bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population genetic analysis of shotgun assemblies of genomic sequences from multiple individuals
Authors: Hellmann Ines , Mang Yuan , Gu Zhiping , Li Peter , de la Vega Francisco M. , Clark Andrew G. , Nielsen Rasmus
Published: April 2008

We introduce a simple, broadly applicable method for obtaining estimates of nucleotide diversity θ from genomic shotgun sequencing data. The method takes into account the special nature of these data: random sampling of genomic segments from one or more individuals and a relatively high error rate for individual reads. Applying this method to data from the Celera human genome sequencing and SNP discovery project, we obtain estimates of nucleotide diversity in windows spanning the human genome and show that the diversity to divergence ratio is reduced in regions of low recombination. Furthermore, we show that the elevated diversity in telomeric regions is mainly due to elevated mutation rates and not due to decreased levels of background selection. However, we find indications that telomeres as well as centromeres experience greater impact from natural selection than intrachromosomal regions. Finally, we identify a number of genomic regions with increased or reduced diversity compared with the local level of human–chimpanzee divergence and the local recombination rate.
Conformational change upon ligand binding and dynamics of the PDZ domain from leukemia‐associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor
Authors: Liu Jiangxin , Zhang Jiahai , Yang Yinshan , Huang Hongda , Shen Weiqun , Hu Qi , Wang Xingsheng , Wu Jihui , Shi Yunyu
Published: April 2008

Leukemia‐associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (LARG) is a RhoA‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that can activate RhoA. The PDZ (PSD‐95/Disc‐large/ZO‐1 homology) domain of LARG interacts with membrane receptors, which can relay extracellular signals to RhoA signal transduction pathways. Until now there is no structural and dynamic information about these interactions. Here we report the NMR structures of the LARG PDZ in the apo form and in complex with the plexin‐B1 C‐terminal octapeptide. Unobservable resonances of the residues in βB/βC and βE/αB loops in apo state were observed in the complex state. A distinct region of the binding groove in the LARG PDZ was found to undergo conformational change compared with other PDZs. Analysis of the 15N relaxation data using reduced spectral density mapping shows that the apo LARG PDZ (especially its ligand‐binding groove) is flexible and exhibits internal motions on both picosecond to nanosecond and microsecond to millisecond timescales. Mutagenesis and thermodynamic studies indicate that the conformation of the βB/βC and βE/αB loops affects the PDZ–peptide interaction. It is suggested that the conformational flexibility could facilitate the change of structures upon ligand binding.
Using structural analysis to generate parasite‐selective monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Kron Michael A. , Cichanowicz Sam , Hendrick Angela , Liu Aizhuo , Leykam Joseph , Kuhn Leslie A.
Published: April 2008

Diagnosis of eukaryotic parasitic infection using antibody‐based tests such as ELISAs (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays) is often problematic because of the need to differentiate between homologous host and pathogen proteins and to ensure that antibodies raised against a peptide will also bind to the peptide in the context of its three‐dimensional protein structure. Filariasis caused by the nematode, Brugia malayi, is an important worldwide tropical disease in which parasites disappear from the bloodstream during daylight hours, thus hampering standard microscopic diagnostic methods. To address this problem, a structural approach was used to develop monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that detect asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase (AsnRS) secreted from B. malayi. B. malayi and human AsnRS amino acid sequences were aligned to identify regions that are relatively unconserved, and a 1.9 Å crystallographic structure of B. malayi AsnRS was used to identify peptidyl regions that are surface accessible and available for antibody binding. Sequery and SSA (Superpositional Structural Analysis) software was used to analyze which of these peptides was most likely to maintain its native conformation as a synthetic peptide, and its predicted helical structure was confirmed by NMR. A 22‐residue peptide was synthesized to produce murine mAbs. Four IgG1 mAbs were identified that recognized the synthetic peptide and the full‐length parasite AsnRS, but not human AsnRS. The specificity and affinity of mAbs was confirmed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, surface plasmon resonance, and enzyme inhibition assays. These results support the success of structural modeling to choose peptides for raising selective antibodies that bind to the native protein.
Special Children, Integration and Moral Education
Authors: Leicester Mal
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY: This paper explores issues concerning the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream schools and draws out the implications of the discussions for moral education. Social and personal theories of disability are reconciled to provide a basis for a moral education which bridges ‘alternative’ moral traditions. I argue that successful integration requires a moral education for teachers and pupils which encourages the development of both a ‘caring justice’ and a ‘judicious care’.
Between Two Cultures? Muslim Children in a Western Liberal Society
Authors: Halstead Mark
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY: The experiences of Muslim children in Britain highlight some, of the complexities in the nation of cultural development. Their main problem is often described in terms of being trapped between the traditional Islamic values of their parents and the liberal and often secular values of the school. Multicultural education has not been able to resolve this problem fully, but as young Muslims themselves seek far creative ways of combining full British citizenship with their own distinctive religious commitments, there are signs that a new British Muslim cultural identity is gradually emerging.
‘Children in Need’: Using Geographical Information Systems to Inform Strategic Planning for Social Service Provision
Authors: Noble Michael , Smith Teresa
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY: Recent legislation, requires local authorities to provide services such as day care for children in need. New computer techniques for geo‐spatial analysis—Geographical Information Systems—ore now muck used by local authorities in planning environmental and engineering services. This article explores the extent to which these techniques can be applied to social data and, in particular, whether they are useful for strategic planning of day care and other social service provision.
Menstrual phase effects on smoking relapse
Authors: Allen Sharon S. , Bade Tracy , Center Bruce , Finstad Deborah , Hatsukami Dorothy
Published: April 2008

