bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impulsivity: a link between bipolar disorder and substance abuse
Authors: Swann Alan C , Dougherty Donald M , Pazzaglia Peggy J , Pham Mary , Moeller F Gerard
Published: April 2004

Background:  Substance abuse is present in most patients with bipolar disorder and associated with poor treatment outcome and increased risk of suicide. Increased impulsivity may be a link between bipolar disorder and substance abuse.

Methods:  First, we compared impulsivity as a stable trait (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, BIS) and as state‐dependent behavioral laboratory performance (Immediate Memory–Delayed Memory task, derived from the Continuous Performance Task) in interepisode bipolar and non‐bipolar subjects with and without substance abuse. Secondly, we compared impulsivity in interepisode and manic bipolar subjects with and without substance abuse.

Results:  The BIS scores were increased in interepisode bipolar disorder and in subjects with histories of substance abuse, and were increased further in interepisode bipolar subjects with substance abuse. Performance impulsivity was increased in subjects with substance abuse, regardless of whether they had bipolar disorder. Among subjects with bipolar disorder, after correction for age, BIS scores were increased in those with substance abuse. Performance impulsivity was increased in manic compared with interepisode subjects, regardless of substance abuse history, and was increased in interepisode subjects with substance abuse similarly to manic subjects without substance abuse. These differences could not be accounted for by age, gender, or course of illness.

Conclusions:  Trait impulsivity is increased additively in bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Performance impulsivity is increased in interepisode bipolar disorder only if a history of substance abuse is present. This increased predisposition to impulsivity when not manic may contribute to the decrement in treatment outcome and compliance, and increased risk for suicide and aggression, in bipolar disorder with substance abuse.
Cognitive impairment in euthymic bipolar patients: implications for clinical and functional outcome
Authors: Martínez‐Arán A , Vieta E , Colom F , Torrent C , Sánchez‐Moreno J , Reinares M , Benabarre A , Goikolea JM , Brugué E , Daban C , Salamero M
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder may be a stable characteristic of the illness, although discrepancies have emerged with regard to what dysfunctions remain during remission periods. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether euthymic bipolar patients would show impairment in verbal learning and memory and in executive functions compared with healthy controls. Secondly, to establish if there was a relationship between clinical data and neuropsychological performance.

Methods:  Forty euthymic bipolar patients were compared with 30 healthy controls through a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing estimated premorbid IQ, attention, verbal learning and memory, and frontal executive functioning. The effect of subsyndromal symptomatology was controlled.

Results:  Remitted bipolar patients performed worse than controls in several measures of memory and executive function, after controlling for the effect of subclinical symptomatology, age and premorbid IQ. Verbal memory impairment was related to global assessment of function scores, as well as to a longer duration of illness, a higher number of manic episodes, and prior psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions:  Results provide evidence of neuropsychological impairment in euthymic bipolar patients, after controlling for the effect of subsyndromal depressive symptoms, suggesting verbal memory and executive dysfunctions. Cognitive impairment seems to be related to a worse clinical course and poor functional outcome.
Episodic memory impairment in bipolar disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder: the role of memory strategies
Authors: Deckersbach Thilo , Savage Cary R , Reilly‐Harrington Noreen , Clark Luke , Sachs Gary , Rauch Scott L
Published: April 2004

Background: There is evidence that individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit neuropsychological impairments not only during mood episodes but also when they are euthymic. One of the most consistently reported cognitive problems in euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder is an impairment in verbal episodic memory. Verbal learning and memory depend on individuals’ ability to organize verbal information appropriately during learning. The purpose of the present study was (i) to determine whether episodic memory impairment in euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder is mediated by impairments in organization of verbal information during learning and (ii) to compare the characteristics of memory impairment in bipolar disorder with that previously found in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods: Study participants were 30 individuals with DSM‐IV bipolar I disorder (BP‐I), 30 individuals with DSM‐IV OCD and 30 normal control participants matched for age, gender and education. Participants completed the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), a well‐established measure of verbal learning and memory that enables assessment of verbal organization strategies during learning.

Results: Compared with control subjects, both BP‐I and OCD participants showed impaired performance in long‐delayed free recall and verbal organization strategies during learning. BP‐I participants showed greater long‐delay free recall difficulties but not greater verbal organization difficulties during learning than OCD participants. For OCD participants, the long‐delay recall impairment was mediated by difficulties using verbal organizational strategies during learning. In contrast, the group difference in long‐delayed free recall between BP‐I and control participants remained significant even when semantic clustering was introduced as a mediator. This indicated that BP‐I participants’ long‐delayed free recall difficulties were mediated to a lesser extent by difficulties using verbal organizational strategies than for OCD participants.

Conclusions: Verbal episodic memory problems in individuals with bipolar I disorder and OCD are mediated to different degrees by difficulties using semantic clustering encoding strategies compared with control participants.
Bipolar‐panic disorder comorbidity within bipolar disorder families: a study of siblings
Authors: Doughty Carolyn J , Elisabeth Wells J , Joyce Peter R , Olds Robin J , Walsh Anne ES
Published: April 2004

Objectives:  Although anxiety disorders often co‐occur with bipolar disorder in clinical settings, relatively few studies of bipolar disorder have looked specifically at panic comorbidity. This report examines lifetime panic comorbidity within a sample of families with a history of bipolar disorder.

