bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies in Cranial Suture Biology: Part I. Increased Immunoreactivity for TGF-β Isoforms (β1, β2, and β3) During Rat Cranial Suture Fusion
Authors: Roth Douglas A. , Longaker Michael T. , McCarthy Joseph G. , Rosen David M. , McMullen Heather F. , Levine Jamie P. , Sung Joanne , Gold Leslie I.
Published: June 2006

The mechanisms involved in normal cranial suture development and fusion as well as the pathophysiology of craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of the cranial sutures, are not well understood. Transforming growth factor-β isoforms (TGF-β1, β2, and β3) are abundant in bone and stimulate calvarial bone formation when injected locally in vivo. To gain insight into the role of these factors in normal growth and development of cranial sutures and the possible etiology of premature cranial suture fusion, we examined the temporal and spatial expression of TGF-β isoforms during normal cranial suture development in the rat. In the Sprague-Dawley rat, only the posterior frontal cranial suture undergoes fusion between 12 and 22 days of age, while all other cranial sutures remain patent. Therefore, immunohistochemical analysis of the fusing posterior frontal suture was compared with the patent sagittal suture at multiple time points from the fetus through adult. Whereas the intensity of immunostaining was the same in the posterior frontal and sagittal sutures in the fetal rat, there was increased immunoreactivity for TGF-β isoforms in the actively fusing posterior frontal suture compared with the patent sagittal suture starting 2 days after birth and continuing until approximately 20 days. There were intensely immunoreactive osteoblasts present during fusion of the posterior frontal suture. In contrast, the patent sagittal suture was only slightly immunoreactive. A differential immunostaining pattern was observed among the TGF-β isoforms; TGF-β2 was the most immunoreactive isoform and was also most strongly associated with osteoblasts adjacent to the dura and the margin of the fusing suture. Since the increased expression of TGF-β2 during suture fusion suggested a possible regulatory role, recombinant TGF-β2 was added directly to the posterior frontal and sagittal sutures in vivo to determine if suture fusion could be initiated. Exogenously added TGF-β2 stimulated fusion of the ectocranial surface of the posterior frontal suture. These data provide evidence for a regulatory role for these growth factors in cranial suture development and fusion. Additionally, the intense immunostaining for TGF-β2 in the dura mater underlying the fusing suture supports a role for the dura mater in suture fusion. It is possible that premature or excessive expression of these factors may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of craniosynostosis and that modulation of the growth factor profile at the suture site may have potential therapeutic value.
Evidence for Both Abnormal Set Point of PTH Stimulation by Calcium and Adaptation to Serum Calcium in Hemodialysis Patients with Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Rodriguez Mariano , Caravaca Francisco , Fernandez Elvira , Borrego Maria J. , Lorenzo Victor , Cubero Juan , Martin-Malo Alejandro , Betriu Angels , Rodriguez Aurelio P. , Felsenfeld Arnold J.
Published: June 2006

In vitro studies of parathyroid glands removed from dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia have demonstrated the presence of an increased set point of parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation by calcium (set point [PTHstim]), suggesting an intrinsic abnormality of the hyperplastic parathyroid cell. However, clinical studies on dialysis patients have not observed a correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and the magnitude of hyperparathyroidism. In the present study, 58 hemodialysis patients with moderate to severe hyperparathyroidism (mean PTH 780 ± 377 pg/ml) were evaluated both before and after calcitriol treatment to establish the relationship among PTH, serum calcium, and the set point (PTHstim) and to determine whether changes in the serum calcium, as induced by calcitriol treatment, modified these relationships. Calcitriol treatment decreased serum PTH levels and increased the serum calcium and the setpoint (PTHstim); however, the increase in serum calcium was greater than the increase in the setpoint (PTHstim). Before treatment with calcitriol, the correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and the serum calcium was r = 0.82, p < 0.001, and between the set point (PTHstim) and PTH was r = 0.39, p = 0.002. After treatment with calcitriol, the correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and the serum calcium remained significant (r = 0.70, p < 0.001), but the correlation between the set point (PTHstim) and PTH was no longer significant (r = 0.09); moreover, a significant correlation was present between the change in the set point (PTHstim) and the change in serum calcium that resulted from calcitriol treatment (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). The correlation between the residual values (deviation from the regression line) of the set point (PTHstim), derived from the correlation between PTH and the set point (PTHstim), and serum calcium was r = 0.77, p < 0.001 before calcitriol and r = 0.72, p < 0.001 after calcitriol. In conclusion, the set point (PTHstim) increased after a sustained increase in the serum calcium, suggesting an adaptation of the set point to the existing serum calcium; the increase in serum calcium resulting from calcitriol treatment was greater than the increase in the set point (PTHstim); the set point (PTHstim) was greater in hemodialysis patients with higher serum PTH levels; and the correlation between PTH and the set point (PTHstim) may be obscured because the serum calcium directly modifies the set point (PTHstim).
Magnesium in Newly Formed Dentin Mineral of Rat Incisor
Authors: Dr. Wiesmann Hans-Peter , Tkotz Thomas , Joos Ulrich , Zierold Karl , Stratmann Udo , Szuwart Thomas , Plate Ulrich , Höhling Hans J.
Published: June 2006

