bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training scenario prototyping for VR‐based simulation of neonatal decision‐making
Authors: Holobar A. , Divjak M. , Korošec D. , Zazula D.
Published: November 2007

This paper presents the design and implementation of a real‐time system for virtual reality (VR)‐based training in neonatal medicine, with main emphasis on simple creation of various training scenarios. This system combines an articulated 3D model of a virtual newborn with text‐based descriptions of its physiological and behavioral responses, enabling medical experts to easily construct, simulate and revise an arbitrary postnatal critical situation. Afterwards, the resulting descriptions of newborn's behavior can be used for technical specifications (and even for automatic generation) of more complex behavioral models, such as finite‐state automata. © 2007 wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 15: 317–328, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20121
Roe linearization for the Euler equations augmented by the convective terms from the k–ω turbulence model
Authors: Joarder Ratan , Jagadeesh G.
Published: November 2007

This paper describes the method of calculation of the eigenvalues, eigenvectors of the Jacobian matrix of the Euler equations augmented by the convective part of k–ω turbulence model. The equations are 3D and values are expressed in terms of cell normals of a finite volume. The expressions for wave strengths are also found, which are also necessary to calculate the inter‐cell fluxes for Roe's scheme. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adhesion of staphylococcal and Caco‐2 cells on diamond‐like carbon polymer hybrid coating
Authors: Kinnari Teemu J. , Soininen Antti , Esteban Jaime , Zamora Nieves , Alakoski Esa , Kouri Vesa‐Petteri , Lappalainen Reijo , Konttinen Yrjö T. , Gomez‐Barrena Enrique , Tiainen Veli‐Matti
Published: November 2007

Staphylococci cause the majority of the nosocomial implant‐related infections initiated by adhesion of planktonic bacteria to the implant surface. It was hypothesized that plasma accelerating filtered pulsed arc discharge method enables combination of the advantageous properties of diamond with the antisoiling properties of polymers. Diamond‐like carbon polytetrafluoroethylene hybrid (DLC‐PTFE‐h) coating was produced. The adhesion of S. aureus ATCC 25923 (108 colony‐forming units/mL) to surfaces diminished from 2.32%, 2.35%, and 2.57% of high quality DLC, titanium, and oxidized silicon, respectively, to 1.93% of DLC‐PTFE‐h. For S. epidermidis ATCC 35984 the corresponding figures were 3.90%, 3.32%, 3.47%, and 2.57%. Differences in bacterial adhesion between recombinant DLC‐PTFE‐h and other materials were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In contrast, human Caco‐2 cells adhered as well to DLC‐PTFE‐h as to DLC, titanium, or silicon, which were all in the MTT test found to be cytocompatible. DLC‐PTFE‐h coating can be used to modify the surface properties of any surgical implants and is an unfavorable substrate for staphylococcal cells, but compatible with human Caco‐2 cells. DLC‐PTFE‐h coating may help in the combat against Staphylococcus‐related implant infections which usually require both antibiotics and surgical removal of the implant for cure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Ultrastructure of hybrid chitosan–glycerol phosphate blood clots by environmental scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Iliescu M. , Hoemann C.D. , Shive M.S. , Chenite A. , Buschmann M.D.
Published: November 2007

Chitosan‐based polymers have been extensively studied for biomedical applications. Recently, liquid solutions of chitosan in a glycerol phosphate buffer (chitosan–GP) with physiological pH and osmolality were mixed with autologous blood to form hybrid chitosan–GP/blood implants that improved the repair of articular cartilage lesions in a large animal model. The mixture of chitosan–GP and blood forms a viscous liquid, which solidifies in minutes via normal blood coagulation as well as chitosan‐mediated mechanisms. Here we have examined the ultrastructure of these chitosan–GP/blood clots as well as regular blood clots and chitosan–GP gels, the latter produced by heating. Both unfixed and fixed samples of chitosan–GP/blood clots, regular blood clots, and chitosan–GP gels were investigated by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDS), the former permitting direct observation of the ultrastructure in hydrated conditions simulating the natural state. By examination of unfixed specimens using ESEM we found that chitosan formed a network structure in both chitosan–GP gels and chitosan–GP/blood clots; however this structure was altered by aldehyde fixation to produce artifactual aggregates of chitosan microparticles. We were also able to identify chitosan in chitosan–GP/blood clots by washing samples in low concentration NaCl solutions followed by local EDS analyses to identify excess chloride versus sodium, and thus presence of cationic chitosan in analyzed features. Additional results indicated that the majority of glycerol phosphate diffuses freely from chitosan–GP gels (by EDS of phosphorus) and that hyperosmotic paraformaldehyde‐based fixatives (i.e. 4% w/v) significantly disturb erythrocyte morphology in fixed whole blood clots. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of growth factors and steroids on transglutaminase activity and expression in primary astroglial cell cultures
Authors: Campisi A. , Bramanti V. , Caccamo D. , Li Volti G. , Cannavò G. , Currò M. , Raciti G. , Galvano F. , Amenta F. , Vanella A. , Ientile R. , Avola R.
Published: November 2007

