bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PR29 MASSETERIC‐FACIAL NERVE COAPTATION – AN ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR FACIAL NERVE REINNERVATION
Authors: Ek E. W. , Coombs C. J. , Wu T. , Cleland H. , Leung M. K.
Published: April 2007

Introduction  Facial nerve paralysis can be a disabling condition functionally, psychologically and aesthetically. When there has been an acquired proximal injury to the facial nerve in the presence of previously functional facial musculature, such as in acoustic neuroma surgery, neurotisation of the distal facial nerve is an appropriate choice of management. The hypoglossal nerve is most commonly used. However this is not without its limitations, notably subsequent hemilingual atrophy and facial synkinesis. We present an alternative technique of facial reinnervation utilising a motor branch of the trigeminal nerve, the nerve to masseter. We believe this technique has the potential to overcome problems encountered with use of other extra‐facial nerves.

Methods  Three patients with acquired facial nerve palsy following tumour resection underwent transfer of the ipsilateral masseteric nerve to facial nerve. In two patients the nerve was directly coapted to the trunk of the facial nerve while the third patient had transfer to the buccal branch.

Results  By twelve months postoperatively all three patients demonstrated significant improvement in facial muscle tone and symmetry at rest. All patients were able to produce a symmetrical smile with minimal synkinesis. Two of the three patients also had evidence of occasional spontaneous movements.

Conclusion  Use of the ipsilateral motor nerve to masseter offers an alternative technique for neurotisation of the facial nerve. The advantages of this technique include ease of dissection, constant and reliable anatomy, powerful innervation of the facial muscles, minimal donor site morbidity and the potential for return of spontaneous facial movements.
PR33 MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA: REPORT OF 19 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Gale K. L. , Milsom P. B. , De Beer J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive primary neuroendocrine tumour of the skin. It has a propensity for dermal‐lymphatic invasion, and nodal and haematogenous spread. There is no concensus regarding management. The aim of this study is to describe a provincial hospital’s experience with merkel cell, and to analyse the role of therapeutic options based upon current literature.

Methododology  A retrospective study was undertaken using Northland Pathology database during Dec 2002–2006. Demographics, tumour morphology and behaviour together with treatment modalities were documented.

Results  There were nine males and 10 females with an average age of 71 years (40–94 yrs). In 13 cases the primary lesion was nodular (68%), presenting amongst various sites, mostly head/neck 37%, and lower limb 32%. Relevant associated comorbidities included; multiple SCCs (1), melanoma (1), immunosuppression (1), and CLL (1).

At presentation, nine patients (47%) had regional lymphadenopathy and six patients (55%) underwent RLND. Distant metastases occured in 31%* of patients within 21 months (1–58 months). Nine patients (50%) underwent radiotherapy, and four (29%) had chemotherapy. Six patients died of MCC and one from an unrelated cause.

The incidence of MCC in Northland seems to be the highest in published series, with 4.75 cases/yr, in comparison with Australian studies (up to 3.9/yr), UK studies (0.87/yr ) and USA studies (up to 4.1/yr).

Conclusion  MCC seems to be increasing in incidence in an aging population. Early surgical intervention, coupled with adjuvant radiotherapy may improve outcome. This aggressive tumour is likely to become more of a focus amongst the field of Plastic Surgery.
PR04 ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATIONS OF THE FIRST 75 FREE FLAPS – LESSONS FROM A BEGINNER
Authors: Varkey A.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  Complications of free tissue transfer often are mentioned only in passing, be it in a forum or published literature. Minor details as discussed in this presentation are often are not emphasized and occasionally neglected.

Materials and methods  Of the 75 consecutive cases, majority were for head and neck reconstruction. Specific factors that are discussed are 1. Pedicle twist and precautions on perforator flaps 2. Pedicle in a tunnel‐ how wide is safe. 3. One vein versus two veins – when to choose 4. Could the beginner initiate his microsurgery on the second comitant vein? Are there alternatives to a safer teaching model? 5. Precautions in choosing recipient vessels in traumatic limbs with disuse atrophy 6. “Distal run off”– distance of freeing the recipient vessels. Other issues discussed are, prevention of vessel desiccation, precautions with hemoclips; pharmacotherapy versus re exploration, and rare causes of failure such as drug hit phenomenon.

Results  Among 75 free flaps, the ALT flap was the workhorse. Others included the radial forearm, fibula, Latissimus dorsi and gracilis. Of the 7 re‐explorations 3 had pharmacotherapy as the first intervention. There were 4 complete failures, 2‐partial failures, 1‐complete salvage. Overall success rate was 90%.

Conclusions  Success comes with good decisions; good decisions come with experience, though experience come with bad decisions. The factors discussed here aim to share the bad experiences that could be diligently avoided to obtain higher success rates.
SE18 A TALE OF TWO COLLEGES: DO SPECIALIST TRAINEES RECEIVE ADEQUATE HOSPITAL‐BASED TRAINING?
Authors: Rozen W. M. , Kaplan D. , Drummond K. J. , Millar R. J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose  Both medical and surgical trainees have a dual reliance on their specialist training college and their respective teaching hospitals to maintain standards in teaching and training. Although guidelines are in place for the administration of this teaching, hospital‐based teaching has been minimally regulated. A review of trainee satisfaction with current levels of hospital‐based training was performed, both to reflect the thoughts of trainees themselves and to highlight specific areas requiring improvement.

