bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer ownership and home usage: the case of Malaysia
Authors: Loke Yiing Jia , Foo Ching Szu 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe multi‐functionality of computers and the increased accessibility of the Internet have created a demand for computers at home which was previously concentrated in offices. Using the Heckman two‐step model and by combining socioeconomic factors and insights from Becker's theory on allocation of time in the household with information system theories, it was found that: (i) household allocation of resources; (ii) age and gender; and (iii) household social environment are significant in determining computer purchase decisions and its extent of usage in households in Malaysia, a developing information, communication and technology country. Responses collected from 500 computer users were used in the study.Unlike most household technologies, the results also suggested that despite the multi‐functionality of computers, it was perceived as a technology that facilitates the consumption process more than the production process.
Schischcatella (Fenestrata, Bryozoa) from the Devonian of the Rhenish Massif, Germany
Authors: ERNST ANDREJ , BOHATÝ JAN 
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  The Devonian fenestrate bryozoan, SchischcatellaWaschurova, 1964, possessed colonies in the form of low, erect bifoliate fronds that grew from an encrusting sheet‐like base with autozooecia arranged in biserial, bifurcating rows. This growth habit is unique in fenestrates, which normally had unilaminate arborescent colonies. Originally, Schischcatella was described from the Lower Devonian of Tajikistan. This article describes a new species, S. heinorum sp. nov., from the Middle Devonian of the Eifel (western Rhenish Massif, Germany) with additional material from the Lower Devonian of the Kellerwald (eastern Rhenish Massif, Germany). External and internal morphologies of this bryozoan have been studied using abundant material. The growth habit of Schischcatella suggests a completely different pattern of feeding currents than that in the normal fenestrate colony. The outflow of the filtered water occurred only on edges of colonies between rami. In the absence of chimneys (areas of vertical water expelling), such a functional morphology may have restricted extension of the colony in a distal direction. The evolution of Schischcatella is apparently an example of paedomorphosis, the genus evolved from an unknown semicosciniid species by the early ontogenetic interruption of colony development and further changes in the mode of growth.
Silicified Upper Ordovician trilobites from Pai‐Khoi, Arctic Russia
Authors: OWENS ROBERT M. , FORTEY RICHARD A. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  A collection of silicified trilobites extracted from samples obtained by F. Nansen from the Upper Ordovician of Khabarovo, Pai Khoi, Russian Arctic is dominated by two new species of the proetide Lasarchopyge, a genus known hitherto only from the Argentine Precordillera. Comparison of Lasarchopyge with Scharyia reveals a range of common characters that support inclusion of both genera in the same family. The rest of the fauna comprises a metagnostid (Trinodus elspethi), an asaphid (Isotelus sp.), two remopleuridids (Remopleurides cf. caelatus and R. sp. nov. A), an aulacopleurid (Harpidella triloba), a lichid and an odontopleurid (Apianurus cf. barbatus), the last two being represented by very fragmentary material. T. elspethi, H. triloba, R. cf. caelatus and A. cf. barbatus are common to or closely resemble taxa from the Edinburg Formation, Virginia. Closely related taxa are present also in the Esbataottine Formation, NW Territories, Canada, and in the Albany Group, Girvan district, Scotland. All of these occurrences are of early Caradoc (Sandbian) age, and most lay at palaeolatitudes of 20°–30° south; all are interpreted as having been deposited on the outer shelf, which is consistent with their distribution.
