bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PART V, NOTES ON CASTING ALL‐KAOLIN BODIES OF TRUE PORCELAIN AND CHINA TYPES
Authors: Hedquist A. J. , Gould R. E. , Wilson E. W.
Published: April 2007

Abstract

A description is given of the methods used in casting bodies in which the clay content consists of North Carolina and Florida kaolins and of the effect of various electrolytes on this type of body. The trouble was found to lie in the type of electrolyte used. Sodium carbonate and sodium silicate were unsuccessful, but sodium tannate and sodium gallate and various organic dispersing agents produced casting slips which appeared to have excellent commercial possibilities.
SOME STUDIES ON REACTIONS BETWEEN GLASSES AND PHOSPHATE SOLUTIONS*
Authors: Brown J. B. , Watts Arthur S.
Published: April 2007

Abstract

A technique is described for determining the durability of glass exposed to phosphate solutions. Inactivation of solutions exposed to glass is reported on the basis of time and temperature and is accompanied by solution (or peptization) of certain glass constituents, especially sodium, magnesium, and silicon. Small additions of sodium‐silicate to phosphate solutions cause, inactivation. If water is heated with powdered glass, any phosphate solution in which it is used will be inactive. One explanation for these phenomena is suggested.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PARTICLE SIZE WITHIN THE CLAY FRACTION*
Authors: Bray R. H.
Published: April 2007

Abstract

The method of Steele and Bradfield for the determination of particle‐size distribution, which gives five size fractions within the clay fraction, has been applied to some ceramic clays. Each clay is found to have a characteristic size‐distribution curve. Wide variations in size distribution within clays containing similar amounts of clay (< 1 μ material) are found. One of the possible practical uses of this type of study is in the blending of clays either to produce a new product having the desired qualities or to reproduce a natural clay.
A meta‐analysis of the placebo response in complementary and alternative medicine trials of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Dorn S. D. , Kaptchuk T. J. , Park J. B. , Nguyen L. T. , Canenguez K. , Nam B. H. , Woods K. B. , Conboy L. A. , Stason W. B. , Lembo A. J.
Published: April 2007

Abstract  Among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) enrolled in clinical trials of conventional medical therapy, the placebo response rate is high. IBS patients also frequently use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which may act through an ‘enhanced placebo effect’. The purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude of the placebo response rate in CAM trials for IBS and to identify factors that influence this response. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials of CAM therapies for IBS identified from MEDLINE/EMBASE/PsychLIT databases from 1970 to 2006. Placebo and active treatment response rates for global symptom improvement were assessed. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate of the placebo response rate was 42.6% (95% confidence interval, 38.0–46.5%). Significant heterogeneity existed across trials (range 15.0–72.2%, P < 0.00001). Higher placebo response rates correlated with a longer duration of treatment (r = 0.455, P = 0.05) and a greater number of office visits (r = 0.633, P = 0.03). Among IBS patients in CAM trials, the placebo response rate is high. That this rate is similar in magnitude to that seen in conventional medicine trials suggests that the placebo response is independent of the type of therapy used and that it is not particularly ‘enhanced’ in CAM trials.
Selective iNOS inhibition enhances spontaneous gallbladder motility in the Australian possum
Authors: Woods C. M. , Sandstrom P. , Bond M. , Michael M. , Svanvik J. , Toouli J. , Saccone G. T. P.
Published: April 2007

Abstract Gallbladder inflammation is a common and painful disease. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a major role in inflammatory diseases, and iNOS inhibitors are being developed as therapeutic agents. Reports are inconsistent regarding iNOS expression in normal gallbladder. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of iNOS inhibition on spontaneous gallbladder motility. mRNA extracted from normal possum gallbladders was analysed by PCR. Gallbladder contractility was evaluated using a highly selective iNOS inhibitor AR‐C102222AA (AR‐C) inin vitromuscle strips (0.1–10 000 μm) andin vivo(0.1–30 μmol kg−1) experiments. Gene expression analysis revealed the presence of iNOS mRNA in normal gallbladder (n = 3).In vitro, AR‐C (0.1–1000 μmol L−1) produced a concentration‐dependent increase in spontaneous gallbladder contractile activity and basal tension (P < 0.05;n = 6). The maximum effect was a 1.8‐fold increase in activity and 2.1‐fold increase in basal tension. Pretreatment of muscle strips with tetrodotoxin (1 μmol L−1) did not block the AR‐C‐induced response (n = 5).In vivo, AR‐C (30 μmol kg−1, i.v.) increased gallbladder contraction frequency (P < 0.05;n = 8). These data suggest that iNOS is continually expressed in the normal gallbladder, which presumably releases low levels of nitric oxide and in turn may modulate spontaneous gallbladder motility. AR‐C may be a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from acute cholecystitis.
The spectrum of cow's milk allergy
Authors: Eigenmann Philippe A.
Published: April 2007

