bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD27 and CD57 Expression Reveals Atypical Differentiation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Specific Memory CD8
+
T Cells
Authors: Hoji Aki , Connolly Nancy C. , Buchanan William G. , Rinaldo Charles R.
Published: January 2007

The failure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific CD8
+
T cells to control chronic HIV-1 infection could be due to the progressive loss of their capacities to undergo normal memory effector differentiation. We characterized and compared the expressions of CD27, CD28, CD57, and CD62L by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-, cytomegalovirus (CMV)-, and HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells by six-color, eight-parameter flow cytometry. In contrast to the maturation of EBV- and CMV-specific memory CD8
+
T cells, we found that HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells did not display coordinated down-regulation of CD27 and up-regulation of CD57 and accumulated in an atypical CD27
high
CD57
low
subset. Moreover, the accumulation of CD27
high
CD57
low
HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells was positively correlated with HIV-1 plasma viremia. The differentiation of HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells to an effector subset is therefore impaired during chronic HIV-1 infection. This lack of normal CD8
+
T-cell differentiation could contribute to the failure of cellular immune control of HIV-1 infection.
The Level of Viral Antigen Presented by Hepatocytes Influences CD8 T-Cell Function
Authors: Gehring Adam J. , Sun Dianxing , Kennedy Patrick T. F. , Nolte-'t Hoen Esther , Lim Seng Gee , Wasser Shanthi , Selden Clare , Maini Mala K. , Davis Dan M. , Nassal Michael , Bertoletti Antonio
Published: January 2007

CD8 T cells exert their antiviral function through cytokines and lysis of infected cells. Because hepatocytes are susceptible to noncytolytic mechanisms of viral clearance, CD8 T-cell antiviral efficiency against hepatotropic viruses has been linked to their capacity to produce gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). On the other hand, intrahepatic cytokine production triggers the recruitment of mononuclear cells, which sustain acute and chronic liver damage. Using virus-specific CD8 T cells and human hepatocytes, we analyzed the modulation of virus-specific CD8 T-cell function after recognition peptide-pulsed or virally infected hepatocytes. We observed that hepatocyte antigen presentation was generally inefficient, and the quantity of viral antigen strongly influenced CD8 T-cell antiviral function. High levels of hepatitis B virus production induced robust IFN-γ and TNF-α production in virus-specific CD8 T cells, while limiting amounts of viral antigen, both in hepatocyte-like cells and naturally infected human hepatocytes, preferentially stimulated CD8 T-cell degranulation. Our data document a mechanism where virus-specific CD8 T-cell function is influenced by the quantity of virus produced within hepatocytes.
ON THE DEFINITION OF THE KOBAYASHI–BUSEMAN PSEUDOMETRIC
Authors: NIKOLOV NIKOLAI , PFLUG PETER
Published: January 2007

We prove that the (2n - 1)th Kobayashi pseudometric of any domain D ⊂ ℂn coincides with the Kobayashi–Buseman pseudometric of D, and that 2n - 1 is the optimal number, in general.
MAPK Signaling Pathways Mediate AMPA Receptor Trafficking in an In Vitro Model of Classical Conditioning
Authors: Keifer Joyce , Zheng Zhao-Qing , Zhu Dantong
Published: January 2007

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways have been implicated in underlying mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning. However, the differential roles of the MAPK family members extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 in learning remain to be clarified. Here, an in vitro model of classical conditioning was examined to assess the roles of ERK and p38 MAPK in this form of learning. Previous studies showed that NMDA-mediated trafficking of synaptic glutamate receptor 4 (GluR4)–containing AMPA receptors (AMPARs) underlies conditioning in this preparation and that this is accomplished through GluR4 interactions with the immediate-early gene protein Arc and the actin cytoskeleton. Here, it is shown that attenuation of conditioned responses (CRs) by ERK and p38 MAPK antagonists is associated with significantly reduced synaptic localization of GluR4 subunits. Western blotting reveals that p38 MAPK significantly increases its activation levels during late stages of conditioning during CR expression. In contrast, ERK MAPK activation is enhanced in early conditioning during CR acquisition. The results suggest that MAPKs have a central role in the synaptic delivery of GluR4-containing AMPARs during in vitro classical conditioning.
Double-chambered right ventricle in an adult patient diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Romano Minna MD , Furtado Rogério G , Dias Cinthia GF , Jurca Mauro , Almeida-Filho Oswaldo C , Maciel Benedito C
Published: January 2007

Background

Double-chambered right ventricle is a rare congenital disease frequently misdiagnosed in the adult patient. An anomalous muscle band divides the right ventricle in two cavities causing variable degree of obstruction. Although echocardiography is considered a useful method for the diagnosis of this pathology in children, it has been recognized the transthoracic scanning limitation in adults.

Case presentation

A 29 year-old patient with double-chambered right ventricle presenting mild exercise intolerance referred for follow up of a known ventricular septal defect in whom a complete diagnosis was obtained based only on transthoracic two dimensional echocardiography without the needing of cardiac catheterization.