Methodology  Sixty‐four basic specialist trainees (44 surgical [BSTs] and 20 physician [BPTs]) were recruited from all of the major Melbourne metropolitan teaching hospitals and were each given an anonymous survey for completion.

Results  Surgical trainees considered all areas of hospital‐based training to be deficient, with overall dissatisfaction significantly greater for BSTs compared to BPTs (P = 0.046). A requirement for increased hospital‐based training was similarly greater for BSTs (P = 0.0072).

Conclusion  The present study confirms the need for a change in the regulation and administration of hospital‐based teaching, particularly for surgical trainees.
Systemic activity of plant extracts in Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) seedlings and their biological activity on Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae
Authors: Soto Francisco , Hilje Luko , Mora Gerardo A. , Aguilar María Elena , Carballo Manuel
Published: April 2007

1 Deterrent and toxic substances known to affect Hypsipyla grandella larvae were bioassayed to determine their possible systemic activity under laboratory conditions in Turrialba, Costa Rica.

2 Leaflets from Spanish cedar Cedrela odorata seedlings grown in vitro on culture media treated with different plant extracts were excised from the seedlings and exposed to H. grandella larvae.

3 Both Azatin EC (derived from neem, Azadirachta indica) and plant extracts (from Quassia amara wood, Ruta chalepensis leaves and Sechium pittieri fruits) were able to translocate within Spanish cedar seedlings and express their biological activity against H. grandella larvae.

4 Rates of leaflet consumption were nil for seedlings treated with the commercial standard (carbofuran) and Azatin EC, both causing larval death.

5 Intermediate levels of consumption were reached with the three plant extracts, all of them causing deterrence, because they precluded feeding activity by larvae when exposed to treated leaflets.
Magnetic resonance imaging‐directed transrectal ultrasonography‐guided biopsies in patients at risk of prostate cancer
Authors: Lattouf Jean‐Baptiste , Grubb Robert L. , Lee S. Justin , Bjurlin Marc A. , Albert Paul , Singh Anurag K. , Ocak Iclal , Choyke Peter , Coleman Jonathan A.
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether using endorectal‐coil magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) before transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsies of the prostate increases the yield of cancer in a high‐risk population, and in a subset analysis to compare the yield with high‐field (3 T) vs lower field (1.5 T) MRI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 2003 and November 2005, 26 consecutive patients had erMRI before their TRUS biopsy of the prostate (median age 62 years, range 32–76). The median prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was 8.40  (2.1–85.9) ng/mL. All patients had at least one previous negative prostate biopsy (median 3, range 1–12). Twenty‐three patients had at least one risk factor for prostate cancer (family history, high PSA velocity, low percentage of free PSA, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation on previous biopsy). MRI studies consisted of T2‐weighted and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging studies.

RESULTS

There was a close correlation between T2‐weighted and DCE images (85% agreement, P < 0.001). Neither T2‐weighted nor DCE imaging correlated with a higher yield for cancer on final biopsy (T2, positive predictive value, PPV, 20%, negative PV, NPV, 14%, P = 0.21; DCE, PPV 21%, NPV 15%, P = 0.26). Combining the two methods did not improve the cancer yield. There was no significant difference in the probability of cancer based on 1.5 T or 3 T imaging (17% vs 16%, P = 0.88).

CONCLUSION

Although erMRI before TRUS‐guided biopsies tended to give higher cancer yields the difference was not statistically significant. Reasons for this might include suboptimal localisation of the MRI findings and the biopsy location. Better methods for fusing MRI and TRUS images are presently being developed at our institution to allow more accurate targeting.
Immunohistochemical markers in urinary bladder carcinomas from paraffin‐embedded archival tissue after storage for 5–70 years
Authors: Litlekalsoy Jorunn , Vatne Vendil , Hostmark Jens G. , Laerum Ole Didrik
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate archival tissue specimens from bladder tumours and seek molecular changes in samples collected over seven decades previously, as although the frequencies of some cancer types have remained stable during the last 50 years, the incidence of others, including bladder tumours, has increased significantly, and molecular analyses of bladder cancer over periods with an increasing incidence are of interest as the findings might reflect varying external influences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining with the biological markers p53 protein, p16 protein, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cytokeratin 7 and high molecular weight 34βE12 cytokeratin (HMW‐cytokeratin, characteristic of basal cells) was used on archival, paraffin wax‐embedded autopsy/biopsy tissue material collected from 144 patients with invasive bladder cancer (World Health Organisation grade II and III). The cases were selected from the periods 1932–48, 1950–59, 1960–70 and 1990–2004. Control immunohistochemistry was done on available normal tissue (i.e. connective and fatty tissue, heart, lungs and normal urinary bladder epithelium) obtained from the autopsies.

