bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Immigrants in Australia after 9/11*
Authors: GOEL DEEPTI
Published: June 2010

I use the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Australia to examine whether the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 (9/11) led to changes in perceptions of discrimination among Muslim immigrants and immigrants who fit the Muslim‐Arab stereotype. I adopt a difference in differences approach and exploit the timing of interviews to identify the causal effect of 9/11 on perceptions. I find that consequent to 9/11, Muslim men and those who look like Muslims increasingly reported religious and racial intolerance and discrimination relative to other immigrants.
WELFARE MEASUREMENT, INVOLUNTARY UNEMPLOYMENT, AND HETEROGENEITY
Authors: Aronsson Thomas
Published: June 2010

This paper concerns welfare measurement in an economy with union wage setting, where the equilibrium is characterized by unemployment. Contrary to results derived in the first best, the current value Hamiltonian is not an exact welfare measure in an economy with unemployment. Instead, the welfare measure also depends on “employment effect,” which are caused by the discrepancy between supply and demand in the labor market. In addition, since unemployment gives rise to heterogeneity, distributional effects will also characterize the welfare measure.
Retrospective Study: The association of blood lactate concentration with outcome in dogs with idiopathic immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia: 173 cases (2003–2006)
Authors: Holahan Melissa L. , Brown Andrew J. , Drobatz Kenneth J.
Published: June 2010

Objective –To determine the association of blood lactate with outcome and response to transfusion therapy in dogs with idiopathic immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

Design –Retrospective study.

Setting –Urban veterinary small animal emergency hospital.

Animals –One hundred and seventy‐three client‐owned dogs with IMHA.

Interventions –None.

Measurements and Main Results –Serial blood lactate concentration, therapeutic interventions, and outcome were recorded. Nonsurvivors were defined as those that died or were euthanized. One hundred and thirty‐three dogs (77%) survived, 35 (20%) were euthanized, and 5 (3%) died. One hundred forty‐five dogs (84%; 145/173) had a lactate concentration above the laboratory reference interval [0.46–2.31 mmol/L] on presentation. Blood lactate at presentation was higher in the nonsurvivors (median 4.8 mmol/L; 0.5–13.6) compared with survivors (median 2.9 mmol/L; 0.3–13.2) (P<0.01). All dogs presenting with hyperlactatemia that normalized (<2.0 mmol/L) within 6 hours of admission survived, whereas, 71% of dogs that had a persistent hyperlactatemia at 6 hours survived (P=0.034). Lactate was positively correlated with age, BUN, and alkaline phosphatase, and inversely correlated with PCV. Receiver operating curve analysis for lactate concentration at admission as a test for outcome had an area under the curve of 0.69 with an optimal lactate cutoff concentration of 4.4 mmol/L correctly predicting outcome 73% of the time (sensitivity 60%, specificity 77%).

Conclusions –Lactate concentration at presentation was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors. Lactate was significantly correlated with previously reported outcome variables but lactate concentration at admission, as a predictor for outcome was less than optimal. However, serial lactate concentration measurements may be more predictive as patients with persistent hyperlactatemia 6 hours after admission were less likely to survive. Prospective studies evaluating serial lactate concentration while controlling for other variables may provide further insight into lactate measurement as a prognostic indicator in animals with IMHA.
Retrospective Study: Surgical intervention in the management of severe acute pancreatitis in cats: 8 cases (2003–2007)
Authors: Son Tolina T. , Thompson Lisa , Serrano Sergi , Seshadri Ravi
Published: June 2010

Objective
–
To evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes of cats undergoing surgical intervention in the course of treatment for severe acute pancreatitis.

Design
–
Retrospective observational study from 2003 to 2007 with a median follow‐up period of 2.2 years (range 11 d–5.4 y) postoperatively.

Setting
–
Private referral veterinary center.

Animals
–
Eight cats.

Interventions
–
None.

Measurements and Main Results
–
Quantitative data included preoperative physical and clinicopathologic values. Qualitative parameters included preoperative ultrasonographic interpretation, perioperative and intraoperative feeding tube placement, presence of free abdominal fluid, intraoperative closed suction abdominal drain placement, postoperative complications, microbiological culture, and histopathology. Common presenting clinical signs included lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. Leukocytosis and hyponatremia were present in 5 of 8 cats. Hypokalemia, increased total bilirubin, and hyperglycemia were present in 6 of 8 cats. Elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transferase were present in all cats. Surgery for extrahepatic biliary obstruction was performed in 6 cats, pancreatic abscess in 3 cats, and pancreatic necrosis in 1 cat. Six of the 8 cats survived. Five of the 6 cats that underwent surgery for extrahepatic biliary obstruction and 1 cat that underwent pancreatic necrosectomy survived. All 5 of the cats with extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to pancreatitis survived. The 2 nonsurvivors included a cat with a pancreatic abscess and a cat with severe pancreatitis and extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to a mass at the gastroduodenal junction. Postoperative complications included progression of diabetes mellitus, septic peritonitis, local gastrostomy tube stoma inflammation, local gastrostomy tube stoma infection, and mild dermal suture reaction.