Conclusion

Based on non invasive echocardiographic diagnosis, patient was referred to surgical correction, which was completely successful.
Is There a Link Between Hearing Aid Use, Employment, and Income?
Authors: Winn Stephen Lamar
Published: January 2007

This paper examines hearing aid use by 60 congenitally deaf individuals who attended special education units in South Australia. The study indicates that only one-third to half of deaf adults wore their hearing aids in social situations for speech detection. Just over one-third (n = 22) of the deaf adults involved in this study wore their hearing aids at work and less than half (n = 27) wore their hearing aids at home. Younger deaf adults were more likely to wear their hearing aids in the home than older deaf adults. Younger deaf adults tended to wear their hearing aids more frequently when they were at school if they had perceived their teachers had a positive attitude to deafness. This study found that there was no statistically significant relationship between wearing hearing aids and employment status. There was also no statistically significant difference in hearing aid use between men and women. The low use of hearing aids could be attributed at least in part to the current Australian policy regarding supply and servicing of hearing aids to congenitally deaf individuals which ceases to be free after the individual reaches 21 years of age.
Visual Phonics: An English Code Buster?
Authors: Woolsey M. Lynn , Satterfield Susan T , Roberson Len
Published: January 2007

Visual Phonics is an instructional program to provide print awareness, alphabet knowledge, and sound-letter correspondence for children with hearing loss who experience difficulty developing a foundation of phonemic awareness skills. Its purpose is "to clarify the sound symbol relationship between spoken English and print" (Waddy-Smith & Wilson, 2003, p. 15). It is implemented in numerous school districts, particularly in California and Florida, and can be learned in a 2-day workshop. Administrators, teachers, and speech pathologists see potential benefit in using Visual Phonics to help students with hearing loss raise their achievement scores in reading and spelling. However, it is critical to note that Visual Phonics has virtually no research base. Researchers, teachers, and speech pathologists are called upon to collect their data and begin research on the effectiveness of Visual Phonics. This is a case in which the research-to-practice gap must be closed.
Yes, No, Visibility, and Variation in ASL and Tactile ASL
Authors: Petronio Karen , Dively Valerie
Published: January 2007

In American Sign Language (ASL), a receiver watches the signer and receives language visually. In contrast, when using tactile ASL, a variety of ASL, the deaf-blind receiver receives language by placing a hand on top of the signerâs hand. In the study described in this article we compared the functions and frequency of the signs YES and #NO in tactile ASL and visual ASL. We found that YES and/or #NO were used for twelve functions in both. There was, however, some variation. In one environment YES occurred in tactile ASL but not in visual ASL. With regard to frequency, the two signs occurred far more often in tactile ASL. Unexpectedly, significant variation was also found within visual ASL, depending on the number of interviewees in a session. YES and #NO were used more frequently with two or more interviewees and less often when only one interviewee was present. These findings led us to the concept of a "visibility continuum" to account for the variation between visual and tactile ASL, as well as for the variation within visual ASL. The data also reveal variation in tactile ASL that correlates with role and gender, as well as the age at which a participant started using tactile ASL (i.e., similar to age-of-acquisition effects).
Critical Period Window for Spectral Tuning Defined in the Primary Auditory Cortex (A1) in the Rat
Authors: de Villers-Sidani Etienne , Chang Edward F. , Bao Shaowen , Merzenich Michael M.
Published: January 2007

Experience-dependent plasticity during development results in the emergence of highly adapted representations of the external world in the adult brain. Previous studies have convincingly shown that the primary auditory cortex (A1) of the rat possesses a postnatal period of sensory input-driven plasticity but its precise timing (onset, duration, end) has not been defined. In the present study, we examined the effects of pure-tone exposure on the auditory cortex of developing rat pups at different postnatal ages with a high temporal resolution. We found that pure-tone exposure resulted in profound, persistent alterations in sound representations in A1 only if the exposure occurred during a brief period extending from postnatal day 11 (P11) to P13. We also found that postnatal sound exposure in this epoch led to striking alterations in the cortical representation of sound intensity.
Coming Out of the Coffin: Life‐Self and Death‐Self in Six Feet Under
Authors: Shoshana Avi , Teman Elly
Published: January 2007

This article discusses how the dominant approach to life and death as binary structures in American society influences the social construction of the self. Through the analysis of the television series Six Feet Under, we identify two types of selves: a “life‐self” and a “death‐self.” Questioning this binary, we offer the concept of “transitory movements” to suggest instead that a “waltzing” movement between life and death endows the self with meaning and stands at the core of the self‐work of agents. Finally, we discuss the implications of our analysis for scholarship on the self and on the sociology of death.
Analysis of the moisture content of maize kernels in over-ripe plants
Authors: Árendás T. , Marton L. C. , Bónis P. , Berzsenyi Z.
Published: January 2007

