bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-articular administration of doxycycline in calves
Authors: Haerdi-Landerer M. Christina , Suter Maja M. , Steiner Adrian
Published: December 2007

Objective—To evaluate local tissue compatibility of doxycycline hyclate (DOX) in antebrachiocarpal joints of calves.

Animals—10 healthy calves between 80 and 110 kg.

Procedures—Calves were assigned to 2 treatment groups. Calves in groups DOXlow and DOXhigh were administered 5 and 10 mg of DOX, respectively, locally in 1 antebrachiocarpal joint. The contralateral joint served as a control joint and was injected with 0.9% NaCl solution. General and local clinical findings were scored. Several variables were assessed in blood and synovial fluid for 9 days. Calves were euthanatized and pathologic changes and drug residues evaluated.

Results—Throughout the study, none of the calves had clinical changes or abnormal hematologic values. Significant differences between treatment and control joints were evident only for matrix metalloproteinases at 0.5 hours after injection, with less activity for the DOX-treated joints in both treatment groups. Values for all synovial fluid variables, except nitric oxide, increased significantly during the first 12 to 72 hours after arthrocentesis in control and DOX-treated joints. Histologic examination revealed minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells independent of the treatment. No drug residues were detected 9 days after arthrocentesis in any tissues obtained from the liver, kidneys, fat, and skeletal muscles.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—DOX had excellent intra-articular compatibility in healthy calves. Arthrocentesis induced a mild transient increase of inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid. Significant decreases in matrix metalloproteinase activity in DOX-treated joints may indicate a potential chondroprotective effect of DOX.
Desmosomal gene evaluation in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Meurs Kathryn M. , Ederer Martina M. , Stern Joshua A.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To sequence the exonic and splice site regions of the 4 desmosomal genes associated with the human form of familial arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in Boxers with ARVC and identify a causative mutation.

Animals—10 unrelated Boxers with ARVC and 2 unaffected Labrador Retrievers (control dogs).

Procedures—Exonic and splice site regions of the 4 genes encoding the desmosomal proteins plakophilin-2, plakoglobin, desmoplakin, and desmoglein-2 were sequenced. Sequences were compared for nucleotide sequence changes between affected dogs and the published sequences for clinically normal dogs and between affected dogs and the control dogs. Base-pair changes were considered to be causative for ARVC if they were detected in an affected dog but not in unaffected dogs, and if they involved a conserved amino acid and changed that amino acid to one of a different polarity, acid-base status, or structure.

Results—A causative mutation for ARVC in Boxers was not identified, although single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in some affected dogs within exon 3 of the plakophilin-2 gene; exon 3 of the plakoglobin gene; exons 3 and 7 of the desmoglein-2 gene; and exons 6, 14, 15, and 24 of the desmoplakin gene. None of these changed the amino acid of the respective protein.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Mutations within the desmosomal genes associated with the development of ARVC in humans do not appear to be causative for ARVC in Boxers. Genomewide scanning for genetic loci of interest in dogs should be pursued.
Assessment of a point-of-care biochemical analyzer and comparison with a commercial laboratory for the measurement of total protein and albumin concentrations in psittacines
Authors: Johnston Matthew S. , Rosenthal Karen L. , Shofer Frances S.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To determine agreement for total protein (TP) and albumin concentrations measured by a point-of-care biochemical analyzer in heparinized whole blood and plasma samples obtained from psittacines and compare results with those from a commercial laboratory.

Sample Population—Hematologic samples from 92 healthy birds.

Procedures—Duplicate samples of heparinized whole blood and plasma were obtained. A point-of-care biochemical analyzer was used to determine TP and albumin concentrations. To assess precision, intraclass correlation coefficient (ri) and Bland-Altman measures of agreement were used. These results were compared by use of Bland-Altman plots with those obtained from a commercial laboratory that used a biuret method for TP concentration and electrophoresis for albumin concentration.

Results—For the analyzer, there was excellent agreement (ri = 0.91) between heparinized whole blood and plasma samples for TP and albumin concentrations. Relative error was 0.9% for TP and 0.7% for albumin. Analyzer results correlated well with commercial laboratory results, with a downward bias of 0.6 for TP and 0.3 for albumin.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The analyzer had excellent precision for analysis of heparinized whole blood or plasma samples for TP or albumin concentrations; analyzer values had good agreement with those from a commercial laboratory. The analyzer could be a valid method to measure plasma TP concentrations and provide point-of-care testing in apparently healthy parrots. Biochemical analyzer results for plasma albumin concentration were not validated by results from a commercial laboratory, so conclusions cannot be drawn regarding use of the analyzer in measurement of albumin concentrations in psittacines.
Phosphodiesterase isoenzymes in equine platelets and their influence on platelet adhesion
Authors: Dunkel Bettina , Rickards Karen J. , Page Clive P. , Cunningham Fiona M.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To determine the phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes in equine platelets and evaluate their influence on platelet adhesion.

Sample Population—Platelets obtained from healthy New Forest Pony geldings that ranged from 12 to 20 years of age (mean ± SEM, 17.3 ± 1.1 years).

