bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deviations in populations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and endometrial macrophages in the cow during pregnancy
Authors: Oliveira Lilian J , Hansen P J
Published: July 2008

The presence of conceptus alloantigens necessitates changes in maternal immune function. Here, we used the cow to evaluate whether species with epitheliochorial placentation have changes in specific leukocyte populations during pregnancy similar to those reported in species with hemotropic placentae. At days 33–34 of pregnancy, there was no effect of pregnancy status on the number of cells positive for CD8, CD4, γδT cell receptor, or the monocyte marker CD68 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) population. There was, however, an increase in the proportion of CD4+ cells that were positive for CD25. There was no effect of status on the proportion of PBMCs that were CD8+ when comparing preparturient cows to nonpregnant cows. However, preparturient cows had an increased percentage of PBMCs that were γδT cells and CD4+CD25+ and a tendency for a lower percentage that were CD68+ cells. Using immunolocalization with anti-CD68, it was found that pregnant cows had increased numbers of CD68+ cells in the endometrial stroma as early as days 54–100 of gestation; this increase persisted through the last time examined (day 240 of gestation). Cells positive for CD68 were also positive for another macrophage/monocyte marker, CD14. In conclusion, pregnancy in the cow is associated with changes in peripheral and endometrial leukocyte numbers, which are similar to patterns observed in other species.
After Partial Knee Replacement, Patients Can Kneel, But They Need to Be Taught to Do So: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jenkins Cathy , Barker Karen L , Pandit Hemant , Dodd Christopher AF , Murray David W
Published: July 2008

Background and Purpose

Kneeling is an important functional activity frequently not performed after knee replacement, thus affecting a patient's ability to carry out basic daily tasks. Despite no clinical reason preventing kneeling, many patients fail to resume this activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single physical therapy intervention would improve patient-reported kneeling ability following partial knee replacement (PKR).

Subjects

Sixty adults with medial compartment osteoarthritis, suitable for a PKR, participated.

Methods

This was a single-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial. Six weeks after PKR, participants randomly received either kneeling advice and education or routine care where no specific kneeling advice was given. Reassessment was at 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was patient-reported kneeling ability, as assessed by question 7 of the Oxford Knee Score. Other factors associated with kneeling ability were recorded. These factors were scar position, numbness, range of flexion, involvement of other joints, and pain. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests and binary logistic regression.

Results

A significant improvement in patient-reported kneeling ability was found at 1 year postoperatively in those participants who received the kneeling intervention. Group allocation was the only factor determining an improvement in patient-reported kneeling ability at 1 year postoperatively.

Discussion and Conclusion

The single factor that predicted patient-reported kneeling ability at 1 year postoperatively was the physical therapy kneeling intervention given at 6 weeks after PKR. The results of this study suggest that advice and instruction in kneeling should form part of a postoperative rehabilitation program after PKR. The results can be applied only to patients following PKR.
Shaping the Educational Decisions of Mexican Immigrant High School Students
Authors: Valadez James R.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this case study is to investigate the decision-making processes of 12 high-achieving rural Mexican immigrant high school students. Ethnographic data are collected over 18 months, and the investigation is guided by structuration theory. The strength of using structuration theory is that it opens up the possibility for exploring how students form decisions while taking into consideration how the students’ social and cultural contexts influence their choices. The study shows that students do not follow a conventional path to college, a path that often conflicts with their own cultural values. Implications for this study indicate that educational institutions must learn more about the culture and worldviews of Mexican immigrants to create more effective paths to higher education.
Direct Imaging of Single-Molecules: From Dynamics of a Single DNA Chain to the Study of Complex DNA-Protein Interactions
Authors: Ladoux Benoit , Quivy Jean-Pierre , Doyle Patrick S. , Almouzni Genevieve , Viovy Jean-Louis
Published: July 2008

Recent years have seen significant advances in the characterization and manipulation of individual molecules. The combination of single-molecule fluorescence and micromanipulation enables one to study physical and biological systems at new length scales, to unravel qualitative mechanisms, and to measure kinetic parameters that cannot be addressed by traditional biochemistry. DNA is one of the most studied biomolecules. Imaging single DNA molecules eliminates important limitations of classical techniques and provides a new method for testing polymer dynamics and DNA–protein interactions. Here we review some applications of this new approach to physical and biological problems, focusing on videomicroscopy observations of individual DNA chains extended in a shear flow. We will first describe data obtained on the stretching, relaxation and dynamics of a single tethered polymer in a shear flow, to demonstrate that the deformation of sheared tethered chains is partially governed by the thermally driven fluctuations of the chain transverse to the flow direction. Next, we will show how single-molecule videomicroscopy can be used to study in real time DNA folding into chromatin, a complex association of DNA and proteins responsible for the packaging of DNA in the nucleus of an eukaryotic cell.
Bacterial Biofilms and Human Disease
Authors: Wilson Michael
Published: July 2008

