bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeostatic Mechanisms for Iron Storage Revealed by Genetic Manipulations and Live Imaging of Drosophila Ferritin
Authors: Missirlis Fanis , Kosmidis Stylianos , Brody Tom , Mavrakis Manos , Holmberg Sara , Odenwald Ward F , Skoulakis Efthimios M C , Rouault Tracey A
Published: July 2007

Ferritin is a symmetric, 24-subunit iron-storage complex assembled of H and L chains. It is found in bacteria, plants, and animals and in two classes of mutations in the human L-chain gene, resulting in hereditary hyperferritinemia cataract syndrome or in neuroferritinopathy. Here, we examined systemic and cellular ferritin regulation and trafficking in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. We showed that ferritin H and L transcripts are coexpressed during embryogenesis and that both subunits are essential for embryonic development. Ferritin overexpression impaired the survival of iron-deprived flies. In vivo expression of GFP-tagged holoferritin confirmed that iron-loaded ferritin molecules traffic through the Golgi organelle and are secreted into hemolymph. A constant ratio of ferritin H and L subunits, secured via tight post-transcriptional regulation, is characteristic of the secreted ferritin in flies. Differential cellular expression, conserved post-transcriptional regulation via the iron regulatory element, and distinct subcellular localization of the ferritin subunits prior to the assembly of holoferritin are all important steps mediating iron homeostasis. Our study revealed both conserved features and insect-specific adaptations of ferritin nanocages and provides novel imaging possibilities for their in vivo characterization.
Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Patients Who Have Mucopolysaccharidosis I and Are Younger Than 5 Years: Results of a Multinational Study of Recombinant Human α-l-Iduronidase (Laronidase)
Authors: Wraith J. Edmond , Beck Michael , Lane Roderick , van der Ploeg Ans , Shapiro Elsa , Xue Yong , Kakkis Emil D. , Guffon Nathalie
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of laronidase in young, severely affected children with mucopolysaccharidosis I.

METHODS. This was a prospective, open-label, multinational study of 20 patients who had mucopolysaccharidosis I and were <5 years old (16 with Hurler syndrome, 4 with Hurler-Scheie syndrome) and were scheduled to receive intravenous laronidase at 100 U/kg (0.58 mg/kg) weekly for 52 weeks. Four patients underwent dosage increases to 200 U/kg for the last 26 weeks because of elevated urinary glycosaminoglycan levels at week 22.

RESULTS. Laronidase was well tolerated at both dosages. Investigators reported improved clinical status in 94% of patients at week 52. The mean urinary glycosaminoglycan level declined by ∼50% at week 13 and was sustained thereafter. A more robust decrease in urinary glycosaminoglycan was observed in patients with low antibody levels and those who were receiving the 200 U/kg dosage. On examination, the liver edge was reduced by 69.5% in patients with a palpable liver at baseline and week 52 (n = 10). The proportion of patients with left ventricular hypertrophy decreased from 53% to 17%. Global assessment of sleep studies showed improvement or stabilization in 67% of patients, and the apnea/hypopnea index decreased by 5.8 events per hour (−8.5%) in those with abnormal baseline values. The younger patients with Hurler syndrome (<2.5 years) and all 4 patients with Hurler-Scheie syndrome showed normal mental development trajectories during the 1-year treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS. Laronidase seems to be well tolerated and to provide clinical benefit in patients who have severe mucopolysaccharidosis I and are <5 years old. Enzyme replacement therapy is not curative and may not improve all affected organs and systems in individuals when irreversible changes have developed. The long-term clinical outcome and effects of antibodies and laronidase dosing on glycosaminoglycan reduction warrant additional investigation.
Cost of Hospitalization for Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants in the United States
Authors: Russell Rebecca B. , Green Nancy S. , Steiner Claudia A. , Meikle Susan , Howse Jennifer L. , Poschman Karalee , Dias Todd , Potetz Lisa , Davidoff Michael J. , Damus Karla , Petrini Joann R.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to estimate national hospital costs for infant admissions that are associated with preterm birth/low birth weight.

METHODS. Infant (<1 year) hospital discharge data, including delivery, transfers, and readmissions, were analyzed by using the 2001 Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample is a 20% sample of US hospitals weighted to approximately >35 million hospital discharges nationwide. Hospital costs, based on weighted cost-to-charge ratios, and lengths of stay were calculated for preterm/low birth weight infants, uncomplicated newborns, and all other infant hospitalizations and assessed by degree of prematurity, major complications, and expected payer.

RESULTS. In 2001, 8% (384200) of all 4.6 million infant stays nationwide included a diagnosis of preterm birth/low birth weight. Costs for these preterm/low birth weight admissions totaled $5.8 billion, representing 47% of the costs for all infant hospitalizations and 27% for all pediatric stays. Preterm/low birth weight infant stays averaged $15100, with a mean length of stay of 12.9 days versus $600 and 1.9 days for uncomplicated newborns. Costs were highest for extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks’ gestation/birth weight <1000 g), averaging $65600, and for specific respiratory-related complications. However, two thirds of total hospitalization costs for preterm birth/low birth weight were for the substantial number of infants who were not extremely preterm. Of all preterm/low birth weight infant stays, 50% identified private/commercial insurance as the expected payer, and 42% designated Medicaid.

