bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular adaptive immune response against porcine circovirus type 2 in subclinically infected pigs
Authors: Steiner Esther , Balmelli Carole , Gerber Heidi , Summerfield Artur , McCullough Kenneth
Published: December 2009

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a dominant causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), a multifactorial disease complex with putative immunosuppressive characteristics. Little is known about adaptive PCV2-specific immune responses in infected pigs. Therefore, the T and B cell responses following PCV2 infection in 3-week old SPF piglets infected with PCV2 or PCV2 plus porcine parvovirus (PPV) were studied.

Results

All animals were asymptomatically infected. At 7 days post infection (d p.i.), B lymphocyte and T lymphocyte numbers decreased in the dual infected, but not in the single infected piglets. At this time point a transient PCV2 viraemia was noted in the PCV2 infected groups. Antibodies against the infecting virus were detectable at day 24-28 p.i. for anti-PCV2 antibodies and at day 10 p.i. for anti-PPV antibodies, with no apparent influence of PCV2 on the early PPV antibody development. In the animals infected with PPV alone, IFN-γ secreting cells (SC) that were not specific for PCV2 were detected by ELISPOT assay at day 7 p.i. Interestingly, this response was absent in the PCV2/PPV dual infected animals. PCV2-specific IFN-γ SC were observed in the PCV2/PPV infected group at 7 d p.i. and in the PCV2 single infected group at 21 d p.i. A reduction in the numbers of IFN-γ SC was observed following anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibody treatment, suggesting roles for both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the response against PCV2 infection. This was supported by an observed increase in the percentage of IFN-γ positive CD8hi cytotoxic T cells as well as IFN-γ positive CD8-/low helper T cells after PCV2 in vitro re-stimulation.

Conclusions

Infection of weaned SPF piglets with PCV2 alone or combined with PPV does not induce disease and in both cases a relatively slow anti-PCV2 antibody response and weak T lymphocyte responses were found. Knowledge on such immunological characteristics is important for both PCV2 pathogenesis and vaccination.
Retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by enoxaparin-induced spontaneous lumbar artery bleeding and treated by transcatheter arterial embolization: a case report
Authors: Sun Po-Lin , Lee Yu-Chang , Chiu Kuan-Chi
Published: December 2009

Lumbar artery bleeding with retroperitoneal hematoma is an uncommon life-threatening complication secondary to enoxaparin use. We present a case of 73-year-old Chinese woman with acute retroperitoneal hemorrhage one month following hip surgery, due to enoxaparine. Enoxaparin induced hemorrhage caused by spontaneous rupture of lumbar artery was suspected and treated successfully by transcatheter arterial embolization.
Azacitidine Prolongs Overall Survival Compared With Conventional Care Regimens in Elderly Patients With Low Bone Marrow Blast Count Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Fenaux Pierre , Mufti Ghulam J. , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Santini Valeria , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich , Sanz Guillermo , List Alan F. , Gore Steven , Seymour John F. , Dombret Hervé , Backstrom Jay , Zimmerman Linda , McKenzie David , Beach C.L. , Silverman Lewis R.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

In a phase III randomized trial, azacitidine significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with conventional care regimens (CCRs) in patients with intermediate-2– and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Approximately one third of these patients were classified as having acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under current WHO criteria. This analysis compared the effects of azacitidine versus CCR on OS in this subgroup.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous azacitidine 75 mg/m2/d or CCR (best supportive care [BSC] only, low-dose cytarabine (LDAC), or intensive chemotherapy [IC]).

Results

Of the 113 elderly patients (median age, 70 years) randomly assigned to receive azacitidine (n = 55) or CCR (n = 58; 47% BSC, 34% LDAC, 19% IC), 86% were considered unfit for IC. At a median follow-up of 20.1 months, median OS for azacitidine-treated patients was 24.5 months compared with 16.0 months for CCR-treated patients (hazard ratio = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.79; P = .005), and 2-year OS rates were 50% and 16%, respectively (P = .001). Two-year OS rates were higher with azacitidine versus CCR in patients considered unfit for IC (P = .0003). Azacitidine was associated with fewer total days in hospital (P < .0001) than CCR.

Conclusion

In older adult patients with low marrow blast count (20% to 30%) WHO-defined AML, azacitidine significantly prolongs OS and significantly improves several patient morbidity measures compared with CCR.
Gag Proteins of Drosophila Telomeric Retrotransposons: Collaborative Targeting to Chromosome Ends
Authors: Fuller Adelaide M , Cook Elizabeth G , Kelley Kerry J , Pardue Mary-Lou
Published: December 2009

