bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypothesis testing in functional linear regression models with Neyman's truncation and wavelet thresholding for longitudinal data
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Nie Kun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLongitudinal data sets in biomedical research often consist of large numbers of repeated measures. In many cases, the trajectories do not look globally linear or polynomial, making it difficult to summarize the data or test hypotheses using standard longitudinal data analysis based on various linear models. An alternative approach is to apply the approaches of functional data analysis, which directly target the continuous nonlinear curves underlying discretely sampled repeated measures. For the purposes of data exploration, many functional data analysis strategies have been developed based on various schemes of smoothing, but fewer options are available for making causal inferences regarding predictor–outcome relationships, a common task seen in hypothesis‐driven medical studies. To compare groups of curves, two testing strategies with good power have been proposed for high‐dimensional analysis of variance: the Fourier‐based adaptive Neyman test and the wavelet‐based thresholding test. Using a smoking cessation clinical trial data set, this paper demonstrates how to extend the strategies for hypothesis testing into the framework of functional linear regression models (FLRMs) with continuous functional responses and categorical or continuous scalar predictors. The analysis procedure consists of three steps: first, apply the Fourier or wavelet transform to the original repeated measures; then fit a multivariate linear model in the transformed domain; and finally, test the regression coefficients using either adaptive Neyman or thresholding statistics. Since a FLRM can be viewed as a natural extension of the traditional multiple linear regression model, the development of this model and computational tools should enhance the capacity of medical statistics for longitudinal data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualification of safety‐critical systems in TVO nuclear power plants
Authors: Halminen Juha , Nevalainen Risto 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTeollisuuden Voima Oy (TVO) operates two nuclear power plant units in Finland and has started to build a third one. The current nuclear power units have to continuously maintain and update existing instrumentation and control systems (I&C). Each new device will have to be classified and qualified according to its safety requirements. Using modern technology means in practice that more and more components have programmable features. The reliability of such components has proved to be difficult to demonstrate because of the nature of flaws in the software. Standards and rules given by authorities set the acceptance criteria for the components used in the safety systems of nuclear power plants. As a result of this trend, there is a clear need for an integrated and effective method to qualify software‐intensive I&C systems in nuclear power plant units. The integration has three major areas: (i) definition and harmonization of requirements for software‐intensive systems at different safety classes, (ii) integration of several approaches such as Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination (SPICE) and Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis method (FMECA) to improve confidence in qualification and (iii) integration of the system acquisition and qualification processes to improve the total effectiveness of the acquisition, delivery and deployment processes. The integrated qualification method is called the TVO SoftWare Evaluation Procedure (SWEP). It consists of a detailed qualification process and related methods for safety category B and C (IEC 61226) and Finnish safety class 3 qualifications. TVO will use the TVO SWEP method to evaluate suppliers and the conformance of their products/systems against requirements. It has been used in several cases, and it seems to save a lot of qualification resources compared to traditional methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of electronic music in Ukraine: emergence of a research methodology
Authors: Zagaykevych Alla , Zavada Ivan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this article the authors present an overview of the current situation in Ukraine, with regards to the question of analytical terminology applied to new methods of creation in electronic music composition. The article establishes the differences and the similarities between the analyses of instrumental and electronic music structures, while considering the role of technology in the creation of new electronic music works. This paper also establishes a link between the origin of current analytical processes and electronic music practice in Ukraine, taking into account the function of a given terminology and its characteristic elements relating to a local geographical and cultural context. The authors underline the importance of integrating new music forms in academic circles and discuss external influences in the development of new musical systems. This is demonstrated by exposing selected musical materials, which can be considered representative of the creative and theoretical processes found in the field of electronic music in Ukraine.
Flavonoid content in seeds of guar germplasm using HPLC
Authors: Wang M. L. , Morris J. B. 
Published: July 2007

Legume flavonoids have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on human health. Flavonoid content in the seeds of 36 germplasm accessions of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba(L.) Taub.] was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). On a per 100 g basis, the seed contained, on average, 1.114 mg (0–2.355) daidzein, 0.700 mg (0–1.685) genistein, 0.553 mg (0–1.250) quercetin and 14.460 mg (10.70–19.82) kaempferol. A significant positive correlation was observed between the content of daidzein and genistein; however, significant negative correlations existed between the content of kaempferol and daidzein and of kaempferol and genistein. Compared to soybean seeds, guar seeds contained very low amounts of daidzein and genistein, but a high amount of kaempferol. The information about the levels of flavonoids in guar seeds will be useful to breeding programmes for improving guar seed quality. Furthermore, the high kaempferol content of guar seeds may expand its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical utilization.
