bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Tools for Investigating the Comparative Biology of Caenorhabditis briggsae and C. elegans
Authors: Zhao Zhongying , Flibotte Stephane , Murray John I , Blick Daniel , Boyle Thomas J , Gupta Bhagwati , Moerman Donald G , Waterston Robert H
Published: December 2009

Comparative studies of Caenorhabditis briggsae and C. elegans have provided insights into gene function and developmental control in both organisms. C. elegans is a well developed model organism with a variety of molecular and genetic tools to study gene functions. In contrast, there are only very limited tools available for its closest relative, C. briggsae. To take advantage of the full potential of this comparative approach, we have developed several genetic and molecular tools to facilitate functional analysis in C. briggsae. First, we designed and implemented an SNP-based oligonucleotide microarray for rapid mapping of genetic mutants in C. briggsae. Second, we generated a mutagenized frozen library to permit the isolation of targeted deletions and used the library to recover a deletion mutant of cbr-unc-119 for use as a transgenic marker. Third, we used the cbr-unc-119 mutant in ballistic transformation and generated fluorescently labeled strains that allow automated lineaging and cellular resolution expression analysis. Finally, we demonstrated the potential of automated lineaging by profiling expression of egl-5, hlh-1, and pha-4 at cellular resolution and by detailed phenotyping of the perturbations on the Wnt signaling pathway. These additions to the experimental toolkit for C. briggsae should greatly increase its utility in comparative studies with C. elegans. With the emerging sequence of nematode species more closely related to C. briggsae, these tools may open novel avenues of experimentation in C. briggsae itself.
Drosophila Raf's N Terminus Contains a Novel Conserved Region and Can Contribute to Torso RTK Signaling
Authors: Ding Jian , Tchaicheeyan Oren , Ambrosio Linda
Published: December 2009

Drosophila Raf (DRaf) contains an extended N terminus, in addition to three conserved regions (CR1–CR3); however, the function(s) of this N-terminal segment remains elusive. In this article, a novel region within Draf's N terminus that is conserved in BRaf proteins of vertebrates was identified and termed conserved region N-terminal (CRN). We show that the N-terminal segment can play a positive role(s) in the Torso receptor tyrosine kinase pathway in vivo, and its contribution to signaling appears to be dependent on the activity of Torso receptor, suggesting this N-terminal segment can function in signal transmission. Circular dichroism analysis indicates that DRaf's N terminus (amino acids 1–117) including CRN (amino acids 19–77) is folded in vitro and has a high content of helical secondary structure as predicted by proteomics tools. In yeast two-hybrid assays, stronger interactions between DRaf's Ras binding domain (RBD) and the small GTPase Ras1, as well as Rap1, were observed when CRN and RBD sequences were linked. Together, our studies suggest that DRaf's extended N terminus may assist in its association with the upstream activators (Ras1 and Rap1) through a CRN-mediated mechanism(s) in vivo.
Motavizumab for Prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in High-Risk Children: A Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Carbonell-Estrany Xavier , Simões Eric A.F. , Dagan Ron , Hall Caroline B. , Harris Brian , Hultquist Micki , Connor Edward M. , Losonsky Genevieve A. ,   for the Motavizumab Study Group
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: Palivizumab reduces respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization in children at high risk by ∼50% compared with placebo. We compared the efficacy and safety of motavizumab, an investigational monoclonal antibody with enhanced anti-RSV activity in preclinical studies, with palivizumab.

METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, multinational, phase 3, noninferiority trial assessed safety and RSV hospitalization in 6635 preterm infants aged ≤6 months at enrollment or children aged ≤24 months with chronic lung disease of prematurity who received 15 mg/kg palivizumab or motavizumab monthly. Secondary end points included outpatient medically attended lower respiratory tract infections (MALRIs), RSV-specific LRIs, otitis media, antibiotic use, development of antimotavizumab antibodies, and motavizumab serum concentrations.

RESULTS: Motavizumab recipients had a 26% relative reduction in RSV hospitalization compared with palivizumab recipients, achieving noninferiority. Motavizumab was superior to palivizumab for reduction of RSV-specific outpatient MALRIs (50% relative reduction). Overall, adverse events (AEs) were not significantly different between groups. Cutaneous events were reported in 2 percentage points more motavizumab recipients (7.2% vs 5.1%); most were mild, but 0.3% resulted in dosing discontinuation. Antidrug antibodies (ADA) were detected in 1.8% of motavizumab recipients. Patients with anti-drug antibody reported 6 RSV events and 17 cutaneous events.

CONCLUSIONS: Children receiving prophylaxis with motavizumab or palivizumab had low rates of RSV hospitalization; motavizumab recipients experienced 50% fewer RSV MALRIs than palivizumab recipients. AEs were similar in both groups, although cutaneous AEs were higher for motavizumab recipients. Motavizumab may offer an improved alternative in prophylaxis for serious RSV disease in infants and children at high risk.
Effect of Domperidone on the Composition of Preterm Human Breast Milk
Authors: Campbell-Yeo Marsha L. , Allen Alexander C. , Joseph K. S. , Ledwidge Joyce M. , Caddell Kim , Allen Victoria M. , Dooley Kent C.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: Domperidone is increasingly prescribed to improve breast milk volume despite a lack of evidence regarding its effects on breast milk composition. We examined the effect of domperidone on the nutrient composition of breast milk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six mothers who had delivered infants at <31 weeks' gestation, who experienced lactation failure, were randomly assigned to receive domperidone or placebo for 14 days. Protein, energy, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, calcium, and phosphate levels in breast milk were measured on days 0, 4, 7, and 14, serum prolactin levels were measured on days 0, 4, and 14, and total milk volume was recorded daily. Mean within-subject changes in nutrients and milk volumes were examined.

