bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of octreotide on experimental diabetic renal and glomerular growth: importance of early intervention
Authors: Grønbæk H , Nielsen B , Frystyk J , Ørskov H , Flyvbjerg A
Published: December 2008

IGF-I acts as a renotropic factor in early streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Somatostatin analogue (octreotide) treatment initiated at the onset of diabetes prevents kidney IGF-I accumulation and renal growth. Seven days of octreotide treatment initiated after 3, 5, 7 or 9 days of untreated diabetes was investigated. Diabetic renal hypertrophy was followed by renal hyperplasia. Compared with placebo-treated diabetic rats, the earliest octreotide intervention was followed by a greater reduction in renal growth compared with intervention later on (days 3 to 10, 12%; days 5 to 12, 10%; days 7 to 14, 9%; days 9 to 16, 6%; P<0·05). Octreotide treatment was unable to reduce protein accumulation and kidney DNA increase consistently. No difference in glomerular volume fraction or total glomerular volume was observed between placebo- and octreotide-treated diabetic rats. Octreotide treatment was followed by reduced kidney and serum IGF-I especially following early intervention, while no effect over that of diabetes was observed in the later intervention periods. The results confirm the notion that initial renal IGF-I accumulation is a prerequisite for early diabetic kidney hypertrophy in rats and show that delayed octreotide treatment cannot reverse renal and glomerular growth which is already manifest.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 95–102
Additive effects of growth hormone and testosterone on lipolysis in adipocytes of hypophysectomized rats
Authors: Yang S , Xu X , Björntorp P , Edén S
Published: December 2008

The effects of growth hormone (GH) and testosterone, alone or in combination, on the regulation of lipolysis in isolated adipocytes from hypophysectomized rats were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were hypophysectomized at 50 days of age. One week after operation, hormonal replacement therapy with l-thyroxine and hydrocortisone acetate was given to hypophysectomized rats. Groups of rats were treated with GH (1·33 mg/kg, daily), testosterone (10 mg/kg, once) alone or in combination. After one week of hormonal treatment, adipocytes were isolated from the pooled epididymal and perirenal fat pads and glycerol release after isoproterenol stimulation and 125I-cyanopindolol binding was measured. Hypophysectomy caused a marked decrease in basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. There was no effect of testosterone treatment alone on lipolysis, but GH treatment resulted in an increase in isoproterenol-induced lipolysis but not to the levels observed in cells from control rats. Testosterone and GH in combination restored the lipolytic response to isoproterenol. Also 125I-cyanopindolol binding was decreased after hypophysectomy. Testosterone treatment alone and GH treatment alone increased the binding, while in combination the treatment had an additive effect. Affinity was not changed, but the effects seemed to be on receptor number, as determined by Scatchard analysis.

Forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in adipocytes was markedly reduced after hypophysectomy. Testosterone treatment alone had no effect. GH treatment alone increased forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, although the level was lower than that found in control rats. The combined treatment resulted in a further increase to levels observed in adipocytes from control rats.

These results demonstrate that GH and testosterone have additive effects in the regulation of lipolysis. Both hormones increase the β-adrenergic receptor density, partly explaining this additive effect. Moreover, GH may contribute to the lipolytic response by affecting steps distal to the receptor in the lipolytic cascade.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 147–152
Evidence for axonal sprouting in the anterior pituitary following adrenalectomy in the rat
Authors: Lu C R , Meng F T , Benowitz L I , Ju G
Published: December 2008

Our recent studies have demonstrated the presence of peptidergic nerve fibers in the anterior pituitary of the rat. They were found to increase in number following adrenalectomy and the present study was aimed at investigating whether axonal sprouting could account for this increase. Antibody against the neuronal growth-associated protein GAP-43 was used as the probe. Four days following adrenalectomy GAP-43-like immunoreactivity was found to increase dramatically, mostly as varicosities surrounding the gland cells. The results suggest an active axonal sprouting following this hormone manipulation and strongly support our hypothesis of neural-humoral dual regulation of the mammalian anterior pituitary.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 161–166
Effects of gonadal steroids on the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release in ovariectomized pony mares
Authors: Aurich C , Daels P F , Ball B A , Aurich J E
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ovarian steroids in the opioid regulation of LH and prolactin release in mares. Effects of the opioid antagonist naloxone on LH and prolactin secretion were determined in ovariectomized pony mares. The animals were pretreated with either progesterone (500 μg kg−1) or oestradiol benzoate (10 μg kg−1) for 8 days and subsequently with a combination of progesterone and oestradiol for an additional 8 days. Naloxone administration (0·5 mg kg−1 i.v.) resulted in a significant release of LH as well as prolactin in mares after pretreatment with either oestradiol benzoate or progesterone plus oestradiol benzoate (P<0·05). No significant changes in LH and prolactin secretion were detected in progesterone-treated and non-steroid-treated ovariectomized mares. These results indicate that a prolonged oestrogen influence activates the opioid inhibition of LH and prolactin release in mares. In contrast to other species, progesterone alone does not activate a tonic opioid inhibition of LH and prolactin secretion, but modulates the effect of oestrogens. The opioid systems therefore seem to be regulated by a sequence of different steroid environments, as found during the oestrous cycle. The parallel increases in prolactin and LH secretion in mares may indicate a common regulatory pathway for these two hormones.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 195–202
Type I insulin-like growth factor receptor expression in different developmental stages of human thymocytes
Authors: Kooijman R , Scholtens L E , Rijkers G T , Zegers B J M
Published: December 2008

