bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Evidence for Reversed Lexical Repetition Effects in Language Processing
Authors: Swaab Tamara Y. , Camblin C. Christine , Gordon Peter C. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Effects of word repetition are extremely robust, but can these effects be modulated by discourse context? We examined this in an ERP experiment that tested coreferential processing (when two expressions refer to the same person) with repeated names. ERPs were measured to repeated names and pronoun controls in two conditions: (1) In the prominent condition the repeated name or pronoun coreferred with the subject of the preceding sentence and was therefore prominent in the preceding discourse (e.g., “John went to the store after John/he …”); (2) in the nonprominent condition the repeated name or pronoun coreferred with a name that was embedded in a conjoined noun phrase, and was therefore nonprominent (e.g., “John and Mary went to the store after John/he …”). Relative to the prominent condition, the nonprominent condition always contained two extra words (e.g., “and Mary”), and the repetition lag was therefore smaller in the prominent condition. Typically, effects of repetition are larger with smaller lags. Nevertheless, the amplitude of the N400 was reduced to a coreferentially repeated name when the antecedent was nonprominent as compared to when it was prominent. No such difference was observed for the pronoun controls. Because the N400 effect reflects difficulties in lexical integration, this shows that the difficulty of achieving coreference with a name increased with the prominence of the referent. This finding is the reverse of repetition lag effects on N400 previously found with word lists, and shows that language context can override general memory mechanisms.
Neural Correlates of Attentional Capture in Visual Search
Authors: Fockert Jan de , Rees Geraint , Frith Chris , Lavie Nilli 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Much behavioral research has shown that the presence of a unique singleton distractor during a task of visual search will typically capture attention and thus disrupt target search. Here we examined the neural correlates of such attentional capture using functional magnetic resonance imaging in human subjects during performance of a visual search task. The presence (vs. absence) of a salient yet irrelevant color singleton distractor was associated with activity in the superior parietal cortex and frontal cortex. These findings imply that the singleton distractor induced spatial shifts of attention despite its irrelevance, as predicted from an AC account. Moreover, behavioral interference by singleton distractors was strongly and negatively correlated with frontal activity. These findings provide direct evidence that the frontal cortex is involved in control of interference from irrelevant but attention-capturing distractors.
Analog Numerical Representations in Rhesus Monkeys: Evidence for Parallel Processing
Authors: Nieder Andreas , Miller Earl K. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Monkeys have been introduced as model organisms to study neural correlates of numerical competence, but many of the behavioral characteristics of numerical judgments remain speculative. Thus, we analyzed the behavioral performance of two rhesus monkeys judging the numerosities 1 to 7 during a delayed match-to-sample task. The monkeys showed similar discrimination performance irrespective of the exact physical appearance of the stimuli, confirming that performance was based on numerical information. Performance declined smoothly with larger numerosities, and reached discrimination threshold at numerosity “4.” The nonverbal numerical representations in monkeys were based on analog magnitudes, object tracking process (“subitizing”) could not account for the findings because the continuum of small and large numbers shows a clear Weber fraction signature. The lack of additional scanning eye movements with increasing set sizes, together with indistinguishable neuronal response latencies for neurons with different preferred numerosities, argues for parallel encoding of numerical information. The slight but significant increase in reaction time with increasing numerosities can be explained by task difficulty and consequently time-consuming decision processes. The behavioral results are compared to single-cell recordings from the prefrontal cortex in the same subjects. Models for numerosity discrimination that may account for these results are discussed.
Mapping Music Education Research in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Jane 
Published: June 2004

This paper reviews research on Hong Kong’s music education. The review shows that music education in Hong Kong after the change of sovereignty in 1997 differs from that in the People’s Republic of China; there is an emphasis on western classical music rather than the traditional Chinese music in the classroom, with a disconnection between what students enjoy after school and the music they hear and sing in school; composing is the least taught aspect of music; and a more student-centred approach catering more for children’s interest is recommended. The findings also show that computers have encouraged motivation and creativity while complementing listening and performing. Constant development has occurred in teacher education, while teachers’ understanding of children’s musical development and their ways of thinking about music can help their teaching effectiveness. This review also suggests the need for further scholarly study into the effects of a curriculum that is more balanced between western and Chinese music and effective ways of teaching Chinese music, the teaching of music creativity, including the integration of technology and less rigid systems of teaching and learning to promote children enjoyment in music learning.
