bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunosuppressive therapy after human lung transplantation
Authors: Knoop C. , Haverich A. , Fischer S.
Published: January 2004

In 2002, equal numbers of lung transplantation (LTx) were performed with or without induction therapy with antilymphocyte antibodies, monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody or anti-interleukin‐2‐receptor monoclonal antibodies. It remains to be established if induction therapy after LTx is beneficial or deleterious for long-term graft and patient survival.

The vast majority of lung transplant recipients receive a triple-drug maintenance regimen including a calcineurin inhibitor, a cell-cycle inhibitor and steroids. Equal proportions receive cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac). There is also a trend to prescribe mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) instead of azathioprine (Aza). Steroid withdrawal is uncommon even 5 yrs after transplantation.

The superiority of Tac over CsA as a maintenance agent has not been established to date, and the administration of MMF instead of Aza in combination with CsA and steroids did not improve graft or patient survival in a recent international, prospective, randomised, controlled trial.

Shift from cyclosporin A to tacrolimus has emerged as the first treatment step of refractory acute rejection followed by high-dose steroids or antilymphocyte agents, total lymphoid irradiation or photopheresis. The treatment of chronic rejection remains deceptive and includes varied strategies such as modification of the maintenance regimen, addition of inhaled immunosuppressants and/or total lymphoid irradiation and photopheresis.
Pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: McNamara P.S. , Flanagan B.F. , Selby A.M. , Hart C.A. , Smyth R.L.
Published: January 2004

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is an important cause of severe respiratory disease in infants. This study aimed to characterise changes in pulmonary pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in infants with RSV bronchiolitis over the course of the illness.

On the day of intubation (Day 1) and the day of extubation (Day X), nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on term and preterm infants ventilated for RSV bronchiolitis and on control infants on Day 1. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR) and interleukin (IL)‐6 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein were measured.

Twenty-four infants, born at term and 23 infants born preterm with RSV bronchiolitis and 10 controls were recruited. TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA and protein in infants with bronchiolitis were greater than the control group on Day 1. In preterm infants, who were ventilated for longer than term infants, TNF‐α and IL‐6 proteins decreased between Day 1 and Day X. Concentrations of sTNFRs differed between groups on Day 1, but levels did not change between Day 1 and Day X.

Large amounts of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in the respiratory syncytial virus-infected lung suggest important roles for these cytokines in the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. The decrease in tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 protein in preterm infants may reflect the prolonged clinical course seen in these infants.
Ciprofloxacin-induced acute interstitial pneumonitis
Authors: Steiger D. , Bubendorf L. , Oberholzer M. , Tamm M. , Leuppi J.D.
Published: January 2004

The current authors present the case of a 68‐yr-old female patient who developed severe respiratory failure after medication with ciprofloxacin for acute urinary tract infection.

A chronic subdural haematoma was surgical evacuated. Postoperatively, an acute urinary tract infection was treated with ciprofloxacin. Six days later, C‐reactive protein was rising and the patient was suffering from intermittent high fever, dyspnoea and severe hypoxaemia. The high-resolution-computed tomography (HRCT) showed an interstitial lung disease in the anterior upper lobe on the left side as well as in the lingula. Assuming a bacterial infection amoxyl/clavulanic acid was started which did not improve the clinical symptoms. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a marked lymphocytosis (87%). Analysis for typical bacterial infections,Tuberculosis,Mycoplasma,ChlamydiaandLegionellaspp. were all negative.

Another HRCT scan was made because of worsening of symptoms and this showed rapidly progressive infiltrates in most lobes. An open lingular biopsy showed an interstitial lymphoplasmocytotic infiltrate with some eosinophilic granulocytes and a few scattered giant cell granulomas, consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The patient's symptoms rapidly improved with systemic corticosteroid therapy and another HRCT scan revealed complete remission of pulmonary infiltrates.

Ciprofloxacin can induce interstitial pneumonitis with acute respiratory failure. This is an important fact considering that ciprofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic agent in treatment of urinary tract infection.
Maintenance of inspiratory muscle training in COPD patients: one year follow-up
Authors: Weiner P. , Magadle R. , Beckerman M. , Weiner M. , Berar-Yanay N.
Published: January 2004

In most chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, dyspnoea and functional exercise capacity may improve as a result of inspiratory muscle training (IMT). However, the long-term benefits of IMT have been investigated to a much lesser extent.

The present study investigated the short-term and long-term benefits of IMT on inspiratory muscle performance (strength and endurance), exercise capacity and the perception of dyspnoea.

Thirty-eight patients with significant COPD had 3 months of basic IMT and were then randomised into a group that received maintenance IMT for the next year, and a group that got training with very low load. Following the basic training there was a statistically significant increase in inspiratory muscle performance, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a decrease in the dyspnoea. During the second stage of the study, the training group continued to maintain the improvement in all parameters, while there was already deterioration in the inspiratory muscle performance, exercise capacity and dyspnoea in the low intensity group during the 6–12 month period.