Epigallocatechin gallate reduces human monocyte mobility and adhesion in vitro
Authors: Melgarejo Esther , Medina Miguel Ángel , Sánchez‐Jiménez Francisca , Urdiales José Luis 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Monocytes/macrophages are an important population of immune inflammatory cells that have diverse effector functions in which their mobility and adhesion play a very relevant role. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, has been reported to have anti‐allergic and anti‐inflammatory activities, but its effects on monocytes remain to be determined. Here we investigated the effects of EGCG on the migration and adhesion of monocytes.Experimental approach:  We used a human monocyte cell line (THP‐1) to analyse the effects of treatment with EGCG under non‐cytotoxic conditions on the expression levels of the monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and of the MCP‐1 receptor (CCR2) and on the activation of β1 integrin. A functional validation was carried out by evaluating the inhibitory effect of EGCG on monocyte adhesiveness and migration in vitro.Key results:  Treatment of THP‐1 cells with EGCG decreased MCP‐1 and CCR2 gene expression, together with MCP‐1 secretion and CCR2 expression at the cell surface. EGCG also inhibited β1 integrin activation. The effects on these molecular targets were in agreement with the EGCG‐induced inhibition of THP‐1 migration in response to MCP‐1 and adhesion to fibronectin.Conclusions and implications:  Under our experimental conditions, EGCG treatment inhibited the migration and adhesion of monocytes. These inhibitory effects of EGCG on monocyte function should be considered as a promising new anti‐inflammatory response with a potential therapeutic role in the treatment of inflammation‐dependent diseases.
U‐shaped dose‐dependent effects of BmK AS, a unique scorpion polypeptide toxin, on voltage‐gated sodium channels
Authors: Zhu Mang‐Mang , Tao Jie , Tan Miao , Yang Hong‐tian , Ji Yong‐Hua 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) AS is a scorpion polypeptide toxin, said to target the voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs). However, the mechanism of action of BmK AS on the VGSCs has yet to be defined.Experimental approach:  We examined the electrophysiological effects of BmK AS in a wide dose range on the rat brain‐type VGSC α‐subunit, rNav1.2a, heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes and on the VGSCs endogenously expressed in the dorsal root ganglion neuroblastoma ND7‐23 cell line.Key results:  In the oocytes, BmK AS depolarized the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation of rNav1.2a at 0.1 and 500 nM whereas these parameters were hyperpolarized at 1 nM. In ND7‐23 cells, BmK AS hyperpolarized the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation at 0.1, 1 and 100 nM but not 10 nM. BmK AS also hyperpolarized the voltage dependence of recovery from inactivation at 0.1 and 100 nM and slowed the recovery kinetics at all concentrations, but the effects of 1 and 10 nM were relatively smaller than those at 0.1 and 100 nM. Moreover, the inactivation of VGSCs was potentiated by 10 nM BmK AS in both systems, whereas it was inhibited by 0.1 or 100 nM BmK AS in the oocytes or ND7‐23 cells respectively.Conclusions and implications:  BmK AS modulated the VGSCs in a unique U‐shaped dose‐dependent manner, which could be due to the opposing effects of binding to two distinct receptor sites on the VGSCs.
POLYPHASIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THREE STRAINS OF ANABAENA RENIFORMIS AND APHANIZOMENON APHANIZOMENOIDES (CYANOBACTERIA) AND THEIR RECLASSIFICATION TO SPHAEROSPERMUM GEN. NOV. (INCL. ANABAENA KISSELEVIANA)1
Authors: Zapomělová Eliška , Jezberová Jitka , Hrouzek Pavel , Hisem Daniel , Řeháková Klára , Komárková Jaroslava 
Published: November 2009

Occurrences of rare cyanobacteria Anabaena reniformis Lemmerm. and Aphanizomenon aphanizomenoides (Forti) Horecká et Komárek were recently detected at several localities in the Czech Republic. Two monoclonal strains of An. reniformis and one strain of Aph. aphanizomenoides were isolated from distant localities and different sampling years. They were characterized by a combination of morphological, genetic, and biochemical approaches. For the first time, partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained for these morphospecies. Based on this gene, all of these strains clustered separately from other planktonic Anabaena and Aphanizomenon strains. They appeared in a cluster with Cylindrospermopsis Seenaya et Subba Raju and Raphidiopsis F. E. Fritsch et M. F. Rich, clustered closely together with two An. kisseleviana Elenkin strains available from GenBank. A new generic entity was defined (Sphaerospermum gen. nov., with the type species S. reniforme, based on the traditional species An. reniformis). These results contribute significantly to the knowledge base about genetic heterogeneity among planktonic Anabaena–like and Aphanizomenon–like morphospecies. Accordingly, the subgenus Dolichospermum, previously proposed for the group of planktonic Anabaena, should be revaluated. Secondary metabolite profiles of the An. reniformis and Aph. aphanizomenoides strains differed considerably from 17 other planktonic Anabaena strains of eight morphospecies isolated from Czech water bodies. Production of puwainaphycin A was found in both of the An. reniformis strains. Despite the relatively short phylogenetic distance from Cylidrospermopsis, the production of cylindrospermopsin was not detected in any of our strains.
