bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and feline calicivirus in cats entering a Florida animal shelter
Authors: DiGangi Brian A. , Levy Julie K. , Griffin Brenda , McGorray Susan P. , Dubovi Edward J. , Dingman Patricia A. , Tucker Sylvia J.
Published: October 2012

Objective—To determine the proportion of cats entering a Florida animal shelter with serum antibody titers against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) and to identify factors associated with seropositivity.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—347 cats admitted to a Florida animal shelter.

Procedures—Within 24 hours after admission to the animal shelter, blood samples were collected from all cats ≥ 8 weeks of age. Serum antibody titers against FPV were determined via a hemagglutination inhibition assay, and those against FHV1 and FCV were determined via virus neutralization assays. Age, sex, environment (urban or rural), source (stray or previously owned), evidence of previous caregiving, health status (healthy or not healthy), and outcome (adoption, transfer, return to owner, or euthanasia) were evaluated as potential factors associated with antibody seropositivity.

Results—Of 347 cats, 138 (39.8%), 38 (11.0%), and 127 (36.6%) had antibody titers ≥ 40, ≥ 8, and ≥ 32 (ie, seropositive) against FPV, FHV1, and FCV, respectively. Factors associated with seropositivity included being neutered, age ≥ 6 months, and being relinquished by an owner. On multivariable analysis, health status at shelter admission, environment, vaccination at shelter admission, and outcome were not associated with seropositivity.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most cats were seronegative for antibodies against FPV, FHV1, and FCV at the time of admission to an animal shelter. These findings supported current guidelines that recommend vaccination of all cats immediately after admission to animal shelters, regardless of the source or physical condition.
Evaluation of heart murmurs in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 59 cases (1996–2009)
Authors: Pignon Charly , Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David , Sinclair Kristen , Baey Charlotte , Pignon Jean-Pierre , Mayer Joerg , Kittleson Mark D. , Paul-Murphy Joanne
Published: October 2012

Objective—To determine the prevalence of heart murmurs in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) and determine whether heart murmurs were associated with cardiac disease.

Design—Retrospective multi-institutional case series.

Animals—260 chinchillas.

Procedures—Medical records of all chinchilla patients evaluated at the Tufts University Foster Hospital for Small Animals between 2001 and 2009, the University of California-Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1996 and 2009, and the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1998 and 2009 were reviewed.

Results—Prevalence of heart murmurs was 23% (59/260). Of 15 chinchillas with heart murmurs that underwent echocardiography, 8 had echocardiographic abnormalities, including dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, mitral regurgitation, hypertrophy of the left ventricle, tricuspid regurgitation, and hypovolemia. Echocardiographic abnormalities were approximately 29 times as likely (OR, 28.7) to be present in chinchillas with a murmur of grade 3 or higher than in chinchillas without a murmur.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that heart murmurs are common in chinchillas and that chinchillas with heart murmurs often have echocardiographic abnormalities, with valvular disease being the most common. On the basis of these results, we believe that echocardiography should be recommended for chinchillas with heart murmurs, especially older chinchillas with murmurs of grade 3 or higher. Further prospective studies are needed to accurately evaluate the prevalence of cardiac disease in chinchillas with heart murmurs.
Response to injection of the navicular bursa with corticosteroid and hyaluronan following high-field magnetic resonance imaging in horses with signs of navicular syndrome: 101 cases (2000–2008)
Authors: Marsh Chad A. , Schneider Robert K. , Sampson Sarah N. , Roberts Greg D.
Published: October 2012

Objective—To determine treatment outcome on the basis of pathological changes identified on MRI and lameness duration in horses with navicular syndrome that underwent injection of corticosteroid and hyaluronan into the navicular bursa.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—101 horses with navicular syndrome.

Procedures—Medical records of horses with signs of navicular syndrome evaluated between January 2000 and December 2008 were reviewed. Data on signalment, use of the horse, history, affected limbs, duration of lameness, findings on lameness examination, radiographic findings, MRI findings, treatment, and outcome were collected from the medical records. Follow-up information was obtained a minimum of 10 months after navicular bursa injection.

Results—Following navicular bursa injection, 76 of 101 (75%) horses returned to their intended use for a mean of 9.66 months, and 35 (35%) were sound at follow-up. Horses that had been lame for < 6 months before treatment were significantly more likely to return to their intended use, have a longer positive response to treatment, and be sound at follow-up, compared with horses that had a longer lameness history. Horses with primary deep digital flexor (DDF) tendonitis responded best to navicular bursa injection with rest and rehabilitation, followed by horses with navicular bursitis and horses with DDF tendonitis and adhesions to the collateral sesamoidean ligament of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone. Horses with scar tissue in the proximal portion of the navicular bursa, adhesions from the navicular bone to the DDF tendon, or multiple abnormalities did not respond as well to treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Response to navicular bursa injection with corticosteroid and hyaluronan in horses with navicular syndrome was dependent on the disease process detected on MRI and duration of lameness.
Activated carbon from bamboo waste modified with iron and its application in the study of the adsorption of arsenite and arsenate
Authors: Moreno-Piraján Juan , Giraldo Liliana
Published: October 2012

