bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Common‐Item and Random‐Groups Equating Designs Using Empirical Data
Authors: Kim Dong‐In , Choi Seung W. , Lee Guemin , Um Kooghyang R.
Published: May 2008

We designed this study to evaluate several data collection and equating designs in the context of item response theory (IRT) equating. The random‐groups design and the common‐item design have been widely used for collecting data for IRT equating. In this study, we investigated four equating methods based upon these two data collection designs, using empirical data from a number of different testing programs. When the randomly equivalent group assumption was reasonably met, the four equating methods tended to produce highly comparable results. On the other hand, equating methods based upon either of the equating designs produced dissimilar results. Sample size can have differential effects on the equating results produced by the different equating methods. In practice, a common‐item equivalent‐groups design often produces unacceptably large differences in the group mean due to various anomalies such as context effects, poor quality of common items, or a very small number of common items. In such cases, a random‐groups design would produce more stable equating results.
The Preliminary Employment Interview as a Predictor of Assessment Center Outcomes
Authors: Dayan Kobi , Fox Shaul , Kasten Ronen
Published: May 2008

The current study examined the relationships between personnel employment interview scores (PEI), cognitive ability test scores (CAT) and assessment center (AC) scores, as well as the potential to circumvent the costly AC method for some of the candidates by using these less expensive selection methods. A total of 423 Israeli police force candidates participated in the study. Their PEI and CAT scores were collected in the first stage of the selection process. They subsequently participated in an AC and a final decision was made regarding their acceptance to the police force. It was found that PEI and CAT scores significantly correlated with the AC scores and the recruitment decision, although the PEI scores demonstrated stronger correlations with the criteria. An actuarial analysis demonstrated the benefit of using the AC procedure for those achieving middle range scores on the PEI and CAT, circumventing the costly ACs for those achieving high and low scores. This strategy resulted in minor costs of both α and β errors. Organizations can adopt this economical strategy when the AC costs exceed the manpower costs incurred by disposing of the AC.
Applicant Selection Expectations: Validating a multidimensional measure in the military
Authors: Schreurs Bert , Derous Eva , Proost Karin , Notelaers Guy , Witte Karel De
Published: May 2008

Research has suggested the importance of applicants' expectations of forthcoming selection procedures in predicting how applicants react to selection procedures. Validated measures of selection expectations are still scarce, however. This study reports on the validation of the Applicant Expectation Survey (AES), intended to measure applicants' expectations of forthcoming selection procedures. The AES was validated using three military applicant samples and showed sound psychometric properties (i.e., reliability, measurement invariance, discriminant validity) for a five‐factorial oblique structure consisting of 26 items. The five factors (i.e., Warmth/respect, Chance to demonstrate potential, Difficulty of faking, Unbiased assessment, Feedback) were positively related to several organizational outcome measures and to applicants' perceptions of the selection procedure, providing evidence for the predictive validity of the AES.
The tune of want in the loneliness melody – loneliness experienced by people with serious mental suffering
Authors: Nilsson Brita , Nåden Dagfinn , Lindström Unni Å.
Published: May 2008

The prime purpose of this article is to present the results of a study of the significance of loneliness in patients with serious psychiatric disease, who live alone at home. This empirical study lasted about 1 year. Participatory observation, talks with the researcher and conversational qualitative interviews were employed. There were eight informants with serious psychiatric illnesses who lived alone in a large city. Throughout the year, a gradual and deeper understanding of the informants’ loneliness was sought through the interpretation process. Want as a common fate become visible as an ideographical invariance through summative discussions about the right to life. The results have implications for caring and nursing practice.
Aging‐related differences in basal heat shock protein 70 levels in lymphocytes are linked to altered frequencies of lymphocyte subsets
Authors: Njemini Rose , Demanet Christian , Mets Tony
Published: May 2008

Cell stress responses are ubiquitous in all organisms and are characterized by the induced synthesis of heat shock proteins (Hsp). Previous studies as well as recent reports by our group have consistently suggested that aging leads to an increase in the basal levels of Hsp70. Here we extend these studies by examining the differential Hsp70 response of peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) subsets. It is well established that with aging, one of the major changes in the T cell pool is an expansion of T cells with the memory phenotype as well as those deficient for the CD28 molecule. To determine if alterations in the frequency of T cell subsets might be responsible for the observations, we have carried out a more comprehensive flow cytometric analysis of the various phenotypes of PBL under unstimulated conditions. Cells were obtained from 10 young and 10 elderly normal subjects. The basal Hsp70 levels in the various PBL phenotypes were comparable between young and elderly subjects. However, different patterns of Hsp70 response were noticed among the PBL subtypes, which were similar in both young and elderly subjects. In particular, the memory cell phenotypes produced more Hsp70 than the naïve phenotypes. These results suggest that aging‐related changes in basal Hsp70 levels in PBL are linked to the altered frequency of lymphocyte subsets and not to increases in aged lymphocytes per se. In addition, the increase in Hsp70 can be interpreted as the result of a tendency towards more pronounced cellular differentiation in aging.
Legitimacy, trust and procedural fairness: Remarks on Marcia Grimes’ study
Authors: KAINA VIKTORIA
Published: May 2008

