bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Absorption of 59Fe by the Rat Fetus
Authors: Kaufman N. , Wyllie J.C.
Published: September 2009

59Fe was given orally to fetal rats from day 18 to 21 to determine whether there was evidence for regulation of iron absorption prior to birth. The fetal rat was able to absorb 59Fe. The quantity absorbed, however, declined significantly towards term. We suggest that the decrease in iron absorption is due to the operation of a regulatory mechanism in the fetal intestine during this interval.
Effect of Underfeeding Suckling Rats on the Activity of Hepatic Drug Metabolizing Enzymes
Authors: Basu T.K. , Dickerson J.W.T. , Parke D.V.
Published: September 2009

The activities of the drug metabolizing enzymes biphenyl-4-hydroxylase, p-nitrobenzoate reductase, 4-methyl umbelliferone glucuronyl transferase and the amounts of cytochrome P-450, DNA and microsomal protein have been determined at 6,12,18 and 21 days in the livers of rats reared from birth in large (15 pups) and small (3 pups) litters. Undernutrition retarded the gain in liver weight more than that of body weight during the first 12 days. It did not, however, change the concentration per unit weight of liver of any of the constituents measured. Phenobarbital did not change the body or liver weight in either group, but increased the amount of microsomal protein at 12 days and doubled the amount of DNA per 100 g body weight in both groups at 12 and 21 days. The percentage increase in enzyme activity caused by phenobarbitone was greater in the undernourished animals than in the controls.
Dynamic of the Placental Transfer of Digoxin in the Dog
Authors: Fouron Jean-Claude
Published: September 2009

The dynamic of the placental transfer of digoxin has been studied in 12 pregnant dogs. 3H-digoxin was administered intravenously in 4 animals for 3 h. Specimens of blood were simultaneously collected from the mother and one fetus every 15 min and their radioactivity compared. Maternal and fetal ECG and arterial pressure were also recorded. The digoxin was given to 8 dogs for 3 different periods: (1) 3–4 days, (2) 8–10 days, (3) 12–14 days. Plasma concentration of digoxin of fetuses and mothers were calculated by the radio-immuno-assay technique. The study shows that digoxin enters the umbilical circulation soon after its appearance in the maternal blood; fetal plasma concentrations remain lower than the maternal for at least 4 days; however, the digitahzation effect can be observed on the fetal ECG within 3 h after administration of toxic doses of digoxin to the mother.
Skeletal Malformations Resulting from Cadmium Treatment in the Hamster
Authors: Gale T.F. , Ferm V.H.
Published: September 2009

Previous studies have shown that cadmium induces a variety of grossly detectable malformations in the golden hamster including exencephaly, cleft lip and palate, amelia, micromelia and ectrodactyly. This report presents the frequency and types of underlying skeletal malformations induced by the intravenous administration of cadmium at four times during the critical stages in hamster embryo organogenesis. In general, all areas of the skeletal system are damaged by this heavy metal. This is manifested by the absence or poor development of ossification centers in different bones. Possible mechanisms of action of cadmium are discussed.
Palpable Regular Jerking Movements of the Human Fetus: A Possible Respiratory Sign of Fetal Distress
Authors: Hems D.A.
Published: September 2009

A preliminary investigation is reported into episodes of fetal jerking movements of regular periodicity, which were detected in about 8% of mothers by palpation or from the maternal history. In two cases, a recording of regular fetal movements was obtained. They occurred in episodes lasting 0.5–15 min, usually at a frequency of 10–30/min, before or during labour. The movements consisted of jerks of the fetal trunk, and are likely to be respiratory in origin. Regular fetal jerking movements (fetal Ê»gasps’) may be a respiratory sign of fetal distress, especially during labour.
Quantitative Studies of Human Placenta II.
Authors: Laga Emil M. , Driscoll Shirley G. , Munro Hamish N.
Published: September 2009

In 18 term placentas obtained from normal pregnancies in a US urban middle class population, the DNA content averaged 1,346 mg, RNA content 1,637 mg and protein content 58.3 g. C Comparisons were made with similar determinations on placentas obtained at 10–18 weeks of pregnancy and on hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma tissue. Only in choriocarcinoma were DNA, RNA, and protein content per gram wet tissue higher than in either early or term placenta or in hydatidiform mole. Polysomes were obtained from these 18 placentas and their capacity to program cell-free peptide synthesis compared with that observed with polysomes from early placentas, hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma. In all cases, cell-free peptide synthesis was highly dependent on the state of stabilization of the polysomes and on the origin of the pH 5 protein preparation used as a source of transferring and activating enzymes. Among inhibitors of ribonuclease, only 0.5–2.0 mM EDTA stabilized the free and membrane-bound polysomes from early and term placentas. Similarly, only 3–5% bentonite stabilized polysomes from choriocarcinoma. The polysomes from hydatidiform mole showed a different pattern: their membrane-bound polysomes remained aggregated in the absence of exogenous ribonuclease inhibitors whereas their free polysomes were uniquely stabilized by 2–3% bentonite. Under optimal conditions for isolation, the polysome-monosome ratio was 3 to 1 in both normal and tumor trophoblast. Membrane-bound ribosomes accounted for 9–35% of the total ribosome complement in these preparations with the balance being free ribosomes. Rat liver pH 5 enzyme was significantly more effective in cell-free peptide synthesis than the autologous early or late placental pH 5 enzyme. When activated by rat liver pH 5 enzyme, there was a similar magnitude of 14C-peptide synthesis in cell-free systems programmed by properly stabilized polysomes obtained from early or term placentas or from tumor trophoblast.
Acute Effects and Long-Term Neurological Consequences of Insulin-Induced Hypoglycaemia in the Newborn Rabbit
Authors: Calverley Jane , Redstone David
Published: September 2009

Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia was studied in neonatal rabbits which were survived for long-term follow-up of neurological development. During hypoglycaemia there was a high incidence of convulsions, respiratory abnormalities and death. Temporary neurological defects suggestive of cerebellar damage were seen in some of the survivors who were normal by 3 weeks of age. A permanent defect of the limbs was seen in a few cases from 4 to 7 weeks of age, its nature suggesting damage in the hemispheres. Both types of abnormality are discussed in relation to perinatal brain growth spurts in the rabbit. It is suggested that brain hypoxia following clonic convulsions and serious repiratory difficulty is the most important contributory factor in this damage. A direct link between blood glucose level and respiratory performance in hypoglycaemia is postulated and a mechanism suggested for the initiation of gasping and apnoea following hypoglycaemic convulsions. Attention is drawn to the role hypoxia may play in the production of so-called hypoglycaemic brain damage in the human infant.
The Influence of Phenobarbitone on Bilirubin Clearance
Authors: Heringová A. , Jirsová V.
Published: September 2009

The effect of phenobarbitone treatment on bilirubin clearance from the plasma was studied in 20 newborn infants (10 born at term and 10 premature). The results are compared to those of 20 controls receiving no drug. Following phenobarbitone treatment, a significant increase in bilirubin clearance was observed in both term and premature infants. In premature infants the rate of bilirubin clearance was so enhanced on the 5th day that it almost equalled that of term infants.
Synthesis and Storage of Lipids by Cultured Adipocytes of a Human Neonate
Authors: Adebonojo Festus O.
Published: September 2009

Cultured human neonatal adipocytes were shown in artificial (McCoy’s) medium to be capable of mitotic divisions but not intracellular lipid storage. In sera of normal nonobese adults, intracellular lipid storage was not observed but in sera of obese adults intracellular lipid synthesis and storage were enhanced. Although other factors may account for this observation, it is suggested that the hyperinsulinemia which is so often foundin sera of obese individuals is the primary cause of this phenomenon.
Postnatal Development of Hepatic Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in the Gunn Rat
Authors: Yeary Roger A. , Gerken Diane , Davis David R.
Published: September 2009

The postnatal development of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme activity was compared in icteric homozygous and nonicteric heterozygous Gunn rats. Measurement of enzyme activity was performed by in vitro studies using hexobarbital, aminopyrine p-nitrobenzoic acid, zoxazolamine, p-nitrophenol, procaine and bilirubin as substrates. The rate of metabolism of bilirubin and p-nitrophenol were significantly lower in the icteric Gunn rat, but did not differ for the other substrates. Bilirubin glucuronidation did not develop in the icteric Gunn rat but p-nitrophenol glucuronidation approached that of the nonicteric rat by 70 days of age. The rate of maturation of enzyme activity was slowest for p-nitrophenol and zoxazolamine.
Chemical Studies on the Human Growth Cartilage in Fetuses and Newborns
Authors: Stanescu V. , Stanescu R. , Maroteaux P.
Published: September 2009

Microchemical determination of hexosamine and hydroxyproline performed in isolated histological zones from sections of tibial epiphyseal plate obtained from fetuses, newborn infants and children showed a decrease of hexosamine and an increase of hydroxyproline concentration with age. Fractionation of glycosaminoglycans demonstrates that the differences in hexosamine are due mainly to variations in chondroitin sulphates. Gel electrophoresis of protoeglycans showed different patterns in fetuses and in older children. It is suggested that the permeability, sieving and ionexchange properties of the growth plate change probably with age. In several newborns with important general pathologic findings, a decrease of hexosamine was found in the column zone.
The Newborn of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: François R. , Picaud J.J. , Ruitton-Ugliengo A. , David L. , Cartal M.J. , Bauer D.
Published: September 2009

The authors report their observations on 154 newborns of diabetic mothers from 1958 to 1973. The total neonatal mortality is 14.28%. In fact, in a first period from 1958 to January 1971 the mortality was 19.23% and from January 1971 to January 1973 it was only 4%. The improvement was caused by the prolongation of the pregnancy (average duration 36 weeks in the first period, 37 in the second), decreasing the number of hyaline membranes. The authors study the dangers confronting this newborn; they stress the importance of hypoglycaemia observed in 89 cases. They prove that this hypoglycaemia is in correlation with an hyperinsulinism of the newborn, observed even taking into account the presence of anti-insulin antibodies checked in the patients. The authors also study the future of these infants: 97 infants of more than 2 years of age have been reviewed on one or more occasions; only one of them became diabetic.
Heart Rate Variability and Cardiac Response to an Auditory Stimulus
Authors: Vranekovic George , Hock Ellen , Isaac Paul , Cordero Leandro
Published: September 2009