Small amounts of magnesium are always detectable in addition to calcium and phosphorus in mineralized tissues such as dentin or bone. Magnesium has been considered to influence the mineralization process, especially crystal growth. The present study reports on the location and enrichment of magnesium in the newly mineralized dentin by using the high lateral resolution of energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis combined with scanning transmission electron microscopy. To this end, we have used the continuously growing rat incisor as a model for a collagenous mineralizing system. Dental tissue was dissected free and cryofixed in liquid nitrogen–cooled propane. The distribution of elements was measured in freeze-dried ultrathin cryosections. The magnesium distribution of the newly formed dentin area near the predentin area was found to be inhomogeneous. In certain small dentin areas, characteristical magnesium enrichments were observed. Further, high magnesium-to-phosphate molar ratios were found in these areas, and these were correlated with low calcium-to-phosphate molar ratios. Our results support the theory that magnesium is involved in the process of biological apatite crystal formation.
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)-I, -II, IGF Binding Proteins (IGFBP)−3, −4, and −5 Levels in the Conditioned Media of Normal Human Bone Cells Are Skeletal Site-Dependent
Authors: Malpe Rashmi , Baylink David J. , Linkhart Thomas A. , Wergedal Jon E. , Dr. Mohan Subburaman
Published: June 2006

The skeleton in its function of affording strength and support to the body is subject to differential mechanical loading which has been implicated to mediate some of its effects on bone formation via the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which are important regulators of bone metabolism. We, therefore, sought to conduct the present study with the hypothesis that the skeletal site-dependent differences in mechanical loading and other variables including stage of osteoblast differentiation would be associated with site-specific differences in the production of the IGF system components. To test this hypothesis, conditioned media (CM) from normal human bone cells (control and IGF-II–treated 48-h cultures) from five different skeletal sites were obtained and assayed for IGF-I, IGF-II (following separation of IGF binding proteins [IGFBPs]), IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, and IGFBP-5 protein levels employing specific radioimmunoassays for each protein. IGF-I levels were lower than any other IGF system component but were significantly different between the various sites tested. IGF-II levels were greatest in the CM from mandibular cells, followed by calvarial and rib cells, and least in the marrow stromal cells. IGFBP-3 levels were highest in the CM of vertebral cells and lowest in the CM of rib and mandibular cells. The relative abundance of IGFBP-4 in decreasing order was observed in mandibular, calvarial, vertebral, rib, and stromal cells' CM. IGFBP-5 was produced maximally by the calvarial cells, followed by the mandibular, vertebral, stromal, and rib cells. IGFBP-4 appeared to be the IGF system component most abundantly produced by all the cell types from the skeletal sites tested. On a molar basis, the IGFBPs in general were estimated to be produced at a higher magnitude than the IGFs. These findings indicate that there are skeletal site-dependent differences in the production of IGF system components and suggest that the regulation of bone metabolism may vary at the various skeletal sites.
Vitamin K2 Enhances Osteocalcin Accumulation in the Extracellular Matrix of Human Osteoblasts In Vitro
Authors: Koshihara Yasuko , Hoshi Kazuko
Published: June 2006

The role of vitamin K in osteocalcin accumulation in the extracellular matrix of normal human osteoblasts in culture was investigated by using a human intact osteocalcin-specific assay system. Human osteoblasts produced osteocalcin by treatment with 10−9 M 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) for 20 days in culture. With the addition of vitamin K2 (1.5–5.0 μM), osteocalcin accumulation in the extracellular matrix of the osteoblasts was increased, but the osteocalcin content in the conditioned medium decreased, in comparison with that treated with 10−9 M 1,25(OH)2D3 alone. The enhancement of osteocalcin accumulation induced by vitamin K2 was dependent on the duration of the treatment. The vitamin K2 plus 1,25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin accumulation was blocked by the addition of warfarin 2 days before the vitamin treatment. At that time, warfarin significantly reduced the mineralization by osteoblasts in vitro. Osteocalcin accumulated in the extracellular matrix was almost completely precipitated by a low concentration of hydroxyapatite, 10 mg/ml. Moreover, the γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)-containing osteocalcin level was increased by the vitamin K2 plus 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. These results proved that vitamin K2 increased Gla-containing osteocalcin, which accumulated osteocalcin in the extracellular matrix, and facilitated mineralization in vitro. Vitamin K2 also enhanced the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin mRNA level, but vitamin K2 alone did not show osteocalcin mRNA expression. We thus demonstrated that vitamin K2 enhanced not only the accumulation of Gla osteocalcin, but also the osteocalcin production induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 in human osteoblasts in culture.
Identification of Peptide Fragments Generated by Digestion of Bovine and Human Osteocalcin with the Lysosomal Proteinases Cathepsin B, D, L, H, and S
Authors: Baumgrass Ria , Williamson Matthew K. , Price Paul A.
Published: June 2006

