bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural characterization of CD133+ stem cells bound to superparamagnetic nanoparticles: possible biotechnological applications
Authors: PAVON L. F. , GAMARRA L. F. , MARTI L. C. , AMARO JUNIOR E. , MOREIRA‐FILHO C. A. , CAMARGO‐MATHIAS M. I. , OKAMOTO O. K.
Published: August 2008

CD133 antigen is an integral membrane glycoprotein that can bind with different cells. Originally, however, this cellular surface antigen was expressed in human stem cells and in various cellular progenitors of the haematopoietic system. Human cord blood has been described as an excellent source of CD133+ haematopoietic progenitor cells with a large application potential. One of the main objectives of the present study is to describe for the first time the ultrastructural characteristics of CD133+ stem cells using transmission electronic microscopy. Another objective of the manuscript is to demonstrate through transmission electronic microscopy the molecular image of magnetic nanoparticles connected to the stem cells of great biotechnological importance, as well as demonstrating the value of this finding for electronic paramagnetic resonance and its related nanobioscientific value. Ultrastructural results showed the monoclonal antibody anti‐CD133 bound to the superparamagnetic nanoparticles by the presence of electrondense granules in cell membrane, as well as in the cytoplasm, revealing the ultrastructural characteristics of CD133+ cells, exhibiting a round morphology with discrete cytoplasmic projections, having an active nucleus that follows this morphology. The cellular cytoplasm was filled up with mitochondrias, as well as microtubules and vesicles pinocitic, characterizing the process as being related to internalization of the magnetic nanoparticles that were endocyted by the cells in question. Electronic paramagnetic resonance analysis of the CD133+ stem cells detected that the signal (spectrum) generated by the labelled cells comes from the superparamagnetic nanoparticles that are bound to them. These results strongly suggest that these CD133+ cells can be used in nanobiotechnology applications, with benefits in different biomedical areas.
Filopodia formation induced by active mDia2/Drf3
Authors: BLOCK J. , STRADAL T.E.B. , HÄNISCH J. , GEFFERS R. , KÖSTLER S.A. , URBAN E. , SMALL J.V. , ROTTNER K. , FAIX J.
Published: August 2008

Filopodia are rod‐shaped cell surface protrusions composed of a parallel bundle of actin filaments. Since filopodia frequently emanate from lamellipodia, it has been proposed that they form exclusively by the convergence and elongation of actin filaments generated in lamellipodia networks. However, filopodia form without Arp2/3‐complex, which is essential for lamellipodia formation, indicating that actin filaments in filopodia may be generated by other nucleators. Here we analyzed the effects of ectopic expression of GFP‐tagged full length or a constitutively active variant of the human formin mDia2/Drf3. By contrast to the full‐length molecule, which did not affect cell behaviour and was entirely cytosolic, active Drf3 lacking the C‐terminal regulatory region (Drf3ΔDAD) induced the formation of filopodia and accumulated at their tips. Low expression of Drf3ΔDAD induced rod‐shaped or tapered filopodia, whereas over‐expression resulted in multiple, club‐shaped filopodia. The clubs were filled with densely bundled actin filaments, whose number but not packing density decreased further away from the tip. Interestingly, clubs frequently increased in width after protrusion beyond the cell periphery, which correlated with increased amounts of Drf3ΔDAD at their tips. These data suggest Drf3‐induced filopodia form and extend by de novo nucleation of actin filaments instead of convergent elongation. Finally, Drf3ΔDAD also induced the formation of unusual, lamellipodia‐like structures, which contained both lamellipodial markers and the prominent filopodial protein fascin. Microarray analyses revealed highly variable Drf3 expression levels in different commonly used cell lines, reflecting the need for more detailed analyses of the functions of distinct formins in actin cytoskeleton turnover and different cell types.
Non‐classical use of clathrin during bacterial infections
Authors: COSSART P. , VEIGA E.
Published: August 2008

How invasive bacteria exploit mammalian host cell components to induce their entry into cells has received a lot of attention in the last two decades. Model organisms have emerged and helped understanding the various mechanisms that are used. Among those, Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most documented organisms. It enters into cells via two bacterial proteins, internalin (also called InlA) and InlB, which interact with cell surface receptors, E‐cadherin and the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, Met, respectively. These interactions initiate a series of events that leads to actin polymerization, membrane invagination and bacterial internalization. Investigations on internalin‐ and InlB‐mediated entries have repeatedly shown that Listeria fully usurps the host cell machinery. Moreover, they have also shown that previously unknown components discovered during the study of Listeria invasion play a role either in E‐cadherin‐mediated cell–cell adhesion or Met signalling. Unexpectedly, recent studies have highlighted a role for clathrin in Listeria InlB‐mediated actin polymerization and entry, revealing a new role for this endocytic protein, i.e. in bacterial‐induced internalization. Furthermore, comparative studies have demonstrated that the clathrin‐mediated endocytosis machinery is also used in the internalin–E‐cadherin pathway, and for the entry of other bacteria that enter by a ‘zipper’ mechanism. By contrast, the clathrin‐mediated endocytic machinery is not used by bacteria that inject effectors into mammalian cells via the type III secretion system and enter by the so‐called trigger mechanism, characterized by enormous membrane ruflles that result in the macropinocytosis of the corresponding bacteria. Finally, adherent bacteria, for example enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), also co‐opt clathrin to induce the formation of actin‐rich pedestals. Together, these new data illuminate our view on how actin rearrangements may be coupled to clathrin recruitment during bacterial infection. They also shed light on a new function for clathrin in mammalian cells, i.e. internalization of objects much larger than previously accepted.
Temperament as a Predictor of Symptomatology in Children: Addressing Contamination of Measures
Authors: Lengua Liliana J. , West Stephen G. , Sandler Irwin N.
Published: August 2008