While in a state of quiet sleep, 15 full-term male, 15 full-term female, and 15 premature male infants were presented a single auditory stimulus. Heart rate was continuously monitored and scored for mean and standard deviation in the 10-sec prestimulus period, as well as for peak and trough magnitude of the response and the latencies to these points. The infants tended to show a diphasic response, acceleration followed by rebound deceleration below baseline. Prestimulus mean and variability were inversely related, and significantly predictive of the amount of acceleration. Premature infants showed a high resting heart rate, and a milder response to the stimulus. Also evident were larger accelerations and longer latencies to trough for full-term females.
Studies on the Lipid Metabolism Using 14C-1-PaImitate in Fetal Rats
Authors: Hummel L. , Schirrmeister W. , Zimmermann T. , Wagner H.
Published: September 2009

The following conclusions can be drawn from our experiments with regard to the fetal lipid metabolism, using the tracer technique and a mathematical model. (1) The fetal plasma free fatty acids (FFA) exchange so rapidly with another FFA compartment (probably the interstitially located FFA) that the FFA of both compartments can be considered as one homogeneous FFA compartment. The turnover time of this compartment was calculated to be 0.78 min. (2) 1.25 μmoles FFA/ min pass through this FFA compartment. This indicates that the rat fetus must dispose of a lipolytic activity comparable to that of the adult animal. (3) The amount of FFA esterified to fetal triglycerides is relatively greater than the amount of FFA esterified to fetal phospholipids. This finding reflects a certain accumulation of fat during the last days of pregnancy.
Study of Possible Correlations between Body Weights and Brain Parameters in Neonatal and Mature Rats
Authors: Zamenhof S. , Guthrie D. , Clarkson D.
Published: September 2009

Correlations between body weight, cerebral weight, cerebral DNA (cell number) and cerebral protein have been studied in a population of 249 neonatal (29 litters) and 107 adult normal rats. It was found that, on a statistical basis, an individual with a heavier neonatal body weight is also likely to have a higher cerebral weight, neonatal cerebral DNA (cell number) and neonatal cerebral protein. For a sample of this size, each pair of these parameters was significantly correlated. In adult animals the significance of correlations with body weights disappears, but the correlations between each pair of cerebral parameters remain significant.
Growth and Development of the Fetal Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Kerr George R. , Helmuth Arthur C.
Published: September 2009

Fatty acids of major phospholipids were evaluated in lung homogenate of rhesus monkeys. Studies were conducted at 5 fetal ages and in adult animals. The total concentrations of sphingomyelin, phosphotidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl choline increased progressively during fetal life, demonstrated at 2- to 3-fold increase during the 25-day period prior to full-term gestation, and remained at the same level or decreased in the lungs of adult animals. The predominant fatty acid esterifiedto sphingomyelin was stearic acid; that of phosphatidyl ethanolamine was oleic acid; and that of phosphotidyl choline was palmitic acid. These data and this species may be used to improve understanding of pulmonary development in the human fetus and the respiratory problems of prematurity.
Effect of Carnitine on Lipolysis in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Newborns
Authors: Novak Milan , Penn-Walker Duna , Hahn Peter , Monkus Ellen F.
Published: September 2009

L-Carnitine enhanced glycerol release from new born subcutaneous adipose tissue fragments with or without simultaneous stimulation with isoproterenol (10––5 M) or theophylline (10––3 M) (p ≤ 0.05). Deoxycarnitine (2.5 mM) decreased lipolysis under similar conditions (p ≤ 0.05). The optimal concentration of L-carnitine (10––3 M) was determined by a dose response curve in isolated neonatal adipocytes. In adult subcutaneous adipose tissue fragments, L-carnitine increased lipolysis only in the presence of the β-stimulator isoproterenol (10––5 M) (p ≤ 0.05), while deoxycarnitine had no effect.
Oxidation of Fatty Acids by Mitochondria Obtained from Newborn Subcutaneous (White) Adipose Tissue
Authors: Novak Milan , Penn-Walker Duna , Monkus Ellen F.
Published: September 2009

Oxidation of fatty acids was found to be both carnitine-dependent and carnitine-independent in mitochondria obtained from human newborn subcutaneous fat. A higher affinity of microsomes than that of mitochondria for free fatty acids was indirectly demonstrated by using microsomal fractions as substrate carriers. Oxygen consumption was detected in microsomal fractions and was associated with double bond formation. This may substantially contribute to the oxygen consumption of the developing adipocyte. The mechanisms involved in fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria of developing white adipocyte of the human newborn are similar to those described for mammalian brown fat.
The Cerebro-Hepato-Renal Syndrome (Zellweger’s Syndrome)
Authors: Sommer Annemarie , Bradel Edward J. , Hamoudi Ala B.
Published: September 2009