Type‐2 transglutaminase (TG‐2) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and survival that recently has been shown to play an emerging role in astrocytes, where it is involved in both proliferation and differentiation processes. Growth factors (GFs) such as EGF, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor–I (IGF‐I), and insulin (INS) are trophic and mitogenic peptides that participate in neuron–glia interactions and stimulate neuronal and astroglial proliferation and differentiation. Steroid hormones such as glucocorticoids and estrogens also play a pivotal role in neuronal and astroglial proliferation and differentiation and are key hormones in neurodegenerative and neuroprotective processes. We investigated the effects of the interaction of GFs with dexamethasone (DEX) or 17β‐estradiol (E2) on TG‐2 activity and their expression in cultured astrocytes. We observed a significant increase in TG‐2 activity and expression in astroglial cells treated for 24 hr with IGF‐I, EGF, or INS. Priming of the cells with DEX or E2, for 48 hr also led to an increase in TG‐2 levels. When growth factors were present in the last 24 hr of the steroid treatment, a reduction in TG‐2 expression and activity and a different subcellular TG‐2 distribution were found. Our data indicate that steroid hormone–GF interaction may play an important role in astroglial function. The effect on TG‐2 could be part of the regulation of intracellular pathways associated with the astrocyte response observed in physiological conditions and, possibly, also in neuropathological diseases. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bmi‐1 expression predicts prognosis for patients with gastric carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jian‐Hua , Song Li‐Bing , Zhang Xing , Guo Bao‐Hong , Feng Yan , Li Xue‐Xian , Liao Wen‐Ting , Zeng Mu‐Sheng , Huang Kai‐Hong
Published: November 2007

Background and Objective

The Bmi‐1 gene is a transcriptional repressor involved in oncogenesis in various human cancers. Here, we examine Bmi‐1 expression in gastric carcinoma (GC) and investigates whether its expression correlates with patient prognosis.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed using an anti‐Bmi‐1 antibody on primary tumor samples of 146 cases of GC. The association between Bmi‐1 expression and the clinicopathological status and prognosis of GC patients was statistically analyzed. Furthermore, reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression levels of Bmi‐1 in an additional 8 GC and the adjacent non‐cancerous samples.

Results

Using immunohistochemistry, we found that 99 of 146 paraffin‐embedded GC samples expressed Bmi‐1 extensively. Statistical analysis showed that Bmi‐1 overexpression was highly correlated with tumor size, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and T classification (P < 0.05), Patients with Bmi‐1 expression had shorter overall survival time than those without Bmi‐1 expression (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that Bmi‐1 expression is an independent prognostic factor of GC. RT‐PCR and Western blotting showed that Bmi‐1 was up‐regulated at both the transcriptional and translational levels in the GC tissues compared with the adjacent non‐cancerous tissues.

Conclusions

Bmi‐1 may serve as a valuable marker for diagnosis and prognosis of GC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:267–272. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paradoxical depolarization of BA2+‐ treated muscle exposed to low extracellular K+: Insights into resting potential abnormalities in hypokalemic paralysis
Authors: Struyk Arie F. , Cannon Stephen C.
Published: November 2007

The combination of sarcolemmal depolarization and hypokalemia exhibited by the different forms of hypokalemic paralysis has been attributed to abnormalities of the K+ conductance governing the resting membrane potential (VREST). Supportive data have been observed in muscle fibers biopsied from patients with familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) that paradoxically depolarize at low K+. Although this observation is consistent with anomalous K+ conductance, rigorous experimental support is lacking. To establish a foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of hypokalemic paralysis, we studied Ba2+‐treated muscle fibers under voltage clamp. As anticipated, Ba2+ blocked inward rectifying K+ (IRK) currents, and thereby promoted depolarization, supporting the notion that the IRK conductance governs VREST. The IRK conductance also declined when muscle was challenged with reduced external K+. When the external K+ declined below 1 mM, VREST became uncoupled from the K+ reversal potential and depolarized. Partial (∼50%) block of the IRK conductance with Ba2+ potentiated this uncoupling threshold, such that depolarization could be elicited by exposure to 2 mM external K+. A quantitative computer model of resting ionic conductances was constructed, and simulations demonstrated that small alterations to resting conductances, such as adding a low‐amplitude aberrant inward current flowing through “gating pores” in mutant Na+ channels causing HypoPP‐2, can promote paradoxical depolarization in low K+. These findings offer a simple explanation for some of the heretofore poorly understood physiological abnormalities of HypoPP muscle and support the notion that pathological gating pore leakage currents may directly predispose to paralytic attacks. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Technical note: An improved range chart for normal and long‐tailed symmetrical distributions
Authors: Tadikamalla Pandu , Banciu Mihai , Popescu Dana
Published: November 2007

The distribution of the range of a sample, even in the case of a normal distribution, is not symmetric. Shewhart's control chart for range and other approximations for range from skewed distributions and long‐tailed (leptokurtic) symmetrical distributions assume the distribution of range as symmetric and provide 3 sigma control limits. We provide accurate approximations for the R‐chart control limits for the leptokurtic symmetrical distributions, using a range quantile approximation (RQA) method and illustrate the use of the RQA method with a numerical example. As special cases, we provide constants for the R‐chart for the normal, logistic, and Laplace distributions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Mycoplasma pneumonia and pulmonary embolism in a child due to acquired prothrombotic factors
Authors: Brown Sarah M.N. , Padley Simon , Bush Andrew , Cummins David , Davidson Simon , Buchdahl Roger
Published: November 2007