The present study concludes that, in patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inspiratory muscle training results in improvement in performance, exercise capacity and in the sensation of dyspnoea. The benefits of 12‐weeks of inspiratory muscle training decline gradually over 1 yr of follow-up if maintenance training is not performed.
Economic arguments for the immediate management of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Pelletier-Fleury N. , Meslier N. , Gagnadoux F. , Person C. , Rakotonanahary D. , Ouksel H. , Fleury B. , Racineux J-L.
Published: January 2004

The objective of this study was to measure the impact of a 6‐month delay in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) <30) or severe OSAS (AHI ≥30) on daytime sleepiness, cognitive functions, quality of life and healthcare expenditure (hospitalisations, medical visits, complementary tests, biological tests and drug prescriptions). In addition, this study aimed to analyse the incremental cost effectiveness ratios related to daytime sleepiness or quality of life following immediate introduction of treatment in these two populations.

This study was conducted as a multicentre randomised controlled trial and carried out at two teaching hospitals in France. A total of 171 patients were followed for 6 months, with 82 patients randomised to group 1 “immediate polysomnography” and 89 in group 2 “polysomnography within 6 months”.

Patients with severe OSAS were deprived of a significant improvement of their daytime sleepiness (5.1±5.0 at the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score in group 1versus0.2±3.4 in group 2) and quality of life (12.4±13.3 at the Nottingham Health Profile score in group 1versus0.7±10.1 in group 2) during the waiting time. The impact of delayed management in subjects with less severe OSAS only concerned daytime sleepiness (1.9±3.3 in group 1versus0.3±4.3 in group 2). Delayed treatment did not affect cognitive functions or healthcare expenditure regardless of the severity of the disease. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios related to rapid introduction of treatment were significantly lower in the patients with more severe OSAS.

These results provide fairly clear medical and economic arguments in favour of early management of patients with more severe forms of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia after radiation therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Cottin V. , Frognier R. , Monnot H. , Levy A. , DeVuyst P. , Cordier J-F. ,   and the Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherche sur les Maladies “Orphelines” Pulmonaires
Published: January 2004

The priming of bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia by radiation therapy (RT) to the breast is now a well recognised syndrome.

This study describes the occurrence of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia following RT after surgery for breast cancer in five female patients, with a mean age of 68 yrs (range 49–77).

All patients had a history of asthma and/or allergy. At the onset of eosinophilic pneumonia, all patients were symptomatic. Chest radiograph showed pulmonary infiltrates, unilateral and limited to the irradiated lung in three patients, and bilateral in two. Pulmonary opacities were migratory in one patient. All patients had blood eosinophilia >1.0 109·L−1and/or eosinophilia >40% at bronchoalveolar lavage differential cell count. The median time interval between the end of radiation therapy and the onset of eosinophilic pneumonia was 3.5 months (range 1–10). All patients rapidly improved with oral corticosteroids without sequelae. Relapse occurred in two patients after treatment withdrawal.

Priming of alveolitis by radiation therapy to the breast might promote either bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia or chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, with the latter depending on genetic or acquired characteristics of patients and/or further stimulation that may trigger a T‐helper cell type 2 form of lymphocyte response, especially in patients with asthma or other atopic manifestations.
Deaths in risk classes I–III: a measure of quality of care in patients hospitalised with CAP?: Table 1
Authors: Marrie T.J.
Published: January 2004

All deaths occurring in patients with community-acquired pneumonia in risk classes I–III were reviewed as a quality-of-care measure. The immediate and underlying causes of death were classified according to the World Health Organization protocol. Eleven (1.8%) of the 608 low-risk patients died. Three of the patients did not have pneumonia, one of whom was admitted with atypical pulmonary oedema due to stenosis of a prosthetic heart valve. Failure to include chronic lung disease in the severity-of-illness scoring system resulted in misclassification of seven patients.

The most common underlying causes of death were pulmonary fibrosis at 27%, chronic obstructive lung disease at 18% and cancer at 27%. Respiratory failure was the immediate cause of death in 64% of patients, cardiac causes in 27%, and pneumonia in 9%.

