bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of DI‐2‐Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) in Whole Blood, Platelet Concentrates, and Platelet‐Poor Plasma
Authors: Contreras T. J. , Sheibley R. H. , Valeri C. R.
Published: October 2009

The concentration of the plasticizer, di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), in the plasma was measured after storage of the whole blood in polyvinylchloride plastic bags at 4 C for up to 38 days in either ACD or CPD. The plasma from ACD‐stored whole blood contained more DEHP than that from CPD‐stored whole blood. The continuous‐flow centrifugation washing procedures removed about 98 per cent of the DEHP from ACD whole blood stored for 33 days at 4 C.

DEHP was assayed in the platelet‐rich plasma, platelet‐poor plasma, supernatant of the platelet concentrate, washed platelets, and washed red blood cells prepared from CPD whole blood. Very little DEHP was found in the washed red blood cells and platelets, a small amount was found in the platelet‐poor plasma, and a large amount in the supernatant of the platelet concentrate. A greater amount of DEHP accumulated in the platelet concentrates that were stored at 22 C than in those stored at 4 C. When platelet concentrates from CPD whole blood were stored at 22 C for 72 hours, the amount of DEHP was about four times that observed after 4 C storage for the same length of time.
Evaluation of the Use of Albumin Controls in Rh Phenotyping
Authors: White W. D. , Issitt C. H. , McGuire D.
Published: October 2009

The significance of albumin control tests in Rh phenotyping of patients with positive direct antiglobulin tests has been evaluated. Anti‐Rh sera from five commercial manufacturers were employed in testing and albumin control tests with 22 per cent and 30 per cent albumin run in parallel. Correct Rh typings were determined by the use of saline active anti‐Rh reagents. In some instances false positive Rh typings were obtained, but were recognized as such because the albumin control test was positive. However, some false positive Rh typings were obtained even though both the 22 per cent and 30 per cent albumin control tests were negative.
Auto Anti‐N—An Additional Example
Authors: Hysell J. K. , Gray J. M. , Beck M. L.
Published: October 2009

This report is about an 85‐year‐old man with carcinoma of the urinary bladder who was type MN and had an antibody with N specificity. Absorption and elution studies proved this example of anti‐N to be an autoantibody. Its optimal reactivity at low temperature and 2‐mercaptoethanol reduction indicated antibody activity to be associated with an IgM globulin. The antibody failed to react with ficin treated cells. Both direct and indirect antiglobulin tests were negative. There was no clinical evidence of immune hemolysis in this patient. The serologic characteristics of the antibody were constant from discovery until the patient's death due to metastatic neoplasm ten weeks later.
Platelet Preservation by Freezing. Use of Dimethylsulfoxide as Cryoprotective Agent
Authors: Murphy S. , Sayar S. N. , Abdou N. L. , Gardner F. H.
Published: October 2009

Variables important in the preservation of platelets by freezing with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotective agent were studied in normal volunteers and thrombocytopenic patients. Use of 5 per cent DMSO and a freezing rate of 1–3 C/min‐ute yielded optimal preservation of platelet viability. The addition of 5 per cent Dextrose did not improve results. In vivo yield using 5 per cent DMSO was superior to previous results in which glycerol was used as the cryoprotective agent. Viability after freezing was equivalent when platelets were frozen in small (10 ml) and large (60 ml) volumes of plasma. The larger volume had the advantage that a smaller percentage of the platelets was lost during transfer from one plastic container to another.
Microaggregates in Frozen and Saline Washed Red Blood Cells
Authors: Goldfinger D. , Solis R. T. , Meryman H. T.
Published: October 2009

The microaggregates which accumulate in stored blood have been implicated in the development of posttraumatic pulmonary insufficiency. These particles are known to be composed of degenerated leukocytes and platelets. Because frozen and saline washed red blood cells contain small numbers of leukocytes and platelets, they were studied as a possible source of microaggregate‐free red blood cells. Using a Model T Coulter Counter to quan‐titate all particles 13–80 microns in size, it was shown that freezing and deglycerolization, or simple saline washing (manual or automated), could reduce the number of microaggregates in stored blood by 80 to 90 per cent. These findings add to a growing list of potential advantages in the routine use of frozen red cells for patients requiring transfusion.
Clotting Factors in Supernatant Plasma Following Cryoprecipitation
Authors: Roth G. J. , Tobias K. I.
Published: October 2009

The supernatant plasma which remains after cryoprecipitation is a useful component for transfusion therapy. However, from prior studies it was unclear how well plasma clotting factors were preserved following cryoprecipitation. Coagulation factor assays were performed on fresh plasma, supernatant plasma after removal of cryoprecipitate, and the same supernatant plasma following re‐freezing and thawing. Factor VIII and fibrinogen levels fell considerably after removal of cryoprecipitate, but there was also a significant decline in factor V. Refreezing and thawing the supernatant plasma had little effect on clotting factors.
The Purification of Red Cells for Transfusion by Freeze Preservation and Washing
Authors: Crowley J. P. , Valeri C. R.
Published: October 2009

