bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un-Orthodox imagery: voids and visual narrative in the Madrid Skylitzes manuscript
Authors: Boeck Elena
Published: February 2009

In the Madrid Skylitzes manuscript (BN, Vitr. 26–2) representations of Orthodox triumph over iconoclast heresy range from startlingly novel to seemingly incoherent. While previous studies have posited that the visual programme of the chronicle originates in Comnenian Constantinople, this article argues that the visual narrative is out of place in a climate of rigorous Comnenian Orthodoxy. The visual narrative actively restructures and revisions Byzantine history: iconoclast arch-villains such as John the Grammarian are assigned symbols of sanctity, Orthodox heroes such as patriarch Methodios and empress Theodora are obscured and misrepresented, and important events in the chronicle are turned into visual voids.
To compose, read, and use a Byzantine text: aspects of the chronicle of Constantine Manasses
Authors: Nilsson Ingela , Nyström Eva
Published: February 2009

Constantine Manasses’ Synopsis Chronike is a twelfth-century verse chronicle, recasting Byzantine history in a specifically Comnenian, romantic and poetic vein. The chronicle has been preserved in many manuscripts, but it has also come down to us in a number of different collections of excerpts. This article wishes to draw attention to the readers! excerptors of the Synopsis Chronike, to consider the use and usefulness of the text in relation to the composition itself. Some collections of excerpts are compared and discussed, with special focus on the excerpts included in a fifteenth-century miscellaneous manuscript (Codex Upsaliensis Graecus 8).
Circulating Ly-6C+ myeloid precursors migrate to the CNS and play a pathogenic role during autoimmune demyelinating disease
Authors: King Irah L. , Dickendesher Travis L. , Segal Benjamin M.
Published: February 2009

Mature myeloid cells (macrophages and CD11b+ dendritic cells) form a prominent component of neuroinflammatory infiltrates in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mechanism by which these cells are replenished during relapsing and chronic neuroinflammation is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that CD11b+CD62L+Ly6Chi monocytes with colony-forming potential are mobilized into the bloodstream by a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent pathway immediately before EAE relapses. Circulating Ly6Chi monocytes traffic across the blood-brain barrier, up-regulate proinflammatory molecules, and differentiate into central nervous system dendritic cells and macrophages. Enrichment of Ly6Chi monocytes in the circulating pool is associated with an earlier onset and increased severity of clinical EAE. Our studies indicate that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor–driven release of Ly6Chi precursors from the bone marrow prevents exhaustion of central nervous system myeloid populations during relapsing or chronic autoimmune demyelination, suggesting a novel pathway for therapeutic targeting.
Transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may occur by divergent evolution from a common progenitor cell or by direct evolution from the follicular lymphoma clone
Authors: Carlotti Emanuela , Wrench David , Matthews Janet , Iqbal Sameena , Davies Andrew , Norton Andrew , Hart Jason , Lai Raymond , Montoto Silvia , Gribben John G. , Lister T. Andrew , Fitzgibbon Jude
Published: February 2009

To investigate the cell of origin linking follicular (FL) and transformed (t-FL) lymphomas, we analyzed the somatic hypermutation (SHM) pattern of the variable region of the immunoglobulin heavy gene (IgH-VH) in 18 sequential FL/t-FL samples and a father (donor) and son (recipient), who developed FL and t-FL, after transplantation. Genealogic trees showed a pattern compatible with a common progenitor cell (CPC) origin in 13 cases. The identification of the t-FL clonotype in the previous FL sample and of the putative CPC sequence in both the FL/t-FL biopsies showed that the intraclonal diversity of FL and t-FL germinal centers (GCs) is more intricate than previously described, and all 3 clonotypes (CPC, FL, t-FL) may occur simultaneously within the same lymph node. On the basis of the father/son model, this CPC must be long-lived, providing a possible explanation for the incurable nature of this disease.
Oxidised proteins and superoxide anion production in the diaphragm of severe COPD patients
Authors: Marin-Corral J. , Minguella J. , Ramírez-Sarmiento A. L. , Hussain S. N. A. , Gea J. , Barreiro E.
Published: February 2009

In the diaphragms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, the nature of oxidatively modified proteins and superoxide anion production were explored.

Diaphragm specimens were obtained through thoracotomy because of localised lung lesions in COPD patients (16 severe and eight moderate) and 10 control subjects. Lung and respiratory muscle functions were evaluated. Oxidised proteins were identified using immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. Protein and activity levels of the identified proteins were determined using immunoblotting and activity assays. Lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence signals in a luminometer were used to determine superoxide anion levels in muscle compartments (mitochondria, membrane and cytosol) using selective inhibitors.

In severe COPD patients compared with controls, respiratory muscle function was impaired; creatine kinase, carbonic anhydrase III, actin and myosin were oxidised; myosin carbonylation levels were increased five-fold; creatine kinase content and activity and myosin protein were reduced; superoxide anion levels were increased in both mitochondria and membrane compartments; and the percentage of superoxide anion inhibition achieved by rotenone was significantly greater.