Conclusion
–
Cats with severe acute pancreatitis and concomitant extrahepatic biliary obstruction, pancreatic necrosis, or pancreatic abscesses may benefit from surgical intervention. Cats with extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to severe acute pancreatitis may have a good prognosis.
Retrospective Study: Trends in plasma transfusion at a veterinary teaching hospital: 308 patients (1996–1998 and 2006–2008)
Authors: Snow Sara J. , Ari Jutkowitz L. , Brown Andrew J.
Published: June 2010

Objectives –To describe changes in fresh frozen plasma (FFP) utilization over a 10‐year period at a veterinary teaching hospital. To evaluate the effect of FFP administration on specific laboratory parameters.

Design –Retrospective observational study.

Setting –University teaching hospital.

Animals–Two hundred and eighty‐three dogs and 25 cats.

Interventions –A hospital database search was performed for all animals receiving FFP during the study periods.

Measurements and Main Results –Medical records of patients receiving plasma transfusions from 2006 to 2008 and from 1996 to 1998 were reviewed. Data collected included indications for transfusion, transfused volume, concurrent therapies, clinicopathologic data pre‐ and post‐transfusion, transfusion reactions, days of hospitalization, and outcome. FFP was administered to 112 dogs and 23 cats from 2006 to 2008 and to 171 dogs and 2 cats from 1996 to 1998. Significantly fewer patients received FFP for the treatment of hypoalbuminemia (2006–2008: 15% versus 1996–1998: 53%;P<0.001) or pancreatitis (2006–2008: 2% versus 1996–1998: 13%;P=0.001) and significantly more patients received FFP for coagulopathy (2006–2008: 80% versus 1996–1998: 31%;P<0.001) in the 2006–2008 group compared with the 1996–1998 group. For all patients receiving FFP, there was no difference in mean serum albumin concentration pre‐ and post‐transfusion. Median prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly decreased post FFP administration. No association was found between the volume of plasma administered and outcome.

Conclusions –FFP utilization has changed significantly over a 10‐year period. FFP was used most commonly in 2006–2008 for the correction of coagulopathy. FFP administration was associated with significant reduction in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time but did not significantly alter albumin concentration when administered at median doses of 15–18 mL/kg.
Internally consistent data for sulphur‐bearing phases and application to the construction of pseudosections for mafic greenschist facies rocks in Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–CO2–O–S–H2O
Authors: EVANS K. A. , POWELL R. , HOLLAND T. J. B.
Published: June 2010

The Holland and Powell internally consistent data set version 5.5 has been augmented to include pyrite, troilite, trov (Fe0.875S), anhydrite, H2S, elemental S and S2 gas. Phase changes in troilite and pyrrhotite are modelled with a combination of multiple end‐members and a Landau tricritical model. Pyrrhotite is modelled as a solid solution between hypothetical end‐member troilite (trot) and Fe0.875S (trov); observed activity–composition relationships fit well to a symmetric formalism model with a value for wtrot−trov of −3.19 kJ mol−1. The hypothetical end‐member approach is required to compensate for iron distribution irregularities in compositions close to troilite. Mixing in fluids is described with the van Laar asymmetric formalism model with aij values for H2O–H2S, H2S–CH4 and H2S–CO2 of 6.5, 4.15 and 0.045 kJ mol−1 respectively. The derived data set is statistically acceptable and replicates the input data and data from experiments that were not included in the initial regression. The new data set is applied to the construction of pseudosections for the bulk composition of mafic greenschist facies rocks from the Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The sequence of mineral assemblages is replicated successfully, with observed assemblages predicted to be stable at X(CO2) increasing with increasing degree of hydrothermal alteration. Results are compatible with those of previous work. Assemblages are insensitive to the S bulk content at S contents of less than 1 wt%, which means that volatilization of S‐bearing fluids and sulphidation are unlikely to have had major effects on the stable mineral assemblage in less metasomatized rocks. The sequence of sulphide and oxide phases is predicted successfully and there is potential to use these phases qualitatively for geobarometry. Increases in X(CO2) stabilized, in turn, pyrite–magnetite, pyrite–hematite and anhydrite–pyrite. Magnetite–pyrrhotite is predicted at temperatures greater than 410 °C. The prediction of a variety of sulphide and oxide phases in a rock of fixed bulk composition as a function of changes in fluid composition and temperature is of particular interest because it has been proposed that such a variation in phase assemblage is produced by the infiltration of multiple fluids with contrasting redox state. The work presented here shows that this need not be the case.
The Role of Computed Tomography in the Diagnostic Work‐Up of Headache Patients in Nigeria
Authors: Onwuchekwa Chinwe R. , Onwuchekwa Arthur C.
Published: June 2010

Objective.— To determine the yield of computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain in the evaluation of patients presenting with headache at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Background.— Headache is a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body that leads patients to see a physician. CT scan is invaluable as an imaging tool in assessment of intracranial lesions that may present with headache.

Methods.— The records of all the patients referred from a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings to the radiology department of UPTH with the main complaint of headache for brain (CT) scan were identified. Data extracted include referral source, indication for CT, age, sex, presenting complaint, duration of headache, and CT findings. The data were analyzed using SPSS 14.0 statistical package.

