bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viremia Induces Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Activation In Vivo and Diminished Alpha Interferon Production In Vitro
Authors: Tilton John C. , Manion Maura M. , Luskin Marlise R. , Johnson Alison J. , Patamawenu Andy A. , Hallahan Claire W. , Cogliano-Shutta Nancy A. , Mican JoAnn M. , Davey Richard T. , Kottilil Shyam , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Metcalf Julia A. , Lempicki Richard A. , Connors Mark
Published: February 2008

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection has been associated with perturbations of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC), including diminished frequencies in the peripheral blood and reduced production of type I interferons (IFNs) in response to in vitro stimulation. However, recent data suggest a paradoxical increase in production of type 1 interferons in vivo in HIV-infected patients compared to uninfected controls. Using a flow cytometric assay to detect IFN-α-producing cells within unseparated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we observed that short-term interruptions of antiretroviral therapy are sufficient to result in significantly reduced IFN-α production by PDC in vitro in response to CpG A ligands or inactivated HIV particles. The primary cause of diminished IFN-α production was reduced responsiveness of PDC to de novo stimulation, not diminished per cell IFN-α production or migration of cells to lymphoid organs. Real-time PCR analysis of purified PDC from patients prior to and during treatment interruptions revealed that active HIV-1 replication is associated with upregulation of type I IFN-stimulated gene expression. Treatment of hepatitis C virus-infected patients with IFN-α2b and ribavirin for hepatitis C virus infection resulted in a profound suppression of de novo IFN-α production in response to CpG A or inactivated HIV particles, similar to the response observed in HIV-infected patients. Together, these results suggest that diminished production of type I interferons in vitro by PDC from HIV-1-infected patients may not represent diminished interferon production in vivo. Rather, diminished function in vitro is likely a consequence of prior activation via type I interferons or HIV virions in vivo.
ICAM-1 Participates in the Entry of West Nile Virus into the Central Nervous System
Authors: Dai Jianfeng , Wang Penghua , Bai Fengwei , Town Terrence , Fikrig Erol
Published: February 2008

Determining how West Nile virus crosses the blood-brain barrier is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of encephalitis. Here, we show that ICAM-1
−/−
mice are more resistant than control animals to lethal West Nile encephalitis. ICAM-1
−/−
mice have a lower viral load, reduced leukocyte infiltration, and diminished neuronal damage in the brain compared to control animals. This is associated with decreased blood-brain barrier leakage after viral infection. These data suggest that ICAM-1 plays an important role in West Nile virus neuroinvasion and that targeting ICAM-1 signaling may help control viral encephalitis.
Foliage distribution in old-growth coniferous tree canopies
Authors: Massman W. J.
Published: February 2008

The vertical distribution of foliage for several old-growth trees is discussed and modeled. The data include the foliage distribution of nine Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) crowns, the foliage distribution of a sugar pine (Pinuslambertiana Dougl.) crown, and the foliage distribution of a composite of the nine Douglas-fir trees which represents the stand canopy. The data show that the foliage is distributed asymmetrically in the crown with the maximum amount often located at a height approximately equal to 80% of the tree height. The data further show that the crown base is 9–30 m above the ground. Five different mathematical models of the foliage distribution (a normal distribution, a chi-square distribution, a beta distribution, a difference of exponentials, and a chi-square-like distribution) are fitted to the data and compared. The beta distribution and the chi-square distribution appear to fit the data slightly better than the others; but the differences in r2 between all the models are often small. The normal distribution has the advantage that it shows the least variability from one tree to the next; however, it also has the disadvantage that it is significantly different from zero at the top of all the tree crowns modeled here.
Initial moisture content and the exponential drying process
Authors: Wagner C. E. Van
Published: February 2008

Estimation of fuel moisture in Canadian forest fire danger rating during a drying period is accomplished through a negative exponential equation. Data are presented to show that for pine litter the slope of this equation is independent of the starting point, a necessary condition for its validity.
Effect of nine growth retardants applied to loblolly and slash pine
Authors: Hare Robert C.
Published: February 2008

In an effort to dwarf seed orchard trees without reducing fruitfulness, nine growth-retardant chemicals were applied at several concentrations each as either aqueous foliar sprays or oil-based bark bands. All treatments which significantly retarded growth also caused injury or death. Mefluidide, as a 0.7% foliage spray, reduced growth and caused only minimal injury. Effects of the chemicals on seed production could not be observed, as no control or treated trees flowered. Slash pine was more sensitive to the chemicals than loblolly pine.
Growth and water relationships of red spruce seedlings exposed to atmospheric deposition and drought
Authors: Roberts Bruce R. , Cannon Jr. William N.
Published: February 2008

