bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equine Culicoides Hypersensitivity: Evaluation of a Skin Test and of Humoral Response
Authors: Ferroglio E. , Pregel P. , Accossato A. , Taricco I. , Bollo E. , Rossi L. , Trisciuoglio A.
Published: January 2006

Intradermal tests were carried out on 18 horses with clinical signs of Culicoides hypersensitivity (CHS) and 23 horses without clinical signs of CHS, and sera from these horses were analysed by SDS‐PAGE and Western blotting (W‐B). Intradermal injections of 0.1 ml of 25 μg/μl sterile Culicoides extract, 0.1 ml of 1 : 10 000 histamine (positive control) and 0.1 ml of physiological saline (negative control) were made in the dermis of the middle region of the neck. Analysis of reactions indicated that a 1 cm wheal and a skinfold thickness >10% at 24 h represented a valid cut‐off between horses with and without CHS. In these conditions the test, even in winter when clinical signs were absent, had 100% sensitivity and specificity. The W‐B was performed after running Culicoides extract on a 12% polyacrylamide gel. The test revealed the presence of several bands with molecular weight ranging from 6 to 200 kDa. In particular, a band of 65 kDa was predominantly found in hypersensitive horses by using an anti‐IgE antibody while in normal horses the same band was mainly detected by using an anti‐IgG antibody. Our results demonstrated that the skin test is a valid diagnostic test, with high sensitivity and specificity and that the band of about 65 kDa probably corresponds to the allergen involved in the pathogenesis of CHS.
Transgenic rice lines expressing maize C1 and R‐S regulatory genes produce various flavonoids in the endosperm
Authors: Shin Young‐Mi , Park Hee‐Jin , Yim Sun‐Duck , Baek Nam‐In , Lee Choong‐Hwan , An Gynheung , Woo Young‐Min
Published: January 2006

Flavonoids, compounds that possess diverse health‐promoting benefits, are lacking in the endosperm of rice. Therefore, to develop transgenic lines that produce flavonoids, we transformed a white rice cultivar, Oryza sativa japonica cv. Hwa‐Young, with maize C1 and R‐S regulatory genes. Expression of these transgenes was restricted to the endosperm using the promoter of a rice prolamin gene. The pericarp of the C1/R‐S homozygous lines became dark brown in accordance with their maternal genotype, whereas the endosperm turned chalky, similar to the opaque kernel phenotype. Analysis via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that numerous kinds of flavonoids were produced in these transgenic kernels. To identify individual flavonoids, the number of HPLC peaks was reduced through moderate acid hydrolysis, followed by ethyl acetate partitioning. Amongst the major flavonoids, dihydroquercetin (taxifolin), dihydroisorhamnetin (3′‐O‐methyl taxifolin) and 3′‐O‐methyl quercetin were identified through liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. Fluorescence labelling with diphenylboric acid showed that the flavonoids were highly concentrated in the cells of four to five outer endosperm layers. More importantly, a high fluorescence signal was present in the cytosol of the inner endosperm layers. However, the overall signal in the inner layers was significantly lower because starch granules and protein bodies occupied most of the cytosolic space. Our estimate of the total flavonoid content in the transgenic kernels suggests that C1/R‐S rice has the potential to be developed further as a novel variety that can produce various flavonoids in its endosperm.
PRODUCTIVE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN MONETARY BUSINESS CYCLE MODELS
Authors: Linnemann Ludger , Schabert Andreas
Published: January 2006

This paper assesses the transmission of fiscal policy shocks in a New Keynesian framework where government expenditures contribute to aggregate production. It is shown that even if the impact of government expenditures on production is small, this assumption helps to reconcile the models' predictions about fiscal policy effects with recent empirical evidence. In particular, it is shown that government expenditures can lead to a rise in private consumption, real wages, and employment if the government share is not too large and public finance does not solely rely on distortionary taxation. When government expenditures are partially financed by public debt, unit labor costs fall in response to a fiscal expansion, such that inflation tends to decline. Households are willing to raise consumption if monetary policy is active, i.e. ensures that the real interest rate rises with inflation. Otherwise, private consumption can also be crowded out, as in the conventional case where government expenditures are not productive.
Manorial economy and corvée labour in southern Sweden 1650–1850*
Authors: OLSSON MATS
Published: January 2006

This essay is an inquiry into manorial production in Scania. Its growth was dependent on the long‐term development of European grain prices. When prices increased landlords were encouraged to put more land under the plough. The estates’ main income came, to an increasing extent, from demesne production, which finally dominated the income profile. The peasants’ most important contribution to the landlords became, in most cases, their corvée labour, and their uncertain tenure rights were illustrated with great clarity in the continuing evictions, which were accelerated in the nineteenth century with the aim of expanding the demesne.
Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and lipoprotein compositions in normolipidaemic xanthelasma patients
Authors: Tursen U , Eskandari G , Kaya Ti , Tamer L , Ikizoglu G , Atik U
Published: January 2006

Background  Apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotypes and lipoprotein compositions in xanthelasma patients have been reported in different series.

Objective  To investigate the apoE polymorphism and lipoprotein compositions in xanthelasma patients by using rapid polymerase chain reaction, and searched for an association between apoE polymorphism and the lipoprotein levels in xanthelasma patients.

