bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Death of Owasco
Authors: Hart John P. , Brumbach Hetty Jo
Published: February 2007

The Owasco culture is a critical taxon in William A. Ritchie's culture history of New York. In its final construction, Owasco was viewed by Ritchie as representing the onset of recognizable northern Iroquoian traits. This interpretation is widely accepted among archaeologists currently working in New York. An examination of the history of the taxon shows that it is nothing more than a subjectively defined unit based on the thoughts of Ritchie and his predecessor Arthur C. Parker. Recent empirical research has shown that the key traits Ritchie used to define Owasco have very different histories than he thought. Owasco does not stand either theoretically or empirically and should be abandoned as a unit of analysis.
Documenting Prehistoric Communication Networks: A Case Study in the Paquimé Polity
Authors: Swanson Steve
Published: February 2007

Hilltop features reported around the site of Paquimé, the political center of a prehistoric complex polity in northwest Chihuahua, Mexico, have been interpreted as a fire-signaling network by archaeologists. If these hilltop platform features functioned as such a communication system, it provides important information for our interpretation of regional integration and interaction for the Paquimé polity. This paper reports the results of a survey of hilltops in the area and a subsequent GIS-based intervisibility analysis, which determined that a series of hilltop platforms in the region were ideally situated for fire-signaling purposes. I discuss the need for implementing tests for intervisibility and tests for determining the significance of that intervisibility, and then consider some implications of the Paquimé fire-signaling system on sociopolitical organization and integration.
The Theoretical Landscape and the Methodological Development of Archaeology in Latin America
Authors: Politis Gustavo G.
Published: February 2007

Latin American archaeology has been influenced by the world theoretical context, from which it has developed original approaches. Currently, a culture-history conceptual foundation still predominates in the region, with some modern variants that have emphasized environmental aspects and approached specific problems. Processual archaeology, especially the North American varieties, remains minor in the region despite many Latin American archaeologists' belief that their work falls within this camp. Post-processual trends are even less well represented, although a growing number of researchers focus in an eclectic fashion on subject matter that corresponds to the post-processual agenda (e.g., identity, multivocality, etc.). Researchers in certain areas within the region are producing original research linked to political economy and its relation to ideology, and others are focusing on symbolic and cognitive aspects (in some cases within a structuralist framework). In Latin America several interesting methodological developments are emerging, among which ethnoarchaeology and vertebrate taphonomy stand out. In recent years historical archaeology has been one of the disciplines that has grown the most and achieved the greatest popularity. Despite the still-limited nature of Latin American archaeology's contributions in the field of theory and methodology, there is nonetheless sustained growth in this direction, fundamentally in the generation of models for the interpretation of regional processes. However, these contributions are not visible at the level of international debate and are generally ignored by archaeologists from the central countries. The multiple causes of this phenomenon are analyzed.
Marks of Distinction: Rock Art and Ethnic Identification in the Great Basin
Authors: Quinlan Angus R. , Woody Alanah
Published: February 2007

Great Basin ethnography contains little information concerning rock art, suggesting that much of it is pre-Numic. The presence of historic rock art, however, should permit differences between pre-Numic and Numic populations to be identified. Anthropological theory suggests pioneer groups use ritual to socialize the landscape. Rock art may also be associated with colonizing groups to secure access to new resources. Numic populations seem to have responded to pre-Numic rock art through modification of the art. Once the landscape had been re-socialized rock art was generally avoided. This explains why rock art production became sporadic, and memory of it lost.
The Exemplary Center of the Late Postclassic Kowoj Maya
Authors: Pugh Timothy W.
Published: February 2007

The ceremonial architecture of Late Postclassic Mayapán (A.D. 1268–1441) in Yucatán, Mexico, included repetitive arrangements of buildings known as temple assemblages. Archaeological investigations conducted by the Proyecto Maya Colonial in Petén, Guatemala, revealed a pocket of temple assemblages in a zone occupied by the seventeenth century Kowoj Maya. The Kowoj claimed to have migrated from Mayapán sometime after the city’s collapse in A.D. 1441. Indigenous documents also describe Kowoj in Mayapán and linguistic data indicate migrations between Yucatán and Petén as well. A specific variant of temple assemblage defines the location of the Kowoj in both Mayapán and Petén. I argue that these assemblages were the exemplary centers or microcosms of the Kowoj social and physical universe and they were transplanted as the Kowoj re-centered themselves in new or, perhaps, reclaimed lands. The temple assemblages also communicated a prestigious connection with Mayapán and differentiated the Kowoj from their neighbors in Petén.
Guardian of the Acropolis: The Sacred Space of a Royal Burial at Piedras Negras, Guatemala
Authors: Fitzsimmons James L. , Scherer Andrew , Houston Stephen D. , Escobedo Héctor L.
Published: February 2007