The effect of varying weather conditions on the moisture content of the
maize grain yield was investigated in Martonvásár, Hungary from late August to
late September, and from the 3rd third of September to the 1st third of
Novemberbetween 1999 and 2002. In every year a close positive
correlation (P=0.1%) could be observed between the moisture content in late
September and the rate of drying down in October. Linear regression was used
each year to determine the equilibrium moisture content, to which the moisture
content of kernels returned if they contained less than this quantity of water
in late September and harvesting was delayed. In the experimental years this
value ranged from 15.24-19.01%.
Diffuse Pigmentation of Maxillary Attached Gingiva: Four Cases of the Cultural Practice of Gingival Tattoo
Authors: Rawal Swati Y. , Burrell Renita , Hamidi Cameron S. , Kalmar John R. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: January 2007

Background: Gingival pigmentation is a common finding, may be of endogenous or exogenous origin, and can have diagnostic significance. Diffuse gingival pigmentation may be physiologic in nature or can be due to environmental factors, drugs, endocrine disorders, or genetic conditions. We present four cases of diffuse gingival pigmentation due to traditional gingival tattooing and review the literature on this practice.

Methods: Four black females (aged 19 to 56 years) of West African origin (Mauritania and Senegal), representing three different ethnic groups (Fulani, Mandinka, and Soninke) presented with various chief complaints. All exhibited diffuse pigmentation of the maxillary vestibular gingiva extending to the second premolar areas, without any associated radiographic abnormalities. The color ranged from intense blue gray to light gray or grayish pink. One case was biopsied for histopathologic evaluation.

Results: Questioning revealed that the women had had one or more sessions of traditional gingival tattooing. In one case, the procedure was performed in a dental office. The color range appeared to depend on the time that elapsed since the last procedure. The biopsy exhibited dense fibrous connective tissue containing aggregates of foreign material consistent with a foreign body tattoo.

Conclusions: Gingival tattooing, a cultural practice prevalent in certain African ethnic groups, results in diffuse pigmentation. Outside of Africa, it may be misinterpreted as racial pigmentation or pose a diagnostic puzzle. The color and distribution pattern of diffuse gingival pigmentation often are quite suggestive, and the clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by patient history. In selected cases, biopsy may be necessary to exclude other diagnostic considerations.
Effects of Dexamethasone, Metoclopramide or Acepromazine on Emesis in Cats Sedated with Xylazine Hydrochloride
Authors: Topal A. , Gül N. Y.
Published: January 2007

This study was designed to determine antiemetic efficacy of prophylactic administration of dexamethasone, metoclopramide or acepromazine and their influence on sedation in cats sedated with xylazine hydrochloride. Ten healthy adult cats (5 males and 5 females) were used. The prophylactic antiemetic effects of dexamethasone (4 mg/kg of body weight, IM), metoclopramide (0.4 mg/kg of body weight, IM), acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg of body weight, IM) or saline (0.9% NaCI) solution (0.1 ml/kg, IM) administered 1 hour before administration of xylazine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg, IM) was evaluated. Initially, the cats were given saline treatment (day 0); sequentially they were given dexamethasone, metoclopramide or acepromazine at 1 week intervals. After a xylazine injection, all cats were observed for 90 minutes for the assesment of frequency of emesis, and the time until the onset of the first emetic episode, and the determination of xylazine-induced sedation time. Prior treatment with 4 mg/kg of dexamethasone significantly reduced the frequency of emetic episodes but no alteration was observed in the time until the onset of the first emetic episode after the xylazine injection. Metoclopramide and acepromazine did not alter the frequency of emetic episodes but metoclopramide significantly prolonged the onset of the first emetic episode. Dexamethasone (4 mg/kg, IM) significantly decreased the frequency of emetic episodes without affecting the time until the onset of the first emetic episode, xylazine-induced sedation in cats.
Precipitation of soy proteins: Particle formation and protein separation
Authors: Lui D. Y. M. , Litster J. D. , White E. T.
Published: January 2007

The effect of pH on the precipitation of soy protein between pH 4 and 6.8 was investigated. Precipitation between pH 5.7 and 6.8 gave a binary liquid‐liquid separation in which a protein‐rich secondary liquid phase containing between 20 – 30 wt % protein of 80 – 99% purity in glycinin formed as droplets of 1 – 10 μm. The droplets could be coalesced upon centrifugation to form a homogeneous bottom liquid layer. The high‐protein concentration phase was stable (did not precipitate or crystallize) for up to several months when stored at 4°C. Stable high‐protein liquid phases have not previously been reported. In the pH region for which liquid‐liquid separation occurred (pH 6.15 to 5.35), the droplet‐size distribution was controlled by nucleation and growth. No drop breakage, and little or no drop coalescence was observed. Mixer speed and geometry did not have a large effect on the size of the protein‐rich droplets in suspension. Nucleation occurred in two separate bursts at pH 6.15 and pH 5.85, followed by growth of the new nuclei as pH was decreased. Thus, the drop‐size distribution was monomodal between 6.15 and 5.85, and bimodal between pH 5.85 and 5.35. At pH 5.6 and below, protein precipitated as amorphous material which intertwined with and bound primary particles into aggregates. These agglomerates grew with decreasing pH, particularly below pH 5.35, as more protein precipitated with amorphous material acting as a binder. The addition of NaCl prevented the liquid‐liquid separation at higher pH. Instead solid precipitates of a different morphology were formed at low‐pH only. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 2007
Autoassociative neural networks for robust dynamic data reconciliation
Authors: Bai Shuanghua , McLean David D. , Thibault Jules
Published: January 2007