RESULTS: Maternal and infant characteristics, serum prolactin level, and breast milk volume and composition were not significantly different between domperidone and placebo groups on day 0. By day 14, breast milk volumes increased by 267% in the domperidone-treated group and by 18.5% in the placebo group (P = .005). Serum prolactin increased by 97% in the domperidone group and by 17% in the placebo group (P = .07). Mean breast milk protein declined by 9.6% in the domperidone group and increased by 3.6% in the placebo group (P = .16). Changes in energy, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and phosphate content were also not significantly different between groups. Significant increases were observed in breast milk carbohydrate (2.7% vs −2.7%; P = .05) and calcium (61.8% vs −4.4%; P = .001) in the domperidone versus placebo groups. No significant adverse events were observed among mothers or infants.

CONCLUSION: Domperidone increases the volume of breast milk of preterm mothers experiencing lactation failure, without substantially altering the nutrient composition.
Pediatric Specialists' Beliefs About Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Premature Infants
Authors: Golski Catherine A. , Rome Ellen S. , Martin Richard J. , Frank Scott H. , Worley Sarah , Sun Zhiyuan , Hibbs Anna Maria
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Wide variation exists in the treatment of suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in premature infants; it is unknown to what degree diagnosis and treatment are affected by the treating physician's medical specialty or interpretation of the medical literature.

METHODS: This study involved an online survey of board-certified neonatologists, pediatric pulmonologists, and pediatric gastroenterologists about their beliefs regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD in premature infants in the NICU on the basis of both clinical impression and interpretation of the literature.

RESULTS: A total of 1021 neonatologists, 232 pediatric pulmonologists, and 222 pediatric gastroenterologists participated in the study (47.5% response rate). There was disagreement among specialists in nearly all aspects of the survey. Pulmonologists were most likely to report that respiratory symptoms are caused by GERD (P < .001). Neonatologists were least likely to report that a therapeutic trial of pharmacologic agents would be useful for diagnosing GERD (P < .001) or that lansoprazole, ranitidine, or cimetidine are safe or effective (P < .001). No pharmacologic therapy had >50% of respondents supporting its effectiveness. There was moderate correlation between physician belief based on the medical literature and belief based on clinical impression (Spearman rank correlation: 0.47–0.75). For therapies supported by multiple meta-analyses in infants versus therapies with few infant trials, physicians rated the evidence for effectiveness similarly.

CONCLUSIONS: There is wide variation among pediatric specialists regarding beliefs about GERD in premature infants, as well as about the weight of evidence in the medical literature for this patient population. Physician beliefs do not seem to be driven by the degree of evidence in the neonatal literature. With no agreed-on standard of care in the setting of widespread use of antireflux medications, greater understanding is needed about the ways physicians form clinical impressions, access and process medical evidence, and apply it to patient care.
Clinical Utility of Rome Criteria Managing Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Primavera Giuseppe , Amoroso Biagio , Barresi Alba , Belvedere Letizia , D'Andrea Cristina , Ferrara Dante , Cascio Antonina Lo , Rizzari Sara , Sanfilippo Elisa , Spataro Angelo , Zangara Daniela , Magazzù Giuseppe
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: Our goals were to demonstrate that functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) can be diagnosed in a positive fashion and managed by family pediatricians (FPs); to assess the compliance of FPs with a predefined diagnostic/therapeutic protocol for managing FGIDs to evaluate efficacy of continuing medical education; and to evaluate the success of reassurance by using a biopsychosocial model in comparison to drug treatment in an open-label, nonrandomized study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 9291 patients, aged birth to 14 years, were prospectively enrolled during a 3-month period by 21 FPs. Follow-up was performed at 1-, 3-, and 12-month intervals. To assess compliance, after diagnosis, FPs that participated in the study were asked to comply with the diagnostic/therapeutic protocol and record investigations and treatment prescribed.

RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-one patients (2.8%) met Rome II criteria and were included in the study. In all cases but 4, diagnosis of FGIDs was confirmed at the end of follow-up (98.4%). Average compliance of FPs was >80%. Among 56 patients treated only with the explanation of symptom and reassurance, 52 (92.8%) have reported success, in comparison with 26 of 35 patients (74.3%) treated with drugs (odds ratio: 4.5 [95% confidence interval: 1.3–16]).

