MINI structured interview and the MADRS in a referred sample of 13 377 non‐demented adult out‐patients visiting their physicians. Among 6850 patients with a first episode of MD, 370 LLO (75 years of age and older) MD were compared with 814 late‐onset (LO) (60–74 years old) MD and 5666 early‐onset (EO) (18–59 years old) MD.

Results: There are many similarities between the symptom patterns of EO, LO and LLO MDs. However, the symptom pattern of LLO MD includes more retardation/agitation, lassitude, reduced appetite and apparent sadness, and less sleep disturbances, guilt feelings, pessimism and inner tension than LO and EO MD.

Conclusion: The differences in symptom profiles are very modest and between‐group differences may not be meaningful on an individual level.
The course of dissociation for patients with borderline personality disorder and axis II comparison subjects: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Zanarini M. C. , Frankenburg F. R. , Jager‐Hyman S. , Reich D. B. , Fitzmaurice G.
Published: August 2008

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to assess the severity of dissociation reported by borderline patients and axis II comparison subjects over 10 years of prospective follow‐up.

Method:  The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) – a 28‐item self‐report measure – was administered to 290 borderline in‐patients and 72 axis II comparison subjects during their index admission. It was also re‐administered at five contiguous 2‐year follow‐up periods.

Results:  The overall severity of dissociative experiences of those in both study groups decreased significantly over time but was discernibly greater in borderline patients (61% vs. 43%). The same pattern emerged for the subtypes of dissociation that were studied: absorption, depersonalization and amnesia.

Conclusion:  The severity of dissociation declines significantly over time for even severely ill borderline patients. However, it remains as a recurring problem for over a third of those with DES scores that initially were in the range associated with trauma‐spectrum disorders.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Syngeneic Immune‐Dependent Abortions in Mice Suggest Paternal Alloantigen‐Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Kundert Jean A. , Sealey Amy L. , Li Yan , Capecchi Mario R. , Schmidt Edward E.
Published: August 2008

Problem  Recurrent immune‐associated miscarriages in humans are thought to result from maternal immune responses to paternal alloantigens. We investigated the role of paternal alloantigens in a mouse model of immune‐dependent abortion.

Method of study  Sib‐crosses of C57Bl/6J (haplotype b/b) mice heterozygous for a targeted hypomorphic allele of the tbp gene (tbpΔΝ/+) resulted in selective mid‐gestational abortion of 88% of the tbpΔΝ/ΔΝ fetuses. In dams lacking mature lymphocytes (rag1−/−), nearly all tbpΔΝ/ΔΝ fetuses survived to birth, indicating abortions were immune‐dependent. Allogeneic pregnancies bearing tbpΔΝ/ΔΝ fetuses were established by either hybridizing the paternal lineage to BALB/cJ (haplotype d/d) and mating hybrid tbpΔΝ/+ sires to haplotype b/b tbpΔΝ/+ C57Bl/6J dams, or by transfer of haplotype b/b zygotes from tbpΔΝ/+ × tbpΔΝ/+ matings into pseudopregnant wild‐type CByD2F1/J dams (haplotype d/d).

Results  Neither hemizygous paternal allogeneic loci nor homozygous allogeneic loci, including a haplotype‐mismatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC), increased abortion frequencies.

Conclusion  Results suggested that mechanisms for maternal tolerance of paternal alloantigens, including mismatched MHC antigens, were intact in these pregnancies, yet maternal immune‐dependent paternal antigen‐independent abortion of mutants occurred. These data indicate that, in some cases of immune‐mediated abortions, the presence of paternal alloantigens can be coincidental and superfluous to the compromising rejection response.
CT‐GUIDED STEREOTACTIC BRAIN BIOPSY USING THE KOPF STEREOTACTIC SYSTEM
Authors: TROXEL MARK T. , VITE CHARLES H.
Published: August 2008

