bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients treated with antihyperglycemic agents
Authors: Varghese Precil , Gleason Vanessa , Sorokin Rachel , Senholzi Craig , Jabbour Serge , Gottlieb Jonathan E.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and manifestations of hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients receiving antihyperglycemic therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was a 3‐month prospective review of consecutive medical records of all adult, nonpregnant hospitalized patients at a 675‐bed university hospital who experienced at least 1 blood glucose (BG) ≤ 60 mg/dL within 48 hours of receiving an antihyperglycemic agent.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Of 2174 patients receiving antihyperglycemic agents, 206 (9.5%) experienced 484 hypoglycemic episodes. Of these episodes, 29% occurred in patients with type 1 diabetes, 23% in the ICU, and 72% in patients receiving only insulin for hyperglycemia. More than 1 episode was experienced by 44% of the 206 patients. Furthermore, 4% (20 of 484) of the hypoglycemic episodes were associated with a hypoglycemia‐related adverse event, defined as symptoms, signs, or injury. The mean BG of these episodes was 43.0 mg/dL, significantly lower than the mean BG of 50.9 mg/dL for the 464 episodes without adverse events (P = .01). One‐third of the adverse events occurred with a BG between 50 and 60 mg/dL; half the adverse events, 10 episodes or 2% of all hypoglycemic episodes, were serious, involving seizures or an unresponsive patient. A decrease in enteral intake accounted for 40% of the episodes; none was attributed to medication error. Less than half the hypoglycemic patients had documented euglycemia within 2 hours. Sulfonylurea agents were associated with higher rates of hypoglycemia than were other oral agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients taking antihyperglycemic agents is common; 1 in 25 episodes is associated with an adverse event. Opportunities exist to improve care, particularly around discontinuation of feeding. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:234–240. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Development of the swimbladder and its innervation in the zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Robertson G.N. , McGee C.A.S. , Dumbarton T.C. , Croll R.P. , Smith F.M.
Published: August 2007

Many teleosts including zebrafish, Danio rerio, actively regulate buoyancy with a gas‐filled swimbladder, the volume of which is controlled by autonomic reflexes acting on vascular, muscular, and secretory effectors. In this study, we investigated the morphological development of the zebrafish swimbladder together with its effectors and innervation. The swimbladder first formed as a single chamber, which inflated at 1–3 days posthatching (dph), 3.5–4 mm body length. Lateral nerves were already present as demonstrated by the antibody zn‐12, and blood vessels had formed in parallel on the cranial aspect to supply blood to anastomotic capillary loops as demonstrated by Tie‐2 antibody staining. Neuropeptide Y‐(NPY‐) like immunoreactive (LIR) fibers appeared early in the single‐chambered stage, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)‐LIR fibers and cell bodies developed by 10 dph (5 mm). By 18 dph (6 mm), the anterior chamber formed by evagination from the cranial end of the original chamber; both chambers then enlarged with the ductus communicans forming a constriction between them. The parallel blood vessels developed into an arteriovenous rete on the cranial aspect of the posterior chamber and this region was innervated by zn‐12‐reactive fibers. Tyrosine hydroxylase‐ (TH‐), NPY‐, and VIP‐LIR fibers also innervated this area and the lateral posterior chamber. Innervation of the early anterior chamber was also demonstrated by VIP‐LIR fibers. By 25–30 dph (8–9 mm), a band of smooth muscle formed in the lateral wall of the posterior chamber. Although gas in the swimbladder increased buoyancy of young larvae just after first inflation, our results suggest that active control of the swimbladder may not occur until after the formation of the two chambers and subsequent development and maturation of vasculature, musculature and innervation of these structures at about 28–30 dph. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bargaining over managerial contracts in delegation games: managerial power, contract disclosure and cartel behavior
Authors: van Witteloostuijn Arjen , Jansen Thijs , van Lier Arie
Published: August 2007

Modern corporate governance codes include clauses requiring the disclosure of managerial compensation. Such codes have been installed to protect shareholders' interests. In this paper, we explore the impact of such disclosure on consumer welfare. We consider two‐stage delegation games in which owner‐shareholders negotiate about compensation with their managers in the game's first stage. At the end of the first stage, the managerial compensation contract outcomes of the bargaining process are publicly announced. In the second stage, Cournot competition evolves. We prove that sales delegation generates equilibria radically different from relative performance delegation. Using classical Cournot as the benchmark, contractual bargaining over sales compensation gives tougher product market competition—and hence higher consumer surplus. The opposite holds true for relative performance delegation. Then, cartel behavior is promoted, reducing consumer surplus. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary lateral sclerosis mimicking atypical parkinsonism
Authors: Norlinah Ibrahim M. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Østergaard Karen , Howard Robin , Arabia Gennarina , Quinn Niall P.
Published: August 2007