Long‐term storage of peripheral blood stem cells frozen and stored with a conventional liquid nitrogen technique compared with cells frozen and stored in a mechanical freezer
Authors: McCullough Jeffrey , Haley Rebecca , Clay Mary , Hubel Allison , Lindgren Bruce , Moroff Gary 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of hematopoietic progenitor cells using liquid nitrogen and controlled‐rate freezing requires complex equipment and highly trained staff and is expensive. We compared the liquid nitrogen method with methods using a combination of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) for cryopreservation followed by storage in mechanical freezers.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) were collected from normal donors by apheresis and allocated to one of four preservation and storage conditions: 1) 10% DMSO with freezing in liquid nitrogen and storage in liquid nitrogen, 2) 5% DMSO and 6% HES with freezing and storage in a −80°C mechanical freezer, 3) 5% DMSO and 6% HES with freezing in a −80°C mechanical freezer and storage in a −135°C mechanical freezer, or 4) 5% DMSO and 6% HES with freezing and storage both in a 135°C mechanical freezer. Cells were stored for 5 years during which total nucleated cells (TNCs), cell viability, CD34+ cell content, and colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage content were determined.RESULTS: There were some significant differences in the variables measured during freezing and the 5 years of storage compared to the values before freezing and storage; however, these differences were not consistent and do not favor one protocol over the others. Samples stored for 24 hours before cryopreservation showed a significant decrease in TNCs, but no other significant changes during the 5 years.CONCLUSION: In vitro measurements indicate that PBSCs can be successfully frozen and stored using a combination of DMSO and HES providing smaller amounts of DMSO and allowing simplified freezing and storage conditions.
Direct assessment of cytomegalovirus transfusion‐transmitted risks after universal leukoreduction
Authors: Wu Yanyun , Zou Shimian , Cable Ritchard , Dorsey Kerri , Tang Yanlin , Hapip Cheryl Anne , Melmed Russell , Trouern‐Trend Jonathan , Wang Jian‐Hui , Champion Melanie , Fang Chyang , Dodd Roger 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) transfusion‐transmitted disease (TTD) remains a clinical concern. Universal leukoreduction has become one of the main strategies for the prevention of CMV‐TTD. Through prospective clinical follow‐up and testing of transfusion recipients (TRs), the risk for CMV‐TTD was studied.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Transfused units were all leukoreduced and not prospectively screened for CMV. For TRs with negative baseline CMV testing results (CMV total antibody and DNA), all follow‐up TR samples were tested for CMV total antibody and DNA, and retained linked donor serum samples were tested for CMV total antibody. In cases when CMV‐TTD was suspected, donor sera were also tested for CMV DNA and selected TR samples were tested for CMV immunoglobulin M antibody. Evaluable transfusion was defined as a transfusion with TR sample(s) collected 14 to 180 days posttransfusion.RESULTS: Forty‐six TRs were negative for CMV at baseline. There were 1316 evaluable cellular blood transfusions to these TRs. Of 1316 evaluable cellular products, 460 (35%) were positive for CMV total antibody tested using linked donor samples. Three cases of probable CMV‐TTD were found; however, there was no definitive proof from donor follow‐up that they were transfusion associated.CONCLUSION: Among all 46 baseline seronegative recipients and 1316 evaluable transfusions, the calculated overall CMV‐TTD risk was up to 6.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0%‐18.0%) in terms of TRs and up to 0.23% (95% CI, 0.06%‐0.62%) in terms of non–CMV‐screened leukoreduced cellular products. In summary, after universal leukoreduction, CMV‐TTD, while uncommon, may still occur.