TAHRE, the least abundant of the three retrotransposons forming telomeres in Drosophila melanogaster, has high sequence similarity to the gag gene and untranslated regions of HeT-A, the most abundant telomere-specific retrotransposon. Despite TAHRE's apparent evolutionary relationship to HeT-A, we find TAHRE Gag cannot locate to telomere-associated “Het dots” unless collaborating with HeT-A Gag. TAHRE Gag is carried into nuclei by HeT-A or TART Gag, but both TART and TAHRE Gags need HeT-A Gag to localize to Het dots. When coexpressed with the appropriate fragment of HeT-A and/or TART Gags, TAHRE Gag multimerizes with either protein. HeT-A and TART Gags form homo- and heteromultimers using a region containing major homology region (MHR) and zinc knuckle (CCHC) motifs, separated by a pre_C2HC motif (motifs common to other retroelements). This region's sequence is strongly conserved among the three telomeric Gags, with precise spacing of conserved residues. Nontelomeric Gags neither interact with the telomeric Gags nor have this conserved spacing. TAHRE Gag is much less able to enter the nucleus by itself than HeT-A or TART Gags. The overall telomeric localization efficiency for each of the three telomeric Gag proteins correlates with the relative abundance of that element in telomere arrays, suggesting an explanation for the relative rarity of TAHRE elements in telomere arrays and supporting the hypothesis that Gag targeting to telomeres is important for the telomere-specific transposition of these elements.
Immediate Treatment Versus Sonographic Surveillance for Mild Hip Dysplasia in Newborns
Authors: Rosendahl Karen , Dezateux Carol , Fosse Kari Røine , Aase Hildegunn , Aukland Stein Magnus , Reigstad Hallvard , Alsaker Terje , Moster Dag , Lie Rolv Terje , Markestad Trond
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a blinded, randomized, controlled trial to examine whether mildly dysplastic but stable or instable hips would benefit from early treatment, as compared with watchful waiting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 128 newborns with mild hip dysplasia (sonographic inclination angle [α angle] of 43°–49°) and stable or instable but not dislocatable hips were randomly assigned to receive either 6 weeks of abduction treatment (immediate-treatment group) or follow-up alone (active-sonographic-surveillance group). The main outcome measurement was the acetabular inclination angle, measured by radiograph, at 1 year of age.

RESULTS: Both groups included 64 newborns, and there was no loss to follow-up. With the exception of a small but statistically significant excess of girls in the active-sonographic-surveillance group, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The mean inclination angle at 12 months was 24.2° for both groups (difference: 0.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.8 to 0.9]), and all children had improved and were without treatment. The mean α angle was 59.7° in the treatment group and 57.1° in the active-surveillance group for a difference of 2.6° evaluated after 1.5 and 3 months (95% CI: 1.8 to 3.4; P < .001). At 1.5 months of age, the hips had improved in all treated children but not in 5 children under active surveillance (P = .06). Among the sonographic-surveillance group, 47% received treatment after the initial surveillance period of 1.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Active-sonographic-surveillance halved the number of children requiring treatment, did not increase the duration of treatment, and yielded similar results at 1-year follow-up. Given a reported prevalence of 1.3% for mildly dysplastic but stable hips, a strategy of active surveillance would reduce the overall treatment rate by 0.6%. Our results may have important implications for families as well as for health care costs.
Childhood Polyarteritis Nodosa in Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
Authors: Naumann-Bartsch Nora , Stachel Daniel , Morhart Patrick , Staatz Gundula , Jüngert Jörg , Schwarz Klaus , Holter Wolfgang
Published: December 2009

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is an uncommon disorder of Fas-mediated apoptosis that results in impaired lymphocyte death and, therefore, disturbed immune homeostasis. Besides presentation with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, patients with ALPS have a high incidence of autoimmune phenomena. To our knowledge, this is the first description of polyarteritis nodosa that includes numerous arterial aneurysms in a child with ALPS. Active vasculitis resolved after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This report of polyarteritis nodosa associated with human ALPS supports previous findings in Fas-deficient mouse models that frequently develop vasculitic manifestations and suggests that apoptotic defects of lymphocytes may play a role in the pathophysiology of systemic vasculitis. Thus, patients with ALPS might be more susceptible to autoimmune vessel inflammation. This case furthermore emphasizes that even rare autoimmune manifestations should be considered and investigated in patients with immunodeficiencies, because that might help in planning treatment strategies for these patients.
Optical performance of in‐plane electrophoretic color e‐paper
Authors: Verschueren A. R. M. , Stofmeel L. W. G. , Baesjou P. J. , Van Delden M. H. W. M. , Lenssen K. ‐M. H. , Mueller M. , Oversluizen G. , Van Glabbeek J. J. , Osenga J. T. M. , Schuurbiers R. M.
Published: December 2009

Abstract— Several e‐paper technologies are currently under development with the ultimate goal of replacing printed ink on paper. Here, optical performance measurements on monochrome in‐plane electrophoretic e‐paper devices with unsurpassed brightness, contrast, and viewing‐angle performance are reported. The measurement results are captured in a straightforward optical model that allows extrapolation to full‐color performance. It demonstrates that in‐plane electrophoretic color e‐paper technology has the unique potential to deliver on the high standards required by digital‐signage applications.
Investigation of the interaction between rubbing cloth and pattern structure on in‐plane‐switching liquid‐crystal displays
Authors: Son Kyung‐Mo , Kim Sung‐Ki , Lee Jae‐Won , Noh So‐Young , Kim Jin‐Pil , Park Seung‐Ryull , Yang Joon‐Young , Yang Myung‐Su , Kang In‐Byeong , Chung In‐Jae
Published: December 2009