The term biofilm is used to denote a polymer-encased community of microbes which accumulates at a surface. Biofilms are responsible for a number of diseases of man and, because of the intrinsic resistance of these structures to antibiotics and host defence systems, such diseases are very difficult to treat effectively. The application of new microscopic and molecular techniques to biofilms has revolutionised our understanding of their structure, composition, organisation and activities. This review will describe the role that biofilms play in human disease and will outline our new millennial view of these complex and fascinating bacterial communities.
Investigating urban geochemistry using Geographical Information Systems
Authors: Thums Catherine , Farago Margaret
Published: July 2008

Geographical Information System (GIS) is an interactive digital extension of the two-dimensional paper map. Customised maps are created by the selection and aggregation of data from independent sources to assist studies in urban geochemistry. The metropolitan area of Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands, UK is used to illustrate the types of output that can be generated. These include: geographic and geological feature; geochemical data and land use. Multi-layered maps can be used to investigate spatial relationships, for example, between elevated concentrations of metals in soils and industrial land use. Such maps can also be used to assist the assessment of potential exposure of groundwater, ecosystems and humans using maps incorporating guideline values for metals in soils.
Artificial Transmembrane Channels for Sodium and Potassium
Authors: Cragg Peter J.
Published: July 2008

Transport of alkali metals, particularly sodium and potassium, across cell membranes is an essential function performed by special proteins that enable cells to regulate inter- and extracellular ion concentrations with exceptional selectivity. The importance of these channel-forming proteins has led to researchers emulating of their structural features: an ion-specific filter and conduction at rates up to 108 ions per second. Synthetic helical and cyclic polypeptides form channels, however, the specificity of ion transport is often low. Ion-specific macrocycles have been used as filters from which membrane-spanning derivatives have been prepared. Success has been limited as many compounds act as ion carriers rather than forming transmembrane channels. Surfactant compounds also allow ions to cross membranes but any specificity is serendipitous. Overall it seems possible to mimic either ion specificity or efficient transmembrane ion transport. The goal for the future will be to combine both characteristics in one artificial system.
New Electrochromic Materials
Authors: Rowley Natalie M. , Mortimer Roger J.
Published: July 2008

A number of inorganic and organic materials exhibit redox states (reduced and/or oxidised forms) with distinct UV-Visible (electronic) absorption bands. When electrochemical switching of these redox states gives rise to different colours (i.e. new or different visible region bands), the material is described as being electrochromic. By virtue of their numerous applications, both of academic and commercial interest, electrochromic materials are currently attracting a great deal of interest. This review provides an introduction to the major classes of electrochromic materials, namely transition metal oxides, Prussian blue systems, viologens, conducting polymers, transition metal and lanthanide coordination complexes and metallopolymers, and metal phthalocyanines. Examples of some new materials and of prototype and commercial electrochromic devices are cited.
Clinical Aspects of Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Barr Hugh , Kendall Catherine , Reyes-Goddard Janelle , Stone Nicolas
Published: July 2008

Photodynamic therapy is a method for local destruction of tissue or organisms by generating toxic oxygen and other reactive species using light absorbed by an administered or an endogenously generated photosensitiser. It is a highly promising treatment for patients with cancer. More recently it has found increasing use as a method of therapy for non-cancerous illnesses. It depends on the exploitation of natural and vital reactions widespread in nature that have driven and preserved life on this planet. Following administration of a photosensitiser or its precursor there is an accumulation or retention in areas of cancer and disease relative to adjacent normal tissue. The photosensitiser is inactive until irradiated by light, following which cellular destruction occurs. The clear attraction of this method is the possibility of some targeting of the disease by drug and by the area irradiated. This explanation although oversimplified has been the reason for the scientific and clinical interest in photodynamic therapy. An understanding of evolutionary photobiology is enormously helpful to understand disease response and clinical outcomes.
Methicillin Resistance in Staphylococcus Aureus: Mechanisms and Modulation
Authors: Stapleton Paul D. , Taylor Peter W.
Published: July 2008

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen both within hospitals and in the community. Methicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic, acts by inhibiting penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan, an essential mesh-like polymer that surrounds the cell. S. aureus can become resistant to methicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics through the expression of a foreign PBP, PBP2a, that is resistant to the action of methicillin but which can perform the functions of the host PBPs. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates are often resistant to other classes of antibiotics (through different mechanisms) making treatment options limited, and this has led to the search for new compounds active against these strains. An understanding of the mechanism of methicillin resistance has led to the discovery of accessory factors that influence the level and nature of methicllin resistance. Accessory factors, such as Fem factors, provide possible new targets, while compounds that modulate methicillin resistance such as epicatechin gallate, derived from green tea, and corilagin, provide possible lead compounds for development of inhibitors.
Bacterial Outer Membrane and Cell Wall Penetration and Cell Destruction by Polluting Chemical Agents and Physical Conditions
Authors: Russell A.D.
Published: July 2008

In the environment, bacteria and other microorganisms are subjected to a variety of constantly changing chemical and physical agencies. Chemical ones include antimicrobial compounds (both biocides and antibiotics), pollutants, drugs, cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients and pesticides. The physical agents include desiccation and drying, osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, temperature and pH changes and radiations (ultraviolet, sunlight, ionizing). Bacteria must thus adapt to survive these inimicable conditions. Organisms such as bacterial spores usually survive, whereas other types of microorganisms may be much more susceptible.