RESULTS

The normal tissues were all largely negative for EGFR, had <1% positively stained nuclei for p53 and strong positive reactions for p16, and in epithelial tissues the two cytokeratins were detected. The positive scores for HMW‐cytokeratin in the tumour tissue decreased significantly from ≈ 90% to 30% over the 70 years. For p53 there was a higher fraction of positive scores (borderline significant) with time. The p16‐positive tumours showed no significant variation, with the highest frequency of positive scores in recent years. Overexpression of EGFR in the tumours was significantly correlated with the occurrence of HMW‐cytokeratin and decreased from ≈ 85% to 65% (not significant), with the lowest frequency in the samples from 1990 to 2004. Autolysis after death or long storage periods did not compromise good quality in the histochemical analyses of the autopsy tissue.

CONCLUSION

The higher frequency of HMW‐cytokeratin, lower p53 accumulation and more EGFR expression in grade II and III urinary bladder carcinomas from the 1930s could indicate different phenotypes in bladder cancer during this 70‐year period. The successful detection of these protein markers in old archival material allows larger retrospective studies that might increase the understanding of molecular carcinogenesis in bladder cancer.
Clinical outcome following post‐chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in men with intermediate‐ and poor‐risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumour
Authors: Shayegan Bobby , Carver Brett S. , Stasi Jason , Motzer Robert J. , Bosl George J. , Sheinfeld Joel
Published: April 2007

As usual, the urological oncology section is quite full, and covers a range of topics. Authors from New York describe their considerable experience with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy, and make some important recommendations about the procedure in men initially diagnosed with intermediate‐ and poor‐risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumours. There are several papers on prostate cancer, and on renal and bladder cancer. As can be seen, the role of chemotherapy in prostate cancer is receiving increasing attention.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome in patients treated with chemotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) after an initial diagnosis of International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) intermediate‐ and poor‐risk metastatic nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumour (NSGCT), as the integration of chemotherapy and surgery in managing advanced NSGCT continues to develop.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1989 and 2003, 157 patients initially diagnosed with IGCCCG intermediate‐ and poor‐risk NSGCT had RPLND after chemotherapy at the authors’ institution, with a median follow‐up of 36 months. Progression‐free probability (PFP) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic significance of risk factors for disease progression after RPLND.

RESULTS

In all, 68 (43%) and 89 (57%) patients were assigned as intermediate‐ and poor‐risk, respectively. At the time of RPLND the median residual retroperitoneal mass was 3.0 cm and 29 (19%) men had elevated serum tumour markers (α‐fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotrophin, or both). Retroperitoneal residual masses were completely resected in 147 (94%) patients; retroperitoneal histology revealed fibrosis in 73 (47%), teratoma in 63 (40%) and viable GCT in 21 (13%). The 5‐year overall DSS and PFP were 81% and 70%, respectively. Patients with poor‐risk NSGCT were at no greater risk of disease progression than those with intermediate‐risk NSGCT. In a multivariate analysis, residual mass size, incomplete surgical resection and the presence of teratoma and viable germ cell cancer independently predicted disease progression after RPLND.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced NSGCT have long‐term freedom from disease progression when chemotherapy is combined with resection of residual masses. Our data suggest that the tumour response to chemotherapy, coupled with complete resection of all residual masses, predicts long‐term freedom from disease progression.
Multidetector computed tomography urography for diagnosing upper urinary tract urothelial tumour
Authors: Cowan Nigel C. , Turney Ben W. , Taylor Nia J. , McCarthy Catherine L. , Crew Jeremy P.
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate multidetector computed tomography urography (MDCTU) for diagnosing upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial tumour by comparison with retrograde ureteropyelography (RUP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MDCTU and RUP were used in a selected series of adult patients presenting with haematuria. Entry criteria were based on findings on intravenous urography and were chosen to ensure a high prevalence of UUT urothelial tumour to allow a valid retrospective comparison of the diagnostic techniques. MDCTU and RUP studies were scored for the presence and absence of UUT urothelial tumour by two radiologists, retrospectively and independently, and while unaware of the demographic and clinical information. The reference standards were the histopathology and clinical follow‐up.

RESULTS

MDCTU and RUP were used in 106 patients over a 24‐month period. RUP was attempted in 151 of 212 UUTs; the corresponding MDCTU for each UUT was reviewed. MDCTU was a true‐positive (TP) for urothelial tumour in 31, true‐negative (TN) in 111, false‐positive (FP) in eight and false‐negative (FN) in one UUT, giving a sensitivity of 0.97, a specificity of 0.93, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.79 and a negative PV (NPV) of 0.99. RUP was technically successful and diagnostic in 96% of the UUTs (143/151). For diagnosing urothelial tumour, RUP was TP in 26, TN in 112, FP in four and FN in one UUT, giving a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity of 0.93, a PPV of 0.79 and NPV of 0.99.