Procedures—PDE isoenzyme activity in equine platelets was determined by use of a 2-step radioactive assay. Functional importance of PDE isoenzymes was established by use of selective inhibitors in a colorimetric adhesion assay.

Results—PDE1, PDE2, PDE3, and PDE5 and small amounts of PDE4 were found in equine platelets. Inhibition of PDE3 abolished platelet adhesion almost completely, whereas inhibition of PDE4 and PDE5 had little effect.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Function of equine platelets can be influenced by inhibition of PDE3. Selective PDE3 inhibitors may be clinically useful to regulate platelet function. They offer the advantage of increased potency with fewer adverse effects, compared with those for nonselective PDE inhibitors.
Effects of in vitro exposure to hay dust on expression of interleukin-17, -23, -8, and -1β and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 by pulmonary mononuclear cells isolated from horses chronically affected with recurrent airway disease
Authors: Ainsworth Dorothy M. , Wagner Bettina , Erb Hollis N. , Young Jean C. , Retallick Danielle E.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To examine effects of in vitro exposure to solutions of hay dust, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or β-glucan on cytokine expression in pulmonary mononuclear cells isolated from healthy horses and horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).

Animals—8 RAO-affected and 7 control horses (experiment 1) and 6 of the RAO-affected and 5 of the control horses (experiment 2).

Procedures—Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were isolated from horses that had been stabled and fed dusty hay for 14 days. Pulmonary mononuclear cells were incubated for 24 (experiment 1) or 6 (experiment 2) hours with PBS solution or solutions of hay dust, β-glucan, or LPS. Gene expression of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23(p19 and p40 subunits), IL-8, IL-1β, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) was measured with a kinetic PCR assay.

Results—Treatment with the highest concentration of hay dust solution for 6 or 24 hours increased expression of IL-23(p19 and p40), IL-8, and IL-1β in cells from both groups of horses and increased early expression of IL-17 and CXCL2 in RAO-affected horses. Lipopolysaccharide upregulated early expression of IL-23(p40) and IL-8 in cells from both groups of horses but only late expression of these cytokines in cells from RAO-affected horses. Treatment with β-glucan failed to increase cytokine expression at 6 or 24 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cells from RAO-affected horses were not more responsive to the ligands tested than were cells from control horses, which suggests a minimal role of mononuclear cells in propagation of airway neutrophilia in horses with chronic RAO.
Altered expression of versican and hyaluronan in melanocytic tumors of dogs
Authors: Docampo María-José , Rabanal Rosa M. , Miquel-Serra Laia , Hernández Daniel , Domenzain Clelia , Bassols Anna
Published: December 2007

Objective—To analyze the expression of versican and hyaluronan in melanocytomas and malignant melanomas of dogs, to correlate their expression with expression of the hyaluronan receptor CD44, and to identify enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of hyaluronan in canine dermal fibroblasts and canine melanoma cell lines.

Sample Population—35 biopsy specimens from melanocytic tumors of dogs, canine primary dermal fibroblasts, and 3 canine melanoma cell lines.

Procedures—Versican, hyaluronan, and CD44 were detected in tumor samples by use of histochemical or immunohistochemical methods. Expression of hyaluronan-metabolizing enzymes was analyzed with a reverse transcriptase–PCR assay.

Results—Versican was found only in some hair follicles and around some blood vessels in normal canine skin, whereas hyaluronan was primarily found within the dermis. Hyaluronan was found in connective tissue of the oral mucosa. Versican and, to a lesser extent, hyaluronan were significantly overexpressed in malignant melanomas, compared with expression in melanocytomas. No significant difference was found between malignant tumors from oral or cutaneous origin. The expression of both molecules was correlated, but hyaluronan had a more extensive distribution than versican. Versican and hyaluronan were mainly associated with tumor stroma. Canine fibroblasts and melanoma cell lines expressed hyaluronan synthase 2 and 3 (but not 1) and hyaluronidase 1 and 2.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Versican may be useful as a diagnostic marker for melanocytic tumors in dogs. Knowledge of the enzymes involved in hyaluronan metabolism could reveal new potential therapeutic targets.
Effect of parenteral administration of erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin on abomasal emptying rate in suckling calves
Authors: Nouri Mohammad , Constable Peter D.
Published: December 2007

Objective—To determine the effect of parenteral administration of erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin on abomasal emptying rate in suckling calves.

Animals—8 male Holstein-Friesian calves < 35 days old.

Procedures—Calves received each of 4 treatments in random order (2 mL of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution, IM [control treatment]; erythromycin, 8.8 mg/kg, IM; tilmicosin, 10 mg/kg, SC; and tylosin, 17.6 mg/kg, IM). Calves were fed 2 L of milk replacer containing acetaminophen (50 mg/kg) 30 minutes later. Jugular venous blood samples and transabdominal ultrasonographic abomasal dimensions were obtained periodically after suckling. Abomasal emptying rate was assessed on the basis of the time to maximal plasma acetaminophen concentration and ultrasonographic determination of the halftime of abomasal emptying. One-tailed Dunnett post tests were conducted whenever the F value for group was significant.