Abstract— For the rubbing process, there have been several problems, especially scratching, disclination, and light leakage that increases the black luminance of a panel because the alignment of the liquid crystals might not be uniform due to a fluctuation in the fine‐rubbing direction. To investigate the basic causes of these problems, several experiments concerning the characteristics of the rubbing cloth and the pattern structures on an LCD substrate were carried out. A new mechanism regarding the interaction between the rotation of filaments on the rubbing cloth and the structure of patterns on the IPS‐LCD substrate is proposed. There is a correlation between the filament's rubbing direction and the pattern angle of the substrate. A new rubbing method based on two types of rubbing cloths were introduced to improve the rubbing density. As a result, it was determined that the black luminance was relatively reduced by using this method compared with that of conventional rubbing processes.
Wearable 4‐in. QVGA full‐color‐video flexible AMOLEDs for rugged applications
Authors: Ma Ruiqing , Rajan Kamala , Silvernail Jeff , Urbanik Ken , Paynter Jason , Mandlik Prashant , Hack Mike , Brown Julie J. , Yoo Juhn‐Suk , Jung Sang‐Hoon , Kim Yong‐Chul , Yoon Soo‐Young , Kim Chang‐Dong , Kang In‐Byeong , Hwang Yong‐Kee , Chung In‐Jae , Tognoni Keith , Anderson Robert , Huffman David
Published: December 2009

Abstract— Work on the world's first wrist‐worn communications device built on a flexible, low‐power‐consumption full‐color AMOLED using phosphorescent OLEDs is presented. The device offers the wearer the ability to see high‐information‐content video‐rate information in a thin‐and‐rugged‐form‐factor 4‐in. QVGA display, conformed around a human wrist.
Experiences of Accreditation of Medical Education in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chi-Wan
Published: December 2009

This review aims to introduce the Taiwanese Medical Accreditation System: its history, role and future goals. In 1999, the Ministry of Education, Taiwanese Government commissioned the non-profit National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) to develop a new medical accreditation system. According to that policy, the Taiwan Medical Accreditation Council (TMAC) was established in the same year. The council serves a similar function to that of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) of the United States and the Australian Medical Council (AMC). The accreditation process consists of a self-assessment plus a four-day site visit by a team of eight medical educators that are headed by one of the council members of the TMAC. The first cycle of initial visits was completed from 2001 to 2004. Subsequent follow-up visits were arranged according to the results of the survey with smaller-sized teams and shorter periods. There is evidence to suggest that the majority (seven of eleven) of the medical schools in Taiwan have made good progress. TMAC?占퐏 next step will be to monitor the progress and raise the standard of medical education in individual schools with a homogenous, superior standard of medical education.
Comment on “Equiprobability, Entropy, Gamma Distributions and Other Geometrical Questions in Multi-Agent Systems”, Entropy 2009, 11, 959-971
Authors: Toral Raúl
Published: December 2009

The volume of the body enclosed by the n-dimensional Lamé curve defined by Ʃni=1 xbi = E is computed.
Mashups: A Literature Review and Classification Framework
Authors: Beemer Brandon , Gregg Dawn
Published: December 2009

The evolution of the Web over the past few years has fostered the growth of a handful of new technologies (e.g. Blogs, Wiki’s, Web Services). Recently web mashups have emerged as the newest Web technology and have gained lots of momentum and attention from both academic and industry communities. Current mashup literature focuses on a wide array of issues, which can be partially explained by how new the topic is. However, to date, mashup literature lacks an articulation of the different subtopics of web mashup research. This study presents a broad review of mashup literature to help frame the 1subtopics in mashup research.
Laser Spectroscopy for Atmospheric and Environmental Sensing
Authors: Fiddler Marc N. , Begashaw Israel , Mickens Matthew A. , Collingwood Michael S. , Assefa Zerihun , Bililign Solomon
Published: December 2009

Lasers and laser spectroscopic techniques have been extensively used in several applications since their advent, and the subject has been reviewed extensively in the last several decades. This review is focused on three areas of laser spectroscopic applications in atmospheric and environmental sensing; namely laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques used in the detection of solids, liquids, aerosols, trace gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Effects of Decentration of Photorefractive Keratectomy on the Induction of Higher Order Wavefront Aberrations
Authors: Lee Sang-Bumm , Hwang Bo-Sung , Lee Junyeop
Published: December 2009

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of ablation decentration on the induction of higher order wavefront aberrations (HOAs) in active eye-tracker–assisted myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using the VISX STAR S4 laser with ActiveTrak (Abbott Medical Optics [AMO]).

Methods:

Ninety-four myopic eyes (53 patients) were divided into three groups according to ablation decentration (group 1, ≤0.15 mm, 20 eyes; group 2, >0.15 to ≤0.30 mm, 54 eyes; and group 3, >0.30 mm, 20 eyes). The distances of ablation centers from the centers of the entrance pupils were analyzed using corneal topography. Wavefront errors were measured preoperatively and at 6 months after PRK using a VISX WaveScan aberrometer (AMO). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the influence of ablation decentration on PRK-induced HOAs.