Childhood cow's milk allergy is a diagnosis encompassing various syndromes. Antigen‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody interaction is classically involved in mast cell degranulation in IgE‐mediated food allergy, while non‐IgE mediated cow's milk allergy is mostly mediated by cellular mechanisms. The diagnosis of cow's milk allergy largely relies on a good knowledge of the clinical expression of the disease. In this educational review series, we describe three cases of cow's milk allergy, first a 7‐yr‐old girl with persisting IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy, second a 8‐month‐old boy with cow's milk induced flares of atopic dermatitis, and third a 6‐yr‐old boy with sheep and goat milk allergy, in the absence of cow's milk allergy. The cases are discussed and summarized with more general recommendations for the clinical management of cow's milk allergy.
Efficacy of donkey's milk in treating highly problematic cow's milk allergic children: An in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Monti Giovanna , Bertino Enrico , Muratore Maria Cristina , Coscia Alessandra , Cresi Francesco , Silvestro Leandra , Fabris Claudio , Fortunato Donatella , Giuffrida Maria Gabriella , Conti Amedeo
Published: April 2007

Successful therapy in cow's milk protein allergy rests on completely eliminating cow's milk proteins from the child's diet: it is thus necessary to provide a replacement food. This prospective study investigated tolerance of donkey's milk in a population of 46 selected children with cow's milk protein allergy, for whom it was not possible to use any cow's milk substitute. Thirty‐eight children (82.6%) liked and tolerated donkey's milk at the challenge and for the entire duration of follow‐up. Catch‐up growth was observed in all subjects with growth deficit during cow's milk proteins challenge. The degree of cross‐reactivity of immunoglobulin E (IgE) with donkey's milk proteins was very weak and aspecific. Donkey's milk was found to be a valid alternative to both IgE‐mediated and non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk proteins allergy, including in terms of palatability and weight‐height gain.
Two defined alleles of the LRR receptor kinase GmNARK in supernodulating soybean govern differing autoregulation of mycorrhization
Authors: Meixner Claudia , Vegvari Gyorgy , Ludwig‐Müller Jutta , Gagnon Hubert , Steinkellner Siegrid , Staehelin Christian , Gresshoff Peter , Vierheilig Horst
Published: April 2007

Plants regulate the extent of nodulation and root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a phenomenon named autoregulation of symbiosis. We tested AMF colonization in split roots of various soybean genotypes [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Bragg, Enrei, Harosoy and Williams], where precolonization of one side of the split‐root system by the AMF Glomus mosseae resulted in reduced mycorrhization of the other. AMF precolonization failed to control secondary mycorrhization in the supernodulating Bragg nonsense mutant nts1007 (Q106*), indicating that the GmNARK gene (predicted to encode a leucine‐rich repeats (LRR) receptor kinase related to CLAVATA1 in Arabidopsis) is involved in autoregulation of the AMF symbiosis. Here, we tested whether the allelic En6500 nonsense supernodulating mutant (GmNARK K606*, derived from cv. Enrei) and supernodulating mutants of cv. Williams (Nod1‐3 and Nod2‐4) with yet‐undefined genetic lesions exhibit a similar symbiotic phenotype in mycorrhizal split‐root systems. Surprisingly, these supernodulating mutants retained their ability to autoregulate AMF. To examine possible differences between two allelic mutants, we determined levels of IAA, abscisic acid, coumestrol, daidzein and genistein in mycorrhizal and uninoculated control roots. Compared with wild‐type plants, both mutants showed reduced IAA accumulation in mycorrhizal roots. Roots of cv. Enrei and En6500 exhibited high levels of isoflavonoids not seen in Bragg or nts1007. Taken together, these findings showed that supernodulation mutants, despite a common nodulation phenotype, differ in their ability to autoregulate AMF root colonization. This suggests either that the GmNARK gene product of some mutants is still partially functional (Q106* vs. K606*) or that varietal differences reflected in altered physiological responses suppress the loss of function.
OsEXPA4andOsRWC3are involved in asymmetric growth during gravitropic bending of rice leaf sheath bases
Authors: Hu Liwei , Cui Dayong , Neill Steven , Cai Weiming
Published: April 2007

Expression of an expansin gene (OsEXPA4) and a plasma membrane aquaporin (OsRWC3) were differentially induced in the abaxial (lower) side of rice leaf sheath bases during gravitropism. Expression of both of these genes was induced by GA3. β‐glucuronidase (GUS) activity in transgenic rice expressing a GUS reporter gene under the control of the gibberellin (GA)‐responsiveOsRWC3promoter was investigated during gravitropic curvature and found to be enhanced in the abaxial side of graviresponding leaf sheath bases. Ancymidol, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor, reduced the expression gradient ofOsEXPA4andOsRWC3. The osmotic potential was transiently lower on the abaxial side of gravistimulated leaf sheath bases, and the gravitropic curvature was inhibited by HgCl2and phloretin, two known inhibitors of aquaporins. These data suggest that asymmetric GA redistribution following gravistimulation results in the localized expression ofOsEXPA4andOsRWC3, that in turn might bring about differential cell wall loosening, cell expansion and water influx via aquaporins, thus leading to gravitropic bending.
Photosystem II damage induced by chemically generated singlet oxygen in tobacco leaves
Authors: Hideg Éva , Kós Péter B. , Vass Imre
Published: April 2007