Abstract.  This article is a reply to Marcia Grimes's 2006 contribution to the European Journal of Political Research entitled ‘Organizing consent: The role of procedural fairness in political trust and compliance’. The remarks focus on two main points. First, the author discusses the conceptual basis of the study, to argue that trust and legitimacy are quite different concepts that should not be used synonymously. In particular, the author challenges the conceptualization of (subjective) legitimacy in that institutional legitimacy is partly defined as institutional trust. Additionally, the author justifies why (institutional) trust should not be treated as a ‘component’ of (institutional) legitimacy. Second, the author deals with a methodological problem in Grimes’ article. This problem refers to the operationalization of norms of fairness in order to examine the influence of perceived fairness in decision processes on citizens’ beliefs of legitimacy. Summing up the author's conceptual and methodological objections, this article offers a somewhat different interpretation of Grimes’ main findings.
Child Malnutrition and Mortality in Developing Countries: Evidence from a Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Gabriele Alberto , Schettino Francesco
Published: May 2008

In this article, after having identified the main clusters of food‐insecure households worldwide, and summarily analyzed their livelihood profiles, we discuss the interaction and relevance of the most relevant key economic and social factors causing child malnutrition and mortality. On the basis of an essential but consistent World Bank database, covering all developing and transition countries, we also carry out a cross‐country econometric analysis on relations of income and non‐income factors with child malnutrition and mortality. Our main findings are threefold. First, among income factors, each country's overall level of economic development is paramount, but income distribution also plays an important role. Second, taking into account that public provision of basic services tends to increase with economic growth, each country's relative propensity to spend on basic services is significantly and negatively correlated with child malnutrition and mortality. Third, gender‐related cultural factors also play a large role.
Transcatheter Cardiac Fistula Repair with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder: A Case Report and Review
Authors: SLIM AHMAD M. , SANGHI PRAMOD , SHRY ERIC A. , CASTILLO‐ROJAS LAUDINO , ALVAREZ JORGE , HERNANDEZ ANTONIO , CONNER WILLIAM C. , ERIKSON JOHN , BAILEY STEVEN R.
Published: May 2008

Background: Clinically significant cardiac fistulas occur rarely and traditionally are surgically repaired. We describe the first known case of percutaneous closure of a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) to left atrium (LA) fistula formed as the result of aortic valve replacement surgery.

Case report: The patient was an 86‐year‐old woman with a history of aortic valve replacement who began complaining of shortness of breath 7 years later. Initially she was misdiagnosed as having mitral regurgitation. However, a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed the presence of a 7.5 mm fistula between her LVOT and LA, producing a large regurgitant jet. As she was not a good surgical candidate, she underwent percutaneous closure. An Amplatzer Duct Occluder 9‐PDA‐006 (10 mm × 8 mm) device was successfully deployed in the fistula using TEE guidance. On follow‐up, the patient described marked improvement of her symptoms.

Discussion: In the rare case of cardiac fistulas that are deemed high risk for surgical intervention, a percutaneous approach with an occlusive device offers promise in treating these patients.
Managing the Unmanageable: Elderly Russian Jewish Émigrés and the Biomedical Culture of Diabetes Care
Authors: Borovoy Amy , Hine Janet
Published: May 2008

In this article, we examine the apparent resistance of elderly Russian Jewish émigrés to the dominant U.S. biomedical model of diabetes treatment. Cultural competence on the part of medical professionals who make assumptions about Russian culture tends to be based on particularly American values of self‐control and individual agency. The American consumer model of health care incorporating risk, individual responsibility, autonomy, and choice, when applied to elderly Russian Jewish émigrés, results in a reading of different values and choices as failed self‐management or noncompliance. This article argues for a more reflexive understanding of U.S. biomedical culture as a replacement for the current “sound bite” model of cultural diversity.
Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of the Morphotropic Phase Boundary Composition in the (0.8−x) Pb(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3−0.2PbZrO3−xPbTiO3Ternary System
Authors: Hao Hua , Zhang Shujun , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: May 2008

Morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) compositions separating rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in the (1−x−y)Pb(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3–yPbZrO3–xPbTiO3(PMT–PZ–PT100x) ternary solid solution system were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and dielectric, piezoelectric properties. This work focused on compositions with a PZ content fixed aty=0.2, with an MPB composition found to be located atx=0.4. Piezoelectric coefficients and dielectric permittivity were found to be on the order ofd33=580 pC/N and 4100, respectively. Acceptor modification using manganese was found to induce a “hardening” effect in 0.4PMT–0.2PZ–0.4PT, with decreased piezoelectric coefficientsd33and dielectric loss and increased mechanical quality factorQ. Piezoelectric coefficientsd33,Qvalues, and dielectric loss were found to be 500 pC/N, 2000, and 0.4%, respectively, for 0.4PMT–0.2PZ–0.4PT with MnO2dopant levels around 0.5 wt%. The figure of merit (product ofQandd33) was found to be on the order of 1 × 106, significantly higher when compared with other hard piezoelectric PZT materials. Specifically, the PMT–PZ–PT materials may be attractive candidates for high‐power ultrasonic applications, particularly fine‐scale components that require relating high permittivities.
Comparison of Natural and Artificial Aging of Ballpoint Inks
Authors: Berger‐Karin Claudia , Hendriks Ursula , Geyer‐Lippmann Jochen
Published: May 2008