In severe COPD patients, oxidation of diaphragm proteins involved in energy production and contractile performance is likely to partially contribute to the documented respiratory muscle dysfunction. Furthermore, generation of the superoxide anion was increased in the diaphragms of these patients.
Increased T-regulatory cells within lymphocyte follicles in moderate COPD
Authors: Plumb J. , Smyth L. J. C. , Adams H. R. , Vestbo J. , Bentley A. , Singh S. D.
Published: February 2009

Lymphoid follicles in the lung parenchyma are a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are reports of altered CD4 T-regulatory cell numbers in COPD lungs, but the location of these cells within COPD lung tissue specific follicles has not been investigated.

The presence of CD4+FOXP3+T-regulatory cells was assessed in surgically resected lung tissue from 12 COPD patients, 11 smokers with normal lung function and seven nonsmokers by combined immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.

Organised lymphoid follicles were observed in all three groups of patients, as well as lymphoid clusters lacking organisation. The percentage of CD4 cells that were T-regulatory cells were significantly increased (p = 0.02) within COPD (16%) follicles compared with smokers (10%) and nonsmokers (8%). In contrast, there was no change (p>0.05) in the percentage of T-regulatory cells in clusters or the subepithelium between groups.

Lymphoid follicles in COPD patients have increased T-regulatory cells. Therefore, T-regulatory activity may be altered within COPD lymphoid follicles.
How to interpret reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity ratio with normal FEV1
Authors: Barisione G. , Crimi E. , Bartolini S. , Saporiti R. , Copello F. , Pellegrino R. , Brusasco V.
Published: February 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the combination of low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC) ratio with normal FEV1represents a physiological variant or a sign of early airflow obstruction.

We studied 40 subjects presenting with low FEV1/VC, but FEV1within the range of normality predicted by European Respiratory Society reference equations, and 10 healthy controls. All subjects completed two questionnaires and underwent comprehensive pulmonary function testing, which included methacholine challenge and single-breath nitrogen wash-out.

According to the questionnaires, the subjects were assigned to three groups,i.e.rhinitis (n = 8), bronchial asthma (n = 13) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 12). Subjects with negative responses to questionnaires were assigned to an asymptomatic group (n = 7). Airway hyperresponsiveness was found in four subjects of the rhinitis group, all of the asthma group, and 10 of the COPD group; in the last two groups, it was associated with signs of increased airway closure and gas trapping. Bronchodilator response to salbutamol was positive in only a few individuals across groups. In the asymptomatic group, no significant functional changes were observed, possibly suggesting dysanaptic lung growth.

In subjects with low FEV1/VC and normal FEV1, questionnaires on respiratory symptoms together with additional pulmonary function tests may help to clarify the nature of this pattern of lung function.
Identification of genes differentially expressed as result of adenovirus type 5- and adenovirus type 12-transformation
Authors: Strath Janet , Georgopoulos Lindsay J , Kellam Paul , Blair G Eric
Published: February 2009

Background

Cells transformed by human adenoviruses (Ad) exhibit differential capacities to induce tumours in immunocompetent rodents; for example, Ad12-transformed rodent cells are oncogenic whereas Ad5-transformed cells are not. The E1A gene determines oncogenic phenotype, is a transcriptional regulator and dysregulates host cell gene expression, a key factor in both cellular transformation and oncogenesis. To reveal differences in gene expression between cells transformed with oncogenic and non-oncogenic adenoviruses we have performed comparative analysis of transcript profiles with the aim of identifying candidate genes involved in the process of neoplastic transformation.

Results

Analysis of microarray data revealed that a total of 232 genes were differentially expressed in Ad12 E1- or Ad5 E1-transformed BRK cells compared to untransformed baby rat kidney (BRK) cells. Gene information was available for 193 transcripts and using gene ontology (GO) classifications and literature searches it was possible to assign known or suggested functions to 166 of these identified genes. A subset of differentially-expressed genes from the microarray was further examined by real-time PCR and Western blotting using BRK cells immortalised by Ad12 E1A or Ad5 E1A in addition to Ad12 E1- or Ad5 E1-transformed BRK cells. Up-regulation of RelA and significant dysregulation of collagen type I mRNA transcripts and proteins were found in Ad-transformed cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a complex web of cellular pathways become altered in Ad-transformed cells and that Ad E1A is sufficient for the observed dysregulation. Further work will focus on investigating which splice variant of Ad E1A is responsible for the observed dysregulation at the pathway level, and the mechanisms of E1A-mediated transcriptional regulation.
LRRCE: a leucine-rich repeat cysteine capping motif unique to the chordate lineage
Authors: Park Hosil , Huxley-Jones Julie , Boot-Handford Ray P , Bishop Paul N , Attwood Teresa K , Bella Jordi
Published: February 2009

Background

The small leucine-rich repeat proteins and proteoglycans (SLRPs) form an important family of regulatory molecules that participate in many essential functions. They typically control the correct assembly of collagen fibrils, regulate mineral deposition in bone, and modulate the activity of potent cellular growth factors through many signalling cascades. SLRPs belong to the group of extracellular leucine-rich repeat proteins that are flanked at both ends by disulphide-bonded caps that protect the hydrophobic core of the terminal repeats. A capping motif specific to SLRPs has been recently described in the crystal structures of the core proteins of decorin and biglycan. This motif, designated as LRRCE, differs in both sequence and structure from other, more widespread leucine-rich capping motifs. To investigate if the LRRCE motif is a common structural feature found in other leucine-rich repeat proteins, we have defined characteristic sequence patterns and used them in genome-wide searches.

