bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypobaric Hypoxia-Induced Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Authors: Chang Jack H.T. , Rutledge Joe C. , Stoops Debbie , Abbe Russell
Published: September 2009

2-week-pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were placed into a hypobaric chamber and maintained at 3,657 m (12,000 ft). Upon delivery (31 ± 1 days) or at cesarean section (on day 30), all newborns were sacrificed and organ weights were compared to those of control pups maintained at 128 m (420 ft). Significant findings in the hypobaric animals included a diminished birth weight, placental weight, and liver weight per body weight. Placental weight per body weight was similar in both groups. The brain weight per body weight, brain to liver ratio, and right ventricle to left ventricle plus intraventricular septal weight ratio were significantly increased in the hypobaric pups.
Serum Erythropoietic Activity in the Rat around Birth
Authors: Nagel M.D. , Nagel J.
Published: September 2009

Using a fetal rat liver cell bioassay, serum erythropoietic activity was tested in nonsuckled newborn rats comparatively to 21-day-old rat fetuses at time 0 or after 2 h of surviving. The number of erythroid colonies (CFUe) is significantly greater in cultures with neonatal and fetal rat serum after 2 h of surviving than in cultures with fetal rat serum sampled at time 0. These results suggest a release of erythropoietin or erythropoietin-like substances in response to a short hypoxic phase following the parting of the fetus with the mother and preceding the autonomous oxygenation of the newborn by breathing.
Effects of Jaundice and Phototherapy on Gastric Emptying in the Newborn
Authors: Costalos C. , Russell G. , Bistarakis L. , Pangali A. , Philippidou A.
Published: September 2009

Gastric emptying rate was measured in term infants without jaundice, with mild jaundice, and with moderate jaundice before and after phototherapy. Gastric emptying was significantly delayed in the moderately jaundiced infants (serum unconjugated bilirubin 233–332 μmol/l) but returned to normal following phototherapy. Mild jaundice (serum unconjugated bilirubin 170–204 μmol/l) had no effect on gastric empyting. Jaundice appears to inhibit gastric emptying, and phototherapy influences emptying indirectly by lowering serum bilirubin concentration. This effect is likely to be of clinical significance in a small minority of jaundiced infants.
Herpes simplex Virus Adsorption to and Survival within Placental Lymphoid Populations
Authors: Andersen Richard D. , Pizer Lewis I.
Published: September 2009

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are frequently characterized by widespread dissemination and high morbidity and mortality. To assess the potential role of the lymphocyte in permitting or promoting dissemination of HSV, we studied lymphoid populations of placental and adult blood with respect to HSV survival. Adsorption of HSV to the lymphocyte surface did not differ between placental and adult cells. Placental blood permitted greater survival of HSV than adult lymphocytes. T-cell-enriched lymphocytes appeared to be slightly more permissive than T-cell-depleted lymphocytes, but these differences were not statistically significant and apparently less than adult-placental blood differences. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that intracellular changes common to various neonatal lymphoid populations may permit or promote dissemination of HSV in the neonate.
Effects of Dexamethasone in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in the Neonatal Rat
Authors: Altman Denis I. , Young Richard S.K. , Yagel Susan K.
Published: September 2009

To clarify the effects of corticosteroids in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, 7-day-old rats were subjected to unilateral common carotid artery ligation and hypoxia (Levine procedure) after being injected subcutaneously with saline, low-dose dexamethasone (4 mg/kg) or high-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/kg). Neither low-dose nor high-dose dexamethasone ameliorated the brain edema, lactacidemia, or hypoglycemia associated with hypoxia-ischemia. In addition, dexamethasone did not alter the pattern of neuropathologic damage or reduce the fall in brain high-energy phosphates. Finally, high-dose dexamethasone-treated animals experienced significantly more mortality than did either saline- or low-dose dexamethasone-treated animals. In this model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, dexamethasone did not confer any significant cerebral protection.
Modulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Neonatal Cytotoxic Brain Edema: Laboratory and Morphological Findings Obtained on Newborn Piglets with Experimental Pneumothorax
Authors: Temesvári Péter , Hencz Péter , Joó Ferenc , Eck Erna , Szerdahelyi Péter , Boda Domokos
Published: September 2009

Acute, bilateral pneumothorax (PT) was produced in 14 newborn piglets. The clinical status of the operated and 14 control animals was monitored by measuring the arterial blood gases, acid-base balance and mean arterial blood pressure. Different brain regions were processed for electron microscopy and albumin immunohistochemistry; water and electrolyte contents were also determined at the end stage of experimental intervention. Electron microscopy showed more intense pinocytotic activity in the endothelium of brain capillaries from PT animals evaluated by morphometry. Statistically significant (p < 0.01) differences were found in the distribution of pinocytotic vesicles in different brain areas of PT animals. The blood-brain barrier seemed to be impermeable to albumin in all brain regions both in the controls and in the PT group. Parallel with the changes observed in pinocytosis, the water and sodium contents were also increased in the PT group in the parietal cortex (water content 85.18 ± SD 0.81% vs. 84.10 ± SD 0.52%, p < 0.01; sodium content in wet brain tissue 70.94 ± SD 8.44 mmol/kg vs. 65.09 ± SD 4.43 mmol/kg, p < 0.05, in dry brain tissue 481.70 ± 75.70 mmol/kg vs. 410.15 ± SD 35.45 mmol/kg, p < 0.05) and in the cerebellum (water content 83.95 ± SD 1.08% vs. 83.02 ± SD 0.89%, p < 0.05; sodium content in wet brain tissue 60.67 ± SD 3.16 mmol/kg vs. 55.90 ± 6.26 mmol/kg, p < 0.01). However, in other brain regions – especially in the water-shed area – there was no correlation between the changes of pinocytosis and water-electrolyte contents of the tissues. It is suggested that the type of edema developing in this severe cardiovascular/hypoxic collapse is cytotoxic of origin and this fact should be more seriously taken into account in the treatment of the disease.
Importance of Deep Abdominal Palpation in the Perinatal Diagnosis of Urologic Malformations
Authors: Brion L. , Rondia G. , Avni F.E. , Thirion M. , Schulman C.C.
Published: September 2009

