bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic Capacity and Exceptional Survival: The Leiden Longevity Study
Authors: Willems Jorien M. , Trompet Stella , Eline Slagboom P. , De Craen Anton J.M. , Westendorp Rudi G.J.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether familial longevity can be attributed to sustained hematopoietic capacity.

DESIGN: Prospective follow‐up study of two independent population‐based cohorts.

SETTING: The Leiden Longevity Study and the Leiden 85‐plus Study.

PARTICIPANTS: From the Leiden Longevity Study, 1,001 nonagenarians with familial longevity were included. As age‐matched controls, 260 nonagenarians without familial longevity were used from the Leiden 85‐plus Study.

MEASUREMENTS: Hemoglobin, leukocytes, and thrombocytes were measured for all subjects with and without familial longevity. Standardized mortality ratios, linear regression, and left‐censored Cox regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Mortality in nonagenarians with familial longevity was 28% lower than in nonagenarians from the general population (standardized mortality ratio=0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.65–0.79, P<.001). No differences were found between hemoglobin, leukocyte, and thrombocyte count in nonagenarians with and without familial longevity (all P>.30). Nonagenarians with familial longevity had greater mortality risk when anemia was present (sex‐adjusted hazard ratio=1.71, 95% CI 1.41–2.07, P<.001). No relationship was found between leukocytes, thrombocytes, and mortality in either study group (all P>.20).

CONCLUSION: Hematopoietic capacity cannot explain the significantly better survival of nonagenarians with familial longevity, but in those with familial longevity, anemia may contribute to mortality.
An In Vitro Evaluation of Fit of Zirconium‐Oxide‐Based Ceramic Four‐Unit Fixed Partial Dentures, Generated with Three Different CAD/CAM Systems, before and after Porcelain Firing Cycles and after Glaze Cycles
Authors: Vigolo Paolo , Fonzi Fulvio
Published: September 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess in vitro the marginal fit of four‐unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) produced using three different computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) all‐ceramic systems before and after porcelain firing cycles and after glaze cycles.

Materials and Methods: An acrylic resin model of a maxillary arch was fabricated. Teeth #6 and 9 were prepared; teeth #7 and 8 were absent. Forty‐five four‐unit zirconium‐oxide‐based ceramic FPDs were made following conventional impression and master cast techniques: 15 were made with the Everest system, 15 with the Procera system, and 15 with the Lava system. Marginal gaps along vertical planes were measured for each bridge before (Time 0) and after (Time 1) porcelain firing cycles and after glaze cycles (Time 2) using a total of 8 landmarks (4 for tooth #6 and 4 for tooth #9) by means of a microscope at a magnification of ×50. MANOVA was performed to determine whether the 8 landmarks, jointly considered, differed between CAD/CAM systems and time phases. Two‐way ANOVA was performed to investigate in detail, for each landmark, how gap measurements were related to CAD/CAM systems and time phases. Differences were considered to be significant at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean values of the Everest system (μm) were: 63.37 (Time 0), 65.34 (Time 1), and 65.49 (Time 2); the mean values of the Lava system (μm) were: 46.30 (Time 0), 46.79 (Time 1), and 47.28 (Time 2); the mean values of the Procera system (μm) were: 61.08 (Time 0), 62.46 (Time 1), and 63.46 (Time 2). MANOVA revealed quantitative differences of the 8 landmarks, jointly considered, between the three CAD/CAM systems (p < 0.0001), but it did not reveal any quantitative differences among the three time phases (p > 0.4). Two‐way ANOVA revealed that the Lava system produced gap measurements statistically smaller than the Everest and Procera systems (p < 0.0001 for each landmark).

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the three zirconium‐oxide‐based ceramic CAD/CAM systems demonstrated a comparable and acceptable marginal fit; however, the Lava system produced gap measurements statistically smaller than the Everest and Procera systems. The porcelain firing cycles and the glaze cycles did not affect the marginal fit of the zirconium‐oxide‐based ceramic CAD/CAM systems.
Two‐Dimensional FEA of Dowels of Different Compositions and External Surface Configurations
Authors: Soares Carlos José , Castro Carolina Guimarães , Santos Filho Paulo César Freitas , Soares Paulo Vinícius , Magalhães Denildo , Martins Luis Roberto Marcondes
Published: September 2008

Purpose: The degree of stress generated in the endodontically treated and restored tooth can be influenced by the composition and configuration of the dowels used for the restoration. Using two‐dimensional (2D) finite element analysis (FEA), this study tested the hypothesis that the characterization of the stress distribution can be influenced by which evaluation method is employed: protrusion loading and 4‐point flexural strength test or varying the type of material (carbon and glass fiber) or the external configuration of the dowel (smooth and serrated).

