bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI scores of ankle joints in children with haemophilia – comparison with clinical data
Authors: Lundin B. , Ljung R. , Pettersson H. ,   The European Paediatric Network for Haemophilia Management (PEDNET)
Published: March 2005

Summary.  Fifty‐six ankle joints in 38 haemophilic boys were investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the findings were classified according to both the Denver‐ and the European scoring schemes. The different MRI scores were compared with each other and with clinical data on number of joint bleeds and the orthopaedic joint score. MRI changes that were more advanced than a small effusion were found in 33 (59%) of the ankles and osteochondral changes were observed in 20 (36%). The total number of bleeds in individual ankles ranged from 0 to 80 (mean: 11). The orthopaedic joint score was 0 for 49 ankles and ranged from one to four for seven ankles. There was a significant and strong correlation between the assessment results obtained with the two MRI scoring methods (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.95, P < 0.001), and both types of MRI scores were weakly but significantly correlated with the clinical data on the number of joint bleeds and the orthopaedic joint score (correlation coefficients: 0.32–0.39, P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). MRI is useful for evaluating early joint changes in patients with haemophilia. The European scoring method differentiates the arthropathic changes further than the Denver scale does, but the two different scoring methods have similar correlation to the number of joint bleeds and the orthopaedic joint score.
Dose effect and efficacy of rFVIIa in the treatment of haemophilia patients with inhibitors: analysis from the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Research Society Registry
Authors: Parameswaran R. , Shapiro A. D. , Gill J. C. , Kessler C. M. ,   HTRS Registry Investigators
Published: March 2005

Summary. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa), licensed in 1999 for treatment of haemophilia patients with inhibitors (HI), represents an important advance in the therapeutic armamentarium. Standard bolus dosing ranges from 90 to 120 mcg kg−1every 2–3 h until arrest of bleeding. As licensure, clinical use of rFVIIa has increased and broadened. Clinicians now use a wide dose range, 90–300 mcg kg−1. High‐dose regimens may optimize thrombin generation or burst, and may allow for prolonged dose interval. The Hemophilia and Thrombosis Research Society (HTRS) maintains a registry database to study haemophilia treatment and related disorders, particularly treatment of acute bleeding in HI, acquired haemophilia, FVII deficiency and von Willebrand's disease (VWD). To assess the effect of rFVIIa dose on efficacy and safety in the treatment of acute bleeding in HI, data from the HTRS database from January 2000 through June 2002 were analysed. Bleeding episodes were grouped by bolus rFVIIa dose range: <100, 100–150, 150–200 and >200 mcg kg−1. Investigator‐reported efficacy for the first 72 h of treatment was evaluated. Thirty‐eight congenital HI patients were treated for 555 bleeding episodes. Patient age range was 1–55 years (median: 14). Bleeding episodes were spontaneous (45%), caused by trauma (38%), or because of surgery, dental, diagnostic, or medical procedures (17%); bleeding occurred in joint, muscle, and intra/extracranial sites. Treatment location included: 80% at home, 12% at other facilities (treatment centres, ER, inpatient and OR), and 8% at both home/other facilities. Median total dose given over 72 h was 360 mcg kg−1(range: 40–4281, mean: 537). Bleeding stopped in 87% of the episodes. Bleeding cessation rate was 84% for the three lower dose groups, and 97% for the highest dose group (P < 0.001). Five patients experienced nine adverse events (AEs). AE rates were <1% for <100, 5% for 100–150, 0% for 150–200, <1% for >200 mcg kg−1dose group. Decreased therapeutic response accounted for eight of the nine AEs. These data, which represent the most comprehensive report of rFVIIa use since the USA licensure, demonstrate that bleeding episodes in HI patients can be treated safely and effectively at home and that doses up to 346 mcg kg−1appear to be well‐tolerated. Additionally, rFVIIa doses >200 mcg kg−1appear to significantly increase efficacy (97% in the high‐dose group, compared with 84% in the lower dose groups). Optimal dosing remains to be determined; specifically, what the lowest effective dose is and whether a single high‐dose bolus eliminates the need for repeated dosing. Recombinant FVIIa appears to have a wide safety margin that may allow dose escalation to address these questions.
The use of recombinant factor VIIa for bleeding in paediatric practice
Authors: Millar C. G. , Stringer M. D. , Sugarman I. , Richards M.
Published: March 2005

Summary.  Recombinant factor VIIa is licensed for use in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors. More recently it has been used as an unlicensed product in adults for the treatment of life threatening bleeding. However, its use in paediatric practice has been limited. We describe a series of patients from one paediatric centre, where recombinant factor VIIa has been used when conventional treatment has failed to achieve haemostasis.
Acquired factor VIII inhibitor presenting as macular haemorrhage
Authors: Hon C. , Liu H. , Chan J.
Published: March 2005

Summary.  We report a rare case of idiopathic acquired factor VIII inhibitor in an 80‐year old Chinese man presented as sudden onset of monocular blindness because of macular haemorrhage. This was complicated by painful glaucoma that did not respond to medical treatment. The patient died of cerebral haemorrhage shortly afterwards. Most cases of reported intraocular bleeding in acquired haemophiliacs are iatrogenic because of intraocular operations in undiagnosed cases, and spontaneous intraocular haemorrhage has never been reported. The literature reports of intraocular bleeding in hereditary and acquired haemophilia cases are summarized.
SARS: caring for patients in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Betty Pui Man , Wong Thomas Kwok Shing , Suen Esther Suk Bing , Chung Joanne Wai Yee
Published: March 2005

Aim and objective.  To explore in depth the experiences of nurses' caring for SARS patients in Hong Kong.