Design  ApoE polymorphism and the different types of serum lipoproteins were studied in 25 patients with xanthelasma and compared with 27 normal subjects.

Results  All of patients were found to be normolipidaemic. The patients had significantly higher concentrations of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, and lower concentrations of apolipoprotein A. There was no difference in serum triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. The distribution of apoE genotypes and alleles was the same in both groups.

Conclusions  The apoB, apoA and cholesterol levels did show statistically significant differences in the direction of an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Patients with xanthelasma demonstrated slight differentiations in the apoE polymorphism and metabolism of lipoproteins that require further clarifications.
Carbohydrate storage in five resprouting Florida scrub plants across a fire chronosequence
Authors: Olano J. M. , Menges E. S. , Martínez E.
Published: January 2006

Most research analyzing nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations on resprouter species in fire‐controlled ecosystems has concentrated on how NSC concentrations recover immediately after fire. However, we know little of the effect of long periods without fire on NSC concentrations.

In order to assess the effect of different periods of time‐since‐fire on resprouter species, we studied carbohydrate concentrations (total [NSC], soluble sugars [SS] and nonsoluble sugars [NSS]) in five resprouting species with contrasting trends of abundance across a chronosequence of time‐since‐fire (0.5–40 yr) in Florida.

Carbohydrate concentrations were highest in species with specialized reserve organs. [SS] was mainly explained by factors related to plant size, whereas time‐since‐fire was the main factor explaining [NSS]. Changes in [NSS] and [NSC] were correlated with the time‐since‐fire abundance patterns.

Variation in [NSS] carbohydrates can be related to the structural development of vegetation, with only those species capable of accessing full light able to accumulate carbohydrates, whereas subordinate plants show reductions in the [NSS] carbohydrate fractions. In areas with long intervals between fires, this carbohydrate reduction could affect subsequent postfire resprouting vigour, although this remains to be confirmed.
Patterns of asymmetry in the twining vineDalechampia scandens(Euphorbiaceae): ontogenetic and hierarchical perspectives
Authors: Pélabon Christophe , Hansen Thomas F. , Carlson Matthew L. , Armbruster W. Scott
Published: January 2006

We studied patterns of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in leaves of four populations of the neotropical vineDalechampia scandensto obtain insight into the origin of leaf FA and the level at which it is controlled. We analysed correlations in signed and unsigned asymmetry at different organizational levels. We also analysed the ontogeny of FA during leaf expansion to test whether asymmetry is regulated during cell expansion, and whether fast‐expanding leaves are more or less asymmetrical.

Signed asymmetry was negatively correlated between successive leaves, that is, when the right side of a leaf was larger than the left side, the next leaf on the shoot tended to show the opposite pattern. The magnitude of FA, however, was very weakly correlated among successive leaves or among leaves measured on different shoots.

The direction of asymmetry did not change during leaf expansion, but the relative asymmetry, that is, asymmetry corrected for difference in trait size, decreased during expansion. We found a weak negative relationship between leaf expansion rate and relative asymmetry on the fully expanded leaves.

These results suggest that leaf asymmetry inDalechampiaoriginates from perturbations in cell proliferation in the stem, creating asymmetries in opposite directions in successive leaves. These asymmetries persist during leaf expansion, but tend to be reduced by unknown mechanisms.
Internalization and desensitization of a green fluorescent protein‐tagged P2Y1nucleotide receptor are differently controlled by inhibition of calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Tulapurkar Mohan E. , Zündorf Gregor , Reiser Georg
Published: January 2006

De‐ and re‐sensitization and trafficking of P2Y nucleotide receptors modulate physiological responses of these receptors. Here, we used the rat brain P2Y1receptor tagged with green fluorescent protein (P2Y1‐GFP receptor) expressed in HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells. Ca2+release was used as a functional test to investigate ATP‐induced receptor de‐ and re‐sensitization. By confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), endocytosis of P2Y1‐GFP receptor was visualized in live cells. Stimulation of the cells with ATP induced complete receptor endocytosis within 30 min and appearance of the P2Y1receptor in small vesicles. Removal of the agonist resulted in reappearance of the receptor after 60 min on the plasma membrane. Exposure of the cells to KN‐62 and KN‐93, inhibitors of the calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), prevented receptor internalization upon stimulation with ATP. However, the receptor which was still present on the plasma membrane was desensitized, seen by decreased Ca2+response. The decreased Ca2+response after 30‐min exposure to ATP can be attributed to desensitization and is not as a result of depletion of internal stores, as the cells exposed to ATP for 30 min exhibited a normal Ca2+response upon stimulation with thrombin. However, okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), did not affect ATP‐induced P2Y1receptor endocytosis, but delayed the reappearance of the P2Y1receptor on the plasma membrane after ATP withdrawal. Consistently, in okadaic acid‐treated cells the ATP‐induced Ca2+response observed after the 30‐min exposure to ATP recovered only partially. Thus, CaMKII seems to be involved in P2Y1receptor internalization, but not desensitization, whereas protein phosphatase 2A might play a role in recycling of the receptor back to the plasma membrane.
Increased oxidative damage in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Jianquan , Markesbery William R. , Lovell Mark A.
Published: January 2006

Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative damage is associated with normal aging and several neurodegenerative diseases. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the phase between normal aging and early dementia, is a common problem in the elderly with many subjects going on to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although increased DNA oxidation is observed in the AD brain, it is unclear when the oxidative damage begins. To determine if DNA oxidation occurs in the brain of subjects with MCI, we quantified multiple oxidized bases in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA isolated from frontal, parietal and temporal lobes and cerebellum of short post‐mortem interval autopsies of eight amnestic patients with MCI and six age‐matched control subjects using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring. We found statistically significant elevations (p < 0.05) of 8‐hydroxyguanine, a widely studied biomarker of DNA damage, in MCI nuclear DNA from frontal and temporal lobe and in mitochondrial DNA from the temporal lobe compared with age‐matched control subjects. Levels of 8‐hydroxyadenine and 4,6‐diamino‐5‐formamidopyrimidine were significantly elevated in nuclear DNA from all three neocortical regions in MCI. Statistically significant elevations of 4,6‐diamino‐5‐formamidopyrimidine were also observed in mitochondrial DNA of MCI temporal, frontal and parietal lobes. These results suggest that oxidative damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA occurs in the earliest detectable phase of AD and may play a meaningful role in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Interaction of huntingtin fragments with brain membranes – clues to early dysfunction in Huntington's disease
Authors: Suopanki Jaana , Götz Claudia , Lutsch Gudrun , Schiller Jürgen , Harjes Phoebe , Herrmann Andreas , Wanker Erich E.
Published: January 2006

Huntingtin is a large, multi‐domain protein of unknown function in the brain. An abnormally elongated polyglutamine stretch in its N‐terminus causes Huntington's disease (HD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Huntingtin has been proposed to play a functional role in membrane trafficking via proteins involved in endo‐ and exocytosis. Here, we supply evidence for a direct association between huntingtin and membranes. In the brains of R6/2 mice with HD pathology, a 64 kDa N‐terminal huntingtin fragment accumulated in postsynaptic membranes during the pre‐symptomatic period of 4–8 weeks of age. In addition, an oligomeric fragment of approximately 200 kDa was detected at 8 weeks of age. Simultaneous progressive changes in distribution of amphiphysin, synaptojanin, and subunits of NMDA‐ and AMPA‐receptors provide a strong indication of dysfunctional synaptic trafficking. Composition of the major phospholipids in the synaptic membranes was unaffected. In vitro, large unilamellar vesicles of brain lipids readily associated with soluble N‐terminal huntingtin exon 1 fragments and stimulated fibrillogenesis of mutant huntingtin aggregates. Moreover, interaction of both mutant and wild‐type huntingtin exon 1 fragments with brain lipids caused bilayer perturbation, mediated through a proline‐rich region adjacent to the polyglutamines. This suggests that lipid interactions in vivo could influence misfolding of huntingtin and may play an early role in HD pathogenesis.
The inflammatory transcriptome of reactive murine astrocytes and implications for their innate immune function
Authors: Falsig Jeppe , Pörzgen Peter , Lund Søren , Schrattenholz André , Leist Marcel
Published: January 2006

Upon injury, astrocytes assume an activated state associated with the release of inflammatory mediators. To model this, we stimulated murine primary astrocytes with a complete inflammatory cytokine mix consisting of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IFN‐γ. We analysed the transcriptional response of 480 genes at 4 and 16 h after stimulation on a chip designed to give a representative overview over the inflammation‐relevant part of the transcriptome of macrophage‐like cells. The list of the 182 genes found to be significantly regulated in astrocytes revealed an intriguing co‐ordinate regulation of genes linked to the biological processes of antiviral/antimicrobial defence, antigen presentation and facilitation of leucocyte invasion. The latter group was characterized by very high up‐regulations of chemokine genes. We also identified regulations of a thymidylate kinase and an interferon‐regulated protein with a tetratricopeptide motive, both up to now only known from macrophages. The transcriptional regulations were confirmed on the protein level by a proteomic analysis. These findings taken together suggest that activated astrocytes in brain behave similarly in many respects to inflamed macrophages in the periphery.
Protected Areas and Prospects for Endangered Species Conservation in Canada
Authors: DEGUISE ISABELLE E. , KERR JEREMY T.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Reserve networks figure prominently in conservation strategies that aim to reduce extinction rates. We tested the effectiveness of the current reserve network at protecting species at risk in Canada, where relatively extensive wilderness areas remain. We compared numbers of terrestrial species at risk included in existing reserves to randomly generated networks with the same total area and number of reserves. Existing reserve networks rarely performed better than randomly selected areas and several included fewer endangered species than expected by chance, particularly in the most biologically imperiled regions. The extent of protected area and density of species at risk were unrelated at either broad (countrywide) or finer spatial scales (50 × 50 km grids), although there was a tendency for the most threatened regions of the country to have few or no protected areas (1.5% of areas with >30 endangered species were in reserves). Although reserves will play a useful role in conserving endangered species that occur within them, reducing extinction rates in a region with much of the world's remaining wilderness will require integrating conservation strategies with agricultural and urban land‐use plans outside formally protected areas.
Catastrophic Reproductive Failure, Terrestrial Survival, and Persistence of the Marbled Salamander
Authors: TAYLOR BARBARA E. , SCOTT DAVID E. , GIBBONS J. WHITFIELD
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Wide variation in reproductive success is common among amphibians that breed in seasonal ponds, but persistence of adults can buffer against these fluctuations, particularly for long‐lived species. We hypothesized that the frequent episodes of catastrophic failure of the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) enhance the importance of high terrestrial survival. At Rainbow Bay in South Carolina reproductive success was poor (<1 metamorph/breeding female) in nearly half of the 22 years that the species bred. Complete failure occurred in 6 of 22 years. To study catastrophic failure, we adapted an age‐structured, individual‐based model with density‐dependent growth and survival of larvae. The model was based on extensive data from local field studies and experiments. With consistently good survival in the pond stages, the simulated population required survival probabilities in the upland stages (juveniles and adults) near 0.5/year to persist and near 0.8/year to achieve the increases observed. Catastrophic failure, occurring randomly with probability 0.5/year, created additional fluctuations in the population, raised the thresholds of survival required for persistence, and caused extinction under conditions that were otherwise favorable. The marbled salamander at Rainbow Bay is not at great risk of extinction because of catastrophic failure, but the risk increases dramatically if life span is decreased or frequency of failure is increased. Any reduction in terrestrial survival will have deleterious consequences by reducing the breeding populations at equilibrium, even if it does not jeopardize persistence. Our model provides assessments of risk that can be applied to poorly studied species with similar life histories, such as the endangered flatwoods salamander (A. cingulatum).
Biomechanical Analysis of Unilateral External Skeletal Fixators Combined with IM‐Pin and Without IM‐Pin Using Finite‐Element Method
Authors: RADKE HEIDI , ARON DENNIS N. , APPLEWHITE ARIC , ZHANG GUIGEN
Published: January 2006

