bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of anti–factor VIII antibodies in human plasma
Authors: Krudysz-Amblo Jolanta , Parhami-Seren Behnaz , Butenas Saulius , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen E. , Gomperts Edward D. , Rivard Georges E. , Mann Kenneth G.
Published: January 2009

The presence of antibodies (Abs) in hemophilia A patients can potentially influence the therapeutic qualities of factor VIII (fVIII) administration. Much work has been focused on the presence of inhibitory antibodies, whereas the quantitation of noninhibitory anti-fVIII antibodies has been largely undetermined. Our objective was to develop a sensitive and specific fluorescence-based immunoassay (FLI) for the quantitation of anti-fVIIIAbs in human plasma. Affinity-purified human anti-fVIIIAb, isolated from a hemophilia A subject, was used as a calibrator with a detectability limit of 40 (±1.5) pM. The calibrator and the human plasma anti-fVIIIAb were captured on recombinant fVIII (rfVIII)– coupled microspheres and probed with mouse anti–human Ig–R-phycoerythrin. Plasma samples from 150 healthy donors and 39 inhibitor-negative hemophilia A subjects were compared with 4 inhibitor-positive hemophilia A plasma samples with inhibitor titers of 1 BU/mL (94.6 ± 0.8 nM), 11 BU/mL (214.3 ± 7.1 nM), 106 BU/mL (2209.4 ± 84.9 nM), 140 BU/mL (2417.7 ± 3.8 nM) as measured by the Nijmegen method. We also describe the validation of a mouse anti–human fVIIIAb as a surrogate calibrator. Four healthy individuals (3%) showed detectable anti-fVIIIAb in the range of 0.6 to 6.2 nM, whereas 13 (33%) of the 39 inhibitor-free hemophilia A subjects were positive for anti-fVIIIAb in the range of 0.5 to 20 nM. The method may be useful for therapeutic management of hemophilia A patients.
BCR-mediated uptake of antigen linked to TLR9 ligand stimulates B-cell proliferation and antigen-specific plasma cell formation
Authors: Eckl-Dorna Julia , Batista Facundo D.
Published: January 2009

The activation of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) expressed within B cells is associated with enhanced humoral immunity. However the role of TLR9 in the stimulation of B-cell responses, and more specifically in shaping the outcome of B-cell differentiation, remains unclear. Here, we observed that immunization with the TLR9 agonist CpG linked to protein antigen gave rise to enhanced production of antigen-specific class-switched antibodies in vivo. Unlike dendritic cells, B cells are unable to acquire these conjugates by macropinocytosis and instead depend on uptake through a signaling-competent B-cell receptor (BCR), provided the overall BCR-antigen avidity exceeds a defined threshold. The resultant stimulation of intrinsic TLR9 leads to enhanced antigen-specific B-cell proliferation and differentiation to form extrafollicular plasma cells. Thus, the direct conjugation of antigen and CpG reveals a mechanism that may operate during the initiation of primary immune responses, and may prove useful as a strategy for the design of adjuvants suitable for vaccinations.
The representation of the verb's argument structure as disclosed by fMRI
Authors: Assadollahi Ramin , Meinzer Marcus , Flaisch Tobias , Obleser Jonas , Rockstroh Brigitte
Published: January 2009

Background

In the composition of an event the verb's argument structure defines the number of participants and their relationships. Previous studies indicated distinct brain responses depending on how many obligatory arguments a verb takes. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study served to verify the neural structures involved in the processing of German verbs with one (e.g. "snore") or three (e.g. "gives") argument structure. Within a silent reading design, verbs were presented either in isolation or with a minimal syntactic context ("snore" vs. "Peter snores").

Results

Reading of isolated one-argument verbs ("snore") produced stronger BOLD responses than three-argument verbs ("gives") in the inferior temporal fusiform gyrus (BA 37) of the left hemisphere, validating previous magnetoencephalographic findings. When presented in context one-argument verbs ("Peter snores") induced more pronounced activity in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) of the left hemisphere than three-argument verbs ("Peter gives").

Conclusion

In line with previous studies our results corroborate the left temporal lobe as site of representation and the IFG as site of processing of verbs' argument structure.
Correlation between MMPs and their inhibitors in breast cancer tumor tissue specimens and in cell lines with different metastatic potential
Authors: Figueira Rita CS , Gomes Luciana R , Neto João S , Silva Fabricio C , Silva Ismael DCG , Sogayar Mari C
Published: January 2009

Background

The metastatic disease rather than the primary tumor itself is responsible for death in most solid tumors, including breast cancer. The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) and Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) in the metastatic process has previously been established. However, in all published studies only a limited number of MMPs/MMP inhibitors was analyzed in a limited number of cell lines. Here, we propose a more comprehensive approach by analyzing the expression levels of several MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14) and MMP inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and RECK) in different models (five human breast cancer cell lines, 72 primary breast tumors and 30 adjacent normal tissues).

Methods

We analyzed the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14 and their inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and RECK) by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in five human breast cancer cell lines presenting increased invasiveness and metastatic potential, 72 primary breast tumors and 30 adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, the role of cell-extracellular matrix elements interactions in the regulation of expression and activity of MMPs and their inhibitors was analyzed by culturing these cell lines on plastic or on artificial ECM (Matrigel).