CONCLUSIONS. Costs per infant hospitalization were highest for extremely preterm infants, although the larger number of moderately preterm/low birth weight infants contributed more to the overall costs. Preterm/low birth weight infants in the United States account for half of infant hospitalization costs and one quarter of pediatric costs, suggesting that major infant and pediatric cost savings could be realized by preventing preterm birth.
Evaluating Deliberation in Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Cox Elizabeth D. , Smith Maureen A. , Brown Roger L.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE. Patient participation during decision-making can improve health outcomes and satisfaction, even for routine pediatric concerns. The tasks that are involved in decision-making include both information exchange and deliberation about potential options, yet deliberation (ie, the process of expressing and evaluating potential options to reach a decision) is often assessed subjectively, if at all. We objectively assessed the amount of deliberation; the involvement of parents and children in deliberation; and how deliberation is associated with child, physician, parent, and visit characteristics.

METHODS. From videotapes of 101 children's acute care visits to 1 of 15 physicians, we coded the speaker, recipient, and timing of proposed plans (ie, options) and agreements or disagreements with the plans. Reliability of measures was assessed with Cohen's κ or intraclass correlation coefficients; validity was assessed with Spearman correlations. Outcome measures included number of plans proposed, deliberation length, and parent/child involvement in deliberation as either active (child or parent proposed a plan or disagreed with a plan) or passive (physician alone proposed plans). Multivariable models that accounted for clustering by physician were used to relate child, physician, parent, and visit factors to deliberation measures.

RESULTS. The mean number of plans proposed was 4.1, and deliberation time averaged 2.9 minutes per visit. Passive involvement of parents/children occurred in 65% of visits. After adjustment, more plans were proposed in visits by girls, and shorter deliberations occurred with college-graduate parents. Longer visits were associated with more plans proposed, longer deliberation, and reduced odds for passive parent/child involvement.

CONCLUSIONS. Using a reliable and valid technique, deliberation was demonstrated to occupy a substantial portion of the visit and include multiple proposed plans, yet passive involvement of parents and children predominated. Results support the need to develop interventions to improve parent and child participation in deliberation.
Hydrops Fetalis: A Retrospective Review of Cases Reported to a Large National Database and Identification of Risk Factors Associated With Death
Authors: Abrams Matthew E. , Meredith Keith S. , Kinnard Paula , Clark Reese H.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES. The objectives were (1) to identify the causes for hydrops fetalis neonates admitted for neonatal intensive care with the diagnosis of hydrops fetalis and (2) to identify the risk factors associated with death.

METHODS. A retrospective review of a large national data set was performed.

RESULTS. There were a total of 253651 discharges from 162 NICUs in the database; 598 patients were identified with a report of hydrops fetalis. The most common associated diagnoses were congenital heart problems (13.7%), abnormalities in heart rate (10.4%), twin-to-twin transfusion (9%), congenital anomalies (8.7%), chromosomal abnormalities (7.5%), congenital viral infections (6.7%), congenital anemia (5%), and congenital chylothorax (3.2%). Of those 598 neonates, 115 were transferred either to another hospital or to another service, 215 died before discharge, and 267 were discharged from the hospital. One patient did not have a discharge type listed and was not included in the outcome analysis. Mortality rates were highest among neonates with congenital anomalies (57.7%) and lowest among neonates with congenital chylothorax (5.9%). Factors that were associated independently with death in logistic regression analyses were younger gestational age, low 5-minute Apgar score, and need for high levels of support during the first day after birth (higher levels of inspired oxygen support and more often treated with high-frequency ventilation).

CONCLUSIONS. The risk of death among neonates with hydrops fetalis depends on the underlying diagnosis and is highest for those who are born more prematurely and those who are most ill immediately after birth. Information from this large study should prove useful for planning prospective studies and providing prenatal counseling to parents with an affected fetus.
Emergence Of SHV-2a producing Enterobacter cloacae in Hungary
Authors: Glatz Katalin , Tóth Á. , Pászti Judit
Published: July 2007

We report an investigation on a collection of multidrug-resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
isolates from a Hungarian neonatal intensive care unit. All the isolates (n=142) were examined by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and ERIC-PCR. The seven ESBL positive isolates (derived from six patients) made up a separated group with regard to their patterns by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and ERIC-PCR and were further tested by class-1-integron PCR and plasmid electrophoresis. The ESBL isolates were found indistinguishable in each of these laboratory tests, one genetic clone were revealed in the background of ESBL cases by PFGE. The ESBL positive isolates were proven to harbour a ∼62 Md plasmid and two class-1 integrons (0.9 kb, 1.875 kb). With respect to their clinical relatedness and our laboratory findings there was a small outbreak caused by the ESBL clone. PCR-sequencing were performed on the outbreak strain and has revealed a
blaSHV
gene that encodes for an SHV-2a type ESBL enzyme. This is the first description of SHV-2a positive
E. cloacae
strains isolated in Hungary.
Estimation of bacteriological spoilage of pork cutlets by electronic nose
Authors: Horváth Kinga , Seregély Zs. , Dalmadi I. , Andrássy Éva , Farkas J.
Published: July 2007