CONCLUSIONS: FGIDs can be diagnosed and managed in primary care. Prospective studies in primary care allow assessment of compliance of pediatricians and implementation of what is learned in courses developed in continuing medical education. Informed reassurance and availability of FPs are more useful than over-the-counter drugs, which are often used for FGIDs.
Plasma Phthalate Levels in Pubertal Gynecomastia
Authors: Durmaz Erdem , Özmert Elif N. , Erkekoğlu Pınar , Giray Belma , Derman Orhan , Hıncal Filiz , Yurdakök Kadriye
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: Several untoward health effects of phthalates, which are a group of industrial chemicals with many commercial uses including personal-care products and plastic materials, have been defined. The most commonly used, di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), is known to have antiandrogenic or estrogenic effects or both. Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) is the main metabolite of DEHP. In this study, we aimed to determine the plasma DEHP and MEHP levels in pubertal gynecomastia cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 40 newly diagnosed pubertal gynecomastia cases who were admitted to Hacettepe University Ihsan Doğramacı Children's Hospital. The control group comprised 21 age-matched children without gynecomastia or other endocrinologic disorder. Plasma DEHP and MEHP levels were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum hormone levels were determined in some pubertal gynecomastia cases according to the physician's evaluation.

RESULTS: Plasma DEHP and MEHP levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the pubertal gynecomastia group compared with the control group (P < .001) (DEHP, 4.66 ± 1.58 and 3.09 ± 0.90 μg/mL, respectively [odds ratio: 2.77 (95% confidence interval: 1.48–5.21)]; MEHP, 3.19 ± 1.41 and 1.37 ± 0.36 μg/mL [odds ratio: 24.76 (95% confidence interval: 3.5–172.6)]). There was a statistically significant correlation between plasma DEHP and MEHP levels (r: 0.58; P < .001). In the pubertal gynecomastia group, no correlation could be determined between plasma DEHP and MEHP levels and any of the hormone levels.

CONCLUSIONS: DEHP, which has antiandrogenic or estrogenic effects, may be an etiologic factor in pubertal gynecomastia. These results may pioneer larger-scale studies on the etiologic role of DEHP in pubertal gynecomastia.
Part-time Work Among Pediatricians Expands
Authors: Cull William L. , O'Connor Karen G. , Olson Lynn M.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to track trends in part-time employment among pediatricians from 2000 to 2006 and to examine differences within subgroups of pediatricians.

METHODS: As part of the Periodic Survey of Fellows, national random samples of American Academy of Pediatrics members were surveyed in 2000, 2003, and 2006. These surveys shared questions concerning working part-time and other practice characteristics. Roughly 1600 pediatricians were included in each random sample. Totals of 812 (51%), 1020 (63%), and 1013 (62%) pediatricians completed the surveys in 2000, 2003, and 2006, respectively. Analyses were limited to nonretired, posttrainee pediatricians.

RESULTS: The number of pediatricians who reported that they work part-time increased from 15% in 2000, to 20% in 2003, to 23% in 2006. The pattern of increased part-time work from 2000 to 2006 held for many subgroups, including men, women, pediatricians who were younger than 40 years, pediatricians who were aged ≥50 years, pediatricians who worked in an urban inner city, pediatricians who worked in suburban areas, general pediatricians, and subspecialist pediatricians. Those who were working part-time were more satisfied within their professional and personal activities. Part-time pediatricians worked on average 14.3 fewer hours per week in direct patient care.

CONCLUSIONS: Increases in part-time work are apparent throughout pediatrics. The possible continued growth of part-time is an important trend within the field of pediatrics that will need to be monitored.
Emergency Department Reliance: A Discriminatory Measure of Frequent Emergency Department Users
Authors: Kroner Eric L. , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Brousseau David C.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: High emergency department (ED) use has previously been defined as a person's having a large number of ED visits, implying that all frequent users are the same. ED reliance (EDR), the percentage of all health care visits that occur in the ED, considers ED use in relation to primary care use and, thus, may discriminate among high-ED-user populations. Our objective was to determine whether EDR, as a complementary use measure, could differentiate frequent users secondary to increased need for care from those with access issues.

METHODS: We conducted an analysis of prospectively collected data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Frequent ED users were defined as having ≥2 ED visits, and EDR was dichotomized as high (>0.33) or low (≤0.33). Odds of being a frequent user or having high EDR were analyzed by using logistic regression.

RESULTS: A total of 8823 children were included. Within frequent-ED-use populations, young children and children with special health care needs were less likely (odds ratio: 0.55 and 0.72, respectively) to have high EDR, whereas those with lower education, low income, and public insurance and those of black race were more likely to have high EDR.

CONCLUSIONS: EDR is a readily available measure in large administrative databases that discriminates among frequent-user populations, differentiating increased need for ED services from lack of access to quality primary care.
Effects ofAlternaria destruens, Glyphosate, and Ammonium Sulfate Individually and Integrated for Control of Dodder (Cuscuta pentagona)
Authors: Cook Jennifer C. , Charudattan Raghavan , Zimmerman Thomas W. , Rosskopf Erin N. , Stall William M. , MacDonald Gregory E.
Published: December 2009

