bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GETTING UNDER MY SKIN: WILLIAM JAMES ON THE EMOTIONS, SOCIALITY, AND TRANSCENDENCE
Authors: Kaag John
Published: May 2009

“You are really getting under my skin!” This exclamation suggests a series of psychological, philosophical, and metaphysical questions: What is the nature and development of human emotion? How does emotion arise in social interaction? To what extent can interactive situations shape our embodied selves and intensify particular affective states? With these questions in mind, William James begins to investigate the character of emotions and to develop a model of what he terms the social self. James's studies of mimicry and his interest in phenomena now often investigated using biofeedback begin to explain how affective states develop and how it might be possible for something to “get under one's skin.” I situate these studies in the history of psychology between the psychological schools of structuralism and behaviorism. More important, I suggest continuity between James's Psychology and recent research on mirror neurons, reentrant mapping, and emotional mimicry in the fields of clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience. This research supports and extends James's initial claims in regard to the creation of emotions and the life of the social self. I propose that James's work in the empirical sciences should be read as a prelude to his metaphysical works that speak of a coordination between embodied selves and wider environmental situations, and his psychological studies should be read as a prelude to his reflections on spiritual transcendence.
Private Provisions of a Discrete Public Good with Voluntary Participation
Authors: LU JINGFENG , QUAH EUSTON
Published: May 2009

This paper studies the mechanism that a profit‐making principal should adopt to provide a discrete public good when the values of the consumers are their private information and their participation is voluntary. The free‐riding issue is resolved through threatened nonprovision of the good by the provider. Every bidder is asked to announce his or her virtual value as defined in Myerson (1981). The public good is provided if and only if the sum of the bidders' announced virtual values exceeds the provision cost. When a provision decision results, each bidder pays an amount that is determined by the announcement of other consumers. No one pays when a nonprovision decision results. We find that this mechanism is implementable through an all‐pay auction. A restricted profit‐maximizing mechanism that implements efficient allocation is also characterized. As in Gradstein (1994), when provision is always efficient, that is, the sum of consumers' values always exceeds the provision cost, efficient allocation is achievable through a profit‐maximizer. However, this is not the case when provision is not efficient.
A QUASI‐NATURAL MEASURE OF CHOICE FREEDOM FOR BUDGET‐ AND TIME‐CONSTRAINED OPPORTUNITY SETS
Authors: Screpanti Ernesto
Published: May 2009

In this paper I present a measure of freedom for opportunity sets which are bounded by both budget and time constraints. The proposed formula applies to the intersection of two different sets, one of which is bounded by the availability of purchasing power, while the other is bounded by the availability of leisure time. The necessity of considering both kinds of constraints stems from a definition of choice freedom in terms of capability to do rather than capability to have. A natural measure should be one that numbers all possible choice bundles making up an opportunity set. The one proposed here is quasi‐natural in the sense that it is generically so.
THE EFFECT OF CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION STRUCTURE ON GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION. A MICRO TO MACRO MODEL
Authors: Ciarli Tommaso , Lorentz André , Savona Maria , Valente Marco
Published: May 2009

The paper offers a theoretical analysis of long‐run economic growth as an outcome of structural changes. We model the microeconomic behaviour of firms in the final good and capital sectors, and the evolution of classes of workers/consumers. We carefully craft economic behaviour onto empirical evidence, and solve the model numerically. The results illustrate the microeconomic properties of the simulated growth patterns. In particular, we observe and explain the interactions between technological change, firm organization, income distribution, consumption behaviour and growth. We confirm the relevance and interdependence of these structural changes, and underline their microeconomic sources.
Household out‐of‐pocket health care expenditure trends: 1980–95
Authors: Sharpe Deanna L. , Fan Jessie X. , Hong Gong‐Soog
Published: May 2009

This descriptive study examines household out‐of‐pocket expenditure trends for health insurance, medical services, prescription drugs and medical supplies using the 1980–95 Consumer Expenditure Surveys. Constant dollar out‐of‐pocket expenditures for health insurance have risen sharply over time while constant dollar out‐of‐pocket expenditures for medical services have declined, perhaps reflecting health care market changes. Older consumers spent more in constant dollars and had higher budget shares for all aspects of health care than younger consumers. Although Medicare and Medicaid provide access to basic health care, results indicate that, for older consumers who are poor, health care expenditures may still crowd out spending for other necessities.
Tracer kinetics analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT and MR data in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: comparison of the results
Authors: Bisdas Sotirios , Baghi Mehran , Wagenblast Jens , Bisdas Theodosios , Thng Choon Hua , Mack Martin G. , Koh Tong San , Ernemann Ulrike
Published: May 2009

Purpose:  (i) To evaluate the feasibility of tracer kinetics analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) CT and T2‐weighted MR data of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the upper aerodigestive tract. (ii) To compare functional parameters derived by both modalities and examine the interchangeability of them as well as the intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement.