Four infants with the clinical and pathological findings of the cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome of Zellweger are reported. They were the children of two sets of parents who were healthy and unrelated. In each family the occurrence of one affected sibling of each sex adds further evidence to the autosomal recessive nature of this disorder.
Alternate Phototherapy in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Zachman Richard D.
Published: September 2009

Twenty-eight low-birth-weight, moderately ill, and jaundiced newborns were randomly selected for phototherapy for either 72 consecutive hours or for 12-hour periods alternating with 12-hour periods of no phototherapy, for a total of 72 h. The infants were started on phototherapy when their indirect bilirubin level was 8–12 mg%. The serum bilirubin levels of the alternate phototherapy group fell at the same rate as those treated continuously.
Plasma Amino Acids in Low-Birth-Weight Infants Treated with Intravenous Amino Acid Infusion
Authors: Wong Paul W.K. , Pildes Rosita S.
Published: September 2009

Concentrations of plasma amino acids were determined using a ‘semimicro’ method with ion exchange chromatography in low-birth-weight infants with or without intravenous amino acid infusion. There were considerable variations of these amino acid concentrations in relation to age. Intravenous infusion of FreAmine was associated with persistent elevation of methionine, transient elevation of ornithine and lysine and occasional elevation of glycine. Since intravenous infusion of amino acids has been proven to be a valuable nutrient in infants unable to receive any or adequate oral feeding and since intravenous infusion of amino acids has been accepted by an increasing number of physicians for the management of these infants, monitoring of plasma concentrations of amino acids by the physicians and improvement in the content of the solutions by the manufacturers seems to be essential.
Fetal Asphyxia due to Umbilical Cord Compression
Authors: Myers Ronald E.
Published: September 2009

Term monkey fetus 1620 sustained 50 min of rapidly developing severe asphyxia which began immediately after its in utero version. The arterial blood pO2 decreased from a normal value of 34 to 11–12 mm Hg while the blood pH fell from 7.35 to 6.70. During this asphyxia, hemoglobin-oxygen saturations below 5% were recorded. The complete collapse of the umbilical circulation several minutes prior to the reoxygenation of the fetus added an episode of total asphyxia. With reoxygenation following delivery, fetal cardiovascular performance improved rapidly though over an hour was required for recovery from the severe acidosis. The animal prospered but was found moribund on the 13th postnatal day due to dehydration. Brain examination after euthanasia revealed severe paracentral cortical and basal ganglia damage. Damage also appeared symmetrically in nuclei in the lower brain stem and in thalamus. These three zones of injury are attributed to the partial, the partial combined with the total, and the total asphyxia, respectively. The present case makes clear that compression of the umbilical cord may cause brain damage of a variety of types depending on the severity and duration of the asphyxia induced. It also demonstrates the possibility of recovery from a systemic acidosis where the pH values have fallen to levels below 6.70 for up to an hour.
Lymphoreticular Aggregates in the Newborn Lung and Their Relation to Intrauterine Infection and Neurospinal Dysraphism
Authors: Emery John L. , Dinsdale Fay
Published: September 2009

A survey has been carried out of lymphoreticular aggregates in the lungs of 200 children, stillborns and dying within 15 days of birth and in a further 21 children with anencephalus, and controls.Lymphoreticular aggregates occur in response to amniotic infection and are found in the Ê»intrauterine infection syndrome’. They are not found in children showing early hyaline membranes. The time interval required for the production of lymphoreticular aggregates in the human child appears to be at least 48 h and is probably 72 h before the production of well-formed aggregates and this probably applies to both the intrauterine and the postnatal state. There is a significant increase in the number of lungs showing lymphoreticular aggregates at birth in children in whom there is neurospinal dysraphism. In such children there is necrosis of nervous tissue into the amniotic cavity and it would seem likely that this material has been antigenic to the lung in utero.
Sex-Differential Placentation Immunological Interactions between Male Conceptus and Gravida during Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Vernier Michel C.
Published: September 2009

7,773 placentae of newborns were analyzed in order to test a hypothesis of specific immunological concepto-maternal interactions due to maleness and occurring during normal pregnancy. An association between placental weight of newborn male and the sex of conceptuses of previous pregnancies was found which supports the hypothesis. No such an association was found for female newborn. The confirmation of these results could open new avenues in the study of sex-differential survival of the conceptus throughout gestation.
Delayed Induction by Phenobarbital of UDP-Glucuronyltransferase Activity towards Bilirubin in Fetal Liver
Authors: Burchell B. , Dutton G.J.
Published: September 2009

Phenobarbital pretreatment of pregnant mice (ASH/TO strain) gave rise to approximately equal concentrations of phenobarbital in both maternal and fetal liver. This pretreatment resulted in increased UDP-glucuronyltransferase (GT) activity towards bilirubin in maternal and neonatal liver and in fetal liver on days 19 and 20 but in livers from earlier (15–18 day) fetuses GT either was not significantly increased or remained undetectable. Fetal liver is thus not competent to respond to phenobarbital by increasing its GT activity, until just before birth. This pattern persisted through changes in assay conditions and is contrasted with that occurring in embryos free from maternal influence. GT from adult and neonatal liver is activated by 0.2% digitonin; in fetal liver this response also does not appear until day 19.
Influence on Fetal Carbohydrate and Fat Metabolism and on Acid-Base Balance of Glucose Administration to the Mother during Labour
Authors: Gårdmark S. , Gennser G. , Jacobson L. , Rooth G. , Thorell J.
Published: September 2009