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), the upper motor neurone variant of motor neurone disease, is characterized by progressive spinal or bulbar spasticity with minimal motor weakness. Rarely, PLS may present with clinical features resembling parkinsonism resulting in occasional misdiagnosis as one of the atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Here we describe five patients initially referred with a diagnosis of levodopa‐unresponsive atypical parkinsonism (n = 4) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (n = 1), but subsequently found to have features consistent with PLS instead. Onset age varied from 49 to 67 years. Unilateral limb slowness or clumsiness was the initial complaint in four, and bulbar symptoms in one. Repeated finger/foot tapping was slow in all five, but without fatiguing or decrement. Spasticity with hyperreflexia, exaggerated jaw jerk and extensor plantar responses were eventually seen in all patients. Anterior horn cell involvement developed in three cases. Early gait disturbances resulting in falls were seen in all patients and none of them responded to dopaminergic medications. Two patients underwent dopamine transporter (DaT) SPECT scanning with normal results. Other features included emotional lability (n = 5) and cognitive impairment involving frontal subcortical systems (n = 1). In conclusion, these cases represent a subgroup of PLS patients in whom pyramidal slowness may be mistaken for akinesia, and spasticity misconstrued as rigidity, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism. However, the absence of fatiguing and decrement on repeated finger/foot tapping should help to distinguish these patients from the true atypical parkinsonian syndromes. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
The effect of nanoscale vanadium pentoxide on the electrical and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Mahmoud Waleed E , Hafez Mohammed , El‐Aal Nadia A , El‐Tantawy Farid
Published: August 2007

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) loaded with vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles was successfully prepared at room temperature and ambient pressure. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the final product. It was found that V2O5 nanoparticles were well dispersed and uniform in shape and that the diameter of the particles was confined to within 8 nm. Addition of small amounts (0.2–1 wt%) of nanoparticulate V2O5 to PVA increased the electrical conductivity as well as the modulus of elasticity. The deformation behaviour after preparing the nanocomposites, irrespective of V2O5 concentration, is similar to that of the unfilled elastomer, implying that the mechanism of large deformation is mainly governed by the matrix. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioinformatics‐based discovery and identification of new biologically active peptides for GPCR deorphanization
Authors: Colette Jean , Avé Emilie , Grenier‐Boley Benjamin , Coquel Anne‐Sophie , Lesellier Karine , Puget Karine
Published: August 2007

Owing to their involvement in many physiological and pathological processes, G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are interesting targets for drug development. Approximately, 100 endoGPCRs lack their natural ligands and remain orphan (oGPCRs). Consequently, oGPCR deorphanization appears a promising research field for the development of new therapeutics. On the basis of the knowledge of currently known GPCR/ligand couples, some oGPCRs may be targeted by peptides. However, to find new drugs for GPCRs, Genepep has developed a dedicated bioinformatics platform to screen transcriptomic databases for the prediction of new GPCR ligands. The peptide lists generated include specific data, such as chemical and physical properties, the occurrence of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) and an annotation referring to the location and expression level of the related putative genes. This information system allows a selection through series of biological criteria of ∼10 000 natural peptides including already known GPCR ligands and potential new candidates for GPCR deorphanization. The most promising peptides for functional assay screening and future development as therapeutic agents are under evaluation. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and accuracy of the physics—dynamics coupling in spectral models
Authors: Termonia P. , Hamdi R.
Published: August 2007

This article first reviews the existing spectral time‐step organizations of the Integrated Forecast System (IFS) of the ECMWF and the ARPEGE/ALADIN/AROME models of Météo‐France and the ALADIN partners. They are characterized according to four choices concerning the physics—dynamics coupling: (1) the order in which the physics parametrization and the dynamics are called and coupled inside the time‐step computation, (2) the space‐time location of the physics coupling on the semi‐Lagrangian trajectory, (3) parallel or sequential time stepping of the different physics parametrizations and (4) parallel or sequential physics—dynamics coupling. It is found that according to this classification, IFS on the one hand and the ARPEGE/ALADIN/AROME models on the other hand exhibit two distinct structures.

In the models, the dynamical cores of the semi‐implicit semi‐Lagrangian two‐time‐level schemes are linearized around a stationary reference state. This state differs from the real atmospheric state (i.e. the exact solution of the equations). This article generalizes the framework introduced by Staniforth, Wood and Côté to study the relation between the coupled physics parametrization and such reference and atmospheric states. Subsequently, the two above‐mentioned time‐step organizations are translated into this simplified frame. Extra degrees of freedom are added to allow for obvious improvements of the existing spectral time‐step organizations. In order to deal with the complexity of the emerging structures and to avoid tedious algebraic manipulations, a numerical methodology is proposed to characterize their properties. This framework is then used to make a comparative study of the numerical stability and the accuracy of the physics—dynamics coupling within the two above‐mentioned time‐step organizations. Potential improvements are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Tree search algorithm for assigning cooperating UAVs to multiple tasks
Authors: Rasmussen Steven J. , Shima Tal
Published: August 2007