The utility of chemosensor array (EN) signals of head-space volatiles of aerobically stored pork cutlets as a non-invasive technique for monitoring their microbiological load was studied during storage at 4, 8 and 12 °C, respectively. The bacteriological quality of the meat samples was determined by standard total aerobic plate counts (TAPC) and colony count of selectively estimated
Pseudomonas
(PS) spp., the predominant aerobic spoilage bacteria. Statistical analysis of the electronic nose measurements were principal component analysis (PCA), and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to model correlation between microbial loads and EN signal responses, the degree of bacteriological spoilage, independently of the temperature of the refrigerated storage. Sensor selection techniques were applied to reduce the dimensionality and more robust calibration models were computed by determining few individual sensors having the smallest cross correlations and highest correlations with the reference data. Correlations between the predicted and “real” values were given on cross-validated data from both data reduced models and for full calibrations using the 23 sensor elements. At the same time, sensorial quality of the raw cutlets was noted subjectively on faultiness of the odour and colour, and drip formation of the samples. These preliminary studies indicated that the electronic nose technique has a potential to detect bacteriological spoilage earlier or at the same time as olfactory quality deterioration.
TREATING BEDTIME RESISTANCE WITH THE BEDTIME PASS: A SYSTEMATIC REPLICATION AND COMPONENT ANALYSIS WITH 3‐YEAR‐OLDS
Authors: Freeman Kurt A.
Published: July 2007

Bedtime resistance, a common pediatric problem, that was displayed by 4 unrelated 3‐year‐old children was treated with the bedtime pass (i.e., provision of a small notecard exchangeable for one trip out of the bedroom after bedtime) plus extinction. Bedtime resistance was eliminated for all participants. Further, treatment did not produce extinction bursts, as is common when using extinction procedures alone. Component analysis with 1 participant suggested that use of both components of the intervention produced the best outcomes. Findings extend the literature on the treatment of pediatric bedtime resistance as well as the application of behavior analysis to clinical psychology and pediatric care.
ESTABLISHING THE FEASIBILITY OF DIRECT OBSERVATION IN THE ASSESSMENT OF TICS IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC TIC DISORDERS
Authors: Himle Michael B. , Chang Susanna , Woods Douglas W. , Pearlman Amanda , Buzzella Brian , Bunaciu Liviu , Piacentini John C.
Published: July 2007

Behavior analysis has been at the forefront in establishing effective treatments for children and adults with chronic tic disorders. As is customary in behavior analysis, the efficacy of these treatments has been established using direct‐observation assessment methods. Although behavior‐analytic treatments have enjoyed acceptance and integration into mainstream health care practices for tic disorders (e.g., psychiatry and neurology), the use of direct observation as a primary assessment tool has been neglected in favor of less objective methods. Hesitation to use direct observation appears to stem largely from concerns about the generalizability of clinic observations to other settings (e.g., home) and a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate and feasible techniques for conducting and scoring direct observation. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate and establish a reliable, valid, and feasible direct‐observation protocol capable of being transported to research and clinical settings. A total of 43 children with tic disorders, collected from two outpatient specialty clinics, were assessed using direct (videotape samples) and indirect (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale; YGTSS) methods. Videotaped observation samples were collected across 3 consecutive weeks and two different settings (clinic and home), were scored using both exact frequency counts and partial‐interval coding, and were compared to data from a common indirect measure of tic severity (the YGTSS). In addition, various lengths of videotaped segments were scored to determine the optimal observation length. Results show that (a) clinic‐based observations correspond well to home‐based observations, (b) brief direct‐observation segments scored with time‐sampling methods reliably quantified tics, and (c) indirect methods did not consistently correspond with the direct methods.
What Parents of Seriously Ill Children Value: Parent-to-Parent Connection and Mentorship
Authors: Konrad Shelley Cohen
Published: July 2007

The value of parent-to-parent support has been noted in research with parents of children who have a range of special needs and chronic medical conditions, however, less is known about the benefit of such mentorship for parents caring for seriously ill and dying children. Findings from a qualitative study with mothers of seriously ill children, including those whose children had died, provided rich and detailed information about the personal and practical resources they received from other parents. Personal recommendations to parents by parents included the value of seeking out mentorship and appreciating the small things in life, while practical suggestions encompassed encouraging parents to become informed and to advocate for their children's best interests. Mothers also identified professionals with end-of-life training as instrumental agents of support.
L'ÉCHELLE DE SOLITUDE SOCIALE ET ÉMOTIONNELLE (ÉSSÉ): A FRENCH-CANADIAN ADAPTATION OF THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LONELINESS SCALE FOR ADULTS
Authors: DiTommaso Enrico , Turbide Joanne , Poulin Carmen , Robinson Bryn
Published: July 2007