Excavation of a small Maya ceremonial structure at the site of Piedras Negras, Guatemala, has revealed a Late Classic period (ca. A.D. 600–900) vaulted tomb containing the remains of a young member of the royal family whom we identify as “Night-time Turtle.” The artifact assemblage from the burial included a modest quantity of carved jade jewelry (38 pieces), an incised vessel dating to the early Yaxché (ca. A.D. 630–680) ceramic phase, and a ceremonial “bundle” of bloodletting implements. Although the sex of this adolescent was not determined during osteological examination, hieroglyphic evidence from a recovered stingray spine suggests that this was a prince, probably the son of Ruler 2 or 3. Placed at an entrance to the royal precinct atop its monumental staircase, his funerary structure was an integral part of the sacred landscape, accessed by visitors to the precinct or to the palace beyond. Following a description of the site, tomb, osteology, and artifacts, we discuss the nature of this landscape and the role in it played by this “guardian” of the Acropolis.
The Theoretical Landscape and the Methodological Development of Archaeology in Latin America
Authors: Politis Gustavo G.
Published: February 2007

Latin American archaeology has been influenced by the world theoretical context, from which it has developed original approaches. Currently, a culture-history conceptual foundation still predominates in the region, with some modern variants that have emphasized environmental aspects and approached specific problems. Processual archaeology, especially the North American varieties, remains minor in the region despite many Latin American archaeologists’ belief that their work falls within this camp. Post-processual trends are even less well represented, although a growing number of researchers focus in an eclectic fashion on subject matter that corresponds to the post-processual agenda (e.g., identity, multivocality, etc.). Researchers in certain areas within the region are producing original research linked to political economy and its relation to ideology, and others are focusing on symbolic and cognitive aspects (in some cases within a structuralist framework). In Latin America several interesting methodological developments are emerging, among which ethnoarchaeology and vertebrate taphonomy stand out. In recent years historical archaeology has been one of the disciplines that has grown the most and achieved the greatest popularity. Despite the still-limited nature of Latin American archaeology’s contributions in the field of theory and methodology, there is nonetheless sustained growth in this direction, fundamentally in the generation of models for the interpretation of regional processes. However, these contributions are not visible at the level of international debate and are generally ignored by archaeologists from the central countries. The multiple causes of this phenomenon are analyzed.
Caves and Ancient Maya Ritual Use ofJute
Authors: Halperin Christina T. , Garza Sergio , Prufer Keith M. , Bradya James E.
Published: February 2007

A number of previous authors have suggested, based on limited data, thatPachychilusspp., freshwater gastropods often calledjute, may have played a role in ancient Maya ritual. Data collected by the authors demonstrate thatjuteshells consistently appear as part of faunal assemblages in ceremonial caves across the southern Maya Lowlands. At surface sites, jute are often associated with ceremonial architecture, particularly ballcourts. Previous ethnographic accounts are reviewed for clues to ancient Maya jute use. New ethnographic data suggest a role not previously considered by archaeologists. A Q‘eqchi’ Maya informant states that shells are gathered up after meals and deposited in caves as an offering in thanks to “Mother Earth” (Madre Tierra) who provided the mollusks. This practice suggests that the ancient shells may represent a secondary deposition rather than reflecting consumption occurring in the cave. The presence of jute shells may document ancient religious beliefs and ritual activities surrounding an important subsistence resource.
Inka Pottery as Culinary Equipment: Food, Feasting, and Gender in Imperial State Design
Authors: Bray Tamara L.
Published: February 2007

In this paper, the imperial Inka ceramic assemblage is examined in terms of its functional and culinary significance. Information culled from ethnohistoric sources, archaeological reports, and ethnographic studies is used to draw functional inferences about Inka vessel forms and to outline the features of an imperial “haute cuisine.” In the Inka empire, the relationship between rulers and subjects was largely mediated through the prestation of food and drink. The elaboration of a distinctive state vessel assemblage suggests a conscious strategy aimed at creating material symbols of class difference in the context of state-sponsored feasting events. An empire-wide analysis of the distribution of Inka vessels indicates the particular importance of the tallnecked jar form (aríbalo) to state strategies in the provinces. Analyzing Inka pottery as culinary equipment highlights the links among food, politics, and gender in the processes of state formation. Such an approach also illuminates the important role of women in the negotiation and consolidation of Inka state power.
Early Formative Pottery from the Tuxtla Mountains and Implications for Gulf Olmec Origins
Authors: Arnold Philip J.
Published: February 2007

This paper explores patterning in ceramic data from an Early Formative component at the site of La Joya, located in southern Veracruz, Mexico. The discussion uses ceramic paste characteristics, in addition to vessel form and decoration data, to suggest that this Early Formative pottery assemblage undergoes an in situ transformation between the “pre-Olmec” Tulipan phase and the “Olmec” Coyame phase. This conclusion is then used to revisit the hypothesis of a Chicharras phase (ca. 1250 B.C.) immigration of Pacific coastal groups into the southern Gulf lowlands (e.g., Clark 1990, 1997; Clark and Blake 1989; Coe and Diehl 1980). A consideration of ceramics from several Isthmian lowland contexts does not support this scenario. The discussion suggests that an over-reliance on the surface characteristics of ceramics at San Lorenzo may have encouraged an erroneous Gulf Olmec origin story.
Evaluation of the ability of canarypox-vectored equine influenza virus vaccines to induce humoral immune responses against canine influenza viruses in dogs
Authors: Karaca Kemal , Dubovi Edward J. , Siger Leonardo , Robles Amy , Audonnet Jean-Christophe , Jiansheng Yao , Nordgren Robert , Minke Jules M.
Published: February 2007

Objective—To evaluate canarypox-vectored equine influenza virus (EIV) vaccines expressing hemagglutinins of A/equine/Kentucky/94 (vCP1529) and A2/equine/Ohio /03 (vCP2242) for induction of antibody responses against canine influenza virus (CIV) in dogs.