Results—Emptying rate was faster for erythromycin, tilimicosin, and tylosin than for the control treatment, as determined on the basis of time to maximal plasma acetaminophen concentration. Ultrasonography indicated that the half-time of abomasal emptying was significantly shorter for erythromycin than for the control treatment. Tylosin and tilmicosin accelerated the abomasal emptying rate, but not significantly, relative to the emptying rate for the control treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of erythromycin, tilmicosin, and tylosin at the label dosage increased abomasal emptying rate in calves. The clinical importance of an increase in abomasal emptying rate in cattle remains to be determined.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Uterine and Peripheral Blood Tested with An Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay and A Radio‐Immuno Assay in Cases of Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Steier Johan Arnt , Sandvei Roar , Myking Ole L.
Published: December 2007

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was analysed by a hCG‐β‐subunit radio‐immunoassay (hCG‐β‐Ria) and a rapid serum test in uterine and peripheral blood in 29 cases of spontaneous abortion. The levels of hCG were significantly higher in uterine than in peripheral blood. The rapid serum test was correctly positive in all 29 samples of uterine and in 28 of peripheral blood.

In cases of spontaneous abortion the concentration of hCG is usually higher in blood from the uterus than in blood from an antecubital vein (1). This study was undertaken to evaluate the reliability of a rapid hCG test compared with a Ria method in uterine and peripheral maternal blood in cases suspected of early spontaneous miscarriage.
British-German Relations and Collective Memory
Authors: Wittlinger Ruth
Published: December 2007

British-German relations have undergone a considerable transformation since 1945 with both countries having to adapt to significant changes in their own status, as well as a very different international environment. Germany's status as a morally and militarily defeated and occupied power in 1945 is in stark contrast to the confident role it is playing at the beginning of the new millennium when—sixty years after the end of World War II—the German chancellor for the first time took part in the VE-Day celebrations of the victors. This article analyzes recent dynamics of collective memory in both countries and examine if and to what extent their collective memories play a role in British-German relations.
A pore‐flow‐through membrane reactor for partial hydrogenation of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene
Authors: Schmidt A. , Wolf A. , Warsitz R. , Dittmeyer R. , Urbanczyk D. , Voigt I. , Fischer G. , Schomäcker R.
Published: December 2007

The partial hydrogenation of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene was performed in a pore‐flow‐through membrane reactor at 50°C and 1 MPa hydrogen pressure with single capillary membranes and a bundle of 27 capillaries for scale‐up studies. A preparation method for the catalytically active membranes and their characterization are described. Compared to millimeter‐sized spherical catalyst pellets in fixed‐bed or slurry reactors, mass transfer limitations could be successfully reduced in the membrane reactor. The conversion rate of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene in the membrane reactor was mainly affected by the Pd amount and the mass flow rate of the reaction mixture through the membrane. Under optimum conditions a selectivity of 95% for cyclooctene at complete conversion of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene was obtained. This value corresponds to the selectivity obtained with a powder catalyst with a particle size of approx. 25 μm in a slurry reactor for which microkinetic control of the reaction is expected to result in the highest possible selectivity. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Tailored binding and transport parameters of molecularly imprinted films via macromolecular structure: The rational design of recognitive polymers
Authors: Noss K. RyAnne , Vaughan Asa D. , Byrne Mark E.
Published: December 2007

Testosterone recognitive networks were synthesized varying feed crosslinking percentage and length of bifunctional crosslinking agent to analyze the effect of manipulating structural parameters on template binding parameters such as affinity, capacity, selectivity, and transport. Crosslinking agent was varied from 50 to 90% and associated networks experienced a twofold increase in capacity and a fourfold increase in affinity, with equilibrium association constants ranging from 0.30 ± 0.02 × 104 M−1 to 1.3 ± 0.1 × 104 M−1, respectively. The higher concentration of crosslinking monomer increased crosslinking points available for interchain stabilization creating an increased number of stable cavities for template association. However, by increasing the length of crosslinking agent ≈ 4.5 times, the mesh size of the network increased resulting in 40% faster template diffusional transport. A 77% crosslinked poly(MAA‐co‐PEG200DMA) recognitive network had an association constant of (0.20 ± 0.05) × 104 M−1 and bound (0.72 ± 0.04) × 10−2 mmol testosterone/g dry polymer which was less by six and threefold, respectively, compared to a similarly crosslinked poly(MAA‐co‐EGDMA) recognitive network. Structural manipulation of the macromolecular architecture illustrates the programmability of recognitive networks for specific binding parameters and diffusional transport, which may lead to enhanced imprinted sensor materials and successful integration onto sensor platforms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis, characterization of novel dihydrazide containing polyurethanes based on N1,N2‐bis[(4‐hydroxyphenyl)methylene]ethanedihydrazide and various diisocyanates
Authors: Raghu A. V. , Jeong Han Mo
Published: December 2007