Abstract: Solvent evaporation caused by aging from ballpoint inks was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The sample preparation was carried out with two different thermal desorption systems. The results are compared. Thirteen inks were classified with regard to their solvents, polymers, and additives. The variation of the aforementioned compounds caused by aging was monitored for naturally and artificially aged samples. In this paper, the results are compared and discussed with respect to forensic casework.
Agroindustrialization, globalization, and international development: An overview of issues, patterns, and determinants
Authors: Reardon Thomas , Barrett Christopher B.
Published: May 2008

This paper offers an overview for a special issue on agroindustrialization, globalization, and international development. It sets out a conceptual framework for understanding the links among these three broad phenomena and then discusses emerging issues and evidence concerning the factors conditioning agroindustrialization in developing countries and the subsequent effects on employment, poverty, and the natural environment. We conclude with a research agenda.
Saving or stripping rural industry: an analysis of privatization and efficiency in China
Authors: Li Hongbin , Rozelle Scott
Published: May 2008

This paper describes the process of privatization of China's Township Enterprises. Findings from a recent field survey by the authors show how far privatization has proceeded and how it has affected firm performance. The pervasiveness and impact of privatization are readily apparent. The privatization in the mid‐1990s was deep and fundamental. More than 50% of local government‐owned firms have transferred their shares to the private sector, partially or completely. Privatization is widespread, regardless of what definition we use (share shifting, controlling interest shifting, or complete). Although we do not find any evidence in our descriptive statistics that private and privatized firms outperform government ones, the private sector does appear to be beginning to manage its firms (e.g., labor and inventories) somewhat differently. Our multivariate analysis, however, finds a positive impact of privatization on technical efficiency. Efficiency of China's rural industries, including agro‐industrial firms, would rise, if township enterprises privatized. The impact of privatization, however, does not occur immediately. Transitional costs apparently reduce private firm efficiency in the year that firms are being privatized. It is possible to surmise that as privatized firms complete their ownership transition and continue to learn how to adapt to China's business environment that the gains could rise further. However, we cannot say if the gain in efficiency is enough to make rural industries competitive in the future.
Analgosedation with low‐dose morphine for preterm infants with CPAP: risks and benefits
Authors: Enders J , Gebauer C , Pulzer F , Robel‐Tillig E , Knüpfer M
Published: May 2008

Background: CPAP is widely used in preterm infants on NICUs but it poses a stressful stimulus to the patient, sometimes requiring the use of analgosedative drugs.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the risks and benefits associated with the use of low‐dose morphine in preterm infants with CPAP, especially apnea.

Methods: Sixty‐four CPAP‐treated preterm infants, who received a low single dose of morphine (recommended 0.01 mg/kg), were included in this prospective study. Observation‐time was 4 h prior to injection, directly before injecting, until 15 min and 15–30 min, 30 min–1 h, 1–2 h, 2–3 h, 3–4 h, 4–5 h and 5–6 h after injection. For all observation periods incidence of apnea, heart rate, respiratory rate and a score for analgesia and for sedation were recorded.

Results: Sixty‐four preterm infants (29.6 ± 3.3 weeks gestational age (GA), birth weight 1401 ± 735 g) received 0.025 ± 0.012 mg/kg morphine i.v. on the day 10–13 of life. The decrease in heart and respiratory rate, scores for analgesia and sedation were significant. The overall incidence of apnea did not increase compared to the 4 h pre‐morphine period. Six patients (9.3%) experienced considerable delayed apnea. This group was significantly younger in GA (p < 0.001) and lighter in birth weight (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Morphine in dosage less than half of recommended dosage has a high analgetic and sedative potential. The danger of delayed severe apnea has to be taken into consideration in the clinical situation, especially in patients <28 weeks.
Risk of low Apgar score and socioeconomic position: a study of Swedish male births
Authors: Odd David E , Doyle Pat , Gunnell David , Lewis Glyn , Whitelaw Andrew , Rasmussen Finn
Published: May 2008

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal socioeconomic position and a persistent low Apgar score (a score of < 7 at 1 and 5 min following birth).

Methods: The research is based on a population cohort study of 183 637 males born in Sweden between 1973 and 1976. Data from the Medical Birth Register were linked to Population and Housing Censuses.

Results: There was evidence that mothers working in non‐manual (Odds ratio (OR) 0.83 (0.72–0.97)) and self‐employed (OR 0.64 (0.44–0.93)) occupations were less likely to have an infant with a low Apgar score, compared to manual workers. There was evidence that the risk of a low Apgar score decreased as the mother's level of education increased, if the infant was born by instrumental (OR 0.86 (0.74–0.99)) or caesarean section (OR 0.80 (0.68–0.93)) delivery, but not by unassisted vaginal delivery (OR 1.01 (0.92–1.10)).