Objectives—To determine if a unilateral external skeletal fixator (ESF) with a carbon fiber connecting rod (IMEX™SK) without an intramedullary (IM)‐pin is mechanically comparable with a unilateral ESF with a stainless‐steel connecting rod (IMEX™KE) with an IM‐pin.

Study Design—Finite‐element method (FEM)—computer simulation.

Methods—FEM models were validated by comparison against data from mechanical testing. Three‐dimensional FEM models of a femur with a mid‐diaphyseal fracture with a 20 mm gap were developed with 4 unilateral external skeletal fixator devices (6‐pin KE, 6‐pin KE IM‐pin, 6‐pin SK, and 6‐pin SK IM‐pin). A 300 N load was applied to the femur at the proximal end in a direction of θ=10° distally and φ=10° laterally cranially. Relative displacements in x‐, y‐ and z‐directions at the gap were obtained and the overall stiffness was calculated as 300 N/total displacement. Load transfer at the pin–bone interface (PBI) was assessed by determining the von Mises stress maxima at the PBI‐related nodes.

Results—The 6‐pin SK had superior mechanical performance compared with the 6‐pin KE by exhibiting smaller displacements in all directions and higher stiffness. Compared with the 6‐pin KE IM‐pin, the 6‐pin SK (without IM‐pin) was superior in craniocaudal and lateromedial displacements, but inferior in axial displacements, overall stiffness and von Mises stress maxima. The 6‐pin SK IM‐pin was superior to the 6‐pin KE IM‐pin based on smaller displacements and higher stiffness.

Conclusions—Although the SK device had superior mechanical performance compared with a KE device in a unilateral configuration, the addition of an IM‐pin continues to be a powerful method of enhancing mechanical performance of either IMEX™SK or IMEX™KE unilateral constructs in clinical cases.

Clinical Relevance—Based on the results of this FEM study we recommend the use of the “tied‐in” IM‐pin with the ESF clinically when striving for high rigidity. In less challenging situations, a unilateral SK ESF without IM‐pin might provide sufficient rigidity for a successful fracture repair.
Synovial Cysts Associated with Cauda Equina Syndrome in Two Dogs
Authors: FORTERRE FRANCK , KAISER STEPHAN , GARNER MICHAEL , STADIE BINE , MATIASEK KASPAR , SCHMAHL WOLFGANG , BRUNNBERG LEO
Published: January 2006

Objective— To report synovial cysts associated with cauda equina syndrome in 2 dogs.

Study Design— Clinical cases.

Animals— Two German Shepherd dogs.

Methods— After magnetic resonance imaging detection, cysts were surgically removed via dorsal laminectomy.

Results— Six and 8 months after surgery, both dogs were free of clinical signs and no pain was elicited on lumbosacral joint manipulation.

Conclusion— Although described in dogs, cysts at the lumbosacral joint might cause compression of the cauda equina nerve roots. Radical excision of the cyst capsule can result in resolution of clinical signs.

Clinical Relevance— Synovial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs with cauda equina compression syndrome when lumbosacral degenerative joint disease is present.
Intravenous Continuous Infusion of Lidocaine for Treatment of Equine Ileus
Authors: MALONE ERIN , ENSINK JOS , TURNER TRACY , WILSON JULIE , ANDREWS FRANK , KEEGAN KEVIN , LUMSDEN JONATHAN
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine if intravenous lidocaine is useful and safe as a treatment for equine ileus.

Study Design—Prospective double‐blinded placebo‐controlled trial.

Study Population—Horses (n=32) with a diagnosis of postoperative ileus (POI) or enteritis and that had refluxed >20 L or had been refluxing for >24 hours.