This report describes computed tomography (CT)‐guided stereotactic brain biopsy using the Kopf stereotactic system, a commercially available patient restraint system which does not require additional modification for use in small animals. The accuracy of biopsy needle placement was determined by injecting dilute iohexol into cadaver brains and comparing the three‐dimensional coordinates of the desired target location to the actual needle tract observed on postcontrast CT images. Overall mean error in needle placement in a dorsoventral trajectory was 0.9±0.9 mm (n=80 injections) for dogs and 1.0±1.1 mm (n=30 injections) for cats. The overall mean error in needle placement via an oblique trajectory in five dogs was 1.7±1.6 mm (n=12 injections). These results suggest that this system can be used to successfully place a biopsy needle into the brain to obtain biopsies from small lesions.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS OF SPINAL INTRAMEDULLARY SPIROCERCOSIS
Authors: CHAI ORIT , SHELEF ILAN , BRENNER ORI , DOGADKIN OSNAT , AROCH ITAMAR , SHAMIR MERAV H.
Published: August 2008

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode infecting dogs in tropical and subtropical areas. Aberrant S. lupi migration to different body organs, including the spinal cord, has been documented. To date, the diagnosis of aberrant spinal cord migration was made at post‐mortem examination or as an incidental finding, during spinal surgery. We describe two dogs with acute asymmetric paraparesis that were subsequently diagnosed with spinal cord spirocercosis. In magnetic resonance (MR) images of the spine, T2 hyperintense lesions were seen in the spinal cord of both dogs. The lesions appeared isointense on T1‐weighted images and focal enhancement was detected after gadolinium administration. The MR imaging findings were compatible with focal inflammation, presumably along the parasite migration tract. Gross and microscopic pathologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of aberrant spinal intramedullary migration of S. lupi in one dog, and in the other dog, the clinical and imaging findings were supportive of this diagnosis.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF THE CRANIOCERVICAL JUNCTION IN NORMAL BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS AND DOGS WITH CAUDAL OCCIPITAL (CHIARI‐LIKE) MALFORMATION
Authors: SCHMIDT MARTIN J. , WIGGER ANTJE , JAWINSKI SEBASTIAN , GOLLA TANJA , KRAMER MARTIN
Published: August 2008

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the spine, especially of the spinal cord, has been rarely reported in dogs. The atlanto‐occipital junction provides a small acoustic window through which examination of the craniocervical transition can be performed. Normal sonographic findings of this region in 10 normal brachycephalic dogs are presented and compared with sonographic findings from 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with the caudal occipital malformation syndrome. Sonographic findings were compared with magnetic resonance imaging findings to determine the extent of cerebellar herniation and syringohydromyelia. Cerebellar displacement into the foramen magnum was clearly identified sonographically; however, syringohydromyelia was not discernable due to bone overlay.
POSTOPERATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF UNCOMPLICATED ENTEROTOMY OR ENTERECTOMY SITES IN DOGS
Authors: MATTHEWS ANDREA R. , PENNINCK DOMINIQUE G. , WEBSTER CYNTHIA R. L.
Published: August 2008

The ultrasonographic findings in 20 dogs with 25 healing enterotomy and enterectomy sites resulting from the removal of foreign material or correction of intussusceptions are presented. In this prospective study, dogs had preoperative abdominal ultrasound examinations followed by sequential sonographic examinations on the first, third, sixth, and 10th days postenterotomy or enterectomy with an additional sonographic examination after 20 days postoperatively. Documented sonographic features included length and maximal intestinal wall thickness of the enterotomy or enterectomy sites, echogenicity of omental/mesenteric fat, amount of free gas and abdominal effusion, and gastrointestinal motility. Sonographically, 57% of enterotomies and 100% of enterectomies were visualized. Pneumoperitoneum, hyperechoic omental/mesenteric fat, and abdominal effusion did not appreciably hamper evaluation of the intestinal surgical site. Absent wall layering at the surgical site was noted in 96% of dogs at day 1 postoperatively. At the final sonographic examination, wall layering remained altered to absent in 100% of dogs and normal thickness was noted in only 20% of dogs. The median maximal wall thickness was 7 and 8 mm for enterotomies and enterectomies respectively, which occurred between days 1 and 3 and days 3 and 6 postoperatively. Effusion and increased echogenicity of omental/mesenteric fat localized to the surgical site were noted in 42% and 60% of dogs respectively at day 1 postoperatively, with resolution noted between days 3 and 10 postoperatively in 92% and 80% of dogs. Generalized abdominal effusion and pneumoperitoneum were seen in 100% of dogs immediately postoperatively and resolved in 80% by day 10.
99mTc‐LABELED DEXTRAN FOR MAMMARY LYMPHOSCINTIGRAPHY IN DOGS
Authors: PEREIRA CAMILA TREVISAN , MARQUES FABIO LUIZ NAVARRO , WILLIAMS JAMIE , MARTIN BENEDICTO WLADEMIR DE , BOMBONATO PEDRO PRIMO
Published: August 2008

