bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Thyroid Hormones on Postnatal Fibrinogen Levels in the Rat
Authors: Legrêle C.D. , Félix J.-M. , Jacquot R.
Published: September 2009

From normal adult values of about 2.4 g/l at birth, rat plasma fibrinogen levels decrease to a minimum between 10 and 30 days of age and increase again at the end of weaning. The values of fibrinogenemia measured with different methods (heat precipitation at 56 °C versus clotting time) disagree. These results are discussed in connection with the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Postnatal Development of Rat Kidney Plasma Membrane Na-K-ATPase
Authors: Dobrović-Jenik D. , Ožegović B. , Milković S.
Published: September 2009

The postnatal development of the sodium transport mechanism in the rat kidney, as judged by the activity of renal plasma membrane Na-K-ATPase, was studied. Highly purified kidney plasma membranes as verified by electron microscopic and enzyme examinations, were used. Na-K-ATPase activity (μmol Pi/mg protein/h) increases exponentially from 16.9 ± 1.94 found at birth to the mature level of 43.1 ± 2.16 reached at the age of 41 days. This finding paralleled our results of SDS-polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis, showing a completely differentiated plasma membrane protein structure at birth, the maturation of which proceeds only as quantitative enrichment of some protein fractions in the further postnatal period.
Differing Effects of Prolactin on the Water Content of Individual Tissues in the Rabbit Pup at 72 h of Age
Authors: Coulter David M.
Published: September 2009

We treated neonatal rabbits from birth with exogenous prolactin or the prolactin secretagogue fluphenazine. We compared the hydration at 72 h of skeletal muscle, skin, liver, and brain to that of untreated controls. Treatment did not change the water content of liver. It increased the water content of skeletal muscle, skin, and brain. However, the response to treatment differed among these tissues. In skin and skeletal muscle, the effect of treatment was most apparent in animals whose postnatal weight gain was relatively large. In contrast, treatment increased brain water content in all animals regardless of weight gain. We conclude that much of the early postnatal decrease in skin and skeletal muscle water is due to mobilization of the neonatal tissue water reservoir, and that prolactin appears to regulate that process. Changes in brain water between birth and 72 h of age appear to result from loss of reservoir water and possibly of cerebrospinal fluid offset in part by water accretion due to tissue growth.
Insulin Influences the Maturation and Proliferation of Suckling Mouse Intestinal Mucosa in Serum-Free Organ Culture
Authors: Arsenault Pierre , Ménard Daniel
Published: September 2009

Explants of suckling mouse jejunum have been maintained in serum-free organ culture with or without insulin added to the medium in order to determine the possible direct effect of this hormone on the hydrolytic functions of the brush border and on the proliferation of the crypt cells. The addition of insulin induced the precocious appearance of sucrase activity and increased trehalase, glucoamylase and lactase activities. Alkaline phosphatase activity remained unaffected in the tissue as well as in the medium. An increased DNA content and 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA were already recorded after 24 h of culture. The mitotic index was significantly increased after 24 h and remained elevated when the culture was extended to 48 h. These results show that insulin directly influences the enzymatic maturation and the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells of suckling mouse.
Characterization of Fetal Urinary Proteins at Midgestation and Term
Authors: Kronquist Kathryn E. , Crandall Barbara F. , Tabsh Kahlil M.
Published: September 2009

Proteins in first voided urine from premature and term neonates were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. At 22–28 weeks of gestation, urine contained many identifiable serum proteins and the presence of an array of minor polypeptides with masses below 40 kilodaltons (kd) made the patterns quite complex. In contrast, the abundance of serum proteins in term urine was markedly decreased and the polypeptide patterns approached the relative simplicity seen in adult urine. Urine contained three major nonserum polypeptide groups at 30.5, 33–49, and 97 kd. The 97-kd species was identified as the Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, which is known to be derived from the renal tubule.
Essential Fatty Acids Interconversion in the Human Fetal Liver
Authors: Chambaz Jean , Ravel Denis , Manier Marie-C. , Pepin Dominique , Mulliez Nicole , Bereziat Gilbert
Published: September 2009

In order to study the role played by the fetoplacental unit in providing the human fetus with arachidonic acid, Δ5- and Δ6-desaturase activities were studied in microsomes from human fetal liver and placenta after 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. We evidenced for the first time Δ5- and Δ6-desaturase activities in fetal liver microsomes. As in adult liver, Δ6-desaturation is the rate-limiting step of arachidonic acid synthesis. No activity was found in the placenta. Arachidonic acid concentrations were higher in fetal serum than in maternal serum while the opposite was observed for linoleic acid. The fetal liver microsomal content in arachidonic acid was low. Taken together the data suggest that arachidonic acid is supplied to the fetus through a preferential transfer across the placenta.
Evolution of the Granular Cells of the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus during Postnatal Development in the Albino Rat
Authors: Rabineau Didier , Asselain Bernard , Salesses André
Published: September 2009