Animals—35 dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were randomly allocated into 4 groups; group 1 (n = 8) and group 2 (9) were inoculated SC on days 0 and 28 with 1.0 mL (approx 105.7 TCID50) of vCP1529 and vCP2242, respectively. Dogs in group 3 (n = 9) were inoculated twice with 0.25 mL (approx 105.7 TCID50) of vCP2242 via the transdermal route. The 9 dogs of group 4 were control animals. All dogs were examined for adverse reactions. Sera, collected on days −1, 7, 13, 21, 28, 35, and 42, were tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays for antibodies against CIV antigens A/Canine/FL/43/04-PR and A/Canine/NY/115809/05, respectively.

Results—Inoculations were tolerated well. The HI and VN antibodies were detected by 7 days after primary inoculation. Most dogs of groups 1 and 2 and all dogs of group 3 had detectable antibodies by 14 days after initial inoculation. The second inoculation induced an anamnestic response, yielding geometric mean HI titers of 139, 276, and 1,505 and VN titers of 335, 937, and 3,288 by day 42 (14 days after booster inoculation) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Canarypox-vectored EIV vaccines induce biologically important antibodies and may substantially impact CIV transmission within a community and be of great value in protecting dogs against CIV-induced disease.
A-monotone nonlinear relaxed cocoercive variational inclusions
Authors: Verma Ram
Published: February 2007

Based on the notion of A — monotonicity, a new class of nonlinear variational inclusion problems is presented. Since A — monotonicity generalizes H — monotonicity (and in turn, generalizes maximal monotonicity), results thus obtained, are general in nature.
Exactly solvable problems of quantum mechanics and their spectrum generating algebras: A review
Authors: Rasinariu Constantin , Mallow Jeffry , Gangopadhyaya Asim
Published: February 2007

In this review, we summarize the progress that has been made in connecting supersymmetry and spectrum generating algebras through the property of shape invariance. This monograph is designed to be used by our fellow researchers, by other interested physicists, and by students at the graduate and even undergraduate levels who would like a brief introduction to the field.
The Effect of Lameness on Milk Yield in Dairy Cows
Authors: Kocak O. , Ekiz B.
Published: February 2007

This study was conducted to investigate the incidence of lameness in a private dairy herd and the effect of lameness on the weekly milk yields and lactation milk yield of dairy cows. Data used in the analyses comprised 953 lactation data from 787 Holstein cows. The traits analysed were daily averages of weekly milk yield and lactation milk yield. To determine the effect of lameness on daily averages of weekly milk yield, mixed model procedure was applied in the analyses. Lameness incidence of the herd was 9.02% and most of the lameness events were in the first four weeks. Daily averages of weekly milk yield had significantly decreased in the diagnosis week and continued at a reduced level until 3 weeks after the diagnosis. Whereas milk yield of healthy cows was 30.57 kg/d, milk yield in the lameness week, first week, second week and third week were 27.52 kg/d, 27.83 kg/d, 29.15 kg/d and 29.80 kg/d, respectively. Lame cows produced more milk while they were not lame and after the treatment, compared with healthy cows. The effect of lameness on lactation milk yield was not significant.
Oil Refining
Authors: Alfke Gunter , Irion Walther W. , Neuwirth Otto S.
Published: February 2007

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

1.1.

History

1.2.

General Aspects of Oil Refining

2.

Crude Oils and Products

2.1.

Crude Oil Constituents

2.2.

Classification of Crude Oils

2.3.

Oil Products

2.3.1.

Gas Fuels

2.3.2.

Liquid Fuels

2.3.3.

Nonfuel Applications

3.

Oil Refining Processes

3.1.

Crude Oil Distillation

3.1.1.

Atmospheric Distillation

3.1.2.

Vacuum Distillation

3.1.3.

Crude Oil Desalting

3.2.

Catalytic Cracking (Cat Cracking)

3.3.

Hydrotreating

3.3.1.

Distillate Hydrotreating

3.3.2.

Pyrolysis Gasoline Hydrotreating

3.4.

Catalytic Reforming

3.4.1.

Introduction

3.4.2.

Semiregenerative Reformer

3.4.3.

Fully Regenerative Reformer

3.4.4.

Continuously Regenerative Reformer

3.5.

Hydrocracking

3.6.

Residue Conversion Processes

3.6.1.

Introduction

3.6.2.

Fundamentals of Residue Conversion and Process Options

3.6.3.

Hydrogen Addition (“H‐in”) Processes

3.6.3.1.

Residue Hydrotreating (Demetallization, Desulfurization, Denitrification)

3.6.3.2.

Residue Hydrocracking (Hydroconversion)

3.6.4.

Carbon Rejection (“C‐out”) Processes

3.6.4.1.

Thermal Processes (Visbreaking, Coking)

3.6.4.2.

Catalytic Processes (Residue Cat Cracking)

3.6.5.