Lymphoscintigraphy is the technique of choice for sentinel lymph node detection in women with early breast cancer, but there is limited information evaluating the value of this technique in animals. We investigated mammary lymphatic drainage in 25 young female mongrel dogs by intramammary injection of 18.5 MBq of 99mTc‐dextran (70,000 Da). Lymph node anatomical referencing was obtained using an external marker, bone scintigraphy, or scintiscanning the body contour. Cranial and caudal thoracic mammary glands drained into the cranial sternal lymph node and axillary lymph center. The cranial thoracic mammary gland also drained into the superficial cervical lymph node in two of five animals. The cranial abdominal gland was drained by the axillary lymph center. The caudal abdominal mammary gland was drained by the superficial inguinal lymph node in all animals and simultaneously by medial iliac lymph nodes in four of five animals. In one dog, this mammary gland was also drained by the mediastinal and the superficial cervical lymph nodes. The inguinal mammary gland was drained by superficial inguinal lymph nodes and simultaneously via the medial iliac lymph node in one animal. Lymphatic communications between lymph nodes were identified in 11 of 25 (44%) animals. 99mTc‐dextran mammary lymphoscintigraphy was easy and rapid to perform and may provide valuable information for further studies.
Horses or Farmers? The Tower of Babel and Confidence in Trees
Authors: Nicholls Geoff
Published: August 2008

Gaelic, Danish, Vlach and Italian: what do these languages have in common? A great deal, in words and syntax. Along with many Indian and Central Asian languages they have descended and diverged from an earlier language—a root language to them all But when did this ancient Indo-European tongue reach Europe? And how—and when—did its daughter-tongues split off? Geoff Nicholls finds discrepancies between the statisticians and the historians of language.
The Storyteller and The Statistician or Recession? Already?
Authors: Blastland Michael
Published: August 2008

One death is a tragedy, said Stalin; a million deaths is a statistic. Our minds see the individual and the mass very differently, says Michael Blastland. Is this why journalists are telling us, against the evidence, that we are already in recession?
Toby Lewis
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: August 2008

Julian Champkin talks to a statistician of the older generation who puts the younger and less active to shame.
Running the Numbers: Statistics as Art
Authors: Champkin Julian
Published: August 2008