Methods—Refluxing horses were administered lidocaine (1.3 mg/kg intravenously [IV] as a bolus followed by a 0.05 mg/kg/min infusion) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution placebo for 24 hours. Variables evaluated included volume and duration of reflux, time to 1st fecal passage, signs of pain, analgesic use, heart rate and arrhythmias, respiratory rate, temperature, days of hospitalization, outcome (survival to discharge), and complications.

Results—Of the lidocaine‐treated horses, 65% (11/17) stopped refluxing within 30 hours (mean±SD, 15.2±2.4 hours) whereas 27% (4/15) of the saline‐treated horses stopped within 30 hours. Fecal passage was significantly correlated with response to treatment; horses that responded to lidocaine passed feces within 16 hours of starting the infusion. Compared with placebo treatment, lidocaine treatment resulted in shorter hospitalization time for survivors, equivalent survival to discharge, no clinically significant changes in physical or laboratory variables, and no difference in the rate of incisional infections, jugular thrombosis, laminitis, or diarrhea. Muscle fasciculations occurred in 3 lidocaine‐treated horses (18%).

Conclusion—IV lidocaine significantly improved the clinical course in refluxing horses with minimal side effects.

Clinical Relevance—At the infusion rate studied, IV lidocaine is safe and should be considered for the treatment of equine ileus.
Principles of Uniapical and Biapical Radial Deformity Correction Using Dome Osteotomies and the Center of Rotation of Angulation Methodology in Dogs
Authors: FOX DEREK B. , TOMLINSON JAMES L. , COOK JAMES L. , BRESHEARS LEE M.
Published: January 2006

Objective— To describe the normal anatomic axis of the canine radius in 2 planes (frontal, sagittal), and report the use and efficacy of dome osteotomies for acute correction of canine antebrachial deformities.

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Sample Population— Normal antebrachii (n=20) radiographs were used as a reference, and 7 dogs with 9 radial angular limb deformities that were corrected by use of dome osteotomies.

Methods— Orthogonal radiographs of 20 normal antebrachii were used to determine normal ranges of frontal (FPA) and sagittal plane anatomic axes (SPA). Pre and postoperative radiographs of 7 dogs (9 radii) that had surgical correction of radial angular limb deformities by dome osteotomies were reviewed. Success at deformity correction into established normal ranges and to the normal contralateral side, if present, was determined.

Results— Normal ranges were FPA, 0–8° and SPA, 8–35°. There were 4 biapical and 5 uniapical deformities. FPA and SPA were corrected into normal range in 66% and 78% of affected limbs, respectively; however, only 44% of radii were corrected into normal ranges in both planes.

Conclusions— Ranges for normal canine radial axes can be used as goals for angular limb correction when there is bilateral angular deformity. The dome osteotomy technique is advantageous in certain conditions for biplanar deformity correction.

Clinical Relevance— Dome osteotomies can be used to correct radial deformities in the frontal and sagittal planes, with certain advantages, but are heavily reliant on appropriate preoperative planning.
A Continuous Murmur
Authors: Jassal Davinder S. , Neilan Tomas G. , Hung Judy
Published: January 2006

A 61‐year‐old male with a history of a mechanical Bjork‐Shiley aortic valve replacement in 1977 and repair of an ascending aortic root dissection in 1993, presented with a 2‐week history of fatigue and exertional dyspnea. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of an aortic pseudoaneurysm with a fistulous connection between the aorta and right atrium, which subsequently underwent successful repair. Although there have been several cases describing the development of an aortic pseudoaneurysm after aortic dissection repair, our case is the first to describe an aorta‐atrial fistula as a long‐term complication of a previous aortic dissection repair.
Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Obstructed Supracardiac Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Authors: Yusuf Jamal , Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Gupta Mohit D. , Trehan Vijay
Published: January 2006

Obstruction in supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) may be seen in 50% of cases. We describe here successful echocardiographic diagnosis of obstruction at an unusual and undescribed location in a supracardiac TAPVC. The patient was successfully managed by surgery.
Low‐Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Reversibility of Mitral Regurgitation with CABG
Authors: Roshanali Farideh , Mandegar Mohammad Hossein , Yousefnia Mohammad Ali , Alaeddini Farshid , Wann Samuel
Published: January 2006

The optimal management of moderate (grade 2–3+) ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. While CABG alone can reverse regurgitation in some patients with moderate MR, adjunctive mitral repair may be necessary in others. We performed low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in 60 patients with moderate MR who were about to undergo CABG. Group I, 25 patients who demonstrated reduction in MR during DSE, had CABG alone. Group II, 35 patients in whom MR was unchanged during DSE, had mitral valve repair as well as CABG. MR was reduced postoperatively in both groups (P < 0.0001). Postoperative ejection fraction in Group I (12.2%) improved more than that in Group II (9.3%) (P < 0.01). We conclude that CABG alone may be sufficient to correct moderate MR when MR is reduced during DSE.
Left Atrial Size Is a Poor Predictor of Pathology in the Older Patient: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Goldman Jonathan H. , Ehlgen Alexander , Ursell Philip C. , Schiller Nelson B.
Published: January 2006

