bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Test Items That Perform Differentially in Population Subgroups: A Partial Correlation Index
Authors: Stricker Lawrence J.
Published: June 2007

Verbal items on the GRE Aptitude Test were analyzed for race (white vs. black) and sex differences in their functioning, using a new procedure—item partial correlations with subgroup standing (race or sex), controlling for total score—as well as two standard methods—comparisons of subgroups' item characteristic curves and item difficulties. The partial correlation index agreed with the item characteristic curve index in the proportions of items identified as performing differentially for each race and sex. These two indexes also agreed in the particular items that they identified as functioning differentially for the sexes, but not in the items that they identified as performing differently for the races. The partial correlation index consistently disagreed with the item difficulty index in the proportions of items identified as functioning differentially and in the particular items involved. The items identified by the partial correlation index as performing differentially, like the items identified by the other indexes, generally did not differ in type or content from items not so identified, with one major exception: this index identified items with female content as functioning differently for the sexes.
Comparison of Factor Analytic Results with Two-Choice and Seven-Choice Personality Item Formats
Authors: Comrey Andrew L. , Montag I.
Published: June 2007

A translated version of the Comrey Personality Scales (CPS) using a two-choice item format was administered to 159 male applicants for a motor vehicle operator's license in Israel. Total scores were computed for the 40 homogeneous item subgroups that define the eight personality factors in the taxonomy underlying the CPS. Factor analysis of the intercorrelations among these 40 subvariables resulted in substantial replication of factors found in a previous study employing a seven-choice item format. On the average, higher intercorrelations among subvariables measuring the same factor and higher factor loadings were obtained for the seven-choice item format results. These findings suggest a superiority for the seven-choice over the two-choice item format for personality inventories.
A Study of Pre-Equating Based on Item Response Theory
Authors: Bejar Isaac I. , Wingersky Marilyn S.
Published: June 2007

The study reports a feasibility study using item response theory (IRT) as a means of equating the Test of Standard Written English (TSWE). The study focused on the possibility of pre-equating, that is, deriving the equating transformation prior to the final administration of the test. The three-parameter logistic model was postulated as the response model and its fit was assessed at the item, subscore, and total score level. Minor problems were found at each of these levels; but, on the whole, the three-parameter model was found to portray the data well. The adequacy of the equating provided by IRT procedures was investigated in two TSWE forms. It was concluded that pre-equating does not appear to present problems beyond those inherent to IRT-equating.
Regional Growth in a Knowledge-based Economy
Authors: hUallacháin Breandán Ó
Published: June 2007

Recent acceleration in the transition to a knowledge-based economy has affected regional economic performance. The author uses an interregional convergence framework to identify the changing determinants of the growth of U.S. states in the period from 1983 to 2004. Growth of population, annual average wages, and per capita real gross state product (GSP) are investigated. The analysis relies on spatial regression analysis to estimate the speed of convergence and identify significant conditional variables and their relationships with growth. Absolute and conditional GSP interstate convergence has occurred. The results show that educational attainment and patenting rates emerged as significant positive determinants of GSP and population growth after 1993. Educational attainment raises wages. Heavy dependence on primary production significantly reduces population, wage, and GSP growth. The speed of convergence in real per capita GSP across U.S. states noticeably slowed after 1993.
Light Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Behaviors in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Dowling Glenna A. , Graf Carla L. , Hubbard Erin M. , Luxenberg Jay S.
Published: June 2007

Neuropsychiatric behaviors are common in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and make both professional and lay caregiving difficult. Light therapy has been somewhat successful in ameliorating disruptive behaviors. This randomized trial tested the effects of morning or afternoon bright light exposure compared with usual indoor light on the presence, frequency, severity, and occupational disruptiveness of neuropsychiatric behaviors in nursing home residents with AD. Light was administered for 1 hr daily (Monday-Friday) for 10 weeks. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory—Nursing Home was used to assess behavior at baseline and end of the intervention. Analyses revealed statistically significant differences between groups on agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, aberrant motor behavior, and appetite/eating disorders. The magnitude of change was small and may not represent clinically significant findings. Agitation/aggression and nighttime behaviors commonly occurred and were highly correlated with occupational disruptiveness. Interventions that decrease the presence and/or severity of neuropsychiatric behaviors have the potential to significantly decrease caregiver burden.
Teaching Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Mullen Edward J. , Bellamy Jennifer L. , Bledsoe Sarah E. , Francois Julia Jean
Published: June 2007

A complete and mindfully developed blueprint for implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in social work should include a full complement of coordinated goals and strategies for all stakeholders, including future social workers. To this end, schools of social work should teach students to be lifelong learners; teach students what is currently known and not known about the efficacy and effectiveness of social work practices and programs; teach students to be knowledgeable and skillful with the empirically supported practices in their area of specialty; teach current practitioners new knowledge and skills through evidence-based continuing education programs. This article describes these strategies and draws on examples from the classroom and a pilot training project designed to support EBP in social work agencies.
Silenced Voices and Structured Survival
Authors: Moe Angela M.
Published: June 2007