Chris Jordan is an artist, not a statistician. But his work brings out the meaning that statistics contain but can fail to convey. Julian Champkin Looks at big pictures.
Aggression, Sociability, and Roommate Friendship: New Findings Translated Into a Resource for Self‐Determined Choices
Authors: Wiltz James , Kalnins Tracy
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Many individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) live with others, but little is known about roommate compatibility, and there are no resources available to assist in the selection process. People with ID and those who support them need practical information in order to make more informed and therefore better choices. Self‐determination also should play an increased role in this complicated choice. This paper provides a practical, data‐based resource that can be incorporated into a self‐determined process of roommate selection. We conducted two studies, uncovered new information, and translated the findings into something that individuals and their supporters can use. The first study examined data from a community sample. In the second investigation, we replicated and expanded key findings in an institutional setting. Taken together, the findings of these studies are generalizable to a larger portion of the population. The results indicated that for the trait of sociability, similarity was the key to friendship. On the other hand, for aggressiveness, it was not similarity, but the total aggression in the pair that was (inversely) related to friendship. A practical multistep resource is provided for adults with ID and their advocates to help with the selection of a roommate who might also become a friend.
Overweight Status, Obesity, and Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease in Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Henderson C. Michael , Robinson Laura M. , Davidson Philip W. , Haveman Meindert , Janicki Matthew P. , Albertini Giorgio
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Research indicates that adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have high rates of overweight status/obesity (OS/O). OS/O is associated with several important risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study focused on assessing whether such risk factors are being identified in adults with ID who are receiving their healthcare in community settings, and comparing the rates of risk factors and appropriate preventive interventions with a sample of adults without ID from the same community. OS/O rates and CHD risk factors were ascertained in a sample of 100 adults with ID from a medical chart review. All participants were residing in group homes in Monroe County, New York. These rates were compared with age‐peer rates in the local general population. In addition, physician practices regarding weight and CHD risk factors were compared in the two study groups. As expected, rates of OS/O were high in both groups. However, rates of obesity were proportionally higher in adults with ID. Hypertension rates were comparable in the two groups, although rates of dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) were higher in adults with ID. Medication prescription rates for hypertension and dyslipidemia were equivalent in both groups. There were more dietary recommendations and fewer exercise recommendations prescribed for adults with ID. These findings confirm that OS/O rates are high in both adults with ID and those in the general population in one geographic area. High rates of CHD risk factors pose risks for premature mortality and morbidity in both groups. Because of factors that are not clear, but that merit further study, physicians may make different recommendations for diet and exercise in persons with ID compared with persons in the general population.
Consumers’ Understanding of Privacy Rules in the Marketplace
Authors: TUROW JOSEPH , HENNESSY MICHAEL , BLEAKLEY AMY
Published: August 2008

Studies suggest the general structure of Web sites leads consumers away from demanding that online merchants take certain approaches to privacy as a condition for dealing with them. This article presents findings from a nationally representative survey showing that the absence of such a privacy marketplace can also be attributed to the public’s incomplete knowledge of privacy regulations. Most respondents correctly understood that regulations regarding merchants’ sharing information are domain specific. The respondents were only sporadically correct, however, regarding which domains have which rules. The study raises questions about the best approaches to education in the absence of a coherent national policy of privacy regulation.
Pet Peeves: Trademark Law and the Consumer Enjoyment of Brand Pet Parodies
Authors: PETTY ROSS D.
Published: August 2008

Consumers appear to appreciate trademark parodies, particularly those that are related to pets. In contrast, some trademark owners object to such parodies. However, as this article demonstrates, trademark law generally allows the sale of parody products unless these products copy the targeted trademarks too closely.
Point‐of‐care method for total white cell count: an evaluation of the HemoCue WBC device
Authors: OSEI‐BIMPONG A. , JURY C. , McLEAN R. , LEWIS S. M.
Published: August 2008

Point‐of‐care testing (POCT) is becoming an important adjunct to haematology laboratory practice. An important component of the blood count is the total white cell count (WBC). Previously, this required laborious microscopic cell counting, but it can now be performed by means of automation; however, in many under‐resourced countries, costly automated counters are only available in very few central hospitals. Moreover, neither method is practical in most POCT situations. The HemoCue WBC has been developed as a simplified alternative method, consisting of a reagent pre‐loaded disposable cuvette together with basic image analysis technology. This report describes an assessment of its utility. The WBC of 500 routine blood samples from the hospital were tested in parallel by the HemoCue WBC and by a reference analyser to assess accuracy and utility of the former. The tests included precision, linearity, type of blood sample and anticoagulant and potential interfering substances in blood specimens. In the tests for accuracy, 192 of the 200 showed percentage difference from the NEQAS reference of <10% whilst the remaining eight samples differed by <12%, thus meeting the requirements of Clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA)‐88 regulations. Of the samples tested with potential interfering substances only those with >2% normoblasts or reticulocytosis showed significant differences from the reference measurements. The HemoCue WBC is reliable for WBC counts within the analytical range of 0.4–30.0 × 109/l, except in samples where there are significant numbers of normoblasts or reticulocytes. It is simple to use and provides a valuable advance in the facilities available for POCT in haematology.
The Political and Unstable Nature of the IASB's ‘Stable Platform’: Post‐Convergence Australian Experience
Authors: Chand Parmod , Cummings Lorne
Published: August 2008