This paper describes a tree search algorithm for assigning cooperating homogeneous uninhabited aerial vehicles to multiple tasks. The combinatorial optimization problem is posed in the form of a decision tree, the structure of which enforces the required group coordination and precedence for cooperatively performing the multiple tasks. For path planning, a Dubin's car model is used so that the vehicles' constraint, of minimum turning radius, is taken into account. Due to the prohibitive computational complexity of the problem, exhaustive enumeration of all the assignments encoded in the tree is not feasible. The proposed optimization algorithm is initialized by a best‐first search and candidate optimal solutions serve as a monotonically decreasing upper bound for the assignment cost. Euclidean distances are used for estimating the path length encoded in branches of the tree that have not yet been evaluated by the computationally intensive Dubin's optimization subroutine. This provides a lower bound for the cost of unevaluated assignments. We apply these upper and lower bounding procedures iteratively on active subsets within the feasible set, enabling efficient pruning of the solution tree. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the performance of the search algorithm is analyzed for two different cost functions and different limits on the vehicles' minimum turn radius. It is shown that the selection of the cost function and the limit have a considerable effect on the level of cooperation between the vehicles. The proposed deterministic search method can be applied on line to different sized problems. For small‐sized problems, it provides the optimal solution. For large‐sized problems, it provides an immediate feasible solution that improves over the algorithm's run time. When the proposed method is applied off line, it can be used to obtain the optimal solution, which can be used to evaluate the performance of other sub‐optimal search methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Region‐specific effects of a tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture on amphetamine‐induced changes in BOLD fMRI signal in the rat brain
Authors: Preece Mark A. , Sibson Nicola R. , Raley Josephine M. , Blamire Andrew , Styles Peter , Sharp Trevor
Published: August 2007

Background: Acute depletion of tyrosine using a tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture offers a novel dietary approach to inhibit activated dopamine pathways in the brain. This study investigated the potential of in vivo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods as a noninvasive means to detect effects of tyrosine depletion on dopamine function. Methods: Changes in blood‐oxgenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast induced by administration of the dopamine‐releasing agent, amphetamine (3 mg/kg i.v.), were measured in halothane‐anaesthetised rats. Results: Amphetamine evoked changes in BOLD signal intensity with the greatest effects observed in the nucleus accumbens (−7.7%), prefrontal cortex (−13.6%), and motor cortex (+12.5%). Pretreatment with a tyrosine‐free amino acid mixture attenuated the response to amphetamine in some regions (nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex), but not others (motor cortex). Amphetamine itself had no effect in thalamus and hippocampus but, surprisingly, increased the BOLD signal after the amino acid mixture. Conclusion: These experiments demonstrate that amphetamine evokes region‐specific changes in the BOLD signal in rats, and that this effect is attenuated in some but not all regions by tyrosine depletion. The data support the application of fMRI techniques for studying the effects of tyrosine depletion on dopamine function in animals and also humans. Synapse 61:925–932, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The zebrafish erythropoietin: Functional identification and biochemical characterization
Authors: Chu Cheng-Ying , Cheng Chia-Hsiung , Chen Gen-Der , Chen Yi-Chung , Hung Chin-Chun , Huang Kai-Yun , Huang Chang-Jen
Published: August 2007

In the present study, the zebrafish epo cDNA was cloned. The encoded protein displays 90%, 55% and 32% identity to the Epo from carp, fugu and human, respectively. Through RT‐PCR, the expression of zepo mRNA was mainly in the heart and liver. In the COS‐1 cell transfection experiments, the recombinant zEpo‐HA protein was efficiently secreted into the culture medium as a glycoprotein and the carbohydrate moiety can be cleaved by the treatment of peptide‐N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F). Using the morpholino approach, we showed that zepo morphants displayed severe anemia leading to high mortality during development. Such an effect can be significantly rescued by zepo RNA. Furthermore, in the absence of functional zEpo, the expression of specific markers for adult globin genes, such as αA1‐ and βA1‐globin, but not the embryonic βe1‐globin, was affected.
peg10, an imprinted gene, plays a crucial role in adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Hishida Tomoaki , Naito Kumiko , Osada Shigehiro , Nishizuka Makoto , Imagawa Masayoshi
Published: August 2007

An imprinted gene, paternally expressed gene (peg) 10, was isolated as one of the genes expressed early in adipogenesis. The expression of peg10 was elevated after the addition of inducers, and was detected in adipocyte differentiable 3T3‐L1 cells, but not observed in the non‐adipogenic cell line NIH‐3T3. Moreover, the knockdown of peg10 by RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells into lipid‐laden adipocytes. Interestingly, peg10 RNAi‐treatment reduced the expressions of C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ, and inhibited mitotic clonal expansion. These findings strongly indicate that peg10 plays a crucial role at the immediate early stage of adipocyte differentiation.
Conditioned medium obtained from in vitro differentiated adipocytes and resistin induce insulin resistance in human hepatocytes
Authors: Zhou Lei , Sell Henrike , Eckardt Kristin , Yang Zaiqing , Eckel Jürgen
Published: August 2007