Two-year-old containerized seedlings of red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) were subjected to ozone (O3) fumigation (0.25 ppm), simulated acid rain (pH 4.2 or 3.0), and drought prior to measurement of changes in growth and plant water status. Drought caused a significant decline in terminal height growth and new-shoot dry weight, but old-shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and root/shoot ratio were not appreciably affected. Deposition treatment (O3 and (or) acid rain) influenced both shoot and root dry weight but did not significantly affect height or root/shoot ratio. Treatment with either 0.25 ppm O3 alone or pH 3.0 rainfall alone caused the greatest reduction in growth, while treatment with 0.25 ppm O3 + pH 4.2 rain had the least effect. The influence of deposition treatment generally was more pronounced in seedlings subjected to drought than in well-watered plants. Seedlings subjected to drought had lower (more negative) water potentials than well-watered plants regardless of deposition treatment. While there were no significant differences in the water status of well-watered seedlings exposed to various deposition treatments, xylem water potential and osmotic potential of drought-stressed seedlings treated with O3 alone were consistently lower than these characteristics in seedlings treated with O3 + acid rain together. Except for one deposition treatment (0.25 ppm O3 + pH 3.0 rain) there was no evidence for osmotic adjustment of red spruce seedlings in response to stress factors imposed in this study.
Variable-form taper functions for four Alberta tree species
Authors: Newnham R.M.
Published: February 2008

The variable-form taper function was tested on a data set of 5074 trees, consisting of jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.), lodgepole pine {Pinuscontorta Dougl.), white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss), and trembling aspen (Populustremuloides Michx.), from Alberta. When compared with the results of tests performed on the same data using the variable-exponent function and the segmented polynomial model, the variable-form model was found to be superior (based on residual mean squares) for estimating both upper stem diameter ratios and total stem volumes. The two pine species could be combined and a single taper function used without significant loss of accuracy. Stem form in two of the volume sampling regions was significantly different from that in other regions of the province, but this may have been because the samples were not representative of the two regions. The variable-form function gave accurate and unbiased estimates of both merchantable height and merchantable volume.
Flooding Stress: Acclimations and Genetic Diversity
Authors: Bailey-Serres J. , Voesenek L.A.C.J.
Published: February 2008

Flooding is an environmental stress for many natural and man-made ecosystems worldwide. Genetic diversity in the plant response to flooding includes alterations in architecture, metabolism, and elongation growth associated with a low O2 escape strategy and an antithetical quiescence scheme that allows endurance of prolonged submergence. Flooding is frequently accompanied with a reduction of cellular O2 content that is particularly severe when photosynthesis is limited or absent. This necessitates the production of ATP and regeneration of NAD+ through anaerobic respiration. The examination of gene regulation and function in model systems provides insight into low-O2-sensing mechanisms and metabolic adjustments associated with controlled use of carbohydrate and ATP. At the developmental level, plants can escape the low-O2 stress caused by flooding through multifaceted alterations in cellular and organ structure that promote access to and diffusion of O2. These processes are driven by phytohormones, including ethylene, gibberellin, and abscisic acid. This exploration of natural variation in strategies that improve O2 and carbohydrate status during flooding provides valuable resources for the improvement of crop endurance of an environmental adversity that is enhanced by global warming.
Trehalose Metabolism and Signaling
Authors: Paul Matthew J. , Primavesi Lucia F. , Jhurreea Deveraj , Zhang Yuhua
Published: February 2008

Trehalose metabolism and signaling is an area of emerging significance. In less than a decade our views on the importance of trehalose metabolism and its role in plants have gone through something of a revolution. An obscure curiosity has become an indispensable regulatory system. Mutant and transgenic plants of trehalose synthesis display wide-ranging and unprecedented phenotypes for the perturbation of a metabolic pathway. Molecular physiology and genomics have provided a glimpse of trehalose biology that had not been possible with conventional techniques, largely because the products of the synthetic pathway, trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) and trehalose, are in trace abundance and difficult to measure in most plants. A consensus is emerging that T6P plays a central role in the coordination of metabolism with development. The discovery of trehalose metabolism has been one of the most exciting developments in plant metabolism and plant science in recent years. The field is fast moving and this review highlights the most recent insights.
Effects of the concentration and frequency of acid infusion on the development and maintenance of esophageal hyperalgesia in a human volunteer model
Authors: Matthews Philip J. , Knowles Charles H. , Chua Yang C. , Delaney Claire , Hobson Anthony R. , Aziz Qasim
Published: February 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated that a single 30-min distal esophageal infusion of concentrated (0.15 M, pH 0.8) hydrochloric acid (HCl) induces hyperalgesia to an electrical stimulus in a human model. The aim of this study was to refine this model using physiological acid concentrations (pH 1.8–4) in repeated short exposures. Two different cohorts of 10 volunteers underwent two studies. Study 1: randomization to four 5-min distal esophageal infusions of acid (0.15 M) or saline, 1 h apart. Double-blind measurements of baseline and postexposure proximal esophageal and chest wall pain thresholds (PTs) were performed to electrical stimulation at 30-min intervals throughout the study. Study 2: randomization to four 15-min infusions of 0.15, 0.075, and 0.01 M HCl and saline. In study 1, with multiple acid infusions, a significant progressive drop in PTs was observed in both areas tested ( P ≤ 0.0001). In study 2, increasing acid concentrations had a significant effect over multiple time points, P ≤ 0.0001. Similar initial reductions in PTs were observed for all acid concentrations compared with saline; however, hypersensitivity was shorter lasting with 0.01 M acid. In healthy subjects, esophageal hypersensitivity can be induced and maintained up to 4 h by repeated short-duration acid infusion and at physiological pH levels. This has implications for future model design and pathophysiological understanding of acid-related esophageal hypersensitivity.
Activation of podocytes by mesangial-derived TNF-α: glomerulo-podocytic communication in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Lai Kar Neng , Leung Joseph C. K. , Chan Loretta Y. Y. , Saleem Moin A. , Mathieson Peter W. , Lai Fernand M. , Tang Sydney C. W.
Published: February 2008

