bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapy and outcome of suspected alpha lipoic acid toxicity in two dogs
Authors: Loftin Erika G. , Herold Lee V.
Published: September 2009

Objective
–
To report a suspected toxicity in 2 dogs; to discuss therapy and prognosis.

Series Summary
–
Suspected alpha lipoic acid (ALA) toxicity was diagnosed based on clinical history and compatible laboratory findings in 2 dogs. Case 1 was presented within 10 hours of ALA ingestion, with initial behavioral changes likely due to hypoglycemia. During the course of hospitalization, hypoglycemia persisted and evidence of acute hepatic insult developed. With aggressive supportive care (including IV fluids with dextrose supplementation, hepatoprotective medications, and a plasma transfusion), he made a full recovery. Case 2 was presented approximately 60 hours after ALA ingestion, and was found to be in oliguric renal failure. She was treated with IV fluids, gastroprotective medications, and furosemide, but her condition deteriorated and she was ultimately euthanized within 16 hours of admission to the hospital.

New or Unique Information Provided
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ALA is an uncommon but serious toxin that should be considered in cases presenting with hypoglycemia, acute renal failure, or acute hepatic insult.
Determination of cardiac output in neonatal foals by ultrasound velocity dilution and its comparison to the lithium dilution method
Authors: Shih Andre , Giguère Steeve , Sanchez L. Chris , Valverde Alexander , Bandt Carsten , Jankunas Hope , Robertson Sheilah
Published: September 2009

Objective
–
To compare cardiac output (CO) measured by use of lithium dilution (LiDCO) and ultrasound velocity dilution (UDCO) in conditions of high, intermediate, and low CO in anesthetized foals.

Design
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Original prospective study.

Setting
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University teaching hospital.

Animals
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Six foals 1–3 days of age (38–45 kg).

Interventions
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Neonatal foals were anesthetized and instrumented to measure direct blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and CO. The CO was measured by use of LiDCO and UDCO techniques. Measurements were obtained from each foal at baseline and during low, intermediate, and high CO states. Measurements were converted to cardiac index (cardiac index=CO/body weight) values for statistical analysis. Agreement between the 2 methods was determined using Bland and Altman analysis and concordance correlation coefficients.

Measurements and Main Results
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LiDCO determinations of CO ranged between 4.0 and 14.0 L/min resulting in cardiac index ranging between 75.5 and 310 mL/kg/min. There was no significant effect of blood pressure variation on bias or relative bias (P=0.62 and 0.93, respectively). The mean bias and relative bias of UDCO (±SD) compared with LiDCO were −20.1±39.2 mL/kg/min and −7.7±23.4%, respectively. Concordance correlation coefficient between LiDCO and UDCO was 0.833.

Conclusions
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When compared with LiDCO, the UDCO technique has acceptable clinical utility for measuring CO in healthy anesthetized newborn foals.
Use of C‐reactive protein to predict outcome in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis
Authors: Gebhardt Constance , Hirschberger Johannes , Rau Stefanie , Arndt Gisela , Krainer Karen , Schweigert Florian J. , Brunnberg Leo , Kaspers Bernd , Kohn Barbara
Published: September 2009

Background –There is a high mortality rate in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis. Therefore, an early diagnosis and prognostic assessment is important for optimal therapeutic intervention. The objective of the study was to evaluate if baseline values and changes in serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) might predict survival in dogs with SIRS and sepsis.

Design –Prospective study; July 2004 to July 2005.

Setting –Small Animal Clinic, Berlin, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich.

Animals –Sixty‐one dogs.

Measurements and Main Results –For the CRP analysis blood was drawn on day 0, 1, and 2; CRP was measured using a commercial ELISA test kit. Thirteen dogs suffered from nonseptic SIRS and 48 dogs from sepsis. The 14‐day survival rate was 61% (69% nonseptic SIRS, 58% sepsis). Serum CRP was higher in sick dogs compared with controls (P<0.001). Over the 3‐day period surviving dogs (n=31) displayed a significantly greater decrease in CRP than nonsurvivors (n=10) (P=0.001). No correlation was found between the initial CRP concentrations and the survival rate. The changes in CRP corresponded to the survival rate (P=0.01).

Conclusion –There was no significant relationship between the survival rate in dogs with nonseptic SIRS or sepsis and the initial serum CRP concentrations. There was a correlation between decreasing CRP concentrations and recovery from disease. However, the changes in CRP concentrations over a 3‐day period correctly predicted survival in 94% of dogs and death in 30% of the dogs (false positive rate 22%).
Antimicrobial therapy and aerobic bacteriologic culture patterns in canine intensive care unit patients: 74 dogs (January–June 2006)
Authors: Black Dorothy M. , Rankin Shelley C. , King Lesley G.
Published: September 2009

Objective
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Describe antimicrobial therapy and aerobic bacteriologic culture patterns in canine intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a university hospital.

Design
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Retrospective descriptive.

Setting
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A tertiary university referral hospital.

Animals
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Seventy‐four canine ICU patients.

Interventions
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From January to June 2006 patient antimicrobial use, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results, and clinical data were recorded. Appropriate antimicrobial use was analyzed relative to the time of culture submission and MIC results.