Results

The results demonstrated that MMPs mRNA expression levels displayed a positive and statistically significant correlation with the transcriptional expression levels of their inhibitors both in the cell line models and in the tumor tissue samples. Furthermore, the expression of all MMP inhibitors was modulated by cell-Matrigel contact only in highly invasive and metastatic cell lines. The enzyme/inhibitor balance at the transcriptional level significantly favors the enzyme which is more evident in tumor than in adjacent non-tumor tissue samples.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the expression of MMPs and their inhibitors, at least at the transcriptional level, might be regulated by common factors and signaling pathways. Therefore, the multi-factorial analysis of these molecules could provide new and independent prognostic information contributing to the determination of more adequate therapy strategies for each patient.
A spindle cell carcinoma presenting with osseous metaplasia in the gingiva: a case report with immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Katase Naoki , Tamamura Ryo , Gunduz Mehmet , Murakami Jun , Asaumi Jun-Ichi , Tsukamoto Goichi , Sasaki Akira , Nagatsuka Hitoshi
Published: January 2009

Background

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a rare, high malignant variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which shows biphasic proliferation of conventional SCC component and malignant spindle shape cells with sarcomatous appearance.

Methods

A case of Spindle cell carcinoma with bone-like calcified materials, occurring at the mandibular molar region of 71-years-old Japanese male patient was presented with gross finding, histological findings and MRI image. To identify the characteristics of the bone-like materials, immunohistochemistry were performed.

Results

Histologically, the cancer cells were composed of spindle cells and epithelial cells which form nests with prominent keratinization. Histological findings showed typical histology of the SpCC, however, as an uncommon finding, spatters of calcified, bone-like materials were observed in between the cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that cancer cells were positive for cytokeratins and vimentin to a varying degree and negative for Desmin, S-100, Osteopontin, BMP-2 or BMP-4. These findings implied that the calcified materials were formed by metaplasia of the stromal cells.

Discussion

Bone-like materials formation by osseous and/or cartilaginous metaplasia of the stroma in the carcinoma has been reported. However, the detailed mechanism of these metaplasia and affection on the clinical feature, prognosis and therapies are not well established. In summary, we presented an unique case of SpCC, which has not been described in the literature.
Coaches' Attitudes towards Youth Sport Participants with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Beyer Robbi , Flores Margaret M. , Vargas-Tonsing Tiffanye M.
Published: January 2009

While research has begun to explore athletes with physical disabilities, there is a marked void in the research literature surrounding athletes with ‘invisible’ disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Individuals with ADHD may exhibit restlessness, inattentiveness and excessive motor movement. Within the sport arena, these children may have difficulty following directions, remembering strategies, and staying on task. Coaches will likely respond with some type of corrective behavior, but these behaviors will be guided by their attitudes towards these athletes. Therefore the purpose of this study was to begin exploration into coaches' attitudes towards athletes with ADHD. Results found that coaches with previous experience working with athletes with ADHD reported more positive attitudes and these coaches were most likely to have known a child had ADHD due to parental communication. These findings underscore the need for improved coaching education to meet the needs of all children able to participate in youth sports.
Optimal Control of Fluid Forces Using Second Order Automatic Differentiation
Authors: Kamikawa Ayako , Kawahara Mutsuto
Published: January 2009

In resent years, the progress of computer and numerical computation technique allows not only complex numerical simulations but also resolution of the inverse analysis including optimal control problem. It is important to pursue high quality of the gradient computation in the inverse problem. Sometimes, it is called as the sensitivity analysis. In case of the inverse analysis, the minimization technique of a function is often used. Only first order variation of function is usually applied. But in order to minimize the functional exactly, it is also necessary to introduce the second order variation of the function. However, pursing variation is diffcult to formulate and to program. There is a method of computation to pursue the variation of functional automatically, i.e., Automatic Differentiation (AD). The AD is implemented with C++ programs using operator overloading technique. It computes the partial derivatives according to the differentiation rule of a composite function whenever basic operation is performed. Using AD, the first order variation can be obtained. Ordinary AD is called First Order Automatic Differentiation (FOAD). In addition, AD can be extended to the Second Order Automatic Differentiation (SOAD) to obtain second order variation. In this study, both FOAD and SOAD are applied to the optimal control problem of fluid forces. The control problem uses the minimization technique of the function. The purpose of this study is to present the application of SOAD in control problem. The Sakawa-Shindo Method using FOAD and the Steepest descent method using SOAD are compared as the minimization technique. The automatic differentiation is proposed as a new approach to the sensitivity analysis of the optimal control problem.
Synchronous Load Balancing on Asynchronous Iterative Computation
Authors: Bahi Jacques M. , Couturier Raphaël , Vernier Flavien
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we focus our study on the implementation of a synchronous load balancing algorithm with an asynchronous PDE solver on heterogeneous and dynamic networks. The PDE (Partial Differential Equation) chosen formulates and solves the behavior of the concentration of two chemical species on a water plan. The load balancing algorithm implemented is the first order diffusion algorithm. Two main problems are studied in this paper. The first is the interaction between synchronism and asynchronism (synchronism with load balancing and asynchronism with computation). The second is the definition of the load balancing parameters for this solver in the dynamic context. For these two problems, we give various solutions and study their impacts on real experimentations.
A Fictitious Domain Method with the Distributed Lagrange Multiplier for Incompressible Viscous Flow around Moving Particle
Authors: Muroi Takuya , Kawahara Mutsuto
Published: January 2009