CONCLUSION

This study validates quantitatively the use of MDCTU for diagnosing UUT urothelial tumour.
Evaluation of peri‐operative peripheral and renal venous levels of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors and their relevance in patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Klatte Tobias , Böhm Malte , Nelius Thomas , Filleur Stephanie , Reiher Frank , Allhoff Ernst Peter
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate peri‐operative peripheral and renal venous plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet‐derived growth factor type BB (PDGF‐BB), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, endostatin, and thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) in relation to pathological variables and prognosis, as pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors are important for tumour growth and treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 74 consecutive patients with sporadic RCC who had tumour nephrectomy. Peripheral venous blood was drawn 1 day before, immediately and 1, 3 and 5 days after surgery. Renal venous blood was collected in a subgroup of 33 patients during surgery. The variables were analysed using quantitative enzyme‐linked immunoassay kits, and associated with pathological variables and disease‐specific survival.

RESULTS

Soon after surgery, peripheral venous VEGF, PDGF‐BB and TGF‐β1 levels were decreased, whereas endostatin levels were significantly increased. Renal venous VEGF, PDGF‐BB and TGF‐β1 levels were higher than in the general venous blood pool. Renal venous VEGF levels were correlated with tumour diameter and associated with grade and vascular invasion. After a mean follow‐up of 30 months, higher peripheral preoperative, early peripheral postoperative and renal venous VEGF levels were associated with a poorer prognosis. However, in a multivariate analysis only Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis stage and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were independent prognosticators of disease‐specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic factors change early after nephrectomy. VEGF, PDGF‐BB and TGF‐β1 are higher in the renal vein than in the general venous blood pool. Higher renal venous and peripheral levels of VEGF might be associated with a poorer prognosis.
Ultrasound probe positioning to minimize the risk of recto‐urethral fistula during cryosurgical ablation of prostate cancer
Authors: Jones J. Stephen
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability to increase the distance between the rectal mucosa and prostate, and thus decrease the risk of recto‐urethral fistula, and to improve the ability to adequately freeze beyond the prostatic capsule during cryosurgical ablation for prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The transrectal ultrasound probe was manipulated to increase the distance from the rectal mucosa to prostate in 28 men scheduled for cryosurgical ablation for localized prostate cancer. Ten patients were treated for local recurrence after previous definitive radiotherapy, and cryosurgery was chosen as the primary treatment for the remainder.

RESULTS

The mean (range) distance from the rectal mucosa to the prostate when the probe was securely applied to the rectal wall was 2.5  (1–7) mm, and could be extended to 9.6  (7–14) mm before the ultrasonogram quality diminished enough to impede accurate placing of the cryoprobe. The mean distance gained as a margin of error was 7.1 (4–12) mm (P < 0.001). In no patient was it felt that visualization during the freezing cycles was impaired. No recto‐urethral fistula was identified.

CONCLUSION

The manoeuvres described here allow the surgeon to freeze beyond the prostatic capsule while maintaining a visible distance from rectal wall. The extra distance created by this manoeuvre might reduce the risk of recto‐urethral fistula, and potentially improve tumour control in the posterior aspect of the prostate, based on the ability to freeze beyond the capsule to reach lethal temperatures in all prostatic tissue.
CD4 cell count and initiation of antiretroviral therapy: trends in seven UK centres, 1997–2003
Authors: Stöhr W , Dunn DT , Porter K , Hill T , Gazzard B , Walsh J , Gilson R , Easterbrook P , Fisher M , Johnson MA , Delpech VC , Phillips AN , Sabin CA ,   on behalf of the UK CHIC Study
Published: April 2007

Objectives

We examined whether the timing of initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine clinical practice reflected treatment guidelines, which have evolved towards recommending starting therapy at lower CD4 cell counts.

Methods

We analysed longitudinal data on 10 820 patients enrolled in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) Study, which includes seven large clinical centres in south‐east England. CD4 cell and viral load measurements performed in the period between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2003 were classified according to whether ART was subsequently initiated or deferred, to estimate the probability of ART initiation by CD4 count and viral load over time. The effect of nonclinical factors (age, sex, ethnicity, and exposure category) was analysed by logistic regression. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the proportion of patients who had initiated ART by a particular CD4 count among ‘early’ presenters (initial CD4 cell count >500 cells/μL).

Results

There was a tendency to initiate ART at lower CD4 cell counts over time in the years 1997–2000, especially in the range 200–500 cells/μL, with little change thereafter. An estimated 34% of HIV‐infected individuals having presented early initiated ART at a CD4 count <200 cells/μL. We also found an independent influence of viral load, which was particularly pronounced for CD4 <350 cells/μL. Use of injection drugs was the only nonclinical factor associated with initiation of ART at lower CD4 cell counts.

Conclusions

The initiation of ART in the clinics included in this analysis reflected evolving treatment guidelines. However, an unexpectedly high proportion of patients started ART at lower CD4 counts than recommended, which is only partly explained by late presentation.
Incidence and causes of death in HIV‐infected persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy compared with estimates for the general population of similar age and from the same geographical area
Authors: Martínez E , Milinkovic A , Buira E , De Lazzari E , León A , Larrousse M , Loncá M , Laguno M , Blanco JL , Mallolas J , García F , Miró JM , Gatell JM
Published: April 2007

Background

Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of death in HIV‐infected patients has dramatically decreased, and causes of death other than those related to HIV infection have increased, although it is unclear how these parameters compare with those in the age‐matched general population living in the same geographical region.