Results.— A total of 80 patients with chronic or recurrent headache met the selection criteria. The age range was 16 to 85 years with a mean of 39.8 ± 14.62 years. There were 36 males and 44 females with male to female ratio of 1 : 1.2. About half of the patients were ≤45 years. Of the total number, 72 (90%) patients had normal CT findings, 2 (2.5%) had cerebral atrophy, 2 (2.5%) had cerebral edema, 2 (2.5%) had intracerebral hematoma while 1 (1.25%) patient each had cerebral infarction and subdural hematoma, respectively. There was no case of brain tumor.

Conclusions.— The yield of correctable abnormalities from routine CT scan of the brain in headache patients with normal neurologic findings is low and does not justify its use in a resource poor country.

(Headache 2010;50:1346‐1352)
Environmental Modulation of Alcohol Intake in Hamsters: Effects of Wheel Running and Constant Light Exposure
Authors: Hammer Steven B. , Ruby Christina L. , Brager Allison J. , Prosser Rebecca A. , Glass John David
Published: June 2010

Background: Alcohol abuse leads to marked disruptions of circadian rhythms, and these disturbances in themselves can increase the drive to drink. Circadian clock timing is regulated by light, as well as by nonphotic influences such as food, social interactions, and wheel running. We previously reported that alcohol markedly disrupts photic and nonphotic modes of circadian rhythm regulation in Syrian hamsters. As an extension of this work, we characterize the hedonic interrelationship between wheel running and ethanol (EtOH) intake and the effects of environmental circadian disruption (long‐term exposure to constant light [LL]) on the drive to drink.

Methods: First, we tested the effect of wheel running on chronic free‐choice consumption of a 20% (v/v) EtOH solution and water. Second, the effect of this alcohol drinking on wheel running in alcohol‐naive animals was investigated. Third, we assessed the influence of LL, known to suppress locomotor activity and cause circadian rhythm disruption, on EtOH consumption and wheel‐running behavior.

Results: Inhibitory effects of wheel running on EtOH intake and vice versa were observed. Exposure to LL, while not affecting EtOH intake, induced rhythm splitting in 75% of the animals. Notably, the splitting phenotype was associated with lower levels of EtOH consumption and preference prior to, and throughout, the period of LL exposure.

Conclusions: These results are evidence that exercise may offer an efficacious clinical approach to reducing EtOH intake. Also, predisposition for light‐induced (or other) forms of circadian disruption may modulate the drive to drink.
Fucose‐deficient hematopoietic stem cells have decreased self‐renewal and aberrant marrow niche occupancy
Authors: Myers Jay , Huang Yuanshuai , Wei Lebing , Yan Quanjian , Huang Alex , Zhou Lan
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: Modification of Notch receptors by O‐linked fucose and its further elongation by the Fringe family of glycosyltransferase has been shown to be important for Notch signaling activation. Our recent studies disclose a myeloproliferative phenotype, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) dysfunction, and abnormal Notch signaling in mice deficient in FX, which is required for fucosylation of a number of proteins including Notch. The purpose of this study was to assess the self‐renewal and stem cell niche features of fucose‐deficient HSCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Homeostasis and maintenance of HSCs derived from FX−/− mice were studied by serial bone marrow transplantation, homing assay, and cell cycle analysis. Two‐photon intravital microscopy was performed to visualize and compare the in vivo marrow niche occupancy by fucose‐deficient and wild‐type (WT) HSCs.

RESULTS: Marrow progenitors from FX−/− mice had mild homing defects that could be partially prevented by exogenous fucose supplementation. Fucose‐deficient HSCs from FX−/− mice displayed decreased self‐renewal capability compared with the WT controls. This is accompanied with their increased cell cycling activity and suppressed Notch ligand binding. When tracked in vivo by two‐photon intravital imaging, the fucose‐deficient HSCs were found localized farther from the endosteum of the calvarium marrow than the WT HSCs.

CONCLUSIONS: The current reported aberrant niche occupancy by HSCs from FX−/− mice, in the context of a faulty blood lineage homeostasis and HSC dysfunction in mice expressing Notch receptors deficient in O‐fucosylation, suggests that fucosylation‐modified Notch receptor may represent a novel extrinsic regulator for HSC engraftment and HSC niche maintenance.
Constituents’ Responses to Congressional Roll‐Call Voting
Authors: Ansolabehere Stephen , Jones Philip Edward
Published: June 2010

Do citizens hold their representatives accountable for policy decisions, as commonly assumed in theories of legislative politics? Previous research has failed to yield clear evidence on this question for two reasons: measurement error arising from noncomparable indicators of legislators’ and constituents’ preferences and potential simultaneity between constituents’ beliefs about and approval of their representatives. Two new national surveys address the measurement problem directly by asking respondents how they would vote and how they think their representatives voted on key roll‐call votes. Using the actual votes, we can, in turn, construct instrumental variables that correct for simultaneity. We find that the American electorate responds strongly to substantive representation. (1) Nearly all respondents have preferences over important bills before Congress. (2) Most constituents hold beliefs about their legislators’ roll‐call votes that reflect both the legislators’ actual behavior and the parties’ policy reputations. (3) Constituents use those beliefs to hold their legislators accountable.
The Electoral Costs of Party Loyalty in Congress
Authors: Carson Jamie L. , Koger Gregory , Lebo Matthew J. , Young Everett
Published: June 2010