Materials and Methods: For simulation of the protrusion load test, models were generated with Mechanical‐AutoCAD V6 software from an image of an anatomical plate, one maxillary central incisor, and two dowels and exported to Ansys 9.0. The bone region model was fixed, and a tangential load of 1 N with a 135° inclination to the tooth longitudinal axis was applied at the level of the palatal surface of the crown. In the simulation of a 4‐point flexural strength test, a 1 N perpendicular load was applied in two points to the dowel. The dental materials and structures were considered elastic, isotropic, homogeneous, and linear, with the exception of the dowel, which was assumed to exhibit orthotropic behavior. Mechanical properties were defined based on a review of the literature, and the model was meshed with an eight node tetrahedral element.

Results: The stress results from both tests were analyzed according to von Mises criteria and principal stresses (Sx). Data from the 4‐point flexural strength test simulation showed that, for the serrated dowels, a higher stress concentration was found; however, no difference in the occlusal load for material or dowel configuration was found.

Conclusions: These results suggest that although the external configuration of the dowel influences direct loading, when the dowel is integrated to the tooth and setting material, the influence on biomechanical behavior disappears.
Influence of prestorage leukoreduction and subsequent irradiation on in vitro red blood cell (RBC) storage variables of RBCs in additive solution saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol
Authors: Zimmermann Robert , Wintzheimer Simone , Weisbach Volker , Strobel Julian , Zingsem Juergen , Eckstein Reinhold
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: There exists only very few data on in vitro and in vivo effects of gamma irradiation of red blood cells (RBCs) that have been leukoreduced by filtration before a subsequent irradiation. Reported studies reflect neither the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the European recommendations on timing of irradiation and subsequent storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 40 RBC units that were prepared from inline filtered whole blood and 40 RBC units that were filtered after component separation. All RBCs were stored in the additive solution saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol and leukoreduced on the collection day. In both groups, 20 components were irradiated on Day +14 with 30 Gy, and 20 served as nonirradiated controls. In vitro evaluation of both irradiated and nonirradiated RBC units was performed before and after irradiation on Days +1, +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, and +42 from the collection day.

RESULTS: Gamma irradiation induced enhanced leakage of potassium ions and lactate dehydrogenase and an enhanced in vitro hemolysis rate in the irradiated components. However, in vitro hemolysis rate of both nonirradiated and irradiated components was remarkably lower than 0.8 percent, and the preservation of adenosine triphosphate over 42 days was satisfying.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reflects the current FDA and European recommendations on timing of irradiation and subsequent storage. Our findings together with recent results of other investigations on the effect of gamma irradiation on leukoreduced RBCs allow the proposal that a storage time up to 28 days after irradiation is allowable.
Mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton's jelly of umbilical cord segments provide stromal support for the maintenance of cord blood hematopoietic stem cells during long‐term ex vivo culture
Authors: Bakhshi Tiki , Zabriskie Ryan C. , Bodie Shamanique , Kidd Shannon , Ramin Susan , Paganessi Laura A. , Gregory Stephanie A. , Fung Henry C. , Christopherson Kent W.
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are routinely obtained from marrow, mobilized peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are traditionally isolated from marrow. Bone marrow–derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) have previously demonstrated their ability to act as a feeder layer in support of ex vivo cord blood expansion. However, the use of BM‐MSCs to support the growth, differentiation, and engraftment of cord blood may not be ideal for transplant purposes. Therefore, the potential of MSCs from a novel source, the Wharton's jelly of umbilical cords, to act as stromal support for the long‐term culture of cord blood HSC was evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Umbilical cord–derived MSCs (UC‐MSCs) were cultured from the Wharton's jelly of umbilical cord segments. The UC‐MSCs were then profiled for expression of 12 cell surface receptors and tested for their ability to support cord blood HSCs in a long‐term culture‐initiating cell (LTC‐IC) assay.

RESULTS: Upon culture, UC‐MSCs express a defined set of cell surface markers (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD166, and HLA‐A) and lack other markers (CD45, CD34, CD38, CD117, and HLA‐DR) similar to BM‐MSCs. Like BM‐MSCs, UC‐MSCs effectively support the growth of CD34+ cord blood cells in LTC‐IC assays.

CONCLUSION: These data suggest the potential therapeutic application of Wharton's jelly–derived UC‐MSCs to provide stromal support structure for the long‐term culture of cord blood HSCs as well as the possibility of cotransplantation of genetically identical, HLA‐matched, or unmatched cord blood HSCs and UC‐MSCs in the setting of HSC transplantation.
The Most Common Site of Success and Its Predictors in Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of the Slow Atrioventricular Nodal Pathway in Children
Authors: HWANG HAW‐KWEI , WOLFF GRACE S. , SUN FANG‐JU , YOUNG MING‐LON
Published: September 2008

Background:

Locating ablation targets on the slow pathway in children as one would in adults may not accommodate the dimensional changes of Koch's triangle that occur with heart growth. We investigated the most common site of success and the effect of a variety of variables on the outcome of slow pathway ablation in children.

Methods:

A total of 116 patients (ages 4–16 years) with structurally normal hearts underwent radiofrequency ablation of either the antegrade or the retrograde slow pathway. Ablation sites were divided into eight regions (A1, A2, M1, M2, P1, P2, CS1, and CS2) at the septal tricuspid annulus.

