bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrepancy of the microbial response to elevated copper between freshly spiked and long-term contaminated soils
Authors: Oorts Koen , Bronckaers Hans , Smolders Erik
Published: February 2006

A systematic comparison of Cu toxicity thresholds was made between freshly spiked soils and soils in which elevated Cu concentrations have been present for various times. Three uncontaminated soils were spiked and experimentally leached or incubated outdoors for up to 18 months. Additionally, five field-contaminated soils with a 6- to 80-year-old Cu contamination were sampled, and corresponding uncontaminated soils were spiked to identical total concentrations. All soil samples were subjected to three microbial assays (nitrification potential, glucose-induced respiration, and maize residue C-mineralization). Experimental leaching or soil incubation after spiking reduced Cu toxicity (1.3- or 2.3-fold increase of dose, respectively, to inhibit process by 50% [ED50]). No significant effects of soil type, aging time (6, 12, or 18 months), or bioassay on the factor change of ED50 were found. Significant reductions of microbial activity in field-contaminated soils were only identified in 2 of the 15 series (three assays in five soils), whereas freshly spiking the corresponding control soils significantly affected these processes in 12 series. Soil solution Cu concentrations significantly decreased on leaching at corresponding total soil Cu, and smaller decreases were found during additional aging. Soil solution Cu concentrations largely explain changes in Cu toxicity on leaching and aging, although additional variation may be related to changes in the sensitivity of microbial populations. It is concluded that total Cu toxicity thresholds are lower in freshly spiked soils compared to soils in which Cu salts have equilibrated and leaching has removed excess soluble salts. The large variability of soil microbial processes creates a large uncertainty about the magnitude of the factor by which aging mitigates Cu toxicity.
Effects of metal-contaminated forest soils from the Canadian shield to terrestrial organisms
Authors: Feisthauer Natalie C. , Stephenson Gladys L. , Princz Juliska I. , Scroggins Richard P.
Published: February 2006

The effects of elevated metal concentrations in forest soils on terrestrial organisms were investigated by determining the toxicity of six site soils from northern Ontario and Quebec, Canada, using a battery of terrestrial toxicity tests. Soils were collected from three sites on each of two transects established downwind of nickel (Sudbury, ON, Canada) and copper (Rouyn-Noranda, PQ, Canada) smelting operations. Site soils were diluted to determine if toxicity estimates for the most-contaminated site soils could be quantified as a percent of site soil. Rouyn-Noranda soils were toxic following acute exposure (14 d) to plants, but not to invertebrates (7 d for collembola and 14 d for earthworms). However, Rouyn-Noranda soils were toxic to all species following chronic exposure (21, 35, and 63 d for plants, collembola, and earthworms, respectively). The toxicity of the Rouyn-Noranda site soils did not correspond to the gradient of metal concentrations in soil. Metal-contaminated Sudbury soils were toxic to plants but not to invertebrates, following acute exposure. Chronic exposure to Sudbury soils caused adverse effects to plant growth and invertebrate survival and reproduction. The toxicity of Sudbury soils corresponded to the metal concentration gradient, with one exception: The reference soil collected in October was toxic to collembola following acute and chronic exposure. This study evaluated the applicability of the new Environment Canada terrestrial toxicity test methods, developed using agricultural soils, to forest soils and also provided useful data to assess the ecological risk associated with mixtures of metals in soil.
Agricultural soils spiked with copper mine wastes and copper concentrate: Implications for copper bioavailability and bioaccumulation
Authors: Ginocchio Rosanna , Sánchez Pablo , de la Fuente Luz María , Camus Isabel , Bustamante Elena , Silva Yasna , Urrestarazu Paola , Torres Juan C. , Rodríguez Patricio H.
Published: February 2006

A better understanding of exposure to and effects of copper-rich pollutants in soils is required for accurate environmental risk assessment of copper. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study copper bioavailability and bioaccumulation in agricultural soils spiked with different types of copper-rich mine solid wastes (copper ore, tailing sand, smelter dust, and smelter slag) and copper concentrate. A copper salt (copper sulfate, CuSO4) that frequently is used to assess soil copper bioavailability and phytotoxicity also was included for comparison. Results showed that smelter dust, tailing sand, and CuSO4 are more likely to be bioavailable and, thus, toxic to plants compared with smelter slag, concentrate, and ore at equivalent total copper concentrations. Differences may be explained by intrinsic differences in copper solubilization from the source materials, but also by their capability to decrease soil pH (confounding effect). The copper toxicity and bioaccumulation in plants also varied according to soil physicochemical characteristics (e.g., pH and total organic carbon) and the available levels of plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Chemistry/mineralogy of mine materials, soil/pore-water chemistry, and plant physiological status thus should be integrated for building adequate models to predict phytotoxicity and environmental risk of copper.
Evaluating the contribution of soil properties to modifying lead phytoavailability and phytotoxicity
Authors: Dayton Elizabeth A. , Basta Nicholas T. , Payton Mark E. , Bradham Karen D. , Schroder Jackie L. , Lanno Roman P.
Published: February 2006