We have determined the primary cleavage sites in the bone Gla protein (BGP; osteocalcin) for several of the proteases that could act on the protein during bone resorption and turnover, cathepsins B, D, L, H, and S. The time course of BGP digestion by each cathepsin was first determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We then incubated human and bovine BGP with each cathepsin for a sufficient time to reduce the level of intact protein by at least 20-fold, isolated the major cleavage peptides, and identified each by N-terminal sequence analysis and by amino acid analysis. Our results show that BGP has relatively few cathepsin-sensitive sites and that these sites are located at the N and C terminus of the 49-residue protein. Cathepsins B, L, H, and S readily cleave BGP at the G7-A8 bond; cathepsin L also cleaves at R43–R44; cathepsin B also cleaves at R44–F45; and cathepsin D cleaves only at A41–Y42. The immunoreactivity of the major peptides generated by cathepsin cleavage was evaluated using the original radioimmunoassay developed for the detection of BGP in human serum. The BGP 8–49 fragment cross-reacts identically with native BGP, while the 8–43 and the 1–44 fragments require 20- to 40-fold higher concentrations to achieve the same level of displacement as the native protein. The 1–41 and 8–41 fragments are unable to significantly displace the labeled native BGP tracer at any concentration tested. These results demonstrate the utility of peptides generated by cathepsin digestion in the mapping of the antigenic epitopes recognized by a given BGP immunoassay.
Androgen Supplementation in Eugonadal Men with Osteoporosis: Effects of Six Months' Treatment on Markers of Bone Formation and Resorption
Authors: Dr. Anderson F. H. , Francis R. M. , Peaston R. T. , Wastell H. J.
Published: June 2006

There is no established treatment for osteoporosis in men, a common and disabling condition the incidence of which is increasing rapidly. We conducted an open study to investigate the efficacy and mode of action of testosterone therapy in eugonadal men with osteoporotic vertebral crush fracture. Twenty-one men, aged 34–73 (mean 58), were treated with intramuscular testosterone esters (Sustanon 250®) every 2 weeks for 6 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and 6 months. We also measured biochemical markers of bone turnover, testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and gonadotrophins at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Treatment was well tolerated, and side effects were uncommon. Lumbar spine BMD increased by 5% from 0.799 to 0.839 g/cm2 (p < 0.001). All bone markers decreased, indicating that treatment suppressed bone turnover. Although serum osteocalcin levels fell only slightly, there were large reductions in urinary deoxypyridinoline and N-telopeptide (p < 0.05), which were correlated with the increase in spinal BMD. Interpretation of the findings with other markers, such as bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and pyridinoline, was confounded by the wide scatter of values. Serum testosterone increased by 55%, while SHBG decreased by 20%, leading to a rise in free androgen of 90%. Serum estradiol also increased by 45%. The change in spine BMD was significantly correlated with a change in serum estradiol but not with a change in serum testosterone. We therefore conclude that testosterone is a promising treatment for men with idiopathic osteoporosis, acting to suppress bone resorption by a mechanism that may involve estrogen.
Performance of a New-Generation Chemiluminescent Assay for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Authors: Chen Dan , Kaplan Lawrence A
Published: June 2006

Background: The usual criteria for analysis of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are detection of HBsAg and result confirmation by antibody neutralization. We observed that with the Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay [Diagnostics Product Corporation (DPC)] a relatively high percentage of weakly reactive (WR) samples did not pass the neutralization step.

Methods: For each of 3 lots of Immulite 2000 HBsAg reagent (DPC), we collected and analyzed HBsAg data from ∼3000 to 4000 patient blood samples and compared these data with HBsAg data from 3393 samples tested with the Abbott Auszyme assay. For 127 samples with initially WR detection signals (relative signal/cutoff index of 1.00–2.5) on the Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay, we then measured hepatitis B (HB) viral load and/or other HB serologic markers.

Results: The Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay produced more initially reactive results than the Abbott Auszyme method. Many of these reactive samples, however, were WR and did not meet the confirmation criteria in the neutralization test. Moreover, DNA PCR testing indicated that 22 of the 38 WR samples (58%) that did meet the confirmation criteria had no detectable HB viral DNA.

Conclusions: Immulite 2000 HBsAg assay results include a unique group of WR samples that are associated with both false-positive and false-negative results, regardless of neutralization status, and require careful interpretation. WR HBsAg samples should be reported as confirmed HBsAg reactive only if the samples not only meet the neutralization criteria but also are positive for other HB serologic markers such as anti-HB core total and anti-HB core IgM.
Shame Sanctions – Ehrenstrafen im Lichte der Straftheorie
Authors: Kubiciel Michael
Published: June 2006