Other Processes

3.6.5.1.

Extraction of Asphaltenes

3.6.5.2.

Partial Oxidation

3.6.6.

Process Combinations

3.7.

Gasoline Upgrading Processes

3.7.1.

Alkylation

3.7.2.

Polymerization

3.7.3.

Isomerization

3.7.4

Production of Ethers (MTBE; ETBE)

3.8.

Other Processes

3.8.1.

Gas Treating

3.8.2.

Sulfur Recovery

3.9.

Catalysts

4.

Environmental Protection in Oil Refining

4.1.

Introduction

4.2.

Manufacturing Emissions

4.2.1.

Hydrocarbons (HC)

4.2.1.1.

Hydrocarbons in Air

4.2.1.2.

Hydrocarbons in Wastewater

4.2.1.3.

Hydrocarbons in Soil and Groundwater

4.2.2.

Sulfur and Nitrogen Compounds

4.2.2.1.

Sulfur Compounds

4.2.2.2.

Nitrogen Compounds

4.2.3.

Noise

4.3.

Consumer Related Emissions

4.3.1.

Transportation Fuels

4.3.1.1.

Motor Gasoline

4.3.1.2.

Diesel Fuel

4.3.1.3.

Marine Fuels

4.3.2.

Fuels for Heat Generation

4.4.

Cost of Environmental Conservation

5.

Integrated Refinery Models

5.1.

Trends of Refinery Structures

5.2.

Hydroskimming Refinery

5.3.

Conversion Concepts

5.3.1.

Cat Cracking ‐ Visbreaking Refinery

5.3.2.

Hydrocracking ‐ Cat Cracking Refinery

5.3.3.

Hydrocracking ‐ Coking Refinery

5.3.4.

Integration of Existing Refineries

6.

Corrosion and Materials

7.

Testing and Analysis

7.1.

Crude Oil and Product Properties

7.2.

Testing Methods and Standards

8.

Storage and Transport
Dispersible Tm3+‐Doped Nanoparticles that Exhibit Strong 1.47 μm Photoluminescence
Authors: Diamente P. R. , Raudsepp M. , van Veggel F. C. J. M.
Published: February 2007

A general procedure is described for the synthesis and conversion of dispersible core/shell LaF3:Tm/LaF3 nanoparticles to highly dispersible thulium‐doped lanthanum disilicate nanoparticles (La2Si2O7:Tm) with an average diameter of 7 nm that show emission at a wavelength of 1.47 μm. Measurement of the citrate‐stabilized precursor nanoparticles in a KBr pellet shows a 1.47 μm emission with an effective lifetime of only 3 μs and an estimated quantum yield of ≪ 1 %. However, significant improvements to the emission properties are obtained by forming a ca. 1 nm thick silica shell around the nanoparticles via a modified Stöber method, followed by baking at 900 °C for 12 h to convert the LaF3 matrix to La2Si2O7. Excitation with a 785 nm continuous wave (CW) diode laser results in the luminescence of the 3H4–3F4 transition at 1.47 μm with an effective lifetime of 56 μs and an estimated quantum yield of 4 %. High‐resolution measurements at 77 K are carried out in order to improve the resolution of the crystal‐field splitting observed from the 3H4 level.
An Efficient Cobalt(I)‐Catalysed Reformatsky Reaction using α‐Chloro Esters
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Gualandi Alessandra , Pasi Filippo , Trombini Claudio
Published: February 2007

An efficient cobalt(I)‐catalysed Reformatsky reaction using α‐chloro esters has been developed. The catalyst is prepared by reducing the cobalt(II) chloride (5 %)/1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe)(5 %)/zinc iodide (10 %) system with zinc metal in acetonitrile in the presence of both the α‐chloro ester and the carbonyl compound; good to excellent conversions to β‐hydroxy esters are obtained at room temperature in 2.5 h.
Evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function in pediatric sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Zilberman Mark V. , Du Wei , Das Srikant , Sarnaik Sharada A.
Published: February 2007

Although cardiac involvement is common in adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, it is unknown when cardiac dysfunction appears in the course of SCD. Diastolic function has not been comprehensively analyzed in children with SCD. Thus, our aim was to evaluate diastolic function in pediatric SCD patients. Echocardiograms were performed in 156 (73 SC and 81 control) patients. Left ventricular and left atrial volumes, left ventricular mass, mitral inflow, and tissue Doppler indices (TDI) were obtained. The right ventricular pressures (RVP) were calculated. For each SCD patient, mean hemoglobin (Hb), fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, and blood transfusion encounters were recorded. Data were analyzed using t‐test, univariate and multivariate regression, and Spearman correlation analyses. SCD patients had significantly larger left ventricular and atrial volumes than controls. Mitral inflow velocities were significantly higher in the SCD group. Of 73 SCD subjects, 32 had left ventricular dilatation, 11 had hypertrophy, and 25 had elevated RVP. Left ventricular size was inversely related to Hb, but unrelated to HbF or age. The early mitral inflow velocity was correlated negatively with Hb and positively with left ventricular sizes. TDI indices did not differ between the SCD and control groups. They were unrelated to Hg, HgF, transfusion history, or ventricular size; however, Doppler indices of left ventricular stiffness were increased in SCD patients. Pediatric SCD patients demonstrate increased left ventricular stiffness, and a significant percentage of them have left ventricular hypertrophy. There are strong positive relations between left ventricular hypertrophy and right ventricular pressure in these patients. TDI should be employed in the evaluation of SCD patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of JAK2V617F mutation in Chinese patients with myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Chen Suning , Fei Hairong , Zhang Ri , Xue Yongquan , Pan Jinlan , Wu Yafang , Ceng Jiannong
Published: February 2007