Soil properties affect Pb bioavailability to human and ecological receptors and should be considered during ecological risk assessment of contaminated soil. We used path analysis (PA) to determine the relative contribution of soil properties (pH, organic C [OC], amorphous Fe and Al oxides [FEAL], and cation-exchange capacity [CEC]) in modifying Pb bioavailability. The response of biological endpoints (bioaccumulation and dry matter growth [DMG]) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown on 21 Pb-spiked (2,000 mg/kg) soils were determined. Lettuce tissue Pb ranged from 3.22 to 233 mg/kg, and relative DMG ranged from 2.5 to 88.5% of their respective controls. Simple correlation showed strong relationships between CEC and OC (p < 0.01) and weaker relationships between pH and FEAL (p < 0.05) and Pb bioaccumulation. Results of PA suggest that soil pH increased the negative surface charge of organic matter and clay, thereby increasing CEC and decreasing Pb bioaccumulation. Also, the direct effect of OC on tissue Pb can be attributed to formation of surface Pb complexes by organic matter functional group ligands. Increased OC and/or CEC reduced Pb solubility and bioavailability in the 21 soils in the present study. The relative importance of soil properties likely will vary between studies employing different soils. Soil properties should be considered during the ecological risk assessment of metal in contaminated soils. Path analysis is useful for ecological studies involving soils with a wide range of physicochemical properties and can assist in site risk assessment of metals and remediation decisions on contaminated sites.
Robust Credibility
Authors: Gisler Alois , Reinhard Peter
Published: February 2006

Outlier observations caused by big claims or by an event producing a series of claims are a special problem in ratemaking and in tariff calculation. The authors believe that combining credibility and robust statistics is the right answer to this problem. The main idea is to robustify the individual claims experience by using a robust estimator Ti instead of the individual mean and to look at the credibility estimator based on the robust statistics {Ti: i = 1, 2, …} . Choosing a particular influence function leads to datatrimming with an observation-dependent trimming point.
On the Stability of Recursive Formulas
Authors: H. Panjer Harry , Shaun Wang
Published: February 2006

Based on recurrence equation theory and relative error (rather than absolute error) analysis, the concept and criterion for the stability of a recurrence equation are clarified. A family of recursions, called congruent recursions, is proved to be strongly stable in evaluating its non-negative solutions. A type of strongly unstable recursion is identified. The recursive formula discussed by Panjer (1981) is proved to be strongly stable in evaluating the compound Poisson and the compound Negative Binomial (including Geometric) distributions. For the compound Binomial distribution, the recursion is shown to be unstable. A simple method to cope with this instability is proposed. Many other recursions are reviewed. Illustrative numerical examples are given.
Gamma Processes and Finite Time Survival Probabilities
Authors: Dickson David C. M. , Waters Howard R.
Published: February 2006