The postnatal development of the juxtaglomerular apparatus was studied by fluorescent microscopy in a series of 275 albino Wistar rats aged from 2 to 90 days. After treatment of kidney sections with thioflavine T, the appearance and evolution of secretory function in the terminal segment of the afferent glomerular arteriole were assessed in terms of the granular cell index (GCI) and the juxtaglomerular cell granulation index (JGI). Variations in these indices were analyzed in function of age, body weight, renal weight and sex of the animals. It emerges quite clearly from these studies that granular cell differentiation and maturation takes place in four successive stages: (a) a growth and differentiation phase lasting from the 2nd day to the beginning of the 5th week of extra-uterine life; (b) a critical phase around day 30; (c) a declining phase from day 30 to day 45, and (d) a stabilization phase from day 45 onwards. Until day 30 this evolutionary pattern is paralleled by rising body weight in animals of both sexes; afterwards it becomes independent of the parameters studied, in the males as well as in the females. The pattern of kidney weight parallels that of growth in body size and weight and does not constitute a more specific variable than body weight in the study of the developing granules in the juxtaglomerular apparatus.
Chromatographic Characterization of Endogenous Digoxin-Like Immunoreactive Substances Present in Serum and Urine of Infants Using Gel Filtration with Sephadex G 25
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Boldrini Antonio , Balzan Silvana , Biver Pascal , Fantoni Massimo
Published: September 2009

We assayed digoxin-like immunoreactivity in the serum of 19 healthy neonates (blood sample from umbilical cord), not receiving digoxin therapy, using a solid-phase radioimmunological method. In addition, urinary concentrations of a digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) were assayed throughout the first 10 weeks of extrauterine life in 50 healthy infants. The mean ( ± SD) serum DLIS concentration obtained was 211 ± 60 ng/l digoxin equivalents (d.e.) while, in the urinary samples of the first day of life, the mean concentration was 818 ± 560 ng/l d.e. (n = 20). These DLIS values in infants were higher (about 5- to 10-fold) than those previously observed in adults. In addition, urinary DLIS values were very high in the first week of life and fell quite rapidly in the next weeks of life. We used serum and urine pools from neonates for gel filtration experiments using a Sephadex G 25 column. In the urine sample we found some immunoreactive peaks eluted at the end and after the region of salts, while the chromatographic profiles of the serum pool showed only a major peak eluted with the peak of proteins. After boiling, the same serum pool showed an elution pattern characterized by a smaller immunoreactive peak eluted with that of proteins and by other peaks similar to those observed for the urine sample. Our study demonstrated that a substance or more substances which cross-react with digoxin-specific antibodies are present in blood and urine of healthy infants. In addition, our chromatographic studies indicate that DLIS is probably a low molecular weight substance(s) which circulate(s) in blood bound to a higher molecular weight molecule.
Effects of Exercise on Fetal-Placental Growth and Uteroplacental Blood Flow in the Rat
Authors: Garris David R. , Kasperek George J. , Overton Santford V. , Alligood, Jr. Gilbert R.
Published: September 2009

The effects of daily maternal exercise on fetal-placental growth and development and the associated changes in uteroplacental blood flow were studied in pregnant rats. Pregnant females were exercised for 1 h (0% grade at 28 m/min) daily between either days 1 and 12, 1 and 18, 1 and 22, 12 and 18, or 12 and 22 of gestation and compared with nonexercised controls. Exercise between days 1 and 12 of pregnancy had no effect on fetal-placental parameters (i.e., fetal weight or gestation length) relative to controls. In contrast, exercise between days 1 and 22 and 12 and 22 resulted in a lower number of live pups born, an increase in gestational length, and an increased birth weight of the live pups relative to controls. Exercise between days 1 and 18 or 12 and 18 induced a significant (p ≤ 0.05) suppression of uteroplacental blood flow, the number of viable fetuses, and placental weights as compared with controls. Daily exercise had no effect on ovarian function as indicated by the comparable serum progesterone levels in all groups. These data indicate that an exercised-induced depression of uteroplacental blood flow is related to impaired fetal-placental growth and development during pregnancy in the rat.
Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone in the Anterior and Neurointermediate Lobes of the Rat during the Perinatal Period: Polymorphism, Biological and Immunological Activities of ACTH
Authors: Chatelain Alain , Dupouy Jean-Paul
Published: September 2009

When acid extracts (0.1 NHCl) of the anterior or neurointermediate lobes of fetal and newborn rat pituitary were subjected to gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 fine columns, polymorphism of ACTH was revealed by radioimmunoassay. At every stage of pregnancy and after birth three main ACTH forms were observed. The first form (‘big’ ACTH) eluted near the void volume of the column; its apparent molecular weight was 45,000. The second form (‘little’ ACTH) coeluted with synthetic human ACTH1–39 and 125I human ACTH. As the latter marker eluted more slowly than the former, ‘little’ ACTH, which showed an apparent molecular weight near 5,000, could not be a single entity. The third form (‘intermediate’ ACTH) eluted between ‘big’ and ‘little’ ACTH; its apparent molecular weight was near 13,000. During the perinatal period, the relative proportions between these different molecular forms of ACTH changed in both anterior and neurointermediate lobes. Thus the gradual increase of ‘intermediate’ and ‘little’ forms was accompanied by a decrease of ‘big’ ACTH. The perfusion of fetal adrenal glands with the same immunological quantities of ‘big’, ‘intermediate’ and ‘little’ ACTH showed that the ‘little’ and ‘intermediate’ forms have greater biological potency in eliciting corticosterone secretion than the ‘big’ ACTH form.
In vitro Comparison of the Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors on the Adult versus Neonatal Platelet
Authors: Stuart Marie J. , Dusse Jon
Published: September 2009