We have previously documented that human mesangial cell (HMC)-derived TNF-α is an important mediator involved in the glomerulo-tubular communication in the development of interstitial damage in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). With the strategic position of podocytes, we further examined the role of mesangial cells in the activation of podocytes in IgAN. There was no binding of IgA from patients with IgAN to podocytes. Podocytes cultured with IgA from patients with IgAN did not induce the release of growth factors or cytokines. Furthermore, podocytes did not express mRNA of known IgA receptors. In contrast, IgA-conditioned medium (IgA-HMC medium) prepared by culturing HMC with IgA from patients with IgAN for 48 h significantly increased the gene expression and protein synthesis of TNF-α by podocytes with a 17-fold concentration above that of IgA-HMC medium. The upregulation of TNF-α expression by podocyte was only abolished by a neutralizing antibody against TNF-α but not by other antibodies. Exogenous TNF-α upregulated the synthesis of TNF-α by podocytes in an autocrine fashion. IgA-HMC medium prepared with IgA from patients with IgAN also significantly upregulated the expression of both TNF-α receptor 1 and 2 in podocytes. Our in vitro finding suggests podocytes may play a contributory role in the development of interstitial damage in IgAN by amplifying the activation of tubular epithelial cells with enhanced TNF-α synthesis after inflammatory changes of HMC.
Human Visuospatial Updating After Passive Translations in Three-Dimensional Space
Authors: Klier Eliana M. , Hess Bernhard J. M. , Angelaki Dora E.
Published: February 2008

To maintain a stable representation of the visual environment as we move, the brain must update the locations of targets in space using extra-retinal signals. Humans can accurately update after intervening active whole-body translations. But can they also update for passive translations (i.e., without efference copy signals of an outgoing motor command)? We asked six head-fixed subjects to remember the location of a briefly flashed target (five possible targets were located at depths of 23, 33, 43, 63, and 150 cm in front of the cyclopean eye) as they moved 10 cm left, right, up, down, forward, or backward while fixating a head-fixed target at 53 cm. After the movement, the subjects made a saccade to the remembered location of the flash with a combination of version and vergence eye movements. We computed an updating ratio where 0 indicates no updating and 1 indicates perfect updating. For lateral and vertical whole-body motion, where updating performance is judged by the size of the version movement, the updating ratios were similar for leftward and rightward translations, averaging 0.84 ± 0.28 (mean ± SD) as compared with 0.51 ± 0.33 for downward and 1.05 ± 0.50 for upward translations. For forward/backward movements, where updating performance is judged by the size of the vergence movement, the average updating ratio was 1.12 ± 0.45. Updating ratios tended to be larger for far targets than near targets, although both intra- and intersubject variabilities were smallest for near targets. Thus in addition to self-generated movements, extra-retinal signals involving otolith and proprioceptive cues can also be used for spatial constancy.
Resting Microglial Motility Is Independent of Synaptic Plasticity in Mammalian Brain
Authors: Wu Long-Jun , Zhuo Min
Published: February 2008

Microglia are well known for their roles in brain injuries and infections. However, there is no function attributes to resting microglia thus far. Here we performed a combination of simultaneous electrophysiology and time-lapse confocal imaging in green fluorescent protein–labeled microglia in acute hippocampal slices. In contrast to CA1 neurons, microglia showed no spontaneous or evoked synaptic currents. Neither glutamate- nor GABA-induced current/chemotaxis of microglia was detected. Strong tetanic stimulation of Schaffer-collateral pathways that induce CA1 long-term potentiation did not affect microglial motilities. Our results suggest that microglia are highly reserved for neuronal protective function but not synaptic plasticity in the brain.
Septo-Optic Dysplasia – Novel Insights into the Aetiology
Authors: Kelberman Daniel , Dattani Mehul Tulsidas
Published: February 2008

Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a highly heterogeneous condition comprising a variable phenotype of optic nerve hypoplasia, midline brain abnormalities and pituitary hypoplasia with consequent endocrine deficits. The majority of cases are sporadic and several aetiologies have been suggested to account for the pathogenesis of the condition. However, a number of familial cases have been described and the identification of mutations in key developmental genes including HESX1, SOX2 and SOX3 in patients with SOD and associated phenotypes suggests that a genetic causation is likely in the more common sporadic cases of the condition. The precise aetiology of SOD is most likely multifactorial involving contributions from environmental factors in addition to an important role for crucial developmental genes. The variability of the penetrance and phenotypes within a single SOD pedigree may also suggest a complex interaction between genetics and the environment, and at present, the understanding of these interactions is rudimentary. Further study of these critical factors may shed light on the aetiology of this complex disorder. We have reviewed recent literature selecting relevant references based on the keywords HESX1, SOX2, SOX3, Septo-optic dysplasia, genetics and pituitary development.
Immunologic Control for Polyomavirus Infection after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ahn Hyung Joon , Ju Man Ki , Jeong Hyeon Joo , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Hyon Suk , Huh Kyu Ha , Lee Jong Hoon , Kim Soon Il , Kim Yu Seun
Published: February 2008

Aims: We compared the relative efficacy of urine decoy cell (UDC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify polyomavirus (PV) infection, and investigate the efficacy of reduction of immunosuppression for earlier-stage PV infection before irreversible graft injury. Methods: A total of 222 de novo renal transplant recipients from March 2003 to September 2005 were enrolled. Prospective UDC monitoring with supplementary PV-PCR was performed. Early reduction of immunosuppression was guided by the results of UDC and PV-PCR. Results: The positive predictive value of urine cytology for PV infection was 48.8%, and the negative predictive value was 74.1%. After reduction of immunosuppression, negative conversion or significant decrease of viral titer was achieved 100% in 15 PV-PCR positive recipients. Only 3 patients who were neglected or overlooked for PV screening or positive test results early after transplantation were diagnosed as having PV nephropathy, and resulted in graft dysfunction and failure. From January 2001 to December 2002, when we did not monitor the PV infection, there were 7 cases of PV nephropathy among 116 recipients. Conclusion: The combination of UDC and PV-PCR should be considered for screening of PV infection. Reduction of immunosuppression based on UDC monitoring and PV viral loads may reduce the incidence of PV nephropathy.
Progressive Hearing Loss in Mice with a Mutated Vitamin D Receptor Gene
Authors: Zou Jing , Minasyan Anna , Keisala Tiina , Zhang Ya , Wang Jing-Huan , Lou Yan-Ru , Kalueff Alan , Pyykkö Ilmari , Tuohimaa Pentti
Published: February 2008

Background: Both hypo- and hypervitaminosis D can cause sensorineural hearing loss, and aural symptoms due to vitamin D insufficiency are especially common during gravidity. Hormonal forms of vitamin D regulate transcription by binding with the high-affinity vitamin D receptor (VDR). Objective: To assess the effects of impaired vitamin D action in VDR knockout (KO) mice on hearing, cochlear morphology, and cochlear gene expression. Materials and Methods: Eighteen young male and female mice (10 VDR KO and 8 wild type, WT, ≤6 months old), 33 adult male and female mice (16 VDR KO and 17 WT, between 7 and 14 months old), and 11 aged male and female mice (5 VDR KO and 6 WT, ≧15 months old) on 129S1 genetic background were studied. Auditory thresholds were evaluated by auditory brain stem response. Morphological changes were analyzed using plastic embedding and light microscopy. The expression of key genes (known to play a role in the regulation of cochlear function), and caspase 3 activity, were assessed using immunofluorescent confocal microscopy. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the young and the adult groups, and between the adult and aged groups of WT mice. There was also a statistically significant difference between the adult and aged groups in VDR KO mice, and between the young WT group and the young VDR KO group. Spiral ganglion cell loss was observed in the basal turn of adult VDR KO mice, a phenomenon infrequently found in WT mice. Expression of connexin 26, KCNJ10, and transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily 4/6 was not affected by VDR KO-mediated hearing loss. Caspase 3 activation was detected in the spiral ganglion cell and its satellite cells, stria vascularis, spiral ligament fibrocytes, and the organ of Corti in both genotypes. However, the percentage of positive cells and the staining intensity were lower in the VDR KO (compared to the WT) mice. Conclusion: These data suggest that sensorineural hearing loss progressively developed at an earlier age in VDR KO mice. While the fundamental gene expressions in the cochlea were not influenced by VDR mutation, it resulted in decrease of caspase 3 activation, which may be one of the factors underlying accelerating age-related hearing loss observed in VDR KO mice.
The Western Arctic Linkage Experiment (WALE): Overview and Synthesis
Authors: McGuire A. D. , Walsh J. E. , Kimball J. S. , Clein J. S. , Euskirchen S. E. , Drobot S. , Herzfeld U. C. , Maslanik J. , Lammers R. B. , Rawlins M. A. , Vorosmarty C. J. , Rupp T. S. , Wu W. , Calef M.
Published: February 2008