Dodder is a serious parasitic weed in the crops in which it is a problem (particularly citrus).Alternaria destruensis the active ingredient in a registered bioherbicide for control of dodder species. In greenhouse studies, the treatments applied to citrus parasitized with field dodder were a nontreated control; oil at 7.5% v/v in water; ammonium sulfate at 0.125% w/v in water; glyphosate at 0.02 kg ae/L;A.destruensat 1.8 × 1010spores/L;A.destruens(1.8 × 1010spores/L) + oil at 7.5% v/v in water; and a mixture ofA.destruens(1.8 × 1010spores/L) + oil at 7.5% v/v in water + glyphosate at 0.02 kg ae/L + ammonium sulfate 0.125% w/v (the mixture treatment). The highest disease or damage severity rating out of all treatments, measured as the area under the disease or damage progress curve (AUDPC), was obtained for the mixture treatment. By 35 d after treatment, all field dodder plants that received the mixture treatment were dead but the host plant, citrus, was not. These results indicate the feasibility of integrating glyphosate, ammonium sulfate, andA. destruensto manage dodder.
Cotton Growth and Yield Response to Simulated 2,4-D and Dicamba Drift
Authors: Everitt John D. , Keeling J. Wayne
Published: December 2009

Field experiments were conducted in Hale Co., TX, in 2005 and 2006 to determine the effects of 2,4-D amine and dicamba applied at varying rates and growth stages on cotton growth and yield, and to correlate cotton injury levels and lint yield reductions. Dicamba or 2,4-D amine was applied at four growth stages including cotyledon to two-leaf, four- to five-leaf, pinhead square, and early bloom. Dicamba and 2,4-D amine were applied at 1/2, 1/20, 1/200, and 1/2000 of the recommended use rate. Crop injury was recorded at 14 days after treatments and late-season, and cotton lint yields were determined. Across all growth stages, 2,4-D caused more crop injury and yield loss than dicamba. Cotton lint was reduced more by later applications (especially pinhead square) and injury underestimated yield loss with 2,4-D. Visual estimates of injury overestimated yield loss when 2,4-D or dicamba was applied early (cotyledon to two leaf) and was not a good predictor of yield loss.
Control of Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Artillery Range Trials at Ft. Riley, Kansas
Authors: Fick Walter H. , Geyer Wayne A. , Barbur John
Published: December 2009

Military bases in the United States were mandated to reduce the amount of pesticide used to 50% of 1993 levels by 2000. Historically, 2,4-D was applied to control common sunflower, which establishes itself in disturbed soils and obstructs gunners' views of targets. A 25-ha lowland field in Camp Forsyth was selected to compare efficacy of alternative herbicides with that of 2,4-D low-volatile ester (LVE), with the goal of reducing the amount of herbicide applied by at least half. Site vegetation was mostly native tallgrass prairie dominated by warm-season C4 grasses (e.g., big bluestem, Indiangrass, little bluestem, and switchgrass) and including less abundant C3 species in the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, and other families. Initially, the site had a high population of common sunflower. All herbicide treatments from 3 yr of field trials were highly and equally effective at reducing common sunflower, decreasing stem density by 83 to100%. Treatments that offer substantial reductions in the amount of herbicide applied are chlorimuron (0.01 kg ae/ha), dicamba + 2,4-D amine (0.07 kg ae/ha + 0.20 kg ae/ha), clopyralid + 2,4-D amine (0.06 kg ae/ha + 0.28 kg ae/ha), 2,4-D LVE (0.56 kg ae/ha), and metsulfuron + 2,4-D amine (0.002 kg ai/ha + 0.28 kg ae/ha). Use of these herbicides at Ft. Riley would reduce total active ingredient applied by 73 to 99% and lower chemical costs for this particular use by as much as 88%.
Effect of Halosulfuron Applied Preplant Incorporated, Preemergence, and Postemergence on Dry Bean
Authors: Soltani Nader , Nurse Robert E. , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: December 2009

Five field trials were conducted over a 2-yr period (2007, 2008) at various locations in Ontario to evaluate the tolerance of black, cranberry, kidney, otebo, pink, pinto, small red Mexican (SRM), and white bean to halosulfuron applied PPI, PRE, and POST at 35 and 70 g ai/ha. There was minimal injury (3% or less) with halosulfuron applied PPI or PRE in dry bean. At Exeter and Ridgetown, halosulfuron applied POST at 35 and 70 g/ha caused 3 to 5% and 4 to 8% injury in dry bean, respectively at 1 wk after herbicide application (WAA). The injury was transient with no significant injury at 2 and 4 WAA. At Harrow, halosulfuron POST at 35 and 70 g/ha caused as much as 4% injury at 35 g/ha and 14% injury at 70 g/ha in dry bean. Halosulfuron applied PPI, PRE, and POST at 35 and 70 g/ha caused no decrease in plant height of dry bean except for kidney bean, which was reduced 6% at 70 g/ha, and white bean, which was reduced 3% at both 35 and 70 g/ha. Halosulfuron applied PPI, PRE, and POST at 35 and 70 g/ha caused no decrease in dry bean yield except for kidney bean, which was reduced 9% at 35 g/ha and 10% at 70 g/ha; otebo bean, which was reduced 3% at 70 g/ha; and white bean, which was reduced 7% at both 35 and 70 g/ha. On the basis of these results, there is an adequate margin of crop safety in dry bean to halosulfuron applied PPI or PRE at 35 and 70 g/ha. In addition, there is an adequate margin of crop safety in black, cranberry, pink, pinto, and SRM bean to halosulfuron applied POST at 35 and 70 g/ha. However, further research is required to ascertain the tolerance of kidney, otebo, and white bean to halosulfuron applied POST.
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Suppression with Buckwheat or Sudangrass Cover Crops and Mowing
Authors: Bicksler Abram J. , Masiunas John B.
Published: December 2009