To what extent is party loyalty a liability for incumbent legislators? Past research on legislative voting and elections suggests that voters punish members who are ideologically “out of step” with their districts. In seeking to move beyond the emphasis in the literature on the effects of ideological extremity on legislative vote share, we examine how partisan loyalty can adversely affect legislators' electoral fortunes. Specifically, we estimate the effects of each legislator's party unity—the tendency of a member to vote with his or her party on salient issues that divide the two major parties—on vote margin when running for reelection. Our results suggest that party loyalty on divisive votes can indeed be a liability for incumbent House members. In fact, we find that voters are not punishing elected representatives for being too ideological; they are punishing them for being too partisan.
Supreme Court Litigants and Strategic Framing
Authors: Wedeking Justin
Published: June 2010

Although litigants invest a huge amount of resources in crafting legal briefs for submission to the Supreme Court, few studies examine whether and how briefs influence Court decisions. This article asks whether legal participants are strategic when deciding how to frame a case brief and whether such frames influence the likelihood of receiving a favorable outcome. To explore these questions, a theory of strategic framing is developed and litigants' basic framing strategies are hypothesized based on Riker's theory of rhetoric and heresthetic as well as the strategic approach to judicial politics. Using 110 salient cases from the 1979–89 terms, I propose and develop a measure of a typology of issue frames and provide empirical evidence that supports a strategic account of how parties frame cases.
Not by Twins Alone: Using the Extended Family Design to Investigate Genetic Influence on Political Beliefs
Authors: Hatemi Peter K. , Hibbing John R. , Medland Sarah E. , Keller Matthew C. , Alford John R. , Smith Kevin B. , Martin Nicholas G. , Eaves Lindon J.
Published: June 2010

Variance components estimates of political and social attitudes suggest a substantial level of genetic influence, but the results have been challenged because they rely on data from twins only. In this analysis, we include responses from parents and nontwin full siblings of twins, account for measurement error by using a panel design, and estimate genetic and environmental variance by maximum‐likelihood structural equation modeling. By doing so, we address the central concerns of critics, including that the twin‐only design offers no verification of either the equal environments or random mating assumptions. Moving beyond the twin‐only design leads to the conclusion that for most political and social attitudes, genetic influences account for an even greater proportion of individual differences than reported by studies using more limited data and more elementary estimation techniques. These findings make it increasingly difficult to deny that—however indirectly—genetics plays a role in the formation of political and social attitudes.
Exercise‐Induced Atrial and Ventricular Tachycardias in a Patient with Left Ventricular Noncompaction and Normal Ejection Fraction
Authors: SEETHALA SRIKANTH , KNOLLMAN FRIEDRICH , MCNAMARA DENNIS , SABA SAMIR , SCHWENDER FRANK , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , NĚMEC JAN
Published: June 2010

We report a patient with ventricular and atrial tachycardias reproducibly induced during exercise testing. Atrial tachycardia, but no sustained ventricular tachycardia, was induced during electrophysiological study. Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was considered because of normal echocardiogram, family history of sudden death, and polymorphic appearance of some of the nonsustained ventricular tachycardia episodes. However, most episodes of ventricular tachycardia were monomorphic. Cardiac magnetic resonance diagnosed isolated left ventricular noncompaction. (PACE 2011; 34:e94–e97)
Negative delayed‐enhancement magnetic resonance imaging of the heart suggests a diagnosis of neonatal transient myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Brouwers Arno GA , Van Elburg Ruurd M , Beek Aernout M , Rammeloo Lukas AJ
Published: June 2010

We report a term neonate presenting after birth with shock and cyanosis for which he was intubated. Echocardiography showed no contractions of the left ventricle. Systemic circulation was provided by the right ventricle via shunting through the arterial duct. Left ventricular dysfunction was confirmed by electrocardiography and increased troponin T levels. Hemodynamics quickly improved, and the child could be weaned of the ventilator without residual problems. We concluded that the patient suffered from transient myocardial ischaemia. At 3 weeks of life, we performed delayed‐enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) of the heart which did not show signs of permanent macroscopic damage of the myocardium.

Conclusion:  This is the first reported case report on the use of DE‐MRI in a neonate with transient myocardial ischaemia. DE‐MRI may provide information that helps to predict recovery in the acute stage of left ventricular dysfunction or at a later stage when absence of recovery of left ventricular function needs to be explained.
Class II DRB polymorphism and sequence diversity in two vesper bats in the genus Myotis
Authors: Richman A. D. , Herrera M. L. G. , Ortega‐García S. , Flores‐Martínez J. J. , Arroyo‐Cabrales J. , Morales‐Malacara J. B.
Published: June 2010

