bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lexical and default stress assignment in reading Greek
Authors: Protopapas Athanassios , Gerakaki Svetlana , Alexandri Stella
Published: July 2006

Greek is a language with lexical stress that marks stress orthographically with a special diacritic. Thus, the orthography and the lexicon constitute potential sources of stress assignment information in addition to any possible general default metrical pattern. Here, we report two experiments with secondary education children reading aloud pseudo‐word stimuli, in which we manipulated the availability of lexical (using stimuli resembling particular words) and visual (existence and placement of the diacritic) information. The reliance on the diacritic was found to be imperfect. Strong lexical effects as well as a default metrical pattern stressing the penultimate syllable were revealed. Reading models must be extended to account for multisyllabic word reading including, in particular, stress assignment based on the interplay among multiple possible sources of information.
Residuals‐based tests for the null of no‐cointegration: an Analytical comparison
Authors: Pesavento Elena
Published: July 2006

Abstract. This article studies the asymptotic distribution of five residuals‐based tests for the null of no‐cointegration under a local alternative when the tests are computed using both ordinary least squares (OLS) and generalized least squares (GLS)‐detrended variables. The local asymptotic power of the tests is shown to be a function of Brownian motion and Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes, depending on a single nuisance parameter, which is determined by the correlation at frequency zero of the errors of the cointegration regression with the shocks to the right‐hand side variables. The tests are compared in terms of power in large and small samples. It is shown that, while no significant improvement can be achieved by using unit root tests other than the OLS detrendedt‐test originally proposed by Engle and Granger (1987), the power of GLS residuals tests can be higher than the power of system tests for some values of the nuisance parameter.
New Improved Tests for Cointegration with Structural Breaks
Authors: Westerlund Joakim , Edgerton David L.
Published: July 2006

Abstract.  This article proposes Lagrange multiplier‐based tests for the null hypothesis of no cointegration. The tests are general enough to allow for heteroskedastic and serially correlated errors, deterministic trends, and a structural break of unknown timing in both the intercept and slope. The limiting distributions of the test statistics are derived, and are found to be invariant not only with respect to the trend and structural break, but also with respect to the regressors. A small Monte Carlo study is also conducted to investigate the small‐sample properties of the tests. The results reveal that the tests have small size distortions and good power relative to other tests.
Mental Health Help‐Seeking and Young People: A Review
Authors: ROTHÌ DESPINA M , LEAVEY GERARD
Published: July 2006

In the United Kingdom, the issue of health and social care of young people is now a major concern for the government. Thus, a recent government green paper has insisted on the provision of early and appropriate interventions for young peoples' mental health difficulties and that their views must be incorporated into the design of mental health services. More recently, the NHS Health Advisory Service has recommended that schools and teachers should assume some responsibility in the identification of pupils who may have mental health difficulties. Unfortunately, there is scant information in the United Kingdom on young peoples' pathways into services. We know very little about their help‐seeking strategies and service use, barriers or facilitators to care, satisfaction with services and service preferences. In addition, we have limited knowledge of how young people conceptualize mental health or how they perceive mental health professionals. In brief, the needs and help‐seeking behaviours of young people in psychological distress are poorly understood and often mediated through older people such as parents and teachers. In this paper, we examine these issues and discuss the implications of such gaps in the evidence base for our understanding of adolescent help‐seeking and our ability to provide appropriate well‐targeted services.
‘Non‐Teachers’ Moving into Roles Traditionally Undertaken by Teachers: Benefits and Challenges – For Whom?1
Authors: ANDREWS DAVID
Published: July 2006

In recent years, in the United Kingdom, there has been a growing number of appointments of staff from professional backgrounds other than teaching to roles that have traditionally been filled by qualified teachers. The replacement of management allowances with teaching and learning responsibilities has seen an increase in such appointments. In this article, David Andrews reports the findings of a study he undertook last year to examine the benefits and challenges when schools appoint non‐teachers to the role of careers co‐ordinator, and discusses the implications for other pastoral and guidance roles in schools.
Supporting the Vulnerable Child: Engaging Fathers in the Home–School Dimension of Pastoral Care
Authors: MANTLE GREG , GELLING LESLIE , LIVINGSTONE STUART
Published: July 2006

Drawing on findings from a recent study of pastoral care within a primary school, this article highlights the role of fathers as a key factor in a range of successful interventions. While gains can be made in work with vulnerable children, the home–school dimension of pastoral care deserves far greater attention by schools, educationalists and researchers than it has so far received. The English government has a strategy to promote a closer relationship between parents and primary schools: much depends upon the resources available to schools and the commitment of staff.
TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND COMPENSATION*
Authors: Davidson Carl , Matusz Steven J.
Published: July 2006

Liberalization harms some groups while generating aggregate benefits. We consider various labor market policies that might be used to compensate those who lose from freer trade. Our goal is to find the policy that compensates each group of losers at the lowest cost to the economy. We argue that wage subsidies should be used to compensate those who bear the adjustment costs triggered by liberalization whereas employment subsidies should be used to compensate those who remain trapped in the previously protected sector. Our analysis indicates that the cost of compensation is low, provided that the right policy is used.
A BOX–COX CONSUMER DEMAND SYSTEM NESTING THE ALMOST IDEAL MODEL*
Authors: Matsuda Toshinobu
Published: July 2006