Parturients during normal labour were given glucose. The maternal-fetal difference of glucose increased with increasing maternal glucose level. Glucose load caused a rapid early response of maternal insulin release. A parallel rise in plasma lactate and pyruvate occurred in both fetus and mother. The basal maternal hydroxybutyrate and glycerol concentrations decreased significantly during glucose load. The study demonstrated that at term, components of lipid metabolism in fetal and maternal plasma – in contrast to glucose – vary independently. No major disturbances of the fetal acid-base balance were found.
Maximum Thermogenic Response to Cold in Relation to the Proportion of Brown Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle in the Body and to other Parameters in Young Lambs
Authors: Alexander G. , Bell A.W.
Published: September 2009

No relationship was apparent between the maximum thermogenic response of lambs to cold (summit metabolism) and the dissectable brown adipose tissue content, or the chemically extractable lipid content of the whole animal or the weight of various skeletal muscles. Correlations of summit metabolism with other parameters also suggested that the level of glucose, FFA and glycerol in the circulation, and the glycogen stores in liver and muscle, did not limit summit metabolism. However, significant correlations of summit metabolism with cardiac output and arteriovenous differences in oxygen content of blood focused attention on the possible role of the cardiovascular system and on the metabolic capability of the thermogenic tissues in determining summit metabolism.
Adrenal Catecholamines Content in Fetal and Newborn Rats
Authors: Girard J.R. , Zeghal N.
Published: September 2009

The adrenal epinephrine content of newborn rats delivered by caesarian section on day 21.5 of gestation and maintained at thermal neutrality (37 °C) did not decrease over the 6 h following birth in spite of a transient phase of hypoglycemia. Cold exposure (30 or 24 °C) of the newborn rats immediately after birth did not decrease their adrenal epinephrine content. A decrease in adrenal epinephrine content is observed in21.5-day-old rat fetuses after insulin-induced hypoglycemia for 4 h, after 2-deoxy-D-glucose injection or after anoxia. In 20.5-day-old rat fetuses, insulin-induced hypoglycemia for 4h or 2-deoxy-D-glucose did not decrease the adrenal epinephrine content of the fetus. No variation was observed in norepinephrine content of the adrenal gland in all these situations. It is concluded that spontaneously occurring hypoglycemia or cold exposure are not sufficient stimuli to induce adrenal epinephrine depletion. It is suggested that hypoxia is perhaps the physiological stimulus for epinephrine secretion in newborn rats.
Estimation of Red Blood Cell Volume in Premature Infants With and Without Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Usher Robert H. , Saigal Saroj , O’Neill Allison , Surainder Yeldandi , Chua Le-Beng
Published: September 2009

Red blood cell volume was estimated indirectly from plasma volume and venous hematocrit measurements in 262 consecutively delivered premature infants of less than 37 weeks’ gestation. Infants with respiratory distress syndrome averaged lower red cell volumes (P0.02) than those without. Fatal cases had the lowest volumes. There was a 10.3% mortality from RDS (respiratory distress syndrome) among the one third of infants with the smallest red cell volumes, and only a 2.3% mortality among the one third with the largest volumes. Red cell volume was shown to be a direct correlate of time of cord clamping and thereby of the amount of placental transfusion, both in infants with and without RDS. From this study it is probable that delayed cord clamping, by allowing placental transfusion, decreases the risk of death from RDS in premature infants. Delay in clamping the umbilical cord for 1–1.5 min is advised in premature births.
Demonstration of Cells with IgG Receptor in Human Placenta
Authors: Moskalewski S. , Ptak W. , Czarnik Z.
Published: September 2009

The presence of two types of cells with IgG surface receptors was demonstrated in mature and immature human placentas. One type corresponded morphologically to the Hofbauer cells and the second to the blood monocytes. Transitional forms between monocytes and Hofbauer cells were also observed.
Differential Associations Between Soluble Cellular Adhesion Molecules and Atherosclerosis in the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Rohatgi Anand , Owens Andrew W. , Khera Amit , Ayers Colby R. , Banks Kamakki , Das Sandeep R. , Berry Jarett D. , McGuire Darren K. , de Lemos James A.
Published: September 2009

Objective—

Endothelial cell–selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) is a junctional-type cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) that is uniquely expressed in vascular endothelium and activated platelets and mediates neutrophil and monocyte diapedesis across the endothelium. Given its role in endothelial pathobiology, we hypothesized that soluble ESAM (sESAM) would be independently associated with atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness.