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been implicated in playing a regulatory role in T cell development and in T cell function. We demonstrate the presence of type I IGF receptors on human thymocytes using radioligand binding assays and flowcytometric analysis. The relative potencies of IGF-I, IGF-II and insulin for competition with 125I-IGF-I indicate the presence of type I IGF receptors. Scatchard analysis revealed that the average number of receptors per thymocyte is 257 ± 28 with a Kd of 0·12 ±0·01 With multicolour flowcytometry using a type I IGF receptor specific monoclonal antibody (αIR3), we show that CD4− CD8− cells express 3-4 times more receptors per cell as compared with CD4+ CD8+, CD4+ CD8− and CD4− CD8+ cells. IGF-I directly stimulated DNA synthesis of thymocytes and potentiated DNA synthesis in mitogen-activated thymocytes. These results indicate that IGF-I can influence T cell development in humans at the level of the thymus.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 203–209
Hypothalamic GH receptor gene expression in the rat: effects of altered GH status
Authors: Bennett P A , Levy A , Sophokleous S , Robinson I C A F , Lightman S L
Published: December 2008

GH synthesis and release from the anterior pituitary is governed by the opposing actions of somatostatin (SS) and GH-releasing factor (GRF), derived from the periventricular and arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus respectively. GH is known to regulate its own release by hypothalamic autofeedback mechanisms, but the extent to which this is a direct effect rather than indirectly via the generation of IGFs is still a subject of debate. GH receptors are known to be present in the hypothalamus, but their physiological regulation is poorly understood. We therefore used in situ hybridization histochemistry to investigate the effects of GH status on hypothalamic GH receptor gene expression, using hypophysectomized normal and dw/dw dwarf rats as models of acquired and congenital GH deficiency. Hypophysectomy resulted in a timedependent reduction in GH receptor gene expression. ARC GH receptor transcripts in untreated dw/dw dwarf rats were half those found in normal animals of the same background strain (16·8±1·7 vs 9·3± 1·9 d.p.m./mg, P<0·05). Increasing circulating GH by peripheral infusion of 200 μg human GH (hGH)/day for 6 days increased ARC GH receptor expression in dw/dw rats to normal. In contrast, central infusions of hGH at 26·4 and 79·2 μg/day for 6 days in normal rats lowered ARC GH receptor gene expression. The sensitivity of GH receptor gene expression within the central nervous system to peripheral and central GH levels suggests that feedback regulation of GRF and/or SS may be mediated directly by these receptors, and that the sensitivity to GH feedback is also subject to autoregulation by GH altering its own receptor expression.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 225–234
Mobilization of LH secretory granules in gonadotrophs in relation to gene expression, synthesis and secretion of LH during the preovulatory phase of the sheep oestrous cycle
Authors: Currie R J W , McNeilly A S
Published: December 2008

Changes in LH secretory granules in pituitary gonadotrophs throughout the sheep oestrous cycle were determined by immunogold localisation of LH at ultrastructural level by electron microscopy. Oestrous cycles in Welsh Mountain ewes were initially synchronised with progestagen sponges and studies carried out in the subsequent cycle. Animals were allocated at random to six groups each of five animals, one killed on day 12 of the luteal phase and the other groups after prostaglandin (PG)-induced luteal regression at PG plus 18 h (early follicular phase), oestrus (PG plus 33·6±1·0 h), oestrus plus 9 h just before the preovulatory LH surge, 1 h after GnRH agonist-induced LH surge at PG plus 48 h (mid-LH surge) and oestrus plus 24 h, after the preovulatory LH surge. Blood samples collected throughout confirmed the pulsatile secretion of LH before and the timing in relation to the preovulatory LH surge. Pituitaries were dissected and processed for transmission electron microscopy and frozen for later extraction of mRNA. Only a single type of LH cell was present in the sheep pituitary. In the luteal phase, LHimmunopositive secretory granules were distributed throughout the cytoplasm in 80% of cells while in 20% of cells granules were polarised to the region of the cell next to a vascular sinusoid. The percentage of polarised cells increased during the follicular phase to 45% at oestrus, 75% at oestrus plus 9 h just before the LH surge and 90% in mid-LH surge. Cell size increased in parallel with polarisation. Gonadotrophs after the LH surge were almost totally devoid of LH granules but prominent LHβ immunoreactivity was observed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of granule diameters revealed a single class of granules with a maximum diameter of 300 nm. Polarised cells had significantly fewer 130–150 nm granules than non-polarised cells, suggesting preferential exocytosis of LH-containing granules of this size from polarised cells. Northern analysis showed that LHβ mRNA levels decreased from luteal through the follicular phase. These results suggest that the preovulatory LH surge in sheep is not related to a change in synthesis of LH but to a progressive recruitment of gonadotrophs into a releasing state, priming, as indicated by polarisation of secretory granules to the region of the cell next to the vascular system.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 259–270
Role of testicular macrophages in the response of Leydig cells to gonadotrophins in young hypophysectomized rats
Authors: Gaytan F , Bellido C , Morales C , van Rooijen N , Aguilar E
Published: December 2008

