bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3 at pathological levels does not regulate lipopolysaccharide or interleukin‐10 control of tumour necrosis factor‐α production by human monocytes
Authors: Prêle Cecilia M. , Keith‐Magee April L. , Yerkovich Stephanie T. , Murcha Monika , Hart Prue H.
Published: May 2006

Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is a potent anti‐inflammatory cytokine that suppresses the production of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by monocytes and macrophages. Suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3 (SOCS3), a negative regulator of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, is induced following IL‐10 exposure but recent studies in mice suggest that SOCS3 only targets gp‐130‐dependent signal transduction pathways. Understanding the signalling pathways responsible for IL‐10‐mediated effects in primary human monocytes is relevant to human inflammatory disease and necessary for the identification of potential therapeutic targets. An adenoviral transfection system was used to express different levels of SOCS3 (quantified experimentally with its tag green fluorescent protein (GFP)) with the aim of investigating the role of SOCS3 in LPS‐induced and IL‐10‐mediated suppression of TNF‐α production by non‐transformed human monocytes. SOCS3 over‐expression had no effect on TNF‐α mRNA levels induced by LPS or LPS plus IL‐10, or on IL‐10 phosphorylation of STAT3, STAT1 and ERK1/2. When data from all donors were combined, adenoviral overexpression of SOCS3 significantly reversed the suppressive effects of IL‐10 on LPS‐induced TNF‐α production after 2 hr. However, there was a direct correlation between mean GFP intensity (extent of viral infection) and extent of reversal of IL‐10's inhibitory effects. Physiological levels of SOCS3 detected in IL‐10‐exposed human monocytes had no effect on LPS‐induced TNF‐α production. Although overexpression of SOCS3 to supraphysiological levels transiently antagonized the regulatory properties of IL‐10 by a post‐transcriptional mechanism, these findings suggest that under pathological conditions SOCS3 does not control LPS‐activation or the anti‐inflammatory properties of IL‐10 in primary human monocytes.
Use of an immune function assay to monitor immunosuppression for treatment of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Gautam Amitabh , Morrissey Paul E. , Brem Andrew S. , Fischer Staci A. , Gohh Reginald Y. , Yango Angelito F. , Monaco Anthony P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The first‐line treatment for PTLD is reduction in immunosuppression, allowing partial reconstitution of cell‐mediated immunity. However, there is a risk of inducing acute allograft rejection during clinical resolution of PTLD. A recently available assay, ImmuknowTM, measures the cell‐mediated immune response and could be used to monitor reduction of immunosuppression. We report a case of PTLD occurring in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient where the reduction in immunosuppression was serially followed using this assay and quantitative EBV‐PCR. A rapid reduction to minimal immunosuppression was followed by resolution of PTLD. Later, when the cell‐mediated immune response increased, with negative viral load, immunosuppression was gradually increased utilizing the assay to adjust dosing. Presently, there are no signs of PTLD and renal function remains normal.
Immunization issues before and after solid organ transplantation in children
Authors: Verma Anita , Wade Jim J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Solid‐organ transplant recipients are at risk from various infectious diseases, many of which can be prevented by immunizations that could reduce morbidity and mortality. However, it is not uncommon for children requiring transplantation to have received inadequate or no immunizations pre‐transplant. Every effort should be made to immunize transplant candidates early in the course of their disease according to recommended schedules prior to transplantation. It is also important to immunize their household contacts and healthcare workers. In this review, we summarize the major immunization issues for children undergoing transplantation, the data currently available on immunization safety and efficacy, and suggest immunization practices to reduce vaccine‐preventable disease. There is a real need for a standardized approach to the administration and evaluation of immunizations in this group of patients.
A minipool process for solvent–detergent treatment of cryoprecipitate at blood centres using a disposable bag system
Authors: Burnouf T. , Goubran H. A. , Radosevich M. , Sayed M. A. , Gorgy G. , El‐Ekiaby M.
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  Single‐donor or small‐pool cryoprecipitates are produced by blood establishments, mostly in developing countries, for substitute therapy in haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease and fibrinogen deficiency, as well as for the manufacture of fibrin sealant. As cryoprecipitate may be contaminated with pathogenic plasma‐borne viruses, there is an urgent need to develop a simple method for the viral inactivation of cryoprecipitate.

Materials and Methods  Cryoprecipitate was obtained according to standard procedures. Ten minipools of five or six donations of cryoprecipitate were prepared and subjected, in sterile closed bags, to a viral inactivation treatment using either 2% tri(n‐)butyl phosphate (TnBP) for 4 h at 37 °C or the combination of 1% TnBP and 1% Triton X‐45 for 4 h at 31 °C. The cryoprecipitates were subsequently extracted three times in their processing bags by mixing and decantation using 7·5% sterile ricinus oil. The TnBP‐treated cryoprecipitates were further subjected to a clarifying centrifugation step at 3800 g for 30 min. The final products were dispensed into individual bags and frozen at −30 °C or lower.