In this paper we derive formulae for finite time survival probabilities when the aggregate claims process is a Gamma process. We illustrate how a compound Poisson process can be approximated by a Gamma process and by a process defined as a translated Gamma process. We also show how survival probabilities for a compound Poisson process can be approximated by those for a Gamma process or a translated Gamma process.
Aging and the Brown Norway Rat Leydig Cell Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Luo Lindi , Chen Haolin , Trush Michael A. , Show Matthew D. , Anway Matthew D. , Zirkin Barry R.
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have shown that testosterone production by the Leydig cells of aged Brown Norway rats is reduced from the relatively high levels produced by Leydig cells of young rats and that this reduction is not secondary to decreased serum luteinizing hormone concentration. The free radical theory of aging proposes that imbalance between pro‐oxidants and the antioxidant defense system ultimately results in oxidative damage to cellular processes. With this in mind, we hypothesized herein that age‐related reductions in steroidogenesis by Brown Norway rat Leydig cells may be associated with the impairment of the antioxidant defense system of these cells. To begin to test this hypothesis, we compared the activities and steady‐state mRNA and protein levels of the antioxidant enzymes copper zinc (CuZn) superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD, SOD1), manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, SOD2), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione in Leydig cells isolated from the testes of young (4‐month‐old) and aged (20‐month‐old) Brown Norway rats. For some studies, Leydig cells were isolated separately from aged testes that either had regressed because of age‐related losses of germ cells or that were nonregressed. SOD (total) and GPx activities were found to decrease significantly with age whether or not the testes were regressed. CuZnSOD and MnSOD mRNA levels decreased with aging, though the magnitude of the decreases were considerably lower than the respective decreases in enzyme activities. GPx mRNA levels also decreased, which is consistent with the decreases seen in enzyme activity. MnSOD protein expression declined with age, and to a lesser extent, CuZnSOD did as well. Reduced and oxidized glutathione also exhibited age‐related reductions in cells from both normal and regressed aged testes. The age‐related decreases in Leydig cell antioxidant enzyme activities, gene expression, and protein levels and in glutathione were consistent with the hypothesis that the loss of steroidogenic function that accompanies Leydig cell aging may result in part from a decrease in the fidelity of the cellular antioxidant defense system.
Identification of Proteins in the Accessory Sex Gland Fluid Associated With Fertility Indexes of Dairy Bulls: A Proteomic Approach
Authors: Moura Arlindo A. , Koc Hasan , Chapman David A. , Killian Gary J.
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the expression of proteins in the accessory sex gland fluid (AGF) and their relationships with fertility indexes of dairy bulls. Fertility was normalized as the percentage point deviation of their nonreturn rates (PD) from the average fertility of all bulls from a given artificial insemination center. Services associated with each sire ranged from 269 to 77 321 and PD values from +7.7% to −18.1%. AGF, from 37 bulls, was obtained with an artificial vagina after cannulation of the vasa deferentia. Proteins from AGF were separated by 2‐dimensional SDS‐PAGE followed by staining with Coomassie blue and analysis of polypeptide maps using PDQuest software. Bulls were divided in groups based on PD values and the optical density of spots in the AGF gels used as independent variables to predict bull fertility. Proteins were identified by capillary liquid chromatography nanoelectrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (CapLC‐MS/MS). An average of 52 ± 5 spots was detected in the AGF gels, but there were no spots unique to groups of either high‐ (PD ≥ 0) or low‐ (PD < 0) fertility sires. The former were neither less nor more homogeneous than the latter based on correlations of all matched spots between pairs of AGF maps. However, high fertility of dairy bulls was significantly associated with lower expression of 14‐kDa spermadhesin Z13 isoforms and higher amounts of 55‐kDa osteopontin and 58‐kDa phospholipase A2 (PLA2) isoforms. The average intensity of 5 spots identified as BSP 30 kDa in the AGF gels had a quadratic association with fertility indexes (R2 = .18; P = .03). PD values of bulls were related (R2 = .56) to the quantity of spermadhesin, osteopontin, and BSP 30 kDa in the AGF polypeptide maps. Bull fertility was also determined by another equation (R2 = .53) with spermadhesin, BSP 30 kDa, and PLA2 as independent variables. We conclude that interactions among several proteins in accessory sex gland fluid explain a significant proportion of the variation in fertility scores of mature dairy sires.
Effects of Chemotherapeutic Agents for Testicular Cancer on the Male Rat Reproductive System, Spermatozoa, and Fertility
Authors: Bieber Adrienne M. , Marcon Ludovic , Hales Barbara F. , Robaire Bernard
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT:Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting men of reproductive age. Advances in treatment of the disease, which include the coadministration of bleomycin, etoposide, and cis‐platinum (BEP), have brought the cure rate to over 90%. This high cure rate, coupled with the young age of patients, makes elucidation of the impact of the treatment on reproductive function, fertility, and progeny outcome increasingly important. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of BEP, in doses analogous to those given to humans, on the male reproductive system, spermatozoa, fertility, and progeny outcome in an animal model. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated daily with BEP for 3 cycles of 3 weeks each, for a total of 9 weeks. After 6 and 9 weeks, males were mated to 2 groups of untreated females. BEP treatment resulted in decreases in testicular and epididymal weights of 52% and 28%, respectively, when compared to control. Decreased testis and epididymis weights were accompanied by impairment of spermatogenesis and by a decrease in spermatozoal count of nearly 90% (11.9 × 107spermatozoa per caput epididymidis in control vs 1.65 × 107in BEP‐treated rats). The percent of motile spermatozoa in the treated rats was more than 30% lower than in controls. Defects in the flagella of spermatozoa increased by more than twofold in the midpiece, and by more than sixfold in the principal piece. Paternal BEP treatment, for either 6 or 9 weeks, did not affect fertility, pre‐ or postimplantation loss, litter size, or sex ratio among progeny on gestation day 21. In contrast, among the pregnancies allowed to proceed to delivery, a significant number of pups sired by males treated with BEP for 9 weeks died between birth and postnatal day 2; this was not observed in pups sired by males treated for 6 weeks. Markers of postnatal development were not affected in the surviving offspring from either group. Thus, despite the dramatic effects of the testicular cancer drug regimen on spermatogenesis, the numbers of spermatozoa, and their motility and morphology, male rats were fertile. While fetal development was apparently normal, early postnatal mortality, which may be associated with a delay in parturition, was elevated among the progeny sired by males exposed to BEP for 9 weeks.
Testicular Torsion Alters the Presence of Specific Proteins in the Mouse Testis as Well as the Phosphorylation Status of Specific Proteins
Authors: Turner Terry T. , Lysiak Jeffrey J. , Shannon John D. , Nguyen Quoc A. T. , Bazemore‐Walker Carthene R.
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Testicular torsion followed by torsion repair induces an ischemia‐reperfusion injury to the testis that can render the testis aspermatogenic. Previous results have demonstrated this loss of spermatogenesis to be the result of germ cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. The present work reports protein changes occurring in the mouse testis 24 hours after repair of a testicular torsion known to induce germ cell apoptosis and severe seminiferous impairment. Total proteins were extracted from sham‐operated testes and testes having had 2‐hour 720° torsion 24 hours previously. Testicular proteins were separated by 2‐dimensional electrophoresis and the resulting gel images were analyzed with image analysis software. Of the over 1100 proteins detected on the average gel, over 700 were consistently appearing in multiple gels, and those protein spot intensities were averaged within sham and torsion groups and compared between the 2 groups. Twenty‐three proteins were consistently increased after torsion repair and 48 were decreased. Six proteins, 3 of which increased and 3 of which decreased after torsion repair, were identified by mass spectrometry. The 3 proteins that increased after torsion repair, β2‐tubulin and 2 isoforms of serum albumin, as well as the 3 proteins that decreased after torsion repair, vimentin, phosphoglycerate kinase, and t‐complex protein 1β, were for the most part associated with various aspects of cell stress responses. The number of proteins phosphorylated on tyrosine residues exceeded the number of proteins phosphorylated on serine/threonine residues, but among 6 stress‐related proteins specifically examined for phosphorylation in sham testes and those examined after torsion repair, increases in threonine phosphorylation of c‐Jun NH2 terminal kinase and activating transcription factor 2 were the most prominent. Knowing these proteins and the pathways to which they point will aid in the search for new therapies of oxidative stress in the testis.
Perceived importance and integration of the human-animal bond in private veterinary practice
Authors: Martin François , Taunton Anne
Published: February 2006