This article proposes a consumer demand system that has a generalized functional form characterized by the Box–Cox transformation. The new model offers a wider range of responses to both price and expenditure changes than the existing price independent generalized linear models, including the almost ideal demand system. Even with these features, its functional form is relatively simple and easy to interpret and implement. An empirical illustration is given for Japanese demand for nondurable goods and services. The results show that the new model is preferable to the nested models in terms of relative explanatory power and producing reasonable elasticities.
PRIVATE VERSUS PUBLIC MONEY*
Authors: Monnet Cyril
Published: July 2006

I show that the nature of agents' production determines whether they should issue money. I use a matching model with no commitment and no enforcement. Some agents can produce goods, whereas others are unproductive. All agents can produce at a cost a distinguishable, intrinsically useless but durable good: notes. Productive agents produce red notes whereas unproductive agents produce green notes. I find that green notes are the most efficient means of exchange, as they implement more allocations than red notes and at a lower cost. Therefore, unproductive agents should issue money. I associate unproductive agents to agents producing public goods.
POPULATION AGING AND INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL FLOWS*
Authors: Domeij David , Flodén Martin
Published: July 2006

We use the neoclassical growth framework to model international capital flows in a world with exogenous demographic change. We compare model implications and actual current account data and find that the model explains a small but significant fraction of capital flows between OECD countries, in particular after 1985.
Rating of Olfactory Judgements in Migraine Patients
Authors: Demarquay G , Royet JP , Giraud P , Chazot G , Valade D , Ryvlin P
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate olfactory hypersensitivity (OHS) between attacks in migraine patients. Seventy-four migraine patients and 30 controls were enrolled. The presence of OHS was evaluated using an oral questionnaire and a chemical odour intolerance index. Subjects had to rate the intensity and hedonicity of 12 odourants using a linear rating scale. Twenty-six patients (35.2±) but no control subjects reported an interictal OHS ( P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with OHS presented a greater attack frequency, a higher number of odour-induced migraines and visual hypersensitivity when compared with other patients. Disease duration, age, gender and auditory hypersensitivity were not associated with OHS. OHS patients judged odours less pleasant than did other patients and controls, whereas the intensity scores were identical in both groups. OHS between attacks was significantly associated with odour-triggered migraine and an alteration of hedonic judgement.
Mammalian sperm and oviducts are sexually selected: evidence for co‐evolution
Authors: Anderson M. J. , Dixson A. S. , Dixson A. F.
Published: July 2006

Oviduct length was measured in 48 species representing 33 genera of mammals in order to examine possible relationships between female morphology and the occurrence of sperm competition due to matings with multiple males. Multiple regression analyses revealed that residuals of oviduct length were positively correlated both with residuals of testes weight and with sperm midpiece volume in the genera and species studied. These correlations remained significant after application of comparative analysis of independent contrasts to control for possible phylogenetic biases in the data set. These results indicate that sexual selection (relating to sperm competition and cryptic female choice) has influenced co‐evolution of oviduct length, testes size and sperm morphology in mammals.
Density of Microhodotermes viator (Hodotermitidae) mounds in southern Africa in relation to rainfall and vegetative productivity gradients
Authors: Picker M. D. , Hoffman M. T. , Leverton B.
Published: July 2006

Giant earth mounds (heuweltjies) formed by the southern harvester termite Microhodotermes viator occupy a large proportion of the land surface of the Succulent karoo, Nama‐karoo and Fynbos biomes. Microhodotermes viator is associated with specific vegetation types and low winter rainfall, prompting the hypothesis that rainfall and vegetative productivity govern the distribution and population densities of M. viator. Using an analysis of aerial photographs, the density of termite mounds at 34 sites in 10 vegetation types was determined across the full range of their distribution. The number of mounds ranged from 143 to 704 km−2 with a mean of 297. When all sites were considered together, mound density was not related to temperature, altitude, rainfall and vegetative productivity [as measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)]. However, if the single Fynbos and five Coastal Renosterveld sites (with rainfall >350 mm  year−1) were excluded from the analysis, then mound density was significantly related to both rainfall and NDVI values. A separate analysis of the relationship between mound density, rainfall and soil fertility was undertaken. There was a significant relationship between rainfall and mound density for sites occurring on soils of high‐fertility status but not for sites occurring on soils of low‐fertility status. These results suggest that soil fertility and vegetation composition are parameters that influence the effect of rainfall and vegetative productivity on termite mound distribution and density. Finally, the positive relationship between rainfall and mound density in areas with <350 mm year−1 suggests that M. viator populations are in equilibrium with climatic conditions. This provides further evidence that heuweltjies are constructed by their current occupants, M. viator, and are not the product of an extinct termite species as has been suggested previously.
Effect of cooling on the responses of human saphenous vein to fentanyl, remifentanil and sufentanil
Authors: Şahin Ayşe Saide , Duman Ateş , Günaydin Ishak Gürsel , Şahin Tahir Kemal , Görmüş Niyazi , Duman Ipek
Published: July 2006