The Leydig cells of young hypophysectomized rats are highly sensitive to the stimulatory effects of exogenous pituitary hormones. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of testicular macrophages in the response of Leydig cells to different hormones. Male rats were hypophysectomized at 28 days of age and 10 days later they were injected intratesticularly with dichloromethylene diphosphonate-containing liposomes (right testis) to deplete testicular macrophages, and with 0·9% NaCl (left testis). One week later, the animals were treated daily with 1 IU rat GH (rGH)/rat, 5 IU recombinant human FSH (recFSH)/rat, 10 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)/rat, or vehicle for 7 days. The animals were killed on the day after the last injection. The animals treated with rGH showed increased body weight and increased number and size of testicular macrophages in the left testes, but no significant effects on Leydig cells were found. Treatment with recFSH induced a significant increase in testicular weight and tubular diameter in both testes. In the left testes, the number and size of macrophages were increased; the number of Leydig cells was not changed, although they showed a significantly increased cross-sectional area. This effect was abolished in the right (macrophage-depleted) testes. However, the effect of recFSH on the growth of the seminiferous tubules was not modified by the absence of macrophages. Rats treated with hCG showed increased testicular weight and serum testosterone levels, as well as an increased weight of the ventral prostate. In the left testes, the number and size of both macrophages and Leydig cells were increased. Otherwise, the number of Leydig cells was unchanged in the absence of macrophages, whereas the increase in the size of Leydig cells was partially abolished. These data indicate that testicular macrophages are needed for the response of Leydig cells to gonadotrophin treatment.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 463–471
Devazepide reverses the anorexic effect of simmondsin in the rat
Authors: Cokelaere M M , Busselen P , Flo G , Daenens P , Decuypere E , Kühn E , Van Boven M
Published: December 2008

Simmondsin, a glycoside extracted from jojoba meal (Simmondsia chinensis), causes a reduction in food intake after oral administration. To investigate the mechanism by which simmondsin reduces food intake, fasted and freefeeding rats were given simmondsin-supplemented food and simultaneously injected with devazepide, a specific antagonist of peripheral-type cholecystokinin receptors (CCKA receptors). In free-feeding rats, supplementation of food with 0·5% simmondsin caused a reduction in food intake of ± 40% in the period of 4 h following food presentation. Intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg devazepide/kg body weight prevented this effect. In rats fasted for 20 h, the food intake in the 30 min after presentation of food supplemented with 0·15% or 0·50% simmondsin was reduced in a dose-related manner; this was also inhibited by simultaneous application of devazepide. It is suggested that peripheral CCKA receptors are involved in the effect of simmondsin on food intake. However, a direct effect of simmondsin on CCKA receptors has been excluded, since simmondsin was unable to cause contraction of the guinea-pig gallbladder in vitro.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 473–477
Ontogeny of the expression and regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1 mRNAs by human trophoblast cells during differentiation in vitro
Authors: Stephanou A , Myatt L , Eis A L W , Sarlis N , Jikihara H , Handwerger S
Published: December 2008

During human placental differentiation, mononuclear cytotrophoblast cells fuse and differentiate into syncytiotrophoblast cells. Although syncytiotrophoblast cells have been shown to express interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β and IL-6, the pattern of expression of these cytokines during placental differentiation is unknown. We have examined the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA during differentiation of cytotrophoblast cells in culture. IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis using glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase as an internal control. All three cytokine mRNA levels decreased markedly during trophoblast differentiation. After 6 days in culture, when almost all the cytotrophoblast cells had fused and differentiated into syncytiotrophoblast cells, the amounts of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA were decreased by 87·1, 72·1 and 60·9% respectively. Exogenous IL-6 had differential effects on cytokine mRNA expression. When added to placental cultures during the first 6 days of culture, IL-6 markedly inhibited IL-6, IL-1α and IL-1β mRNA expression. However, when added to the cells during days 6–9 of culture, when most of the cells were syncytiotrophoblast cells, IL-6 stimulated IL-lα and IL-1β mRNA expression. The results of these studies indicate that IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression decreases markedly during cytotrophoblast differentiation in vitro and that the regulation of trophoblast cytokine mRNA levels changes during differentiation.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 487–496
Developmental expression of the prolactin receptor gene in rat gonads
Authors: Zhang F-P , Rannikko A , Toppari J , Bartke A , Huhtaniemi I
Published: December 2008