In the present work, we investigated the role of chemically generated singlet oxygen, produced by photodynamic effect of rose bengal, in damaging the PSII complex in tobacco leaves in which protein synthesis‐dependent repair was inhibited by infiltration with lincomycin. A 30‐min exposure to low‐intensity (150 μmol m−2 s−1) photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) induced singlet oxygen production as detected by quenching of 3‐[N‐(β‐diethylaminoethyl)‐N‐dansyl]aminomethyl‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐2,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrole fluorescence in leaves infiltrated with both lincomycin and rose bengal. This light treatment caused photoinhibition of PSII, as revealed by the marked loss both of the photochemical yield and the amount of D1 protein in PSII reaction center. When rose bengal was not present in the leaves, these symptoms of photodamage were not induced by the same low‐intensity PAR. However, when excitation pressure on PSII was increased to 1500 μmol m−2 s−1, irreversible photodamage of PSII was also observed, showing that the lincomycin treatment applied in vivo was sufficiently inhibiting protein repair. Our results show that singlet oxygen is able to cause oxidative damage in PSII directly, as suggested earlier and argue against its recently hypothesized role exclusive to inhibiting PSII protein repair (Nishiyama et al. 2006).
Tramadol does not prolong the effect of ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml for axillary brachial plexus block
Authors: Kesimci E. , Izdes S. , Gozdemir M. , Kanbak O.
Published: April 2007

Background:  The aim of this prospective, randomized, double‐blind study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of tramadol to ropivacaine on the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, and duration of analgesia, for axillary brachial plexus block.

Methods:  After institutional approval and informed consent had been obtained, 45 patients scheduled for forearm or hand surgery under axillary brachial plexus block were randomly allocated into two groups. The ropivacaine group received 40 ml of ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml plus 2 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution, and the tramadol group received 40 ml of ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml plus 2 ml (100 mg) of tramadol. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block in the distribution of the musculocutaneous, radial, median and ulnar nerves, the duration of analgesia, the time to first pain medication, hemodynamics and side‐effects were recorded.

Results:  The addition of tramadol did not improve the speed of onset or increase the duration of sensory and motor block. The durations of analgesia were 631 ± 33 min and 633 ± 37 min (mean ± standard deviation) in the ropivacaine and tramadol groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters and side‐effects did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion:  The addition of 100 mg of tramadol to 7.5 mg/ml of ropivacaine, for axillary brachial plexus block, does not prolong the duration of motor and sensory block and analgesia.
Late dormant rapeseed oil treatment against black cherry aphid and cherry fruit moth in sweet cherries
Authors: Jaastad G.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Black cherry aphid [Myzus cerasi (Fabricius)] and cherry fruit moth [Argyresthia pruniella (Clerck)] are the main insect pests on sweet cherries in Norway. In this study, application of rapeseed oil alone and rapeseed oil mixed with pesticides were tested as a control method against overwintering eggs of both black cherry aphid and cherry fruit moth. Results showed that rapeseed oil applied at the late dormant stage significantly reduced damage by black cherry aphid. Efficiency of oil mixed with pesticides was higher, but only significant in three of seven trials. The efficiency of rapeseed oil against cherry fruit moth was low compared with what was achieved for black cherry aphid, but within the range that has been reported for other botanical pesticides. As for the black cherry aphid, adding pesticides to oil decreased damage by the cherry fruit moth. Timing of treatment and effect of temperature were discussed.
Insecticidal activity influence of destruxins on the pathogenicity of Paecilomyces javanicus against Spodoptera litura
Authors: Hu Q.‐B. , Ren S.‐X. , An X.‐C. , Qian M.‐H.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The bioactivities of destruxins (dtx), depsipeptides isolated from Metarhizium anisopliae, against Spodoptera litura were tested in laboratory. For contacting toxicities, dtx‐E was more effective than dtx‐A and dtx‐B. The LC50s values of dtx‐A, B and E were 197.98, 292.00 and 113.99 mg/l at 48 h after treatment, while the LT50s were 42.65, 59.45 and 23.68 h at 300 mg/l. In the experiment of antifeedant activity, dtx‐A, dtx‐B and dtx‐E at five concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 mg/l) were bioassayed. Destruxins in a dose‐dependent manner gave an apparent antifeedant activity. Generally, dtx‐A, over dtx‐B and dtx‐E had the significant (P < 0.05) larger choice and no‐choice antifeedant indexes (CAIs and NCAIs). At the concentration of 200 mg/l, the CAIs or NCAIs of dtx‐A, dtx‐B and dtx‐E were 96.78, 84.93 and 85.90 or 89.75, 62.42 and 72.28 respectively. Furthermore, the synergistic activity of crude destruxin (CD) for pathogenicity of Paecilomyces javanicus strain Pj01 was detected. The LC50s values of single Pj01 and the mixtures of Pj01 plus CD at 100 or 200 mg/l (Pj01‐CD100 or Pj01‐CD200) were respectively 474.63 × 105, and 197.45 × 105 or 113.11 × 105 spores/ml at the fifth day after treated. Meanwhile, Pj01, Pj01‐CD100 and Pj01‐CD200 gave the LT50s values of 6.99 day, 5.49 day and 4.21 day at 100 × 105 spores/ml. Clearly, dtx decreased the values of LC50 and LT50 of the strain Pj01.
Temperature‐sensitive eye colour mutation in the parasitoid fly Exorista japonica Townsend (Dipt.: Tachinidae)
Authors: Ichiki R. , Nakahara Y. , Kainoh Y. , Nakamura S.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  An eye colour mutation was found in the tachinid fly Exorista japonica Townsend, and we established an isogenic line of the mutant. The phenotype of the mutant is red eye in adults; this can be clearly distinguished from the brown‐eyed phenotype of the wild type. Crossing experiments demonstrated that the mutant phenotype is controlled by a single autosomal recessive allele. As rearing temperature during the puparial stage rose, eye colour became lighter in the mutant but did not change in the wild type, indicating that the phenotype of the mutant is temperature dependent. No differences in the percentages of egg eclosion, pupariation and adult emergence were observed between the mutant and the wild type. This mutant of E. japonica– the first in the Tachinidae to be described – could be a useful marker in the laboratory experiments to test for paternity in multiple mating and to examine intraspecific competition.
INDUCTION OF CYP3A IN PRIMARY CULTURES OF HUMAN HEPATOCYTES BY GINKGOLIDES A AND B
Authors: He Nu , Cai Hong‐Bo , Xie Hong‐Guang , Collins Xavior , Edeki Timi I , Strom Stephen C
Published: April 2007