Results   The cryoprecipitates treated with either 2% TnBP or 1% TnBP + 1% Triton X‐45 showed excellent (> 93%) mean recovery of coagulant factor VIII (FVIII), ristocetin cofactor Von Willebrand factor (VWF:RCo), and clottable fibrinogen activity. Prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time increased during solvent–detergent treatment but returned to initial values after oil extractions. The final content of TnBP and Triton X‐45 was < 10 and 50 ppm, indicating excellent removal by the oil‐extraction procedure.

Conclusions  Viral inactivation treatment by TnBP, with or without Triton X‐45, can be applied to minipools of cryoprecipitate, with good recovery of FVIII, VWF and fibrinogen. The viral inactivation and solvent–detergent removal process can be performed in a closed bag system and using simple blood establishment techniques and equipment. This technology could be considered for the improved viral safety of cryoprecipitate which is used to treat haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease or fibrinogen deficiency, or to prepare fibrin sealant.
Effect of Days Post‐Partum, Breed and Ovum Pick‐Up Scheme on Bovine Oocyte Recovery and Embryo Development
Authors: Lopes AS , Martinussen T , Greve T , Callesen H
Published: May 2006

Contents

The objective of this study was to investigate (i) the effect of two different ovum pick‐up (OPU) schemes (once vs twice weekly aspirations) on oocyte recovery rate, quality and subsequentin vitroembryo development, (ii) the influence of days post‐partum on oocyte recovery and (iii) possible differences in OPU results from two different herds. In group A, OPU was performed twice weekly in two Holstein Friesian (HF) and three Danish Red and White (DRW) cows from a private herd. In the research herd, two groups of eight HF cows were investigated: group B (OPU once weekly) and group C (OPU twice weekly). The collected oocytes were subsequently submitted toin vitroembryo production. More oocytes were recovered from the private herd when compared with the research herd. In the research herd, the twice weekly scheme aspirated more oocytes than the once weekly scheme. The quality of the retrieved oocytes was significantly different between groups B and C but not between groups A and C, and HF cows yielded higher quality oocytes than DRW cows (p = 0.029). Oocytes from group C showed higher level of embryonic development than group B oocytes. No differences in blastocyst rates were observed between groups A and C. Session affected the number of retrieved oocytes and subsequent developmental rates, with these being lower in the first compared with the last sessions. Finally, there was no significant effect of days post‐partum in the number and quality of the retrieved oocytes, likely because of the small group size and high variation between sessions.
Assessing canopy health of native eucalypt forests
Authors: Stone Christine , Haywood Andrew
Published: May 2006

Summary  The assessment of forest health is an essential part of the monitoring of ecological sustainability in managed native forests. In Australia, unfortunately, very limited quantitative information on forest health is actually obtained for management and reporting purposes. In this article, we summarize current approaches used in Australia to assess native forest health and some recent developments in the application of remotely acquired digital imagery for classifying canopy health. In a recent study examining Bell miner associated dieback (BMAD), high‐resolution airborne imagery was successfully manipulated to present severity categories for BMAD affected canopy. The potential of remotely sensed imagery lies not in map production but in the statistical modelling capacity of this spatial information, particularly when added to climatic and terrain‐based spatial data sets. There are several statistical approaches to modelling these spatial datasets and in this article, we discuss our approach to producing a preliminary BMAD model. The importance of ground‐based assessments is also emphasized and we recommend tree crown condition as a key health attribute for the spatial modelling of forests. Although significant progress has been made in the application of remote sensing technologies, the structural complexity of native forests means that there are still technical issues that require resolving before this approach becomes operationally routine.
Ginkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blind study
Authors: Mazza M. , Capuano A. , Bria P. , Mazza S.
Published: May 2006

The Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 seems to produce neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases of multifactorial origin. There is still debate about the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 compared with second‐generation cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia. Our aim is to assess the efficacy of the Ginkgo biloba special extract E.S. in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type in slowing down the disease's degenerative progression and the patients' cognitive impairment compared with donepezil and placebo. The trial was designed as a 24‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. Patients aged 50–80 years, suffering from mild to moderate dementia, were allocated into one of the three treatments: Ginkgo biloba (160 mg daily dose), donepezil (5 mg daily dose), or placebo group. The degree of severity of dementia was assessed by the Syndrom Kurz test and the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Clinical Global Impression score was recorded to assess the change in the patients’ conditions and the therapeutic efficacy of tested medications. Our results confirm the clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba E.S. (Flavogin) in the dementia of the Alzheimer type, comparable with donepezil clinical efficacy. There are few published trials that have directly compared a cholinesterase inhibitor with Ginkgo for dementia. This study directly compares a cholinesterase inhibitor with Ginkgo biloba for dementia of the Alzheimer type and could be a valid contribution in this debate. Our study suggests that there is no evidence of relevant differences in the efficacy of EGb 761 and donepezil in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia, so the use of both substances can be justified. In addition, this study contributes to establish the efficacy and tolerability of the Ginkgo biloba special extract E.S. in the dementia of the Alzheimer type with special respect to moderately severe stages.
Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists prevent the increase in striatal glutamate levels induced by glutamate uptake inhibitors
Authors: Pintor A. , Galluzzo M. , Grieco R. , Pèzzola A. , Reggio R. , Popoli P.
Published: May 2006