We studied the vasodilatory effects of fentanyl, remifentanil and sufentanil on the human saphenous vein strips at 37, 32 and 28 °C. Fentanyl produced concentration‐dependent relaxation of human saphenous vein strips precontracted with 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) at every temperature studied. Compared with vein strips at 37 °C, relaxant responses to each one concentration of fentanyl were significantly reduced at 32 and 28 °C. Remifentanil relaxed vein strips in a concentration‐dependent way and the relaxation for all concentrations were significantly greater at 32 and 28 °C compared with 37 °C. Sufentanil produced concentration‐dependent relaxation in saphenous vein strips precontracted with 5‐HT. These relaxant responses were similar at 32 °C compared with 37 °C. When bath temperature was lowered from 37 to 28 °C, the relaxant responses to sufentanil were significantly reduced. In summary, the present study suggests that cooling reduces the relaxation caused by fentanyl and sufentanil on human saphenous veins but augments the relaxation with remifentanil. The augmented vasodilatory effect of remifentanil with cooling may be useful on systemic vascular resistance and organ preservation under hypothermic conditions like cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE PERSISTENCE AND COMPETITION: A CROSS‐SECTOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Keswani Aneel , Stolin David
Published: July 2006

Existing work on mutual fund performance persistence obtains diverse results, depending on the group of funds studied. We examine whether performance persistence within a peer group of competing mutual funds depends on the group's composition. The U.K. mutual fund industry is ideal for such an examination because funds compete within strictly defined sectors. We consider several attributes related to the intensity of competition within a sector and use them to explain sector‐level persistence. We find robust evidence that persistence is higher in sectors where concentration of assets under management is higher.
Online Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Van Laecke Steven , Wilde Katrien De , Vanholder Raymond
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Online hemodiafiltration (HDF) is an extracorporeal technique for solute removal in renal failure, which takes advantage of an enhancement of convective treatment by the large amount of ultrapure nonpyrogen dialysate being used for substitution of the ultrafiltered volume. It offers many advantages aside from its safe inflammatory profile, which is attributable to the use of ultrapure dialysate and highly biocompatible dialysis membranes. Due to an improved convective clearance, significantly increased removal of large or protein‐bound uremic retention solutes can be achieved, with a potential benefit on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent observational data indicate that online HDF offers a survival advantage even after adjustment for comorbidity and dialysis efficiency. Research has been ongoing to maximize further the effectiveness of the technique by new technical innovations such as transmembrane‐pressure feedback control or mid‐dilution online HDF.
Preoperative Intravenous Hydration Confers Renoprotection in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Marathias Katerina P. , Vassili Mary , Robola Amalia , Alivizatos Peter A. , Palatianos George M. , Geroulanos Stefanos , Vlahakos Demetrios V.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk to develop acute renal failure (ARF) after open heart surgery. This complication is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. Because the ability to concentrate urine is lost early in the progression of CKD, renal patients kept on fluid restriction prior to surgery may develop severe dehydration, a situation consistently found to be one of the most critical risk factors for postoperative ARF. Our goal was to investigate whether intravenous hydration for 12 h prior to cardiac surgery could prevent acute renal injury in patients with CKD. This is a prospective study in a tertiary cardiac surgery center. Forty‐five patients admitted for elective open heart surgery with moderate‐to‐severe CKD, as evidenced by a quantified glomerular filtration rate less than 45 mL/min, were assigned using a 2/1 randomization process, to either receive an intravenous infusion of half‐isotonic saline (1 mL/kg/h) for 12 h before the operation (hydration group, n = 30, 29 men, 64 + 1.7 years old), or to be simply kept on fluid restriction (control group, n = 15, 14 men, 64.2 + 2.8 years old). Groups were not different in clinical and intraoperative variables associated with postoperative renal injury. ARF developed in 8 of 15 (53%) patients in the control group, but in only 9 of the 30 (30%) patients in the hydration group. Four patients in the control group (27%), but no one in the hydration group, required dialysis after the operation (P < 0.01). Peak creatinine and blood urea nitrogen values were two to three times higher in the control group than in the hydration group. Preoperative intravenous hydration may ameliorate renal damage in patients with moderate‐to‐severe renal insufficiency undergoing cardiac surgery.
Changes in Aortic Function After Interposition of a Tubular Graft in the Descending Porcine Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Tsatsaris Athanasios , Dontas Ismene , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Agapitos Emmanuel , Boudoulas Harisios , Perrea Despina
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The objective of the study was to investigate the alterations of aortic function after interposition of a tubular graft in the descending porcine thoracic aorta. Eight healthy Landrace pigs were subjected to thoracotomy under sterile conditions. A 5‐cm‐long segment of descending thoracic aorta was replaced with a Dacron graft. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using simultaneous recordings of electrocardiogram and Doppler pressure waveforms, which were received from right carotid and femoral arteries. Then, the recordings were fed to a computer for analytical estimation of PWV in several occasions: right after the interposition (D0), and after 15 (D15) and 30 (D30) days time. Euthanasia was performed after the D30‐recordings and the aortic graft area was removed. “Before graft” (BG) as well as “after graft” (AG) aortic regions were examined under light microscopy in order to determine the aortic thickness (T) and number of lamellar units (LU). Eight sham‐operated pigs were used as controls. The results showed that PWV decreased as soon as the graft interposition took place and was maintained, until the end of experiment (P < 0.05). Aortic wall thickness was increased both at pregraft and postgraft areas (P < 0.05), and LUs were also increased at the same regions. It is concluded that the interposition of a tubular graft in the descending thoracic aorta resulted in a decrease in PWV, which may improve left ventricular performance and enhance myocardial perfusion, due to a delay in the arrival of the reflecting diastolic wave.
A Reduced Priming System
Authors: Sato Koichi , Namura Osamu , Sogawa Masakazu , Shimada Koji , Tosaka Yuko , Hayashi Jun‐ichi
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), an integral part of valve surgery, is known to cause hemodilution, which can lead to a need for blood transfusion as well as a systemic inflammatory reaction. Our aim was to evaluate a reduced priming (RP) system for CPB with regard to clinical outcomes in patients undergoing valve surgery. Eleven patients were assigned to the new system with an RP volume. The RP system allowed for reduced hemodilution and a possible reduction in the necessity for blood transfusions.
Survival and complication rates of combined tooth–implant‐supported fixed partial dentures
Authors: Nickenig Hans‐Joachim , Schäfer Corinna , Spiekermann Hubertus
Published: July 2006