Materials and methods:  Dynamic contrast‐enhanced‐CT and MR images of 23 patients with SCCA were postprocessed using a distributed‐parameter (DP) tracer kinetic model. The evaluated parameters included blood flow (F), intravascular blood volume (v1), extravascular extracellular blood volume (v2), intravascular mean transit time (t1), lag time (t0), permeability surface area product (PS) and extraction ratio (E). Mean perfusion values, based on region‐of‐interest analysis, of the tumors and the healthy muscle tissue were compared and correlated. Inter‐rater and intra‐rater variability were assessed. Interchangeability of the tumor functional parameters was tested using Pearson’s correlation coeficients and Bland–Altman plots.

Results:  The mean values in tumor and healthy muscle tissues were significantly different for each modality (0·0001≤P≤0·03). The mean values of all tumor perfusion parameters apart from v2 and E were significantly different (0·001≤P≤0·009) between the two modalities. The intra‐rater variability was good to very good for all parameters. The inter‐rater variability was moderate to good. Bland–Altman plots of F, t1, t0, and v2 showed moderate interchangeability. There was a proportionality error in v1 and PS graphs.

Conclusion:  The estimation of functional parameters in SCCA is feasible using DCE‐CT and ‐MR with a DP model. The parameters are mostly significantly different and the interchangeability of them is limited.
Simulating nitrate retention in soils and the effect of catch crop use and rooting pattern under the climatic conditions of Northern Europe
Authors: Pedersen A. , Thorup‐Kristensen K. , Jensen L. S.
Published: May 2009

This model analysis of catch crop effects on nitrate retention covered three soil texture classes (sand, loamy sand, sandy loam) and three precipitation regimes in a temperate climate representative of northern Europe (annual precipitation 709–1026 mm) for a period of 43 years. Simulations were made with two catch crops (ryegrass and Brassica) with different rooting depths, and soil N effects in the next spring were analysed to 0.25, 0.75 and 2.0 m depth to represent the catch crop effect on following crops with different rooting depths. Nitrate retained without a catch crop was generally located in deeper soil layers. In the low precipitation regime the overall fraction of nitrate retained in the 0–2.0 m soil profile was 0.23 for the sandy soil, 0.69 for the loamy sand and 0.81 for the sandy loam. Ryegrass reduced leaching losses much less efficiently than Brassica, which depleted nitrate in the 0–0.75 m soil layer more completely, but also in the deeper soil layer, which the ryegrass could not reach. A positive N effect (Neff, spring mineral N availability after catch crop compared with bare soil) was found in the 0–0.25 m layer (that is shallow rooting depth of a subsequent main crop) in all three soil texture classes, with on average 10 kg N/ha for ryegrass and 34 kg N/ha for Brassica. Considering the whole soil profile (0–2.0 m deep rooting of next crop), a positive Neff was found in the sand whereas generally a negative Neff was found in the loamy sand and especially the sandy loam. The simulations showed that for shallow‐rooted crops, catch crop Neff values were always positive, whereas Neff for deeper‐rooted crops depended strongly on soil type and annual variations in precipitations. These results are crucial both for farmers crop rotation planning and for design of appropriate catch crop strategies with the aim of protecting the aquatic environment.
ASDIN: High‐Output Cardiac Failure Following Insertion of Right Femoral Artery to Left Femoral Vein PTFE Graft for Haemodialysis: A Case Report
Authors: Acharya Sanjukta , Banerjee Debasish , Fronek Jiri , Fossati Nicoletta , Chemla Eric S.
Published: May 2009

Arteriovenous grafts used for hemodialysis can produce high‐output cardiac failure as a result of shunting of blood through the dialysis access. The following case demonstrates that the problem can occur shortly after graft formation and improved with graft ligation. It caused haemodynamic compromise because of previously undiagnosed, underlying valvular heart disease. It also caused a diagnostic difficulty in the immediate postoperative period as it was mistaken for postsurgical hemorrhage.
Initial clinical experience with a new heparin‐coated chronic hemodialysis catheter
Authors: MOJIBIAN Hamid , SPECTOR Marcelo , NI Nina , ELISEO Donna , POLLAK Jeffrey , TAL Michael
Published: May 2009

In this paper we wish to report our clinical experience with a new heparin‐coated dialysis catheter with a symmetric tip. Over a 16‐month period, 60 heparin‐coated Tal Palindrome™ catheters were placed in 57 patients. Catheter patency, catheter‐related complications, and reasons for catheter removal were recorded. The patient's initial cause of end‐stage renal disease, underlying diseases, and site of access were recorded as well. Patients were specifically followed for development of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. Patient ages were 34–91 (average 66). Fifty‐four percent of patients had a history of diabetes. Sixty catheters were placed for a total of 5353 catheter‐days. The average catheter indwell time was 107 days (range of 2–381 days). Catheter‐related infection occurred in 6 patients over the study period, with a rate of 1.12/1000 catheter‐days. Bacteremia occurred in 3 patients with a rate of 0.56/1000 catheter‐days. Six catheters were removed or exchanged due to malfunction. There was no incidence of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. Initial clinical experience with the heparin‐coated Tal Palindrome™ hemodialysis catheter demonstrated safe, reliable use, and low infection rates.
Determinants of general dentists’ decisions to accept capitation payment: a conceptual model and empirical estimates
Authors: Conrad Douglas , Lee Rosanna , Milgrom Peter , Huebner Colleen
Published: May 2009

Abstract – Background:  Shifts in payment options for dental care over several decades have resulted in more dental expenditures being paid through health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and capitation arrangements. Patients’ and employers’ choices to participate in these arrangements is determined in part by dentists’ willingness to participate in plans, and plan choices may be influenced by patient satisfaction, self‐reported oral health, and/or quality or cost of care.