Activated carbon obtained from bamboo waste was synthesised and modified with iron (BAC-Fe) and used for the removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions. Two different adsorption models were used for analysing the data. The adsorption capacities were determined for BAC-arsenite, BAC-Fe-arsenite, BAC-arsenate and BAC-Fe-arsenate, with a qmax (µg g−1) of 14.89, 19.19, 22.32 and 27.32 respectively. Adsorption capacity varied as a function of pH and modifications to the sorbent. Adsorption isotherms from an aqueous solution of arsenite and arsenates on activated carbons were determined. These adsorption isotherms were consistent with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-first order rate equation, as did the kinetics for BAC-Fe-arsenite and BAC-Fe-arsenate adsorption.
Cretaceous aggregate and reservoir effect in dating of binding materials
Authors: Michalska Danuta , Pazdur Anna , Czernik Justyna , Szczepaniak Małgorzata , Żurakowska Marta
Published: October 2012

Lime mortars may contain carbon from different origins. If the mortars are made of totally burnt lime, radiocarbon dating yields the true age of building construction. The presence of carbonaceous aggregates gives the so-called dead carbon effect, which may generate older ages. Another source of carbon is charcoal present in mortars. An attempt has been made to apply the radiocarbon method to mortars of archaeologically estimated age from the Dead Sea region. Petrographical analyses of these samples show the carbonaceous character of the binder and large amounts of limestone aggregate. Determination of the mineral composition of the mortars and comparison with the geology of the surrounding, allows the provenance of the raw materials to be identified. They probably represent the Cretaceous rocks of the Judea Group.

Separate radiocarbon dates were made on bulk mortar samples, binder, charcoal fragments and separated fractions from mortars. In the case of binder-aggregate mixture the reservoir effect correction has been applied.
Patellar Tendon Rupture Following a Patellar Fracture
Authors: Jackson Steven M.
Published: October 2012

The patient was a 57-year-old woman who was referred to a physical therapist in an outpatient setting 8 weeks following an open reduction internal fixation procedure for a left patellar fracture following a fall where the patient landed directly on her left knee in a flexed position. The patient's treatment plan was established and consisted of range-of-motion and resistive exercises, and she was scheduled to see the physical therapist again in 5 days. At the time of her follow-up visit, however, the patient reported falling 3 days earlier, which caused increased left knee pain and difficulty with weight bearing. The patient was referred to her orthopaedic surgeon, where radiographs revealed orthopaedic fixation of a healing patella fracture. However, the patella was high riding, consistent with a patellar tendon rupture.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(11):969. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0419
Frequenz und Fliesshöhen der Plattlaui (Uri), rekonstruiert mithilfe von Jahrringen
Authors: Püntener Christian , Stoffel Markus , Schneuwly-Bollschweiler Michelle
Published: October 2012

Frequency and flow heights in the Plattlaui avalanche couloir (Uri) – a reconstruction based on tree growth rings

The Maderaner Valley (Uri) is one of the regions in Switzerland most heavily affected by snow avalanches, and in the past has also regularly been ravaged by devastating events. The present article is intended to contribute to the database of known avalanche events, and to improve understanding of past avalanche activity. In order to do this, the annual rings of spruce trees (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) were investigated for growth disturbances which could indicate the frequency and flow height of past avalanches in two adjacent couloirs of the Plattlaui avalanche track. The dendromorphological analysis was based on growth ring samples taken from a total of 42 spruce trees on a transect at an altitude of 1570 m. The occurrence of past snow avalanches was primarily reconstructed from evidence of injuries and the associated tangential rows of traumatic resin ducts, but also included abrupt growth suppression, sudden increase in increment and the presence of compression wood. Altogether 19 avalanche events extending back to 1940 were reconstructed and the flow height of individual events demonstrated. Based on the spatial distribution of damaged trees, it was possible to distinguish between unusually high (2 events; 1986, 1999), high (7), medium (7) and small (3) flow heights of snow avalanches. The growth ring reconstruction contains considerably more events (19) than the local archive indicates (7), but fails to document two of the known events. The study therefore also demonstrates the limits of the approach in the case of low flow height avalanches, and at the beginning of the reconstruction with fewer trees available for analysis.
Using surface velocities to calculate ice thickness and bed topography: a case study at Columbia Glacier, Alaska, USA
Authors: Mcnabb R.W. , Hock R. , O’Neel S. , Rasmussen L.A. , Ahn Y. , Braun M. , Conway H. , Herreid S. , Joughin I. , Pfeffer W.T. , Smith B.E. , Truffer M.
Published: October 2012