Although there exist many psychological measures in the English language, few of these clinical and research instruments have been translated into French and subsequently validated. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate L'Échelle de Solitude Sociale et Émotionnelle
(l'ÉSSÉ). L'ÉSSÉ is a French translation of the short form of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S; DiTommaso, Brannen, & Best, 2004; DiTommaso & Spinner, 1993). The SELSA is a multidimensional scale which measures the
social and emotional components derived from Weiss' (1973) typology of loneliness. A total of 252 French-speaking individuals, aged between 17 and 79 years, completed the new measure. Reliability and validity assessment indicated that l'ÉSSÉ displays excellent psychometric
properties.
THE SOCIAL VALIDATION OF PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL ANXIETY IN ADULTS: IMPACT OF TREATMENT URGENCY, METHOD OF INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT OUTCOME
Authors: Jaafer Noor Al , Izadi Maryam , Daly Blanaid , Newton J. Tim
Published: July 2007

One hundred and twenty-eight adult patients attending a clinic at a United Kingdom dental hospital rated vignettes describing the management of an adult who was severely dentally anxious. There were 8 vignettes, which varied systematically along three dimensions: treatment urgency (presence
or absence of pain), method of intervention (psychological approach versus use of sedation) and treatment outcome (good outcome – individual overcame dental anxiety to attend regularly, or poor outcome – individual did not attend following the treatment). Participants were assigned
one vignette at random and rated the acceptability and humaneness of the treatment approach using the Treatment Evaluation Inventory (Kazdin, French, & Sherick, 1981). Overall the psychological intervention was rated as more acceptable than the use of sedation (F = 7.60, p
< 0.01), and interventions which resulted in good outcomes were rated as more acceptable (F = 148.8, p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of treatment urgency. Ratings of acceptability are strongly influenced by the outcome of the treatment regardless of the urgency
of treatment need.
DEPRESSION, SUBMISSIVE BEHAVIORS AND NEGATIVE AUTOMATIC THOUGHTS IN OBESE TURKISH ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Odaci Hatice
Published: July 2007

In this study, depression, submissive social behaviors, and frequency of automatic negative thoughts in obese and normal weight Turkish adolescents were investigated. Their depression levels, submissive social behaviors, and negative automatic thoughts were measured using the Children's
Depression Inventory (Kovacs, 1985, adapted by Oy, 1991), the Submissive Acts Scale (Gilbert & Allan, 1984, adapted by Sahin & Sahin, 1992b), and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (Hollon & Kendall, 1980, adapted by Aydın & Aydın, 1990 and Sahin & Sahin,
1992a) respectively. To compare two group averages of the test scores, Mann-Whitney U statistics were employed. Results indicated that the depression level of the obese group was higher than the normal weight group's level. There was no significant difference in the means of the
Submissive Acts Scale and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire scores between the obese group and the normal weight group. The findings of this study suggest that there is an association between adolescent obesity and depression for Turkish adolescents.
THE ROLE OF RISK ATTITUDE ON ONLINE SHOPPING: EXPERIENCE, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, AND REPURCHASE INTENTION
Authors: Wu Wann-Yih , Chang Man-Ling
Published: July 2007

Risk attitude is a stable personality characteristic that is inherent in an individual, and may be the cause of differences in decisions to shop online. This article records an attempt to explore the direct and moderate effects of risk attitude on consumer behavior in the online context.
The results show that risk attitude is positively associated with online shopping experience, consumer satisfaction, and repurchase intention for online shopping. Furthermore, the risk attitude promotes a positive influence of online shopping experience on satisfaction. Finally, the evaluation
and emotion-based satisfaction would enhance online buyers' repurchase intention when they are characterized as having higher risk preference.
AGGRESSION AMONG KOREAN ADOLESCENTS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN DELINQUENTS AND NONDELINQUENTS
Authors: Kim Hun-Soo , Kim Hyun-Sil
Published: July 2007

In this study family dynamics, personality, alcohol and drug abuse, coping strategies and sexual abuse in nondelinquent and delinquent adolescents were compared and a path model of aggression among Korean adolescents was constructed. Using a proportional stratified random sampling method,
a sample of 2,100 Korean adolescents was assessed. Data were collected using a cross-sectional design, via anonymous, self-reporting questionnaires. Delinquent adolescents were found to have a higher incidence of dysfunctional family dynamics, greater incidence of antisocial personality, higher
tendency to depression, and higher levels of aggressive impulsiveness than nondelinquent adolescents. Delinquent adolescents reported higher incidences of being sexually abused, and alcohol and drug abuse, and showed a greater tendency toward cognitive and behavioral avoidance coping strategies
compared to nondelinquent adolescents. Person-related aggressive impulsiveness, antisocial personality tendency, and self-injurious aggressive impulsiveness had the largest significant total effects on aggressive behavior among Korean adolescents.
THE ROLE OF PERSONALITIES IN THE MARITAL ADJUSTMENT OF JAPANESE COUPLES
Authors: Chen Zi , Tanaka Nao , Uji Masayo , Hiramura Hidetoshi , Shikai Noriko , Fujihara Shigeki , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: July 2007