This paper discusses the numerical solution of the incompressible viscous flow by the fictitious domain method with distributed Lagrange multiplier. For the analysis of the finite element method, the mixed interpolation based on the bubble function is presented. The way to use the fictitious domain method applied to the Navier-Stokes equation is explained. The incompressible viscous flow with two falling solid particles is presented. Advantage of the fictitious domain method based on distributed Lagrange multiplier is investigated.
Gender Dimensions of Brand Personality
Authors: Grohmann Bianca
Published: January 2009

Although masculinity and femininity are personality traits relevant to brands, their measurement and contribution to branding theory and practice have not been examined. This article describes the development and validation of a two-dimensional scale measuring masculine and feminine brand personality that is discriminant with regard to existing brand personality dimensions and scales measuring masculinity and femininity as human personality traits. This scale is applied to show that (1) spokespeople in advertising shape masculine and feminine brand personality perceptions; (2) brand personality-self-concept congruence in terms of masculine and feminine brand personality and consumers’ sex role identity positively influences affective, attitudinal, and behavioral brand-related consumer responses; and (3) masculine and feminine brand personality lends itself to the creation of brand fit in a brand extension context, which in turn leads to more positive brand extension evaluations and increased purchase intentions with regard to the extension.
Do We Really Need a Reason to Indulge?
Authors: Xu Jing , Schwarz Norbert
Published: January 2009

The authors document consistent discrepancies among consumers’ predicted, actual, and remembered feelings related to indulgence episodes and conceptualize the underlying processes. Consistent with previous research, consumers expect more negative and less positive feelings when they indulge without a reason than when they indulge with a reason (Study 1) or when they indulge as a consolation for poor performance than when they indulge as a reward for high effort (Study 2). However, episodic reports pertaining to the last indulgence episode show no influence of having versus not having a reason (Study 1), nor do concurrent reports show a difference between indulging as a consolation and indulging as a reward (Study 2). When asked how they “usually” feel when indulging with versus without a reason (Study 3), consumers’ global memories are consistent with their expectations rather than with their actual experiences. These findings have implications for the conditions under which consumers learn from experience.
The Ease-of-Computation Effect: The Interplay of Metacognitive Experiences and Naive Theories in Judgments of Price Differences
Authors: Thomas Manoj , Morwitz Vicki G.
Published: January 2009

Consumers’ judgments of the magnitude of numerical differences are influenced by the ease of mental computations. The results from a set of experiments show that ease of computation can affect judgments of the magnitude of price differences, discount magnitudes, and brand choices. Participants seem to believe that it is easier to judge the size of a larger difference than that of a smaller difference. In the absence of appropriate corrective steps, this naive belief can lead to systematic biases in judgments. For example, when presented with two pairs of numbers, participants incorrectly judged the magnitude of the difference to be smaller for pairs with difficult computations (e.g., 4.97 – 3.96, an arithmetic difference of 1.01) than for pairs with easy computations (e.g., 5.00 – 4.00, an arithmetic difference of 1.00). The effect does not manifest when judgments do not entail mental computations or when participants are made aware that the ease or difficulty is caused by computational complexity. Furthermore, this effect is mitigated when participants’ prior experience is manipulated in a learning phase of the experiment. The results have implications for buyers and sellers and for understanding the role of metacognitive experiences in numerical judgments.
The Importance of a General Measure of Brand Engagement on Market Behavior: Development and Validation of a Scale
Authors: Sprott David , Czellar Sandor , Spangenberg Eric
Published: January 2009

Brand engagement in self-concept (BESC) is a generalized view of brands in relation to the self, with consumers varying in their tendency to include important brands as part of their self-concepts. The authors develop an eight-item scale to measure BESC and demonstrate that it captures a consumer's general engagement with brands. This scale successfully predicts consumers’ differential attention to, memory of, and preference for their favorite brands. Brand engagement in self-concept is also related to differential brand loyalty, with high-BESC consumers being less price and time sensitive regarding their favorite brands than low-BESC consumers. The authors discuss the usefulness of this construct for marketing research.
Interessen und Rechtsstellung des Verletzten im Strafverfahren
Authors: Walther Susanne
Published: January 2009

Welche Rechte der Verletzte im Strafverfahren hat gehört zu den aktuellsten Themen des Strafprozeßrechts. Im folgenden wird die Frage, welche typischen Interessen das Deliktsopfer hat, zum Ausgangspunkt genommen. Während bisher vorwiegend Wiedergutmachungsinteressen diskutiert worden sind, kommen hier neuartige, bisher nicht ausgeleuchtete Aspekte in den Blick, die das rechtliche Gehör sowie die Teilhabe an einem fairen Verfahren, aber auch Interessen an Bestrafung und an Sicherheit betreffen.
Chopin at the Funeral: Episodes in the History of Modern Death
Authors: Kramer Lawrence
Published: January 2009