Methods

Consecutive HIV‐infected adults who were prescribed HAART in our hospital were prospectively followed from January 1997 to December 2004 or until death, loss to follow‐up or discontinuation of HAART. Estimations of the annual incidence and causes of death in the general population of similar age in Catalonia per calendar year in the study period were obtained and compared with those in the HIV‐infected cohort.

Results

There were 235 deaths among the 4471 patients on HAART (5%). The incidence of mortality decreased over time in HIV‐infected patients (P<0.001; χ2 test for trend), although it has remained approximately five times higher than that for the age‐matched general population. AIDS‐related events were the most common cause of death (n=95; 40%), although they significantly decreased over time (P<0.001; χ2 test for trend), whereas liver diseases (P<0.001; χ2 test for trend) and non‐AIDS‐defining infections (P=0.008; χ2 test for trend) significantly increased over time. Infections in general (33 times higher), liver diseases (11 times higher) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (5 times higher) were overrepresented as causes of death in the HIV‐infected cohort compared with the age‐matched general population.

Conclusions

Non‐AIDS‐defining infectious diseases, liver diseases, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma represent specific targets for efforts to further decrease mortality in HIV‐infected patients receiving HAART.
Kinematics of bipedalism in Propithecus verreauxi
Authors: Wunderlich R. E. , Schaum J. C.
Published: April 2007

Bipedalism is rare in primates and has evolved in two distantly related groups: hominoids and indrids. Although copious data are available on the mechanics of bipedal locomotion in hominoids and vertical clinging and leaping (VCL) in indrids, no research has addressed the unique mode of bipedal locomotion exhibited by select indrid primates. Propithecus verreauxi is a highly specialized indrid vertical clinger and leaper that uses a peculiar form of bipedalism on the ground. The objectives of this study were to describe the bipedal gait of Propithecus, to assess the influence of VCL specializations on the kinematic patterns and propulsion mechanisms used by Propithecus during bipedalism, and to compare Propithecus bipedalism with the bipedal gaits of other primates capable of using bipedalism. Video was collected of five adult P. verreauxi moving bipedally in a seminatural setting at the Duke University Primate Center. Duty factor, footfall patterns, joint angles and center of mass movement were quantified in the sagittal plane for 73 steps. Propithecus uses a bipedal gallop, a gait unique to Propithecus. The kinematic similarities (e.g. large hip and knee angular excursions and preparatory countermovements) between bipedal galloping and VCL lead us to suggest that Propithecus takes advantage of specializations for VCL to conserve energy during bipedal galloping. Propithecus also walks bipedally at slower speeds. When Propithecus walks, it utilizes a relatively compliant gait similar to that of other primate facultative bipeds (Pan, Hylobates). During bipedal walking, energy conservation may be sacrificed for increased balance and reduced joint loads.
Sensitivity to masked conditioned stimuli predicts conditioned response magnitude under masked conditions
Authors: Cornwell Brian R. , Echiverri Aileen M. , Grillon Christian
Published: April 2007

Expression of conditioned fear has been reported to be independent of perceptual awareness of conditioned stimuli (CSs). Previous studies have been criticized, however, for not adequately assessing perceptual awareness. We fear‐conditioned participants to one of two symbols and measured skin conductance responses to dichoptically masked and unmasked CSs. Participants also performed a target detection task and sensitivity (d′) to the masked conditioned stimuli (CS+, CS−) was measured. Results showed that sensitivity under masking conditions was related to conditioned responses to masked CSs but not unmasked CSs. Thus, a strong relationship between expression of conditioned fear and awareness of the CS+ emerges when the latter is assessed by signal detection methods. Without consensus on how awareness should be defined, these findings bring balance to previous studies that have typically used less sensitive assessments of awareness.
Brain potentials in perception: Picture complexity and emotional arousal
Authors: Bradley Margaret M. , Hamby Steven , Löw Andreas , Lang Peter J.
Published: April 2007

Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were measured while participants viewed affectively arousing and neutral pictures depicting either simple figure–ground compositions or more complex scenes to assess the timing and topography of perceptual and emotional modulation. Emotional pictures elicited a larger late positive potential than neutral pictures in a 400–700‐ms window over centro‐parietal sensors both for pictures with simple figure–ground composition and for more complex scenes. Picture composition affected ERPs beginning earlier (around 150 ms), with simple figure–ground compositions eliciting less positivity over posterior sensors and less negativity over frontal sensors. Emotionality had little effect on modulation of these early ERPs. These data suggest that the late centro‐parietal positive potential primarily reflects motivational relevance, and that earlier posterior (and anterior) components reflect, at least in part, differences in a picture's perceptual organization.
Extending Responsiveness to Intervention to Mathematics at First and Third Grades
Authors: Fuchs Lynn S. , Fuchs Douglas , Hollenbeck Kurstin N.
Published: April 2007