It is now well‐recognized that the activating JAK2V617F mutation occurs in the majority of patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and approximately half of those with either essential thrombocythemia (ET) or myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). Here we analyzed JAK2V617F mutation in 137 Chinese patients with myeloproliferative disorders by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from methanol/acetic acid‐fixed cells that had been routinely prepared for cytogenetic analysis. A single point mutation (Val617Phe) was identified in JAK2 in 42 (73.7%) of 57 patients with PV, 40 (58.8%) of 68 with ET, and eight (66.7%) of 12 with MMM. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nongastric marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma: Analysis of 247 cases
Authors: Oh Sung Yong , Ryoo Baek‐Yeol , Kim Won Seog , Park Yeon Hee , Kim Kihyun , Kim Hyun Jung , Kwon Jung Mi , Lee Jeeyun , Ko Young Hye , Ahn Yong Chan , Oh Suk Joong , Lee Soon Il , Kim Hyo‐Jin , Kwon Hyuk‐Chan , Bang Soo Mee , Kim Jung Han , Park Jinny , Lee Seung‐Sook , Kim Ho Young , Park Keunchil
Published: February 2007

Nongastric marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (NG‐MZL) is a relatively uncommon indolent lymphoma. From 1990 to 2005, a total of 247 patients with histologically confirmed NG‐MZL were analyzed. Ann Arbor stage I/II disease was present in 78% (167 out of 215). One hundred eighty‐six patients out of two hundred eight were categorized into the low/low‐intermediate risk group (89%) according to International Prognostic Index (IPI). Eighty percent (172/215) were in low risk group according to Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI). Complete and partial remissions (CR and PR) were achieved in 140 (92.7%) and 8 (5.3%) of the 151 stage I/II patients. Especially, radiation containing treatment achieved 96% CR rate (108 out of 113). In 38 patients with stage III/IV, CR and PR were achieved in 17 (44.7%) and 11 (26.3%), respectively. The estimated five‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 93.8% and 70.1%, respectively. Although anthracycline‐containing regimen could achieve higher CR rate, it did not improve PFS. Stage III/IV, low hemoglobin, poor performance status, high/high‐intermediate IPI, poor risk FLIPI, and nodal MZL were poor prognostic factors for PFS. NG‐MZL is an indolent disease. FLIPI has strong power to predict the prognosis of NG‐MZL. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late‐onset cases of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with missense perforin gene mutations
Authors: Ueda Ikuyo , Kurokawa Yumi , Koike Kenichi , Ito Shuichi , Sakata Akifumi , Matsumora Tsutomu , Fukushima Takashi , Morimoto Akira , Ishii Eiichi , Imashuku Shinsaku
Published: February 2007

Since the discovery of perforin gene mutations in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 2, heterogeneous features in FHL2 patients have been identified in a report of Feldmann et al. as the beginning. This study was conducted to determine the impact of characteristic gene mutations on late‐onset (age ≥ 7 years) hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis episodes. We analyzed perforin gene mutations in three late‐onset cases from our registry in Japan and an additional 10 cases from the literature. Of the 13 cases with onset ages of a median of 10 (range 7–49) years, nine had homozygous and four had compound heterozygous missense mutations of the perforin gene. None had homozygous nonsense mutations. Our data suggest that nonsense perforin gene mutations yield early onset and missense mutations late onset in FHL2 cases. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura induced by trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole in a Jehovah's witness
Authors: Martin Michael G. , Whitlatch Nicole L. , Shah Bijal , Arepally Gowthami M.
Published: February 2007

We report a case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura occurring as an allergic response to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole therapy (Bactrim™, Septra®) in a Jehovah's Witness patient. The patient presented with fulminant microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia within 48 hr of initiating therapy with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. Other symptoms of drug hypersensitivity included nausea, vomiting, urticarial rash, and leukopenia. Because of her religious faith, the patient was supported without plasma therapy with use of intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, rituximab, and erythropoietin. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards understanding the schizophrenia code: An expanded convergent functional genomics approach
Authors: Le‐Niculescu H. , Balaraman Y. , Patel S. , Tan J. , Sidhu K. , Jerome R.E. , Edenberg H.J. , Kuczenski R. , Geyer M.A. , Nurnberger J.I. , Faraone S.V. , Tsuang M.T. , Niculescu A.B.
Published: February 2007