Measurements and Main Results
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Mean±SD age was 7.2±4.2 years. Median (range) length of ICU and hospital stays were 3 days (1–25 d) and 4 days (1–27 d), respectively. A total of 106 cultures were submitted; 47 of 106 (44%) cultures were positive for 70 isolates, including Escherichia coli (16/70 [23%]), Staphylococcus intermedius (7/70 [10%]), and Acinetobacter baumannii (5/70 [7%]). A multidrug resistant pattern occurred in 19 of 70 (27%) isolates, and was significantly more likely after 48 hours of hospitalization (P<0.001). Antimicrobials were administered before culture submission in 42 of 74 dogs (57%) and included enrofloxacin (23/42 [55%]), ampicillin (20/42 [48%]), and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (8/42 [19%]). Antimicrobial choices were appropriate 19% of the time. While pending culture results, antimicrobials were administered to 67 of 72 (94%) dogs remaining alive, and were appropriate 75% of the time. The most common antimicrobials administered while awaiting culture results were ampicillin (52/67 [78%]), enrofloxacin (49/67 [73%]), and amikacin (9/67 [13%]). Post‐MIC antimicrobials were appropriate 89% of the time. Of 45 dogs remaining alive, 17 (37%) continued to receive antimicrobials despite negative cultures.

Conclusions
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Antimicrobial use was extensive in this patient population, but when available, MIC results were used to guide antimicrobial therapy. Many patients with negative cultures continued to receive antimicrobial therapy. Multidrug resistant bacteria were more likely in cultures taken after 48 hours of hospitalization.
The effect of Hetastarch (670/0.75) in vivo on platelet closure time in the dog
Authors: Smart Lisa , Jandrey Karl E. , Kass Philip H. , Wierenga Janelle R. , Tablin Fern
Published: September 2009

Objective
–
To evaluate the effect of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution in vivo, with an average molecular weight of 670 kDa and degree of substitution of 0.75, on canine platelet function.

Design
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Prospective, controlled‐experimental study.

Setting
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University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Animals
–
Seven healthy employee‐owned dogs.

Interventions
–
Seven dogs were included in the treatment group. Four of these dogs also served as the control group. Platelet closure time (CT) was measured using a platelet function analyzer and collagen/ADP cartridges. Dogs were given 20 mL/kg of either sodium chloride 0.9% (control group, n=4) or HES (treatment group, n=7) IV over 1 hour. CT was measured before the infusion, and at 1, 3, 5, and 24 hours after the start of the infusion.

Measurements and Main Results
–
There was a significant change over time from 0 to 24 hours (P<0.001), a significant difference between groups across time (P<0.001), and a significant group‐by‐time interaction (P=0.007). At 3 hours, mean CT for the treatment group was 122.3±18.1 seconds, which was significantly different (P<0.001) from the control group (71.0±3.5 s). At 5 hours, mean CT for the treatment group was 142.7±33.9 seconds, which was significantly different (P=0.001) from the control group (75.0±8.6 s). Mean CT at 24 hours was within the reference interval for both the control and treatment group (66.0±2.9 and 81.8±11.9 s, respectively); however, CT in 3 individual dogs in the treatment group at this time point remained prolonged.

Conclusions
–
A clinically relevant dose of HES 670/0.75 prolongs CT in dogs for up to 24 hours. This may be due to platelet dysfunction in addition to the effects of hemodilution, and therefore, may increase the risk of bleeding.
Chylothorax and Chylopericardial Tamponade in a Hemodialysis Patient with Catheter‐Induced Superior Vena Cava Stenosis
Authors: Adekile Ayoola , Adegoroye Adeyinka , Tedla Fasika , Levin Daniel , Salifu Moro O.
Published: September 2009

Chylothorax and chylopericardium refer to the presence of milky, triglyceride‐rich chylous fluid in the thoracic and pericardial spaces, respectively. Both conditions are extremely uncommon in end‐stage renal disease patients on dialysis. We report the first known case of combined chylothorax and chylous pericardial tamponade in a dialysis patient associated with catheter‐induced superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis. A successful outcome was achieved with drainage of both chylous effusions in combination with angioplasty of the SVC stenosis.
Strategies for Reducing Polypharmacy and Other Medication‐Related Problems in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mason Nancy A. , Bakus Jodie L.
Published: September 2009

Medication‐related problems are very common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These problems are often avoidable and can result in detrimental patient consequences and high financial costs. Despite these risks, it is often medically necessary to prescribe multiple medications to treat the comorbid conditions that accompany CKD. In addition, patients’ use of nonprescription medications and changes in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters may further contribute to medication‐related problems in CKD, including drug interactions and the need for dosage adjustments. A structured medication assessment process is one approach to reducing the risks associated with medication‐related problems. This multifaceted process involves a comprehensive medication history interview, structured therapy assessment, and open communication between members of the medical team. A detailed description of this process is provided to aid healthcare providers in addressing this important issue.
Tooth Preparation: A Study on the Effect of Different Variables and a Comparison Between Conventional and Channeled Diamond Burs
Authors: Galindo Daniel F. , Ercoli Carlo , Funkenbusch Paul D. , Greene Thomas D. , Moss Mark E. , Lee Han‐Joo , Ben‐Hanan Uri , Graser Gerald N. , Barzilay Izchak
Published: September 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different variables involved in tooth cutting to characterize intrapulpal temperature generation, cutting efficiency, and bur durability when using conventional and channeled diamond burs.