Background.  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) dramatically demonstrates the global havoc that can be wreaked by a newly emerging infectious disease. The current literature either has a predominantly biomedical focus or deals with the psychological impact on healthcare workers. Published studies on the lived experience of nurses caring for SARS patients are currently lacking.

Design.  A phenomenological design.

Methods.  Using methods consistent with Husserl's philosophy, eight Registered Nurses working in three regional hospitals in Hong Kong were invited to participate in sharing their lived experience of caring for SARS patients and data were analysed using Colaizzi's approach.

Results.  The three major themes explicated were: the various emotions experienced in caring for SARS patients, the concept of uncertainty and revisiting the ‘taken for granted’ features of nursing.

Conclusion.  These themes, when taken together, describe the essence of the voyage undertaken by nurses who cared for SARS patients during the outbreak. The findings of this study indicate that extensive and ongoing support is needed to prepare and enable nurses to care for SARS patients during a crisis and make it easier for nurses to deal with the various uncertainties.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The essence of caring for SARS patients is highlighted in this study. The experience of caring for SARS patients prompts nurses to find meaning in their experience(s), and to develop knowledge and attitudes on how best to care for patients and prepare for a new crisis in the future. This paper considers a more in‐depth understanding of the lived experience of nurses during the crisis and the relevance of this perspective for education and support of nurses.
Evaluation of drug therapy and risk factors in diabetic hypertensives: a study of the quality of care provided in diabetic clinics in Bahrain*
Authors: Al Khaja Khalid A. Jassim , P. Sequeira Reginald , Damanhori Awatif H. H.
Published: March 2005

Objective  To evaluate control of blood pressure (BP) and diabetes and the associated risk factors in diabetic hypertensives treated by diabetic clinic primary care physicians.

Methods  A retrospective analysis of the medical records of diabetic hypertensives from six primary care diabetic clinics in Bahrain.

Results  The recommended BP target <130/<85 mmHg and of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) <7% were achieved in 7.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Most of the patients with uncontrolled BP and HbA1C were at high cardiovascular risk. More patients were on antihypertensive monotherapy than on combination therapy (60.6% vs. 36.7%; P < 0.0001). The recommended two‐ and three‐antihypertensive drug combinations were less often prescribed. In high‐risk patients glycaemic control achieved was poor: antidiabetic combination therapy vs. monotherapy did not significantly differ. Inappropriate prescribing practices, such as the use of immediate‐release nifedipine monotherapy, use of sulphonylurea instead of metformin in obese patients, and a trend towards prescribing of glyburide rather than a gliclazide in the elderly, were observed. Lipid‐lowering (13.5%) and antiplatelet (12.8%) drugs were infrequently prescribed.

Conclusions  Hypertension and diabetes in patients treated at the primary care diabetic clinics were inadequately controlled. In several instances, mono‐ and combination antihypertensives prescribed were irrational. Lipid‐lowering and platelet aggregation inhibition strategies have received little attention. Intensive antihypertensive and antidiabetic complementary combination therapy should be encouraged. Continuous professional education of diabetic clinic physicians and expert‐supervised diabetic clinics are desirable.
Arabidopsis AtcwINV3 and 6 are not invertases but are fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) with different substrate specificities
Authors: DE CONINCK BARBARA , LE ROY KATRIEN , FRANCIS ISOLDE , CLERENS STEFAN , VERGAUWEN RUDY , HALLIDAY AILEEN M. , SMITH STEVEN M. , VAN LAERE ANDRÉ , VAN DEN ENDE WIM
Published: March 2005

The genome of Arabidopsis thaliana contains six putative cell‐wall type invertase genes (AtcwINV1‐6). Heterologous expression of AtcwINV1, 3 and 6 cDNAs in Pichia pastoris revealed that the enzymes encoded by AtcwINV3 and 6 did not show invertase activity. Instead, AtcwINV3 is a 6‐FEH and AtcwINV6 is a fructan exohydrolase (FEH) that can degrade both inulin and levan‐type fructans. For AtcwINV6 it is proposed to use the term (6&1) FEH. In contrast, AtcwINV1 is a typical invertase. FEH activity was also detected in crude extracts of different parts of Arabidopsis. To verify that the FEH activity of AtcwINV3 and 6 were not artefacts of the heterologous expression system, the protein corresponding to AtcwINV3 was isolated from whole Arabidopsis plants and indeed showed only 6‐FEH activity and no invertase activity. Although no fructans can be detected in Arabidopsis plants, it is shown that kestoses (trimers) can be synthesized in crude leaf extracts. The putative physiological significance of FEH in so‐called non‐fructan plants is discussed.
Sensitivity of Laminariales zoospores from Helgoland (North Sea) to ultraviolet and photosynthetically active radiation: implications for depth distribution and seasonal reproduction
Authors: ROLEDA M. Y. , WIENCKE C. , HANELT D. , VAN DE POLL W. H. , GRUBER A.
Published: March 2005