Identifying genes for schizophrenia through classical genetic approaches has proven arduous. Here, we present a comprehensive convergent analysis that translationally integrates brain gene expression data from a relevant pharmacogenomic mouse model (involving treatments with a psychomimetic agent—phencyclidine (PCP), and an anti‐psychotic—clozapine), with human genetic linkage data and human postmortem brain data, as a Bayesian strategy of cross validating findings. Topping the list of candidate genes, we have three genes involved in GABA neurotransmission (GABRA1, GABBR1, and GAD2), one gene involved in glutamate neurotransmission (GRIA2), one gene involved in neuropeptide signaling (TAC1), two genes involved in synaptic function (SYN2 and KCNJ4), six genes involved in myelin/glial function (CNP, MAL, MBP, PLP1, MOBP and GFAP), and one gene involved in lipid metabolism (LPL). These data suggest that schizophrenia is primarily a disorder of brain functional and structural connectivity, with GABA neurotransmission playing a prominent role. These findings may explain the EEG gamma band abnormalities detected in schizophrenia. The analysis also revealed other high probability candidates genes (neurotransmitter signaling, other structural proteins, ion channels, signal transduction, regulatory enzymes, neuronal migration/neurite outgrowth, clock genes, transcription factors, RNA regulatory genes), pathways and mechanisms of likely importance in pathophysiology. Some of the pathways identified suggest possible avenues for augmentation pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia with other existing agents, such as benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants and lipid modulating agents. Other pathways are new potential targets for drug development. Lastly, a comparison with our earlier work on bipolar disorder illuminates the significant molecular overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural comparison of the morphology of three different platelet and fibrin fiber preparations
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Briedenhann Sharon , Marx Jorika , Smit Eureka , Van Der Merwe Chris , Pieters Marlien , Franz Carl
Published: February 2007

The aim of the current study was to investigate the ultrastructural morphology of three different sources of fibrin networks and platelets, namely, lypholized human platelet‐rich plasma (LPRP), freshly prepared human platelet‐rich plasma (FPRP), and human platelet concentrate (HPC). The ultrastructural morphology of the three different fibrin networks was studied using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Turbidity curves were drawn at 405 nm at room temperature and fibrinogen concentrations were measured. Scanning electron micrographs showed that all clots produced thick major fibrin fibers as well as a well‐defined fine fibrin network, which appeared to be a superimposed process that occurred after the major fibrin network was established. These features were decidedly more pronounced in the HPC specimens. Turbidity curves of the three types of plasma showed differences in LPRP and FPRP. Fibrinogen concentrations of all three preparations were in the normal ranges. Because of the great similarity between LPRP, HPC, and FPRP, we suggest that LPRP could be used successfully to study morphological changes in fibrin fibers and platelets, which may occur after exposure to certain therapeutic agents. However, functionality studies such as turbidity curves should concurrently be included. We therefore conclude that from a basic science point of view, LPRP is a valuable research tool and that such results may add information that could be valuable for clinical application. Anat Rec 290:188–198, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased expression of TRAIL receptor 3 on eosinophils in Churg‐Strauss syndrome
Authors: Mitsuyama Hideo , Matsuyama Wataru , Watanabe Masaki , Shirahama Yuko , Higashimoto Ikkou , Wada Takashi , Osame Mitsuhiro , Arimura Kimiyoshi
Published: February 2007

Objective

Prolonged survival of eosinophils plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Churg‐Strauss syndrome (CSS); however, its detailed molecular mechanism is still unclear. TRAIL and its receptors are expressed on a variety of cells, including eosinophils. In this study, we examined the expression of TRAIL receptors on eosinophils from patients with CSS.

Methods

TRAIL receptor expression was assessed on eosinophils from healthy volunteers, patients with CSS, patients with asthma, and patients with hypereosinophilia due to parasitic infection. TRAIL‐induced apoptosis of eosinophils was compared between the patients with CSS and patients with asthma. RNA interference was used to assess the effects of suppression of TRAIL receptor 3.

Results

Expression of TRAIL receptor 3, a decoy receptor that acts as an antiapoptotic receptor, on eosinophils from patients with CSS was significantly higher than that in the other subjects. Moreover, in CSS, serum TRAIL receptor 3 levels showed a significant positive correlation with peripheral eosinophil counts, tissue‐infiltrating eosinophils stained positive for this receptor, and peripheral T cells expressed TRAIL on their surface. Compared with asthma patients, eosinophils from CSS patients showed a significantly lower percentage of recombinant TRAIL, less autologous T cell–induced apoptosis, and decreased level of active caspase 3. Suppression of TRAIL receptor 3 through RNA interference significantly increased the recombinant TRAIL–induced apoptosis of eosinophils from CSS patients.

Conclusion

Increased expression of TRAIL receptor 3 on eosinophils from patients with CSS was observed. These alterations in TRAIL receptor 3 expression might be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of CSS eosinophilia.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with gout: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Choi Hyon K. , Ford Earl S. , Li Chaoyang , Curhan Gary
Published: February 2007

Objective

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with gout and to examine the association between the 2 conditions in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Methods

Using data from 8,807 participants age ≥20 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994), we determined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among individuals with gout and quantified the magnitude of association between the 2 conditions. We used both the revised and original National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) criteria to define metabolic syndrome.