Methods:  One hundred and nine probands with bipolar disorder and their 226 siblings were interviewed as part of a family‐genetic study. Logistic regression was used to model bipolar disorder as a predictor of comorbid panic in those with affective disorder, with age at interview and gender included as covariates.

Results:  The percentage with panic attacks was low in those without affective disorder (3%) compared with those with unipolar depression (22%) or bipolar disorder (32%). Panic disorder was found only in those with affective disorder (6% for unipolar, 16% for bipolar). When bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder were compared, controlling for age and sex, having bipolar disorder was associated with panic disorder (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.1, 7.8) and any panic symptoms (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.0,3.8) and more weakly with the combination of panic disorder and recurrent attacks (OR = 1.8, CI = 0.9, 3.5).

Conclusions:  The absence of panic disorder and the low prevalence of any panic symptoms in those without bipolar or unipolar disorder suggest that panic is associated primarily with affective disorder within families with a history of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, panic disorder and symptoms are more common in bipolar disorder than in unipolar disorder in these families.
The Course of Research into the Economic Consequences of German Works Councils
Authors: Addison John T. , Schnabel Claus , Wagner Joachim
Published: April 2004

In her recent survey, Carola Frege concludes that economic analysis of the works council has reached a ‘dead end’. The present paper offers a very different assessment. The evolving economic literature is shown to follow three distinct phases, the last of which contains some of the most positive evaluations to date of works council impact on establishment performance. Although these estimates are exaggerated, and the effects of works councils are likely to be small on average, the new literature redirects our research focus towards factors producing swings around this average, including differences in works council types and their workplace environments.
A Confucian War over Childcare? Practice and Policy in Childcare and Their Implications for Understanding the Korean Gender Regime
Authors: Won Sook‐yeon , Pascall Gillian
Published: April 2004

We ask about the development of childcare policies in Korea and what these mean for our understanding of the gender assumptions of Korean governments. Women's labour market participation has been increasing rapidly, with married women now much more likely to be in the labour market. The provision and regulation around support for women's employment, and especially for mothers’ employment, is a key issue and problem for Korean women and for governments. A number of policies give the impression that the Korean government is moving rapidly towards a policy for reconciling work and family based on a dual‐earner model of the family. But we argue that a close inspection of these policies suggests that the state is still playing a residual role, legislation is not effectively implemented, and government is giving way to the private sector and to the family in responsibility for childcare. Mothers’ accounts of their lives centre on a childcare war played out beneath the apparently harmonious Confucian surface, with resisting husbands supported by powerful mothers‐in‐law, and daily struggles over the management of services. The Korean government and its policy‐makers, far from moving rapidly towards a dual‐earner model of the family, are still rooted in Confucian ideals.
Concentrated Control, Analyst Following, and Valuation: Do Analysts Matter Most When Investors Are Protected Least?
Authors: Lang Mark H. , Lins Karl V. , Miller Darius P.
Published: April 2004

This paper uses a sample of more than 2,500 firms from 27 countries to investigate the relation among ownership structure, analyst following, investor protection, and valuation. We find that analysts are less likely to follow firms with potential incentives to withhold or manipulate information, such as when the family/management group is the largest control rights blockholder. Furthermore, this relation is stronger for firms from low‐shareholder‐protection countries. Using valuation regressions that take into account potential endogeneity between analyst following and firm value, we find a positive valuation effect when analysts cover firms that have both potentially poor internal governance and weak country‐level external governance. Overall, our findings suggest that corporate governance plays an important role in analysts' willingness to follow firms and that increased analyst following is associated with higher valuations, particularly for firms likely to face governance problems.
Fees Paid to Audit Firms, Accrual Choices, and Corporate Governance
Authors: Larcker David F. , Richardson Scott A.
Published: April 2004

We examine the relation between the fees paid to auditors for audit and non‐audit services, and the choice of accrual measures for a large sample of firms. Using our pooled sample, we find that the ratio of non‐audit fees to total fees has a positive relation with the absolute value of accruals similar to Frankel, Johnson, and Nelson [2002]. However, using latent class mixture models to identify clusters of firms with a homogenous regression structure reveals that this positive association only occurs for about 8.5% of the sample. In contrast to the fee ratio results, we find consistent evidence of a negative relation between the level of fees (both audit and non‐audit) paid to auditors and accruals (i.e., higher fees are associated with smaller accruals). The latent class analysis also indicates that this negative relation is strongest for client firms with weak governance. Overall, our results are most consistent with auditor behavior being constrained by the reputation effects associated with allowing clients to engage in unusual accrual choices.
Fluoroscopically Guided Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation of Fractures of the Lateral Portion of the Humeral Condyle: Prospective Clinical Study of the Technique and Results in Ten Dogs
Authors: Cook James L. , Tomlinson James L. , Reed Ann L.
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo report a technique for fluoroscopically guided closed reduction with internal fixation of fractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle (FLHC) and determine the long‐term results in 10 clinical cases.