The link between marital adjustment and personality was investigated in 66 Japanese married couples using Locke and Wallace's Short Marital Adjustment Test (SMAT; Locke & Wallace, 1959) and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ; Eysenck & Eysenck, 1975). Structural
equation modeling suggests that the husband's neuroticism score is related to the wife's marital satisfaction as is the wife's dyadic consensus score, although to a lesser extent, while the wife's extraversion score is related to the husband's marital satisfaction.
Spouses' marital satisfactions were correlated with each other. The study suggests that the personality traits of a partner can predict an individual's marital adjustment.
Sources and handling of losses to follow-up in parallel-group randomized clinical trials in dogs and cats: 63 trials (2000–2005)
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino
Published: July 2007

Objective—To determine the sources and handlingof losses to follow-up (LTF) in parallel-group randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Sample Population—63 parallel-group RCTs of > 24 hours' duration published from January 2000 through December 2005.

Procedures—Journals were hand searched for eligible reports. Details concerning the presence, cause, and amount of LTF; statistical handlingof data missingbecause of LTF; type of analyses performed; number of animals randomly allocated and analyzed; and the acknowledgement of the potential impact of LTF were recorded.

Results—In 81% (51/63) of trials, LTF were reported. In 80% (41/51) of those studies, losses in the analysis were ignored, and in only 18% (9/51) was the potential impact of LTF on study results acknowledged. Of the 47 studies in which sources of LTF were reported, 72% had loss of subjects because of investigator withdrawals, 30% because of deaths, and 26% because of owner withdrawals. Median loss of subjects for those studies was 12% because of investigator withdrawal (range, 2% to 52%), 8% because of death (1% to 28%), and 4% because of owner withdrawal (2% to 33%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Most RCTs had LTF, most of which were attributable to investigators removing randomly allocated animals from the study. In most studies, data from animal LTF were ignored and, therefore, only a subgroup of randomly allocated subjects was included in the data analysis. Most reports did not address the potential for a postrandomization selection bias associated with ignoring LTF and did not acknowledge the potential impact of the missingdata on their results.
Effect of voltage-gated and capacitative calcium entry blockade on agonist-induced constriction of equine laminar blood vessels
Authors: Peroni John F. , Moore James N. , Noschka Erik , Lewis Tristan H. , Lewis Stephen J. , Robertson Tom P.
Published: July 2007

Objective—To characterize the relative contributions of voltage-gated and capacitative Ca2+ entry to agonist-induced contractions of equine laminar arteries and veins.

Animals—16 adult mixed-breed horses.

Procedures—Laminar arteries and veins were isolated and mounted on small vessel myographs for the measurement of isometric tension. Concentration-response curves were obtained for the vasoconstrictor agonists phenylephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) either in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel inhibitor diltiazem or the putative inhibitor of capacitative Ca2+ entry, trifluoromethylphenylimidazole.

Results—In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, maximal responses of veins to 5-HT, phenylephrine, ET-1 and PGF2α were reduced by 80%, 50%, 50%, and 45%, respectively; responses of arteries to 5-HT, phenylephrine, and ET-1 were reduced by 95%, 90%, and 20%, respectively. Although diltiazem did not affect the maximal responses of veins to any agonist, responses of arteries to 5-HT, phenylephrine, and ET-1 were reduced by 40%, 50%, and 27%, respectively. Trifluoromethylphenylimidazole did not affect maximal responses of veins, but did reduce their contractile responses to low concentrations of ET-1 and PGF2α.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the contribution of extracellular Ca2+ to laminar vessel contractile responses differs between arteries and veins and also between contractile agonists, voltage-gated Ca2+ entry is more predominant in laminar arteries than in veins, and capacitative Ca2+ entry has a minor role in agonist-induced contractile responses of laminar veins.
Addition of chromic oxide to creep feed as a fecal marker for selection of creep feed–eating suckling pigs
Authors: Kuller Wikke I. , van Beers-Schreurs Hetty M. G. , Soede Nicoline M. , Taverne Marcel A. M. , Kemp Bas , Verheijden Jos H. M.
Published: July 2007

Objective—To determine whether the addition of chromic oxide (Cr2O3) to creep feed could be used as a visual marker in feces for selection of creep feed–eating suckling pigs.

Animals—20 suckling pigs.

Procedures—Via syringe, 5 pigs (2 to 3 days old on day 0; 1 pig/treatment) from each of 4 litters received oral administrations of 10, 20, 30, or 40 g of creep feed containing 10 g of Cr2O3•kg−1 on each of 2 consecutive days (days 20 and 21) or 30 g of creep feed containing 10 g of Cr2O3•kg−1 on day 20 and 30 g of Cr2O3-free creep feed on day 21. On days 21 through 24, 6 fecal samples were collected from each pig at regular intervals between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Green-colored feces were considered indicative of creep feed consumption (eaters). Data analyses were based on single and multiple fecal samples.