Conclusion: There was a lower risk of poor birth condition in male infants born to more educated and non‐manual/self‐employed mothers. These differences may contribute to our understanding of socioeconomic differences in infant health and development although the results may not be applicable due to changes over the last 30 years.
European paediatric research and children's therapeutic needs. A trial review
Authors: Pandolfini C , Bonati M
Published: May 2008

Aim: To evaluate the current paediatric therapeutic research situation in Europe with respect to paediatric needs and drug therapies.

Methods: Data from ongoing and published paediatric drug therapy trials from 2004 to 2007 were evaluated and compared to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) priority list for studies on paediatric medicinal products. Ongoing trial data from the DEC‐net paediatric trial register and published trials from two biomedical databases were used.

Results: In all, 379 trials from the 27 European Union (EU) countries were found (most common country: Italy, 18.2%). The major disease area covered was ‘infectious and parasitic diseases’ (21.4%). Only four of 25 EMEA priority conditions were addressed, the most common were ‘malignant diseases’ (18.2% of trials) and ‘asthma’ (3.2%). A subset of 190 published trials, representing the same four countries that participated in DEC‐net (France, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom), was compared to the register's 257 ongoing trials. Some significant differences in disease areas covered were found. Concerning the EMEA priority conditions, the ongoing research addressed more of them.

Conclusion: Paediatric research is being carried out in Europe, but this study found a general lack of overlap between therapeutic needs and research. The Paediatric Regulation will hopefully lead to research that is more focused on children's needs.
Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of DTPa‐HBV‐IPV/Hib vaccine as primary and booster vaccination in low‐birth‐weight premature infants
Authors: Vázquez Liliana , Garcia Fabiana , Rüttimann Ricardo , Coconier Gustavo , Jacquet Jeanne‐Marie , Schuerman Lode
Published: May 2008

Aim: To assess suitability of a combined DTPa‐HBV‐IPV/Hib vaccine (Infanrix hexa™) for immunization of low‐birth‐weight (<2.0 kg) preterm infants, with particular focus on the hepatitis B response.

Methods: Open‐label study in 170 preterm infants receiving primary vaccination at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and booster vaccination at 18–24 months. Enrolment and analysis were stratified in two groups: infants with birth weight between 1.5 kg and 2.0 kg (low birth weight: LBW), infants with BW <1.5 kg (very low birth weight: VLBW).

Results: One month after the three dose primary vaccination, 93.7% and 94.9% of infants in VLBW and LBW groups, respectively, had anti‐HBs antibody concentrations ≥ 10 mIU/mL. High seroprotection and response rates (92.4–100%) to all vaccine antigens were observed. Those were reinforced (>98%) by booster vaccination for all antigens except for HBs in VLBW children: only 88.7% of those had anti‐HBs antibody concentrations ≥ 10 mIU/mL, compared with 96.5% of LBW children (difference statistically not significant). The vaccine was well tolerated in both groups of infants.

Conclusion: Preterm infants will benefit by the administration of a primary and booster vaccination with DTPa‐HBV‐IPV/Hib vaccine.
In vitro and clinical evaluation of specific dentifrices for complete denture hygiene
Authors: Panzeri Heitor , Lara Elza Helena Guimarães , Paranhos Helena de Freitas Oliveira , Lovato da Silva Claudia Helena , De Souza Raphael Freitas , De Souza Gugelmin Maria Cristina Monteiro , Tirapelli Camila , Cruz Patrícia Costa , De Andrade Ingrid Machado
Published: May 2008

Objectives:  To study the physical properties of two experimental dentifrices for complete denture hygiene, their effect on denture biofilm removal and antimicrobial properties by means of a clinical trial.

Materials and methods:  The experimental dentifrices comprised two compositions. One was based on the addition of 1% chloramine T (D1) and the other on the presence of 0.01% fluorosurfactant (D2). Measurements of density, pH, consistency, rheological features and abrasiveness were conducted. Sixty complete denture wearers were randomly assigned to three groups and were instructed to brush their dentures with a specific toothbrush: (1) Water (control); (2) D1; or (3) D2. Each method was used for 21 days. Denture biofilm was disclosed by a 1% neutral red solution and quantified by means of digital photos taken from the internal surface. Microbiological assessment was conducted to quantify Candida sp. and mutans streptococci. Data were evaluated by one‐way anova and Tukey HSD, or Kruskal–Wallis (α = 0.05).

Results:  Both dentifrices decreased biofilm coverage when compared with the control group. D1 was the most efficacious treatment to reduce mutans streptococci, whereas D2 showed an intermediate outcome (anova, p < 0.040). No treatment influenced Candida albicans or non‐albicans species (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.163 and 0.746, respectively).