Responsiveness to intervention (RTI) is an innovative approach to the identification of learning disabilities (LD). The central assumption is that RTI can differentiate between two explanations for low achievement: poor instruction versus disability. If the child responds poorly to validated instruction, then the assessment eliminates instructional quality as a viable explanation for poor academic growth and instead provides evidence of a disability. For children who do respond nicely, RTI serves a critical prevention function. Most of RTI research has been focused on early reading. In this article, we describe two ongoing programs of research on RTI in the area of mathematics: one on a comprehensive mathematics curriculum at first grade and the other focused on word problems at third grade. For each research program, we describe the sample, explain how students are identified as at risk for mathematics disability, provide an overview of the interventions to which responsiveness is gauged, and describe some results to date.
Cognitive Arithmetic Differences in Learning Difficulty Groups and the Role of Behavioral Inattention
Authors: Cirino Paul T. , Fletcher Jack M. , Ewing–Cobbs Linda , Barnes Marcia A. , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: April 2007

The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate group differences in specific arithmetic competencies among students with various types of learning difficulties (LD) and (2) to examine the influence of attention behaviors on possible group differences. Participants were a community sample of 291 third– and fourth–grade students with reading difficulties (RD) and/or math difficulties (MD), or with no LD (51 MD, 66 RD, 89 MD + RD, and 85 No LD students). Students were administered computerized measures of cognitive addition, subtraction, and estimation (accuracy and response times), as well as other measures. Groups were compared with and without covariation for behavioral inattention and their interactions. Small sums addition, thought to reflect retrieval processes, estimation accuracy, and number knowledge, did not show differences between MD and MD + RD students, although both showed lower performance than the RD and No LD groups. Attention behavior had a variable impact, most typically making group differences larger, but did not alter the general pattern of group differences, except in the case of estimation.
Predicting First–Grade Math Achievement from Developmental Number Sense Trajectories
Authors: Jordan Nancy C. , Kaplan David , Locuniak Maria N. , Ramineni Chaitanya
Published: April 2007

Number sense development was tracked from the beginning of kindergarten through the middle of first grade, over six time points. Children ( n= 277) were then assessed on general math achievement at the end of first grade. Number sense performance in kindergarten, as well as number sense growth, accounted for 66 percent of the variance in first–grade math achievement. Background characteristics of income status, gender, age, and reading ability did not add explanatory variance over and above growth in number sense. Even at the beginning of kindergarten, number sense was highly correlated with end of first–grade math achievement ( r= 0.70). Clarifying the observed slope effect, general growth mixture modeling showed that children who started kindergarten with low number sense but made moderate gains by the middle of kindergarten had higher first–grade math achievement than children who started out with similarly low number sense with flat growth. The majority of children in the low/flat growth class were from low–income families. The findings indicate that screening early number sense development is useful for identifying children who will face later math difficulties or disabilities.
Two new chemically peculiar stars with resolved, magnetically split lines
Authors: Hubrig S. , Nesvacil N.
Published: April 2007

We report the discovery of resolved, magnetically split lines in two chemically peculiar stars, the SrEuCr star HD 92499 and the Bp SiCr star HD 157751. From FEROS spectra, we have measured a mean magnetic field modulus of 8.5 kG for HD 92499 and a mean magnetic field modulus of 6.6 kG for HD 157751. Both stars have small projected rotational velocities: v sin i= 3.0 km s−1 and 8.5 km s−1, respectively. Our preliminary abundance analysis reveals an ionization imbalance of rare earths in HD 92499, indicating the abundance pattern typical of rapidly oscillating Ap stars. Cr and Fe are found to be strongly overabundant in HD 157751.
Necrotising encephalitis in a French bulldog
Authors: Timmann D. , Konar M. , Howard J. , Vandevelde M.
Published: April 2007

A 20‐month‐old, female French bulldog was presented with a three‐month history of generalised seizures and progressive ataxia with occasional falling over on either side. Neurological examination revealed signs, suggesting a multifocal intracranial lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed two connected lesions on the left side of the caudal brainstem and a further lesion in the cerebrum. The dog was euthanased, and histopathological examination revealed lesions which closely resembled those of necrotising encephalitis in Yorkshire terriers. This is the first case describing this type of necrotising encephalitis in a French bulldog.
Atrial myocarditis as a cause of sinus arrest in a dog
Authors: Woolley R. , Blundell R. , Else R. , Corcoran B. , Devine C. , French A.
Published: April 2007

A 10‐year‐old male cairn terrier cross was presented with a history of myxomatous mitral valve disease diagnosed six months previously and with a four‐week history of intermittent collapse. On 24 hour electrocardiograph (Holter) analysis, periods of no discernable electrical cardiac activity, which coincided with three collapsing episodes, were identified. Unfortunately, on re‐presentation for removal of the Holter monitor, the dog collapsed and died. A post‐mortem examination was conducted, and histology of the right and left atrium showed evidence of myocarditis. This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of collapse because of electrical asystole in a dog with atrial myocarditis.
Aberrant extradural spinal migration of Spirocerca lupi: four dogs
Authors: Du Plessis C. J. , Keller N. , Millward I. R.
Published: April 2007