Results:

Ablation was successful in 112 (97%) children. The most common successful ablation sites were at the P1 region. The less the patient weighed, the more posteriorly the successful site was located (P = 0.023, OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.946–0.996), and the more likely the slow pathway was eliminated rather than modified: median weight was 46.7 kg (range, 14.5–94.3 kg) in the eliminated group and 56.5 kg (range, 20–82.6 kg) in the modified group (P = 0.021, OR 1.039, 95% CI 1.006–1.073).

Conclusions:

The most common site of success for slow pathway ablation in children is at the P1 region of the tricuspid annulus. The successful sites in lighter children are more posteriorly located. Weight is also a predictor of whether the slow pathway is eliminated or only modified.
Coexistent Right‐ and Left‐Sided Slow Pathways Participating in Distinct AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardias
Authors: SÁGHY LÁSZLÓ , MAKAI ATTILA , BENCSIK GÁBOR , PAP RÓBERT
Published: September 2008

We report a patient with two distinct atrioventricular (AV) nodal slow pathways, participating in two different AV nodal reentrant tachycardias—one eliminated from the right, the other only after ablation on the left side of the posterior septum. The case provides support for the concept of the posterior AV nodal extensions—a biatrial structure in most hearts—representing the anatomic basis of slow pathway conduction.
Frederick Johnson's “River Desert Algonquin” Materials at the University of Pennsylvania Museum: A Collection History
Authors: Norcini Marilyn
Published: September 2008

This paper is a collection history of a relatively unknown assemblage of Algonquin ethnographic materials from the “River Desert” community in Maniwaki, Quebec, Canada—a people now known as the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. The objects were collected by Frederick Johnson, a student of Frank Speck at the University of Pennsylvania, in 1929. My objective is to analyze the Johnson collection within the historical context of Algonquin research during the early 20th century—a time of intensive ethnological field work with Canadian aboriginal communities, of accumulation and sale of objects to finance fieldwork, and of ambitious acquisitions by museums.
Synthesis of ι‐Al2O3 from a Mixture of Aluminum Nitrate and Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Ebadzadeh Touradj , Sharifi Leyla
Published: September 2008

A simple preparation method for the synthesis of ι‐Al2O3 with a mixture of aluminum nitrate and carboxymethyl cellulose is proposed. Structural characterization of the microwave‐heated samples was performed by X‐ray diffraction and the results showed the development of ι‐Al2O3 phase at a temperature of 498°C. No α‐Al2O3 peaks were observed until the highest temperature reached 1189°C; at this temperature ι‐Al2O3 peaks were still strong. In order to elucidate the morphology of the powders, scanning electron microscopy was used and showed the elongated plate‐like morphology of synthesized ι‐Al2O3.
Electrical Conductivity of Submicrometer Gadolinia‐Doped Ceria Sintered at 1000°C Using Precipitation‐Synthesized Nanocrystalline Powders
Authors: Muralidharan Pandurangan , Jo Seung Hwan , Kim Do Kyung
Published: September 2008

A simple synthetic strategy has been implemented to obtain low‐temperature sintered fine grain size gadolinia‐doped ceria, Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95, (CGO) electrolyte pellets with a high density using weakly agglomerated particles of calcined nanopowders synthesized by a homogeneous precipitation process. The precipitants used were diethylamine (DEA process) and ammonium hydroxide in neutral precipitation (NP process). X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed the single‐phase crystalline CGO of a fluorite‐type structure. The crystalline powder was directly synthesized from solution by the DEA process at room temperature, whereas the NP process powder was crystallized upon hydrothermal treatment at an elevated temperature. Transmission electron microscopy images showed homogeneously dispersed spherical‐shaped particles of ∼5 nm size for nanopowders calcined at 300°C for 4 h. A high densification range from ∼96% to 99% of the theoretical was achieved for the nonconventionally low‐temperature sintered pellets at 1000°C from weakly bonded particles of CGO nanopowders calcined at 300°C for 4 h without any sintering aid. The dense CGO pellets sintered at 1000°C for 4 h with an average grain size of ∼150–300 nm exhibited a promising high electrical conductivity of 2.03 × 10−2 S/cm (DEA process) and 2.17 × 10−2 S/cm (NP process), measured at 650°C, and low activation energy Ea. The electrical conductivities of fine grain size low‐temperature sintered CGO pellets are comparable with the literature reports of sintered pellets using sintering aids, and high‐temperature sintered CGO pellets above 1300°C with a larger grain size.
Isothermal Crystallization of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Sealing Glass by Differential Thermal Analysis
Authors: Zhang Teng , Brow Richard K. , Reis Signo T. , Ray Chandra S.
Published: September 2008