Temperament has been conceptualized as an important predictor of children's psychological adjustment. However, even with reliable and valid measures, there is the additional problem of overlapping item content across measures of temperament and symptoms that threatens the interpretability of such associations. This study assessed this possible confounding using both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and expert ratings. A number of items from temperament measures of negative and positive emotionality, impulsivity, and attention focusing were shown to overlap with items measuring depressive and conduct problem symptoms. CFAs demonstrated that temperament could be reliably measured after eliminating overlapping items. Negative emotionality and impulsivity showed a positive relation to symptom measures, whereas positive emotionality and attention showed a negative relation to symptom measures. The pattern of associations indicated consistent relations between negative emotionality and depression and between impulsivity and conduct problems. The results show that even after removal of the threat to validity presented by overlap in measures, there continue to be significant, interpretable relations between temperament and symptoms.
Wanting to Be It: Children's Understanding of Intentions Underlying Pretense
Authors: Lillard Angeline S.
Published: August 2008

How children understand the mental state of pretense has recently become an active area of inquiry, with some research suggesting that young children do not understand that pretending is based on mentally representing some alternate state of affairs. Because intention is thought to be understood earlier than mental representation generally, these experiments tested whether children understand pretense intentions at an earlier age than they understand pretense mental representations. Children were told about a character's intentions and conflicting actions, and were asked about the character's pretense. Across 5 experiments, children did not demonstrate appreciation that intention is crucial to pretense. Various methodological factors that might have compromised the results were examined, but to no effect.
Wanting to Get It Right: Commentary on Lillard and Joseph
Authors: Gopnik Alison
Published: August 2008

The articles by Lillard and by Joseph are an example of how apparently divergent empirical results may turn out to reflect interesting differences between children and adults.
Childhood Derivatives of High and Low Reactivity in Infancy
Authors: Kagan Jerome , Snidman Nancy , Arcus Doreen
Published: August 2008

A group of 193 children, classified as high or low reactive to stimulation at 4 months and observed again at 14 and 21 months, were observed at 4½ years of age for behavioral signs of inhibited or uninhibited behavior. Children who had been high reactive were less spontaneous and less sociable than those who had been classified as low reactive, but only a small proportion of children maintained a consistently inhibited or uninhibited phenotype at all ages.
Does Welfare Affect Family Processes and Adolescent Adjustment?
Authors: Kalil Ariel , Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: August 2008

Recent welfare reform legislation requires increased parental work effort and imposes time limits on the receipt of federal assistance. These changes were based in part on assumptions that parental welfare receipt may be negatively related to family processes and children's attitudes and behaviors. Currently, researchers know little about the effects of welfare by itself relative to the effects of related variables such as family demographic characteristics, economic strain, and neighborhood factors on processes among families with adolescent children. This study investigates parenting behaviors, parent‐adolescent relationships, and adolescent attitudes and behaviors in three family types. Families of adolescents ages 11–15 who received income from Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in the previous 12 months are compared with poor families who have not received AFDC in the last year and with families who are neither poor nor welfare dependent. We found minimal support for the hypothesis that welfare is negatively related to family processes and adolescent attitudes and behaviors, although mothers receiving welfare report fewer effective parent management practices than their poor non‐welfare counterparts. Implications of the findings for current social policy debates are discussed.
The Influence of Extended‐Year Schooling on Growth of Achievement and Perceived Competence in Early Elementary School
Authors: Frazier Julie A. , Morrison Frederick J.
Published: August 2008

The influence of additional school days on academic and psychosocial skills was examined through comparison of an extended‐year program (210 days) with a traditional program (180 days). Kindergartners matched on background characteristics and magnet school attendance received tests of mathematics, reading, general knowledge, vocabulary, and perceived competence at the beginning (Fall K) and end (Spring K) of the traditional kindergarten year and at the beginning of the next traditional year (Fall 1). Although groups performed equivalently at Fall K, extended‐year students outperformed traditional students at Fall 1 in mathematics, reading, and general knowledge and had higher levels of cognitive competence. Mathematics and reading achievement differences at Fall 1 were not associated with differences in the quality or intensity of educational efforts made during the traditional school year (i.e., Fall K to Spring K) or to differences between teachers in the traditional and extended‐year programs. Results indicated that providing students with additional instruction time by lengthening the school year could be a promising educational reform.
Nonlinear Alternatives to Unit Root Tests and Public Finances Sustainability: Some Evidence from Latin American and Caribbean Countries*
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Kapetanios George , Uctum Merih
Published: August 2008