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode mainly affecting dogs but has been found in other animals, particularly carnivores. Anatomical areas of typical and aberrant migration vary. This report describes four cases of Spirocerca lupi causing neurological symptoms, similar to thoracolumbar disc syndrome, as a result of aberrant migration of the nematode into the spinal canal. In two of the cases, the nematode could be demonstrated intraoperatively. The third was discovered on post‐mortem examination, while the fourth case displayed compelling evidence of Spirocerca lupi involvement. Surgical removal of the Spirocerca lupi nematode would be the treatment of choice in cases of spinal migration, with therapeutic and preventive treatment with doramectin instituted to treat remote sites and prevent re‐infection. In areas endemic for spirocercosis, Spirocerca lupi should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in cases that are presented with clinical signs suggestive of a spinal cord lesion.
Five cases of canine dysautonomia in England (2004 to 2006)
Authors: Niessen S. J. M. , Eastwood J. , Smyth J. B. A. , Cherubini G. B.
Published: April 2007

Canine dysautonomia was diagnosed definitively in five dogs by histopathology. All dogs were seen between June 2004 and July 2006 and originated from south‐east England; four dogs originated from an urban area and one from a rural area. Of the urban dogs, one had recently visited Scotland and one had visited a kennel in a rural area nearby. Acute‐onset but progressive vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and inappetence were the most common presenting clinical signs. Reduced or absent anal tone, dysuria, absence of pupillary light reflexes with intact vision, mydriasis, decreased corneal sensitivity and nictitating membrane protrusion were among the most frequent neurological findings. Abnormalities in pharmacological autonomic and physiological function testing (including orthostatic hypotension in two dogs) and diagnostic imaging studies were detected in some of the animals. All dogs failed to respond adequately to treatment, and given the poor prognosis, they were eventually euthanased. Histopathology identified marked chromatolysis of ganglion cell bodies. This case series emphasises that dysautonomia should be considered when a dog is presented in the UK with acute‐ or subacute‐onset gastrointestinal signs and compatible physical and neurological abnormalities.
Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the canine larynx
Authors: Hayes A. M. , Gregory S. P. , Murphy S. , McConnell J. F. , Patterson‐Kane J. C.
Published: April 2007

An 11‐year‐old, female, spayed cocker spaniel was presented with dysphonia caused by a solitary laryngeal mass. Excisional biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of plasmacytoma was made on the basis of histological examination. Further investigations showed no signs of systemic involvement. Coarse fractionated radiation therapy failed to control the tumour. Therapy was successfully instituted with a conventional combination chemotherapy protocol over a period of 14 months. The dog remains disease free 30 months after diagnosis. Most solitary, extramedullary plasmacytomas in dogs arise in the gastrointestinal tract, with fewer reports in other sites. The larynx is an uncommon sight of involvement in any species, and to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of this tumour type in the canine larynx. In contrast to the therapeutic benefits reported in humans, the combination of surgery and radiation therapy was unsuccessful in this case, although sustained remission was gained following chemotherapy.
Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates from corneal ulcers of dogs in Taiwan
Authors: Lin C.‐T. , Petersen‐Jones S. M.
Published: April 2007

Objectives:To analyse antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria associated with ulcerative keratitis in dogs.

Methods:Bacteria isolated from 190 eyes with ulcerative keratitis were identified, and the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was studied.

Results:In total, 258 species of bacteria were isolated from the 190 eyes. Of the isolates, 78 per cent were Gram‐positive and 28 per cent were Gram‐negative bacteria. The most commonly isolated Gram‐positive bacteria in dogs wereStaphylococcusspp (49 per cent),Streptococcusspp (7 per cent) andCorynebacteriumspp (7 per cent); whilePseudomonas aeruginosa(7·6 per cent) andEscherichia coli(5·8 per cent) were the commonest Gram‐negative pathogens. Resistance to commonly used ophthalmic antibiotics was seen inStaphylococcus,Streptococcus,Corynebacterium,PseudomonasandEscherichiaspecies isolates.

ClinicalSignificance:Isolates from dogs with corneal ulcers in Taiwan may be resistant to several commonly used ophthalmic preparations. Ciprofloxacin showed good action against most isolates, with the notable exception ofStreptococcusspecies. Chloramphenicol or cephalothin had the best in vitro action against theStreptococcusspecies isolates.
The Role of Family Therapists in Veterinary Medicine: Opportunities for Clinical Services, Education, and Research
Authors: Hafen McArthur , Rush Bonnie R. , Reisbig Allison M. J. , McDaniel Kara Z. , White Mark B.
Published: April 2007

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are applying their specific skill set in a variety of arenas. A new area for collaboration is veterinary medicine. The veterinary medical profession is emphasizing the importance of nonbiomedical skills such as communication skills, acknowledging that human clientele are likely to view their pets as family members, and discussing veterinarian personal well‐being. Each of these trends has clear application for intervention by MFTs. A discussion of how MFTs may be uniquely positioned to assist veterinary medicine is presented. An example of collaboration between MFT and veterinary medicine at Kansas State University is highlighted. Recommendations are made for development of effective educational relationships and possible private sector collaborations.
A Total Concentration Fixed-Grid Method for Two-Dimensional Wet Chemical Etching
Authors: Rath P. , Chai J. C. , Lam Y. C. , Murukeshan V. M. , Zheng H.
Published: April 2007