The primary goal of the Western Arctic Linkage Experiment (WALE) was to better understand uncertainties of simulated hydrologic and ecosystem dynamics of the western Arctic in the context of 1) uncertainties in the data available to drive the models and 2) different approaches to simulating regional hydrology and ecosystem dynamics. Analyses of datasets on climate available for driving hydrologic and ecosystem models within the western Arctic during the late twentieth century indicate that there are substantial differences among the mean states of datasets for temperature, precipitation, vapor pressure, and radiation variables. Among the studies that examined temporal trends among the alternative climate datasets, there is not much consensus on trends among the datasets. In contrast, monthly and interannual variations of some variables showed some correlation across the datasets. The application of hydrology models driven by alternative climate drivers revealed that the simulation of regional hydrology was sensitive to precipitation and water vapor differences among the driving datasets and that accurate simulation of regional water balance is limited by biases in the forcing data. Satellite-based analyses for the region indicate that vegetation productivity of the region increased during the last two decades of the twentieth century because of earlier spring thaw, and the temporal variability of vegetation productivity simulated by different models from 1980 to 2000 was generally consistent with estimates based on the satellite record for applications driven with alternative climate datasets. However, the magnitude of the fluxes differed by as much as a factor of 2.5 among applications driven with different climate data, and spatial patterns of temporal trends in carbon dynamics were quite different among simulations. Finally, the study identified that the simulation of fire by ecosystem models is particularly sensitive to alternative climate datasets, with little or no fire simulated for some datasets. The results of WALE identify the importance of conducting retrospective analyses prior to coupling hydrology and ecosystem models with climate system models. For applications of hydrology and ecosystem models driven by projections of future climate, the authors recommend a coupling strategy in which future changes from climate model simulations are superimposed on the present mean climate of the most reliable datasets of historical climate.
On the Assessment of Nonlocal Climate Feedback. Part II: EFA-SVD and Optimal Feedback Modes*
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Wen Na
Published: February 2008

The equilibrium feedback assessment (EFA) is combined with the singular value decomposition (SVD) to assess the large-scale feedback modes from a lower boundary variability field onto an atmospheric field. The leading EFA-SVD modes are the optimal feedback modes, with the lower boundary forcing patterns corresponding to those that generate the largest atmospheric responses, and therefore provide upper bounds of the feedback response. The application of EFA-SVD to an idealized coupled ocean–atmosphere model demonstrates that EFA-SVD is able to extract the leading feedback modes successfully. Furthermore, these large-scale modes are the least sensitive to sampling errors among all the feedback processes and therefore are the most robust for statistical estimation. The EFA-SVD is then applied to the observed North Atlantic ocean–atmosphere system for the assessment of the sea surface temperature (SST) feedback on the surface heat flux and the geopotential height, respectively. The dominant local negative feedback of SST on heat flux is confirmed, with an upper bound of about 40 W m−2 K−1 for basin-scale anomalies. The SST also seems to exert a strong feedback on the atmospheric geopotential height: the optimal SST forcing has a dipole pattern that generates an optimal response of a North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) pattern, with an upper bound of about 70 m K−1 at 500 hPa. Further issues on the EFA-SVD analysis are also discussed.
The Influence of Storm Size on Hurricane Surge
Authors: Irish Jennifer L. , Resio Donald T. , Ratcliff Jay J.
Published: February 2008

Over the last quarter-century, hurricane surge has been assumed to be primarily a function of maximum storm wind speed, as might be estimated from the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. However, Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that wind speed alone cannot reliably describe surge. Herein it is shown that storm size plays an important role in surge generation, particularly for very intense storms making landfall in mildly sloping regions. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, analysis of the historical hurricane record evidenced no clear correlation between surge and storm size, and consequently little attention was given to the role of size in surge generation. In contrast, it is found herein that, for a given intensity, surge varies by as much as 30% over a reasonable range of storm sizes. These findings demonstrate that storm size must be considered when estimating surge, particularly when predicting socioeconomic and flood risk.
Nodal network and CFD simulation of airflow and heat transfer in double skin facades with blinds
Authors: Hanby VI , Cook MJ , Infield DG , Ji Y , Loveday DL , Mei L. , Holmes MJ
Published: February 2008

The paper describes a modelling study of heat transfer and buoyancy-driven airflow in double skin facades consisting of a glass outer layer, a control device (venetian blind) and a double-glazed inner skin. The modelling study was based on two approaches — a component-based, lumped parameter simulation which used a public domain, open source differential/algebraic equation solver and a detailed, CFD calculation which included air flow, conduction, convection and radiation. The primary objective of the work was to compare the performance of the simplified model with the output of a rigorous CFD calculation.
Comparing the Incomparable? A Systematic Review of Competing Techniques for Converting Descriptive Measures of Health Status into QALY-Weights
Authors: Mortimer Duncan , Segal Leonie
Published: February 2008