Objectives: The objective of this study has been to review the incidence of biological and technical complications in case of tooth–implant‐supported fixed partial denture (FPD) treatments on the basis of survival data regarding clinical cases.

Material and methods: Based on the treatment documentations of a Bundeswehr dental clinic (Cologne‐Wahn German Air Force Garrison), the medical charts of 83 patients with tooth‐implant‐supported FPDs were completely recorded. The median follow‐up time was 4.73 (time range: 2.2–8.3) years. In the process, survival curves according to Kaplan and Meier were applied in addition to frequency counts.

Results: A total of 84 tooth‐implant (83 patients) connected prostheses were followed (132 abutment teeth, 142 implant abutments (Branemark, Straumann). FPDs: the time‐dependent illustration reveals that after 5 years, as many as 10% of the tooth‐implant‐supported FPDs already had to be subjected to a technical modification (renewal (n=2), reintegration (n=4), veneer fracture (n=5), fracture of frame (n=2)). In contrast to non‐rigid connection of teeth and implants, technical modification measures were rarely required in case of tooth‐implant‐supported FPDs with a rigid connection. There was no statistical difference between technical complications and the used implant system. Abutment teeth and implants: during the observation period, none of the functionally loaded implants (n=142) had to be removed. Three of the overall 132 abutment teeth were lost because of periodontal inflammation. The time‐dependent illustration reveals, that after 5 years as many as 8% of the abutment teeth already required corresponding therapeutic measures (periodontal treatment (5%), filling therapy (2.5%), endodontic treatment (0.5%)). After as few as 3 years, the connection related complications of implant abutments (abutment or occlusal screw loosening, loss of cementation) already had to be corrected in approximately 8% of the cases. In the utilization period there was no screw or abutment fracture.

Conclusion: Technical complications of implant‐supported FPDs are dependent on the different bridge configurations. When using rigid functional connections, similarly favourable values will be achieved as in case of solely implant‐supported FPDs. In this study other characteristics like different fixation systems (screwed vs. cemented) or various implant systems had no significant effect to the rate of technical complications.
Stability and marginal bone level measurements of unsplinted implants used for mandibular overdentures: a 1‐year randomized prospective clinical study comparing early and conventional loading protocols
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ilser , Sennerby Lars , Tumer Celal , Yenigul Muhittin , Avci Mehmet
Published: July 2006

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two non‐splinted implants used as retention for a mandibular overdenture when applying conventional or early loading protocols.

Material and methods: Twenty edentulous patients were treated with two unsplinted and non‐submerged implants (15 mm long, TiUnite RP, Brånemark System) in the anterior mandible. The patients were randomly allotted into two groups: (i) test group (Group A), in which the overdenture was connected 1 week after surgery, and (ii) control group (Group B), in which the overdenture was connected after 12 weeks of healing. Resonance frequency analyses (RFA) for implant stability measurements were performed at implant surgery and after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Marginal bone levels were evaluated at implant surgery and after 6 and 12 months.

Results: No implant from either group was lost and all implants showed less than 1 mm of marginal bone resorption during the first year. The mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at implant surgery were 76.2±2.8 for Group A and 75.6±4.5 for Group B. The 12‐month measurements showed 76.4±2.5 ISQ and 76.4±2.8 ISQ for Groups A and B, respectively. There were no statistically significant changes between or within the groups with time. There were no differences in marginal bone loss, which was on average 0.3 mm for both groups after 1 year.