Despite social and governmental responses to battering, many women continue to feel entrapped in abusive relationships. Using standpoint epistemology, this article examines the various aspects of help seeking, and the social and institutional responses to such efforts, through the narratives of 19 women in a domestic violence shelter. The findings are discussed with reference to Ptacek's social entrapment perspective and Gondolf and Fisher's survivor hypothesis, illustrating the socioeconomic and political context of the control tactics utilized by abusers and the structural impediments to battered women's successful help seeking.
What We Talk about When We Talk about Terrorism: Elite Press Coverage of Terrorism Risk from 1997 to 2005
Authors: Woods Joshua
Published: June 2007

The risk of terrorism in the United States has gained a great deal of attention from researchers, policy makers, the public, and the press. This article focused on how one of these actors—the press—portrayed the risk during an eight-year period centered on the attacks of 9/11. The three goals of this study were to identify the dimensions of terrorism risk that are most likely to increase public perceptions of the danger, describe how these dimensions were portrayed in newspaper content, and explain how these portrayals were associated with other important news topics including the use of military force, the protection of civil liberties, and the image of the Muslim religion.
Public Works Service Arrangements in the 21st Century
Authors: Leavitt William M. , Morris John C.
Published: June 2007

As the new millennium begins, the debate about how best to provide, produce, and deliver public works and infrastructure services to a growing population increases in intensity. The authors argue that traditional definitions of “privatization” and “public-private partnerships” limit thinking about the options available to infrastructure policy makers and that a broader definition of potential arrangements that better captures the nature of the relationships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will lead to a more productive conversation about how best to meet infrastructure needs. This article thus sets the stage for the other four articles in this symposium and enjoins a debate about alternative service delivery arrangements in the 21st century.
Nature of motor imitation problems in school-aged boys with autism
Authors: Vanvuchelen Marleen , Roeyers Herbert , De Weerdt Willy
Published: June 2007

This case-control study explores the underlying mechanisms of imitation problems in boys with autism by manipulating imitation task variables and by correlating imitation performance with competence on general motor tests (Movement Assessment Battery for Children and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales). Fifty-five boys participated in this study: eight low-functioning with autism (LFA), 13 with mental retardation (MR), 17 high-functioning with autism (HFA) and 17 typically developing (TD). LFA performed significantly worse than MR on the motor test and on all imitation tasks. HFA performed significantly worse than TD on the motor test, but not on imitation tasks, with the exception of non-meaningful gestures. This study supports the notion that mainly perceptual-motor impairment, and not a cognitive weakness of symbolic representation, causes imitation problems in autism. In addition, in boys with autism, general motor as well as imitation abilities were impaired. We suggest that imitation ability has to be assessed in conjunction with motor competence.
Evidence against poor semantic encoding in individuals with autism
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Maybery Murray T. , Durkin Kevin
Published: June 2007

This article tests the hypothesis that individuals with autism poorly encode verbal information to the semantic level of processing, instead paying greater attention to phonological attributes. Participants undertook a novel explicit verbal recall task. Twenty children with autism were compared with 20 matched typically developing children. On each trial, 20 words were presented individually on a computer screen. Half of the items were related through having either a common semantic theme, or a common phonological feature. Following a filler task, the participants were presented with a cue and asked to recall items consistent with the cue. No differences between the autism and comparison groups were found in either the semantic or the phonological condition. A follow-up comparison revealed that the participants with autism showed comparable levels of recall to an additional group of children matched in chronological age. The findings do not support the idea of a developmental delay in semantic encoding in children with autism.
Expression and function of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in rat intrapulmonary arteries
Authors: Robert R. , Savineau J-P. , Norez C. , Becq F. , Guibert C.
Published: June 2007

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encodes a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent chloride channel located mainly at the apical membrane of epithelial cells. In myocytes of pulmonary arteries, numerous chloride channels have been identified and described, but not the CFTR. Thus the presence and function of the CFTR was investigated in rat intrapulmonary arteries.

CFTR expression, localisation and function were analysed in cultured smooth muscle cells using Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and immunoprecipitation followed by protein kinase A phosphorylation, immunolocalisation and an iodide efflux assay, respectively. The role of the CFTR in pulmonary vasoreactivity was determined in arterial rings using an organ bath system.