In the study of 125 units of washed, previously frozen red blood tells approximately 96.6 per cent of the leukocytes and 98.9 per cent of the platelets were removed. Less than 0.5 mg of plasma protein remained per unit. The length of storage as whole blood at 4 C prior to glycerolization of the red blood cells influenced the number of leukocytes in the washed, previously frozen red blood cells. Red blood cells frozen on the day of collection had 7.2 per cent residual white cells, whereas those stored at 4 C for 10 days or longer prior to glycerolization, freezing, and washing had 1.1 per cent residual leukocytes. When red blood cells were stored at 4 C for longer than one week, glycerolized, and washed without freezing, they had about 2 per cent residual leukocytes and platelets. The washing procedure removed at least 95 per cent of the platelets from nonfrozen and previously frozen red blood cells. Because of the removal of large numbers of leukocytes and platelets during the freeze‐preserva‐tion procedure and the excellent recovery of the red blood cells, washed, previously frozen glycerolized red cells are recommended for patients requiring red blood cells depleted of leukocytes, platelets, and plasma protein.
Jaundice and Hepatitis B Antigen/Antibody in Hemophilia
Authors: Lewis J. H. , Maxwell N. G. , Brandon J. M.
Published: October 2009

Overt hepatitis was found in 11.7 per cent of the hemophiliac population studied. In those who had received fractions prepared from pooled plasma, the incidence was 22 per cent. Concentrates of factor IX were associated with hepatitis about three times as often as were factor VIII fractions. Blood samples obtained during the acute phase of hepatitis were available from 12 of the 14 patients treated with factor VIII fractions and eight of the ten treated with factor IX concentrates. Two of the 12 samples from factor VIII deficient patients and seven of the eight from factor IX deficient patients were positive for HB Ag. Antibody (HB Ab) was found in six factor VIII deficient and one factor IX deficient patient with hepatitis. Severe diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurred in a factor IX deficient man who had been treated with factor IX fractions and who expired in hepatic coma.

Multiple serum samples were available from 89 patients who had not had overt hepatitis but had received fraction therapy. Antigenemia was found in one hemophiliac and one afibrinogenemic. Antibody was found in 24 per cent of the factor VIII and 17 per cent of the factor IX deficient patients. Usually HB Ab appeared following therapy with plasma fractions and lessened or disappeared during quiescent periods only to recur after additional exposure to pooled plasma fractions. Remarkably, of the 113 patients who have received fraction therapy, 66 (58%) have not had hepatitis or developed circulating HB Ag or HB Ab.
The Effect of Long‐Term In Vitro Incubation on the Intermediates of Red Cell Metabolism
Authors: Henderson R. J. , Mills G. C.
Published: October 2009

Whole human blood was incubated for periods of up to 70 hours at 37 C under conditions that would cause minimal modifications in normal metabolic controls. Insofar as possible, the conditions utilized were similar to those found in vivo. Control of pH within the limits of 7.2 to 7.5 was achieved by the addition of isotonic Tris buffer or isotonic TES buffer. Glucose, inorganic phosphate, adenine, and pyruvate were added as needed throughout the incubation period. The ADP/ATP ratio and levels of ATP, total adenine nucleotides, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate and other metabolic intermediates were maintained near those of fresh erythrocytes. The maintenance and control of red blood cell adenine nucleotide levels are discussed, with particular emphasis on factors affecting the rate of incorporation of adenine into adenine nucleotides.
Evidence for Two Anomalous I Blood Group Determinants
Authors: McGinniss M. H. , Grindon A. J. , Schmidt P. J.
Published: October 2009

One normal donor has been found whose red blood cells type as I positive with all anti‐I sera except those obtained from patients with chronic cold hemagglutinin disease (CCHD). In addition, these cells had more H than other random O cells and may be devoid of i antigen. Complete absorption of non‐CCHD anti‐I with the unusual cells left an anti‐I reactive with other I positive cells. These unique cells have allowed definition of at least two separate I determinants present on adult cells.
Tetracycline‐Induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Wenz B. , Klein R. L. , Lalezari P.
Published: October 2009

Two episodes of immune hemolysis occurring following the administration of tetracycline‐HCI are reported. The patient was found to be symptom‐free and to have normal hematologic studies during drug‐free intervals. The antigenic specificity of the drug‐red blood cell complex was proven by conventional AGT results, as well as the more sensitive Polybrene technique. An in vitro technique for conjugation of tetracycline with human red blood cells is described which provides cells suitable for use for the detection of this unusual antibody.
The Preparation of Cryoprecipitate in a Mobile Laboratory
Authors: Keating L. J.
Published: October 2009

The Northern Ohio Red Cross Blood Program has been utilizing a mobile laboratory for the production of cryoprecipitate antihemophilic factor (AHF) for a five‐year period. During this time, 68,690 units of cryoprecipitate have been distributed for the care of approximately 200 hemophiliacs in this area of 31/2 million people.