Results

The prevalence (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) of metabolic syndrome according to revised NCEP/ATP III criteria was 62.8% (51.9–73.6) among individuals with gout and 25.4% (23.5–27.3) among individuals without gout. Using 2002 census data, ∼3.5 million US adults with a history of gout have metabolic syndrome. The unadjusted and age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of metabolic syndrome for individuals with gout were 4.96 (3.17–7.75) and 3.05 (2.01–4.61), respectively. With the original NCEP/ATP criteria, the corresponding prevalences were slightly lower, whereas the corresponding odds ratios were slightly higher. The stratified prevalences of metabolic syndrome by major associated factors of gout (i.e., body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes) remained substantially and significantly higher among those with gout than those without gout (all P values <0.05).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is remarkably high among individuals with gout. Given the serious complications associated with metabolic syndrome, this frequent comorbidity should be recognized and taken into account in long‐term treatment and overall health of individuals with gout.
A patient‐centered perspective on surgery avoidance for hip or knee arthritis: Lessons for the future
Authors: Ballantyne Peri J. , Gignac Monique A. M. , Hawker Gillian A.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Research indicates that there is a discrepancy between need and patient preference for total joint arthroplasty (TJA), an efficacious and cost‐effective treatment for severe hip or knee arthritis. To understand this discrepancy, we conducted qualitative research to assess the illness perceptions and preferred accommodations and coping strategies of patients with advanced osteoarthritis who had expressed a preference to avoid TJA.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with a community sample of 29 men and women who were medically assessed as appropriate candidates for TJA but who had expressed a preference to avoid surgery. Inductive content analysis of text data was used to examine how patients' illness perceptions and preferred coping strategies related to surgery preference.

Results

Participants frequently rejected the medicalization of arthritis, normalizing the experience of functional decline and defining it as age normative. Participants drew on a broad set of previous experiences with informal and formal care to make decisions about how to manage their condition. Previous negative encounters in medical and surgical care, including those from a distant past or those experienced vicariously, combined with the perception (reinforced by physicians and others) that doing nothing was a viable option deterred arthritis‐related help seeking in the health care system.

Conclusion

Individuals with arthritis may benefit from additional counseling regarding effective medical and surgical treatments. Physicians may better meet patient needs by gauging patient preferences for a combination of self‐management strategies and medical interventions.
Proxy‐reported health‐related quality of life of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The pediatric rheumatology international trials organization multinational quality of life cohort study
Authors: Oliveira Sheila , Ravelli Angelo , Pistorio Angela , Castell Esteban , Malattia Clara , Prieur Anne Marie , Saad‐Magalhães Claudia , Murray Kevin J. , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Joos Rik , Foeldvari Ivan , Duarte‐Salazar Carolina , Wulffraat Nico , Lahdenne Pekka , Dolezalova Pavla , de Inocencio Jaime , Kanakoudi‐Tsakalidou Florence , Hofer Michael , Nikishina Irina , Ozdogan Huri , Hashkes Philip J. , Landgraf Jeanne M. , Martini Alberto , Ruperto Nicolino
Published: February 2007

Objective

To investigate the proxy‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

In this multinational, multicenter, cross‐sectional study, HRQOL of patients with JIA was assessed through the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and was compared with that of healthy children of similar age from the same geographic area. Potential determinants of HRQOL included demographic data, physician's and parent's global assessments, measures of joint inflammation, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Results

A total of 6,639 participants (3,324 with JIA and 3,315 healthy) were enrolled from 32 countries. The mean ± SD physical and psychosocial summary scores of the CHQ were significantly lower in patients with JIA than in healthy children (physical: 44.5 ± 10.6 versus 54.6 ± 4.0, P < 0.0001; psychosocial: 47.6 ± 8.7 versus 51.9 ± 7.5, P < 0.0001), with the physical well‐being domain being most impaired. Patients with persistent oligoarthritis had better HRQOL compared with other subtypes, whereas HRQOL was similar across patients with systemic arthritis, polyarthritis, and extended oligoarthritis. A CHAQ score >1 and a pain intensity rating >3.4 cm on a 10‐cm visual analog scale were the strongest determinants of poorer HRQOL in the physical and psychosocial domains, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that patients with JIA have a significant impairment of their HRQOL compared with healthy peers, particularly in the physical domain. Physical well‐being was mostly affected by the level of functional impairment, whereas the intensity of pain had the greatest influence on psychosocial health.
Characterization of B cell lymphoma in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Ramos‐Casals Manuel , Civita Luca la , de Vita Salvatore , Solans Roser , Luppi Mario , Medina Francisco , Caramaschi Paola , Fadda Patrizia , de Marchi Ginevra , Lopez‐Guillermo Armando , Font Josep
Published: February 2007

Objective

To characterize the clinical and immunologic patterns of expression, response to therapy, and outcome of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and associated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who developed B cell lymphoma.

Methods

Various international reference centers constituted a multicenter study group with the purpose of creating a registry of patients with SS‐HCV who developed B cell lymphoma. A protocol form was used to record the main characteristics of SS, chronic HCV infection, and B cell lymphoma.