Objective—To determine perceptions of the human-animal bond (HAB) among veterinarians in private practice and evaluate how these veterinarians incorporate the HAB in their practices.

Design—Survey.

Sample Population—1,602 veterinarians in private practice in Washington state.

Procedure—Participants were contacted and asked to complete a survey.

Results—Response rate was 26% (415/1,602). Most respondents agreed that veterinarians will be more successful if they recognize and facilitate the HAB, that facilitating the HAB was important to their practices, that they actively evaluated the degree of bonding between clients and their animals, and that the bonding between a client and his or her animal affected the way they practiced medicine. However, > 50% of respondents did not train veterinary technicians and front office staff members in the HAB or encourage veterinary technicians or front office staff members to learn about the HAB. Fifty-one percent of respondents offered few or no HAB resources to clients. When asked to quantify the importance of 10 nontechnical skills associated with private veterinary practice, respondents ranked communication skills, ethical reasoning, and business management first, second, and third; the HAB was ranked fifth.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that for veterinarians in private practice in Washington state, there is a dichotomy between how important they consider the HAB to be in their practice and the degree to which they facilitate the HAB with regard to communication, training, and client resources. More research on the HAB is necessary to better understand what the HAB encompasses and its implications for private practitioners.
Evaluation of veterinary public practice education programs
Authors: Murray Amanda L. , Sischo William M. , Hueston William D.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To describe the number and types of veterinary professional degree and certificate programs providing education in the area of public practice to veterinarians and determine the availability of these programs via distance learning.

Procedures—Web-based internet searches were performed for programs for veterinary public practice or public health, population medicine, or Master's degree in Epidemiology. The information reviewed was derived from individual school and program Web sites and from personal e-mail correspondence with school administrators.

Results—17 professional degree and 4 certificate programs were available to provide education and training in the areas of public practice and population medicine to veterinarians. Twelve of these programs have begun since 1998. Of the 17 professional degree programs, 7 are located in the United States and 10 are located in other countries. Nine of the professional degree programs provide education through traditional teaching methods, and 8 provide education and training through distance learning.

Conclusions—During the preceding 5 years, the number of programs available to educate and train veterinarians in the areas of public practice and population medicine has increased. Distance learning is being used to increase capacity and reach a broader audience of veterinarians. With the increase in programs has come an increase in capacity to educate and train veterinarians in the fields of population medicine and public practice. The impact and sustainability of this increased capacity have not been evaluated.
Evaluation of bacterial and protozoal contamination of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs
Authors: Strohmeyer Rachel A. , Morley Paul S. , Hyatt Doreene R. , Dargatz David A. , Scorza A. Valeria , Lappin Michael R.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To evaluate bacterial and protozoal contamination of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs.

Design—Prospective longitudinal study.

Sample Population—240 samples from 20 raw meat diets for dogs (containing beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey), 24 samples from 2 dry dog foods, and 24 samples from 2 canned dog foods.

Procedure—Each product was purchased commercially on 4 dates approximately 2 months apart. Three samples from each product at each sampling period were evaluated via bacterial culture for non–type-specific Escherichia coli (NTSEC), Salmonella enterica, and Campylobacter spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on selected isolates. Polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect DNA from Cryptosporidium spp, Neospora spp, and Toxoplasma spp in samples obtained in the third and fourth sampling periods.