In Search of Suitable Control Methods for Semi-Active Tuned Vibration Absorbers
Authors: Koo Jeong-Hoi , Ahmadian Mehdi , Setareh Mehdi , Murray Thomas 
Published: June 2004

The main purpose of this study is to identify a suitable control method for semi-active tuned vibration absorbers (TVAs) in structural vibration applications. Four control policies are considered. The semi-active control schemes include the following: velocity-based, on-off groundhook control (on-off VBG); velocity-based, continuous groundhook control (continuous VBG); displacement-based, on-off groundhook control (on-off DBG); and displacement-based, continuous groundhook control (continuous DBG). A force-excited model that can be representative of many structural systems is adapted as the baseline model for our analysis. Each of the control policies is applied to the baseline model coupled with a TVA. In order to equally evaluate the control policies, the TVA parameters are optimized according to each policy using numerical optimization techniques. The optimal design parameters are obtained based on minimization of peak transmissibility. The performances of each of the optimized cases are then compared along with the equivalent passive model using the peak transmissibility criteria. The results indicate that all of the semi-active peak transmissibilities are lower than those of the passive, implying that the semi-active TVAs are more effective in reducing vibration levels. The results further indicate that on-off DBG performs the best among the considered control polices.
Upstream stimulatory factors stimulate transcription through E-box motifs in the PF4 gene in megakaryocytes
Authors: Okada Yoshiaki , Matsuura Eri , Tozuka Zenzaburo , Nagai Ryohei , Watanabe Ayako , Matsumoto Kayoko , Yasui Kazuta , Jackman Robert W. , Nakano Toru , Doi Takefumi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPlatelet factor 4 (PF4) is expressed during megakaryocytic differentiation. We previously demonstrated that the homeodomain proteins (myeloid ecotropic integra tion site 1 [MEIS1], Pbx-regulating protein 1 [PREP1], and pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factors [PBXs]) bind to the novel regulatory element tandem repeat of MEIS1 binding element [TME] and transactivate the rat PF4 promoter. In the present study, we investigated and identified other TME binding proteins in megakaryocytic HEL cells using mass spectrometry. Among identified proteins, we focused on upstream stimulatory factor (USF1) and USF2 and investigated their effects on the PF4 promoter. USF1 and 2 bound to the E-box motif in the TME and strongly transactivated the PF4 promoter. Furthermore, physiologic bindings of USF1 and 2 to the TME in rat megakaryocytes were demonstrated by the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Interestingly, the E-box motif in the TME was conserved in TME-like sequences of both the human and mouse PF4 promoters. USF1 and 2 also bound to the human TME-like sequence and transactivated the human PF4 promoter. Expressions of USF1 and 2 were detected by reverse-transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the human megakaryocytes derived from CD34+ cells. Thus, these studies demonstrate that the novel TME binding transcription factors, USF1 and 2, transactivate rat and human PF4 promoters and may play an important role in megakaryocytic gene expression.
Experimental assessment of disinfection procedures for eradication of Aspergillus fumigatus in food
Authors: Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Noussair Latifa , Bouakline Adel , Roux Nicole , Lacroix Claire , Derouin Francis 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus spores in food may represent an infectious risk for neutropenic patients. We examined the efficiency of disinfection procedures applicable to foods for eradication of A fumigatus. Boiling and microwave treatment fully decontaminated an experimental spore suspension and naturally contaminated liquid foods (reconstituted dried food, herbal tea). Full decontamination of experimentally contaminated surfaces was only obtained with 70% ethanol or heating at 220°C for 15 minutes. Pepper was decontaminated when heated for 15 minutes at 220°C but not by microwaving. Fruit skin was partially decontaminated by 70% ethanol. We conclude that A fumigatus spores can be eradicated from food by heating to a temperature of at least 100°C. When foods cannot be exposed to high temperature or microwaving, ethanol only partially reduces the level of surface contamination.