Aims  To examine if menstrual phase affects relapse in women attempting to quit smoking.

Design  An intent‐to‐treat randomized smoking cessation trial where women were assigned to quit smoking in either the follicular (F) or luteal (L) menstrual phase and were followed for up to 26 weeks. They were assessed for relapse by days to relapse and relapse phase to determine if those who begin a quit attempt during the F phase were more successful than those who begin during the L phase.

Setting  Tobacco Use Research Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Participants  A total of 202 women.

Measurements  Latency to relapse from continuous and prolonged abstinence, point prevalence, phase of relapse, first slip within the first 3 and 5 days post‐quit date, subject completion rates and symptomatology (i.e. withdrawal and craving).

Findings  The mean days to relapse from continuous abstinence and relapse from prolonged abstinence for the F group were 13.9 and 20.6 days, respectively, and 21.5 and 39.2 days, respectively, for the L group. Using point prevalence analysis at 14 days, 84% of the F group had relapsed compared with 65% of the L group [χ2 = 10.024, P = 0.002; odds ratio (OR) = 2.871, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.474–5.590]. At 30 days, 86% of the F group relapsed, compared with 66% of the L group (χ2 = 11.076, P = 0.001; OR = 3.178, 95% CI, 1.594–6.334).

Conclusion  Women attempting to quit smoking in the F phase had less favorable outcomes than those attempting to quit in the L phase. This could relate to ovarian hormones, which may play a role in smoking cessation for women.
Longitudinal changes in methamphetamine and cocaine use in untreated rural stimulant users: racial differences and the impact of methamphetamine legislation
Authors: Borders Tyrone F. , Booth Brenda M. , Han Xiaotong , Wright Patricia , Leukefeld Carl , Falck Russel S. , Carlson Robert G.
Published: April 2008

Aims To examine how race and methamphetamine legislation are associated with changes in cocaine and methamphetamine use among untreated rural stimulant users.

Design A longitudinal study of stimulant users identified through respondent‐driven sampling.

Setting Rural areas of three US states.

Participants Participants at baseline were current users of methamphetamine and/or cocaine.

Measures Self‐reports of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and powder cocaine use were assessed at 6‐month intervals over a 2‐year period. Generalized estimating equations were performed to account for correlations between the repeated measurements.

Findings Compared to whites, African Americans were much more likely to use crack cocaine, equally likely to use powder cocaine and much less likely to use methamphetamine. Both whites and African Americans reduced their consumption of methamphetamine and both forms of cocaine over 2 years. Exposure to laws restricting the purchase of over‐the‐counter cold medications containing methamphetamine precursors was not associated with methamphetamine use, but associated with a slight rise in powder and crack cocaine use.

Conclusions The study yielded disconcerting as well as promising findings regarding the natural history of stimulant use in rural areas. Of some concern is that methamphetamine precursor laws were correlated with increased cocaine consumption, diminishing their net public health benefits. However, despite its insurgence in rural areas of the United States, very few African Americans have initiated methamphetamine use. Regardless of race, many stimulant users stopped using cocaine and methamphetamine without formal substance abuse treatment over 24 months.
The contribution of research to the development of a national cannabis policy in Australia
Authors: Hall Wayne D.
Published: April 2008

Aims To describe the formulation of a National Cannabis Strategy in Australia in 2006 and discuss the contribution that research evidence has made to its development.

Methods A description of trends in cannabis use in Australia and policy responses to it from the early 1970s to the present, with an analysis of the evidence and arguments that have been used to support competing policies towards cannabis use.

Results In 1977 an Australian Senate Committee recommended that a national cannabis policy should be developed that removed criminal penalties for personal possession and use. The arguments for the recommendation echoed those used to support similar earlier recommendations made in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were reiterated by a National Cannabis Task Force in 1994, but a national cannabis strategy was not developed until 2006. By default, the strategy supported continued prohibition on the production and sale of cannabis, and left penalties for cannabis use to state governments. It advocated public education campaigns to discourage young people, especially those at high risk, from initiating cannabis use, and to reduce the progression to regular use among young people who had used cannabis. It also supported efforts to reduce the availability of cannabis and to improve treatment for problem cannabis users. The research evidence which was cited as motivating the development of a national cannabis policy was epidemiological data on rising rates of use among young people, and emerging evidence from longitudinal studies in Australian and New Zealand that some adolescent cannabis users experienced harm as a result of their use.