Canada thistle is a perennial spreading weed that is difficult to control in farming systems with reduced reliance upon herbicides for weed management. Experiments were conducted from 2006 to 2008 at Champaign, IL, to evaluate the combined effects of summer annual cover crops and mowing on Canada thistle growth and survival. Whole plot treatments were fallow, buckwheat, sudangrass–cowpea mixture (MIX), and sudangrass. The subplot treatments were mowing frequencies (0 to 2 times). Cover crop and mowing did not interact to suppress Canada thistle. MIX and sudangrass produced more standing biomass, greater regrowth, and more surface mulch following mowing than the buckwheat. A single season with sudangrass or MIX reduced Canada thistle shoot density and mass to less than 20% of the initial values through two growing seasons. Mowing alone only suppressed Canada thistle shoot density and mass on the site with greater initial density. A sudangrass or MIX cover crop alone or combined with mowing suppresses Canada thistle, but intensive management must continue for several years to eliminate patches.
Adherence of Streptococcus mutans to Fiber-Reinforced Filling Composite and Conventional Restorative Materials
Authors: Lassila Lippo V.J , Garoushi Sufyan , Tanner Johanna , Vallittu Pekka K , Söderling Eva
Published: December 2009

Objectives.

The aim was to investigate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to a short glass fibers reinforced semi-IPN polymer matrix composite resin. The effect of surface roughness on adhesion was also studied. For comparison, different commercial restorative materials were also evaluated.

Materials and Methods.

Experimental composite FC resin was prepared by mixing 22.5 wt% of short E-glass fibers, 22.5 wt% of IPN-resin and 55 wt% of silane treated silica fillers using high speed mixing machine. Three direct composite resins (Z250, Grandio and Nulite), resin-modified glass ionomers (Fuji II LC), amalgam (ANA 2000), fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) (everStick and Ribbond), and pre-fabricated ceramic filling insert (Cerana class 1) were tested in this study. Enamel and dentin were used as controls. The specimens (n=3/group) with or without saliva were incubated in a suspension of S. mutans allowing initial adhesion to occur. For the enumeration of cells on the disc surfaces as colony forming units (CFU) the vials with the microbe samples were thoroughly Vortex-treated and after serial dilutions grown anaerobically for 2 days at +37°C on Mitis salivarius agars (Difco) containing bacitracin. Bacterial adhesion was also evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy. Surface roughness (Ra) of the materials was also determined using a surface profilometer. All results were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results.

Composite FC resin and other commercial restorative materials showed similar adhesion of S. mutans, while adhesion to dentin and enamel was significantly higher (p<0.05). Surface roughness had no effect on bacterial adhesion. Saliva coating significantly decreased the adhesion for all materials (p<0.05). Composite FC resin had a significantly higher Ra value than control groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions.

Short fiber-reinforced composite with semi-IPN polymer matrix revealed similar S. mutans adhesion than commercial restorative materials.
Analysis of the Performance of a Standardized Method for the Polishing of Methacrylic Resins
Authors: Corsalini Massimo , Boccaccio Antonio , Lamberti Luciano , Pappalettere Carmine , Catapano Santo , Carossa Stefano
Published: December 2009

Adhesion of micro-organisms to resin surface may be caused by inadequate polishing. Most of the studies published in literature are relative to manually prepared samples and do not take into account that test repeatability is not guaranteeda priorisince skills may change from one operator to another and the quality of the work done by the same expert operator may depend on “human” factors such as the level of attention, wrist trembling, etc.

This paper aims to investigate on the efficiency and reliability of a standardized protocol for polishing methacrylic resins. For that purpose, five different methacrylic resins are considered. For each resin, 20 specimens are realized: 10 are polished by the same expert operator and 10 are polished by means of a mechanical system comprised of a milling tool, a mobile support for samples and a micrometric advance isoparallelometer. Roughness measurements are carried out with a ±0.01 µm resolution profilometer.

An extensive statistical analysis is conducted on a population of 100 specimens. Two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is carried out taking the type of resin (i) and the polishing technique (ii) as predictors in order to evaluate how those variables will finally affect the roughness of the polished surface. The significance of the variable interaction term is assessed. The null hypothesis Ho where response is independent from individual factors as well as from their interaction is assumed to hold true forp-values>0.05 (interval of confidence of the 95%).