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between left atrial (LA) size and pathology in humans. Methods: We evaluated 14 patients (age 60 ± 14 years, range 25–77, 9 males) who had died at our hospital. Eight patients were in sinus rhythm, 3 had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), and 3 were in established atrial fibrillation (AF). LA size was calculated at transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) prior to death. At autopsy, histology of the dissected LA was examined at the appendage (APP), transverse sinus (TS), oblique sinus (OS), crux, and oval fossa. The severity of hypertrophy (HTY) and fibrosis (FIB) was determined by histochemistry. Results: Mean LA weight was 37 ± 11 g. One patient with PAF had amyloid. LA size by TTE was associated with LA weight (R = 0.6, P = 0.029). Increased age was associated with less severe APP FIB (P = 0.04). Younger patients tended to have less severe APP HTY (P = 0.09), and TS FIB (P = 0.12). Severity of atrial HTY and FIB was similar in APP and TS (P = NS). There was no relationship between abnormal atrial histology with LA volume or cardiac rhythm. Five patients had LA dilatation (LA end systolic volume index >30 ml/m2). Of those patients with normal LA size, 6 (75%) had APP FIB, 8 (100%) had APP HTY, 7 (88%) had TS FIB, 8 (100%) had TS HTY, and 7 (88%) had OS HTY. Conclusions: Abnormal LA histology is common in patients who have normal LA size by TTE. Microscopic atrial disease is associated with aging, and may represent a precursor state for LA dilatation or AF.
Incremental Value of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Left Ventricular Thrombi
Authors: Duncan Kurt , Nanda Navin C. , Foster William A.A. , Mehmood Farhat , Patel Vinod , Singh Anurag
Published: January 2006

This is a case series on three adult patients who contain left ventricular (LV) thrombus and the incremental benefits of live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) in comparison to two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) in evaluating LV thrombi. These cases illustrate that 3DTTE is of additional benefit by demonstrating the following: (1) cropping of a single 3DTTE apical dataset may be enough to provide comprehensive assessment of the LV in a timely manner even without breath holding in a not fully cooperative patient (2) it identifies the exact point of attachment of the thrombus to the left ventricular wall, (3) helps to delineate the absence or presence of focal echolucent areas within thrombi indicative of the presence and extent of clot lysis, which may have potential therapeutic and prognostic implications, and (4) provides more accurate assessment of thrombus mobility which has prognostic indications.
Intermittent loading improves results in mandibular alveolar distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Consolo Ugo , Bertoldi Carlo , Zaffe Davide
Published: January 2006

Aim: To evaluate clinical and morphological effects on distractive callus after application of an original protocol of bone stimulation.

Material and methods: Traditional or mechanically stimulated alveolar‐distraction osteogenesis was studied on 16 highly selected subjects subdivided into two groups. Clinical, radiological, densitometric and histological (on biopsies) analyses were performed 6, 8 and 12 weeks after distraction was completed.

Results: In subjects undergoing stimulated alveolar‐distraction osteogenesis, bone density was higher and at histology, bone with ordered structure was observed after 6 weeks. Moreover, bone trabeculae with oriented architecture and greater amounts of lamellar bone were observed after 8 and 12 weeks in the same subjects.

Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, although osteogenic processes were similar in both groups, they were induced earlier and were better structured in subjects undergoing stimulated alveolar‐distraction osteogenesis. These encouraging results can only be achieved and preserved by strict monitoring of distractive vectors.
Insulin‐Regulated Aminopeptidase Marks an Antigen‐Stimulated Recycling Compartment in Mast Cells
Authors: Liao Haini , Keller Susanna R. , Castle J. David
Published: January 2006

Insulin‐regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is a marker for insulin‐sensitive recycling compartments of fat and muscle cells that contain the glucose transporter isoform GLUT4. Unlike GLUT4, IRAP is expressed in many other cell types. Thus, it is a potential marker for regulated recycling compartments that are analogous to GLUT4 vesicles. In bone marrow‐derived mast cells, IRAP is highly expressed and localizes to an intracellular compartment different from secretory granules. Using cell‐surface biotinylation, we determined that IRAP underwent rapid redistribution to the plasma membrane on antigen/immunoglobulin E (IgE) stimulation and was re‐internalized within 30 min. When granule exocytosis was inhibited, by removing extracellular calcium, adding the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide or the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin, IRAP redistribution was still detected in stimulated cells. However, the redistribution of IRAP required intracellular calcium. By immunofluorescence, IRAP significantly co‐localized with the transferrin receptor (TfR), a marker for constitutively recycling endosomes. However, antigen/IgE stimulation did not increase TfR on the cell surface, indicating that IRAP and TfR may follow different pathways to the plasma membrane. In rat peritoneal mast cells, the distributions of IRAP and TfR overlapped to only a limited extent, indicating that overlap may decrease with cell differentiation. We propose that IRAP vesicles represent a second IgE‐sensitive exocytotic compartment in mast cells, which is regulated differently from secretory granules, and that these vesicles may be similar to GLUT4 vesicles.
Metabolic fingerprinting to discriminate diseases of stored carrots
Authors: Vikram A. , Lui L.H. , Hossain A. , Kushalappa A.C.
Published: January 2006