Deep abdominal palpation was performed prospectively in 900 newborns. Normal kidneys were felt in all but 8. 2 of these had a normal ultrasonography, 2 had an obstructive hydronephrosis, 1 had bilateral renal hypoplasia and 3 had a previously undiagnosed unilateral renal agenesis. Despite the increasing use of prenatal ultrasonography, careful abdominal examination should be performed in all newborns.
Plasma Levels of Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate in the Fetoplacental Unit and Maternal Circulation at Delivery
Authors: Weintraub Z. , Iancu T.C. , Sheinfeld M. , Gonda M. , Kraiem Z.
Published: September 2009

Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) was measured in matched samples of maternal plasma (MV) and umbilical artery (UA) and vein (UV) of 14 normal infants born following an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. There was good correlation between UA and UV cAMP levels, which seems to indicate that the fetoplacental unit maintains a constant equilibrium of the nucleotide concentration in the umbilical circulation. There was a markedly increased UA cAMP concentration at term relative to that of MV, as well as an arteriovenous gradient of plasma cAMP level (UA > UV) in the fetoplacental circulation, which strongly suggest that the high cAMP levels in the cord blood originate mainly from the fetus.
Feeding Premature Infants with Human Milk or Preterm Milk Formula
Authors: Calvert S.A. , Soltesz G. , Jenkins P.A. , Harris D. , Newman C. , Adrian T.E. , Bloom S.R. , Aynsley-Green A.
Published: September 2009

Results of a comprehensive longitudinal study comparing the effects of feeding healthy preterm infants with human milk or a specially adapted formula designed for the preterm infant are reported. 10 healthy infants were given human milk from birth, and 9 similar infants were given a formula which contained 80 kcal, 1.8 g protein, and 4.5 g fat per 100 ml. Anthropometric measurements were made weekly as were routine haematological and biochemical variables together with plasma amino acid and gastrointestinal regulatory peptide levels and metabolic fuel concentrations. Infants receiving the formula demonstrated a significantly greater growth velocity compared with infants receiving human milk. There were no significant differences between the two groups in routine haematological or biochemical variables measured nor in plasma insulin or blood glucose, lactate, pyruvate, or ketone body concentrations. Plasma amino acid profiles, however, did demonstrate some significant differences between the two groups with higher methionine and threonine levels in the formula-fed infants. Plasma motilin, enteroglucagon, neurotensin, cholecystokinin, gastric inhibiting polypeptide, and pancreatic polypeptide levels all demonstrated significant postnatal surges, with significant differences between the two groups in plasma gastric inhibiting polypeptide and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations.
Arachidonic Acid-Induced Aggregation of Platelets from Human Cord Blood Compared with Platelets from Adults
Authors: Ahlsten G. , Ewald U. , Tuvemo T.
Published: September 2009

Using a double-sample technique, platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) was studied in cord blood samples from 29 newborns and 20 adults, all healthy and drug-free. Of the platelets from adults (10 males, 10 females), all aggregated after 1.0 mM AA. After 0.5 mM AA, all platelets aggregated except those from 4 males which did not respond at all. The great majority of cord blood samples aggregated similarly to samples from adults. Platelets from all 15 newborn females and 11 of 14 newborn males aggregated irreversibly after 1.0 mM AA, while those from 3 of the 14 male newborns showed a reversible aggregation. All 11 newborn samples aggregated irreversibly after 0.5 mM AA. These results prove that the cyclo-oxygenase pathway for platelet aggregation operates satisfactorily in newborn infants. The double-sample technique is of value for cord blood samples. Late cord blood samples showed more marked aggregation than samples taken earlier.
5′-Nucleotidase Activities in Human Fetus
Authors: Amano Shigeru , Watanabe Tsunehisa , Ikeuchi Masanori , Sasahara Masakiyo , Yamada Eiji , Hazama Fumitada
Published: September 2009