Four novel types of polyurethanes (PUs) were prepared from N1,N2‐bis[(4‐hydroxyphenyl)methylene]ethanedihydrazide with two aromatic diisocyanates (4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate and tolylene 2,4‐diisocyanate) and two aliphatic diisocyanates (isophorone diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate). The chemical structure of both diol and PUs was confirmed by UV–vis, fluoroscence, FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectral data. DSC data show that PUs have multiple endotherm peak. X‐ray diffraction revealed that the PUs contained semicrystalline and amorphous regions that varied with the nature of the backbone structures. PUs were soluble in polar aprotic solvents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
An ultrastructural characterization of the newly generated cells in the adult monkey dentate gyrus
Authors: Ngwenya Laura B. , Rosene Douglas L. , Peters Alan
Published: December 2007

Recent studies of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus have focused on the maturational sequence and on the identification of the neural stem cell in the adult brain. Ultrastructural verification of cell type and marker expression has become increasingly important in this research, yet no standards exist for the identification of adult generated cells in the hippocampus. In this study, six adult rhesus monkeys were used, four of which were given an injection of the DNA‐synthesis phase marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and perfused 2 days, 3 weeks, or 6 weeks later. The ultrastructural features of BrdU labeled cells in the dentate gyrus were determined. The characteristics of the different types of BrdU labeled cells were then used to find similar, but unlabeled, immature cells in tissue routinely prepared for electron microscopy. This enabled optimal characterization of the ultrastructural features of the newly generated cells. The results demonstrate that immature neurons, immature astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can be reliably distinguished by ultrastructural features, without immunohistochemical processing. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The genetics and ecology of sympatric speciation: A case study
Authors: Bush Guy L. , Smith James J.
Published: December 2007

Mating occurs on the larval host plant in all Rhagoletis species (Diptera: Tephritidae). We show how this attribute, when coupled with certain differences in other biological traits, strongly influences the mode of speciation. In species of the suavis species group, host shifts have never occurred during speciation, and larvae feed in the husks of any walnut species (Juglans spp.), which are highly toxic. Taxa are allopatric or parapatric and exhibit deep phylogenetic nodes suggesting relatively ancient speciation events. Traits responsible for species and mate recognition, particularly in parapatric species, are morphologically distinct and strongly sexually dimorphic. All aspects of their biology, genetics and distribution are consistent with a slow rate of allopatric speciation followed by morphological divergence in secondary contact. In contrast, speciation in the pomonella species group has always involved a shift to a new, usually unrelated, non‐toxic host, and all taxa within these groups are sympatric, monophagous and morphologically indistinguishable from one another. Phylogenetic nodes are very shallow, indicating recent sympatric speciation. Sympatric divergence is promoted by genetic variation which allows a portion of the original species to shift to a new habitat or host. Evidence suggests that changes in a few key loci responsible for host selection and fitness on a new host may initiate host shifts. By exploiting different habitats, competition for resources between diverging populations is reduced or avoided. We provide evidence that in phytophagous and parasitic insects sufficient intrinsic barriers to gene flow can evolve between sister populations as they adapt to different habitats or hosts to allow each population to establish independent evolutionary lineages in sympatry.
More highly female‐biased sex ratio in the fig wasp, Blastophaga nipponica Grandi (Agaonidae)
Authors: Kinoshita Motoaki , Kasuya Eiiti , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: December 2007

The sex ratio of the pollinator fig wasp, Blastophaga nipponica Grandi (Agaonidae), was examined in an experiment manipulating the number of foundresses. The sex ratio of B. nipponica was conditional on the number of foundresses and corresponded to the qualitative prediction of the local mate competition (LMC) theory that the proportion of males increases as foundress number increases. However, the sex ratio of B. nipponica was consistently more female‐biased than predicted by extended LMC theories that incorporated effects of inbreeding, and these deviations were statistically significant. Plausible factors that would make predictions more female‐biased are discussed.
Microhabitat size distribution affects local difference in community structure: Metazoan communities in treeholes
Authors: Sota Teiji
Published: December 2007

I studied the effect of treehole (microhabitat) size distribution in local habitats on geographic difference in aquatic metazoan community structure by comparing differences between two sites on Iriomote Island, and between Iriomote Island (subtropical) and Tsushima Island (temperate), in southwestern Japan. In treeholes at each local site, the amount of litter, the species richness and total biomass of metazoa were positively correlated with treehole capacity. Between the two sites on Iriomote Island (Shirahama and Komi), the amount of litter, biomass and species number per treehole was greater at Komi where the mean and variance of treehole size were greater, while the dependencies of these parameters on treehole capacity were common to both sites. Total species number was larger at Komi (2 predators and 20 saprophages) than at Shirahama (1 predator and 19 saprophages). Most of the dominant taxa colonized larger treeholes with higher probabilities, although one taxa showed the opposite trend. Treeholes on Tsushima were smaller than those on Iriomote. The metazoan fauna in treeholes consisted of 15 saprophages on Tsushima, being less richer than that on Iriomote Island which had 2 predators and 21 saprophages. However, the dependencies of litter amount and biomass on treehole capacity did not differ significantly between the islands, although treeholes on Iriomote harbored a greater number of species per treehole than those on Tsushima. This study indicated that there are general correlates between community structure within individual treeholes (infracommunity structure) and treehole capacity (microhabitat size). Therefore, microhabitat‐size distribution is potentially a significant constraint of local community structure, and its variation may contribute to the variation in local and regional species richness.
Observing differences between healthy and unhealthy adolescent romantic relationships: Substance abuse and interpersonal process
Authors: Florsheim Paul , Moore David R.
Published: December 2007