An assessment of grower perceptions and factors influencing adoption of IPM in commercial cranberry production
Authors: Blake G. , Sandler H.A. , Coli W. , Pober D.M. , Coggins C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA survey was developed and distributed to the Massachusetts cranberry grower community in 1999 to identify biological, educational, social and political barriers to the adoption of available integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The response rate for the 450 growers who received the survey was 54%. Approximately 80% of respondents claimed to practice IPM frequently and 16% identified themselves as occasional practitioners. Most growers practiced IPM because they agreed with IPM philosophy (80%) and believed it had environmental benefits (73%). Ninety-two percent agreed that more IPM-related research and education programs would encourage them to adopt practices they are not currently using. A significant percentage of respondents used multiple IPM component practices, with practices involving monitoring and detection of pests along with judicious use of pesticides being most common. Factor analysis was used to condense 104 potential responses to 22 factors, which were then used as predictors with six demographic variables (IPM adoption, education level, age, experience, farm size and work status). Demographic factors influenced a grower's tendency to incorporate IPM into routine farm activities. Full-time, highly experienced growers in charge of large operations tended frequently to use more IPM practices than less experienced growers who worked part-time and managed smaller farms. A large proportion of respondents agreed that IPM can reduce pesticide residues in food (92%) and the environment (96%), and can help to preserve beneficial insects (96%). Although many growers held the perception that IPM can pose measurable economic risk (and subsequently act as a barrier to adoption), growers appeared to feel less strongly about the economic benefits than potential environmental ones.
Testing a complete-diet model for estimating the land resource requirements of food consumption and agricultural carrying capacity: The New York State example
Authors: Peters Christian J. , Wilkins Jennifer L. , Fick Gary W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAgriculture faces a multitude of challenges in the 21st century, and new tools are needed to help determine how it should respond. Among these challenges is a need to reconcile how human food consumption patterns should change to both improve human nutrition and reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. A complete-diet framework is needed for better understanding how diet influences demand for a fundamental agricultural resource, land. We tested such a model, measuring the impact of fat and meat consumption on the land requirements of food production in New York State (NYS). Analysis was confined to this geographic area to simplify the modeling procedure and to examine the state's ability to reduce environmental impact by supplying food locally. Per capita land resource requirements were calculated with a spreadsheet model for 42 diets ranging from 0 to 381 g d−1 (0 to 12 oz d−1) of meat and eggs and 20 to 45% total calories from fat. Many of these diets meet national dietary recommendations. The potential human carrying capacity of the NYS land base was then derived, based on recent estimates of available agricultural land. A nearly fivefold difference (0.18–0.86 ha) in per capita land requirements was observed across the diets. Increasing meat in the diet increased per capita land requirements, while increasing total dietary fat increased the land requirements of low meat diets but reduced the land needed for high meat diets. Higher meat diets used a larger share of the available cropland suited only to pasture and perennial crops. Thus, only a threefold difference was observed for the potential number of people fed from the NYS land base (2.0–6.2 million). In addition, some high-fat vegetarian diets supported fewer people than lower fat diets containing 63–127 g d−1 of meat (approximately one- to two-thirds of the national average per capita consumption in the US). These results support the assertion that diet should be considered in its entirety when assessing environmental impact. To more completely understand how diet influences land requirements and potential carrying capacity, this model should be applied across a larger geographic area that encompasses a wider variety of climates and soil resources. To better understand the ability of a local region to supply more of its own food, the model should be moved into a geospatial framework.
Monoclonal antibodies which identify carbohydrate‐defined MHC Class I epitopes
Authors: O'NEILL HELEN C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryEleven different monoclonal antibodies specific for H‐2K‐ and H‐2D‐encoded Class I molecules have been screened to determine Class I epitopes dependent on both carbohydrate and protein structures. Monoclonal antibodies have been identified which bind to carbohydrate‐defined antigens encoded by both the H‐2K and H‐2D gene regions. Sensitivity to glycosidases versus pronase has been used to classify antigens both expressed as cell surface molecules and when prepared as detergent solubilized antigen. Several simple sugars have also been found to act as inhibitors of antibodies which bind to carbohydrate‐defined sites. The genetic control of carbohydrate antigen expression by H‐2K‐ and H‐2D‐linked genes has been verified since a specific antibody does not bind to H‐2Kb or H‐2Db molecules encoded by several mutant strains of mice containing single amino acid substitutions in their protein product. All of these data are consistent with Class I antigenic structures being encoded in carbohydrate as well as protein moieties.