Objectives:  This study examined determinants of dentists’ decisions to accept capitation payment for services.

Research Design:  Cross‐sectional mail survey in December 2006.

Subjects:  1605 general dentists in Oregon.

Measures:  Questions addressed dentists’ perceptions of the importance of control over various practice parameters, willingness to accept capitation payment, employment or ownership status within the practice, and practice characteristics.

Results:  Capitation was accepted by 22.6% of the respondent dentists (n = 729). Reported average fees (2007 dollars) ranged from $60 (initial oral examination) to approximately $800 (porcelain crowns). The likelihood of accepting capitation payment was related to the number of dentists in the practice, but surprisingly owner‐dentists were no less likely than employee‐dentists (associates) to accept capitation. As expected, dentists’ usual and customary fees were negatively associated with accepting capitation. In contrast, measures of dentists’ importance of control were not related to decisions about capitation. Longer average appointment delays were related to acceptance of capitation, but the effects were small.

Conclusions:  Dentists’ behavior regarding payment acceptance is generally consistent with microeconomic theory of provider behavior. Study findings should inform practitioners, plan managers, and researchers in examining dentist payment decisions.
Genetic structure of the migratory catfish Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) suggests homing behaviour
Authors: Pereira L. H. G. , Foresti F. , Oliveira C.
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  Pseudoplatystoma corruscans is distributed widely in the La Plata Basin in Brazil, where it is a very important species because of its high commercial value and ecological role as a voracious predator. This species undertakes long migrations during the dry and rainy seasons to feed and reproduce, respectively. In this study, we analysed seven microsatellite loci to test the hypotheses of the existence of a single panmictic population of P. corruscans in the La Plata Basin. All microsatellites analysed were highly polymorphic with the number of alleles per locus ranging from seven (Pcor28) to 30 (Pcor10). Across all samples, 107 alleles were detected. Thirty alleles were private, i.e., found in only one sample. Highly significant genetic differentiation was observed among samples in three of the four analyses performed: FST (from 0.03435 to 0.16349, P < 0.05), Analysis of molecular variance (amova)FST = 8.25% (P < 0.0001) and amovaRST = 9.72% (P < 0.0001). A microsatellite multilocus Bayesian assignment test with the programme structure confirmed the division of the fishes into six groups largely concurrent with main branches on a population neighbour‐joining tree. The obtained results rejected the panmixia hypothesis. On the other hand, the documented long‐distance movements of P. corruscans and the geographical scale of genetic differentiation found in this study indicate a strong tendency for fish of this species to utilise their natal nursery regions for reproduction, which represents the first demonstrated example of homing in a freshwater catfish in South America.
A decade of hypocretins: past, present and future of the neurobiology of arousal
Authors: De Lecea L.
Published: May 2009

In 1998, two groups independently identified the hypocretins, also known as orexins, as two hypothalamic peptides derived from the same precursor expressed in a few thousand neurones restricted to the perifornical area. A decade later, an amazing set of discoveries has demonstrated a key role for this neurotransmitter system in arousal and beyond. Here I review some of the experiments that led to these discoveries and the implications in the neurobiology of the hypothalamus and our understanding of brain arousal.
Classification of two-dimensional split trianguline representations ofp-adic fields
Authors: Nakamura Kentaro
Published: May 2009

The aim of this article is to classify two-dimensional split trianguline representations ofp-adic fields. This is a generalization of a result of Colmez who classified two-dimensional split trianguline representations of$\mathrm {Gal}(\bar {\mathbb {Q}}_p/\mathbb {Q}_p)$forp≠2 by using (φ,Γ)-modules over a Robba ring. In this article, for any primepand for anyp-adic fieldK, we classify two-dimensional split trianguline representations of$\mathrm {Gal}(\bar {K}/K)$usingB-pairs as defined by Berger.
Acute hemiparesis in Sturge-Weber syndrome
Authors: Jung A , Raman A , Rowland Hill C
Published: May 2009

A young woman, known to have Sturge-Weber syndrome, was admitted with headache and left hemiparesis. Neuroimaging showed chronic occlusion of the venous sinuses without evidence of acute thrombus formation, or a recent vascular event.
Predicting and preventing the future: actively managing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hutchinson M
Published: May 2009