The prolactin receptor (PRLR) is a member of the cytokine/prolactin/GH receptor family, and it is widely expressed in various mammalian tissues. Expression of the two different forms of PRLR, differing in the length of their cytoplasmic domains, was studied in rat gonads during fetal and postnatal development. The two forms of PRLR mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primer pairs specific for the different forms. The specificity of the cDNA species generated by RT-PCR was verified by Southern hybridization using nested 32P-labeled oligonucleotides. The results indicated that both forms of PRLR mRNA are expressed in the rat testis and ovary, which is in agreement with previous reports. The onset of expression of the two PRLR forms occurs on day 14·5 of fetal life in rat testis. In the ovary, the long form of PRLR mRNA appears 1 day before the short form, i.e. these forms begin to be expressed on fetal days 14·5 and 15·5 respectively. In situ hybridization with antisense cRNA probes specific to each form of the PRLR mRNAs demonstrated specific hybridization of both forms, localized in Leydig cells from day 18·5 of fetal life and at the postnatal ages studied. Compared with our previous findings concerning the ontogeny of LH receptor gene expression, PRLR gene expression starts earlier in development and exhibits no sexual dimorphism. The presence of two forms of PRLR mRNA in the fetal gonads suggest that they might play differential roles in gonadal development and function.

Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 497–505
Could the NEC be widely used in New Zealand?
Authors: Wilkinson S. , Farhi C.
Published: December 2008

One of the major changes in the UK construction industry in recent years has been wide adoption of the NEC suite of contracts. The aim of this research was to investigate whether the drivers for change to the NEC are currently present in New Zealand, along with investigation of the value the NEC is likely to add and the factors that will influence the NEC’s wider adoption. Senior construction industry players (including clients, consultants and contractors) were surveyed to investigate these research aims. A combination of in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken initially, followed by an internet-based survey to seek wider consensus on the thoughts, ideas and opinions of the interviewed research sample. The research found that the drivers for change to facilitate the adoption of the NEC are currently not significant in New Zealand construction. The study demonstrated that industry players generally believe the features and principles of the NEC would be beneficial, with project experiences for the most part confirming support for the contract. The conclusion reached by this research is that for wider adoption of the NEC to ‘add value’ within New Zealand construction, improvements in project management and procurement practices will be required.
Effects of Intensive Therapy and Antecedent Hypoglycemia on Counterregulatory Responses to Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Davis Stephen N. , Mann Stephanie , Briscoe Vanessa J. , Ertl Andrew C. , Tate Donna B.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—The physiology of counterregulatory responses during hypoglycemia in intensively treated type 2 diabetic subjects is largely unknown. Therefore, the specific aims of the study tested the hypothesis that 1) 6 months of intensive therapy to lower A1C <7.0% would blunt autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to hypoglycemia, and 2) antecedent hypoglycemia will result in counterregulatory failure during subsequent hypoglycemia in patients with suboptimal and good glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Fifteen type 2 diabetic patients (8 men/7 women) underwent 6-month combination therapy of metformin, glipizide XL, and acarbose to lower A1C to 6.7% and 2-day repeated hypoglycemic clamp studies before and after intensive therapy. A control group of eight nondiabetic subjects participated in a single 2-day repeated hypoglycemic clamp study.

RESULTS—Six-month therapy reduced A1C from 10.2 ± 0.5 to 6.7 ± 0.3%. Rates of hypoglycemia increased to 3.2 episodes per patient/month by study end. Hypoglycemia (3.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l) and insulinemia (1,722 ± 198 pmol/l) were similar during all clamp studies. Intensive therapy reduced (P < 0.05) ANS and metabolic counterregulatory responses during hypoglycemia. Antecedent hypoglycemia produced widespread blunting (P < 0.05) of neuroendocrine, ANS, and metabolic counterregulatory responses during subsequent hypoglycemia before and after intensive therapy in type 2 diabetic patients and in nondiabetic control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS—Intensive oral combination therapy and antecedent hypoglycemia both blunt physiological defenses against subsequent hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Prior hypoglycemia of only 3.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l can result in counterregulatory failure in type 2 diabetic patients with suboptimal control and can further impair physiological defenses against hypoglycemia in intensively treated type 2 diabetes.
Analysis of Mechanisms of T-2 Toxin Toxicity Using Yeast DNA Microarrays
Authors: Iwahashi Yumiko , Kitagawa Emiko , Iwahashi Hitoshi
Published: December 2008

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin that belongs to a group of type A tricothecenes found in agricultural products. The cytotoxicity of T-2 toxin was characterized by analysis of the yeast transcriptome upon challenge with T-2 toxin. Interestingly, T-2 toxin-induced yeast gene expression profiles were found to be similar to profiles obtained following cycloheximide treatment. Moreover, T-2 toxin treatment was found to activate facilitators, gluconeogenesis and cell arrest related genes such as mitogen-activated protein kinase genes (FUS3). T-2 toxin attacks the membrane and as a result the membrane transport system was disturbed. A large number of genes are induced to restore the toxicity caused by T-2 toxin. However, the data did not suggest that DNA damage by alkylation (Mag1, a gene 3-methyl-adenine DNA glycosylase, 0.46-fold down regulated), no induction of DNA repair mechanisms such as recombination (RAD26, RAD52 and etc.) and excision repair (RAD7, RAD14, RAD16, RAD23 and etc.). These results suggested that the toxicity of the T-2 toxin was due to the disturbance of the cell membrane of the yeast cell and that T-2 toxin caused mild mutagenesis.
Rural Land Use Change during 1986–2002 in Lijiang, China, Based on Remote Sensing and GIS Data
Authors: Peng Jian , Wu Jiansheng , Yin He , Li Zhengguo , Chang Qing , Mu Tianlong
Published: December 2008