Almost no studies have been done with respect to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) polymorphism and sequence diversity in bats, although they account for one in five living mammalian species. We analysed MHC Class II DRB polymorphism and sequence diversity in two Mexican verpertilionid bat species, the widespread continental species Myotis velifer and the narrowly distributed (and endangered) island endemic Myotis vivesi. We find extensive DRB polymorphism in the widespread M. velifer, similar to that commonly reported in other mammals. The geographically restricted M. vivesi by contrast shows only very limited polymorphism. We conclude that M. vivesi has undergone a dramatic loss of MHC polymorphism. The significance of this inference in light of other information on population structure and genetic diversity in this species is discussed.
Design, Biologic Evaluation, and SAR of Novel Pseudo‐peptide Incorporating Benzheterocycles as HIV‐1 Protease Inhibitors
Authors: He Meizi , Zhang Hang , Yao Xiaojian , Eckart Michael , Zuo Elizabeth , Yang Ming
Published: June 2010

A series of novel HIV‐1 protease inhibitors based on the (hydroxyethylamino)‐sulfonamide isostere incorporating substituted phenyls and benzheterocycle derivatives bearing rich hydrogen bonding acceptors as P2 ligands were synthesized. Prolonged chain linking the benzhereocycle to the carbonyl group resulted in partial loss of binding affinities. Introduction of a small alkyl substituent with appropriate size to the ‐CH2‐ of P1‐P2 linkage as a side chain resulted in improved inhibitory potency, and in this study, isopropyl was the best side chain. Replacement of the isobutyl substituent at P1′group with phenyl substituent decreased the inhibitory potency. One of the most potent inhibitor, compound 23 showing high affinity to HIV‐1 protease with an IC50 value of 5 nm, also exhibited good anti‐SIV activity (EC50 = 0.8 μm) with low toxicity (TC50 > 100 μm). The flexible docking of inhibitor 23 to HIV‐1 protease active site rationalized the interactions with protease.
Reflections on Governance Models for the Clinical Translation of Stem Cells
Authors: Sugarman Jeremy
Published: June 2010

Acentral promise of human embryonic stem cell research is the potential to develop viable therapeutic approaches to a range of devastating diseases and conditions. Despite excitement over such advances, there are scientific and medical reasons to be cautious as stem cells and their products are introduced into patients. In response to such concerns, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) as well as ad hoc groups and individuals have offered approaches to governance of this research. While there are similarities among these governance models and they are in principle easily endorsable, in this paper I raise a set of concerns related to their implementation, suggesting areas where gathering data may facilitate more appropriate oversight. Next, I suggest areas that seem to have been neglected as these governance models have been developed so that they may be on the agendas of those seeking to revise these models in the future. Finally, I describe how some of the concerns that have arisen in considering the appropriate governance of stem cell research may be useful in science and translational research more broadly.
WARF's Stem Cell Patents and Tensions between Public and Private Sector Approaches to Research
Authors: Golden John M.
Published: June 2010

While society debates whether and how to use public funds to support work on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), many scientific groups and businesses debate a different question — the extent to which patents that cover such stem cells should be permitted to limit or to tax their research. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), a non-profit foundation that manages intellectual property generated by researchers at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, owns three patents that have been at the heart of the latter controversy. The story of WARF’s patents and the controversy they have fostered highlights not only continuing tensions between proprietary and nonproprietary approaches to developing science and technology, but also an at least partly reassuring capacity of public and private sectors to deal with those tensions in a way that can render them substantially manageable, and frequently more manageable as a technology matures.
Inter‐laboratory comparison of radiometric culture forMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisusing raw milk from known infected herds and individual dairy cattle in Victoria
Authors: Ridge SE , Andreata S , Jones K , Cantlon K , Francis B , Florisson N , Gwozdz J
Published: June 2010

Objective To compare the results of radiometric culture conducted in three Australian laboratories forMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(Mptb) using bulk vat and individual animal milk samples.

Procedure Milk samples were collected from 15 cows exhibiting clinical signs of Johne's disease, and subsequently confirmed as infected with Mptb, and from the bulk milk vats on 91 farms running herds known to be infected with Mptb. Each milk sample was divided into three equivalent samples and one of each of the replicates was forwarded to the three participating laboratories. The identity and nature of the samples was protected from the study collaborators. The laboratories processed the samples and undertook radiometric culture for Mptb using their standard method. Results of testing were provided to the principal investigator for collation and analysis.

Results In total, 2 (2.2%) of 91 vat‐milk samples and 8 (53.3%) of 15 individual cows' milk samples returned positive radiometric milk culture results. Only one sample, from a clinical case of Johne's disease, was identified as positive by more than one laboratory. There were differences in the absolute frequency with which Mptb was identified in the milk samples by the collaborating laboratories.

Conclusions Mptb was cultured from a very small percentage of Australian raw bulk milk samples sourced from known infected herds. By contrast, Mptb was successfully cultured from half of the milk samples collected from clinically affected cows. There was no statistical difference between laboratories in the proportion of vat samples or individual animal milk samples in which Mptb was detected.
Cyst of the common bile duct in a cat
Authors: Grand J‐G , Doucet M , Albaric O , Bureau S
Published: June 2010