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) has a highly variable clinical course but a number of demographic, clinical and MRI features can guide the clinician in the assessment of disease activity and likely disability outcome. It is also clear that the inflammatory activity in the first five years of relapsing-remitting MS results in the neurodegenerative changes seen in secondary progressive MS 10–15 years later. While conventional first-line disease modifying therapy has an effect on relapses, about one third of patients have a suboptimal response to treatment. With the advent of highly active second-line therapies with their evident marked suppression of inflammation, the clinician now has the tools to manage the course of relapsing-remitting MS more effectively. The development of treatment optimisation recommendations based on the clinical response to first-line therapies can guide the neurologist in more active management of the early course of relapsing-remitting MS, with the aim of preventing both acute inflammatory axonal injury and the neurodegenerative process which leads to secondary progressive MS.
A genetic linkage map ofPleurotus pulmonariusbased on AFLP markers, and localization of the gene region for the sporeless mutation
Authors: Okuda Yasuhito , Murakami Shigeyuki , Matsumoto Teruyuki
Published: May 2009

In the cultivation of edible mushrooms, including Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel., the enormous number of spores produced by fruiting bodies can adversely affect mushroom growers’ health, mushroom cultivation facilities, and the genetic diversity of natural populations. In this study, we constructed a primary genetic linkage map and identified the locus associated with the sporulation-deficient (sporeless) mutation of P. pulmonarius using 150 progeny isolates derived from a cross between sporeless and wild-type isolates. Based on the segregation of 300 AFLP markers, two mating-type factors, and the sporeless trait, a linkage map was generated consisting of 12 linkage groups. The map covered a total genetic distance of 971 cM, with an average marker interval of 5.2 cM. The gene region responsible for the sporeless mutation was located in linkage group II including 40 AFLP markers and the A mating-type factor locus. Of these markers, the nearest marker to the sporeless locus was located 1.4 cM away. Construction of this P. pulmonarius genetic linkage map and identification of markers that are closely linked to the sporeless locus will facilitate marker-assisted selective breeding of a sporeless strain with economically important traits.
The signaling underlying FITnessThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Baar Keith
Published: May 2009

Exercise results in highly specific physiological adaptations. Resistance exercise increases muscle mass and force production, while endurance exercise increases aerobic capacity. As the physical and chemical signals underlying this specificity become better understood, scientists are beginning to identify the key molecular effectors of exercise specificity. This review focuses on how variations in load, metabolic stress, and calcium flux are transduced to increases in muscle mass and endurance capacity. Specific attention is paid to the mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated protein kinase, and the calcium-calmodulin-activated protein kinases, and the way these proteins interact during concurrent training.
Glycogen: an overview of possible regulatory roles of the proteins associated with the granuleThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Graham Terry E.
Published: May 2009

While scientists have routinely measured muscle glycogen in many metabolic situations for over 4 decades, there is surprisingly little known regarding its regulation. In the past decade, considerable evidence has illustrated that the carbohydrate stores in muscle are not homogeneous, and it is very likely that metabolic pools exist or that each granule has independent regulation. The fundamental aspects appear to be associated with a complex set of proteins that associate with both the granule and each other in a dynamic fashion. Some of the proteins are enzymes and others play scaffolding roles. A number of the proteins can translocate, depending on the metabolic stimulus. These various processes appear to be the mechanisms that give the glycogen granule precise yet dynamic regulation. This may also allow the stores to serve as an important metabolic regulator of other metabolic events.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib in a rat model of hindlimb ischemia reperfusion
Authors: Malek Hala Abdel , Saleh Dalia M.
Published: May 2009

Acute ischemia–reperfusion (IR) of the limbs initiates both local and systemic injuries by triggering a systemic inflammatory response. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an endogenous inducible enzyme, rises in response to inflammation. The aim of this work is to investigate the role of celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in abrogating remote organ dysfunction after hindlimb IR in rats by comparing it with a standard hemorrheologic drug (pentoxifylline). Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 each), group I (sham control, received saline and was kept under anaesthetic for 7 h). Group II (IR, subjected to 1 h of hindlimb tourniquet ischemia and 6 h reperfusion). Group III and IV (pretreated with 200 mg/kg pentoxifylline or 10 mg/kg celecoxib, respectively, intragastrically for 7 days before IR induction). Administration of pentoxifylline or celecoxib produced significant reduction in SGPT, serum creatinine, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-α and significant increase in blood pH, blood adenosine triphosphate, and reduced glutathione compared with the IR group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the pretreated groups. Histopathologic findings of the IR lung showed alveolar destruction, inflammatory cells infiltration, mast cell degranulation, and necrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle fibres. These changes were attenuated in the pretreated groups. In conclusion, celecoxib can ameliorate IR induced remote organ injury to a similar extent as pentoxifylline through its antiinflammatory and antioxidant action.
The metal chemistry of the carbahemiporphyrazines
Authors: Durfee William S. , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: May 2009