BLOOD COMPONENTS: The quality of stored umbilical cord and adult‐donated whole blood in Mombasa, Kenya
Authors: Hassall Oliver , Maitland Kathryn , Fegan Gregory , Thitiri Johnstone , Pole Lewa , Mwakesi Robert , Denje Douglas , Wambua Kongo , Mandaliya Kishor , Bates Imelda 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: In sub‐Saharan Africa umbilical cord blood may be a useful source of blood for transfusion. Before clinical trials, evidence is needed that cord blood donations, which vary greatly in volume, can be collected and stored into a fixed volume of anticoagulant‐preservative solution obviating the need for prestorage processing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐four umbilical cord whole blood (UC‐WB) donations were collected into 21 mL of CPDA‐1 and refrigerated for 35 days. The Kenya Blood Transfusion Service provided 12 adult‐donated whole blood (AD‐WB) controls. Supernatant hemoglobin (Hb) and potassium were assayed at 7‐day intervals.RESULTS: UC‐WB red blood cell hemolysis and potassium loss increased throughout storage but did not differ significantly with cord blood volume. Hemolysis rates did not differ significantly between UC‐WB and AD‐WB but UC‐WB potassium loss was slightly but significantly greater than AD‐WB on Days 2, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05). In the AD‐WB controls, eight were low volume (<405 mL), two had total Hb of less than 45 g, and two showed hemolysis greater than 0.8% by Day 28.CONCLUSION: Variable volumes of UC‐WB can be stored for 35 days without prestorage processing and further work into its suitability for transfusion to children is justified. The quality of conventional AD‐WB is a concern and needs further evaluation.
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Garg Rajeev , Khaja Azam , Madsen Richard , Alpert Martin A. , Tejwana Lokesh , Aggarwal Kul 
Published: November 2009

Article Title: Observer Variation in the Echocardiographic Measurement of Maximum Atrial Septal Excursion: A Comparison of M‐Mode with Two‐Dimensional or Transesophageal Echocardiography(ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
A Combined Power M‐mode and Single Gate Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Microemboli Signal Criteria for Improving Emboli Detection and Reliability
Authors: Choi Youngbin , Saqqur Maher , Asil Talip , Jin Albert , Stewart Eileen , Stephenson Caroline , Ibrahim Mohamad , Roy Jayanta , Boulanger Jean‐Martin , Coutts Shelagh , Khan Firosh , Demchuk Andrew M 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Single gate transcranial Doppler spectrogram (sgTCD) has a high variability in the detection of microembolic signals (MES), Adding Power M‐mode Doppler (PMD) information may improve MES detection. Our study's aim is to derive combined PMD/sgTCD microemboli criteria to overcome this limitation. METHODS Patients with symptomatic carotid disease were prospectively enrolled within 24 h of symptom onset underwent 1 hour TCD emboli monitoring. We reviewed disparity between PMD MES criteria and sgTCD MES criteria. We compared combined PMD/sgTCD criteria to sgTCD alone criteria by measuring the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Of 92 patients, 28 patients had evidence of MES on sgTCD or PMD. Total MES count was 269 based on sgTCD criteria, and 326 based on combined PMD/sgTCD criteria (P= 0.005). Combined PMD/sgTCD criteria revealed 17 MESs (4.8%) based on sgTCD criteria to represent artifacts and 57 MESs (17.5%) not to be detected by sgTCD criteria. Overall ICC based on sgTCD criteria was 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58–0.74]; however, introducing combined PMD/sgTCD criteria resulted in a significant increase in the ICC, 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88–0.93). CONCLUSION Our combined PMD/sgTCD criteria for MES appeared to improve the yield of MES detection. Reliability in MES detection interpretation was improved when combined PMD/sgTCD criteria was applied.