Specific 5′-nucleotidase (5′-N) activity in 17 human fetuses was systemically studied in order to get basic values of the enzyme activity. A wide spectrum of 5′-N activity among the organs was revealed. Very strong activity was found in placenta (42.62 ± 19.24 nmol adenosine/mg protein/min), skeletal muscle (31.80 ± 11.10) and skin (27.31 ± 13.00); strong activity in liver (18.96 ± 7.60), pituitary (15.06 ± 6.13) and thyroid (12.69 ± 4.47); moderate activity in lung (8.43 ± 3.68), pancreas (8.20 ± 2.26), small intestine (8.07 ± 2.28), lymph node (7.26 ± 2.22), thymus (7.06 ± 2.52), spinal cord (5.86 ± 1.96) and spleen (5.65 ± 2.52), and weak activity in testis (4.02 ± 0.79), heart (3.95 ± 1.22), adrenal (3.46 ± 1.68), kidney (3.16 ± 0.83), ovary (3.16 ± 0.72), aorta (2.98 ± 1.20), cerebellar hemisphere (2.28 ± 1.09) and frontal lobe of the cerebrum (1.49 ± 0.54). These data are the first to be reported on specific 5’-N activity in the human fetus. The significance of the wide range of 5′-N activity among the organs, and future aspects on the study of 5′-N activity with respect to cell differentiation, maturation, development, aging or malignant transformation were discussed.
Hyperbilirubinaemia in Neonatal Rats after Oxytocin or Prostaglandin F2α Treatment of Pregnant Rats
Authors: Hollingsworth M. , Oyewo E.A.
Published: September 2009

Serum bilirubin concentrations were investigated in neonatal rats. High concentrations were found on day 1 falling to adult values by day 4. Oxytocin (500 IU/kg) given subcutaneously to the dams on day 22 of pregnancy increased bilirubin concentrations in neonatal rats. This dose of oxytocin shortened gestational length but increased the neonatal death rate. Oxytocin (500 IU/kg) also increased uterine contractions on day 22 of pregnancy, measured using intrauterine balloons inserted on day 19 of pregnancy. Rats delivered by Caesarian section at the same gestational age as the oxytocin-treated group did not exhibit hyperbilirubinaemia. Prostaglandin F2α (300 μg/kg) administered intramuscularly on day 20 of pregnancy was found to advance parturition and produced a small rise in serum bilirubin concentrations in neonatal rats. The rat could serve as a model for investigating the mechanisms of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia which has been suggested to occur after the use of oxytocin or prostaglandins in the human.
Alteration of Arterial Gas Composition by Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Unanesthetized Fetal Lamb in utero
Authors: Willis Dale M. , Anderson Debra F. , Thornburg Kent L. , Faber Job
Published: September 2009

To study the effectiveness of in utero ventilation in altering fetal arterial gas composition, we ventilated 15 near-term fetal lambs with a range of inspired gas mixtures. To accomplish this, double lumen nasogastric tubes were surgically placed in the tracheas of 15 near-term (135 days’ gestation) fetal lambs. After 4 ± 1 SD postoperative days, the fetuses were respired by positive pressure ventilation. 13 of these fetuses were also ventilated with their umbilical cords completely occluded. Ventilation was maintained for an average of 4.5 h (range 2.5–7.5 h). All 15 fetuses were effectively oxygenated on room air when exposed to a small net positive end expiratory pressure. In fetuses with intact umbilical cords, PaO2 could be maintained at levels between 11 and 280 mm Hg and PaCO2 from 36 to 139 mm Hg by altering the inspired O2 and CO2 with a gas mixing device. During umbilical cord occlusion, PaO2 was regulated from 2.2 to 103 mm Hg and PaCO2 from 37 to 187 mm Hg.
Characterization of Adenosine-Induced Respiratory Depression in the Preterm Rabbit
Authors: Hedner T. , Hedner J. , Bergman B. , Mueller R.A. , Jonason J.
Published: September 2009

The respiratory performance was studied after intraperitoneal administration of the adenosine agonists N6-phenyl-isopropyl-adenosine (PIA) and adenosine- 5-ethylcarboxamide to preterm (gestational age 29–30 days) newborn halothane-anesthetized rabbits. Both agonists induced marked hypo ventilation and irregular breathing by decreases in the breathing frequency as well as the tidal volume. Expiratory time was markedly prolonged, resulting in a decrease in the respiratory duty cycle (inspiratory time/total cycle duration). Analysis using the occluded-breath technique revealed that the adenosine analogues altered the time setting of the expiratory (inspiratory) neuronal circuits and lowered the inspiratory off-switch level, while inspiratory drive and the bulbopontine setting of the inspiratory phase were unaltered. The ventilatory response to CO2 was blunted after both adenosine analogues studied. Theophylline almost completely reversed the hypoventilation and irregular breathing seen after PIA injection. It is concluded that activation of central nervous adenosine receptors induced a marked respiratory depression in the preterm rabbit. Furthermore, our data imply that an overactivity of central adenosine mechanisms may have a pathophysiological significance for the irregular breathing or apnea of prematurity sometimes seen in the human neonate.
Erythrocyte Aggregation and Neutrophil Function in an Aging Population
Authors: Christy R.M. , Baskurt O.K. , Gass G.C. , Gray A.B. , Marshall-Gradisnik S.M.
Published: September 2009