Conclusion:  It can be concluded that brushing complete dentures with the experimental dentifrices tested could be effective for the removal of denture biofilm.
Family Orientation: Individual-Level Influences on Family Firm Outcomes
Authors: Lumpkin G.T. , Martin Wendy , Vaughn Marsha
Published: May 2008

The premise of this article is that to understand how family affects business, the issue of how individual family members relate to the family must also be addressed. To that end, we propose family orientation (FO) to assess the extent to which individuals perceive and value family involvement. Drawing on the family therapy literature, including Bowen's family systems theory and contextual family therapy, we identify and develop five dimensions of FO—tradition, stability, loyalty, trust, and interdependency. We also discuss factors that might affect an individual's FO score, how FO might enhance understanding of other family business processes and practices, and future research directions.
Detecting Answer Copying Using Alternate Test Forms and Seat Locations in Small‐Scale Examinations
Authors: Andries van der Ark L. , Emons Wilco H. M. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: May 2008

Two types of answer‐copying statistics for detecting copiers in small‐scale examinations are proposed. One statistic identifies the “copier‐source” pair, and the other in addition suggests who is copier and who is source. Both types of statistics can be used when the examination has alternate test forms. A simulation study shows that the statistics do not depend on the total‐test score. Another simulation study compares the statistics with two known statistics, and shows that they have substantial power. The new statistics are applied to data from a small‐scale examination
(N= 230)
with two alternate test forms. Auxiliary information on the seat location of the examinees and the test scores of the examinees was used to determine whether or not examinees could be suspected.
EGR‐1 is Regulated by N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate‐Receptor Stimulation and Associated with Patient Survival in Human High Grade Astrocytomas
Authors: Mittelbronn Michel , Harter Patrick , Warth Arne , Lupescu Adrian , Schilbach Karin , Vollmann Henning , Capper David , Goeppert Benjamin , Frei Karl , Bertalanffy Helmut , Weller Michael , Meyermann Richard , Lang Florian , Simon Perikles
Published: May 2008

Early growth response‐1 (EGR‐1) is considered a central regulator in tumor cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and a promising candidate for gene therapy in human astrocytomas. However, conflicting data have been reported suggesting that both tumor promoting and anti‐tumor activity of EGR‐1 and its regulation, expression and prognostic significance still remain enigmatic. Our study explored EGR‐1 expression and regulation in astrocytomas and its association with patient survival. As we detected two EGR‐1 mRNA variants, one containing a N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐receptor (NMDA‐R) responsive cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE), further experiments were performed to determine the functional role of this pathway. After NMDA stimulation of SV‐FHAS and neoplastic astrocytes, real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed an increase of the CPE, containing EGR‐1 splice variant only in astrocytoma cells. The surface expression and functionality of NMDA‐R were demonstrated by flow cytometric analysis and measurement of increased intracellular Ca2+. EGR‐1 was mainly restricted to tumor cells expressing NMDA‐R and significantly up‐regulated in astrocytic tumors compared with normal brain. Further, EGR‐1 expression was significantly (P < 0.007) associated with enhanced patient survival and was an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis in high grade astrocytomas. The NMDA‐R‐mediated EGR‐1 expression, therefore, seems to be a promising target for novel clinical approaches to astrocytoma treatment.
Integrated Modular Modeling of Water and Nutrients From Point and Nonpoint Sources in the Patuxent River Watershed1
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Jun , Weller Donald E. , Jordan Thomas E. , Correll David L. , Boomer Kathleen B.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  We present a simple modular landscape simulation model that is based on a watershed modeling framework in which different sets of processes occurring in a watershed can be simulated separately with different models. The model consists of three loosely coupled submodels: a rainfall‐runoff model (TOPMODEL) for runoff generation in a subwatershed, a nutrient model for estimation of nutrients from nonpoint sources in a subwatershed, and a stream network model for integration of point and nonpoint sources in the routing process. The model performance was evaluated using monitoring data in the watershed of the Patuxent River, a tributary to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, from July 1997 through August 1999. Despite its simplicity, the landscape model predictions of streamflow, and sediment and nutrient loads were as good as or better than those of the Hydrological Simulation Program‐Fortran model, one of the most widely used comprehensive watershed models. The landscape model was applied to predict discharges of water, sediment, silicate, organic carbon, nitrate, ammonium, organic nitrogen, total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, phosphate, and total phosphorus from the Patuxent watershed to its estuary. The predicted annual water discharge to the estuary was very close to the measured annual total in terms of percent errors for both years of the study period (≤2%). The model predictions for loads of nutrients were also good (20‐30%) or very good (<20%) with exceptions of sediment (40%), phosphate (36%), and organic carbon (53%) for Year 1.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers from the velvet tree, Miconia calvescens DC. (Melastomataceae)
Authors: LE ROUX JOHANNES J. , WIECZOREK ANIA M.
Published: May 2008

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the invasive velvet tree (Miconia calvescens DC.), a serious forest invader in tropical Pacific oceanic islands. These loci provided markers with polymorphism of three to 10 alleles per locus within 95 individuals. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.0367 to 0.5053 and from 0.0370 to 0.2473, respectively. These markers should be useful to study dispersal and the invasion genetics of the velvet tree.
Validation and Standardization of Virus Neutralizing Test Using Indirect Immunoperoxidase Technique for the Quantification of Antibodies to Rabies Virus
Authors: Ogawa T. , Gamoh K. , Aoki H. , Kobayashi R. , Etoh M. , Senda M. , Hirayama N. , Nishimura M. , Shiraishi R. , Servat A. , Cliquet F.
Published: May 2008