Information about glacier volume and ice thickness distribution is essential for many glaciological applications, but direct measurements of ice thickness can be difficult and costly. We present a new method that calculates ice thickness via an estimate of ice flux. We solve the familiar continuity equation between adjacent flowlines, which decreases the computational time required compared to a solution on the whole grid. We test the method on Columbia Glacier, a large tidewater glacier in Alaska, USA, and compare calculated and measured ice thicknesses, with favorable results. This shows the potential of this method for estimating ice thickness distribution of glaciers for which only surface data are available. We find that both the mean thickness and volume of Columbia Glacier were approximately halved over the period 1957–2007, from 281 m to 143 m, and from 294 km3 to 134 km3, respectively. Using bedrock slope and considering how waves of thickness change propagate through the glacier, we conduct a brief analysis of the instability of Columbia Glacier, which leads us to conclude that the rapid portion of the retreat may be nearing an end.
Computers and the Superfold
Authors: Galloway Alexander R.
Published: October 2012

Could it be that Deleuze's most lasting legacy will lie in his ‘Postscript on Control Societies’, a mere 2,300-word essay from 1990? While he discussed computers and new media infrequently, Deleuze admittedly made contributions to the contemporary discourse on computing, cybernetics and networks, particularly in his late work. From the concepts of the rhizome and the virtual, to his occasional interjections on the digital versus the analogue, there is a case to be made that the late Deleuze has not only influenced today's discourse on new media but also proposes an original set of arguments about society and politics at the turn of the new millennium. Focusing on the ‘Postscript on Control Societies’ and a handful of texts that surround it, we will reconstruct an image of what it means to live in the information age. This will have consequences for how we define the digital and the analogue, what the computer means, and ultimately provide some insight into one of the more elusive terms in all of Deleuze, the superfold.
Substantial Powers, Active Affects: The Intentionality of Objects
Authors: Bryant Levi R.
Published: October 2012

What can Dungeons & Dragons teach us about the being of beings? This article argues that Dungeons & Dragons introduces us to a world composed of objects or entities, where the being of objects is defined not by their qualities, but rather by their powers, capacities or affects. Drawing on the thought of Spinoza, Deleuze and Molnar, objects are seen to be defined by what they can do or their capacities to act, such that qualities are effects of these acts. Dungeons & Dragons is particularly suited to showing us this insofar as it focuses on the action of entities.
A Crystal-Theatre: Automation and Crystalline Description in the Theatre of Samuel Beckett
Authors: Koczy Daniel
Published: October 2012

Throughout his cinema studies, Deleuze tends to define and to praise the cinematic in opposition to the theatrical. Cinema, for Deleuze, retains the potential to automate our perception of its images. Further, this capacity allows the cinema to profoundly disrupt the habitual patterns of its audience's thought. This article asks, however, whether Beckett's theatrical practice can be productively analysed through concepts derived from Deleuze's work on the cinema. In Beckett's Play and Not I, we see theatrical productions that strive for and attain an automation of their audience's perception. While this theatrical experience is not identical to the ‘camera-consciousness’ that Deleuze observes in film, it can be understood through Deleuze's (Bergsonian) processes of habitual and attentive recognition, their failure and their subsequent transformation into passages of crystalline description. Finally, we can begin to elaborate the novel idea of a ‘crystal-theatre’; a theatre where the audience are entrapped within its construction, caught in a loop or circuit that runs between and complicates the realms of reality and illusion, immediately lived experience and artistic representation, the actual and the virtual.
A Comprehensive Modeling Study on Regional Climate Model (RCM) Application — Regional Warming Projections in Monthly Resolutions under IPCC A1B Scenario
Authors: Rajib Mohammad , Rahman Md.
Published: October 2012

Some of the major dimensions of climate change include increase in surface temperature, longer spells of droughts in significant portions of the world, associated higher evapotranspiration rates, and so on. It is therefore essential to comprehend the future possible scenario of climate change in terms of global warming. A high resolution limited area Regional Climate Model (RCM) can produce reasonably appropriate projections to be used for climate-scenario generation in country-scale. This paper features the development of future surface temperature projections for Bangladesh on monthly resolution for each year from 2011 to 2100 applying Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies (PRECIS), and it explains in detail the modeling processes including the model features, domain size selection, bias identification as well as construction of change field for the concerned climatic variable, in this case, surface temperature. PRECIS was run on a 50 km horizontal grid-spacing under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A1B scenario and it was found to perform reasonably well in simulating future surface temperature of Bangladesh. The linear regression between observed and model simulated results of monthly average temperatures, within the 30-year period from 1971 to 2000, gives a high correlation of 0.93. The applied change field in average annual temperature shows only 0.5 °C–1 °C deviation from the observed values over the period from 2005 to 2008. Eventually, from the projected average temperature change during the years 1971–2000, it is apparent that warming in Bangladesh prevails invariably every month, which might eventually result in an average annual increase of 4 °C by the year 2100. Calculated anomalies in country-average annual temperature mostly remain on the positive side throughout the period of 2071–2100 indicating an overall up-shift. Apart from these quantitative analyses of temporal changes of temperature, this paper also illustrates their spatial distribution with a view to identify the most vulnerable zones under consequent warming through future times.
Crystal Structures of 1-Hydroxyimidazole and Its Salts
Authors: Laus Gerhard , Kahlenberg Volker
Published: October 2012

