bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae as Causal Agent of Bacterial Canker of Yellow Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planchon) in Central Italy
Authors: Ferrante Patrizia , Scortichini Marco
Published: April 2009

Angular, necrotic leaf spot, longitudinal cracks along the petiole, oozing and wilting of branches were observed during summer 2008 on Actinidia chinensis (yellow kiwifruit) cultivar Hort16A, cultivated in different orchards located the province of Latina (central Italy). Symptoms closely resembled those incited by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae on kiwifruit A. deliciosa. Isolates obtained from typical lesions were assessed by means of biochemical, pathogenicity and host range tests and compared with some Pseudomonas syringae pathovars by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC‐PCR) analysis. The isolates belong to Pseudomonas LOPAT group Ia, incited the death of pot‐cultivated A. chinensis cv. Hort 16A and A. deliciosa cv. Hayward plants in few days, but did not cause any symptoms to the other inoculated plant species. Upon ERIC‐PCR analysis, all the isolates showed similarity with P. syringae pv. actinidiae NCPPB 3739, type‐strain of the pathovar. This is the first report of this pathogen on A. chinensis in Italy and, as far as we currently know, in the world.
Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Group 16SrI‐B Phytoplasma Associated with Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Syndrome in Brazil
Authors: Silva Eliane G. , Bedendo Ivan P. , Casagrande Marcos V. , Moraes Vicente A.
Published: April 2009

Yellow leaf syndrome was a serious problem in the beginning of the 1990s in Brazil, when yield losses were estimated to be around 50%. The disease is currently endemic, but it is considered potentially important. Previous studies have revealed only the presence of a luteovirus associated with the disease in Brazil. We report that a phytoplasma of 16SrI‐B is also associated with this disease. This is the first demonstration of the presence of a group 16SrI‐B phytoplasma in association with sugarcane yellow leaf in Brazil.
Clinical evaluation of urolithiasis in Crohn's disease
Authors: Ishii Genichi , Nakajima Kouichi , Tanaka Norie , Hara Hiroshi , Kato Moriaki , Ishii Nobuhisa
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To investigate the characteristics of urolithiasis associated with Crohn's disease in a Japanese population.

Methods:  We studied 98 patients with Crohn's disease: 39 with urolithiasis and 59 without urolithiasis. Patients were treated at the Social Insurance Central General Hospital, or at the Toho University Omori, Ohashi, or Sakura Medical Centers.

Results:  Calculi were more frequent in men (n = 30) than women (n = 9). Mean time from diagnosis of Crohn's disease to diagnosis of calculi was 8.8 years (range 0 to 22 years). Calculi were present on the right side in 19 patients and the left side in 19 patients. Stone were composed of calcium oxalate in nine patients, calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate in two patients, and ammonium urate in five patients. The rate of concurrent calculi was significantly higher in ileostomates. The probability of developing calculi was approximately eight times higher for patients with a urine pH of ≤6.0 than for those with a urine pH of ≥6.5.

Conclusions:  The rate of concurrent urolithiasis was higher in patients with a urine pH of ≤6.0, ileostomy, or two or more bowel resections. To prevent formation of calculi, Crohn's disease patients require regular urological examination including urinalysis, ultrasonography, and kidney ureter bladder X‐ray.
Carbon Labelling and Low‐income Country Exports: A Review of the Development Issues
Authors: Brenton Paul , Edwards‐Jones Gareth , Jensen Michael Friis
Published: April 2009

This article discusses the carbon accounting and carbon‐labelling schemes being developed to address growing concerns over climate change. Its particular concern is their impact on small stakeholders, especially low‐income countries. The popular belief that trade is by definition problematic is not true; carbon efficiencies elsewhere in the supply chain may more than offset emissions from transportation. Indeed, low‐income countries may offer important opportunities for carbon emission reductions because of their favourable climatic conditions and use of low energy‐intensive production techniques. However, their effective inclusion in labelling schemes will require innovative solutions to provide low‐cost data collection and certification.
‘Rule of Law’ initiatives and the liberal peace: the impact of politicised reform in post‐conflict states
Authors: Peterson Jenny H.
Published: April 2009

Strengthening the ‘Rule of Law’ (RoL) has emerged as a key requirement in the reconstruction of conflict‐affected states. No longer simply a philosophical ideal, RoL now exists as a tangible set of policies created and implemented by international actors, to which conflict‐affected states are expected to conform. Masked in the neutral, apolitical rhetoric of blind and objective justice, RoL programming is in fact a political tool within the larger liberal peacebuilding project. Its employment as such mutes its potential contribution to constructing a positive peace as it often creates new socio‐political tensions and distorts accountability structures. An analysis of reforms in Kosovo under the United Nations administration illustrates the potential for liberal RoL reforms to increase insecurity in the short term and threaten the sustainability of peacebuilding reforms in the long term. Instrumental use of RoL programming thus provides further evidence of weaknesses and contradictions within the politicised liberal peacebuilding project, necessitating reconsideration of its role in post‐conflict transformations.
Turbulence in Integrable Systems
Authors: Zakharov Vladimir E.
Published: April 2009