Over fifty years ago, Linstead and Elvidge described the syntheses of phthalocyanine-like macrocycles in which one or two of the interior metal-binding nitrogen atoms were replaced with aromatic C - H groups. We review here the coordination chemistry of two of these systems, dicarbahemiporphyrazine and benziphthalocyanine, and we emphasize the unusual reactivity displayed by these macrocycles and the varying extent to which the C - H groups are activated by metal-binding.
Cutaneous Allergy Testing in Patients Suspected of an Allergic Reaction to Eye Medication
Authors: Wijnmaalen A.L. , van Zuuren E.J. , de Keizer R.J.W. , Jager M.J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: Our aim was to determine the usefulness of allergy testing in patients with possible allergic reactions to an eye medication. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the usefulness of allergy testing in 90 patients who on the basis of their complaints were under suspicion of having an allergic response to eye medication. Results: Among the 90 patients suspected of an allergic reaction to eye medication, the most common complaint was itching, while hyperemic conjunctivae were the most common symptom. Skin testing revealed an allergy to eye medication in 32 (36%) of the patients tested, which seemed to be the causal factor of the complaints in 22 cases (24%). The most frequent medication-associated allergies were directed against tobramycin, neomycin sulfate and thimerosal. Clinically relevant non-drug-related allergies occurred in 26 cases and were directed against nickel sulfate, Myroxylon pereirae and fragrance mix. Twenty-three patients were atopic and had positive skin prick tests against inhalation allergens such as house dust mites or dogs. Conclusion: Allergy testing was helpful to obtain a diagnosis of a clinically relevant allergy in 48 of the 90 patients who were referred under suspicion of having a contact allergy to eye medication.
Evolution of Brain Size in a Highly Diversifying Lineage of Subterranean Rodent Genus Ctenomys (Caviomorpha: Ctenomyidae)
Authors: Vassallo Aldo Iván , Echeverría Alejandra Isabel
Published: May 2009

We evaluated brain size evolution in a specialized subterranean mammal, the ctenomyid rodent genus Ctenomys (tuco-tuco) and compared it, within a phylogenetic framework, to other caviomorph rodents differing in body size and modes of life. Although brain size in Ctenomys falls below the regression line obtained for caviomorph rodents, some fossorial species within the sister family Octodontidae, which make use of both above and below ground habitats, have a relatively larger brain size. Ctenomys has experienced a relatively recent and ‘explosive’ cladogenesis which yielded ∼60 living species differing almost one order of magnitude in body size. Based on the evolutionary lag hypothesis between body versus brain size evolution, a negative correlation between encephalization quotient and body size would be expected for a group experiencing such a recent diversification in size. This is because a decrease of body size occurring during the emergence of a new species should produce a correspondingly greater encephalization and vice versa. Despite the fact that the allometric coefficient of brain weight versus body weight for 30 living species of Ctenomys was lower than that obtained for families within Caviomorpha, we failed to find any significant relationship between encephalization and body weight. Finally, the relationship between brain size and metabolism was assessed for those species of Ctenomys in which metabolic data are available. Brain size evolution in Ctenomys is discussed in regards to sensory capabilities and behavioral attributes associated with the occupation of a subterranean ecological niche.
eNOS Mediates TO90317 Treatment-Induced Angiogenesis and Functional Outcome After Stroke in Mice
Authors: Chen Jieli , Cui Xu , Zacharek Alex , Roberts Cynthia , Chopp Michael
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

TO901317, a synthetic liver X receptor agonist, elevates high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in mice. We tested the hypothesis that TO901317 treatment of stroke promotes angiogenesis and vascular maturation and improves functional outcome after stroke by increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation.

Methods—

C57BL/6J mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and were treated with or without TO901317 (30 mg/kg) starting 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion and daily for 14 days.

Results—

TO901317 significantly increased serum HDL-C level, promoted angiogenesis and vascular stabilization in the ischemic brain, and improved functional outcome after stroke. The increased HDL-C level significantly correlated with functional recovery after stroke. TO901317 also increased eNOS phosphorylation in the ischemic brain. Mechanisms underlying the TO901317-induced angiogenesis were investigated using eNOS knockout (eNOS−/−) mice. TO901317 treatment of eNOS−/− mice significantly increased HDL-C level but failed to increase angiogenesis and functional outcome after stroke. In vitro studies demonstrated that TO901317 and HDL-C significantly increased capillary tube formation and promoted eNOS phosphorylation activity in cultured mouse brain endothelial cells compared with nontreatment controls. However, TO901317 and high-density lipoprotein treatment-induced capillary tube formation were absent in eNOS-deficient mouse brain endothelial cell.

Conclusions—

These data indicate that TO901317 treatment increases serum HDL-C level, which promotes angiogenesis through eNOS and leads to improvement of functional outcome after stroke.
Microbleeds Versus Macrobleeds
Authors: Greenberg Steven M. , Nandigam R. N. Kaveer , Delgado Pilar , Betensky Rebecca A. , Rosand Jonathan , Viswanathan Anand , Frosch Matthew P. , Smith Eric E.
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Small, asymptomatic microbleeds commonly accompany larger symptomatic macrobleeds. It is unclear whether microbleeds and macrobleeds represent arbitrary categories within a single continuum versus truly distinct events with separate pathophysiologies.