Adipocyte‐derived factors might play a role in the development of hepatic insulin resistance. Resistin was identified as an adipokine linking obesity and insulin resistance. Resistin is secreted from adipocytes in rodents but in humans it was proposed to originate from macrophages and its impact for insulin resistance has remained elusive. To analyze the role of adipokines in general and resistin as a special adipokine, we cultured the human liver cell line HepG2 with adipocyte‐conditioned medium (CM) containing various adipokines such as IL‐6 and MCP‐1, and resistin. CM and resistin both induce insulin resistance with a robust decrease in insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3. Insulin resistance could be prevented by co‐treatment with troglitazone but not by co‐stimulation with adiponectin. As human adipocytes do not secrete resistin, HepG2 cells were also treated with resistin added into CM. CM with resistin addition induced stronger insulin resistance than CM alone pointing to a specific role of resistin in the initiation of hepatic insulin resistance in humans.
PKD is recruited to sites of actin remodelling at the leading edge and negatively regulates cell migration
Authors: Eiseler Tim , Schmid Michael A. , Topbas Fitnat , Pfizenmaier Klaus , Hausser Angelika
Published: August 2007

Protein kinase D (PKD) has been implicated in the regulation of cell shape, adhesion, and migration. At the leading edge of migrating cells active PKD co‐localizes with F‐actin, Arp3 and cortactin. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) activates PKD and recruits the kinase to the leading edge, suggesting a role for PKD in actin remodelling. In support of this, PKD directly interacts with F‐actin and phosphorylates cortactin in vitro. Interference with PKD function by overexpression of a dominant negative PKD or by PKD‐specific siRNA enhanced cell migration, whereas cells overexpressing PKD wild type displayed reduced migratory potential. Taken together, these data reveal a negative regulatory function of PKD in cell migration.
Co-infection with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in three cats from Brazil
Authors: de Morais Helio A. , Guimarães Ana Marcia S. , Vidotto Odilon , Baumann Aline , Biondo Alexander W. , Messick Joanne B.
Published: August 2007

The two most common haemotropic Mycoplasma of cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ have been identified using molecular techniques in all continents, except Antarctica. We report the first molecular characterization in South America of a dual infection with M haemofelis and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in three domestic cats. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified in three anaemic cats in which haemoplasma organisms were seen attached to the erythrocytes in the peripheral blood smear. Bands of the expected size for M haemofelis and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ were observed in all three cats. The 393 bp segment of one of the amplicons had a similarity value of 100% to M haemofelis, whereas the other amplicon, a 192 bp segment, was 100% similar to ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’. After diagnosis, two cats received blood transfusion and they were all treated with doxycycline. All three cats recovered uneventfully.
Tracheostomy in cats: 23 cases (1998–2006)
Authors: Guenther-Yenke Christine L. , Rozanski Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2007

Tracheostomies can be used to provide a patent airway in animals with upper airway obstruction but have been reported to be more difficult to manage in cats than in other animals. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively describe the indications, complications and outcome of cats undergoing tracheostomy. Twenty-three cats underwent tracheostomy for laryngeal mass ( n=13), trauma ( n=5) and upper airway swelling ( n=5). Major and minor complications were recorded in 10 and 17 cats, respectively. Seventeen cats were discharged to home, four cats were euthanased and two cats died in hospital. Complications with stoma healing were reported in one cat. Of seven cats discharged with a permanent tracheostomy, one cat is alive and six cats survived at home for between 2 and 281 days. Although complications are common, temporary tracheostomies can be beneficial for conditions in which the underlying cause can be treated. Despite risk of occlusion, permanent tracheostomies can be effective palliative procedures for cats with severe upper airway disease.
Genetics and diet–gene interactions: involvement, confidence and knowledge of dietitians
Authors: Whelan Kevin , McCarthy Sarah , Pufulete Maria
Published: August 2007

Diet–gene interactions have become the focus of much research in recent years. However, little is known about UK dietitians' involvement, confidence and knowledge in genetics and diet–gene interactions. A validated postal questionnaire sent to a randomly selected sample of 600 dietitians in the UK resulted in 390 responses (65 %). Most dietitians had no involvement in eleven activities relating to genetics and diet–gene interactions and lacked confidence in undertaking such activities. However, a significant positive association was found between involvement and confidence for all activities tested (P < 0·0001). A mean knowledge score of 41 % (sd 19) indicated generally low levels of knowledge in genetics and diet–gene interactions. Knowledge scores were higher for those who reported discussing the genetic basis of disease or discussing how diet–gene interactions affected risk (P < 0·05). For the majority of activities, dietitians who reported higher confidence had higher knowledge scores. Given the importance of interactions between genetics and nutrition in preventing and managing disease, this study identifies a need to increase the involvement, confidence and knowledge in genetics and diet–gene interactions of dietitians in the UK.
Effect of 3-month treatment of children and adolescents with familial and polygenic hypercholesterolaemia with a soya-substituted diet
Authors: Weghuber Daniel , Widhalm Kurt
Published: August 2007