I. Einführung

Eine Frau, der man Ehebruch vorwarf, wird an einem gut sichtbaren Ort der Menge vorgeführt und sodann auf einem Schandwagen durch die Stadt gefahren. Ein anderer Ort, ein vergleichbares Vorgehen: Kundennamen von Prostituierten werden in Zeitungen, an Anschlagbrettern oder im kommunalen Fernsehen veröffentlicht. Das erste Beispiel wird uns aus dem antiken Griechenland überliefert, das zweite Beispiel ist Praxis in einigen Bundesstaaten der USA am Ausgang des 20. Jahrhunderts. Zwischen den Beispielen liegt nicht nur ein Zeitraum von zweitausend Jahren. Sie trennt der Epochenwandel der Aufklärung, eine Zeitenwende, welche auch das strafrechtliche Sanktionensystem nicht unberührt ließ.
An Efficient DCT-Based Cryptocompression Scheme for a Secure and Authentic Medical Image Transmission
Authors: Bouhlel MS , Kammoun F , Garcia E
Published: June 2006

The use of telecommunications and information technologies in the medicine domain evolved these last years breathtakingly. This involves the development of the applications bound to the telemedicine. Seeing the importance of this discipline in the improvement of the care quality and in the reduction of treatment costs, the optimization of medical applications performances remains a necessity. In this work, we propose a new and efficient cryptocompression scheme applied to the telediagnostic sector for a secure and authentic medical image transmission. Since only 15% of discrete cosine transform components are encrypted in our approach, a significant reduction in processing time during the encryption and decryption, without tampering the high compression rate of the compression algorithm, can be performed by the proposed scheme.
A Linear Growth Model for Nile Tilapia in Intensive Aquaculture
Authors: Soderberg Richard W
Published: June 2006

Efficient intensive aquaculture requires a growth model that accurately predicts daily growth in length increments as a function of temperature. Using fish of different sizes but from the same source, I grew androgen-sex-reversed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus over a range of temperatures in two different years. In 2002, fish grew from 1.8 g (47 mm) to a range of 5–26 g (67–112 mm) in 50 d at 21–30°C temperatures. Fish growth (mm/d) was highly correlated with temperature (r = 0.99). The experiment was repeated with larger fish in 2005, during which 47-g (137-mm) fish grew to 107–219 g (178–225 mm) in 70 d. The coefficient of correlation for growth versus temperature was 0.94. The two slopes did not differ (P < 0.05), so I present the following equation to predict Nile tilapia growth rates in flowing-water culture for the temperature range of 21–30°C: ΔL = −1.6707 + 0.09682T (r  2 = 0.95), where ΔL is predicted growth (mm/d) and T is temperature (°C). Weight (W; g) can be converted to length (L; mm) for male Nile tilapia with the expression W = 1,861 × 10−8 · L  3.
Application of Methods for the Detoxification and Neutralization of Formalin in Fish Hatchery Effluents
Authors: Gearheart J M , Masters A L , Bebak-Williams J
Published: June 2006

Sodium sulfite, Neutralex, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide with a ferric iron catalyst were studied for potential application in reducing formalin in effluents from aquaculture facilities. The neutralization capacity of each method was examined at formalin concentrations that are typically found in effluents from fish hatcheries that utilize formalin to control ectoparasite infestations on fish. The toxicities of the products were also evaluated. A 75% reduction in formalin concentration was observed within the first 10 min after the addition of sodium sulfite at a 3:1 (sodium sulfite : formalin) mass treatment ratio. The addition of Neutralex to test solutions at a 6:1 (Neutralex : formalin) mass treatment ratio reduced the formalin concentration by approximately 90% of initial values within 10 min and completely eliminated formalin within 20 min. Degradation of formalin was not successful under the test conditions using hydrogen peroxide alone or in combination with a ferric iron catalyst. Both of the sodium sulfite-formalin and Neutralex-formalin reaction products were more toxic to Ceriodaphnia dubia test animals than formalin alone. Although regulatory limits for formalin discharge from aquaculture facilities could most likely be achieved with sodium sulfite or Neutralex, the direct discharge of their neutralizer-formalin reaction products would probably be harmful to some aquatic species.
An Environmentally Benign Method for Reducing Off-Flavor Terpenoids in Aquaculture: Initial Laboratory Studies
Authors: Kelly Anita M , Holmes William E , Schultz Tor P
Published: June 2006

Aquaculture products can develop an undesirable (i.e., off-flavor) taste. The majority of off-flavor is caused by two terpenoids, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), which are produced by cyanobacteria. Off-flavor is usually controlled by the regular application of copper sulfate or other herbicides. However, environmental concerns about copper in aquatic systems have recently been raised, and there is a growing public debate on the use of chemicals in food production. We report on an alternative, environmentally benign, nonherbicidal method for reducing off-flavor terpenoids in aquaculture products. We found that a hydrophobic material placed in aquaculture water will absorb the off-flavor hydrophobic terpenoids and lower the concentration in the water, thereby lowering the level in the aquaculture product. Reductions in off-flavor terpenoid concentrations of up to 85% were achieved in 48 h when various hydrophobic solids and liquids were added to terpenoid-spiked water. In live-fish experiments, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were placed in aquaria containing water spiked with both MIB and geosmin. In aquaria with a co-added hydrophobic compound (e.g., polystyrene or paraffin), the fish were rated as on-flavor by a taste panel. Conversely, fish exposed to the same level of terpenoids but without a co-added hydrophobic compound were rated as off-flavor.
A Novel Model for Permeability Prediction in Uncored Wells
Authors: Shokir E. M. El-M.
Published: June 2006