Results—One hundred fifty-three of 288 (53%) samples were contaminated with NTSEC. Both raw and prepared foods contained NTSEC during at least 1 culture period. Salmonella enterica was recovered from 17 (5.9%) samples, all of which were raw meat products. Campylobacter spp was not isolated from any samples. In 91 of 288 (31.6%) samples, there was no gram-negative bacterial growth before enrichment and in 48 of 288 (16.7%) samples, there was no aerobic bacterial growth before enrichment. Susceptibility phenotypes were variable. Cryptosporidium spp DNA was detected in 3 samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Bacterial contamination is common in commercially available raw meat diets, suggesting that there is a risk of foodborne illness in dogs fed these diets as well possible risk for humans associated with the dogs or their environments.
Survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with iodine 131, methimazole, or both: 167 cases (1996–2003)
Authors: Milner Rowan J. , Channell Carla D. , Levy Julie K. , Schaer Michael
Published: February 2006

Objective—To compare survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with iodine 131, methimazole, or both and identify factors associated with survival time.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—167 cats.

Procedure—Medical records of cats in which hyperthyroidism had been confirmed on the basis of high serum thyroxine concentration, results of thyroid scintigraphy, or both were reviewed.

Results—55 (33%) cats were treated with 131I alone, 65 (39%) were treated with methimazole followed by 131I, and 47 (28%) were treated with methimazole alone. Twenty-four of 166 (14%) cats had preexisting renal disease, and 115 (69%) had preexisting hepatic disease. Age was positively correlated (r = 0.4) with survival time, with older cats more likely to live longer. Cats with preexisting renal disease had significantly shorter survival times than did cats without preexisting renal disease. When cats with preexisting renal disease were excluded, median survival time for cats treated with methimazole alone (2.0 years; interquartile range [IQR], 1 to 3.9 years) was significantly shorter than median survival time for cats treated with 131I alone (4.0 years; IQR, 3.0 to 4.8 years) or methimazole followed by 131I (5.3 years; IQR, 2.2 to 6.5 years).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that age, preexisting renal disease, and treatment type were associated with survival time in cats undergoing medical treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Characteristics of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid associated with intracranial meningiomas in dogs: 56 cases (1985–2004)
Authors: Dickinson Peter J. , Sturges Beverly K. , Kass Philip H. , LeCouteur Richard A.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To determine CSF characteristics associated with intracranial meningiomas in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—56 dogs with intracranial meningiomas.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of intracranial meningioma, in which CSF analysis had been performed, were reviewed. Information concerning total nucleated cell counts (TNCCs) and differential nucleated cell counts, RBC counts, and total protein concentration in CSF; seizure history and glucocorticoid administration; and location of meningiomas was recorded.

Results—TNCCs < 5 cells/μL were detected in 41 of 56 (73%) dogs; 5 of 56 (9%) dogs had TNCCs > 50 cells/μL. Analysis of CSF revealed predominantly neutrophilic pleocytosis in < 20% of dogs. There was a significant association between meningioma location (caudal portion of the cranial fossa or middle and rostral portion of the cranial fossae) and increased TNCCs (≥ 5 cells/μL).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results were significantly different from those routinely reported in the veterinary literature. Neutrophilic pleocytosis, especially with TNCCs > 50 cells/μL, was not typical in CSF samples from dogs with intracranial meningiomas. Neutrophilic pleocytosis may not be detected in CSF samples from dogs with meningiomas located within the middle or rostral portion of the cranial fossae.
Evaluation of diagnostic tests used for detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus and prevalence of subtypes 1a, 1b, and 2a in persistently infected cattle entering a feedlot
Authors: Fulton Robert W. , Hessman Bill , Johnson Bill J. , Ridpath Julia F. , Saliki Jeremiah T. , Burge Lurinda J. , Sjeklocha Dave , Confer Anthony W. , Funk Rebecca A. , Payton Mark E.
Published: February 2006

Objective—To evaluate diagnostic tests used for detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and determine the prevalence of BVDV subtypes 1a, 1b, and 2a in persistently infected (PI) cattle entering a feedlot.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—21,743 calves.

Procedures—Samples were obtained from calves initially testing positive via antigen capture ELISA (ACE) performed on fresh skin (ear notch) specimens, and ACE was repeated. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on skin specimens fixed in neutral-buffered 10% formalin, and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay and virus isolation were performed on serum samples. Virus was subtyped via sequencing of the 5′ untranslated region of the viral genome.

Results—Initial ACE results were positive for BVDV in 88 calves. After subsequent testing, results of ACE, IHC, RT-PCR assay, and viral isolation were positive in 86 of 88 calves; results of all subsequent tests were negative in 2 calves. Those 2 calves had false-positive test results. On the basis of IHC results, 86 of 21,743 calves were PI with BVDV, resulting in a prevalence of 0.4%. Distribution of BVDV subtypes was BVDV1b (77.9%), BVDV1a (11.6%), and BVDV2a (10.5%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Rapid tests such as ACE permit identification and segregation of PI cattle pending results of further tests, thus reducing their contact with the rest of the feedlot population. Although vaccines with BVDV1a and 2a components are given to cattle entering feedlots, these vaccines may not provide adequate protection against BVDV1b.
Broadcasting of violence on Spanish television: a quantitative panorama
Authors: Fernández‐Villanueva Concepción , Domínguez‐Bilbao Roberto , Revilla‐Castro Juan Carlos , Anagnostou Amy
Published: February 2006