A total concentration fixed-grid method is presented in this paper to model the two-dimensional wet chemical etching. Two limiting cases are discussed, namely—the diffusion-controlled etching and the reaction-controlled etching. A total concentration, which is the sum of the unreacted and the reacted etchant concentrations, is defined. Using this newly defined total concentration, the governing equation also contains the interface condition. A new update procedure for the reacted concentration is formulated. For demonstration, the finite-volume method is used to solve the governing equation with prescribed initial and boundary conditions. The effects of reaction rate at the etchant–substrate interface are examined. The results obtained using the total concentration method, are compared with available results from the literature.
Effects of Various Modeling Schemes on Mist Film Cooling Simulation
Authors: Li Xianchang , Wang Ting
Published: April 2007

Numerical simulation is performed in this study to explore film-cooling enhancement by injecting mist into the cooling air with a focus on investigating the effect of various modeling schemes on simulation results. The effect of turbulence models, dispersed-phase modeling, inclusion of different forces (Saffman, thermophoresis, and Brownian), trajectory tracking, and mist injection scheme is studied. The effect of flow inlet boundary conditions (with/without air supply plenum), inlet turbulence intensity, and the near-wall grid density on simulation results is also included. Simulation of a two-dimensional (2D) slot film cooling with a fixed blowing angle and blowing ratio shows a 2% mist (by mass) injected into the cooling air can increase the cooling effectiveness about 45%. The renormalization group (RNG) k-ε model, Reynolds stress model, and the standard k-ε turbulence model with an enhanced wall treatment produce consistent and reasonable results while the turbulence dispersion has a significant effect on mist film cooling through the stochastic trajectory calculation. The thermophoretic force slightly increases the cooling effectiveness, but the effect of Brownian force and Saffman lift is imperceptible. The cooling performance deteriorates when the plenum is included in the calculation due to the altered velocity profile and turbulence intensity at the jet exit plane. The results of this paper can provide guidance for corresponding experiments and serve as the qualification reference for future more complicated studies with 3D cooling holes, different blowing ratios, various density ratios, and rotational effect.
Computational Model for Transport in Nanotube-Based Composites With Applications to Flexible Electronics
Authors: Kumar Satish , Alam Muhammad A. , Murthy Jayathi Y.
Published: April 2007

Thermal and electrical transport in a new class of nanocomposites composed of random isotropic two-dimensional ensembles of nanotubes or nanowires in a substrate (host matrix) is considered for use in the channel region of thin-film transistors (TFTs). The random ensemble of nanotubes is generated numerically and each nanotube is discretized using a finite volume scheme. To simulate transport in composites, the network is embedded in a background substrate mesh, which is also discretized using a finite volume scheme. Energy and charge exchange between nanotubes at the points of contact and between the network and the substrate are accounted for. A variety of test problems are computed for both network transport in the absence of a substrate, as well as for determination of lateral thermal and electrical conductivity in composites. For nanotube networks in the absence of a substrate, the conductance exponent relating the network conductance to the channel length is computed and found to match experimental electrical measurements. The effective thermal conductivity of a nanotube network embedded in a thin substrate is computed for a range of substrate-to-tube conductivity ratios. It is observed that the effective thermal conductivity of the composite saturates to a size-independent value for large enough samples, establishing the limits beyond which bulk behavior obtains. The effective electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-organic thin films used in organic TFTs is computed and is observed to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
Use of Streamwise Periodic Boundary Conditions for Problems in Heat and Mass Transfer
Authors: Beale Steven B.
Published: April 2007

Fully developed periodic boundary conditions have frequently been employed to effect performance calculations for heat and mass exchange devices. In this paper a method is proposed, which is based on the use of primitive variables combined with the prescription of slip values. Either pressure difference or mass flow rate may be equivalently prescribed. Both constant wall temperature (Dirichlet) and constant heat flux (Neumann) conditions may be considered, as well as the intermediate linear (Robin) boundary condition. The example of an offset-fin plate-fin heat exchanger is used to illustrate the application of the procedure. The mathematical basis by which the method may be extended to the consideration of mass transfer problems with arbitrary boundary conditions, and associated continuity, momentum, and species sources and sinks is discussed.
Sultam Thiourea Inhibition of West Nile Virus
Authors: Barklis Eric , Still Amelia , Sabri Mohammad I. , Hirsch Alec J. , Nikolich-Zugich Janko , Brien James , Dhenub Tenzin Choesang , Scholz Isabel , Alfadhli Ayna
Published: April 2007

We have identified sultam thioureas as novel inhibitors of West Nile virus (WNV) replication. One such compound inhibited WNV, with a 50% effective concentration of 0.7 μM, and reduced reporter expression from cells that harbored a WNV-based replicon. Our results demonstrate that sultam thioureas can block a postentry, preassembly step of WNV replication.