Methods and Results—

We measured sESAM, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 in 3222 subjects participating in the Dallas Heart Study, a probability-based population sample. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was measured by electron beam computed tomography, and abdominal aortic wall thickness (AWT), aortic plaque burden (APB), and aortic compliance (AC) by MRI. Increasing levels of sESAM were associated with all major cardiovascular risk factors as well as with inflammatory markers such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, but only weakly correlated with sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. In multivariate analyses, sESAM was independently associated with prevalent CAC (OR 1.2 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3;
P
=0.005), AWT (
P
=0.035), and AC (
P
=0.006), but not APB (
P
=0.15). In contrast, no independent associations were observed between sICAM-1 or sVCAM-1 and any of the atherosclerosis phenotypes.

Conclusions—

In this first reported clinical study of sESAM in humans, sESAM levels were independently associated with CAC, AWT, and AC, whereas sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were not. These findings support a unique role of this cellular adhesion molecule in atherosclerosis and suggest the need for further exploration of sESAM as a predictive biomarker and potential mediator of atherosclerosis.
Estrogen Decreases Atherosclerosis in Part by Reducing Hepatic Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) in Monkeys
Authors: Kavanagh Kylie , Davis Matthew A. , Zhang Li , Wilson Martha D. , Register Thomas C. , Adams Michael R. , Rudel Lawrence L. , Wagner Janice D.
Published: September 2009

Objective—

Estrogens decrease atherosclerosis progression, mediated in part through changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins. This study aimed to determine estrogen-induced changes in hepatic cholesterol metabolism, plasma lipoproteins, and the relationship of these changes to atherosclerosis extent.

Methods and Results—

Ovariectomized monkeys (n=34) consumed atherogenic diets for 30 months which contained either no hormones (control, n=17) or conjugated equine estrogens (CEE, n=17) at a human dose equivalent of 0.625 mg/d. Hepatic cholesterol content, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity, and expression levels were determined. CEE treatment resulted in lower plasma concentrations of very-low- and intermediate- density lipoprotein cholesterol (V+IDLC;
P
=0.01), smaller LDL particles (
P
=0.002), and 50% lower hepatic cholesterol content (total, free, and esterified;
P
<0.05 for all). Total ACAT activity was significantly lower (
P
=0.01), explained primarily by reductions in the activity of ACAT2. Estrogen regulation of enzymatic activity was at the protein level as both ACAT1 and 2 protein, but not mRNA levels, were lower (
P
=0.02 and <0.0001, respectively). ACAT2 activity was significantly associated with hepatic total cholesterol, plasma V+IDLC cholesterol, and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—

Atheroprotective effects of estrogen therapy may be related to reduced hepatic secretion of ACAT2-derived cholesteryl esters in plasma lipoproteins.
Resolving Nonstationary Spectral Information in Wind Speed Time Series Using the Hilbert–Huang Transform
Authors: Vincent Claire , Giebel Gregor , Pinson Pierre , Madsen Henrik
Published: September 2009

This work is motivated by the observation that large-amplitude wind fluctuations on temporal scales of 1–10 h present challenges for the power management of large offshore wind farms. Wind fluctuations on these scales are analyzed at a meteorological measurement mast in the Danish North Sea using a 4-yr time series of 10-min wind speed observations. An adaptive spectral analysis method called the Hilbert–Huang transform is chosen for the analysis, because the nonstationarity of time series of wind speed observations means that they are not well described by a global spectral analysis method such as the Fourier transform. The Hilbert–Huang transform is a local method based on a nonparametric and empirical decomposition of the data followed by calculation of instantaneous amplitudes and frequencies using the Hilbert transform. The Hilbert–Huang transformed 4-yr time series is averaged and summarized to show climatological patterns in the relationship between wind variability and time of day. First, by integrating the Hilbert spectrum along the frequency axis, a scalar time series representing the total variability within a given frequency range is calculated. Second, by calculating average spectra conditional to time of day, the time axis of the Hilbert spectrum is “remapped” to show climatological patterns. Third, the daily patterns in wind variability and wind speed are compared for the four seasons of the year. It is found that the most intense wind variability occurs in autumn even though the strongest observed wind speeds occur in winter.
The Wet and Dry Spells across India during 1951–2007
Authors: Singh Nityanand , Ranade Ashwini
Published: September 2009