Nonlinear wave systems integrable by Inverse Scattering Method (ISM) could demonstrate a complex behavior that demands the statistical description. The theory of this description composes a new chapter in the theory of wave turbulence—Turbulence in Integrable Systems. All systems integrable by ISM are separated in two classes: strongly and weakly integrable. Systems of both classes have infinite array of motion constants but only for strongly integrable systems this array is complete. As a result, the scattering is trivial in these systems. It means that all the collision terms in kinetic equations of arbitrary high order are identically zero. The examples of strongly integrable systems are: KdV, NLSE, and KP‐2 equations. In strongly integrable systems one can choose as initial data a statistically homogenous random field with a given pair correlation function such that this function is invariant in time. The spatial spectrum of an equilibrium state can be chosen in an arbitrary way. In weakly integrable systems (KP‐1, three‐wave system, etc) the kinetic equations are nontrivial. They have infinite but incomplete set of motion constants. These kinetic equations have infinite amount of Rayley–Jeans‐type stationary solutions, though their general stationary solutions are not explored yet.
THE BORDER BETWEEN CORE AND PERIPHERY: GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE WORLD SYSTEM
Authors: VANOLO ALBERTO
Published: April 2009

Geographical metaphors such as centre‐periphery or First‐Second‐Third World are widely used to describe the world economic system. This paper discusses the role of metaphors in geographical representations and proposes some guidelines for the analysis and classification. This methodology is then applied to a sample of well known textual metaphors used to describe the world economic scenario, including ideas of a First‐Second‐Third World, North‐South, core‐periphery, Global Triad, global network, flat and fluid world. The classification is linked to the debates originating such metaphors, and it will be used in order to propose some concluding remarks on the possibility of development of new geographical metaphors.
THE SPATIAL DIVISION OF TALENT IN CITY REGIONS: LOCATION DYNAMICS OF BUSINESS SERVICES IN COPENHAGEN
Authors: HANSEN HØGNI KALSØ , WINTHER LARS
Published: April 2009

The paper focuses on the location dynamics and spatial distribution of talent by workplace to provide evidence of the multiplicity of economic geographies of city regions. City regions are not just homogenous growth machines but complex urban landscapes. The economic growth and revitalisation of the city region and the rise of the knowledge economy, including the growth of advanced business services, have produced new location dynamics that have changed the spatial division of labour. The rise of the knowledge economy has lead to an increasing focus on labour and labour qualification as an important location factor, including the recent focus on the creative class and human capital. Based on an analysis of Copenhagen, we examine the spatial division of talent within industries to provide evidence that new uneven economic geographies of city regions are currently being produced as a result of the new location dynamics of the knowledge economy. Further, it is argued that the intraregional division of talent differs considerably even within knowledge intensive industries.
DEVELOPING CROSS‐BORDER REGIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEMS: KEY FACTORS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: TRIPPL MICHAELA
Published: April 2009

The literature on regional innovation systems has considerably enhanced our understanding of the critical role played by geographical proximity and local institutional conditions for the production of new knowledge and its economic exploitation. In most cases, however, both theoretical and empirical work has focused on regional innovation systems situated within a national context. Little research has been done so far on cross‐border regional innovation systems. The aim of this paper is to explore conceptually whether the theoretical approach of regional innovation systems can be applied to cross‐border settings. It investigates some critical conditions for the emergence of transfrontier innovation systems and concludes that cross‐border areas differ enormously regarding their capacity to develop an integrated innovation space.
THE EARNINGS EFFECT OF ETHNIC LABOUR MARKET CONCENTRATION UNDER MULTI‐RACIAL METROPOLITAN CONTEXTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: WANG QINGFANG
Published: April 2009

Urban labour market segmentation along the lines of ethnicity/race has drawn considerable attention with the huge influx of immigration in the United States. Using data from the US 2000 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS), this study employs a multilevel approach (1) to compare job earnings of non‐Hispanic White, Black, Hispanic and Asian workers in their respective concentrated and non‐concentrated sectors and (2) to examine how metropolitan characteristics influence these earnings. The findings show that engaging in ethnic niche labour market sectors is the main source of earning inequalities among different ethnic groups. Structural conditions including ethnic composition, growth of immigration, racial residential segregation, economic structure and macroeconomic conditions vary across regional labour markets at the metropolitan area level and significantly affect job earnings between niche and non‐niche sectors across racial/ethnic groups.
Rickman revisited: the population growth rates of English counties in the early modern period1
Authors: WRIGLEY E. A.
Published: April 2009

In the 1830s, Rickman, who had supervised the taking of the first four censuses, secured additional returns of baptisms, burials, and marriages from all Anglican incumbents whose registers began early. He made use of the returns to produce new estimates of the population of each county from the sixteenth century onwards. His estimates were published in the 1841 census after his death and have been very widely quoted ever since. This article presents new county estimates, taking advantage of the fact that it is now possible to avoid some of the logical difficulties that Rickman encountered because independent estimates of national population totals are now available.
Depression begets depression: Comparing the predictive utility of depression and anxiety symptoms to later depression
Authors: Keenan Kate , Feng Xin , Hipwell Alison , Klostermann Susan
Published: April 2009

Background:  The high comorbidity between depressive and anxiety disorders, especially among females, has called into question the independence of these two symptom groups. It is possible that childhood anxiety typically precedes depression in girls. Comparing of the predictive utility of symptoms of anxiety with the predictive utility of symptoms of depression from early childhood to early adolescence is needed to test this hypothesis.