Depending on the type of organism, the bacterial cell wall, outer membrane or the spore outer layers may act as permeability barriers to the intracellular uptake of antibiotics and biocides. Some antibacterial agents interact with, and damage or modify, the outer components. Physical agencies are known to damage the cytoplasmic membrane or to produce alterations in DNA or proteins or enzymes. Nevertheless, significant damage to the cell wall or outer membrane may also occur.

Four types of organisms are considered: cocci, mycobactria, Gram-negative bacteria and bacterial spores. The nature of the damage inflicted on, or in some cases prevented by, their outer cell layers is discussed for each type of organism.
Bacterial Responses to Alkaline Stress
Authors: Saito Hiromi , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: July 2008

Studies of bacterial adaptation to alkaline pH have been less extensive to date compared with those of acidic pH. Recent development of novel methods for global analysis of gene expression under various conditions revealed that many genes were induced at high pH. These data led us to question why so many genes are required for adaptation to alkaline pH. The internal pH of bacteria growing at extremely high pH remains unclear because the methods for measuring interior acidic ΔpH developed to date are not so accurate, but it is generally accepted that cytoplasmic pH increases with medium alkalization, although the increase is lower than that of the change in medium pH. Therefore, activities of enzymes working in neutral cytoplasm may decrease with cytoplasmic alkalization under extreme alkaline conditions. Based on these findings, we propose in this article that genes whose products have an optimum activity at high pH are induced under alkaline stress to compensate for the decrease in activities of systems functioning at neutral pH.
Water or Ice? — the Challenge for Invertebrate Cold Survival
Authors: Block William
Published: July 2008

The ecophysiology of cold tolerance in many terrestrial invertebrate animals is based on water and its activity at low temperatures, affecting cell, tissue and whole organism functions. The normal body water content of invertebrates varies from 40 to 90% of their live weight, which is influenced by water in their immediate environment, especially in species with a water vapour permeable cuticle. Water gain from, or loss to, the surrounding atmosphere may affect animal survival, but under sub-zero conditions body water status becomes more critical for overwinter survival in many species. Water content influences the supercooling capacity of many insects and other arthropods. Trehalose is known to maintain membrane integrity during desiccation stress in several taxa. Dehydration affects potential ice nucleators by reducing or masking their activity and a desiccation protection strategy has been detected in some species. When water crystallises to ice in an animal it greatly influences the physiology of nearby cells, even if the cells remain unfrozen. A proportion of body water remains unfrozen in many cold hardened invertebrates when they are frozen, which allows basal metabolism to continue at a low level and aids recovery to normal function when thawing occurs. About 22% of total body water remains unfrozen from calculations using differential scanning calorimetry (compared with ca 19% in food materials). The ratio of unfrozen to frozen water components in insects is 1:4 (1:6 for foods). Such unfrozen water may aid recovery of freezing tolerant species after a freezing exposure. Rapid changes in cold hardiness of some arthropods may be brought about by subtle shifts in body water management. It is recognised that cold tolerance strategies of many invertebrates are related to desiccation resistance, and possibly to mechanisms inherent in insect diapause, but the role of water is fundamental to them all. Detailed experimental studies are needed to provide information which will allow a more complete and coherent understanding of the behaviour of water in biological systems and aid the cryopreservation of a wide range of biological material.
Utilizing the Charging Effect in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Hai-Bo , Feng Ren-Jian , Ura Katsumi
Published: July 2008

The charging effect of an insulating specimen from electron beam (e-beam) irradiation may be utilized to facilitate imaging in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). This has been confirmed by a great deal of experimental work during the last three decades. Particularly, recent investigations indicate that even located underneath insulating thin films that a low energy e-beam cannot penetrate, conductors not biased and overlay marks, are observable through a novel imaging pattern, charging contrast. Unlike conventional SEM contrasts, which usually reflect surface characteristics, the dynamic charging contrast can reveal information of underlying structures without any external exciting signal. The authors consider that this kind of charging contrast arises from the different redistribution rates of secondary electrons returning to the surface under the surface local field of the charged specimen. The charging contrast has the prospect of extending the SEM application and forming new testing methods matched with the fast development of integrated circuits.
Enterobacterial Responses to External Protons, Including Responses that Involve Early Warning against Stress and the Functioning of Extracellular Pheromones, Alarmones and Varisensors
Authors: Rowbury Robin J.
Published: July 2008