A quantitative analysis of broadcasted violence by the main television (TV) channels transmitting for Madrid (Spain) was carried out using a novel method that randomly selects fragments of delimited duration from TV broadcasts. The device selects acts of aggression shown in those TV extracts, and classifies them according to their type. There was a high incidence of aggressive acts, especially physical (particularly leading to death), in TV fiction: films, serials and promos. The device also allowed examination of the prominence of aggression in children's programs, as well as showing minimal variation in the number of aggressive acts over screened time intervals. The pattern of the collected data suggests that the broadcasting of violence on TV emphasizes the conflicting elements of social reality, reproducing it in fiction, news reports and children's shows. Aggr. Behav. 32:137–145. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Violent computer games and their effects on state hostility and physiological arousal
Authors: Arriaga Patrícia , Esteves Francisco , Carneiro Paula , Monteiro Maria Benedicta
Published: February 2006

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the impact of violent computer games on state hostility, state anxiety and arousal. Participants were undergraduate students, aged from 18 to 25 years. Before the experimental sessions, participants filled in self‐report measures concerning their video game habits and were also pre‐tested for aggressiveness and trait anxiety. Physiological responses (heart rate and skin conductance) were measured during the experiment. After playing, information about state hostility and state anxiety was collected. The results showed that participants who played the violent game reported significantly higher state hostility, and support the assumption that an aggressive personality moderates the effect of playing a violent game on state hostility. Aggr. Behav. 32:146–158. 2006 © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and testing of the velicer attitudes toward violence scale: evidence for a four‐factor model
Authors: Anderson Craig A. , Benjamin Arlin J. , Wood Phillip K. , Bonacci Angelica M.
Published: February 2006

The factor structure of the Velicer Attitudes Toward Violence Scale [VATVS; Velicer, Huckel and Hansen, 1989] was examined in three studies. Study 1 (n=460 undergraduates) found a poor fit for a hierarchical five‐factor model earlier advanced by Velicer et al. [1989], but a good fit for an oblique four‐factor model. In Study 2, this alternative model was cross‐validated in a confirmatory factor analysis of an additional 195 undergraduate students. In Study 3, the competing models were compared in terms of ability to predict self‐reported aggression, with 823 undergraduate students. The new four‐factor model proved superior. Other findings included evidence of factorial invariance on the VATVS, and more favorable attitudes toward violence among men than women. The VATVS appears to measure the same four attitudinal constructs for men and women: violence in war, penal code violence, corporal punishment of children, and intimate violence. Aggr. Behav. 32:122–136, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of aggressive driving inventories: they drive as they live
Authors: Van Rooy David L. , Rotton James , Burns Tina M.
Published: February 2006

The authors hypothesized that aggressive driving is indicative of a more general trait that leads individuals to behave aggressively in different situations. This hypothesis was tested by having 85 male and 237 female undergraduates complete the Aggression Questionnaire, three measures of aggressive driving (the Driver Anger Scale, Driver Vengeance Questionnaire, and Driving Behavior Inventory), and questions about violating traffic laws. High correlations among the aggressive driving inventories provided evidence for the convergent validity, but a confirmatory factor analyses raised questions about the discriminant validity of aggressive driving inventories. The inventories did not attain significance in hierarchical analyses of traffic violations that controlled for gender, driving experience, and measures of trait aggression. It is concluded that there is little unique about aggressive driving and that individuals drive as they live. Aggr. Behav. 32:89–98, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Friendship as a moderator of the relationship between social skills problems and peer victimisation
Authors: Fox Claire L. , Boulton Michael J.
Published: February 2006

Previous research, primarily in North America, has found that individual factors (e.g., ‘internalising problems’) and social factors (e.g., friendship) interact to influence children's levels of peer victimisation. Some research has found that the identity of children's friends and friendship quality (as ‘protective factors’) are more important than the sheer number of friends. However, studies have produced conflicting findings. A peer nomination inventory was used to assess social skills problems, peer victimisation, peer acceptance, and several different aspects of friendship. Four hundred and forty‐nine children aged 9 to 11 years completed the inventory at two time points over the course of an academic year. Social skills problems were found to predict an increase in peer victimisation over time. Two friendship variables were found to moderate this relationship: a) number of friends, and b) the peer acceptance of the very best‐friend. The relationship was found to be weaker for those children with lots of friends and for those children with a ‘popular’ best‐friend. The findings advance understanding of the factors that promote peer victimisation. Aggr. Behav. 32:110–121, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Localized Functionalization of Single Nanopores (Adv. Mater. 4/2006)
Authors: Nilsson J. , Lee J. R. I. , Ratto T. V. , Létant S. E.
Published: February 2006

Single nanopores can be fabricated using a combination of focused‐ion‐beam drilling and local ion‐beam‐assisted oxide deposition. On p. 427, Letant and co‐workers show how a silicon oxide ring can be grown around a single nanopore and how it can be functionalized with single‐stranded DNA using thiol‐terminated linkers. Current–voltage measurements demonstrate the presence of DNA on the pore wall and the open nature of the pore. Future applications include specific detection of whole organisms, ranging in size from bacteria to viruses.
Inside Front Cover: Conducting‐Polymer Nanotubes for Controlled Drug Release (Adv. Mater. 4/2006)
Authors: Abidian M. R. , Kim D.‐H. , Martin D. C.
Published: February 2006