Methods:  Data from a population‐based sample of 2,451 girls were used to examine age‐related changes and year‐to‐year stability within and across symptoms of major depression, separation anxiety, and generalized/social anxiety by maternal report from ages 6 to 12. In addition, the predictive utility of symptoms of major depression, separation anxiety, and generalized/social anxiety at ages 7–10 years of age to depressive disorders at ages 11–13 was tested.

Results:  Symptoms of separation anxiety demonstrated a linear decrease, depression symptoms a linear increase and symptoms of generalized/social anxiety an increase from 6–8, a plateau 8–10, followed by a decrease from 10–12 years. Year‐to‐year changes in symptoms of major depression were best predicted by depressive symptoms in the previous year, although a small amount of additional variance was accounted for by separation anxiety symptoms in early childhood and generalized/social anxiety symptoms in mid to later childhood. Age 8 was the earliest age from which depressive disorders in early adolescence could be predicted from symptoms of depression and generalized social anxiety.

Conclusions:  Homotypic continuity of depression and anxiety symptoms from early childhood to early adolescence is more common in girls than heterotypic continuity. Some additional information about year‐to‐year changes in depression symptoms and later depressive disorder is gained by assessing anxiety symptoms. Depressive symptoms themselves, however, appear to be the strongest and most reliable predictor of later depression.
How do changes in body functions and structures, activity, and participation relate in children with cerebral palsy?
Authors: Wright F Virginia , Rosenbaum Peter L , Goldsmith Charles H , Law Mary , Fehlings Darcy L
Published: April 2009

Rehabilitation increasingly addresses the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health's (ICF) concepts of activity and participation, but little is known about associations between changes in body functions and structures, activity, and participation. We conducted a before‐and‐after study of 35 ambulatory children with spastic diplegia or hemiplegic cerebral palsy, mean age 5 years 6 months (SD 2y 2mo). Children were in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I (n=11), II (n=12), or III (n=12). We assessed body functions and structures, activity, and participation at baseline and at 2 months and 6 months post‐botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) injection. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance evaluated change, and linear regression assessed relationships. Baseline score relationships were moderate to strong but, despite similar directions of change at 2 months, change score relationships between measures of body functions and structures (spasticity and timed walk), activity (Gross Motor Function Measure and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory), and participation (Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument) at 2 months and 6 months were poor to fair (r<0.40). Predictor combinations accounted for <69% of variation in activity and participation change scores. Predictors often pertained to baseline score, GMFCS level, or age. Relationships between changes at different ICF levels are complex, and activity and participation gains post‐BoNT‐A are likely to be influenced by the child and environment factors.
Effects of methylphenidate on quality of life in children with both developmental coordination disorder and ADHD
Authors: Flapper Boudien CT , Schoemaker Marina M
Published: April 2009

Measurement of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) gives a more complete picture of day‐to‐day functioning and treatment effects than behavioural rating alone. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the impact of the combined diagnoses of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and ADHD on HRQOL, and the effectiveness of methylphenidate (MPH) on HRQOL. HRQOL was established using the Dutch‐Child‐AZL‐TNO‐Quality‐of‐Life (DUX‐25) and the TNO‐AZL‐Child‐Quality‐of‐Life (TACQOL) questionnaires, completed by children and parents. HRQOL of these children was compared with that of 23 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Twenty‐three children (21 males, two females; mean age 8y 6mo, [SD 3mo] range 7y‐10y 8mo) with ADHD/DCD entered a 4‐week, open‐label MPH study, after MPH‐sensitivity was established, in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. In these children's self‐ and proxy reports, impact of both DCD and ADHD was reflected in lower general well‐being (self and proxy report p=0.001) due to lower functioning in motor (selfp=0.026; proxy 0.001), autonomic (self p<0.001; proxy p=0.047), cognitive (self p=0.001; proxy p=0.01), and social (self and proxy p<0.001) domains. HRQOL scores improved in 18 children receiving MPH (p=0.001) versus controls. The ADHD /DCD group also demonstrated a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms (p<0.001) and motor functioning (p<0.001). Additional motor therapy will still be needed in about half of the children with ADHD/DCD receiving MPH, within multimodal treatment including educational and psychosocial assistance.
Analysis of the International Classification of Headache Disorders for diagnosis of migraine and tension‐type headache in children
Authors: Rossi Livia N , Vajani Stefania , Cortinovis Ivan , Spreafico Federica , Menegazzo Lucia
Published: April 2009