RT-PCR and immunoprecipitation analyses, as well as the immunolocalisation study, revealed the expression of CFTR gene transcripts and protein. The iodide efflux assay showed the existence of functional cAMP-, calcium- and volume-dependent chloride channels. Furthermore, the following effects were found: 1) inhibition of forskolin/genistein-activated iodide efflux by glibenclamide, diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid and CFTR-specific inhibitor (CFTRinh)-172; 2) activation of iodide efflux by the benzoquinolizinium derivative CFTR activators MPB-07 and MPB-91; and 3) inhibition of MPB-dependent efflux by CFTRinh-172. Finally, CFTR activators induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in rings preconstricted with phenylephrine, in the presence or absence of endothelium.

The present results are the first to reveal functional cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator contributing to endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in rat intrapulmonary arterial myocytes.
Molecular basis for the reproductive division of labour in a lower termite
Authors: Weil Tobias , Rehli Michael , Korb Judith
Published: June 2007

Background

Polyphenism, the expression of different phenotypes with the same genetic background, is well known for social insects. The substantial physiological and morphological differences among the castes generally are the result of differential gene expression. In lower termites, workers are developmentally flexible to become neotenic replacement reproductives via a single moult after the death of the founding reproductives. Thus, both castes (neotenics and workers) are expected to differ mainly in the expression of genes linked to reproductive division of labour, which constitutes the fundamental basis of insect societies.

Results

Representational difference analysis of cDNAs was used to study differential gene expression between neotenics and workers in the drywood termiteCryptotermes secundus(Kalotermitidae). We identified and, at least partially cloned five novel genes that were highly expressed in female neotenics. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of all five genes in different castes (neotenics, founding reproductives, winged sexuals and workers of both sexes) confirmed the differential expression patterns. In addition, the relative expression of these genes was determined in three body parts of female neotenics (head, thorax, and abdomen) using quantitative real-time PCR.

Conclusion

The identified genes could be involved in the control and regulation of reproductive division of labour. Interestingly, this study revealed an expression pattern partly similar to social Hymenoptera indicating both common and species-specific regulatory mechanisms in hemimetabolous and holometabolous social insects.
Oral infection of mice with Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium causes meningitis and infection of the brain
Authors: Wickham Mark E , Brown Nat F , Provias John , Finlay B Brett , Coombes Brian K
Published: June 2007

Background

Salmonella meningitis is a rare and serious infection of the central nervous system following acute Salmonella enterica sepsis. For this pathogen, no appropriate model has been reported in which to examine infection kinetics and natural dissemination to the brain.

Methods

Five mouse lines including C57BL/6, Balb/c, 129S6-Slc11a1tm1

Mcg
, 129S1/SvImJ, B6.129-Inpp5dtm1

Rkh
were used in the murine typhoid model to examine the dissemination of systemic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium following oral infection.

Results

We report data on spontaneous meningitis and brain infection following oral infection of mice with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

Conclusion

This model may provide a system in which dissemination of bacteria through the central nervous system and the influence of host and bacterial genetics can be queried.
250 labels used to stigmatise people with mental illness
Authors: Rose Diana , Thornicroft Graham , Pinfold Vanessa , Kassam Aliya
Published: June 2007

Background

The stigma against people with mental illness is a major barrier to help-seeking in young people for mental health problems. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent of stigma in relation to treatment avoidance in 14 year-old school students in England in relation to how they refer to people with mental illness.

Methods

This is a qualitative, cross-sectional study. The data were gathered as part of the baseline assessment for an intervention study intended to reduce stigma among 14 year old school students. The participating schools were two grammar (selective) schools and three comprehensive (non-selective) schools. At the start of the lesson, the students were asked 'What sorts of words or phrases might you use to describe someone who experiences mental health problems?' Words and terms used to refer to mental illness were enumerated. Using the grounded theory approach, words and terms were grouped in terms of their denotative and connotative meanings. Labels were then derived to capture the key themes attached by the students to the concepts of mental illness. The frequencies of occurrence for each word were also tabulated.

Results

400 of the 472 participating students (85%) provided 250 words and terms to describe a person with mental illness. Five themes were identified from the data. The first theme called 'popular derogatory terms' (116 items) accounted for nearly half of the words examined. The second theme occurred less often and was described as 'negative emotional state' (61 items). The third theme demonstrated the confusion of young people between physical disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health problems (38 items). The use of psychiatric diagnoses (15 items) and terms related to violence (9 items) were unexpectedly uncommon.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the hypothesis that help-seeking by mentally ill young people may be improved by interventions that address both their lack of factual information about mental illness, and those which reduce their strong negative emotional reactions towards people with mental illness.
Surface contact analysis in axial thrust bearings based on different numerical interpolation approaches
Authors: Offner G , Lechner M , Mahmoud K , Priebsch H H
Published: June 2007

The simulation of moving parts in combustion engines and power trains by means of flexible multi-body dynamics requires complex computation techniques for the contact areas. Understanding surface interactions in detail is of great value for new products and can reduce the development time and costs significantly.