Soya protein has well-documented beneficial effects on serum lipid levels in adults, the potential beneficial effect of a prolonged soya protein-substituted diet in children and adolescents with familial (FH) and polygenic hypercholesterolaemia (PH) being unknown. To assess the effect of 3 months’ treatment of children and adolescents with FH and PH with a soya-substituted diet on serum lipids and lipoproteins, twenty-three children and adolescents were initially assigned to a standard phase 1 diet for 3 months, after which they were instructed to include soya protein (0·25–0·5 g/kg body weight) into their diet for 3 months. Sixteen patients (ten males and six females, thirteen with FH (eight males and five females), three with PH (two males and one female); mean age 8·8 (sd4·2) years (range 4–18 years); mean BMI 16·7 (sd2·6) kg/m2)) completed both phases. The phase 1 diet resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol and apo B by 12·3, 11·8 and 10·6 %, respectively, HDL-cholesterol, TAG, apo A1 and lipoprotein(a) not being different. Dietary intake of soya protein during phase 2 resulted in a significant decrease of TC, LDL-cholesterol and apo B by 7·7, 6·4, and 12·6 %, respectively. TAG, HDL-cholesterol, apo A1, and lipoprotein(a) did not change significantly. Substitution of soya protein for animal protein in a low-fat, fat-modified diet is of additional benefit in many, but not all, children and adolescents with FH and PH when aiming at lowering serum TC, LDL and apo B. It seems to be a feasible long-term dietary lifestyle intervention and may grant additive benefit in the prevention of early vascular disease.
A new lower Cambrian eodiscoid trilobite fauna from Swedish Lapland and its implications for intercontinental correlation
Authors: AXHEIMER NIKLAS , AHLBERG PER , CEDERSTRÖM PETER
Published: August 2007

A lower Cambrian eodiscoid trilobite fauna and an associated holmiid trilobite,Holmiasp., are described from a bioclastic limestone at the top of the Torneträsk Formation in the Luobákti section, south of Lake Torneträsk, northern Sweden. Other associated polymerid trilobites includeOrodes?lapponicaandStrenuaeva inflata. The precise age of the trilobite fauna cannot be determined, but its generic composition and stratigraphical position at the top of the lower Cambrian suggest that it was recovered from theOrnamentaspis?linnarssoniAssemblage Zone. Two species of eodiscoids are present:Neocobboldiaaff.dentataandChelediscus acifer. The latter species is known previously from England and southeastern Newfoundland, and provides a novel link between upper lower Cambrian successions in Baltica and Avalonia.
Spatial concentrations and communities of immigrants in the Netherlands, 1800–1900
Authors: SCHROVER MARLOU , VAN LOTTUM JELLE
Published: August 2007

Spatial concentrations of immigrants are commonly regarded as a measure for integration of migrants into the host society. The underlying assumption is that concentrations can be equated with communities. By looking at concentrations in Utrecht both over a long period of time (a century) and at the level of individual immigrants we show that the concentrations remained in the same locality but showed a high turnover amongst their inhabitants, and thus little time for any form of coherent group to develop. Concentrations can therefore not be equated with communities, and integration cannot be measured by looking at concentrations alone.
Waterworks and commemoration: purity, rurality, and civic identity in Britain, 1880–1921
Authors: ROBERTS OWEN G.
Published: August 2007

This article studies the commemoration and ceremonial culture surrounding the inauguration of new waterworks in British municipalities during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It analyses how new waterworks could be seen as a symbol of a progressive civic government, and how the commemoration of their opening could be used to enhance a city's image. The article also studies the ways in which ideas concerning the purity of new water supplies were constructed. An examination is made of how ceremonial culture and publications reflected the particular politics of waterworks in individual localities, and how such commemoration could serve as a vehicle for the promotion of civic unity.
Up to new tricks – A review of cross-species transmission of influenza A viruses
Authors: Landolt Gabriele A. , Olsen Christopher W.
Published: August 2007

Influenza is a highly contagious disease that has burdened both humans and animals since ancient times. In humans, the most dramatic consequences of influenza are associated with periodically occurring pandemics. Pandemics require the emergence of an antigenically novel virus to which the majority of the population lacks protective immunity. Historically, influenza A viruses from animals have contributed to the generation of human pandemic viruses and they may do so again in the future. It is, therefore, critical to understand the epidemiological and molecular mechanisms that allow influenza A viruses to cross species barriers. This review summarizes the current knowledge of influenza ecology, and the viral factors that are thought to determine influenza A virus species specificity.
Agrosecurity for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs): commentary on recent planning activities
Authors: DeOtte Robert E.
Published: August 2007

Agrosecurity has become a major concern for livestock operations. This paper reviews post 11 September 2001, American planning activities and offers commentary on issues related to these plans. A critical issue is the need for as many people as possible to be aware of plans and preparations already completed and actions still necessary. There is a sizeable disparity within the animal agriculture sector about information known and understood at different levels. Several readiness exercises have highlighted the need for better broad-spectrum communication: communication within disciplines, within agencies, across disciplines, across agencies, and most importantly everyone involved must talk with industry at all levels. The best preparation involves close coordination between law enforcement, industry, governmental agencies at all levels, academia, risk managers and communicators, veterinarians, engineers, economists, game theorists, and others. This paper features issues related to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), highlights some of the lessons learned through these exercises, and discusses a plan of action patterned after the activities of a regional agricultural jurisdictional working group.
Crustal uplift and sea level rise in northern Cascadia from GPS, absolute gravity, and tide gauge data
Authors: Mazzotti S. , Lambert A. , Courtier N. , Nykolaishen L. , Dragert H.
Published: August 2007