Experimental data confirm that mechanical polishing leads to obtaining surfaces of much more uniform quality. In fact, statistical dispersion of roughness parameters can decrease significantly. This behavior is observed for all of the tested resins. Therefore, the new approach can eliminate the influence of “human” factors thus making it possible to assess the inherent features of each resin and compare different dental materials submitted to polishing.
Prevalence of Neonatal Cryptosporidiosis in Andean Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Peru
Authors: López-Urbina M.T. , González A.E. , Gomez-Puerta L.A. , Romero-Arbizu M.A. , Perales-Camacho R.A. , Rojo-Vázquez F.A. , Xiao L. , Cama V.
Published: December 2009

A national survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in alpacas 1 to 15 days-old
of age (crias) in 105 Andean herds. Stool samples of 5,163 randomly selected crias from 7 representative geographical regions
of Peru were screened using acid fast staining microscopy. Ninety percent of ~2.9 milllion Peruvian alpacas are
raised in these areas. Data on geographical characteristics and husbandry practices by region were also collected. Prevalence
was determined by study areas and by age (five categories set at three-day intervals). Cryptosporidium sp. was detected
in crias from all 7 regions. The overall prevalence was 13%, ranging from 7 to 23% per region. Prevalence was 2%
in the youngest and showed an increasing trend by age, reaching 20% in crias 12-15 days old. These oldest crias were
more likely to have cryptosporidiosis (OR=2.2, p<0.01). Infections with Cryptosporidium were also significantly associated
with low availability of grazing grounds and overcrowding at birth (p<0.01). This study demonstrates that Cryptosporidium
is a frequent pathogen in Andean alpaca crias, and suggest that cryptosporidiosis may play a significant role in
the alpaca neonatal diarrhea complex that causes significant morbidity and mortality among crias.
SPECIFICS OF DYNAMICS OF ALZHEIMER DISEASE
Authors: M. Agius Lawrence
Published: December 2009

Estrogens, particularly estradiol-beta, constitute a complexity in hormonereceptivity
that evolves via the prevention of delayed cell-death pathways.
Neurodegeneration, and ischemic injury to neural tissue, represent a panoramic array of
effects that are especially linked to physiologic levels of estradiol-beta. The aging brain,
in particular, involves the developmental emergence of immediate gene response that is
linked to such estrogen-receptor interactions.
GLIAL-NEURONAL COMPARTMENTS
Authors: M. Agius Lawrence
Published: December 2009

Vascular lesions compound effects on the clinical demented state in patients with
Alzheimer disease [122]. A given degree of dementia in Alzheimer disease patients suffering from
concomitant ischemic lesions in the cerebrum is associated with lesser numbers of neurofibrillary
tangles and neuritic plaques. This synergistic effect of ischemic lesions with cognitive decline in
Alzheimer patients correlates also with the presence often of congophilic angiopathy. A particular
aspect of ischemic lesions is the association of Alzheimer disease in patients with biochemical
markers for cerebrovascular disease.
Single Path and Multi-Path Routing Survey for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Qureshi Mahmood
Published: December 2009

Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) is a multi-hop wireless link, without any infrastructure and
frequent host mobility. MANET Routing Protocols play a vital role to transfer data from one mobile node to
another. There are variety of routing MANET algorithms exists but it is difficult to decide which protocol is
more suitable for the particular environment. In this paper we investigate different kinds of MANETs single
path and multipath routing protocols and compare the performance by considering the factors like bandwidth,
throughput, packets delivery ratio, power consumption etc. which helps to analyze the performance of the
network. These protocols are listed under certain category.
High Performance Linux Clusters For Breaking RSA
Authors: Mahboob Athar , Ikram Nassar , Zubairi Junaid
Published: December 2009

High performance compute clusters have been used in recent years to tackle hard problems in the
domain of cryptography and breaking many encryption algorithms. Integer factorization is a hard
mathematical problem which forms the basis of many public key cryptographic schemes such as the RSA
algorithm. To date the largest integer factored is about 200 digits long. This factorization was made possible
by use of distributed computing and use of clusters. We present results of our work on setting up single server
image clusters using Kerrighed Single System Image based cluster. We have attempted to use a number of
factoring algorithms and their well-known implementations. Our clustering recipes and results shall be useful
to others who are planning to setup Linux clusters for high-performance computing.

In this contribution we also provide the current state of open source Linux based clustering solutions. A
challenging reality is that many open source clustering projects are simply dying a slow or fast death. These
include OpenMosix and even OpenSSI. Other open source clustering projects too have been very slow with
releases. Open source clustering software projects exhibit paradoxical trends. Commercial software was
donated by a vendor as a seed for open source cluster software community (HP/Compaq TruClusters as a seed
for OpenSSI). Mosix on the other hand went from open source software project to commercial product after
its initial success on Linux platform. Very recently the open source community of Mosix (completely distinct
from the Mosix product) functioning as OpenMosix for several years has now declared the project going to be
defunct soon citing the appearance of multiple core CPUs as one major reason for it. In this contribution we
hope to identify the promising high performance clustering toolkit for the next few years to come.
Ultra Wideband Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mehta S. , S. Kwak K.
Published: December 2009

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) has recently gained great interest for high-speed short-range
communications (e.g. Wireless Sensor Networks/home networking applications) as well as low-speed longrange
communications as it can offer unique advantages for wireless communications such as precise
location-timing capabilities, imperceptibility, low power, low complexity, and low cost. In this chapter, we
present an overview of UWB system and a performance analysis of UWB based MAC protocol of high data
rate, short range communication, especially, on the IEEE 802.15.3 MAC protocol for wireless sensor
networks. We use analytical model to present some illustrative channel capacity results, and provide a
discussion of the impact of various acknowledgment schemes on multiple access capacity under different
parameters. Also, some important observations are obtained, which can be very useful to UWB MAC protocol
architectures as well as to UWB application designers. Finally, we present some important research issues and
challenges to further investigate the possible improvements in the UWB system.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zn Oxide Hexagonal Nano-Pole Films on Quartz Glass Substrate
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Jun
Published: December 2009