Materials and Methods: Forty premolars and 60 molars were selected for the study. Four diamond burs were paired according to grit size: 125‐μm grit: Brasseler Coarse (Control 1) and TDA System (Test 1) burs; and 180‐μm grit: Brasseler CRF (Control 2) and NTI Turbo Diamond (Test 2) burs. Each bur was used twice when cutting the premolar teeth, whereas it was used for 60 cuts when cutting the molar teeth. The data were analyzed to compare the correlation of bur design, grit and wear, amount of pressure, advancement rate, revolutions per minute, cutting time and rate, and proximity to the pulp chamber with intrapulpal temperature generation, cutting efficiency, and bur longevity. The mean values of test and control burs in each group were compared using an ANOVA (p < 0.05 for significant differences) for temperature generation and an ANOVA and the Tukey multiple range test (p≤ 0.05) for cutting efficiency and bur longevity.

Results: No significant difference was found in intrapulpal temperature generation while cutting premolar and molar teeth with conventional and channeled diamond burs. In both groups, the mean temperature recorded during and after the cutting procedure was lower than the baseline temperature. For premolar teeth, no significant difference was established for control and test burs for the load required to cut into the tooth and the cutting rate. However, both test burs showed significantly fewer revolutions per minute when compared to their control counterparts. For the molar teeth, the Brasseler CRF bur required a significantly lower cutting load when compared to the NTI bur, whereas no difference was noted between the other pair of burs. The cutting rate was significantly higher for both control burs, whereas revolutions per minute (rpm) were greater for control coarser burs only. Overall, channeled burs showed a significantly lower cutting efficiency when compared to conventionally designed burs.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, channeled burs showed no significant advantage over conventional diamond burs when evaluating temperature generation and bur durability. Moreover, the cutting efficiency of conventional burs was greater than that of channeled burs.
An Experimental Study on Particular Physical Properties of Several Interocclusal Recording Media. Part I: Consistency Prior to Setting
Authors: Michalakis Konstantinos X. , Pissiotis Argiris , Anastasiadou Vassiliki , Kapari Danai
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the consistency prior to the setting of 5 elastomeric interocclusal recording materials in comparison with a wax and a zinc oxide–eugenol paste. This property is related to the viscosity as well as to the working and setting times of these materials.

Materials and Methods: Testing of consistency was performed following a modification of the method described in ADA Specification No. 19, for elastomeric impression materials. Each one of the tested materials was mixed for 20 seconds and was then loaded into a 0.5 mL syringe. The material was syringed onto a 10 × 10 × 0.5 cm glass plate. A second 575 g glass plate was placed on top of the unset interocclusal registration material. A total of 10 samples were tested for each material. The surface area covered by the materials was measured with the help of a scanner and the use of appropriate computer software.

Results: One‐way ANOVA revealed significant differences among the materials (F = 889.493, p < 0.0005). According to Tukey's honest significant difference test, all materials were significantly different (p < 0.05) from one another. All polyvinylsiloxanes occupied a smaller area than that of the polyether and of the zinc oxide–eugenol paste.

Conclusions: Zinc oxide–eugenol paste was the most fluid of all materials tested. Polyvinylsiloxanes displayed less flow properties than polyether.
Crowns Cemented on Crown Preparations Lacking Geometric Resistance Form. Part II: Effect of Cement
Authors: Proussaefs Periklis
Published: September 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of different cements on resistance to dislodgment of crowns cemented on preparations lacking geometric resistance form.

Materials and Methods:A preparation that offered no geometric resistance form, with 20° total occlusal convergence (TOC), 0.9 mm wide shoulder finish line, and a 2.5 mm axial wall height was created on an ivorine tooth using a milling machine. Ten metal test specimen die replicas and 10 standardized metal crowns with recipient sites for the application of external forces through a universal testing machine were fabricated. The crowns were cemented on the dies under 5 and 10 kg external loads, the marginal openings measured, loaded to dislodgment, and cleaned of cement. The process was repeated using zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE), zinc phosphate (ZPh), resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI), and composite resin (CR) cements.

Results:Marginal openings under 5 kg cementation loads were 74.63 (±15.04) for ZOE, 75.98 (±18.20) μm for ZPh, 98.58 (±22.62) μm for RMGI, and 105.82 (±20.07) μm for CR cements respectively; under 10 kg cementation loads they were 57.62 (±15.86) μm, 59.55 (±15.41) μm, 95.00 (±19.52) μm, 101.30 (±12.52) μm respectively. Oblique dislodgment forces, measured with a Universal testing machine, were 40.18 (± 6.76) N for ZOE, 215.65 (±45.79) N for ZPh, 165.43 (±19.53) N for RMGI, and 181.54 (±30.75) N for CR respectively when crowns were cemented under 5 kg loads. The corresponding values for 10 kg loads were 38.62 (±4.19), 274.86 (±54.22), 139.70 (±21.71), and 160.40 (±21.21) respectively. Only zinc phosphate cement produced statistically enhanced resistance when crowns were cemented under 10 kg force (p value = 0.035).