Results

The LRRCE motif is a structural element exclusive to the main group of SLRPs. It appears to have evolved during early chordate evolution and is not found in protein sequences from non-chordate genomes. Our search has expanded the family of SLRPs to include new predicted protein sequences, mainly in fishes but with intriguing putative orthologs in mammals. The chromosomal locations of the newly predicted SLRP genes would support the large-scale genome or gene duplications that are thought to have occurred during vertebrate evolution. From this expanded list we describe a new class of SLRP sequences that could be representative of an ancestral SLRP gene.

Conclusion

Given its exclusivity the LRRCE motif is a useful annotation tool for the identification and classification of new SLRP sequences in genome databases. The expanded list of members of the SLRP family offers interesting insights into early vertebrate evolution and suggests an early chordate evolutionary origin for the LRRCE capping motif.
Clinical predictors for Legionella in patients presenting with community-acquired pneumonia to the emergency department
Authors: Fiumefreddo Rico , Zaborsky Roya , Haeuptle Jeannine , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Trampuz Andrej , Steffen Ingrid , Frei Reno , Müller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: February 2009

Background

Legionella species cause severe forms of pneumonia with high mortality and complication rates. Accurate clinical predictors to assess the likelihood of Legionella community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients presenting to the emergency department are lacking.

Methods

We retrospectively compared clinical and laboratory data of 82 consecutive patients with Legionella CAP with 368 consecutive patients with non-Legionella CAP included in two studies at the same institution.

Results

In multivariate logistic regression analysis we identified six parameters, namely high body temperature (OR 1.67, p < 0.0001), absence of sputum production (OR 3.67, p < 0.0001), low serum sodium concentrations (OR 0.89, p = 0.011), high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.003, p = 0.007) and C-reactive protein (OR 1.006, p < 0.0001) and low platelet counts (OR 0.991, p < 0.0001), as independent predictors of Legionella CAP. Using optimal cut off values of these six parameters, we calculated a diagnostic score for Legionella CAP. The median score was significantly higher in Legionella CAP as compared to patients without Legionella (4 (IQR 3–4) vs 2 (IQR 1–2), p < 0.0001) with a respective odds ratio of 3.34 (95%CI 2.57–4.33, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristics showed a high diagnostic accuracy of this diagnostic score (AUC 0.86 (95%CI 0.81–0.90), which was better as compared to each parameter alone. Of the 191 patients (42%) with a score of 0 or 1 point, only 3% had Legionella pneumonia. Conversely, of the 73 patients (16%) with ≥4 points, 66% of patients had Legionella CAP.

Conclusion

Six clinical and laboratory parameters embedded in a simple diagnostic score accurately identified patients with Legionella CAP. If validated in future studies, this score might aid in the management of suspected Legionella CAP.
Initiation of breastfeeding and prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in urban, suburban and rural areas of Zhejiang China
Authors: Qiu Liqian , Zhao Yun , Binns Colin W , Lee Andy H , Xie Xing
Published: February 2009

Background

Rates of exclusive breastfeeding in China are relatively low and below national targets. The aim of this study was to document the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding initiation in Zhejiang, PR China.

Methods

A cohort study of infant feeding practices was undertaken in Zhejiang Province, an eastern coastal region of China. A total of 1520 mothers who delivered in four hospitals located in city, suburb and rural areas during late 2004 to 2005 were enrolled in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors related to exclusive breastfeeding initiation.

Results

On discharge from hospital, 50.3% of the mothers were exclusively breastfeeding their infants out of 96.9% of the mothers who had earlier initiated breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively related to vaginal birth, baby's first feed being breast milk, mother living in the suburbs or rural areas, younger age of mother, lower maternal education level and family income.

Conclusion

The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Zhejiang is only 50.3% on discharge and does not reach Chinese or international targets. A number of behaviours have been identified in the study that could be potentially incorporated into health promotion activities.
Bordetella pertussis, an agent not to forget: a case report
Authors: Melo Natália , Dias Ana Catarina , Isidoro Lara , Duarte Raquel
Published: February 2009

Introduction

In the past, pertussis affected particularly children under 6 years of age, but recent trends show that there is a shift toward the older age group. The clinical presentation can be atypical in the adolescent age group, and the disease is often misdiagnosed.

Case presentation

We present a case of an 11-year-old male patient oriented to our unit with anorexia, weight loss and persistent cough with nocturnal paroxysms for 4 weeks. He also reported occasional wheezing and chest tightness. He denied fever, chills, myalgia, sore throat, or rhinorrhea. The patient presented to his primary care physician 1 week prior with the same complaint and was treated with amoxicillin and ebastine. Facing the persistence of the complaints he was oriented to our unit in order to exclude tuberculosis. Further study confirmed Bordetella pertussis infection and he started clarithromycin (15 mg/kg/day for 14 days). The patient's symptoms resolved after two weeks. Two of the patient's family members have developed symptoms of Bordetella pertussis infection and were treated after convenient study.