Neonates manifest more hemorrhagic tendencies when exposed to either acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA) or indomethacin in comparison to adults. We therefore assessed the susceptibility of neonatal and adult platelets to the effects of these cyclooxygenase inhibitors in vitro. Baseline thromboxane B2 production in response to thrombin was similar in platelets from the adult and neonate. Following exposure to varying concentrations (0.5–100 μM) of either ASA or indomethacin, platelet thromboxane B2 was inhibited to a similar extent in both adult and neonatal platelets. Our study demonstrates that the enhanced tendency to bleeding observed in the neonate following exposure to ASA or indomethacin is not due to an enhanced susceptibility of the neonatal platelet enzyme to the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition.
Lipoproteins and Apoproteins of Fetal and Newborn Piglets
Authors: Hollanders Bertrand , Audé Xavier , Girard-Globa Anik
Published: September 2009

Serum lipids, very low in the fetus and at birth, increased rapidly after the first feeding. Cholesterol was mainly in the free form. Esterified cholesterol rose rapidly, but free cholesterol remained in high proportions (30%) until after weaning. Very high phospholipid concentrations show that triglycerides are not the only major product of esterification and suggest a possible use for energetic purposes. Fetal lipoproteins had a general pattern similar to that of adults, but high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were denser (1.128 g/ml) and correspondingly richer in proteins. The presence of apoprotein AI and of the light intestinal form of apoprotein B in the triglyceride-rich fractions as well as that of apoprotein AIV in HDL was indicative of an early contribution of enterocytes to the lipoprotein pool. Low-density lipoprotein apoproteins were heterogeneous until 14 days, as they are in the human fetus, and contained, besides apoprotein B, all the main apoproteins. HDL reached concentrations of 400 mg/l00 ml at 3 and 4 weeks of age, above 3-fold higher than those of chow-fed adults, but also 1.5-fold higher than those of growing pigs fed a 20% fat diet, thereby showing a high capacity of the very young animal to synthesize HDL and apoprotein AI in particular. The many similarities with the evolution of lipoprotein in the newborn human validate the young pig as a model in the study of perinatal nutrition.
Postnatal Changes in Hepatic Microsomal Enzyme Activities in the Puppy
Authors: Tavoloni Nicola
Published: September 2009

The in vitro activities of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), UDP-glucuronyl transferase (GT) and P-450 were measured in liver homogenate and/or microsomal suspensions from puppies, 0–42 days of age (n = 26), and adult dogs (n = 3). For each of these enzymes, an age-related increase in the in vitro activity was observed, with the lowest value detected at birth. By the 28th-42nd day of postnatal life, P-450-specific activity was 350 and 85%, G6P 225 and 188%, p-nitrophenol GT 430 and 105% andbilirubin GT 317 and 123% of that seen in 0-hour-old puppies and adult dogs, respectively. The age-related changes in G6P and GT were observed when native enzymes or enzymes activated by deoxycholate or UDP-N-acetyl-glucosamine (GT) were used. However, the ratio between activated and native p-nitrophenol GT activity decreased as a function of age, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine failed to activate bilirubin GT in puppies of 0–42 days of age. Total liver protein also increased with age, and hepatic water content was significantly higher in 0- to 42-day-old puppies (76.3%) than in adult dogs (71.4%). Thus, differences between puppies and adult animals were not the same when protein content or enzyme activities were expressed per unit of wet or dried liver weight. Phenobarbital, injected intraperitoneally at 15 mg/kg/day for 6 consecutive days to 8- to 13-day-old puppies (n = 3), produced induction of P-450 (235% of age-matched controls) and bilirubin GT activity (160%), diminished G6P activity (81%), and failed to modify p-nitrophenol GT activity (102%). These studies indicate that, in the puppy, (1) the in vitro activities of P-450, G6P and GT are immature at birth and develop during postnatal life; (2) as in other species, bilirubin and p-nitrophenol may be conjugated in the dog liver by two functionally distinct GT.
Histochemical Demonstration of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Activity in Fetal Liver
Authors: Holzgreve Wolfgang , Fisk Aurelie S. , Goldsmith Paul C. , Golbus Mitchell S.
Published: September 2009

A histochemical technique for demonstrating ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) activity in human and rhesus monkey fetal liver is described. The proportion of OTC-positive cells increases in fetal monkey liver between 130 and 150 days of gestation. The histochemical assay can be used to verify the prenatal diagnosis of OTC deficiency in the human fetus.
Heptest-STAT, a new assay for monitoring of low-molecular-weight heparins, is not influenced by pregnancy-related changes of blood plasma
Authors: Zharkowa Ulyana , Elmas Elif , Ahmad-Nejad Parviz , Neumaier Michael , Borggrefe Martin , Dempfle Carl-Erik
Published: September 2009

