bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Binding 3-D Object Perception in the Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Jiang Yang , Boehler C. N. , Nönnig Nina , Düzel Emrah , Hopf Jens-Max , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Schoenfeld Mircea Ariel 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
How do visual luminance, shape, motion, and depth bind together in the brain to represent the coherent percept of a 3-D object within hundreds of milliseconds (msec)? We provide evidence from simultaneous magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) data that perception of 3-D objects defined by luminance or motion elicits sequential activity in human visual cortices within 500 msec. Following activation of the primary visual cortex around 100 msec, 3-D objects elicited sequential activity with only little overlap (dynamic 3-D shapes: MT-LO-Temp; stationary 3-D shapes: LO-Temp). A delay of 80 msec, both in MEG/EEG responses and in reaction times (RTs), was found when additional motion information was processed. We also found significant positive correlations between RT, and MEG and EEG responses in the right temporal location. After about 400 msec, long-lasting activity was observed in the parietal cortex and concurrently in previously activated regions. Novel time-frequency analyses indicate that the activity in the lateral occipital (LO) complex is associated with an increase of induced power in the gamma band, a hallmark of binding. The close correspondence of an induced gamma response with concurrent sources located in the LO in both experimental conditions at different points in time (∼200 msec for luminance and ∼300 msec for dynamic cues) strongly suggests that the LO is the key region for the assembly of object features. The assembly is fed forward to achieve coherent perception of a 3-D object within 500 msec.
Tracking the Location of Visuospatial Attention in a Contingent Capture Paradigm
Authors: Leblanc Émilie , Prime David J. , Jolicoeur Pierre 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Currently, there is considerable controversy regarding the degree to which top-down control can affect attentional capture by salient events. According to the contingent capture hypothesis, attentional capture by a salient stimulus is contingent on a match between the properties of the stimulus and top-down attentional control settings. In contrast, bottom-up saliency accounts argue that the initial capture of attention is determined solely by the relative salience of the stimulus, and the effect of top-down attentional control is limited to effects on the duration of attentional engagement on the capturing stimulus. In the present study, we tested these competing accounts by utilizing the N2pc event-related potential component to track the locus of attention during an attentional capture task. The results were completely consistent with the contingent capture hypothesis: An N2pc wave was elicited only by distractors that possessed the target-defining attribute. In a second experiment, we expanded upon this finding by exploring the effect of target-distractor similarity on the duration that attention dwells at the distractor location. In this experiment, only distractors possessing the target-defining attribute (color) captured visuospatial attention to their location and the N2pc increased in duration and in magnitude when the capture distractor also shared a second target attribute (category membership). Finally, in three additional control experiments, we replicated the finding of an N2pc generated by distractors, only if they shared the target-defining attribute. Thus, our results demonstrate that attentional control settings influence both which stimuli attract attention and to what extent they are processed.
Pioglitazone is as effective as dexamethasone in a cockroach allergen-induced murine model of asthma
Authors: Narala Venkata R , Ranga Rajesh , Smith Monica R , Berlin Aaron A , Standiford Theodore J , Lukacs Nicholas W , Reddy Raju C 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackgroundWhile glucocorticoids are currently the most effective therapy for asthma, associated side effects limit enthusiasm for their use. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) activators include the synthetic thiazolidinediones (TZDs) which exhibit anti-inflammatory effects that suggest usefulness in diseases such as asthma. How the ability of TZDs to modulate the asthmatic response compares to that of glucocorticoids remains unclear, however, because these two nuclear receptor agonists have never been studied concurrently. Additionally, effects of PPAR-γ agonists have never been examined in a model involving an allergen commonly associated with human asthma.MethodsWe compared the effectiveness of the PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) to the established effectiveness of a glucocorticoid receptor agonist, dexamethasone (DEX), in a murine model of asthma induced by cockroach allergen (CRA). After sensitization to CRA and airway localization by intranasal instillation of the allergen, Balb/c mice were challenged twice at 48-h intervals with intratracheal CRA. Either PIO (25 mg/kg/d), DEX (1 mg/kg/d), or vehicle was administered throughout the period of airway CRA exposure.ResultsPIO and DEX demonstrated similar abilities to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary recruitment of inflammatory cells, serum IgE, and lung levels of IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, TGF-β, RANTES, eotaxin, MIP3-α, Gob-5, and Muc5-ac. Likewise, intratracheal administration of an adenovirus containing a constitutively active PPAR-γ expression construct blocked CRA induction of Gob-5 and Muc5-ac.ConclusionGiven the potent effectiveness shown by PIO, we conclude that PPAR-γ agonists deserve investigation as potential therapies for human asthma.
Impacts of chronic kidney disease and albuminuria on associations between coronary heart disease and its traditional risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients – the Hong Kong diabetes registry
Authors: Yang Xilin , Ma Ronald C , So Wing-Yee , Ko Gary T , Kong Alice P , Lam Christopher W , Ho Chun-Shun , Cockram Clive S , Wong Vivian C , Tong Peter C , Chan Juliana C 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) are risk factors for albuminuria, the latter in turn can lead to hyperlipidaemia. We used novel statistical analyses to examine how albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) may influence the effects of other risk factors on coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods
A prospective cohort of 7067 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients without history of CHD enrolled since 1995 were censored on July 30th, 2005. Cox proportional hazard regression with restricted cubic spline was used to auto-select predictors. Hazard ratio plots were used to examine the risk of CHD. Based on these plots, non-linear risk factors were categorised and the categorised variables were refitted into various Cox models in a stepwise manner to confirm the findings.