Results—On day 22, evaluation of 1 fecal sample/pig and multiple fecal samples per pig resulted in identification of as many as 40% and only 15% of the feed-treated pigs wrongly as noneaters, respectively. Repeated sampling over multiple days would identify 99% of eaters accurately. Pigs erroneously identified as noneaters were those administered either low amounts of Cr2O3-supplemented creep feed for 2 days or Cr2O3-supplemented creep feed on only 1 day.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggest that addition of Cr2O3 to creep feed enables selection of individual creep feed–eating suckling pigs via examination of feces, provided that repeated fecal samples are evaluated.
Effect of maternal cells transferred with colostrum on cellular responses to pathogen antigens in neonatal calves
Authors: Donovan Douglas C. , Reber Adrian J. , Gabbard Jon D. , Aceves-Avila Maria , Galland Kimberly L. , Holbert Katheryn A. , Ely Lane O. , Hurley David J.
Published: July 2007

Objective—To assess the effect of maternal cells or cellular components on neonatal immune responses to intracellular pathogens in calves.

Animals—15 Holstein calves.

Procedures—Calves were fed whole colostrum, frozen colostrum, or cell-free colostrum within 4 hours after birth. Leukocytes were obtained from calves before feeding colostrum and 1, 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after ingestion. Proliferative responses against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and mycobacterial purified protein derivatives were evaluated. Dams received a vaccine containing inactivated BVDV, but were not vaccinated against mycobacterial antigens.

Results—All calves had essentially no IgG in circulation at birth, but comparable and substantial concentrations by day 1. Calves that received whole colostrum had enhanced responses to BVDV antigen 1 and 2 days after ingestion of colostrum. In contrast, calves that received frozen colostrum or cell-free colostrum did not respond to BVDV. No differences were identified among the 3 groups in response to mycobacterial antigens.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that transfer of live maternal cells from colostrum to neonatal calves enhanced responses to antigens against which the dams had previously responded (BVDV), but not to antigens to which the dams were naïve (mycobacterial purified protein derivatives). Results suggested that cell-mediated immune transfer to neonates can be enhanced by maternal vaccination.
Clinical signs, treatments, and outcome in cats with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: 20 cases (1990–2004)
Authors: Wilson Heather M. , Chun Ruthanne , Larson Victoria S. , Kurzman Ilene D. , Vail David M.
Published: July 2007

Objective—To characterize demographics and clinical signs and evaluate outcomes of treatments in cats with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—20 cats with TCC.

Procedures—Medical records of 20 cats with a bladder mass identified as a TCC that were examined at 2 veterinary institutions between 1990 and 2004 were evaluated. Signalment, treatments, and outcome were assessed.

Results—Breeds included domestic short hair (n = 14), long hair (2), and medium hair (2) cats, Siamese (1), and Abyssinian (1). All cats had been neutered at an early age (< 1 year old; 13 neutered males and 7 spayed females). The median age at diagnosis of TCC was 15.2 years. The trigone region was affected in 9 cats. Treatments included piroxicam administration, chemotherapy, or surgery as single interventions or in combination; 6 cats were not treated. At the time of diagnosis, 3 cats had pulmonary metastasis and 1 cat had metastasis to local lymph nodes. Median survival time for all 20 cats was 261 days. Nearly all deaths were attributable to progressive disease in the urinary tract. Five cats were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In cats, TCC of the urinary bladder appears to be a rare and aggressive disease that is more prevalent in male cats and frequently develops at sites distant from the trigone (unlike TCC in dogs). Nevertheless, initial clinical signs of TCC in cats in this study were similar to those reported for affected dogs.
ICP slurry introduction for simple and rapid determination of Pb, Mg and Ca in plant roots
Authors: Barałkiewicz Danuta , Kanecka-Hanc Anetta , Gramowska Hanka
Published: July 2007

Pb, Mg and Ca were simultaneously determined in plant roots by slurry introduction into inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (SS-ICP-OES). Slurries were prepared in 0.5% or 5% (v/v) HNO3 with 0.5, or 5% (v/v) Triton X-100. Omission of the Triton X-100 improved results. Compared with wet ashing of the root sample followed by ICP-OES, ICP-MS and FAAS, the method offers: comparable results, simplification of sample preparation, less sample contamination, and reduction in the use of dangerous and corrosive reagents. The precisions varied: 1.7% for Mg, 2.8% for Ca and 4.3% for Pb, and were not significantly different (95% confidence level) from those of conventional analysis.
The expression of endothelin type A and B receptors in the lateral wall of the mouse cochlea
Authors: Luo Yan , Tang Yuedi , Xia Qingjie , Liu Jin
Published: July 2007