We analyse the sustainability of government debt for Latin American and Caribbean countries employing unit‐root tests with nonlinear alternative hypotheses and examine the robustness of our results against those from unit‐root tests with breaks and threshold nonlinearities. We show that, in general support for sustainability substantially improves when nonlinear mean reversion is taken into account. We also find that the results obtained from applying various tests with nonlinear alternatives, although broadly consistent, are not identical. This suggests that reliance on a single unit‐root test for assessing fiscal policy sustainability may be misleading.
Regional Planning of Wastewater Reuse for Irrigation and River Rehabilitation
Authors: Axelrad Gilad , Feinerman Eli
Published: August 2008

Subject to a few agri‐environmental restrictions, municipal wastewater can be utilised for agricultural irrigation and river rehabilitation. This paper develops a single‐year Planning Model for a region in Israel which consists of a city and three potential wastewater consumers. The model incorporates, in one endogenous system, the economic, physical and biological relationships in the water–soil–plant–environment system and its objective is to maximise the regional social welfare. The model determines the optimal crop mix and the optimal allocation of the limited water and land resources among all potential users. Then, different allocation approaches from the concept of transferable utility games are applied to determine a reasonable and fair allocation of the additional net benefits which will be acceptable to all the players. The results support the collaboration among the economic entities and indicate economic and environmental advantages which can serve the decision‐makers.
The Amenity Value of Agricultural Landscape and Rural–Urban Land Allocation
Authors: Fleischer Aliza , Tsur Yacov
Published: August 2008

We analyse rural–urban land allocation in the light of the increasing environmental role of agricultural landscapes. The landscape amenity value of farmland varies across crops and as a result affects the optimal crop mix in addition to its effect on rural–urban land allocation. Investigating the effects of population and income growth processes, we find that, contrary to market outcomes, the socially optimal allocation may call for more farmland preservation under both processes. In an empirical application to a region in Israel, we find that the extent of market under‐supply of farmland is substantial and that population growth calls for more farmland preservation at the expense of urban land.
Dynamic Fatigue Behavior of Dental Porcelain Modified by Surface Deposition of a YSZ Thin Film
Authors: Teixeira Erica C. , Piascik Jeffrey R. , Stoner Brian R. , Thompson Jeffrey Y.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the basic fatigue parameters of a dental porcelain modified by deposition of a yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film and to compare the data to that of an unmodified control.

Methods: Two hundred bars (2 × 2 × 15 mm3) were cut from ProCAD blocks. Specimens were wet‐polished with 1200‐grit SiC abrasive. One surface of each bar was sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3 abrasive (50 psi). Half the specimens were further modified through deposition of a 3‐μm YSZ thin film on the sandblasted surface. Depositions were performed using an radio frequency magnetron sputter system (working pressure of 15 mT, 150°C, 30:1 Ar:O2 gas ratio). Specimens were tested at different stressing rates: 5.0, 0.1, and 0.01 MPa/s (n = 25/group) in deionized water (37°C), and inert strength was determined in air (25°C, 70 MPa/s). All strength measurements were carried out by three‐point bending (span = 10 mm) in a servo‐electric test system.

Results: The mean flexural strength values (MPa) and standard deviation for the uncoated sandblasted group were: 98.6 (5.5), 90.7 (5.9), and 84.2 (8.5), and for the sandblasted + YSZ thin film group: 125 (9.4), 119.3 (7.8), and 102.8 (7.0), for the highest to the lowest stressing rates, respectively. The fatigue parameters n and lnB were calculated by linear regression of dynamic fatigue data. For the uncoated group, n = 38 and lnB = 4.7 MPa2/s, and for the coated group, n = 33 and lnB = 10.8 MPa2/s. Weibull analysis was also performed showing that the characteristic parameter (σo) was 113.3 and 125.7 MPa for the uncoated and coated group, respectively.

Conclusions: There was an increase in strength for specimens modified by application of a YSZ thin film. It is hypothesized that thin‐film application modifies flaws or residual surface stress states.
Is a “Flexible” Glass Fiber‐Bundle Dowel System as Retentive as a “Rigid” Quartz Fiber Dowel System?
Authors: Al‐Tayyan Mouhammad H. , Watts David C. , Kurer Hans G. , Qualtrough Alison J. E.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: This study had two aims: (1) to compare the retention of a flexible directly placed fiber‐bundle dowel system with that of a rigid prefabricated fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) dowel system, and (2) to determine the effect of decreasing the volume of luting cement around the flexible fiber‐bundle dowels on the axial retention of the restorations.

Materials and Methods: Single‐canal premolars (n = 36) were decoronated, cleaned, shaped, and prepared for both flexible and rigid dowels to a depth of 10 mm using a size 2 drill. The roots were then randomly allocated into three groups: Ia, Ib, and II (n = 12). Flexible fiber‐bundle dowels were placed in groups Ia and Ib. These were available in three fiber‐bundle diameters: small (0.9 mm), medium (1.2 mm), and large (1.5 mm). These bundles were luted in the root canals with Variolink II. The differences between Ia and Ib were in the ratio of the volume of fiber‐bundles to the volume of luting cement and in the mode of application. Medium fiber‐bundles were placed to the end of the preparation in groups Ia and Ib; however, in group Ia, a small diameter auxiliary bundle was placed, whereas in group Ib, a large‐diameter auxiliary bundle was cut axially into strips of circa 0.2‐mm thickness before being sequentially overlapped in placement. Roots in group II were restored with size 2 rigid prefabricated fiber dowels and luted with the light‐cured cement provided by the manufacturer. After 24 hours of storage, axial tensile forces were applied to all luted dowels progressively to failure at 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferonni test.