A fuzzy model is applied for permeability estimation in heterogeneous sandstone oil reservoirs using core porosity and gamma ray logs. The basic concepts of a fuzzy model are described, and we explain how to use the constructed model to analyze and interpret the results. The fuzzy-logic approach is used to represent a nonlinear relationship as a smooth concatenation of local linear submodels. The partitioning of the input space into fuzzy regions, represented by the individual rules, is obtained through fuzzy clustering. The results from the fuzzy model show that it is not only accurate but also provides some insight into the nonlinear relationship represented by the model. Furthermore, the results of the blind test developed a good agreement between the measured core permeability and the output of the fuzzy model.
Electrical Transport Properties of Fluid-Saturated Porous Rocks by 2D Lattice Gas Automata
Authors: Tao Guo , Yue Wenzheng , Li Baoton , Fang Chaoliang
Published: June 2006

We have studied the electrical transport properties of porous media and the physical meaning of Archie's parameters with 2D lattice gas automata (LGA). On the basis of our simulations, we have developed a set of new equations to calculate fluid saturation from electrical measurements. The calculations from the new equations show very good agreement with laboratory measurements and published data on sandstone samples. There are limitations for this study in applying mesoscale modeling to the resistivity-index/ water-saturation (I/Sw) relationship for porous rocks because only 2D models of sandstone rock were simulated. Some important factors like wettability were not modeled. However, current flow simulations on the 3D digital rock samples of various types reconstructed from thin sections and high-resolution CT scans of real rocks have been ongoing in our laboratory as the next step to address these issues.
Economic Premium Principles in Insurance and the Capital Asset Pricing Model
Authors: Müller Heinz H.
Published: June 2006

An insurance company is considered as an intermediary between policyholders and the capital market. By applying the traditional and the generalized version of the capital asset pricing model, a class of premium principles can be derived. This class is fully compatible with Bühlmann's economic premium principle. Moreover, insurance premiums can be directly related to risk premiums on the stock exchange.
An Improved Error Bound for the Compound Poisson Approximation of a Nearly Homogeneous Portfolio
Authors: Michel R.
Published: June 2006

For the case of a portfolio with identical claim amount distributions, Gerber's error bound for the compound Poisson approximation is improved (in the case λ ⩾ 1). The result can also be applied to more general portfolios by partitioning them into homogeneous subportfolios.
Panjer vs Kornya vs De Pril: A Comparison from a Practical Point of View
Authors: Kuon S. , Reich A. , Reimers L.
Published: June 2006

We compare three modern methods for calculating the aggregate claims distribution with respect to their computation amount and accuracy: Panjer's algorithm, the approximation method of Kornya and the most recent, exact procedure of De Pril. They are compared numerically in the case of actual Life portfolios. The computation amount of De Pril's method is much greater than that of the two others, which do not differ substantially in this respect. The accuracy of Kornya's and Panjer's methods is remarkably high in the examples considered. However, as the accuracy of Kornya's approximation method can be determined easily in advance, this procedure turns out to be the most useful one for the problems arising from practical work.
Antegrade pyelography for suspected ureteral obstruction in cats: 11 cases (1995–2001)
Authors: Adin Christopher A. , Herrgesell Eric J. , Nyland Thomas G. , Hughes Joanne M. , Gregory Clare R. , Kyles Andrew E. , Cowgill Larry D. , Ling Gerald V.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To determine sensitivity and specificity of radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for detection of ureteral obstructions in cats.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—11 cats.

Procedure—Medical records of cats that had radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography performed for suspected ureteral obstructions were examined. Ultrasound-guided pyelocentesis and fluoroscopic- assisted antegrade pyelography were performed on 18 kidneys in 11 cats. Obstructive ureteral lesions were confirmed in all cats by surgical or necropsy examination. Sensitivity and specificity of survey radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for identification of ureteral obstructions were calculated. Surgical or necropsy findings were used as the standard for comparison.

Results—All cats were azotemic. Mean ± SD serum creatinine and BUN concentrations were 10.2 ± 6.1 and 149 ± 82 mg/dL, respectively. Fifteen of 18 ureters were found to be obstructed at surgery or necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 100% for radiography and 100 and 33% for ultrasonography, respectively, in identification of ureteral obstructions. Leakage of contrast material developed in 8 of 18 kidneys during antegrade pyelography and prevented diagnostic interpretation in 5 of 18 studies. For the 13 diagnostic studies, specificity and sensitivity were 100% by use of the antegrade pyelography technique. Correct identification of the anatomic location of the ureteral obstruction was obtained in 100% of diagnostic antegrade pyelography studies and in 60% of radiography or ultrasonography studies.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Antegrade pyelography can be a useful alternative in the diagnosis and localization of ureteral obstructions in azotemic cats, although leakage of contrast material may prevent interpretation of the study. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1576–1581)
Antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from dairy cow milk samples submitted for bacterial culture: 8,905 samples (1994–2001)
Authors: Makovec Jill A. , Ruegg Dr. Pamela L.
Published: June 2006

Objective—To determine whether antimicrobial resistance patterns of major mastitis pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy cows have changed over time.