Background . Algorithms for converting descriptive measures of health status into quality-adjusted life year (QALY)—weights are now widely available, and their application in economic evaluation is increasingly commonplace. The objective of this study is to describe and compare existing conversion algorithms and to highlight issues bearing on the derivation and interpretation of the QALY-weights so obtained. Methods . Systematic review of algorithms for converting descriptive measures of health status into QALY-weights. Results . The review identified a substantial body of literature comprising 46 derivation studies and 16 studies that provided evidence or commentary on the validity of conversion algorithms. Conversion algorithms were derived using 1 of 4 techniques: 1) transfer to utility regression, 2) response mapping, 3) effect size translation, and 4) “revaluing” outcome measures using preference-based scaling techniques. Although these techniques differ in their methodological/theoretical tradition, data requirements, and ease of derivation and application, the available evidence suggests that the sensitivity and validity of derived QALY-weights may be more dependent on the coverage and sensitivity of measures and the disease area/patient group under evaluation than on the technique used in derivation. Conclusions . Despite the recent proliferation of conversion algorithms, a number of questions bearing on the derivation and interpretation of derived QALY-weights remain unresolved. These unresolved issues suggest directions for future research in this area. In the meantime, analysts seeking guidance in selecting derived QALY-weights should consider the validity and feasibility of each conversion algorithm in the disease area and patient group under evaluation rather than restricting their choice to weights from a particular derivation technique.
Value of Patient Time Invested in the Colonoscopy Screening Process: Time Requirements for Colonoscopy Study
Authors: Jonas Daniel E. , Russell Louise B. , Sandler Robert S. , Chou Jon , Pignone Michael
Published: February 2008

Purpose. Previous cost-effectiveness analyses of colorectal cancer screening have not considered the value of patient time despite consensus recommendations to do so. The authors sought to estimate the amount and value of patient time required for screening colonoscopy. Methods. Patients who were scheduled to undergo screening colonoscopy were recruited from a university endoscopy center. Participants completed a time diary for the screening colonoscopy process, including time spent in preparation, travel, waiting, colonoscopy, and recovery. The authors defined several time intervals and estimated their value. The primary time interval of interest, called occupied time, included preparation, travel, waiting, the colonoscopy procedure, and on-site recovery. Time was valued at the 2005 average wage rate. The authors performed sensitivity analyses to test other time intervals and wage rates. They then incorporated patient time costs into a previously published cost-effectiveness analysis of colorectal cancer screening to examine their impact. Results. One hundred ten subjects completed the study. The sample was 57% female, 85% Caucasian, and 90% insured (40% Medicare, 4% Medicaid). The mean occupied time was 23.2 hours, worth $432 at the average wage rate. The authors estimate that including patient time costs in cost-effectiveness analysis would increase the cost per life-year saved with screening colonoscopy by 68%, from $13,100 to $22,000. Sensitivity analyses showed that the increase could range from 17% to 224% depending on the time interval valued. Conclusions. Patient time constitutes an important cost in colonoscopy screening and should be included in cost-effectiveness analyses.
Circadian and Masking Control of Migratory Restlessness in Gambel's White-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)
Authors: Coverdill Alexander J. , Bentley George E. , Ramenofsky Marilyn
Published: February 2008

Avian migration is a seasonal activity that requires intricate timing on both an annual and daily basis. With increasing evidence for endogenous regulation of daily activities in migrant species, we tested whether a circadian oscillator may be involved with the expressions of daily locomotor activities and specific behaviors of the long-distance migrant, Gambel's white-crowned sparrow ( Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). Our previous studies have identified both daytime and nighttime behavioral patterns under a photoperiod of 18L:6D. In 2 separate trials, birds in the vernal migratory life-history stage were exposed to constant dim light, (DD)dim, and constant bright light, LL, while locomotor activity and behavioral observations were collected. Under (DD)dim, the daytime behaviors that included active and quiescent components observed under 18L:6D were lost as migratory restlessness, the intense nighttime activity, persisted nonstop for 36.4 h. Furthermore, the specific behaviors of migratory restlessness that are normally confined to the dark phase of 18L:6D, beak-up and beak-up flight, were expressed also during the subjective day of (DD)dim. Birds exposed to LL retained similar patterns of activity to the 18L:6D condition for 3 days, after which they became arrhythmic. Behavioral observations of intense locomotor activity observed during the subjective night of LL revealed no beak-up and beak-up flight. Thus, the complete expression of migratory restlessness that includes beak-up and beak-up flight may not be regulated by a circadian oscillator but instigated by very low light intensity. Locomotor activity and associated daytime behaviors appear to be influenced by a circadian oscillator, given their persistent patterns under LL. Therefore, we suggest that the separate components of migratory behavior are regulated differentially by a circadian oscillator and ambient lighting conditions.
Measuring Motivation Multidimensionally
Authors: Bernard Larry C. , Mills Michael , Swenson Leland , Walsh R. Patricia
Published: February 2008