Monitoring of anti-factor Xa activity is often performed during treatment with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) in pregnancy because the anticoagulant effect may decrease as pregnancy progresses, but assays for anti-factor Xa activity are unavailable in many clinical institutions caring for pregnant women. Heptest-STAT is a new clotting assay for monitoring of LMWHs, which has been optimised for use in near-patient laboratory instrumentation. It has been suggested that monitoring of LMWHs requires the use of individual calibration curves for each LMWH.We compared the dose response of four conventional LMWHs and fondaparinux in normal plasma, and plasma from women in first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Three concentrations of LMWHs, fondaparinux, or unfractionated heparin were added to pooled plasma samples from nonpregnant women (n=10), and pregnant women in first (n=10), second (n=10) and third (n=10) trimester of pregnancy. Heptest results are not influenced by the stage of pregnancy. In contrast, dose-related aPTT prolongation declines during pregnancy. All LMWHs tested, as well as fondaparinux, display a similar doseresponse in Heptest compared to the chromogenic anti-factor Xa assay. Heptest-STAT can be used with the same standard calibration for non-pregnant and pregnant patients and for all LMWHs under investigation, including fondparinux. No individual calibrations are necessary.
From heparin to EP217609: The long way to a new pentasaccharide-based neutralisable anticoagulant with an unprecedented pharmacological profile
Authors: Nancy-Portebois Vanessa , Dubreucq Guy , Motte Vincent , de Kort Martin , van Boeckel Constant , Vogel Gerard , Wisse Jeffry , Petitou Maurice , Meuleman Dick
Published: September 2009

The elucidation of the structure of the antithrombin binding sequence in heparin has given a large impulse to the rational design of heparin related drugs. De novo chemical synthesis of the corresponding pentasaccharide as well as simplified analogues has provided very specific, antithrombin-mediated inhibitors of factor Xa with various pharmacokinetic profiles. Fondaparinux and idraparinux are examples of such compounds that have found clinical application as antithrombotics. Because of the very specific binding to antithrombin the pharmacokinetics of pentasaccharides can be predicted and transferred to other molecules covalently bound to them. The new chemical entities thus obtained display a wide array of antithrombotic activities, giving improved heparin molecules as well as new anticoagulants, devoid of the undesired side effects of heparin and with unprecedented pharmacological profiles. In this context, a direct thrombin inhibitor was covalently coupled to a pentasaccharide by an inert spacer.This compound, EP42675 exerts antithrombin mediated anti-factor Xa activity together with direct thrombin inhibiting capacity. It displays favourable pharmacokinetics as imposed by the pentasaccharide. EP42675 was further modified by the introduction of a biotin moiety in its structure.The new entity obtained, EP217609 exerts the same pharmacological profile as EP42675 and it can be instantaneously neutralised by injection of avidin. Due to this unprecedented mechanism of anticoagulant activity and its ability to be neutralised,EP217609 deserves to be investigated in clinical settings where direct thrombin inhibition is required.
Impact of long-term testosterone treatment on plasma levels of free TFPI and TF-induced thrombin generation ex vivo in elderly men with low testosterone levels
Authors: Agledahl Ingvild , Svartberg Johan , Hansen John-Bjarne , Brodin Ellen
Published: September 2009

Men have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than women of similar age, and it has been suggested that testosterone may influence the development of CVD. Recently, we demonstrated that elderly men with low testosterone levels had lower plasma levels of free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) Ag associated with shortened tissue factor (TF)-induced coagulation initiation in a population based case-control study. Our hypothesis was that one year of testosterone treatment to physiological levels in elderly men would increase the levels of free TFPI Ag in plasma and have a favorable effect on TF-induced coagulation. Twenty-six men with low testosterone levels (≤11.0 nM) were randomly assigned to treatment with intramuscular testosterone depot injections (testosterone undecanoate 1,000 mg) or placebo in a double-blinded study. Each participant received a total of five injections, at baseline, 6, 16, 28 and 40 weeks, and TF-induced thrombin generation ex vivo and plasma free TFPI Ag were measured after one year. At the end of the study total and free testosterone levels were significantly higher in the testosterone treated group (14.9 ± 4.5 nM vs. 8.1 ± 2.4 nM; p<0.001, and 363.3 ± 106.6 pM vs. 187.3 ± 63.2 pM; p<0.001, respectively). Testosterone treatment for one year did neither cause significant changes in TF-induced thrombin generation ex vivo nor changes in plasma levels of free TFPI Ag. In conclusion, normalising testosterone levels by testosterone treatment for 12 months in elderly men did not affect TF-induced coagulation or plasma TFPI levels. The potential antithrombotic role of testosterone therapy remains to be elucidated.
Constriction of carotid arteries by urokinase-type plasminogen activator requires catalytic activity and is independent of NH2-terminal domains
Authors: Massey Philip , Tanaka Shinji , Buckler Joshua , Jiang Bo , McCourtie Anton , Qian Kun , Tom Clifford , Stempien-Otero April , Wen Shan , Luttrell Ian , Chitaley Kanchan , Dichek David
Published: September 2009