We report on a child with Mycoplasma pneumonia, who developed an unexplained new oxygen requirement. He was found to have an ileo‐femoral thrombosis and an acute pulmonary embolus, with positive anti‐phospholipid antibodies and acquired activated protein C resistance. These are both acquired risk factors for venous thrombosis. He was successfully anti‐coagulated and well at follow‐up with disappearance of the anti‐phospholipid antibodies, and normalization of his activated protein C activity. Children who present with Mycoplasma infections who run an atypical course should be monitored closely for signs of thrombosis. Thrombosis formation should also be considered in those children with deteriorating respiratory status, but little change in radiographical findings. Children found to have developed thrombi should be investigated with a full thrombophilia screen to elicit both congenital and acquired risk factors, and should be anti‐coagulated appropriately. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:200–202. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rationale and design of a randomised, controlled, multicenter trial investigating the effects of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibition on morbidity, mortality and mood in depressed heart failure patients (MOOD‐HF)
Authors: Angermann Christiane E. , Gelbrich Götz , Störk Stefan , Fallgatter Andreas , Deckert Jürgen , Faller Hermann , Ertl Georg ,   on behalf of the MOOD‐HF Investigators
Published: November 2007

Background

Depression and chronic heart failure (CHF) are common conditions, both of which are clinically and economically highly relevant. Major depression affects 20–40% of CHF patients and predicts adverse outcomes in terms of quality of life, morbidity and mortality as well as health care expenditure, independent of other factors of prognostic relevance.

Aims

The purpose of the MOOD‐HF trial is to clarify whether antidepressant pharmacotherapy improves outcome in CHF patients, and if so by which mechanism(s).

Methods

MOOD‐HF is a prospective, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 2‐armed, parallel‐group multicenter trial investigating the effects of the serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram on morbidity and mortality (primary endpoint), severity of depression, anxiety, cognitive function, quality of life and health care expenditure in 700 patients with symptomatic systolic CHF and major depression diagnosed by structured clinical interview. All patients will receive optimised pharmacotherapy for CHF. Duration of follow‐up, including close safety monitoring, is 12–24 months from randomisation.

Perspective

MOOD‐HF is the first prospective randomised controlled trial to assess the effects of antidepressant pharmacotherapy on hard somatic endpoints, the mechanism(s) of action of SSRI treatment, as well as safety in New York Heart Association functional class II‐IV CHF patients. The results are expected to promote the development of evidence‐based recommendations for managing depression in the context of CHF.

Trial registration

ISRCTN.org. Identifier: ISRCTN33128015
SIT4 regulation of Mig1p‐mediated catabolite repression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jin Can , Barrientos Antoni , Epstein Charles B. , Butow Ronald A. , Tzagoloff Alexander
Published: November 2007

E153 is a respiratory deficient mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a mutation in the active site of the Sit4p protein phosphatase. Measurements of mitochondrial respiration and cytochromes indicate that the mutation suppresses glucose repression. The escape from catabolite repression is accompanied by a marked reduction of the transcriptional repressor Mig1p. The presence of normal levels of MIG1 mRNA in the mutant and its association with the polysome fraction suggests that depletion of Mig1p is the result of protein degradation. This study shows that in addition to phosphorylation by Snf1p, the transcriptional repressor activity of Mig1p is also regulated by a post‐transcriptional Sit4p‐dependent pathway. Our evidence suggests that this pathway involves turnover of Mig1p.
Long and short isoforms of Neurospora clock protein FRQ support temperature‐compensated circadian rhythms
Authors: Diernfellner Axel , Colot Hildur V. , Dintsis Orfeas , Loros Jennifer J. , Dunlap Jay C. , Brunner Michael
Published: November 2007

The large (l) and small (s) isoforms of FREQUENCY (FRQ) are elements of interconnected feedback loops of the Neurospora circadian clock. The expression ratio of l‐FRQ vs. s‐FRQ is regulated by thermosensitive splicing of an intron containing the initiation codon for l‐FRQ. We show that this splicing is dependent on light and temperature and displays a circadian rhythm. Strains expressing only l‐FRQ or s‐FRQ support short and long temperature‐compensated circadian rhythms, respectively. The thermosensitive expression ratio of FRQ isoforms influences period length in wt. Our data indicate that differential expression of FRQ isoforms is not required for temperature compensation but rather provides a means to fine‐tune period length in response to ambient temperature.
Reversible dissociation of flavin mononucleotide from the mammalian membrane‐bound NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)
Authors: Gostimskaya Irina S. , Grivennikova Vera G. , Cecchini Gary , Vinogradov Andrei D.
Published: November 2007

Conditions for the reversible dissociation of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) from the membrane‐bound mitochondrial NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) are described. The catalytic activities of the enzyme, i.e. rotenone‐insensitive NADH:hexaammineruthenium III reductase and rotenone‐sensitive NADH:quinone reductase decline when bovine heart submitochondrial particles are incubated with NADH in the presence of rotenone or cyanide at alkaline pH. FMN protects and fully restores the NADH‐induced inactivation whereas riboflavin and flavin adenine dinucleotide do not. The data show that the reduction of complex I significantly weakens the binding of FMN to protein thus resulting in its dissociation when the concentration of holoenzyme is comparable with K
d (∼10−8
M at pH 10.0).
Specific structure of convection currents in the system layered intrusion–feeding conduit–parental magma chamber
Authors: Bazarov L.Sh. , Gordeeva V.I. , Petrushin E.I.
Published: November 2007