The present study was designed to determine the effects of ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B and quercetin on CYP3A protein expression and enzyme activity in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.

Hepatocytes were pretreated with ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B and quercetin (at 1, 3, 10 and 30 µmol/L) for 48 h and then exposed to testosterone (250 µmol/L) for 30 min. Rifampin (10 µmol/L) and phenobarbital (2 mmol/L) were used as positive controls. The CYP3A activity was measured by the amount of 6β‐hydroxytestosterone in the culture medium and CYP3A protein in hepatocyte lysate was semiquantified by immunoblotting.

Compared with the vehicle control, ginkgolides A and B, at 30 µmol/L, significantly induced CYP3A protein expression (2.1‐ and 2‐fold, respectively; both P < 0.01) and markedly induced CYP3A‐mediated testosterone 6β‐hydroxylation (2.5‐fold each; P < 0.05 for ginkgolide A; P > 0.05 for ginkgolide B). Quercetin had no apparent induction.

Ginkgolide A and ginkgolide B can induce CYP3A protein expression and enzyme activity in primary cultures of human hepatocytes at higher doses.
TOCOLYTIC EFFECT OF PARECOXIB, A NEW PARENTERAL CYCLO‐OXYGENASE‐2‐SPECIFIC INHIBITOR, ON THE SPONTANEOUS AND PROSTAGLANDIN‐INDUCED CONTRACTIONS OF RAT ISOLATED MYOMETRIUM
Authors: Ayar A
Published: April 2007

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of parecoxib, a novel cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor, on spontaneous and prostaglandin‐induced contractions of uterine smooth muscle.

Non‐pregnant adult Wistar rats were decapitated and dissected to isolate myometrial strips. The tissue was mounted in 5 mL organ baths filled with Krebs’ solution that was maintained at 37°C and bubbled continuously with a mixture of 95% O2–5% CO2 to give pH 7.4. Contractions were recorded through transducers for isometric tension recording. The dose‐dependent effects of parecoxib on contractility were quantified by changes in the mean amplitude, frequency and area under the contractile curve (AUC; percentage of control conditions) of the isometric tension recordings, averaged over 5 min intervals. Statistical analyses were performed using anova.

Application of parecoxib (50–900 µmol/L) caused dose‐dependent decreases in mean amplitude, mean frequency and mean AUC of both spontaneous and prostaglandin‐induced contractions. Mean percentage inhibition of the AUC of spontaneous contractions was found to be 29, 56, 74 and 84% in the presence of 50, 150, 300 and 600 µmol/L parecoxib, resepctively (n = 8). In the case of prostaglandin (PG) F2α‐induced contractions, 100, 300, 600 and 900 µmol/L parecoxib resulted in a 27, 43, 61 and 73% inhibition, respectively (n = 9). Moreover, pretreatment with parecoxib (600 µmol/L) reduced the responsiveness and maximum contractility to PGF2α compared with non‐treated strips.

The data from the present study indicate, for the first time, that parecoxib inhibits spontaneous and prostaglandin‐induced contractions of rat myometrium in vitro. These results raise the possibility that parecoxib may be of therapeutic use in the management of preterm labour and dysmenorrhoea.
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF PEROXYNITRITE
Authors: Uppu Rao M , Nossaman Bobby D , Greco Anthony J , Fokin Alex , Murthy Subramanyam N , Fonseca Vivian A , Kadowitz Philip J
Published: April 2007

Peroxynitrite (PN) is formed in biological systems from the reaction of nitric oxide (·NO) with superoxide (·) and both exist as free radicals. By itself, PN is not a free radical, but it can generate nitrogen dioxide (·NO2) and carbonate radical (·) upon reaction with CO2.

The reaction of CO2constitutes a major pathway for the disposition of PN producedin vivoand this is based on the rapid reaction of PN anion with CO2and the availability of CO2in both intra‐ and extracellular fluids. The free radicals ·NO2and·, in combination with ·NO, generated from nitric oxide synthase, can bring about oxidation of critical biological targets resulting in tissue injury. However, the reactions of ·NO2,· and ·NO with carbohydrates, protein and non‐protein thiols, phenols, indoles and uric acid could result in the formation of a number of nitration and nitrosation products in the vasculature. These products serve as long‐acting ·NO donors and, therefore, contribute to vasorelaxant properties, protective effects on the heart, inhibition of leucocyte–endothelial cell interactions and reduction of reperfusion injury.