Study DesignProspective clinical case study.

AnimalsTen dogs with 11 fractures.

MethodsFractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle were stabilized with transcondylar screws and Kirschner wires. Closed reduction and implant placement were achieved using intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance. After fracture repair, postoperative radiographs were evaluated for articular alignment and implant placement. Dogs were evaluated after surgery by means of lameness scores, elbow range of motion (ROM), radiographic assessment, and owner evaluation of function.

ResultsPostoperative reduction was considered anatomic in 6 fractures with all other fractures having <1.5 mm of malreduction. Follow‐up was available for 9 patients from 9 to 21 months after surgery. All of the fractures had healed. One minor (wire migration) and one major (implant failure) complication occurred. Mean lameness scores were 0 (n = 6), 0.5 (n = 2), and 1 (n = 1) at the time of final follow‐up. No significant differences were found in follow‐up ROM values between affected and unaffected elbows. All of the dogs in this study regained 90–100% of full function, based on owner assessment.

Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceFluoroscopic guidance for closed reduction and internal fixation of FLHC in dogs is an effective technique.
The Efficacy of Mechanical Abrasion and Talc Slurry as Methods of Pleurodesis in Normal Dogs
Authors: Jerram Richard M. , Fossum Theresa W. , Berridge Brian R. , Steinheimer Dan N. , Slater Margaret R.
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of mechanical abrasion and talc slurry as methods for pleurodesis in normal dogs.

Study DesignExperimental study.

Animals or Sample PopulationTen normal beagle dogs.

MethodsGroup I dogs had mechanical abrasion (MA) of the pulmonary and costal pleurae performed in one hemithorax with a dry gauze sponge with a median sternotomy approach. Group II dogs had 100 mL of a 1 g talc slurry (TS) administered into one hemithorax through a tube thoracostomy. Administration of the TS was visualized by using video thoracoscopy. All dogs were evaluated at 2, 10, 20, and 30 days postoperatively by means of thoracic radiography and ultrasonographic thoracic wall measurement. The dogs were euthanatized 30 days postoperatively and a gross necropsy was performed. Hemithoraces were assigned a pleurodesis score (0–4) and an obliteration grade (0–6). Tissues were collected for histopathologic examination of pulmonary pleura, costal pleura, and pleural adhesions. Pulmonary and costal pleurae were graded for the degree of fibrosis (0–4).

ResultsObliteration grade and costal pleural fibrosis score were significantly higher for the treated sides in the MA dogs compared with the TS dogs.

MA DogsMechanical abrasion dogs had pleurodesis, obliteration, and pleural fibrosis scores that were greater on the treated side than the untreated side, however, the differences were not statistically significant. Only two MA dogs had firm adhesion of the pulmonary pleura to the costal pleura in portions of the cranial and middle lung lobes in the treated hemithorax. Thoracic wall surface area covered with adhesions was 15% and 21% in each of these two dogs. The median pulmonary pleural fibrosis score of all MA dogs for the treated hemithorax was 3 compared to 0 on the untreated side.

TS DogsThere was no statistical difference for pleurodesis scores and obliteration grades between the treated and untreated sides. No dogs showed evidence of pulmonary to costal pleural adhesions. Histopathology showed talc crossover into the untreated side in all five dogs. Median pulmonary fibrosis score of the treated hemithorax was 1 compared with 0 on the untreated side.

ConclusionsNeither method of pleurodesis produced sufficient pleural adhesions to obliterate the pleural space. It is possible that the degree of pulmonary pleural fibrosis present in MA dogs may be sufficient to limit air leakage from pulmonary blebs and bullae resulting in successful treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax.
The Effect of Sedation on Gastric Emptying of a Liquid Marker in Ponies
Authors: Doherty Thomas J. , Andrews Frank M. , Provenza Melanie K. , Frazier Donita L.
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveThe effect of sedation on gastric emptying was evaluated in six ponies by monitoring serum concentrations of acetaminophen (AP) after intragastric administration.

Experimental DesignProspective randomized experimental study.

AnimalsSix adult ponies, 135 to 275 kg.

MethodsFifteen minutes after the intravenous administration of xylazine (1 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg), acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) or saline, ponies were given AP (20 mg/kg in 350 mL water) by stomach tube. Blood for AP analysis was collected at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes after AP administration. The time (Tmax) to reach peak serum concentration (Cmax), and the area under the AP serum concentration versus time curve (AUC) were determined for each treatment group.

ResultsTmaxwas 31 mins in the control group, and this increased significantly (P< .05) after sedation. Cmaxdecreased (P< .05) after xylazine administration, and AUC decreased (P< .05) after acepromazine.

ConclusionsThis study indicated that sedation has a significant effect on the gastric emptying rate of a liquid in ponies.