Hexagon-shaped Zn oxide nano-pole films with terraces and steps have been successfully fabricated by means of a combined approach involving sol-gel process, high-temperature heat treatment, and the hydrothermal method. The surface chemistry and morphological features of the films were characterized by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microcopy. All the diffraction peaks in x-ray diffraction pattern match with those of the hexagonal wurtzite phase of Zn oxide. Transmittance measurements show that the optical transmittance of the sample synthesized at 520°C on quartz glass substrate is the highest, reaching about 65% in the visible-light region. Based on the detailed structural characterization and the nucleation-growth kinetics, we find that the whole crystallization process of wurtzite Zn oxide nano-poles includes nanocatalysis and layer-by-layer growth mechanism. The present study provides an important understanding of the growth mechanism for nano-pole synthesis of Zn oxide and related materials.
Autoimmune myasthenia gravis in a ferret
Authors: Couturier Jérôme , Huynh Minh , Boussarie Didier , Cauzinille Laurent , Shelton G. Diane
Published: December 2009

Case Description—A 7-month-old neutered male ferret was evaluated for episodic pelvic limb weakness of 2 weeks' duration.

Clinical Findings—Neurologic examination revealed flaccid tetraparesis with decreased spinal reflexes suggestive of a neuromuscular disease. Results of hematologic and CSF analyses, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography were unremarkable. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed subtle spontaneous activity localized to pelvic limb interosseous muscles, unremarkable motor nerve conduction velocities, and lower than typical compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude for tibial nerve stimulation only. A severe decremental response of the CMAP was detected with repetitive nerve stimulation (45.5% at the third ulnar nerve). An esophagogram revealed mild megaesophagus. Intravenous neostigmine methylsulfate administration resulted in immediate resolution of muscle weakness. Cross-reacting anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies were detected in serum (0.35 nmol/L) by use of a canine- and feline-specific muscle extract. Clinical signs and ancillary test results were diagnostic of acquired myasthenia gravis.

Treatment and Outcome—Pyridostigmine bromide was administered (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h), resulting in complete remission of clinical signs. However, 1 month after the diagnosis, the ferret was euthanized because of recurrence of weakness despite anticholinesterase treatment.

Clinical Relevance—To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of acquired myasthenia gravis in a ferret and the first identification of anti-AChR antibodies in this species. Autoimmune myasthenia gravis should be considered in ferrets when weakness and flaccid paresis suggest a neuromuscular disease. Electrodiagnostic testing, anticholinesterase challenge, and AChR antibody titer determination were helpful for diagnosis of this condition.
Systemic hypertension in a dog with a functional thyroid gland adenocarcinoma
Authors: Simpson Andrew C. , McCown Jennifer L.
Published: December 2009

Case Description—A 12-year-old 21.9-kg (48.48-lb) spayed female Alaskan Malamute with a long-term history of panting, polydypsia and polyuria, weight loss, hind limb weakness, and a decrease in appetite was evaluated for hypertension.

Clinical Findings—Use of Doppler sphygmomanometry revealed a systolic blood pressure of 250 mm Hg (mean value for 5 consecutive measurements). Palpation of the ventral cervical region revealed a fixed asymmetric mass in the area of the lobes of the thyroid gland. The portion of the mass on the right side was approximately 2 × 2 cm, whereas the portion of the mass on the left side was approximately 1 × 1.5 cm. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed on the basis of high serum thyroxine concentrations. Thyroidectomy of both lobes of the gland was performed. Histologic examination revealed a bilateral, multilobulated, and encapsulated thyroid gland adenocarcinoma.

Treatment and Outcome—Thyroidectomy of both lobes of the gland was performed with clinical resolution of hypertension. The dog was treated postoperatively with chemotherapeutics, including doxorubicin and carboplatin, and external beam radiation. Calcium and thyroxine homeostasis fluctuated; however, the dog finally achieved concentrations within the respective reference ranges through the administration of calcitriol, calcium carbonate, and levothyroxine.