Conclusions: Under the conditions of the present study only crowns cemented with zinc phosphate displayed increased resistance to dislodgment on preparations lacking resistance form.
The Role of Salary and Incentives in the New Product Function
Authors: Feldman Laurence P.
Published: September 2009

It seems reasonable to expect that a company's reward systems would recognize the importance of the new product function. It also seems reasonable that those systems should take into account the importance of cross‐functional teams. Unfortunately, current reality does not meet those reasonable expectations.

Laurence P. Feldman presents the results of a 1994 PDMA membership survey on the compensation of new product professionals. This study updates and extends the information collected in his 1990 PDMA survey, and thus meets four objectives: tracking changes in compensation levels since the 1990 survey; assessing the effects of various factors on compensation; examining the structure of non‐salary financial incentives; and obtaining information on the extent and types of nonfinancial incentives used with cross‐functional teams.

The survey results indicate that compensation of new product professionals increased by 9.6% between 1989 and 1993. This compares unfavorably with a Labor Department benchmark of 14.7%. Survey findings indicate that the compensation of technical or scientific people does not differ significantly from that of marketing personnel. A firm's industry classification has a greater influence on compensation level than does a person's role in the new products process. Even more important are such factors as number of people supervised, length of time with the firm, and education level.

Respondents indicate that performance‐based financial incentives play a minor role in overall compensation. Such incentives gain importance as you move up the ranks of the organization, accounting for slightly more than 20% of total compensation at the vice presidential level.

Despite the benefits of using cross‐functional teams, compensation programs typically do not reward team efforts. Less than 20% of the respondents who served on such teams reported that any portion of their compensation was directly attributable to their team effort. In most cases, the new product professional's performance is evaluated by a functional manager rather than the team leader or project leader. In place of financial rewards for contributions to a team effort, companies often use nonfinancial rewards such as plaques, hoping to minimize the effect of possible errors in judging performance.
Women and Property in Late Eighteenth‐Century Fiction: Gendered Property and Generic Belonging in Charlotte Smith and Mary Wollstonecraft
Authors: Kramer Kaley
Published: September 2009

The relationship between women and property has been a central investigative concern for literary scholars in recent years. While there can be little doubt that women made up an important part of the increased print market and audience of the 18th century, their participation in other aspects of public life remained highly regulated and constrained by legal requirement and cultural conventions. Yet print offered women an opportunity to explore new kinds of property and foster new communities of sympathetic readers equally versed in literary convention and real‐life experiences of oppression. Writing at the end of a century of dramatic change in marriage legislation, property law, and social expectations, Mary Wollstonecraft and Charlotte Smith examine the relationship between gender and genre through the lens of property and ownership. Their novels challenge the limits of generic representation and gesture towards the paradoxical construction of women as marginal and central to the inheritance of real property. Most interestingly, for the purposes of this paper, both demonstrate a keen awareness of the importance of genre and the central role of narrative, not only in fiction but also in relation to discourses that shape women’s roles in and relationship with families, social groups, and national communities.
Regulatory feedback loop between NF‐κB and MCP‐1‐induced protein 1 RNase
Authors: Skalniak Lukasz , Mizgalska Danuta , Zarebski Adrian , Wyrzykowska Paulina , Koj Aleksander , Jura Jolanta
Published: September 2009

A novel gene ZC3H12A, encoding MCP‐1‐induced protein 1 (MCPIP), was recently identified in human peripheral blood monocytes treated with monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) and in human monocyte‐derived macrophages stimulated with interleukin (IL)‐1β. These experiments revealed that the gene undergoes rapid and potent transcription induction upon stimulation with proinflammatory molecules, such as MCP‐1, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor α and lipopolysaccharide. Here we show that the induction of ZC3H12A by IL‐1β is predominantly NF‐κB‐dependent because inhibition of this signalling pathway results in the impairment of ZC3H12A transcription activation. Our results indicate the presence of an IL‐1β‐responding region within the second intron of the ZC3H12A gene, which contains four functional NF‐κB‐binding sites. Therefore, we propose that this transcription enhancer transduces a ZC3H12A transcription‐inducing signal after IL‐1β stimulation. Recent reports suggest that MCPIP acts as a negative regulator of inflammatory processes because it is engaged in the degradation of transcripts coding for certain proinflammatory cytokines. Our observations provide evidence for a novel negative feedback loop in the activation of NF‐κB and point to potential significance of MCPIP in the treatment of various pathological states, such as diabetes or cancer that involve disturbances in the functioning of the NF‐κB system.
Nimotuzumab combined with radiotherapy reduces primary tumor and nodal volume in advanced undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: GONDHOWIARDJO Soehartati , MUTHALIB Abdul , KHOTIMAH Siti , RACHMAN Andhika
Published: September 2009

Aim:  A high expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in most human epithelial tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). The overexpression of EGFR has been shown to play an influential role in tumorigenesis and the progression of malignant tumors. Therefore, blocking EGFR might be a potential targeted treatment for NPC. Nimotuzumab is an anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody that exhibits remarkable anti‐proliferative, anti‐angiogenic, and pro‐apoptotic effects.