Design—Retrospective study.

Sample Population—8,905 bacterial isolates obtained from milk samples submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between January 1994 and June 2001.

Procedure—Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by means of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Logistic regression was used to determine whether percentages of isolates resistant to various antimicrobials changed over time.

Results—For the gram-positive mastitis pathogens, percentages of isolates resistant to various β-lactam antimicrobials did not increase over the course of the study. Percentage ofStaphylococcus aureusisolates resistant to penicillin decreased from 49 to 30%; percentage ofStreptococcusisolates resistant to penicillin decreased from 6 to 1%. Percentage of isolates resistant to erythromycin increased forS aureus,Escherichia coli, Enterobacterspp,Enterococcusspp, andPasteurellaspp. Percentage of isolates resistant to lincomycin increased forS aureusandStaphylococcusspp. Percentage of coagulase-negativeStaphylococcusisolates resistant to pirlimycin increased from 6 to 19%. For several pathogens, percentages of isolates resistant to sulfisoxazole and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole decreased. No pathogens had a significant increase in the percentage of isolates resistant to novobiocin-penicillin.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results did not indicate a trend toward increased antimicrobial resistance among mastitis pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy cows between 1994 and 2001. Reduced resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials was identified for several gram-positive mastitis pathogens. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1582–1589)
A hybrid multivariate Normal and lognormal distribution for data assimilation
Authors: Fletcher Steven J. , Zupanski Milija
Published: June 2006