As a local environmental issue with global importance, land use/land cover change (LUCC) has always been one of the key issues in geography and environmental studies with the expansion of regional case studies. While most of LUCC studies in China have focused on urban land use change, meanwhile, compared with the rapid change of urban land use in the coastal areas of eastern China, slow but distinct rural land use changes have also occurred in the mountainous areas of western China since the late 1980s. In this case through a study in Lijiang County of Yunnan Province, with the application of remote sensing data and geographic information system techniques, the process of rural land use change in mountain areas of western China was monitored through extensive statistical analysis of detailed regional data. The results showed significant increases in construction land, paddy field and dry land, and a decrease in dense forest land and waste grassland between 1986 and 2002. The conversions between dense forest land and sparse forest land, grassland, waste grassland and dry land were the primary processes of rural land use change. Sparse forest land had the highest rate of land use change, with glacier or snow-capped land the lowest; while human settlement and rural economic development were found to be the main driving forces of regional difference in the integrated land use change rate among the 24 towns of Lijiang County. Quantified through landscape metrics, spatial patterns of rural land use change were represented as an increase in landscape diversity and landscape fragmentation, and the regularization of patch shapes, suggesting the intensification of human disturbances and degradation of ecological quality in the rural landscape.
Governance of chains and networks: A research agenda
Authors: Hendrikse George
Published: December 2008

Governance concerns the organization of transactions. Four research themes regarding the governance of chains and networks are identified: decision rights, income rights, alignment, and cognition.
Marketing and Network Contracts (Agreements)
Authors: Neves Marcos Fava
Published: December 2008

The literature shows that bounded rationality makes it almost impossible to build complete contracts to manage transactions between companies. Furthermore, incomplete contracts generate opportunism problems from one of the involved parts and undesirable transaction costs that could be reduced if the process of building a contract/agreement were to include more details (exactness), even in unwritten (oral) agreements. In general, businessmen do not have the instruments to facilitate this process of building contracts, and students, who will deal with contracts at various moments in their professional lives, are not trained for this activity. This article provides a model that has been successfully used as a contract analysis tool in business networks focusing on marketing actions.
Assessment method for supply chain benefits
Authors: Leandro Scramim Fernando Cezar , Batalha Mário Otávio
Published: December 2008

Competitiveness in an agrichain is associated with efficient internal organization and with the communication systems and coordination of activities between companies in the chain. The objective of this paper is to describe how the system dynamics (SD) methodology can help the re-formulation processes of economic and productive systems, while also evaluating new interventionist policies. The SD methodology seeks to model each of the casual links explicitly, and to track the resulting system behavior over time. In this paper, a network of companies in the Brazilian milk supply chain is defined in terms of an SD model. In particular, it shows that before actions are taken, their impacts on the agent's production costs can be forecasted, giving more consistency to the study. Three scenarios are developed to study the system behavior over the simulation time by varying the expected performance of the technical assistance service introduced in the network. The network is composed of three representative groups of rural producers and a dairy company. Input data are based on a network in the central region of the state of São Paulo. The agents' unit costs are forecasted to decrease after coordinated actions are taken throughout the network over the simulation time. As a result, non-negative operational profit margins can be reached giving more stability to the whole system.
Long-term Efficacy of ADHD Pharmacotherapy in Children
Authors: Gilchrist Richard H. , Arnold L. Eugene
Published: December 2008

EXCERPT

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobehavioral disorder with core symptoms of inattention, overactivity, and impulsivity that adversely affect many domains of function across the lifespan. Numerous short-term studies confirm decrease in core symptoms from pharmacotherapy, primarily stimulants, and more recently atomoxetine. Despite ADHD being a chronic disorder and ADHD pharmacotherapy being one of the most researched topics in child psychiatry, long-term efficacy has been examined only recently. Efficacy for core symptoms through 15 months appears well established, and there is reasonable evidence through 2 years for continued efficacy in some patients. However, evidence beyond 2 years is scant and confounded with self-selection for continuation. In general, evidence for benefit in associated domains (social skills, achievement, family function, internalizing symptoms) is not as impressive as for core symptoms, but there appears to be some benefit through 14 months and possibly 2 years of treatment. The long-term examination of efficacy is complicated by the presence/development of co-morbidities, poor follow-up, poor adherence to prescribed regimens, and the healthcare system’s inability to provide prolonged, careful medication management. Future studies are needed to examine the longer-term (beyond 2 years) effects of medication management when provided at optimal, carefully monitored levels.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Richard H. Gilchrist, MD, is Child Psychiatrist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University. L. Eugene Arnold, MD, is Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University.

Address correspondence to: Richard H. Gilchrist, MD, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Timken Hall H 206, Columbus OH 43054; Richard.Gilchrist@osumc.edu.