Active uptake by neurons and glial cells is the main mechanism for maintaining extracellular glutamate at low, non‐toxic concentrations. Activation of adenosine A2A receptors increases extracellular glutamate levels, while A2A receptor antagonists reduce stimulated glutamate outflow. Whether a modulation of the glutamate uptake system is involved in the effects elicited by A2A receptor blockers has never been investigated. This study examined the ability of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists to prevent the increase in glutamate levels induced by blockade of the glutamate uptake. In rats implanted with a microdialysis probe in the dorsal striatum, perfusion with 4 mm l‐trans‐pyrrolidine‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid (PDC, a transportable competitive inhibitor of glutamate uptake), or 10 mm dihydrokainic acid (DHK, a non‐transportable competitive inhibitor that mainly blocks the glial glutamate transporter GLT‐1), significantly increased extracellular glutamate levels. The effects of PDC and DHK were completely prevented by the adenosine A2A receptor antagonists SCH 58261 (0.01 mg/kg i.p.) and/or ZM 241385 (5 nm via probe). Since an impairment in glutamate transporter function is thought to play a major role in neurodegenerative disorders, the regulation of glutamate uptake may be one of the mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of A2A receptor antagonists.
Glutamate‐mediated overexpression of CD38 in astrocytes cultured with neurones
Authors: Bruzzone Santina , Verderio Claudia , Schenk Ursula , Fedele Ernesto , Zocchi Elena , Matteoli Michela , De Flora Antonio
Published: May 2006

Recently, a new system of astrocyte–neurone glutamatergic signalling has been identified. It is started in astrocytes by ectocellular, CD38‐catalysed conversion of NAD+ to the calcium mobilizer cyclic ADP‐ribose (cADPR). This is then pumped by CD38 itself into the cytosol where the resulting free intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i transients elicit an increased release of glutamate, which can induce an enhanced Ca2+ response in neighbouring neurones. Here, we demonstrate that co‐culture of either cortical or hippocampal astrocytes with neurones results in a significant overexpression of astrocyte CD38 both on the plasma membrane and intracellularly. The causal role of neurone‐released glutamate in inducing overexpression of astrocyte CD38 is demonstrated by two observations: first, in the absence of neurones, induction of CD38 in pure astrocyte cultures can be obtained with glutamate and second, it can be prevented in co‐cultures by glutamate receptor antagonists. The neuronal glutamate‐mediated effect of neurones on astrocyte CD38 expression is paralleled by increased intracellular cADPR and [Ca2+]i levels, both findings indicating functionality of overexpressed CD38. These results reveal a new neurone‐to‐astrocyte glutamatergic signalling based on the CD38/cADPR system, which affects the [Ca2+]i in both cell types, adding further complexity to the bi‐directional patterns of communication between astrocytes and neurones.
Selective loss of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit isoforms in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hynd Matthew R. , Scott Heather L. , Dodd Peter R.
Published: May 2006

Previous work had shown that the ratio of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit mRNA transcripts containing an N‐terminal splice cassette to those that do not is markedly lower in regions of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain that are susceptible to pathological damage, compared with spared regions in the same cases or homotropic regions in controls. To elucidate the origins of this difference in proportionate expression, we measured the absolute levels of each of the eight NR1 transcripts by quantitative internally standardized RT‐PCR assay. Expression of transcripts with the cassette was strongly attenuated in susceptible regions of Alzheimer's brain, whereas expression of non‐cassette transcripts differed little from that in controls. The expression of other NR1 splice variants was not associated with pathology relevant to disease status, although some combinations of splice cassettes were well maintained in AD cases. The population profile of NR1 transcripts in occipital cortex differed from the profiles in other brain regions studied. Western analysis confirmed that the expression of protein isoforms containing the N‐terminal peptide was very low in susceptible areas of the Alzheimer's brain. Cells that express NR1 subunits with the N‐terminal cassette may be selectively vulnerable to toxicity in AD.
Caspase‐3 and calpain activities after acute and repeated ethanol administration during the rat brain growth spurt
Authors: Carloni Silvia , Mazzoni Erika , Balduini Walter
Published: May 2006