This essay seeks to shed fresh light on Chopin's all-too-famous Funeral March by exploring its relationship to the social history of death. Virtually from the day of its publication, the march has had a career independent of the Piano Sonata in B Minor, Op. 35, into which Chopin inserted it. It quickly became Western music's paramount anthem of public mourning, a role it played at funerals from Chopin's own to John F. Kennedy's. This civic character, however, at best represents only a fraction of the music's cultural resonance. By consulting the first context of the march, the treatment of death and burial in Chopin's Paris, it becomes possible to tell a different and a richer story. Responding to a historical crisis bequeathed by the French Revolution, France during the first half of the nineteenth century was engaged in renovating the culture of death literally from the ground up—and down. Three major institutions emerged in the capital to carry on this work, each with its own distinctive set of customs and symbolic practices: the catacombs of Paris, the Paris Morgue, and the modern cemetery, the prototype for which was Pere Lachaise. Each of the three can be said to have left a mark on Chopin's Funeral March; deciphering those marks is the project of this essay.
Re-Placing Medieval Music
Authors: Peraino Judith A.
Published: January 2009

This essay explores reasons and methods for combining historical research in medieval music and postmodern critical theories associated with “new musicology.” I discuss recent historiographie writings by medievalists and theories of intertextuality from literary critics who argue for the conscious integration of present-day frames of reference into interpretations of historical material. Three postmodern themes form my frame of reference: (1) the critique of metanarratives, (2) the constitutive relationships between central and marginal “texts,” and (3) the recognition of plural perspectives and meanings. I show how these themes instigate compelling readings of two treatises—Johannes de Grocheio's De musica (ca. 1300) and Dante's De vulgari ekquentia (ca. 1305)—and some contemporaneous monophonie mensural additions to the chansonnier F-Pn fr. 844 (trouvère MS M, also known as the Manuscrit du roi).
Carnival in Venice or Protest in Paris? Louis XIV and the Politics of Subversion at the Paris Opéra
Authors: Cowart Georgia
Published: January 2009

After Louis XTVs banishment of the Comédie-Italienne in 1697, its costumes and masks became increasingly fashionable among a public disenchanted with absolutist politics. This article reveals the manner in which the plots, characters, and subversive satire of the Comédie-Italienne inform two ballets of André Campra, Le Carnaval de Venise (1699) and Les Fêêtes vénitiennes (1710). Following the satiric strategies used by the Comédie-Italienne, Campra and his librettists employ an exotic Venetian setting as a mask for the libertine entertainments of a French public sphere. Reversing the ideology of Louis XIVs courtly fêêtes, they deconstruct his official image in three ways: through a literary web of allusion, satire, and parody; through an Italianate musical style that serves to undermine the French language of absolutism; and through the thematic celebration of a new public audience as the subversive heir to the royal prerogative of pleasure.
Beyond the Sonata Principle
Authors: Hepokoski James
Published: January 2009

This essay provides a concept-history, a close examination, and a testing of the much invoked “sonata principle” (Edward T Cone, 1967-68), while also introducing a new, contrasting mode of analysis (“Sonata Theory”) for sonata-form compositions from the decades around 1800. Within these compositions it was a common expectation that (nontonic) secondary- and closing-material from the exposition would normally be restated in the tonic in the corresponding place in the recapitulation. In mid- and late-twentieth-century English-language analysis (in response to shifting analytical paradigms), this expectation came to be inflated into differing recastings of a much freer, more encompassing “sonata principle” that, at least initially, was proposed to be the “unifying [and] underlying …… principle for the Classical style.” Some of the attractions of this idea included its claims to midcentury academic sophistication, its protean flexibility, and its ability to provide quick solutions to otherwise “difficult” moments within highly regarded compositions. Anticipated by the caveats of other writers, this article calls attention to the principle's limitations and the ways in which it has been imprecisely laid out or misapplied in influential writing. In a few comparative analyses I also present aspects of a more hermeneutically productive mode of analytical questioning “beyond the sonata principle.”
The Organist in Ives
Authors: Burkholder J. Peter
Published: January 2009

Charles Ives was a professional church organist for thirteen years. An examination of music he played, music he composed for or with organ, and pieces he adapted from his own organ works demonstrates that he was deeply influenced both by his practical knowledge as an organist and by the repertory he performed. This influence is revealed through a surprising number of features of his music, including its relation to improvisation, difficulty of execution, employment of novel sounds to represent extramusical events, approach to orchestration, prominent textural and dynamic contrasts, spatial effects, innovative harmonies, mixture of classical and vernacular traditions, polytonality, use of fugue and pedal point, frequent borrowing of hymn tunes, and cumulative form. In all these areas, Ives's music extends elements in the tradition of organ music, often in new and unique ways, so that many of the extraordinary qualities of his music deemed to be uniquely innovative are seen to have roots in his experiences as an organist.
Adorno, Schoenberg, and the Totentanz der Prinzipien—in Thirteen Steps
Authors: Goehr Lydia
Published: January 2009