A cyst of the common bile duct (CBD) is reported in a 9‐year‐old cat that presented with a 1‐week history of anorexia, weight loss and vomiting. Diagnosis was established by ultrasound examination and laparotomy, and was ultimately confirmed by histological analysis. Chronic cholangitis and an Escherichia coli species were detected concurrently according to the histopathological findings and bile culture, respectively. The case was managed by suturing the borders of the ostium of the cyst over a stent, using a temporary cholecystostomy tube and antibiotic therapy. At 7 months following the surgery, the cat was in excellent physical condition with no clinical evidence of recurrence of cholangitis or of the cyst after ultrasonographic evaluation. According to the human literature, cysts of the CBD require treatment because of their common association with cholangitis, pancreatitis, and cystic rupture. We were unable to confirm a link between the cyst and cholangitis in this case. It is possible that detection of this anomaly was an incidental finding unrelated to bacterbilia. Histological examination of cyst tissue is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis and to differentiate it from neoplasia. This is the first description of a cyst of the CBD in the cat.
Spore Film Dosimeters Are Feasible for UV Dose Monitoring During Heliotherapy
Authors: Vähävihu Katja , Ylianttila Lasse , Kautiainen Hannu , Tuohimaa Pentti , Reunala Timo , Snellman Erna
Published: June 2010

The objective of the study was to compare Bacillus subtilis spore film dosimeters with a Robertson Berger UV meter (RB meter) and diary records for assessing personal UV‐B doses during a 13‐day heliotherapy (HT) for atopic dermatitis (AD). In addition, the relationship between the personal UV‐B dose and change in serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was studied. Altogether 21 adult patients with AD completed the study arranged in the Canary Islands, either in January or March 2005. The spore film dosimeters were used throughout the day during the HT. Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed using radioimmunoassay. The mean personal UV‐B dose measured with the dosimeters was 75 SED in January and 131 SED in March. The respective results gained from the RB meter combined with diary records were 63 SED and 119 SED showing a close correlation with the dosimeter results. Serum 25(OH)D concentration increased by 9.7 nmol L−1 in January and by 26.0 7 nmol L−1 in March. The increase in serum 25(OH)D correlated with the UV‐B dose received. The patients complied well to use the dosimeters. We conclude spore films to be a feasible and reliable personal UV dosimeter in vivo in field conditions.
The Hydroxypyridinone Iron Chelator CP94 Can Enhance PpIX‐induced PDT of Cultured Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Blake Emma , Curnow Alison
Published: June 2010

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the pro‐drugs 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) utilizes the combined interaction of a photosensitizer, light and molecular oxygen to ablate tumor tissue. To potentially increase accumulation of the photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), within tumor cells an iron chelator can be employed. This study analyzed the effects of ALA/MAL‐induced PDT combined with the iron chelator 1, 2‐diethyl‐3‐hydroxypyridin‐4‐one hydrochloride (CP94) on the accumulation of PpIX in human glioma cells in vitro. Cells were incubated for 0, 3 and 6 h with various concentrations of ALA/MAL with or without CP94 and the resulting accumulations of PpIX, which naturally fluoresces, were quantified prior to and following light irradiation. In addition, counts of viable cells were recorded. The use of CP94 in combination with ALA/MAL produced significant enhancements of PpIX fluorescence in human glioma cells. At the highest concentrations of each prodrug, CP94 enhanced PpIX fluorescence significantly at 3 h for ALA and by more than 50% at 6 h for MAL. Cells subsequently treated with ALA/MAL‐induced PDT in combination with CP94 produced the greatest cytotoxicity. It is therefore concluded that with further study CP94 may be a useful adjuvant to photodiagnosis and/or PpIX‐induced PDT treatment of glioma.
Mining bacterial genomes for novel arylesterase activity
Authors: Wang Lijun , Mavisakalyan Valentina , Tillier Elisabeth R. M. , Clark Greg W. , Savchenko Alexei V. , Yakunin Alexander F. , Master Emma R.
Published: June 2010

One hundred and seventy‐one genes encoding potential esterases from 11 bacterial genomes were cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli; 74 of the clones produced soluble proteins. All 74 soluble proteins were purified and screened for esterase activity; 36 proteins showed carboxyl esterase activity on short‐chain esters, 17 demonstrated arylesterase activity, while 38 proteins did not exhibit any activity towards the test substrates. Esterases from Rhodopseudomonas palustris (RpEST‐1, RpEST‐2 and RpEST‐3), Pseudomonas putida (PpEST‐1, PpEST‐2 and PpEST‐3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaEST‐1) and Streptomyces avermitilis (SavEST‐1) were selected for detailed biochemical characterization. All of the enzymes showed optimal activity at neutral or alkaline pH, and the half‐life of each enzyme at 50°C ranged from < 5 min to over 5 h. PpEST‐3, RpEST‐1 and RpEST‐2 demonstrated the highest specific activity with pNP‐esters; these enzymes were also among the most stable at 50°C and in the presence of detergents, polar and non‐polar organic solvents, and imidazolium ionic liquids. Accordingly, these enzymes are particularly interesting targets for subsequent application trials. Finally, biochemical and bioinformatic analyses were compared to reveal sequence features that could be correlated to enzymes with arylesterase activity, facilitating subsequent searches for new esterases in microbial genome sequences.
Exacerbation of adult‐onset Still’s disease, possibly related to elevation of serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha after etanercept administration
Authors: KANEKO Kaichi , KABURAKI Makoto , MURAOKA Sei , TANAKA Nahoko , YAMAMOTO Tatsuhiro , KUSUNOKI Yoshie , ABE Haruo , ENDO Hirahito , KAWAI Shinichi
Published: June 2010