The crystallization kinetics of a solid oxide fuel cell sealing glass were studied using a new isothermal differential thermal analysis (DTA) method. The weight fraction of glass crystallized after an isothermal heat treatment was determined from the DTA crystallization peak area and the crystallization kinetic parameters were determined using the classical Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation. The glass, an alkaline earth–zinc–silicate composition, crystallized in the temperature range between 740° and 950°C. The activation energy for crystallization varied with glass particle size and decreased from 570±25 to 457±30 kJ/mol as the average particle size decreased from 425–500 to ∼10 μm. The activation energy for crystallization, E, increased from 520±20 to ∼600±20 kJ/mol when glass particles (45–53 μm) were mechanically mixed with 10 vol% of micrometer‐sized Ni or YSZ powders. This increase in E reflects the effect of a second phase in composite seal systems, but is independent of the chemical nature of the additives. The measured values of the Avrami exponent (n) indicate that surface crystallization is the dominant crystallization mechanism for this glass, particularly for small particle sizes, e.g. n=0.9±0.1 for ∼10 μm.
Ayahuasca and Spiritual Crisis: Liminality as Space for Personal Growth
Authors: LEWIS SARA E.
Published: September 2008

There is an increased controversy surrounding Westerners' use of ayahuasca. One issue of importance is psychological resiliency of users and lack of screening by ayahuasca tourism groups in the Amazon. Given the powerful effects of ayahuasca coupled with lack of cultural support, Western users are at increased risk for psychological distress. Many Westerners who experience psychological distress following ayahuasca ceremonies report concurrently profound spiritual experiences. Because of this, it may be helpful to consider these episodes “spiritual emergencies,” or crises resulting from intense and transformative spiritual experiences. Although the author warns readers to avoid romantic comparisons of Western ayahuasca users to shamans, ethnographic data on indigenous shamanic initiates along with theory on liminality may be of some use to understand difficult experiences that accompany ayahuasca use. Given that psychotherapy is culturally sanctioned, therapists trained in treating spiritual crises can help Western ayahuasca users make meaning of their distress. Three case studies are offered as examples of individuals working through various sorts of crises following ayahuasca ceremonies.
Parental Bonding and Adult Attachment Styles in Different Types of Stalker*
Authors: MacKenzie Rachel D. , Mullen Paul E. , Ogloff James R. P. , McEwan Troy E. , James David V.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Attachment theory is one of the earliest and most vigorously promoted explanations of the psychological processes that underlie stalking behavior. Insecure attachment has been proposed as impairing the management of relationships, thus increasing the propensity to stalk. The current study explored the parental bonding and adult attachment styles of 122 stalkers referred to a specialist forensic clinic. Stalkers were grouped according to two common classification methods: relationship and motivation. Compared to general community samples, stalkers were more likely to remember their parents as emotionally neglectful and have insecure adult attachment styles, with the degree of divergence varying according to stalker type and mode of classification. In offering support for the theoretical proposition that stalking evolves from pathological attachment, these findings highlight the need to consider attachment in the assessment and management of stalkers. Also emphasized is the importance of taking classification methods into account when interpreting and evaluating stalking research.
Evaluation of the Self‐Heating Tendency of Vegetable Oils by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Baylon Amélie , Stauffer Éric , Delémont Olivier
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  The evaluation of the self‐heating propensity of a vegetable (or animal) oil may be of significant importance during the investigation of a fire. Unfortunately, iodine value and gas chromatographic‐mass spectrometric analysis do not lead to meaningful results in this regard. To the contrary, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which does not measure the chemical composition of the oil, but rather its thermodynamic behavior, produces valuable results. After a thorough literature review on the autooxidation of vegetable oils, several oils with different self‐heating tendencies were analyzed using a Mettler‐Toledo differential scanning calorimeter DSC 25 between 40°C and 500°C. Analyses were carried out both under air and nitrogen atmosphere to identify the phenomena due to autooxidation reactions. Using DSC, it was possible to observe the induction period of the oil (when available), the three different exothermic events, and the autoignition temperature (relatively independent of the oil type).
Anthropological Measurement of Lower Limb and Foot Bones Using Multi‐Detector Computed Tomography
Authors: Robinson Claire , Eisma Roos , Morgan Bruno , Jeffery Amanda , Graham Eleanor A. M. , Black Sue , Rutty Guy N.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Anthropological examination of defleshed bones is the gold standard for osteological measurement in forensic practice. However, multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) offers the opportunity of three‐dimensional imaging of skeletal elements, allowing measurement of bones in any plane without defleshing. We present our experiences of the examination of 15 human lower limbs in different states of decomposition using MDCT. We present our method of imaging and radiological measurement of the bones including sex assessment. The radiological measurements were undertaken by three professional groups–anthropology, radiology, and forensic pathology–both at the site of scanning and at a remote site. The results were compared to anthropological oestological assessment of the defleshed bones. We discuss the limitations of this technique and the potential applications of our observations. We introduce the concept of remote radiological anthropological measurement of bones, so‐called tele‐anthro‐radiology and the role that this could play in providing the facility for standardization of protocols, international peer review and quality assurance schemes.
RNAi‐mediated inhibition of MSP58 decreases tumour growth, migration and invasion in a human glioma cell line
Authors: Lin Wei , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jian , Liu Xinping , Fei Zhou , Li Xia , Davidovic Laetitia , Tang Zhuo , Shen Lan , Deng Yanchun , Yang Angang , Han Hua , Zhang Xiang , Yao Libo
Published: September 2008