The structure of convection currents was experimentally studied in the model system layered intrusion–feeding conduit–parental magma chamber. Persistent hydrodynamical and thermophysical interaction between interrelated melts of the parental magma and intrusive body occurs through the feeding conduit. Being associated, they control the structure of convection currents and mechanisms of heat and mass transfer in the intrusive, conduit, and magma chamber. The existence of two convection countercurrents in the conduit has experimentally been established: inner central lifting jet and outer annular downward current along the conduit walls. At the top of the conduit, the downward current has the lowest temperature and appears to be quite in equilibrium with the earlier precipitated crystals. Moving downward along the conduit wall, the annular descending current interacts with the lifting jet and, as a result, becomes hotter and undersaturated relative to the crystals that formed before. Thus, there is no possibility for heterogeneous crystallization to occur on the walls of conduit. The experimentally simulated mechanism of melt interaction in a whole natural system rules out the possibility of formation of a zone of immobile melt with stable steady-state temperature stratification anywhere in the chamber’s volume.
Long range forecasts of the numbers of Helicoverpa punctigera and H. armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Australia using the Southern Oscillation Index and the Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Maelzer D.A. , Zalucki M.P.
Published: November 2007

The use of long-term forecasts of pest pressure is central to better pest management. We relate the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) to long-term light-trap catches of the two key moth pests of Australian agriculture, Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) and H. armigera (Hübner), at Narrabri, New South Wales over 11 years, and for H. punctigera only at Turretfield, South Australia over 22 years. At Narrabri, the size of the first spring generation of both species was significantly correlated with the SOI in certain months, sometimes up to 15 months before the date of trapping. Differences in the SOI and SST between significant months were used to build composite variables in multiple regressions which gave fitted values of the trap catches to less than 25% of the observed values. The regressions suggested that useful forecasts of both species could be made 6–15 months ahead. The influence of the two weather variables on trap catches of H. punctigera at Turretfield were not as strong as at Narrabri, probably because the SOI was not as strongly related to rainfall in southern Australia as it is in eastern Australia. The best fits were again given by multiple regressions with SOI plus SST variables, to within 40% of the observed values. The reliability of both variables as predictors of moth numbers may be limited by the lack of stability in the SOI-rainfall correlation over the historical record. As no other data set is available to test the regressions, they can only be tested by future use. The use of long-term forecasts in pest management is discussed, and preliminary analyses of other long sets of insect numbers suggest that the Southern Oscillation Index may be a useful predictor of insect numbers in other parts of the world.
A European pest to control a New Zealand weed: investigating the safety of heather beetle,Lochmaea suturalis(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for biological control of heather,Calluna vulgaris
Authors: Syrett P. , Smith L.A. , Bourner T.C. , Fowler S.V. , Wilcox A.
Published: November 2007

Heather,Calluna vulgaris(L.) Hull, is a serious invasive weed in the central North Island of New Zealand, especially in Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Area. Heather beetle,Lochmaea suturalis(Thomson), is a foliage-feeding pest ofCallunain Europe, that was selected as the most promising biological control agent for introduction into New Zealand, because it causes high levels of damage toCallunain Europe. Host-range tests indicated thatL. suturalisposes a negligible threat to native New Zealand plants. Cultivars ofCallunagrown as ornamentals are suitable food plants, but are unlikely to be severely affected becauseL. suturalisrequires a damp understorey of moss or litter for successful oviposition and pupation, which is rarely present in gardens. However, mosses and litter occurring underCallunastands in Tongariro National Park are suitable substrates for eggs and pupae.Lochmaea suturalisreleased in New Zealand has been freed of parasitoids and a microsporidian disease that attack the beetles in Europe.
Modelling development time of Lipaphis erysimi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at constant and variable temperatures
Authors: Liu Shu-Sheng , Meng Xue-Duo
Published: November 2007

The development period from birth to adult of virginoparae of the turnip aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), at 14 constant, 15 alternating and 15 natural temperature regimes were modelled to determine mathematical functions for simulating aphid development under a wide range of natural conditions. The day-degree model, the logistic equation, and the Wang model were used to describe the relationships between temperature and development rate at constant and alternating temperatures. The three models were then used with a Weibull function describing the distribution of development times, to simulate the development of individuals of cohorts at natural temperature regimes. Comparison of the observed with simulated distributions of adult emergence indicates that all three models can simulate the development of L. erysimiequally well when temperature does not go below 6°C (the notional low temperature threshold of the day-degree model) or above 30°C. When accumulation of temperatures below 6°C becomes substantial, only the logistic curve offers accurate simulations; the other two models give falsely longer durations of development. When accumulation of temperatures above 30°C becomes substantial, the logistic curve and the Wang model offer more accurate simulations than the day-degree model, which tends to produce shorter durations of development. Further analysis of the data reveals that development rate of this aphid at a given unfavourable high temperature may vary with time. Methods for accurately simulating the development time of L. erysimi in the field are suggested. The significance of modelling insect development at low and high temperatures by non-linear models is discussed.
The cytotaxonomy of Simulium sanctipauli sensu stricto (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Boakye D.A. , Fiasorgbor G.K. , Bougsere B.K. , Naniogue S.
Published: November 2007

