bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The midget‐parvocellular pathway of marmoset retina: A quantitative light microscopic study
Authors: Telkes Ildiko , Lee Sammy C.S. , Jusuf Patricia R. , Grünert Ulrike 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe midget‐parvocellular pathway in foveal retina of primates shows a “private line” (one‐to‐one) connectivity with cone photoreceptors. The connectivity of this pathway outside the fovea is not well understood. Here, we studied the population of OFF midget bipolar cells across the retinae of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) by using light microscopy. Cone pedicles were labeled with peanut agglutinin, OFF midget bipolar cells were labeled with antibodies against CD15, and midget ganglion cells were retrogradely labeled from the lateral geniculate nucleus and subsequently photofilled. Each midget bipolar cell contacts a single cone in foveal retina, but outside the fovea midget bipolar cells contact multiple cones: one to two cones at 1 mm (∼8 degrees); three to four cones at 3–4 mm (∼25 degrees); and five or more cones beyond 6 mm (>50 degrees). Throughout this eccentricity range, all medium (M) and long (L) wavelength sensitive cones make similar number of contacts with midget bipolar cells, but short wavelength sensitive (S) cones make little or no contact. By calculating the numerical convergence between midget bipolar and midget ganglion cells, we estimate that midget ganglion cells receive input from up to 25 cones at ∼5 degrees, and from more than 65 cones at ∼50 degrees. No obvious differences were seen between the retinae of animals with di‐ or trichromatic color vision. The finding that the one‐to‐one connectivity is restricted to the fovea predicts that in marmosets spectral mixing of M/L cone inputs will occur peripheral to 10 degrees of visual angle. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:539–549, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FISH analysis in cell touch preparations and cytological specimens from formalin‐fixed fetal autopsies
Authors: Rivasi Francesco , Schirosi Laura , Bettelli Stefania , Bigiani Nazzarena , Curatola Carlo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPostmortem studies on still‐borns and miscarriages are important to define the sex and eventually the morphologic anomalies correlated to chromosomal aberrations. When the conditions for carrying out a cytogenetic study do not exist, these chromosomal alterations can be investigated by nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), which can be performed on interphase nuclei, usually on formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded tissues or on fresh cytological specimens. The objective of the present study is to prove whether this technique can be successfully applied to formalin‐fixed cell touch preparations and cytological specimens obtained from foetal autopsies. The study was carried out 12 abortions some of which were spontaneous and some of which were therapeutic. The materials were formalin‐fixed. Cell touch preparations and cytological specimens were obtained. The FISH was performed using X/Y probes (Vysis) and the Aneuvysion Kit (05J38‐030, Vysis), the probes being for chromosomes 13/21 and X/Y/18. To verify the reliability of the technique, the same reactions were also performed on fresh analogous materials. The slides were evaluable, and the probes hybridized to interphase nuclei showed distinct signals. All the samples were adequate for FISH analysis without any notable difference in the results. Moreover, it is technically possible to perform this analysis not only on fresh but particularly on formalin‐fixed cytological specimens. On the other hand, the use of this type of cytological samples, as compared to formalin‐fixed and paraffin embedded tissue sections, has the advantage of presenting intact, noncut nuclei with preserved cytomorphology, avoiding the problems of overlapping nuclei and making the identification of the real chromosomal arrangement easier. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:633–636. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antioxidant Pathways and One‐Electron Oxidation of Dopamine and Cysteine in Electrospray and On‐Line Electrochemistry Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mautjana Nare Alpheus , Estes Joshua , Eyler John R. , Brajter‐Toth Anna 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDopamine [DA]+ (m/z 154), DA dimer [2DA‐H]+ (m/z 307) and DA quinone [DAQ]+ (m/z 152) are detected in positive ion mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) of dopamine in 50/1/49 (vol%) water/acetic acid/methanol. H/D exchange experiments support a covalent structure of DA dimer. Thus, ESI of DA may involve 1e−, 1H+ oxidation processes followed by rapid radical dimerization. The DA quinone signal is low in ESI MS, which indicates a low efficiency of the 2e−, 2H+ oxidation reaction. On‐line electrochemistry ESI MS (EC/ESI MS) with low electrochemical cell voltage floated on high ES voltage increases electrospray current and improves sensitivity for DA. The DA quinone signal increases and DA dimer signal decreases. A new configuration of the ESI MS instrument with a cone‐shaped capillary inlet significantly enhanced sensitivity of ESI and EC/ESI MS measurements. A DA quinone‐cysteine adduct [DAQ+Cys]+ was detected in solutions of DA with cysteine (Cys). ESI MS and EC/ESI MS indicate formation of the DA quinone‐cysteine adduct by 1e− pathway. Oxidation pathways in ESI MS are relevant to biological reactivity of DA and Cys.
Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Horseradish Peroxidase at Disposable Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrode
Authors: Lee Ai‐Cheng , Liu Guodong , Heng Chew‐Kiat , Tan Swee‐Ngin , Lim Tit‐Meng , Lin Yuehe 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA rapid, simple and sensitive electrochemical assay of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) performed on disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode was developed. HRP activities were monitored by square‐wave voltammetric (SWV) measuring the electroactive enzymatic product in the presence of o‐aminophenol and hydrogen peroxide substrate solution. SWV analysis demonstrated a greater sensitivity and shorter analysis time than the widely used amperometric and differential‐pulsed voltammetric methods. The voltammetric characteristics of substrate and enzymatic product as well as the parameters of SWV analysis were optimized. Under optimized conditions, a linear response for HRP from 0.003 to 0.1 U/mL and a detection limit of 0.002 U/mL (1.25×10−15 mol in 25 μL) were obtained with a good precision (RSD=8%; n=6). This rapid and sensitive HRP assay with microliter‐assay volume could be readily integrated to portable devices and point‐of‐care (POC) diagnosis applications.
Eating disorders in ballet dancing students: Problems and risk factors
Authors: Toro Josep , Guerrero Marta , Sentis Joan , Castro Josefina , Puértolas Carles 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo study the prevalence of symptoms of eating disorders and risk eating behaviours and the relationship between life at a dance school and the risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) in an adolescent population of Spanish dance students.MethodsQuestionnaires were used to assess attitudes to eating, cultural influences on the body shape model, eating disorders (DSM‐IV) and risk factors for eating disorders in 76 adolescent dance students (age 12–17 years) at the Barcelona Theatre Institute. Subjects were compared with a community sample of 453 female adolescents. To study the relationship between ED and characteristics of this particular school, an original questionnaire was administered to 105 students at the school aged from 12 to 21 years.ResultsThe prevalence of eating disorders and several risk attitudes and behaviours were similar in the dance students and the female adolescents from the general population. Students at risk of eating disorders perceived greater pressure from coaches concerning eating, appearance, weight and artistic performance; they felt less satisfied with their weight and weighed themselves more often; they avoided performing so as not to exhibit their body in public, disliked comparing their body with their peers and believed that audiences paid a great deal of attention to their bodies. In contrast, Body Mass Index (BMI) had hardly any influence on these experiences. Depressive symptoms were associated almost exclusively with experience of stressors and aversive situations.ConclusionsDance school students do not necessarily present a greater risk of ED than other girls of the same age. The risk of ED may be associated with greater pressure from coaches, with attitudes related to the ED itself, or with depressive symptoms, rather than with the BMI. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Bank‐collapse processes in a valley‐bottom gully, western Iowa
Authors: Thomas John T. , Iverson Neal R. , Burkart Michael R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWidening and bank‐slope reduction of a valley‐bottom gully in western Iowa was correlated to increasing subsurface flow over a 36‐year period. To study bank collapse at this gully, we measured rainfall, air temperature, hydraulic head near the banks and bank movement nearly continuously over a 2‐year period. Styles of movement ranged from imperceptible creep to rapid slab collapses preceded by the formation of tension cracks parallel to the gully walls. Bank movement was commonly correlated to rainfall or snowmelt and associated head increases in the banks. If the banks are modelled as a two‐dimensional slab with an adjacent tension crack partly filled with water, measured heads were sufficient to cause bank failures through reduction of frictional support at the base of the slab. During winter months, air temperature variations across 0 °C were correlated with bank movement: during mildly subfreezing periods banks expanded, and most, but usually not all, of this movement was recovered during above‐freezing periods. This motion is attributed to frost heave followed by thawing. Deformation of the banks by heaving and thawing during winter may weaken them and prime them for failure during spring rains and snowmelt, when the frequency of mass‐wasting events is highest. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