Human IgE‐binding synthetic peptides of bovine β‐lactoglobulin and α‐lactalbumin. In vitro cross‐reactivity of the allergens
Authors: ADAMS S. L. , BARNETT D. , WALSH B. J. , PEARCE R. J. , HILL D. J. , HOWDEN M. E. H. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe allergenicity of cow's milk whey proteins, purified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was examined by the radio‐allergosorbent test (RAST) against the sera of children immediately hypersensitive to milk. β‐lactoglobulin and α‐lactalbumin bound specific IgE in the sera of 63% and 75% of these patients respectively. These allergens were tested for cross reactivity with each other by RAST inhibition. Both inhibited the binding of IgE, in the sera of allergic patients, to the other protein. Two possible determinant peptides, one from β‐lactoglobulin and one from α‐lactalbumin, were selected by computer prediction of antigenic sites and synthesized by the fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (FMOC)‐polyamide method. The peptides were adsorbed to nitrocellulose discs and used in further RAST studies with sera from the allergic children. Both peptides bound specific IgE in the RAST assay.
Depression of cell‐mediated immunity in plasmacytoma‐bearing mice
Authors: RUSZALA‐MALLON VERONICA , SILVA JILLIAN , LUMANGLAS ARACELI L. , DURR FREDERICK E. , WANG BOSCO SHANG 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPrevious reports have documented that mice bearing plasmacytomas (PC) are suppressed in their ability to mount a primary antibody response, whereas cellular immunity appears to be normal. Studies presented here provide evidence that T cell responsiveness is also depressed in BALB/c mice bearing the Lieberman plasmacytoma (Lpc‐1). For instance, splenocytes from mice bearing large tumours were impaired in their in vitro ability to respond to the T cell mitogen, mount an appropriate alloreactive cytolytic T lymphocyte response, and produce interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). A population of suppressor cells was detected in the spleens 7 days after tumour implantation as evidenced by their ability to prevent normal splenocytes not only from responding to antigens in mixed lymphocyte culture, but also from producing IL‐2. A similar inhibitory effect was observed with culture supernatants of these cells, indicating the existence of a soluble suppressive factor. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that cellular immune responses are impaired in mice bearing Lpc‐1 tumours and that this effect may be due to the generation of suppressor cells and/or a suppressive factor.
The induction of plasma leakage in skin by histamine, bradykinin, activated complement, platelet‐activating factor and serotonin
Authors: COLDITZ I. G. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryVascular leakage of [125I]‐human serum albumin into the skin of sheep was measured in response to intradermal injection of histamine, bradykinin, zymosan‐activated plasma (ZAP), platelet‐activating factor (PAF) and serotonin. Potency of the mediators was PAF > ZAP > bradykinin ∼ histamine > serotonin. Maximal leakage occurred in the first 10 min following injection of bradykinin, histamine and PAF, and for histamine and bradykinin had effectively ceased by 40 min. In contrast, ZAP and serotonin induced relatively constant plasma leakage over the first 40 min following their intradermal injection. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 enhanced plasma leakage induced by histamine and bradykinin thus confirming the applicability of the two‐mediator hypothesis of vascular leakage to permeability responses in skin of sheep.
Interleukin‐2 and phytohaemagglutinin stimulate proliferation of tunicate cells
Authors: RAFTOS DAVID A. , DAN STILLMAN L. , COOPER EDWIN L. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryProfilerative responses of cells in tunicate pharyngeal explants to human interleukins and mitogenic lectins were tested. Increased tritiated‐thymidine ([3H]‐TdR) uptake was detected among pharyngeal cells incubated with recombinant human interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), and phytohaemagglutinin‐P (PHA‐P). Responses to IL‐2 were dose‐dependent and affected lymphocyte‐like cells. Enhanced proliferation was stimulated by IL‐2 in the absence of co‐stimulants and was not synergized by co‐incubation with human interleukin‐l (IL‐1) or PHA‐P. Anti‐IL‐2 polyclonal antibody inhibited the stimulatory activity of recombinant human interleukin‐2 (rhIL‐2). Of three lectins tested (concanavalin‐A [Con‐A]. pokeweed mitogen [PWM] and PHA‐P), only PHA‐P proved to be mitogenic. Con‐A and PWM did not significantly increase proliferative activity even though both lectins were capable of binding pharyngeal cells as revealed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Similarly, human IL‐I had no effect on [3H]‐TdR uptake either alone or in combination with IL‐2 and PHA‐P. These data suggest that the functions of some interleukin‐like cytokines have been conserved during evolution.