Results: The mean axial resistance forces (standard deviation [SD]) for groups Ia, Ib, and II were not statistically different at 166 (49), 157 (36), and 151 (44) N, respectively (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the retention of the flexible fiber‐bundle dowel system and that of the rigid prefabricated fiber dowel system. Decreasing the volume of luting cement around the flexible dowels did not have a significant effect on the axial retention of the restorations.
Effectiveness of Six Different Disinfectants on Removing Five Microbial Species and Effects on the Topographic Characteristics of Acrylic Resin
Authors: Da Silva Francine Cristina , Kimpara Estevão Tomomitsu , Mancini Maria Nadir Gasparotto , Balducci Ivan , Jorge Antonio Olavo Cardoso , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfectant solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, 2% glutaraldehyde, 100% vinegar, tabs of sodium perborate‐based denture cleanser, and 3.8% sodium perborate) in the disinfection of acrylic resin specimens (n = 10/group) contaminated in vitro by Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, S. aureus, Escherichia coli, or Bacillus subtilis as measured by residual colony‐forming unit (CFU). In a separate experiment, acrylic resin was treated with disinfectants to monitor potential effects on surface roughness, Ra (μm), which might facilitate microbial adherence.

Materials and Methods: Three hundred fifty acrylic resin specimens contaminated in vitro with 1×106 cells/ml suspensions of standard strains of the cited microorganisms were immersed in the disinfectants for 10 minutes; the control group was not submitted to any disinfection process. Final counts of microorganisms per ml were performed by plating method for the evaluation of microbial level reduction. Results were compared statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p≤ 0.05). In a parallel study aiming to evaluate the effect of the tested disinfectant on resin surface, 60 specimens were analyzed in a digital rugosimeter before and after ten cycles of 10‐minute immersion in the disinfectants. Measurements of superficial roughness, Ra (μm), were compared statistically by paired t‐test (p≤ 0.05).

Results: The results showed that 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate were most effective against the analyzed microorganisms, followed by 100% vinegar, 3.8% sodium perborate, and tabs of sodium perborate‐based denture cleanser. Superficial roughness of the specimens was higher after disinfection cycles with 3.8% sodium perborate (p= 0.03) and lower after the cycles with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (p= 0.04).

Conclusion: Within the limits of this experiment, it could be concluded that 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% chlorexidine, 100% vinegar, and 3.8% sodium perborate are valid alternatives for the disinfection of acrylic resin.
Cryoprecipitate use in 25 Canadian hospitals: commonly used outside of the published guidelines
Authors: Alport Edward C. , Callum Jeannie L. , Nahirniak Susan , Eurich Bernie , Hume Heather A.
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Canadian Blood Services' disposition reports suggested considerable variation in cryoprecipitate use and prompted this national audit.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty‐one institutions were invited to participate in a 2‐month audit. Patient information and relevant laboratory and transfusion data were collected. Cryoprecipitate transfusions were categorized as appropriate if a fibrinogen level (taken 6 hr before/after transfusion) was not more than 1.0 g per L and inappropriate if the pretransfusion fibrinogen level was more than 1.0 g per L and posttransfusion fibrinogen level was more than 1.0 g per L or not performed. Appropriateness was categorized as undetermined if the pretransfusion fibrinogen level was not performed and the posttransfusion fibrinogen level was more than 1.0 g per L or not performed.

RESULTS: Overall, 25 of 31 invited hospitals agreed to participate. A total of 4370 units of cryoprecipitate were transfused in 603 events to 453 patients representing 62 percent of cryoprecipitate issued to hospitals during the time period. Comparison of the number of units of cryoprecipitate per 100 units of red blood cells (RBCs) transfused by each institution showed significant variation in practice (mean, 9 per 100 RBCs; range, 2 to 27 units). The single most common indication for cryoprecipitate was cardiac surgery (45.4% of events). Overall, 24 percent of cryoprecipitate transfusions were considered to be appropriate (pretransfusion fibrinogen level ≤1 g/L in 19% and posttransfusion fibrinogen level ≤1.0 g/L in another 5%), 34 percent were inappropriate, and in 42 percent appropriateness could not be determined.