Depth distribution of kelp species in Helgoland (North Sea) is characterized by occurrence of Laminaria digitata in the upper sublittoral, whereas L. saccharina and L. hyperborea dominate the mid and lower sublittoral region. Laminaria digitata is fertile in summer whereas both other species are fertile in autumn/winter. To determine the light sensitivity of the propagules, zoospores of L. digitata, L. saccharina and L. hyperborea were exposed in the laboratory to different exposure times of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm), PAR + UVA radiation (UVAR; 320–400 nm) and PAR + UVAR + UVB radiation (UVBR; 280–320 nm). Optimum quantum yield of PSII and DNA damage were measured after exposure. Subsequently, recovery of photosynthetic efficiency and DNA damage repair, as well as germination rate were measured after 2 and 3 d cultivation in dim white light. Photosynthetic efficiency of all species was photoinhibited already at 20 µmol photons m−2 s−1 PAR, whereas UV radiation (UVR) had a significant additional effect on photoinhibition. Recovery of the PSII function was observed in all species but not in spores exposed to irradiation longer than 4 h of PAR + UVA + UVB and 8 h of PAR + UVA. The amount of UVB‐induced DNA damage measured as cyclobutane–pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) increased with exposure time and highest damage was detected in the spores of lower subtidal L. hyperborea relative to the other two species. Significant removal of CPDs indicating repair of DNA damage was observed in all species after 2 d in low white light especially in the spores of upper subtidal L. digitata. Therefore, efficient DNA damage repair and recovery of PSII damage contributed to the germination success but not in spores exposed to 16 h of UVBR. UV absorption of zoospore suspension in L. digitata is based both on the absorption by the zoospores itself as well as by exudates in the medium. In contrast, the absorption of the zoospore suspension in L. saccharina and L. hyperborea is based predominantly on the absorption by the exudates in the medium. This study indicates that UVR sensitivity of zoospores is related to the seasonal zoospore production as well as the vertical distribution pattern of the large sporophytes.
Long‐term hydraulic acclimation to soil texture and radiation load in cotton
Authors: LI YAN , XU HAO , COHEN SHABTAI
Published: March 2005

The concept of root contact hypothesizes that the absorbing roots grown in sandy soil are only partially effective in water uptake. Co‐ordination of water supply and demand in the plant requires that the capacity for water uptake from the soil should correspond to an operational rate of water loss from the leaves. To examine how the plant hydraulic system responds to variations in soil texture or evaporative demand through long‐term acclimation, an experiment was carried on cotton plants (Gossypium herbaceum L.), where three grades of soil texture and three grades of evaporative demand were applied for the whole life cycle of the plants. Plants were harvested 50 and 90 d (fully grown) after sowing and root length and leaf area measured. At 90 d hydraulic conductance was measured as the ratio of sap flow (measured with sap flow sensors or gravimetrically) and water potential. Results showed that for plants grown at the same evaporative demand, those in sandy soil, where root‐specific hydraulic conductance was low, developed more absorbing roots than those grown in heavy‐textured soil, where root specific conductance was high. This resulted in the same leaf specific hydraulic conductance (1.8 × 10−4 kg s−1 Mpa−1 m−2) for all three soils. For plants grown in the same sandy soil, those subjected to strong evaporative demand developed more absorbing roots and higher leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance than those grown under mild evaporative demand. It is concluded that when soil texture or atmospheric evaporative demand varies, plants co‐ordinate their capacities for liquid phase and vapour phase water transport through long‐term acclimation of the hydraulic system, or plastic morphological adaptation of the root/leaf ratio.
Effects of draught load exercise and training on calcium homeostasis in horses
Authors: Vervuert I. , Coenen M. , Zamhöfer J.
Published: March 2005

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of draught load exercise on calcium (Ca) homeostasis in young horses. Five 2‐year‐old untrained Standardbred horses were studied in a 4‐month training programme. All exercise workouts were performed on a treadmill at a 6% incline and with a constant draught load of 40 kg (0.44 kN). The training programme started with a standardized exercise test (SET 1; six incremental steps of 5 min duration each, first step 1.38 m/s, stepwise increase by 0.56 m/s). A training programme was then initiated which consisted of low‐speed exercise sessions (LSE; constant velocity at 1.67 m/s for 60 min, 48 training sessions in total). After the 16th and 48th LSE sessions, SETs (SET 2: middle of training period, SET 3: finishing training period) were performed again under the identical test protocol of SET 1. Blood samples for blood lactate, plasma total Ca, blood ionized calcium (Ca2+), blood pH, plasma inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and plasma intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) were collected before, during and after SETs, and before and after the first, 16th, 32nd and 48th LSE sessions. During SETs there was a decrease in ionized Ca2+and a rise in lactate, Piand intact PTH. The LSEs resulted in an increase in pH and Pi, whereas lactate, ionized Ca2+, total Ca and intact PTH were not affected. No changes in Ca metabolism were detected in the course of training. Results of this study suggest that the type of exercise influences Ca homeostasis and intact PTH response, but that these effects are not influenced in the course of the training period.
Investigations on the effects of Ca‐soap of linseed oil on rumen fermentation in sheep and on milk composition of goats
Authors: Cenkvári É. , Fekete S. , Fébel H. , Veresegyházi T. , Andrásofszky E.
Published: March 2005