The mobile laboratory makes it possible to prepare AHF at the site of bloodmobile operations in sufficient quantity to satisfy the needs of these hemophiliacs. In times of extremely high usage, it has been necessary for us to obtain this product from other Red Cross Centers, but the responsibility for total supply remains with the center.
The Relation Between Response to Hypotonic Stress and the 51Cr Recovery In Vivo of Preserved Platelets
Authors: Valeri C. R. , Feingold H. , Marchionni L. D.
Published: October 2009

Platelet response to hypotonic stress can be used to estimate the 51Cr recovery in vivo of liquid‐ and freeze‐preserved platelets. This simple in vitro test may prove helpful in determining and controlling the quality of preserved platelets. In our study, the response to hypotonic stress was not related to the 51Cr T‐1/2 value of the preserved platelets, but was related to the number of irreversibly damaged platelets removed within two hours after transfusion.
Rejuvenation of Human Red Blood Cells During Liquid Storage
Authors: DeVenuto F. , Brenneman G. , Wilson S. M.
Published: October 2009

Blood in ACD was stored under blood banking conditions. At 21 days of storage, aliquots of blood were rejuvenated by incubation at 37 C for one hour, with a solution containing pyruvate, inosine, phosphate, glucose, and adenine, at pH 7.2. The rejuvenated erythrocytes were washed with a solution of NaCl‐Na phosphate and resuspended in an artificial medium or in the freshly drawn plasma from the same donor. These suspensions were stored in liquid form and analyzed at predetermined intervals. The cellular ATP and 2,3‐DPG levels of rejuvenated cells were higher than those in the control cells and were maintained higher throughout the storage intervals investigated. The metabolic integrity of the rejuvenated cells was also improved, as evidenced by greater osmotic resistance, decreased spontaneous lysis, and greater uptake of methylene blue when compared to control cells.
Hydroxyethyl Starch and Dexamethasone as an Adjunct to Leukocyte Separation with the IBM Blood Cell Separator
Authors: Mishler J. M. , Higby D. J. , Rhomberg W. , Cohen E. , Nicora R. W. , Holland J. F.
Published: October 2009

A total of 67 leukaphereses were performed with the IBM blood cell separator (BCS) on 50 healthy donors for the purpose of obtaining a clinically useful number of granulocytes for infusion into patients with acute leukemia and granulocytopenia accompanied by severe infection. The pretreatment of donors with dexamethasone and the addition of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to the input line of the BCS significantly increased the total number of granulocytes collected, as compared to the total number of granulocytes harvested either by dexamethasone pretreatment only or by the absence of dexamethasone and HES. A mean of 2.03 × 1010, 1.58 × 1010, and 1.07 × 1010 total granulocytes was collected by the HES plus dexamethasone, by dexamethasone alone and with neither HES or dexamethasone, respectively. The efficiency of cell collection, as evidenced by the total number of granulocytes harvested per liter of blood processed, was also significantly improved by the combined use of HES and dexamethasone. The results of the present study demonstrates that a clinically useful number of granulocytes can be harvested and made available for supportive therapy to patients experiencing granulocytopenia caused by malignant disease or its treatment.
Hepatitis B Virus Subtypes ad and ay Among Blood Donors in the Greater Los Angeles Area
Authors: Mosley J. W. , Edwards V. M. , Wapplehorst B. , Hajduk P.
Published: October 2009

In late 1971 and 1972, one voluntary and three commercial blood banks in the Los Angeles area provided specimens from hepatitis B antigen‐positive donors. These were characterized as ad or ay subtypes of hepatitis B virus. Of 202 voluntary donors, 81 per cent had subtype ad and 19 per cent subtype ay, Of 129 paid donors, 66 per cent had subtype ad and 34 per cent had subtype ay, with one commercial bank accounting entirely for the statistically significant overall difference. Analysis by sex, race, and age of donors indicated only age to be a factor in this series. Voluntary donors less than 25 years of age had a higher frequency (30%) of ay strains than did voluntary donors 25 and over (15%). Paid donors under 25 had an even higher frequency (58%) and differed significantly from the voluntary donors under 25. Paid donors 25 and over (of whom 20% had ay strains), however, did not differ significantly from unpaid donors 25 and over (15%). These findings could indicate that illicit self‐injection was the immediate background causing a high frequency of subtype ay among young donors, paid and voluntary. Review of available information, however, suggests that the disproportion may be an indirect rather than a direct consequence of epidemic drug abuse.
Hemoglobin Catabolism Following a Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in a Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Duvall C. P. , Alter H. J. , Rath C. E.
Published: October 2009

A hemolytic transfusion reaction occurring in a patient with sickle cell anemia provided insight into the handling of massive amounts of hemoglobin in patients who lack haptoglobin. Despite the acute intravascular release of 33 gms of hemoglobin, the peak plasma hemochromogen was only 134 mg/100 ml and only 6 per cent of the hemoglobin load was recovered in the urine. In contrast, the serum bilirubin rose sharply to a peak of 30 mg/100 ml within three hours of hemolysis.