Methods:  Here we report five patients with loco‐regionally advanced NPC, treated with nimotuzumab 100 mg i.v./week for 8 weeks in combination with radiotherapy in a total dose of 70–74 Gy.

Results:  A computed tomography evaluation of all five patients showed that the primary tumor volume was reduced, ranging from 64.1 to 98% and the nodal volume was reduced by 90.7–100%. No severe adverse events related to nimotuzumab were observed.

Conclusion:  The use of nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy was potentially beneficial and safe for patients with advanced NPC.
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 oncoprotein expression in breast cancer patients from central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: COSKUN Hasan Senol , ALTINBAS Mustafa , ER Ozlem , OZTURK Figen , KARAMAN Hatice , SOYUER Serdar , OZKAN Metin , SOYUER Isin
Published: September 2009

Aim:  Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and the frequency of HER2 positivity in breast cancer patients varies among different regions of the world. We studied HER2 expression in Turkish breast cancer patients.

Methods:  HER 2 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in 107 breast cancer patients. HER2 expression was reported as negative or positive (3+) according to cellular membrane staining characteristics. The frequency of HER2 overexpression, distribution according to clinical characteristics, effect on survival and effect of chemotherapy on survival in relation to HER2 overexpression was evaluated.

Results:  The median age of patients was 49 years (range 27–76). HER2 was 3+ in 34 patients (31.8%). There was no significant difference in age, menopausal status, histopathology, lymph node involvement, stage and estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positivity in relation to HER2 expression. Forty‐three patients (40.2%) relapsed and 21 patients (19.6%) died during the follow‐up period. There was no significant difference in the relapse rate, distribution of relapse sites and death rate in relation to HER2 expression. The 3‐ and 5‐year disease free survival rates were 67.1 and 40.5%, and the overall survival rates were 87.5 and 66.1%, respectively. Survival rate and calculated survival time were relatively shorter in HER2 3+ patients than in non‐HER2 3+ patients, but these differences were not statistically significant. HER2 status did not affect survival period according to chemotherapy group.

Conclusion:  Immunohistochemistry findings of HER2 expression in Turkish breast cancer patients were similar to those found in the published reports. A shorter survival period was observed in HER2 3+ patients, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Superior efficacy of a Cremophor‐free albumin‐bound paclitaxel compared with solvent‐based paclitaxel in Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: GUAN Zhong‐Zhen , LI Qing Li , FENG Fengyi , JIANG Zefei , SHEN Zhenzhou , YU Shiying , FEN Jifeng , HUANG Jianjin , YAO Zhiwen , BHAR Paul
Published: September 2009

Aim:  In a previous study, a 130‐nm nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐paclitaxel) demonstrated improved efficacy and safety profile compared with solvent‐based paclitaxel (sb‐paclitaxel) in Caucasian patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of the present randomized study was to compare the response rates and safety profile of nab‐paclitaxel with sb‐paclitaxel in Chinese patients with MBC.

Methods:  In the present open‐label, multicenter study, 210 patients with MBC were randomly assigned to receive nab‐paclitaxel 260 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) over 30 min every 3 weeks (q3w) with no premedication or sb‐paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 i.v. over 3 h q3w with standard premedication.

Results:  The overall response rate was 54 and 29% in patients treated with nab‐paclitaxel and sb‐paclitaxel, respectively (P < 0.001). nab‐paclitaxel induced a higher response rate in patients who were <65 years old, patients who were receiving first‐line therapy, patients who had no prior anthracycline therapy, patients who had ≤ or >3 metastatic lesions, and patients who had visceral disease. The progression‐free survival (PFS) period was 7.6 months for nab‐paclitaxel and 6.2 months for sb‐paclitaxel (P = 0.118). Despite the 49% higher paclitaxel dose in patients receiving nab‐paclitaxel compared with patients receiving sb‐paclitaxel, the safety profile was similar in both treatment groups. The most common grades 3 and 4 adverse event (AE) in both arms was neutropenia. The most common grade 3 nonhematologic AE was peripheral neuropathy, and no grade 4 peripheral neuropathy was observed.

Conclusion:  Compared with sb‐paclitaxel, nab‐paclitaxel demonstrated superior efficacy, an acceptable safety profile, and a trend toward increased PFS in patients with MBC.
An Approach to Improve the Piezoelectric Property of (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3–BaTiO3 Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Dai Ye‐Jing , Zhang Xiao‐Wen , Chen Ke‐Pi
Published: September 2009

Lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics of an a(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–b(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3–cBaTiO3 (BNBK) ternary system close to the composition of MPB have been widely investigated in recent decades. In this research, the MPB Linear Combination Rule (LCR) is introduced to explore the ternary system of lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics for the first time, and the best properties of d33=220 pC/N, kp=0.31, kt=0.476, Td=157°C, and ɛr=1648 are obtained for a composition with a/b/c=85.25/10.995/3.755. It is suggested that BNBK with the composition (85.25/10.995/3.755) is a candidate material for lead‐free applications. Moreover, the LCR of MPB is an effective method, applicable to lead‐free ceramics to search for an optimal composition with excellent properties.
Effect of Glass Addition on the Microwave Dielectric Properties of CaMgSi2O6 Ceramics
Authors: Joseph Tony , Sebastian Mailadil T. , Sreemoolanadhan Hariharaiyer , Sree Nageswari Velappannair K.
Published: September 2009