Conclusion: Although a limited number of patients were followed for 1 year only, the results of the present study indicate that early loading of two unsplinted 15 mm long implants with an overdenture does not negatively affect implant stability or marginal bone conditions when compared with implants subjected to 12 weeks of healing before loading.
Very high levels of soluble CD30 recognize the patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma retaining a very poor prognosis
Authors: Visco Carlo , Nadali Gianpaolo , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Bonfante Valeria , Viviani Simonetta , Gianni Alessandro M. , Federico Massimo , Luminari Stefano , Peethambaram Prema , Witzig Thomas E. , Pangalis Gerassimos , Cabanillas Fernando , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Sarris Andreas H. , Pizzolo Giovanni
Published: July 2006

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic role of pretreatment serum levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) in patients with advanced stage classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine or equivalent regimens.Methods: We identified 321 previously untreated patients with cHL who presented to the participating centers between 1985 and 2002, and had serum samples available for the determination of sCD30 levels.Results: With a median follow‐up of 72 months, the actuarial 5‐year overall survival was 82%, and failure‐free survival (FFS) was 71%. The median serum level of sCD30 was 65 U/mL (range: 1–2230), and was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) when compared with a group of 113 healthy controls (4 U/mL, range: 0–20). Increasing level of sCD30 was associated with a continuous worsening of FFS and OS, and patients with sCD30 ≥200 U/mL had a 5‐year FFS of 39%. With multivariate analysis, sCD30, Ann Arbor stage, and lactic acid dehydrogenase were significant independent factors in terms of FFS. The association of the above‐mentioned three independent prognostic variables could discriminate 22% of patients with 5‐year FFS of 40%.Conclusions: Our data confirm the independent prognostic role of sCD30 in identifying the patients with high risk of treatment failure, and show that its association with other variables can recognize patients with FFS considerably lower than 50%.
Cloning of idiotype immunoglobulin genes in B cell lymphomas by anchored PCR and production of individual recombinant idiotype vaccines in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bertinetti Cristina , Simon Frederic , Zirlik Katja , Heining‐Mikesch Kristina , Pfeifer Dietmar , Osterroth Frank , Rosenthal Felicia M. , Veelken Hendrik
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Objectives: Individual immunoglobulins expressed by B‐cell lymphomas represent tumor‐specific antigens (‘idiotypes’). Immunization with idiotype in follicular lymphoma patients may induce specific immune responses, sustained progression‐free survival, and disappearance of minimal residual disease. Manufacturing of idiotype vaccines has mostly relied on heterohybridomas established from viable lymphoma cells. This paper describes the feasibility of production of GMP‐grade idiotype vaccines as recombinant Fab fragments in Escherichia coli.

Methods: IgH and IgL transcripts were analyzed by anchored PCR from 106 lymphoma and nine control biopsies. Lymphoma‐derived V segments were inserted into prokaryotic expression plasmids. Recombinant idiotype Fab fragments were expressed in E. coli in a fermentation system.

Results: Idiotype IgH and IgL transcripts were identified in 95% of 106 lymphoma biopsies according to stringent clonality criteria. Large‐scale idiotype expression was successful in 69 of 78 cases (89%) and yielded a median of 17 mg (range: 1.2–250 mg) recombinant Fab protein. After affinity chromatography, median vaccine purity was 99% heterodimeric Fab protein (range: 72–100%). Bacterial protein contamination was detectable in one vaccine only. Fab proteins with IgL lambda chains had a tendency for inferior yield and lesser purity than κ‐type Fabs. Among other structural idiotype features (isotype, V family usage, somatic hypermutation pattern, novel glycosylation sites, CDR III net charge), no consistent influences on Fab yield or purity were detected.

Conclusions: Anchored PCR cloning and subsequent protein expression in E. coli provides a reliable technological basis for clinical idiotype vaccination trials.
Trafficking of HIV‐1 RNA is Mediated by Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A2 Expression and Impacts on Viral Assembly
Authors: Lévesque Kathy , Halvorsen Melanie , Abrahamyan Levon , Chatel‐Chaix Laurent , Poupon Viviane , Gordon Heather , DesGroseillers Luc , Gatignol Anne , Mouland Andrew J.
Published: July 2006

Few details are known about how the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) genomic RNA is trafficked in the cytoplasm. Part of this process is controlled by the activity of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNP A2). The role of hnRNP A2 during the expression of abona fideprovirus in HeLa cells is investigated in this study. Using immunofluorescence and fluorescencein situhybridization techniques, we show that knockdown of hnRNP A2 expression in HIV‐1‐expressing cells results in the rapid accumulation of HIV‐1 genomic RNA in a distinct, cytoplasmic space that corresponds to the microtubule‐organizing center (MTOC). The RNA exits in the nucleus and accumulates at the MTOC region as a result of hnRNP A2 knockdown even during the expression of a provirus harboring mutations in the hnRNP A2‐response element (A2RE), the expression of which results in nuclear retention of genomic RNA. We also demonstrate that hnRNP A2 expression is required for downstream trafficking of genomic RNA from the MTOC in the cytoplasm. Genomic RNA localization at the MTOC that was both the result of hnRNP A2 knockdown and the overexpression of Rab7‐interacting lysosomal protein had little effect on pr55Gagsynthesis but negatively influenced virus production and infectivity. These data indicate that altered HIV‐1 genomic RNA localization modulates viral assembly and that the MTOC serves as a central site to which HIV‐1 genomic RNA converges following its exit from the nucleus, with the host protein, hnRNP A2, playing a central role in taking it to and from this site in the cell.
Treatment of replacement resorption by intentional replantation, resection of the ankylosed sites, and Emdogain®– results of a 6‐year survey
Authors: Filippi Andreas , Pohl Yango , Von Arx Thomas
Published: July 2006