Ethanol administration during the rat brain growth spurt triggers apoptotic neurodegeneration that appears to be mediated by caspase‐3 activation. In order to gain more insight on the role of this caspase in ethanol‐induced developmental neurotoxicity, we studied its expression and activity under different conditions of ethanol exposure during development. Furthermore, because of the cross‐talk between caspase‐3 and calpain we extended our study also at this protease. Ethanol was administered by gavage to rat pups as a single‐day exposure on postnatal day (PN) 7 or from PN4 to PN10. Cleaved caspase‐3 expression peaked in the cerebral cortex 12 h after ethanol treatment and returned to control values at 24 h. An identical pattern was found for caspase‐3‐like activity, that was increased only with the highest dose of ethanol tested (5 g/kg) and mostly in PN4. Repeated ethanol exposure, at a dose that was previously found to induce microencephaly, did not increase caspase‐3 expression and activity although it decreased procaspase‐3 expression and released mitochondrial cytochrome c. Repeated ethanol administration also increased calpain activity. These data show that acute and repeated ethanol administration differentially affect caspase‐3 and calpain activity, suggesting that calpain activation may play a role in developmental neurotoxicity of ethanol.
Intracellular retention of hepatic serpins caused by severe hyperlipidemia
Authors: Hernández‐Espinosa David , Ayala Ignacio , Castells Maria Teresa , García‐Pérez Bartolomé , Martín‐Castillo Antonia , Miñano Antonia , Arcas Isabel , Vicente Vicente , Corral Javier
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Background: High levels of circulating lipids contribute to both the development of non‐alcoholic liver steatosis (NALS) and peripheral arterial disease, leading to increased thrombotic risk. However, the effects of hyperlipidemia on hepatic proteins have barely been studied. Antithrombin is a hepatic serpin with anticoagulant and anti‐inflammatory roles. The conformational flexibility of antithrombin renders it susceptible to both, genetic and posttranslational modifications. Thus, mutations and environmental factors have been shown to alter this molecule.

Methods: We used a chick model to assess the effects of hyperlipidemic diets (HD) on this conformationally sensitive molecule. We determined antithrombin activity in plasma and evaluated the histological and immunohistological features of livers from these animals.

Results: A HD for 6 months led to a significant intrahepatic retention and aggregation of antithrombin, which correlated with hepatic steatosis, as revealed by immunohistological analysis. Accordingly, a decrease in circulating antithrombin activity (48.71 ± 6.35%) was observed. Other hepatic proteins, including heparin cofactor II, another anticoagulant serpin, also accumulated intracellularly. Atorvastatin and reversion to a normal diet after 3 months partially protected livers from these deleterious effects.

Conclusions: Our results support that hyperlipidemia‐induced NALS causes a significant intracellular aggregation of hemostatic serpins in liver, which determines a decrease in their circulating levels.
Processing Dependence of Texture, and Critical Properties of YBa2Cu3O7−δ Films on RABiTS Substrates by a Non‐Fluorine MOD Method
Authors: Xu Y. , Goyal A. , Leonard K.J. , Specht E.D. , Shi D. , Paranthaman M.
Published: May 2006

YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO or Y123) films on rolling‐assisted biaxially textured substrates (RABiTS) were prepared via a fluorine‐free metallorganic deposition (MOD) through spin coating, burnout, and high temperature anneal. The effects of substrate texture and surface energy of the CeO2 cap layer were investigated. Except for the commonly accepted key factors, such as the textures of substrate and buffer layers, we found some other factors, for example, the deposition temperature of the cap layer, are also critical to the epitaxial growth of Y123 phase. With the CeO2 cap layer deposited at relative high temperature of 700°C, a critical current density, Jc, over 1 MA/cm2 has been demonstrated for the first time on Ni‐RABiTS by a fluorine‐free MOD method. Whereas for samples with CeO2 cap layers deposited at a lower temperature of 600°C, even though XRD data showed a better texture on these buffer layers, texture degradations of YBCO grains under the optimized processing conditions were observed and a lower oxygen partial pressure around 40 ppm was necessary for the epitaxial growth of Y123 phase. As a result, Jc fell to 0.45 MA/cm2 at 77 K. The observed phenomena points to the change of surface energy and reactivity of the CeO2 cap layer with respect to the CeO2 deposition temperature. In this paper, the YBCO phase diagram was also summarized.
Immobilization of Toxic Metals in Solidified Systems of Siloxo‐Sial Networks
Authors: Hanzlíček Tomáš , Steinerová‐Vondráková Michaela
Published: May 2006

The environmental contamination caused by waste toxic metals and their acidic solution could be inhibited in solidified systems of activated kaolinitic clays. Low‐temperature synthesis of alkali‐activated clay generates a siloxo‐sial amorphous polymer network, which excels in its behavior of netting the toxic metals in it. The setting of inorganic polymers occurs at normal laboratory temperature and pressure. The obtained solid matter locks waste metals (copper, nickel, and cobalt) in the formatted network. Natural kaolinitic clay is also a waste product of clay mining, owing to its higher content of coloring metals—iron and titanium.
Processing Routes to Macroporous Ceramics: A Review
Authors: Studart André R. , Gonzenbach Urs T. , Tervoort Elena , Gauckler Ludwig J.
Published: May 2006

Macroporous ceramics with pore sizes from 400 nm to 4 mm and porosity within the range 20%–97% have been produced for a number of well‐established and emerging applications, such as molten metal filtration, catalysis, refractory insulation, and hot gas filtration. These applications take advantage of the unique properties achieved through the incorporation of macropores into solid ceramics. In this article, we review the main processing routes that can be used for the fabrication of macroporous ceramics with tailored microstructure and chemical composition. Emphasis is given to versatile and simple approaches that allow one to control the microstructural features that ultimately determine the properties of the macroporous material. Replica, sacrificial template, and direct foaming techniques are described and compared in terms of microstructures and mechanical properties that can be achieved. Finally, directions to future investigations on the processing of macroporous ceramics are proposed.
A neural network model for predicting aquifer water level elevations
Authors: Coppola Emery A. , Rana Anthony J. , Poulton Mary M. , Szidarovszky Ferenc , Uhl Vincent W.
Published: May 2006