CaMgSi2O6 (CMS) ceramics prepared by the solid‐state ceramic route have a sintering temperature of 1300°C/2 h. The sintering temperature of CMS was reduced below the melting point of Ag using low‐melting LBS and LMZBS glasses. In the case of CMS+15 wt% LMZBS sintered at 900°C/2 h, the dielectric properties obtained were ɛr=8.2, Qu×f=32,000 GHz (10.15 GHz), and τf=–48 ppm/°C. The CMS+15 wt% LBS composite, sintered at 925°C/2 h, showed ɛr=8, Qu×f=15,000 GHz (10.17 GHz), and τf=–49 ppm/°C. The chemical compatibility of Ag with the ceramic–glass composites was also investigated for low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic applications.
Strengthening of Ceramics Surface by Crack Healing and Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Nakao Wataru , Chiba Yohei , Iwata Keisuke , Nishi Yoshitake , Ando Kotoji
Published: September 2009

New hybrid surface reinforcement consisting of crack healing and low energy electron beam irradiation has been proposed for structural ceramics. Crack healing was found to make surface cracks be innocuous. Low‐energy electron beam irradiation was found to significantly harden the treated subsurface layer, which includes the matrix layer near the surface as well as the partly or fully covered silica layer formed by the crack healing. Moreover, it was found not to break the improved fracture strength due to crack healing. These results suggest that the proposed surface reinforcement can actualize to manage the existence of surface cracks in structural ceramics.
Giant Tortoises as Ecological Engineers: A Long‐term Quasi‐experiment in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Gibbs James P. , Sterling Eleanor J. , Zabala F. Javier
Published: September 2009

Giant tortoises were once a megafaunal element widespread in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. The role of giant tortoises as herbivores and seed dispersers, however, is poorly known. We evaluated tortoise impacts on Opuntia cactus (Cactaceae) in the Galápagos Islands, one of the last areas where giant tortoises remain extant, where the cactus is a keystone resource for many animals. We contrasted cactus populations immediately inside and outside natural habitats where tortoises had been held captive for several decades. Through browsing primarily and trampling secondarily tortoises strongly reduced densities of small (0.5–1.5 m high) cacti, especially near adult cacti, and thereby reduced densities of cacti in larger size classes. Tortoises also caused a shift from vegetative to sexual modes of reproduction in cacti. We conclude that giant tortoises promote a sparse and scattered distribution in Opuntia cactus and its associated biota in the Galápagos Islands.
Edge Effects and Seedling Bank Depletion: The Role Played by the Early Successional Palm Attalea oleifera (Arecaceae) in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Aguiar Antônio Venceslau , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: September 2009

In this study, we examined the impacts of Attalea oleifera on the structure of seedling bank and discuss potential mechanisms of palm influence. Seed rain, seedling bank, and palm leaf fall were assessed beneath the canopy and in the vicinity of 16 adult palms across the edges of a large fragment (3500 ha) of the Atlantic forest. Moreover, we examined A. oleifera impacts on seed germination and seedling mortality by experimentally submitting seeds and seedlings to prolonged palm‐leaf covering. As expected, seedling bank beneath the adults exhibited reduced abundance and species richness at local and habitat scale. Small to large seeds (3.1–30 mm) were underrepresented in the seed rain below adults palms, while experimental leaf covering drastically reduced both seed germination and seedling survivorship. A. oleifera leaf fall occurred over the whole year (3.6±2.7 leaves/individual/yr), which resulted in deep leaf litter mounds (10.7±9.2 cm). Finally, adult palm density (21.6±11.9 individuals/ha) correlated negatively with seedling density across Attalea clusters. Our results suggest that A. oleifera exerts negative effects on the seedling bank by reducing seedling abundance and richness as a consequence of two complementary mechanisms: impoverished and size‐biased seed rain plus reduced seed germination and increased seedling mortality due to prolonged covering by fallen leaves.
Male Body Size and Mating Success and Their Relation to Larval Host Plant History in the Moth Rothschildia lebeau in Costa Rican Dry Forest
Authors: Agosta Salvatore J.
Published: September 2009

The moth Rothschildia lebeau uses three tree species as its primary larval hosts in the tropical dry forest of northwestern Costa Rica. These hosts were shown previously to have different relative effects on caterpillar performance, resulting in an apparent host‐related life history trade‐off between large adult body size on the one hand but low offspring survival on the other. To further assess the potential ecological and evolutionary importance of this trade‐off, an observational field study of the relationship between male body size and mating success was conducted. Across mating trials, larger males had a higher probability of being observed mating. Independent of the effect of size, the amount of wing damage an individual had sustained (a measure of relative age) was negatively correlated with the probability a male was observed mating. Within mating trials, the mated male tended to be larger than the average unmated male, but there was no difference in wing damage. Overall, results of this study were consistent with a positive effect of male body size on mating success, consistent with the idea that larval host plant history and its effects on adult body size matters in terms of adult male fitness. However, all sized males were observed mating over the course of the study, and the size advantage did not appear to be particularly strong.
SENSORY PROPERTIES AFFECTING ACCEPTABILITY OF “BRESAOLA” FROM PODOLIAN YOUNG BULLS
Authors: BRAGHIERI ADA , GIROLAMI ANTONIO , CARLUCCI ANGELA , PIAZZOLLA NICOLETTA , RIVIEZZI AMELIA MARIA , NAPOLITANO FABIO
Published: September 2009