Previous research on adolescent romantic relationships has been largely based on self‐reports and interview data; as a result, relatively little is known about the interpersonal‐behavioral dynamics of adolescent couples. In an attempt to address this gap in the previous literature on young couples, the present study used observational methods to differentiate between healthy and dysfunctional adolescent romantic relationships. Two groups of adolescent couples were recruited to participate in this study: (1) a high‐risk group (n=18 couples) in which one or both partners had a substance use disorder (SUD) and (2) a low‐risk group (n=12 couples) in which neither partner had a history of psychopathology. Self‐report and observational data on couples’ relationships were collected from both groups. Couples’ observed conflict interactions were coded using the structural analysis of social behavior [Florsheim, P., & Benjamin, L. S. (2001). The structural analysis of social behavior observational coding scheme. In P. K. Kerig, & M. Lindahl (Eds.), Family observational coding schemes: Resources for systemic research (pp. 127–150). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates]. Findings indicated that, compared to couples with no psychopathology, couples in the SUD group engaged in significantly more hostile and less warm behavior, as well as more complex communication involving a mix of hostility and warmth. Self‐reported relational quality did not differentiate the two groups, highlighting the unique contributions of observational data for understanding the clinically relevant dynamics of adolescent romantic relationships.
The Adolescent Coping Process Interview: Measuring temporal and affective components of adolescent responses to peer stress
Authors: Feagans Gould Laura , Hussong Andrea M. , Keeley Mary L.
Published: December 2007

The way in which adolescents cope with stressors in their lives has been established as an important correlate of adjustment. While most theoretical models of coping entail unfolding transactions between coping strategies and emotional arousal, the majority of coping measures tap only trait‐level coping styles, ignoring both temporal and affective components of the coping process. The current study fills this gap by establishing the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure, the Adolescent Coping Process Interview (ACPI), that is more in line with transactional and developmental models of coping. Results indicate that the ACPI displays good psychometric properties, captures significant intra‐individual variability in coping over the process, and points to emotional arousal as informing several coping‐adjustment relationships. Moreover, the ACPI and similar approaches may help promote the development of more adaptive patterns of coping in adolescents by helping to identify specific points within the coping process at which to intervene.
The Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (SOHO) study: 3-year results of antipsychotic treatment discontinuation and related clinical factors in Spain
Authors: Ciudad Antonio , Haro Josep María , Alonso Jordi , Bousoño Manuel , Suárez David , Novick Diego , Gilaberte Inmaculada
Published: December 2007

Introduction

This article presents the long-term results in terms of antipsychotic medication maintenance and factors influencing it in a representative sample of patients with schizophrenia recruited in the SOHO study within Spain.

Methods

The SOHO was a prospective, 3-year observational study of the outcomes of schizophrenia treatment in outpatients who initiated therapy or changed to a new antipsychotic performed in 10 European countries with a focus on olanzapine. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyse the time to treatment discontinuation and the Cox proportional hazards model to investigate correlates of discontinuation.

Results and conclusions

In total, 1688 patients were included in the analyses. Medication maintenance at 3 years varied with the antipsychotic prescribed, being highest with clozapine (57.6%, 95% CI 39.2–74.5), followed by olanzapine (48.3%, 95% CI 45.1–51.5); and lowest with quetiapine (19.0%, 95% CI 13.0–26.3). Treatment discontinuation was significantly less frequent with olanzapine than with risperidone (p = 0.015), depot typical (p = 0.001), oral typical antipsychotics (p < 0.001) or quetiapine (p < 0.001); but not than with clozapine (p = 0.309). Longer maintenance was also associated with higher social abilities and better cognitive status at baseline; in contrast, a shorter time to discontinuation was associated with the need for mood stabilisers during follow-up. This study emphasises the different value of antipsychotics in day-to-day clinical practice, as some of them were associated with longer medication maintenance periods than others. This study has some limitations because of possible selection and information biases derived from the non-systematic, non-randomised allocation to treatments and the existence of unobserved covariates that may influence the outcome.
Comparison of vaginal length after iliococcygeus fixation and sacrospinous ligament fixation
Authors: Medina Carlos A. , Croce Clara , Candiotti Keith , Takacs Peter
Published: December 2007

Objective

To compare vaginal length after iliococcygeus fixation (ICF) and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients undergoing ICF or SSLF. Sixty‐seven patients were identified and, of these, only 46 had complete data sets, leaving 23 patients in either group eligible for study.

Results

There were no significant differences in demographic data between the 2 groups. Mean vaginal length measurements were not significantly different before and after the ICF procedure (7.7 ± 0.9 cm vs 7.6 ± 0.8 cm, respectively; P = 0.68). However, the mean vaginal length was significantly shortened following SSLF (7.9 ± 0.8 cm vs 7.1 ± 1.1 cm, P = 0.001). The mean vaginal lengths preoperatively (7.7 ±0.9 cm vs 7.9 ± 0.8 cm, P = 0.51) and postoperatively (7.6 ± 0.8 cm vs 7.1 ± 1.1 cm, P = 0.07) were similar.