Clinical RelevanceAlthough sedation produced a significant delay in gastric emptying, the influence was transient and unlikely to be of clinical significance in healthy ponies. However, the ability of these agents to slow gastric emptying should be considered in the surgical patient.
Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques for Renal Transplantation in Cats
Authors: Bernsteen Lynda , Gregory Clare R. , Pollard Rachel E. , Griffey Stephen M. , Menwrath Victor
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo compare two surgical techniques for renal transplantation in cats with respect to graft warm ischemia time, total surgical time, operative and postoperative complications, and return to normal renal function based on measurement of plasma creatinine concentrations.

Study DesignResearch study using normal cats.

Animals or Sample PopulationFourteen adult, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus (FELV/FIV) negative, neutered male and spayed female cats.

Materials and MethodsFourteen cats underwent heterotopic renal isograft transplantation with nephrectomy of the contralateral kidney. Renal arterial end‐to‐end anastomosis to the external iliac artery was performed in eight cats and renal arterial end‐to‐side anastomosis to the aorta was performed in six cats. Cats were monitored for 14 days after surgery. Renal function was evaluated by daily measurement of plasma creatinine concentrations. The cats' health was assessed by the daily recording of body weight, rectal temperature, postoperative complications, urine production, appetite, packed red blood cell volume, and total serum protein. Ultrasonographic assessment of the isograft was performed every third day. Animals were euthanatized or adopted 14 days after surgery and histopathologic analysis of biopsies or whole isograft tissues was performed.

ResultsNine of fourteen cats survived the 14‐day study period. Although not statistically significant, mean total surgical time and graft warm ischemia time was shorter for the arterial end‐to‐side anastomosis. Mean daily plasma creatinine concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups. Five of eight cats (62%) undergoing the arterial end‐to‐end technique developed neuropraxia and lameness of the ipsilateral pelvic limb. Five cats died or were euthanatized because of other complications.

Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe arterial end‐to‐side technique appears to be the better method for renal transplantation in cats. Shorter graft warm ischemia and total surgical times, absence of pelvic limb complications, and an adequate return to normal renal function were associated with this technique.
Management of Hypertension Controls Postoperative Neurologic Disorders After Renal Transplantation in Cats
Authors: Kyles Andrew E. , Gregory Clare R. , Wooldridge John D. , Mathews Kyle G. , Aronson Lillian R. , Bernsteen Lynda , Ilkiw Janet E.
Published: April 2004

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and describe the management of hypertension and central nervous system (CNS) complications after renal transplantation in cats. We also compared the prevalence of CNS complications between cats monitored and treated for postoperative hypertension and a previously described, historical control group of cats not monitored or treated for postoperative hypertension.

Study DesignRetrospective clinical study.

Animals or Sample PopulationA total of 34 client‐owned cats that received renal allografts for the treatment of end‐stage renal failure.

MethodsMedical records were reviewed. Data obtained included preoperative and postoperative systolic blood pressures, antihypertensive therapy, response to treatment, neurologic signs, and clinical outcome. The results were compared with a historical control group of feline renal allograft recipients that were neither monitored nor treated for postoperative hypertension.

ResultsSevere postoperative hypertension occurred in 21 of 34 of cats. Hypertension was treated in all 21 cats with subcutaneously administered hydralazine which reduced systolic blood pressure to less than 170 mm Hg in 15 minutes in 20 of 21 cats; hydralazine produced hypotension in one cat and failed to control hypertension in 1 cat. After transplantation, seizures were observed in one cat and other neurologic complications (stupor, ataxia, and central blindness) were observed in three cats. The prevalence of seizures and neurologic complication‐related deaths after transplantation was significantly reduced with treatment of postoperative hypertension.

Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceHypertension is a major contributing factor to postoperative seizure activity after renal transplantation in cats; treatment of hypertension reduces the frequency of neurologic complications.
The Effects of Ketoconazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine A in Cats
Authors: Jonathan F. McAnulty , Lensmeyer G.L.
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of ketoconazole (KC) on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A (CsA) elimination in cats.

Study DesignResearch study and prospective clinical trial.

AnimalsFive healthy adult cats (pharmacokinetic studies) and 6 client‐owned cats with chronic renal failure.

MethodsBlood CsA concentrations were measured after CsA (4 mg/kg IV) administration with or without concurrent oral KC (10 mg/kg). Subsequently, a combined CsA‐KC immunosuppressive regimen was used in cats after kidney transplantation. Blood CsA concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. CsA elimination was analyzed using a computerized pharmacokinetics program.

ResultsKC increased blood CsA concentrations 1.8‐fold and 2.2‐fold at 12 and 24 hours after CsA administration. KC significantly decreased the mean systemic CsA clearance from 2.73 mL/min/kg to 1.22 mL/min/kg resulting in an increase in the terminal phase half‐life from 10.7 to 22.2 hours. The volume of distribution of steady‐state of CsA was unaffected by KC. In a series of clinical feline kidney transplant patients, a once‐a‐day CsA‐KC regimen was able to be used in most of the cats and was effective for prevention of allograft rejection in all of these cats.

Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceKC is an effective adjunct treatment for immunosuppression in feline kidney transplant patients. KC suppresses CsA elimination, which reduces the need for CsA and allows once daily administration of CsA.
Tissue Reactivity to Poliglecaprone 25 in the Feline Linea Alba
Authors: Runk Alice , Allen Sheila W. , Mahaffey Edward A.
Published: April 2004

Objective To use poliglecaprone 25 for all ligations and closure in routine feline ovariohysterectomies and evaluate maintenance of tissue approximation and tissue reaction to the suture.

Study Design Prospective, descriptive study.

Animals Twenty four female cats.

Methods Ovariohysterectomies were performed in all cats. Abdominal incisions were inspected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 for dehiscence and swelling. All cats were euthanatized postoperatively, group 1 on day 7; group 2 on day 14; and group 3 on day 28. The peritoneal cavity was inspected for adhesions and all abdominal incisions were collected en bloc. Each linea alba was histologically evaluated and the inflammatory reaction was characterized.

Results Dehiscence did not occur in any of the 24 cats. The incisional swelling on day 1 was significantly smaller than on day 7, and the swelling on day 14 was significantly smaller than on days 1, 3, and 7 (P < .05). Intra‐abdominal adhesions were found in all groups with the greatest number associated with the peritoneum at the incision site. Tissue reactions in group 1 were pyogranulomatous or fibromononuclear, group 2 were granulomatous or fibromononuclear, and group 3 were pyogranulomatous, granulomatous, fibromononuclear or fibrous. Eosinophilic infiltration was seen in 3 of the 8 cats in group 1.

Conclusions Incisional swelling and inflammatory reactions seen with poliglecaprone 25 were consistent with those anticipated after implantation of suture in a surgically created wound.

Clinical Relevance Poliglecaprone 25 appears to be an acceptable suture for use in feline ovariohysterectomy. It causes a relatively short‐lived inflammatory response.
An In Vitro Biomechanical Investigation of an Equine Interlocking Nail
Authors: McDuffee Laurie A. , Stover Susan M. , Bach Joel M. , Taylor Kenneth T.
Published: April 2004

Objective— To determine the mechanical properties of Equine Interlocking Nail (EIN; JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of California, Davis) stabilized osteotomized tibiae and compare these variables with estimated in vivo loads.

Study Design— In vitro biomechanical investigation.

Animals— Twelve adult equine cadaveric tibiae.

Sample Population— EIN‐stabilized tibiae were tested monotonically under compression, 3‐ and 4‐point bending, and torsion. Mechanical properties were compared with estimated in vivo loads.

Results— EIN‐tibial composite mean compressive yield load (11 kN) and bending moment (216 Nm) were greater than loads expected postoperatively in vivo; however, the mean torsional yield load (156 Nm) was less than that expected in vivo.

Conclusions— EIN‐stabilized tibiae had compressive and bending strengths greater than those expected to maintain stability during walking in adult horses. Torsional yield strength did not appear sufficient to provide stability during walking in vivo.

Clinical Relevance— The EIN is not a feasible method of fracture repair for adult equine tibial fractures at this time, because its mechanical properties appear inadequate to withstand the postoperative torsional loads encountered during walking. Because this method of fracture repair may offer biological advantages, further modification of an interlocking nail for adult horses appears warranted.
Relative Stiffness and Stress of Type I and Type II External Fixators: Acrylic Versus Stainless‐Steel Connecting Bars A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Shahar Ron
Published: April 2004

Objective—To compare the stiffness and pin stresses of three sizes of external fixator systems with stainless‐steel and acrylic connecting bars.

Study Design—Finite element analysis.

Methods—Small, medium, and large external fixator systems of type I and type II configurations were modeled for finite element analysis. Each model was evaluated with a standard stainless‐steel and three different diameters of acrylic connecting bar. Displacements and stresses were calculated for the loading modes of axial compression, medio‐lateral bending, cranio‐caudal bending, and torsion. The location of the pin experiencing maximum stress was determined for all configurations and loading modes.

Results—Acrylic column diameters of 9.53 mm for the small external fixator system and 15.9 mm for the medium external fixator system provide equivalent stiffness and maximum pin stresses to those provided by the standard stainless‐steel connecting bars (3.2‐ and 4.8‐mm diameter, respectively). The largest diameter acrylic column tested (31.75‐mm) produced lower stiffness and higher maximum pin stresses than the standard stainless‐steel connecting bar (11.1‐mm diameter).

Conclusions—When applying a small or medium external fixator, an acrylic column of 9.53‐mm or 15.9‐mm diameter, respectively, can be used. For a large external fixator system, an acrylic column of diameter >31.75 mm is required.

Clinical Relevance—The sizes of acrylic connecting bars for use in small and medium external fixator systems have been determined. Large systems should incorporate the standard stainless‐steel connecting bar.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Double‐Plate and Y‐Plate Fixation for Comminuted Equine Second Phalangeal Fractures
Authors: Galuppo Larry D. , Stover Susan M. , Willits Neil H.
Published: April 2004

Objectives—To compare the biomechanical properties, in full limb preparations, of intact second phalanx and a simulated comminuted second phalangeal fracture stabilized with either two bone plates or a custom Y‐plate.