Results:

The mean decentration was 0.23±0.10 mm (range: 0.04 to 0.52 7mm). The magnitude of all HOAs was significantly increased at 6 months postoperatively (P<.05). Increases in PRK-induced HOAs including total HOA, coma, and spherical aberration were significantly different among the three groups (P<.05). Statistically significant differences were noted between pairs of data in group 1 versus group 3 for total HOA (P=.015), coma (P=.038), and spherical aberration (P=.038), and group 2 versus group 3 for coma (P=.049).

Conclusions:

Ablation decentration >0.30 mm from the center of the entrance pupil was associated with greater induction of total HOA, coma, and spherical aberration after PRK, as compared with ablation decentration <0.15 mm. In addition, ablation decentration has a more significant influence on coma-inducing effects.
Solutions for Semilinear Elliptic Systems with Critical Sobolev Exponent and Hardy Potential
Authors: Bouchekif Mohammed , Nas Yasmina
Published: December 2009

In this paper we consider an elliptic system with an inverse square potential and critical Sobolev exponent in a bounded domain of ℝN. By variational methods we study the existence results.
Branching Rules for Ramified Principal Series Representations of GL(3) over a p-adic Field
Authors: Campbell Peter S. , Nevins Monica
Published: December 2009

We decompose the restriction of ramified principal series representations of the p-adic group GL(3, k) to its maximal compact subgroup K = GL(3, ℛ). Its decomposition is dependent on the degree of ramification of the inducing characters and can be characterized in terms of filtrations of the Iwahori subgroup in K. We establish several irreducibility results and illustrate the decomposition with some examples.
Some Applications of the Perturbation Determinant in Finite von Neumann Algebras
Authors: Makarov Konstantin A. , Skripka Anna
Published: December 2009

In the finite von Neumann algebra setting, we introduce the concept of a perturbation determinant associated with a pair of self-adjoint elements H0 and H in the algebra and relate it to the concept of the de la Harpe-Skandalis homotopy invariant determinant associated with piecewise C1-paths of operators joining H0 and H. We obtain an analog of Krein's formula that relates the perturbation determinant and the spectral shift function and, based on this relation, we derive subsequently (i) the Birman-Solomyak formula for a general non-linear perturbation, (ii) a universality of a spectral averaging, and (iii) a generalization of the Dixmier-Fuglede-Kadison differentiation formula.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation by left subclavian access in the presence of a patent LIMA to LAD graft
Authors: De Marco Federico , Bruschi Giuseppe , Klugmann Silvio
Published: December 2009

We present a case of successful implantation of the Corevalve aortic bioprosthesis via the left subclavian artery in a patient with a patent internal mammary graft to the left anterior descending artery. This unusual choice of access, in the presence of adequate caliber femoral arteries, was justified by the presence of mobile thrombi in the abdominal aorta. The risk of thrombus dislodgement and subsequent major cholesterol embolization was deemed higher than the risk of coronary ischemia due to the large caliber sheath required for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. This case shows that presence of a LIMA to LAD graft is not an absolute contraindication for homolateral subclavian access and that the procedure is feasible and relatively safe provided that certain rules are followed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The characteristic‐based split (CBS) meshfree method for free surface flow problems in ALE formulation
Authors: Zhang Xiao Hua , Ouyang Jie , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2009

A semi‐implicit characteristic‐based split (CBS) meshfree algorithm in the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) framework is proposed for the numerical solution of incompressible free surface flow problem in the paper. The algorithm is the extension of general CBS method which was initially introduced in finite element framework, this is due to the fact that CBS method not only can enhance the stability, but also avoid LBB condition when equal order basis function is used to approximate velocity and pressure variables. Meanwhile, a simple way for node update and node speed calculation is developed which is used to capture the free surface exactly. The numerical solutions are compared with available analytical and numerical solutions, which shows that the proposed method has better ability to simulate the free surface incompressible flow problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Obama's new antitrust policy
Authors: DeLaurell Roxane M. , Rouse Robert W.
Published: December 2009

The new antitrust policy of the Obama administration has drawn a line in the sand—and the business and legal communities are a bit worried. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changing regulations for cross‐border M&As
Authors: Tokic Stijepko , Beyea Genevieve
Published: December 2009

Regulators worldwide are eager to “harmonize” regulations in the wake of the current financial crisis. They want to reduce the differences between different countries' regulations. But what important changes will this trend produce? And how will that affect cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As)? © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is the M&A market back?
Authors: Sherman Andrew J. , Badillo Alejandro
Published: December 2009

Much has been written about the slower pace of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the last few years. But in the third quarter of 2009, many potential deals were announced. Does this signal an end to the M&A slowdown? © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improving financial reporting with interactive data
Authors: Weirich Thomas R. , Harrast Steven
Published: December 2009

There's a new standard for using eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) in financial reports. The authors examine what this will mean, and how it can improve financial reporting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A financial thermometer for lean operations
Authors: Pryor Tom
Published: December 2009