Reliable estimation of process variables for plant monitoring and control is an important topic that has been studied extensively. The Kalman filter has often been used and has acquired an enviable reputation. However, use of the Kalman filter suffers from two restrictive conditions: (1) it requires state‐space models and (2) it has to be tuned online to achieve its best performance. Recently, an alternative methodology based on dynamic data reconciliation has been proposed to overcome the first restriction. Although the approach of dynamic data reconciliation can incorporate any form of model, it involves online optimization that may require long computation time for complex systems. This report explores a new methodology based on a combination of autoassociative neural networks (AANNs) and dynamic data reconciliation that overcomes the need for online tuning, as required by the Kalman filter, as well as online optimization as required by conventional dynamic data reconciliation methods. Simulation examples of a distillation column demonstrate that the AANN‐based dynamic data reconciliation approach is capable of effectively attenuating measurement noise and is robust to changes of the noise level in plant measurements and the loss of measurements. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 2007
Full‐fledged proteomic analysis of bioactive wheat amylase inhibitors by a 3‐D analytical technique: Identification of new heterodimeric aggregation states
Authors: Zoccatelli Gianni , Dalla Pellegrina Chiara , Mosconi Silvia , Consolini Marica , Veneri Gianluca , Chignola Roberto , Peruffo Angelo , Rizzi Corrado
Published: January 2007

Wheat proteinaceous α‐amylase inhibitors (α‐AIs) are increasingly investigated for their agronomical role as natural defence molecules of plants against the attack of insects and pests, but also for their effects on human health. The wheat genomes code for several bioactive α‐AIs that share sequence homology, but differ in their specificity against α‐amylases from different species and for their aggregation states. Wheat α‐AIs are traditionally classified as belonging to the three classes of tetrameric, homodimeric and monomeric forms, each class being constituted by a number of polypeptides that display different electrophoretic mobilities. Here we describe a proteomic approach for the identification of bioactive α‐AIs from wheat and, in particular, a 3‐D technique that allows to best identify and characterize the dimeric fraction. The technique takes advantage of the thermal resistance of α‐AIs (resistant to T > 70°C) and consists in the separation of protein mixtures by 2‐D polyacrylamide/starch electrophoresis under nondissociating PAGE (ND‐PAGE, first dimension) and dissociating (urea‐PAGE or U‐PAGE second dimension) conditions, followed by in‐gel spontaneous reaggregation of protein complexes and identification of the α‐amylase inhibitory activity (antizymogram, third dimension) using enzymes from human salivary glands and from the larvae of Tenebrio molitor coleopter (yellow mealworm). Dimeric α‐AIs from Triticum aestivum (bread wheat) were observed to exist as heterodimers. The formation of heterodimeric complexes was also confirmed by in vitro reaggregation assays carried out on RP‐HPLC purified wheat dimeric α‐AIs, and their bioactivity assayed by antizymogram analysis. The present 3‐D analytical technique can be exploited for fast, full‐fledged identification and characterization of wheat α‐AIs.
CE frontal analysis based on simultaneous UV and contactless conductivity detection: A general setup for studying noncovalent interactions
Authors: Jensen Henrik , Østergaard Jesper , Thomsen Anne E. , Hansen Steen H.
Published: January 2007

CE frontal analysis (CE‐FA) has been established as a powerful tool to study noncovalent interactions between macromolecules and small molecules such as drug substances or pharmaceutical excipients. However, when using traditional commercial CE instrumentation, a serious drawback is related to the fact that only UV‐active compounds can be studied. In recent years, contactless conductivity detection has become an attractive alternative to UV detection in CE due to its high versatility. In this study, we combine contactless conductivity detection and UV detection in a highly versatile setup for profiling noncovalent interactions between low‐molecular‐weight molecules and macromolecules. In the case of molecules having a chromophore the setup allows determination of binding constants using two independent detectors. The new contactless conductivity detection cell is compatible with commercial CE instrumentation and is therefore easily implemented in any analysis laboratory with CE expertise.
Translocation of constitutively expressed heat shock protein Hsc70 to synapse‐enriched areas of the cerebral cortex after hyperthermic stress
Authors: Chen Sheng , Brown Ian R.
Published: January 2007