Abstract –  The present clinical study investigated the outcome of intentional replantation using resection of the ankylosed sites of the root, extraoral endodontic treatment using titanium posts and Emdogain® for periodontal healing following trauma‐related ankylosis. During an evaluation period of 6 years, 16 ankylosed teeth affected by replacement resorption were treated as described. Evaluation parameters before treatment and during the follow‐up period included Periotest® scores, percussion sound and periapical radiographs. All findings were compared to those of the adjacent teeth. In a second accident, one tooth was lost after 7 months and was excluded as a dropout. Ankylosis did not recur in seven replanted teeth, which were observed for an average of 52.3 months (range: 24–68 months). Ankylosis recurred in eight teeth after an average period of 12 months (range: 4–26 months). An infraocclusion, normal or only slightly reduced Periotest® scores and normal percussion sound were preoperatively found in six of seven successfully replanted teeth, which corresponded to a relatively small area of ankylosis. The majority of the teeth showing recurrent ankylosis preoperatively presented with normal position, negative Periotest® scores and a high percussion sound which corresponded to an extended area of ankylosis. Statistically significant relationship between preoperative findings and the treatment outcome (P = 0.031) have become apparent. The results indicate that the treatment of minor areas of ankylosis by intentional replantation, resection of the ankylosed sites and Emdogain® appeared to prevent or delay the recurrence of ankylosis in 7 of 15 teeth.
Chemosensory control of surface antigen switching in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Olsen D. P. , Phu D. , Libby L. J. M. , Cormier J. A. , Montez K. M. , Ryder E. F. , Politz S. M.
Published: July 2006

Nematodes change their surface compositions in response to environmental signals, which may allow them to survive attacks from microbial pathogens or host immune systems. In the free‐living species Caenorhabditis elegans, wild‐type worms are induced to display an L1 (first larval stage) surface epitope at later larval stages when grown on an extract of spent culture medium (Inducible Larval Display or ILD). Before this study, it was not known whether ILD was regulated by the well‐characterized, neurologically based chemical senses of C. elegans, which mediate other behavioural and developmental responses to environmental signals such as chemotaxis and formation of the facultatively arrested dauer larva stage. We show here that ILD requires the activities of three genes that are essential for the function of the C. elegans chemosensory neurons. ILD was abolished in chemotaxis‐defective che‐3, osm‐3 and tax‐4 mutants. In contrast, chemotaxis‐defective mutants altered in a different gene, srf‐6, show constitutive display of the L1 epitope on all four larval stages. The ILD‐defective che‐3, osm‐3 and tax‐4 mutations blocked the constitutive larval display of an srf‐6 mutant. Combining srf‐6 and certain dauer‐constitutive mutations in double mutants enhanced constitutive dauer formation, consistent with the idea that srf‐6 acts in parallel with specific components of the dauer formation pathway. These results taken together are consistent with the hypothesis that ILD is triggered by environmental signals detected by the nematode‘s chemosensory neurons.
Dynamics of compact object clusters: a post-Newtonian study
Authors: Kupi Gábor , Amaro-Seoane Pau , Spurzem Rainer
Published: July 2006

Compact object clusters are likely to exist in the centres of some galaxies because of mass segregation. The high densities and velocities reached in them need a better understanding. The formation of binaries and their subsequent merging by gravitational radiation emission are important to the evolution of such clusters. We address the evolution of such a system in a relativistic regime. The recurrent mergers at high velocities create an object with a mass much larger than the average. For this purpose we modified the direct Nbody6++ code to include post-Newtonian effects on the force during two-body encounters. We adjusted the equations of motion to include for the first time the effects of both periastron shift and energy loss by emission of gravitational waves, and so to study the eventual decay and merger of radiating binaries. The method employed allows us to give here an accurate post-Newtonian description of the formation of a runaway compact object by successive mergers with surrounding particles, as well as the distribution of characteristic eccentricities in the events. This study should be envisaged as a first step towards a detailed, accurate study of possible gravitational wave sources, thanks to the combination of the direct Nbody numerical tool with the implementation of post-Newtonian terms.
EMERGENT SCENARIOS, SYNERGIES AND SUPPRESSIONS UNCOVERED WITHIN CONJOINT ANALYSIS*
Authors: GOFMAN ALEX
Published: July 2006