In 2004, the revised International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD‐II) was published. This study evaluates: (1) the results obtained from applying ICHD‐II to children with primary headaches to distinguish between migraine without aura (MO) and tension‐type headache (TTH); and (2) the results obtained from introducing modifications of the classification criteria for MO as suggested by various authors. There were 200 participants (93 males, 107 females; age range 3‐17y, mean 9y 8mo [SD 2y 7mo]). According to the ICHD‐II, MO compared with TTH was characterized by: higher intensity of pain; higher frequency of associated symptoms; and higher number of precipitating factors. The significant difference found between patients with MO/probable MO and those with TTH/probable TTH for the variables used in the ICHD‐II shows that these variables describe the two forms well. However, 15.5% of children proved to be unclassifiable, mainly because they could not give information for some criteria; other reasons for this were too short a duration of episodes and the possible overlap of criteria describing probable MO and probable TTH. The frequency of one variable, pulsating pain, significantly increased with age. Reduction of duration to 1 hour for MO produced a statistically non‐significant increase in the number of children with MO. Behaviour during attacks was found to be simple to apply in evaluating intensity and therefore was introduced as a new criterion. Severe intensity was related to MO, whereas moderate or low‐intensity was related to TTH.
Metabotropic glutamate type 5, dopamine D2 and adenosine A2a receptors form higher‐order oligomers in living cells
Authors: Cabello Nuria , Gandía Jorge , Bertarelli Daniela C. G. , Watanabe Masahiko , Lluís Carme , Franco Rafael , Ferré Sergi , Luján Rafael , Ciruela Francisco
Published: April 2009

G protein‐coupled receptors are known to form homo‐ and heteromers at the plasma membrane, but the stoichiometry of these receptor oligomers are relatively unknown. Here, by using bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we visualized for the first time the occurrence of heterodimers of metabotropic glutamate mGlu5 receptors (mGlu5R) and dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) in living cells. Furthermore, the combination of bimolecular fluorescence complementation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer techniques, as well as the sequential resonance energy transfer technique, allowed us to detect the occurrence receptor oligomers containing more than two protomers, mGlu5R, D2R and adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR). Interestingly, by using high‐resolution immunoelectron microscopy we could confirm that the three receptors co‐distribute within the extrasynaptic plasma membrane of the same dendritic spines of asymmetrical, putative glutamatergic, striatal synapses. Also, co‐immunoprecipitation experiments in native tissue demonstrated the existence of an association of mGlu5R, D2R and A2AR in rat striatum homogenates. Overall, these results provide new insights into the molecular composition of G protein‐coupled receptor oligomers in general and the mGlu5R/D2R/A2AR oligomer in particular, a receptor oligomer that might constitute an important target for the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders.
G Protein independent phosphorylation and internalization of the δ‐opioid receptor
Authors: Bradbury Faye A. , Zelnik Jennifer C. , Traynor John R.
Published: April 2009

Agonist activation of the δ‐opioid receptor leads to internalization via Gβγ recruitment of G protein coupled receptor kinase‐2, which phosphorylates the receptor at several sites, including Ser363, allowing β‐arrestin binding and localization to clathrin coated pits. Using human embryonic kidney cells expressing a δ‐opioid receptor we tested the hypothesis that prevention of receptor coupling to G protein by treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) will block these processes. PTX treatment did not reduce phosphorylation of δ‐opioid receptor Ser363 in response to the agonist [d‐Pen2,d‐Pen5]enkephalin, or recruitment of β‐arrestin 2‐green fluorescent protein to the membrane and only slowed, but did not prevent, [d‐Pen2,d‐Pen5]enkephalin‐induced internalization. Similarly, PTX treatment only partially prevented the ability of the δ‐opioid peptide agonists deltorphin II and [Met5]enkephalin and the non‐peptide agonist BW373U86 to induce receptor internalization. No internalization was seen with morphine, oxymorphindole or the putative δ1‐opioid agonist TAN‐67 in the presence or absence of PTX, even though TAN‐67 showed a strong activation of G protein, as measured by guanosine‐5′‐O‐(3‐[35S]thio)triphosphate binding. The ability of an agonist to stimulate phosphorylation at Ser363 was predictive of its capacity to induce internalization. The results suggest a role for G protein in δ‐opioid receptor internalization, but show that alternative G protein independent pathways exist.
‘As time goes by’: Explaining the transposition of maritime directives1
Authors: STEUNENBERG BERNARD , KAEDING MICHAEL
Published: April 2009

The aim of this article is to explain the speed with which Member States transpose EC directives in the maritime sector. By discussing earlier work, the focus is on explanatory factors related to the contents of the directive that needs to be transposed and the context within which national transposition takes place. The authors' expectations have been tested using data across seven Member States and 32 maritime directives. Using survival analysis based on Cox regression, several political‐administrative and legal factors are identified that have an impact on the speed of transposition. The political sensitivity of the directive and the total number of national implementing measures lengthens the duration of transposition, while the degree of specialisation of the directive, the use of package law and experience speed up transposition. The authors also find that the impact of some of these explanatory factors changes over time. This underscores the importance of taking time seriously and to explore time dependency in further theoretical work on explaining policy‐making processes.
The COMFORT behavioural scale and the modified FLACC scale in paediatric intensive care
Authors: Johansson Monica , Kokinsky Eva
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives:  To evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of the behavioural COMFORT and a modified version of the FLACC scale for assessment of pain and sedation in intubated and ventilated children and to evaluate the construct validity of the FLACC scale for assessment of pain.

Background:  Few instruments are available for assessment of pain/sedation in paediatric intensive care.

Design:  A prospective observational study was performed postoperatively in 40 children aged 0–10 years.