Three muscles (Semimembranosus, Quadriceps femoris, Adductor) from Podolian young bulls (aged 18 months) were processed into bresaolas, which were compared with commercial products, in terms of sensory profile and preference expressed by consumers. Slope analysis was conducted to study the preference drivers. The preference of homogeneous groups of consumers and the relationships with sensory properties of bresaola were investigated using partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. The products differed for several sensory properties, such as sweetness, flavor intensity (P < 0.001), saltiness (P < 0.01), peppered, seasoned and tenderness (P < 0.05). The slope analysis showed that taste/flavor (k = 0.86) and appearance (k = 0.76) play an important role in orienting consumer preference, while texture (k = 0.54) is less important. No general trend was found for product liking. Conversely, PLS regression clustered the consumers in homogeneous groups: one preferred the commercial products characterized by sensory properties such as peppered, saltiness, seasoned and marbling, another one was more oriented toward properties such as sweetness, odor and chewiness, which characterized Podolian bresaolas.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Partial least squares regression analysis clustered the consumers in homogeneous groups according to their liking: those preferring peppered, salty, seasoned and marbling bresaolas versus those oriented toward sweet and odorous products. In addition, the relationship between overall liking and attribute liking (appearance, taste/flavor and texture) was analyzed by linear regression analysis. This may be helpful in order to establish meaningful criteria for grading bresaolas and identify the particular attributes that move its acceptance (i.e., taste/flavor and appearance rather than texture).
AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF REVERSE AUCTION APPROPRIATENESS IN B2B SOURCE SELECTION
Authors: HAWKINS TIMOTHY G. , RANDALL WESLEY S. , WITTMANN C. MICHAEL
Published: September 2009

Electronic reverse auctions (e‐RAs) are receiving attention as an effective strategy for reducing the price of purchased goods and services. To optimize their use, sourcing professionals will need to match firm requirements to market characteristics and supplier capabilities through the application of optimal sourcing strategies. To date, explanations of why sourcing managers decide to utilize an e‐RA strategy are incomplete. This study relies upon strategic sourcing concepts coupled with extant research on e‐RA use to develop a conceptual model of antecedents to the perceived appropriateness of e‐RA usage. The model is tested and supported via structural equation modeling. Findings demonstrate that a sourcing professional's perception as to the appropriateness of using an e‐RA for sourcing a particular requirement is influenced by (1) the specifiability of the requirement (2) supplier competition, (3) leadership influence, and (4) a price‐based selection criterion. Further, a requirement with higher specifiability was found to increase competition in an e‐RA bidding event. Contributions to theory, practice, and future research directions are identified.
A Comparison of Weight‐Related Behaviors Among High School Students Who Are Homeless and Non‐Homeless
Authors: Fournier Mary E. , Austin S. Bryn , Samples Cathryn L. , Goodenow Carol S. , Wylie Sarah A. , Corliss Heather L.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that youth who are homeless engage in high‐risk behaviors. However, there has been little information published on nutritional and physical activity behaviors in this population, and studies comparing homeless youth in school with their non‐homeless peers are scarce. This study compares weight‐related risk behaviors of public high school students in Massachusetts based on homeless status.

METHODS: We obtained data from 3264 9th through 12th grade students who participated in the 2005 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Multivariable logistic regression, controlling for gender, grade, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation, was performed to assess the relationship between homeless status as defined by the McKinney‐Vento Homeless Assistance Act and weight‐related indicators. Analyses were weighted and adjusted for the multistage complex sampling design.

RESULTS: Of this sample, 4.2% reported being homeless (n = 152). Higher prevalence of homelessness was found among males, racial/ethnic minorities, sexual minorities, and students who were not in a traditional grade level. The distribution of body mass index was similar among students who were homeless and non‐homeless (underweight 4.0 and 3.0%, and overweight 27.1 and 27.1%, respectively). Homeless students were more likely than non‐homeless students to report disordered weight‐control behaviors including fasting (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.5) and diet pill use (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6–6.9).

CONCLUSIONS: More than 4% of public high school students in Massachusetts meet the federal definition of homelessness. These students are at high risk for disordered weight‐control behaviors. Policy decisions at the school, state, and federal levels should make a concerted effort to target these students with social services and nutritional interventions.
Participation in the National School Lunch Program: Importance of School‐Level and Neighborhood Contextual Factors
Authors: Mirtcheva Donka M. , Powell Lisa M.
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effect of stigma (proxied by school‐level peer participation), neighborhood food environment, and demographic characteristics on participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

METHODS: The 1997 and 2003 waves of the Child Development Supplement to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics were linked to external data on school‐level free lunch eligibility rate, fast food restaurant availability in the school zip code, and food store availability and neighborhood socioeconomic status in the home zip code. Probit models examined the effects of contextual and demographic factors on NSLP participation and free/reduced‐price NSLP participation, conditional on eligibility. Differences were analyzed by grade.