Six rumen‐cannulated wethers were fed by a diet composed of alfalfa hay and concentrate and supplemented by 75 g Ca‐soap of linseed oil (5.4% in dry matter, DM) daily. A model trial was performed to detect the effects of the Ca‐soap on rumen fermentation parameters and on fibre digestion. Approximately 3 h after feeding Ca‐soap, ratio of C2:C3 decreased (from 4.33 to 4.02) and the production of i‐ and n‐butyrate and i‐ and n‐valeriate increased by 28, 5.3, 11.76% and 6.80% respectively. Total volatile fatty acid concentration in rumen fluid did not change (126.1 vs. 126.4 mm) as a result of Ca‐soap supplementation. The in vitro trial showed no detrimental influence of Ca‐soap on the acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradation. Using feed samples containing Ca‐soap to be incubated in tubes, ADF digestion proved to be significantly higher (p < 0.001). Approximately 14 goats (Saanen breed, 30–70 days in lactation) were used to test the effects of Ca‐soap on milk composition. Their ration contained alfalfa hay, millet straw and a concentrate. In the experimental group (seven goats) the diet was supplemented with Ca‐soap of linseed oil (75 g/animal/day). The milk composition was changed (slightly reduced solid content, sometimes significantly reduced milk fat contents), when Ca‐soap was included in the diet of lactating goats.
Effects of different phosphorus sources in the diet on bone composition and stability (breaking strength) in broilers
Authors: Hemme A. , Spark M. , Wolf P. , Paschertz H. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2005

In two fattening trials (in each 100 broilers kept in four groups with 25 animals) as well as in a balance trial (four groups with four broilers in a group) the effects of inorganic phosphorus sources [monocalcium phosphate (MCP), dicalcium phosphate (dihydrate; DCP) and defluorinated phosphate (DFP)] in broiler diets were examined. The four diets contained up to 9 g calcium and 6 g phosphorus per kg and comparable energy and nutrient contents. Controls were fed a commercial diet with Ca‐Na‐phosphate as inorganic phosphorus source supplemented by phytase. In both fattening trials body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion were proved as well as the calcium and phosphorus levels in serum, the breaking strength of tibia or humerus and the femur mineralization (ash content in the fat free dry matter). Furthermore, in the balance trial the retention of calcium and phosphorus was determined by calculation (intake minus excretion) as well as by analysis of body composition. On a high performance level (that was only slightly influenced by the different treatments), the addition of DFP resulted in significantly reduced phosphorus availability (estimated by analysis of the whole carcass: control/MCP/DCP/DFP: 48.6/46.0/45.7/35.5%). The significantly reduced phosphorus level in serum (1.77 ± 0.20/1.77 ± 0.24/1.73 ± 0.28 1.34 ± 0.33 mmol/l) indicates the lower phosphorus retention in broilers given DFP. Furthermore, the crude ash content (582 ± 17.6/580 ± 18.6/563 ± 15.2/547 ± 29.7 g/kg fat free DM) and the breaking strength of bones (in right tibia in trial 2: 232 ± 82.4/227 ± 51.5/232 ± 41.7/196 ± 655 N) were lowest when given DFP. For diagnostic purposes it is of special interest that the phosphorus levels in the serum reflected markedly the different concentrations of available phosphorus in the diet.
Experiments to optimize enzyme substitution therapy in pancreatic duct‐ligated pigs
Authors: Kammlott E. , Karthoff J. , Stemme K. , Gregory P. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2005

Ligation of the pancreatic duct in pigs leads to severe maldigestion and malabsorption of crude nutrients. Supplementation with 24 capsules of Creon® (Solvay Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Hannover, Germany) per meal led to an increased digestibility of crude nutrients. With regard to optimization of the treatment of EPI no essential improvements can be achieved by adding omeprazol or lecithin to the diet. In pancreatic duct‐ligated pigs the isolated addition of omeprazol led to an increase of the pre‐caecal digestibility of crude fat and organic matter. With additional enzyme substitution, the application of omeprazol did not result in an improved fat digestibility. Isolated addition of lecithin to the diet resulted in a reduced total digestibility of crude fat. Offering the diet twice a day and using a higher frequency of enzyme applications (four or six instead of only two applications) had no effects on the digestibilty of crude fat or organic matter. According to the observations in pancreatic duct‐ligated pigs, the addition of missing enzymes to the diet led to the best treatment results in EPI. Administration of omeprazol or a higher feeding frequency as well as the application of enzymes in small proportion of the whole meal or dosages given consecutively over the day showed no advantages. Furthermore, the present study suggests that the addition of lecithin cannot be recommended in EPI, when given diets with butter as the predominant fat source as in human dietetics.
Carry over (transfer) of feed‐borne acrylamide into eggs, muscle, serum, and faeces – a pilot study with Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Kienzle E. , Ranz D. , Thielen C. , Jezussek M. , Schieberle P.
Published: March 2005

Two groups of 10 quails each were fed for 30 days on a diet containing either 663 μg feed‐borne acrylamide (AA)/kg feed (group B) or 2472 μg AA/kg feed (group C) respectively. The concentrations of AA present in excreta and eggs were compared with those measured in eggs and excreta obtained from a control group (group A) fed on a diet low in AA (<10 μg/kg). The results clearly showed that the eggs of quails in group C contained approximately 53–112 μg AA/kg based on dry weight, while eggs collected from group A did not contain AA (limit of detection in eggs 3.5 μg/kg). Nearly 5% of the AA fed was recovered in the excreta. The AA concentrations in liver, muscle and serum were detectable, but below the limit of quantitation.
Effect of combinations of organic acids in weaned pig diets on microbial species of digestive tract contents and their response on digestibility
Authors: Franco L. D. , Fondevila M. , Lobera M. B. , Castrillo C.
Published: March 2005