On 31 March 2004, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) established the ‘stable platform’ of new and revised standards applicable from 1 January 2005. We review the major changes made by the IASB to its stable platform of standards to illustrate how politics and lobbying influence the standard‐setting process. Furthermore, Australian experience since International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption is used to illustrate the impact and extent of these and other changes within the local environment. Continuous changes to IFRS undoubtedly complicate the convergence process, particularly when they are largely indicative of political considerations rather than conceptual underpinnings.
Converging to International Accounting Standards: Views from Japan
Authors: Kaneko Sei‐Ichi , Tarca Ann
Published: August 2008

Many countries, including the European Union member states and Australia, adopted international accounting standards in 2005. This year was also critical in Japan for convergence activities. Based on a review of 2005 financial statements and a survey of securities analysts, this study identifies key issues for convergence of Japanese and international accounting standards. We find that accounting requirements relating to fair value measurement, comprehensive income items, leases and business combinations are relevant to Japanese firms. A survey of 974 members of the Security Analysts Association of Japan about these issues indicated support for convergence and the use of fair value measurement, disclosure of comprehensive income, recognition of leases and use of the purchase method for consolidation. We report support for several positions favoured by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), a positive signal for achieving convergence goals in Japan, which will be of interest to capital market participants in Japan and other countries.
The Blowgun Demonstration Experiment
Authors: Tsukamoto Koji , Uchino Masanori
Published: August 2008

We have found that a simple demonstration experiment using a match or a cotton swab and a drinking straw or an acrylic pipe serves as an effective introduction to dynamics. The most basic apparatus has a cotton swab serving as a dart and the straw as the blowgun. When blown from a starting point near the exit end of the straw, the cotton swab does not fly a significant distance. When the starting point is closer to the lips, the straw is projected 2–3 m. If two or three straws are connected to form a longer blowgun, the cotton swab flies even farther.
Conservation of Mechanical Energy Using Dry Ice Slider-Projectiles
Authors: Gales Jenna , Baker Blane
Published: August 2008

Energy concepts are fundamentally important for describing and analyzing systems ranging from subatomic particles to spiral galaxies. In general, students first encounter such concepts in introductory courses that typically focus on forms of energy, energy transfer, and conservation laws. Within these courses, conservation of mechanical energy is particularly useful for solving problems (since the physical quantities being analyzed do not require vector analysis). However, strictly speaking, conservation of mechanical energy is valid only when no energy is transferred across the boundary of the system being considered.
The Egg Joust
Authors: Bosworth Wade A. , Wilkinson John
Published: August 2008

The use of eggs and mousetraps in physics is commonplace in most American high school physics classrooms. The egg drops,1,2 the egg walk,3 and the great Canadian egg race,4 as well as the mousetrap cars,5 have all been well-documented in this journal. These types of collaborative, competitive projects are a great way to motivate6 students. Students at Greendale High School in suburban Milwaukee, WI, participate in an annual egg-jousting competition that combines the energy of a mousetrap with the delicateness of an egg. For this evening event, students gather in costume for a night of medieval intrigue where parents and friends witness the peril of two eggs colliding while atop their trusty steed.
A Physics Show Performed by Students for Kids: From Mechanics to Elementary Particle Physics
Authors: Dreiner Herbi K.
Published: August 2008

Physics students spend the early part of their training attending physics and mathematics lectures, solving problem sets, and experimenting in laboratory courses. The program is typically intensive and fairly rigid. They have little opportunity to follow their own curiosity or apply their knowledge. There have been many attempts to address this deficiency, specifically through outreach activities.1–23 For example, since 1984 Clint Sprott (University of Wisconsin) hosts a physics show entitled “The Wonders of Physics!” Dressed up as a circus director and assisted by students, Professor Sprott presents entertaining and educating experiments to a regularly packed auditorium of all age groups.5 This was in turn inspired by the “Chemistry is Fun” presentations of Basam Shakhashiri (University of Wisconsin), where the students are also involved.6
Keeping the Coffee Warm: A Challenge for Amateurs and Professionals
Authors: Haugland Ole Anton
Published: August 2008