Methods:  Two trained nurses observed the child simultaneously and assessing COMFORT behavioural (COMFORT‐B) and FLACC scores. In comparison, two bedside nurses concurrently scored pain using an observational visual analogue scale (VASobs) and sedation using the Nurse Interpretation of Sedation (NIS) score: oversedated, adequately or insufficient sedated. In 20 additional patients, one nurse assessed FLACC scores before and after analgesics.

Results:  The majority of patients were <1 year. A moderate but significant correlation was found between each scale and both sedation and VASobs. COMFORT‐B differentiated better than FLACC between the three sedation levels. For those assessed to be in pain (VASobs > 3), both COMFORT‐B and FLACC scores were significantly different compared with VASobs < 3. The interrater reliability was high for COMFORT‐B and FLACC (kappa 0·71 and 0·63, respectively). For bedside nurses’ assessment of pain, the interrater reliability was high (kappa 0·63) but low for the level of sedation (kappa 0·20). After administration of analgesics, the FLACC median score decreased significantly from 5 to 0.

Conclusions:  The COMFORT‐B scale was a more reliable measure of children’s sedation than bedside subjective assessment and gives more substantial information about sedation than the FLACC scale. Concurrent validity for assessment of pain was supported for both scales. The modified FLACC showed construct validity for measuring pain.

Relevance to clinical practice:  The use of validated scales may improve the assessment and management of pain and sedation in intubated children.
Feline Ilial Fractures: Assessment of Screw Loosening and Pelvic Canal Narrowing After Lateral Plating
Authors: HAMILTON MICHAEL H. , EVANS DAVID A. , LANGLEY‐HOBBS SORREL J.
Published: April 2009

Objective— To report the incidence of (1) screw loosening and (2) severity of pelvic canal narrowing in cats after repair of ilial fractures by a lateral bone plate.

Study Design— Case series.

Animals— Cats (n=21) with ilial fractures.

Methods— Medical records (June 1994 to February 2004) and radiographs were reviewed. Retrieved data were: signalment, fracture description, screw purchase, screw loosening, complications, and clinical outcome. Sacral index (SI) was used to objectively assess degree of pelvic canal narrowing. Long‐term follow‐up was by owner telephone interview or postal questionnaire.

Results— Screw loosening occurred in 13 cats (62%), with a mean loss of total screw purchase of 13% (range, 0–46%). Pelvic canal narrowing (mean decrease, 25%; range, 5–60%) occurred in all cats. Six cats (28%) had severe pelvic canal narrowing (mean, 52%); 5 of these had signs of recurrent constipation within 12 months postoperatively. Mean loss of total screw purchase in cats with severe pelvic narrowing was 28% compared with 9% for all other cats with narrowing.

Conclusions— Lateral plating of ilial fractures in cats is associated with a high incidence of screw loosening.

Clinical Relevance— Pelvic canal narrowing >45% is associated with a high risk of recurrent constipation.
Use of Computed Tomography in Standing Position to Identify Guidelines for Screw Insertion in the Distal Phalanx of Horses: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: VANDEWEERD JEAN‐MICHEL E. , PERRIN ROLAND , LAUNOIS THOMAS , BROGNIEZ LAURENT , CLEGG PETER D. , DESBROSSE FRANCIS G.
Published: April 2009

Objectives—To compare the precision of radiography and computed tomography (CT) preoperatively in the standing position for identification of guidelines for screw insertion in the distal phalanx, and to identify whether standing CT might improve operative time compared with preoperative radiographic planning.

Study Design—Experimental ex vivo study.

Animals—Cadaveric equine thoracic limb pairs (n=10).

Methods—Insertion of a 4.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion into an intact distal phalanx was evaluated in 2 groups (n=10) of cadaveric equine thoracic limbs. In 1 group, the site, direction, and length of the implant were determined by radiography, and in the other group, by CT. Accuracy of screw placement was verified by specimen dissection. Outcomes were (1) absence of penetration of the articular surface, the solar surface, or the semilunar canal (2) appropriate length and direction of the screw. Surgical time was also measured.

Results—No screw penetrated the articular surface, the solar surface, or the semilunar canal in either group. CT was more accurate to identify guidelines for screw insertion (U=23.50,P=.049). With CT, surgical time (mean, 7.7 minutes) was significantly shorter (U=0.000,P=.000) than with radiography (mean, 12.7 minutes).

Conclusion—Standing CT can be used to accurately determine anatomic landmarks for screw insertion in lag fashion in sagittal fractures of the distal phalanx.

Clinical Relevance—This study has a clear clinical relevance for improved internal fixation of sagittal fractures of the distal phalanx.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Value of Ultrasonography and Standing Radiography for Pelvic–Femoral Disorders in Horses
Authors: GEBUREK FLORIAN , RÖTTING ANNA K. , STADLER PETER M.
Published: April 2009

Objective—To assess agreement between ultrasonography (transcutaneous and transrectal) and standing radiography in horses with fractures in the pelvic region and disorders of the coxofemoral joint.

Study Design—Case series.

Animals—Warmblood horses (n=23) and 2 ponies.

Methods—Medical records (1999–2008) of equids with pelvic or coxofemoral disorders that had pelvic radiography and ultrasonography were retrieved and results of both techniques compared.