Endothelin (ET), originally characterized as a vasoconstrictive peptide, has been found to have many different biological functions, including acting as a local hormonal regulator of pressure, fluid, ions and neurotransmitters in the inner ear. The objective of this study was to examine and quantify the mRNA expression of the endothelin type A and B receptors (ETAR and ETBR) in the strial vascularies (StV) and non-strial tissues (NSt) of the cochlear lateral wall using the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The mouse tissue samples were harvested and RNA was extracted. RT was performed to obtain cDNA, and then the mRNA expression of each gene was measured via real-time PCR. We found that both receptor subtypes were expressed in the cochlear lateral wall, with a predominance of ETAR over ETBR. We showed that the mRNA expression of the two receptor subtypes was higher in the StV with a 1.8 times higher level of ETAR and an 8.1 times higher level of ETBR mRNAs than in the adjacent NSt of the lateral wall tissue. This study shows the existence and the quantity of ET receptor subtypes in the StV and NSt of the mouse cochlea. Our results suggest that an endothelin-mediated response via two different receptors, ETAR and ETBR, may play an important role in the physiological functions of the cochlear lateral wall by maintaining the homeostatic environment of the cochlea.
The Information Content of Visible Spectra of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the Characterization of Its Origin
Authors: Forina Michele , Boggia Raffaella , Casale Monica
Published: July 2007

The information content of visible spectra has been evaluated, by means of some selected chemometrical techniques, for its ability to trace the geographical origin of extra virgin olive oils coming from several Mediterranean regions. Special attention was paid to extra virgin olive oil produced in West Liguria, a North Italy region which leans over the Mediterranean Sea and borders France. The peculiar organoleptic features of this “niche product” deserved the protected designation of origin “Riviera Ligure‐Riviera dei fiori”. Unfortunately, this expensive oil is often submitted to profitable adulterations, commonly involving addition of other cheaper Mediterranean oils. Using suitable transforms, such as profiles and derivatives, the visible spectra of extra virgin olive oils showed a very important discriminant power in that regards the geographical characterization of the studied samples. In particular, the developed class models for West Liguria oils have 100% sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, even if this paper is focused on West Liguria oil, it is important to emphasize that a similar study, involving a so widespread and timesaving technique, could be analogously developed for all the other Mediterranean regions taken into account and it could be used in other olive oil characterization problems.
Determination of Pesticide Residues in Soil by Modified Matrix Solid‐Phase Dispersion and Gas Chromatography
Authors: Shen Xia , Su Qingde , Zhu Xiaolan , Gao Yun
Published: July 2007

Modified matrix solid‐phase dispersion (MMSPD) and gas chromatography have been developed for quantitative analysis of various classes of pesticides (pirimicarb, metalaxyl, metolachlor, isopropalin and pendimethalin) in soil. MMSPD used Florisil as dispersant and acetone as solvent. Determination was carried out by gas chromatography with nitrogen‐phosphorus detection (GC‐NPD). The effect of the residence time of pesticides in soil on the recoveries was studied. MMSPD was compared with continuous liquid‐solid extraction (LSE). MMSPD had good extraction efficiency and cleanup efficiency and the extract obtained could be directly subjected to GC analysis without further purification. The method gave recoveries ranging from 93% to 100% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 10%. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.2 to 2.0 ng g‐1.
Automatic rule combination approach for single‐stage process scheduling problems
Authors: He Yaohua , Hui Chi‐Wai
Published: July 2007

Meta‐heuristic methods show better performance in solving large‐size sequential process scheduling problems than mixed‐integer linear programming. Heuristic rules are often used in meta‐heuristic methods and play a very important role in reducing search space of the scheduling problems. In our previous work (He and Hui, Ind Eng Chem Res. 2006; 45: 4679–4692), approaches of how to automatically select rules from a set of heuristic rules have been proposed. This work proposes a novel approach of how to construct a comprehensive, but not very large set of rules according to the analysis of impact factors. Working with the new rule set, the original approaches are improved, in which a full rule sequence is used for schedule synthesis. A new automatic rule combination approach is proposed, in which a partial rule sequence is intentionally formed and used for schedule synthesis. The adoption of the partial rule sequences saves computational sources and increases the search ability of the algorithms. The automatic rule combination approach almost has the same search ability as the long time tabu search to find the near‐optimal solutions to the large‐size problems, but with much higher convergence speed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Trickle bed biodesulfurizer of diesel with backwash and recycle
Authors: Mukhopadhyaya M. , Chowdhury R. , Bhattacharya P.
Published: July 2007

Production of ultra low sulfur diesel through biodesulfurization process has been studied in a trickle bed reactor having a diameter of 0.066 m and a height of 0.6 m. Rhodococcus sp.(no. 2891 NCIM, Pune) in immobilized form has been used to desulfurize hydrotreated diesel having sulfur concentration in the range of 200–540 ppm. The initial substrate concentration, recycle ratio and volumetric flow rate have been chosen as process parameters. Excess biomass accumulation, which is reflected by the increment of pressure drop within the reactor, has been avoided by backwashing technique. Backwashing time has been correlated to volumetric flow rate. A deterministic mathematical model based on the growth kinetic parameters, namely, maximum specific growth rate μmax, saturation constant Ks and yield coefficient YA/B, determined using systematic batch studies has been developed. Simulated data have been compared with the experimental results, which signify that the model predictions can explain the reality satisfactorily. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Philosophical dialogues as paths to a more ‘positive psychology’
Authors: Triliva Sofia , Dafermos Manolis
Published: July 2007