Turbulence fields in the lee of two‐dimensional transverse dunes simulated in a wind tunnel
Authors: Dong Zhibao , Qinan Guangqiang , Lu Ping , Luo Wanyin , Wang Hongtao 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe turbulence field of airflow in the lee of a dune has significant impacts on dune dynamics and related processes. We used particle image velocimetry in a wind tunnel simulation to obtain detailed velocity measurements in the lee of two‐dimensional transverse dune models, then used the results to analyse their turbulence fields. The dune models used in this study had a single lee angle of 30°, and a total of six stoss angles: 3°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° and 25°. We used vorticity, turbulence intensity, Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy to characterize the turbulence fields. These parameters were functions of stoss angle, wind velocity, distance from the dune crest and height above the ground surface. The stoss angles could generally be divided into two groups based on the profiles of mean velocity, turbulence and Reynolds stress. Stoss angles of 3° and 5° usually had similar profiles, and angles of 15°, 20° and 25° formed a second group with similar profiles. The profiles for the stoss angle of 10° were usually transitional and were intermediate between the two groups. Vorticity, Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy increased monotonically with increasing free‐stream wind velocity, but their variations with respect to the stoss angle were complex. The stoss angles of 15° and 20° had the maximum values of these three parameters, thus these angles may have special significance in dune development given the characteristics of the mean velocity fields and turbulence fields they produce within the lee airflow. It is the streamwise velocity component and its turbulence that determine the surface shear stress. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
Parallel implementation of a non‐hydrostatic model for free surface flows with semi‐Lagrangian advection treatment
Authors: Jankowski Jacek A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe parallel implementation of an unstructured‐grid, three‐dimensional, semi‐implicit finite difference and finite volume model for the free surface Navier–Stokes equations (UnTRIM) is presented and discussed. The new developments are aimed to make the code available for high‐performance computing in order to address larger, complex problems in environmental free surface flows. The parallelization is based on the mesh partitioning method and message passing and has been achieved without negatively affecting any of the advantageous properties of the serial code, such as its robustness, accuracy and efficiency. The key issue is a new, autonomous parallel streamline backtracking algorithm, which allows using semi‐Lagrangian methods in decomposed meshes without compromising the scalability of the code. The implementation has been carefully verified not only with simple, abstract test cases illustrating the application domain of the code but also with advanced, high‐resolution models presently applied for research and engineering projects. The scheme performance and accuracy aspects are researched and discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A viscous vortex particle method for deforming bodies with application to biolocomotion
Authors: Zhang Li Jeany , Eldredge Jeff D. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBio‐inspired mechanics of locomotion generally consist of the interaction of flexible structures with the surrounding fluid to generate propulsive forces. In this work, we extend, for the first time, the viscous vortex particle method (VVPM) to continuously deforming two‐dimensional bodies. The VVPM is a high‐fidelity Navier–Stokes computational method that captures the fluid motion through evolution of vorticity‐bearing computational particles. The kinematics of the deforming body surface are accounted for via a surface integral in the Biot–Savart velocity. The spurious slip velocity in each time step is removed by computing an equivalent vortex sheet and allowing it to flux to adjacent particles; hence, no‐slip boundary conditions are enforced. Particles of both uniform and variable size are utilized, and their relative merits are considered. The placement of this method in the larger class of immersed boundary methods is explored. Validation of the method is carried out on the problem of a periodically deforming circular cylinder immersed in a stagnant fluid, for which an analytical solution exists when the deformations are small. We show that the computed vorticity and velocity of this motion are both in excellent agreement with the analytical solution. Finally, we explore the fluid dynamics of a simple fish‐like shape undergoing undulatory motion when immersed in a uniform free stream, to demonstrate the application of the method to investigations of biomorphic locomotion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms in italian primary biliary cirrhosis: A multicenter study of 664 patients and 1992 healthy controls