Methods—

We performed 2 complementary retrospective analyses. In a radiographic analysis, we measured and plotted the volumes of all hemorrhagic lesions detected by gradient-echo MRI among 46 consecutive patients with symptomatic primary lobar intracerebral hemorrhage diagnosed as probable or possible cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In a second neuropathologic analysis, we performed blinded qualitative and quantitative examinations of amyloid-positive vessel segments in 6 autopsied subjects whose MRI scans demonstrated particularly high microbleed counts (>50 microbleeds on MRI, n=3) or low microbleed counts (<3 microbleeds, n=3).

Results—

Plotted on a logarithmic scale, the volumes of 163 hemorrhagic lesions identified on scans from the 46 subjects fell in a distinctly bimodal distribution with mean volumes for the 2 modes of 0.009 cm
3
and 27.5 cm
3
. The optimal cut point for separating the 2 peaks (determined by receiver operating characteristics) corresponded to a lesion diameter of 0.57 cm. On neuropathologic analysis, the high microbleed-count autopsied subjects showed significantly thicker amyloid-positive vessel walls than the low microbleed-count subjects (proportional wall thickness 0.53±0.01 versus 0.37±0.01;
P
<0.0001; n=333 vessel segments analyzed).

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that cerebral amyloid angiopathy-associated microbleeds and macrobleeds comprise distinct entities. Increased vessel wall thickness may predispose to formation of microbleeds relative to macrobleeds.
Unusual Late-Season Cold Surges during the 2005 Asian Winter Monsoon: Roles of Atlantic Blocking and the Central Asian Anticyclone
Authors: Lu Mong-Ming , Chang Chih-Pei
Published: May 2009

The highest frequency of late-winter cold-air outbreaks in East and Southeast Asia over 50 years was recorded in 2005, when three strong successive cold surges occurred in the South China Sea within a span of 30 days from mid-February to mid-March. These events also coincided with the first break of 18 consecutive warm winters over China. The strong pulsation of the surface Siberian Mongolia high (SMH) that triggered these events was found to result from the confluence of several events. To the east, a strong Pacific blocking with three pulses of westward extension intensified the stationary East Asian major trough to create a favorable condition for cold-air outbreaks. To the west, the dominance of the Atlantic blocking and an anomalous deepened trough in the Scandinavian/Barents Sea region provided the source of a succession of Rossby wave activity fluxes for the downstream development. An upper-level central Asian anticyclone that is often associated with a stronger SMH was anomalously strong and provided additional forcing. In terms of the persistence and strength, this central Asian anticyclone was correlated with the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) only when SMH is weak (warm winters). During strong SMH seasons (cold winters) the correlation vanishes. However, during late winter 2005 the central Asian anticyclone was strengthened by the Atlantic blocking through both the downstream wave activities and a circulation change that affected the Atlantic and west Asian jets. As a result, the period from mid-February to mid-March of 2005 stands out as a record-breaking period in the Asian winter monsoon.
Mapping Ocean Observations in a Dynamical Framework: A 2004–06 Ocean Atlas
Authors: Forget Gaël
Published: May 2009

This paper exploits a new observational atlas for the near-global ocean for the best-observed 3-yr period from December 2003 through November 2006. The atlas consists of mapped observations and derived quantities. Together they form a full representation of the ocean state and its seasonal cycle. The mapped observations are primarily altimeter data, satellite SST, and Argo profiles. GCM interpolation is used to synthesize these datasets, and the resulting atlas is a fairly close fit to each one of them. For observed quantities especially, the atlas is a practical means to evaluate free-running GCM simulations and to put field experiments into a broader context. The atlas-derived quantities include the middepth dynamic topography, as well as ocean fluxes of heat and salt–freshwater. The atlas is publicly available online (www.ecco-group.org). This paper provides insight into two oceanographic problems that are the subject of vigorous ongoing research. First, regarding ocean circulation estimates, it can be inferred that the RMS uncertainty in modern surface dynamic topography (SDT) estimates is only on the order of 3.5 cm at scales beyond 300 km. In that context, it is found that assumptions of “reference-level” dynamic topography may yield significant errors (of order 2.2 cm or more) in SDT estimates using in situ data. Second, in the perspective of mode water investigations, it is estimated that ocean fluxes (advection plus mixing) largely contribute to the seasonal fluctuation in heat content and freshwater/salt content. Hence, representing the seasonal cycle as a simple interplay of air–sea flux and ocean storage would not yield a meaningful approximation. For the salt–freshwater seasonal cycle especially, contributions from ocean fluxes usually exceed direct air–sea flux contributions.
High-Order Time-Integration Schemes with Explicit Time-Splitting Methods
Authors: Park Sang-Hun , Lee Tae-Young
Published: May 2009