The homozygous FcγRIIIa-158V genotype is a risk factor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with antibodies to heparin-platelet factor 4 complexes
Authors: Gruel Yves , Pouplard Claire , Lasne Dominique , Magdelaine-Beuzelin Charlotte , Charroing Chloé , Watier Hervé 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
We hypothesized that Fcγ receptor IIIa (FcγRIIIa), a polymorphic receptor for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) other than FcγRIIa, was involved in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). FcγRIIa-131 and FcγRIIIa-158 genotypes were determined in 102 patients with definite HIT and in 2 control groups of patients treated by heparin (86 subjects without detectable antibodies [Abs] to heparin-platelet factor 4 [H/PF4], Ab- group; 84 patients with Abs to H/PF4 without HIT, Ab+ group). There were no significant differences in genotype distribution or allele frequencies between the 3 groups for FcγRIIa-131H/R polymorphism. In contrast, FcγRIIIa-158V homozygotes were more frequent in the HIT group than in the Ab+ group (P = .02), a difference that was more pronounced in patients with high levels of anti-H/PF4 Abs (P = .01). Since anti-H/PF4 Abs are mainly IgG1 and IgG3, clearance of sensitized platelets may be increased in patients homozygous for the FcγRIIIa-158V allotype, thus contributing to the development of thrombocytopenia. (Blood. 2004;104:2791-2793)
Analysis of the CCR7 expression on murine bone marrow-derived and spleen dendritic cells
Authors: Ritter Uwe , Wiede Florian , Mielenz Dirk , Kiafard Ziba , Zwirner Jörg , Körner Heinrich 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAbout 40% of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) generated from stem cells of C57BL/6 (B6.WT) mice differentiate in the presence of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) without further stimuli to mature DCs. These cells are characterized by high levels of major histocompatibility complex class II, CD40, and CD86 on their surface. Recent studies have revealed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is crucial for maturation of BM-DCs. However, once matured, the phenotype of mature TNF-negative C57BL/6 (B6.TNF−/−) and B6.WT BM-DCs is comparable. Both expressed high levels of CD40 and CD86 and were positive for mRNA of the chemokine receptor (CCR)7. To extend our studies, we generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for mouse CCR7. This mAb allowed us to analyze the surface expression of CCR7 during maturation of B6.WT and B6.TNF−/− BM-DCs in the presence of GM-CSF and stimulated with TNF or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to compare it with the CCR7 expression on ex vivo-isolated splenic DCs with or without additional stimulation. Our results showed that CCR7 expression on murine BM-DCs is an indication of cell maturity. Incubation with LPS induced the maturation of all BM-DCs in culture but increased the number of mature CCR7+ splenic DCs only marginally.
Autocrine IL-10 partially prevents differentiation of neonatal dendritic epidermal leukocytes into Langerhans cells
Authors: Chang-Rodriguez Souyet , Ecker Rupert , Stingl Georg , Elbe-Bürger Adelheid 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTo test whether reduced immune responsiveness in early life may be related to the immaturity of neonatal antigen-presenting cells, we comparatively assessed the phenotypic and functional characteristics of dendritic epidermal leukocytes (DEL) and epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) in newborn (NB) and adult mice, respectively. We report that purified, 3-day-culturedDEL do not acquire the morphology and phenotype typical of LC and are significantly weaker stimulators of naive, allogeneic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than LC. Freshly isolated DEL are twice as efficient as LC in the uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated tracers but are not able to present these to antigen-specific T cell hybridomas. To clarify the underlying cause, cytokine expression of NB and adult epidermal cells (EC) was examined. We found that DEL express considerable amounts of interleukin (IL)-10, that IL-10 in NB EC supernatants partially inhibits LC maturation, and that DEL-enriched EC from IL-10−/− mice induce stronger primary T cell responses compared with those from IL-10+/+ mice. We conclude that IL-10 is one of the factors preventing maturation and differentiation of DEL into immunocompetent LC in intrauterine life and is at least partly responsible for the poor immune responsiveness of neonates.