We report the development of the Assessment of Individual Motives—Questionnaire (AIM-Q), a new instrument based on an evolutionary psychology theory of human motivation. It provides multitrait—multimethod (MTMM) assessment of individual differences on 15 motive scales. A total heterogeneous sample of N = 1,251 participated in eight studies that evaluated the homogeneity, internal consistency, test—retest reliability, and MTMM convergent and discriminant validities of the AIM-Q's three methods. These studies generally support the overall strategy of assessing individual differences in multiple evolutionary-based motives with multiple methods. Additional validity studies are underway and, when validated further, the AIM-Q may offer a promising option for evolutionary psychologists and behavioral geneticists wanting to incorporate individual differences into their research but have had to use existing self-report measures of personality, which were not designed for such a purpose. It may also offer clinical and counseling psychologists an additional approach to personality measures for the prediction of behavior.
A Comparative Study of Adolescent Risk Assessment Instruments
Authors: Welsh Jennifer L. , Schmidt Fred , McKinnon Lauren , Chattha H. K. , Meyers Joanna R.
Published: February 2008

Promising new adolescent risk assessment tools are being incorporated into clinical practice but currently possess limited evidence of predictive validity regarding their individual and/or combined use in risk assessments. The current study compares three structured adolescent risk instruments, Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI), Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), and Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), for both predictive and incremental validity with respect to general and violent recidivism. Receiver operating characteristic and hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that the risk tools predicted general and violent recidivism to varying degrees of accuracy, but the SAVRY offered the most in incremental validity. Clinical implications and future directions for youth risk assessment are discussed.
The Logic of Ethnic Business Distribution in Multiethnic Cities
Authors: Fong Eric , Anderson Emily E. , Wenhong Chen  , Luk Chiu
Published: February 2008

The authors propose a model for understanding ethnic business locations in multiethnic cities. The central argument of the framework is that the location of ethnic businesses reflects the match between the neighborhood business environment and the unique locational demand of the ethnic businesses involved in particular industrial sectors. Hypotheses were tested by a data set of Chinese businesses in the Toronto area drawn from business directories produced by the City of Toronto in 2000 and York Region in Canada in 2001, which were merged with 2001 Canadian census data.
Homecare and the informal information grapevine: implications for the electronic record in social care
Authors: Cooper Janet , Urquhart Christine
Published: February 2008

This article explores informal information exchange in social care, and implications for formal monitoring with an electronic social care record (ESCR). Six homecare settings were studied over 14 months between 2001 and 2002. Participant observation methods were used with the recipients of homecare ( n = 7) and in-depth interviews plus participant observation with formal care workers ( n = 31). Allied healthcare professionals ( n = 9) and homecare managers ( n = 5) were interviewed, as were two family members. The findings show that assumptions about monitoring of care processes may be faulty, and that trust and negotiation are important aspects of the care delivery. Modelling of the business processes indicates that roles and responsibilities for managing a care plan may shift, with the consequence that information can be omitted from a formal record if care workers selectively withhold information from care managers. The article concludes that any formal record needs to allow for the extensive negotiation involved in needs assessment and monitoring of care plans.
Record linkage software in the public domain: a comparison of Link Plus, The Link King, and a `basic' deterministic algorithm
Authors: Campbell Kevin M. , Deck Dennis , Krupski Antoinette
Published: February 2008

The study objective was to compare the accuracy of a deterministic record linkage algorithm and two public domain software applications for record linkage (The Link King and Link Plus). The three algorithms were used to unduplicate an administrative database containing personal identifiers for over 500,000 clients. Subsequently, a random sample of linked records was submitted to four research staff for blinded clerical review. Using reviewers' decisions as the `gold standard', sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPVs) were estimated. Optimally, sensitivity and PPVs in the mid 90s could be obtained from both The Link King and Link Plus. Sensitivity and PPVs using a basic deterministic algorithm were 79 and 98 per cent respectively. Thus the full feature set of The Link King makes it an attractive option for SAS users. Link Plus is a good choice for non-SAS users as long as necessary programming resources are available for processing record pairs identified by Link Plus.
Autologous bone marrow transplantation in autoimmune arthritis restores immune homeostasis through CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Roord Sarah T. A. , de Jager Wilco , Boon Louis , Wulffraat Nico , Martens Anton , Prakken Berent , van Wijk Femke
Published: February 2008

Despite the earlier use of potent immunosuppressive or cytostatic drugs and the recent emergence of biologicals as treatment for human autoimmune diseases (AIDs), some patients still remain unresponsive to treatment. To those severely ill patients, autologous bone marrow transplantation (aBMT) is applied as a last resource, leading to disease remission in a majority of patients. The underlying mechanism of action of aBMT is still largely unknown. Here, we showed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a role in the natural disease course of proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) and in disease remission by aBMT. aBMT led to an initial phase of rapid disease improvement corresponding with a relative increase in CD4+CD25+ T cells. At this time, the CD4+CD25+ cells did not yet show an increase in Foxp3 expression and showed less potent suppression. After this initial improvement, disease relapsed but stabilized at a level below the severity before aBMT. This second phase was actively regulated by potently suppressive CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. This work provided further insight into the role of Tregs in restoration of the immune balance by aBMT and can open the way to explore therapeutic interventions to further improve treatment of AID and disease relapses.
Wood smoke exposure induces a pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response in firefighters
Authors: Swiston J. R. , Davidson W. , Attridge S. , Li G. T. , Brauer M. , van Eeden S. F.
Published: February 2008