Volatile metabolites from headspace gas of carrot cv. Vita‐treat inoculated with water or four different pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium avenaceum were profiled using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to develop a technology to discriminate diseases. The inoculation of carrot roots with water or different pathogens released a total of 137 different volatile metabolites. Among them, 39 compounds were relatively consistent and 11 were specific to one or more diseases/inoculations. E. carotovora subsp. carotovora produced seven disease‐specific metabolites: 1‐butanol, 3‐methyl; 1‐pentanol; 1‐propanol, 2‐methyl; 2,3‐butanedione; boronic acid, ethyl; butane, 1‐methoxy‐3‐methyl; and ethane, ethoxy. Some metabolites were disease/inoculation discriminatory and were not detected in all treatments: 1,2‐dimethoxy‐ethene was common in carrots inoculated with E. carotovora subsp. carotovora and B. cinerea, while 2‐butanone, 3‐chloro‐4‐hydroxy‐1,4‐diphenyl was common in carrots inoculated with E. carotovora subsp. carotovora, F. avenaceum and water‐inoculated control. The significant mass ions, based on univariate analysis, from a total of 150 (46–195 m/z) and compounds from a total of 32 were further subjected to stepwise discriminant analysis and discriminant analysis. The models for 3 days after inoculation (DAI) were better than those for 6 DAI and 3 + 6 DAI, where up to 90% of the observations were correctly classified into respective inoculations. The disease‐discriminatory compounds from different diseases/inoculations and discriminant analysis models developed here have the potential for the early detection and discrimination of postharvest diseases of carrot cv. Vita‐treat, after validation under commercial conditions.
Coaxial Electrohydrodynamic Atomization of Ceramic Suspensions
Authors: Balasubramanian K. , Jayasinghe S. N. , Edirisinghe M. J.
Published: January 2006

In this work we demonstrate a novel method of preparing composite ceramic microstructures, using alumina–zirconia as an example. Suspensions of these two ceramics, containing a similar solids content, were simultaneously subjected to electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) in the stable cone‐jet mode and the resulting relics were analyzed by microscopical techniques before and after partial sintering at 1200°C. We show that the new method, coaxial EHDA (CEHDA), is capable of forming different annular microstructures, which are mainly controlled by the speed of the jetting.
Thermophysical and Mechanical Properties of a Three‐Dimensional Hi–Nicalon/SiC Composite
Authors: Wu Shoujun , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Qing , Zhang Litong , Xu Yongdong
Published: January 2006

Key thermophysical and mechanical properties of a three‐dimensional Hi‐Nicalon™/silicon carbide (SiC) composite were tested. The relationship between the thermal expansion coefficient and temperature of the composite from room temperature (RT) to 1400°C was similar to that of chemical vapor deposition SiC. The thermal diffusivity of the composite could be well fitted by a logarithmic function. The composite exhibited excellent mechanical properties at RT and high temperature in vacuum. At RT, the flexural strength and flexural modulus were 1193 MPa and 255.6 GPa, respectively. Above 1200°C, the value of the flexural strength and flexural modulus at high temperature in vacuum decreased as the temperature increased, while the fracture toughness increased as the temperature increased.
Highly Durable Ceramic Thermometer for Molten Metal
Authors: Kita Hideki
Published: January 2006

It was shown that a silicon nitride (SN)/boron nitride (BN) composite laminate provides excellent thermal shock resistance, and to improve the corrosion resistance of the SN pipe against molten metals, the Mo/ZrB2 film was effective for molten cast iron. The authors have developed a thermocouple that yields high durability and good response using an SN/BN composite laminate as an external sleeve and film‐coated SN protection tube. According to the results of repeated temperature measurement tests for molten metals, it was demonstrated that the thermometer thus designed had high durability, e.g., 360 times measurement to life was achieved for molten cast iron.
Reactive Processing in Ceramic‐Based Systems
Authors: Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: January 2006

Reactive hot pressing is discussed as a processing method to form ceramic‐based materials. Fundamental aspects of thermodynamics such as favorable Gibbs'‐free energy changes, phase equilibria, and adiabatic temperature are presented as criteria for determining whether the desired reactions can be used to form dense materials. Two case studies are presented as examples to describe control of microstructure and properties. The fabrication of Al2O3–Nb and ZrB2 are discussed with respect to the three thermodynamic criteria as well as the microstructure and properties of the materials that are produced.
Fast Densification of Ultra‐High‐Temperature Ceramics by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Bellosi Alida , Monteverde Frédéric , Sciti Diletta
Published: January 2006

This work investigated suitability and efficacy of the sintering technique known as spark plasma sintering to produce ultra‐high‐temperature‐based Hf and Zr borides. Ceramic–matrix composites in the systems HfB2–SiC, ZrB2–MoSi2, and ZrB2–ZrC–SiC were processed by spark plasma sintering and hot pressing. The effects of processing were evaluated comparing the materials microstructure and properties. Compared with hot‐pressing technique, spark plasma sintering offers the great advantage to fabricate successfully in short time (i.e., cuts in costs) poorly sinterable powder compositions without the help of any sintering activators.
Diet of Adult and Nestling Scarlet Macaws in Southwest Belize, Central America1
Authors: Renton Katherine
Published: January 2006