By a “Totentanz der Prinzipien,” one might mean a dance in which the principles dance themselves to death, or a dance in which something dances between principles, much as human beings are said to dance their final death dance suspended between life and death, time and space, body and spirit. Focusing on points of contact between the work of Theodor W. Adorno and Arnold Schoenberg, this essay explores the idea of the Totentanz to develop a philosophical theory of Schweben (suspension) that captures the particular way Adorno believed music could be significantly philosophical and philosophy itself musical.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Bajor Judit
Published: January 2009

Az 1-es típusú neurofibromatosis, más néven Recklinghausen-kór a leggyakoribb autoszomális dominánsan öröklődő betegségek egyike. A neurofibromatosis génje a 17-es kromoszómán található NF1 tumorszuppresszor gén. A gén mutációja a tumorszuppresszor funkció kiesése következtében benignus és malignus tumorok kialakulásához vezet. Gastrointestinalis manifesztáció az esetek 25%-ában észlelhető, a leggyakrabban GIST. Az irodalomban jól ismert a két betegség szoros asszociációja, jelenleg már több mint 160 esetről van tudomásunk. Neurofibromatosisos betegek 7%-ában alakul ki GIST, és a GIST-betegek között az NF1 előfordulása 150-180-szoros az átlagpopulációhoz képest. A neurofibromatosishoz társuló GIST külön entitás, a sporadikus GIST-től eltérően általában multiplex, és szinte mindig a vékonybélben fordul elő. Enyhe női túlsúllyal, általában fiatalabb korban jelenik meg. Szövettani jellemzői közül az orsósejtes típus, a skeinoid testek jelenléte és a gyakori S100-pozitivitás emelhető ki. Mitotikus aktivitása alacsony, általában a prognózisa is kedvezőbb. A sporadikus GIST-re jellemző c-KIT- és PDGFRA-mutáció igen ritkán fordul elő, azzal a hipotézissel összhangban, hogy a neurofibromatosishoz társuló GIST patogenezise nem c-KIT-függő. Feltételezik, hogy neurofibromatosisban a GIST patomechanizmusa különbözik a sporadikustól, a GIST-tumor megjelenése a neurofibromatosis klinikai spektrumának része. C-KIT- és PDGFRA-mutáció az ismert néhány esetben feltehetőleg a tumorgenezis késői lépéseként alakul ki. A GIST terápiáját forradalmasító imatinib ebben a betegcsoportban nem hatékony, de kellő mennyiségű adat még nem áll rendelkezésre.
Biomphalaria havanensis Identified as a Potential Intermediate Host for the Digenetic Trematode Bolbophorus damnificus
Authors: Yost Marlena C , Pote Linda M , Wise David J , Dorr Brian S , Richardson Terry D
Published: January 2009

The digenetic trematode Bolbophorus damnificus has been associated with mortalities in commercial channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in the Mississippi Delta. In the life cycle of B. damnificus, the only confirmed first intermediate host is the ram's horn snail Planorbella trivolvis. Recently, the exotic snail Biomphalaria havanensis has been isolated in several channel catfish ponds in the Mississippi Delta. The aim of this study was to determine whether this invasive snail species could also serve as a first intermediate host in the B. damnificus life cycle. Bolbophorus damnificus ova were collected from an American white pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos that had been artificially infected with B. damnificus metacercariae; the ova were then introduced into an aquarium with parasite-negative B. havanensis. Bolbophorus damnificus cercariae (confirmed by polymerase chain reaction) were detected in B. havanensis 45 d after exposure to B. damnificus ova. The snails continued to shed B. damnificus cercariae throughout the 80-d postexposure examination period. Before this research, the only reported natural B. damnificus infection of snails involved P. trivolvis. This study indicates that the range of snail hosts is broader than previously suspected. A survey should be implemented to identify additional snail species that can serve as hosts for B. damnificus. Further research should determine whether B. havanensis is a natural host for B. damnificus, and if so the prevalence of B. havanensis in commercial channel catfish ponds should be assessed.
An Apparatus for Separating Live Amphipods from Debris
Authors: Cantu Valentin , Fries Joe N , Ryan Tom A
Published: January 2009

We designed an inexpensive (US$35), easy-to-build apparatus that separates live freshwater amphipods Hyalella azteca from debris. In 2 d of unattended operation, the separator provided an average of 2,700 amphipods from debris per square meter of raceway bottom (range = 1,600–4,000/m2; n = 3). Amphipod-containing debris collection, apparatus setup, and salt treatment of amphipods to kill hydras and flatworms took about 10 min.
Role of triplet‐triplet annihilation in highly efficient fluorescent devices
Authors: Kondakov Denis Y.
Published: January 2009