Conclusions The impact that research evidence has had on Australian cannabis policy over the past three decades has, as in many comparable countries, been constrained by the limited policy options under consideration, and by the fact that interpretation of the evidence has been contested by advocates of the limited policy options under debate.
Low identification of alcohol use disorders in general practice in England
Authors: Cheeta Survjit , Drummond Colin , Oyefeso Adenekan , Phillips Tom , Deluca Paolo , Perryman Katherine , Coulton Simon
Published: April 2008

Aims  The prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the United Kingdom is estimated at 25%, and primary care has been identified as the first line of treatment for this population. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the current rates of identification of AUDs in primary care. The aim of the present study was to compare the observed rates of AUDs in general practice with expected rates, which are based on general population prevalence rates of AUDs.

Design, participants and measurements  Epidemiological data on individuals aged 16–64 years with an AUD was obtained from the General Practice Research Database. General population prevalence rates of AUDs were obtained from the Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. χ2 tests and identification ratios were used to analyse the data.

Results  There was a significant relationship between type of AUD and identification (χ2 = 1466.89, P < 0.001), and general practitioners were poorer at identifying harmful/hazardous drinkers when compared with dependent drinkers. No gender differences in the identification of hazardous/harmful drinking were found, but female dependent drinkers were significantly more likely to be identified than males (identification ratio 0.07; 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.07). The identification of AUDs was significantly lower for the 16–24‐year age group compared with all other age groups.

Conclusion  Despite attempts at targeting hazardous/harmful drinkers for brief interventions in primary care, the present findings suggest that this group are still under‐identified. Furthermore, this under‐identification is even more apparent in men and in young people who have high general population prevalence rates for AUDs. In conclusion, increasing identification rates could be incorporated into brief intervention strategies in primary care.
Probing the slope of cluster mass profile with gravitational Einstein rings: application to Abell 1689
Authors: Tu H. , Limousin M. , Fort B. , Shu C. G. , Sygnet J. F. , Jullo E. , Kneib J. P. , Richard J.
Published: April 2008

The strong lensing modelling of gravitational ‘rings’ formed around massive galaxies is sensitive to the amplitude of the external shear and convergence produced by nearby mass condensations. In current wide-field surveys, it is now possible to find out a large number of rings, typically 10 gravitational rings per square degree. We propose here, to systematically study gravitational rings around galaxy clusters to probe the cluster mass profile beyond the cluster strong lensing regions. For cluster of galaxies with multiple arc systems, we show that rings found at various distances from the cluster centre can improve the modelling by constraining the slope of the cluster mass profile. We outline the principle of the method with simple numerical simulations and we apply it to three rings discovered recently in Abell 1689. In particular, the lens modelling of the three rings confirms that the cluster is bimodal, and favours a slope of the mass profile steeper than isothermal at a cluster radius ∼300 kpc. These results are compared with previous lens modelling of Abell 1689 including weak lensing analysis. Because of the difficulty arising from the complex mass distribution in Abell 1689, we argue that the ring method will be better implemented on simpler and relaxed clusters.
Reevaluating the incidence of pervasive developmental disorders: Impact of elevated rates of detection through implementation of an integrated system of screening in Toyota, Japan
Authors: Kawamura Yuichi , Takahashi Osamu , Ishii Takashi
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Although recent epidemiological studies on the pervasive development disorders (PDD) appear to be reporting higher rates of incidence than previously believed, great variation in the reported figures suggests a need for review of the methodology involved. As such, a survey on the incidence of PDD was conducted and compared with data from a previous survey to examine the effects of screening and diagnostic methodology on incidence.

Methods:  The incidence of pervasive developmental disorders was surveyed in all children (12 589) born between January 1994 and December 1996 in Toyota, Japan.

Results:  Incidence was 1.81% and the ratio of boys to girls was 2.80. Definitive diagnoses were made between 13 months and 7 years 2 months, the average age at diagnosis being 3 years 4 months. Among the cases of PDD, children with normal or borderline intelligence amounted to 66.4%, mild mental retardation (MR) 17.5%, moderate MR 10.3% and severe MR 5.8%.

Conclusion:  An approximately 11‐fold increase was noted in prevalence of PDD compared to a previous survey two decades ago, and two main factors were believed to account for this apparent sharp increase. First, inclusion of high‐functioning subjects detected during infancy, and second, higher rates of diagnosis resulting from an integrated process of screening.
No predictors of antidepressant patient response to milnacipran were obtained using the three‐factor structures of the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale in Japanese patients with major depressive disorders
Authors: Higuchi Hisashi , Sato Kazuhiro , Yoshida Keizo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Kamata Mitsuhiro , Otani Koichi , Yamaguchi Noboru
Published: April 2008

Aims:  Milnacipran, a new specific serotonin and norepinephrine re‐uptake inhibitor, is as effective as tricyclic antidepressants. Symptomatological predictors of antidepressant response to milnacipran have not been studied until now.