Synergy is a frequently used word that's not so easy to define. It's more than two or more people or ideas getting along; it's when some particular combination equals more than the sum of the parts—for example, when 1 + 1 = 3 ( or even more). This article describes how the principles of lean manufacturing on the one hand and time‐driven activity‐based costing on the other can combine to create synergy in organizations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total synthesis of (–)‐MY 336a from L‐tyrosine
Authors: Liao Xiang Wei , Dong Wen Fang , Liu Wei , Guan Bao He , Liu Zhan Zhu
Published: December 2009

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Using L‐tyrosine as a chiral starting material, we developed an efficient synthetic route to (–)‐MY 336a. A key step in the sequence is a highly regio‐ and diastereoselective intermolecular Pictet‐Spengler cyclization reaction between amino alcohol and benzyloxyacetaldehyde. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
A case–control study of risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection in North Jordan
Authors: Hayajneh Wail A. , Masaadeh Hani A. , Hayajneh Yaseen A.
Published: December 2009

Jordan is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where risk factors for viral transmission and their relative contributions are not well known. A case–control study of 100 hepatitis B virus seropositive patients and another 100 seronegative controls was conducted. Univariate analysis and logistic regression model were performed to examine probable risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infections. Logistic‐regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infection were sharing toothbrushes (odds ratio = 10.167; 95% confidence interval, 1.181–87.509), unhygienic dental care (odds ratio = 2.455; 95% confidence interval, 1.294–4.658), and living abroad for at least 1 year (odds ratio = 20.018; 95% confidence interval, 2.268–176.685). The presence of these risk factors emphasizes the need for both increasing the use of hepatitis B vaccines and risk‐targeted public health education. Development and enforcement of appropriate infection control guidelines for dental care services are also necessary to curtail HBV transmission. Further research that controls for confounding factors is needed to assess the relative contribution of the identified risk factors in the Jordanian community. J. Med. Virol. 82:220–223, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of rubella virus‐specific cell‐mediated immunity using IFNγ‐ELISpot
Authors: Allmendinger J. , Paradies F. , Kamprad M. , Richter T. , Pustowoit B. , Liebert U.G.
Published: December 2009

Immunity to rubella virus (RV) is conventionally determined by measuring specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). However, several individuals may be considered immune despite undetectable antibody levels. In the present study RV‐specific interferon‐gamma (IFNγ)‐ELISpot and rubella‐IgG‐ELISA were compared in 75 young adults aged between 20 and 30 years. In a subgroup, not only rubella‐like particles (RLP), but also HPV77 rubella vaccine derived antigen was used in IFNγ‐ELISpot. The results from both, ELISA and ELISpot were independent of previous encounter to RV (vaccination, exanthematous disease, or childhood infection). There was no difference between RLP and RV vaccine antigen in IFNγ‐ELISpot response, and there was no correlation between IFNγ‐ELISpot and RV‐specific IgG levels. IFNγ‐producing cells were found in 78.7% of all tested persons, and 83.8% of them were positive in ELISA. In almost all individuals seronegative for RV antibody, IFNγ‐producing cells were detected. Considering both humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses, a positive RV immune reaction was seen in 98.6%. The results indicate that the IFNγ‐ELISpot can provide valuable additional information in seronegative individuals. J. Med. Virol. 82:335–340, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unimolecular micelle derived from hyperbranched polyethylenimine with well‐defined hybrid shell of poly(ethylene oxide) and polystyrene: A versatile nanocapsule
Authors: Liang Yong , Wan Decheng , Cai Xiangyu , Jin Ming , Pu Hongting
Published: December 2009

The synthesis and properties of a macromolecular nanocapsule derived from hyperbranched polyethylenimine (HPEI) with well‐defined hybrid shell of poly(ethylene oxide) monomethyl ether (mPEO) and polystyrene (PS) are described. HPEI is treated in sequence with 4‐glycidol‐2,2,6,6‐tetrametyl‐piperidin‐1‐oxyl, succinic anhydride, mPEO, leading to a HPEI derivative compatible with nitroxide‐mediated living radical polymerization of styrene, thus a macromolecular nanocapsule, HPEI@PEO/PS, is available with a well‐defined and tunable hybrid shell of PEO and PS. Within certain PEO/PS ratio, the nanocapsule is soluble in a number of organic solvents as well as in water. The nanocapsule exists as three layer onion‐like particle (HPEI@PS@PEO) in water, whereas in chloroform it exists as a hybrid shell particle (HPEI@PEO/PS), and the particles generally exist in the form of unimolecular micelle. In a biphasic water/chloroform mixture, the nanocapsule can transfer anionic, water‐soluble guest from an aqueous phase to the chloroform phase; while when dissolved in water, the nanocapsule can efficiently capture both ionic and apolar solutes. Release of the guest can occur under the stimulus of pH or the switch of medium. This is the first example of a unimolecular micelle that can simultaneously deliver both polar and apolar guests. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 681–691, 2010
First‐principle investigation of the relaxed structure and electronic properties of the Cu(110) vicinal surface
Authors: Shu Yu , Zhang Jian‐Min , Wang Guo‐Hong , Xu Ke‐Wei
Published: December 2009