CONCLUSION: A 2‐month audit of cryoprecipitate use in Canada revealed that the majority of cryoprecipitate use in Canada is not in accordance with published guidelines.
Discriminatory Therapy for Very Fast Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: SIVAGANGABALAN GOPAL , ESHOO SUZANNE , EIPPER VICKI E. , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA , KOVOOR PRAMESH
Published: August 2008

Objectives:

We assessed the efficacy of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) and low‐energy (5J) shock for very fast ventricular tachycardia (VFVT), cycle length 200–250 ms, in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Methods and Results:

One hundred and fifty‐two consecutive patients with standard indications for ICD therapy were enrolled. Before discharge from the hospital each patient had an electrophysiological study (EPS) performed through the device, to assess the efficacy of ATP and low‐joule shock at terminating VFVT. Initial therapy for VFVT consisted of three bursts of ATP followed by low‐energy shock, and high‐energy shocks as required. The mean age of enrolled patients was 63 ± 13 years, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 31 ± 13%. During the predischarge EPS, a total of 125 VT episodes were induced in 64 patients. In patients with VFVT, the success rate of ATP was 30% (14/46), the acceleration rate was 26% (12/46), and the success rate of low‐energy shock was 86% (25/29). In patients with fast ventricular tachycardia (FVT), cycle lengths 251–320 ms, the success rate of ATP was 62% (24/39), the acceleration rate was 18% (7/39), and the success rate of low‐energy shock was 94% (17/18).

Conclusions:

This study has demonstrated for the first time that ATP and low‐energy shock are effective, as an alternative to high‐energy shock, to revert induced VFVT. Low‐energy shock has a very high success rate for VT slower than VFVT. Clinical studies are required prior to consideration for empiric programming.
The World Survey of Cardiac Pacingand Cardioverter‐Defibrillators: Calendar Year 2005 An International Cardiac Pacing andElectrophysiology Society (ICPES) project
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , IRWIN MARLEEN , ECTOR HUGO , PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO
Published: August 2008

Background:

A worldwide cardiac pacing and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) survey was undertaken for calendar year 2005 and compared to a similar survey conducted in 2001.

Results:

There were contributions from 43 countries: 16 from Europe, 13 from the Asia Pacific region, four from the Middle East and Africa, and 10 from the Americas. The United States had the largest number of cardiac pacemaker implants (223,425). Virtually all countries showed increases in implant numbers over the 4 years. High‐degree atrioventricular block and sick sinus syndrome remain the major indications for implantation of a cardiac pacemaker, although indications data were not available for large implanting regions such as Europe, Australia, and the United States. There remains a high percentage of VVI(R) pacing in the developing countries, although compared to the 2001 survey, virtually all countries had increased the percentage of DDDR implants, together with a fall in single‐lead VDD implants.
Pacing leads were predominantly transvenous, bipolar, and passive fixation. There was, however, an increased use of active fixation leads in both the atrium and ventricle. All countries surveyed showed a significant rise in the use of ICDs with the largest implanter being the United States (119,121) with 401 new implants per million population.

Conclusions:

Although the numbers of participating countries have fallen, there still remains a group of loyal enthusiastic survey coordinators. Recruitment of new coordinators will hopefully continue in order to obtain a fully global experience of cardiac pacing and ICD usage.
Social Transformation and Its Human Costs in the Prehispanic U.S. Southwest
Authors: HEGMON MICHELLE , PEEPLES MATTHEW A. , KINZIG ANN P. , KULOW STEPHANIE , MEEGAN CATHRYN M. , NELSON MARGARET C.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT  Change is inevitable, but some changes and transformations are more dramatic and fraught with suffering than others. Resilience theory suggests the concept of a “rigidity trap” as an explanation for these differences. In rigidity traps, a high degree of connectivity and the suppression of innovation prolong an increasingly rigid state, with the result that the eventual transformation is harsh. Three archaeological cases from the U.S. Southwest (Mimbres, Mesa Verde, and Hohokam) and new methods for assessing transformations and rigidity are used to evaluate this concept. They reveal the expected association between the severity of transformation and degree of rigidity, suggesting that a rigidity trap contributed to the Hohokam decline, which included significant human suffering. Possible causes of rigidity, with implications for today's world, are explored.
The Influence of Tiwanaku on Life in the Chilean Atacama: Mortuary and Bodily Perspectives
Authors: TORRES‐ROUFF CHRISTINA
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT  Using a contextualized bioarchaeological framework, in this article, I examine the complex relationship between the Tiwanaku polity of the Bolivian altiplano (C.E. 550–1000) and the inhabitants of the San Pedro de Atacama oases of northern Chile, in Tiwanaku's far periphery. I focus on how influences from Tiwanaku might have affected the presentation of Atacameño group identity in the mortuary context. I compare skeletal and mortuary data from 300 individuals buried during the peak of Tiwanaku influence in the Atacama to assess mortuary context, trauma, and body modifications. Results suggest a complex response to Tiwanaku influence. Data from the grave and mortuary assemblage reveal traditional Atacameño tombs with occasional foreign objects. Evidence of increased traumatic injury suggests that this relationship was not without some conflict. Finally, the maintenance of bodily expressions of local identity indicates a society that used their bodies to mark Atacameño identity.
Structural Changes to the Calcium–Silicate–Hydrate Gel Phase of Hydrated Cement with Age, Drying, and Resaturation
Authors: Thomas Jeffrey J. , Allen Andrew J. , Jennings Hamlin M.
Published: August 2008