The crystal structures of 1-hydroxyimidazole and four protic salts (chloride, bromide, sulfate, nitrate) thereof were determined. The molecular geometries (bond lengths and angles) of the free base and the salts were compared. Hydrogen bonding patterns were studied, and OH…N, OH…Cl, OH…Br, OH…O, NH…Cl, NH…Br, and NH…O interactions were identified. Hirshfeld surface analysis gave quantitative insight into these interactions.
How Finnish Adolescents Understand History: Disciplinary Thinking in History and Its Assessment Among 16-Year-Old Finns
Authors: Rantala Jukka
Published: October 2012

The success of discipline-based teaching requires an interplay between substantive and procedural knowledge. In Finland, disciplinary thinking was included in the National Core Curriculum and in the final assessment criteria a decade ago, which meant a change in history teaching. The outcome of this change is examined in the article with the help of a national-level history test that was conducted in 2011 among 16-year-old Finns. In the test, the adolescents fared moderately well in tasks involving substantive knowledge but more poorly in tasks which measured the mastering of procedural knowledge. In particular, the interplay between these proved to be difficult for the students. The students’ knowledge was found to correspond with the earlier curriculum rather than the objectives of the present one, revealing that not all of the teachers were teaching in accordance with the present demands.
Forest Dynamics and Their Phenological Response to Climate Warming in the Khingan Mountains, Northeastern China
Authors: Cai Hongyan , Zhang Shuwen , Yang Xiaohuan
Published: October 2012

The Khingan Mountain region, the most important and typical natural foci of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in China, is the largest and northernmost forest area and the one more sensitive to climate change. Taking this region as the study area, we investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of deciduous broadleaf forest (DBF) and its phenology changes in relation to climate change and elevation. Based on MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series over the period of 2001 to 2009, the start-of-season (SOS), length-of-season (LOS) and another two vegetation variables (seasonal amplitude (SA) and integrated EVI (SI)) were derived. Over the past decade, the DBF in Khingan Mountains has generally degraded and over 65% of DBF has experienced negative SA and SI trends. Earlier trends in SOS and longer trends in LOS for DBF were observed, and these trends were mainly caused by climate warming. In addition, results from our analysis also indicated that the effects of temperature on DBF phenology were elevation dependent. The magnitude of advancement in SOS and extension in LOS with temperature increase significantly increased along a raising elevation gradient.
Profound Re-Organization of Cell Surface Proteome in Equine Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in Response to In Vitro Culturing
Authors: Szober Christoph , Hauck Stefanie , Euler Kerstin , Fröhlich Kristina , Alge-Priglinger Claudia , Ueffing Marius , Deeg Cornelia
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to characterize the cell surface proteome of native compared to cultured equine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. The RPE plays an essential role in visual function and represents the outer blood-retinal barrier. We are investigating immunopathomechanisms of equine recurrent uveitis, an autoimmune inflammatory disease in horses leading to breakdown of the outer blood-retinal barrier and influx of autoreactive T-cells into affected horses’ vitrei. Cell surface proteins of native and cultured RPE cells from eye-healthy horses were captured by biotinylation, analyzed by high resolution mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC MS/MS), and the most interesting candidates were validated by PCR, immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. A total of 112 proteins were identified, of which 84% were cell surface membrane proteins. Twenty-three of these proteins were concurrently expressed by both cell states, 28 proteins exclusively by native RPE cells. Among the latter were two RPE markers with highly specialized RPE functions: cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) and retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein 65kDa (RPE65). Furthermore, 61 proteins were only expressed by cultured RPE cells and absent in native cells. As we believe that initiating events, leading to the breakdown of the outer blood-retinal barrier, take place at the cell surface of RPE cells as a particularly exposed barrier structure, this differential characterization of cell surface proteomes of native and cultured equine RPE cells is a prerequisite for future studies.
Association of Retinoic Acid Receptors with Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in Rats with Renal Interstitial Fibrosis Disease
Authors: Long Yao-Bin , Qin Yuan-Han , Zhou Tian-Biao , Lei Feng-Ying
Published: October 2012

The nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) function as ligand-dependent transcriptional regulators and include three subtypes (RARα, RARβ and RARγ), which control the expression of specific gene subsets subsequent to ligand binding and to strictly controlled phosphorylation processes. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation is the most important characteristic of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). This study was performed to investigate whether RARs were associated with ECM accumulation in the progression of RIF in rats. Eighty Wistar male rats were divided into a sham operation group (SHO) and a model group subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (GU) at random; n = 40, respectively. The RIF disease in GU group was established by left ureteral ligation. The renal tissues were collected at two weeks and four weeks after surgery. Protein expressions of RARα, RARβ, RARγ, transforming growth factor-βl (TGF-β1), collagen-IV (Col-IV) and fibronectin (FN) were detected using immunohistochemical analysis, and mRNA expressions of RARα, RARβ, RARγ and TGF-β1 in renal tissue were detected by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RIF index in renal interstitium was also calculated. When compared with those in SHO group, expressions of RARα and RARβ (protein and mRNA) were markedly reduced in the GU group (each p < 0.01). There was no marked difference for the expression of RARγ (protein and mRNA) between the SHO group and the GU group. The expressions of TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN and the RIF index in the GU group were markedly increased when compared with those in the SHO group (each p < 0.01). The protein expression of RARα/RARβ was negatively correlated with protein expression of TGF-β1, Col-IV or FN and the RIF index (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, the low expression of RARα/RARβ is associated with ECM accumulation in the progression of RIF in rats, suggesting that RARα/RARβ is a potentially therapeutic target for prevention of RIF.
Detection of Glutamic Acid in Oilseed Rape Leaves Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy and the Least Squares-Support Vector Machine
Authors: Bao Yidan , Kong Wenwen , Liu Fei , Qiu Zhengjun , He Yong
Published: October 2012

Amino acids are quite important indices to indicate the growth status of oilseed rape under herbicide stress. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was applied for fast determination of glutamic acid in oilseed rape leaves. The optimal spectral preprocessing method was obtained after comparing Savitzky-Golay smoothing, standard normal variate, multiplicative scatter correction, first and second derivatives, detrending and direct orthogonal signal correction. Linear and nonlinear calibration methods were developed, including partial least squares (PLS) and least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM). The most effective wavelengths (EWs) were determined by the successive projections algorithm (SPA), and these wavelengths were used as the inputs of PLS and LS-SVM model. The best prediction results were achieved by SPA-LS-SVM (Raw) model with correlation coefficient r = 0.9943 and root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.0569 for prediction set. These results indicated that NIR spectroscopy combined with SPA-LS-SVM was feasible for the fast and effective detection of glutamic acid in oilseed rape leaves. The selected EWs could be used to develop spectral sensors, and the important and basic amino acid data were helpful to study the function mechanism of herbicide.
The Health and Safety Benefits of New Technologies in Mining: A Review and Strategy for Designing and Deploying Effective User-Centred Systems
Authors: Horberry Tim
Published: October 2012

Mining is currently experiencing a rapid growth in the development and uptake of automation and other new technologies (such as collision detection systems); however, they are often developed from a technology-centred perspective that does not explicitly consider the end-user. This paper first presents a review of the technologies currently available (or near-market) and the likely human factors issues associated with them. The second part of the paper presents a potential long term strategy for research and development that aims to maximise the safety and health benefits for operators of such new technologies. The strategy includes a four stage research and development process, this covers: better understanding the needs for technology, user requirements and risk/cost analysis; human element design, procurement and deployment processes; evaluation and verification of the strategy; and dissemination of it to relevant stakeholders (including equipment manufacturers, mine site purchasers and regulators). The paper concludes by stressing the importance of considering the human element with respect to new mining technologies and the likely benefits of adopting the type of strategy proposed here. The overall vision is for mining to become safer and healthier through effective user-centred design and deployment of new technologies that serve both operator needs and the demands of the workplace.
Coral Reef Surveillance: Infrared-Sensitive Video Surveillance Technology as a New Tool for Diurnal and Nocturnal Long-Term Field Observations
Authors: Dirnwoeber Markus , Machan Rudolf , Herler Juergen
Published: October 2012

Direct field observations of fine-scaled biological processes and interactions of the benthic community of corals and associated reef organisms (e.g., feeding, reproduction, mutualistic or agonistic behavior, behavioral responses to changing abiotic factors) usually involve a disturbing intervention. Modern digital camcorders (without inflexible land-or ship-based cable connection) such as the GoPro camera enable undisturbed and unmanned, stationary close-up observations. Such observations, however, are also very time-limited (~3 h) and full 24 h-recordings throughout day and night, including nocturnal observations without artificial daylight illumination, are not possible. Herein we introduce the application of modern standard video surveillance technology with the main objective of providing a tool for monitoring coral reef or other sessile and mobile organisms for periods of 24 h and longer. This system includes nocturnal close-up observations with miniature infrared (IR)-sensitive cameras and separate high-power IR-LEDs. Integrating this easy-to-set up and portable remote-sensing equipment into coral reef research is expected to significantly advance our understanding of fine-scaled biotic processes on coral reefs. Rare events and long-lasting processes can easily be recorded, in situ-experiments can be monitored live on land, and nocturnal IR-observations reveal undisturbed behavior. The options and equipment choices in IR-sensitive surveillance technology are numerous and subject to a steadily increasing technical supply and quality at decreasing prices. Accompanied by short video examples, this report introduces a radio-transmission system for simultaneous recordings and real-time monitoring of multiple cameras with synchronized timestamps, and a surface-independent underwater-recording system.
Cultural Models of Bodily Images of Women Teachers
Authors: Mallozzi Christine
Published: October 2012