Methods:  This study included 101 Japanese patients who fulfilled the DSM‐IV criteria for the diagnosis of major depressive disorders and whose score on the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was ≥21. Eighty‐three patients were finally included. Patients with a pretreatment MADRS score ≥31 points were defined as severe (n = 28), and the rest as non‐severe (n = 55). The three‐factor model of MADRS was used for analysis; the first factor was defined by three items, the second factor was defined by four items and the third factor was defined by three items representing dysphoria, retardation, and vegetative symptoms, respectively. Milnacipran was administered twice daily for 6 weeks. The initial dose was 50 mg/day; after a week it was increased to 100 mg/day.

Results:  No significant difference was observed in the mean score of first factor, second factor and third factor at pretreatment time between responders and non‐responders in both severe and non‐severe patients.

Conclusions:  No predictor of antidepressant response to milnacipran was obtained using the three‐factor structures of the MADRS in Japanese patients with major depressive disorders.
Reward pathways in Parkinson's disease: Clinical and theoretical implications
Authors: Torta Diana M. E. , Castelli Lorys
Published: April 2008

Aims:  The mesolimbic and mesocortical circuits are particularly involved in reward‐related behavior in humans. Because these systems may be in some way altered in Parkinson's disease (PD), it is likely that some psychiatric manifestations of PD, such as hedonistic homeostatic dysregulation and pathological gambling, as well as impulsive decision making, may be ascribed to their involvement. The aim of the current article was to review recent literature on this topic in order to analyze whether these disturbances share a common ground and whether actual theoretical frameworks on addiction prove a useful tool for their interpretation.

Methods:  Data were identified on searches of MEDLINE/PubMed databases from relevant articles published up until March 2007.

Results:  All clinical manifestations (hedonistic homeostatic dysregulation, pathological gambling and impulsive decision making) seem to share a common multifaceted ground in which factors related to antiparkinsonian therapy, premorbid personality and progression of disease interact. Theoretical interpretations and conclusions drawn from experimental studies may help to shed light on the underlying pathological mechanisms.

Conclusions:  Further studies are needed to analyze why, despite a common ground, only some patients develop those neuropsychiatric complications described here.
Reliability and validity of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Assessment System
Authors: Kurita Hiroshi , Koyama Tomonori , Inoue Kanna
Published: April 2008

Aim:  To test the reliability and validity of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Assessment System (PDDAS), a Japanese semistructured interview system.

Methods:  The PDDAS, consisting of 91 items including 12 major items corresponding to 12 items in criterion A of DSM‐IV autistic disorder criteria, 36 items on autistic symptoms and three Asperger's disorder (AS) screening items for diagnosing pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and their subtypes and 40 items for other information including early development and past/family histories, was administered to mothers of 77 PDD children and 64 non‐PDD children.

Results:  The PDDAS had satisfactory interrater reliability (ranges of κ, r and raw agreement rate were 0.69–1.00 in 76 items, 1.00 in 11 items and 0.91–1.00 in four κ un‐calculable items, respectively). Thirty‐three of the 36 items and all of the 12 major items scored significantly higher in the PDD than non‐PDD groups to show satisfactory discriminant validity. PDDAS and consensus DSM‐IV diagnoses agreed in the 77 children in PDD diagnosis and disagreed in only two children in subtype diagnoses of autistic disorder and PDD not otherwise specified.

Conclusions:  The PDDAS, which takes 1.5 h to administer, seems to have clinical and research utility, although further investigation is necessary.
Rapid detection of JMH antibodies with recombinant Sema7A (CD108) protein and the particle gel immunoassay
Authors: Seltsam Axel , Agaylan Ashraf , Grueger Daniela , Meyer Oliver , Blasczyk Rainer , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: At present, identification of antibodies against the high‐prevalence JMH antigen is difficult and limited to reference laboratories having panels of rare red blood cell (RBC) specimens in stock. Here, a novel method is described for detection of anti‐JMH with particles coated with recombinant semaphorin 7A (Sema7A, CD108), the protein that carries the JMH blood group antigens.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Recombinant Sema7A protein was generated and coupled onto superparamagnetic particles coated with streptavidin. The coated particles were tested in the presence of different serum and plasma samples (11 anti‐JMH, 20 other antibodies, and 50 samples from nonimmunized blood donors) with the particle gel immunoassay and flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Sema7A‐coated particles reacted with all 11 samples containing anti‐JMH, but not with samples lacking anti‐JMH. In addition, the anti‐JMH agglutination scores were higher with Sema7A‐coated particles than with JMH‐positive RBCs in all cases.