There are limited investigations which have examined the relationship between neutrophil activation and erythrocyte aggregation in older persons. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between neutrophil activation and erythrocyte aggregation (EA) in an aging population. Twenty-eight male and female subjects were allocated into one of four groups with 7 participants in each group (group 1, 20–29 years; group 2, 30–39 years; group 3, 40–49 years; group 4, 50–59 years). EA was determined using the Myrenne aggregometer. Neutrophil function (respiratory burst and phagocytic activity) was assessed using flow cytometry. EA was found to increase with age. An ANOVA showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase for EA in autologous plasma in group 4 compared to groups 1 and 2. An ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation showed that phagocytic activity decreased with age. Furthermore, a positive correlation between stimulated phagocytic activity and erythrocyte aggregability at low shear in 3% dextran-70 solution was observed. The current investigation suggests a decrease in neutrophil phagocytic activity with age and EA was increased with age. Additionally, the current study is novel as it suggests a possible relationship between neutrophil phagocytic activity and erythrocyte aggregability.
The role of monocytes in thrombotic disorders
Authors: Lip Gregory , Shantsila Eduard
Published: September 2009

Although, the main physiological role of monocytes is attributed to innate immunity (that is, phagocytosis) and the development of tissue macrophages and dendritic cells, the pathophysiological role of these goes far behind these (simplistic) limits. Indeed, monocytes constitute a major source of blood tissue factor, a key element of the extrinsic coagulation cascade. Monocytes actively bind to platelets, thus forming very prothrombotic monocyte-platelet aggregates. Additionally, these cells link inflammation and the procoagulant state observed in various prothrombotic conditions. However, monocytes are also crucial for successful thrombus recanalisation. In this article, we review the available data on potential mechanisms that link monocytes with thrombosis-related processes.
Prediction of Delamination Growth in Laminated Structures Loaded by Quasi-static and Cyclic Loads
Authors: Wimmer G. , Pettermann H.E.
Published: September 2009

An approach for the prediction of growth of delaminations in laminated composites made of plies of fiber-reinforced polymers is proposed. It allows to handle arbitrary combinations of force, displacement, temperature, and moisture loads. Quasi-static load cases can be treated as well as load cases where some load components are constant and some load components are cyclic. The proposed approach is based on the Griffith criterion, which is evaluated by means of some finite element procedure. It provides a complete picture of a delamination problem in a given structure and offers systematic understanding of the influence of size and position of a delamination on the growth, on the growth stability, and on the structural response. Two examples, a curved laminate and a T-joint, are investigated in detail to underline the capabilities of the proposed approach.
Preparation of Siloxane-modified Tetraglycidyl Epoxy-Clay Nanocomposites - Its Thermal and Morphological Properties
Authors: Selvaganapathi A. , Alagar M. , Gnanasundaram P. , Gedanken A.
Published: September 2009

The organic—inorganic hybrid involving hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPDMS)-modified epoxy, filled with organo-modified flurohectorite clay of various percentages (1—5 wt%) were prepared via in situ polymerization using γ-amino propyltriethoxysilane as cross-linking agent in the presence of dibutyltindilaurate catalyst. The reactions involved during the curing process between epoxy and siloxane were confirmed by FT-IR. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis show that the glass transition temperatures of the clay-filled hybrid epoxy systems are lower than that of neat epoxy. The data obtained from the thermal studies indicated that improved thermal stability was due to the incorporation of nanoclay into siloxane-modified epoxy hybrid systems. The morphologies of the siloxane containing epoxy—clay hybrid systems show heterogeneous character, due to the partial incompatibility of HTPDMS. Scanning electron microscopy indicates the phase separation, induced by the polymerization, occurs in the HTPDMS-modified epoxy hybrids to yield spherical particles of siloxane-rich phase, which are uniformly dispersed in the continuous epoxy matrix. Microstructures of nanocomposites were ascertained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of exfoliated structure of organoclay was confirmed from the XRD pattern and shows interlayer spacing between 3.42 and 8.50 Å. Hybrid epoxy nanocomposites containing higher percentage composition of organo-modified flurohectorite clay contents (up to 5 wt%) display more pronounced improvements in thermal properties and moisture resistance than corresponding unmodified epoxy matrices.
Assessing Criminal Thinking in Male Sex Offenders With the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Deming Adam , Elliott William N.
Published: September 2009

A sample of 543 male inmates undergoing sex offender treatment completed the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS). As predicted, the PICTS General Criminal Thinking (GCT), Proactive (P), and Reactive (R) scores correlated with sexual risk as measured by the total score on the Static-99. However, only the GCT and P scores correlated with sentence length, and none of the PICTS scores successfully discriminated between a current offense of child molestation and a current offense of adult rape/sexual assault. A confirmatory factor analysis verified previous factor analyses of the PICTS conducted on nonsex offenders whereby the PICTS thinking style scales displayed significantly better fit with a two-factor (proactive, reactive) than with a one-factor (general criminal thinking) model. These results lend preliminary support to the notion that criminal thinking in general and proactive/instrumental criminal thinking in particular have something to offer sex offender assessment.
The German Coronary Artery Disease Risk Screening Model: Development, Validation, and Application of a Decision-Analytic Model for Coronary Artery Disease Prevention with Statins
Authors: Stollenwerk Björn , Gerber Andreas , Lauterbach Karl W. , Siebert Uwe
Published: September 2009