Modelling of lubricated contacts, which exist in slider bearings (axial and radial) and in the cylinder kit (piston, rings, and cylinder liner) are challenging tasks. Here, the simulation models have rough discretizations of the body surfaces and fine oil-film discretizations. Although body surfaces are usually given by finite element method (FEM) meshes, the non-linear reaction force of the loaded oil-film is determined by integrating the lubricant pressure field on the hydrodynamic mesh. The pressure is commonly calculated by solving a type of Reynolds equation in the gap between the contacting surfaces. The combination of different types of meshes of the body surfaces and the oil-film highly affects the quality of the results. Interpolation and integration approaches have to be capable of dealing with the high sensitivity of algorithms used for elastohydrodynamic contacts.

This paper presents an analysis of numerically simulated contacts in axial slider bearings for combustion engines. A surface contact algorithm with different numerical interpolation approaches for the clearance gap and its time derivative is utilized to investigate the elastohydrodynamic behaviour of axial thrust bearings. Thereby, the complete set of equations for moving and elastic bodies and oil-film reaction forces have to be solved in time domain to obtain the actual shape of the deformed clearance.

The numerical interpolation approaches comprise the Fritsch-Butland interpolation with the Brodlie-derivative-formulation as well as generalized cubic spline functions. The investigations consider effects of inclined crankshafts as they occur in axial thrust bearings of combustion engines. Detailed results are shown applying linear and tetragonal FEM meshes for the surfaces of the contacting bodies.
Response of fluid-saturated elastic porous media to excitations of multiple energy sources
Authors: Wang G , Dai L , Dong M
Published: June 2007

This paper studied the behaviour of elastic waves in porous media consisting of fluid and solid. For analytically quantifying the wave motions of a fluid-saturated porous medium subjected to the excitations of multiple energy sources, a new methodology is developed with the establishment of an analytical wave model. Displacements of both the fluid and solid are considered in the development of the wave model such that the elastic waves propagating in the isotropic and homogeneous porous media can be quantitatively analysed. Solutions of the governing wave equations are developed on the basis of the moving-coordinate method with utilization of Hankel function. Employing the model established, relative displacements between the fluid and solid of a porous medium can be quantified. The wave field in the medium can thus be quantitatively determined for the wave propagation under given multiple energy sources. For demonstrating the application of the theoretical wave model developed, numerical simulations of the elastic waves propagating in a porous medium under multiple energy sources are performed.
Dynamics models for vehicle roll motion in prerollover manoeuvres
Authors: Malcher D , Eskandarian A , Delaigue P
Published: June 2007

Simulation of the sequence of dynamic events causing a vehicle to rollover could provide insight on the vehicle propensity to roll. It can also help in adapting control approaches to avoid vehicle rollover. Two analytical formulations of a similar vehicle modelling approach that reproduces the roll motion of a vehicle, including suspensions and tires, are derived. The effect of tire lift off during heavy cornering manoeuvres is considered. Disturbances such as lateral acceleration and road inputs causing vehicle roll can be applied. Critical vehicle dynamic conditions are simulated using the commercial human vehicle environment (HVE) three-dimensional simulation software and applied as inputs to the derived vehicle roll models. The vehicle dynamic behaviour simulated was validated by comparing with results from HVE. These models can serve as useful tools for testing vehicle roll stability algorithms for active suspension systems and for developing new anti-roll control strategies.
Dynamic verification of a multi-body computational model of human head and neck for frontal, lateral, and rear impacts
Authors: van Lopik D W , Acar M
Published: June 2007

A multi-body computational model of the human head and neck was previously shown to be in good agreement with experimental findings from actual human cervical spine specimens. The model segments were tested in three directions of loading showing main and coupled motions to be accurate and realistic.

The model's ability to predict the dynamic response of the head and neck, when subjected to acceleration pulses representing frontal, lateral, and rear-end impacts, is verified using experimental data derived from sled acceleration tests with human volunteers for 15 g frontal and 7 g lateral impacts and from isolated cervical spine specimen tests for rear-end impacts. Response corridors based on sled acceleration tests with human volunteers for frontal and lateral impacts are used to evaluate the model and investigate the effect of muscle activation on the head-neck motion. Firstly, the impacts are simulated with both passive and active muscle behaviour. Secondly, the local loads in the soft-tissue elements during the frontal impact are analysed. For rear-end impact simulation experiments using ligamentous isolated cervical spine specimens are used to evaluate the model performance before investigating the effects of muscle tensioning.