Conclusion

Cough is one of the most common complaints among children and its causes are multiple. Active immunization and early diagnosis are crucial in the management of pertussis.
Differential influence of arterial blood glucose on cerebral metabolism following severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Holbein Monika , Béchir Markus , Ludwig Silke , Sommerfeld Jutta , Cottini Silvia R , Keel Marius , Stocker Reto , Stover John F
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Maintaining arterial blood glucose within tight limits is beneficial in critically ill patients. Upper and lower limits of detrimental blood glucose levels must be determined.

Methods

In 69 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral metabolism was monitored by assessing changes in arterial and jugular venous blood at normocarbia (partial arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO2) 4.4 to 5.6 kPa), normoxia (partial arterial pressure of oxygen (paO2) 9 to 20 kPa), stable haematocrit (27 to 36%), brain temperature 35 to 38°C, and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) 70 to 90 mmHg. This resulted in a total of 43,896 values for glucose uptake, lactate release, oxygen extraction ratio (OER), carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3) production, jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2), oxygen-glucose index (OGI), lactate-glucose index (LGI) and lactate-oxygen index (LOI). Arterial blood glucose concentration-dependent influence was determined retrospectively by assessing changes in these parameters within pre-defined blood glucose clusters, ranging from less than 4 to more than 9 mmol/l.

Results

Arterial blood glucose significantly influenced signs of cerebral metabolism reflected by increased cerebral glucose uptake, decreased cerebral lactate production, reduced oxygen consumption, negative LGI and decreased cerebral CO2/HCO3 production at arterial blood glucose levels above 6 to 7 mmol/l compared with lower arterial blood glucose concentrations. At blood glucose levels more than 8 mmol/l signs of increased anaerobic glycolysis (OGI less than 6) supervened.

Conclusions

Maintaining arterial blood glucose levels between 6 and 8 mmol/l appears superior compared with lower and higher blood glucose concentrations in terms of stabilised cerebral metabolism. It appears that arterial blood glucose values below 6 and above 8 mmol/l should be avoided. Prospective analysis is required to determine the optimal arterial blood glucose target in patients suffering from severe TBI.
Pivotal Advance: PKCζ is required for migration of macrophages
Authors: Guo Hua , Ma Yongjie , Zhang Baogang , Sun Baocun , Niu Ruifang , Ying Guoguang , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2009

The crosstalk, mediated by chemoattractants, between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages, plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Our previous study reported that atypical protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) regulates epidermal growth factor-induced chemotaxis of human breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the role of PKCζ in CSF-1-induced chemotaxis of macrophages. Knockdown of PKCζ by small interference RNA impaired CSF-1-induced chemotaxis of human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1, which was probably a result of a decrease in CSF-1-induced phosphorylation of LIN-11, Is11, and MEC-3 protein domain kinase (LIMK)/cofilin and actin polymerization. Furthermore, silencing PKCζ expression also impaired migration of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Scratch analysis indicated that PKCζ was required for macrophage migration. Therefore, PKCζ is required for CSF-1-induced chemotaxis of macrophages. Blocking activation of PKCζ will be a novel strategy to inhibit cancer metastasis by blocking migration of cancer cells and macrophages.
Rational interpolation of qP-traveltimes for semblance-based anisotropy estimation in layered VTI media
Authors: Douma Huub , Baan Mirko van der
Published: February 2009

The [Formula: see text] domain is the natural domain for anisotropy parameter estimation in horizontally layered media. The need to transform the data to the [Formula: see text] domain or to pick traveltimes in the [Formula: see text] domain is, however, a practical disadvantage. To overcome this, we combine [Formula: see text]-derived traveltimes and offsets in horizontally layered transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) with a rational interpolation procedure applied in the [Formula: see text] domain. This combination results in an accurate and efficient [Formula: see text]-based semblance analysis for anisotropy parameter estimation from the moveout of qP-waves in horizontally layered VTI media. The semblance analysis is applied to the moveout to search directly for the interval values of the relevant parameters. To achieve this, the method is applied in a layer-stripping fashion. We demonstrate the method using synthetic data examples and show that it is robust in the presence of random noise and moderate statics.
Dimension Reduction Techniques in Quasi-Monte Carlo Methods for Option Pricing
Authors: Wang Xiaoqun
Published: February 2009