MSP58, a 58‐kD nuclear microspherule protein, is an evolutionarily conserved nuclear protein implicated in the regulation of gene transcription as well as in malignant transformation. An analysis of mRNA expression by real‐time PCR revealed that MSP58 was significantly up‐regulated in 29% of high‐grade glioblastoma tissues as well as in four glioblastoma cell lines. In the present study, we further evaluated the biological functions of MSP58 in U251 glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumour growth in vivo by specific MSP58 knockdown using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). We found that MSP58 depletion inhibited glioma cell growth, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis. MSP58 depletion also decreased the invasive capability of glioma cells and anchorage‐independent colony formation in soft agar. Moreover, suppression of MSP58 expression significantly impaired the growth of glioma xenografts in nude mice. Finally, a cell cycle‐associated gene array revealed potential molecular mechanisms contributing to cell cycle arrest in MSP58‐depleted glioma cells. In summary, our data highlight the importance of MSP58 in glioma progression and provided a biological basis for MSP58 as a novel candidate target for treatment of glioma.
La mort dans les Fragments de l’histoire de ma vie du Prince de Ligne
Authors: Pelckmans Paul
Published: September 2008

Les Fragments de l’histoire de ma vie s’écrivent, plus qu’aucune autre œuvre du Prince de Ligne, au voisinage sinon vraiment constant du moins fort régulier de la mort.

Ils ne rejoignent pour autant ni le nouveau pathétique de la mort sentimentale (la mort de toi de Philippe Ariès), ni la critique éclairée des angoisses eschatologiques, que les Philosophes croient volontiers fomentées, à des fins bassement intéressées, par des pastorales indiscrètes.

Le Prince se méfie en effet de tout pathétique survolté et se moque volontiers des deuils trop larmoyants qu’il rencontre autour de lui. Les Fragments se montrent au contraire très attentifs à toutes sortes de présages et d’annonces et semblent par moment fort près de « croire aux pressentiments et aux rêves » (p. 188) : la mort, ici, est loin d’être entièrement désenchantée. Elle l’est même si peu que le Prince retourne, pendant ses dernières années, à une religion de type assez traditionnel, conversion dont il sourit parfois tout le premier mais qui comporte aussi ses moments de ferveur.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: A Distinct Cellular Profile Is Seen in the Human Endocervix During Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Authors: Ficarra Mercedes , Ibana Joyce S. A. , Poretta Constance , Ma Liang , Myers Leann , Taylor Stephanie N. , Greene Sheila , Smith Barbara , Hagensee Michael , Martin David H. , Quayle Alison J.
Published: September 2008

Problem  The endocervix is a major target of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, but little is known about the immune repertoire in this tissue, or its response to these common bacteria.

Method of study  Using a cytobrush, we isolated cells from the endocervix of 20 women during C. trachomatis infection, and post‐antibiotic treatment. Endocervical swabs and blood were taken in parallel. Endocervical cells were enumerated, and endocervical and blood T cells immunophenotyped. Chlamydia trachomatis was genotyped by sequence analysis of the OmpA gene, and quantified by culture.

Results  Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes were D, E, F and Ia, and infectious burden varied considerably. Endocervical T cell and neutrophil numbers were highly elevated during infection, with both CD4 and CD8 T‐cell subsets accumulating. Regardless of the presence or absence of infection, the endocervical cell infiltrate was dominated by effector memory T cells, and the numbers of CCR5 and CD103 expressing T cells was significantly higher than in the blood. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA‐DR) expression by endocervical T cells was significantly increased during infection.

Conclusion  The human endocervix exhibits a distinct cellular response to C. trachomatis infection that can be longitudinally evaluated by cytobrush sampling. Infecting organisms can be sampled and analyzed in parallel.
Later‐onset congenital central hypoventilation syndrome due to a heterozygous 24‐polyalanine repeat expansion mutation in the PHOX2B gene
Authors: Repetto Gabriela M , Corrales Raul J , Abara Selim G , Zhou Lili , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth M , Rand Casey M , Weese‐Mayer Debra E
Published: September 2008

Aim: to describe a family with later onset congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (LO‐CCHS) and heterozygosity for a 24‐polyalanine repeat expansion mutation in the PHOX2B gene, rendered phenotypically apparent with exposure to anesthetics.

Case summary: An otherwise healthy 2.75‐year‐old boy presented with alveolar hypoventilation after adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea, requiring invasive ventilatory support during sleep. He had a heterozygous 24‐polyalanine repeat expansion in the PHOX2B gene (20/24 genotype), a genotype that has not been previously described in association with CCHS or LO‐CCHS symptoms. Clinical findings in members of the family with the same 20/24 genotype ranged from asymptomatic to prolonged sedation after benzodiazepines.

Conclusion: CCHS should be suspected in individuals presenting with unexplained hypoventilation and/or seizures after anesthetics or sedatives. This is the first report of LO‐CCHS in a kindred with the PHOX2B 20/24 genotype. The incomplete penetrance observed in this family suggests a gene–environment interaction.
Obesity in girls and penetrative sexual abuse in childhood
Authors: Pinhas‐Hamiel Orit , Modan‐Moses Dalit , Herman‐Raz Meirav , Reichman Brian
Published: September 2008

Aim: To assess the relationship between childhood obesity and penetrative sexual abuse in girls.