Study Design—In vitro biomechanical assessment of intact limbs and of paired limbs with a simulated second phalangeal fracture stabilized by one of two fixation methods.

Animal PopulationThirteen pairs of equine cadaveric forelimbs.

Methods—A comminuted second phalangeal fracture was created in six paired cadaveric limbs. For each limb pair, the fracture was stabilized with two plates in one limb, and with a Y‐plate in the contralateral limb. These limbs and seven pairs of intact limbs were subjected to axial compression in a single cycle until failure. Mechanical properties were compared with a mixed‐model ANOVA and post hoc contrasts. Joint contact pressure, screw insertion torque, and final screw torque remaining after mechanical testing were also evaluated for constructs.

Results—No significant differences in mechanical testing variables were detected between construct types. However, the Y‐Plate construct had significantly greater yield load, yield displacement and yield energy, and failure load and stiffness values than those for intact specimens, whereas the double‐plate construct only had greater stiffness than intact specimens. There were no significant differences in joint contact pressures for both constructs. The final screw torque for proximal phalangeal screws was significantly greater for the Y‐plate constructs than for double‐plate constructs.

Conclusions—The Y‐plate was as effective as the double‐plate technique for stabilization of simulated comminuted second phalangeal fractures in monotonically tested equine cadaveric forelimbs.

Clinical Relevance—This investigation supports evaluation of the Y‐plate for repair of comminuted second phalangeal fractures in equine patients. Its specific design may facilitate repair of second phalangeal fractures, and may provide increased stability by allowing the proximal fragments of the second phalanx to be fixed with three screws placed through the plate.
Paranasal Sinus Surgery Through a Frontonasal Flap in Sedated, Standing Horses
Authors: Schumacher Jim , Dutton David M. , Murphy David J. , Hague Brent A. , Taylor Tex S.
Published: April 2004

Objective—To report experience with paranasal sinus surgery through a frontonasal flap in sedated, standing horses.

Study Design—Treatment of 10 horses with naturally occurring paranasal sinus disease through a frontonasal bone flap created with the horses standing.

AnimalsTen adult horses.

Methods—After restraint and sedation, local anesthetic was injected subcutaneously along the proposed incision line over the conchofrontal sinus and was instilled into the sinuses through a small hole created in the frontal bone. A 3‐sided, rectangular, cutaneous incision that extended through the periosteum was created over the frontal and nasal bones. The incision was extended into the conchofrontal sinus using a bone saw, and the base of the flap, on the midline of the face, was fractured. The sinuses were explored, and the horse was treated for the disease encountered. The flap was repositioned; subcutaneous tissue and skin were sutured separately.

Results—The horses had few signs of discomfort during creation of the bone flap and during disease treatment. Diseases encountered included inspissated exudate in the ventral conchal sinus (five horses), feed and exudate throughout the sinuses (one horse), occlusion of the nasomaxillary aperature (one horse), polyp (one horse), osteoma (one horse), and progressive ethmoidal hematoma (one horse).

ConclusionIn selected cases, surgery of the paranasal sinuses can be performed safely on sedated and standing horses through a frontonasal bone flap.

Clinical Relevance—Performing surgery through a frontonasal bone flap with the horse standing and sedated, rather than anesthetized, eliminates risks and expense of general anesthesia.
Effect of Pubic Symphysiodesis on Pelvic Development in the Skeletally Immature Greyhound
Authors: Swainson Scot W. , Conzemius Mike G. , Riedesel Elizabeth A. , Smith Gail K. , Riley Chris B.
Published: April 2004

Objective—To evaluate the effect of pubic symphysiodesis (PS) on pelvic development in skeletally immature dogs.

Study Design—Prospective randomized clinical trial.

AnimalsEight 4 month‐old, sexually intact female Greyhounds.

Methods—Initial PS was performed at 4 months of age using a powered stapling device. Because of failure of the initial surgery, a second PS was performed 1 month later by resecting the pubic symphysis with a rongeur followed by placement of handmade bone staples in four dogs. Sham PS was performed in four control dogs at 4 months of age. Pubic growth rate and pelvic development were evaluated using standard plane radiography and computed tomography. Specific measurements included acetabular ventroversion, Norberg angle, lateral center‐edge angle, and pelvic inlet dimensions. Hip distraction indices were determined as well.

Results—PS at 4 months of age using a stapling device failed. Pubic symphysiodesis using hand made staples was successful at 5 months of age and did not result in any clinically significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. Pubic symphysiodesis markedly decreased pubic symphysis growth in the treatment group. Hip distraction indices and pelvic inlet circumference, area, and width significantly decreased in treated dogs compared to those in the control group. Acetabular ventroversion was significantly increased in treated dogs compared to those in the control group.

Conclusions—PS decreases pelvic canal size, increases acetabular ventroversion, and does not appear to have any clinically significant complications.