The status of the different cytological variants of Simuliumsanctipaulisensu stricto Vajime & Dunbar (sensu b8Post, 1986) found in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire is cytotaxonomically evaluated in view of recent revisions of the S. sanctipauli subcomplex. Three geographical variants designated as ‘Pra’, ‘Comoé’ and ‘Sassandra’forms of S. sanctipauli are described. The ‘Pra’ form is genetically differentiated from the other two forms by a distinct sex-determining system. The ‘Comoé’ and ‘Sassandra’ forms are considered as the two ends of an interspecific stepped cline with the River Bandama basin as the zone of contact. The possibility that the ‘Comoé’ form populations breeding in southwestern Ghana could serve as reinvading S. sanctipauliinto the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP) area in West Africa is discussed.
Indirect effects of ivermectin residues across trophic levels:Musca domestica(Diptera: Muscidae) andMuscidifurax zaraptor(Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Floate K.D. , Fox A.S.
Published: November 2007

Common house flies,Musca domesticaLinnaeus, were reared to pupation with exposure to ivermectin, washed, and then exposed to parasitism byMuscidifurax zaraptorKogan & Legner. Pupae exposed to ≥ 0.25 ppm ivermectin produced 63% fewer parasitoids than did control pupae. Pupae exposed to 0.01 ppm ivermectin produced 23% more parasitoids. Exposure to 0.10 ppm ivermectin had no detectable effect. Treatments did not affect the developmental time of male or female F1parasitoids. Treatments did not affect the production of adult F2progeny by F1females, nor the sex ratios of these offspring. This study documents an indirect effect of ivermectin residues across trophic levels. It identifies altered host quality as another mechanism by which faecal residues of ivermectin may affect insect activity in dung of treated cattle. The importance of this phenomenon under field conditions is undetermined.
Estimation of age-dependent survival rates of female tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) from ovarian age distributions
Authors: Jarry M. , Gouteux J.P. , Khaladi M.
Published: November 2007

Existing attempts to estimate the survival rate of tsetse flies from ovarian age distributions generally assume that the population is stationary. The fact that the survival rate cannot be dissociated from the growth rate by these methods poses a problem. Under the assumption of a stable age distribution, we propose a maximum likelihood method to estimate the ‘apparent survival rate’ for three categories of females: nulliparous (β0), young parous (β1) and old parous flies (β2). The rate depends both on ‘real survival rates’ a0, a1 and a2, and a growth rate λ: β0 = a0/λ, β1 = a1/λ, and β2= a2/λ. We used a matrix model, which can be parameterized if the pupal survival rate and the pupal period are known. Replacing a0, a1 and a2 by β0,λ, β1λ, and β2λin the projection matrix, the problem amounts to calculating its dominant eigen-value λ, and hence a0, a1 and a2. The application to a field population of Glossina palpalis gambiensis Vanderplank in Burkina Faso showed there was a marked difference in survival rate according to age category. The average survival rate increased with age with decreasing variability. The results suggested that sampling (by trapping) may have had an effect on the dynamics of this tsetse population by ageing it artificially. This method may be a useful tool for monitoring tsetse control.
Infection of red foxes with Echinococcus multilocularis in western Switzerland
Authors: Brossard M. , Andreutti C. , Siegenthaler M.
Published: November 2007

In the Jura mountains, Plateau and Alps of western Switzerland important variations in the prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in red foxes were observed between geographical areas from 1990 to 1995. The Jura mountains and the Plateau had higher mean prevalence levels than the Alps with 30.6, 32.4 and 18.8%, respectively. The highest rate was recorded in the Plateau in the canton of Fribourg with a prevalence of 52.3%. The prevalence of E. multilocularis infection in foxes in the alpine canton of Valais was the lowest (7.1%). Juvenile foxes were found to be more susceptible to E. multilocularis than adults. Adult foxes were less heavily infected in summer and autumn, while the prevalence in juveniles (less than 1 year old) increased between the spring and winter, when they are more than 6 months old. The retrospective data relate to the beginning of the 1990s, since when a drastic prevalence increase of E. multilocularis infection in foxes has occurred in several regions of Europe. Nevertheless, the study is a major contribution to the epidemiological situation of E. multilocularis in central Europe, in that it contains valuable information on spatial distribution and seasonal differences in different age groups of foxes.
Safe, complete resection of epiglottic cysts with phono-ultra-microsurgical technique
Authors: Fujii Ryouichi , Tsunoda Koichi
Published: November 2007

Generally, epiglottic cysts have been treated by the puncture technique or surgical resection. However, these techniques can result in accidental injury to the cyst wall. As a result, the contents of the cyst may spread throughout the larynx, trachea and pharyngeal cavity. The ideal treatment would involve complete resection without cyst perforation. We use a completely different approach for the resection of epiglottic cysts, with successful results, which we term the advanced phono-ultra-microsurgical technique. One difference between this method and previous techniques of surgical epiglottic cyst resection is that the cyst is sealed off before resection in order to prevent rupture and spread of its contents. To enable this, we have developed a special device to facilitate suturing of the vocal fold epithelium, utilising a knot-pusher. This suturing technique allows complete removal of epiglottic cysts. Our technique allows optimal prevention of cyst rupture and spread of contents.
Branula used as T-tube introducer for middle-ear effusion
Authors: Raman R , Rahmat O
Published: November 2007

Objective:

We report a method of inserting a T-tube.