Good agreement with human volunteer response corridors resulting from frontal and lateral impacts, and isolated cervical spine specimen sled test rear-end impact experiments is demonstrated for the model, highlighting the important role the muscles of the neck play in the head-neck response to acceleration impacts. The model is shown to be able to predict the loads and deformations of the cervical spine components making it suitable for injury analysis.
A study of commercial vehicle brake judder transmission using multi-body dynamic analysis
Authors: Hussain K , Yang S H , Day A
Published: June 2007

Braking-induced forced vibration, known as brake judder in road vehicles, causes dissatisfaction to drivers and passengers and also damage and possible early failure in components and systems. In this paper, the transmission of judder vibration from the point of generation (the brake friction pair) through the vehicle structure to the driver is investigated for the particular case of a heavy commercial vehicle. The investigation uses a computer simulation multi-body dynamic model based on the automatic dynamic analysis of mechanical systems software to identify any characteristics of the vehicle suspension design that might influence the vibration transmission from the wheel to the driver.

The model uses a simplified rigid chassis and cab to lump the chassis parameters, so that the investigation can focus on the front axle/suspension design, which is a beam axle leaf spring arrangement, and the rear axle/suspension assembly, which is a tandem axle bogie design. Results from the modelling indicate that brake judder vibration is transmitted to the chassis of the vehicle through a leaf spring ‘wind-up’ mode and a ‘walking’ mode associated with the rear tandem axle. Of particular interest is the longitudinal vibration transmitted through the chassis, since this creates a direct vibration transmission path to the cab and driver. The simulation results were compared with the previously published experimental work on the same design of commercial vehicle, and agreement between the predicted and the measured vibration characteristics and frequencies was found.

It is concluded that the rear suspension design parameters could affect the transmission of brake judder vibration to the cab and driver and that a tandem rear axle offers some design opportunity to control the transmission of brake judder vibrations from the wheel to the cab and driver. Given that brake judder has so far defied all attempts to eliminate completely from vehicle brake systems, this is potentially an important opportunity.
Real-time multi-body formulation for virtual-reality-based design and evaluation of automobile controllers
Authors: Naya M A , Dopico D , Perez J A , Cuadrado J
Published: June 2007

Nowadays, modelling and simulation of vehicle dynamics play a great role in the design and evaluation of vehicle control systems, as they reduce costly and time-consuming construction of prototypes and experimentation. Multi-body simulation can be used for controller design, tuning and testing of electronic control units, optimum control, or onboard devices providing driver advice and/or actuation.

This article reports on the application of a robust real-time formulation to the development of a low-cost and efficient computational framework for the design and evaluation of automobile motion controllers. The core elements of the tool are the real-time formalism for the dynamics of multi-body systems, a virtual-reality (VR) interface for human-in-the-loop simulation, and Matlab for the controllers.

A detailed model of an existing prototype car has been implemented in the Fortran language, and controllers have been designed for several purposes, in order to test the developed framework. It has been demonstrated that the dynamic formalism is fast enough to enable human-in-the-loop simulation, that the VR interface is of great help for both control design and evaluation, and that Matlab algorithms can be efficiently connected to the Fortran computational model of the car.
Color Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging of Protein Microdot Arrays
Authors: Shen Gangyi , Han Zhiqiang , Liu Wei , Chen Yi
Published: June 2007

A novel method for readout of protein microdot arrays was presented by using a laboratory-built color SPR imaging system which used multiwavelength light as an excitation source and color CCD as an image detector. True color images were directly recorded from IgG microdot arrays. At the incident angles of 44–47°, the colors complementary to the resonance absorption were recorded, depending on the concentration of IgG between 0.05 and 1.00 mg/mL, which indicates that the color signals contain both qualitative and quantitative information.
Cation-exchange Resin as Efficient, Cost-effective and Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3-Propargylindoles
Authors: Yadav J S , Reddy B V Subba , Kumar G G K S Narayana , Rao K V Raghavendra
Published: June 2007

Indoles undergo smooth alkylation with propargylic acetates in the presence of Amberlyst A-15® under mild conditions to produce 3-propargylated indoles in excellent yields with high selectivity. This is the first example for the alkylation of indoles with propargylic acetates using the acid catalyst.
Interface-initiated Emulsion Polymerization: Synthesis of Hollow Sphere with a Hole in the Shell
Authors: Chen Yun , Qian Zhen , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: June 2007

The polystyrene (PSt) hollow spheres with a hole in the shell can be successfully prepared by interface-initiated emulsion polymerization in the presence of isooctane. The results indicated that the St/isooctane ratio had a great influence on the final morphology and divinylbenzene (DVB) disadvantaged the form of the hollow structure.
Chronic Respiratory Disease in A Caesarian-Derived and a Conventional Rat Colony
Authors: Bell Deirdre P.
Published: June 2007