Abstract— A study of delayed electroluminescence in model highly efficient OLEDs based on anthracene derivatives indicate that triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) contributes significantly to overall efficiency. Highly efficient devices (6–9% external quantum efficiencies) based on 9,10‐bis(2‐naphthyl)‐2‐phenylanthracene show that the TTA contribution depends primarily on operating current density, reaching as much as 20–30% of the overall emission intensity at moderate current densities (>5 mA/cm2). Revision of the classical estimates of maximum external quantum efficiency of fluorescent OLEDs to 8% and maximum internal quantum efficiency to 40% is recommended to account for TTA contribution (even further revision may be necessary to account for a better‐than‐20% optical outcoupling).
Printable phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices
Authors: Xia Sean , Cheon Kwang‐Ohk , Brooks Jason J. , Rothman Mark , Ngo Tan , Hett Patrick , Kwong Raymond C. , Inbasekaran Mike , Brown Julie J. , Sonoyama Takuya , Ito Masaki , Seki Shunichi , Miyashita Satoru
Published: January 2009

Abstract— A new approach to full‐color printable phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices (P2OLEDs) is reported. Unlike conventional solution‐processed OLEDs that contain conjugated polymers in the emissive layer, the P2OLED's emissive layer consists of small‐molecule materials. A red P2OLED that exhibits a luminous efficiency of 11.6 cd/A and a projected lifetime of 100,000 hours from an initial luminance of 500 cd/m2, a green P2OLED with a luminous efficiency of 34 cd/A and a projected lifetime of 63,000 hours from an initial luminance of 1000 cd/m2, a light‐blue P2OLED with a luminous efficiency of 19 cd/A and a projected lifetime 6000 hours from an initial luminance of 500 cd/m2, and a blue P2OLED with a luminous efficiency of 6.2 cd/A and a projected lifetime of 1000 hours from an initial luminance of 500 cd/m2 is presented.
Touch‐screen panel integrated into 12.1‐in. a‐Si:H TFT‐LCD
Authors: You Bong Hyun , Lee Byoung Jun , Han Sang Youn , Takahashi Seiki , Berkeley Brian H. , Kim Nam Deog , Kim Sang Soo
Published: January 2009

Abstract— A touch‐screen‐panel (TSP) embedded 12.1‐in. LCD employing a standard existing a‐Si:H TFT‐LCD process has been successfully developed. Compared with conventional external touch‐screen panels, which use additional components to detect touch events, the new internal TSP exhibits a clearer image and improved touch feeling, as well as increased sensing speed using discrete sensing lines to enable higher‐speed sensing functions including handwriting. The new internal digital switching TSP can be fabricated with low cost because it does not require any additional process steps compared to a standard a‐Si:H TFT‐LCD.
A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Village Health Education on Environmental Sanitation
Authors: Tonon Marilyn A.
Published: January 2009

Health educators working in developing nations commonly encounter administrative constraints and methodological problems which prevent rigorous program evaluation. Using a time-series design, this study followed approximately 600 families in two Guatemalan villages during a four-year period to measure the impact of community health education on seven indicators of change in environmental sanitation. Adoption of new behavior was accompanied by widespread change in village attitudes and perceptions of health benefits. At the level of the family, change in perception was not predictive of change in behavior. A strong relationship between participation in planned educational events and the adoption of sanitation changes suggests that the formative educational strategy was responsible for stimulating change for five of seven indicators. Suggestions are made about the usefulness of the methodology, ways that private behavioral changes may be measured are discussed, and the advantages of the time-series design for health education evaluation and monitoring are noted.
Composition, disintegrative properties, and labeling compliance of commercially available taurine and carnitine dietary products
Authors: Bragg Rebecca R. , Freeman Lisa M. , Fascetti Andrea J. , Yu Zengshou
Published: January 2009

Objective—To test the quality, disintegration properties, and compliance with labeling regulations for representative commercially available taurine and carnitine dietary products.

Design—Evaluation study.

Sample Population—11 commercially available taurine and 10 commercially available carnitine products.

Procedures—For each product, the amount of taurine or carnitine was determined and compared with the label claim. All products were evaluated for concentrations of mercury, arsenic, and selenium. Disintegration properties of 5 taurine and 8 carnitine products were determined in vitro. Labels were evaluated for compliance with FDA guidelines.

Results—10 of 11 taurine and 10 of 10 carnitine products were within 10% of the stated label claim. Three of 11 taurine and 6 of 10 carnitine products were within 5% of the stated label claim. The median percentage difference between laboratory analysis and label claim was −5.7% (range, −26.3% to 2.5%) for taurine and 3.6% (range, −2.6% to 8.8%) for carnitine. No substantial amount of contamination with mercury, arsenic, or selenium was found in any of the products. During disintegration testing, 1 of 5 taurine products and 5 of 8 carnitine products did not disintegrate within 45 minutes during at least 1 test. Disintegration time for those that did disintegrate ranged from 1.7 to 37.0 minutes. All product labels conformed with FDA regulations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Taurine and carnitine products evaluated in this study closely adhered to manufacturer claims and labeling guidelines. However, disintegration testing suggested high variability in some products, possibly limiting uptake and use by animals that receive them.
Composition and characteristics of urinary calculi from guinea pigs
Authors: Hawkins Michelle G. , Ruby Annette L. , Drazenovich Tracy L. , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: January 2009

Objective—To determine the mineral composition of calculi, anatomic locations of the calculi, and findings of urinalysis and bacteriologic culture of urine and calculi in guinea pigs with urolithiasis.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—127 guinea pigs.