The minimal hemoglobinuria, the relatively low peak level of plasma hemoglobin, and the marked and rapid elevation of serum bilirubin suggest an increased hemoglobin clearing capacity of the chronically stimulated reticuloendothelial system in patients with chronic severe hemolytic disease.
Anti‐C3d Antiglobulin Reagents. II. Preparation of an Antiglobulin Serum Monospecific for C3d
Authors: Moore J. A. , Chaplin H.
Published: October 2009

Three approaches are described to the preparation of a potent antiglobulin reagent monospecific for the C3d component of C3: 1) attempts to absorb out the anti‐C3c component of a bisperific anti‐C3c, C3d serum, 2) attempts to isolate by affinity chromatography purified C3d to be used for animal immunization, 3) animal immunization with a relatively crude filtration fraction of aged serum which contained C3d but lacked C3c. Problems encountered with the first two approaches are described and discussed. Preparation of a potent anti‐C3d serum by the third approach is documented, as are methods employed to assess the specificity and potency of the reagent.
Another Example of Human Chimerism
Authors: Carr E. O. , McDonald L. A.
Published: October 2009

Routine blood typing demonstrated two populations of red blood cells in a dizygotic female twin. Approximately 30 per cent of the red blood cells are A1B, MS/Ns, cde/cde and 70 per cent are O/O, Ns/Ns, CDue/cde. Red blood cell typing and secretor tests on the family showed the minor population to be the true genetic cell line of the propositus. Further evidence of chimerism is revealed by the presence of both XX and XY karyotypes. Tissue cultures showed only XX, lymphocyte cultures only XY, and buccal smears were chromatin positive. There was no evidence of two populations of white blood cells by leukocyte antigen typing. Comparative studies of the male twin were impossible because of his death three months prior to this discovery; however, he was reported by the Armed Services to the AB, Rh negative and we presume he had a mixture of A1B and O cells and that he was genetically group O.
The National Blood Resource Program Adenine Experience
Authors: Ness P. M. , Pennington R. M.
Published: October 2009

The National Blood Resource Program of the National Heart and Lung Institute supported 11 studies of adenine as a red blood cell preservative for a period of three years. The goal of the program was to obtain additional needed data on adenine as a preservative to support its licensure by the regulatory agencies. The National Blood Resource Program projects were designed to supplement the research financed by the military and the pharmaceutical industry. Studies of red blood cells, plasma proteins, and platelets were included in the program. Red blood cell antigenicity was studied. Studies of plasma proteins and platelets demonstrated the lack of adverse effects of adenine. General studies of red blood cell preservation, platelet preservation, and red cell freezing were also completed under the adenine contract program.
Recovery and Function of Granulocytes Stored in Plasma at 4 C for One Week
Authors: Crowley J. P. , Valeri C. R.
Published: October 2009

Granulocytes isolated from fresh blood and stored in autologous plasma at 4 C remained in suspension longer than did granulocytes stored in a balanced salt solution. Acid‐citrate‐dextrose plasma was more effective in maintaining the granulocytes in suspension than was heparin. The function of granulocytes stored at 4 C in acidcitrate‐dextrose plasma declined markedly with storage for one week. During the first 24 hours of storage there was only a minimal loss of function. These observations suggest that granulocyte suspensions may be useful for therapeutic transfusion for up to 24 hours of storage in acidcitrate‐dextrose plasma.
Human Hepatitis B Antibody: Evaluation of Assays and Development of a Reference Panel
Authors: Weiler J. M. , Grady G. F.
Published: October 2009

Human hepatitis B antibody (anti‐HBs) assays have been compared, and an interim reference panel has been developed. Eight reference laboratories demonstrated comparable levels of sensitivity of passive hemagglutination (PHA) tests with detectable endpoint dilutions approximately 1000fold greater than by counterelectrophoresis and 3000‐fold greater than by immunodiffusion. Some radioimmunoassays (RIA) were of equal or greater sensitivity than PHA but were more difficult to evaluate as a class because of greater variation in design.
A Comparison of Autoanalyzer and Manual Methods for Red Cell Antibody Screening
Authors: Morehead R. T. , Anderson K. , Grunewald S. , Casey D. , Mccullough J.
Published: October 2009

A method for antibody screening using reagent red blood cells and the Technicon 15 Channel Blood Typing System is compared to the manual enzyme method of Löw. Of 17,473 donor units tested, 205 were found to be positive by the automated enzyme method, while only 45 were positive by the manual enzyme method. Further investigation revealed that 91 per cent of the specimens positive by the manual enzyme method showed specificity for red blood cell antigens, whereas only 40 per cent of those positive by the automated method were found to be specific antibodies. Antibodies specific for red blood cell antigens were detected by the automated method which were not detected by the manual enzyme method. However, all of these antibodies were detected in other phases (saline, albumin, or antiglobulin) of the routine manual antibody screening procedure. Thus, the use of the 15 Channel Blood Typing System to replace the manual enzyme method for antibody screening is not indicated because of the large number of false positive reactions which occur.
The Purification of Red Cells for Transfusion by Freeze‐Preservation and Washing
Authors: Crowley J. P. , Valeri C. R.
Published: October 2009

Red blood cells frozen on the day of collection showed differences in the residual number of leukocytes depending on the freeze‐preservation technique. Red blood cells preserved with 40 per cent W/V glycerol and stored at — 80 C had four times more leukocytes per gram of hemoglobin than did washed red blood cells preserved with 20 per cent W/V glycerol and stored at ‐150 C. Red blood cell recovery was higher and supernatant hemoglobin lower for the red blood cells frozen with 40 per cent W/V glycerol and stored at ‐80 C, but the differences were small. Although the low glycerol concentration freezing method was more efficient in removing leukocytes, the clinical significance of this observation remains to be determined.
The Effect of Cryoprecipitate Volume on Factor VIII Content
Authors: Bettigole R. E. , Tourbaf K. , Robson E. B. , Schultz M.
Published: October 2009