Adult‐onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. A 44‐year‐old male patient presented with AOSD complicated by macrophage activation syndrome after etanercept therapy. His serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) level was increased dramatically after etanercept therapy. The clinical course of this case suggests that the increased TNF‐α level by etanercept administration might cause macrophage activation syndrome in this case.
The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 97
Authors: WEISBERG Michael K. , SMITH Caroline , BENEDIX Gretchen , HERD Christopher D. K. , RIGHTER Kevin , HAACK Henning , YAMAGUCHI Akira , CHENNAOUI AOUDJEHANE Hasnaa , GROSSMAN Jeffrey N.
Published: June 2010

Abstract– In this edition of The Meteoritical Bulletin, a total of 506 newly approved meteorite names with their relevant data are reported. These include 354 from northwest Africa, 31 from the Americas, 15 from Antarctica (Koreamet), 85 from Asia, 20 from Australia, and 1 from Europe. Among these meteorites are 2 falls, Grimsby (Canada) and Santa Lucia (2008) (Argentina). Also described are a CM with low degree of alteration, new ungrouped chondrites and achondrites, and 4 Martian meteorites.
On Damping Entire Bladed Disks Through Dampers on Only a Few Blades
Authors: Avalos Javier , Mignolet Marc P.
Published: June 2010

The focus of this paper is on demonstrating the potential to damp entire bladed disks using dampers on only a fraction of the blades. This problem is first considered without the presence of random mistuning, and it is demonstrated that a few dampers at optimized locations can lead to a significant reduction in the forced response of the entire bladed disk. Unfortunately, this optimum design may not be robust with respect to random mistuning and a notable fraction of the reduction in forced response obtained may disappear because of mistuning. To regain the reduction in forced response but with mistuning present, robustness to mistuning is enhanced by using intentional mistuning in addition to dampers. The intentional mistuning strategy selected here is the A/B pattern mistuning in which the blades all belong to either type A or B. An optimization effort is then performed to obtain the best combination of A/B pattern and damper location to minimize the mistuned forced response of the disk. The addition of intentional mistuning in the system is shown to be very efficient, and the optimum bladed disk design does indeed exhibit a significant reduction in mistuned forced response as compared with the tuned system. These findings were obtained on both single-degree-of-freedom per blade-disk models and a reduced order model of a blisk.
Performance and Combustion Characteristics of OM314 Diesel Engine Fueled With DME: A Theoretical and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Savadkouhi L. , Jazayeri S. A. , Shahangian N. , Tavakoli J.
Published: June 2010

Use of dimethyl ether (DME) as a diesel fuel alternative has been increased due to the unique combustion characteristics of this oxygenated fuel. We have investigated performance and combustion characteristics of a naturally aspirated diesel engine using DME as the main fuel. In the experimental part of this work, OM314 direct-injection diesel engine was used as a base engine. A comprehensive full cycle was coupled with a multizone combustion model to simulate performance characteristics of the engine. Results of the volumetric efficiency showed that the highest brake torque was achievable in midspeed range. The power speed diagram showed that the brake torque tended to be much higher for diesel fuel than for DME when the engine speed was less than 1900 rpm. However, in engine speeds higher than 1900 rpm, brake torque in DME mode of operation was larger. Calculated emission results also suggested that negligible soot is produced in DME mode operation.
Design of Vehicle Cooling System Architecture for a Heavy Duty Series-Hybrid Electric Vehicle Using Numerical System Simulations
Authors: Park Sungjin , Jung Dohoy
Published: June 2010

In this study, numerical simulations of the vehicle cooling system and the vehicle powertrain system of a virtual heavy duty tracked series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) is developed to investigate the thermal responses and power consumptions of the cooling system. The output data from the powertrain system simulation are fed into the cooling system simulation to provide the operating conditions of powertrain components. Three different cooling system architectures constructed with different concepts are modeled and the factors that affect the performance and power consumption of each cooling system are identified and compared with each other. The results show that the cooling system architecture of the SHEV should be developed considering various cooling requirements of powertrain components, power management strategy, performance, parasitic power consumption, and the effect of driving conditions. It is also demonstrated that a numerical model of the SHEV cooling system is an efficient tool to assess design concepts and architectures of the system during the early stage of system development.
The Effect of Size on Optimization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Gas Turbine Hybrid Cycles
Authors: Brear Michael J. , Dunkley Michael J.
Published: June 2010

The coupling of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and recuperated gas turbines (GTs) in a hybrid system has the potential to lead to efficiencies exceeding 60%. SOFC/GT hybrids have been proposed at power outputs from 20 MW down to power outputs as low as 25 kW. The optimum configuration for high and low power outputs is therefore likely to be significantly different. This paper proposes a simple model of the SOFC/GT hybrid to investigate the desired flow rate and pressure ratio for optimum hybrid efficiency with varying component performance and, hence, varying inferred size. The overall hybrid specific power will be dominated by the fuel cell and is therefore of secondary importance when matching with a gas turbine. The results presented suggest that hybrid cycles with total power output of the order MW or greater are preferable.
Detection of Microcystin-Producing Cyanobacteria in Missisquoi Bay, Quebec, Canada, Using Quantitative PCR
Authors: Fortin Nathalie , Aranda-Rodriguez Rocio , Jing Hongmei , Pick Frances , Bird David , Greer Charles W.
Published: June 2010