Several striking findings, related to biological effects of external acidity, are reviewed here. The first of these relates to the role of PhoE in the penetration of H+ and protonated metabolites into the cell. PhoE is an anion pore and would not be expected to take up protons. The work reviewed here, however, shows that the loss or repression of PhoE leads to poor H+ passage through the outer membrane (OM), whilst derepression of PhoE leads to facilitated passage. It is now believed that H+ crosses through the PhoE pore in association possibly with oligopeptides, and that other protonated molecules, such as the acid tolerance EIC, use the same means to cross the OM. Additionally, several processes that form early warning systems against acidity are reviewed here. First, the properties of the acid tolerance EIC alarmones allow them to diffuse to regions not yet facing acid stress, and there give early warning and induce sensitive organisms to tolerance. Second, some agents, such as glucose, induce acid tolerance in organisms, long before these organisms are exposed to catabolically-produced acidity, preparing them, in advance, to resist this impending acid challenge. Third, the occurrence of multiple forms of ESCs (i.e. of varisensors) ensures that where organisms have been grown under conditions that sensitise them to acid stress, the ESCs formed are modified so as to be activated at much higher pH values, ensuring that lethality by acid is reduced or abolished. Fourthly, normally only EICs induce tolerance. Strikingly, however, pH 8.5 or 9.0-grown cells are induced to tolerance by ESC formed at pH 6.5. This is believed to provide another early warning system, protecting alkali-grown cells against sudden acidification of media. Two other finding reviewed here should be emphasised. First, the hydrophobic antibiotic novobiocin is ineffective against enterobacteria, due to its failure to penetrate the OM barrier. This only applies to cultures in pH 7.0 media, however, cells growing at pH 5.0 being exquisitely sensitive to novobiocin, due to a conformational change to the antibiotic at acidic pH, which allows ready penetration through the OM. Second, acidic pHs affect the synthesis and effects of another antibiotic, namely colicin V. Thus pH 5.0 prevents both synthesis of this agent and its effects on sensitive cells. Exposure to external acidity leads to numerous other effects, including those that influence growth, cell division, plasmid transfer and chemotaxis; these have also been reviewed here.
Ribosome Inactivation for Preservation: Concepts and Reservations
Authors: El-Sharoud Walid M.
Published: July 2008

The role of the bacterial ribosome in the cellular response to environmental stress has been widely considered over last decade. Certain ribosome-associated proteins have been shown to induce conformational changes that lead to the formation of inactive forms of ribosomes that are presumed to be more stable during stationary phase. This was found to aid the survival of bacteria in this phase. Such proteins include ribosome modulation factor (RMF), YfiA and YhbH. Examining the influence of RMF on the survival of E. coli under heat, acid and osmotic stress showed that it was important for bacterial viability under these environmental pressures. However, the mechanism by which this protein exerts its effect has not been fully elucidated. The present work reviews the involvement of ribosomes in determining cell behaviour during stress. It focuses on the action of the ribosome-associated proteins and their role in inactivating ribosomes for preserving their integrity and aiding cell survival under stress.
Solar Transient Events and their Importance for Coronal Heating
Authors: Doyle J. Gerry , Madjarska Maria S.
Published: July 2008

Over the last decade, the uninterrupted high resolution coverage of the Sun both from the excellent range of telescopes aboard many spacecrafts and from ground-based instruments has led to a wealth of observations of small-scale dynamic events observed from the chromosphere to the transition region and corona. Since many of these events were observed with different instruments they show different properties from one another. It is suggested that many of these phenomena result from small-scale reconnection events due to the continually evolving magnetic fields as seen at the photospheric level, although waves are thought to play an important heating role as well. Nowadays, there is a general consensus that the key to understanding how the solar plasma is accelerated and heated may well be found in the study of these small-scale dynamic events. Here we give a brief review of the range of observed transient features and suggest that these small-scale events may well have broad implications for the mass and energy balance of the whole upper atmosphere of the Sun and the solar wind.
Near-Field Optics and Spectroscopy for Molecular Nano-Imaging
Authors: Kawata Satoshi , Inouye Yasushi , Ichimura Taro
Published: July 2008

Application of near-field optical microscopy with a sharp metallic probe to Raman spectroscopy brings microanalysis of materials to their nano-identification and imaging. The local plasmon polariton excitation on the probe tip results in the localization and amplification of the optical field at the vicinity of the tip. The tip-enhanced near-field Raman spectroscopy has analyzed DNA base molecules and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with the nanometric spatial resolution and sufficient sensitivity. Combined with tip pressurization and nonlinear effects, the tip-enhanced near-field Raman spectroscopy gives additional spectral information or improves the spatial resolution and sensitivity. This article introduces the recent progresses on the tip-enhanced near-field Raman spectroscopy and imaging.
The chemistry of the Bio-Control Agent, Trichoderma Harzianum
Authors: Hanson James R.
Published: July 2008

The role of 6-n-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one and other metabolites of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, in its application as a bio-control agent, is discussed.
Materials in the design of Kettles
Authors: Meech Christina Goodrick
Published: July 2008

This article reviews the materials used in the production of kettles since the Victorian times, why they have changed over time, and what material may be used in the future for kettle production, but first, to investigate what materials have been used in the production of kettles, the use of the item needs to be understood. The definition of a kettle is:

“A covered metal or plastic container with handle and shaped opening for pouring used for boiling water.”
The Molecular basis of Lactose Intolerance
Authors: Campbell Anthony K. , Waud Jonathan P. , Matthews Stephanie B.
Published: July 2008