Two hundred and thirty‐five cryoprecipitates were sampled and assayed for Factor VIII activity. Two hundred and twenty‐five of these were given to 11 patients with hemophilia on 53 occasions. The patients' Factor VIII levels were measured just before and 15 minutes after infusion. The rise in Factor VIII activity averaged 97 per cent of the expected rise calculated from the cryoprecipitate assays and plasma volume estimates. The mean Factor VIII content per bag of cryoprecipitate was 61 units. There is a highly significant probability that the smallest volume cryoprecipitates had significantly less Factor VIII than average and that the largest volume cryoprecipitates had significantly more Factor VIII than the average.
Change to AXB Phenotype in Genetic A2B Following Carcinoma of the Cervix
Authors: Spivey M. A. , Widmann F. K.
Published: October 2009

In a woman of A2B genotype, phenotypic change from A2B to AxB is documented five yean after a successful operation for carcinoma of the cervix. Serum anti‐A activity developed in addition to previously noted anti‐A1. There appears to be an absolute decrease in conversion of H to A substance, occurring independently of hematologic or other malignant disease.
Inherited Cardiac Diseases Caused by Mutations in the Nav1.5 Sodium Channel
Authors: TFELT‐HANSEN JACOB , WINKEL BO GREGERS , GRUNNET MORTEN , JESPERSEN THOMAS
Published: October 2009

Cardiac Diseases Caused by SCN5A Mutations.  A prerequisite for a normal cardiac function is a proper generation and propagation of electrical impulses. Contraction of the heart is obtained through a delicate matched transmission of the electrical impulses. A pivotal element of the impulse propagation is the depolarizing sodium current, responsible for the initial depolarization of the cardiomyocytes. Recent research has shown that mutations in the SCN5A gene, encoding the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5, are associated with both rare forms of ventricular arrhythmia, as well as the most frequent form of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF). In this comprehensive review, we describe the functional role of Nav1.5 and its associated proteins in propagation and depolarization both in a normal‐ and in a pathophysiological setting. Furthermore, several of the arrhythmogenic diseases, such as long‐QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and AF, reported to be associated with mutations in SCN5A, are thoroughly described. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 107–115, January 2010)
Limited Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Concomitant Right Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: TABEREAUX PAUL B. , DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , KAY G. NEAL , MCELDERRY H. THOMAS , PLUMB VANCE J. , EPSTEIN ANDREW E.
Published: October 2009

Limited Response to CRT in Patients with RVD. Introduction: Patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and LV dyssynchrony may respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is a predictor of decreased survival in patients with LVD, and its influence on clinical response to CRT is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of RVD on the clinical response to CRT.

Methods and Results:
A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients who underwent implantation of a CRT implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) were included and deemed to have RVD based on a RV ejection fraction <0.40. A lack of response to CRT was defined as: death, heart transplantation, implantation of an LV assist device, absent improvement in NYHA functional class at 6 months or hospice care. Among 130 patients included (mean age 58 ± 11 years, 68.5% male, 87.7% Caucasian, 51.5% nonischemic cardiomyopathy), 77 (59.2%) had no response to CRT as defined above. Of the nonresponders, 43 (56%) had RVD and 34 (44%) did not have RVD (P = 0.02). After adjustment for age, race, gender, cardiomyopathy type, atrial fibrillation, serum sodium, and severe mitral regurgitation, RVD (adjusted OR = 0.34, 95%CI 0.14–0.82), female gender (adjusted OR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.14–0.95), and serum creatinine (adjusted OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.09–0.71) were independently associated with decreased odds of response to CRT. There was a significant difference in survival of patients with and without RVD after CRT (log rank P = 0.01).

Conclusion:
RVD represents a strong predictor of lack of clinical response to CRT in patients with CHF due to LVD and should be considered when prescribing CRT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 431–435, April 2010)
Does Believing Homosexuality Is Innate Increase Support for Gay Rights?
Authors: Lewis Gregory B.
Published: October 2009

Why are Americans who believe homosexuality is innate more likely to support the rights of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs)? Attribution theory suggests that people are more likely to support LGB rights if they do not blame LGBs for their sexual orientation. Alternatively, moral condemnation of homosexuality may lead both to belief that homosexuality is a choice and opposition to LGB rights, while acceptance of LGB rights may lead to a belief in a biological basis for homosexuality as part of a constellation of tolerant beliefs. Using logit analysis on individual‐level data from 24 national surveys conducted since 1977, I find that the link between belief in a biological basis for homosexuality and support for LGB rights is strong and growing for almost all groups on almost all issues. The reason may have more to do with people shaping their origin beliefs to match their political and religious values, than with origin beliefs affecting support for LGB rights.
Widespread Policy Disruption and Interest Mobilization
Authors: May Peter J. , Sapotichne Joshua , Workman Samuel
Published: October 2009