Many problems in mathematical finance (e.g., the pricing of financial derivative securities) can be formulated as high-dimensional integrals, which are often tackled by quasi-Monte Carlo methods. Quasi-random points have the special property that the one-dimensional projections and the earlier dimensional projections are extremely well distributed. This property strongly motivates us to reduce the effective dimensions of the problems. This paper deals with multiasset path-dependent options. The goal of this paper is twofold: (1) to design new methods for dimension reduction and to offer further insight into dimension reduction techniques, and (2) to investigate the practical performance of various dimension reduction strategies in conjunction with different quasi-random points (digital nets and good lattice points). We propose two groups of two-stage procedures for the constructions of correlated multidimensional Brownian motions, which provide a general framework to combine and use different dimension reduction techniques and optimize the use of quasi-random points. We find the inherent weights that characterize the weighted property and the dimension structure of the underlying functions (e.g., the sensitivity indices, the effective dimensions, etc.), and show how each dimension reduction strategy affects them. Numerical experiments on multiasset path-dependent options demonstrate that significant improvements can be achieved by proper use of dimension reduction strategies and quasi-random points. It is also shown that different quasi-random point sets have different behavior with respect to dimension reduction strategies.
Psychological distress amongst immigration detainees: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Robjant Katy , Robbins Ian , Senior Victoria
Published: February 2009

Objectives. To compare levels of depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst immigration detainees with a comparison group of asylum seekers living within the community.

Design. A cross‐sectional questionnaire study.

Method. Sixty‐seven detained asylum seekers, 30 detainees who had previously been imprisoned within the UK for criminal offences, and 49 asylum seekers living in the community completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and the impact of event scale‐revised (IES‐R). Demographic information was collected.

Results. High levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms were reported by all three groups. Detained asylum seekers had higher scores than asylum seekers living within the community for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. There was an interaction between length of detention period and prior exposure to interpersonal trauma (IP trauma) on depression scores.

Conclusions. Immigration detainees are highly vulnerable to psychological distress. A review of detention policies is recommended in light of this. Immigration detention may have an independent adverse effect on mental health. It is also possible that individuals with mental health problems may be more likely to be detained. Further research is required to investigate this.
Development and validation of the revised Children's Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale
Authors: McWhinnie Chad M. , Abela John R. Z. , Knäuper Bärbel , Zhang Chenchen
Published: February 2009

Objectives. The primary goals of the current study were to examine (a) the factor structure and reliability of the Children's Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (CDAS) in a sample of children and early adolescents and (b) the reliability of the factor structure in two additional independent samples at different developmental stages.

Design. In Phase 1, we conducted a factor analysis using maximum likelihood factor extraction and promax rotation to explore the underlying structure of the 40‐item CDAS. In Phase 2, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis on the factors obtained in Phase 1.

Method. In Phase 1, 140 children (ages 6–14) of affectively ill parents completed the CDAS and measures assessing depressive symptoms, coping strategies, and cognitive‐interpersonal vulnerability factors. In Phase 2, 130 third grade children and 184 seventh grade schoolchildren completed similar measures.

Results. In Phase 1, a two‐factor solution was obtained: (1) Self‐critical Perfectionism (SCP) and (2) Personal Standards Perfectionism (PSP). In Phase 2, a two‐factor solution provided a significantly better fit than a one‐factor solution in both grades. The two factors obtained exhibited high internal consistency in both our high‐risk and community samples. Additionally, in both samples, SCP was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms, maladaptive coping strategies, and impaired interpersonal relationships than was PSP.

Conclusion. The results of the current study suggest that dysfunctional attitudes cluster into SCP and PSP in children as well as early adolescents. Further, SCP may have a more deleterious impact on children's psychosocial functioning as compared to PSP.
Perceptions about memory reliability and honesty for children of 3 to 18 years old
Authors: Wright Daniel B. , Hanoteau Florence , Parkinson Camilla , Tatham Anna
Published: February 2009

Purpose. To examine the relationship between perceived memory characteristics and age.

Method. Participants rated the reliability and honesty of children's memory for one of two events. The children's ages varied from 3‐ to 18‐years‐old.

Results. Participants (N = 612) believed that memory reliability increased with age, but the observed effect was non‐linear. Perceived reliability increased rapidly for children from 3 to 6 years. After this, male participants believed memory reliability increased, but less than in early childhood. Female participants did not think memory reliability increased in middle childhood and adolescence. Further effects involving type of event, age of participant, and the gender of the eyewitness were observed for honesty and the relationship between these attributes and beliefs in guilt.

Conclusions. These findings stress the need for more research on development trends of memory in middle childhood and adolescence.
PCR-Based Methods for the Enrichment of Minority Alleles and Mutations
Authors: Milbury Coren A , Li Jin , Makrigiorgos G Mike
Published: February 2009

Background: The ability to identify low-level somatic DNA mutations and minority alleles within an excess wild-type sample is becoming essential for characterizing early and posttreatment tumor status in cancer patients. Over the past 2 decades, much research has focused on improving the selectivity of PCR-based technologies for enhancing the detection of minority (mutant) alleles in clinical samples. Routine application in clinical and diagnostic settings requires that these techniques be accurate and cost-effective and require little effort to optimize, perform, and analyze.

Content: Enrichment methods typically segregate by their ability to enrich for, and detect, either known or unknown mutations. Although there are several robust approaches for detecting known mutations within a high background of wild-type DNA, there are few techniques capable of enriching and detecting low-level unknown mutations. One promising development is COLD-PCR (coamplification at lower denaturation temperature), which enables enrichment of PCR amplicons containing unknown mutations at any position, such that they can be subsequently sequenced to identify the exact nucleotide change.