To conclude, the review of deaths in patients at low risk for mortality is useful for monitoring the quality of care received by patients who require admission for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, and that the pneumonia-specific severity-of-illness scoring system results in misclassification of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis.
Managing product development collaborations—a process maturity approach
Authors: Fraser P , Farrukh C , Gregory M
Published: January 2004

Product development collaborations present additional challenges over purely in-house projects, yet are an increasingly common feature of the new product introduction (NPI) process. This paper introduces the notion of collaborative maturity as a tool to examine the issues confronting firms that outsource a significant amount of design or development activity to a third party, with the aim of providing guidance to managers involved in collaborative projects. Drawing from literature and insights gained from case studies of twelve collaborative development projects involving United Kingdom small- to medium-sized enterprises, a framework is proposed that sets collaboration in the context of task partitioning within the NPI process, on the one hand, and the development and lifecycle of a partnering relationship, on the other. A collaboration maturity grid (CMG) describes each of the following key process areas at four levels of maturity: collaboration strategy, structured development process, system design and task partitioning, partner selection, project initiation, partnership management and partnership development. The grids are incorporated in a workbook (along with a lifecycle scenario tool, checklist and audit questionnaire) that has been tested in six companies.
A hybrid scheme incorporating stereo-matching and shape-from-shading for spatial object recognition
Authors: Bae K-Y , Benhabib B
Published: January 2004

Manufacturing flexibility can benefit from the use of non-contact computer-vision based shape-recovery methods. In this paper, a novel hybrid scheme is proposed, which combines stereo-vision and shape-from-shading recovery for obtaining more reliable absolute shape information about a viewed object. This iterative scheme first utilizes stereo-vision to obtain basic depth information along the boundary and through the surface of the object. Subsequently, the depth map is input to the shape-from-shading algorithm to obtain feature patterns. This information is fed back to the stereo-vision algorithm to improve upon the accuracy of the depth map. A cost function, in the form of a weighted sum of distances from smoothness and brightness, is utilized for the pattern matching. The performance of the proposed scheme was verified via experiments.
Deformation prediction and quality evaluation of the gas metal arc welding butt weld
Authors: Casalino G , Hu S J , Hou W
Published: January 2004

The control of distortion and the overall quality are the main targets in the design and manufacturing of sound welds. In this paper a numerical approach is presented in order to support the choice of process parameters that can minimize thermal deformation and evaluate weld quality for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) operating with the short-circuiting transfer mode. This numerical approach is based on the integration of artificial intelligence (Al) techniques and the finite element method (FEM). The information to train the Al and to validate the FEM came from experimental trials. Firstly, a number of simple artificial neural networks were trained and validated. They linked the process parameters to the geometry of the molten zone of the welds. In this way it was possible to calculate the geometries throughout the range of the process parameters. Thereafter, the finite element model provided useful information about the residual stress and the shrinkage distortion of the welds. Finally, a concise evaluation of joint quality was possible using a fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm. The ‘minimum is the best’ rule was applied during the training phase. The numerical model for GMAW was constructed and validated for butt welds of thin plates made of mild steel.
Ergonomics and human reliability
Authors: Bubb H
Published: January 2004

Research results in the area of ‘human reliability’ enable calculations to be made of the probability of human error, but also an acknowledgement of the ability of the human operator to recognize an unwanted process and to avoid it. Connectionism assessment of human reliability (CAHR) is a newly developed system that evaluates events, thereby making it possible to find conditions of cognitive error and develop strategies to reduce the probability of human error. It can be shown that aside from organizational measures, ergonomic improvements are of especially profound importance in the aim to optimize error management.
Conversion Mechanism of Cellulosic Biomass to Lactic Acid in Subcritical Water and Acid–base Catalytic Effect of Subcritical Water
Authors: Jin Fangming , Zhou Zhouyu , Enomoto Heiji , Moriya Takehiko , Higashijima Hisao
Published: January 2004

The conversion mechanism of cellulosic biomass to lactic acid in subcritical water without the addition of any alkaline catalyst is discussed. Results showed that this conversion mechanism appears to follow the same pathways elucidated in the conversion of sugar to lactic acid in an alkaline solution. Further, it is suggested that water in the subcritical region may act as an effective acid–base catalyst.
Novel Phthalocyanine Conductor Containing Two-dimensional Pc Stacks, [PXX]2[Co(Pc)(CN)2] (PXX = peri-Xanthenoxanthene, Co(Pc)(CN)2 = Dicyano(phthalocyaninato)cobalt(III))
Authors: Asari Takehiro , Naito Toshio , Inabe Tamotsu , Matsuda Masaki , Tajima Hiroyuki
Published: January 2004

A novel phthalocyanine conductor containing 2-D π–π stacks of the partially oxidized Co(Pc)(CN)2 units has been obtained by the electrochemical oxidation method with PXX. The crystal is highly conductive (>103 S cm−1) at all the temperatures measured (5 K < T < 300 K). Though the metallic character becomes clearer compared with the single chain or ladder chain conductors, the 2-D sheet has been found to be still anisotropic.
Novel Synthesis of FePt Nanoparticles and Magnetic Properties of Their Self-assembled Superlattices
Authors: Nakaya Masafumi , Tsuchiya Yuko , Ito Kenchi , Oumi Yasunori , Sano Tsuneji , Teranishi Toshiharu
Published: January 2004