Methods: All obese girls referred to a hospital based pediatric endocrine unit were interviewed by a social worker or psychologist. Questions aimed to elicit any history of physical, emotional and sexual abuse are included. Overweight was defined as BM >95th percentile for age and gender. Body mass index (BMI) Z score (BMIZ) was calculated as measured BMI minus mean BMI for age and gender divided by standard deviation. Penetrative abuse was defined if a history was elicited of forced intercourse with any form of oral, vaginal or anal penetration.

Results: A history of penetrative abuse was elicited in 5 out of 145 (3.5%) obese girls, their mean ± SD age was 11.9 ± 3.1 years. Abused girls were significantly more obese than the remainder of the patients (BMIZ 4.76 ± 1.34 vs. 3.39 ± 1.28 p = 0.02). Forty‐two of all girls had BMI Z scores ≥4, and of these four (9.5%) had been abused. All girls had changes in normal daily behaviour including seductive behaviour, seclusion, self‐mutilation and new onset day enuresis.

Conclusion: In the evaluation of girls with marked obesity, particularly if associated with behavioural changes and failure to respond to therapy, the possible occurrence of penetrative sexual abuse should be considered.
Characterization of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol‐Lowering Efficacy for Atorvastatin in a Population‐Based DNA Biorepository
Authors: Wilke Russell A. , Berg Richard L. , Linneman James G. , Zhao Chengfeng , McCarty Catherine A. , Krauss Ronald M.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  The Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project (PMRP) represents a large population‐based biobank located in central Wisconsin. To position the PMRP database for large‐scale pharmacogenetic association studies in the context of lipid‐lowering therapy, we constructed an electronic phenotyping algorithm to quantify exposure and dose–response for atorvastatin, the most commonly prescribed lipid‐lowering agent within this population. The resulting datasets were used to generate five distinct parameters for atorvastatin‐induced changes in low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level: (i) pretreatment, baseline LDL level [E0]; (ii) absolute reduction in LDL; (iii) relative reduction in LDL; (iv) potency [ED50]; and (v) maximal efficacy [Emax]. These parameters will facilitate the efficient application of electronic phenotyping for drug outcomes in the context of large pharmacogenetic association studies.
Molecular taxonomy of Brazilian tyrant‐flycatchers (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae)
Authors: CHAVES A. V. , CLOZATO C. L. , LACERDA D. R. , SARI E. H. R. , SANTOS F. R.
Published: September 2008

The tyrannids are one of the most diverse groups of birds in the world, and the most numerous suboscine family in the Neotropics. Reflecting such diversity, many taxonomic issues arise in this group, mainly due to morphological similarities, even among phylogenetically distant species. Other issues appear at higher taxonomic levels, mostly brought up by genetic studies, making systematics a rather inconclusive issue. This study looks into the use of DNA barcodes method to discriminate and identify Tyrannidae species occurring in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of Brazil. We analysed 266 individuals of 71 tyrant‐flycatcher species from different geographical locations by sequencing 542 bp of the mtDNA COI gene. The great majority of the analysed species showed exclusive haplotypes, usually displaying low intraspecific diversity and high interspecific divergence. Only Casiornis fuscus and Casiornis rufus, suggested in some studies to belong to a single species, could not be phylogenetically separated. High intraspecific diversity was observed among Elaenia obscura individuals, which can suggest the existence of cryptic species in this taxon. The same was also observed for Suiriri suiriri, considered by some authors to comprise at least two species, and by others to be divided into three subspecies. Additionally, the use of sequences from voucher specimens allowed us to correct four misidentifications that had happened in the field. Our findings suggest a great power of the COI barcodes to discriminate species of the Tyrannidae family that are found in Brazil.
Characterization of eight single nucleotide polymorphism markers in Aedes aegypti
Authors: PADUAN KS , RIBOLLA PEM
Published: September 2008

Sequencing of part of seven genes from Aedes aegypti collected in 16 Brazilian cities revealed the existence of 53 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), representing one SNP every 52 base pairs. From these 53 SNPs, we selected eight that are independent and highly polymorphic. We describe the use of these markers for differentiation of Brazilian populations of A. aegypti. These are the first SNPs developed for delineating population structure in A. aegypti, and will be a useful complement to epidemiological studies.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Pinellia ternata and cross‐species amplification
Authors: CHEN FANGJIAN , ZHANG LIXIN , ZHAO CHANGMING
Published: September 2008