In this article, we define and prove a distribution, which is a combination of a multivariate Normal and lognormal distribution. From this distribution, we apply a Bayesian probability framework to derive a non‐linear cost function similar to the one that is in current variational data assimilation (DA) applications. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Interaction of maternal protein and carbon monoxide on pup mortality in mice: implications for global infant mortality
Authors: Singh Jarnail
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND: The United States Surgeon General declared 2005 as the “Year of Healthy Child.” To improve the health of all children, we need to start before pregnancy, with their mothers. Unfortunately, protein deficiency in the diets of poor pregnant mothers in developing countries is widespread. Carbon monoxide (CO) pollution is serious public health problem in developed and developing countries. METHODS: A two‐way factorial experimental design was used. Mice were maintained on 27%, 16%, 8%, or 4% protein diets. Dams were exposed to 0 ppm (control), 65 ppm, or 125 ppm CO in air, in environmental chambers for 6 hr/day during the first 2 weeks of pregnancy. Controls were also subjected to environmental chamber conditions. Food and water were available at all times. Animals were allowed to deliver, and data on pup mortality was recorded. RESULTS: Litter size was not affected by CO exposure, but was directly related to the dietary protein levels. Pup weight was inversely related to the CO exposure level, and directly related to the dietary protein levels. Pup mortality on date of birth was increased by CO exposure and was inversely related to the dietary protein levels. Pup mortality at 1 week of age was increased by CO exposure and 55% of all pups died in 125 ppm CO exposed group. Pup mortality at 1 week of age was inversely related to dietary protein levels. All pups in the 4% dietary protein and in all concentrations of CO died. All pups in the 8% protein group and in all CO concentrations died except in 125 ppm CO group. Pup mortality in the 16% dietary protein group ranged from 14.8% in 0 ppm to 36.8% in 65 ppm CO groups. Pup mortality in the 27% dietary protein group ranged from 14.3% in the 0 ppm to 41.1% in the 125 ppm CO groups. CONCLUSIONS: DATA suggest that protein deficiency and CO exposure enhance pup mortality. The protein and CO also interact to increase pup mortality in 16% and 27% protein groups. Carbon monoxide exposure, along with protein deficiency during gestation, may be contributing factors for high rates of infant mortality in developing countries. The results of the study also suggest that un‐vented combustion for heating and cooking, ambient pollution, and biomass smoke may have a major impact on the health of children worldwide; and may explain the causes of high infant mortality in poor countries and some sections of the United States population. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 77:216–226, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teratology study of derivatives of tetramethylcyclopropyl amide analogues of valproic acid in mice
Authors: Okada Akinobu , Onishi Yuko , Aoki Yoshinobu , Yagen Boris , Sobol Eyal , Bialer Meir , Fujiwara Michio
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND: Although valproic acid (VPA) is used extensively for treating various kinds of epilepsies, it is well known that it causes neural tube and skeletal defects in both humans and animals. The amide and urea derivatives of the tetramethylcylcopropyl VPA analogue, N‐methoxy‐2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxamide (N‐methoxy‐TMCD) and 2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropanecarbonylurea (TMC‐urea), were synthesized and shown to have a more potent anticonvulsant activity than VPA. The objective of this study was to investigate the teratogenic effects of these compounds in NMRI mice. METHODS: Pregnant NMRI mice were given a single subcutaneous injection of either VPA, N‐methoxy‐TMCD, or TMC‐urea at 1.8 and 3.6 mmol/kg on gestation day (GD) 8. Cesarean section was performed on GD 18. First, the live fetuses were examined to detect any external malformations, then their skeletons were double‐stained for bone and cartilage and subsequently examined. RESULTS: Significant increases in fetal losses and neural tube defects were observed with administration of VPA at 3.6 mmol/kg when compared to the vehicle control. In contrast, upon cesarean section, there were no significant differences between either N‐methoxy‐TMCD or TMC‐urea and the control groups for any parameter. Skeletal examination revealed that a number of the abnormalities were induced by VPA dose‐dependently at high rates of incidence. These abnormalities were mainly at the axial skeletal level. However, lower frequencies of skeletal abnormality were observed with N‐methoxy‐TMCD and TMC‐urea than with VPA. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to their more potent antiepileptic activity, these findings clearly indicate that N‐methoxy‐TMCD and TMC‐urea are distinctly less teratogenic than VPA in NMRI mice. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 77:227–233, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aflatoxin M1 effects on Xenopus laevis development
Authors: Vismara Claudio , Di Muzio Andrea , Tarca Silvia , Lucchino Marta , Foti Ingrid , Caloni Francesca
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND: The principal Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) hydroxylated metabolite excreted in milk is Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) classified in group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Human exposure to AFM1 is due to the consumption of contaminated dairy products and partly to endogenous production through AFB1 liver metabolism. METHODS: Since no data are available on AFM1 embryotoxicity, its lethal and teratogenic potential was investigated using the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay–Xenopus (FETAX). Stage‐8 blastulae were exposed to AFM1 at 1, 4, 16, 64, and 256 µg/L concentrations until stage 47, free‐swimming larva. RESULTS: A slight increase of mortality and malformed larva percents was found in AFM1‐exposed groups but these differences were not statistically significant in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, AFM1 is a non‐embryotoxic compound when evaluated with a FETAX model at concentrations under the conditions tested. However, AFM1 merits further studies using mammals as experimental models to identify a possible risk during human pregnancy. Brith Defects Research (Part B) 77:234–237, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure of pregnant mice to chromium picolinate results in skeletal defects in their offspring
Authors: Bailey M.M. , Boohaker J.G. , Sawyer R.D. , Behling J.E. , Rasco J.F. , Jernigan J.J. , Hood R.D. , Vincent J.B.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND: Chromium(III) picolinate, [Cr(pic)3], is a widely marketed dietary supplement. However, Cr(pic)3 has been associated with oxidative damage to DNA in rats and mutations and DNA fragmentation in cell cultures. In isolated case reports, Cr(pic)3 supplementation has been said to cause adverse effects, such as anemia, renal failure, liver dysfunction, and neuronal impairment. To date, no studies have been published regarding the safety of chromium picolinate supplementation to a developing fetus, although Cr(pic)3 has been recommended for pregnant women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. METHODS: From gestation days (GD) 6–17, pregnant CD‐1 mice were fed diets containing either 200 mg/kg Cr(pic)3, 200 mg/kg CrCl3, 174 mg/kg picolinic acid, or the diet only to determine if Cr(pic)3, CrCl3, or picolinic acid could cause developmental toxicity. Dams were sacrificed on GD 17, and their litters were examined for adverse effects. RESULTS: The incidence of bifurcated cervical arches was significantly increased in fetuses from the Cr(pic)3 group as compared to the diet‐only group. Fetuses in the picolinic acid‐treated group had an incidence double that of the control group; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Fetuses in the CrCl3 group did not differ from the controls in any variable examined. No maternal toxicity was observed in any of the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: High maternal oral exposures to chromium picolinate can cause morphological defects in developing offspring of mice. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 77:244–249, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Site‐specific experiments on folding/unfolding of Jun coiled coils: Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters from spin inversion transfer nuclear magnetic resonance at leucine‐18
Authors: d'Avignon D. André , Bretthorst G. Larry , Holtzer Marilyn Emerson , Schwarz Kathleen A. , Angeletti Ruth Hogue , Mints Lisa , Holtzer Alfred
Published: June 2006

The 32‐residue leucine zipper subsequence, called here Jun‐lz, associates in benign media to form a parallel two‐stranded coiled coil. Studies are reported of its thermal unfolding/folding transition by circular dichroism (CD) on samples of natural isotopic abundance and by both equilibrium and spin inversion transfer (SIT) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) on samples labeled at the leucine‐18 α‐carbon with 99% 13C. The data cover a wide range of temperature and concentration, and show that Jun‐lz unfolds below room temperature, being far less stable than some other leucine zippers such as GCN4. 13C‐NMR shows two well‐separated resonances. We ascribe the upfield one to 13C spins on unfolded single chains and the downfield one to 13C spins on coiled‐coil dimers. Their relative intensities provide a measure of the unfolding equilibrium constant. In SIT NMR, the recovery of the equilibrium magnetization after one resonance is inverted is modulated in part by the unfolding and folding rate constants, which are accessible from the data. Global Bayesian analysis of the equilibrium and SIT NMR data provide values for the standard enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity of unfolding, and show the latter to be unusually large. The CD results are compatible with the NMR findings. Global Bayesian analysis of the SIT NMR data yields the corresponding activation parameters for unfolding and folding. The results show that both reaction directions are activated processes. Activation for unfolding is entropy driven, enthalpy opposed. Activation for folding is strongly enthalpy opposed and somewhat entropy opposed, falsifying the idea that the barrier for folding is solely due to a purely entropic search for properly registered partners. The activation heat capacity is much larger for folding, so almost the entire overall change is due to the folding direction. This latter finding, if it applies to GCN4 leucine zippers, clears up an extant apparent disagreement between folding rate constants for GCN4 as determined by chevron analysis and NMR in differing temperature regimes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:255–267, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Two peptide fragments G55–I72 and K97–A109 from staphylococcal nuclease exhibit different behaviors in conformational preferences for helix formation
Authors: Wang Min , Shan Lu , Wang Jinfeng
Published: June 2006