A staggering 4000 million people cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk, properly. All mammals, apart from white Northern Europeans and few tribes in Africa and Asia, lose most of their lactase, the enzyme that cleaves lactose into galactose and glucose, after weaning. Lactose intolerance causes gut and a range of systemic symptoms, though the threshold to lactose varies considerably between ethnic groups and individuals within a group. The molecular basis of inherited hypolactasia has yet to be identified, though two polymorphisms in the introns of a helicase upstream from the lactase gene correlate closely with hypolactasia, and thus lactose intolerance. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are caused by gases and toxins produced by anaerobic bacteria in the large intestine. Bacterial toxins may play a key role in several other diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and some cancers. The problem of lactose intolerance has been exacerbated because of the addition of products containing lactose to various foods and drinks without being on the label. Lactose intolerance fits exactly the illness that Charles Darwin suffered from for over 40 years, and yet was never diagnosed. Darwin missed something else – the key to our own evolution – the Rubicon some 300 million years ago that produced lactose and lactase in sufficient amounts to be susceptible to natural selection.
Extracellular Sensors and Extracellular Alarmones, Which Permit Cross-Talk between Organisms, Determine the levels of Alkali Tolerance and Trigger Alkali-Induced Acid Sensitivity in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Rowbury Robin J. , Goodson Margaret
Published: July 2008

For several stress responses in Escherichia coli, switching on involves conversion by the stress of an extracellular stress sensor (an extracellular sensing component, ESC) to an extracellular induction component (EIC), the latter functioning as an alarmone and inducing the response. The aim of this study was to establish whether alkali tolerance induction at pH 9.0, alkali sensitisation induced at pH 5.5 and the acid sensitisation induced at pH 9.0 involve sensing of pH changes by ESCs. The techniques involved made use of studies with cell-free culture filtrates. With respect to the inducible responses under test, these filtrates were prepared either from induced or uninduced cultures and filtrates from uninduced cultures were also activated in vitro, by the pH stress, in the absence of bacteria. Tests were then made to examine whether EICs (known to be needed for all these systems) are formed by activation, at the appropriate pH values, of filtrates from pH 7.0-grown cultures (i.e. uninduced culture filtrates); appearance of an EIC on activation would indicate the presence in the uninduced culture filtrate of an ESC. The studies showed that all three systems use ESCs to detect pH changes. Tests involving attempted enzymic and physical inactivation of the ESCs, and attempted removal of the ESCs by dialysis, showed that the ESC involved in alkali sensitisation is a small very heat-resistant protein. Strikingly, protease only partially inactivated the ESCs needed for alkali tolerance induction and for acid sensitisation; each system may be complex, involving both protein and non-protein (RNA?) ESCs, although other explanations are possible. It was also established that appropriate killed cultures can induce all three responses when incubated with pH 7.0-grown living cultures. The occurrence of ESC/EIC pairs for these three responses has led to the evolution of early warning systems for each, the diffusibility of the EICs, and their interaction with non-producers, allowing them to act pheromonally, inducing sensitive organisms to stress tolerance, prior to exposure to stressor.
The Role of Two-Component Regulation Systems in the physiology of the Bacterial Cell
Authors: Bekker Martijn , Teixeira De Mattos M. Joost , Hellingwerf Klaas J.
Published: July 2008

Two-component regulation systems (TCRSs) are the dominant type of signal transduction system in prokaryotes that are used to inform the cellular trancriptional machinery (and additional targets for regulation, like the motility apparatus) about actual changes in the extracellular physico-chemical conditions. We now review their molecular structure and enzymatic characteristics, their mutual interactions and its implications, and their role in cellular physiology. Specific emphasis is placed on the ArcB/A system, a representative of the phosphorelay type of TCRS, and a key player in the adjustment of the cellular make-up of enterobacteria in response to alterations in the oxygen availability. Also some applied aspects of the TCRSs are discussed, i.e. their role as a target to develop new anti-bacterials and their application in biotechnology (or: ‘synthetic biology’).
An Investigation into the eco-design of Energy Using Products Directive
Authors: Meech Christina Goodrick
Published: July 2008

This study reviews the eco-design of energy using products directive and additional legislation on the way that waste electrical and electronic equipment should be disposed of, and how this may influence the future product design of appliances. During the investigation ‘lifecycle analysis’ and consumers’ responses to this legislation, and the industry were also reviewed. Finally, for future product designers who work with electrical and electronic equipment some guidelines and rules are given to consider while designing for the environment and sustainability.
Rupture of the quadriceps tendon
Authors: Dembour T. , Gallois Bride H. , Chancrin J. L. , Arnault F.
Published: July 2008