Herein, we review the chemistry of PN, the observations that the effects of PN could be mediated by formation of an ·NO donor‐like substance and review the physiological and beneficial effects of PN.
NITRIC OXIDE AND SUPEROXIDE INTERACTIONS IN THE KIDNEY AND THEIR IMPLICATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SALT‐SENSITIVE HYPERTENSION
Authors: Majid Dewan SA , Kopkan Libor
Published: April 2007

Enhanced superoxide () activity as a result of the inhibition of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme results in vasoconstrictor and antinatriuretic responses in the canine kidney; these responses were shown to be greatly enhanced during inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Glomerular filtration rate remained mostly unchanged during SOD inhibition in the intact nitric oxide (NO) condition, but was markedly reduced during NOS inhibition. These findings indicate that endogenous NO has a major renoprotective effect against by acting as an anti‐oxidant. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition was also shown to enhance endogenous activity.

Experiments in our laboratory using dogs, rats and gene knockout mice have shown that renal vasoconstrictor and antinatriuretic responses to acute or chronic angiotensin (Ang) II administration are mediated, in part, by generation. In the absence of NO, enhanced activity largely contributes to AngII‐induced renal tubular sodium reabsorption. Acute or chronic treatment with the scavenger tempol in experimental models of hypertension (induced by chronic low‐dose treatment with AngII and NO inhibitors) causes an improvement in renal haemodynamics and in excretory function, abolishes salt sensitivity and reduces blood pressure.

The present mini review also discusses related studies from many other laboratories implicating a role for and its interaction with NO in the development of salt‐sensitive hypertension.

Overall, the collective data support the hypothesis that an imbalance between the production of NO and in the kidney primarily determines the condition of oxidative stress that alters renal haemodynamics and excretory function leading to sodium retention and, thus, contributes to the development of salt‐sensitive hypertension.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN OXIDATIVE STRESS AND THE IMPACT ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Authors: Sartori‐Valinotti Julio C , Iliescu Radu , Fortepiani Lourdes A , Yanes Licy L , Reckelhoff Jane F
Published: April 2007

In the present review, we addressed studies in humans and rats to determine the role that oxidative stress may play in mediating cardiovascular outcomes.

Biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress in both humans and spontaneously hypertensive rats gives equivocal results as to the relative levels in males versus females. Clinical trials with anti‐oxidants in humans have not shown consistent results in protecting against detrimental cardiovascular outcomes. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), blockade studies using tempol or apocynin reduce renal oxidative stress and blood pressure in male SHR, but not in female rats. In addition, increasing oxidative stress with molsidomine increases blood pressure in male, but not female, SHR. Treatment with vitamins E and C reduces blood pressure in young male, but not aged, animals. Furthermore tempol is unable to reduce blood pressure in young male SHR in the absence of a functional nitric oxide system.

Neither human nor animal studies are consistent in terms of whether oxidative stress levels are higher in males or females. Furthermore, anti‐oxidant therapy in humans often does not ameliorate, or even attenuate, the negative cardiovascular consequences of increased oxidative stress. Our studies in SHR shed light on why these outcomes occur.
The Organizational Life of an Idea: Integrating Social Network, Creativity and Decision‐Making Perspectives*
Authors: Kijkuit Bob , Van Den Ende Jan
Published: April 2007

abstract  Existing theories on the influence of social networks on creativity focus on idea generation. Conversely, the new product development literature concentrates more on the selection of ideas and projects. In this paper we bridge this gap by developing a dynamic framework for the role of social networks from idea generation to selection. We apply findings from creativity and behavioural decision‐making literature and present an in‐depth understanding of the sociological processes in the front‐end of the new product development process. Our framework builds on the importance of mutual understanding, sensemaking and consensus formation. The propositions focus on both network structure and content and highlight the need to have strong ties and prior related knowledge, to incorporate decision makers, and to move over time from a large, non‐redundant and heterogeneous to a smaller and more cohesive network structure. We conclude with a discussion on empirical validation of the framework and possible extensions.
Do targets of workplace bullying portray a general victim personality profile?
Authors: GLASØ LARS , MATTHIESEN STIG BERGE , NIELSEN MORTEN BIRKELAND , EINARSEN STÅLE
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study is to examine differences in personality between a group of bullied victims and a non‐bullied group. The 144 participants, comprising of 72 victims and a matched contrast group of 72 respondents, completed Goldberg's (1999) International Personality Item Pool (IPIP). Significant differences emerged between victims and non‐victims on four out of five personality dimensions. Victims tended to be more neurotic and less agreeable, conscientious and extravert than non‐victims. However, a cluster analysis revealed that the victim sample can be divided into two personality groups. One cluster, which comprised 64% of the victim sample, do not differ from non‐victims as far as personality is concerned. Hence, the results indicate that there is no such thing as a general victim personality profile. However, a small cluster of victims tended to be less extrovert, less agreeable, less conscientious, and less open to experience but more emotional unstable than victims in the major cluster and the control group. Further, both clusters of victims scored higher than non‐victims on emotional instability, indicating that personality should not be neglected as being a factor in understanding the bullying phenomenon.
Influence of object size on baseline identification, priming, and explicit memory
Authors: UTTL BOB , GRAF PETER , SIEGENTHALER AMY L.
Published: April 2007