Results
Age, male gender, duration of diabetes, spot urinary albumin: creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and current smoking status were risk factors of CHD. Linear association between TC and CHD was observed only in patients with albuminuria. Although in general, increased HDL-C was associated with decreased risk of CHD, full-range HDL-C was associated with CHD in an A-shaped manner with a zenith at 1.1 mmol/L. Albuminuria and CKD were the main contributors for the paradoxically positive association between HDL-C and CHD for HDL-C values less than 1.1 mmol/L.

Conclusion
In type 2 diabetes, albuminuria plays a linking role between conventional risk factors and CHD. The onset of CKD changes risk associations between lipids and CHD.
Open access to novel dual flow chamber technology for in vitro cell mechanotransduction, toxicity and pharamacokinetic studies
Authors: Anderson Eric J , Knothe Tate Melissa L 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
A major stumbling block for researchers developing experimental models of mechanotransduction is the control of experimental variables, in particular the transmission of the mechanical forces at the cellular level. A previous evaluation of state of the art commercial perfusion chambers showed that flow regimes, applied to impart a defined mechanical stimulus to cells, are poorly controlled and that data from studies in which different chambers are utilized can not be compared, even if the target stress regimes are comparable.

Methods
This study provides a novel chamber design to provide both physiologically-based flow regimes, improvements in control of experimental variables, as well as ease of use compared to commercial chambers. This novel design achieves controlled stresses through five gasket designs and both single- and dual-flow regimes.

Results
The imparted shear stress within the gasket geometry is well controlled. Fifty percent of the entire area of the 10 × 21 mm universal gasket (Gasket I, designed to impart constant magnitude shear stresses in the center of the chamber where outcome measures are taken), is exposed to target stresses. In the 8 mm diameter circular area at the center of the chamber (where outcome measures are made), over 92% of the area is exposed to the target stress (± 2.5%). In addition, other gasket geometries provide specific gradients of stress that vary with distance from the chamber inlet. Bench-top testing of the novel chamber prototype shows improvements, in the ease of use as well as in performance, compared to the other commercial chambers. The design of the chamber eliminates flow deviations due to leakage and bubbles and allows actual flow profiles to better conform with those predicted in computational models.

Conclusion
The novel flow chamber design provides predictable and well defined mechanical forces at the surface of a cell monolayer, showing improvement over previously tested commercial chambers. The predictability of the imparted stress improves both experiment repeatability as well as the accuracy of inter-study comparisons. Carefully controlling the stresses on cells is critical in effectively mimicking in vivo situations. Overall, the improved perfusion flow chamber provides the needed resolution, standardization and in vitro model analogous to in vivo conditions to make the step towards greater use in research and the opportunity to enter the diagnostic and therapeutic market.
Management of acquired bronchobiliary fistula: 3 case reports and a literature review
Authors: Eryigit Hatice , Oztas Selahattin , Urek Senol , Olgac Guven , Kurutepe Melahat , Kutlu Cemal Asim 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF), which often presents with bilioptysis, is an abnormal communication between the bronchial system and biliary tree. It is a complication associated with a high mortality rate and requires a well-planned management strategy. Although hydatid disease is still the leading cause, extensive surgical interventions and invasive procedures of the liver have altered the profile of patients in recent decades. This paper presents 3 cases of BBF and reviews the literature regarding the treatment options generally mandated by clinical presentation and the underlying disease.
Identification of a novel truncating PALB2mutation and analysis of its contribution to early-onset breast cancer in French-Canadian women
Authors: Foulkes William D , Ghadirian Parviz , Akbari Mohammed Reza , Hamel Nancy , Giroux Sylvie , Sabbaghian Nelly , Darnel Andrew , Royer Robert , Poll Aletta , Fafard Eve , Robidoux André , Martin Ginette , Bismar Tarek A , Tischkowitz Marc , Rousseau Francois , Narod Steven A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Background
PALB2 has recently been identified as a breast cancer susceptibility gene. PALB2 mutations are rare causes of hereditary breast cancer but may be important in countries such as Finland where a founder mutation is present. We sought to estimate the contribution of PALB2 mutations to the burden of breast cancer in French Canadians from Quebec.