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is expressed at increased levels in stenotic, atherosclerotic human arteries. However, the biological roles of uPA in the artery wall are poorly understood. Previous studies associate uPA with both acute vasoconstriction and chronic vascular remodeling and attribute uPA-mediated vasoconstriction to the kringle – not the catalytic domain of uPA. We used an in-vivo uPA overexpression model to test the hypothesis that uPA-induced vasoconstriction is a reversible vasomotor process that can be prevented – and uPA fibrinolytic activity preserved – by: 1) removing the growth factor and kringle domains; or 2) anchoring uPA to the endothelial surface. To test this hypothesis we constructed adenoviral vectors that express: wild-type rabbit uPA (AduPA); a uPA mutant lacking the NH2-terminal growth-factor and kringle domains (Adu-PAdel); a mutant lacking catalytic activity (AduPAS→A), and a cell-surface anchored mutant (AdTMuPA). uPA mutants were expressed and characterised in vitro and in carotid arteries in vivo. uPAS→A had no plasminogen activator activity. Activity was similar for uPA and uPAdel, whereas AdTMuPA had only cell-associated activity. AduPAS→A arteries were not constricted. AduPA, AduPAdel, and AdTM-uPA arteries were constricted (approximately 30% smaller lumens; p≤0.008 vs. AdNull arteries). Papaverine reversed constriction of AduPA arteries. uPA-mediated arterial constriction is a vasomotor process that is mediated by uPA catalytic activity, not by the NH2-terminal domains. Anchoring uPA to the endothelial surface does not prevent vasoconstriction. uPA catalytic activity, generated by artery wall cells, may contribute to lumen loss in human arteries. Elimination of uPA vasoconstrictor activity requires concomitant loss of fibrinolytic activity.
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (defective platelet integrin αIIb-β3): proposals for management between evidence and open issues
Authors: Di Minno Giovanni , Di Minno Matteo , Poon Man-Chiu , Coppola Antonio
Published: September 2009

Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder, characterized by a quantitative or qualitative defect of platelet surface αIIb-β3 integrin. Presently, no specific guideline/algorithm for clinical management for GT is available. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of inherited platelet abnormalities, recommendations and guidelines are based on reports from opinions and clinical experience of panel of experts, and refer to the general management of platelet disorders. Based on the limited evidence in the area and on the strategies in clinical settings of inherited/acquired platelet defects, proposals for management of minor bleeding; moderate/major bleeding unresponsive to conservative management; major surgery; minor surgery and dental procedures for GT patients without, or with anti-platelet isoantibodies are reported. In addition to life-style advices and continuous patient education programs, when and how to employ/combine local measures, antifibrinolytic agents, hormone treatment, platelet transfusions and recombinant activated Factor VII is described. The prospective collection of treatments in GT patients recently established (Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Registry, GTR), based on a careful definition of clinical settings and outcomes, is likely to provide newer insight for optimising clinical management in GT.
HD1, a thrombin- and prothrombin-binding DNA aptamer, inhibits thrombin generation by attenuating prothrombin activation and thrombin feedback reactions
Authors: Kretz Colin , Cuddy Karl , Stafford Alan , Fredenburgh James , Roberts Robin , Weitz Jeffrey
Published: September 2009

HD1, a DNA aptamer, binds exosite 1 on thrombin and blocks its clotting activity. Because HD1 also binds prothrombin and inhibits its activation by prothrombinase, we hypothesised that HD1 would be a more potent inhibitor of coagulation than other exosite 1-directed ligands, such as Hir54–65(SO3
-). Supporting this concept, the effect of HD1 on the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time was twofold greater than that of Hir54–65(SO3
-) even though both agents inhibited thrombin-mediated factor (F) V and FVIII activation to a similar extent. In thrombin generation assays, HD1 (a) delayed the lag time, (b) reduced peak thrombin concentration, and (c) decreased endogenous thrombin potential to a greater extent than Hir54–65(SO3
-). To eliminate thrombin feedback, studies were repeated in FV- and/or FVIII-deficient plasma supplemented with FVa and/or FVIIIa. Only HD1 prolonged the lag time in FV- and FVIII-deficient plasma supplemented with FVa and FVIIIa. In contrast, HD1 and Hir54–65(SO3
-) inhibited the lag time in FVIII-deficient plasma supplemented with FVIIIa and in normal plasma. The more potent anticoagulant properties of HD1, therefore, reflect its capacity to attenuate FV activation by thrombin and inhibit prothrombinase assembly. These findings identify prothrombin as a potential target for new anticoagulants.
Effect of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair on the Volume–Outcome Relationship in Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Holt Peter J.E. , Poloniecki Jan D. , Khalid Usman , Hinchliffe Robert J. , Loftus Ian M. , Thompson Matt M.
Published: September 2009

Background—

We aim to quantify the relationship between the annual caseload (volume) and outcome from elective endovascular (EVR) or open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in England between 2005 and 2007.