We combine data from nine GPS, absolute gravity, and tide gauge stations to estimate the relation between sea‐level rise, vertical motion, and solid Earth processes in the Pacific Northwest. GPS vertical velocities (in ITRF2000) and absolute gravity rates are well correlated, with a gradient of 0.2 ± 0.1 μGal mm−1, but show a significant offset of 0.53 ± 0.30 μGal yr−1 (2.2 ± 1.3 mm yr−1) (95% confidence). Tide gauge and GPS data indicate a northeast Pacific regional sea‐level rise of 1.7 ± 0.5 mm yr−1, aligned to ITRF2000, or an unlikely regional sea‐level fall of −0.5 ± 0.5 mm yr−1, aligned to absolute gravity. Although we cannot rule out a bias in the GPS reference‐frame alignment, our results suggest a possible absolute gravity bias by a long‐period mass increase from an unknown near‐surface or deep‐seated source. The impact of such a mass increase on gravity, vertical motion, and sea level remains to be defined.
Reflection of Alfvén waves in the corona and solar wind: An impulse function approach
Authors: Hollweg Joseph V. , Isenberg P. A.
Published: August 2007

We consider the reflection of Alfvén waves in the corona and solar wind, using variables f and g which follow sunward and antisunward characteristics, respectively. We show that the basic equations for f and g have the same structure as the Klein‐Gordon equation. Unlike previous studies which used a harmonic analysis, we emphasize the impulse response of the system. This is equivalent to finding the Green's function, but it may have direct application to situations where Alfvén waves are launched impulsively. We provide an approximate analysis which can be used to understand most features that appear in detailed numerical solutions. The analysis reveals the origin of a previous result that f and g each has both sunward and antisunward propagating phase in a harmonic analysis, even though f (g) follows only the sunward (antisunward) characteristic. We numerically study the propagation of an antisunward moving impulse in the corona and solar wind. We find that the sunward moving “wake” tends to become more important at greater distances beyond the Alfvén critical point, possibly providing a natural explanation of the observation that outward propagating waves become less dominant at greater distances from the Sun. There is an extended region behind the initial impulse in which magnetic energy dominates kinetic energy; it is not clear, however, whether our result can explain the observed dominance of magnetic energy throughout many decades of frequency in the observed power spectrum. We also find that the outgoing wake has a tendency to “ring,” with periods of the order of 15–30 min. The ringing is associated mainly with propagation through a structured Alfvén speed profile rather that with the cutoff in the Klein‐Gordon equation. These oscillation periods seem too short to explain why Alfvén waves in the solar wind have most power at periods of hours, but other Alfvén speed profiles could yield longer periods. We also investigate whether the same approach can be used for acoustic‐gravity waves propagating along magnetic flux tubes in the solar atmosphere.
Radio science investigations with Mars Observer
Authors: Tyler G. Leonard , Balmino Georges , Hinson David P. , Sjogren William L. , Smith David E. , Woo Richard , Asmar Sami W. , Connally Michael J. , Hamilton Carole L. , Simpson Richard A.
Published: August 2007

Mars Observer radio science investigations focus on two major areas of study: the gravity field and the atmosphere of Mars. Measurement accuracies expressed as an equivalent spacecraft velocity are expected to be of the order of 100 μm/s (for both types of investigations) from use of an improved radio transponder for two‐way spacecraft tracking and a highly stable on‐board oscillator for atmospheric occultation measurements. Planned gravity investigations include a combination of classical and modern elements. A spherical harmonic (or equivalent) field model of degree and order in the range 30–50 will be obtained, while interpretation will be in terms of internal stress and density models for the planet, using the topography to be obtained from the Mars Observer laser altimeter. Atmospheric investigations will emphasize precision measurement of the thermal structure and dynamics in the polar regions, which are regularly accessible as a result of the highly inclined orbit. Studies based on the measurements will include polar processes, cycling of the atmosphere between the poles, traveling baroclinic disturbances, small‐scale waves and turbulence, the planetary boundary layer, and (possibly) the variability and altitude of the ionosphere. As the radio occultation is insensitive to dust in the atmosphere per se and measures only the resulting change in thermal structure, it is expected that the radio technique can contribute to understanding of dust storm phenomena. Mutual observations of the atmosphere by means of radio occultation and by the pressure modulator infrared radiometer and the thermal emission spectrometer are expected to strengthen the reliability and accuracy of all three investigations.
LYSIS OF VITAMIN E‐DEFICIENT RAT ERYTHROCYTES BY RAT LIVER MICROSOMES IN AN NADPH‐DEPENDENT PROCESS IN THE PRESENCE OF INHIBITORS OF LIPID PEROXIDATION
Authors: Willis Roger J
Published: August 2007