Results—Radiography and ultrasonography each identified equal numbers of fractures of the tuber coxa (n=4), ilial shaft (2), ischium (3), femoral neck (2), and osteoarthritis/osis of the coxofemoral joint (6). Fractures of the ilial wing (4) were only identified by ultrasonography not by standing radiography. Of 9 acetabular fractures, 3 were identified on radiographs only, 5 were identified with both modalities. One pubic fracture was identified using ultrasonography and radiography. One acetabular and 1 pubic fracture were only diagnosed on necropsy.

Conclusions—We found reasonable agreement (73%; 24/33) between ultrasonography and standing radiography for diagnosis of pelvic–femoral disorders. Ultrasonography was more useful for ilial wing fractures and radiography for acetabular fractures.

Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonography is a rapid, safe imaging technique for detecting disorders of the pelvic region with a high diagnostic yield and is a preferred initial approach in horses with severe hindlimb lameness.
Surgical Treatment of Mineralized and Nonmineralized Supraspinatus Tendinopathy in Twenty‐four Dogs
Authors: PILAR LAFUENTE M. , FRANSSON BOEL A. , LINCOLN JAMES D. , MARTINEZ STEVEN A. , GAVIN PATRICK R. , LAHMERS KEVIN K. , GAY JOHN M.
Published: April 2009

Objective—To report and compare the clinical diagnosis, surgical treatment, histopathologic changes, and outcomes of dogs with mineralized and nonmineralized supraspinatus tendinopathy (ST).

Study Design—Case series.

Animals—Dogs (n=24) with ST.

Methods—Medical records (1995–2006) of dogs with ST that had surgical treatment were reviewed. Results of clinical examination, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology of resected tendon tissue, and outcome were compared between dogs with mineralized and nonmineralized ST.

Results—There were 15 dogs with mineralized ST and 9 with nonmineralized ST. Chronic, unilateral, intermittent or waxing‐waning lameness, and pain elicited on palpation of the cranial aspect of the shoulder were the most consistent findings. On ultrasonographic or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 35 shoulders, enlargement of the supraspinatus tendon (54%), increased fluid content (63%), and medial displacement of the biceps tendon (60%) were observed. Eleven of 12 dogs with bilateral abnormalities only had unilateral lameness. Surgery was performed in 30 shoulders. Resected tendon specimens had myxomatous degeneration and/or cartilaginous metaplasia in 11 of 13 dogs in the mineralized group and all 9 dogs in the nonmineralized group. Functional outcome after surgery was poor in 3 dogs and good‐to‐excellent in 16.

Conclusions—Mineralized and nonmineralized ST have many similarities. Although lameness is usually unilateral, the supraspinatus tendon may be affected bilaterally.

Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonography and MRI are good imaging techniques for detection of ST especially the nonmineralized form. Surgical treatment results in good recovery of limb function. Nonmineralized ST is a recently described disorder in dogs and evaluation of more cases is necessary to determine outcome after surgical or medical treatment.
Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Impaired Left Ventricular Function: The Role of Propafenone
Authors: BRODSKY MICHAEL A. , ALLEN BYRON J.
Published: April 2009

The combined occurrence of left ventricular dysfunction and ‐ventricular tachyarrhythmias portends a high annual mortality. Anti arrhythmic drugs can ameliorate ventricular arrhythmia and may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. We administered propafenone to 15 patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and left ventricular ejection fractions 40%. Propafenone significantly reduced isolated ventricular premature depolarizations, couplets, and ventricular tachycardia on ambulatory monitoring. Propafenone eliminated all exercise provocable ventricular tachycardia. Propafenone additionally abolished ventricular tachycardia inducible by programmed stimulation in 4 of 7 patients. In 8 patients studied before and during therapy, there was no significant change in left ventricular ejection fraction as determined by nuclear ventriculography. Propafenone was discontinued in 4 patients due to side effects. Seven patients receiving continuing propafenone therapy remain alive with only one patient suffering arrhythmia recurrence. Propafenone is an effective drug for the management of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and may be used for patients with impaired left ventricular function.
The Use of the Implanted Pacemaker as an In Vivo Electrophysiology Laboratory
Authors: FLETCHER ROSS D. , WISH MARC , COHEN ANDREW
Published: April 2009

A growing number of patients require invasive electrophysiological testing initially to evaluate a predisposition of symptomatic tachyarrhythmias. Once confirmed, periodic repeat testing is required to assess the status of the arrhythmia and the effectiveness of any therapeutic intervention. Many of these patients also have a single‐ or dual‐chamber pacemaker for bradycardia support. Beginning in 1980, these systems have been noninvasively coupled to a programmable stimulator enabling the already implanted system to serve as an in vivo electrophysiology laboratorry. This has precluded the need for repetitive invasive procedures and sometimes hospitalization. The experience with this technique is reviewed.
Propafenone—Clinical Electrophysiology and Efficacy in Patients with Documented or Potentially Life‐threatening Arrhythmias
Authors: FANANAPAZIR LAMEH , PRYSTOWSKY ERIC N.
Published: April 2009