Conclusion

Iliococcygeus fixation does not significantly shorten vaginal length at the time of vaginal vault suspension, whereas the sacrospinous ligament fixation procedure does shorten vaginal length.
Implications of incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound
Authors: Chigbu Chibuike Ogwuegbu , Odugu Boniface , Okezie Obioma
Published: December 2007

Objective: To assess the experiences of women following incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound. Method: A 3‐year prospective cohort study of 102 women with discordance between fetal sex determined by ultrasound scan and birth sex. Participants were interviewed using 2 structured pretested questionnaires. The first questionnaire was undertaken within 24 h of delivery. The women were followed up with a second questionnaire 6–9 months later. In‐depth interviews were also carried out at this time. Results: Women who had received an incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound experienced marital conflicts, domestic violence, negative perceptions of ultrasound, and a desire for reversal of tubal ligation. Conclusion: Incorrect determination of fetal sex by ultrasound has implications that can affect the mental and psychological health of the mother and the upbringing of the newborn.
Polycystic kidney disease: A review and occurrence in Slovenia with comparison between ultrasound and genetic testing
Authors: Domanjko-Petrič Aleksandra , Černec David , Cotman Marko
Published: December 2007

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited autosomal kidney disease which is most commonly identified in Persian and Persian related cats. Positive cats have multiple cysts of various sizes that occur in the renal cortex and medulla and occasionally in other abdominal organs. PKD often leads to renal failure which occurs from mid to late in life. Renal cysts can be diagnosed ultrasonographically after 7 weeks of age by an experienced ultrasonographer and a high resolution machine. However, ultrasonography is now being replaced by genetic screening. A total of 340 cats of variable breeds aged from 5 months to 18 years were ultrasonographically examined in the past 7 years at the University Veterinary Small Animal Clinic. Of these, 13.8% were PKD positive with very high prevalence in Persian cats (36%). There was no sex predilection identified. The C>A transversion at position 3284 on exon 29 of PKD1 gene, resulting in a stop mutation has been identified in the heterozygous state in eight affected cats examined (Persian breed). All heterozygous cats were also ultrasonographically positive.
Fingerprinting of soil organic matter as a proxy for assessing climate and vegetation changes in last interglacial palaeosols (Veldwezelt, Belgium)
Authors: Vancampenhout Karen , Wouters Katinka , Caus Alexander , Buurman Peter , Swennen Rudy , Deckers Jozef
Published: December 2007

Soil characteristics in palaeosols are an important source of information on past climate and vegetation. Fingerprinting of soil organic matter (SOM) by pyrolysis-GC/MS is assessed as a proxy for palaeo-reconstruction in the complex of humic layers on top of the Rocourt pedosequence in the Veldwezelt-Hezerwater outcrop (Belgian loess belt). The fingerprints of the extractable SOM of different soil units are related to total organic carbon content, δ13C and grain-size analysis. Combined results indicate that the lower unit of the humic complex reflects a stable soil surface, allowing SOM build-up, intensive microbial activity and high decomposition. Higher in the profile, decomposition and microbial activity decrease. This is supported by a shift in the isotopic signal, an increasedUratio and evidence of wildfires. Although the chemical composition of the extracted SOM differed greatly from recent SOM, fingerprinting yielded detailed new information on SOM degree of decomposition and microbial contribution, allowing the reconstruction of palaeo-environmental conditions during pedogenesis.
Accurate ab initio potential energy curve of F2. III. The vibration rotation spectrum
Authors: Bytautas L. , Matsunaga N. , Nagata T. , Gordon M. S. , Ruedenberg K.
Published: December 2007

An analytical expression is found for the accurate ab initio potential energy curve of the fluorine molecule that has been determined in the preceding two papers. With it, the vibrational and rotational energy levels of F2 are calculated using the discrete variable representation. The comparison of this theoretical spectrum with the experimental spectrum, which had been measured earlier using high-resolution electronic spectroscopy, yields a mean absolute deviation of about 5cm−1 over the 22 levels. The dissociation energy with respect to the lowest vibrational energy is calculated within 30cm−1 of the experimental value of 12953±8cm−1. The reported agreement of the theoretical spectrum and dissociation energy with experiment is contingent upon the inclusion of the effects of core-generated electron correlation, spin-orbit coupling, and scalar relativity. The Dunham analysis [Phys. Rev. 41, 721 (1932)] of the spectrum is found to be very accurate. New values are given for the spectroscopic constants.
Quantum optimal control of electron ring currents in chiral aromatic molecules
Authors: Kanno Manabu , Hoki Kunihito , Kono Hirohiko , Fujimura Yuichi
Published: December 2007