Background. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death in industrial countries, leading to high health-related costs and decreased quality of life. Objective. To develop and validate a decision-analytic model for CAD risk screening in Germany (German Coronary Artery Disease Screening Model). Design. Markov model. Target Population. Age- and gender-specific cohorts of the German population. Data Sources. Mortality rates posted by the German Federal Statistical Office, the German Health Survey, social health insurance institutions, the MONICA Augsburg study, and the literature. Time Horizon. Lifetime. Interventions. CAD risk screening for high-risk individuals using Framingham risk equation and use of statins as the primary preventive measure, compared with a setting without screening. Outcome Measures. Life-years (LY) gained, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Results. The model-based CAD incidence corresponds well with empirical data from the MONICA Augsburg study. Health outcomes depend on the screening threshold (cutoff value of Framingham 10-year risk) and on the age and gender of the cohort screened (0.03 to 0.26 LYs and 0.06 to 0.42 QALYs gained per person screened in cohorts of 50- and 60-year-old men and women, respectively). Conclusions. The model provides a valid tool for evaluating the long-term effectiveness of CAD risk screening in Germany. Using statins as a primary prevention intervention for CAD in high-risk individuals identified by screening could improve the long-term health of the German population.
Psychiatric Comorbidity in Pediatric Patients With Demyelinating Disorders
Authors: Weisbrot Deborah M. , Ettinger Alan B. , Gadow Kenneth D. , Belman Anita L. , MacAllister William S. , Milazzo Maria , Reed Michael L. , Serrano Daniel , Krupp Lauren B.
Published: September 2009

Little is known about psychiatric aspects of pediatric demyelinating conditions. A total of 23 youths (6-17 years) with demyelinating conditions underwent semistructured psychiatric interviews using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version. Adolescents and parents completed the Child Symptom Inventory-4 and the Youth’s Inventory-4. Fears and conceptions of their neurological problems were elicited. In all, 48% (n = 11) met criteria for current psychiatric diagnoses, including 27% (n = 3) with depressive disorders and 64% (n = 7) with anxiety disorders. Fears and conceptions of the illness were severe and diverse. Depressive and anxiety disorders are common in pediatric demyelinating disease. Clinicians should therefore screen for psychiatric comorbidity symptoms as part of the routine evaluation of such patients.
Fever Plus Mitochondrial Disease Could Be Risk Factors for Autistic Regression
Authors: Shoffner John , Hyams Lauren , Langley Genevieve Niedziela , Cossette Stephanie , Mylacraine Lauren , Dale Jeffrey , Ollis Lisa , Kuoch Sara , Bennett Kevin , Aliberti Audra , Hyland Keith
Published: September 2009

Autistic spectrum disorders encompass etiologically heterogeneous persons, with many genetic causes. A subgroup of these individuals has mitochondrial disease. Because a variety of metabolic disorders, including mitochondrial disease show regression with fever, a retrospective chart review was performed and identified 28 patients who met diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders and mitochondrial disease. Autistic regression occurred in 60.7% (17 of 28), a statistically significant increase over the general autistic spectrum disorder population (P < .0001). Of the 17 individuals with autistic regression, 70.6% (12 of 17) regressed with fever and 29.4% (5 of 17) regressed without identifiable linkage to fever or vaccinations. None showed regression with vaccination unless a febrile response was present. Although the study is small, a subgroup of patients with mitochondrial disease may be at risk of autistic regression with fever. Although recommended vaccinations schedules are appropriate in mitochondrial disease, fever management appears important for decreasing regression risk.
“We’re All Sisters”
Authors: Lawston Jodie Michelle
Published: September 2009

Claims to sisterhood are premised on women’s experiences with gender oppression, and many have argued that such claims ignore differences among women. Many have therefore dismissed sisterhood as a legitimate claim to solidarity, failing to examine the ways that sisterhood continues to be utilized by feminist activists. This article examines qualitative data from a study of a white, middle-class, feminist, antiracist organization that uses the language of sisterhood in its work on behalf of incarcerated women, who are predominantly of color and poor. The author finds not only that sisterhood is simultaneously rooted in women’s experiences with oppression and pride and pleasure but that such language serves complex functions in feminist organizations that seek to work across difference. Beyond its use in creating and sustaining solidarity, sisterhood is utilized to bridge differences in race, class, and life experiences between women and to generate feelings of legitimacy amongst white, middle-class activists.
Determinants of Adult Day Center Attendance Among Older Adults With Functional Limitations
Authors: Savard Jacinthe , Leduc Nicole , Lebel Paule , Béland François , Bergman Howard
Published: September 2009

Objective: To examine factors related to regularity of adult day center (ADC) attendance among seniors with functional limitations. Methods: Using data collected as part of a larger study, we identified the proportion of scheduled days attended among 101 ADC users in Montréal and identified determinants of this attendance. Results: More regular attendance was associated with previous profession of ADC participant or spouse in a sector other than health care, receiving formal help for activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living on days of expected ADC participation, participating for the whole day rather than half a day, lower participation in prevention and health-promotion activities, and lower caregiver burden among persons with cognitive impairments and higher caregiver burden among persons without cognitive impairments. Discussion: To enhance ADC intervention effects, levels of participation should be maximized. Study findings suggest ways to promote more regular attendance.
Defining Agency: Individuality, Normativity, Asymmetry, and Spatio-temporality in Action
Authors: Barandiaran Xabier E. , Di Paolo Ezequiel , Rohde Marieke
Published: September 2009