Clinical Relevance—This report describes concurrent hypertension in a dog with a functional thyroid gland adenocarcinoma with subsequent return of blood pressure values to within reference ranges after thyroidectomy.
Single element and competitive sorption of copper, zinc and lead onto a Luvisol profile
Authors: Sipos Péter
Published: December 2009

The sorption parameters of Cu, Zn and Pb are related to the composition of the different genetic horizons of a Luvisol profile in batch sorption experiments. The affinities of metals towards the soil samples from different horizons followed the same sequence, e.g. Pb≥C>>Zn. By far the highest metal retention was found in the Ck horizon due to the alkaline conditions. It is followed by the A horizon with its high organic matter content, while the lowest sorption capacity was found in the Bt horizon. In the horizons free of carbonate, primarily Pb and Cu were immobilized. The studied soil can be characterized by high amount of organic matter, clay accumulation horizon, as well as calcareous subsoil. This kind of profile development makes soils able to immobilize a significant metal pollution.
Marx as Ally: Deleuze outside Marxism, Adjacent Marx
Authors: Pardi Aldo
Published: December 2009

Deleuze reworks Marxist concepts in order to identify those that represent discontinuity and produce a theory of revolution. Marx is important because, along with Spinoza and Nietzsche, he is a part of a project to leave behind concepts such as transcendence and univocity which underlie the totalitarianism of traditional philosophy. Deleuze is looking for concepts that might form a different theory, within which the structures of production are not organised vertically by the domination of universal concepts, such as ‘being’ or ‘essence’, but flow horizontally through a multiplicity of relations of conceptual singularity. The production of a different series of concepts is a strategic and tactical operation that, in confronting prior notions of transcendental philosophy, turns philosophy itself into a battlefield. Marx provides the general methodology for this tactical approach through two fundamental categories: production and conflict. Deleuze practises Marx's theoretical method and by using Marx's own central concepts challenges traditional Marxism, to arrive at a totally different and revolutionary philosophical structure based on concepts such as those of force, variation, difference, singularity, production and the war machine.
Minor Marxism: An Approach to a New Political Praxis
Authors: Pellejero Eduardo
Published: December 2009

In 1990, Antonio Negri pointed out some problems with Deleuze's political philosophy. Substituting infra-structures for life or desire, as constitutive dimensions of power formations, did not imply giving up on Marx, but it certainly did imply a change in the table of conceptual analysis and a profound renovation of the questions that pertain to militant praxis. Taking this into account, we intend to explore the sense of a rare fidelity to Marx, and a certain idea of intellectual commitment that, reframing its objects and its instruments, pretends to renew political thinking in order to confront the unforeseeable of new knowledge, new techniques and new political facts.
Politicising Deleuzian Thought, or, Minority's Position within Marxism
Authors: Sibertin-Blanc Guillaume
Published: December 2009

This text provides an analysis of the Deleuzian theory of minorities. Its hypothesis is that this theory produces a double effect of interpellation: upon a materialistic reading of the philosophy of Deleuze, and upon the theoretical and political heritage of Marxism. Concerning the first aspect, the thesis of an actual multiplication of ‘becomings-minoritarian’ reopening ‘the question of the becoming-revolutionary of people, at every level, in every place’, has to be referred to the Deleuzo-Guattarian analysis of the conjuncture – namely, to a diagnosis of the global capitalist system's dynamisms and the contradictions they produce in the social, juridical and political institutions of national States. Concerning the second aspect, I confront the adversities faced by minorities with the schema of the classes struggle, and I examine certain links (of continuation and integration, but also differentiation) between the processes of ‘proletarianisation’ and ‘becoming-minoritarian’, that is to say, between two ways of problematising the collective subject of a revolutionary politics of emancipation. Finally I assert that the concept of ‘becoming-minoritarian’ makes of the possibility of an unprecedented internationalism the way to a renewal of the two concepts between which the horizon of modern political thought extends, and around which the tradition of political liberalism and thinkers of a revolutionary politics have never ceased to confront one another: autonomy and universality.
A Striking Exception to the Chelate Model for Acyclic Diastereocontrol: Efficient Access to a Versatile Propargyl Alcohol for Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Tlais Sami  F. , Clark Ronald  J. , Dudley Gregory  B.
Published: December 2009

The four-step, asymmetric synthesis of a chiral propargyl alcohol 1 from (R)-pantolactone is described. A key feature of the synthesis is a diastereoselective acetylide addition to a chiral α-alkoxy-aldehyde 7, in which unusual Felkin selectivity is observed, despite the potential for chelation control. Crystalline propargyl alcohol 1 is valuable for complex molecule synthesis, and is easy to prepare in multi-gram quantities and high diastereomeric purity.
Generation of 500-Member Library of 10-Alkyl-2-R1,3-R2-4,10-Dihydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-α]pyrimidin-4-ones
Authors: Sirko Svetlana M. , Gorobets Nikolay Yu. , Musatov Vladimir I. , Desenko Sergey M.
Published: December 2009

Representative benzimidazopyrimidinones were previously reported to be intercalating antitumor agents. In this work, we used 2-substituted 4,10-dihydrobenzo [4,5]imidazo[1,2-α]pyriminin-4-ones for their diversification by regioselective alkylation. Under the conditions established, the alkylation gave 10-alkyl derivatives which permitted the parallel generation of a 500-member library of the title compounds.
Germacrene D, A Common Sesquiterpene in the Genus Bursera (Burseraceae)
Authors: Noge Koji , Becerra Judith  X.
Published: December 2009

The volatile components of the leaves of five Bursera species, B. copallifera, B. exselsa, B. mirandae, B. ruticola and B. fagaroides var. purpusii were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Germacrene D was one of the predominant components (15.1–56.2%) of all of these species. Germacrene D has also been found in other Bursera species and some species of Commiphora, the sister group of Bursera, suggesting that the production of germacrene D might be an ancient trait in the genus Bursera.