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms, as well as their increasing global occurrence, pose a serious threat to public health, domestic animals, and livestock. In Missisquoi Bay, Lake Champlain, public health advisories have been issued from 2001 to 2009, and local microcystin concentrations found in the lake water regularly exceeded the Canadian drinking water guideline of 1.5 μg liter
−1
. A quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) approach was developed for the detection of blooms formed by microcystin-producing cyanobacteria. Primers were designed for the β-ketoacyl synthase (
mcyD
KS
) and the first dehydratase domain (
mcyD
DH
) of the
mcyD
gene, involved in microcystin synthesis. The Q-PCR method was used to track the toxigenic cyanobacteria in Missisquoi Bay during the summers of 2006 and 2007. Two toxic bloom events were detected in 2006: more than 6.5 × 10
4
copies of the
mcyD
KS
gene ml
−1
were detected in August, and an average of 4.0 × 10
4
copies ml
−1
were detected in September, when microcystin concentrations were more than 4 μg liter
−1
and approximately 2 μg liter
−1
, respectively. Gene copy numbers and total microcystin concentrations (determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) were highly correlated in the littoral (
r
= 0.93,
P
< 0.001) and the pelagic station (
r
= 0.87,
P
< 0.001) in 2006. In contrast to the situation in 2006, a cyanobacterial bloom occurred only in late summer-early fall of 2007, reaching only 3 × 10
2
mcyD
KS
copies ml
−1
, while the microcystin concentration was barely detectable. The Q-PCR method allowed the detection of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria when toxins and toxigenic cyanobacterial abundance were still below the limit of detection by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and microscopy. Toxin gene copy numbers grew exponentially at a steady rate over a period of 7 weeks. Onshore winds selected for cells with a higher cell quota of microcystin. This technique could be an effective approach for the routine monitoring of the most at-risk water bodies.
Requirement of Purine and Pyrimidine Synthesis for Colonization of the Mouse Intestine by
Escherichia coli
Authors: Vogel-Scheel Jacqueline , Alpert Carl , Engst Wolfram , Loh Gunnar , Blaut Michael
Published: June 2010

To study the adaptation of an intestinal bacterium to its natural environment, germfree mice were associated with commensal
Escherichia coli
MG1655. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to identify proteins differentially expressed in
E. coli
MG1655 collected from either cecal contents or anaerobic
in vitro
cultures. Fourteen differentially expressed proteins (>3-fold;
P
< 0.05) were identified, nine of which were upregulated in cecal versus
in vitro
-grown
E. coli
. Four of these proteins were investigated further for their role in gut colonization. After deletion of the corresponding genes, the resulting
E. coli
mutants were tested for their ability to colonize the intestines of gnotobiotic mice in competition with the wild-type strain. A mutant devoid of
ydjG
, which encodes a putative NADH-dependent methylglyoxal reductase, reached a 1.2-log-lower cecal concentration than the wild type. Deletion of the
nanA
gene encoding
N
-acetylneuraminate lyase affected the colonization and persistence of
E. coli
in the intestines of the gnotobiotic mice only slightly. A mutant devoid of 5′-phosphoribosyl 4-(
N
-succinocarboxamide)-5-aminoimidazole synthase, a key enzyme of purine synthesis, displayed intestinal cell counts >4 logs lower than those of the wild type. Deletion of the gene encoding aspartate carbamoyltransferase, a key enzyme of pyrimidine synthesis, even resulted in the washout of the corresponding mutant from the mouse intestinal tract. These findings indicate that
E. coli
needs to synthesize purines and pyrimidines to successfully colonize the mouse intestine.
Direct Observation and Analysis of Bacterial Growth on an Antimicrobial Surface
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Okuda Shujiro , Tsuchiya Yuki , Morisaki Hisao
Published: June 2010

Cells of
Escherichia coli
NBRC 3972 and
Staphylococcus aureus
NBRC 12732 were inoculated onto an agar (1.5%) medium varying in nutrient concentration from full strength of the nutrient broth (NB) to 1/10 NB. Immediately thereafter, the inoculated agar was placed on antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial surfaces in such a way that the microbial cells came into contact with these surfaces. Cell growth was directly observed under a microscope, and the growth rate constant of the cells was measured based on the increase in the area of the colonies formed by the growing cells. On the antimicrobial surface, the growth rate constant decreased at lower nutrient concentrations for both
E. coli
and
S. aureus
cells, whereas it showed little change on the nonantimicrobial surface. It was supposed that either the nutrient uptake or the nutrient utilization efficiency was retarded by the antimicrobial surface. At the lowest nutrient concentration examined in the present study, 1/10 NB, the cells could hardly grow on the antimicrobial surface, indicating that the surface would be sufficiently active in preventing bacterial growth under normal usage conditions, such as the wet areas of a kitchen. It was also revealed that the antimicrobial surface could prevent the division of cells either during the growth stage or before the onset of growth.