Dr. Gilchrist has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Dr. Arnold has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: Organon, Novartis, and Shire: Consultant; Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, and Shire: Research funding recipient; and McNeil, Novartis, and Shire: Member of Speakers’ Bureau.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES Review the core symptoms of ADHD and discuss prevalence estimates in children and adolescents.Discuss the findings of the Multi-Modal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA) Cooperative Group and how they relate to the long-term efficacy of stimulant medications in children and adolescents.Determine the current evidence for the effect of long-term stimulant medication on substance abuse, accidents, risk taking behavior, and quality of life scores in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Interdependence: Building Partnerships to Continue Older Adults’ Residence in the Community
Authors: Beeber Anna Song
Published: December 2008

Current care of older adults focuses on maintenance of independence and frames assessment and decision making about when to intervene. This conceptualization focuses on older adults’ deficits and how to compensate for loss of function. Instead of considering independence to continue community residence, an alternative—interdependence—provides a conceptualization that focuses on older adults in the family context and on supportive services, which are the main components of community residence. This article presents the concept of interdependence by analyzing the current research, practice, and policy literature. The article concludes with a discussion of the application of interdependence in gerontological nursing practice and research.
Diplopia in Adults
Authors: Koller Harold P. , Medow Norman , Reynolds James
Published: December 2008

Wagner: A 65-year-old woman is referred to you by a cataract surgeon. Three weeks after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement, she is experiencing horizontal double vision at distance fixation. Reading is fine, but she has double vision while watching TV or driving. Her visual acuity is 20/20 in each eye and she is not sure when she first experienced diplopia, but it certainly has become more noticeable following surgery. How would you evaluate this patient?
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy of Eyelid Lymphangioma in a Child
Authors: Horgan Noel , Shields Carol L. , Minzter Ronald , Shields Jerry A.
Published: December 2008

A 13-month-old girl developed a superficial, multinodular, blue-grey upper eyelid mass shortly after birth. This was clinically suspected to be a lymphangioma. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a subcutaneous mass with a multicystic internal structure and fluid levels consistent with lymphangioma. Follow-up ultrasound biomicroscopy 2 years later showed stable findings.
Abnormal Head Posture in a Patient With Normal Ocular Motility: Sandifer Syndrome
Authors: Kostakis Anastassios , Manjunatha Nonavinakere P. , Kumar Ashish , Moreland Elaine S.
Published: December 2008

The authors describe an unusual presentation of abnormal head posture in a 5-year-old boy. Sandifer syndrome is associated with torticollis and gastroesopheageal reflux. Treating physicians should be aware of non-ocular causes of abnormal head posture in the absence of ocular manifestations.
The Relationship Between Tumor Cell Differentiation and Age at Diagnosis in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Madhavan Jagadeesan , Ganesh Anuradha , Roy Joseph , Biswas Jyotirmay , Kumaramanickavel Govindasamy
Published: December 2008

Purpose:
To determine the relationship between tumor cell differentiation and age at diagnosis in retinoblastoma.

Methods:
Medical records of 170 patients with retinoblastoma treated by enucleation were reviewed retrospectively. Age at diagnosis and histopathological features were analyzed.

Results:
Well-differentiated tumors presented earlier than poorly differentiated tumors. The frequency of presentation was highest in the first year of age for well-differentiated tumors and in the third year of age for poorly differentiated tumors (P < .0001). Bilateral well-differentiated tumors presented earlier than bilateral poorly differentiated tumors. Similarly, unilateral well-differentiated tumors presented earlier than unilateral poorly differentiated tumors.

Conclusions:
Differentiated tumors present earlier than poorly differentiated tumors, irrespective of laterality in retinoblastoma.
Acute Retinal Necrosis Secondary to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 with Preexisting Chorioretinal Scarring
Authors: Moesen Ingemarie , Khemka Sneh , Ayliffe William
Published: December 2008

Acute retinal necrosis in children is a devastating disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment. The authors describe a rarely reported case of bilateral acute retinal necrosis in a child caused by neonatal herpes simplex virus type 2, where the presence of previous chorioretinal scarring made diagnosis challenging.
Descemet’s Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty in Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome
Authors: Bahar Irit , Kaiserman Igor , Buys Yvonne , Rootman David
Published: December 2008

An interventional case is described to report on the clinical outcome of Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty performed for iridocorneal endothelial syndrome. A Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed in the eye of a 53-year-old woman with decompensated cornea secondary to iridocorneal endothelial syndrome. The transplant and the angle were evaluated with optical coherence tomography. Within 10 months postoperatively, the graft was clear and best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/30. Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty appears to be an effective measure to treat corneal decompensation, improve vision, and facilitate the examination of the optic disc and retina in patients with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome.
Optical Coherence Tomography Characteristics of Epiretinal Membranes in Neurofibromatosis 2
Authors: Schefler Amy C. , Dubovy Sander R. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: December 2008