The article introduces two approaches to identify the direction and magnitude of interaction between concept elements in a conjoint analysis task. Both approaches use main effects experimental designs, permuted to create hundreds of new designs isomorphic to the original design structure. In the first approach, the scenario analysis creates a distinct mutually exclusive and exhaustive set of subgroups from concepts with specific elements, runs a dummy variable regression within each subgroup and identifies the effect of one element on the utilities of the others. In the second approach, the interaction analysis of complete set of raw data forces in the linear terms for the single elements, and then allows significant pair‐wise combinations to enter if they contribute significant additional predictability to the model. The two approaches identify the existence of and then measure the impact of one element on the performance of others (scenario), and the unexpected effect of mixing two concept elements (interaction analysis). The approach is illustrated by two case histories: communicating the sensory and refreshment benefits of an orange beverage, and identifying the features of a cookie.
OLFACTORY DECREMENTS AS A FUNCTION OF TWO NIGHTS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
Authors: MCBRIDE SHARON A. , BALKIN THOMAS J. , KAMIMORI GARY H. , KILLGORE WILLIAM D.S.
Published: July 2006

We recently reported that odor identification accuracy declined significantly following 24 h of continuous wakefulness. In the present study, we attempted to extend these findings by testing odor identification accuracy when the duration of wakefulness was more than doubled to over 52 h. The accuracy of odor identification decreased significantly following this period of extended wakefulness, although performance decrements were similar in magnitude to those previously reported following 24 h without sleep. These findings suggest that sleep loss impairs the ability to correctly identify common odors, but this effect does not appear to be exacerbated by additional sleep loss beyond the first 24 h.
Idiopathic megaoesophagus and intermittent gastro‐oesophageal intussusception in a cat
Authors: Van Geffen C. , Saunders J. H. , Vandevelde B. , Van Ham L. , Hoybergs Y. , Daminet S.
Published: July 2006

An eight‐month‐old domestic shorthair cat was presented with chronic vomiting for three months, with an acute increase in frequency during the past two days. A diagnosis of megaoesophagus was made by chest radiography. Diagnostic work‐up for megaoesophagus was performed. A gastro‐oesophageal intussusception was identified during endoscopy. Medical and nutritional therapy was instituted with a good response to the treatment.
Ixodes frontalis and avian tick‐related syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Monks D. , Fisher M. , Forbes N. A.
Published: July 2006

Objectives: This study aimed to characterise tick species responsible for avian tick infestations in the UK, to analyse various risk factors for tick‐related syndrome in tick‐infested birds and to test samples for the presence of certain tick‐transmitted pathogens.

Methods: Ticks, blood, splenic tissue and tick attachment site tissue from birds with attached ticks were requested from veterinarians and wildlife sanctuaries around the UK. Ticks were identified according to standard keys, and samples were analysed via DNA PCR test for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia species, Bartonella species and Ehrlichia species.

Results:
Ixodes frontalis was the most commonly identified tick, and an association of adult female I frontalis with tick‐related syndrome in birds was demonstrated. Tick infestation was markedly seasonal. I frontalis was found on 32 species of birds. DNA PCR testing was uniformly negative. Of the birds known to have been treated, 75 per cent (nine of 12) survived.

Clinical Significance: Tick‐related syndrome is a poorly understood syndrome, with sporadic distribution, both geographically and seasonally. This study confirms I frontalis as the most common cause of this syndrome in the UK and identifies some features of the tick life cycle in this country. The benefit of treatment in affected birds is highlighted. Risk factors for tick‐related syndrome are examined and preventive strategies discussed.
Feline osteoarthritis: a prospective study of 28 cases
Authors: Clarke S. P. , Bennett D.
Published: July 2006

Objectives:To identify a cohort of cats with clinical osteoarthritis and to report on the clinical signs, the frequency of joints affected and the possible aetiopathogenesis within this population.

Methods:Inclusion criteria for this prospective study were presence of historical evidence and/or clinical signs of osteoarthritis, together with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Patients showed clinical improvement within four weeks of analgesic administration and were free from other disease processes, which might explain the clinical signs and/or their response to analgesia.

Results:Twenty‐eight cases were included in the cohort. The elbow (45 per cent) and the hip (38 per cent) were the most frequently affected joints. Seventy‐one per cent of cases had primary/idiopathic aetiology. Alterations in both the ability to jump (71 per cent) and the height (67 per cent) of jump (lifestyle changes) were the most frequent signs of disease. Sixty‐one per cent of owners felt that their pet had made a marked improvement following administration of an analgesic/anti‐inflammatory drug. There were statistically significant improvements in the ability to jump (P<0·001), the height of jump (P<0·001), lameness (P=0·03), stiff gait (P=0·04) and the activity level (P=0·02) when compared with the start and the end of the study period.