Methods
We screened all coding exons of PALB2 in a sample of 50 French-Canadian women diagnosed with either early-onset breast cancer or familial breast cancer at a single Montreal hospital. The genetic variants identified in this sample were then studied in 356 additional women with breast cancer diagnosed before age 50 and in 6,448 newborn controls.

Results
We identified a single protein-truncating mutation in PALB2 (c.2323 C>T, resulting in Q775X) in 1 of the 50 high-risk women. This variant was present in 2 of 356 breast cancer cases and in none of 6,440 newborn French-Canadian controls (P = 0.003). We also identified two novel new non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 4 of PALB2 (c.5038 A>G [I76V] and c.5156 G>T [G115V]). G115V was found in 1 of 356 cases and in 15 of 6,442 controls (P = 0.6). The I76V variant was not identified in either the extended case series or the controls.

Conclusion
We have identified a novel truncating mutation in PALB2. The mutation was found in approximately 0.5% of unselected French-Canadian women with early-onset breast cancer and appears to have a single origin. Although mutations are infrequent, PALB2 can be added to the list of breast cancer susceptibility genes for which founder mutations have been identified in the French-Canadian population.
A new computational approach to analyze human protein complexes and predict novel protein interactions
Authors: Zanivan Sara , Cascone Ilaria , Peyron Chiara , Molineris Ivan , Marchio Serena , Caselle Michele , Bussolino Federico 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe propose a new approach to identify interacting proteins based on gene expression data. By using hypergeometric distribution and extensive Monte-Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that looking at synchronous expression peaks in a single time interval is a high sensitivity approach to detect co-regulation among interacting proteins. Combining gene expression and Gene Ontology similarity analyses enabled the extraction of novel interactions from microarray datasets. Applying this approach to p21-activated kinase 1, we validated α-tubulin and early endosome antigen 1 as its novel interactors.
Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Relapsed, Refractory, and Transformed Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Rezvani Andrew R. , Storer Barry , Maris Michael , Sorror Mohamed L. , Agura Edward , Maziarz Richard T. , Wade James C. , Chauncey Thomas , Forman Stephen J. , Lange Thoralf , Shizuru Judith , Langston Amelia , Pulsipher Michael A. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Storb Rainer , Maloney David G. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose Few effective treatment options exist for chemotherapy-refractory indolent or transformed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We examined the outcome of nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in this setting. Patients and Methods Sixty-two patients with indolent or transformed NHL were treated with allogeneic HCT from related (n = 34) or unrelated (n = 28) donors after conditioning with 2 Gy of total-body irradiation with or without fludarabine. Nine unrelated donors were mismatched for ≥ one HLA antigen. Sixteen patients had histologic transformation before HCT. Twenty patients (32%) had progressive disease after previous high-dose therapy with autologous HCT. Median age was 54 years, and patients had received a median of six lines of treatment before HCT. Median follow-up time after HCT was 36.6 months. Results At 3 years, the estimated overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 52% and 43%, respectively, for patients with indolent disease, and 18% and 21%, respectively, for patients with transformed disease. Patients with indolent disease and related donors (n = 26) had 3-year estimated OS and PFS rates of 67% and 54%, respectively. The incidences of grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), grade 3 and 4 acute GVHD, and extensive chronic GVHD were 63%, 18%, and 47%, respectively. Among survivors, the median Karnofsky performance status at last follow-up was 85%. Conclusion Nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT can produce durable disease-free survival in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent NHL, even in this relatively elderly and heavily pretreated cohort. Outcomes were particularly good in patients with untransformed disease and related donors, whereas patients with transformed disease did poorly. Long-term survivors reported good overall functional status.
Prospects for Adapting Current ASTM Wear and Erosion Tests for Bulk Materials to Thin Films, Coatings, and Surface Treatments
Authors: Blau Peter J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Most of ASTM Committee G2’s erosion, wear, and friction test standards were developed for use with bulk materials, yet there is a growing need to evaluate the tribological behavior of films, coatings, and surface treatments (FCSTs), some that affect layers only tens of nanometres to a few micrometres thick. Tribotesting standards for bulk materials can sometimes be modified for use on FCSTs, but the conditions and methods developed for bulk materials may sometimes be too severe or inapplicable. An Internet search and literature review indicated that a number of G2 Committee standards are currently being used for FCSTs. Of these, ASTM G 99 and G 65 seem to be the most popular. When attempting to apply an existing wear standard for bulk materials to FCSTs, two key issues must be addressed: (1) whether changes are needed in the magnitudes of the applied conditions, and (2) whether more precise methods are needed to measure the magnitude of surface damage. Straightforward calculations underscore the limitations for wear measurement of thin layers when evaluated using block-on-ring and pin-on-disk tests. Finally, suggestions are given for modifying selected ASTM G2 standards to enable their use on films, coatings, and surface treatments.