We consider the involvement of different interests in policymaking following disruptions that affect the agendas of multiple subsystems. The policy process literature suggests that increased policy uncertainty and jurisdictional ambiguity could lead to substantial upheavals in interest involvement. We address these possibilities in studying the mobilization of different interests after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, for eight disrupted policy subsystems. Contrary to expectations derived from the literature, we find limited evidence of interest upheaval or cross‐subsystem spillovers in interest involvement. We suggest this is because policymakers sought to reduce policy uncertainty by calling upon those interests that were best equipped to help craft and implement policy solutions. These findings point to the stabilizing influence of policy subsystems in buffering against the effects of widespread disruptions.
Hot Corrosion Behavior of Barium Aluminosilicate‐Coated C/SiC Composites at 900°C
Authors: Wang Yiguang , Wu Yahui , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: October 2009

Barium aluminosilicates (BAS) were coated on the carbon fiber‐reinforced silicon carbide composites (C/SiC) as environmental barriers. The hot corrosion behavior of the coated composites was studied at 900°C in dry air and water vapor, respectively. The molten Na2SO4 was used as the corrosion reactant. The results indicate that the BAS coatings can effectively block the attack of molten Na2SO4 to C/SiC composites in dry air. However, the coated composites degrade rapidly when exposed to molten Na2SO4 coupled with water vapor. It is found that the BAS is corroded by Na2SO4 melt with the formation of BaSO4, resulting in the destruction of BAS structure, which makes the coating lose its protection to the C/SiC composites in water vapor.
Effect of Europium Concentration on Densification of Transparent Eu:Y2O3 Scintillator Ceramics Using Hot Pressing
Authors: Podowitz Stephen R. , Gaumé Romain , Feigelson Robert S.
Published: October 2009

Europium (Eu) was found to act as a solid‐state sintering aid in Y2O3 optical ceramics by controlling ionic diffusivity, which in turn leads to enhanced optical transparency. Transparent ceramic samples of Eu‐doped Y2O3, with no additional additives, were sintered by uniaxial vacuum hot pressing under 40 MPa and maximum temperature of 1580°C. Optical attenuation was found to decrease with increasing Eu concentrations between 0 and 5 at% for ceramics processed under the same sintering conditions. In order to study the effect of Eu concentration on ceramic densification, the strain rate and grain size during sintering at constant temperature and varied pressure were measured. A diffusional flow densification model was used to derive instantaneous effective diffusion constants for the densification process. Diffusion constants were found to increase with increasing Eu concentration according to a log–linear relationship. Eu2+ was detected in samples after hot pressing through fluorescence spectroscopy, and the extrinsic defect chemistry was found to be dominated by the reduced Eu in solid solution with Y2O3. A sintering model with diffusion rate limited by yttrium interstitial transport and controlled by the incorporation of Eu2+ onto the cation sublattice was found to be in good agreement with experimental diffusivity data.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Cerium Dioxide Thin Films Deposited by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: García‐Sánchez Mario F. , Ortiz Armando , Santana Guillermo , Bizarro Monserrat , Peña Juan , Cruz‐Gandarilla Francisco , Aguilar‐Frutis Miguel A. , Alonso Juan C.
Published: October 2009

Nanostructured thin films of cerium dioxide have been prepared on single‐crystalline silicon substrates by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis using cerium acetylacetonate as a metal–organic precursor dissolved in anhydrous methanol and acetic acid as an additive. The morphology, structure, optical index, and electrical properties were studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and impedance spectroscopy. The use of additives is very important to obtain crack‐free films. The substrate temperature and flow rate was optimized for obtaining smooth (Ra<0.4 nm), dense (n>2), and homogeneous nanocrystalline films with grain sizes as small as 10 nm. The influence of thermal annealing on the structural properties of films was studied. The low activation energy calculated for total conductivity (0.133 eV) is attributed to the nanometric size of the grains.
Palatability of passerines to parasites: within‐brood variation in nestling responses to experimental parasite removal and carotenoid supplementation
Authors: O'Brien Erin L. , Dawson Russell D.
Published: October 2009

Asynchronous hatching of eggs in avian clutches produces a size hierarchy among nestlings that may lead to variation within broods in resistance to pathogens or parasites. In this study, we tested several predictions regarding variation in immunocompetence and distribution of parasites within avian broods by combining parasite removal and carotenoid supplementation treatments in nests of mountain bluebirds Sialia currucoides. Last‐hatched nestlings were less likely to invest carotenoids in an induced cell‐mediated immune response, suggesting they may be more susceptible to parasites; however, parasite removal disproportionately benefited middle‐ranked nestlings. This supports the hypothesis that some avian ectoparasites balance host resistance against nutritional benefits by preferentially parasitizing nestlings of intermediate quality and immunocompetence. We found no evidence that males positioned last in the hatching sequence were differentially affected by ectoparasites, and, contrary to some previous studies in other passerines, last‐hatched nestlings in asynchronously hatching broods were not less immunocompetent than their nest mates. In fact, junior nestlings exhibited weaker immune responses than their siblings in more synchronously hatching broods, and we suggest this may reflect environment‐dependent maternal effects that warrant further investigation. Overall, our results highlight the importance of understanding the feeding and host selection behaviour of ectoparasites, as well as the fitness consequences thereof, since many predictions related to within‐brood distribution of parasites require that parasites are able to discern the relative quality of available hosts.
Differential effects of functional traits on aboveground biomass in semi‐natural grasslands
Authors: Schumacher Jens , Roscher Christiane
Published: October 2009