Clinical Relevance—PS performed in skeletally immature dogs with hip dysplasia may provide an effect similar to a triple pelvic osteotomy and warrants further investigation.
Samarium 153‐Labeled Hydroxyapatite Microspheres for Radiation Synovectomy in the Horse: A Study of the Biokinetics, Dosimetry, Clinical, and Morphologic Response in Normal Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Joints
Authors: Yarbrough Tom B. , Lee Mark R. , Hornof William J. , Koblik Phil D. , Brodack Jim , Troup Cathy , O'Brien Timothy R. , Pool Roy
Published: April 2004

Objective—To determine the effects of Samarium‐153 bound to hydroxyapatite microspheres (153SmM) when injected into the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of horses.

Study Design—Horses were injected with153SmM in metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints with the diagonal contralateral joints used as untreated controls.

Animals or Sample PopulationTwelve adult horses without pre‐existing disease involving the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints.

Methods—Horses were divided into three groups: high‐dose Samarium‐153 (12.5 to 17.0 millicurie [mCi]), intermediate dose (6.5 to 12.0 mCi), and low dose (3.5 to 6.0 mCi). Horses were examined daily for 7 days postinjection for clinical abnormalities, lameness, and surface and systemic radiation levels. One horse from each group was euthanatized at 14, 30, and 60 days postinjection and the effects of the153SmM examined microscopically in the cartilage and synovial membrane.

Results—Intraarticular153SmM caused inflammation characterized by lameness, effusion, and regional edema for 48 to 72 hours. Minimal levels of active153SmM were identified in the blood or urine and were well below the maximal tolerance of 1 mCi. Microscopically the radiation caused no effects on the articular cartilage. The synovectomy created was good but not ideal in that some areas did have necrosis into the subintimal regions and a few islands of intact intimal cells persisted.

Conclusions—The use of153SmM is an effective means of targeting the synovial intimal cells with minimal extrasynovial leakage of radiation.

Clinical Relevance—The metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of the horse can be safely treated with153SmM without damage to the cartilage or significant extracapsular leakage.
Morphology of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects:
Authors: HO SIEW YEN , MCCARTHY KAREN P. , RIGBY MICHEAL L.
Published: April 2004

Several clinical series have reported successful closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using trancatether devices. This review presents the morphological aspects of ventricular septal defects focusing on perimembranous septal defects. By definition, a part of the margin of perimembranous septal defects is the area of fibrous continuity abutting the central fibrous body that bears the atrioventricular conduction bundle. Depending on the excursion of the remaining margin, these defects are in proximity to the aortic, tricuspid, or mitral valves. Defects that extend to be doubly committed and juxtaarterial are roofed by contiguity between pulmonary and aortic valves. Recognition of the proximity or distance of important structures is relevant in considering perimembranous defects for device closure. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:99–108)
Outcome of postpartum disorders: a 10 year follow‐up of hospital admissions
Authors: Garfield P. , Kent A. , Paykel E. S. , Creighton F. J. , Jacobson R. R.
Published: April 2004

Objective: To determine readmission and recurrence rates of women admitted to psychiatric hospital with their babies, and index factors predicting subsequent course.

Method: A total of 66 women were followed up after 10 years. Information was obtained from structured interviews or other personal contact, and from general practitioners and hospital notes. Psychiatric diagnoses were made according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC). Outcome and predictive factors were investigated using survival analysis.

Results: A recurrence rate of 87.2%, and a readmission rate of 63.3% were found. Readmissions were more common after index schizophrenia than other diagnoses. The strongest predictor of readmission was previous psychiatric history. Among 27 subsequent pregnancies, puerperal recurrence was high among those with index psychoses (75–80%), but lower among those with index depression (27.3%).

Conclusion: The recurrence rate is high, with a moderate readmission rate predicted by past psychiatric history. Continuing clinical vigilance over the long‐term is required for these patients.
Psychosocial predictors of successful delivery after unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions: a cohort study
Authors: Nakano Y. , Oshima M. , Sugiura‐Ogasawara M. , Aoki K. , Kitamura T. , Furukawa T. A.
Published: April 2004

Objective:  To examine psychosocial predictors of successful pregnancy after recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA).

Method:  We administered two waves of semi‐structured interview and self‐report questionnaire battery to a consecutive series of 46 couples who had had two RSAs (baseline before third pregnancy, and immediately after third pregnancy was ascertained), and followed them through their third pregnancy.

Results:  Of the 46 couples, four miscarried for karyotypal abnormalities and six without any known cause. When the latter six were compared with the remaining 36 women, they reported less social support satisfaction, a more stable attribution for the causes of past abortions, and more depressed mood in the preceding year. Taken altogether, this psychosocial model was able to predict 93% of the pregnancy outcomes correctly.