Neurofibromatosis 2 is a neurocutaneous disorder that demonstrates unique ophthalmic manifestations. Several authors have noted a higher than expected incidence of epiretinal membranes in this population. In this brief case series, the authors document a series of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans performed on three patients with neurofibromatosis 2 that demonstrated epiretinal membranes with atypical and distinctive characteristics. The membranes were unusually thick, with rolled edges extending into the vitreoretinal interface. The appearance of these membranes was distinct enough to establish a pattern. In one case, the unique OCT findings were the sole reason that the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 2 was established. Ophthalmologists should consider neuroimaging in a child with any of these findings to rule out a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 2, even if the patient is otherwise asymptomatic.
Histopathologic Evaluation of Optic Neurotomy with Microvitreoretinal Blade or Excimer Laser in Cadaver Eyes
Authors: Soheilian Masoud , Kanavi Mozhgan Rezaei , Rofagha Soraya , Peyman Gholam A.
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective:
To evaluate histopathologic features of optic neurotomy with microvitreoretinal (MVR) blade or excimer laser.

Materials and Methods:
Optic neurotomy was performed in 11 cadaver eyes using a 20-gauge MVR blade and 3 cadaver eyes with pulsed xenon chloride excimer laser. Hematoxylin–eosin stained slides were used to evaluate the posterior segments of the globes, including the optic nerve head.

Results:
No eyes in the MVR group had scleral macroscopic or microscopic perforation and there was no injury to the central retinal vein or artery. The distance between the neurotomy site and the central retinal vessels ranged from 50 to 500 μm at all histologic levels in 10 eyes and was approximately 10 μm in two histologic sections and 200 μm in a third section in 1 eye. Intraneural hemorrhage was found in 11% of eyes. Neurotomy was successful in 2 of 3 eyes with the excimer laser and no neurotomy was evident on sectioning in the third eye due to cloudy media.

Conclusions:
Optic neurotomy with an MVR blade was an effective procedure for scleral outlet relaxation in cadaver eyes, with no significant surgical complications. This preliminary study also demonstrates that the excimer laser can make non-mechanical cuts with relative ease and reliability.
Keep it simple: Developing the legal lessons for more effective mediation enforcement
Authors: Katz Lucy V.
Published: December 2008

In the second of two parts, Lucy V. Katz, of Fairfield, Conn., provides more on the state of the law of mediation enforcement, and includes a sample mediation clause suitable for adaptation into your contracts.
Atmospheric pressure deposition of F‐doped SnO2 thin films from organotin fluoroalkoxide precursors
Authors: Molloy Kieran C , Stanley Joanne E
Published: December 2008

Five tributyltin fluoroalkoxides Bu3SnORf [Rf = CH(CF3)2 (1), CH2CF3 (2), CH2C2F5 (3), CH2(CF2)3CF2H (4), CH2CH2F (5)] were synthesized and assessed as precursors for the APCVD of F‐doped SnO2. O2 is required as co‐reagent to produce hard, well‐adhered coatings. Of the precursors assessed, 5 gave the best film incorporating 1.52 atom% fluorine, showing some (200) preferred orientation, resistivity of 1.30 × 10−3 Ω cm and 0.42% haze. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of phosphate anions from aqueous solutions using polypyrrole‐coated sawdust as a novel sorbent
Authors: Bajpai S. K. , Rohit V. K. , Namdeo Mini
Published: December 2008

This work was focused on the removal of phosphate ions using polypyrrole‐coated sawdust as a novel cost‐effective sorbent. The phosphate uptake followed the Langmuir sorption isotherm, and the sorption capacity at 20, 35, and 50°C was found to be 17.33, 23.41, and 30.39 mg/g, respectively; this indicated favorable sorption at higher temperatures. The kinetic uptake data were modeled with the Lagergren equation, first‐order and second‐order kinetic models, and the simple Elovich model. The results indicated that the Lagergren model best described the uptake data. The intraparticle diffusion coefficient, as determined for 250–211‐ and 630–600‐μm sorbent particles at 20°C, was found to be 287.3 × 10−2 and 228.3 × 10−2 mg g−1 min−1, respectively. The intraparticle diffusion was also confirmed with the Bangham equation. The sorption mean free energy, calculated with the Dubinin–Radushkevich equation, was found to be 10.98 kJ/mol, thus confirming an ion‐exchange regulated sorption process. The positive value of the enthalpy change (i.e., 4.23 kJ/mol) confirmed the endothermic nature of the sorption process. The negative values of the change in the standard free energy were indicative of the spontaneous nature of the sorption process. Finally, the activation energy of the sorption process for 250–212‐μm particles, determined with the Arrhenius equation, was found to be 41.68 J/mol. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of microporous particles of isotactic polypropylene via a thermally induced phaseseparation method
Authors: Lu Yingzhou , Tan Kuilong , Sun Aijun , Li Chunxi , Wang Zihao
Published: December 2008

A new method for the preparation of microporous particles of isotactic polypropylene (IPP) using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) was developed in this study, in which chloroform was used as a diluent and Span80 was used as a pore‐forming agent. The morphology and properties of the microporous IPP particles thus produced were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry, and they were compared with IPP particles produced by a cryogenic pulverization method. The results showed that IPP particles with a fully developed microporous structure, an average particle size between 50 and 120 μm, and a specific area of about 5.19 m2/g can be obtained via the TIPS method under definite conditions. The influence of some factors on the size and porosity of IPP particles is discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
New ultraviolet‐curable formulations for bonding poly(vinyl chloride)‐coated fiberglass wire mesh for reinforcement applications
Authors: Nikles David E. , Farahat Medhat S.
Published: December 2008