Hsp70 is a multi‐gene family composed of stress‐inducible members (Hsp70) and other members that are constitutively expressed (Hsc70). The heat shock proteins Hsp70 and Hsc70 exhibit similar molecular structure and biochemical functions. Constitutively expressed Hsc70 is enriched in the mammalian nervous system compared with non‐neural tissues and present at high levels in neuronal cell bodies. After thermal stress, Hsc70 is translocated to synapse‐enriched areas of the cerebral cortex where it associates with Hsp40 to form a complex that can refold denaturated proteins. These results suggest that the heat shock response in the nervous system involves not only the synthesis of stress‐inducible Hsps but also the translocation of constitutively expressed Hsc70 to synapse‐enriched areas where it could participate in neuroprotective mechanisms that preserved synaptic function during times of stress. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cholesterol autoxidation in phospholipid membrane bilayers
Authors: Sevanian Alex , McLeod Laurie L.
Published: January 2007

Lipid peroxidation in unilamellar liposomes of known cholesterol‐phospholipid composition was monitored under conditions of autoxidation or as induced by a superoxide radical generating system, γ‐irradiation or cumene hydroperoxide. Formation of cholesterol oxidation products was indexed to the level of lipid peroxidation. The major cholesterol oxidation products identified were 7‐keto‐cholesterol, isomeric cholesterol 5,6‐epoxides, isomeric 7‐hydroperoxides and isomeric 3,7‐cholestane diols. Other commonly encountered products included 3,5‐cholestadiene‐7‐one and cholestane‐3β,5α,6β‐triol. Superoxide‐dependent peroxidation required iron and produced a gradual increase in 7‐keto‐cholesterol and cholesterol epoxides. Cholesterol oxidation was greatest in liposomes containing high proportions of unsaturated phospholipid to cholesterol (4∶1 molar ratio), intermediate with low phospholipid to cholesterol ratios (2∶1) and least in liposomes prepared with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. This relationship held regardless of the oxidizing conditions used. Cumene hydroperoxide‐dependent lipid peroxidation and/or more prolonge oxidations with other oxidizing systems yielded a variety of products where cholesterol‐5β,6β‐epoxide, 7‐ketocholesterol and the 7‐hydroperoxides were most consistently elevated. Oxyradical initiation of lipid peroxidation produced a pattern of cholesterol oxidation products distinguishable from the pattern derived by cumene hydroperoxide‐dependent peroxidation. Our findings indicate that cholesterol autoxidation in biological membranes is modeled by the peroxide‐induced oxidation of liposomes bearing unsaturated fatty acids and suggest that a number of cholesterol oxidation products are derived from peroxide‐dependent propagation reactions occurring in biomembranes.
Cellular retinyl esters and retinol among parenchymal and stellate cells in normal rat liver
Authors: Lakshman M. R. , Sundaresan P. R. , Chambers Laura L. , Shoff Pamela K.
Published: January 2007

[11,12‐3H] Retinyl acetate (100 μg/20 μCi/rat) in corn oil was fed by stomach tube to normal male Wistar‐Furth rats (∼250 g body weight). After 15 days, the contents of retinyl esters and retinol (total retinol) and their3H‐radioactivity were measured in the whole liver, crude parenchymal cells and the purified parenchymal cells, employing differential centrifugation, centrifugal elutriation and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. Of the total liver retinol (nmol/g liver), the crude parenchymal cells had nearly 90%, whereas the purified parenchymal cells had only 21% based on HPLC analysis. Furthermore, of the total liver retinol radioactivity (dpm/g liver) the crude parenchymal cell fraction had 85%, while the purified parenchymal cell fraction had only 16%. Based on the cell number, the crude parenchymal cell fraction was contaminated by retinoid‐rich stellate cells to the extent of 4%. It, therefore, was concluded that the parenchymal cells accounted for 16–21%, whereas the stellate cells contributed 79–84% of total retinol stored in the liver under normal steady‐state conditions. It also was calculated that on a per mg basis, stellate cells had 200 times more total retinol than parenchymal cells, whereas on a per cell basis each stellate cell had 74 times more total retinol than a parenchymal cell.
Carotenoids of human colostrum
Authors: Patton Stuart , Canfield Louise M. , Huston Gail E. , Ferris Ann M. , Jensen Robert G.
Published: January 2007

Colostrum, the initial postpartum secretion of the breast, ordinarily has a distinct yellow color due to carotenoids of its fat globules. This pigmentation progressively diminishes as milk production increases during the first week of lactation. Identity of these cartenoids was investigated by means of thin‐layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. α‐ and β‐carotene, lycopene and β‐cryptoxanthin were revealed as major chromogens. A component corresponding to lutein and/or zeaxanthin was also detected by both chromatographic techniques. Extracts of 23 saponified colostrum samples from 10 donors revealed considerable variation in total carotenoid concentration (0.34–7.57 μg/ml of colostrum). Multiparous mothers had greater mean colostrum carotenoid concentrations than did the primiparae, 2.18±1.94 vs 1.14±1.32 μg/ml, respectively. Seven of the eight primiparous donors' samples had little or no yellow color. These findings imply a difference in carotenoid transport by breasts that have lactated as compared to those that have not. The interrelation of carotenoids, lactation and breast cancer is discussed.
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by lovastatin tested on six human cell typesin vitro
Authors: Sviridov D. D. , Safonova I. G. , Pavlov M. Y. , Kosykh V. A. , Podrez E. A. , Antonov A. S. , Fuki I. V. , Repin V. S.
Published: January 2007