Propafenone is a new antiarrhythmic agent that inhibits the fast sodium channel and decreases phase 0 of the cardiac action potential. Since it has relatively little effect on the action potential duration, it has been classified as a type IC agent. Propafenone prolongs electrocardiographic intervals including PR and QRS. In addition, atrial and ventricular refractory periods generally are lengthened. Initial reports suggest a favorable effect on suppressing conduction over accessory pathways. Propafenone has been shown to have effectiveness in suppressing life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias as well. Electrophysiological testing is useful, but data such as mode of induction and rate of induced tachycardia should be considered in addition to inducibility status.
Dispersion of Refractoriness in Ventricular Tachycardia Induction from the Right Ventricle
Authors: KUS TERESA , FROMER MARTIN , DUBUC MARC , SHENASA MOHAMMAD
Published: April 2009

To determine whether dispersion of ventricular refractoriness plays a role in ventricular tachycardia induction from the right ventricle, we measured effective and functional refractory period at the apex and outflow tract. Induction was attempted at both sites using two train cycle lengths and up to two extrastimuli. Twenty‐two patients with remote myocardial infarction and documented ventricular tachycardia or sudden death were studied. Fourteen (group IA) had tachycardia inducible using this protocol; eight (group IB) did not. Dispersion defined as the absolute difference between the two sites was significantly greater in group IA than in group IB for functional refractoriness (e.g., 22 ± 21 msec vs 9 ± 11 msec at a cycle length of 600 msec), whereas dispersion of ventricular effective refractory period was not. A dispersion of 20 msec or greater had a positive predictive value of 90% for tachycardia induction. These results were compared to two control groups: group II (13 patients) with remote infarction but neither documented nor inducible ventricular tachycardia and group III (19 patients) without infarction or ventricular tachycardia. Dispersion of refractoriness in these two groups was similar to that in group IB.

With the study protocol, ventricular tachycardia was inducible at the apex only in eight cases and at the outflow tract only in five. Functional refractory period was 17 ± 30 msec shorter at the site of induction. The site of shortest functional refractory period and the site of induction were, however, identical in only 8/13 cases (62%), but in these eight, the coupling intervals necessary for induction were attainable only at the induction site. This indicates at least a moderate role for local properties of refractoriness in determining the site of successful induction.
Catheter Ablation of Canine Ventricular Myocardium Utilizing Radiofrequency Current
Authors: NACCARELLI GERALD V. , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ , PITHA JAN V. , CARMEN LEE , JACKMAN WARREN M.
Published: April 2009

To determine if catheter‐delivered radiofrequency current (RFC) could safely destroy ventricular myocardium, 6P quadripolar catheters were inserted into the right ventricular and left ventricular endocardium of 11 heparinized, closed‐chest dogs. RFC (continuous wave, 625 kHz) was delivered via a commercially available eiectrosurgical unit for 10–20 sec between the catheter tip and a surface electrode (unipolar configuration). Voltage delivered was 42 ± 8 volts with a current of 0.23 ± 0.07 amperes and an impedance of 182 ± 32 ohms. An average power of 9.8 ± 4.4 watts resulted in a delivered energy of 112 ± 60 joules. The catheters were repositioned in the right and left ventricular apices and RFC was delivered between the two tip electrodes for 10–20 sec (bipolar configuration). Voltage delivered was 44 ± 7 watts with a current of 0.20 ± 0.07 amperes and an impedance of 241 ± 49ohms. An averageof 8.5 ± 4.3 watts of power resulted on delivered energy of 106 ± 29 joules.

At necropsy, lesions were identified in 5/11 right and 9/11 left ventricular free‐wall sites and 7/11 right and 11/11 left ventricular apical sites. Lesion size ranged from 4–8 mm in depth and 3–9 mm in diameter and the size did not correlate with energy delivered. The endocardial surface was grossly intact in all. No hemodynamic compromise, electrode pitting, or changes in postshock catheter resistance were noted. However, one dog had spontaneous ventricular fibrillation after a transseptal pulse. Although no large thrombi were noted, a thin layer of endocardial thrombus formation was usually present. We conclude that catheter‐delivered RFC can selectively damage myocardial tissue with minimal complications.
Flecainide: PVC Reduction in Children with Ventricular Dysrhythmias
Authors: HAYS MARK D. , GILLETTE PAUL C. , ZIEGLER VICKI , ATKINS JOHN , ROSS BERTRAND A. , BUCKLES DAVID S.
Published: April 2009

Flecainide appears to be a promising new Class Ic antiarrhythmic drug. In this study, 16 children aged 18 days to 20 years (mean 8.0 years, median 6.8 years) with frequent PVCs and refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) were evaluated. In all patients, a mean total of 3.5 antiarrhythmic agents were tried unsuccessfully prior to initiation of flecainide. We performed 24‐hour ambulatory monitoring 2 days prior to oral flecainide administration and repeated monitoring after 48 hours of oral therapy. All studies were scanned by superimposition by computer and well‐trained technician.

Twelve of 16 children demonstrated reduced numbers of PVCs following oral flecainide therapy with an overall mean reduction in PVCs of 70%. Mean numbers of PVCs fell from 377 PVCs/hour preflecainide to 113 PVCs/hour postflecainide therapy. Eight of 12 patients demonstrated a > 60% reduction of PVCs. Five of 12 children achieved nearly total abolishment of PVCs (e.g., <10 PVCs/hour) following flecainide treatment. Four of 16 children failed to exhibit PVC reduction during the study. Serum flecainide levels ranged from 0.1–1.1 meg/mL with a mean drug level of 0.39 mcg/mL. Success or failure did not correlate significantly with patient age, sex, anatomic diagnosis, previous therapy, or serum flecainide levels.