Adenosine A2A receptor occupancy stimulates expression of proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport and inhibits foam cell formation in macrophages
Authors: Reiss Allison B , Rahman Mohammad M , Chan Edwin S L , Montesinos M Carmen , Awadallah Nahel W , Cronstein Bruce N 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTransport of cholesterol out of macrophages is critical for prevention of foam cell formation, the first step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Proteins involved in this process include cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and adenosine 5′-triphosphat-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Proinflammatory cytokines and immune complexes (IC) down-regulate cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and impede cholesterol efflux from macrophages, leading to foam cell formation. Prior studies have suggested occupancy of the anti-inflammatory adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) minimizes early atherosclerotic changes in arteries following injury. We therefore asked whether A2AR occupancy affects macrophage foam cell formation in response to IC and the cytokine interferon-γ. We found that the selective A2AR agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (CGS-21680) inhibited foam cell formation in stimulated THP-1 human macrophages, and the effects of CGS-21680 were reversed by the selective A2AR antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl) [1, 2, 4]triazolo[2,3-a] [1, 3, 5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol. In confirmation of the role of A2AR in prevention of foam cell formation, CGS-21680 also inhibited foam cell formation in cultured murine peritoneal macrophages but did not affect foam cell formation in A2AR-deficient mice. Agents that increase foam cell formation also down-regulate cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and ABCA1 expression. Therefore, we determined the effect of A2AR occupancy on expression of these reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) proteins and found that A2AR occupancy stimulates expression of message for both proteins. These results indicate that one mechanism for the antiatherogenic effects of adenosine is stimulation of the expression of proteins involved in RCT. These findings suggest a novel approach to the development of agents that prevent progression of atherosclerosis.
The role of γδ T cells in the regulation of neutrophil-mediated tissue damage after thermal injury
Authors: Toth Balazs , Alexander Michelle , Daniel TanJanika , Chaudry Irshad H , Hubbard William J , Schwacha Martin G 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThermal injury induces an inflammatory response that contributes to the development of secondary tissuedamage. Neutrophil recruitment and activation are in part responsible for this tissue damage. Although γδ T cells have been shown to regulate the inflammatory responses in tissues that are prone to neutrophil-mediated injury post-burn, their role in the induction of secondary tissue injury post-burn remains unknown. To study this, γδ T cell-deficient (γδ TCR−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to thermal injury or sham procedure, and tissue samples were isolated 1–24 h thereafter. Burn injury induced neutrophil accumulation in the lung and small intestines of WT mice at 1–3 h post-injury. No such increase in neutrophil tissue content was observed in γδ TCR−/− mice. An increase in tissue wet/dry weight ratios was also observed in these organs at 3 h post-burn in WT but not in γδ TCR−/− mice. A parallel increase in plasma and small intestine levels of the chemokines macrophage-inflammatory protein-1β (chemokine ligand 4) and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (CXC chemokine ligand 1) were observed in injured WT mice but not in injured γδ TCR−/− mice. Increased activation (CD120b expression) of the circulating γδ T cell population was also observed at 3 h post-burn in WT mice. These results indicate the γδ T cells, through the production of chemokines, play a central role in the initiation of neutrophil-mediated tissue damage post-burn.