When introducing heat transfer and insulation to my students, I have found that an insulation contest can be a good start. The experiment is fun, and it gets students thinking and wondering about heat transfer. When they have experienced how difficult it is to construct their own insulated container, they are very interested to know how a real Thermos® bottle works. One could also let a Thermos® bottle be an extra “participant” in the contest.
Impact of
Trichomonas vaginalis
Transcription-Mediated Amplification-Based Analyte-Specific-Reagent Testing in a Metropolitan Setting of High Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevalence
Authors: Munson Erik , Napierala Maureen , Olson Robin , Endes Tina , Block Timothy , Hryciuk Jeanne E. , Schell Ronald F.
Published: August 2008

Trichomoniasis is a significant sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the spectrum of public health and primary care because of its association with agents such as human immunodeficiency virus and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
. However, its true significance may be underestimated due to diagnostic modalities that exhibit poor sensitivity. A total of 1,086 genital specimens from two urban emergency departments, a suburban urgent-care facility, and a metropolitan outpatient physician group were subjected to transcription-mediated amplification-based
Trichomonas vaginalis
analyte-specific-reagent (ASR) testing (Gen-Probe, Inc.). The rate of positive molecular ASR results (14.5%) doubled that of direct saline preparation (7.0%;
P
< 0.0002). Analogous increases were observed at one emergency department and within the outpatient physician group (
P
< 0.0002). No significant increase in the rate of positive molecular ASR results was observed from the facilities that encountered a lower frequency of black/African American patients. While positive
T. vaginalis
findings via direct saline preparation did not have a significant association with concomitant
Chlamydia trachomatis
or
N. gonorrhoeae
infection overall, a positive
T. vaginalis
ASR result was a better predictor of concomitant
C. trachomatis
or
N. gonorrhoeae
infection (odds ratios of 2.34 and 4.46, respectively;
P
< 0.0001). The increased rate of positive
T. vaginalis
ASR results was observed in both point-of-care (
P
= 0.02 versus direct saline preparation) and laboratory (
P
= 0.003) testing. Highly sensitive
T. vaginalis
molecular ASR not only transcends issues of specimen integrity and microscopic acumen but also has an increased ability to predict the likelihood of additional STDs in defined populations.
Rapid Method for Sensitive Screening of Oligosaccharide Epitopes in the Lipooligosaccharide from
Campylobacter jejuni
Strains Isolated from Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Miller Fisher Syndrome Patients
Authors: Dzieciatkowska Monika , Liu Xin , Heikema Astrid P. , Houliston R. Scott , van Belkum Alex , Schweda Elke K. H. , Gilbert Michel , Richards James C. , Li Jianjun
Published: August 2008

Campylobacter jejuni
lipooligosaccharide (LOS) can trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) due to its similarity to human gangliosides. Rapid and accurate structural elucidation of the LOS glycan of a strain isolated from a GBS patient could help physicians determine the spectrum of anti-ganglioside antibodies likely to be found and therefore provide valuable assistance in establishing an appropriate course of treatment. The ability of implemented mass spectrometry-based approaches in a clinical setting has been limited by the laborious and time-consuming nature of the protocols, typically 3 to 4 days, used to prepare LOS. In order to improve the analytical throughput, microwave-assisted enzymatic digestion was investigated. In this study, the bacterial cells were suspended in 50 μl of 20 mM ammonium acetate buffer containing DNase and RNase and treated by direct microwave irradiation for 3 min. Then, proteinase K was added and the samples were again microwaved. The intact LOS samples were analyzed using electrophoresis-assisted open-tubular liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The reliability of the rapid, high-throughput technique was demonstrated through analysis of LOS glycans from 73
C. jejuni
strains. The structure was elucidated using material from a single colony. The total time for sample preparation and MS analysis is less than 60 min.
Quantification of DNA in Plasma by an Automated Real-Time PCR Assay (Cytomegalovirus PCR Kit) for Surveillance of Active Cytomegalovirus Infection and Guidance of Preemptive Therapy for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Gimeno Concepción , Solano Carlos , Latorre José C. , Hernández-Boluda Juan C. , Clari María A. , Remigia María J. , Furió Santiago , Calabuig Marisa , Tormo Nuria , Navarro David
Published: August 2008