We performed first‐principle calculations, by employing the ultrasoft pseudopotential plane‐wave (UPPW) method, for the multilayer relaxation and the local density of states (LDOS) of Cu(430) and its corresponding flat Cu(110) surfaces. The shift directions of the atoms in the terrace (layers 1–4), sub‐terrace (layers 5–7) and third‐terrace (layers 8–11) of the Cu(430) surface are similar to the layers 1, 2 and 3 of the Cu(110) surface, respectively. And the stepped surface changes to a flatter version with a thin compacted layer, including the topmost seven atomic layers and separating slightly from the underneath atomic layers. Because of a reduction in the coordination numbers (CNs),there is a sharp rise in the higher energy region and a slight reduction in the lower energy region of the LDOSfor the topmost three layer atoms of the Cu(430) surface and the first layer atom of the Cu(110) surface. The shape of the LDOS of the corresponding layer with the same CN is similar for both the surfaces. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous surface properties on wallstents
Authors: Su Yea‐Yang , Shih Chun‐Che , Chen Lung‐Ching , Shih Chun‐Ming , Lin Shing‐Jong
Published: December 2009

Wallstent has been successfully used to open up clogged peripheral arteries. CoCr alloy is the preferred metal for the construction of wallstent. Unfortunately, major complications such as in‐stent intimal hyperplasia,stent obstruction, and stent stricture are often reported, and these complications could be related to the metallic properties of the wallstent. In this study, the electrochemical properties of CoCr wires from wallstent were investigated using cyclic polarization, open‐circuit potential, potentiostatic condition, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray mapping were also employed to investigate the surface morphology and elemental distribution after electrochemical measurement. Results of this study showed the heterogeneous electrochemical properties of CoCr alloy wires that could result in severe galvanic corrosion of wallstent after implantation. Severe corrosion process could cause fracture of wallstent, resulting in localized inflammation, allergy, and thicker neointima. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study in the oxygen contamination on the surface of CSiC films
Authors: Du J. F. , Ren D. , Dai H. Y. , Zou Y. , Huang N. K.
Published: December 2009

CSiC films were prepared with an ion‐mixing technology and then introduced with hydrogen by using hydrogen ion irradiation or high‐pressure permeation. It is found that the surfaces of the CSiC films are always covered by contamination oxygen. XPS was used to analyze the behavior of the contamination oxygen on the surfaces of the CSiC films before and after hydrogen introduction. The results show that apart from the adsorbed top layer‐containing contaminations like oxygen, carbon, and oxyhydrogen species, the oxygen can react with elements of films and hydrogen. Different carbon–oxygen–hydrogen configurations and CSiO or CSiOH on the subsurfaces can be formed with different hydrogen introduction methods. Also, the thicknesses of these species‐related oxygen on the subsurface of CSiC films are estimated in this article. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expansion Properties of Sour Cassava Starch (Polvilho Azedo): Variables Related to its Practical Application in Bakery
Authors: Marcon Maria Janete Angeloni , Kurtz Diego Jacob , Raguzzoni Josiane Callegaro , Delgadillo Ivonne , Maraschin Marcelo , Soldi Valdir , Reginatto Valéria , Amante Edna Regina
Published: December 2009

Sour cassava starch (polvilho azedo) is a chemically and enzymatically modified starch with the specific property of expansion in bakery products without the use of any chemical or biological leavening agents. In this work, the cumulative knowledge about sour cassava starch is presented in relation to its physicochemical characteristics, with the purpose of establishing a relation between the application properties and some structural and chemical characteristics in order to design a model of the modified structure of starch and the most important technical variables. Such approach will help to provide some quality standards for future adequate valorization of sour cassava starch, especially with respect to potential use in gluten‐free products. This work showed that a good sour cassava starch is significantly different from low expansion cassava starches with respect to pH, acid factor, swelling power, specific volume, and polymerization degree (intrinsic viscosity). These variables could be related to the maximization of sour cassava starch expansion for a future predictive decision analysis about a high quality sour cassava starch to the baking use.
Examination of Maskless Etching Technique Using a Localized Surface Discharge Plasma
Authors: Hamada Toshiyuki , Sakoda Tatsuya , Otsubo Masahisa
Published: December 2009

A maskless etching technique which is useful for solar cell manufacturing and microelectronics was examined using the localized surface discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure. Etchings were carried out on a crystalline silicon (Si) substrate and a silicon nitride (SiN) film coated on a Si substrate. Two‐ and three‐dimensional etching profiles were investigated. Based on the results, etching rates and an etching mechanism were discussed. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nuchal translucency and cystic hygroma colli in screening for fetal major congenital heart defects in a series of 12 910 euploid pregnancies
Authors: Sananes N. , Guigue V. , Kohler M. , Bouffet N. , Cancellier M. , Hornecker F. , Hunsinger M. C. , Kohler A. , Mager C. , Neumann M. , Schmerber E. , Tanghe M. , Nisand I. , Favre R.
Published: December 2009

Objective

Many studies have shown that an increased nuchal translucency (NT) may be a good marker of fetal heart malformation, but the extent to which NT is suitable for identifying the population at risk remains unclear. We aimed to determine the value of NT measurement and of the presence of cystic hygroma colli in the screening of euploid fetuses for congenital heart defects (CHD).