New high-order time-integration schemes for fully elastic models are presented. The new schemes, formulated using the Richardson extrapolation that employs leapfrog-type schemes, can give a good performance for linear model problems and ensure overall stability when they are combined with a forward–backward scheme for fast waves. The new and existing schemes show differences in the order of accuracy. Thus, they can be useful for investigating the impacts of time-integration scheme accuracy on the performance of numerical models. The high-order schemes are found to play an important role in the improvement of high-resolution simulations, according to idealized tests. The new schemes are less efficient than other well-known schemes at moderate spatial resolutions. However, the new schemes can be more efficient than the existing schemes when the resolution becomes very high.
CD4+ T-cell clones recognizing human lymphoma-associated antigens: generation by in vitro stimulation with autologous Epstein-Barr virus–transformed B cells
Authors: Long Heather M. , Zuo Jianmin , Leese Alison M. , Gudgeon Nancy H. , Jia Hui , Taylor Graham S. , Rickinson Alan B.
Published: May 2009

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–specific T-cell preparations, generated by stimulating immune donor lymphocytes with the autologous virus-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) in vitro, can be used to target EBV-positive malignancies. Although these preparations are enriched for EBV antigen–specific CD8+ T cells, most also contain a CD4+ T-cell population whose specificity is unknown. Here, we show that, although CD4+ T-cell clones derived from such cultures recognize HLA class II–matched LCLs but not mitogen-activated B lymphoblasts, many (1) do not map to any known EBV antigen, (2) can be raised from EBV-naive as well as EBV-immune persons, and (3) can recognize a broad range of human B lymphoma–derived cell lines irrespective of EBV genome status, providing those lines to express the relevant HLA class II–restricting allele. Importantly, such CD4+ clones not only produce IFNγ but are also cytotoxic and can control the outgrowth of HLA-matched lymphoma cells in cocultivation assays. We infer that such CD4+ T cells recognize cellular antigens that are preferentially up-regulated in EBV-transformed but not mitogen-activated B lymphoblasts and that are also expressed in a range of B-cell malignancies. Such antigens are therefore of potential value as targets for CD4+ T cell–based immunotherapy.
Prevalence and clinical significance of auto-antibodies in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lachenal F. , Nkana K. , Nove-Josserand R. , Fabien N. , Durieu I.
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different auto-antibodies in adult, French cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and to look for a correlation between autoimmunity, patient characteristics and survival.

The sera of 144 patients were screened for a wide range of antibodies. Clinical, biological and bacteriological characteristics and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator genotype were recorded and progression of lung disease was examined.

113 (78.5%) patients displayed one or several auto-antibodies, predominantly immunoglobulin (Ig)A anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiaeantibodies (ASCA; 43.7%) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA; 40%), of which 59% showed bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) specificity. The presence of BPI-ANCA was associated with the number of antibiotic courses, low body mass index,Pseudomonas aeruginosacolonisation, the presence of resistantP. aeruginosa, low forced expiratory volume in 1 s, CF-related liver disease, hypergammaglobulinaemia, male sex and inflammatory syndrome. The presence of ASCA-IgA was correlated with male sex and hypergammaglobulinaemia. 41 patients presented with chronic respiratory failure and/or requested lung transplantation or died during follow-up. These events were more frequent in patients with BPI-ANCA or ASCA-IgA.

These findings confirm the high frequency of auto-antibodies in CF, particularly BPI-ANCA and ASCA-IgA, and the link between BPI-ANCA, severity of lung disease and CF prognosis.
Are metallic stents really safe? A long-term analysis in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Gottlieb J. , Fuehner T. , Dierich M. , Wiesner O. , Simon A. R. , Welte T.
Published: May 2009

Airway complications affect 20% of all lung transplant recipients. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are one treatment option but their use in benign airway disorders is controversial. We studies the long-term safety of SEMS in lung transplant recipients.

Between January 1998 and February 2008, all lung transplant recipients with SEMS were analysed retrospectively at a single centre. Complications were recorded until September 2008. In 65 (9.2%) out of 706 recipients, 111 (91% noncovered) bronchial SEMS were implanted a median (range) 133 (55–903) days after lung transplantation; follow-up was 777 (7–3.655) days. Clinical improvement was noted in 80% of recipients. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased by (mean±sd) 21±33%.

Most frequent early complications were migration (3%) and mucus plugging (11%). No procedure-related deaths were noted. Re-stenosis occurred in 34 (52%) out of 65 recipients 85 (7–629) days after insertion. In multivariate analysis, stent insertion before post-operative day 90 was independently associated with an increased risk of re-stenosis (HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.50–7.18; p = 0.003). In 40% of recipients, new bacterial airway colonisation occurred after SEMS insertion. In SEMS patients, 5-yr survival was significantly lower than in the total cohort (60%versus76%; p = 0.02).

Late complications in lung transplant recipients treated with SEMS are frequent. The major problems are re-stenosis and airway colonisation.
All-trans-retinoic acid inhibits tumour growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma in mice
Authors: Tabata C. , Tabata R. , Hirayama N. , Yasumitsu A. , Yamada S. , Murakami A. , Iida S. , Tamura K. , Terada T. , Kuribayashi K. , Fukuoka K. , Nakano T.
Published: May 2009

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant tumour of mesothelial origin associated with asbestos exposure. Because MPM has limited response to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the prognosis is very poor. Several researchers have reported that cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 play an important role in the growth of MPM. Previously, it was reported that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) inhibited the production and function of IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in experiments using lung fibroblasts.