Haemolytic substances are generated by rat liver microsomes undergoing NADPH‐dependent lipid peroxidation. In the present experiments, vitamin E‐deficient red cells were found to be haemolysed in an NADPH‐dependent process by rat liver microsomes in the presence of EDTA, an inhibitor of microsomal lipid peroxidation. This is in contrast to the behaviour of normal, vitamin E‐adequate red cells which are resistant to lysis under similar conditions. Aminopyrine (AP), a substrate for the microsomal mixed function oxidase system, was found to prevent lysis of vitamin E‐deficient red cells in NADPH‐microsome‐EDTA mixtures. Experiments designed to detect only the more stable haemolysins forMed. in such mixtures involved sampling and assaying for haemolytic activity in the presence of AP. The results support the conclusion that haemolysis was due to a short‐lived species. If EDTA is omitted from the NADPH‐microsome mixture other more stable haemolysins are produced.
IMMUNOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF INTESTINAL HELMINTH INFECTIONS IN C57BL MICE. THE EFFECTS ON LYMPHOID TISSUE AND RETICULOENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION
Authors: Price Patricia , Turner KJ
Published: August 2007

The characteristics of primary Nematospiroides dubius, mouse‐adapted Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris infections in C57BL mice and their broad effects on lymphoid tissue and reticuloendothelial function have been compared in an attempt to identify correlations between the effects of the parasites and common features of their life cycles.

All three parasites increased the size of the spleen and mesenteric node, roughly in proportion to the intestinal worm burden. N. brasiliensis and T. muris caused thymic atrophy, which was not evident with N. dubius even when it was administered intravenously (i.v.) to establish a tissue migration phase. N. brasiliensis accelerated the clearance of I125‐labelled polyvinyl pyrrolidone (I125‐PVP) from the circulation by increasing uptake by the liver and lungs. N. dubius caused similar increases when given i.v., suggesting that macrophages in these organs are activated by migrating larvae, but did not affect the levels of I125‐PVP in circulation. An established intestinal N. dubius infection increased the levels in circulation and in peritoneal cells.
IMMUNOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF INTESTINAL HELMINTH INFECTIONS IN C57BL MICE. NATURAL AND INDUCED RESPONSES TO SHEEP ERYTHROCYTES
Authors: Price Patricia , Turner KJ
Published: August 2007

Nematospiroides dubius, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris infections in C57BL mice increased background IgM titres to SRC but not to erythrocytes from other species. However, no cross‐reaction between parasite extracts and SRC could be demonstrated and the enhancement was not evident in other strains of mice. There were no comparable rises in total IgM levels, but declining IgM responses to ovalbumin were boosted by N. dubius, so the rise was probably caused by selective expansion of activated clones of cells. N. dubius also increased responses to low doses of SRC given intraperitoneally (i.p.) a few days after infection, whilst optimal SRC doses induced normal responses. In contrast, N. brasiliensis and T. muris often depressed responses to SRC though the effect was variable and the timing of challenge was critical. Thus, whereas the enhancement of natural titres occurs in C57BL mice infected with any of the parasites tested here or in previous studies, the effects on responses to injected SRC depend on the species of parasite.
ATTEMPTS TO MODIFY LUNG GRANULOMATOUS RESPONSES TO SCHISTOSOMA JAPONICUM EGGS IN LOW AND HIGH RESPONDER MOUSE STRAINS
Authors: Mitchell Graham F , Cruise Kathy M , Garcia Edito G , Vadas Mathew A , Munoz John J
Published: August 2007

A radioisotopic assay for acute granulomatous hypersensitivity (AGH) to lyophilized eggs of Schistosoma japonicum has been used to further examine responses to egg antigens in various inbred strains of mice. The ranking of responsiveness in mice from high (C57BL/6), intermediate (BALB/c) to low (CBA/H) was not influenced by high or low egg‐sensitization regimes. However, the low responsiveness of responder mice sensitized with eggs by the intraperitoneal compared with the subcutaneous route of injection appears to be an egg dose‐related phenomenon. The high AGH responsiveness of C57BL/6 mice can be increased further by sensitization with eggs in the presence of purified pertussigen from Bordetella pertussis but CBA/H mice treated identically remain low responders.

The monoclonal anti‐egg antibody, P.41, which produces a prominent blebtype circumoval precipitate with eggs, has been shown to be directed against major ‘immunopathologic antigen(s)’of S. japonicum eggs. Thus, C57BL/6 mice were sensitized for AGH by injection of soluble extracted egg antigen (SEA) bound to an immunoabsorbent of P.41 antibody on Sepharose. No success has been achieved in modulating AGH in C57BL/6 mice by injection of hyperimmune antisera raised against lyophilized eggs in either high or low responder mouse strains. This failure is in line with previous results using antisera as well as monoclonal anti‐egg antibodies. The consistent failure to demonstrate a modulating effect of antibodies in this compared with other laboratories may be related to the use of lyophilized rather than viable eggs. The data suggest that activities of antisera in granuloma modulation in murine schistosomiasis japonica result from egg destruction or inhibition of production of immunopathologic antigens by eggs rather than through effects on immunopathologic immune responses.
VACCINATION OF GENETICALLY SUSCEPTIBLE MICE AGAINST CHRONIC INFECTION WITH NEMATOSPIROIDES DUBIUS USING PERTUSSIGEN AS ADJUVANT
Authors: Mitchell Graham F , Munoz John J
Published: August 2007