A virus neutralizing test using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique (VNT‐IIP) for rabies has been developed for the titration of dog and cat serum samples in Japan. The VNT‐IIP has the advantage that results obtained can be viewed by the naked eye. The purpose of this study was to validate the VNT‐IIP and compare it with one of the international standard methods, the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test (FAVNT). The VNT‐IIP showed satisfactory repeatability, high analytical specificity and good accuracy. Regarding the comparison between the VNT‐IIP and the FAVNT, the VNT‐IIP showed good agreement (91.9%), high sensitivity (92.8%) as well as specificity (87.0%) and good correlation (r = 0.92). As described above, the validation of the VNT‐IIP was satisfactory and the performances of the test proved to be equivalent to those of an international standard method.
Molecular Evidence forBartonellaspp. in Cat and Dog Fleas from Germany and France
Authors: Just F. T. , Gilles J. , Pradel I. , Pfalzer S. , Lengauer H. , Hellmann K. , Pfister K.
Published: May 2008

Nine hundred and fifty‐two fleas were collected from 148 cats and 133 dogs at 18 widely distributed geographic locations in Germany and France and examined for the presence of six differentBartonellaspp. (Bartonella bacilliformis, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana, Bartonella vinsoniisubsp.berkhoffii) by PCR. Thirty‐five specimens (3.7%) tested positive for eitherB. henselae(14 positive fleas) orB. clarridgeiae(21 positive fleas). DNA of otherBartonellaspp. were not detected.Bartonella clarridgeiaewas the dominating species in samples from France (19 out of 22 positive fleas), whereasB. henselaewas more frequent in Germany (11 out of 13 positive fleas). With 3.5% (22 out of 632 fleas) in France and 4.1% (13 out of 320 fleas) in Germany, the overall prevalences of pathogen did not vary significantly between the flea populations of both countries. 5.4% of cats in France versus 16.1% of cats from Germany were infested by fleas carryingBartonella, whereas 9.5% of dogs in France but none of the examined dogs from Germany were infested byBartonellapositive fleas. The molecular evidence ofBartonellainfections reveals that agents of zoonotic potential are established in flea populations in Germany and France and that the spectrum of species can vary significantly from country to country.
Seroepidemiology of Infection with Toxoplasma gondii in Waste Pickers and Waste Workers in Durango, Mexico
Authors: Alvarado‐Esquivel C. , Liesenfeld O. , Márquez‐Conde J. Á. , Cisneros‐Camacho A. , Estrada‐Martínez S. , Martínez‐García S. A. , González‐Herrera A. , García‐Corral N.
Published: May 2008

Municipal waste is a potential source of infection for Toxoplasma gondii as it may contain contaminated meat with parasite tissue cysts and cat excrement with parasite oocysts. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated characteristics in two populations exposed to municipal solid waste in Durango, Mexico. Ninety waste pickers and 83 waste workers of Durango City, Mexico were examined for T. gondii infection. They were tested for anti‐T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme‐linked immunoassays. In addition, socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics from each participant were obtained. Nineteen (21.1%) of the 90 waste pickers and seven (8.4%) of the 83 waste workers were positive for anti‐T. gondii IgG antibodies. The difference in prevalence among the groups was statistically significant (P =0.03). Waste pickers aged 31–50 years showed a significantly higher prevalence (40.9%) than waste workers of the same age group (2.9%, P < 0.001). Anti‐T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in two (2.2%) of the waste pickers but in none of the waste workers. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher in workers of the waste transfer station (25.0%) than in drivers or helpers of waste vehicles (2.5%) (P =0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was associated with consuming food found in the garbage [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–11.8] and with lack of education (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.1–8.8). From this study, we conclude: (i) waste pickers may represent a risk group for T. gondii infection; (ii) lack of education might be a contributing factor for T. gondii infection; (iii) the higher the exposure to garbage, the higher the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection; (iv) Eating food products from the garbage may represent an important route for T. gondii infection.
Impact of cardiac hypertrophy on arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Flanagan Evelyn T. , Buckley Maria M. , Aherne Claire M. , Lainis Fredolin , Sattar Munavvar , Johns Edward J.
Published: May 2008