The effect of combinations of organic acids on digestive microbial population and total tract digestibility of piglets was studied. Thirty 19–21 days weaned pigs (5.4 ± 0.23 kg, six pigs per treatment) were given a mixed feed with 10 ml water/kg (CTL) or 200 mEq/kg of formic acid (FOR), 1:1 formic:fumaric (FOFU), 1:1 formic:lactic (FOLA) or 2:1 formic:lactic (2FOLA). After 6–8 days, animals were slaughtered. In gastric contents, pH was higher (p = 0.01) with FOFU and lactobacilli tended (p = 0.08) to be lower with FOFU than CTL and FOLA, but coliform counts did not differ (p = 0.14). Acetate proportion was lower (p = 0.03), and propionate (p = 0.05) and butyrate (p = 0.01) higher, with FOFU than CTL, FOLA and 2FOLA. Intestinal coliform counts were higher (p = 0.03) with CTL than FOLA and 2FOLA, but there were no differences on lactobacilli. In intestinal contents, acetate tended (p = 0.06) to be lower with FOR than FOLA and 2FOLA, and butyrate was higher (p = 0.001) with FOR. Although not significantly, dry matter digestibility was 0.03–0.05 lower with CTL than with the other treatments. Combinations of organic acids in piglet diets modify gastric and intestinal microflora, the mixtures of formic:lactic appearing as the most interesting.
In situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestion of raw and extruded legume seeds and soya bean meal protein
Authors: Solanas E. , Castrillo C. , Balcells J. , Guada J. A.
Published: March 2005

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of extrusion and carbohydrate addition on rumen degradation and intestinal digestion of raw legume seeds and solvent extracted soya bean meal (SBM) protein. Whole soya beans (WSB) without or with maize added (75:25) (WSB‐M), peas, lupins and SBM were extruded at 140 °C. Protein rumen degradation and intestinal digestibility of unprocessed and extruded protein sources were measured by in sacco and mobile bag procedures, respectively, in two dairy cows cannulated in rumen and duodenum. Between 12 and 15 polyester bags with 4 g of each protein source were incubated in rumen for 12 h and the residues, pooled by feed, were introduced into the duodenum in small nylon bags after pre‐incubation in a pepsin solution, and recovered from faeces the day after. Extrusion significantly (p < 0.001) reduced N degradation of all protein sources, from 98.1%, 91.6%, 90.5% and 64.8% to 53.1%, 73.8%, 70.3% and 44.2% for peas, lupins, WSB and SBM respectively. The addition of maize to WSB strengthened the effect of extrusion on rumen N degradation, from 88.2% to 52.6%. Residues from rumen incubation of extruded feeds showed a higher (p < 0.001) intestinal N digestibility except for SBM (87.0%, 82.9%, 66.3%, 85.0% and 97.2%, and 99.1%, 95.8%, 96.8%, 97.8% and 98.7%, respectively, for non‐extruded and extruded, peas, lupins, WSB, WSB‐M and SBM). In conclusion, the extrusion of studied legume seeds and SBM promotes a clear and significant increase of their metabolizable protein value, particularly in peas, and the inclusion of a source of carbohydrates before extrusion increase this response.
Toxic impact of ingested Jatropherol‐I on selected enzymatic activities and the ultrastructure of midgut cells in silkworm, Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Jing L. , Fang Y. , Ying X. , Wenxing H. , Meng X. , Syed M. N. , Fang C.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Jatropherol‐I, a phorbol‐type diterpene from Jatropha curcas seeds was found highly toxic to third instars silkworm larvae after ingestion with LC50 values 0.5793, 0.2197 and 0.1578 mg/ml at 48, 72 and 120 h respectively. The acute toxicity was associated with changes in activities of several midgut enzymes and pathological changes in midgut epithelial cells. Jatropherol‐I caused various fluctuations in activities of different midgut enzymes in third instars larvae of silkworm. Compared with controls, both esterase and carboxyliesterase showed significantly depressed activities at 3 h (t‐test, P < 0.05) and increased activities at 24 h and rapidly decreased activities at 48 h after ingestion of 0.125 and 0.25 mg/ml of Jatropherol‐I. Jatropherol‐I induced two (E4 and E5) and depressed one (E2) of midgut esterase isozymes analysed 3 h after ingestion. There was no significantly different glutathione S‐transferase activity between most of treated silkworm and control (t‐test, P > 0.05). Activities of acetylcholinesterase fluctuated weakly in treated silkworm in 48 h. Jatropherol‐I induced a gradual decline in midgut protease activities in silkworm with an obvious dose‐ and time‐dependent effect. Jatropherol‐I also caused pathological changes in midgut cells, especially in their endoplasmic reticulum. They were noted slight dilatation on 12 h exposure, while extreme dilatation, vesiculations and shedding of ribosome from membrane were observed in endoplasmic reticulum after a longer time exposure. Other pathological changes in microvilli, lysosome, mitochondria and chromatin were also observed in midgut cell of treated silkworm.
Use of Grafting and Calcium Cyanamide as Alternatives to Methyl Bromide Soil Fumigation and their Effects on Growth, Yield, Quality and Fusarium Wilt Control in Melon
Authors: Bletsos F. A.
Published: March 2005