The effects of drying to various relative humidity (RH) levels on the internal structure of hydrated cement paste were investigated using small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS). Specimens of young and mature portland cement paste were analyzed in the initial saturated state, in the dried state, and then again after resaturation, allowing reversible and irreversible effects to be separated. While the observed changes on drying are mainly physical in nature, the ability of the microstructure to resist permanent structural rearrangement increased over time as the hydration and aging reactions progressed. Permanent changes to the nanometer‐to‐micrometer scale microstructure induced by drying were quantified by applying a fractal model to the SANS data for resaturated pastes. At RH levels above ≈54%, capillary stresses compact the nanometer‐level pore structure of the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel phase, increasing the gel density by a mechanism related to that governing the classical “constant rate period” for pure gels. Owing to the restraining effects of the other solid phases in cement paste, this decrease in the volume of the C–S–H gel also increases the intensity of surface fractal scattering that arises from the deposition of hydration product onto the surface of the reacting cement particles. At all RH levels, but particularly below 54%, drying decreases the measured total internal surface area of the specimens. This is attributed to a loss of surface area at particle contacts as the average separation distance between adjacent C–S–H gel nanoparticles decreases on drying.
COMPARISON OF ULTRASOUND, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN DETECTION OF ACUTE WOODEN FOREIGN BODIES IN THE CANINE MANUS
Authors: OBER CHRISTOPHER P. , JONES JERYL C. , LARSON MARTHA MOON , LANZ OTTO I. , WERRE STEPHEN R.
Published: August 2008

We evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasound, nonenhanced computed tomography (CT) and nonenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in detecting wooden foreign bodies in the canine manus. Identical wooden splinters were manually inserted into 30 cadaver canine manus, and the limbs were evaluated using ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging by independent observers. All sites were rated as positive or negative for the presence of a foreign body, and observer certainty was scored on a 1–10 scale. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, CT was the most accurate modality for detection of wooden foreign bodies overall and within each of the three individual regions, followed by ultrasound and MR imaging, respectively. Ultrasound evaluations were most limited in the metacarpal pad, where distal acoustic shadowing from the pad surface hindered evaluation of the tissues in some specimens.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ADRENAL GLAND QUANTIFICATION IN CANINE ADRENOCORTICOTROPH HORMONE‐DEPENDENT HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
Authors: BERTOLINI GIOVANNA , FURLANELLO TOMMASO , DRIGO MICHELE , CALDIN MARCO
Published: August 2008

We conducted a retrospective study to determine whether multidetector computed tomography (CT) could be of value for adrenal gland assessment in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Adrenal gland attenuation and volume values of 49 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were recorded and age, body weight, and gender were examined to determine if a relationship existed between these variables and adrenal gland morphology. There was not a statistically significant difference in mean X‐ray attenuation of the left vs. right adrenal gland in normal dogs (35.3±6.1 HU), or in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. The mean adrenal X‐ray attenuation (± standard deviation [SD]) in dogs with microadenoma was 33.1±6.8 vs. 31.8±12.7 HU for dogs with macroadenoma, and these values were not statistically different. The mean volume of the left adrenal gland in normal dogs (0.59±0.17 cm3) was greater than that of the right adrenal gland (0.54±0.19 cm3) (P<0.05). The mean CT volume (±SD) of the adrenal glands in dogs with microadenoma vs. macroadenoma were 1.60±1.25 vs. 2.88±1.60 cm3, respectively. There was no effect of age or gender on adrenal gland morphology or X‐ray attenuation. The weight effect was the most important source of variation for the volume measurement in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.
To Test or Not to Test? Metabolic Testing in Adolescents and Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Moog Ute , De Die‐Smulders Christine , Martens Herman , Schrander‐Stumpel Connie , Spaapen Leo
Published: August 2008

Abstract  In order to add to the knowledge on adult phenotypes of metabolic disorders associated with intellectual disability (ID) and to evaluate criteria for recommending metabolic testing of adolescents and adults with unexplained ID, the authors analyzed retrospectively the outcome of metabolic investigations performed during a 10‐year period on 256 people with ID aged 16 years or older from 245 families. A metabolic disorder was found in 13 people from 10 families, in some cases only after a second investigation. One diagnosis (homocystinuria) would have been missed if clinical selection had been performed. The present cases illustrate a broad clinical spectrum. The authors propose an adapted list of clinical findings that may indicate the need for metabolic testing of adolescents and adults with ID. The study contributes to the knowledge of the adult phenotype of metabolic disorders. A metabolic diagnosis as the cause of ID may lead to the adaptation of care procedures, often defines a low recurrence risk for the progeny of siblings and means relief from uncertainty for family members.
Demographics of African‐American vs. European‐Heritage Mothers of Newborns With Down Syndrome
Authors: Hodapp Robert M. , Urbano Richard C.
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Although important for public health policy, ethnic/racial disparities have rarely been examined among families of young children with Down syndrome. This study compared 144 African‐American mothers with 726 European‐heritage mothers of newborns with Down syndrome using official birth records in one American state from 1990 through 2002; outcome measures included maternal age at infant's birth, education levels, marital status, and neighborhood median family income. Compared with European‐heritage mothers, African‐American mothers of newborns with Down syndrome were of lower socioeconomic levels and were younger, with many more African‐American (vs. European‐heritage) mothers giving birth at 23 years or younger (37.5 vs. 22.8%). In both groups, the young mothers (i.e., ≤23 years) showed the highest percentages of women who had not graduated high school and who were unmarried. As one of few studies focusing on ethnic‐racial issues in Down syndrome, this study spotlights the characteristics and needs of some of this syndrome's subgroups.
Disentangling the Differences between Abusive and Predatory Lending: Professionals’ Perspectives
Authors: DELGADILLO LUCY M. , ERICKSON LUKE V. , PIERCY KATHLEEN W.
Published: August 2008