A five-month-old, male, 16 kg, mixed breed dog was presented for an acute non-weight bearing lameness of the right hind limb. A subtotal avulsion of the quadriceps tendon at its patellar insertion was diagnosed through radiography and ultrasonography. Two nylon sutures secured with a stainless steel crimp were placed in a locking loop pattern in the quadriceps tendon and through a transverse 2.7 mm drill-hole in the patella. No external coaptation was used postoperatively. A full functional recovery was observed, and was followed for one year postoperatively. Quadriceps tendon rupture has not been described in the veterinary literature to our knowledge; in humans, quadriceps tendon rupture is a well known entity, often due to systemic disease resulting in weakening of the tendinous structures. In the case presented herein, the dog’s history, young age and location, without underlying biochemical abnormalities, led us to believe that the observed lesion was of traumatic origin. The surgical treatment performed was based on that performed in humans and also that which has been investigated experimentally in the dog.
Patellar instability following experimental medial patellar desmotomy in horses
Authors: Martins E. A. N. , Hagen S. C. F. , Silva L. C. L. C. , Baccarin R. Y. A.
Published: July 2008

A controlled study was designed in order to evaluate the effects of medial patellar desmotomy (MPD), combined with exercise restriction, on clinically and radio-graphically normal femoropatellar joints, and to identify the patellar instability by radiographic examination. MPD was performed on the right hind limb and the horses were rested for 120 days. Both hind limbs were radiographed before surgery and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after MPD, obtaining lateromedial, flexed lateromedial, caudocranial and cranioproximal-craniodistal (skyline) views. The femorotibial and femoropatellar angles were assessed on the lateromedial views, and the distance between the medial and lateral cortex of the femur, and the distance between the medial cortex of the femur and the lateral border of the patella were evaluated in the caudocranial views. An increase in the angle between the proximal articular surface of the patella and the cranial distal surface of the femur along with enthesophyte formation and lateral deviation of the patella were found on the radio-graphs of the right stifles after MPD. Therefore, MPD leads to patellar instability, which can be demonstrated by the radiographic changes. The 120 days rest did not prevent the lesions caused by postsurgical patellar instability.
Surgical removal of a microchip from a puppy’s spinal canal
Authors: Smith T. J. , Fitzpatrick N.
Published: July 2008

A 1.6 kg, six-week-old Tibetan Terrier was admitted with a 12-hours history of acute onset of progressive tetraparesis following insertion of a microchip to the dorsal cervical region. Neurological examination indicated a lesion to the Ce1 to Ce5 spinal cord segments. Radiographic examination confirmed the intra-spinal location of a microchip foreign body at the level of the second cervical vertebra. Microchip removal was achieved following dorsal hemi-laminectomy; significant intra-operative haemorrhage was encountered. The puppy was ambulatory at day seven. Follow-up telephone interview 18 months postoperatively confirmed that the patient had made a good recovery although it had a mild residual right- sided torticollis.
The prevalence of canine patellar luxation in three centres
Authors: Zakai D , Butterworth S. J. , Pead M. , Bound N.
Published: July 2008

The medical records of 155 dogs with patellar luxation (PL) from three different centres were analysed. Each case was classified according to the nature of its luxation and any concurrent orthopaedic conditions plus the age at diagnosis were also noted. Measurements relating to angle of inclination (AOI) of the femoral neck and medio-lateral bowing of the femur and tibia at the stifle were also recorded. The femoral and tibial data were compared to dogs with another orthopaedic condition in a case-control assessment. Labradors were most commonly affected (21%). Most luxations were medial (92%) and 54% of affected dogs were female. The mean AOI of the hip was 148.95°. There was a statistically significant difference between the stifles of dogs with PL compared to a control population. This study concluded that PL in large breeds is increasing. Lateral luxation was uncommon and was not associated exclusively with large breeds. Females were more likely to have PL than males and being female was a risk factor associated with coxa valga. There are significant differences in medio-lateral stifle conformation between dogs with PL and control dogs.
Surgical management of traumatic elbow luxation in two cats using circumferential suture prostheses
Authors: Thomson D. G. , Carmichael S. , Farrell M.
Published: July 2008

Two Domestic Shorthaired cats were admitted after sustaining a traumatic lateral elbow luxation. Non-surgical management with reduction and external coaptation was unsuccessful at maintaining reduction. At surgery, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) was intact but grossly elongated in one case, and ruptured in the other. Trans-condylar, trans-radial and trans-ulnar tunnels were drilled from lateral to medial and a suture prosthesis was used in order to augment a suture imbrication of the LCL in the fist cat. The prosthesis was used as a stand-alone procedure in the second case. No postoperative complications occurred and both patients regained excellent elbow range of motion without any observable lameness.
Improvement of Photoaffinity SPR Imaging Platform and Determination of the Binding Site of p62/SQSTM1 to p38 MAP Kinase
Authors: Saito Akiko , Kawai Kayoko , Takayama Hiroshi , Sudo Tatsuhiko , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2008

p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a member of the serine/threonine kinases and is activated in response to stress stimuli, such as cytokines, ultraviolet irradiation, heat shock, and osmotic shock. We revealed in a previous report that p62/SQSTM1, known to participate in proteasomal or autophagosomal protein degradation and cytokine receptor signal transduction pathways, binds to p38 to regulate specifically. Herein, we describe the improvement of the photoaffinity‐thiol linker of our SPR imaging platform, which enabled us to determine the binding site of p62 to p38. SPR imaging experiments using a new photoaffinity linker 2 to immobilize the peptides derived from p62 on gold substrate indicate that the domain comprising amino acids 164–190 of p62 binds to p38 directly. These SPR analysis data and empirical biologic data reveal that the binding site of p62 to p38 is the domain corresponding to 173–182.
Cationic Scandium Allyl Complexes Bearing Mono(cyclopentadienyl) Ligands: Synthesis, Novel Structural Variety, and Olefin‐Polymerization Catalysis
Authors: Yu Nan , Nishiura Masayoshi , Li Xiaofang , Xi Zhenfeng , Hou Zhaomin
Published: July 2008