Lovastatin (mevinolin) caused a strong and dose‐dependent inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in six types of cultured human cells. Fifty percent inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in human enterocytes was observed at a lovastatin concentration of about 0.004 ng/ml and in other cells at a lovastatin concentration of about 0.03 ng/ml. At lovastatin concentrations between 1.0 and 100.0 ng/ml, a moderate tissue selectivity of lovastatin action was noted. At optimal concentrations, lovastatin inhibited cholesterol synthesis in hepatocytes by 98%, in normal and LDL‐receptor negative fibroblasts, arterial smooth muscle cells and hepatoma G‐2 cells by about 90%, and in enterocytes by 75%. In rat enterocytes lovastatin inhibited cholesterol synthesis by only 60%.
Domain relaxation in Langmuir films
Authors: ALEXANDER JAMES C. , BERNOFF ANDREW J. , MANN ELIZABETH K. , MANN J. ADIN , WINTERSMITH JACOB R. , ZOU LU
Published: January 2007

We report on theoretical studies of molecularly thin Langmuir films on the surface of a quiescent subfluid and qualitatively compare the results to both new and previous experiments. The film covers the entire fluid surface, but domains of different phases are observed. In the absence of external forcing, the compact domains tend to relax to circles, driven by a line tension at the phase boundaries. When stretched (by a transient applied stagnation-point flow or by stirring), a compact domain elongates, creating a bola consisting of two roughly circular reservoirs connected by a thin tether. This shape will then relax slowly to the minimum-energy configuration of a circular domain. The tether is never observed to rupture, even when it is more than a hundred times as long as it is wide. We model these experiments by taking previous descriptions of the full hydrodynamics, identifying the dominant effects via dimensional analysis, and reducing the system to a more tractable form. The result is a free boundary problem for an inviscid Langmuir film whose motion is driven by the line tension of the domain and damped by the viscosity of the subfluid. Using this model we derive relaxation rates for perturbations of a uniform strip and a circular patch. We also derive a boundary integral formulation which allows an efficient numerical solution of the problem. Numerically this model replicates the formation of a bola and the subsequent relaxation observed in the experiments. Finally, we suggest physical properties of the system (such as line tension) that can be deduced by comparison of the theory and numerical simulations to the experiment. Two movies are available with the online version of the paper.
Lemierre's – the sinister sore throat
Authors: Brown L M , Wallwork B
Published: January 2007

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare and sometimes life threatening condition that requires prompt management. A case is reported of a previously healthy young male with Lemierre's syndrome. He developed internal jugular vein and cavernous sinus thrombosis, metastatic abscesses in the temporal lobe and lungs, temporal lobe venous infarction and severe thrombocytopaenia. Discussed are aspects of clinical presentation, diagnosis and management issues.
Country music on location: ‘field recording’ before Bristol
Authors: RUSSELL TONY
Published: January 2007

From 1923 to 1931, record companies based in the northern USA stocked their catalogues of Southern vernacular music, particularly African-American blues and white ‘old-time’ music, largely with ‘location recordings’ made in Southern cities such as Atlanta, Memphis and Dallas. These recording trips, which are sometimes characterised as speculative, were in fact partly planned, the uncertainty of discovering recordable new talent offset to some extent by the prior booking of artists with whom the companies had already had success. The evidence for this careful planning, however, has been somewhat obscured by the unscheduled discovery, in Bristol, Tennessee, in 1927, of Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family, whose commercial success and stylistic innovations would have enormous influence on country music.
Chains to the West: Markov's Theory of Connected Events and Its Transmission to Western Europe
Authors: Link David
Published: January 2007

Argument

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Russian mathematician Andrey A. Markov extended the laws of the calculus of probability to trials that were dependent on each other, purely theoretically. In two articles from 1913, which are presented here in English translation, he applied his theory for the first time to empirical material, namely text. After a presentation of Markov's methods, results, and possible inspirations, the introduction investigates the dissemination of his ideas to Western Europe and North America in detail. The experimental application of his method to various types of text finally determines its scope.
Measuring Economic Inequality: Deprivation, Economising and Possessing
Authors: Borooah Vani
Published: January 2007