The novel synthesis of FePt nanoparticle superlattices by polyol reduction of platinum acetylacetonate and iron acetylacetonate is reported. The compositions of FePt nanoparticle are readily controlled, and the particle sizes are not significantly affected by the compositions, retaining to be ca. 3 nm with a very narrow size distribution. The FePt nanoparticles self-assemble into 2-D and 3-D superlattices. Thermal annealing converts the crystal structure of FePt nanoparticle from fcc to L10 phase and transforms the superparamagnetic nanoparticle into ferromagnetic one.
Enhanced Third-order Optical Nonlinearity in Helical Assembly of a Chiral Vanadyl Phthalocyanine
Authors: Muto Tsuyoshi , Sassa Takafumi , Wada Tatsuo , Kimura Mutsumi , Shirai Hirofusa
Published: January 2004

A chiral vanadyl phthalocyanine formed helical aggregates with a left-handed helix sense; the aggregates showed an efficient third harmonic generation in as-prepared films and the χ(3) value was enhanced by the chiral aggregation with reference to a mixture of racemic diastereoisomers.
Total Synthesis of Five Cacalol Families at Different Oxidation Stages, Modified Furanoeremophilane Sesquiterpenes from Cacalia and Senecio Species
Authors: Hirai Yoshinori , Doe Matsumi , Kinoshita Takamasa , Morimoto Yoshiki
Published: January 2004

The recent findings of antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial activities for a modified furanoeremophilane sesquiterpene cacalol (1) prompted us to achieve the first total synthesis of five cacalol families (±)-2–4, 5, and 6 which might also be expected to indicate such potent biological activities.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Hybrid-metallic Complex Containing Mixed-valence CuI/CuII Units Generated by Hydrothermal Redox Reaction
Authors: Zhao Qihua , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Yuqi , Fang Ruibin
Published: January 2004

A new hybrid-metallic complex containing mixed-valence CuI/CuII units, [Cu4(ophen)4(Mo2O7)] (Hophen = 2-hydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline), was hydrothermally synthesized and crystallographically characterized.
FT-IR and Theoretical Analysis of the Characteristic Bonding Properties in the Multiplet Metal Porphyrin Carbene Complexes
Authors: Iwakura Izumi , Tanaka Hirotaka , Ikeno Taketo , Yamada Tohru
Published: January 2004

FT-IR and theoretical studies of the d6 and d7-porphyrin carbene complexes revealed that the metal–Ccarbene bond is a double bond in the singlet state, while the metal–Ccarbene bond is a single bond in the multiplet state. Since the radical on the Ccarbene delocalized to the α-carbonyl group, the stretching of the C=O double bond shifted downward in the multiplet states.
Recurrent Hyperinflations and Learning
Authors: Marcet Albert , Nicolini Juan P
Published: January 2004

We use a model of boundedly rational learning to account for the observations of recurrent hyperinflations in the 1980’s. In a standard monetary model we replace the assumption of full rational expectations by a formal definition of quasi-rational learning. The model under learning matches some crucial stylized facts observed during the recurrent hyperinflations experienced by several countries in the 1980’s remarkably well. We argue that, despite being a small departure from rational expectations, quasi-rational learning does not preclude falsifiability of the model, it does not violate reasonable rationality requirements, and it can be used for policy evaluation.
Interactions of Commitment and Discretion in Monetary and Fiscal Policies
Authors: Dixit Avinash , Lambertini Luisa
Published: January 2004

We consider monetary-fiscal interactions when the monetary authority is more conservative than the fiscal. With both policies discretionary, (1) Nash equilibrium yields lower output and higher price than the ideal points of both authorities, (2) of the two leadership possibilities, fiscal leadership is generally better. With fiscal discretion, monetary commitment yields the same outcome as discretionary monetary leadership for all realizations of shocks. But fiscal commitment is not similarly negated by monetary discretion. Second-best outcomes require either joint commitment, or identical targets for the two authorities—output socially optimal and price level appropriately conservative—or complete separation of tasks.
Are Idle Hands the Devil’s Workshop? Incapacitation, Concentration, and Juvenile Crime
Authors: Jacob Brian A , Lefgren Lars
Published: January 2004

This paper examines the short-term effect of school on juvenile crime. To do so, we bring together daily measures of criminal activity and detailed school calendar information from 29 jurisdictions across the country, and utilize the plausibly exogenous variation generated by teacher in-service days. We find that the level of property crime committed by juveniles decreases by 14 percent on days when school is in session, but the level of violent crime increases by 28 percent on such days. Our findings suggest that both incapacitation and concentration influence juvenile crime.
A Reconsideration of Hedonic Price Indexes with an Application to PC’s
Authors: Pakes Ariel
Published: January 2004