This study describes how mortgage professionals differentiate abusive from predatory lending. Data were analyzed qualitatively. The results indicate that some users of this term do not always adhere to a strict definition of predatory lending but rather use it as a term for any general mortgage abuse and mortgage fraud. Existing laws at the federal‐ and state‐level curtail abusive lending and promote fairness in the market place and they are highly enforced among depository financial institutions. However, unregulated nonfinancial institutions, mortgage brokers, and originators are still a primary source of predatory lending.
Parental Influence and Teens’ Attitude toward Online Privacy Protection
Authors: YOUN SEOUNMI
Published: August 2008

This study examines the impact of parental influence on teens’ attitude toward privacy protection. Survey data show that teens high in concept‐oriented family communication tend to engage in discussion mediation, which, in turn, affects their level of privacy concern. In contrast, teens high in socio‐oriented communication tend to have more family rules and surf the Internet with parents. Rulemaking mediation is not directly related to teens’ level of privacy concern, while cosurfing mediation is related to their level of concern. This study also finds that parental mediation and teens’ concern level explain their attitude toward privacy protection measures. Implications for policymakers and educators are discussed.
Neuromarketing and Consumer Free Will
Authors: WILSON R. MARK , GAINES JEANNIE , HILL RONALD PAUL
Published: August 2008

This article examines the impact of discoveries and methods of neuroscience on marketing practices as they relate to the exercise of individual free will. Thus, our focus centers on ethical questions involving consumers’ awareness, consent, and understanding to what may be viewed as invasion of their privacy rights. After a brief introduction, the article turns to scientific literature on the brain, followed by discussion of marketing persuasion models. Ethical dilemmas within the free will paradigm and Rawlsian justice developed in moral philosophy are delineated next. The article closes with policy implications and a revised consideration of consumer privacy.
Photodegradation of Soil Organic Matter and its Effect on Gram‐negative Bacterial Growth
Authors: Bosio Gabriela N. , Gara Pedro David , Einschlag Fernando S. García , Gonzalez Mónica C. , Del Panno María Teresa , Mártire Daniel O.
Published: August 2008

To learn more about the role of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the production of bioavailable products of the dissolved organic matter, we investigate here the effect of the photolysis (λexc > 320 nm) of a soil extract (SE) on the growth of bacteria isolated from the same soil as used for obtaining the extract. Comparative experiments with Aldrich humic acid (AHA) as substrate were performed. The photodegradation of the SE was evaluated with different techniques—UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Known ROS scavengers were employed to study the effect of photochemically produced ROS on the photodegradation of the substrates. To evaluate the effect of irradiation on the bioavailability of the SE and AHA, photolyzed and nonphotolyzed substrates were added to different culture media and the growth of Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the soil and a strain of Escherichia coli were studied. The different results obtained were assigned to the dissimilar metabolisms of both bacteria.
Millikan Movies
Authors: Zou Xueli , Dietz Eric , McGuire Trevor , Fox Louise , Norris Tiara , Diamond Brendan , Chavez Ricardo , Cheng Stephen
Published: August 2008

Since Robert Millikan discovered the quantization of electric charge and measured its fundamental value over 90 years ago, his oil-drop experiment has become essential in physics laboratory classes at both the high school and college level. As physics instructors, however, many of us have used the traditional setup and experienced the tedium of collecting data and the frustration of students who obtain disappointing results for the charges on individual oil drops after two or three hours of hard work. Some novel approaches have been developed to make the data collection easier and more accurate. One method is to attach a CCD (charge coupled device) camera to the microscope of the traditional setup.1,2 Through the CCD camera, the motion of an oil drop can be displayed on a TV monitor1 and/or on a computer.2 This allows several students to view the image of a droplet simultaneously instead of taking turns squinting through the tiny microscope eyepiece on the traditional setup. Furthermore, the motion of an oil drop can be captured and analyzed using software such as VideoPoint,3 which enhances the accuracy of the measurement of the charge on each oil drop.2 While these innovative methods improve the convenience and efficiency with which data can be collected, an instructor has to invest a considerable amount of money and time so as to adapt the new techniques to his or her own classroom. In this paper, we will report on the QuickTime movies we made, which can be used to analyze the motions of 16 selected oil drops. These digital videos are available on the web4 for teachers to download and use with their own students. We will also share the procedure for analyzing the videos using Logger Pro,5 as well as our results for the charges on the oil drops and some pedagogical aspects of using the movies with students.
Longitudinal Analysis of Levels of Immunoglobulins against BK Virus Capsid Proteins in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Randhawa P. , Bohl D. , Brennan D. , Ruppert K. , Ramaswami B. , Storch G. , March J. , Shapiro R. , Viscidi R.
Published: August 2008