The concept of agency is of crucial importance in cognitive science and artificial intelligence, and it is often used as an intuitive and rather uncontroversial term, in contrast to more abstract and theoretically heavily weighted terms such as intentionality , rationality, or mind. However, most of the available definitions of agency are too loose or unspecific to allow for a progressive scientific research program. They implicitly and unproblematically assume the features that characterize agents, thus obscuring the full potential and challenge of modeling agency. We identify three conditions that a system must meet in order to be considered as a genuine agent: (a) a system must define its own individuality, (b) it must be the active source of activity in its environment ( interactional asymmetry), and (c) it must regulate this activity in relation to certain norms ( normativity). We find that even minimal forms of proto-cellular systems can already provide a paradigmatic example of genuine agency. By abstracting away some specific details of minimal models of living agency we define the kind of organization that is capable of meeting the required conditions for agency (which is not restricted to living organisms). On this basis, we define agency as an autonomous organization that adaptively regulates its coupling with its environment and contributes to sustaining itself as a consequence. We find that spatiality and temporality are the two fundamental domains in which agency spans at different scales. We conclude by giving an outlook for the road that lies ahead in the pursuit of understanding, modeling, and synthesizing agents.
Mental Health and Family Out-of-Pocket Expenditure Burdens
Authors: Zuvekas Samuel H. , Selden Thomas M.
Published: September 2009

A growing literature finds that a significant fraction of American families experience high or “catastrophic” burdens of medical spending. Families facing mental health problems may be especially vulnerable to high burdens. This study uses data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to determine the annual and within-year concentration of medical spending and the extent to which mental health treatment contributes to high out-of-pocket burdens among families with and without mental health problems. On average, families incurred 44% of non—mental health and 37% of out-of-pocket mental health treatment expenditures in a single month. Families with one or more members experiencing mental health problems were more likely to have periods of high out-of-pocket spending burdens. However, this study found that mental health treatment itself contributes little to high out-of-pocket spending burdens. Most of the burden was due to other medical conditions and lower average incomes among families with mental health problems.
Antigenotoxic and Antioxidant Activities of Fruit Extracts from (Tunisian) Pistacia Lentiscus
Authors: Abdelwahed A. , Bhouri W. , Neffati A. , Sghaier M. Ben , Boubaker J. , Bouhlel I. , Skandrani I. , Ammar R.Ben , Ghedira K. , Chekir-Ghedira L.
Published: September 2009

Genotoxic and antigenotoxic activities against direct acting mutagen nifuroxazide, and indirect acting genotoxin aflatoxine B1 (AFB1) of extracts prepared from fruits of Pistacia lentiscus, were studied using the SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ 37 as a tester organism. It was found that different extracts showed no genotoxicity when tested with E. coli PQ 37 strain either with or without microsomal extract. On the other hand, our results showed that ethyl acetate fraction and total oligomers flavonoids (TOF) extract obtained from P. lentiscus significantly decreased the genotoxicicity induced by AFB1 (10 μg/assay) and nifuroxazide (20 μg/assay). In addition to antigenotoxic activity, these extracts showed an important free radical scavenging activity towards the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and an important antioxidant activity using xanthine/xanthine oxidase system.
Do Standard Risk Assessment Procedures Adequately Account for Cumulative Risks?
Authors: Salmon Andrew G.
Published: September 2009

Existing risk assessment data and procedures can be used to address the estimation of cumulative risk, but there are several uncertainties. These are explored in the context of the State of California’s Air Toxic Hot Spots program. Hazard identification for single agents is an established procedure but is much more complex for incompletely characterized or variable mixtures. Hazards from exposure to multiple agents are often only identified by chance. Similar concerns affect dose-response assessment. Although additivity is assumed by default for similar effects at low doses, exceptions are known for specific mixtures and for higher dose rates. Exposure assessment is especially complex for multiple sources, multiple agents from different sources, and target populations or individuals who face cumulative, but not necessarily simultaneous, impacts. With these contributory uncertainties, providing an integrated analysis that can inform risk management and presenting this to a diverse and often already stressed community are challenging.
Elements and Strategies for Sustainable Intervention in the Residential Building Sector: a Case Study
Authors: Albatici Rossano
Published: September 2009

This paper deals with research carried out at the Laboratory of Building Design, University of Trento, Italy to define possible design actions to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort conditions in residential buildings. The paper presents retrofitting interventions both in wintertime and summertime, through the use of passive solar elements and of natural materials typical of the local building tradition. There were five stages of research: (1) critical analysis and classification of sustainable buildings in the Italian Alpine region; (2) recording data of the temporal courses of specific indoor environmental parameters in some rooms of selected existing buildings during real life conditions; (3) setting up of a virtual model of the buildings in dynamic state conditions; (4) a critical calibration of the model in order to take into account the real behaviour of the inhabitants and their use of the building components; (5) modification of some features on the model (materials, shape and so on) in order to achieve better performances concerning users’ comfort conditions and energy saving issues. In consequence, it is now possible to evaluate the real effectiveness of bioclimatic design procedures and to propose guidelines concerning the design of sustainable wooden buildings. Finally, some specific recommendations are given based on the critical analysis of the simulation results.
Creativity and Conflict
Authors: Tynan Jane , New Christopher
Published: September 2009