The performance of a plasma real-time PCR (cytomegalovirus [CMV] PCR kit; Abbott Diagnostics) was compared with that of the antigenemia assay for the surveillance of active CMV infection in 42 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) recipients. A total of 1,156 samples were analyzed by the two assays. Concordance between the two assays was 82.2%. Plasma DNA levels correlated with the number of pp65-positive cells, particularly prior to the initiation of preemptive therapy. Fifty-seven episodes of active CMV infection were detected in 37 patients: 18 were defined solely by the PCR assay and four were defined on the basis of the antigenemia assay. Either a cutoff of 288 CMV DNA copies/ml or a 2.42-log
10
increase of DNAemia levels between two consecutive PCR positive samples was an optimal value to discriminate between patients requiring preemptive therapy and those not requiring therapy on the basis of the antigenemia results. The real-time PCR assay allowed an earlier diagnosis of active CMV infection and was a more reliable marker of successful clearance of CMV from the blood. Analysis of the kinetics of DNAemia levels at a median of 7 days posttreatment allowed the prediction of the response to CMV therapy. Two patients developed CMV colitis. The PCR assay tested positive both before the onset of symptoms and during the disease period. The plasma real-time PCR from Abbott is more suitable than the antigenemia assay for monitoring active CMV infection in Allo-SCT recipients and may be used for guiding preemptive therapy in this clinical setting.
Detection of Resistance to Macrolides in Thermotolerant
Campylobacter
Species by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Haas Michaela , Essig Andreas , Bartelt Edda , Poppert Sven
Published: August 2008

The resistance of enteritis-causing
Campylobacter
strains to erythromycin is an emerging problem. We therefore evaluated fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the rapid detection of resistance using 74 campylobacter isolates. FISH showed specificity and sensitivity of 100% for the detection of high-level resistance.
Double-Stranded RNA Adenosine Deaminases Enhance Expression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Proteins
Authors: Phuphuakrat Angsana , Kraiwong Romchat , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Lauhakirti Darat , Lee Tun-Hou , Auewarakul Prasert
Published: August 2008

ADARs (adenosine deaminases that act on double-stranded RNA) are RNA editing enzymes that catalyze a change from adenosine to inosine, which is then recognized as guanosine by translational machinery. We demonstrate here that overexpression of ADARs but not of an ADAR mutant lacking editing activity could upregulate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) structural protein expression and viral production. Knockdown of ADAR1 by RNA silencing inhibited HIV-1 production. Viral RNA harvested from transfected ADAR1-knocked-down cells showed a decrease in the level of unspliced RNA transcripts. Overexpression of ADAR1 induced editing at a specific site in the
env
gene, and a mutant with the edited sequence was expressed more efficiently than the wild-type viral genome. These data suggested the role of ADAR in modulation of HIV-1 replication. Our data demonstrate a novel mechanism in which HIV-1 employs host RNA modification machinery for posttranscriptional regulation of viral protein expression.
Differences in Virulence of Marine and Freshwater Isolates of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus In Vivo Correlate with In Vitro Ability To Infect Gill Epithelial Cells and Macrophages of Rainbow Trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
)
Authors: Brudeseth Bjørn E. , Skall Helle F. , Evensen Øystein
Published: August 2008