The one‐pot salt‐metathesis reaction of ScCl3, cyclopentadienyl lithium salts, and allylmagnesium chlorides afforded with ease the corresponding base‐free half‐sandwich scandium di(η3‐allyl) complexes [(C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(C3H5)2] (1 a), [(C5Me5)Sc(C3H5)2] (1 b), and [(C5Me5)Sc(2‐MeC3H4)2] (1 c) in high yields. Reaction of 1 a with 1 equivalent of [PhNMe2H][B(C6F5)4] in toluene gave rapidly the N,N‐dimethylaniline‐coordinated cationic mono(η3‐allyl) complex [(C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(η3‐C3H5)(η6‐PhNMe2)][B(C6F5)4] (2). The similar reaction of 1 a with [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] yielded the analogous toluene‐separated ion pair [(C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(η3‐C3H5)(η6‐PhMe)][B(C6F5)4] (3). When [PhNMe2H][BPh4] was treated with 1 a, the contact ion pair [(C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(η3‐C3H5)( μ,η6‐Ph)BPh3] (4) was obtained. Recrystallization of 2, 3, and 4 in THF yielded the corresponding thf‐separated ion pair complexes [(C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(η3‐C3H5)(thf)2][B(C6F5)4] (5) and [(C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(η3‐C3H5)(thf)2][BPh4] (6). The N,N‐dimethylaniline‐coordinated cationic scandium allyl complex 2 and the toluene‐coordinated analogue 3 showed high activity (activity: 3>2) toward the polymerization and copolymerization of isoprene and norbornene to afford random copolymers with a broad range of isoprene content (33–86 mol %). The tight ion pair 4 and the thf‐coordinated complexes 5 and 6 showed no activity under the same conditions. These results offer unprecedented insight into the structure–activity relationship of a cationic metal polymerization‐catalyst system.
One‐Electron‐Reduced and ‐Oxidized Stages of Donor‐Substituted 1,1,4,4‐Tetracyanobuta‐1,3‐dienes of Different Molecular Architectures
Authors: Kivala Milan , Stanoeva Tsvetanka , Michinobu Tsuyoshi , Frank Brian , Gescheidt Georg , Diederich François
Published: July 2008

A series of monomeric and oligomeric donor‐substituted 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobuta‐1,3‐dienes (TCBDs) with various topologies have been synthesized by means of thermal [2+2] cycloaddition between tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and donor‐substituted alkynes, followed by retro‐electrocyclization. One‐electron‐reduced and ‐oxidized stages of the donor‐substituted TCBDs were generated by chemical methods. The obtained radical anions and radical cations were studied by using electron paramagnetic resonance/electron nuclear double resonance (EPR/ENDOR) spectroscopy, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The extent of π‐electron delocalization in the paramagnetic species was investigated in terms of the EPR parameters. Despite favorable molecular orbital (MO) coefficients, the EPR results suggest that in radical anions the spin and charge are confined to the electron‐withdrawing TCBD moieties on the hyperfine EPR timescale. The observed spin localization is presumably caused by an interplay between the nonplanarity of the studied π systems, limited π‐electron conjugation, and very likely counterion effects. In radical cations, an analogous spin and charge localization confined to the electron‐donating N,N‐dialkylaniline moieties was found. In this case, an efficient electron delocalization is disabled by small MO coefficients at the joints between the donor and acceptor portions of the studied TCBDs.
BINOL‐3,3′‐Triflone N,N‐Dimethyl Phosphoramidites: Through‐Space 19F,31P Spin–Spin Coupling with a Remarkable Dependency on Temperature and Solvent Internal Pressure
Authors: Kruck Matthias , Munoz M. Paz , Bishop Hannah L. , Frost Christopher G. , Chapman Christopher J. , Kociok‐Köhn Gabriele , Butts Craig P. , Lloyd‐Jones Guy C.
Published: July 2008