Summary: This review summarizes technologies available for detecting minority DNA mutations, placing an emphasis on newer methods that facilitate the enrichment of unknown low-level DNA variants such that the mutation can subsequently be sequenced. The enrichment of minority alleles is imperative in clinical and diagnostic applications, especially in those related to cancer detection, and continued technology development is warranted.
Interaction of human heat shock protein 70 with tumor-associated peptides
Authors: Pandya Maya J. , Bendz Henriette , Manzenrieder Florian , Noessner Elfriede , Kessler Horst , Buchner Johannes , Issels Rolf D.
Published: February 2009

Molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family play a crucial role in the presentation of exogenous antigenic peptides by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In a combined biochemical and immunological approach, we characterize the biochemical interaction of tumor-associated peptides with human Hsp70 and show that the strength of this interaction determines the efficacy of immunological cross-presentation of the antigenic sequences by APCs. A fluorescein-labeled cytosolic mammalian Hsc70 binding peptide is shown to interact with human Hsp70 molecules with high affinity (Kd=0.58 μmat 25°C). Competition experiments demonstrate weaker binding by Hsp70 of antigenic peptides derived from the tumor-associated proteins tyrosinase (Kd=32 μm) and melanoma antigen recognized by T cells (MART-1) (Kd=2.4 μm). Adding a peptide sequence (pep70) with high Hsp70 binding affinity (Kd=0.04 μm) to the tumor-associated peptides enables them to strongly interact with Hsp70. Presentation of tumor-associated peptides by B cells resulting in T cell activationin vitrois enhanced by Hsp70 when the tumor-associated peptides contain the Hsp70 binding sequence. This observation has relevance for vaccine design, as augmented transfer of tumor-associated antigens to APCs is closely linked to the vaccine's efficacy of T cell stimulation.
Amidinoanthracyclines – a new group of potential anti-hepatitis C virus compounds
Authors: Krawczyk Mariusz , Wasowska-Lukawska Malgorzata , Oszczapowicz Irena , Boguszewska-Chachulska Anna M.
Published: February 2009

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections represent one of the major and still unresolved health problems because current therapy is effective in only 50–80% of cases, depending on viral genotype. A large group of amidinoanthracyclines, with decreased acute toxicity and cardiotoxicity compared to the parent antibiotics, was tested in a high-throughput fluorometric HCV helicase assay. Here, we report the selection of more than 50 potent inhibitors of helicase activity that inhibit the enzyme with IC50 values in the range of 0.03–10 μm; four of these compounds are the most potent inhibitors of helicase activity described in the literature. The activity of these inhibitors is highly dependent on their chemical structure, mainly on the substituent at the amidino carbon atom and on the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the 4′ position of the daunosamine moiety. The most effective compounds act not solely via intercalation into the double-stranded DNA substrate, but also compete with the enzyme for access to the substrate, impeding formation of the active helicase complex. Selected amidinoanthracyclines were tested in the subgenomic HCV replicon system. These experiments confirmed the antiviral activity of two selected inhibitors (EC50 values below 0.2 μm with selectivity indices of 19 and 33) and proved that they may be considered as potential anti-HCV drugs.
Higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations with the Architect PTH assay than with the Elecsys assay in hemodialysis patients, and a simple way to standardize these two methods
Authors: Monge Marie , Jean Guillaume , Bacri Jean-Louis , Lemaitre Vincent , Masy Eric , Joly Dominique , Souberbielle Jean-Claude
Published: February 2009

: The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines recommend maintaining serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration between 150 and 300 pg/mL in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5. However, a marked inter-method variability in PTH measurement has been reported recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether harmonization of the results measured with two commercial kits known to produce significantly different serum PTH concentrations could be reasonably achieved by a simple procedure.

: The study comprised a total of 216 hemodialyzed patients in whom blood was collected immediately before a dialysis session. The patients were from three dialysis centers, which defined three groups (119, 34, and 63 patients for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). PTH was measured by two automated assays, the Elecsys (Roche Diagnostics) and Architect (Abbott Diagnostics) assays, in three different laboratories and with different lots of reagents. We arbitrarily chose the Roche assay as the reference method, because several studies had previously shown that the concentrations measured with this assay were very close to the Allegro assay used in the studies that defined the K/DOQI thresholds. Data are median (interquartile range).

: The median PTH concentrations were higher (p<0.001) in the Architect assay [238 (140–434) pg/mL] when compared to the Elecsys assay [182 (109–338) pg/mL]. Bland-Altman plots in the three groups showed a similar proportional bias between both kits. The Architect PTH/Elecsys PTH ratios were similar in the three groups [1.30 (1.25–1.35), 1.30 (1.19–1.39), and 1.31 (1.25–1.35)], and the ratio was 1.30 (1.25–1.35) in the cohort (pooling the three groups). In the whole population, 53 patients (24.5%) were classified differently by the two kits according to the K/DOQI cut-off values. We divided the Architect values by 1.3 to obtain “corrected” values. These corrected Architect values were not different to the measured Elecsys values, and the Bland-Altman plot comparing the Elecsys and the corrected Artchitect values did not show any systematic proportional bias. Only six patients (2.8%) were still classified differently by the Elecsys and the corrected Architect concentrations.