Two strains of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) with known different virulence characteristics in vivo were studied (by a time course approach) for their abilities to infect and translocate across a primary culture of gill epithelial cells (GEC) of rainbow trout (RBT;
Oncorhynchus mykiss
). The strains included one low-virulence marine VHSV (ma-VHSV) strain, ma-1p8, and a highly pathogenic freshwater VHSV (fw-VHSV) strain, fw-DK-3592B. Infectivities toward trout head kidney macrophages were also studied (by a time course method), and differences in in vivo virulence were reconfirmed, the aim being to determine any correlation between in vivo virulence and in vitro infectivity. The in vitro studies showed that the fw-VHSV isolate infected and caused a cytotoxic effect in monolayers of GEC (demonstrating virulence) at an early time point (2 h postinoculation) and that the same virus strain had translocated over a confluent, polarized GEC layer by 2 h postinoculation. The marine isolate did not infect monolayers of GEC, and delayed translocation across polarized GEC was seen by 48 h postinoculation. Primary cultures of head kidney macrophages were also infected with fw-VHSV, with a maximum of 9.5% virus-positive cells by 3 days postinfection, while for the ma-VHSV strain, only 0.5% of the macrophages were positive after 3 days of culture. In vivo studies showed that the fw-VHSV strain was highly virulent for RBT fry and caused high mortality, with classical features of viral hemorrhagic septicemia. The ma-VHSV showed a very low level of virulence (only one pool of samples from the dead fish was VHSV positive). This study has shown that the differences in virulence between marine and freshwater strains of VHSV following the in vivo infection of RBT correlate with in vitro abilities to infect primary cultures of GEC and head kidney macrophages of the same species.
The M, E, and N Structural Proteins of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Are Required for Efficient Assembly, Trafficking, and Release of Virus-Like Particles
Authors: Siu Y. L. , Teoh K. T. , Lo J. , Chan C. M. , Kien F. , Escriou N. , Tsao S. W. , Nicholls J. M. , Altmeyer R. , Peiris J. S. M. , Bruzzone R. , Nal B.
Published: August 2008

The production of virus-like particles (VLPs) constitutes a relevant and safe model to study molecular determinants of virion egress. The minimal requirement for the assembly of VLPs for the coronavirus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (SARS-CoV) is still controversial. Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV VLP formation depends on either M and E proteins or M and N proteins. Here we show that both E and N proteins must be coexpressed with M protein for the efficient production and release of VLPs by transfected Vero E6 cells. This suggests that the mechanism of SARS-CoV assembly differs from that of other studied coronaviruses, which only require M and E proteins for VLP formation. When coexpressed, the native envelope trimeric S glycoprotein is incorporated onto VLPs. Interestingly, when a fluorescent protein tag is added to the C-terminal end of N or S protein, but not M protein, the chimeric viral proteins can be assembled within VLPs and allow visualization of VLP production and trafficking in living cells by state-of-the-art imaging technologies. Fluorescent VLPs will be used further to investigate the role of cellular machineries during SARS-CoV egress.
Evidence for Protection against Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Chimpanzees by Immunization with Replicating Recombinant Vaccinia Virus
Authors: Youn Jin-Won , Hu Yu-Wen , Tricoche Nancy , Pfahler Wolfram , Shata Mohamed Tarek , Dreux Marlene , Cosset François-Loic , Folgori Antonella , Lee Dong-Hun , Brotman Betsy , Prince Alfred M.
Published: August 2008

Given the failures of nonreplicating vaccines against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we hypothesized that a replicating viral vector may provide protective immunity. Four chimpanzees were immunized transdermally twice with recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) expressing HCV genes. After challenge with 24 50% chimpanzee infective doses of homologous HCV, the two control animals that had received only the parental VV developed chronic HCV infection. All four immunized animals resolved HCV infection. The difference in the rate of chronicity between the immunized and the control animals was close to statistical significance (P= 0.067). Immunized animals developed vigorous gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot responses and moderate proliferative responses. To investigate cross-genotype protection, the immunized recovered chimpanzees were challenged with a pool of six major HCV genotypes. During the acute phase after the multigenotype challenge, all animals had high-titer viremia in which genotype 4 dominated (87%), followed by genotype 5 (13%). However, after fluctuating low-level viremia, the viremia finally turned negative or persisted at very low levels. This study suggests the potential efficacy of replicating recombinant vaccinia virus-based immunization against chronic HCV infection.