Method:

A 14-G branula and a T-tube are used.

Results:

This method was found to be simple and required few instruments.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this method has not previously been reported.
Analysis of rainwater samples: Comparison of single particle residues with ambient particle chemistry from the northeast Pacific and Indian oceans
Authors: Holecek J. C. , Spencer M. T. , Prather K. A.
Published: November 2007

Individual particles produced from atomized rainwater samples collected in California and the Indian Ocean were analyzed with an aerosol time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) to investigate the chemical composition of the individual rain residue particles. Insoluble residue particle types were determined on the basis of a comparison of the rainwater particle mass spectra with ambient particle spectra. Major particle types found in rainwater include dust, organic carbon with sodium, aromatic organic carbon, vegetative detritus, and an internally mixed sea salt and elemental carbon class. A unique internally mixed sea salt–elemental carbon particle type was detected in both the ambient and rainwater samples, suggesting this particle type was most likely formed by cloud processing occurring during long‐range transport. The presence of this particle type in remote marine locations has important climate ramifications as it is anticipated it will be strongly absorbing on the basis of the combination of an absorbing particle (elemental carbon) mixed with a high refractive index material (sea salt). Most of the particle types detected in rainwater were detected in the ambient particles with the exception of a unique aromatic particle type detected in rainwater samples from both locations. The presence of the aromatic type coupled with the absence of biomass particles in the rainwater samples leads to the hypothesis the aromatic components were originally associated with atmospheric biomass burning particles. The ubiquitous presence of this aromatic type in rainwater samples highlights the potential importance of biomass burning and/or humic‐like substances (HULIS) compounds in cloud formation and rain processes.
Sorbing tracer experiments in a crystalline rock fracture at Äspö (Sweden): 2. Transport model and effective parameter estimation
Authors: Cvetkovic V. , Cheng H. , Widestrand H. , Byegård J. , Winberg A. , Andersson P.
Published: November 2007

Transport and retention of sorbing tracers in a single, altered crystalline rock fracture on a 5 m scale is investigated. We evaluate the results of a comprehensive field study (referred to as Tracer Retention Understanding Experiments, first phase (TRUE‐1)), at a 400 m depth of the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden). A total of 16 breakthrough curves are analyzed, from three test configurations using six radioactive tracers with a broad range of sorption properties. A transport‐retention model is proposed, and its applicability is assessed based on available data. We find that the conventional model with an asymptotic power law slope of −3/2 (one‐dimensional diffusion into an unlimited rock matrix) is a reasonable approximation for the conditions of the TRUE‐1 tests. Retention in the altered rock of the rim zone appears to be significantly stronger than implied by retention properties inferred from generic (unaltered) rock samples. The effective physical parameters which control retention (matrix porosity and retention aperture) are comparable for all three test configurations. The most plausible in situ (rim zone) porosity is in the range 1%–2%, which constrains the effective retention aperture to the range 0.2–0.7 mm. For all sorbing tracers the estimated in situ sorption coefficient appears to be larger by at least a factor of 10, compared to the value inferred from through‐diffusion tests using unaltered rock samples.
Metrics analysis of the coupled Block Adaptive‐Tree Solar Wind Roe‐Type Upwind Scheme and Fok ring current model performance
Authors: Taktakishvili A. , Kuznetsova M. , Hesse M. , Rastätter L. , Chulaki A. , Pulkkinen A.
Published: November 2007

Modeling is an important tool in understanding physical processes in the solar system. Metrics analysis evaluates model performance by comparing model output to a measurable parameter of interest. In this paper we studied the performance of the coupled Block Adaptive‐Tree Solar Wind Roe‐Type Upwind Scheme (BATSRUS) global magnetosphere MHD code and the Fok ring current model (FRC) by examining in detail the geosynchronous proton fluxes during the injection event on 21–22 January 2005. The output of BATSRUS code, calculated ionospheric potential and magnetic field, as well as proton temperature and density distribution, is used as an input boundary condition for the FRC model. We also discuss another event, on 10–11 August 2000, and speculate about the reasons of an apparent difference in the performance of the coupled models for these two events. The results of the simulation are compared with two LANL satellite observations, LANL‐97A and 1994‐084. The comparison of the simulation results for strongly varying solar wind and for prolonged interval of steady solar wind with southward IMF Bz, demonstrates that coupled BATSRUS and FRC models perform fairly for the magnetosphere driven by strong solar wind disturbances and probably are missing some internal magnetosphere dynamics in the second case.
DELTA TYPE MERINO SHEEP: A RARE BLOOD TYPE WITH SOME ERYTHROCYTE CHARACTERISTICS APPROACHING THOSE FOUND IN THE CAMEL
Authors: Evans JV , Roberts J , Agar NS
Published: November 2007

Unusual erythrocyte characteristics in two Merino sheep have been described. The similarity of some of these characteristics with those of the camel has been commented upon.
THE EFFECT OF COBALT INTAKE ON THE COBAMIDE AND COBINAMIDE COMPOSITION OF THE RUMEN CONTENTS AND BLOOD PLASMA OF SHEEP
Authors: Gawthorne JM
Published: November 2007

Depending on the level of dietary cobalt, as many as nine ionophoretically distinct cobamides and cobinamides were detected in sheep rumen contents.