Cultural models are simplified images and storylines that encapsulated what is regarded as typical for a social group. Cultural models of teachers include body images of dress, adornment, and comportment, and are useful in examining society’s standards and values. Two participants, Erin and Gabbie (pseudonyms), shared stories about their tattoos, which in the U.S. have historically been seen as a mode of resistance. These tattoos that reflected the teachers’ personal lives were regarded in light of the cultural model of the U.S. teacher, a typically conservatively dressed and coiffed female. According to discourse analysis of the participants’ stories, each teacher’s students did not interpret these tattoos in the same ways. Erin’s students were surprised at the tattoo and interpreted it as a sign she no longer fit the typical teacher mold. Gabbie’s students were not surprised at the tattoo but noted it as confirmatory evidence that she fit the needs of the alternative, nonmainstream school context where the cultural model would be ill suited. This analysis makes a case for more complex interpretations of teachers’ bodies that do not fit the mainstream cultural models of teachers.
Comparative Antitumor Effect of Preventive versus Therapeutic Vaccines Employing B16 Melanoma Cells Genetically Modified to Express GM-CSF and B7.2 in a Murine Model
Authors: Miguel Antonio , Herrero María , Sendra Luis , Botella Rafael , Algás Rosa , Sánchez Maria , Aliño Salvador
Published: October 2012

Cancer vaccines have always been a subject of gene therapy research. One of the most successful approaches has been working with genetically modified tumor cells. In this study, we describe our approach to achieving an immune response against a murine melanoma model, employing B16 tumor cells expressing GM-CSF and B7.2. Wild B16 cells were injected in C57BL6 mice to cause the tumor. Irradiated B16 cells transfected with GM-CSF, B7.2, or both, were processed as a preventive and therapeutic vaccination. Tumor volumes were measured and survival curves were obtained. Blood samples were taken from mice, and IgGs of each treatment group were also measured. The regulatory T cells (Treg) of selected groups were quantified using counts of images taken by confocal microscopy. Results: one hundred percent survival was achieved by preventive vaccination with the group of cells transfected with p2F_GM-CSF. Therapeutic vaccination achieved initial inhibition of tumor growth but did not secure overall survival of the animals. Classical Treg cells did not vary among the different groups in this therapeutic vaccination model.
Synovial fluid D-dimer concentration in horses with osteochondritis dissecans and osteoarthritis
Authors: Monreal L. , Delgado M. A. , Ríos J. , Prades M. , Ribera T.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To assess the synovial fibrinolytic pathway activation in adult horses with developmental and degenerative arthropathies such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and osteoarthritis (OA) by measuring synovial D-dimer concentrations.

Methods: Prospective observational clinical study of horses admitted for OCD or OA. Synovial fluid was collected during lameness examination or prior to the surgical procedure, and D-dimer concentration and routine synovial fluid analysis were performed.

Results: Fifty-eight horses (14 with OCD, 10 with OA and 34 controls) were included in this study. Synovial D-dimer concentrations of horses with OCD and OA were both higher when compared with controls, but were only significantly different in horses with OCD (p = 0.005). However, no statistical differences were observed when comparing synovial D-dimer concentrations from the OCD horses with the OA-affected horses (p = 0.444).

Clinical significance: Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis play a role in the pathophysiology of equine OCD and OA.
Mechanical testing of a new osteotomy design for tibial tuberosity advancement using the Modified Maquet Technique
Authors: Etchepareborde S. , Barthélémy N. , Farnir F. , Balligand M. , Brunel L.
Published: October 2012

Objectives: To evaluate the mechanical properties of the distal cortical hinge associated with a new osteotomy design for the Modified Maquet Technique (MMT).

Study design: Ex vivo mechanical study.

Methods: The osteotomy was started 10 mm caudal to the tibial tuberosity and extended over 150% of the length of the tibial crest; it was slightly curved distally to stay at a distance of 2 to 4 mm from the cranial cortex, according to the body weight. Ninety-six tibiae were tested in advancement, and 60 tibiae were axially loaded perpendicular to the tibial plateau, until failure of the crest. Desired advancement was measured using the common tangent method in 60 tibiae. Angle of opening, thickness, and area of the cortical hinge were recorded.

Results: Desired advancement of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm was recorded in 16, 12, 18 and 14 tibiae respectively. Mean maximal advancement in these bones was 15.6 ± 6.4 mm, 20.8 ± 5.2 mm, 21.3 ± 5.2 mm and 22.7 ± 5.2 mm respectively. The desired advancement was reached in all but one tibia. Advancement was mainly influenced by the angle of opening and the stiffness of the cortical hinge. Mean ultimate load to failure was 6.12 ± 2.4 times the body weight. It was significantly associated with the body weight, thickness, and area of the cortical hinge.