Authors: Invernizzi Pietro , Selmi Carlo , Poli Francesca , Frison Sara , Floreani Annarosa , Alvaro Domenico , Almasio Piero , Rosina Floriano , Marzioni Marco , Fabris Luca , Muratori Luigi , Qi Lihong , Seldin Michael F. , Gershwin Eric M. , Podda Mauro 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Genetic factors are critical in determining susceptibility to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but there has not been a clear association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. We performed a multicenter case-control study and analyzed HLA class II DRB1 associations using a large cohort of 664 well-defined cases of PBC and 1992 controls of Italian ancestry. Importantly, healthy controls were rigorously matched not only by age and sex, but also for the geographical origin of the proband four grandparents (Northern, Central, and Southern Italy). After correction for multiple testing, DRB1*08 [odds ratio (OR), 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.4-4.5] and DRB1*02 (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8-1.2) were significantly associated with PBC, whereas alleles DRB1*11 (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3-0.4) and DRB1*13 (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.6-0.9) were protective. When subjects were stratified according to their grandparental geographical origin, only the associations with DRB1*08 and DRB1*11 were common to all three areas. Associated DRB1 alleles were found only in a minority of patients, whereas an additive genetic model is supported by the gene dosage effect for DRB1*11 allele and the interaction of DRB1*11,*13, and *08. Lastly, no significant associations were detected between specific DRB1 alleles and relevant clinical features represented by the presence of cirrhosis or serum autoantibodies. In conclusion, we confirm the role for HLA to determine PBC susceptibility and suggest that the effect of HLA is limited to patient subgroups. We suggest that a large whole-genome approach is required to identify further genetic elements contributing to the loss of tolerance in this disease. (Hepatology 2008;48:1906-1912.)
Changes in neuropsychological functioning following treatment with risperidone, olanzapine, and conventional antipsychotic medications
Authors: Jerrell Jeanette M. , Ramirez Paul Michael 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare changes in neuropsychological functioning over time among adults with schizophrenia treated with atypical and conventional antipsychotics, controlling for phenomenological changes, medication dosage, concomitant use of anticholinergic medications, and practice effects.MethodsIn a larger clinical trial, 108 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly assigned to medication groups (risperidone, olanzapine, or conventional medications), treated in an open‐label design, and monitored prospectively for 12 months using standard neuropsychological and symptomatology instruments.ResultsSignificant differential effects were evident on the ability to maintain and rapidly shift mental set within a psychomotor task, with patients in the conventional medication group consistently making more errors over time until the 12‐month follow‐up, when the olanzapine group made significantly more errors. Significant differential effects were also evident on delayed memory, with patients receiving olanzapine improving more steadily over time until the 12‐month follow‐up, when patients in the conventional group were able to recall significantly more. Positive and negative symptomatology was a significant, inversely related covariate on most of the cognitive measures examined.ConclusionsThe atypical and conventional medications examined were not consistently differential enhancers of cognitive functioning on disparate cognitive functioning measures over time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin‐film assembly of diethanolamine‐based lipidic material as potential gene carrier in mouse embryonic neural stem cells