In this study, we isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite loci for Pinellia ternata. Polymorphism of these 12 loci was assessed in 46 individuals collected from two wild populations. All the loci were polymorphic with four to 13 alleles per locus and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.312 to 0.680 and from 0.506 to 0.734, respectively. None of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). No significant linkage disequilibrium was observed between pairs of studied loci. In addition, most markers amplified successfully in three closely related taxa that are Pinellia cordata, P. peltata and P. pedatisecta. These microsatellite markers could provide a useful tool for genetic structure studies of the Pinellia species.
DNA barcoding of eight North American coregonine species
Authors: SCHLEI ORA L. , CRÊTE‐LAFRENIÈRE ALEXIS , WHITELEY ANDREW R. , BROWN RANDY J. , OLSEN JEFFREY B. , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS , WENBURG JOHN K.
Published: September 2008

Coregonine fishes have a circumpolar distribution in the Arctic and sub‐Arctic Northern Hemisphere. This subfamily of Salmonidae consists of three genera: Prosopium, Stenodus and Coregonus, including over 30 species. Many species overlap spatially and are difficult to distinguish based on morphological characteristics, especially as larvae or juveniles. Here we present a method for rapid and cost‐effective species identification for representatives of the three genera based on sequence variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). We examined eight species common to North America with distributional overlap in Alaska. Mean pairwise sequence divergence for all eight species was 7.04% and ranged from 0.46% to 14.23%. This sequence variation was used to develop a genetic assay based on restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a blind test, this assay provided correct species assignment for 48 of 49 individuals representing all eight species. The single incorrect assignment may reflect hybridization between two closely related species. This DNA barcode‐based assay promises to aid fishery managers and researchers by providing a cost‐effective alternative to large‐scale sequence analysis for identification of North American coregonine fishes.
Vertical integration, exclusive dealing, and expost cartelization
Authors: Chen Yongmin , Riordan Michael H.
Published: September 2008

This article uncovers an unnoticed connection between exclusive contracts and vertical organization. A vertically integrated firm can use exclusive dealing to foreclose an equally efficient upstream competitor and to cartelize the downstream industry. Neither vertical integration nor exclusive dealing alone achieves these anticompetitive effects. The cartelization effect of these two practices may be limited when downstream firms are heterogeneous and supply contracts are not contingent on uncertain market conditions. The extent of cartelization also depends on the degree of downstream market concentration and on the degree to which downstream competition is localized.
Secrecy versus patenting
Authors: Kultti Klaus , Takalo Tuomas , Toikka Juuso
Published: September 2008

We develop an equilibrium search model of innovation with the possibility of multiple independent discovery. We distinguish innovations from ideas, and we view patents as probabilistic property rights that are constrained by the innovators' option to keep the innovation secret. We find that the patent system can simultaneously stimulate innovation, information disclosure and welfare. An optimal patent may provide more or less protection than secrecy, and in many cases, it provides less, suggesting that its main function is information spreading rather than rewarding the costs of the innovative activity.
Ordered search
Authors: Arbatskaya Maria
Published: September 2008

I present an ordered‐search model that, in contrast with random‐search models, yields an intuitively appealing equilibrium in which there is price dispersion, prices and profits decline in the order of search and consumers with lower search costs search longer and obtain better deals. These features of the search equilibrium hold regardless of whether consumers are informed of prices prior to searching.
Outsourcing, information leakage, and consulting firms
Authors: Baccara Mariagiovanna
Published: September 2008

I analyze the R&D investment of firms that decide between outsourcing and in‐house production when information leakage is present (contractors learn clients' technology and can diffuse it to competitors)in a general equilibrium model. Information leakage tends to concentrate the outsourcing market: despite the fact that the original market is competitive, when a market for information arises, it is monopolistic. If contractors do not have control of the information, the market splits into a set of high‐tech firms that never outsource and a set of low‐tech firms that always outsource. The equilibrium structure captures several features observable in the management consulting industry.
Durable‐goods oligopoly with secondary markets: the case of automobiles
Authors: Esteban Susanna , Shum Matthew
Published: September 2008

We study the effects of durability and secondary markets on equilibrium firm behavior in the car market. We construct a dynamic oligopoly model of a differentiated product market to incorporate the equilibrium production dynamics that arise from the durability of the goods and their active trade in secondary markets. We derive an econometric model and estimate its parameters using data from the automobile industry over a 20‐year period. Our estimates are used to provide a measure of the competitive importance of the secondary market.
Something to prove: reputation in teams
Authors: Bar‐Isaac Heski
Published: September 2008

Agents work for their own reputations when young but for their firms' when old. An individual with an established reputation cannot credibly commit to exerting effort when working alone. However, by hiring and working with juniors of uncertain reputation, seniors will have incentives to exert effort. Incentives for young agents arise from a concern for their own reputation (and the opportunity to take over the firm), whereas older agents work for the reputation of their firms (and the opportunity to sell out to juniors). Thus, the article explains the choice to work in teams. It also exemplifies how type uncertainty in reputation models may be endogenously and strategically introduced.
Nonlinear pricing in an oligopoly market: the case of specialty coffee
Authors: McManus Brian
Published: September 2008