Determining the Relationship Between Toxicity and Quality of Life in an Ovarian Cancer Chemotherapy Clinical Trial
Authors: Butler Lorna , Bacon Monica , Carey Mark , Zee Benny , Tu Dongsheng , Bezjak Andrea 
Published: June 2004

Purpose This analysis of data from a randomized trial of chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer sought to determine whether a relationship exists between the presence and severity of the most commonly observed toxic effects and the corresponding quality of life (QOL) items. Patients and Methods One hundred fifty-two eligible patients accrued from Canada by the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group on a randomized trial of paclitaxel and cisplatin versus cyclophosphamide/cisplatin were included in the analysis. Toxicity to the chemotherapeutic treatments was subjectively evaluated using a trial-specific checklist for ovarian cancer and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C30+3 questionnaire. Assessments were conducted at baseline, before each cycle of treatment (3 weeks), and at each 3-month follow-up during the next 2 years (or until progression). Results The most frequently observed symptoms experienced during or shortly following chemotherapy were neurosensory loss, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. Regression analyses revealed that change scores of QOL items related to motor weakness and gastrointestinal pain were common predictors for the change global QOL score during protocol treatment; and change scores of QOL items related to lethargy or fatigue and change toxicity grade of mood predicted the change global QOL score after patients were off treatment. Conclusion The use of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C30+3 and trial-specific checklist was able to assess the effect of expected toxicities on patient's QOL during and following treatment, and so may be useful in addressing the concerns regarding methodological issues that have limited the acquisition of prospective, longitudinal treatment-related toxicity data.
The Risk of Cancer in Users of Statins
Authors: Graaf Matthijs R. , Beiderbeck Annette B. , Egberts Antoine C.G. , Richel Dick J. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan 
Published: June 2004

Purpose Several preclinical studies suggested a role for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in the treatment of cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the risk of incident cancer between users of statins and users of other cardiovascular medication. Methods Data were used from the PHARMO database, containing drug dispensing records from community pharmacies and linked hospital discharge records for residents of eight Dutch cities. The study base included all patients with one or more prescriptions for cardiovascular drugs in the period between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 1998. Cases were identified as patients in the study base with a diagnosis of incident cancer and matched with four to six controls on sex, year of birth, geographic region, duration of follow-up, and index date. The analysis was adjusted for diabetes mellitus; prior hospitalizations; comorbidity; and use of diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sex hormones, and other lipid-lowering drug therapies. Results In the study base, 3,129 patients were identified and matched to 16,976 controls. Statin use was associated with a risk reduction of cancer of 20% (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.96). Our data suggest that statins are protective when used longer than 4 years (adjusted OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.93) or when more than 1,350 defined daily doses are taken (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.91). Conclusion This observational study suggests that statins may have a protective effect against cancer.
Contralateral Breast Cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Metcalfe Kelly , Lynch Henry T. , Ghadirian Parviz , Tung Nadine , Olivotto Ivo , Warner Ellen , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Eisen Andrea , Weber Barbara , McLennan Jane , Sun Ping , Foulkes William D. , Narod Steven A. 
Published: June 2004

Purpose To estimate the risk of contralateral breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers after diagnosis and to determine which factors are predictive of the risk of a second primary breast cancer. Patients and Methods Patients included 491 women with stage I or stage II breast cancer, for whom a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation had been identified in the family. Patients were followed from the initial diagnosis of cancer until contralateral mastectomy, contralateral breast cancer, death, or last follow-up. Results The actuarial risk of contralateral breast cancer was 29.5% at 10 years. Factors that were predictive of a reduced risk were the presence of a BRCA2 mutation (v BRCA1 mutation; hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.15); age 50 years or older at first diagnosis (v ≤ 49 years; HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.10); use of tamoxifen (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.01); and history of oophorectomy (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.91). The effect of oophorectomy was particularly strong in women first diagnosed prior to age 49 years (HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.77). For women who did not have an oophorectomy or take tamoxifen, the 10-year risk of contralateral cancer was 43.4% for BRCA1 carriers and 34.6% for BRCA2 carriers. Conclusion The risk of contralateral breast cancer in women with a BRCA mutation is approximately 40% at 10 years, and is reduced in women who take tamoxifen or who undergo an oophorectomy.