Procedures—Records of urinary calculi that had been submitted to the University of California Stone Laboratory from 1985 through 2003 were reviewed. In addition, submissions of urinary calculi for evaluation by the laboratory were prospectively solicited from 2004 through 2007. Prospectively obtained calculi were accompanied by a urine sample for urinalysis and bacteriologic culture and a completed questionnaire. All calculi were analyzed by use of polarized light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. A subset of calculi was examined by means of x-ray diffractometry (XRD).

Results—83% (43/52) of calculi from the laboratory database and 93% (70/75) of calculi that were prospectively solicited were composed of 100% calcium carbonate. Analysis via XRD confirmed that 5 of 6 calculi from a subset that had the greatest gross morphologic variation were composed of 100% calcite. Although many guinea pigs had received anti-microbials before bacteriologic cultures of urine were performed, Corynebacterium renale was isolated from 5 urine samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Contrary to findings of other studies, urinary calculi analyzed for the present study were most commonly composed of 100% calcium carbonate, and infrared spectroscopy or XRD was necessary to differentiate this mineral from others. Treatments, including diet and husbandry practices, should be developed to help prevent development of calcium carbonate calculi in guinea pigs.
Electrophysiologic evidence of polyneuropathy in a cat with signs of bilateral brachial plexus neuropathy
Authors: Freeman Paul M. , Harcourt-Brown Thomas R. , Jeffery Nick D. , Granger Nicolas
Published: January 2009

Case Description—A 2-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was examined because of bilateral thoracic limb weakness of acute onset.

Clinical Findings—Clinical signs included muscle atrophy, paresis, depressed spinal reflexes, hyperesthesia of the thoracic limbs, and reduced jaw muscle tone. Pelvic limb reflexes were normal. Results of a neurologic examination were suggestive of multifocal lesions involving both brachial plexuses and the trigeminal nerves. Abnormal nerve conduction across the brachial plexus and delayed late potentials were found on electrodiagnostic testing, and diffuse subclinical involvement of other regions of the peripheral nervous system was confirmed on the basis of abnormal electromyographic findings for the masticatory muscles and conduction block of the peroneal nerve.

Treatment and Outcome—No specific treatments were given, and neurologic signs resolved within a month. A relapse occurred 2 months after the first episode, with clinical signs affecting both the pelvic and the thoracic limbs on this occasion. Again, the condition resolved without specific treatment, and 13 months after the initial episode, the cat reportedly was normal.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that brachial plexus neuropathy can be a multifocal disease in cats, even if clinically apparent neurologic deficits are initially subtle or absent, and that electrodiagnostic techniques can be used to identify subclinical involvement of the peripheral nerves.
Integrated Analysis of Toll Lanes and Bus Priority Lanes
Authors: Kim Dongwook , Schonfeld Paul
Published: January 2009

Although toll lanes may generate net benefits, their political acceptability is problematic, especially for vertical equity among income classes. A strategy is presented for gaining acceptability for a toll lane in a congested corridor through a lane allocation approach, which integrates toll and bus lanes along the corridor. A bimodal equilibrium concept is illustrated for the lane allocation scheme for bus and toll lanes. A travel demand model is designed to determine traveler reactions to such lane allocation. With link cost functions specialized by several link groups, the demand model uses the multiclass, multicriteria network equilibrium model in the multimodal network with elastic demand. To address simultaneously the political and economic issues arising from toll and bus lanes in a network, a multiobjective decision-making model supports the lane allocation model. An equity measure based on travel time variations among user groups is incorporated in the decision model and an internal toll-funding scheme is developed to consider revenue allocation. The toll funding can increase available financial resources and may serve most users whose travel is affected by the toll lane. An example analysis indicates that an effective integration strategy of toll and bus lanes and a toll-funding scheme can enhance public acceptability of toll lanes and produces synergistic benefits.
Comparison of Vehicle-Ownership Models
Authors: Potoglou Dimitris , Susilo Yusak O.
Published: January 2009

Empirical studies on household car ownership have used two types of discrete choice modeling structures: ordered and unordered. In ordered response structures, such as the ordered logit and ordered probit models, the choice of the number of household vehicles arises from a unidimensional latent variable that reflects the propensity of a household to own vehicles. Unordered response structures are based on the random utility maximization principle, which assumes a household associates a utility value across different car ownership levels and chooses the one with the maximum utility. The most common unordered response models are the multinomial logit and probit models, but only the multinomial logit has been used in practical applications because of its simple structure and low computational requirements. Consensus among researchers on unordered or ordered structures is still lacking. Empirical studies have reported various models, including the multinomial logit, ordered logit, and ordered probit. An open question remains: Which model would better reflect households’ car ownership choices? This paper compares multinomial logit, ordered logit, and ordered probit car ownership models through a number of formal evaluation measures and empirical analysis of three data sets: the 2001 National Household Travel Survey for the Baltimore [Maryland] Metropolitan Area, the 2005 Dutch National Travel Survey, and the 2000 Osaka [Japan] Metropolitan Person Trip Data. Results show the multinomial logit model should be selected for modeling the level of household car ownership.
Exercise Training Modulates the Effects of Lipoproteins on Acetylcholine-Induced Endothelial Calcium Signaling in Rat Aortas
Authors: Chen Hsiun-ing , Kao Sheau-Li , Tsai Ming-Ho , Shiao Ming-Shi , Jen Chauying Jack
Published: January 2009