This study sought to evaluate serology and PCR as tools for measuring BK virus (BKV) replication. Levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA against BKV capsids were measured at five time points for 535 serial samples from 107 patients by using a virus-like particle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Viral DNA in urine and plasma samples was quantitated. The seroconversion rate was 87.5% (14/16); 78.6% (11/14) and 14.3% (2/14) of patients who seroconverted developed viruria and viremia, respectively. Transient seroreversion was observed in 18.7% of patients at 17.4 ± 11.9 weeks posttransplant and was not attributable to loss of antigenic stimulation, changes in immunosuppression, or antiviral treatment. Titers for anti-BK IgG, IgA, and IgM were higher in patients with BKV replication than in those without BKV replication. A rise in the optical density (OD) of anti-BK IgA (0.19), IgM (0.04), or IgG (0.38) had a sensitivity of 76.6 to 88.0% and a specificity of 71.7 to 76.1% for detection of viruria. An anti-BK IgG- and IgA-positive phenotype at week 1 was less frequent in patients who subsequently developed viremia (14.3%) than in those who subsequently developed viruria (42.2%) (
P
= 0.04). Anti-BK IgG OD at week 1 showed a weak negative correlation with peak urine viral load (
r
= −0.25;
P
= 0.05). In summary, serial measurements of anti-BKV immunoglobulin class (i) detect onset of viral replication, (ii) document episodes of seroreversion, and (iii) can potentially provide prognostic information.
Femoral Prosthesis Infection byRhodotorula mucilaginosa
Authors: Savini Vincenzo , Sozio Federica , Catavitello Chiara , Talia Marzia , Manna Assunta , Febbo Fabio , Balbinot Andrea , Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Piccolomini Raffaele , Parruti Giustino , D'Antonio Domenico
Published: August 2008

This case report is a case history of a femoral prosthesis infection caused byRhodotorula mucilaginosain a human immunodeficiency virus patient. Though the pathogenicity of this organism for bone tissue has been previously reported, this is the first reported case of an orthopedic prosthesis infection by this species of the genusRhodotorula.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced miR-155 Attenuates NF-κB Signaling and Stabilizes Latent Virus Persistence
Authors: Lu Fang , Weidmer Andreas , Liu Chang-Gong , Volinia Stefano , Croce Carlo M. , Lieberman Paul M.
Published: August 2008

MicroRNAs have been implicated in the modulation of gene expression programs important for normal and cancer cell development. miR-155 is known to play a role in B-cell development and is upregulated in various B-cell lymphomas, including several that are latently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We show here that EBV infection of primary human B lymphocytes leads to the sustained elevation of miR-155 and its precursor RNA, BIC. The EBV-encoded latency membrane protein 1 (LMP1) can partially reconstitute BIC activation in B lymphocytes but not in epithelial cell cultures. LMP1 is a potent activator of NF-κB signaling pathways and is essential for EBV immortalization of B lymphocytes. An inhibitor to miR-155 further stimulated NF-κB responsive gene transcription, and IKKε was identified as a potential target of miR-155 translational repression. Remarkably, miR-155 inhibitor reduced EBNA1 mRNA and the EBV copy number in latently infected cells. This suggests that miR-155 contributes to EBV immortalization by modulation of NF-κB signaling and the suppression of host innate immunity to latent viral infection.
Functional Mapping of the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E1 Cistron
Authors: Lace Michael J. , Anson James R. , Turek Lubomir P. , Haugen Thomas H.
Published: August 2008

Replication of the double-stranded, circular human papillomavirus (HPV) genomes requires the viral DNA replicase E1. Here, we report an initial characterization of the E1 cistron of HPV type 16 (HPV-16), the most common oncogenic mucosal HPV type found in cervical and some head and neck cancers. The first step in HPV DNA replication is an initial burst of plasmid viral DNA amplification. Complementation assays between HPV-16 genomes carrying mutations in the early genes confirmed that the expression of E1 was necessary for initial HPV-16 plasmid synthesis. The major early HPV-16 promoter, P97, was dispensable for E1 production in the initial amplification because
cis
mutations inactivating P97 did not affect the
trans
complementation of E1− mutants. In contrast, E1 expression was abolished by
cis
mutations in the splice donor site at nucleotide (nt) 226, the splice acceptor site at nt 409, or a TATAA box at nt 7890. The mapping of 5′ mRNA ends using rapid amplification of cDNA ends defined a promoter with a transcription start site at HPV-16 nt 14, P14. P14-initiated mRNA levels were low and required intact TATAA (7890). E1 expression required the HPV-16 keratinocyte-dependent enhancer, since
cis
mutations in its AP-2 and TEF-1 motifs abolished the ability of the mutant genomes to complement E1− genomes, and it was further modulated by origin-proximal and -distal binding sites for the viral E2 gene products. We conclude that P14-initiated E1 expression is critical for and limiting in the initial amplification of the HPV-16 genome.