: We propose to divide the PTH values measured with the Architect PTH assay by 1.3 so that the corrected values are almost identical to those measured with the Elecsys assay.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:362–6.
Adiponectin induced placental cell apoptosis could be mediated via the ADIPOR1-receptor in pre-eclampsia with IUGR
Authors: Jarvenpaa Jouko , Vuoristo Jussi T. , Santaniemi Merja , Ukkola Olavi , Savolainen Eeva-Riitta , Jääskeläinen Minna , Tapanainen Juha S. , Kesäniemi Antero , Ryynanen Markku
Published: February 2009

Aims: Adiponectin and leptin are members of the adipocytokine family. Adiponectin promotes and leptin inhibits apoptosis and both are regulators of angiogenesis. Adipocytokines and their receptors are expressed in the placenta, and in the pre-eclamptic (PE) mother the serum levels of both are higher than in healthy ones. Our aim was to study the expression of adiponectin, leptin, their receptor genes and apoptosis in severely PE and normal placentas.

Methods: The study group comprised 13 PE mothers and their 16 healthy controls. Placental biopsies were taken during cesarean section, the RNA was extracted and micro-array study was performed, followed by PCR and apoptosis studies.

Results: The placental expression level of the leptin and adiponectin receptor 1 genes was significantly higher in PE mothers than in controls. No significant changes were observed in the levels of the adiponectin, adiponectin receptor 2 and Leptin receptor genes. The expression of the Adiponectin gene was low. The rate of apoptosis was higher in the PE placentas.

Conclusions: The activity of placental adipocytokines and their receptor genes in severe PE may suggest an important role in placental angiogenesis. Placental apoptosis induced by adiponectin could be mediated via the ADIPOR1-receptor.
Prevention of intrauterine growth restriction: Are there no effective methods available?
Authors: Bergmann Renate L.
Published: February 2009

No abstract available
When Metal Meets Ice: Potential for Performance or Injury
Authors: Lockwood K. , Frost G.
Published: February 2009

Physical conditioning, technical ability, contact, and protective equipment have been identified through research as factors that can potentially contribute to the incidence of injuries in ice hockey players. One safety-related factor often overlooked is the interaction between the skate blade and the ice. Skating is one of the fundamental skills of a successful hockey player, but the effect of skate sharpening on blade characteristics and performance has received limited research attention. The point of contact with the ice is essentially what allows the transition of human motion to skating mechanics, and it may affect both the quality of skating performance and the potential for on-ice injuries. The purpose of this paper is to address the influence of skate blade sharpening characteristics on performance. Experiments performed to examine skate blade sharpening characteristics have identified radius of hollow (ROH), radius of contour (ROC), pitch and levelness of edges as variables that can be manipulated, quantified, and controlled when analyzing blade-ice interaction and the effect of skate sharpening on skating performance. Optimum values for each may produce more effective skating performances. Less than optimum values can result in slower speeds, longer stopping times, instability, body malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially, greater chance of injury. Being able to define blade characteristics and determine the best combination of ROH, ROC, and pitch for a specific player allows some degree of control in an environment which can often be unpredictable. Furthermore, although there are standards for acceptable ice in professional hockey leagues, very often players must skate on a surface which is not only less than ideal, but which can also change over the course of a game or practice. Careful sharpening to accommodate for less than ideal ice conditions and the unpredictable nature of the play may also help to prevent fatigue, and injuries.
Neue alternative beschleunigte Abnutzungsprüfung für Durchflusssensoren von Messgeräten für ausgetauschte thermische EnergieNew Alternative Accelerated Durability Test for Flow Sensors of Measurement Devices of Thermal Energy
Authors: Rose Jürgen , Fenske Helmut , Gerdes Oda
Published: February 2009

Zur Abschätzung der Messbeständigkeit ist das Teilgerät Durchflusssensor von Wärmezählern im Rahmen von EG-Konformitätsuntersuchungen entsprechend den Vorschriften zur nationalen Umsetzung der europäischen Messgeräterichtlinie sowie bei nationalen Baumusterprüfungen von Kältezählern auch Verschleißtests auszusetzen [1;2]. Hierbei gelten die harmonisierte Norm CEN EN 1434 [3], das normative Dokument OIML R 75 [4] und die Technische Richtlinie K 7.2 der PTB [5]. Die gegenwärtigen normativen Vorgaben zur Verschleißprüfung bedeuten wegen der ein Vierteljahr dauernden Lastwechseltests sehr hohe Zeit- und Kostenaufwände. Die Untersuchungen der PTB in Zusammenarbeit mit Herstellern des Verbandes der deutschen Wasser- und Wärmezählerindustrie e. V. (VDDW) ermöglichen den Austausch des gegenwärtigen, aus Herstellersicht aber unwirtschaftlich lang andauernden Abnutzungstests gegen einen nur 600 Stunden beanspruchenden, der zudem zeitlich skalierbar zur prognostizierten Messbeständigkeitsdauer ist. Dies wurde möglich durch die Übertragung der im Betriebsablauf statischer Wärmetauscher-Kreislaufsysteme herrschenden Lastwechselvorgänge in zeitlich gefaltete Prüflast-Wechselzyklen.
Messgerätebau – Entwicklung und Fertigung von Präzisionsmessgeräten und NormalenMeasurements Instruments Engineering – Precision Instruments and Measurement Standards
Authors: Löffler Frank , Jäger Valentin , Lüllmann Heinz , Meeß Rudolf , Hagedorn Daniel
Published: February 2009