By exploring the role of student identities in shaping attitudes to learning, this study asks how design students draw on experience to work across theory and practice. It explores how a specific group of design undergraduate students in a UK university perform on two distinct learning experiences on their course: work placement and dissertation. In particular, it considers the context for learning: the value placed on practice and scholarship; the role of social identity; links between art and design education. Using Bourdieu’s concept of ‘habitus’ the discussion considers the role of experience and motivation in learning in design education, and questions how useful historical divisions drawn between theory and practice are to student learning in design education. By questioning the value of internal disciplinary conflicts to student learning, it asks how we distinguish between vital pedagogic processes and divisive practices in higher education.
Toward a Productive and Creative Curriculum in Architecture
Authors: Wang Tsungjuang
Published: September 2009

A model of curriculum development that enables students of architecture in the developing nation of Taiwan to draw on their own life experiences in formulating their own architectural education is proposed. Such an ideology recognizes that while education certainly includes the acquisition of the technical skills needed to ply one’s trade, its more important aspect is the development of the ability to learn throughout life and to apply those skills creatively as social, economic, and cultural contexts change. An architecture curriculum that accomplishes this end will draw on existing designs and encourage input from a wide variety of disciplines and cultures, especially including the humanities and social sciences. In particular, it will recognize the philosophical tradition of epistemology and the epistemological tradition of constructivism. Moreover, such an architectural curriculum will shift its focus of study from the modern tradition of aesthetics to the postmodern concern for environmental ethics. For both practical and cultural reasons, these changes will not be easy, but they are necessary.
Stellite 21 coatings on AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel by gas tungsten arc welding
Authors: Laridjani M. S. , Amadeh A. , Kashani H.
Published: September 2009

Degradation of AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel, a typical alloy for many applications such as steam turbine blade, could impair its efficiency and lifetime. To overcome this problem, critical surfaces could be modified by weld cladding via gas tungsten arc welding technique. In the present research, a comparative study of Stellite 21 weld overlays deposited in three different thicknesses, i.e. dilutions, at various preheat and post-weld heat treatment temperatures on the surface of AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel, has been made. The surface of coatings has been examined to reveal their microstructures, phase characterisation and mechanical properties using XRD, microhardness tester and metallographic techniques. The results showed that the deposition of Stellite 21 coating on AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel improved its corrosion resistance. Moreover, the volumetric dilution had a considerable effect on the hardness, microstructure and electrochemical corrosion behaviour of Stellite 21 weld overlays.
Effect of crystal composition and growth rate on sector zoning in solid solutions grown from aqueous solutions
Authors: Shtukenberg A. G. , Punin YU. O. , Artamonova O. I.
Published: September 2009

Sector zoning in solid solutions of Tutton’s salts (NH4)2M(SO4)2.6H2O (M = Co, Ni, Zn, Mg) and nitrates of divalent metals Me(NO3)2 (Me = Sr, Pb, Ba) grown from low-T aqueous solutions under controlled conditions is studied. The effect of crystal composition and growth rate (supersaturation) on the intersector difference in concentrations of isomorphic components is examined experimentally and modelled theoretically based on the phenomenological approach to crystallization in a ‘solid solution—aqueous solution’ system. Calculations show a predominating contribution of the selective adsorption phenomena in the formation of a sector-zoned crystal with usually minor, but sometimes a major contribution of growth kinetics.
Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction studies of the structure of johnbaumite [Ca10(AsO4)6(OH,F)2] and synthetic Pb-, Sr- and Ba-arsenate apatites and some comments on the crystal chemistry of the apatite structure type in general
Authors: Henderson C. M. B. , Bell A. M. T. , Charnock J. M. , Knight K. S. , Wendlandt R. F. , Plant D. A. , Harrison W. J.
Published: September 2009

The chemical composition oft he natural arsenate-apatite mineral johnbaumite [nominally Ca10(AsO4)6(OH)2] and its alteration product hedyphane [Ca4Pb6(AsO4)6Cl2] have been determined by electron microprobe analysis and the structures ofjohnbaumite and synthetic Sr-, Ba- and Pbarsenate apatites have been studied by As K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. All samples belong to the holosymmetric apatite space group P63/m with As5+substituted for P5+in the tetrahedral structural site. Johnbaumite contains small amounts ofF and Pb (~0.9 and ~4.4 wt.% respectively) and hedyphane has the ideal composition (formula given above); the compositions of these coexisting phases define the two limbs ofa solvus occurring between Ca- and Pb-arsenate apatite end members. The unit-cell parameters and cation–oxygen bond lengths for the arsenate apatites studied are discussed alongside published data for end-member Ca-, Sr-, Ba- and Pbphosphate apatite analogues with (OH), F, Cl or Br as the anions at the centres of the channels in the apatite structure. This discussion rationalizes the relationships between the two structural sites A(1) and A(2) occupied by divalent cations in terms of the size of the A–O polyhedra and the distortion of the A(1)–O polyhedron as measured by the metaprism twist angle [O(1)–A(1)–O(2) projected onto (001)].
Mineralogy of peralkaline lamproites from the Raniganj Coalfield, India
Authors: Mitchell R. H. , Fareeduddin
Published: September 2009