The advantages of the ultraviolet (UV)‐curing process are numerous, including a rapid cure, conservation of energy, environmental and user friendliness, and superior finish properties such as a high gloss and chemical and scuff resistance. In addition, the UV‐curing process offers flexibility suitable for sensitive substrates and complete screen stability because UV ink dries on exposure only to a UV‐energy source and not to ambient UV‐light sources such as sunlight or fluorescent shop lights. Industrial methods apply traditional heat setting to form mesh reinforcement structures from poly(vinyl chloride)‐coated fiberglass wires. The main defects of this method are the inefficiency and inconsistency of the process plus the huge consumption of power needed to generate the necessary thermal energy to bond the wire mesh. The heating process also causes quicker degradation of the wire and shortens the lifetime of the product. The purpose of this current innovative work is to replace this defective heat‐setting method with the more efficient and very advantageous method of applying UV‐curable coatings for this task. The obtained results are prospective for this endeavor, covering the issues of energy conservation, the economy of the process, and the improved mechanical properties of the finished product. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Fluorescent chemosensor based on the conjugated polymer incorporating 2,2′‐bipyridyl moiety for transition metal ions
Authors: Miao Qian , Huang Xiaobo , Cheng Yaqian , Liu Yan , Zong LiLi , Cheng Yixiang
Published: December 2008

A fluorescent conjugated polymer was synthesized by the polymerization of 1,4‐dibromo‐2,3‐bisbutoxynaphthalene (M‐2) with 5,5′‐divinyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (M‐3) via Heck reaction. The conjugated polymer shows strong blue–green fluorescence because of the extended π‐electronic structure between the repeating unit 2,3‐bisbutoxynaphthyl group and the conjugated linker 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) moiety via vinylene bridge. The responsive properties of the conjugated polymer on transition metal ions were investigated by fluorescent and UV–vis spectra. The results show that Cu2+and Ni2+can form nonradiative metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer complexes with the polymer, whereas, Zn2+and Cd2+do not produce the pronounced differences from the polymer fluorescence and UV–vis spectra. The fluorescent quenching can probably be attributed to the intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer (PET) or photoinduced charge transfer (PCT). The results can also suggest that 2,2′‐bipyridyl moiety in the main chain backbone of the conjugated polymer can act as the recognition site of a special fluorescent chemosensor for sensitive detection of transition metal ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Sulfate reduction at pH 4 during the thermophilic (55°C) acidification of sucrose in UASB reactors
Authors: Lopes S. I. C. , Capela M. I. , Dar S. A. , Muyzer G. , Lens P. N. L.
Published: December 2008

Continuous sulfate reduction at pH 4.0 was demonstrated in a pH controlled thermophilic (55°C) upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactor fed with sucrose at a COD/SO42− ratio of 0.9 and an organic loading rate of 0.8 and 1.9 gCOD (lreactor d)−1 for a period of 78 days. A nearly complete sulfate reduction efficiency was achieved throughout the reactor run, corresponding to sulfate removal rates of 0.91 and 1.92 g (lreactor d)−1 at sulfate loading rates of 0.94 and 2 g (lreactor d)−1, respectively, by keeping the sulfide concentration below 20 mg l−1 due to stripping with nitrogen gas. Acidification was always complete and acetate was the only degradation intermediate left in the effluent, which did not exceed 180 mgCOD l−1 in pseudo‐stationary states. The sludge was well retained in the reactor and kept its granular form. Zn, Cu, Se, and Mo accumulated in the sludge, whereas Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn leached from the sludge, despite their continuous supply to the reactor via the influent. The bacterial diversity in the reactor sludge at the end of the reactor run was low and the culture was dominated by one acidifying species, resembling Thermoanaerobacterium sp., and one sulfate reducing species, resembling Desulfotomaculum sp.
On quasi‐steady laminar flow separation in the upper airways
Authors: Van Hirtum A. , Cisonni J. , Pelorson X.
Published: December 2008

Accurate prediction of the position of flow separation along a constriction is important to model fluid–structure interaction phenomena in the upper airways such as phonation and obstructive sleep apnea. Flow assumptions underlying common flow descriptions along the upper airways are formulated. Flow separation positions obtained from theories with different degrees of complexity are qualitatively and quantitatively discussed. In particular, geometrical and flow features determining the influence of viscosity are varied. Increasing the constriction degree and the constriction length is shown to affect the position of flow separation. Boundary layer solutions and simulations with the two‐dimensional Navier Stokes equations result in an accurate quantitative prediction of flow separation. Furthermore, Jeffery–Hamel flow solutions qualitatively predict the effect of both constriction height and length on the position of flow separation. The ad hoc assumption applied in quasi‐one‐dimensional flow descriptions does not accurately predict flow separation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.