Clinical relevance: Mean maximal advancement was higher than clinically required without occurrence of fissure or fracture. Ultimate load to failure and maximal advancement could be predicted using calculated formulae.
Diaphragmatic hernia repair using a rectus abdominis muscle pedicle flap in three dogs
Authors: Chantawong P. , Komin K. , Banlunara W. , Kalpravidh M.
Published: October 2012

Objective: To report the clinical use of a pedicle flap from the rectus abdominis muscle to repair extensive diaphragmatic tears in dogs with diaphragmatic hernia.

Materials and methods: Three dogs with a combination of radial and circumferential diaphragmatic tears were studied. The circumferential tear was repaired by suturing the wound edge with the edge at the abdominal wall. A pedicle flap of the rectus abdominis muscle was used for repairing the radial tear. The dogs were examined radiographically for lung and diaphragm appearance and evidence of reherniation at 10 days, and at one, two, and four months after surgery, and fluoroscopically for paradoxical motion of the diaphragm at one and four months.

Results: The rectus abdominis muscle pedicle flap was successfully used in all three dogs. The animals recovered uneventfully without evidence of reherniation during the four follow-up months. Fluoroscopic examination revealed no paradoxical motion of the diaphragm.

Clinical significance: A rectus abdominis muscle pedicle flap can be used for repairing large diaphragmatic defects in dogs.
Treatment Recommendations for the Use of Bone-Targeted Agents in 2011—Report from the 6th Annual Bone and the Oncologist New Updates Meeting
Authors: Kuchuk I. , Paterson A. , Amir E. , Clemons M. , Bouganim N.
Published: October 2012

The 6th annual Bone and the Oncologist New Updates conference was held in Ottawa, Ontario, April 14–15, 2011. This meeting traditionally focuses on innovative research into the mechanisms and consequences of treatment-induced and metastatic bone disease. This year, the multidisciplinary audience was polled to produce “treatment recommendations for the use of bone-targeted agents.” In addition, the meeting report itself outlines some of the key topics presented on adjuvant bisphosphonate use and the role of bone-targeted agents in the settings of meta-static and cancer-therapy-induced bone loss.
Time to Put an End to the “One Size Fits All” Approach to Bisphosphonate Use in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Authors: Kuchuk I. , Clemons M. , Addison C.
Published: October 2012

Bisphosphonates emerged as an effective treatment for metastatic bone disease in the mid-1990s, and in a relatively short time, they have become an integral component in the palliative care of a range of common malignancies that spread to bone[...].
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cramer H. , Lauche R. , Paul A. , Dobos G.
Published: October 2012

Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (mbsr) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (mbct) in patients with breast cancer. Methods: The medline, Cochrane Library, embase, cambase, and PsycInfo databases were screened through November 2011. The search strategy combined keywords for mbsr and mbct with keywords for breast cancer. Randomized controlled trials (rcts) comparing mbsr or mbct with control conditions in patients with breast cancer were included. Two authors independently used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess risk of bias in the selected studies. Study characteristics and outcomes were extracted by two authors independently. Primary outcome measures were health-related quality of life and psychological health. If at least two studies assessing an outcome were available, standardized mean differences (smds) and 95% confidence intervals (cis) were calculated for that outcome. As a measure of heterogeneity, I2 was calculated. Results: Three rcts with a total of 327 subjects were included. One rct compared mbsr with usual care, one rct compared mbsr with free-choice stress management, and a three-arm rct compared mbsr with usual care and with nutrition education. Compared with usual care, mbsr was superior in decreasing depression (smd: −0.37; 95% ci: −0.65 to −0.08; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%) and anxiety (smd: −0.51; 95% ci: −0.80 to −0.21; p = 0.0009; I2 = 0%), but not in increasing spirituality (smd: 0.27; 95% ci: −0.37 to 0.91; p = 0.41; I2 = 79%). Conclusions: There is some evidence for the effectiveness of mbct in improving psychological health in breast cancer patients, but more rcts are needed to underpin those results.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Current Clinical Practice of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Postmenopausal Women with Early-Stage, Estrogen or Progesterone Receptor–Positive, One-To-Three Positive Axillary Lymph Node, Breast Cancer
Authors: Hannouf M.B. , Brackstone M. , Xie B. , Zaric G.S.
Published: October 2012