Methods and Results—

Individual patient data were obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics. Statistical methods included multiple logistic regression models, mortality control charts, and safety plots to determine the nature of any relationship between volume and outcome. The case-mix between hospitals of different sizes was examined using observed and expected values for in-hospital mortality. Outcome measures included in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay. Between 2005 and 2007, a total of 57 587 patients were admitted to hospitals in England with a diagnosis of AAA, and 11 574 underwent AAA repair. There were 7313 elective AAA repairs, of which 5668 (78%) were open and 1645 (22%) were EVR. In-hospital mortality rates were 5.63% for all elective AAA repairs with rates of 6.18% for open repair and 3.77% for EVR (odds ratio, 0.676; 95% CI, 0.501 to 0.913;
P
=0.011). High-volume aneurysm services were associated with significantly lower mortality rates overall (0.991; 0.988 to 0.994;
P
<0.0001), for open repairs (0.994; 0.991 to 0.998;
P
=0.0008), and EVR (0.989; 0.982 to 0.995;
P
=0.0007). Large endovascular units had low mortality rates for open repairs.

Conclusion—

A strong relationship existed between the volume of surgery performed and outcome from both open and endovascular aneurysm repairs. These data support the concept that abdominal aortic surgery should be performed in specialized units that meet a minimum volume threshold.
Some new frogs from Sarawak
Authors: Dring Julian
Published: September 2009

Four new frogs are described from the Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak: Ansonia torrentis and Pelophryne api (Bufonidae), Kalophrynus nubicola (Microhylidae), and Rhacophorus kajau (Rhacophoridae).
Studies on the biology of the frog Rana dalmatina BONAPARTE during the breeding season in Greece (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae)
Authors: Sofianidou Th. S. , Kyriakopoulou-Sklavounou P.
Published: September 2009

Studies on the biology and ecology of Rana dalmatina during its breeding season have been performed in the region of Gallikos river for some years. Animals hibernated in their home range. They emerged from hibernation shortly before the onset of oviposition. Spawning period ranged from the 25th of January to the 15th of March, depending on the weather conditions. In some years it was continuous with 1-3 peaks of oviposition, in others interrupted for shorter or longer time periods depending on the temperature. The mean numberofeggs per female estimated in 190 egg masses was 985 (445-1761) and the mean diameter of the eggs measured in samples from 20 different egg masses was 1.78 mm (1.49-2.04). The mean diameter of the eggs was positively correlated with the number of eggs in each egg mass.
Genetic differentiation between hybridizing species Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata (Salientia, Discoglossidae) in Poland*
Authors: Szymura Jacek M.
Published: September 2009

NEI'S genetic distance estimate (D) between Polish Bombina bombina and B. variegata based on electrophoretic comparisions of 29 proteins encoded at 39 presumptive gene loci, is 0.487±0.127. This estimate suggests Pliocene separation of the species, in agreement with the fossil record. Remnants of B. bombina-like and B. variegata - like animals from Upper Pliocene have been found in Czechoslovakia, and B. bombina- like animals from the same period have also been found in Poland. Separation of European Bombina was probably connected with an ecological shift of ancestors of B. bombina, the most derived species of the genus, to lowland environment. The Pliocene divergence proposed here is considerably earlier than that postulated by MERTENS (1928) who linked Bombina speciation events to Pleistocene glaciations. Comparisons ofgenetic divergence measures and the fossil record for three other species pairs of European amphibians (Triturus cristatus/marmoratus, Bufo calamita/viridis and Rana lessonae/ridibunda) provide additional evidence that pre-Pleistocene speciations in the extant European amphibian fauna were more important than is traditionally believed.
Seasonal and Sexual Differences in the Effects of Parathyroidectomy in the Indian Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor with a Note on Follicle Formation in Reptilian Parathyroids
Authors: Akbarsha M.A.
Published: September 2009

Male and female C. versicolor were parathyroidectomized and/or administered with parathyroid extract during summer and winter. Sexual as well as seasonal differences were noticed in the effects. The results correlate with the often reported seasonal histophysiological changes in the parathyroids, suggesting "physiological parathyroidectomy" in winter lizards. Oestrogen induced hypercalcemiaappears to prevail in female lizards during the breeding season. Seasonal histological studies on the parathyroids ofthis lizard suggest that the often reported parathyroid follicles in reptiles originate due to degeneration of secretory parenchyma and that the follicular luminal content is only a condensate of the material released during degeneration. Though such follicle formation has also been reported in mammalian parathyroids, the causative factors seem to differ.
Análisis Osteométrico de las Regiones Sacra y Presacra de la Columna Vertebral en los Lagartos Ibéricos Lacerta viridis LAURENTI, Lacerta lepida DAUDIN y Lacerta schreiberi BEDRIAGA
Authors: Barbadillo L.J. , Sanz J.L.
Published: September 2009