Martin and co‐workers report on p. 405 that nanotubes formed from the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), as shown on the inside cover, can be used for the controlled release of anti‐inflammatory drugs. The fabrication process includes electrospinning of a biodegradable polymer, either poly(L‐lactide) or poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide), into which the required drug is incorporated, followed by electrochemical deposition of the conducting polymer around the drug‐loaded electrospun nanofibers. Drug release from the nanotubes is achieved by external electrical stimulation of the nanotubes.
Modeling of transport phenomena and melting kinetics of starch in a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder
Authors: Wang Lijun , Jones David D. , Weller Curtis L. , Hanna Milford A.
Published: February 2006

A mathematical model was developed to simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, and melting kinetics of starch in a co‐rotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruder (TSE). The partial differential equations governing the transport phenomena of the biomaterial in the extruder were solved by a finite element scheme. For validating the model, the predicted product pressure, bulk temperature at the entrance of the die, and minimum residence time of the biomaterial in the extruder were compared with experimental data. Standard errors of product pressure, bulk temperature at the die entrance, and minimum residence time were about 8.8, 2.8, and 17.3%. Simulations were carried out to investigate profiles of product pressure, bulk temperature, and melt fraction within the extruder during extrusion. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25: 22–40, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20055
Synthesis and characterization of phenyl methacrylamide copolymers
Authors: Reddy G. Jayasimha , Naidu S. Venkata , Reddy A. V. Rami
Published: February 2006

The functional monomer, N‐phenyl methacrylamide (PMA), was synthesized by reacting methacryloyl chloride with aniline. Free‐radical solution copolymerization of PMA and acrylamide (AA) in various feed ratios was synthesized by using benzoyl peroxide initiator in N,N‐dimethylformamide at 70°C. Copolymer structure was elucidated by infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The copolymer composition was determined from the corresponding 1H NMR spectra of the copolymers. Finemann‐‐Ross and Kelen‐‐Tudos methods were used to determine the reactivity ratios of the monomers. Thermal characterization of the copolymers was carried out using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal stability of the copolymers increases with the increase of PMA content in the copolymer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25: 41–50, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20056
Influence of postcuring conditions on the processing characteristics of epoxy components
Authors: Nowak Tomasz , Sekuła Robert , Saj Piotr , Kasza Krzysztof , Leskosek Helmuth , Claus Oliver
Published: February 2006

Reactive molding technologies, especially the automated pressure gelation (APG) method, are commonly used in the production of a wide range of medium and high voltage electrical equipment, including switch gears, voltage and current transformers, sensors, and bushings. In such products, not only very good electrical insulation properties but also high mechanical and thermal performance are required. In order to achieve these, a suitable manufacturing process has to be established. Therefore, the use of optimal process parameters, such as mold temperature, filling time, filling velocity, initial temperature of internal parts, gelation time, as well as appropriate product design is key factors for better quality components derived from minimized shrinkage and crack avoidance. The simulation approach for analyzing the filling and curing stages of reactive molding manufacturing processes has been successfully utilized for some time, providing useful information about thermal conditions during the production. In this paper, the principles of a newly developed structural analysis are rationalized and described. A novel simulation procedure for stress and shrinkage calculations, as well as the simulation results, © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25: 51–51, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20057
Effects of coloration on the physical and mechanical properties and on the thermal stability of polyoxymethylene
Authors: Archodoulaki V.‐M. , Lüftl S. , Seidler S.
Published: February 2006

The influence of coloring by using different batches on the crystallinity and the specific damage behavior of colored loudspeaker grills made from polyoxymethylene (POM) was studied. The investigations were performed by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under dynamic and isothermal conditions, pressure oxidative induction time studies (pOIt), melt volume rate (MVR), and perforation tests. The loudspeaker grills were made by injection molding and colored with 3 mass% master batch, added to the pellets during processing. The grills were tested after injection molding (as‐received condition) and after accelerated ageing (oven storage up to 35 days at 140°C and UV irradiation). The results showed that the influence of the stabilizing system on the thermal and mechanical properties is stronger than the influence of the master batch substrate and the coloration. For the solely heat‐stabilized material, coloration can reduce the susceptibility for UV irradiation but not as effectively as a UV stabilizer package. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25: 63–72, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20060
Hypoparathyroidism‐retardation‐dysmorphism syndrome in a girl: A new variant not caused by a TBCE mutation—clinical report and review
Authors: Courtens Winnie , Wuyts Wim , Poot Martin , Szuhai Karoly , Wauters Jan , Reyniers Edwin , Eleveld Marc , Diaz George , Nöthen Markus M. , Parvari Ruti
Published: February 2006