Exercise training improves vascular endothelial functions, while oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) impede them. We proposed that exercise training might influence the endothelial sensitivity to lipoprotein-induced vascular changes. Male Wistar rats either exercised on a leveled treadmill for 8 weeks or remained sedentary as the control. The endothelial intracellular calcium level (EC [Ca2+]i) in vitro was examined using dissected aortic segments treated with different lipoproteins, including native low-density lipoprotein (nLDL), various oxLDLs, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Our results indicated that i) none of the various lipoproteins directly evoked EC [Ca2+]i elevation; ii) the acetylcholine-evoked EC [Ca2+]i elevation in the control group was increased by nLDL and progressively suppressed by oxLDLs with increasing degrees of oxidation; iii) exercise training ameliorated the oxLDL-induced suppressive effects on acetylcholine-evoked EC [Ca2+]i elevation; iv) HDL potentiated the acetylcholine-evoked EC [Ca2+]i elevation in vessel segments from exercised rats but not those from control rats; and v) when HDL was present, the suppressive effects of extensively modified oxLDLs were reduced. Furthermore, comparing with the effects of various lipoproteins on EC calcium signaling, the lipoprotein effects on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing response appeared to be similar but less pronounced. Taken together, one of the beneficial effects of exercise training on vascular functions might be to make blood vessels more resistant to oxLDLs and more sensitive to HDL.
Maitake Beta-Glucan Enhances Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in the NOD/SCID Mouse
Authors: Lin Hong , De Stanchina Elisa , Zhou Xi Kathy , She YuHong , Hoang Danthanh , Cheung Sandy WY , Cassileth Barrie , Cunningham-Rundles Susanna
Published: January 2009

Beta glucans are cell wall constituents of yeast, fungi and bacteria, as well as mushrooms and barley. Glucans are not expressed on mammalian cells and are recognized as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) by pattern recognition receptors (PRR). Beta glucans have potential activity as biological response modifiers for hematopoiesis and enhancement of bone marrow recovery after injury. We have reported that Maitake beta glucan (MBG) enhanced mouse bone marrow (BMC) and human umbilical cord blood (CB) cell granulocyte-monocyte colony forming unit (GM-CFU) activity in vitro and protected GM-CFU forming stem cells from doxorubicin (DOX) toxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of MBG on expansion of phenotypically distinct subpopulations of progenitor and stem cells in CB from full-term infants cultured ex vivo and on homing and engraftment in vivo in the nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mouse. MBG promoted a greater expansion of CD34+CD33+CD38− human committed hematopoietic progenitor (HPC) cells compared to the conventional stem cell culture medium ( P = 0.002 by ANOVA). CD34+CXCR4+CD38- early, uncommitted human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers showed a trend towards increase in response to MBG. The fate of CD34+ enriched CB cells after injection into the sublethally irradiated NOS/SCID mouse was evaluated after retrieval of xenografted human CB from marrow and spleen by flow cytometric analysis. Oral administration of MBG to recipient NOS/SCID mice led to enhanced homing at 3 days and engraftment at 6 days in mouse bone marrow ( P = 0.002 and P = 0.0005, respectively) compared to control mice. More CD34+ human CB cells were also retrieved from mouse spleen in MBG treated mice at 6 days after transplantation. The studies suggest that MBG promotes hematopoiesis through effects on CD34+ progenitor cell expansion ex vivo and when given to the transplant recipient could enhance CD34+ precursor cell homing and support engraftment.
Identification of Erythrocyte p55/MPP1 as a Binding Partner of NF2 Tumor Suppressor Protein/Merlin
Authors: Seo Pil-Soo , Quinn Brendan J. , Khan Anwar A. , Zeng Lixiao , Takoudis Christos G. , Hanada Toshihiko , Bolis Annalisa , Bolino Alessandra , Chishti Athar H.
Published: January 2009

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an inherited disorder characterized by the development of benign and malignant tumors on the auditory nerves and central nervous system with symptoms including hearing loss, poor balance, skin lesions, and cataracts. Here, we report a novel protein-protein interaction between NF2 protein (merlin or schwannomin) and erythrocyte p55, also designated as MPP1. The p55 is a conserved scaffolding protein with postulated functions in cell shape, hair cell development, and neural patterning of the retina. The FERM domain of NF2 protein binds directly to p55, and surface plasmon resonance analysis indicates a specific interaction with a kD value of 3.7 nM. We developed a specific monoclonal antibody against human erythrocyte p55, and found that both p55 and NF2 proteins are colocalized in the non-myelin-forming Schwann cells. This finding suggests that the p55-NF2 protein interaction may play a functional role in the regulation of apico-basal polarity and tumor suppression pathways in non-erythroid cells.