ClinicalSignificance:Osteoarthritis is a clinical problem in cats, but overt lameness is not the most common clinical feature.
Effect of Thermal Process Time on Quality of “Shrimp Kuruma” in Retortable Pouches and Aluminum Cans
Authors: Mohan C.O. , Ravishankar C.N. , Bindu J. , Geethalakshmi V. , Srinivasa Gopal T.K.
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: The effect of processing time on biochemical, sensory characteristics, and instrumental texture profiles of “Shrimp Kuruma” in retortable pouches and aluminum cans with equal pack weight and lethality was studied. Processing in pouches resulted in a 35% reduction in processing time compared to cans for equal lethality (F08.0). Thermal processing resulted in a 14% loss of water in canned samples compared to 9% in pouched products. Thermal processing resulted in an increase in the volatile compounds and a decrease in the oxidation products in both canned and pouched samples. Products processed in pouches were rated as lighter in color, more succulent, and more desirable in firmness compared to products in cans. Chewiness and hardness showed a significant difference (P< 0.05) between the 2 treatments.
Sensory Acceptability and Stability of Probiotic Microorganisms and Vitamin C in Fermented Acerola (Malpighia emarginataDC.) Ice Cream
Authors: Favaro‐Trindade Carmen Sílvia , Bernardi Sabrina , Bodini Renata Barbosa , De Carvalho Balieiro Júlio César , De Almeida Eduardo
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT: Six fermented acerola ice creams were produced, containing different starter cultures (Bifidobacterium longum,Bi.lactis, and traditional yogurt starter culture—Streptococcus thermophilusandLactobacillus delbrueckiispp.bulgaricus) and final pH (5 and 4.5). The ice creams were evaluated for probiotic culture viability, vitamin C stability, and sensory acceptance. Mix fermentations were stopped when pH 5.0 and 5.5 were attained. However, after the addition of acerola pulp the determined pH were 4.5 and 5, respectively. Mixes were frozen and stored for 15 wk at −18 °C. The viable counts for probiotic cultures remained above the recommended minimum limit of 106cfu/g during 15 wk storage even in products with pH 4.5. Vitamin C concentration remained around 140 mg/100 g of product. The attributes of aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptance obtained scores in the range of 5.15 to 7.22. The fermented acerola ice cream was a suitable food for the delivery of vitamin C andBifidobacteriumstrains with excellent viability and acceptable sensory characteristics.
Effect of Oil and Sugar Contents on the Surface of Dehulled‐Roasted Sesame Seeds on Adhesion Between the Seeds
Authors: Takenaka Nakako , Ogata Kenji , Yabe Tomio , Yamauchi Ryo , Kato Koji
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:  The oil contents in the vicinity of the surface of adhesive and nonadhesive seeds were 0.77% and 0.43%, respectively. The total oil contents of adhesive and nonadhesive seeds were 52.2% and 51.5%, respectively. The adhesiveness of nonadhesive seeds increased from 0.02 to 0.59 when the surface oil content increased from 0.43% to 0.77% by smearing oil on the surface. The contact angle, surface tension of the oil, and surface morphology differed little between adhesive and nonadhesive sesame seeds. The mono‐ and oligosaccharide contents in the vicinity of the surface for adhesive and nonadhesive seeds were 0.15% and 0.064%, respectively. The adhesiveness of nonadhesive seeds increased remarkably from 0.02 to 0.99 when the surface saccharides and oil content increased from 0.064% to 0.15% and from 0.43% to 0.77%, respectively, by smearing sucrose and oil to the surface. These results suggested that surface mono‐ and oligosaccharides were an important factor in adhesion of dehulled‐roasted seeds, and high surface oil content of the seeds caused an oil bridge to form between seeds.
Cortical 5-HT
2A
Receptor Signaling Modulates Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice
Authors: Weisstaub Noelia V. , Zhou Mingming , Lira Alena , Lambe Evelyn , González-Maeso Javier , Hornung Jean-Pierre , Sibille Etienne , Underwood Mark , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Dauer William T. , Ansorge Mark S. , Morelli Emanuela , Mann J. John , Toth Miklos , Aghajanian George , Sealfon Stuart C. , Hen René , Gingrich Jay A.
Published: July 2006

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] neurotransmission in the central nervous system modulates depression and anxiety-related behaviors in humans and rodents, but the responsible downstream receptors remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that global disruption of 5-HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) signaling in mice reduces inhibition in conflict anxiety paradigms without affecting fear-conditioned and depression-related behaviors. Selective restoration of 5HT2AR signaling to the cortex normalized conflict anxiety behaviors. These findings indicate a specific role for cortical 5HT2AR function in the modulation of conflict anxiety, consistent with models of cortical, “top-down” influences on risk assessment.
30,000 Years of Cosmic Dust in Antarctic Ice
Authors: Winckler Gisela , Fischer Hubertus
Published: July 2006

Polar ice provides an archive for the influx of cosmic dust. Here, we present a high-resolution, glacial-to-interglacial record of cosmic dust using helium isotope analysis of the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) ice core drilled in Dronning Maud Land. We obtained a relatively constant
3
He flux over the past 30,000 years. This finding excludes
3
He as a pacemaker of late Pleistocene glacial cycles. Rather, it supports
3
He as a constant flux parameter in paleoclimatic studies. A last glacial-to-Holocene shift of the
4
He/non‐sea salt Ca
2+
ratio appears to indicate a glacial-to-interglacial change in the terrestrial dust source.