Grafting melon (Cucumis melo L.) seedlings on to the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) commercial resistant squash rootstocks ‘Mamouth’ and ‘Nun 9075 RT’ and soil sterilization with calcium cyanamide (CaCN2, Perlka) were tested in 2001 and 2002 as alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) soil fumigation. Ungrafted seedlings of the F1 melon hybrid ‘Galia’ were cultivated: (i) in soil sterilized by MB and then artificially infested with Fom (this served as a control), (ii) in soil artificially infested with Fom and then sterilized by MB, (iii) in soil artificially infested with Fom and then sterilized with CaCN2 (Perlka), grafted seedlings on the commercial rootstocks, (iv) ‘Mamouth’ and (v) ‘Nun 9075 RT’ were cultivated in soil sterilized with MB and then artificially infested with Fom. The grafted plants on ‘Mamouth’ and ‘Nun 9075 RT’ and plants in the Perlka treatment (2001) developed mild symptoms, as indicated by the significantly lower leaf symptom index (LSI; average values 1.06, 1.08 and 1.07) and disease index (DI; average values 1.60, 1.25 and 2.33), respectively, when compared with the controls (average values of LSI = 2.65 and DI = 5.06). Plants grafted on ‘Mamouth’ and ‘Nun 9075 RT’ and plants in the Perlka treatment (2001) were more vigorous than the controls as assessed on plant height, stem diameter and root biomass. When compared with the controls, this resulted in an increased (over years) early production (326.3, 265.8 and 489.1%) and late production (371.0, 357.0 and 404.2%). Fruit size was also larger in early production (29.2, 50.9 and 32.3) and late production (4.3, 15.2 and 26.0). The total soluble solids (oBrix) increased (over years) in early production (27.4, 39.6 and 47.9) and late production (7.59, 10.07 and 5.6) when compared with the controls. Thus, grafting on resistant squash rootstocks ‘Mamouth’ and ‘Nun 9075 RT’ and soil sterilization with Perlka had positive effects on growth, production and fusarium wilt control in melon.
Sex‐specific and left‐right asymmetric expression pattern of Bmp7 in the gonad of normal and sex‐reversed chicken embryos
Authors: Hoshino Anshin , Koide Masafumi , Ono Tamao , Yasugi Sadao
Published: March 2005

A genetic switch determines whether the indifferent gonad develops into an ovary or a testis. In adult females of many avian species, the left ovary is functional while the right one regresses. In the embryo, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) mediate biological effects in many organ developments but their roles in avian sex determination and gonadal differentiation remains largely unknown. Here, we report the sex‐specific and left‐right (L‐R) asymmetric expression pattern of Bmp7 in the chicken gonadogenesis. Bmp7 was L‐R asymmetrically expressed at the beginning of genital ridge formation. After sexual differentiation occurred, sex‐specific expression pattern of Bmp7 was observed in the ovary mesenchyme. In addition, ovary‐specific Bmp7 expression was reduced in experimentally induced female‐to‐male reversal using the aromatase inhibitor (AI). These dynamic changes of expression pattern of Bmp7 in the gonad with or without AI treatment suggest that BMP may play roles in determination of L‐R asymmetric development and sex‐dependent differentiation in the avian gonadogenesis.
Transformation of Employment Relations Systems in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V. , Dabu Adina
Published: March 2005

During the 1990s, employment relations systems in Central and Eastern Europe experienced a complex, multilevel process of transformation. In the present paper, we discuss the transformation of employment relations systems under the impact of privatization, foreign direct investment, and pressures for the accession to the European Union enlargement at the enterprise, industry, and national levels. We argue that the pattern of embeddedness of employment relations in the former planned economic system, the developmental role of the state during the period of transition and the timing of the changes at a moment of intensified international competition resulted in unique configurations of employment relations in the different Central and Eastern European countries, not necessarily converging towards the incremental adjustments of Western European employment relations.
What Counts as Fraud? An Empirical Study of Motions to Dismiss Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
Authors: Pritchard A. C. , Sale Hillary A.
Published: March 2005

This article presents the findings of a study of the resolution of motions to dismiss securities fraud lawsuits since the passage of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) in 1995. Our sample consists of decisions on motions to dismiss in securities class actions by district and appellate courts in the Second and Ninth Circuits for cases filed after the passage of the Reform Act to the end of 2002. These circuits are the leading circuits for the filing of securities class actions and are generally recognized as representing two ends of the securities class action spectrum. Post‐PSLRA, the Second Circuit applies the least restrictive pleading standard to securities claims and the Ninth Circuit applies the most restrictive. The Ninth Circuit's post‐PSLRA reputation as being a tougher venue in which to win securities fraud class actions is borne out by a significantly higher dismissal rate. The differences between the two circuits are also reflected in factors that correlate with dismissal. For example, allegations of violations of accounting principles other than revenue recognition correlate negatively with dismissal in the Second Circuit. This coefficient, however, is insignificant in our regressions for the Ninth Circuit. Allegations of revenue recognition violations are insignificant in both circuits, regardless of whether the issuer has been forced to restate those revenues. The circuits part ways on other factors as well: the Second Circuit is significantly less likely to dismiss cases with allegations of false forward‐looking statements, a surprising result given the stringent standards for such statements imposed by the PSLRA. The Ninth Circuit is significantly less likely to dismiss complaints with allegations of ‘33 Act violations, and the Second Circuit is more likely to dismiss cases brought by the Milberg Weiss firm. When it comes to insider trading, however, both circuits are skeptical, and the allegations correlate with dismissal in both circuits.
The Irrelevance of Direct Bankruptcy Costs to the Firm's Financial Reorganization Decision
Authors: Fisher Timothy C. G. , Martel Jocelyn
Published: March 2005