Two mineralogically distinct lamproites occurring as dykes in the Raniganj coalfield of eastern India are described in terms of a mineralogical-genetic classification as: (1) peralkaline olivine-ilmenitephlogopite- K-feldspar lamproite (var. Damodar); and (2) peralkaline pseudoleucite-phlogopite-amphibole- K-feldspar lamproite (var. Damodar). Compositional and paragenetic data are provided for major, accessory and trace minerals. Minerals common to both rocks include: chlorite-pseudomorphed phenocrystal olivine, phenocrystal Ti-rich Al-poor phlogopite and tetraferriphlogopite, groundmass potassic amphiboles, Sr-rich apatite and monazite-(Ce), late stage Na-poor K-feldspar and quartz. The rocks differ in terms of the character of the amphiboles (Ti-potassian arfvedsonitevs. K-richterite– K-magnesioarfvedsonite–K-arfvedsonite solid solution), spinel compositions (qandilite–chromite– magnetitevs. chromite–ulvöspinel–magnetite), the presence or absence of: pseudoleucite, microphenocrystal magnesian ilmenite, diopside, titanian aegirine, lorenzenite, an unamed Ti-silicate, an unnamed Mg-Zr silicate, bazirite, rutile, dolomite and norsethite. The rocks are considered to be members of a spectrum of modally-diverse peralkaline rocks, formed from a common parental magma produced by the partial melting of the ancient metasomatized lithospheric mantle of the northern Singhbhum craton. None of the rocks can be considered as aillikites, minettes, orangeites or kimberlites.
Portuguese students' knowledge of antibiotics: a cross-sectional study of secondary school and university students in Braga
Authors: Azevedo Maria Manuel , Pinheiro Céline , Yaphe John , Baltazar Fátima
Published: September 2009

Background

Recent surveys show that the knowledge of the general public about the correct use of antibiotics is limited. This contributes to the problem of inappropriate antibiotic use, leading to a progressive loss of bacterial sensitivity to these drugs and the spreading of resistant strains of bacteria.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire about antibiotic use was given to a sample of students in the 9th and 12th grades of secondary school and in the first year of university in the north of Portugal.

Results

349 students returned completed questionnaires. Deficits were found in the students' knowledge of antibiotics and their correct use. Only 4% of 9th grade students were aware that antibiotics are used to treat bacteria only, while 14% of 12th grade students and 29% of first-year university students were aware of this. Fewer students were aware that antibiotics are used to treat tuberculosis. There were deficiencies in the knowledge of timing and duration of therapy. However close to 70% of these students are aware that inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to resistance to these drugs.

Conclusion

This study has observed a lack of general knowledge on correct antibiotic use in Portugal, as has been found in other countries. Since this may be due to a lack of formal education on this subject, we believe that a teaching unit on infectious diseases should be included in the 9th and 12th grades, in all curricular areas, with emphasis on bacterial and viral pathogens and correct antibiotic use. In addition, education on the correct use of medications may need to begin at much earlier ages.
Temporal patterns of inflammatory gene expression in local tissues after banding or burdizzo castration in cattle
Authors: Pang Wanyong , Earley Bernadette , Sweeney Torres , Gath Vivian , Crowe Mark A
Published: September 2009

Background

Castration of male cattle has been shown to elicit inflammatory reactions and acute inflammation is initiated and sustained by the participation of cytokines.

Methods

Sixty continental × beef bulls (Mean age 12 ± (s.e.) 0.2 months; Mean weight 341 ± (s.e.) 3.0 kg) were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to one of three treatments (n = 20 animals per treatment): 1) untreated control (Con); 2) banding castration at 0 min (Band); 3) Burdizzo castration at 0 min (Burd). Samples of the testis, epididymis and scrotal skin were collected surgically from 5 animals from each group at 12 h, 24 h, 7 d, and 14 d post-treatment, and analysed using real-time PCR. A repeated measurement analysis (Proc GLM) was performed using SAS. If there was no treatment and time interaction, main effects of treatment by time were tested by ANOVA.

Results

Electrophoresis data showed that by 7 d post-castration RNA isolated from all the testicle samples of the Burd castrated animals, the epididymis and middle scrotum samples from Band castrates were degraded. Transitory effects were observed in the gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α at 12 h and 24 h post treatment. Burd castrates had greater (P < 0.05) testicular IFN-γ mRNA levels compared with Band and Con animals, but lower (P < 0.05) testicular TNF-α mRNA levels compared with Con animals. Band castrates had greater (P < 0.05) testicular IL-6 mRNA levels than Burd castrates at 12 h post-castration. Burd castrates had greater (P < 0.05) testicular IL-8 mRNA levels than Band and Con animals at 24 h post-castration. In the epididymis, Burd castrates had greater (P < 0.05) IL-6 mRNA (both at 12 h and 24 h post treatment) and IL-8 mRNA (12 h post treatment) levels compared with Band and Con animals; Burd castrates had greater (P = 0.049) IL-10 mRNA levels than Band castrates at 12 h post-castration.

Conclusion

Banding castration caused more inflammatory associated gene expression changes to the epididymis and scrotum than burdizzo. Burdizzo caused more severe acute inflammatory responses, in terms of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, in the testis and epididymis than banding.