Authors: Kusumoto Ken‐ichi , Yamashita Satoko , Nagata Takahiro , Ido Takeshi , Hamachi Itaru , Akao Tetsuyuki 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUnderstanding of lipidic materials used for gene delivery system is essential for the effective design and development of potential applications in basic and therapeutic research. This study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of totally synthesized ditetradecylacetyldiethanolaminetrimethylammonium (TMA‐C2‐DEA‐C14) as gene carriers for neural stem cells. The transfer abilities were estimated by expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in mouse embryonic neural stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that lipidic assembly of TMA‐C2‐DEA‐C14, which was self‐organized by incubation in water for a month at 25°C, can provide an efficient gene delivery with low cytotoxicity (∼40% of GFP‐expressed neural stem cells). However, when dispersed by ultrasonication, TMA‐C2‐DEA‐C14 showed low effect (∼4%). Moreover, electron microscopic analysis showed that TMA‐C2‐DEA‐C14 assembly is characterized by thin‐film structures with polygonal shapes (∼2.7 μm), and after association with DNA, their structures dramatically changes to form liposome complexes that can effectively deliver DNA into the cellular cytoplasm of neural stem cells. Thus, TMA‐C2‐DEA‐C14 assembly identified in this study was determined to have an effective activity as gene carriers for primary neural stem cells. Our findings suggest that this approach can serve as a novel model for the development of lipidic materials on nonviral gene delivery system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Covalent surface modification of a titanium alloy with a phosphorylcholine‐containing copolymer for reduced thrombogenicity in cardiovascular devices
Authors: Ye Sang‐Ho , Johnson Carl A. , Woolley Joshua R. , Snyder Trevor A. , Gamble Lara J. , Wagner William R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOur objective was to develop a surface modification strategy for a titanium alloy (TiAl6V4) to provide thromboresistance for surfaces in rigorous blood‐contacting cardiovascular applications, such as that found in ventricular assist devices. We hypothesized that this could be accomplished by the covalent attachment of a phospholipid polymer, poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC)‐co‐methacryl acid) (PMA). TiAl6V4 was H2O plasma treated by radio frequency glow discharge, silanated with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), and ammonia plasma treated to increase surface reactivity. The TiAl6V4 surface was then modified with PMA via a condensation reaction between the amino groups on the TiAl6V4 surface and the carboxyl groups on PMA. The surface composition was verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming successful modification of the TiAl6V4 surfaces with APS and PMA as evidenced by increased Si and P. Plasma treatments with H2O and ammonia were effective at further increasing the surface reactivity of TiAl6V4 as evidenced by increased surface PMA. The adsorption of ovine fibrinogen onto PMA‐modified surfaces was reduced relative to unmodified surfaces, and in vitro ovine blood contact through a rocking test revealed marked reductions in platelet deposition and bulk phase platelet activation relative to unmodified TiAl6V4 and polystyrene controls. The results indicate that the PMA‐modification scheme for TiAl6V4 surfaces offers a potential pathway to improve the thromboresistance of the blood‐contacting surfaces of cardiovascular devices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Tendon bone healing can be enhanced by demineralized bone matrix: A functional and histological study
Authors: Sundar Siva , Pendegrass Catherine J. , Blunn Gordon W. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRotator cuff repair surgery has high failure rates, with tendon reattachment to bone remaining a challenging clinical problem. Increasing the integrity of the healing tendon‐bone interface has been attempted by adopting a number of different augmentation strategies. Because of chondrogenic and osteogenic properties we hypothesise that demineralized bone matrix (DBM) augmentation of a healing tendon‐bone interface will result in improved function, and a morphology that more closely resembles that of a normal enthesis, compared with nonaugmented controls in an ovine patellar tendon model. The right patellar tendon was detached from its insertion and reattached to an osteotomized bone bed using suture anchors. Two groups were analyzed, the control group (without augmentation) and the DBM group (DBM interposed between the tendon and bone). Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks. Force plate, mechanical, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Tendon repairs failed at a rate of 33 and 0% for the control and DBM groups, respectively. DBM augmentation resulted in significantly improved functional weight bearing and increased amounts of fibrocartilage and mineralized fibrocartilage. This study shows that DBM enhances tendon‐bone healing and may reduce the high failure rates associated with rotator cuff repair clinically. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009