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were developed for accurately predicting potentiometric surface elevations (monitoring well water level elevations) in a semiconfined glacial sand and gravel aquifer under variable state, pumping extraction, and climate conditions. ANNs “learn” the system behavior of interest by processing representative data patterns through a mathematical structure analogous to the human brain. In this study, the ANNs used the initial water level measurements, production well extractions, and climate conditions to predict the final water level elevations 30 d into the future at two monitoring wells. A sensitivity analysis was conducted with the ANNs that quantified the importance of the various input predictor variables on final water level elevations. Unlike traditional physical‐based models, ANNs do not require explicit characterization of the physical system and related physical data. Accordingly, ANN predictions were made on the basis of more easily quantifiable, measured variables, rather than physical model input parameters and conditions. This study demonstrates that ANNs can provide both excellent prediction capability and valuable sensitivity analyses, which can result in more appropriate ground water management strategies.
Empirical relationships for estimating stream depletion by a well pumping near a gaining stream
Authors: Di Matteo Lucio , Dragoni Walter
Published: May 2006

Siting wells near streams requires an accurate estimate of the quantity of water derived from the river due to pumping. A number of hydrogeological and hydraulic parameters influence this value. This study estimates stream depletion under steady‐state conditions for a variety of hydrogeological systems. A finite differences model was used to analyze several hydrogeological situations, and for each of these the stream depletion was estimated using an advective transport method. An empirical equation for stream depletion was obtained for the case of a stream that partially penetrates the aquifer and a pumping well that is screened over a portion of the aquifer. The derived equation, which is valid for both isotropic and anisotropic conditions, expresses stream depletion as a function of the unit inflow to the river, the discharge of the pumping well, the well screen length, the distance between the river and pumping well, the wetted perimeter, and a new parameter called “overlap,” which is defined to be the distance between the riverbed and the top of well screen. The overlap parameter makes it possible to consider indirectly the vertical component of flow, which is accentuated when the well is screened below the streambed. The formula proposed here should be useful in deciding where to locate a pumping well and to decide the appropriate length of its screen.
Plume and lithologic profiling with surface resistivity and seismic tomography
Authors: Watson David B. , Doll William E. , Jeffrey Gamey T. , Sheehan Jacob R. , Jardine Philip M.
Published: May 2006

Improved surface‐based geophysical technologies that are commercially available provide a new level of detail that can be used to guide ground water remediation. Surface‐based multielectrode resistivity methods and tomographic seismic refraction techniques were used to image to a depth of ~30 m below the surface at the Natural and Accelerated Bioremediation Research Field Research Center. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established the research center on the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to conduct in situ field‐scale studies on bioremediation of metals and radionuclides. Bioremediation studies are being conducted on the saprolite, shale bedrock, and ground water at the site that have been contaminated with nitrate, uranium, technetium, tetrachloroethylene, and other contaminants (U.S. DOE 1997). Geophysical methods were effective in imaging the high‐ionic strength plume and in defining the transition zone between saprolite and bedrock zones that appears to have a significant influence on contaminant transport. The geophysical data were used to help select the location and depth of investigation for field research plots. Drilling, borehole geophysics, and ground water sampling were used to verify the surface geophysical studies.
An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse racing in France during 1991–2001: a comparison with injuries resulting from professional horse racing in Great Britain during 1992–2001
Authors: McCrory P , Turner M , LeMasson B , Bodere C , Allemandou A
Published: May 2006

Background:It has been previously shown that professional jockeys suffer high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the pursuit of their occupation. Little is known, however, about differences in injury rates between countries.

Aim:To determine the rate of fatal and non-fatal injuries in flat and jump jockeys in France and to compare the injury rates with those in Great Britain and Ireland

Method:Prospectively collected injury data on professional jockeys were used as the basis of the analysis.

Results:Limb fractures occur four times more often in both flat and jump racing in France than in Great Britain. Similarly dislocations are diagnosed 20 times more often in flat and three times more often in jump racing. This difference is surprising given that French jockeys have fewer falls per ride than their British counterparts in flat racing, although they do have more falls than the British in jump racing. Similarly concussion rates seem to be higher in French jockeys, although there may be a difference in the diagnostic methods used in the different countries. By contrast, soft tissue injuries account for a far smaller percentage of injuries than in Great Britain.