Hypoparathyroidism‐retardation‐dysmorphism (HRD) or Sanjad–Sakati syndrome (SSS) (OMIM 241410) is a rare autosomal recessive (AR) inherited condition, characterized by congenital hypoparathyroidism (hypoPTH), retardation, seizures, and a typical facial dysmorphism, consisting of prominent forehead, deep‐set eyes, and abnormal external ears. This disorder has been mapped to the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q42‐q43) and mutations in the gene coding for tubulin‐specific chaperone E (TBCE) have been identified as the cause of the disease. Mutations in the same gene were also reported in patients with AR Kenny–Caffey syndrome (KCS). We report on a 4½‐year‐old girl with congenital hypoPTH, seizures, developmental delay, and a facial dysmorphism, compatible with HRD syndrome. Mutation analyses revealed no mutations in the TBCE gene. In addition, normal TBCE protein and alpha‐tubulin immunostaining were observed in a lymphoblastoid line derived from the patient, excluding the TBCE gene as the causative gene of the syndrome in this patient. A de novo microduplication of probe RP11‐262I1 on 4q35 in the proposita was detected by microarray analyses, but this could not be confirmed by additional studies. We review and discuss the clinical findings of our case and those of the other reported cases with SSS and AR KCS. We conclude that a second gene locus for this disorder seems probable and that 4q35 needs further evaluation as a candidate region. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rationaler Entwurf von DNA‐Nanoarchitekturen
Authors: Feldkamp Udo , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: February 2006

DNA hat viele physikalische und chemische Eigenschaften, die sie zu einem leistungsfähigen Material für molekulare Konstruktionen im Nanometer‐Maßstab machen. Insbesondere ihre Fähigkeit, Duplexe und andere Sekundärstrukturen durch vorhersagbare, Nucleotidsequenz‐gesteuerte Hybridisierung zu bilden, ermöglicht den Entwurf programmierbarer Strukturmotive, die wiederum zu großen supramolekularen Anordnungen, Gerüsten und sogar zu mechanischen und logischen Funktionseinheiten zusammengefügt werden können. Trotz der breiten Vielfalt solcher Strukturmotive, die als Bausteine beim programmierten Zusammenbau von supramolekularen DNA‐Nanoarchitekturen verwendet werden, sind den unterschiedlichen Modulen einige grundlegende Prinzipien des Entwurfs ihrer hierarchischen Konfiguration und der eingesetzten Nucleotidsequenzen gemein. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über dieses faszinierende und schnell wachsende Forschungsgebiet unter besonderer Berücksichtigung strukturchemischer Aspekte.
Study of different effect on foaming process of biodegradable bionolle in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Xu Qun , Peng Qi , Ni Wei , Hou Zhenzhong , Li Jinge , Yu Long
Published: February 2006

Microcellular foaming of biodegradable Bionolle in supercritical CO2 has been produced. The effects of a series of variable factors, such as saturation temperature, saturation pressure, and depressurization time and step on the foam structures and density, were studied through measurement of density and SEM observation. The experimental results show that higher saturation temperatures lead to an increase in bulk densities; and different depressurization time and step result in different product cell morphology. In addition, at some saturation temperature, the orientation of the cells can be found in the product morphology. XRD experimental results show that the foaming treatment with SC CO2 increased the crystallinity of Bionolle. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2901–2906, 2006
Neural tube development requires the cooperation of p53‐ and Gadd45a‐associated pathways
Authors: Patterson Andrew D. , Hildesheim Jeffrey , Fornace Albert J. , Hollander M. Christine
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Numerous genetically engineered mouse models for neural tube defects (NTDs) exist, and some of the implicated proteins are functionally related. For example, the growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible protein Gadd45a and tumor suppressor p53 are functionally similar, and both are involved in neural tube development (Gadd45a‐ and Trp53‐null embryos show low levels of exencephaly). To assess their roles in neural tube development, we generated double‐null mice from Gadd45a‐ and Trp53‐null mice, as well as from cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (Cdkn1a) (p21)‐null and xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC)‐null mice that do not show spontaneous exencephaly.

METHODS

Gadd45a‐, Trp53‐, Cdkn1a‐, and XPC‐null mice were crossed to generate several double‐null mouse models. Embryos (embryonic day [ED] 16–18) from the single‐ and double‐null crosses were scored for NTDs.

RESULTS

Deletion of both Gadd45a and Trp53 in mice increased exencephaly frequencies compared to the deletion of either single gene (34.0% in Gadd45a/Trp53‐null compared to 8.4% and 9.1% in the Gadd45a‐ and Trp53‐null embryos, respectively). Furthermore, although deletion of another p53‐regulated gene, Cdkn1a, is not associated with exencephaly, in conjunction with Gadd45a deletion, the exencephaly frequencies are increased (30.5% in the Gadd45a/Cdkn1a‐null embryos) and are similar to those in the Gadd45a/Trp53‐null embryos. Although XPC deletion increased exencephaly frequencies in Trp53‐null embryos, XPC deletion did not increase the exencephaly frequencies in Gadd45a‐null embryos.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased genetic liability to exencephaly in the Gadd45a/Trp53‐ and Gadd45a/Cdkn1a‐null embryos may be related to the disruption of multiple cellular pathways associated with Gadd45a and p53. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.