This paper compares hedonic to matched model indexes. Matched model indexes are averages of the price changes of goods that remain on sampled stores’ shelves. Since goods that disappear tend to have falling market values, matched model indexes select from the right tail of price changes. The BLS can construct hedonic indexes that correct for this selection and are justified by standard arguments. In an empirical study of PC’s hedonics produce sharp price declines while matched model indexes are near zero. Also, though there are modifications to hedonics that seem desirable, they are not those in current use.
Valuing Biodiversity from an Economic Perspective: A Unified Economic, Ecological, and Genetic Approach
Authors: Brock William A , Xepapadeas Anastasios
Published: January 2004

We develop a conceptual framework for valuing biodiversity from an economic perspective. We argue for a dynamic economic welfare measure of biodiversity that complements the literature on benefit-cost approaches and genetic distance/phylogenic tree approaches. Using a unified model of optimal economic management of an ecosystem under ecological and genetic constraints, we identify gains from management policies leading to a more diverse system, using the Bellman state valuation function of the problem. We show that a more diverse system could attain a higher value although the genetic distance of the species in the more diverse system could be almost zero.
Inefficient Foreign Borrowing: A Dual- and Common-Agency Perspective
Authors: Tirole Jean
Published: January 2004

Studying the implications of uncoordinated borrowing, the paper first looks at whether and when countries borrow too much in the aggregate. It then revisits the “original sin” debate, analyzing whether and when equity portfolio investment, international portfolio diversification, domestic currency denomination and longer maturities enhance borrowing countries’ access to international lending. The paper thereby relates a country’s level and quality of access to international capital markets to a variety of institutional features such as the level of domestic savings, their location, the extent of control rights held by political authorities, and the interests of dominant domestic political forces.
Price Ceilings as Focal Points for Tacit Collusion: Evidence from Credit Cards
Authors: Knittel Christopher R , Stango Victor
Published: January 2004

We test whether a nonbinding price ceiling may serve as a focal point for tacit collusion, using data from the credit card market during the 1980’s. Our empirical model can distinguish instances when firms match a binding ceiling from instances when firms tacitly collude at a nonbinding ceiling. The results suggest that tacit collusion at nonbinding state-level ceilings was prevalent during the early 1980’s, but that national integration of the market reduced the sustainability of tacit collusion by the end of the decade. The results highlight a perverse effect of price regulation.
Morphology, Immunohistochemistry, and Genetic Alterations in Dog Astrocytomas
Authors: Stoica G. , Kim H.-T. , Hall D. G. , Coates J. R.
Published: January 2004

Astrocytoma is one of the most common tumors of the central nervous system in animals. Of the domesticated animal species, most examples are seen in dogs, and the spectrum that has been described is quiet broad. Previous studies have revealed morphologic similarities between human and animal astrocytomas. Human astrocytomas are often associated with genetic alterations that determine the clinical behavior and therapy outcome. The purpose of this study was to further characterize astrocytomas in dogs and to determine whether there are genetic changes similar to those in the human counterpart.
Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry of Canine Distemper Virus-induced Footpad Hyperkeratosis (Hard Pad Disease) in Dogs with Natural Canine Distemper
Authors: Koutinas A. F. , Baumgärtner W. , Tontis D. , Polizopoulou Z. , Saridomichelakis M. N. , Lekkas S.
Published: January 2004

Hard pad disease represents an uncommon manifestation of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection with a still uncertain pathogenesis. To study the pathogenesis of this uncommon, virally induced cutaneous lesion, the footpads of 19 dogs with naturally occurring distemper were investigated for histologic changes and distribution pattern of CDV antigen. All dogs displayed clinical signs of distemper, which had lasted from 10 to 75 days. Overt digital hyperkeratosis was observed in 12 animals (group A), whereas the footpads of the remaining seven dogs appeared normal macroscopically (group B). Orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (12/12; 100%), irregular acanthosis (11/12; 92%), thickened rete ridges (10/12; 83%), and mild mononuclear perivascular (10/12; 83%) and periadnexal (7/12; 58%) dermatitis were the most common findings in dogs with hard pad disease. Surprisingly, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis (5/7; 71%), irregular acanthosis (5/7; 71%), and thickened rete ridges (4/7; 57%) were also seen in the dogs without clinical evidence of digital hyperkeratosis. CDV-specific inclusion bodies and ballooning degeneration were not observed in the footpad epidermis of the 19 dogs. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CDV antigen was most frequently found in the stratum spinosum and granulosum and in the epithelial cells of the eccrine sweat glands and only rarely in the basal layer. Fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells, and hair follicles were also positive in some animals. Despite the obvious difference regarding the macroscopic picture, the microscopic changes were less prominent between the animal groups. The selective infection of keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum might be the key event for the development of hard pad disease in the dog.
Osteoclast Numbers in Lewis Rats with Adjuvant-induced Arthritis: Identification of Preferred Sites and Parameters for Rapid Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Bolon B. , Morony S. , Cheng Y. , Hu Y.-L. , Feige U.
Published: January 2004