Conclusion:There are striking differences in injury rates between countries which may be explained in part by a difference in track conditions—for example, harder tracks in France—or different styles of racing—for example, larger fields of horses per race in France.
Liberties and licences
Authors: Nicholls James Quan
Published: May 2006

This article looks at the ways in which discourse around alcohol has shaped, and been shaped by, British liberal thought. It discusses three key moments in which alcohol became prominent in public debates over individual rights, market freedoms and government intervention: the London ‘gin craze’, mid-19th-century arguments over the ‘Permissive Bill’ and recent concerns over ‘binge drinking’ and the 2003 Licensing Act. In addition to looking at how liberal debates have shaped government alcohol policy, this article considers how liberal definitions of rationality, value and moral autonomy have shaped wider discourses on the meaning and legitimacy of intoxication. It argues that alcohol consumption (and, more generally, intoxication) has historically brought fissures and contradictions within liberal thought to the surface and that many of the complexities and divisions within liberalism can be illustrated through an analysis of liberal debates on alcohol. It also calls for a strategic re-engagement with liberalism, in its own theoretical terms of reference, from within cultural studies as well as for a more sustained discussion of intoxication by liberal theorists.
Visions of Europe
Authors: Bolin Göran
Published: May 2006

With the expansion of the European Union eastwards, nations have adopted various strategies for being included in the European community. This article discusses examples of cultural technologies used by post-communist countries in aligning with Western Europe. It is argued that the phenomenon is in fact not new, as the marketing of nations has occurred since at least the World’s Fairs of the 19th century. However, while the World’s Fairs addressed the nation-states of high industrialism, cultural technologies are the features used in a post-industrialized context, where it is more important to impress with abilities of symbolic production rather than with traditional industrial production. In terms of modernization processes, it can be argued that the increased emphasis on symbolic production indicates a shift from techno-industrial modernization to techno-cultural modernization.
Queering home or domesticating deviance?
Authors: Gorman-Murray Andrew
Published: May 2006

Across the Anglophonic west there is growing mainstream interest in gay men’s domestic sensibilities. This is apparent in the increasing presence of gay men as designers and participants on lifestyle television, especially those programmes concerned with homemaking. In this article, I examine ‘gay domesticity’ through the lens of lifestyle television and related media commentaries, focusing on two Australian shows that included gay male couples as participants: The Block (2003) and The HotHouse (2004). Through comparing the shows, I explore the diverse ways gay men design and create domestic spaces, and how these constructions articulate with or challenge the dominant understanding of home as a heterosexualized family space. I consider the intertwining of the material and the discursive in perceptions of home, and how this emerges through the presence and practices of the gay couples. I find that the attitude to home, interior design and homemaking practices of each couple reflects a different reaction to the dominant image of the nuclear family home, exemplifying a paradox of gay domesticity. While the couple in The Block challenged the hetero-normalization of home through their ideas of home and their renovation efforts, the domestic ideology and design rationale of the couple featured in The HotHouse reinforced this dominant image. I conclude by considering how this paradox might be partially resolved through contemplating the notion of ‘queer’.
Müllerian inhibiting substance regulates its receptor/SMAD signaling and causes mesenchymal transition of the coelomic epithelial cells early in Müllerian duct regression
Authors: Zhan Yong , Fujino Akihiro , MacLaughlin David T. , Manganaro Thomas F. , Szotek Paul P. , Arango Nelson A. , Teixeira Jose , Donahoe Patricia K.
Published: May 2006

Examination of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) signaling in the rat in vivo and in vitro revealed novel developmental stage- and tissue-specific events that contributed to a window of MIS responsiveness in Müllerian duct regression. The MIS type II receptor (MISRII)-expressing cells are initially present in the coelomic epithelium of both male and female urogenital ridges, and then migrate into the mesenchyme surrounding the male Müllerian duct under the influence of MIS. Expression of the genes encoding MIS type I receptors, Alk2 and Alk3, is also spatiotemporally controlled; Alk2 expression appears earlier and increases predominantly in the coelomic epithelium, whereas Alk3expression appears later and is restricted to the mesenchyme, suggesting sequential roles in Müllerian duct regression. MIS induces expression of Alk2, Alk3 and Smad8, but downregulates Smad5 in the urogenital ridge. Alk2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocks both the transition of MISRII expression from the coelomic epithelium to the mesenchyme and Müllerian duct regression in organ culture. Müllerian duct regression can also be inhibited or accelerated by siRNA targeting Smad8 and Smad5,respectively. Thus, the early action of MIS is to initiate an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of MISRII-expressing cells and to specify the components of the receptor/SMAD signaling pathway by differentially regulating their expression.
Negative regulation of Hedgehog signaling by the cholesterogenic enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase
Authors: Koide Tetsuya , Hayata Tadayoshi , Cho Ken W. Y.
Published: May 2006

Cholesterol regulates Hedgehog (Hh) signaling during early vertebrate development. Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is caused by defects in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), an enzyme catalyzing the final step of cholesterol biosynthesis. Many developmental malformations attributed to SLOS occur in tissues and organs where Hh signaling is required for development,but the precise role of DHCR7 deficiency in this disease remains murky. We report that DHCR7 and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) are co-expressed during midline development in Xenopus embryos. DHCR7 has previously been implicated to function as a positive regulator of Hh signaling that acts to regulate the cholesterol adduction of Hh ligand or to affect Hh signaling in the responding cell. We present gain- and loss-of-function analyses suggesting that DHCR7 functions as a negative regulator of Hh signaling at the level or downstream of Smoothened (Smo) and affects intracellular Hh signaling. Our analysis also raises the possibility that the human condition SLOS is caused not only by disruption of the enzymatic role of DHCR7 as a reductase in cholesterol biosynthesis, but may also involve defects in DHCR7 resulting in derepression of Shh signaling.
Synthesis and Reaction of Optically Active 2- and 3-Hydroxyalkylphosphonium Salts
Authors: Yamamoto Shin-ichi , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Tanaka Yuichiro , Okuma Kentaro , Ohta Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