One way of measuring the deprivation or poverty of persons is to use money-based measures: a person is regarded as ‘poor’ if his/her income (or expenditure) falls below a poverty line value. Such an approach – usually termed poverty analysis – has spawned a large literature embodying several sophisticated measures of poverty. The downside to this is that low income or expenditure may not be very good indicators of deprivation. Another way, usually termed ‘deprivation analysis’, is to define an index whose value, for each person, is the number (or proportion) of items from a prescribed list that he/she possesses: persons are then regarded as ‘deprived’ if their index value is below some threshold. This offers an alternative method of identifying deprived persons. The disadvantage of deprivation analysis is that it measures deprivation exclusively in terms of the proportion of deprived persons within the total number of persons. The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap between poverty and deprivation analysis by constructing a wider set of measures of economic inequality and by showing, with data for Northern Ireland, how they might be applied. The result is an analysis sensitive to intra-population heterogeneity.
Globally Distributed Component-Based Software Development: An Exploratory Study of Knowledge Management and Work Division
Authors: Kotlarsky Julia , Oshri Man , van Hillegersberg Jos , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: January 2007

Component-based development (CBD) can be an appealing proposition to globally distributed software development teams because of the almost endless possibilities to recombine and reuse components in new products. In particular, it has been suggested that CBD will improve globally distributed software development practices by allowing each site to take ownership of particular components, resulting in reduced inter-site communication and coordination activities. Such an approach may indeed overcome breakdowns in inter-site coordination efforts; however, it may also lessen opportunities to share knowledge between sites and may hamper opportunities to reuse existing components. A case study approach, exploratory in nature, was adopted to explore knowledge aspects in global component-based software development. Evidence collected at several globally distributed CBD projects suggests that the true potential of CBD, which mainly relates to reusing components, can also be achieved when components are developed in a joint manner (i.e. by several sites) by accessing and utilizing expertise regardless of its geographical location. To improve the rate of component reuse, the studied teams developed capabilities in three particular areas: inter-site coordination, communications, and knowledge management. The paper concludes by discussing the links between component reuse, CBD principles and organizational capabilities, and offers managers and engineers some guidelines to consider in their CBD projects.
Self-assembly of carbon black into nanowires that form a conductive three dimensional micronetwork
Authors: Levine L. E. , Long G. G. , Ilavsky J. , Gerhardt R. A. , Ou R. , Parker C. A.
Published: January 2007

The authors have used mechanical self-assembly of carbon-black nanoparticles to fabricate a three dimensional, electrically connected micronetwork of nanowires embedded within an insulating, supporting matrix of poly(methyl methacrylate). The electrical connectivity, mean wire diameter, and morphological transitions were characterized as a function of the carbon-black mass fraction. Conductive wires were produced with mean diameters as low as 24nm with lengths up to 100μm.
Two-exciton state in GaSb∕GaAs type II quantum dots studied using near-field photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Matsuda K. , Nair S. V. , Ruda H. E. , Sugimoto Y. , Saiki T. , Yamaguchi K.
Published: January 2007

The authors report on the photoluminescence spectroscopy of a single GaSb∕GaAs type II quantum dot (QD) at 8K. A sharp exciton emission with a linewidth of less than 250μeV was observed. Two-exciton emission at the higher energy side of the exciton emission indicates that the two excitons in a type II QD do not form a bound biexciton. The energies of the exciton and two-exciton states were calculated using an atomic pseudopotential model, which provides a quantitative description of the antibound nature of the two-exciton state in type II QDs.
Spatial coherence properties of a compact and ultrafast laser-produced plasma keV x-ray source
Authors: Boschetto D. , Mourou G. , Rousse A. , Mordovanakis A. , Hou Bixue , Nees J. , Kumah D. , Clarke R.
Published: January 2007

The authors use Fresnel diffraction from knife-edges to demonstrate the spatial coherence of a tabletop ultrafast x-ray source produced by laser-plasma interaction. Spatial coherence is achieved in the far field by producing micrometer-scale x-ray spot dimensions. The results show an x-ray source size of 6μm that leads to a transversal coherence length of 20μm at a distance of 60cm from the source. Moreover, they show that the source size is limited by the spatial spread of the absorbed laser energy.
Fatigue Increases the Risk of Injury From Sharp Devices in Medical Trainees Results From a Case-Crossover Study
Authors: Fisman David N. , Harris Anthony D. , Rubin Michael , Sorock Gary S. , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: January 2007

Background.

Extreme fatigue in medical trainees likely compromises patient safety, but regulations that limit trainee work hours have been controversial. It is not known whether extreme fatigue compromises trainee safety in the healthcare workplace, but evidence of such a relationship would inform the current debate on trainee work practices. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and workplace injury risk among medical trainees and nontrainee healthcare workers.

Design.

Case-crossover study.

Setting.

Five academic medical centers in the United States and Canada.

Participants.

Healthcare workers reporting to employee healthcare clinics for evaluation of needlestick injuries and other injuries related to sharp instruments and devices (sharps injuries). Consenting workers completed a structured interview about work patterns, time at risk of injury, and frequency of fatigue.

Results.

Of 350 interviewed subjects, 109 (31%) were medical trainees. Trainees worked more hours per week (P< .001) and slept less the night before an injury (P< .001) than did other healthcare workers. Fatigue increased injury risk in the study population as a whole (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.40 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.03-1.90]), but this effect was limited to medical trainees (IRR, 2.94 [95% CI, 1.71-5.07]) and was absent for other healthcare workers (IRR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.66-1.42]) (P= .001).