This study defined the best site for quantifying osteoclasts in male Lewis rats with mycobacteria-induced adjuvant arthritis. Hind paw sections of normal and arthritic rats ( n = 6 per group) taken 7 days after disease onset were stained for osteoclasts using an anti-human cathepsin K primary antibody. Erosions and osteoclasts were assessed using semiquantitative scores (entire section) and quantitative measures (in calcaneus, navicular tarsal, and tibia). Bone area in arthritic rats was significantly reduced ( P ≤ 0.05) by 39–55%, with the greatest decrease in the tarsal. Osteoclasts in arthritic rats were significantly increased ( P ≤ 0.05) relative to normal in calcaneus (sevenfold), tarsal (194-fold), and tibia (threefold). The most useful quantitative indices were bone area and total osteoclasts, both defined as a percentage of total area measured. Semiquantitative scores for bone erosion and osteoclasts paralleled the quantitative indices. These data show that the navicular tarsal is the most sensitive site at which to assess arthritis in rats with this variant of adjuvant-induced arthritis.
Nonsuppurative Encephalitis in Piglets after Experimental Inoculation of Japanese Encephalitis Flavivirus Isolated from Pigs
Authors: Yamada M. , Nakamura K. , Yoshii M. , Kaku Y.
Published: January 2004

Nonsuppurative encephalitis was experimentally induced in 3-week-old piglets by a single intravenous inoculation of either of two strains (IB 2001 or AS-6) of Japanese encephalitis flavivirus (JEV) isolated from field pigs. The lesions, which consisted of neuronal necrosis, neuronophagia, glial nodules, and perivascular cuffing, were distributed in the cerebrum, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum, particularly in the gray matter of the frontal and temporal lobes and thalamus. The gray matter of the spinal cord of piglets that were given the AS-6 strain also was affected. JEV antigen was immunohistochemically detected in the cytoplasm of the nerve cells in the cortex of the frontal and temporal lobes and in the gray matter of the thalamus and midbrain. Two JEV strains isolated from field pigs exhibited neurovirulence, inducing nonsuppurative encephalitis in piglets.
Primitive Neuroectodermal Neoplasia in Coho Salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch
Authors: White M. R.
Published: January 2004

Twelve coho salmon, approximately 8 weeks old, were each observed to have a single neoplasm involving the dorsolateral axial skeletal musculature. The neoplasm was closely associated with the vertebrae in all cases. The neoplasm was composed of islands containing small cells with round and occasional spindeloid morphology. Neoplastic cells had basophilic cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei. These cells exhibited immunopositivity only for vimentin and S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, neoplastic cells had nuclei with a predominance of euchromatin, cytoplasm containing marked amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, scant amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and scattered mitochondria. Rudimentary cell junctions were occasionally observed between adjacent neoplastic cells. Based on the close association of these neoplasms with the vertebrae as well as the histologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical findings, these neoplasms were considered to all be primitive neuroectodermal neoplasms.
Failure to Detect Prion Protein (PrPres) by Immunohistochemistry in Striated Muscle Tissues of Animals Experimentally Inoculated with Agents of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy
Authors: Hamir A. N. , Miller J. M. , Cutlip R. C.
Published: January 2004

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal neurologic diseases. Infection by the causative agent, a prion, induces accumulations of an abnormal form of prion protein (PrPres) in tissues of nervous and lymphoid systems. Presence of characteristic histopathologic changes (spongiform encephalopathy) and detection of protease-resistant PrPres in neural and lymphoid tissues are the basis of currently available methods for diagnosis of TSEs. In this study, samples of striated muscle tissues (tongue, heart, diaphragm, and masseter muscle) from 20 animals (cattle, sheep, elk, and raccoons) were examined for PrPres by immunohistochemistry (IHC). All the animals had developed a TSE after experimental inoculation. PrPres was found by IHC in the brain but not in the muscle tissues of all the animals examined. These findings are contradictory to recently published reports of laboratory animals with TSEs, where these altered prion proteins were detected in tongue and other striated muscles. Further testing of muscle tissues is needed to confirm the findings of the present study.
Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor Protein Immunohistochemistry of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells in Two Dogs with Hypoglycemia
Authors: Morita T. , Nakamura K. , Sawada M. , Shimada A. , Sato K. , Miyata H. , Ohama E.
Published: January 2004