The intestinal nematode Nematospiroides dubius persists for prolonged periods in mice after a single oral administration of infective larvae. After multiple administrations of larvae, some inbred mouse strains (termed ‘resistant’) develop the capacity to expel the majority of adult worms from the intestines. Other mouse strains such as CBA/H and C57BL/6 (and, in particular, males) are far more susceptible in that they expel few, if any, adult worms after repeated doses of larvae and may die with high worm burdens. One means to accelerate rejection of adult worms in a primary infection is to presensitize mice with a small number of living adult worms injected intraperitoneally. However, an impressive vaccination effect of ectopically implanted worms has only been demonstrated to date in resistant mouse strains. In this paper, success has been achieved in vaccinating genetically susceptible mice against chronic primary infection with N. dubius. Young male specific pathogen‐free (SPF)‐derived C57BL/6 mice demonstrate >90% resistance after injection of adult worms but only when further injected with pertussigen from Bordetella pertussis as adjuvant. Accelerated rejection of adult worms appears to be the principal manifestation of resistance in vaccinated mice. A high degree of protection has also been obtained in recipients of pertussigen plus the supernatant of a crude worm extract equivalent to <10 adult worms per mouse. Although no information is available on the effector mechanisms responsible for worm rejection in vaccinated mice, pertussigen is known to increase both immediate and delayed type hypersensitivity responses and to increase tissue sensitivity to histamine. A strategy which sensitizes recipients such that a subsequent challenge infection is not sustained, and which is effective in highly susceptible hosts, opens the way to vaccination against chronic intestinal infections in those hosts most in need of protection.
INHIBITION BY COLOSTRUM OF THE RESPONSES OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS TO MITOGENS
Authors: Drew PA , Petrucco OM , Shearman DJC
Published: August 2007

This study investigated the inhibition by colostrum of the uptake of tritiated thymidine by both autologous and heterologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with the mitogens phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM) or Concanavalin A (Con A). This inhibition was not the result of an alteration in the dose response or kinetics of mitogenesis by the colostrum. The inhibitory factor in the colostrum was neither dialysable nor lymphocytotoxic. Lymphocytes which were briefly pre‐treated with colostrum, then washed and cultured, also incorporated much less labelled thymidine than control cells. The inhibitory factor was not adsorbed from colostrum by mononuclear cells. We conclude that colostrum contains a cytostatic factor which inhibits mitogenesis in PBMC.
STIMULATORY ABILITY OF HUMAN LEUKAEMIC CELLS IN THE ALLOGENEIC MIXED LEUCOCYTE REACTION
Authors: Ashman Leonie K
Published: August 2007

Cryopreserved mononuclear cells from 34 patients with a high proportion of blasts in the peripheral blood were tested for their ability to stimulate normal allogeneic lymphocytes in the one‐way mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR). Of these, more than half failed to stimulate allogeneic responders, despite the fact that many of them carried la‐like antigens. In general, acute myeloid leukaemia cells were non‐stimulatory whereas acute myelomonocytic leukaemia cells were effective stimulators. Thus, MLR stimulatory ability appears to be a differentiation marker in acute non‐lymphocytic leukaemias. Acute lymphocytic leukaemia cells were divided between the two categories, although this division did not parallel conventional classification. As reported by other workers, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells were non‐stimulatory. The implications of these results for host‐leukaemia relationships are discussed.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STABILITY OF AN ELAPID VENOM, TROPIDECHIS CARINATUS, AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE CLINICAL DETECTION OF SNAKE VENOM
Authors: Morrison JJ , Pearn JH , Coulter AR , Halliday WJ
Published: August 2007

Using immunological techniques, cases of human snake‐bite can be proven and individual snake species identified, A series of experiments is described, to test the antigenic stability and physical properties of an Elapid venom, venom properties which will have implications in field use. transport, or the laboratory procedures relating to the immunological characterization of Australian snake venoms. Using venom from the Elapid, Tropidechis carinatus, we have demonstrated significant immunological stability at a temperature of 37° for 48 h at least, and for 24 h at least when incubated continuously with skin, muscle, and fat homogenates; the venom is stable at 56° for 2 h at least. No loss of venom occurs over the pH range 7‐10; at ph ranges <4 and at ranges >10 only 30% of venom is detected after 30 min incubation. Sonication (10 min at 100 watts) does not destroy immunological properties of the venom; 10 freeze‐thaw cycles result in some 9% loss of immunologically detectable activity. Venom is adsorbed significantly on to dacron swabs, only 13% of the applied dose being detected after 48 h incubation at 28°. Sixty‐seven percent of applied venom can be recovered from the skin of human volunteers 6 h after a simulated bite. The venom of this Elapid is antigenically robust. With the currently available sensitive assays, venom from human skin should still be detected in material kept without special preparation under field conditions for up to 2 days at least.