We investigated the influence of size on identification, priming, and explicit memory for color photos of common objects. Participants studied objects displayed in small, medium, and large sizes and memory was assessed with both implicit identification and explicit recognition tests. Overall, large objects were easier to identify than small objects and study‐to‐test changes in object size impeded performance on explicit but not implicit memory tests. In contrast to previous findings with line‐drawings of objects but consistent with predictions from the distance‐as‐filtering hypothesis, we found that study‐test size manipulations had large effects on old/new recognition memory test for objects displayed in large size at test but not for objects displayed small or medium at test. Our findings add to the growing body of literature showing that the findings obtained using line‐drawings of objects do not necessarily generalize to color photos of common objects. We discuss implications of our findings for theories of object perception, memory, and eyewitness identification accuracy for objects.
Factors associated with the mental health of adolescents when a parent has cancer
Authors: LINDQVIST B. , SCHMITT F. , SANTALAHTI P. , ROMER G. , PIHA J.
Published: April 2007

This study explored factors associated with the mental health in adolescents (ages 11–17;n = 54) within 12 months after a parent had been diagnosed with cancer. A control group was included (ages 11–17;n = 49). A demographic questionnaire, the SF‐8TMHealth Survey, the Youth Self Report and the McMaster Family Assessment Device were used. Similar levels of psychological distress and healthy family functioning were reported in the clinical and the control group. No effect of gender of the ill parent and that of the adolescent was found. A negative correlation was found between the physical health of the ill parent and the mental health of the adolescent. Healthy family functioning correlated with less psychological distress in adolescents with a parent with cancer. Open communication, flexible problem solving and appropriate affective involvement were significant predictors for less psychological distress in the adolescents. The study concludes that a healthy family functioning facilitated the adolescent's adjustment to parental cancer.
Empathy, guilt, and gender: A comparison of two measures of guilt
Authors: SILFVER MIA , HELKAMA KLAUS
Published: April 2007

The relations of empathy with two measures of guilt were examined in a sample of 13‐ to 16‐year‐olds (N= 113). Empathy was measured using Davis's IRI and guilt by Tangney's TOSCA and Hoffman's semi‐projective story completion method that includes two different scenarios, guilt over cheating and guilt over inaction. Empathy correlated more strongly with both measures of guilt than the two measures correlated with each other. For boys, cognitive perspective‐taking was a stronger predictor for guilt than for girls. Hoffman's guilt over inaction was more strongly associated with empathy measures in girls than in boys, whereas for guilt over cheating the pattern was the opposite. The results indicate that boys and girls may emphasize different aspects of morality.
Muslim Converts in Prison
Authors: SPALEK BASIA , EL‐HASSAN SALAH
Published: April 2007

Abstract: There has been something of a moral panic about individuals converting to Islam whilst incarcerated. A number of newspaper articles have suggested that within prisons there is a potentially toxic mix of extremist ideology and a criminal past. This article presents the results of a study exploring conversion to Islam within two prisons in England. The main findings suggest that for those individuals who convert to Islam in English prisons Islam provides them with a moral framework from which to rebuild their lives. As such, the positive work carried out by prison Imams needs to be supported more fully, particularly when resettling individuals who are newly released from jail. At the same time, Islam seems to help prisoners to cope more positively with the prison environment, reducing their propensity to aggression and violence.
Could a cervical occlusion suture be effective at improving perinatal outcome?
Authors: Noori M , Helmig RB , Hein M , Steer PJ
Published: April 2007

Cervical weakness and infection have long been regarded as major causes of preterm birth. Cervical cerclage has been used extensively to reduce the risk of preterm birth arising as a result of cervical weakness, but increasing evidence suggests that the cervix plays more than just a mechanical role. Immunological function of the cervix and mucus plug is thought to be important in minimising the ingress of microbes, which can lead to chorioamnionitis and rupture of the amniotic membranes. In this review, we examine the background of traditional cervical cerclage and introduce the concept of the occlusion suture and its potential benefit in reducing the risk of recurrent preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.
Safety of benzyl benzoate lotion and permethrin in pregnancy: a retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Mytton OT , McGready R , Lee SJ , Roberts CH , Ashley EA , Carrara VI , Thwai KL , Jay MP , Wiangambun T , Singhasivanon P , Nosten F
Published: April 2007

Objective  To assess the safety of benzyl benzoate lotion (BBL) and permethrin, topical treatments for scabies, during pregnancy.

Design  A retrospective controlled cohort study.

Population  Refugee and migrant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) on the Thai–Burmese border between August 1993 and April 2006.

Methods  Women treated with either BBL (25%) or permethrin (4%) were identified from a manual search of antenatal records. Each case of scabies was matched with four scabies‐free controls for gravidity, age, smoking status, malaria, period of treatment and gestational age at treatment. Conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios for outcomes of pregnancy (proportion of abortions, congenital abnormalities, neonatal deaths, stillbirths and premature babies), mean birthweight and estimated median gestational age, for scabies and scabies‐free women, independently for BBL and permethrin.

Results  There were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between women who were treated with either BBL (n= 444) compared with their matched controls (n= 1,776) or permethrin (n= 196) treated women and their matched controls (n= 784). Overall, only 10.9% (n= 66) of treatments were in the first trimester. Retreatment rates were higher with BBL 16.4%, than permethrin 9.7%, P= 0.038. Scabies was more common during cooler periods.