Immunohistochemical study was performed on cerebellar Purkinje cells of two dogs with hypoglycemia using an antibody against the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor that is identical to the cerebellar Purkinje cell glycoprotein P400 (P400/InsP3R). In the cerebellar neocortex of an acute case of hypoglycemia, the P400/InsP3R staining of hypoglycemic Purkinje cells was heterogeneous: some peripheral dendrites, including spiny branchlets, were negative and others were stained with various intensities, although Purkinje cells were morphologically intact by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain. In a chronic case of hypoglycemia, almost all the dendrites of Purkinje cells of both the neo- and archicortex of the cerebellum were not stained with the P400/InsP3R antibody. This is in contrast to the normal dog where Purkinje cell bodies, axons, and dendrites, including spiny branchlets, are intensely stained by the P400/InsP3R antibody. These results suggest that P400/InsP3R immunolabeling of Purkinje cells decreased, despite their morphology being preserved by HE stain, and that the function of P400/InsP3R, especially in spiny branchlets that receive inputs originating from axon terminals of parallel fibers, may be impaired in hypoglycemia.
Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyurethane ionomer/poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Jaisankar S. N. , Lakshminarayana Y. , Radhakrishnan Ganga
Published: January 2004

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) have been prepared from polyurethane anionomers and poly(vinyl chloride) using sequential polymerization technique. These IPNs were compression molded and obtained as tough films. The hydrogen bonding interaction, glass transition temperature, and thermal stabilities were discussed based on Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometer, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Morphology of the IPNs was characterized by scanning electron microscope and it reveals the formation of compatible IPNs. Tensile strength and hardness increase with increasing NCO/OH ratio and ionic content of the polyurethane. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 24–31, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10065
Compatible blends of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer and hydrogenated nitrile rubber
Authors: Thavamani P. , Khastgir D.
Published: January 2004

The miscibility and some physico‐mechanical characteristics of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis, and electrical conductivity. EVA was found to be miscible with HNBR at all properties. Infrared spectroscopic studies revealed that there is some chemical interaction between the constituent polymers. Scanning electron microscopic observations on the morphology of preferential solvent extracted samples indicated that in the blend the major constituent forms a continuous matrix in which the minor one is dispersed. At equal proportions, both EVA and HNBR exist as discontinuous phase. Variation of strength properties with blend composition is also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 5–17, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10066
Low density polyethylene/starch blend films for food packaging applications
Authors: Raj Baldev , K. Udaya Sankar , Siddaramaiah
Published: January 2004

A series of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/starch blend films with starch content ranging from 2.5 to 50% were prepared by two methods, namely, solution blending followed by thermopress and extrusion methods. The LDPE/starch films prepared by both the methods were studied for physicomechanical properties such as density, tensile strength, elongation at break; barrier properties such as water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), gas transmission rate (GTR), and grease resistance; and optical properties such as percent transmittance, total diffuse, and haze. The LDPE/starch blend films were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy for chemical structure and by DSC for melt characterization. Food compatibility of the films was evaluated by overall migration in different food simulants. The rate of biodegradation was also evaluated for all the films. The surface morphology of LDPE/starch films was evaluated using SEM. The properties of LDPE/starch films prepared by both the methods were compared.© 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 32–45, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10068
Hardness and microstructure of carbon pellets from self‐adhesive pyropolymer prepared from acid and alkaline‐treated oil palm bunch
Authors: Deraman M. , Omar R. , Zakaria S. , Talib M. , Mustapa I. R. , Azmi A. , Aziz A. A.
Published: January 2004

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), a natural polymeric material from the palm oil tree, is a potential precursor for making carbon for advanced materials applications because of its continuous generation in large quantities as a low cost by‐product of the palm oil mill; annual production of EFB in Malaysia is approximately 2 million tonnes. Powders of natural pyropolymer having self‐adhesion property, NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3, were prepared by precarbonizing the EFB, EFB treated with acid (1% HCL), and alkaline (1% NaOH) respectively. Green bodies of carbon pellets prepared from the NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3 were carbonized up to 1000°C using a multistep heating profile. Hardness of the carbonized pellets prepared from NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3 were 1/8, 2/5, and 1/2 of that of the reference sample (334 HV) respectively. This implied that, although the treatment improved the sample hardness it did not significantly increase the intermolecular forces or the number of inter‐ribbon cross‐links in the samples during carbonization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 51–58, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10069
Polyimides based on poly(2‐furanmethanol‐formaldehyde)
Authors: Patel Kaushik S. , Desai Kishor R. , Chikhalia Kishor H. , Patel Hasmukh S.
Published: January 2004

Polyimides were prepared by a Diels–Alder (DA) reaction of furan resin, namely poly(2‐furanmethanol‐formaldehyde) (PFF), with various bismsaleimides. The DA reaction was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent, as well as in bulk, followed by aromatization of tetrahydrophthalimide intermediates in the presence of acetic anhydride. All the polyimides were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectral studies, and thermogravimetry. Polyimides based on FF resin exhibit good thermal stability and preliminary tests for glass reinforcement of the polyimides indicate that laminates with good mechanical strength can be prepared. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 76–80, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10075
A unique patient with an Ullrich–Turner syndrome variant and mosaicism for a tiny r(X) and a partial proximal duplication 1q
Authors: Dawson A.J. , Wickstrom D.E. , Riordan D. , Cardwell S. , Casey R. , Baldry S. , Brown C.
Published: January 2004