Purpose: We evaluated the benefit of the current clinical practice of adjuvant chemotherapy for postmenopausal women with early-stage, estrogen- or progesterone-receptor-positive (er/pr+), one-to-three positive axillary lymph node (1–3 ln+), breast cancer (esbc). Methods: Using the Manitoba Cancer Registry, we identified all postmenopausal women diagnosed with er/pr+ 1–3 ln+ esbc during the periods 1995–1997, 2000–2002, and 2003–2005 (n = 156, 161, and 171 respectively). Treatment data were obtained from the Manitoba Cancer Registry and by linkage with Manitoba administrative databases. Seven-year survival data were available for the 1995–1997 and 2000–2002 populations. Using Cox regression, we assessed the independent effect of the clinical practice of adjuvant chemotherapy on disease-free (dfs) and overall survival (os). Results: Clinical breast cancer treatments did not differ significantly between the 2000–2002 and 2003–2005 populations. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 103 patients in the 2000–2002 population (64%) and in 44 patients in the 1995–1997 population [28.2%; mean difference: 36%; 95% confidence interval (ci): 31% to 40%; p < 0.0001]. Compared with 1995–1997, 2000–2002 was not significantly associated with an incremental dfs benefit for patients over a period of 7 years (2000–2002 vs. 1995–1997; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.98; 95% ci: 0.64 to 1.4). Conclusions: The treatment standard of adjuvant chemotherapy in addition to endocrine therapy may not be effective for all women with er/pr+ 1–3 ln+ esbc. There could be a subgroup of those women who do not benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy as expected and who are therefore being overtreated. Further studies with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm our results.
Clinical Features and Course of Brain Metastases in Colorectal Cancer: An Experience from a Single Institution
Authors: Damiens K. , Ayoub J.P.M. , Lemieux B. , Aubin F. , Saliba W. , Campeau M.P. , Tehfe M.
Published: October 2012

Objectives: Brain metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) are quite rare. Here, we review the characteristics, presentation, and clinical course of such patients at our institution. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients with brain metastases from CRC treated during 2000–2009. Associations between patient, tumour characteristics, treatment modality, and survival were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: We identified 48 patients (25 men, 23 women) who developed brain metastases from CRC. The median age at diagnosis of the brain metastases was 63 years (range: 37–84 years). In 23 of the patients (48%), the primary tumour occurred in the rectum. At diagnosis of brain metastases, 43 patients (90%) also had other systemic metastases (mainly pulmonary and hepatic). The median interval between diagnosis of the primary tumour and of the brain metastases was 24 months. Median survival after a diagnosis of brain metastasis from CRC was 4 months (range: 1–13 months). We observed substantially better survival (13 months, p < 0.001) in patients treated with surgery followed by whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) than in those treated with radiotherapy or surgery alone. Sex, age, location and number of brain metastases, and timing of diagnosis did not affect survival. Conclusions: Brain metastases from CRC develop late in the course of the disease, given that most patients already have other secondary lesions. Prognosis in these patients is poor, with those receiving treatment with surgery and WBRT having the best overall survival. Early detection and treatment of brain metastases with new systemic therapies may improve outcomes.
The African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer: Historical Perspective
Authors: Mohammed S.I. , Williams C.K. , Ndom P. , Holland J.F.
Published: October 2012

The African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) is a bilingual (English and French) nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of cancer control and palliation in Africa. Its mission in respect to cancer control in Africa includes (1) support of research and training; (2) provision of relevant and accurate information on the prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and palliation of cancer; (3) promotion of public awareness about cancer and reduction of the stigma associated with it. In seeking to achieve its goal of cancer control in Africa, AORTIC strives to unite the continent and to make a positive impact throughout the region by collaboration with health ministries and global cancer organizations. The organization’s key objectives are to further research relating to cancers prevalent in Africa, to support training programs in oncology for health care workers, to deal with the challenges of creating cancer control and prevention programs, and to raise public awareness of cancer in Africa. It also plans to organize symposia, workshops, meetings, and conferences that support its mission. Founded in September 1982, AORTIC was active only between 1983 (when its inaugural conference was held in the City of Lome, Togo, West Africa) and the late 1980s. The organization subsequently became inactive and moribund. In 2000, a group of expatriate African physicians and scientists joined in an effort with their non-African friends and colleagues to reactivate the dormant organization. Since its reactivation, AORTIC has succeeded in putting cancer on the public health agenda in many African countries by highlighting Africa’s urgent need for cancer control and by holding meetings every two years in various African cities. National and international cancer control organizations worldwide have recognized the challenges facing Africa and have joined in AORTIC’s mission.
The African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer
Authors: Holland J.
Published: October 2012

Elsewhere in this issue, Mohammed and colleagues describe the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) [...]
The African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer
Authors: Freireich E.J.
Published: October 2012

As the nations of the African continent continue to improve their standard of living (including better housing, improved nutrition, access to education, and so on), public health is emerging as a significant necessity [...]
Size Surprise? Tumour Size, Nodal Status, and Outcome after Breast Cancer
Authors: Foulkes W.D.
Published: October 2012

When it comes to tumour size, axillary lymph node status, and outcome after invasive ductal breast carcinoma, several facts have been established. [...]