This study aimed to quantify the effect of cardiac hypertrophy induced with isoprenaline and caffeine on reflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity by the arterial and cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. Male Wistar rats, untreated or given water containing caffeine and subcutaneous (s.c.) isoprenaline every 72 h for 2 weeks or thyroxine s.c. for 7 days, were anaesthetized and prepared for measurement of renal sympathetic nerve activity or cardiac indices. Both isoprenaline–caffeine and thyroxine treatment blunted weight gain but increased heart weight and heart weight to body weight ratio by 40 and 14% (both P < 0.01), respectively. In the isoprenaline–caffeine group, the maximal rate of change of left ventricular pressure and the contractility index were higher by 17 and 14% (both P < 0.01), respectively, compared with untreated rats. In the isoprenaline–caffeine‐treated rats, baroreflex gain curve sensitivity was depressed by approximately 30% (P < 0/05), while the mid‐point blood pressure was lower, by 15% (P < 0/05), and the range of the curve was 60% (P < 0.05) greater than in the untreated rats. An acute intravenous infusion of a saline load decreased renal sympathetic nerve activity by 42% (P < 0.05) in the untreated rats but had no effect in the isoprenaline–caffeine‐ or the thyroxine‐treated groups. The isoprenaline–caffeine treatment induced cardiac hypertrophy with raised cardiac performance and an associated depression in the reflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity by both high‐ and low‐pressure baroreceptors. The thyroxine‐induced cardiac hypertrophy also blunted the low‐pressure baroreceptor‐mediated renal sympatho‐inhibition. These findings demonstrate that in cardiac hypertrophy without impaired cardiac function, there is a blunted baroreceptor control of renal sympathetic outflow.
Exercise prevents age‐related decline in nitric‐oxide‐mediated vasodilator function in cutaneous microvessels
Authors: Black Mark A. , Green Daniel J. , Cable N. Timothy
Published: May 2008

Ageing is associated with impaired endothelium‐derived nitric oxide (NO) function in human microvessels. We investigated the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training on physiological and pharmacological NO‐mediated microvascular responses in older subjects. NO‐mediated vasodilatation was examined in young, older sedentary and older fit subjects who had two microdialysis fibres embedded into the skin on the ventral aspect of the forearm and laser Doppler probes placed over these sites. Both sites were then heated to 42°C, with Ringer solution infused in one probe and N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) through the second. In another study, three doses of ACh were infused in the presence or absence of l‐NAME in similar subjects. The older sedentary subjects then undertook exercise training, with repeat studies at 12 and 24 weeks. The NO component of the heat‐induced rise in cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was diminished in the older sedentary subjects after 30 min of prolonged heating at 42°C (26.9 ± 3.9%CVCmax), compared to older fit (46.2 ± 7.0%CVCmax, P < 0.05) and young subjects (41.2 ± 5.2%CVCmax, P < 0.05), whereas exercise training in the older sedentary group enhanced NO‐vasodilator function in response to incremental heating (P < 0.05). Similarly, the NO contribution to ACh responses was impaired in the older sedentary versus older fit subjects (low dose 3.2 ± 1.3 versus 6.6 ± 1.3%CVCmax; mid dose 11.4 ± 2.4 versus 21.6 ± 4.5%CVCmax; high dose 35.2 ± 6.0 versus 52.6 ± 7.9%CVCmax, P < 0.05) and training reversed this (12 weeks: 13.7 ± 3.6, 28.9 ± 5.3, 56.1 ± 3.9%CVCmax, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that maintaining a high level of fitness, or undertaking exercise training, prevents age‐related decline in indices of physiological and pharmacological microvascular NO‐mediated vasodilator function. Since higher levels of NO confer anti‐atherogenic benefit, this study has potential implications for the prevention of microvascular dysfunction in humans.
Mouse models of human KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 mutations for benign familial neonatal convulsions show seizures and neuronal plasticity without synaptic reorganization
Authors: Singh Nanda A. , Otto James F. , Jill Dahle E. , Pappas Chris , Leslie Jonathan D. , Vilaythong Alex , Noebels Jeffrey L. , Steve White H. , Wilcox Karen S. , Leppert Mark F.
Published: May 2008

The childhood epilepsy syndrome of benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC) exhibits the remarkable feature of clinical remission within a few weeks of onset and a favourable prognosis, sparing cognitive abilities despite persistent expression of the mutant KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 potassium channels throughout adulthood. To better understand such dynamic neuroprotective plasticity within the developing brain, we introduced missense mutations that underlie human BFNC into the orthologous murine Kcnq2 (Kv7.2) and Kcnq3 (Kv7.3) genes. Mutant mice were examined for altered thresholds to induced seizures, spontaneous seizure characteristics, hippocampal histology, and M‐current properties of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Adult Kcnq2A306T/+ and Kcnq3G311V/+ heterozygous knock‐in mice exhibited reduced thresholds to electrically induced seizures compared to wild‐type littermate mice. Both Kcnq2A306T/A306T and Kcnq3G311V/G311V homozygous mutant mice exhibited early onset spontaneous generalized tonic‐clonic seizures concurrent with a significant reduction in amplitude and increased deactivation kinetics of the neuronal M‐current. Mice had recurrent seizures into adulthood that triggered molecular plasticity including ectopic neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in granule cells, but without hippocampal mossy fibre sprouting or neuronal loss. These novel knockin mice recapitulate proconvulsant features of the human disorder yet show that inherited M‐current defects spare granule cells from reactive changes in adult hippocampal networks. The absence of seizure‐induced pathology found in these epileptic mouse models parallels the benign neurodevelopmental cognitive profile exhibited by the majority of BFNC patients.
Modeling of Resin Flow in Reinforced Dielectric Prepregs
Authors: Simacek Pavel , Advani Suresh G. , Zonvide Kossi , Barrett Leonard W.
Published: May 2008