Factors influencing ridge alterations following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets
Authors: Ferrus Jorge , Cecchinato Denis , Pjetursson E. Bjarni , Lang Niklaus P. , Sanz Mariano , Lindhe Jan 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim: To identify factors that may influence ridge alterations occurring at the buccal aspect of the extraction site following immediate implant placement.Material and methods: In 93 subjects, single‐tooth implants were placed immediately into extraction sockets in the maxilla (tooth locations 15–25). A series of measurements describing the extraction site were made immediately after implant installation and at re‐entry, 16 weeks later. The implant sites were stratified according to four factors: (i) implant location (anterior/posterior), (ii) cause of tooth extraction (periodontitis/non‐periodontitis), (iii) thickness of the buccal bone walls (≤1/>1 mm) and (iv) the dimension of the horizontal buccal gap (≤1/>1 mm).Results: (i) The location where the implant was placed (anterior/posterior) as well as (ii) the thickness of the buccal bone crest and (iii) the size of the horizontal buccal gap significantly influenced the amount of hard tissue alteration that occurred during a 4‐month period of healing. At implant sites in the premolar segment, the fill of the horizontal gap was more pronounced than in the incisor–canine segment, while the vertical crest reduction was significantly smaller. Furthermore, at sites where the buccal bone wall was thick (>1 mm) and where the horizontal gap was large (>1 mm), the degree of gap fill was substantial.Conclusions: The thickness of the buccal bone wall as well as the dimension of the horizontal gap influenced the hard tissue alterations that occur following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets. To cite this article:
Ferrus J, Cecchinato D, Pjetursson EB, Lang NP, Sanz M, Lindhe J. Factors influencing ridge alterations following immediate implant placement into extraction sockets. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2009; 22–29.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Predictors of Inflammatory Breast Diseases During Lactation – Results of a Cohort Study
Authors: Wöckel Achim , Beggel Anna , Rücke Miriam , Abou‐Dakn Michael , Arck Petra 
Published: November 2009

Problem  Inflammatory breast diseases during lactation are major reasons for early weaning.Method of study  A prospective cohort study was performed to examine the association between stress and inflammatory breast diseases. Psychometric data, cytokine levels in breast milk and blood samples were analysed postpartum (T1). Psychometric data and course of breast feeding were evaluated twelve weeks later (T2). Patients were divided into case‐ and control‐groups (according to the presence of breast diseases).Results  Mothers of the case group (n = 23) were significantly older and showed significantly increased stress levels between T1 and T2 compared with the control group (n = 43). Leucocytes in the postpartum blood count were significantly decreased in the case group. There were no significant differences between groups in the concentrations of Th‐1‐ and Th‐2‐cytokines in breast milk postpartum.Conclusion  Higher maternal age, postpartum increase in stress perception and low number of leucocytes are associated with a higher incidence of inflammatory breast diseases. Further studies must examine the causality of this effect.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Pregnancy Does not Deter the Development of a Potent Maternal Protective CD8+ T‐Cell Acquired Immune Response Against Listeria Monocytogenes Despite Preferential Placental Colonization
Authors: Krishnan Lakshmi , Pejcic‐Karapetrovic Branka , Gurnani Komal , Zafer Ahmed , Sad Subash 
Published: November 2009

Problem Listeria monocytogenes (LM) preferentially colonizes the placenta and causes fetal loss and systemic disease during pregnancy. As systemic CD8+ T‐cell memory is critical in controlling LM infection, we addressed the issue as to whether it is modulated during pregnancy.Method of studyPregnant mice were infected with LM and their immune response was quantified relative to the non‐pregnant cohort using advanced immunological techniques.ResultsPregnant mice exhibited progressive and massive placental LM infection leading to fetal resorptions. In contrast, they harbored significantly lower bacteria in spleen and liver relative to non‐pregnant controls, and rapidly cleared systemic infection. Both pregnant and non‐pregnant mice exhibited similar activation of systemic innate immunity. Moreover, LM infection in pregnant and non‐pregnant hosts evoked strong antigen‐specific cytolytic CD8+ T cells that produced IFN‐γ. Consequently, LM infection initiated during pregnancy afforded long‐term protective memory to secondary infection.ConclusionMaternal hosts generate a normal Listeria‐specific adaptive immunity in particular CD8+ T‐cell memory response suggesting that systemic listeriosis during pregnancy may be an immunopathology associated with placental infection.