In summary, oral flecainide appears to be effective in reducing PVCs in children with ventricular tachycardia and consequently may decrease their risk for reentrant VT.
Hereditary Palmoplantar Keratodermas
Authors: Braun‐Falco Markus
Published: April 2009

Hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) comprise a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of genodermatoses, which share impaired epidermal differentiation resulting in prominent palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Classically, keratodermas have been separated according to their clinical appearance into diffuse, focal, and as a feature of ectodermal dysplasias and many other syndromes. Since molecular genetic analyses have helped characterize the underlying genetic defects in an increasing number of hereditary PPK over the last two decades, a pathophysiological separation seems more reasonable. Today PPK can be classified based on defects in keratins, loricrin, desmosomes, connexins, and cathepsins. Although these proteins have different structures and functions, all of them influence epidermal differentiation and cornified envelope assembly. Depending on tissue distribution and location of mutation with a certain gene, the clinical spectrum of PPK range from a pure palmoplantar restricted skin abnormality to a complex combination of symptoms with dental anomalies, deafness, progressive cardiomyopathy and even cancer. Solely for those reasons, a correct diagnosis based on molecular genetic analyses is mandatory, although a causal therapy is still not available. Instead, several therapeutic modalities including topical ointments, surgical interventions and systemic retinoids help to reduce the patients’ symptoms.
A Stable and Efficient Numerical Algorithm for Unconfined Aquifer Analysis
Authors: Keating Elizabeth , Zyvoloski George
Published: April 2009

The nonlinearity of equations governing flow in unconfined aquifers poses challenges for numerical models, particularly in field‐scale applications. Existing methods are often unstable, do not converge, or require extremely fine grids and small time steps. Standard modeling procedures such as automated model calibration and Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis typically require thousands of model runs. Stable and efficient model performance is essential to these analyses. We propose a new method that offers improvements in stability and efficiency and is relatively tolerant of coarse grids. It applies a strategy similar to that in the MODFLOW code to the solution of Richard’s equation with a grid‐dependent pressure/saturation relationship. The method imposes a contrast between horizontal and vertical permeability in gridblocks containing the water table, does not require “dry” cells to convert to inactive cells, and allows recharge to flow through relatively dry cells to the water table. We establish the accuracy of the method by comparison to an analytical solution for radial flow to a well in an unconfined aquifer with delayed yield. Using a suite of test problems, we demonstrate the efficiencies gained in speed and accuracy over two‐phase simulations, and improved stability when compared to MODFLOW. The advantages for applications to transient unconfined aquifer analysis are clearly demonstrated by our examples. We also demonstrate applicability to mixed vadose zone/saturated zone applications, including transport, and find that the method shows great promise for these types of problem as well.
Seeking a Single Policy for Contractual Fairness to Consumers: A Comparison of U.S. and E.U. and E.U. Efforts
Authors: PETTY ROSS D. , HAMILTON JENNIFER
Published: April 2009

The United States and the European Union both have made substantial progress toward harmonizing contractual unfairness law for consumers within their borders. To a large degree, the policies of these two largest consumer markets in the world are similar, but consumers should beware that some significant differences remain. Furthermore, differences in interpretation among member states could lead to differences within the E.U.
Targeting Financial Management Training at Low‐Income Audiences
Authors: ANDERSON STEVEN G. , ZHAN MIN , SCOTT JEFF
Published: April 2009

While interest in financial management training programs for low‐income persons has grown in recent years, the specific training needs of low‐income consumers have not been well articulated. This article describes needed training content for such audiences, based on review of previous research and the authors’ experiences in evaluating the Financial Links for Low‐Income People (FLLIP) program. We also illustrate how the choice of financial management training models can seriously impact the subgroups of the low‐income population who attend training, as well as the success of programs in recruiting and graduating participants. The implications of these findings both for financial management curriculum development and for the selection of program models are presented.
Consumers' Interpretations of the Semantic Phrases Found in Reference Price Advertisements
Authors: COMPEAU LARRY D. , LINDSEY‐MULLIKIN JOAN , GREWAL DHRUV , PETTY ROSS D.
Published: April 2009

Consumers are frequently presented with a higher reference price to compare with a lower advertised selling price. The research on reference prices has traditionally been conducted based on the implicit assumption that consumers’ interpretations of a given semantic phrase, e.g., “Regular Price/Sale Price,”are consistent across all consumers, but this fundamental assumption has never been tested. Guidelines issued by the Federal Trade Commission and the Council of Better Business Bureaus, as well as regulations enacted by approximately half of all states, appear to be based on a similar assumption. However, given the variability among consumers’ perceptions found in other areas of consumer research, it is reasonable to expect that consumer interpretations of semantic phrases may vary. Given the potential variability, a pricing claim may be deemed informative or deceptive depending on the meaning the particular consumer attaches to the claim. This article presents a discussion of the vagueness in pricing claims as a step toward evaluating deception.