Two synthetic peptides, SNaseα1 and SNaseα2, corresponding to residues G55–I72 and K97–A109, respectively, of staphylococcal nuclease (SNase), are adopted for detecting the role of helix α1 (E57–A69) and helix α2 (M98–Q106) in the initiation of folding of SNase. The helix‐forming tendencies of the two SNase peptide fragments are investigated using circular dichroism (CD) and two‐dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods in water and 40% trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions. The coil–helix conformational transitions of the two peptides in the TFE–H2O mixture are different from each other. SNaseα1 adopts a low population of localized helical conformation in water, and shows a gradual transition to helical conformation with increasing concentrations of TFE. SNaseα2 is essentially unstructured in water, but undergoes a cooperative transition to a predominantly helical conformation at high TFE concentrations. Using the NMR data obtained in the presence of 40% TFE, an ensemble of α‐helical structures has been calculated for both peptides in the absence of tertiary interactions. Analysis of all the experimental data available indicates that formation of ordered α‐helical structures in the segments E57–A69 and M98–Q106 of SNase may require nonlocal interactions through transient contact with hydrophobic residues in other parts of the protein to stabilize the helical conformations in the folding. The folding of helix α1 is supposed to be effective in initiating protein folding. The formation of helix α2 depends strongly on the hydrophobic environment created in the protein folding, and is more important in the stabilization of the tertiary conformation of SNase. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:268–279, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The role of child care social work in supporting families with children in need and providing protective services—past, present and future
Authors: Corby Brian
Published: June 2006

This article examines the way in which child care social work with deprived families has changed and developed since the inception of Children's Departments in 1948. It is argued that between 1948 and 1970 child care social workers enjoyed a fair measure of social support. A variety of reasons are considered for explaining this—specialization, smallness of size, privacy and a consensus about the needs of children. From the early 1970s it is argued that broader societal changes, including a shift away from social solidarity towards individualism, organizational changes and the advent of child abuse as a public concern, resulted in conﬂicting demands on child care social workers and a subsequent loss of credibility and conﬁdence. The 1990s have seen a return to emphasis on family support policies which has been further accelerated in the new millennium by New Labour's stated commitment to eliminating child poverty and creating better life opportunities for all children. The implications of these new developments for child care social workers engaged in meeting the needs of children living in highly disadvantaged families are considered. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents in octogenarians: Characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes
Authors: Hassani Salah‐Eddine , Wolfram Roswitha M. , Kuchulakanti Pramod K. , Xue Zhenyi , Gevorkian Natalie , Suddath William O. , Satler Lowell F. , Kent Kenneth M. , Pichard Augusto D. , Weissman Neil J. , Waksman, Ron
Published: June 2006

Objectives: We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of octogenarians ≥80 years of age after coronary drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation. Background: Although octogenarians constitute a fast‐growing portion of cardiovascular patients, they are not adequately represented in current clinical revascularization trials. Methods: We analyzed the data of 3,166 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and DES implantation since March 2003. Periprocedural events, 1‐ and 6‐month clinical outcomes were compared between octogenarians (n = 339) and patients <80 years of age (n = 2,827). Results: Baseline characteristics revealed a higher prevalence of females (P < 0.001), Caucasians (P = 0.004), chronic renal failure (P < 0.001), heart failure (P < 0.001), number of diseased vessels (P = 0.009), and lower ejection fraction (P = 0.03) in octogenarians. Patients <80 years showed more positive family history (P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.006), smoking (P < 0.001), and obesity (P < 0.001). Clinical presentation and procedural success were similar in both groups as were death, myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization in‐hospital. At 6 months, restenosis rates were low and comparable. In the subgroup of octogenarians who presented with acute coronary syndrome, mortality (15% vs. 3%, P < 0.001) and Q‐wave MI occurred more often. Multivariate analysis revealed age >80 (P = 0.008), cardiogenic shock (P < 0.001), Q‐wave MI at presentation (P = 0.003), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.003) to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: PCI with DES in octogenarians results in a similar reduction of restenosis rates when compared to patients <80 years. Yet in octogenarians who presented with acute coronary syndrome, incidence of mortality and Q‐wave MI at 6 months was higher as compared to younger patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.