We report the results of optimal control simulations of π-electron rotation (ring current) in a six-membered chiral aromatic molecule, 2,5-dichloro[n](3,6)pyrazinophane (DCP), attached at a surface and excited by a linearly polarized UV laser. DCP has a pair of optically allowed, quasidegenerate π-electronic excited states. The laser pulse to generate an approximate angular momentum eigenstate consisting of the quasidegenerate states was designed using the global optimal control theory. For both counterclockwise and clockwise π-electron rotations, the calculated objective functional and target yield as a function of the angle of the photon polarization vector show two maxima and two minima. The origin of the two minima is coherent excitation to only one of the quasidegenerate states. The two maxima arise from creation of a superposition of the quasidegenerate states. The optimal control pulse at the maxima is a two-color laser field resonant with the quasidegenerate states. The electric field of the optimal control pulse consists of two parts: a slowly oscillating part with phase φenv and a rapidly oscillating one. The phase φenv is a crucial parameter for determination of the rotation direction of π electrons at the end of control. The results of the optimal control simulations suggest that π-electron rotation can be controlled by applying a two-color laser field with adjusted phases.
Efficient and extremely long-lived organic light-emitting diodes based on dinaphthylperylene
Authors: Jarikov Viktor V. , Kondakov Denis Y. , Brown Christopher T.
Published: December 2007

We describe a synergistic effect of a lifetime-extending light-emitting-layer (LEL) additive and improved electron injection and transport in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Previously reported di(2-naphthyl)perylene (DNP) serves as the LEL additive capable of extending the operating lifetime of OLEDs by over two orders of magnitude. Using 2-phenyl-9,10-di(2-naphthyl)anthracene (PADN) as an electron-transport layer (ETL) and a separate layer of 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen) as an electron-injection layer (EIL) significantly improves electron delivery into the charge recombination zone relative to traditional ETL made of tris(8-quinolinolate)aluminum (Alq). This ETL∣EIL combination not only results in approximately seven times lower electric field in the ETL and, thus, lower drive voltage and higher efficiency devices, but can also increase device lifetime substantially. In a representative device containing a red-emitting LEL dopant [Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage 1931 2° color chromaticity coordinates (CIEx,y) of 0.65, 0.35], the external quantum efficiency, electroluminescence yield, drive voltage, and operating half-life (t50) can reach 5.8%, 6.5cd∕A, 4.5V, and ∼1000000h, respectively, all at 20mA∕cm2 current density.
Coupled donor states in InP by Sn doping
Authors: Cai Duanjun , Kang Junyong
Published: December 2007

Coupled donor states induced by Sn doping into InP and their behaviors were studied by employing photoluminescence (PL) measurements and first-principles calculations. InP: Sn crystals were grown in the [100] orientation by a modified liquid-encapsulated vertical Bridgman technique. The PL data show a donor-acceptor recombination line and its phonon replica at 898 nm and 926 nm, respectively, and another recombination line around 800 nm, which uniquely appears at the top in high Sn concentration. The first-principles calculations for the InP:Sn system support these results by observing two separate donor levels below (DSn1) and above (DSn2) the bottom of the conduction band, which are responsible for the recombination lines. They deviate from the bottom of the conduction band with the increase of Sn concentration. A peak at 879 nm from the band-to-band transition could only be visible at room temperature. The PL mapping of this line shows the increase of Sn concentrations with the crystal growth, which helps to reduce the dislocation density and increase the lifetime of excess carriers.
Combined experimental setup for spin- and angle-resolved direct and inverse photoemission
Authors: Budke M. , Allmers T. , Donath M. , Rangelov G.
Published: December 2007

We present a combined experimental setup for spin- and angle-resolved direct and inverse photoemission in the vacuum ultraviolet energy range for measurements of the electronic structure below and above the Fermi level. Both techniques are installed in one ultrahigh-vacuum chamber and, as a consequence, allow quasisimultaneous measurements on one and the same sample preparation. The photoemission experiment consists of a gas discharge lamp and an electron energy analyzer equipped with a spin polarization detector based on spin-polarized low-energy electron diffraction. Our homemade inverse-photoemission spectrometer comprises a GaAs photocathode as spin-polarized electron source and Geiger-Müller counters for photon detection at a fixed energy of 9.9eV. The total energy resolution of the experiment is better than 50meV for photoemission and better than 200meV for inverse photoemission. The performance of our combined direct and inverse-photoemission experiment with respect to angular and energy resolutions is exemplified by the Fermi-level crossing of the Cu(111) L-gap surface state. Spin-resolved measurements of Co films on Cu(001) are used to characterize the Sherman function of the spin polarization detector as well as the spin polarization of our electron source.
A liquid crystalline polymer microlens array with tunable focal intensity by the polarization control of a liquid crystal layer
Authors: Choi Yoonseuk , Kim Hak-Rin , Lee Kwang-Ho , Lee Yong-Min , Kim Jae-Hoon
Published: December 2007

We propose a focal intensity tunable microlens array by using a birefringent liquid crystalline polymer for lensing action. Due to the difference of effective refractive indices, it acts as a positive or negative microlens with respect to the polarization state. As we control the incident polarization by adding a liquid crystal layer, the focal intensity can be tuned by an applied voltage. Twisted nematic and bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal modes were applied to demonstrate the possibility of various driving features such as a continuously tunable focal intensity or fast switching with memory effect.
Generalized Gaudin spin chains, nonskew symmetric r-matrices, and reflection equation algebras
Authors: Skrypnyk T.
Published: December 2007