CONCLUSION: Recombinant blood group proteins have the potential to replace RBCs as antigen carriers for identification of certain RBC alloantibodies.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Porous NZP Ceramics
Authors: Bothe James V. , Brown Paul W.
Published: April 2008

Porous phase‐pure NaZr2(PO4)3 monoliths were synthesized at 850°C from gels that precipitated as a consequence of mixing water‐soluble precursors. The sintering temperature was limited to 850°C to permit densification in a range where NZP exhibits a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Attempts to maximize mechanical properties were made by both physical and chemical means. Particulate hydroxyapatite (HAp) was physically blended with the precipitated gels to template the crystallization of NZP. Copper nitrate was dissolved into solution as a sintering aid to stimulate liquid‐phase sintering during firing. NZP made without these additives attained a specific surface area of 30 m2/g. The addition of HAp reduced the internal surface area to 5 m2/g. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy did not detect the presence of HAp in the fired samples, indicating it had been consumed during firing. Copper nitrate decomposed to CuO and its presence as a sintering aid resulted in enhanced densification and greater strengths. The presence of 5% CuO (as copper nitrate) together with 5% HAp resulted in a 40% volume shrinkage during firing. The tensile strength attained for this composition was 20 MPa as compared with that of approximately 8 MPa for the compositions fired without additives.
Surface Oxidation of Ge33As12Se55 Films
Authors: Wang Rong‐ping , Rode Andrei , Choi Duk‐Yong , Luther‐Davies Barry
Published: April 2008

Ge33As12Se33 films deposited by ultrafast pulse laser deposition were annealed at various temperatures and pressures, and the dependence of the surface oxidation on the processing conditions was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We found that even as‐grown film contains a thin oxidized surface and the oxygen distribution exponentially decays along the normal direction of the films regardless of different processing conditions. The critical thicknesses of the oxidized layers were 6.5, 11, 48, and 98 nm, respectively, for the as‐grown, 250°C annealing sample for 4 h under 1 × 10−6 Torr, and 150° and 250°C annealing samples for 15 h under 20 mTorr.
Effect of flow regime on the morphology of a colonial cnidarian
Authors: Griffith Katie A. , Newberry Andrew Todd
Published: April 2008

Abstract. Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of some organisms to exhibit different phenotypes in response to environmental conditions. Many sessile marine invertebrates are morphologically plastic. In colonial cnidarians, compact morphologies are often associated with high‐velocity flow regimes, whereas elongated morphologies are associated with calmer water. This ability to alter morphology in response to flow regime likely represents an adaptive strategy: these morphologies may permit efficient suspension feeding and gas exchange while reducing the risk of dislodgment in a particular flow regime. Which flow‐related factors (e.g., CO2 accumulation, drag forces, prey delivery) actually signal a colony to alter its morphology are unclear. In this study, we test the hypothesis that differences in flow regime or some correlate of flow regime (in the absence of differences in prey delivery) signal a colonial cnidarian to change its morphology. To separate prey delivery from water flow, hydroid (Bougainvillia muscus) colonies were fed equivalent amounts in still water, regardless of the flow regime treatment to which they were exposed the rest of the time. Our results show that, regardless of prey delivery, colonies grew in ways characteristic of calm water (with a higher percentage of tall pedicels and secondary hydranths, and fewer basal stolon branches) and of high flow (with more hydranths, free stolons, and a denser basal stolon network) environments. This work suggests that, for this hydroid, prey flux is not a proximate cue mediating morphological plasticity in response to flow regime.
Congenital hyposomatotropism in a domestic shorthair cat presenting with congenital corneal oedema
Authors: Donaldson D , Billson F. M , Scase T. J , Sparkes A. H , McConnell F , Mould J. R. B , Adams V
Published: April 2008

A six‐month‐old, female, domestic shorthair cat was presented with a history of failure to grow and bilateral corneal opacity caused by corneal oedema. Congenital hyposomatotropism and possible secondary hypothyroidism were diagnosed on the basis of fasting serum levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and thyroxine levels, respectively. These endocrinopathies are rare in the cat and have not been reported to cause ocular signs. The cat died during investigation of these diseases, and histopathological examination of the eyes showed significantly reduced corneal endothelial cell density and number of corneal epithelial cell layers when compared with age‐matched healthy control corneas. These changes were implicated in the development of the corneal oedema.
Efficacy and safety of cefovecin for the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats
Authors: Passmore C. A. , Sherington J. , Stegemann M. R.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:To determine the efficacy and safety of cefovecin (Convenia®; Pfizer Animal Health) in the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats.

Method:A multi‐centre, masked, randomised study was conducted in cats presenting with clinical signs indicative of urinary tract infections. Cephalexin (Rilexine®; Virbac) administered orally twice daily at 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 14 days was compared with a single subcutaneous injection of cefovecin in cats. The primary efficacy parameter assessed was bacterial elimination of the pretreatment uropathogen.