Results

Twenty‐five patients with SS‐HCV with B cell lymphoma were included in the registry. There were 22 (88%) women and 3 (12%) men (mean age 55, 58, and 61 years at SS, HCV infection, and lymphoma diagnosis, respectively). The main extraglandular SS manifestations were cutaneous vasculitis in 15 (60%) patients and peripheral neuropathy in 12 (48%); the main immunologic features were positive rheumatoid factor (RF) in 24 (96%) and type II cryoglobulins in 20 (80%). The main histologic subtypes were mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in 11 (44%) patients, diffuse large B cell lymphoma in 6 (24%), and follicular center cell lymphoma in 6 (24%). Fifteen (60%) patients had an extranodal primary location, most frequently in the parotid gland (5 patients), liver (4 patients), and stomach (4 patients). Twelve (52%) of 23 patients died after a median followup from the time of lymphoma diagnosis of 4 years, with lymphoma progression being the most frequent cause of death. Survival differed significantly between the main types of B cell lymphoma.

Conclusion

Patients with SS‐HCV and B cell lymphoma are clinically characterized by a high frequency of parotid enlargement and vasculitis, an immunologic pattern overwhelmingly dominated by the presence of RF and mixed type II cryoglobulins, a predominance of MALT lymphomas, and an elevated frequency of primary extranodal involvement in organs in which HCV replicates (exocrine glands, liver, and stomach).
Mindfulness meditation alleviates depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia: Results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sephton Sandra E. , Salmon Paul , Weissbecker Inka , Ulmer Christi , Floyd Andrea , Hoover Katherine , Studts Jamie L.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Depressive symptoms are common among patients with fibromyalgia, and behavioral intervention has been recommended as a major treatment component for this illness. The objective of this study was to test the effects of the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention on depressive symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial examined effects of the 8‐week MBSR intervention on depressive symptoms in 91 women with fibromyalgia who were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 51) or a waiting‐list control group (n = 40). Eligible patients were at least 18 years old, willing to participate in a weekly group, and able to provide physician verification of a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Of 166 eligible participants who responded to local television news publicizing, 49 did not appear for a scheduled intake, 24 enrolled but did not provide baseline data, and 2 were excluded due to severe mental illness, leaving 91 participants. The sample averaged 48 years of age and had 14.7 years of education. The typical participant was white, married, and employed. Patients randomly assigned to treatment received MBSR. Eight weekly 2.5‐hour sessions were led by a licensed clinical psychologist with mindfulness training. Somatic and cognitive symptoms of depression were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory administered at baseline, immediately postprogram, and at followup 2 months after the conclusion of the intervention.

Results

Change in depressive symptoms was assessed using slopes analyses of intervention effects over time. Depressive symptoms improved significantly in treatment versus control participants over the 3 assessments.

Conclusion

This meditation‐based intervention alleviated depressive symptoms among patients with fibromyalgia.
HLA–DRB1 and persistent chronic inflammation contribute to cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A. , Gonzalez‐Juanatey Carlos , Lopez‐Diaz Maria J. , Piñeiro Angela , Garcia‐Porrua Carlos , Miranda‐Filloy Jose A. , Ollier William E. R. , Martin Javier , Llorca Javier
Published: February 2007

Objective

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the most common cause of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed the contribution of epidemiologic features, clinical features, routine laboratory markers of inflammation, and HLA–DRB1 alleles to CV mortality in patients with RA prospectively followed at a single referral center in Spain.

Methods

Patients fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for RA seen at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Hospital Xeral‐Calde, Lugo between March and September 1996 were included. HLA–DRB1 phenotype, epidemiologic data, and clinical data were assessed at that time. Patients were prospectively followed and clinical records were examined until patient's death or September 1, 2005.

Results

A total of 182 consecutive patients were assessed. Compared with the general Spanish population, the age‐ and sex‐standardized mortality ratio by CV cause was 1.78. CV mortality adjusted by age at disease onset and sex was associated with chronic inflammation determined by C‐reactive protein level (CRP; hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, P < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; HR 1.05, P = 0.003). Patients with HLA–DRB1*04 shared epitope alleles (HR 4.15, P = 0.030), in particular those HLA–DRB1*0404 positive (HR 6.65, P = 0.002), had increased risk of CV mortality. Increased risk of CV events was also associated with CRP level (HR 1.09, P = 0.001), ESR (HR 1.03, P = 0.003), and HLA–DRB1*0404 (HR 4.47, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a chronically high inflammatory response in genetically predisposed individuals promotes an increased risk of CV events and CV mortality in RA.
Predicting user concerns about online privacy
Authors: Yao Mike Z. , Rice Ronald E. , Wallis Kier
Published: February 2007

With the rapid diffusion of the Internet, researchers, policy makers, and users have raised concerns about online privacy, although few studies have integrated aspects of usage with psychological and attitudinal aspects of privacy. This study develops a model involving gender, generalized self‐efficacy, psychological need for privacy, Internet use experience, Internet use fluency, and beliefs in privacy rights as potential influences on online privacy concerns. Survey responses from 413 college students were analyzed by bivariate correlations, hierarchical regression, and structural equation modeling. Regression results showed that beliefs in privacy rights and a psychological need for privacy were the main influences on online privacy concerns. The proposed structural model was not well supported by the data, but a revised model, linking self‐efficacy with psychological need for privacy and indicating indirect influences of Internet experience and fluency on online privacy concerns about privacy through beliefs in privacy rights, was supported by the data.