A 7‐year old female with global cognitive impairment, short attention span, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and many compulsive behaviors was referred to the Genetics Clinic. Height was below the 5th centile and weight was at the 5th centile while head circumference was at the 50th centile. Minor anomalies included bluish sclera, low set and slightly posteriorly rotated auricles and a narrow palate with marked overbite. There was no significant family history. Chromosome analysis showed an unbalanced, mosaic female karyotype consisting of three cell lines: 46,X,+r[46]/45,X[37]/45,X,dup(1)(q11q21.3) [17] de novo.ish r(X)(DXZ1+,XIST+). Expression of XIST was observed in cDNA from the patient, suggesting the presence of an inactive X chromosome. Inactivation was confirmed by detection of a methylated allele of androgen receptor. This methylated allele was under‐represented in undigested DNA, consistent with it arising from the r(X) which was present in only a minority of the patient's cells. The clinical phenotype of the tiny r(X) syndrome in our patient is obviously further influenced by mosaicism for the dup(1). Few cases of duplication of the proximal portion of chromosome 1 have been reported. Of these, the duplication either was present in all cells or involved different band regions so that a direct comparison would be difficult. However, the lower percentage of mosaicism for the dup(1) in our patient would suggest a milder influence on the clinical phenotype. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gonadal mosaicism in severe Pallister–Hall syndrome
Authors: Ng David , Johnston Jennifer J. , Turner Joyce T. , Boudreau Eilis A. , Wiggs Edythe A. , Theodore William H. , Biesecker Leslie G.
Published: January 2004

Pallister–Hall syndrome (PHS, MIM #146510) is characterized by central and postaxial polydactyly, hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), bifid epiglottis, imperforate anus, renal abnormalities, and pulmonary segmentation anomalies. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Here, we describe a family with two affected children manifesting severe PHS with mental retardation, behavioral problems, and intractable seizures. Both parents are healthy, with normal intelligence, and have no malformations on physical, laryngoscopic, and cranial MRI exam. The atypical presentation of these children and the absence of parental manifestations suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance or gonadal mosaicism. Sequencing of GLI3 revealed a two nucleotide deletion in exon 15 (c.3385_3386delTT) predicting a frameshift and premature stop at codon 1129 (p.F1129X) in the children while both parents have wild type alleles. Genotyping with GLI3 intragenic markers revealed that both children inherited the abnormal allele from their mother thus supporting gonadal mosaicism as the underlying mechanism of inheritance (paternity was confirmed). This is the first reported case of gonadal mosaicism in PHS. The severe CNS manifestations of these children are reminiscent of children with non‐syndromic HH who often have progressive mental retardation with behavioral problems and intractable seizures. We conclude that the phenotypic spectrum of PHS can include severe CNS manifestations and that recurrence risks for PHS should include a proviso for gonadal mosaicism, though the frequency cannot be calculated from a single case report. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia, and photophobia (IFAP) syndrome: Report of a new family with additional features and review
Authors: Mégarbané Hala , Zablit Cynthia , Waked Naji , Lefranc Gérard , Tomb Roland , Mégarbané André
Published: January 2004

Two brothers with ichthyosis follicularis, noncicatricial universal alopecia, photophobia, hyerkeratotic psoriasis‐like lesions, nails dystrophy, inguineal herniae, cryptorchidism, short stature, seizures, and psychomotor developmental delay are described. These features correspond to the ichthyosis follicularis, alopecia, photophobia (IFAP) syndrome. The youngest brother had in addition a bilateral absence of 4th fingers and camptodactyly, features never reported in patients with IFAP syndromes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bilaterally asymmetric effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs): QTLs that affect laxity in the right versus left coxofemoral (hip) joints of the dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Chase Kevin , Lawler Dennis F. , Adler Fred R. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Lark Karl G.
Published: January 2004

In dogs hip joint laxity that can lead to degenerative joint disease (DJD) is frequent and heritable, providing a genetic model for some aspects of the human disease. We have used Portuguese water dogs (PWDs) to identify Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate laxity in the hip joint. A population of 286 PWDs, each characterized by ca. 500 molecular genetic markers, was analyzed for subluxation of the hip joint as measured by the Norberg angle, a quantitative radiographic measure of laxity. A significant directed asymmetry was observed, such that greater laxity was observed in the left than the right hip. This asymmetry was not heritable. However, the average Norberg angle was highly heritable as were the Norberg angles of either the right or left hips. After correction for pedigree effects, two QTLs were identified using the metrics of the left and right hips as separate data sets. Both are on canine chromosome 1 (CFA1), separated by about 95 Mb. One QTL, associated with the SSR marker FH2524 was significant for the left, but not the right hip. The other, associated with FH2598, was significant for the right but not the left hip. For both QTLs, some extreme phenotypes were best explained by specific interactions between haplotypes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.