Results:Four hundred and thirty‐four cats were screened for urinary tract infections. One hundred and eighty‐five cats were treated with either cefovecin (n=124) or cephalexin (n=61). Ninety‐seven cats (22·2 per cent) had confirmed bacteriuria and 82 cats were included in efficacy analysis.Escherichia coliwas eliminated in 76·7 per cent (23 of 30) of cefovecin‐treated cats compared with 62·5 per cent (10 of 16) of cephalexin‐treated cats. Cefovecin demonstrated statistical non‐inferiority compared with cephalexin for bacterial elimination. There were no suspected adverse drug reactions attributable to treatment with cefovecin or cephalexin.

ClinicalSignificance:Cefovecin was demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for urinary tract infections.
Singlet Oxygen Reacts with 2′,7′‐Dichlorodihydrofluorescein and Contributes to the Formation of 2′,7′‐Dichlorofluorescein
Authors: Daghastanli Nasser A. , Itri Rosangela , Baptista Mauricio S.
Published: April 2008

There are controversial reports in the literature concerning the reactivity of singlet oxygen (1O2) with the redox probe 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH). By carefully preparing solutions in which 1O2 is quantitatively generated in the presence of DCFH, we were able to show that the formation rate of the fluorescent molecule derived from DCFH oxidation, which is 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein (DCF), increases in D2O and decreases in sodium azide, proving the direct role of 1O2 in this process. We have also prepared solutions in which either 1O2 or dication (MB•2+) and semi‐reduced (MB•) radicals of the sensitizer and subsequently super‐oxide radical (O2•−) are generated. The absence of any effect of SOD and catalase ruled out the DCFH oxidation by O2•−, indicating that both 1O2 and MB•2+ react with DCFH. Although the formation of DCF was 1 order of magnitude larger in the presence of MB•2+ than in the presence of 1O2, considering the rate of spontaneous decays of these species in aqueous solution, we were able to conclude that the reactivity of 1O2 with DCFH is actually larger than that of MB•2+. We conclude that DCFH can continue to be used as a probe to monitor general redox misbalance induced in biologic systems by oxidizing radicals and 1O2.
Functional Expression, Targeting and Ca2+ Signaling of a Mouse Melanopsin‐eYFP Fusion Protein in a Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Line†
Authors: Giesbers Maikel E. , Shirzad‐Wasei Nazhat , Bosman Giel J. C. G. M. , De Grip Willem J.
Published: April 2008

Melanopsin, first discovered in Xenopus melanophores, is now established as a functional sensory photopigment of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. These ganglion cells drive circadian rhythm and pupillary adjustments through projection to the brain. Melanopsin shares structural similarities with all known opsins. Comprehensive characterization of melanopsin with respect to its spectral properties, photochemical cascade and signaling partners requires a suitable recombinant system and high expression levels. This combination has not yet been described. To address this issue, we have expressed recombinant mouse melanopsin in several cell lines. Using enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) as a visualization tag, expression was observed in all cell lines. Confocal microscopy revealed that melanopsin was properly routed to the plasma membrane only in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)‐derived D407 cells and in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Further, we performed intracellular calcium measurements in order to probe the melanopsin signaling activity of this fusion protein. Transfected cells were loaded with the calcium indicator Fura2‐AM. Upon illumination, an immediate but transient calcium response was observed in HEK as well as in D407 cells, while mock‐transfected cells showed no calcium response under identical conditions. Supplementation with 11‐cis retinal or all‐trans retinal enhanced the response. After prolonged illumination the cells became desensitized. Thus, RPE‐derived cells expressing recombinant melanopsin may constitute a suitable system for the study of the structural and functional characteristics of melanopsin.
Kinetic Properties of Hexameric Tyrosinase from the Crustacean Palinurus elephas†
Authors: Brack Antje , Hellmann Nadja , Decker Heinz
Published: April 2008

Tyrosinases catalyze hydroxylation of monophenols to o‐diphenols and their subsequent oxidation to o‐quinones, whereas catecholoxidases catalyze only the latter reaction. Both enzymes occur in all organisms and are Type 3 copper proteins that perform the first steps of melanin formation. In arthropods, they play an essential role in the sclerotization of the exoskeleton. Very few phenoloxidases are characterized structurally or kinetically and the existence of an actual tyrosinase activity has not been demonstrated in most cases. Here we present for the first time a complete kinetic characterization of a tyrosinase from a crustacean (Palinurus elephas) including the influence of inhibitors. In contrast to most tyrosinases which are monomeric or dimeric, this tyrosinase occurs as a hexamer. However, the data did not indicate cooperativity in steady‐state kinetics for the two substrates used, the monophenol tyramine and the diphenol dopamine. Mimosine as well as phenylthiourea (PTU) inhibited both monophenolhydroxylase and diphenoloxidase activity. Inhibition by mimosine was competitive, whereas PTU was a noncompetitive inhibitor. Furthermore, for the diphenolase activity substrate inhibition was observed, which was apparently abolished by adding PTU. These observations lead to the hypothesis that a secondary, allosteric binding site exists, which binds dopamine and PTU and reduces the catalytic activity.
Prediction of Thrust and Torque for Multifacet Drills (MFD)
Authors: Huang Horng-Tsann , Weng Cheng-I , Chen Chao-Kuang
Published: April 2008