We estimate the costs of reorganization and liquidation using firm‐level data on 622 commercial bankruptcies filed under Canadian law (324 liquidating firms and 298 reorganizing firms). Using a hedonic pricing model of bankruptcy costs, we find the costs of liquidation and reorganization depend on firm size, the complexity of the case, and the ability of the bankrupt firm to pay. The central finding is that, contrary to theory, 40 percent of the firms opted either for reorganization or liquidation even though it was more expensive. We conclude that rational firms must base their bankruptcy decision on factors other than direct bankruptcy costs.
Nonionizing radiation: Appropriate topic in a physics curriculum
Authors: Adams Alois J.
Published: March 2005

A three-hour, one-semester course in nonionizing radiation for students in the interdisciplinary field of electronics and instrumentation is outlined. Electromagnetic radiation extending from the ultraviolet to the 60-Hz power frequency and ultrasonic radiation were discussed. Emphasis was placed on the nature and sources of the radiation, the biophysical interaction mechanisms, and the instrumentation used to measure nonionizing radiation.
Optical correlator using the incoherent light of a slide projector
Authors: Hairie Alain , Provost Jackie
Published: March 2005

The simple apparatus based on geometrical optics described here allows both qualitative and quantitative verification of the main properties of convolution, correlation, or autocorrelation. These concepts are of considerable interest in several areas of physics and engineerings. Qualitative verifications are easily made by projection of convolution or correlation function on a screen. Quantitative verifications have been performed in the case of functions of one coordinate by recording convolution or correlation on an X–Y recorder.
General solution of the classical Schwinger model
Authors: Carbajo F. J. , Sánchez-Velasco E.
Published: March 2005

The general solution of the massless Maxwell–Dirac equations in 1+1 dimensions, the classical version of the Schwinger model, is found. This solution serves as a good introduction in an intermediate course of mathematical physics to the study of concentrated propagating waves.
Teaching first-year kinematics via the scalar product
Authors: Chyba Thomas H.
Published: March 2005

An application of the scalar product to first-year kinematics is presented as an instructive means to reinforce the concept of vector multiplication early in the semester.
Quantum theory of an electron in external fields using unitary transformations
Authors: Galvão R. M. O. , Miranda L. C. M.
Published: March 2005

The technique of using unitary transformations to solve quantum-mechanical problems involving nontrivial time-dependent Hamiltonians is discussed. After introducing the basic ideas in simple examples, the technique is used to solve the problem of an electron in crossed magnetic and electric static fields plus laser (plane wave) field.
Ladder operators in the Morse potential obtained from a related harmonic oscillator
Authors: Montemayor R. , Urrutia L.
Published: March 2005

In this paper we explore a similarity transformation between the Morse oscillator and the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator. This transformation enables us to determine in a simple and straightforward way, all ladder operators for the Morse oscillator and their associated algebra, avoiding the use of the factorization method.
The kinematical aspect of the fundamental theorem of calculus
Authors: Betounes David E.
Published: March 2005

Stokes’s theorem and Poincaré’s lemma are two well-known and remarkable aspects of the fundamental theorem of calculus in several variables. With the fanfare accorded to these two aspects, the kinematical aspect of the fundamental theorem of calculus has been unjustly neglected. This aspect, appropriately labeled the transport theorem, has special cases which are well known to workers in continuum mechanics. This paper serves to emphasize the importance of the transport theorem and to briefly survey the other aspects of the fundamental theorem of calculus.
A critical look at introductory laboratory instruction
Authors: Toothacker W. S.
Published: March 2005

One of the goals commonly mentioned for introductory science laboratory work is for the student to become better equipped to cope with concepts in the lecture classroom as a result of practical encounters with those concepts in the laboratory. Studies have shown that no such correlation exists between laboratory work and lecture classroom work. Traditional beliefs hold that laboratory work provides an awareness of the empirical roots of science and creates a positive scientific attitude. However, there exist equally effective but less costly and time-consuming ways of doing this. The laboratory provides a place where students can become familiar with experimental equipment and techniques, but it is not the only place where this process can occur and indeed, the process is not occuring very well in the laboratory. Laboratory work may offer students the opportunity to carry out inductive open-ended investigations and there is a trend towards making more experiments of this type. Unfortunately most beginning students come to the laboratory ill prepared for such undirected research. A review of investigations into the effectiveness of laboratory work and their implications for curriculum follows. A proposal to eliminate all college freshman and sophomore physics laboratory classes and to introduce a ‘‘physics experimentation’’ course for physics majors at the second-semester sophomore level is included.
‘‘On recognizing ‘law without law,’ ’’ Oersted Medal Response at the joint APS–AAPT Meeting, New York, 25 January 1983
Authors: Wheeler John Archibald
Published: March 2005