Epidemiological studies report an association between exposure to biomass smoke and cardiopulmonary morbidity. The mechanisms for this association are unclear. The aim of the present study was to characterise the acute pulmonary and systemic inflammatory effects of exposure to forest fire smoke.

Seasonal forest firefighters (n = 52) were recruited before and/or after a day of fire-fighting. Exposure was assessed by questionnaires and measurement of carbon monoxide levels (used to estimate respirable particulate matter exposure). The pulmonary response was assessed by questionnaires, spirometry and sputum induction. Peripheral blood cell counts and inflammatory cytokines were measured to define the systemic response.

Estimated respirable particulate matter exposure was high (peak levels >2 mg·m−3) during fire-fighting activities. Respiratory symptoms were reported by 65% of the firefighters. The percentage sputum granulocytes increased significantly from 6.5 to 10.9% following fire-fighting shifts, with concurrent increases in circulating white blood cells (5.55×109to 7.06×109 cells·L−1) and band cells (0.11×109to 0.16×109cells·L−1). Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels significantly increased following fire-fighting. There were no changes in band cells, IL-6, and IL-8 following strenuous physical exertion without fire-fighting. There was a significant association between changes in sputum macrophages containing phagocytosed particles and circulating band cells.

In conclusion, acute exposure to air pollution from forest fire smoke elicits inflammation within the lungs, as well as a systemic inflammatory response.
Seismic demigration/migration in the curvelet domain
Authors: Chauris Hervé , Nguyen Truong
Published: February 2008

Curvelets can represent local plane waves. They efficiently decompose seismic images and possibly imaging operators. We study how curvelets are distorted after demigration followed by migration in a different velocity model. We show that for small local velocity perturbations, the demigration/migration is reduced to a simple morphing of the initial curvelet. The derivation of the expected curvature of the curvelets shows that it is easier to sparsify the demigration/migration operator than the migration operator. An application on a 2D synthetic data set, generated in a smooth heterogeneous velocity model and with a complex reflectivity, demonstrates the usefulness of curvelets to predict what a migrated image would become in a locally different velocity model without the need for remigrating the full input data set. Curvelets are thus well suited to study the sensitivity of a prestack depth-migrated image with respect to the heterogeneous velocity model used for migration.
Behavioral Symptoms in Patients With Breast Cancer and Survivors
Authors: Bower Julienne E.
Published: February 2008

Behavioral symptoms are a common adverse effect of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and include disturbances in energy, sleep, mood, and cognition. These symptoms cause serious disruption in patients' quality of life and may persist for years after treatment. Patients need accurate information about the occurrence of these adverse effects as well as assistance with symptom management. This review considers four of the most common behavioral sequelae of breast cancer, namely fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and cognitive impairment. Research on the prevalence, mechanisms, and treatment of each symptom is described, concluding with recommendations for future studies.
HER-2 and Topoisomerase II As Predictors of Response to Chemotherapy
Authors: Pritchard Kathleen I. , Messersmith Hans , Elavathil Leela , Trudeau Maureen , O’Malley Frances , Dhesy-Thind Bindi
Published: February 2008

HER2 overexpression or amplification has been shown to be associated with a poor prognostic effect in women with breast cancer. At least eight analyses based on randomized trials have examined the relationship between HER2 and the differential effect of anthracycline compared with non–anthracycline-containing regimens. Only three of these studies were sufficiently powered to show a significant interaction between HER2 and anthracycline- versus non–anthracycline-containing treatments, but because all of the study results tended to be in the same direction, it is not surprising that three recent meta-analyses of published data have suggested that anthracycline-containing regimens provide more benefit than non–anthracycline-containing regimens in women whose tumors are overexpressed or amplified (positive) for HER2. Since topoisomerase II is a known target of the anthracyclines, it has been postulated that this relationship is actually based on the proximity of HER2 to the topoisomerase IIα gene (TOP2A) in the 17q chromosome. At least four recent studies have suggested that deletion and amplification of the TOP2A gene are associated with poor prognosis and are predictive of greater response to anthracycline-containing than to non–anthracycline-containing regimens. However, in at least one of those studies, HER2 positivity was as or more predictive. Although it has been suggested that HER2 positivity is predictive of better response to higher-dose anthracycline-containing regimens compared with standard anthracycline-containing regimens and to taxane- compared with non–taxane-containing regimens, these relationships have not been robust or consistent. Additional studies will be required to clarify these relationships.