Summary

Lungs of rats kept under conventional conditions are histologically distinguishable from those of rats of a caesarian-derived colony after the age of about 5 weeks. The lungs of rats from this caesarian-derived colony, which has been maintained by a simple and inexpensive technique for seven years, are free from chronic respiratory disease.
The Care and Management of Laboratory Hystricomorph Rodents
Authors: Weir Barbara J.
Published: June 2007

Summary

The caging, feeding and handling of four unusual laboratory hystricomorph rodents is described. These rodents are: the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger), the agouti (Dasyprocta aguti), the acouchi (Myoprocta pratti), and the African porcupine (Hystrix cristatd). The animals were kept for study of their reproduction and some details of this are given.
A Germ-Free Isolator for Surgery in Mice
Authors: Cook R. , Tuffrey Maureen , Barnes R. D.
Published: June 2007

A description is given of an isolator available for experimental surgical procedures in mice and for the subsequent maintenance of these animals in the germ-free state.
Genetic Control of the Reaction to Histamine in Mice after Sensitization with Pertussis Vaccine
Authors: Brown Annie M. , Wallace Margaret E.
Published: June 2007

A genetic investigation has been made to find evidence for a single major gene controlling the reaction of mice to histamine after sensitization with pertussis vaccine. Two inbred mouse strains were chosen: A2G/Lac, which is very insensitive, and C57BR/cd, which is very sensitive. Mice of these strains, and of their F1, F2 and reciprocal backcross progenies, were used to elucidate the genetic segregation. The method depends on the selective sensitivity of the F1 mice to the dilution of the sensitizing vaccine. The results point towards the control of reactivity to histamine by a single major locus, and to a loose association of non-sensitivity with the albino gene. A method is outlined for testing that this association is due to linkage in group I. A comparison is made between this reaction and the anaphylactoid reaction in rats, and suggestions are made for its use in the furtherance of the understanding of allergy and anaphylaxis.
Congenital Abnormalities Occurring in a Beagle Breeding Colony
Authors: Smith G. K. A. , Scammell L. P.
Published: June 2007

The recorded history of a beagle breeding colony, showing the number and types of congenital abnormality, occurring over an eight-year period, is described. Particular reference is made to some 1 500 progeny, representing five generations related to a single stud dog, in which a higher proportion of abnormalities occurred than in the rest of the colony.
Granular-Cell Myoblastoma of the Pituitary Gland in an Old Rat: A Case Report
Authors: Swaen G. J. V. , Becker A. E.
Published: June 2007

A case report is given of a granular-cell myoblastoma of the pituitary gland in a 34-month-old male rat.
Viruses Transmissible from Laboratory Animals to Man
Authors: Tobin J. O'h.
Published: June 2007

In a short review of the virus diseases capable of being transmitted from laboratory animals to man, it is possible to discuss only a few of the many agents to which attention will be drawn. Both those viruses that occur naturally in these animals, and those of danger when introduced experimentally, will be mentioned.
Handling Methods for Wild House Mice and Wild Rats
Authors: Evans C. S. , Smart J. L. , Stoddart R. C.
Published: June 2007

Handling methods are described for wild house mice (Mus musculus) and wild rats (Rattus spp.) in the laboratory. The simple equipment used is described in detail.
The vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus): improved methods of laboratory care and handling
Authors: Dickson Janet M. , Green D. G.
Published: June 2007

A system for care and maintenance of the common vampire bat in captivity is reported, which results in easy handling and a thriving breeding colony. A method for anaesthetising bats and collecting saliva is described.
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis in a rat
Authors: Mawdesley-Thomas L. E. , Hague P. H.
Published: June 2007

A relatively rare tumour of a coelomic surface in an old rat, a bilateral papillary mesothelioma, is described. The histology is considered in detail and the diagnosis discussed in relation to similar tumours described in man. Its similarity to a lesion seen in the uterus of an oestrogen-treated dog is noted.
Mass culture of hydra: an improved method and its application to other aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Lenhoff Howard M. , Brown Ray DuBois
Published: June 2007

Virtually unlimited numbers of hydra can be grown under precise conditions in the laboratory with relative ease. Artemia cysts must be treated to remove gross contamination before hatching the nauplii to be used as the food of hydra. Large volumes of a variety of chemically defined culture solutions should be prepared. A particular regimen of animal care especially devised for aquatic invertebrates must be adhered to. General requirements for, and the advantages of, laboratory cultivation of aquatic invertebrates are discussed.
Determination of age in monkeys (Macaca irus) on the basis of dental development
Authors: Bowen W. H. , Koch G.
Published: June 2007

By using clinical observation of the sequence and timing of tooth eruption, together with radiological examination of particular areas of the jaw, it is possible to estimate accurately the age of monkeys of the species Macaca irus whose date of birth is unknown. A chart has been prepared to facilitate this.
A simplified metabolism cage and tail cup for young rats
Authors: Frape D. L. , Wilkinson J. , Chubb L. G.
Published: June 2007

A description is given of an inexpensive metabolism cage, in which powdered diets can be fed without measurable loss.