Methods

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 12 910 euploid pregnancies examined between January 1995 and August 2007 at our institution. The screening performance of NT measurements in identifying fetuses with CHD was assessed, with comparison between the use of cut‐offs defined as absolute values, multiples of the median (MoM) and percentiles. The presence of cystic hygroma colli was also assessed in the prediction of CHD.

Results

The incidence of major CHD was 3.4 per thousand (44/12 910). The sensitivity of NT measurement in screening for major CHD was 54.5% if the threshold was set at the 95th percentile, 45.4% if it was set at 3 mm, 27.3% for 3.5 mm, 50.0% for 1.5 MoM and 45.5% for 1.75 MoM. The false‐positive rates for these thresholds were 8.4, 6.6, 1.7, 8.9 and 6.3%, respectively. The incidence of major CHD was 1.2% (10/813) in cases of thick NT (> 95th centile) and 4.3% (13/304) in cases of hygroma colli.

Conclusions

NT measurement during the first trimester is potentially useful for screening for fetal major CHD. Screening performance is consistent whether NT values are expressed as MoMs, percentiles or absolute values. The incidence of major CHD seems to be higher in cases of cystic hygroma colli. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acoustic streaming cannot discriminate reliably between endometriomas and other types of adnexal lesion: a multicenter study of 633 adnexal masses
Authors: Van Holsbeke C. , Zhang Jingh , Van Belle V. , Paladini D. , Guerriero S. , Czekierdowski A. , Muggah H. , Ombelet W. , Jurkovic D. , Testa A. C. , Valentin L. , Van Huffel S. , Bourne T. , Timmerman D.
Published: December 2009

Objective

To determine the ability of acoustic streaming to discriminate between endometriomas and other adnexal masses.

Methods

We used data from 1938 patients with an adnexal mass included in Phase 2 of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) study. All patients had been examined by transvaginal gray‐scale and Doppler ultrasound following a standardized research protocol. Assessment of acoustic streaming was voluntary and was carried out only in lesions containing echogenic cyst fluid. Acoustic streaming was defined as movement of particles inside the cyst fluid during gray‐scale and/or color Doppler examination provided that the probe had been held still for two seconds to ensure that the movement of the particles was not caused by movement of the probe or the patient. Only centers where acoustic streaming had been evaluated in > 90% of cases were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+, LR−), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of acoustic streaming with regard to endometrioma were calculated.

Results

460 (24%) masses were excluded because they were examined in centers where ⩽ 90% of the masses with echogenic cyst fluid had been evaluated for the presence of acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming was evaluated in 633 of 646 lesions containing echogenic cyst fluid. It was present in 19 (9%) of 209 endometriomas and in 55 (13%) of 424 other lesions. This corresponds to a sensitivity of absent acoustic streaming with regard to endometrioma of 91% (190/209), a specificity of 13% (55/424), LR+ of 1.04, LR− of 0.69, PPV of 34% (190/559) and NPV of 74% (55/74).

Conclusions

Acoustic streaming cannot discriminate reliably between endometriomas and other adnexal lesions, and the presence of acoustic streaming does not exclude an endometrioma. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The costs of adaptation
Authors: Fankhauser Samuel
Published: December 2009

Policy interest in the cost of adaptation is growing, but compared to the mitigation literature adaptation cost research is still in its infancy. Global adaptation cost estimates from more recent studies range from around $25 billion a year to well over $100 billion by 2015‐2030. The wide range is symptomatic of the poor state of knowledge. Important knowledge gaps remain both in terms of scope (whether all relevant impacts are covered) and depth (whether for a given impact all relevant adaptation options have been considered). The omissions introduce biases in both directions, upward and downward, but it is likely that adaptation costs have been underestimated so far. Adaptation is only one part of the overall response to (and therefore the costs of) climate change. The total burden of climate change consists of three elements: the costs of mitigation (reducing the extent of climate change), the costs of adaptation (reducing the impact of change), and the residual impacts that can be neither mitigated nor adapted to. The annual adaptation cost estimates reviewed here cannot be directly compared with the other two cost elements. Making this comparison would require an integrated model that takes into account the total impact of greenhouse gases over their lifetime in the atmosphere. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Economics > Aggregation Techniques for Impacts and Mitigation Costs

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
Is the Asia‐Pacific Partnership a viable alternative to Kyoto?
Authors: Kellow Aynsley
Published: December 2009

The Kyoto Protocol has failed: horizontally because it failed to secure commitments from important players; vertically because of the lack of delivery of outcomes among those who did accede to it. The Asia‐Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate represents a useful way forward, both as a non‐treaty agreement that contains a promising non‐binding sectoral approach to minimizing emissions by seven parties accounting for more than half global emissions, and as an exercise in ‘minilateralism’ where understanding can develop among the key players. It has provided an important building block upon which to build other initiatives, such as the Major Economies Meeting of the US Bush administration and now the Major Economies Forum of the Obama administration. These arenas with 17 members offer opportunities not possible in full multilateral arenas such as Framework Convention on Climate Change, where sheer numbers simply slow processes and help produce lowest common denominator responses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Tradition versus Democracy in the South Pacific
Authors: Lawson Stephanie
Published: December 2009