Epoxides were converted to the corresponding optically active 2- and 3-hydroxyalkylphosphonium salts by the reaction with triphenylphosphine and dibenzoyltartaric acid (or camphorsulfonic acid), and with methylenetriphenylphosphorane and this acid, followed by fractional recrystallization, respectively. The reaction of oxide ylides derived from these salts with benzaldehyde was carried out.
Coupling Reaction of Allylstannanes with Arenes
Authors: Yamaguchi Jun-ichi , Takagi Yu , Nakayama Atsushi , Fujiwara Tooru , Takeda Takeshi
Published: May 2006

The tin(IV) chloride promoted coupling reaction of allylstannanes with various arenes proceeded to give the allylated arenes in good yields. It was also found that tin(II) bromide was an effective catalyst for Friedel–Crafts allylation using allylic bromides.
A Novel Rate Enhancement in Titanium and Zirconium Alkoxide Mediated Cyano Group Transfers by the Addition of a Salycylal Type Schiff Base, dl-3-(2-Hydroxy-1-naphthylidene)-imino-ε-caprolactam. A Neighboring Amide Effect
Authors: Mori Atsunori , Inoue Shohei
Published: May 2006

The addition of a salycylal type Schiff base containing amide, dl-3-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene)-imino-ε-caprolactam (Nap-ACL) to titanium (IV) 2-propoxide or zirconium (IV) 1-propoxide accelerates cyano group transfers of acetone cyanohydrin with various carbonyl and imino compounds to give the corresponding cyanated products.
Nucleophilic Reactions of Acetals, Alkyl Sulfonates, and Oxiranes with Diisobutylaluminum Benzenetellurolate
Authors: Sasaki Kazuaki , Mori Toshiharu , Doi Yoshitaka , Kawachi Akinori , Aso Yoahio , Otsubo Tetsuo , Ogura Fumio
Published: May 2006

Diisobutylaluminum benzenetellurolate was proved to be an effective nucleophilic reagent toward acetals, alkyl sulfonates, and oxiranes to give the corresponding tellurides. These reactions showed the characteristics of an SN2 type. When the substitution reactions were sterically hindered, olefins and allylic alcohols were obtained from alkyl sulfonates and oxiranes, respectively.
Ytterbium Metal-Promoted Reaction of Ketimines with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Takaki Ken , Tanaka Shinji , Fujiwara Yuzo
Published: May 2006

Ketimines are reduced by ytterbium metal and reacted with carbon dioxide to give Yb salts of α-amino acids in good yields.
Methods for the detection of bacterial contamination in blood products Screeningverfahren zum Nachweis bakterieller Kontaminationen in Blutprodukten
Authors: Müller Thomas H. , Mohr Harald , Montag Thomas
Published: May 2006

Culture-based and molecular assays have been developed for the screening of platelet concentrates and other blood components for bacterial contamination. The principles of the assays are outlined.

This review focuses on the assessment of the analytical qualities of the methods. Spiking studies by adding defined levels of a wide range of bacteria to the complex biological matrix provide the first basis to evaluate and compare the qualities of methods for bacterial detection. The sensitivity acceptable for a reliable screening for bacteria critically depends on the timing of either early sampling (within a period of up to 24 h after preparation of the blood component) or late sampling (a few hours before issuing the blood component). Large screening studies are essential to confirm both adequate sensitivity and specificity of the testing. In the ideal setting, these studies are prospectively planned and include the systematic surveillance of adverse events in response to the administration of the screened products. The findings from sterility testing (predominantly with automated systems for the detection of bacteria based on CO2 generation) of more than 550,000 platelet concentrates in 13 studies are summarized. The limitations of the early sampling and the “negative-to-date” strategy with regard to issuing platelet concentrates are addressed. A few reported cases of probable bacterial transmission by platelet transfusion despite negative screening tests emphasize the need for further development of optimized methods for the testing of blood components for bacterial contamination.
Rapid screening for bacterial contamination of blood products Schnellverfahren zum Nachweis bakterieller Kontaminationen bei Blutprodukten
Authors: Faure Isabelle Besson
Published: May 2006

Many techniques have been explored to detect bacteria in blood products in order to prevent transfusion-related bacteria contamination (TRBC) and transmission. In a simple way, these techniques may be divided into two groups based on their rapidity to obtain the test result. The culture methods require from several hours to several days to get the final result; the rapid methods require from several minutes to a few hours to detect bacteria in blood products. It is usually stated that the rapid methods have a strong advantage by providing rapid results, but they are also complex and require well trained technicians. By contrast, culture methods are easy to handle but results are available with a certain delay. Today, three devices are commercially available to screen blood components. The BacT/ALERT (Biomérieux) and the eBDS device (Pall) are both automated culture systems based on the measurement of a change in the gas concentration due to bacterial metabolism. The Scansystem™ (Hemosystem) belongs to the second group of methods. It is a fluorescence-based bacteria detection performed in 70 min. Other rapid techniques are being developed, such as flow cytometry or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on their sensitivity and specificity, the intended use of these bacterial detection methods varies from early testing to release a safe product, to late testing close to the transfusion time (point-of-care testing “POCT”) to guarantee a safe transfusion.
Calculation of the thermodynamic properties of liquid Ag-In-Sb alloys
Authors: Zivkovic Dragana , Manasijevic Dragan , Mihajlovic Ivan , Zivkovic Zivan
Published: May 2006