5,6‐Dimethylbenzimidazolyl cobamide and 2‐methyladenyl cobamide together constituted more than 80% of the vitamin B12‐activity of extracts of rumen contents. The proportion of the vitamin B12‐activity due to 5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazolyl cobamide was increased from 35% to 63% by decreases in the cobalt intake from 0·34 p.p.m. to 0·04 p.p.m. but that due to 2‐methyladenyl cobamide (44%) was unaltered. Thus, a greater proportion of the “vitamin B12” synthesised in the rumen of sheep fed cobalt‐deficient rations was in a form that could be utilised by the host animal. Guanyl cobamide was occasionally present in significant concentrations at higher cobalt intakes, but the other analogues usually represented less than 3% of the total vitamin B12‐activity.

Evidence was obtained that factors other than cobalt can affect both the concentrations and proportions of cobamides and cobinamides in rumen contents.

The vitamin B12‐activity of extracts of sheep jugular blood plasma was almost entirely due to 5,6‐Dimethylbenzimidazolyl cobamide. 2‐Methyladenyl cobamide was present at cobalt intakes of 0·10 p.p.m. or more, but represented less than 1·5% of the total vitamin B12‐activity.
ADHERENCE‐PROMOTING ANTIBODIES. THE INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MOUSE ANTI‐VI ANTIBODIES PROVIDING IMMUNE FIXATION OF ANTIGEN TO MACROPHAGE SURFACE.
Authors: Levenson VI , Braude Nelli I , Chernokhvostova Elena V
Published: November 2007

Anti‐Vi antibodies present in the serum of mice shortly after immunization have been shown to provide adherence of antigen to the surface of macrophages. In the present study the physicochemical properties of these antibodies were investigated.

DEAE‐Cellulose column chromatography and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation have revealed that all this activity is confined to the IgM fraction of serum. These findings are consistent with the observation that treatment of early anti‐Vi sera with cysteine or 2‐mercuptoethanol completely destroys their agglutinating and adherence‐promoting activities.

In addition, it has been found that antibodies which promote in vitro phagocytosis of antigen by macrophages belong to the IgG class of immunoglobulins. The possible implications of these findings are discussed in detail.
THE RESPONSE OF THE HEPATIC LYMPH NODE OF THE SHEEP TO SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS
Authors: Smith JB , Morris Bede
Published: November 2007

The primary and secondary responses of the hepatic lymph node to Swine influenza virus were studied following the injection of the virus intravenously or locally beneath the liver capsule. The hepatic lymph node did not respond in a detectable manner to a primary intravenous injection of virus and the antibody titres in the blood plasma were low. Following a second intravenous injection of virus, there was a slight cellular response in the efferent lymph from the hepatic node. The antibody response was vigorous and typically secondary, and it appeared that some antibody was synthesized in the hepatic node.

Primary and secondary responses to the injection of virus beneath the liver capsule were characterized by a significant cellular reaction in the efferent lymph with the appearance of basophilic cells. Antibody titres in both blood and lymph were higher than those which followed primary or secondary intravenous injections. There was no correlation between the appearance of basophilic cells in the lymph and the appearance or persistence of antibody in the lymph in the primary response.

The reactions of the hepatic node to influenza virus indicated that there was no immunological liaison between the phagocytic cells in the liver and the afferent hepatic lymph and the regional lymph node of the liver. These phagocytic cells do not therefore have a role in processing antigens as a prelude to an immune response.
A STUDY OF ALBUMIN SYNTHESIS AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN NUTRITIONAL CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER
Authors: Chandrasekharan N
Published: November 2007

Cirrhosis was induced in growing rats by feeding them a diet low in protein and lipotropic factors, and giving them 20% alcohol in lieu of drinking water. Rats fed a diet adequate in all nutrients served as controls. Albumin synthesis by liver slices, liver protein and nucleic acid concentrations, hepatic oxygen uptake and proteolytic activity, and serum protein levels were measured using cirrhotic and control animals.

Hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia developed in cirrhotic rats. Albumin synthesis was higher in cirrhotic liver slices than control liver slices. Proteolytic activity, ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid concentrations were also higher in cirrhotic livers and liver protein concentration was lower in cirrhotic rats than the controls.