Conclusion  We found no evidence of adverse effects on pregnancy outcome due to topical 25% BBL or 4% permethrin.
The diagnostic accuracy of external pelvimetry and maternal height to predict dystocia in nulliparous women: a study in Cameroon
Authors: Rozenholc AT , Ako SN , Leke RJ , Boulvain M
Published: April 2007

Objective  In many developing countries, most women deliver at home or in facilities without operative capability. Identification before labour of women at risk of dystocia and timely referral to a district hospital for delivery is one strategy to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to assess the prediction of dystocia by the combination of maternal height with external pelvimetry, and with foot length and symphysis‐fundus height.

Design  A prospective cohort study.

Setting  Three maternity units in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Population  A total of 807 consecutive nulliparous women at term who completed a trial of labour and delivered a single fetus in vertex presentation.

Methods  Anthropometric measurements were recorded at the antenatal visit by a researcher and concealed from the staff managing labour. After delivery, the accuracy of individual and combined measurements in the prediction of dystocia was analysed.

Main outcome measures  Dystocia, defined as caesarean section for dystocia; vacuum or forceps delivery after a prolonged labour (>12 hours); or spontaneous delivery after a prolonged labour associated with intrapartum death.

Results  Ninety‐eight women (12.1%) had dystocia. The combination of a maternal height less than or equal to the 5th percentile or a transverse diagonal of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area less than or equal to the 10th percentile resulted in a sensitivity of 53.1% (95% CI 42.7–63.2), a specificity of 92.0% (95% CI 89.7–93.9), a positive predictive value of 47.7% (95% CI 38.0–57.5) and a positive likelihood ratio of 6.6 (95% CI 4.8–9.0), with 13.5% of all women presumed to be at risk. Other combinations resulted in inferior prediction.

Conclusion  The combination of the maternal height with the transverse diagonal of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area could identify, before labour, more than half of the cases of dystocia in nulliparous women.
Eleven new microsatellite markers for the tropical sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla and cross‐amplification in Tripneustes ventricosa
Authors: CARLON DAVID B. , LIPPÉ CATHERINE
Published: April 2007

We describe the isolation, characterization, and application of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the tropical sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla. We genotyped a total of 73 individuals in three subpopulations (two in Hawaii, and one in the Philippines) and found between eight and 33 alleles per locus. We found significant heterozygote deficits within at least one subpopulation at seven out of 11 loci. We were successful at cross‐amplifying four loci in the congeneric Tripneustes ventricosus. When used appropriately, this set of loci will be useful for quantifying population structure in Tripneustes urchins across broad geographical ranges.
Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Authors: PAUSE KIMBERLY C. , NOURISSON CORALIE , CLARK ANNMARIE , KELLOGG MARGARET E. , BONDE ROBERT K. , McGUIRE PETER M.
Published: April 2007

Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) are marine mammals that inhabit the coastal waters and rivers of the southeastern USA, primarily Florida. Previous studies have shown that Florida manatees have low mitochondrial DNA variability, suggesting that nuclear DNA loci are necessary for discriminatory analyses. Here we report 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci with an average of 4.2 alleles per locus, and average heterozygosity of 50.1%. These loci have been developed for use in population studies, parentage assignment, and individual identification.
Isolation of 10 microsatellite markers in Crepidula coquimbensis (Gastropod, Calyptraeideae) for parentage analyses
Authors: DAGUIN CLAIRE , BRANTE ANTONIO , FERNANDEZ MIRIAM , VIARD FRÉDÉRIQUE
Published: April 2007

Marine invertebrates show a high diversity of embryonic developmental modes and reproductive behaviour. However, little is known about the factors that are promoting the evolution of different strategies. The gastropod Crepidula coquimbensis has a direct embryonic development with encapsulated embryos showing a cannibalistic behaviour. Preliminary observations suggest that victim embryos are not randomly chosen. With intracapsular multipaternity, the intensity of cannibalism might vary according to the relatedness of the siblings. Paternity analyses based on highly polymorphic markers can provide valuable insights into this cannibalism behaviour. Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were thus developed: the level of polymorphism is large enough to perform paternity analysis and investigate relatedness in this species.
New Initiatives on Comparison of Whole‐field Experimental and Numerical Results
Authors: Ravichandran M. , Karthick Babu P. R. D. , Rao V. , Ramesh K.
Published: April 2007