Despite increasing evidence on the importance of species functional characteristics for ecosystem processes, two major hypotheses suggest different mechanisms: the ‘mass ratio hypothesis’ assumes that functional traits of the dominant species determine ecosystem processes, while the ‘complementarity hypothesis’ predicts that resource niches may be used more completely when a community is functionally more diverse. Here, we present a method which uses two different groups of biotic predictor variables being (1) abundance‐weighted mean (=aggregated) trait values and (2) functional trait diversity based on Rao's quadratic diversity (FDQ) to test the competing hypotheses on biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships after accounting for co‐varying abiotic factors. We applied this method to data recorded on biodiversity–biomass relationships and environmental variables in 35 semi‐natural temperate grasslands and used a literature‐based matrix of fourteen plant functional traits to assess the explanatory power of models including different sets of predictor variables. Aboveground community biomass did not correlate with species richness. Abiotic factors, in particular soil nitrogen concentration, explained about 50% of variability in aboveground biomass. The best model incorporating functional trait diversity explained only about 30%, while the best model based on aggregated trait values explained about 54% of variability in aboveground biomass. The inclusion of all predictor variable groups in a combined model increased the predictive power to about 75%. This model comprised soil nitrogen concentration as abiotic factor, aggregated traits being indicative for species competitive dominance (rooting depth, leaf distribution, specific leaf area, perennial life cycle) and functional trait diversity in vegetative plant height, leaf area and life cycle. Our study strongly suggests that abiotic factors, trait values of the dominant species and functional trait diversity in combination may best explain differences in aboveground community biomass in natural ecosystems and that their isolated consideration may be misleading.
Using diffusion MRI for measuring the temperature of cerebrospinal fluid within the lateral ventricles
Authors: Kozak LR , Bango M , Szabo M , Rudas G , Vidnyanszky Z , Nagy Z
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Hypothermia is often induced to reduce brain injury in newborns, following perinatal hypoxic–ischaemic events, and in adults following traumatic brain injury, stroke or cardiac arrest. We aimed to devise a method, based on diffusion‐weighted MRI, to measure non‐invasively the temperature of the cerebrospinal fluid in the lateral ventricles.

Methods:  The well‐known temperature dependence of the water diffusion constant was used for the estimation of temperature. We carried out diffusion MRI measurements on a 3T Philips Achieva Scanner involving phantoms (filled with water or artificial cerebrospinal fluid while slowly cooling from 41 to 32°C) and healthy adult volunteers.

Results:  The estimated temperature of water phantoms followed that measured using a mercury thermometer, but the estimates for artificial cerebrospinal fluid were 1.04°C lower. After correcting for this systematic difference, the estimated temperature within the lateral ventricles of volunteers was 39.9°C. Using diffusion directions less sensitive to cerebrospinal fluid flow, it was 37.7°C, which was in agreement with the literature.

Conclusion:  Although further improvements are needed, measuring the temperature within the lateral ventricles using diffusion MRI is a viable method that may be useful for clinical applications. We introduced the method, identified sources of error and offered remedies for each.
Prevalence of Interstitial Cystitis in Vulvodynia Patients Detected by Bladder Potassium Sensitivity
Authors: Kahn Bruce S. , Tatro Christopher , Parsons C. Lowell , Willems John J.
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Intravesical potassium sensitivity has been reported in 82% of vulvodynia patients, suggesting the bladder generates their pain and indicating interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome deserves greater attention in differential diagnosis of vulvodynia.

Aims

The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the prevalence of IC as detected by intravesical potassium sensitivity; and (ii) survey for urinary, pelvic pain, and sexually associated symptoms in patients with vulvodynia.

Methods

Consecutive patients with vulvodynia were surveyed for urinary and pelvic pain symptoms using the pelvic pain and urgency/frequency (PUF) questionnaire, and tested for abnormal epithelial permeability using the potassium sensitivity test (PST). Rates of positive PST were determined overall and by PUF score range, and were compared in patients with intermittent vs. constant vulvodynia symptoms.

Main Outcome Measures

Results of intravesical PST.

Results

Of 122 vulvodynia patients, 102 (84%) had a positive PST and 97 (80%) had urologic symptoms. Of the 87 sexually active patients, 81 (93%) reported pain associated with sex. Patients with constant (72/87, 83%) vs. intermittent symptoms (30/35, 86%) had no significant difference in rates of positive PST. Mean PUF score was 13.2. PUF scores of 3–4 were associated with an 86% rate of positive PST; scores 5–9, 44%; 10–14, 84%; 15–19, 87%; 20–24, 86%; and 25 and above, 100%.

Conclusion

Most patients with vulvodynia have a positive PST and urgency/frequency, indicating pain of bladder origin (IC). IC deserves far greater consideration in the differential diagnosis of patients with vulvodynia. This represents a dramatic change for the gynecologic paradigm of vulvodynia, which in many cases appears to be referred pain from the urinary bladder.
How Does Chronic Sildenafil Prevent Vascular Oxidative Stress in Insulin-Resistant Rats?
Authors: Oudot Alexandra , Behr-Roussel Delphine , Le Coz Olivier , Poirier Sarah , Bernabe Jacques , Alexandre Laurent , Giuliano François
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Insulin resistance features both endothelial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. Both disorders are targeted by a chronic treatment with sildenafil. However, the mechanism of action by which chronic sildenafil exerts its effects on reactive oxygen species sources is still largely unknown.