It is suggested that the histopathological and biochemical changes observed in cirrhosis need not be associated with decreased albumin synthesis. The hypoalbuminaemia observed in cirrhosis is unlikely to be due to impaired albumin synthesis.
THE HISTOCHEMICAL LOCALISATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVE ENDINGS IN HUMAN GINGIVAL BLOOD VESSELS
Authors: Frewin DB , Hume WR , Waterson JG , Whelan RF
Published: November 2007

A fluorescent histochemical technique has been applied to study human gingival tissue obtained at autopsy. Specific catecholamine fluorescence was demonstrated in the gingival arteries of infants, children and younger adults. A marked diminution in the specific fluorescence in the tissues from the older subjects was noted. Possible reasons for this loss of specific fluorescence are discussed.
THE NORMAL LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFER REACTION IN LAMBS THYMECTOMIZED IN UTERO
Authors: Cole GJ , Morris Bede
Published: November 2007

In utero thymectomy of lambs resulted in a redueed ability of the lymphocytes of these lambs to cause a normal lymphocyte transfer reaction when injected into the skin of normal sheep. The reaction in the skin of thymectomized lambs following the intradermal injection of lymphocytes from nonnal donors was also greatly reduced. These results indicate that following thymectomy in the sheep an analogous situation exists to that which occurs following neonatal thymectomy in mice and rats, in that there is a reduction in the capacity of lymphocytes from thymectomized lambs to produce a graft versus host reaction as well as a reduction in the ability of thymectomized lambs to resist a graft versus host reaction. It is not known whether this deficiency is due to a reduction in the number of competent cells or a reduction in the competence of individual cells.
EVIDENCE FOR INACTIVATION OF NORADRENALINE BY EXTRANEURONAL MONOAMINE OXIDASE IN THE RABBIT EAR ARTERY
Authors: De La Lande IS , Johnson SM
Published: November 2007

Untreated and nialamide treated rabbit ear arteries were incubated with noradrenaline in high concentration (20 μg/ml) and the subsequent rates of release of the amine into the bathing medium measured. Nialamide caused a 5–6 fold increase in the release. The effect was equally prominent in arteries treated with cocaine and in chronically denervated arteries. It is concluded that extraneuronal monoamine oxidase plays a major role in the inactivation of noradrenaline when the latter is present in high concentration in the tissue.
METABOLIC TURNOVER OF SURFACE IMMUNOGLOBULINS ON B AND T LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Wilson JD
Published: November 2007

Metabolic features of surface immunoglobulin (Ig) on purified populations of B and T lymphocytes from mice have been studied using anti‐mouse kappa (light chain) serum, either directly radio iodinated, or with a sandwich labelling technique with 125I‐sheep anti‐rabbit serum. Both techniques demonstrated a rapid loss of anti kappa from the surface of both B and T lymphocytes at 37° but the loss was approximately twice as fast from B cells. Appropriate controls excluded uncoupling of anti kappa from Ig as a significant cause of edition. It is concluded that surface Ig is being continually released from lymphocytes, and that anti kappa can also induce pinocytosis of some surface Ig in B cells. The immunological significance of such a dynamic system is discussed.
THE OCCURRENCE OF HOMOGENEOUS ANTIBODIES AND ANTIGENIC SELECTION OF κ LIGHT CHAINS TO STREPTOCOCCAL CARBOHYDRATES IN MONASH RABBITS
Authors: Herd Zana L , Spragg Jennifer
Published: November 2007

A mixed breed of rabbits bred at Monash University has been shown to produce electrophoretically monodisperse (homogeneous) antibodies to the group specific carbohydrates of streptococci. All rabbits given primary immunization with Group B or Group C streptococcal vaccines showed more than one homogeneous immunoglobulin when sera were examined by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. These homogeneous components were shown to be antibodies to the group specific carbohydrate. Antibody levels to the carbohydrate varied from 1 to 10 mg/ml antiserum. Fractionation of anti‐Group B serum by anion exchange chromatography showed that heterogeneous anti‐streptococcal antibody was also present, but was specific for cellular constituents other than the group carbohydrate. Monash rabbits immunized with non‐streptococcal antigens have shown a normal heterogeneous antibody response.

A goat antiserum to rabbit Fab fragments was shown to distinguish between rabbit κ and λ chains in gel diffusion reactions. Antibodies to the group carbohydrates were purified and tested for their immunoglobulin class and light chain type using the anti‐Fab serum and specific anti‐immunoglobulin sera. In each case the antibody consisted of both IgM and IgG molecules, but contained only κ light chains.
THE IN VITRO RESPONSE TO PHYTOHAEMAGGLUTININ (PHA) OF LEUCOCYTES FROM INTACT AND THYMECTOMIZED QUOKKAS
Authors: Ashman R , Keast D , Stanley NF , Waring H
Published: November 2007

The in vitro leucocyte dose response curve to phytohaemagglutinin has been established for juvenile quokkas. Thymectomy of the neonatal quokka depresses this to less than half that of the normal animal. Surgical implantation of a superficial thymus from tammar (Macropus eugenii) pouch young does not reconstitute the humoral arm of the immune response of the Thymectomized quokka pouch young, nor does it lead to an acute graft‐versus‐host reaction. It does, however, cause a further depletion of phytohaemagglutinin‐sensitive cells in the peripheral circulation of these animals. Mixed leucocyte reactions with cells from thymectomized animals and thymectomized animals which had received tammar thymus grafts indicate that they are still able to recognize and reject xenogeneic tissue.
THE EFFECT OF PROLONGED SALT INTAKE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN SHEEP
Authors: Potter BJ
Published: November 2007

Sheep required to drink water containing dissolved sodium chloride in varying concentrations up to 2·0% for periods ranging from 6 months to 4 years failed to exhibit hypertension.