Coprophagy is completely eliminated in rats fitted with a new design of tail cup, and in this way total collections of faeces and urine are readily achieved. Cups of a similar design have been fitted both to young male and to adult female rats, and use over periods of several weeks has revealed no ill effects. Reproducible estimates of dietary protein quality have been obtained with collection periods as short as 48 to 96 hours, and growth rates are quite good in adequately and uniformly heated rooms.
Breeding and growth of laboratory mice in darkness
Authors: Stoddart R. C.
Published: June 2007

A2G/Tb and AKR/Man mice bred in darkness tended to have fewer young than controls kept on a 12-hour light/dark cycle. Body weights and lengths, and the weights of adrenals, spleen and gonads, were unaffected. There was evidence of longer tails in the dark.
Secular changes in the behaviour and bodyweights of inbred mice
Authors: Barnett S. A. , Smart J. L.
Published: June 2007

A change in behaviour and in bodyweight, probably due to mutation, was observed in a stock of C57BL/Tb mice between 1962 and 1966. C57BL mice are genetically unstable, and therefore unsuitable for certain kinds of long-term experiments.
Preparation and maintenance of gastric-fistula cats
Authors: Heathcote B. V. , Adams S. S.
Published: June 2007

The preparation of the gastric-fistula cat, including details of the design of the cannula and restraining slings, is described. Information about the training and selection of suitable animals, and their housing and diet, is presented. The problems of the long-term use and maintenance of a colony of these animals over a 7-year period are discussed and details of colony losses over this time given. The main health problem was the occurrence of a subcutaneous infection, radiating from the base of the cannula, which was due to a benzylpenicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Reproductive performance in a cat colony over a 10-year period
Authors: Robinson Roy , Cox H. W.
Published: June 2007

Various aspects of reproductive performance in a cat colony are analysed in order to provide a basis for future studies. The aspects considered are: effect of mortality on litter size at different stages, and differential effect of losses on sex ratio of kittens reared; trend in litter size for successive parities; monthly variation in frequency of litters and litter size; output of kittens per queen per year.

The sex ratio for live kittens was found to be 99.3 males per 100 females. Significant lower sex ratios of 65.6 and 79.7 were found in stillborn and in kittens which died between birth and weaning respectively. The mean litter size was 4.20 born (4.07 after deducting stillbirths), 3.65 at weaning. An inverse relation was found between incidence of stillbirths and subsequent loss before weaning. The mortality rate in each case was 1.5 kittens per affected litter. The mean litter size was smaller for the first litter but then increased to a constant 'plateau' until almost the end of the queen's reproductive life. Litters were produced throughout the year, but with greater frequency in the early spring months and again in the late summer. Litter size was greater in the summer months. Kitten mortality was lower in the summer than in the winter. A mean of 10.8 kittens were born per queen per year, and the mean number weaned was 9.4, representing a survival rate of 87 per cent.
A technique for intubation and repeated short-duration anaesthesia in the rat
Authors: Medd R. K. , Heywood R.
Published: June 2007

A method for intubation of the rat under methohexital sodium anaesthesia is described, indicating dose rates. The technique is practicable for daily repetition and the results are recorded from over 1 100 anaesthetisations.
Seizure resistance in albino gerbils
Authors: Robbins Michael E. C.
Published: June 2007

Albino gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus) and their agouti litter mates were tested once per week for 10-16 weeks for spontaneous epileptiform seizures when transferred to a novel environment. Only 16% of the albinos had seizures compared with 41% among the agoutis ( P<0·05).
A naturally acquired infection of laboratory mice with Klebsiella Capsule type 6
Authors: Schneemilch Helen D.
Published: June 2007

An epizootic causing high morbidity and high mortality in Swiss White and Nude mice over a period of 3 weeks was caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae Capsule type 6, which is considered to be nonpathogenic for mice. Experimental inoculation of this organism into laboratory animals caused death within 36 hours, further substantiating its virulence.
The distribution of enzymes in the skin of the domestic pig
Authors: Meyer W. , Neurand K.
Published: June 2007

On the basis of enzyme histochemical methods, the distribution and the activities of various enzymes in the skin of the domestic pig were investigated. The results are discussed in connection with the importance of the domestic pig as an experimental animal for dermatological research.
An NZB virus or NZB mice with viral infections?
Authors: Simpson L. O.
Published: June 2007