The results of calculations of the thermodynamic properties of liquid Ag-In-Sb alloys are presented in this paper. The Redlich-Kister-Muggianu model was used for the calculations. Based on known thermodynamic data for constitutive binary systems and available experimental data for the investigated ternary system, the ternary interaction parameter for the liquid phase in the temperature range 1000-1200 K was determined. Comparison between experimental and calculated results showed their good mutual agreement.
Acentric factor estimation from the corresponding states principle
Authors: Grozdanic Dusan
Published: May 2006

Acentric factor estimation from the corresponding states principle was conducted. The reported values, or analytical expressions, of the functions f(0), f(1) and f(2) are presented. The tabulated values of f(0), f(1) and f(2) by the Brandani relation of the Wagner type of vapor pressure equation are correlated. The estimation procedures are tested on 44 nonpolar substances. The Ambrose and Walton expressions have the best predictive characteristics.
Molybdenum(V), germanium(IV), aluminum(III) and nickel(II) adducts with ethyleneurea, ethylenethiourea and propyleneurea: Some empirical correlations involving TG and IR data
Authors: de Farias , Airoldi Claudio
Published: May 2006

The adducts MoCl5 .2eu, MoCl5 .2pu, GeCl4 .2etu, AlCl3 .2pu, AlCl3 .3pu, NiCl2 .2etu and NiCl2 .4etu (eu = ethyleneurea, etu = ethylenethiourea and pu = propyleneurea) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (C, H, N), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). IR Results show that eu and pu coordinate through oxygen, whereas etu coordinates through nitrogen. For all investigated adducts, a single mass loss step associated with the release of ligand molecules is observed. Empirical correlations involving TG and IR data are established.
Minimum segments in sequent derivations
Authors: Borisavljevic Mirjana
Published: May 2006

In a system of sequents for intuitionistic predicate logic derivations without a special kind of cuts (maximum cuts) will be considered. The following be shown: in a derivation without maximum cuts there are paths of the same form as paths in a normal derivation of natural deduction, i.e., these paths have the E-part, the I-part, and one minimum part which corresponds to a minimum segment in a normal derivation.
Some classes of integral graphs which belong to the class αKa U βKb,b
Authors: Lepovic Mirko
Published: May 2006

Let G be a simple graph and let G denote its complement. We say that G is integral if its spectrum consists of integral values. We have recently established a characterization of integral graphs which belong to the class ?Ka U ?Kb,b, where mG denotes the m-fold union of the graph G. In this work we investigate integral graphs from the class ?Ka U ?Kb,b with ?1 = a+b where ?1 is the largest eigenvalue of ?Ka U ?Kb,b.
Asymptotic estimates on finite Abelian groups
Authors: Calderon C.
Published: May 2006

By using Ivic's methods for general divisor problem and counting function of abelian finite groups, we obtain results related to several arithmetic functions.
The compression of a slant Hankel operator to H2
Authors: Zegeye Taddesse , Arora S.C.
Published: May 2006

A slant Hankel operator K? with symbol ? in L?(T) (in short L?), where T is the unit circle on the complex plane, is an operator whose representing matrix M = (aij) is given by ai,j = (?,z-2i-j), where (?, ?) is the usual inner product in L2(T) (in short L2). The operator L? denotes the compression of K? to H2(T) (in short H2). We prove that an operator L on H2 is the compression of a slant Hankel operator to H2 if and only if U *L = LU2, where U is the unilateral shift. Moreover, we show that a hyponormal L? is necessarily normal and L? can not be an isometry.
Three-space-problem for inductively (semi)-reflexive locally convex spaces
Authors: Radenovic Stojan , Kadelburg Zoran
Published: May 2006

Three-space-stability of inductively (semi)-reflexive and some related classes of locally convex spaces is considered. It is shown that inductively (semi)-reflexive spaces behave more regularly than (semi)-reflexive spaces in that sense.
Two exercises concerning the degree of the product of algebraic numbers
Authors: Dubickas Artūras
Published: May 2006

Let k be a field, and let ? and ? be two algebraic numbers over k of degree d and l, respectively. We find necessary and sufficient conditions under which deg(??)=dl and deg(? + ?)=dl. Since these conditions are quite difficult to check, we also state a simple sufficient condition for such equalities to occur.
Kneser’s theorem for weak solutions of an integral equation with weakly singular kernel
Authors: Dutkiewicz Aldona , Szufla Stanislaw
Published: May 2006

We prove that the set of all weak solutions of the Volterra integral equation (1) is nonempty, compact and connected.