The belief is expressed that particles, fields of force, space-time, and ‘‘initial conditions’’ are only intermediate entities in the building of physics, that at bottom there is no ‘‘law,’’ that everything is built higgledy-piggledy on the unpredictable outcomes of billions upon billions of elementary quantum phenomena, and that the laws and initial conditions of physics arise out of this chaos by the action of a regulating principle, the discovery and proper formulation of which is the number one task of the coming third era of physics. What a regulating principle means and how it works is illustrated in the far more modest content of (1) Boltzmann’s law for the distribution of energy among molecules, (2) universality of exponents near thermodynamic critical points, (3) Wigner’s ‘‘semicircle law’’ for the distribution of characteristic frequencies of a randomly coupled system, and (4) a new ‘‘physicist’s version’’ of the problem of the traveling salesman. The regulating principles to be seen in these simple examples fall far short—in scope and simplicity—of the sought-for regulating principle. The search for it lies in the new domain of ‘‘recognition physics,’’ being explored today on four fronts and at least half a dozen centers of investigation.
Bikework
Authors: Nicklin R. C.
Published: March 2005

An exercise bicycle was fitted with a microswitch. The switch allows a small computer to time each revolution of the pedal crank. Constant work is done for each turn and so work versus time and instantaneous power versus time are readily calculated. A simple theory for the work as a function of time turns out to be sufficient. A comprehensive program, bikework, was written to enable a PET 4016 computer to be used for data gathering and analysis. In addition, a strategy for using computers in the laboratory emerged. The student benefits by having the computer do all the calculations necessary to critique each student’s work. The results are available before the student leaves the lab.
An exact solution for the horizontal deflection of a falling object
Authors: Potgieter J. M.
Published: March 2005

An exact solution is obtained for the horizontal deflection of an object which is dropped from rest from the top of a tower. By neglecting terms quadratic in the angular speed of the Earth, the usual approximate solution is obtained from the exact formula.
Cosmological constraint on black hole temperatures
Authors: Sivaram C.
Published: March 2005

The consequences of black hole evaporation due to Hawking radiation are discussed.
Elastic vibrations of rods and Poisson’s ratio
Authors: Davis Timothy J. , Opat Geoffrey I.
Published: March 2005

We describe a simple experiment using a stereo phonograph cartridge for observing the longitudinal and torsional vibrations of a cylindrical rod. The elastic properties of the rod may thus be determined from measurements of its natural frequencies. Poisson’s ratio, in particular, is determined to high precision directly from a simple frequency ratio.
Displacement current, transport current, and charge conservation
Authors: Gauthier N.
Published: March 2005

A novel method for introducing Maxwell’s displacement current concept is presented, within the framework of an integral formulation of Maxwell’s equations. The method is general and simple and could be useful to teachers and students of electromagnetism.
Causality paradoxes and nonparadoxes: Classical superluminal signals and quantum measurements
Authors: Helliwell T. M. , Konkowski D. A.
Published: March 2005

A potential causality paradox in quantum mechanics involving the measurement of a correlated system of two atoms that have moved far apart is constructed along the lines of a classical causality paradox involving the exchange of superluminal signals between distant observers. It is shown that the quantum measurement example does not lead to a paradox, but that the results have implications for the interpretation of quantum mechanics. The thought experiments presented have been used in undergraduate courses in special relativity and quantum mechanics.
Weighing the Earth with a sextant
Authors: Celnikier L. M.
Published: March 2005

This article presents a simple, but accurate, method for determining the distance of the Moon using a cheap sextant. This result can then be used to obtain the size of the Moon and the mass of the Earth.
On the approach to electro- and magneto-static equilibrium
Authors: Ohanian Hans C.
Published: March 2005

Many textbooks claim that the relaxation time for the approach to electrostatic equilibrium is ε0/σ. We show that, for a good conductor, this claim is false. For such a conductor, the approach to the electro- and magneto-static equilibrium hinges on the damping of the induced dynamic electric and magnetic fields. The relaxation time depends on the conductivity, the geometry of the conductor, and the details of the initial charge distribution.
Zermelo, Boltzmann, and the recurrence paradox
Authors: Steckline Vincent S.
Published: March 2005

The papers exchanged by Ludwig Boltzmann and Ernst Zermelo concerning the recurrence paradox are summarized. The historical context of the paradox, Zermelo’s proof of the paradox, his opinions of its consequences, Boltzmann’s reply, and the ensuing discussion are described.
Bound states, virtual states, and nonexponential decay via path integrals
Authors: Holstein Barry R.
Published: March 2005

Using path integral techniques we demonstrate how three quantum-mechanical phenomena—alpha decay, nonexponential decay, and resonant scattering—can be treated. This procedure is an algebraic one yet reproduces the usual results obtained via solution of the Schrödinger equation via WKB methods.
An audio-tutorial mechanics laboratory for introductory physics
Authors: Chimino David F. , Hoyer Ruben R.
Published: March 2005

A 12-carrel audio-tutorial laboratory which accompanies the first term of introductory physics for engineers (mechanics) at Michigan Technological University has been in operation for three years. It is suitable for very large numbers of students and is supervised by a single clerk. A set of nine experiments (six employing stroboscopic photography) was designed for use in the laboratory. They are carefully synchronized with course lectures and are intended mainly as a means of demonstrating theory. A set of 35-mm slides and a cassette tape recording guide students through theory, procedure, and analysis. A microcomputer is used to check results.