Using a one-parametric family of automorphisms σ(u) of finite-dimensional simple Lie algebras g and classical skew-symmetric r-matrices r12(u−v), we construct “twisted” nonskew symmetric classical r-matrices r12σ(u,v) with spectral parameters. We show that in the special case σ(u)=AdK(u) and classical matrix Lie algebras g, they are connected with the quasiclassical limit of the reflection equation algebras. Using them and results of our previous papers, we construct new integrable quantum spin chains of the “generalized Gaudin” type with an arbitrary value of spin living at each site.
An acoustic and dimensional mismatch model for thermal boundary conductance between a vertical mesoscopic nanowire/nanotube and a bulk substrate
Authors: Prasher Ravi , Tong Tao , Majumdar Arun
Published: December 2007

A theoretical model to calculate the thermal boundary conductance (Kapitza conductance) or, alternatively, thermal boundary resistance (Kapitza resistance) between a vertically grown mesoscopic nanowire/nanotube and a bulk substrate is presented. The thermal boundary resistance at the interface between the mesoscopic geometry and a three-dimensional substrate is primarily due to two reasons: (1) dimensional mismatch in the phonon density of states and (2) mismatch in the acoustic properties. Our model based on the solution of the elastic wave equation in the substrate and the mesoscopic geometry incorporates both these effects.
Instability of relativistic electron-beam–dielectric system as a mechanism for microwave generation
Authors: Kong Ling-Bao , Du Chao-Hai , Liu Pu-Kun , Xiao Liu
Published: December 2007

The dispersion relation of relativistic rectilinear electron beam propagating along a guide magnetic field in a dielectric is investigated by cold fluid model. In such a system, due to anomalous Doppler effect, the instability occurs when the electron velocity exceeds the wave phase velocity. The growth rate and spatial growth rate are studied analytically and the nonlinear saturated efficiency is given analytically for the first time. Numerical results show that the saturated efficiency approaches about 10%–30%. The distinctive interaction mechanism is promising for the design of a new kind of compact high-power microwave generation devices.
Enhanced magnetism in epitaxial BiFeO3∕BiCrO3 multiferroic heterostructures
Authors: Nechache Riad , Gupta Prasoon , Harnagea Catalin , Pignolet Alain
Published: December 2007

Multifunctional BiFeO3 (BFO), BiCrO3 (BCO), and BFO/BCO heteroepitaxial films with good ferroelectric properties were grown by pulsed laser deposition on epitaxial CaRuO3-coated (100)-oriented LaAlO3 and (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2LaTaO6)0.7. The in-plane compressive strain induces a tetragonal crystal structure in both BFO and BCO films in the BFO/BCO bilayer, in contrast to their bulk counterparts. The small saturation magnetization observed at room temperature for the individual layers of BiFeO3 and BiCrO3 is significantly enhanced (twofold) in the bilayer heterostructures. We attribute this improvement to the superexchange magnetic interaction between Fe3+ and Cr3+, occurring at the interface, combined with the compressive strain.
Electroluminescence analysis of high efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Kirchartz Thomas , Rau Uwe
Published: December 2007

We compare the electroluminescence (EL) of polycrystalline ZnO∕CdS∕Cu(In,Ga)Se2 heterojunction solar cells with similar band gaps but different open circuit voltages, indicating a difference in the electronic quality of the absorber. Temperature dependent EL measurements reveal that all cells feature transitions from donor-acceptor pair recombination at lower temperature to band to band recombination at higher temperatures. However, the less efficient cells show a longer transition range with donor-acceptor pair recombination still apparent at room temperature. We find further that the part of the room temperature spectrum that is due to band to band transitions in the respective cells is relatively broader than expected from a direct semiconductor with a homogeneous band gap. We analyze this spectral broadening by a model that accounts for band gap fluctuations of the absorber material. The experimental results show that the dominant part of this spectral broadening results from the intentional band gap grading and not from stochastic band gap fluctuations. We show further that the spectral EL emission is linked to the photovoltaic external quantum efficiency by electro-optical reciprocity. In a similar way, the external EL quantum efficiency is related to the open circuit voltage of the device. We verify experimentally that the difference between radiative and measured open circuit voltage determines the EL external quantum efficiency of the solar cell. The best Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell reaches an external light emitting diode quantum efficiency of around 0.1%.
Dielectric microscopy with submillimeter resolution
Authors: Greeney Nathan S. , Scales John A.
Published: December 2007

In analogy with optical near-field scanning methods we use tapered dielectric waveguides as probes for a millimeter wave vector network analyzer. By scanning thin samples between two such probes we are able to map the spatially varying dielectric properties of materials with subwavelength resolution. Using a 150GHz probe in transmission mode we see spatial resolution of better than 500μm. Here, we apply the technique to rocks map the mineralogy at the submillimeter scale.