Evidence for and against the possibility that the autoimmune disease of NZB mice has a viral aetiology is presented. It is considered that the case for a viral aetiology is unproven, although the possibility exists that virus may be present in incomplete form. Widely varying experimental results can be expected in experiments involving NZB mice until acceptable standards of mouse strain definition are laid down. Thus the comparison of results obtained from studies of NZB mice of diverse origin may invite misleading conclusions.
Some parasites and other organisms of wild rodents in the vicinity of an SPF unit
Authors: Owen Dawn
Published: June 2007

80 Rattus norvegicus and 63 Mus musculus caught near the Laboratory Animals Centre, were examined for parasites and other organisms: 32 parasite species were found and 2 species of Mycoplasma. A small number of individuals were tested and found positive serologically for species of Leptospira.
The ethics of two- and one-sided hypothesis tests for clinical trials
Authors: Owen A
Published: June 2007

In medical research, hypothesis tests are used to determine if a novel treatment is efficacious in comparison to a control treatment. Traditionally two-sided tests are recommended and one-sided tests are not. In this review the arguments for two- and one-sided tests are presented. It is argued that in many applications one-sided tests are appropriate and that two-sided tests may expose research subjects to unnecessary risk, and are therefore unethical.
Dilemmas in dispensing, problems in practice? Ethical issues and law in UK community pharmacy
Authors: Cooper R J , Bissell P , Wingfield J
Published: June 2007

Do UK community pharmacists encounter the high drama dilemmas of the medical ethics literature or is a 'morality of the mundane' more appropriate? This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study that asked a sample of UK pharmacists to describe their ethical issues and to establish whether these were ethical dilemmas as understood philosophically or ethical problems of a more legal or emotional nature. It emerged that although many pharmacists referred to 'dilemmas', these were often problems involving a conflict between an ethical value and a legal or procedural issue and often arose in the routine minutiae of dispensing prescriptions and selling medicines. Such ethical problems remained of concern for pharmacists and the commercial environment, corporate pharmacy ownership and pharmacists' subordination to doctors, all precipitated ethical problems. Law and ethics appeared to be understood synonymously but this may reflect a modernity that increasingly brackets out ethical experiences by encouraging reliance upon law and procedure.
A systematic approach to clinical moral reasoning
Authors: Rhodes Rosamond , Alfandre David
Published: June 2007

Because the process of moving from moral principles and facts to action-guiding moral conclusions has not been articulated clearly enough to be useful in a practical way, we designed a systematic approach to aid learners and clinicians in their application of ethical principles to the resolution of clinical dilemmas. Our model for clinical moral reasoning is intended to provide a clear and replicable structure that makes the thought process involved in reasoning about clinical cases explicit. In this paper we present the model and demonstrate how it can be used in three clinical cases.
The Footbridge over the River Adige at Legnago in Italy Part 2: The Assessment of Human-Induced Vibrations
Authors: Bullo Sandra , Marco Roberto Di
Published: June 2007

Pedestrian bridges are usually characterised by moderate dead loads and high deformability; such conditions make them particularly sensitive to dynamic loads, which can induce significant vibrations.

The footbridge over River Adige in Legnago (Northern Italy) is a triangulated space-lattice truss made using steel tubes; after its construction, the structure proved to be particularly sensitive to horizontal actions, that can produce an oscillation involving lateral translation and the deck torsion on its longitudinal axis.

The effectiveness of the stiffening work - carried out in order to reduce such movements — has been assessed through analyses that were able to reveal the structure's response to dynamic loads, such as those induced by pedestrian traffic.

In particular, the study was broken down into two successive analyses, following the current procedures for vibration control in similar structures. A modal analysis for the evaluation of natural frequencies and mode shapes (with experimental tests for validation) — constituting the first part of the work [1] — enabled us to verify whether the structure's natural frequencies are included within the typical frequencies range of human-induced dynamic load; and a dynamic analysis — whose outcome is illustrated below - aimed to assess the entity of the vibrations and maximum accelerations due to the transit of one or more pedestrians, with view to verify the emergence of uncomfortable conditions for the users.
A Flow/Acoustics Interaction Method for the Prediction of Sound Propagation
Authors: Kallinderis Yannis , Manolesos Marinos , Menounou P.
Published: June 2007

Traditional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods face accuracy and computing expense problems when dealing with aeroacoustic applications. A new formulation of the governing equations of inviscid compressible flow suitable for aeroacoustic simulations is presented. The flow variables of the Euler equations are split into a compressible unsteady flow part and an acoustics part making the assumption that the propagation of sound does not affect the flow field. Separate systems of equations, which allow for the unsteady interaction between the flow and acoustic fields, are obtained. These equations are solved using a simple, low order and low cost numerical scheme. The superior capability to resolve the sound field compared to a traditional CFD method is shown. For the evaluation of the method, an acoustic diffraction problem is solved and Flow/Acoustics Interaction Method results are compared to the linear analytical solution. The method captures the dynamic interaction between the flow and acoustic fields.