Abstract: A simple approach to plot photoelastic fringes in grey scale and also in colour from finite element (FE) results is presented for better recognition and comparison with experiments. This requires proper identification of the plotting variable from FE results. For comparison with transmission photoelasticity, post‐processing of principal stress difference is needed and for reflection photoelasticity the principal strain difference is to be used. The importance of the use of appropriate correction factors for comparison with reflection photoelastic results is emphasised. A newer approach to evaluate Rf for complicated geometries is indicated. Plotting of experimental fringes from finite elements is useful not only for validating the numerical model based on experiments but also for validating the experiments. To illustrate this, the problem of an interfacial crack in a bi‐material Brazilian disc is discussed.
Application of Stereovision to the Mechanical Characterisation of Ceramic Refractories Reinforced with Metallic Fibres
Authors: Orteu J.‐J. , Cutard T. , Garcia D. , Cailleux E. , Robert L.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Optical methods that yield displacement or strain fields are now emerging significantly in the mechanical sciences. At the Research Center on Tools, Materials and Forming Processes (CROMeP) at École des Mines d'Albi, a binocular stereovision system has been developed that can be used to measure: (a) the three‐dimensional (3D) shape of a static object, or (b) the surface strains of an object undergoing some 3D mechanical or thermal stress. In this paper, the application of the stereovision technique to investigate the behaviour of ceramic refractories reinforced with metallic fibres is presented: (i) after the rupture of the sample for assessing the 3D orientation of the fibres in order to correlate a micro‐mechanical model of fibre pullout with the macro‐mechanical results of tensile tests, and (ii) during a tensile test for measuring the 3D displacement/strain field around a notch.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Chagas' Disease
Authors: Rochitte Carlos Eduardo , Nacif Marcelo Souto , De Oliveira Júnior Amarino Carvalho , Siqueira‐Batista Rodrigo , Marchiori Edson , Uellendahl Marly , De Lourdes Higuchi Maria
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease [CD]) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic in Latin America, where it is one of the leading causes of death. The involvement of the heart is crucial in the patients' prognosis. Besides lymphocytic myocarditis, cardiomyopathy is associated with several degrees of myocardial fibrosis (MF). Myocardial delayed enhancement by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been considered the most accurate method to detect MF in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy, including Chagas' heart disease. Additionally, CMR offers a wide variety of imaging tools to evaluate in detail morphology, the function and other tissue characterization abilities, such as detection of edema and fat. The present article aims to discuss the current clinical applicability of CMR to evaluate CD. We also discuss its future as a screening tool for very early myocardial involvement, which would allow the investigation of new therapeutic methods with potential influence in the natural history of CD.
Allogenous Bone Grafts Improved by Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Platelet Growth Factors: Clinical Case Reports
Authors: Cerruti Humberto Filho , Kerkis Irina , Kerkis Alexandre , Tatsui Nelson Hidekazu , Da Costa Neves Adriana , Bueno Daniela Franco , Da Silva Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  In order to increase the amount of available bone where dental implants must be placed, the present study has associated platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and mononuclear cells (MNCs) from bone marrow aspirate and bone scaffold (BS) in 32 patients aged between 45 and 75 years old. The MNC attainment and the adherence to the BS were confirmed through histology, cell culture, and scanning electron microscopy. The clinical results, analyzed by computed tomography, have showed that the scaffolds were well integrated and adapted to the cortical bone. We can conclude that the process of healing observed in the patients was due to the presence of mesenchymal stem cell in MNC fraction in the bone grafts.
Lyophilized Bovine Pericardium Treated With a Phenethylamine‐Diepoxide as an Alternative to Preventing Calcification of Cardiovascular Bioprosthesis: Preliminary Calcification Results
Authors: Aimoli Cassiano G. , Nogueira Grínia M. , Nascimento Leandro S. , Baceti André , Leirner Adolfo A. , Maizato Marina J.S. , Higa Olga Z. , Polakiewicz Bronislaw , Pitombo Ronaldo N.M. , Beppu Marisa M.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  This study investigated the calcification process that occurred on chemically treated bovine pericardium substrata through tests with simulated body fluid solutions. The use of bovine pericardium bioprosthetic valves in heart valve surgery has a significant drawback due to the calcification processes. Thus, many routes such as chemical treatments in the substratum or the adoption of systemic therapies are considered in the literature with the intention to inhibit or to decelerate this process. The presented treatment using the two different phenetylamine‐diepoxide solutions showed no effects on calcification experiments as showed by the tests. However, the lyophilized bovine pericardium samples, treated with both solutions, did not show any detectable phosphate deposits. The lyophilization of bovine pericardium before chemical treatments with cross‐link agents as epoxy compounds may be an alternative to the conventional calcification prevention methods, but further investigations are recommended to check if the same behavior is found in all lyophilized systems.
Pulse Pressure Respiratory Variation as an Early Marker of Cardiac Output Fall in Experimental Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Westphal Glauco , Garrido Alejandra del Pilar Gallardo , De Almeida Daniela Paoli , Rocha e Silva Maurício , Poli‐de‐Figueiredo Luiz Francisco
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Pulse pressure (ΔPp) and systolic pressure (ΔPs) variations have been recommended as predictors of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that changes in ΔPp and ΔPs parallel alterations in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) during hemorrhage, shock, and resuscitation. In anesthetized and mechanically ventilated mongrel dogs, a graded hemorrhage (20 mL/min) was induced to a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg, which was maintained for additional 30 min. Total shed‐blood volume was then retransfused at a 40 mL/min rate. CO, SV, right atrial pressure (RAP), pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), and continuous mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) were assessed. Both ΔPp and ΔPs were calculated from direct arterial pressure waveform. Removal of about 9% of estimated blood volume promoted a reduction in SV (14.8 ± 2.2 to 10.6 ±  1.3 mL, P < 0.05). At ∼18% blood volume removal, significant changes in CO (2.4 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 mL/min, P <  0.05), ΔPp (12.6 ± 1.4 to 15.8 ± 2.0%, P < 0.05), and SvO2 (82 ± 1.4 to 73 ± 1.7%, P < 0.05) were observed. Alterations in MAP, RAP, PAOP, and ΔPs could be detected only after each animal had lost over 36% of estimated initial blood volume. There was correlation between blood volume loss and SV, CO, and SvO2, as well as between blood loss and MAP, ΔPp, and ΔPs. Blood volume loss showed no correlation with cardiac filling pressures. ΔPp is a useful, early marker of SV and CO for the assessment of cardiac preload changes in hemorrhagic shock, while cardiac filling pressures are not.