Much literature on non-Western traditions celebrates the renaissance of indigenous cultures. Others have been more critical of this renaissance, especially with respect to its political implications. This study analyses the assertion of 'tradition' by indigenous elites, looking especially at the way it is used to differentiate 'the West' from the 'non-West'. This is important to contemporary discussion about the validity of democracy outside the West and problems concerning universalism and relativism. The discussion of Fiji focuses on constitutional development and the traditionalist emphasis on chiefly legitimacy. The rise of the Pro-Democracy Movement in Tonga is considered against the background of a conservative political order that has so far resisted pressure for reform. The move to universal suffrage in Western Samoa is seen not as a rejection of traditional ways in favour of democratic norms, but as a means of preserving important aspects of traditional culture.
The Faith of Jesus Christ in Early Christian Traditions
Authors: Wallis Ian G.
Published: December 2009

We are used to the idea of people believing in Christ, but did the early church consider that Jesus also had faith in God? This book evaluates the evidence, starting with a survey of the meaning of faith in Judaism and Graeco-Roman literature and proceeding to a detailed exegesis of the relevant New Testament material from the synoptic Gospels, the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Epistles, Hebrews and Revelation. Two trajectories of interest in Jesus's faith are identified: the paradigmatic, concerned with matters of discipleship, and the theological, relating Christ to God's gift of salvation. The examination is then broadened to trace the progress of these trajectories through the literature of the first four Christian centuries and concludes by identifying the Arian controversy as the christological development which rendered reference to Jesus' faith untenable.
War, State and Society in Württemberg, 1677–1793
Authors: Wilson Peter H.
Published: December 2009

This book provides a radical new interpretation of the aims of the lesser German princes during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries through the example of the duchy of Württemberg. Arguing that the princes' political ambitions were fundamental in shaping the internal development of their territories, the author sheds new light on the political importance of the notorious German 'soldier trade' and its role in international diplomacy. The wider social and political impact of these policies is also investigated in a comparative framework, while traditional interpretations of the dramatic struggle between duke and estates are challenged in a reassessment of the role of early modern representative institutions in German state development. The relationship of these internal political struggles to the different elements of the Holy Roman Empire is revealed, opening up new perspectives on the role of the German states within the imperial structure and revealing the empire as a flawed but functioning political system.
The Ray and Wave Theory of Lenses
Authors: Walther A.
Published: December 2009

Calculations on lens systems are often marred by the unjustifiable use of the small-angle approximation. This book describes in detail how the ray and wave pictures of lens behaviour can be combined and developed into a theory capable of dealing with the large angles encountered in real optical systems. A distinct advantage of this approach is that Fourier optics appears naturally, in a form valid for arbitrarily large angles. The book begins with extensive reviews of geometrical optiks, eikonal functions and the theory of wave propagation. The propagation of waves through lenses is then treated by exploiting the close connection between eikonal function theory and the stationary phase approximation. Aberrations are then discussed, and the book concludes with various applications in lens design and analysis, including chapters on laser beam propagation and diffractive optical elements. Throughout, special emphasis is placed on the intrinsic limitations of lens performance. The many practical insights it contains, as well as the exercises with their solutions, will be of interest to graduate students as well as to anyone working in optical design and engineering.
Quantum Fields on a Lattice
Authors: Montvay Istvan , Münster Gernot
Published: December 2009

This book presents a comprehensive and coherent account of the theory of quantum fields on a lattice, an essential technique for the study of the strong and electroweak nuclear interactions. Quantum field theory describes basic physical phenomena over an extremely wide range of length or energy scales. Quantum fields exist in space and time, which can be approximated by a set of lattice points. This approximation allows the application of powerful analytical and numerical techniques, and has provided a powerful tool for the study of both the strong and the electroweak interaction. After introductory chapters on scalar fields, gauge fields and fermion fields, the book studies quarks and gluons in QCD and fermions and bosons in the electroweak theory. The last chapter is devoted to numerical simulation algorithms which have been used in recent large-scale numerical simulations. The book will be valuable for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics, elementary particle physics, and field theory, interested in non-perturbative approximations and numerical simulations of quantum field phenomena.
Scaling Fisheries
Authors: Smith Tim D.
Published: December 2009

Since the industrialization of fishing, fisheries scientists have been subject to intense economic and political pressures, which have affected the way the science has developed. The origins and effects of these pressures are traced in this 1994 book to concerns about determining the causes of fluctuations in fish and whale catches, and to resistance to regulation of fishing activity when populations are depleted. The development of partial theories of fish population dynamics are described using examples of both national and international fisheries. The causes of the difficulties encountered in generalizing these theories are examined, setting the stage for the limitation of scope of these studies that still influences the form and extent of fisheries research today. This is a fascinating resource for all those interested in fisheries science and the way it has developed in the last 150 years.