Preferential binding ofChlamydia trachomatisto subsets of human lymphocytes and induction of interleukin‐6 and interferon‐gamma
Authors: FITZPATRICK D. R. , WIE J. , WEBB D. , BONFIGLIOLI R. , GARDNER I. D. , MATHEWS J. D. , BIELEFELDT‐OHMANN H. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe interactions betweenChlamydia trachumatisand human blood mononuclear leukocytes were studied using flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and cytokine assays. Under serum‐free conditions, elementary bodies (EB) ofC. trachomatiswere found to bind to human T lymphocytes as well as to B cells and monocytes/macrophages (Mφ). For all cell types the binding was saturable. rapid, temperature‐independent and independent of the chlamydia‐specific serological status of the donor. Similar proportions of T and B cells bound EB at similar levels. In the T cell population, proportionally less CD8+cells bound EB. Whereas Mφ phagocytosed and destroyed the bound micro‐organisms for lymphocytes, theChlamydiaremained at the surface, adherent to morphologically featureless membrane areas and showed no evidence of uptake even after long periods at 37°C. Host molecules modulated these basic binding patterns: a heat‐stable serum factor inhibited EB binding to T cells and a heat‐labile serum factor enhanced binding to B cells. Stimulation withC. trachomatisEB rapidly elicited cytokine production by lymphocytes including interleukin‐6 from B cells and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) from T and/or nonT/nonB cells. The responses were irrespective of the serological status of the donor. The findings suggest thatC. trachomati‐leucocyteinteractions may differ from the interactions of other bacteria and human leucocytes. The possible relationship between leucocyte‐binding, cytokine induction, and the pathognomonic development of lymphoid follicles during mucosalC. trachomatisinfections is discussed.
Dextran sulfate induces changes in the free intracellular calcium ion concentration of a subpopulation of immature thymocytes
Authors: WESTON SUSAN A. , TELLAM ROSS L. , PARISH CHRISTOPHER R. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that certain sulfated polysaccharides, such as dextran Sulfate (DxS), can induce a rapid and sustained increase in the free intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) of thymocytes, whereas they cannot induce a change in the [Ca2+]i of peripheral lymphocytes. This study examined this phenomenon in more detail and clearly demonstrated that only immature thymocytes can respond to DxS. Cortisone‐resistant thymocytes failed to exhibit an increase in [Ca2+]i when exposed to DxS. Furthermore, analysis of [Ca2+]i changes at the single cell level using a flow cytometer demonstrated that only a subpopulation of immature thymocytes responded to DxS. Additional flow cytometry studies revealed that DxS and Con‐A induce a [Ca2+], response in different subpopulations of thymocytes, approximately 3O% of thymocytes responding to Con‐A and 15–20% to DxS. Thus, responsiveness to Con‐A and DxS. in terms of increases in [Ca2±]i, may represent a novel marker for two different thymocyte subpopulations. Such metabolic markers could be used to complement the conventional serological methods currently employed to define stages in thymocyte differentiation.
Regulation of human lymphocyte proliferation by a tumour cell‐derived DNA fraction
Authors: ABOLHASSANI MOHSEN , TILLOTSON JOANNE K. , CHANG JEAN , CHIAO J.W. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA suppressor activity was isolated and partially purified from culture supernatant of human myeloid leukaemic cell line HL‐60 by ion‐exchange chromatography. HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). This activity was capable of suppressing proliferation of mitogen‐stimulated normal human lymphocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. The suppressor activity was identified as DNA by its typical absorbance at 260 nm, and by its susceptibility to DNase digestion. The DNA with suppressive activity was found to be double‐stranded with the molecular weight range between 0.6 and 1.5 kb. This DNA material did not have cytotoxic activity and did not alter intcrleukin‐2 receptor expression. Cell cycle analysis has suggested that DNA molecules could interact with lymphocytes to arrest the stimulated lymphocytes in the G1 phase, apparently preventing the cells from entering into the proliferating S phase.
Phenotype and activation of milk‐derived and peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal and coeliac subjects
Authors: GIBSON C. E. , EGLINTON B. A. , PENTTILA I. A. , CUMMINS A. G. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe phenotype of milk‐derived and peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal and coeliac subjects was assessed for CD3. αβ‐TcR (T cell receptor). γδ‐TcR, CD4, CD8, HML‐I (human mucosal lymphocyte) determinants, and activation was measured by interleukin‐2 receptor (1L‐2R) expression. Milk cells from normal and coeliac subjects were analysed by manual immunofluorescence and milk and blood cells from normal subjects were analysed by flow cytometry. Milk cells from two coeliac subjects were tested for proliferation to gluten antigen. The CD4:CD8 ratio of milk lymphocytes from both normal and coeliac subjects was similar (0.78‐1.1), but lower than that present in blood (1.5‐2.1). The IL‐2R expression of milk lymphocytes from both coeliac and normal subjects was increased by 3–6 times compared with peripheral blood cells. For example, IL‐2R was present on 27.3% of milk CD3+ lymphocytes and on 8.0% of blood CD3+ lymphocytes from normal subjects. γδ‐and HML‐I+ T cells were increased 4.2‐fold and 12‐fold respectively compared with blood lymphocytes. Milk cells from coeliac subjects showed specific proliferation to gluten but not to soya bean antigen. We conclude that milk cells have a ‘mucosal’ phenotype, with increased γδ‐TCR. CD8+ and HML‐I+ T cells, and have an increased proportion of activated cells. Milk cells from celiac subjects have no ‘toxic’ phenotype, but show functional reactivity by specific proliferation to gluten antigen.