An osteometric analysis of sacral and presacral regions in three species of iberian lizards (Lacerta lepida, L. schreiberi and L. viridis) has been carried out. For this purpose, 11 osteometric vertebral parameters were proposed, and some of the parameters used by other authors were revised. The topographical variation of the most significant parameters were described and several indices based on them were elaborated. Lacerta viridis differs considerably from L. schreiberi and L. lepida, both qualitatively and quantitatively, especially in the positions of the maximum and minimum for each parameter, and in the percentage of general elongation of the presacral vertebrae, more marked in L. viridis than in the other two species. The sexual and ontogenetic variations include qualitative and quantitative differences as well. A greater percentage of elongation of presacral vertebrae exists in the females. There is some sexual correlation of the existence oscillations in certain parameters (for example pre-postzygapophysis distance) along the vertebral axis (L. lepida and L. schreiberi). The relative height of the neurapophysis shows the most important ontogenetic variation. It is progressively enhanced with size. The vertebral widening that occurs in the last presacral zone is more marked in immature individuals. An interspecific vertebral diagnosis (of particular importance in the axis and sacrum) is proposed.
Ecology of a Snake Community in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Vitt Laurie J. , Vangilder Larry D.
Published: September 2009

Nineteen species of snakes representing four families were simultaneously studied in a caatinga habitat of northeastern Brazil. Of these, 10 are terrestrial, 3 are terrestrial-aquatic, 1 is arboreal-terrestrial, 4 are arboreal, and 1 is terrestrial-fossorial. Four species are nocturnal, 5 species are nocturnal and diurnal, and 10 are strictly diurnal. Diets include mammals, birds, bird eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and reptile eggs, with some snake species being food specialists and others being food generalists. Surprisingly, none of the species of snakes at the study site feed on invertebrates. A diversity of reproductive tactics is evident among the species in this snake community. There are oviparous and viviparous species, and clutch/brood size may be large or small depending upon the species. Both clutch/brood size and neonate (or egg) size were correlated with body size of female snakes. A principal components analysis (PCA) of morphological data revealed that two axes, one representing variation in body size and one representing variation in tail length and head size, explained 95% ofthe variation in the data. Portions of the morphological results corresponded well with ecological data. However, in some instances the morphological results were discordant with ecological results. Certain patterns, for example appear to have a phylogenetic basis. It is concluded that morphological analyses of snake communities cannot be adequately interpreted in the absence of ecological data.
Analyse de la parade de Pelomedusa subrufa subrufa (LACEPEDE)
Authors: Bels Vincent
Published: September 2009

Pelomedusa subrufa subrufa (LACÉPÈDE) use diverse and unusual displays in courtship. Males show behaviors such as head-head (tête-tête), head bobbing (balancement de la tête) and biting to guide the female to stabilisation. Female's stabilisation is realized when the male mounts the female. Behavioral units are considered in their sequences in order to establishe the different possibilities of courtship leading to copulation in this species. Visual, tactile or chemical cues seem to be important in each behavior.
Liberal Institutionalism and International Cooperation after 11 September 2001
Authors: Nuruzzaman Mohammed
Published: September 2009

Liberal institutionalism has traditionally emphasized the need for institutional arrangements to initiate and sustain cooperation among states. The theory regenerated much interest in the capacity and potential of international institutions, particularly the United Nations, for sustained international cooperation and peace in the post-cold war world. A good number of recent developments, particularly the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on America and the resurgent neoconservative agenda in American foreign policy to wage the endless ‘war on terror’ and to extend the zone of freedom and democracy through force, run counter to the basic premises of liberal institutionalism. This article analyzes the impact of the neoconservative foreign policy agenda on wider forms of international cooperation and argues that the unilateral US invasion of Iraq in 2003 has created an international environment of conflict and insecurity where rival and hostile states view each other with deep suspicions and prefer not to cooperate on important international peace and security issues. The prevailing international environment of insecurity has seriously undermined, the potential of international institutions, particularly the United Nations, to hold the post-September 11 world together and get states on board to cooperate on a sustained basis.
A Method to Estimate the Accuracy of Radial Flow—Based Permeability Measuring Devices
Authors: Tan Hua , Pillai Krishna M.
Published: September 2009

Radial flow experiment is often used to measure the permeability of fibrous porous media by the composites processing community. However, very little work has been done to calibrate the radial flow set-up with media of known permeability. This article presents a new method for calibrating the permeability measuring set-ups based on radial flows. A reference medium in the form of two concentric annular slits is created for the radial flow mold whose permeability is estimated analytically and numerically. It is observed that the experimentally measured permeability deviates from the theoretical and numerical permeabilities with an increase in the flow rate for an injection setup using a gear pump as well as a piston-cylinder pump. The deviation can be attributed to two possible reasons: one is the leakage between the calibration device and mold plate surfaces because of a slight mold deformation at higher flow rates, the other one is the increase in the gap clearance of the reference medium because of the higher gap pressures at higher flow rates. No such deviation is observed while measuring the permeability of a fiber mat at different flow rates. Hence, the proposed reference medium can calibrate a conventional radial flow-based permeability measuring setups at low flow rates; the accuracy thus obtained can be extended to higher flow rates as well if permeability of a fiber mat can be shown to remain constant with the flow rate.
Processing and Nonisothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Carbon/PPS in Single Diaphragm Forming
Authors: Haibin Ning  , Janowski Gregg M. , Vaidya Uday K.
Published: September 2009