Firms that use nonlinear pricing may distort product characteristics away from their efficient levels. This paper offers the first empirical study of this issue. Using data from a specialty coffee market, I estimate a structural utility model to compute consumers' benefits from changing products' sizes. I then compare the estimated benefits to cost data. Design distortions are relatively large for products not targeted to the highest‐demand consumers. Distortions decrease toward zero with drink size for products with the largest profit margins. These results support some of the central predictions from nonlinear pricing theory, including “no distortion at the top.”
An optimal auction with identity‐dependent externalities
Authors: Aseff Jorge , Chade Hector
Published: September 2008

We analyze the problem of a seller of multiple identical units of a good who faces a set of buyers with unit demands, private information, and identity‐dependent externalities. We derive the seller's optimal mechanism and characterize its main properties. We show that the probability that a buyer obtains a unit is an increasing function of the externalities he generates and enjoys. Also, the seller's allocation of the units of the good need not be ex post efficient. As an illustration, we apply the model to the problem faced by a developer of a shopping mall who wants to allocate and price its retail space among anchor and non‐anchor stores. We show that a commonly used sequential mechanism is not optimal unless externalities are large enough.
Differentiated networks: equilibrium and efficiency
Authors: Argenziano Rossella
Published: September 2008

We consider a model of price competition in a duopoly with product differentiation and network effects. In the efficient allocation, both networks are active and the firm with the highest expected quality has the largest market share. To characterize the equilibrium allocation, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for uniqueness of the equilibrium of the coordination game played by consumers for given prices. The equilibrium allocation differs from the efficient one for two reasons. First, the equilibrium allocation of consumers to the networks is too balanced, because consumers fail to internalize network externalities. Second, if access to the networks is priced by strategic firms, then the product with the highest expected quality is also the most expensive. This further reduces the asymmetry between market shares and therefore social welfare.
Takeovers, market monitoring, and international corporate governance
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Ramchand Latha
Published: September 2008

We theoretically and empirically examine the role of international takeover markets in curtailing dominant shareholder moral hazard for firms with higher value‐added from acquisitions. In equilibrium, such firms strategically list shares in the markets of their targets and voluntarily dilute dominant shareholder control through capital‐raising events to lower their expected acquisition costs. Empirical tests, using a sample of foreign firms cross‐listing on U.S. stock exchanges during 1990–2003, support the framework. We find a strong influence of post‐listing dilution of dominant shareholder control through capital‐raising events on the likelihood of acquisitions and their cost to the acquirers, in both U.S. and non‐U.S. markets.
Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of canine plasma after fibrinogen precipitation by ethanol
Authors: Rossi Silvia , Bertazzolo Walter , Paltrinieri Saverio , Giordano Alessia
Published: September 2008

Background: In routine canine medicine, anticoagulated blood is often the only sample sent to laboratories for diagnostic purposes. This hampers the interpretation of protein electrophoretic tracings because plasma contains fibrinogen, which migrates in the β–γ region. In human medicine, fibrinogen can be precipitated from plasma using ethanol.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess ethanol precipitation as a method for removing fibrinogen from canine plasma so as to facilitate the interpretation of electorphoresis results.

Methods: Blood samples collected from 40 dogs were divided into plain tubes and tubes containing EDTA (n=20) or lithium–heparin (n=20). An aliquot of plasma from each sample was incubated with ethanol at a final concentration of 100 mL/L. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis was then performed on serum, plasma, and plasma treated with ethanol. To verify the efficiency of ethanol treatment, fibrinogen was added to 5 canine serum samples at final concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/L, and electrophoresis was performed before and after ethanol treatment.

Results: Visual analysis of electrophoretograms from ethanol‐treated samples confirmed the disappearance of the fibrinogen peak from the β2‐globulin region. Treatment with ethanol caused a significant decrease in the percentage of β2‐globulins and a significant increase in the percentage of α2‐globulins. Absolute values of most electrophoretic fractions were significantly decreased in ethanol‐treated plasma compared with serum.

Conclusions: Ethanol treatment successfully removed fibrinogen from canine plasma and normalized electrophoretic profiles, but probably also precipitated proteins other than fibrinogen. Ethanol treatment is recommended to facilitate visual identification of abnormal monoclonal peaks, but not for determining absolute protein concentrations in electrophoretic fractions.
A Multi Blade-Row Linearised Analysis Method for Flutter and Forced Response Predictions in Turbomachinery
Authors: Saiz Gabriel , Imregun Mehmet , Sayma Abdulnaser I.
Published: September 2008

A three-dimensional time-linearised unsteady Navier-Stokes solver is presented for the computation of multistage unsteady flow in turbomachinery. The objective is to address multistage aeroelastic effects for both flutter and forced response. Since the method is currently being developed, only forced response applications are studied in this paper. With this approach, travelling waves, known as spinning modes, are propagated across the multistage domain in order to take into account the interaction between the blade-rows. The method is first validated over two simple test cases for which analytical solutions were available. It is then tested on a turbine stage test case and multistage effects are evaluated from the contribution of one spinning mode included in the model. The results are compared with both time-linearised single-row and nonlinear multirow methods. Multi-row effects are shown not to be important in this case. However, the test case serves as a validation for the implementation of the methodology and further work will focus on the implementation of several spinning modes and the computations of forced response and flutter cases with several blade-rows.