A multifacet drill (MFD), developed around 1953, has been used to improve the drilling performance by modifying the drill point geometry. A theoretical method for predicting the thrust and torque for an MFD is developed on the basis of the cutting mechanics for a conventional drill. Experiments show the proposed model is quite satisfactory for a wide range of applications. Also, from the analytical model the effects of the major features of the drill point geometry on thrust and torque can be studied.
Analytical and Experimental Studies of Drill Temperatures
Authors: Agapiou J. S. , Stephenson D. A.
Published: April 2008

This paper describes a model for calculating transient and steady-state drill temperatures for drills with arbitrary point geometries. The model is based on temperature solutions for a semi-infinite body and uses a transient analysis to partition heat between the drill, chip, and workpiece. A parametric model is used to characterize complex point geometries; heat source characteristics are modeled using empirical force equations from end turning tests. Temperature calculations are presented for several representative drill geometries and compared with temperatures measured by thermocouple methods. Two thermocouple methods were used: the standard welded thermocouple method, and a method in which an insulated wire was embedded in the workpiece, so that it would form a hot junction with the drill each time the drill cut through it. The agreement between calculated and measured temperatures is reasonable. Calculations indicate the helix and point angles have the greatest influence on drill temperatures. Increasing the helix angle increases the effective rake and thus reduces temperatures; the effect is relatively weak, however, for helix angles over 10 degrees. Increasing the point angle shortens the cutting edge and increases drill temperatures.
A Study on the Three-Dimensional Analysis of Heat and Fluid Flow in Gas Metal Arc Welding Using Boundary-Fitted Coordinates
Authors: Kim J.-W. , Na S.-J.
Published: April 2008

Computer simulation of three-dimensional heat transfer and fluid flow in gas metal arc (GMA) welding has been studied by considering the three driving forces for weld pool convection, that is the electromagnetic force, the buoyancy force, and the surface tension force at the weld pool surface. Molten surface deformation, particularly in the case of GMA welding, plays a significant part in the actual weld size and should be considered in order to accurately evaluate the weld pool convection. The size and profile of the weld pool are strongly influenced by the volume of molten electrode wire, impinging force of the arc plasma, and surface tension of molten metal. In the numerical simulation, difficulties associated with the irregular shape of the weld bead have been successfully overcome by adopting a boundary-filled coordinate system that eliminates the analytical complexity at the weld pool and bead surface boundary. The method used in this paper has the capacity to determine the weld bead and penetration profile by solving the surface equation and convection equations simultaneously.
On the Problem of Spiralling in BTA Deep-Hole Machining
Authors: Gessesse Y. B. , Latinovic V. N. , Osman M. O. M.
Published: April 2008

The phenomenon of spiralling or helical multi-lobe formation in holes, produced by the BTA (Boring and Trepanning Association) machining, is experimentally investigated for the solid boring tool. The causes leading to spiralling are deduced from this investigation. The experimental approach pursued in exploring the problem involved the running of the machine, at analytically predicted critical speeds and observing the reoccurrence of the phenomenon. It has been established that sprialling is caused by defectiveness of the tool (radial oversize of the circle-land with respect to the leading pad around the circumference) and the coincidence of the lateral natural frequency of the boring bar-tool asssembly, with five cycles per revoution of the tool, relative to the workpiece. It has also been established that spiralling occurs only in five lobes for the commercially available BTA-solid tool and is a consequence of the standard position of the circle-land, relative to the leading pad. The trials are repeated a number of times with various workpiece materials, to assert validity of the observations.
A Study of Wave Formation in Shot Sleeve of a Die Casting Machine
Authors: Tszeng T. C. , Chu Y. L.
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to find the optimum process variables for minimizing the amount of air entrapped within the shot sleeve during the slow shot phase of the injection process. To achieve this objective, the relations between process variables (e.g., plunger speed/acceleration, initial filling percentage, sleeve diameter, etc.) and the wave formation within the shot sleeve of a die casting machine have to be determined. For this purpose, a mathematical model has been developed to study the transient wave formation in shot sleeve. The model based on the theory of waves of finite amplitude can predict the critical plunger speed and the profile of wave front, which in turn affect the degree of air entrapment. The optimum plunger speeds for minimum air entrapment are thus determined based on the predicted profile of wave front. Good agreement with the results from water analogue experiments is found.
New Production Cost-Tolerance Models for Tolerance Synthesis
Authors: Dong Z. , Hu W. , Xue D.
Published: April 2008