Single diaphragm forming (SDF) has been used in manufacturing high-quality thermoplastic composite sheet parts with complex geometries. However, temperature gradients through the thickness may exist in the composites, especially for thick, high temperature, semicrystalline composites. The thermal gradient may introduce residual stresses, which may degrade the mechanical properties or warp the part. Therefore, investigating temperature profile through the thickness during processing can improve the quality of SDF composite parts. A laboratory scale SDF with a cooling system was built for the temperature study through the thickness. Carbon fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulphide (carbon/PPS) was used for the temperature study, and the effect of cooling rate on the nonisothermal crystallization of the carbon/PPS was also investigated using differential scanning calorimeter. The start crystallization temperature and the peak crystallization temperature decrease with increasing cooling rates. A combination of Avrami and Ozawa theory was successfully used in the work for describing the crystallization kinetics, and the crystallization activation energy was determined for the carbon fiber reinforced PPS.
Coating Carbon Nanotubes with Ferrites Using an Improved Co-precipitation Method
Authors: Hao Z. , Liu Q.F. , Wang J.B.
Published: September 2009

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been first coated with cobalt ferrites by a simple wet method. Transmission electron microscopy images show that ferrite nanoparticles (average diameter of 10 nm) were deposited on the sidewall of the MWCNTs. X-ray diffraction pattern exhibits representative diffraction peaks corresponding to spinel structure, and the structure of the MWCNTs is not distorted. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectrum shows the proportion of the content of Fe and Co is about 2:1, which coincides with the stoichiometric proportion of CoFe2O4.
Institutional Contradiction in the Community College
Authors: Ayers David F.
Published: September 2009

Critical discourse analysis was employed to examine the narratives collected from 40 community college administrators who were asked to recount their experience in an event, activity, or decision that challenged their values.The analysis yielded three findings. First, contradictions emerged between the administrators’ educational and professional values, on the one hand, and managerialism ( pressure from above), on the other hand. Second, participants either acquiesced to managerialism or resisted through insubordination or advocacy. Third, the styles enacted by the administrators in the face of these contradictions included the alienated victim (who felt that his or her authority had been usurped), the survivor (who eventually recovered or at least feigned a positive attitude), or the institutional entrepreneur (who successfully aligned a policy or practice with his or her values).The latter successfully advocated for change, suggesting the need for future research on leadership strategies and organizational climates that foster institutional entrepreneurship.
Understanding Male Sexual Offending
Authors: Harris Danielle A. , Mazerolle Paul , Knight Raymond A.
Published: September 2009

Previous research has explored whether criminological theories can account for the apparently specialized behaviors of sexual offenders. One perspective proposes that criminals are versatile, engaging in an array of antisocial behaviors. The alternative perspective, more common in sexual offending research, is that sexual offenders (especially child molesters) engage in sexual offenses exclusively or predominantly. This study examined 374 male sexual offenders referred for civil commitment. Offenders were compared by crime classification and level of specialization and were assessed on a selection of variables that measured general criminality and sexual deviance. Specialization level was a stronger group discriminator than offender classification. Versatile offenders were significantly more likely than specialist offenders to present with generic antisocial behaviors predicted by traditional criminology. Specialist offenders reported more indicators of sexual deviance than versatile offenders. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in Nonhuman Primates Culminating in Multiple Organ Failure, Acute Lung Injury, and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Hukkanen Renee R. , Liggitt H. Denny , Murnane Robert D. , Frevert Charles W.
Published: September 2009

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a clinicopathological manifestation of overexuberant acute-phase inflammation caused by infectious or noninfectious etiologies. The systemic release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and lipid and vasoactive mediators induces endothelial damage and microvascular thrombosis, potentially culminating in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) or failure (MOF). We present five cases in the pig-tailed macaque and olive baboon where SIRS resulted in MOF, ARDS, DIC, and the Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome; each with gross and histological elements manifested as edema, deposition of fibrin, hemorrhage, and thrombosis. In the described cases, SIRS was the end-common pathway for multiple risk factors that parallel those documented in humans: major surgery, obstetric complications, and infection. The diagnosis of SIRS should be considered when evaluating nonhuman primate (NHP) cases of MOF manifesting with histological evidence of vascular leakage. Experimental manipulation of NHP models may be complicated by SIRS and accompanying rapid clinical decompensation. Such adverse events may compromise toxicological studies and should be avoided when possible.
The Modeling of Heat Transfer across Intumescent Polymer Coatings
Authors: Griffin G.J.
Published: September 2009

The use of mathematical models to predict the thermal resistance of polymer-based, intumescent coatings are reviewed and their limitations are discussed. A mathematical model is derived to describe the developing temperature profile across an intumescent coating when exposed to a radiant heat source. The model includes the effects of: the endothermic and exothermic reactions; convective heat transfer as degradation gases are transported through the coating; radiation heat transfer across the developing porous solid; and the increase in thermal resistance as gases are formed and the coating expands. The model predictions are compared with experimental data from the heating of epoxy-based and vinyl acetate-based intumescent coatings in a cone calorimeter. A sensitivity analysis is performed to show the effect of the thermal characteristics of the coating on the thermal resistance of the material. The application of the model to newly developed intumescent coatings is discussed.