Aim

We therefore investigated how chronic sildenafil administration could impact vascular endothelial NO and superoxide release in a rat model of insulin resistance induced by fructose overload.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were fed a fructose-enriched diet (fructose-fed rats [FFR]) for 9 weeks. From weeks 6–8, sildenafil was administered subcutaneously twice daily (20 mg/kg), followed by a 1-week washout.

Main Outcome Measures

Vascular endothelial NO and superoxide release were monitored in vitro in thoracic aortic segments using oxidative fluorescence. Specific inhibitors were used to distinguish the respective role of the main superoxide-producing systems within the vascular wall (i.e., mitochondrial respiratory chain and NADPH oxidases). The levels of expression of eNOS, Akt, and NADPH oxidase subunits were determined in the abdominal aorta.

Results

Chronic sildenafil administration corrected hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia in FFR. Moreover, after 9 weeks of diet, while global unstimulated aortic endothelial NO and superoxide release were unchanged in FFR, the relative contribution of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and NADPH oxidases was modified. Chronic sildenafil treatment, even after the 1-week washout period, was able to increase endothelial NO release independently of Akt-dependent phosphorylation by up-regulating eNOS expression, and restored the relative contribution of each superoxide-producing system examined, yielding endothelial superoxide release. Finally, in vitro incubation of aortic segments with sildenafil markedly decreased the endothelial aortic superoxide release.

Conclusions

The present study showed that chronic sildenafil produced sustained vascular antioxidant effects in insulin-resistant rats by increasing NO release and regulating vascular superoxide release, supporting therefore further investigations using chronic sildenafil administration in preventing cardiovascular alterations associated with oxidative stress.
Differential indirect effects of two plant viruses on an invasive and an indigenous whitefly vector: implications for competitive displacement
Authors: Liu J. , Zhao H. , Jiang K. , Zhou X.‐P. , Liu S.‐S.
Published: October 2009

The role of vector–begomovirus–plant interactions in the widespread invasion by some members of the whitefly species complex Bemisia tabaci is poorly understood. The invasive B biotype of B. tabaci entered China in the late 1990s and had become the predominant or only biotype of the whitefly in many regions of the country by 2005–2006. Meanwhile epidemics of begomoviruses have been observed in many crops including tomato for which Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) have been identified as two major disease‐causing agents. Here, we conducted laboratory experiments to compare the performance of the invasive B and indigenous ZHJ1 whitefly biotypes on uninfected, TYLCCNV‐infected and TYLCV‐infected plants of tomato cv. Hezuo903, a cultivar that has been widely cultivated in many regions of China. The infection of tomato plants by either of the viruses had no or only marginal effects on the development, survival and fecundity of the B biotype. In contrast, survival and fecundity of the ZHJ1 biotype were significantly reduced on virus‐infected plants compared to those on uninfected plants. Populations of the B biotype on uninfected and TYLCCNV‐infected plants increased at similar rates, whereas population increase of the ZHJ1 biotype on TYLCCNV‐infected plants was affected adversely. These asymmetric responses to virus infection of tomato plants between the B and ZHJ1 biotypes are likely to offer advantages to the B biotype in its invasion and displacement of the indigenous biotype.
Susceptibility of six Lilium to damage by the lily beetle, Lilioceris lilii (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Salisbury A. , Clark S.J. , Powell W. , Hardie J.
Published: October 2009

The lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii, Chrysomelidae) feeds on Lilium, Fritillaria and Cardiocrinum plants and is a serious pest in gardens and amenity plantings in parts of Northern Europe and North America. Previous studies have indicated that within the beetle's host range there is variation in susceptibility, although thorough field investigation is lacking. Therefore a 3‐year field trial was carried out to assess the susceptibility of six different Lilium to the beetle. The trial was laid out over two replicate blocks, with each block divided into a six by six grid, giving 36 plots; each plot contained nine Lilium of the same type. Lily types were allocated to plots within a block according to a quasi‐complete Latin square. The plots were assessed weekly during the growing season over 3 years for plant damage and presence of the beetle. For each plot a damage index for each year was calculated as the average damage score per scoring visit. As beetle presence was low in the first year the damage index, mean adult, larval and egg presence over the final 2 years were analysed using ANOVA. The results indicate that there are significant differences in beetle occurrence and damage on the different Lilium in the trial, however there is also an interaction between damage index and year. The species L. regale and L.‘Golden Joy’ gave consistently lower damage index/occurrence means than the hybrids L.‘Tiber’, L.‘Brindisi’, L.‘Conca d’Or’ and L.‘Eliganzer’. We suggest that future host susceptibility trials should use a standard lily such as L. regale against which others can be compared, should take measurements of both beetle occurrence and damage and be carried out over several years to get reliable results. As there are differences in susceptibility of lilies there is a possibility to use lilies more prone to attack; this could be as trap plants for the beetle.