RESULTS: A 10% higher free lunch eligibility rate in a child's school was associated with a 1.8 percentage point increase in the probability of NSLP participation and 2.6 and 6.7 percentage points increase in free/reduced‐price NSLP participation among all and high school eligible student, respectively. Fewer grocery stores and more convenience stores increased NSLP participation. Fast food restaurant availability in the school neighborhood decreased free/reduced‐price NSLP participation for high school students only. The addition of the contextual factors reduced the estimated association with several of the demographic covariates, especially race.

CONCLUSIONS: The significant positive association between NLSP participation and school‐level free lunch eligibility, especially for the free/reduced‐price NSLP participation, suggested that stigma, or possibly peers, affected participation. Neighborhood and school contextual variables had significant effects on school lunch take‐up and the results differed between high school and elementary/middle school students.
Situating and teaching 21st century zoology: revealing pattern in the form and function of animals
Authors: RUSSELL Anthony P.
Published: September 2009

The current challenges (increasing levels of integration in the biological sciences) facing the teaching of zoology and the structure of the zoology curriculum are explored herein. General context is provided and a more focused scrutiny of the situation in North America is presented. The changing emphases in more broadly‐based biological sciences programs in North America are outlined, and their influence on the role of zoology as part of fundamental biological training is considered. The longer term impact of such changes in emphasis on the teaching of zoology is discussed, and the central role that zoology can play in dealing with both science content and science education is advanced. Based upon a focal workshop on the future of the zoology curriculum in Canada, a perspective on the challenges facing curriculum evolution is provided. Extensive curriculum redesign is called for to ensure that zoology provides a broad‐scale integrative approach to the understanding of biodiversity in evolutionary, ecological and functional contexts. Barriers to, and drivers of change are identified and the need for collaborative approaches to curricular evolution is emphasized.
Changes of Bone Formation Markers Osteocalcin and Bone‐Specific Alkaline Phosphatase in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Authors: Lumachi Franco , Ermani Mario , Camozzi Valentina , Tombolan Valeria , Luisetto Giovanni
Published: September 2009

The relationship between bone formation markers osteocalcin (OC) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and age in postmenopausal women was investigated. Forty‐eight osteoporotic women (median age 62, range 49–76 years) were enrolled in the study. There were 17 (35%) patients aged 49–59 years (Group A), and 31 (65%) patients aged over 59 years (Group B). Parathyroid hormone, calcium, and creatinine serum levels did not differ significantly between groups. Compared with Group A, patients in Group B had higher levels of both OC (28.5 ± 17.8 versus 46.2 ± 19.3 ng/mL; P= 0.003) and bALP (57.3 ± 12.4 versus 66.4 ± 8.7 U/L; P= 0.005). A significant relationship between age and both OC (R= 0.49, P= 0.002) and bALP (R= 0.41, P= 0.009) was found only in Group B, but there was no relationship with bone mineral density. In conclusion, in postmenopausal women the increase of bone formation markers later in life may be an expression of increased bone turnover, which is partially the cause of osteoporosis.
Estrogens Maintain Bone Mass by Regulating Expression of Genes Controlling Function and Life Span in Mature Osteoclasts
Authors: Imai Yuuki , Youn Ming‐Young , Kondoh Shino , Nakamura Takashi , Kouzmenko Alexander , Matsumoto Takahiro , Takada Ichiro , Takaoka Kunio , Kato Shigeaki
Published: September 2009

Estrogens play a key role in regulation of bone mass and strength by controlling activity of bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. Cellular effects of estrogens are mediated predominantly by the action of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). In earlier studies, ablation of the ERα gene in mice did not result in osteoporotic phenotypes due to systemic endocrine disturbance and compensatory effects of elevated levels of testosterone. Despite the relatively well‐established effects in osteoblasts, little is known about the direct action of estrogen in osteoclasts. Development in the last decade of more sophisticated genetic manipulation approaches opened new possibilities to explore cell‐specific roles of nuclear receptors in bone tissue. Recently, we have generated osteoclast‐specific ERα gene knockout mice and shown that in vivo estrogens directly regulate the life span of mature osteoclasts by inducing the expression of pro‐apoptotic Fas ligand (FasL). Inhibitory effects of estrogens on osteoclast function were further studied in vitro. We observed sufficiently detectable ERα expression in osteoclasts differentiating from primary bone marrow cells or RAW264 cells, although levels of ERα were decreasing during progression of the differentiation into mature osteoclasts. Treatment with estrogens led to reduction in expression of osteoclast‐specific genes controlling bone resorption activity. However, estrogens did not affect the size of multinucleated osteoclasts or number of nuclei in a mature osteoclast. In conclusion, in osteoclasts, estrogens function to inhibit bone resorption activity and vitality rather than differentiation.