Constructing a Test Method to Evaluate Stable DVR System
Authors: Chang Che-Wei 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Security systems using a digital video recorder (DVR) are an increasingly popular security product in the surveillance systems market. These DVR-based security systems include software and hardware and generally have six modules, including one each for the input signal channel, the recording function, the playback and display functions, communication and remote transmission, system control, and system security modules. Software and hardware are continuously changing and evolving. Accordingly, purchasers have difficulty in discriminating between new technologies and in determining which DVR-based security system is best suited to their surveillance and security needs, or both. In this study, gray situation decision-making (GSDM) is used to evaluate DVR-based security systems based on several quality performance characteristics. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed GSDM method.
Quality Medical Homes: Meeting Children's Needs for Therapeutic and Supportive Services
Authors: Benedict Ruth E. 
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine whether the quality of a medical home is associated with access to needed therapeutic and supportive services among children with special health care needs.
METHODS. Data from the 2000–2001 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs were used in the analysis. The primary group of interest was children who were 0 to 17 years of age and needed therapeutic (n = 15793) or supportive (n = 23376) services. For each characteristic of a quality medical home, the percentage of children who needed and received therapeutic and supportive services was generated. Logistic regression was used to control for covariates while modeling the association between overall quality of a child's medical home and having unmet needs for therapeutic or supportive services.
RESULTS. Of all children identified as needing services, 16.2% had unmet therapeutic and 9.8% unmet supportive service needs. Only 23.9% of the children who needed therapeutic and 32.5% of children who needed supportive services met the criteria of having a quality medical home. High-quality care within medical homes was associated with a decreased likelihood of having unmet needs for therapeutic and supportive services. Each characteristic of a quality medical home was associated with unmet need, as were severity of the child's condition, family income of &lt;200% of the federal poverty level, underinsurance, and maternal education beyond high school.
CONCLUSIONS. Among other factors, having a poor-quality medical home seems to be a barrier to receiving needed therapeutic or supportive services for children with special health care needs. Efforts on the part of pediatricians to establish quality medical homes for all children could have the added benefit of facilitating access to needed therapeutic and supportive services and promoting the health and well-being of children with special health care needs and their families.
Basic Study of PK Fiber Tire Cord
Authors: Zuigyo Yugo , Yamamoto Masahiko 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Rayon, nylon, and polyester have been used for a long time as general tire reinforcements. Recently application of p-aramid fiber, which has high tenacity and high modulus properties, is gradually increasing in order to satisfy high-performance requirements, large tires, and tire weight reduction. However, in working with high-strength and high-modulus fibers such as p-aramid it is normally difficult to obtain excellent adhesion with simple processing methods and their fatigue resistances are not good. This time we have focused on a new high-tenacity and high-modulus “polyketone” fiber obtained by gel-spun technology and performed a basic study in tire cord application. Through laboratory evaluation, we have confirmed that polyketone cord fiber has excellent adhesion, comparable with rayon and nylon, and good fatigue resistance in comparison with rayon. In addition, through its tire evaluation as a body-ply cord and cap-ply cord for PCR tires, we have confirmed its performance advantage in comparison to current tire cords.
Numerical Model for Nitrogen Tire Inflation
Authors: Ellwood Kevin R. J. , Baldwin John , Bauer David R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The scope of this study was twofold: (1) to quantify the contribution nitrogen inflation would have on oxidative aging of tires and (2) measure the improvement nitrogen tire inflation may have on inflation pressure retention. A previously developed tool for diffusion-limited oxidation was used to simulate aging behavior at 25 and 60 °C. Oven-accelerated tire aging (60 °C) data for different inflation media was used for successful validation of the model, and it was shown that aging rates for higher oxygen concentrations tend toward a constant value. For lower temperatures, the use of nitrogen was shown to produce lower oxygen concentration in the wedge and bead regions of the tire geometry considered when compared to air inflation. By using 95% pure nitrogen (that is, the actual nitrogen concentration in the tire cavity), a 25% reduction in aging rate (for the tire wedge) and a 35% reduction in the initial flux of mass out of the tire (a measure of inflation pressure retention) were calculated.