Conclusions.

Long work hours and sleep deprivation among medical trainees result in fatigue, which is associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of sharps injury. Efforts to reduce trainee work hours may result in reduced risk of sharps-related injuries among this group.
Interdicting Vessels to Enforce the Common Interest: Maritime Countermeasures and the use of Force
Authors: Guilfoyle Douglas
Published: January 2007

Can the law of countermeasures be used to police the high seas? The freedom of the high seas is guaranteed by the immunity of a State's flag vessels from interference by the public vessels of other States, subject to limited exceptions. However, this rule of non-interference may shield those engaged in unregulated or illegal fishing or transporting weapons of mass destruction and their precursors. This article argues that while such conduct may breach obligations protecting the common interest, unilaterally boarding and arresting a vessel involved would constitute an illegal use of force and cannot be justified as a countermeasure.
The Surgical Learning Curve in Aural Atresia Surgery
Authors: Patel Nirmal , Shelton Clough
Published: January 2007

Objective: The objective of this retrospective case review is to examine the effect of surgical learning on hearing outcomes and complications in congenital aural atresia surgery.

Patients: Sixty‐four consecutive ears (in 60 patients) operated on during the period of 1994 to 2004 at a tertiary referral center were studied.

Intervention)s): Intervention consisted of aural atresiaplasty through an anterior approach by the same surgeon (C.S.).

Main Outcome Measure)s): Hearing outcomes and complication rates were compared between four temporally sequential groups of 16 ears. Acceptable hearing and complication rate outcomes were defined as results comparable to larger series in the literature.

Results: Hearing results, in the short term, comparable to larger series were achieved during the first group of ears (nos. 1–16). A plateau in the learning curve for short‐term hearing outcomes was achieved after the first two groups, that is, after 32 ears. Hearing outcomes, in the long term (>1 year) comparable to larger series, were achieved in the second group of ears (nos. 16–32). The learning curve for long‐term hearing demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes in the final group of 16 ears compared with the first 48 ears. Long‐term hearing results for the final group show closure of the postoperative air‐bone gap to less than 30 dB in 94% of cases. Postoperative complication rates were equivalent to larger series in the first group of 16 ears and showed no statistically significant difference between the four groups. There was one patient with sensorineural hearing loss after surgery; there were no anacoustic ears and no facial palsies in the study group.

Conclusions: A learning curve of at least 32 ears was required to achieve stable short‐term hearing results. To achieve stable long‐term hearing results required a learning curve of at least 48 patients in our series. Complication rates remained stable throughout the study period.
Tumoral Calcinosis of the Scalp: An Unusual Site for a Rare Tumor
Authors: Jacob Jubbin Jagan , Thomas Nihal , Seshadri M S.
Published: January 2007

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare calcifying disorder that is associated with deposition of calcium crystals in the periarticular tissues. The mass is most often around the hips, elbows, shoulders, and feet but may be occasionally found elsewhere. We report a case of multiple sporadic tumoral calcinoses in an adult male over the scalp. The scalp as a site of tumoral calcinosis has not been previously reported in adults. Previous surgical excisions done on two occasions had resulted in recurrence of the tumors. This report highlights the need to include tumoral calcinosis in the differential diagnosis of tumors of the scalp.
Perioperative Management of Intracranial Aneurysms and Otologic Disease
Authors: Cosetti Maura , Amrhein Timothy , Linstrom Christopher
Published: January 2007

Objective: Diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic, unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) are areas of longstanding controversy in the neurologic and neurosurgical literature. Treatment decisions require careful consideration of both the potential for aneurysm rupture as well as the risks associated with repair. Studies examining the natural history of UIA, the morbidity and mortality associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and the various treatment options have led to general guidelines for UIA management. In the literature, the simultaneous presence of otologic disease and UIA has not been introduced or addressed. It is unknown whether surgical treatment of middle ear disease has an effect on the natural history of UIA.

Study Design: Two illustrative patients with UIA discovered incidentally on radiographic evaluation of middle ear disease are presented.

Methods: Patients were managed according to diagnostic and treatment strategies developed and validated in the neurosurgical literature.

Results: Both patients underwent uneventful endovascular embolization of their intracranial aneurysms before middle ear surgery. The intra‐ and postoperative courses were uncomplicated without symptoms related to either their history of intracranial aneurysms or the prior embolization.

Conclusions: Application of neurosurgical diagnostic and treatment algorithms to otology patients in the perioperative setting is appropriate. Established risk factors such as the size and location of the intracranial aneurysm, prior SAH, and patient age should guide treatment planning in all cases of UIA. Additional research is needed to evaluate the influence of otologic procedures on the natural history of UIA. In addition, studies are needed to evaluate the role of preoperative screening for UIA in otologic surgery candidates.