Several new production cost-tolerance models and a hybrid-model tolerance optimization formulation for tolerance synthesis are presented. These new models are introduced based upon the empirical cost-tolerance data of typical production processes, including hole producing, turning, milling, grinding and casting. The introduced models fit empirical cost-tolerance data with considerably less errors, and provide more reliable results for tolerance synthesis. In addition, the hybrid-model tolerance optimization formulation provides further modeling error reduction. The systematic evaluation of various cost-tolerance models provides model selection guidelines for tolerance synthesis. A typical tolerance design example is used to illustrate the method.
Modeling and Control of the Lithographic Offset Color Printing Process Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Lan Ming-Shong , Lin P. , Bain J.
Published: April 2008

This paper investigates the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for modeling and control of the lithographic offset color printing process. The color controller consists of two ANNs; the controller network, which learns an inverse model of the process, takes a set of desired colors as input and generates a set of ink key settings, while the model network learns a forward model of the process through which the controller network can be adapted by using the error backpropagation method. We use three-layer networks with “local” connections between neurons of adjacent layers for the process model as well as for the controller; the architectures address the spatial relationship of multiple inking zones and consider the crosswise ink flow effects existing in the printing process.
Finite Element Simulation of Chip Formation and Comparison with Machining Experiment
Authors: Zhang B. , Bagchi A.
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a finite element model of orthogonal machining by using a 2-node link element to simulate chip separation. The chip and workpiece are connected by these link elements along a predefined separation line. The chip separation will be initiated when the distance between the leading node and the tool edge is equal to or smaller than a given value. Consequently, as the tool advances, these link elements will be separated one by one resulting in the formation of the chip and the machined surface. Work material behavior is described by true stress-strain curves for a 0–3 strain range. The chip-tool interaction is modeled as sliding/sticking. In the sliding region a constant coefficient of friction is employed and in the sticking region the shear strength of the workpiece is used. Comparison between simulated and experimental results for machining 70/30 brass and OFHC copper shows a maximum difference of 20 percent, which is acceptable considering the assumptions and the approximations made in the analysis.
Modal Analysis of a Suspension Assembly
Authors: Wilson C. J. , Bogy D. B.
Published: April 2008

The dynamic characteristics of a suspension assembly are examined using new numerical and experimental techniques. The p-type finite element method is used to construct a numerical model of the suspension. There are significant advantages in using this approach to analyze these types of structures. The model is verified by an experimental modal analysis system, which has been shown to be effective in the study of small structures. The modelled modal parameters agree within 4.5 percent with the experimental results for 14 modes. Since the experimental system uses an electromagnetic exciter, a ferromagnetic target must be attached to the nonferrous suspension so that it can be excited. Innovative techniques are investigated to improve the attachment of this ferromagnetic target. Furthermore, the finite element model is utilized to evaluate the sensitivity of the modal parameters of the suspension to changes in its geometrical features.
Intelligent Classification and Measurement of Drill Wear
Authors: Liu T. I. , Anantharaman K. S.
Published: April 2008

Artificial neural networks are used for on-line classification and measurement of drill wear. The input vector of the neural network is obtained by processing the thrust and torque signals. Outputs are the wear states and flank wear measurements. The learning process can be performed by back propagation along with adaptive activation-function slope. The results of neural networks with and without adaptive activation-function slope, as well as various neural network architectures are compared. On-line classification of drill wear using neural networks has 100 percent reliability. The average flank wear estimation error using neural networks can be as low as 7.73 percent.
Production of Microcellular Polycarbonate Using Carbon Dioxide for Bubble Nucleation
Authors: Kumar V. , Weller J.
Published: April 2008

A process to produce a family of novel materials from polycarbonate, having a microcellular structure, is described. The process utilizes the high solubility of carbon dioxide in polycarbonate to nucleate a very large number of bubbles, on the order of 1 to 10 × 109 bubbles/cm3, at temperatures well below the glass transition temperature of the original, unsaturated polycarbonate. Microcellular polycarbonate foams with homogeneous microstructure and a wide range of densities have been produced. In this paper experimental results on solubility, bubble nucleation, and bubble growth in the polycarbonate-carbon dioxide system are presented, and the critical ranges of the key process parameters are established. It is shown that the bubble nucleation phenomenon in polycarbonate near the glass transition temperature is not described by classical nucleation theory.
Workpiece Cleaning During Variable Polarity Plasma Arc Welding of Aluminum
Authors: Pang Q. , Pang T. , McClure J. C. , Nunes A. C.
Published: April 2008

Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welding has proved to be extremely successful in welding aluminum alloys despite their adherent refractory oxide. This success has been attributed to removal of the oxide during the reverse polarity cycle. In situ optical spectroscopy is used to measure the amount of hydrogen and oxygen in the plasma arc with a minimum detectable limit of less than 100 ppm. It was found that the amount of contamination is independent of surface preparation and torch speed. Using this information, it is proposed that the predominant mechanism for reverse polarity cleaning in aluminum is dielectric breakdown of the surface oxide ahead of the torch rather than by ion sputtering.