Characteristics of wet spells (WSs) and intervening dry spells (DSs) are extremely useful for water-related sectors. The information takes on greater significance in the wake of global climate change and climate-change scenario projections. The features of 40 parameters of the rainfall time distribution as well as their extremes have been studied for two wet and dry spells for 19 subregions across India using gridded daily rainfall available on 1° latitude × 1° longitude spatial resolution for the period 1951–2007. In a low-frequency-mode, intra-annual rainfall variation, WS (DS) is identified as a “continuous period with daily rainfall equal to or greater than (less than) daily mean rainfall (DMR) of climatological monsoon period over the area of interest.” The DMR shows significant spatial variation from 2.6 mm day−1 over the extreme southeast peninsula (ESEP) to 20.2 mm day−1 over the southern-central west coast (SCWC). Climatologically, the number of WSs (DSs) decreases from 11 (10) over the extreme south peninsula to 4 (3) over northwestern India as a result of a decrease in tropical and oceanic influences. The total duration of WSs (DSs) decreases from 101 (173) to 45 (29) days, and the duration of individual WS (DS) from 12 (18) to 7 (11) days following similar spatial patterns. Broadly, the total rainfall of wet and dry spells, and rainfall amount and rainfall intensity of actual and extreme wet and dry spells, are high over orographic regions and low over the peninsula, Indo-Gangetic plains, and northwest dry province. The rainfall due to WSs (DSs) contributes ∼68% (∼17%) to the respective annual total. The start of the first wet spell is earlier (19 March) over ESEP and later (22 June) over northwestern India, and the end of the last wet spell occurs in reverse, that is, earlier (12 September) from northwestern India and later (16 December) from ESEP. In recent years/decades, actual and extreme WSs are slightly shorter and their rainfall intensity higher over a majority of the subregions, whereas actual and extreme DSs are slightly (not significantly) longer and their rainfall intensity weaker. There is a tendency for the first WS to start approximately six days earlier across the country and the last WS to end approximately two days earlier, giving rise to longer duration of rainfall activities by approximately four days. However, a spatially coherent, robust, long-term trend (1951–2007) is not seen in any of the 40 WS/DS parameters examined in the present study.
Wall Shear Stress Measurement Using Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Arteriovenous Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts
Authors: Misra Sanjay , Fu Alex A. , Misra Khamal D. , Glockner James F. , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: September 2009

Purpose

The purpose of the present article was to determine the changes in luminal vessel area, blood flow, and wall shear stress in both the inflow artery and the venous stenosis of arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts.

Methods and materials

Polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were placed from the carotid artery to the ipsilateral jugular vein in 8 castrated juvenile male pigs. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 2 weeks after graft placement.

Results

The mean wall shear stress at the venous stenosis was 4 times higher than the control vein, while the inflow artery was only 2-fold higher. By day 14, venous stenosis had formed, which was characterized by narrowed area and elevated blood flow.

Conclusion

By day 14, there is venous stenosis formation in porcine arteriovenous PTFE grafts with increased shear stress with decreased area when compared to control vein.
The Effects of Composite Plate Design Parameters on Linear Vibrations by Discrete Singular Convolution Method
Authors: Secgin Abdullah , Atas Cesim , Sarigül A. Saide
Published: September 2009

This study is devoted to some specific free vibration analysis of thin composite plates based on discrete singular convolution (DSC) approach. As the first analysis, a parametric study is performed on the basis of number of lamination, boundary condition, and orientation angle of symmetrically laminated composite plates. As the second, the effects of material type, boundary condition, and stacking sequence on the modal characteristics of laminated plates made of E-glass/epoxy, Kevlar/epoxy, and carbon/epoxy are investigated. Thirdly, linear modal characteristics of fiber metal laminates are specifically analyzed due to their common use in aircraft design. Hopefully, the results presented in the article may be practically of interest for engineers and designers. This study displays the applicability of the DSC method for real-life problems.
Failure Predictions for Carbon/Epoxy Tape Laminates with Wavy Plies
Authors: Makeev Andrew , Seon Guillaume , Lee Edward
Published: September 2009

Accurate matrix-dominated constitutive properties can be a key to accurate failure models for polymer-matrix composites. This work shows the effect of nonlinear interlaminar shear stress-strain relations on delamination failure predictions for thick IM7/8552 carbon/epoxy tape laminates with wavy plies. Nonlinear finite element model (FEM) predictions and subsequent test correlations are presented. The interlaminar shear stress-strain relations are generated using short-beam shear tests and a digital image correlation full-field strain measurement technique. Test data for the wavy-ply coupons show that nonlinear shear stress-strain response is required for accurate failure prediction.
Characterization of Stir Cast Al—Cu—(fly ash + SiC) Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Mahendra K.V. , Radhakrishna K.
Published: September 2009

Metal matrix composites are engineered materials with a combination of two or more dissimilar materials, (at least one of which is a metal) to obtain enhanced properties. In the present investigation Al-4.5% Cu alloy was used as the matrix and fly ash and silicon carbide (SiC) as reinforcements. The hybrid metal matrix composite was produced using conventional foundry techniques. The fly ash and SiC were added in 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight (equal proportion) to the molten metal. The hybrid composite was tested for fluidity, hardness, density, mechanical properties, impact strength, dry sliding wear, slurry erosive wear, and corrosion. The microstructure examination was done using scanning electron microscope to assess the distribution of particulates in the aluminum matrix. The results show that there is an increase in hardness with increase in the particulates content. The density decreases with increase in fly ash and SiC content. The tensile strength, compression strength, and impact strength increases with increase in fly ash and SiC. The resistances to dry wear and slurry erosive wear increases with increase in fly ash and SiC content. Corrosion increases with increase in fly ash and SiC content. This material can be used as bearing material.
Are Superannuation Funds and other Institutional Investors in Australia Acting Like ‘Universal Investors’?
Authors: Marshall Shelley , Anderson Kirsten , Ramsay Ian
Published: September 2009