Scarlet Macaw diet was determined during the breeding season of February–June 1998. Macaws were primarily granivorous, exhibiting a narrow diet during the dry season, with low variety of food items in adult and nestling diets. Seeds of Cnidoscolus spp. and Schizolobium parahybum, tree species characteristic of floodplain forest, were predominant in nestling diets, and may provide protein‐rich food resources. River floodplains provided important nest sites and food resources for Scarlet Macaws during the breeding season.
Honey‐Making Bee Colony Abundance and Predation by Apes and Humans in a Uganda Forest Reserve1
Authors: Kajobe Robert , Roubik David W.
Published: January 2006

Honey‐making bee colonies in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park were investigated with Batwa Pygmies locating 228 nests of Apis and five stingless bees (Meliponini). The relative importance of predation, food supply, nesting site, and elevation affecting abundance were studied for meliponines in particular. Nest predation and overall nest abundance had no correlation with elevation along a 1400 m gradient, nor did flowering phenology or pollen collection. Many suitable, large trees were unoccupied by bee nests. In 174 ha of forest plots, 2 Meliponula lendliana, 13 M. nebulata, 16 M. ferruginea, 16 M. bocandei, and 20 Apis mellifera adansonii nests occurred, suggesting a habitat‐wide density of 39 nests/km2. Compared to other studies, Ugandan Meliponini were uncommon (0.27 colonies/ha, tropical mean = 1.9/ha), while Apis mellifera was numerous (0.12 nests/ha, tropical mean = 0.06/ha), despite park policy allowing humans to exploit Apis. Meliponine colony mortality from predators averaged 12 percent/yr and those near ground were most affected. Tool‐using humans and chimpanzees caused 82 percent of stingless bee nest predation. Selective factors affecting nest heights and habit may include auditory hunting by predators for buzzing bees, and indirect mutualists such as termites that leave potential nesting cavities. Mobility and free‐nesting by honey bee colonies should enable rapid community recovery after mortality, especially in parks where human honey hunting is frequent, compared to sedentary and nest‐site‐bound Meliponini.
Analytic Element Modeling of Embedded Multiaquifer Domains
Authors: Bakker Mark
Published: January 2006

An analytic element approach is presented for the modeling of multiaquifer domains embedded in a single‐aquifer model. The inside of each domain may consist of an arbitrary number of aquifers separated by leaky layers. The analytic element solution is obtained through a combination of existing single‐aquifer and multiaquifer analytic elements and allows for the analytic computation of head and leakage at any point in the aquifer. Along the boundary of an embedded multiaquifer domain, the normal flux is continuous everywhere; continuity of head across the boundary is met exactly at collocations points and approximately, but very accurately, in between. The analytic element solution compares well with an existing exact solution. A hypothetical example with a river intersecting two embedded domains illustrates the practical application of the proposed approach.
COMPLETING ARTIN'S BRAID GROUP ON INFINITELY MANY STRANDS
Authors: FABEL PAUL
Published: January 2006

A generalization of the topological fundamental group is developed in order to construct a completion of Artin's braid group on infinitely many strands with respect to the following notion of convergence: bn → id iff for each M > 0, eventually the first M strands of bn are trivial.
SOLVING UNORIENTED TANGLE EQUATIONS INVOLVING 4-PLATS
Authors: DARCY ISABEL K.
Published: January 2006

The system of unoriented tangle equations [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is completely solved for the tangles U and [Formula: see text] as a function of [Formula: see text] where K1 and K2 are 4-plats, and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] rational tangles such that |f1g2 - g1f2| > 1.
SOLVING ORIENTED TANGLE EQUATIONS INVOLVING 4-PLATS
Authors: DARCY ISABEL K.
Published: January 2006

The system of unoriented tangle equations [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is completely solved for the tangles U and [Formula: see text] as a function of [Formula: see text] where K1 and K2 are 4-plats, and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] rational tangles such that |f1g2 - g1f2| > 1. As an application, it is completely determined when one 4-plat can be obtained from another 4-plat via a signed crossing change.
THE CASSON INVARIANT OF THE CYCLIC COVERING BRANCHED OVER SOME SATELLITE KNOT
Authors: TSUTSUMI YASUYOSHI
Published: January 2006

Let V be the standard solid torus in S3. Let Kp, 2 be the (p, 2)-torus knot in V such that Kp, 2 meets a meridian disk D of V in two points with the winding number zero and the 2-string tangle TKp, 2 obtained by cutting along D is a rational tangle. We compute the Casson invariant of the cyclic covering space of S3 branched over a satellite knot whose companion is any 2-bridge knot D(b1,…,b2m) and pattern is (V, Kp, 2).
A NEW SEMICLASSICAL DYNAMICS FROM THE INTERACTION REPRESENTATION
Authors: SCHWARTZ STEVEN D.
Published: January 2006

This paper develops a new semiclassical mechanics from an exact quantum prescription. In this formulation, a zeroth order propagation, rather than Hamiltonian, is specified. The exact, full evolution operator is then given from a specific interaction representation of the evolved "perturbation" Hamiltonian. We then investigate a variety of approximate, semiclassical, and mixed Quantum/Classical methods, along with exact methodologies to evaluate this time dependent interaction Hamiltonian. The approximate full evolution operator can be described in a variety of ways including an iterated Lippman-Schwinger like equation, and an expansion of the perturbation propagator generated from the time evolved Hamiltonian.