A combined computational and experimental study of the effects of solvent, temperature and stereochemistry on the magnitude of the through‐space spin–spin coupling between 31P and 19F nuclei which are six‐bonds apart is described. The reaction of 3‐trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐2,′2‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐binaphthalene (3‐SO2CF3‐BINOL) with hexamethylphosphorous triamide (P(NMe2)3) generates a pair of N,N‐dimethylphosphoramidites which are diastereomeric due to their differing relative configurations at the stereogenic phosphorous centre and the axially chiral (atropisomeric) BINOL unit. Through‐space NMR coupling of the 31P and 19F nuclei of the phosphoramidite and sulfone is detected in one diastereomer only. In the analogous N,N‐dimethylphosphoramidite generated from 3,3′‐(SO2CF3)2‐BINOL only one of the diastereotopic trifluoromethylsulfone moieties couples with the 31P of the phosphoramidite. In both cases, the magnitude of the coupling is strongly modulated (up to 400 %) by solvent and temperature. A detailed DFT analysis of the response of the coupling to the orientation of the CF3 moiety with respect to the P‐lone pair facilitates a confident assignment of the stereochemical identity of the pair of diastereomers. The analysis shows that the intriguing effects of environment on the magnitude of the coupling can be rationalised by a complex interplay of solvent internal pressure, molecular volume and thermal access to a wider conformational space. These phenomena suggest the possibility for the design of sensitive molecular probes for local environment that can be addressed via through‐space NMR coupling.
GOLD infrastructure for virtual organizations
Authors: Periorellis P. , Cook N. , Hiden H. , Conlin A. , Hamilton M. D. , Wu J. , Bryans J. , Gong X. , Zhu F. , Smith R. , Watson P. , Wright A. R.
Published: July 2008

The paper discusses the GOLD project (Grid‐based Information Models to Support the Rapid Innovation of New High Value‐Added Chemicals) whose principal aim is to carry out research and development into enabling technologies to support the formation, operation and termination of virtual organizations. The paper discusses the outcome of this research, which is the GOLD Middleware infrastructure. The infrastructure has been implemented in the form of a set of Middleware components, which address issues such as trust, security, contract monitoring and enforcement, information management and coordination. We discuss all these issues in turn and more importantly we demonstrate how current WS standards can be used to implement these issues. In addition, the paper follows a top down approach starting with a brief outline on the architectural elements derived during the requirements engineering phase and demonstrates how these elements were mapped onto actual services that were implemented according to service‐oriented architecture principles and related technologies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pure mucinous carcinomas of the breast: Prognostic study including DNA flow cytometry
Authors: Morand C. , Verrièle V. , Valo I. , Remoue P. , Paillocher N. , Chassevent A.
Published: July 2008

Background

Prognostic factors for pure mucinous carcinomas of the breast are controversial; data on DNA ploidy and S‐phase fraction (SPF) are lacking. We examined the relation of these parameters with histological features and patient survival.

Methods

DNA flow cytometry was performed on 69 fresh or frozen pure mucinous carcinomas samples. Results were interpreted according to patient survival.

Results

Tumor size exceeded 2 cm in 40.5% of cases. Lymph nodes were involved in 11.5% of cases and never when tumor size was less than 2 cm. Aneuploidy was only observed in one‐quarter of the tumors. Very few tumors had a high‐SPF or a high histological grade (7.2% of all cases). These two parameters were of prognostic value respectively for disease‐free (P = 0.035) and overall survival (0.050). Patients with tumors >2 cm had shorter overall survival than patients with tumors ≤2 cm (P = 0.028). Disease‐free and overall survivals were not influenced by nodal status and hormone receptors (HRs) status. Patients with aneuploid tumors had shorter disease‐free survival than patients with diploid tumors (P = 0.031). The combination of tumor size and DNA ploidy was strongly predictive of survival (P < 10−3): six patients with large aneuploid tumors had a poor outcome (1‐year overall survival 16.7%).

Conclusion

We identified a subset of patients with a poor prognosis, namely those with large aneuploid tumors. This study confirms the good prognosis of pure mucinous carcinomas, particularly when tumor is less than 2 cm (corresponding to cases without lymph nodes involvement), thus challenging the need for axillary nodal examination. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
The piloted transition to flaming in smoldering fire retarded and non‐fire retarded polyurethane foam
Authors: Putzeys Olivier M. , Fernandez‐Pello A. Carlos , Rein Guillermo , Urban David L.
Published: July 2008

The piloted transition from smoldering to flaming, though a significant fire safety concern, has not been previously extensively studied. Experimental results are presented on the piloted transition from smoldering to flaming in non‐fire retarded (NFR) polyurethane foam and the fire retarded polyurethane foam Pyrell®. The samples are small blocks, vertically placed in the wall of an upward wind tunnel. The free surface is exposed to an oxidizer flow and a radiant heat flux. The smolder product gases pass upwards through a pilot. The experiments on NFR foam show that the smolder velocity and peak smolder temperature, which increase with the oxygen concentration and heat flux, are strongly correlated to the transition to flaming event, in that there are minimum values of these parameters for transition to occur. The existence of a minimum smolder velocity for ignition supports the concept of a gaseous mixture reaching a lean flammability limit as the criterion for the transition to flaming. To compensate for the solid‐ and gas‐phase effects of the fire retardants on the piloted transition in Pyrell, it was necessary to increase the oxygen concentration and the power supplied to the smolder igniter and the pilot. The piloted transition is observed in oxygen concentrations above 17% in NFR foam and above 23% in Pyrell. The results show that although Pyrell is less flammable than NFR foam, it is still susceptible to smoldering and the piloted transition to flaming in oxygen‐enriched environments, which is of interest for special applications such as future space missions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.