This study investigates whether Australian superannuation funds and other institutional investors are concerned with the human resource management (HRM) and industrial relations (IR) practices of companies. It examines whether they use indicators of HRM or IR practices in their investment decisions and whether they attempt to influence these types of practices through other means, in the same way that investors are now doing so regarding corporate governance issues. The study finds there are embryonic signs of investors doing both. However, the ad hoc nature of engagement as well as significant information barriers, reduce the efficacy of this engagement.
Corporate Governance and Training
Authors: Goergen Marc , Brewster Chris , Wood Geoffrey
Published: September 2009

This article uses the notion of national recipes of corporate governance to explore national differences in the provision, extent, range, cost and arrangements made for training by employers. Drawing on an extensive database, careful analysis shows that there are significant differences between the liberal market economies and others in their employer training provision and systems. The research also highlighted considerable differences in practice in coordinated market economies, most notably between the social democracies of the Nordic countries and the Rhineland continental economies. The data also shows evidence of the embeddedness of training systems in the society and the industrial relations systems in which they operate: there are a limited number of clusters of countries that retain distinctive features. These clusters broadly correspond to the five different models of capitalism identified by Amable (2003), with differences encountered being generally on the lines predicted by the latter.
Private Equity and American Labor: Multiple, Pragmatic Responses Mirroring Labor’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Authors: Beeferman Larry W.
Published: September 2009

This article briefly describes the recent growth of private equity, details some of the challenges such growth has posed for American labor, and outlines ways in which labor has chosen to respond. In so doing it suggests that the diverse, complicated, and practical choices labor has made to date have been shaped by the particular strengths and weaknesses of its position in American society. More particularly, these choices place the emphasis on (1) legislative change, relating mainly to tax rather than regulatory policy (labor-related or otherwise); (2) capital strategies, by which unions and pension funds engage companies in connection with corporate governance and investments that might be made in or withheld from them; and (3) high-profile campaigns relating to the reputation of private equity firms and their investee companies (as compared to traditional means of securing union recognition or exercising collective bargaining rights).
Australian Health and Safety Inspectors’ Perceptions and Actions in Relation to Changed Work Arrangements
Authors: Quinlan Michael , Johnstone Richard , McNamara Maria
Published: September 2009

Extensive international research points to an association between changed work arrangements, especially those commonly labelled as contingent work, with adverse occupational health and safety (OHS) outcomes. Research also indicates these work arrangements have weakened or bypassed existing OHS and workers’ compensation regulatory regimes. However, there has been little if any research into how OHS inspectors perceive these issues and how they address them during workplace visits or investigations. Between 2003 and 2007 research was undertaken that entailed detailed documentary and statistical analysis, extended interviews with 170 regulatory managers and inspectors, and observational data collected while accompanying inspectors on 118 ‘typical’ workplace visits. Key findings are that inspectors responsible for a range of industries see altered work arrangements as a serious challenge, especially labour hire (agency work) and subcontracting. Though the law imposes clear obligations, inspectors identified misunderstanding/blameshifting and poor compliance amongst parties to these arrangements. The complexity of these work arrangements also posed logistical challenges to inspectorates.
Using Public Procurement to Promote Better Labour Standards in Australia: A Case Study of Responsive Regulatory Design
Authors: Howe John , Landau Ingrid
Published: September 2009

The former Federal Coalition Government’s industrial relations reforms restricted the capacity of state governments to make labour law, inspiring them to consider more innovative ways of regulating labour standards in the private sector including through greater use of public procurement. This article presents a case study of a program in which an Australian state government has sought to use its purchasing power to regulate labour standards in the cleaning industry. The authors assess this program against a model of responsive regulation. They suggest that there is potential to extend this model to other areas of government procurement.
Race-Ethnicity, Education, and Employment After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Krause James S. , Saunders Lee , Staten David
Published: September 2009

The objective of this article was to identify the relationship between race-ethnicity and employment after spinal cord injury (SCI), while evaluating interrelationships with gender, injury severity, and education. The authors used a cohort design using the most current status from a post-injury interview from the National SCI Statistical Center. Participants included 14,454 adults ages 18 to 64, at least 1 year post-injury, not currently students or homemakers, and with residual impairment. Primary outcome was self-reported gainful employment. A total of 26.8% were working, and Caucasians were most likely to work followed by Hispanics and African Americans. Education and injury severity were strong predictors of working but did not attenuate the relationship between race and working. African American women were more likely to work than African American men, but this relationship was not significant for other race groups. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors that can decrease the gap in post-injury employment between African Americans and other races.
Preparation of Pure Cellulose Nanofiber via Electrospinning
Authors: Ohkawa Kousaku , Hayashi Shinya , Nishida Ayako , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Ducreux Jeremy
Published: September 2009

We describe the preparation of cellulose nanofibrous material directly from cellulose solution via electrospinning. The resulting nanofiber is composed of pure cellulose. The spinning procedure can be performed under ambient conditions at room temperature without post-spun treatment. By mixing drugs with the pre-spun cellulose solution, followed by electrospinning, the drug-loaded nanofiber was prepared and the releasing properties were examined with respect to biomedical applications.