Conclusion:  Psychosocial variables (depression, attribution and social support) are robust predictors of the prospective pregnancy and suggest possible points of intervention in couples with RSA.
N‐Terminal Kinesins: Many and Various
Authors: Wozniak Marcin J. , Milner Roy , Allan Viki
Published: April 2004

Molecular motors are a fascinating group of proteins that have vital roles in a huge variety of cellular processes. They all share the ability to produce force through the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate, and fall into classes groups: the kinesins, myosins and the dyneins. The kinesin superfamily itself can be split into three major groups depending on the position of the motor domain, which is localized N‐terminally, C‐terminally, or internally. This review focuses on the N‐terminal kinesins, providing a brief overview of their roles within the cell, and illustrating recent key developments in our understanding of how these proteins function.
Missing OH Reactivity in a Forest: Evidence for Unknown Reactive Biogenic VOCs
Authors: Di Carlo Piero , Brune William H. , Martinez Monica , Harder Hartwig , Lesher Robert , Ren Xinrong , Thornberry Troy , Carroll Mary Anne , Young Valerie , Shepson Paul B. , Riemer Daniel , Apel Eric , Campbell Colleen
Published: April 2004

Forest emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), such as isoprene and other terpenes, play a role in the production of tropospheric ozone and aerosols. In a northern Michigan forest, the direct measurement of total OH reactivity, which is the inverse of the OH lifetime, was significantly greater than expected. The difference between measured and expected OH reactivity, called the missing OH reactivity, increased with temperature, as did emission rates for terpenes and other BVOCs. These measurements are consistent with the hypothesis that unknown reactive BVOCs, perhaps terpenes, provide the missing OH reactivity.
Evidence for the Predominance of Mid-Tropospheric Aerosols as Subtropical Anvil Cloud Nuclei
Authors: Fridlind Ann M. , Ackerman Andrew S. , Jensen Eric J. , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Poellot Michael R. , Stevens David E. , Wang Donghai , Miloshevich Larry M. , Baumgardner Darrel , Lawson R. Paul , Wilson James C. , Flagan Richard C. , Seinfeld John H. , Jonsson Haflidi H. , VanReken Timothy M. , Varutbangkul Varuntida , Rissman Tracey A.
Published: April 2004

NASA's recent Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus LayersâFlorida Area Cirrus Experiment focused on anvil cirrus clouds, an important but poorly understood element of our climate system. The data obtained included the first comprehensive measurements of aerosols and cloud particles throughout the atmospheric column during the evolution of multiple deep convective storm systems. Coupling these new measurements with detailed cloud simulations that resolve the size distributions of aerosols and cloud particles, we found several lines of evidence indicating that most anvil crystals form on mid-tropospheric rather than boundary-layer aerosols. This result defies conventional wisdom and suggests that distant pollution sources may have a greater effect on anvil clouds than do local sources.
In-Plane Spectral Weight Shift of Charge Carriers in YBa
2
Cu
3
O
6.9
Authors: Boris A. V. , Kovaleva N. N. , Dolgov O. V. , Holden T. , Lin C. T. , Keimer B. , Bernhard C.
Published: April 2004

The temperature-dependent redistribution of the spectral weight of the CuO
2
plane–derived conduction band of the YBa
2
Cu
3
O
6.9
high-temperature superconductor (superconducting transition temperature = 92.7 kelvin) was studied with wide-band (0.01– to 5.6–electron volt) spectroscopic ellipsometry. A superconductivity-induced transfer of the spectral weight involving a high-energy scale in excess of 1 electron volt was observed. Correspondingly, the charge carrier spectral weight was shown to decrease in the superconducting state. The ellipsometric data also provide detailed information about the evolution of the optical self-energy in the normal and superconducting states.
Identification of Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs
Authors: Pfeffer Sébastien , Zavolan Mihaela , Grässer Friedrich A. , Chien Minchen , Russo James J. , Ju Jingyue , John Bino , Enright Anton J. , Marks Debora , Sander Chris , Tuschl Thomas
Published: April 2004

RNA silencing processes are guided by small RNAs that are derived from double-stranded RNA. To probe for function of RNA silencing during infection of human cells by a DNA virus, we recorded the small RNA profile of cells infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We show that EBV expresses several microRNA (miRNA) genes. Given that miRNAs function in RNA silencing pathways either by targeting messenger RNAs for degradation or by repressing translation, we identified viral regulators of host and/or viral gene expression.
EVIDENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF INCONSISTENCIES IN OBJECT-ORIENTED DESIGNS
Authors: SPANOUDAKIS GEORGE , KASIS KURIAKOS , DRAGAZI FLORA
Published: April 2004

This paper presents a diagnostic framework for assessing the significance of inconsistencies (i.e., violations of consistency rules) in software design models expressed in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The assessment is based on significance criteria that software designers can specify and associate with specific consistency rules. These criteria define characteristics that the model elements involved in the violation of a rule should have for the inconsistency to be significant, and they are specified in a formal language derived from the Object Constraint Language (OCL). The satisfiability of the criteria by individual model elements is measured by belief functions defined by the framework. The measures generated by these functions are used to rank the inconsistencies caused by different model elements. The presented framework has been evaluated through a set of experiments. The results of these experiments show that criteria definable in the framework can be used to produce relatively elaborate significance-rankings of inconsistencies.