Der steigende Bedarf an immer hochwertigeren Produkten erfordert stets auch Verbesserungen in der Messtechnik. So muss auch die Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt im Rahmen ihrer Aufgaben laufend neue Methoden, Geräte und Normale entwickeln. An dieser Aufgabe beteiligt sich der Fachbereich Wissenschaftlicher Gerätebau, dessen Möglichkeiten hier vorgestellt und realisierte Geräte beschrieben werden.
Effects of Dietary Lipid Concentration, a Dairy–Yeast Prebiotic, and Fish and Nonfish Protein Sources on Growth, Survival, and Nonspecific Immune Response of Golden Shiners in Indoor Tanks and Outdoor Pools
Authors: Lochmann R T , Sink T D , Phillips H
Published: February 2009

We conducted two feeding trials in which golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas were given six practical diets: Two basal diets with 5% fish meal and either 4% or 10% supplemental lipid (poultry fat [PF]); two prebiotic diets with 2% dairy–yeast prebiotic, 5% fish meal, and 4% or 10% PF; and two 4% or 10% PF diets that contained no fish meal or prebiotic. To compare diet effects in the presence or absence of natural foods, one trial was conducted in indoor aquaria and one was conducted in outdoor pools. Diet effects were assessed by measuring growth, survival, feed efficiency, and body composition in both trials and Fulton's condition factor K in the outdoor pool trial. A subset of fish from the outdoor trial was grown to a larger size for analysis of alternative complement activity (ACH50). The prebiotic enhanced growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) slightly in the indoor aquarium trial. Weight gain and FCR did not differ among diet groups in the outdoor trial, reflecting the influence of natural foods. Survival in aquaria was higher in fish fed the 10% PF diets than in fish given the 4% PF diets. The prebiotic slightly reduced survival in outdoor pools, but survival was 96% or higher for all diet groups. The K-value was higher in fish that were given 10% PF diets than in fish fed 4% PF diets. Whole-body proximate composition was similar among treatment groups for the aquarium trial. In the outdoor trial, whole-body lipid was higher in fish fed the diets with 10% PF versus those fed diets with 4% PF, and dry matter followed a similar pattern. The ACH50 was similar between golden shiners that were fed diets with the prebiotic and those given diets without the prebiotic. Fish meal did not enhance any of the performance criteria in golden shiners held in tanks or pools. Although prebiotic addition and lipid concentration significantly affected several aspects of fish performance and body composition, some of the differences were numerically small. Economic analysis should be conducted to determine whether addition of a prebiotic or extra lipid to commercial diets is justified for production and distribution of golden shiners.
Partial Replacement of Fish Meal with Laver Porphyra spp. in Diets for Atlantic Cod
Authors: Walker Abigail B , Fournier Heidi R , Neefus Christopher D , Nardi George C , Berlinsky David L
Published: February 2009

Juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (initial mean weight = 15.6 g) were fed three isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets (55% protein, 16% fat; calculated gross energy ≈ 20.5 MJ/kg) containing dried laver (nori) Porphyra spp. (red algae) to replace 0, 15, and 30% of the fish meal in a commercially available marine finfish diet. After 84 d, no differences in survival, growth, or hepatosomatic index were found among the treatment groups. The fish attained an average weight of 41.0 g, a specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.19%, and a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.26. The fatty acid composition of the muscle was similar among treatment groups except that arachidonic acid levels were greater in fish given diets with 30% Porphyra replacement. These results indicate that Porphyra spp. at levels up to 30% provide a suitable fish meal replacement in diets for juvenile Atlantic cod.
Dynamic analysis of planar geared linkage mechanisms
Authors: Li T.-J. , Cao W.-Q.
Published: February 2009

A general approach to the dynamic analysis of planar geared linkage mechanisms (GLMs) is presented based on their structural topological characteristics and the theory of type transformation. First, the geared linkage Assur group (GLAG) turned out to be not only a kinematical determinate system but also a force determinate system. A method of force analysis for multiple joints is proposed. A systematic method for the dynamic analysis of GLAGs is obtained through decomposing a GLAG into a series of sequential independent kinematic units, such as simple links and dyads. Then, the unity and mutual reversibility between kinematic and dynamic analysis of GLAGs are revealed. The dynamic analysis models and explicit solutions for the basic kinematic units are derived from force determination and the process of dynamic analysis of GLMs is established in an algorithmic fashion. Finally, an application program has been developed through which the complete process from kinematic analysis to dynamic analysis can be accomplished automatically for any GLM. An example is given to illustrate the process.