We investigated whether ATRA had an inhibitory effect on the cell growth of MPM, the origin of which was mesenchymal cells similar to lung fibroblasts, using a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. We estimated the tumour growth and performed quantitative measurements of IL-6, TGF-β1 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR)-β mRNA levels both of cultured MPM cells and cells grown in mice with or without the administration of ATRA.

ATRA significantly inhibited MPM tumour growth.In vitrostudies disclosed that the administration of ATRA reduced 1) mRNA levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β1 receptors and PDGFR-β, and 2) TGF-β1-dependent proliferation and PDGF-BB-dependent migration of MPM cells.

These data may provide a rationale to explore the clinical use of ATRA for the treatment of MPM.
Phenotypic and fine genetic characterization of the D locus controlling fruit acidity in peach
Authors: Boudehri Karima , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Cardinet Gaëlle , Troadec Christelle , Moing Annick , Dirlewanger Elisabeth
Published: May 2009

Background

Acidity is an essential component of the organoleptic quality of fleshy fruits. However, in these fruits, the physiological and molecular mechanisms that control fruit acidity remain unclear. In peach theDlocus controls fruit acidity; low-acidity is determined by the dominant allele. Using a peach progeny of 208 F2trees, theDlocus was mapped to the proximal end of linkage group 5 and co-localized with major QTLs involved in the control of fruit pH, titratable acidity and organic acid concentration and small QTLs for sugar concentration. To investigate the molecular basis of fruit acidity in peach we initiated the map-based cloning of theDlocus.

Results

In order to generate a high-resolution linkage map in the vicinity of theDlocus, 1,024 AFLP primer combinations were screened using DNA of bulked acid and low-acid segregants. We also screened a segregating population of 1,718 individuals for chromosomal recombination events linked to theDlocus and identified 308 individuals with recombination events close toD. Using these recombinant individuals we delimited theDlocus to a genetic interval of 0.4 cM. We also constructed a peach BAC library of 52,000 clones with a mean insert size of 90 kb. The screening of the BAC library with markers tightly linked toDlocus indicated that 1 cM corresponds to 250 kb at the vicinity of theDlocus.

Conclusion

In the present work we presented the first high-resolution genetic map ofDlocus in peach. We also constructed a peach BAC library of approximately 15× genome equivalent. This fine genetic and physical characterization of theDlocus is the first step towards the isolation of the gene(s) underlying fruit acidity in peach.
How does healthcare worker hand hygiene behaviour impact upon the transmission of MRSA between patients?: an analysis using a Monte Carlo model
Authors: Beggs Clive B , Shepherd Simon J , Kerr Kevin G
Published: May 2009

Background

Good hand hygiene has for many years been considered to be the most important measure that can be applied to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Continuous emphasis on this intervention has lead to the widespread opinion that HAI rates can be greatly reduced by increased hand hygiene compliance alone. However, this assumes that the effectiveness of hand hygiene is not constrained by other factors and that improved compliance in excess of a given level, in itself, will result in a commensurate reduction in the incidence of HAI. However, there is evidence that the law of diminishing returns applies to hand hygiene, with the greatest benefits occurring in the first 20% or so of compliance. While this raises intriguing questions about the extent to which increasing compliance alone can further reduce rates of HAI, analysis of this subject has been hampered by a lack of quantifiable data relating to the risk of transmission between patients on wards.

Methods

In order to gain a greater understanding of the transmission of infection between patients via the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs), we constructed a stochastic Monte Carlo model to simulate the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between patients. We used the model to calculate the risk of transmission occurring, firstly between two patients in adjacent beds, and then between patients in a four-bedded bay. The aim of the study was to quantify the probability of transmission under a variety of conditions and thus to gain an understanding of the contribution made by the various factors which influence transmission.

Results

The study revealed that on a four-bedded bay, the average probability of transmitting an infection by the handborne route is generally low (i.e. in the region 0.002 – 0.013 depending on the hand hygiene behaviour of HCWs and other factors). However, because transmission is strongly influenced by stochastic events, it is the frequency with which 'high-risk events' occur, rather than average probability, that governs whether or not transmission will take place. The study revealed that increased hand hygiene compliance has a dramatic impact on the frequency with which 'high-risk events' occur. As compliance increases, so the rate at which 'high-risk events' occur, rapidly decreases, until a point is reached, beyond which, further hand hygiene is unlikely to yield any greater benefit.

Conclusion

The findings of the study confirm those of other researchers and suggest that the greatest benefits derived from hand hygiene occur as a result of the first tranche of compliance, with higher levels (>50%) of hand hygiene events yielding only marginal benefits. This suggests that in most situations relatively little benefit is accrued from seeking to achieve very high levels of hand hygiene compliance.