Manufacturing of printed circuit boards or chip-packaging substrates involves the use of resin-filled reinforcement materials, known as prepregs, to bond together laminates with patterned copper layers and serve as dielectric material. In the circuit board or substrate lamination process, the prepreg sheet is placed on top of the conductive copper patterns and pressure is applied to squeeze the resin out of the prepreg to flow and fill the gaps between the baseboard and the copper as well as drilled holes and vias. The primary processing requirement is for resin to fill all the gaps within reasonable time and pressure limits, before the resin cures to a hardened thermoset material. As the resin flow path may be nontrivial, it is desirable to model resin flow and filling of the gap as a function of applied pressure and lamination press closing rate so that one can successfully manufacture a variety of circuit board designs with different material systems. In this work, we model the flow during the filling of the gaps and justify noteworthy simplifications to provide a solution in closed form. This allows us to relate the material and process parameters such as prepreg thickness and applied pressure to the circuit board design. It also permits prediction of the transient development of gap filling. We illustrate the factors that influence the flow and fill process and discuss their importance. Finally, we analyze the process with typical material and processing parameters and compare it with laboratory scale and industrial experiments.
Product Model Preparation and Processing for Micromanufacturing
Authors: Liao Chao-Yaug , Léon Jean-Claude , Masclet Cédric , Bouriau Michel , Baldeck Patrice L. , Chung Tien-Tung
Published: May 2008

Based on the two-photon polymerization technique, an analysis of product shapes is performed so that their digital manufacturing models can be efficiently processed for micromanufacture. To describe microstructures, this analysis shows that nonmanifold models are of interest. These models can be intuitively understood as combinations of wires, surfaces, and volumes. Minimum acceptable wall thickness, wire dimension, and laser density of energy are among the elements justifying this category of models. Taking into account this requirement, a model preparation and processing scheme is proposed that widens the laser beam trajectories with a concept of extended layer manufacturing technique. A tessellation process suited for non-manifold models has been developed for computer-aided design models imported from standard for the exchange of product files. After tessellation, several polyhedral subdomains form a nonmanifold polyhedron. To plan the trajectories of the laser beam, adaptive slicing and global 3D hatching processes as well as a “welding” process (for joining subdomains of different dimensionality) have been combined. Finally, two nonmanifold microstructures are fabricated according to the proposed model preparation and processing scheme.
Study of Free-Piston Stirling Engine With a Generalized Displacer-Drive Configuration
Authors: Chen Gong
Published: May 2008

A free-piston Stirling engine (FPSE) with a generalized displacer-drive configuration having the displacer sprung to both the engine casing and power piston is described, characterized and analyzed. The analysis includes motion of the moving components, power transmitted from the displacer to the piston and power produced by the gas in the work space, and the effect of the displacer-drive configuration to the engine efficiency. Results are presented, from testing a FPS engine which has a gas spring linking the displacer to the engine casing and the power piston magnetically coupled to a linear alternator. The analysis and analytical prediction of the engine characteristics showed close agreement with the test results.
Electrokinetically Induced Mixing in a Microchamber
Authors: Sundaram Narayan , Tafti Danesh K.
Published: May 2008

The paper presents numerical simulations of electrokinetic instabilities induced in a microchamber in the presence of a fluctuating electric field for enhanced mixing. The geometry and conditions are similar to the experimental work of Oddy et al. [1]. Through dimensional analysis and numerical experiments it is found that there is an optimal choice of non-dimensional frequency and driving potential which leads to the best mixing characteristics. This is given by the relationship Reeof /f* < 5 and the condition that f* =O(10). It is also shown that a modified chamber geometry with strategically placed microbaffles leads to mixing which is faster by a factor of two. The microbaffles introduce a rotational fluid cell in the chamber which continuously deforms and augments the material interface between constituent species. The characteristic time scale for mixing is reduced from O(104 sec.) by mass diffusion alone to O(10 sec.).
Three Dimensional Packaging of Bare IC Into Printed Circuit Boards for SIP
Authors: Jung Erik , Wojakowski Dirk , Neumann Alexander , Aschenbrenner Rolf , Reichl Herbert
Published: May 2008

The demand to miniaturize products especially for mobile applications and autonomous systems is continuing to drive the evolution of electronic products and manufacturing methods. To further the miniaturization of future products the integration of functions on miniaturized subsystems, i.e. System-in-Package (SiP) is a promising approach. Here, use of recent manufacturing methods allows to merge the SiP concept with a volumetric integration of IC’s. Up to now, most of the systems make use of single- or double-sided populated system carriers. A new challenge is to incorporate not only passive components, but as well active circuitry (IC’s) and the necessary thermal management. Ultra thin chips (i.e. silicon dies thinned down to <50μm total thickness) lend themselves to reach these goals. Chips with that thickness can be embedded in the dielectric layers of modern laminate PCB’s. Micro via technology allows to contact the embedded chip to the outer faces of the system circuitry. The aspects of embedding and making the electrical contact as well as the thermal management are highlighted. Results on FEM simulations and technical achievements are presented.