Although family support programmes have been in place for several decades in Greece very little attention has been paid to evaluating the effectiveness of such endeavours, the techniques that influence their outcomes and the receptiveness to their messages. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of research findings collected during the first qualitative research phase of a community mental health promotion project. The research was conducted in order to delineate programme outcomes and the characteristics that had an impact on the participants' lives. The 3‐month family support programme intended to introduce ‘philosophical dialogues’ as means to developing personal and communal understandings of what makes life worth living. The programme was developed and implemented on Crete under the auspices of a non‐profit community organization appropriately named ‘The Lyceum for Women’. The features of the programme that contributed and enhanced the participants' tendencies to become not passive targets but active partners and stakeholders in the process will be clarified, as will the conceptualization and approach. Of the 45 evaluation protocols that were analysed the following themes were most important for the participants: ‘Group as‐a‐whole process’—the sense of sharing and development understandings in a ‘parea’ (in‐group); ‘relational outcomes’—feeling of belonging, ‘reciprocated kindness’, and giving of self to others; personal and emotional outcomes‐self‐efficacy and empowerment; knowledge outcomes‐learning about positive emotions and enjoying the simple things in life; and group facilitator outcomes‐sharing stories, ‘gives of self to the community’. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Übergangsmetall‐funktionalisierte Phosphaarsene (η5‐C5H4R)(CO)(PPh3)FeAsPC6H2(TBu)3(2,4,6) (R = H, Me) und 1,3,2,4‐Diphosphadiarsetane [η5‐C5Me5)(CO)2FeAsPC6H2Me3(2,4,6)]2
Authors: Weber Lothar , Bungardt Dagmar , Boese Roland , Bläser Dieter
Published: July 2007

Die Übergangsmetall‐substituierten Phosphaarsene (η5‐C5H4R)‐(CO)(PPh3)FeAsPC6H2(tBu)3(2,4,6) (R = H, CH3) (2a,b) entstehen bei der Reaktion von (η5‐C5H4R)(CO)(PPh3)FeAs‐(SiMe3)2 (1a,b) mit 2,4,6‐(tBu)3C6H2PCl2 (ArPCl2). Bei der Umsetzung von (η5‐C5Me5)(CO)2FeAs(SiMe3)2 mit 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2PCl2 (MesPCl2) wird dagegen das erste Übergangsmetall‐funktionalisierte 1,3,2,4‐Diphosphadiarsetan (6) isoliert, das durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse vollständig charakterisiert wurde.
[ 4 + 2] Cycloadditions of Substituted Homobenzoquinones with Cyclopentadiene
Authors: Adam Waldemar , Kliem Ulrike , Lucchini Vittorio , Peters Eva‐Maria , Peters Karl , Von Schnering Hans Georg
Published: July 2007

The Diels‐Alder reaction of homobenzoquinones with cyano‐substituted cyclopropane rings and cyclopentadiene affords the endo/anti and the exo/syn cycloadducts, the former preferred by fourto fivefold. X‐ray structure analyses and nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOE) were necessary to define the stereochemistry of these products. The lower reactivity and stereoselectivity compared to p‐benzoquinone is attributed to unfavorable steric effects.
Darstellung und Eigenschaften von und Reaktionen mit metallhaltigen Heterocyclen, LIX. Synthese und Eigenschaften von η2‐Thiophosphinito‐Komplexen des Cobalts
Authors: Lindner Ekkehard , Frick Klaus Erich , Fawzi Riad , Hiller Wolfgang , Stängle Michael
Published: July 2007

Durch Umsetzung von ICo(CO)2(PR3)2 (1, 2) [R = Ph (1), Cy (2)] mit den sekundären Phosphansulfiden RHP = S erhält man in Gegenwart von Et(iPr)2N die η2‐Thiophosphinito‐Komplexe (OC)2(R2RP)Co(η2‐PRS) (3a,b,d,e,i,j,k,m,n). Die Me2PS und Et2PS‐Verbindungen 3a,b,d oligomerisieren leicht unter Bildung von [(OC)2(R2RP)Co(μ‐PRS]n (4a,b,d) (n > 2). Beim Austausch von PRR2 (R1 = R2 = Ph) in 3a,d,j,m durch PPh2‐Me, PPhMe2 und PMe3 entstehen neben den η2‐Thiophosphinito‐Komplexen 3f,g,l die dimeren Spezies [(OC)2(RP) Co(μ‐PRS)]2 (5c,f,g,h,o). Die Dimerisierungstendenz hängt von dem sterischen Anspruch der Substituenten R1, R2 und R3 ab. Die Substituenten R1 und R2 in 5f,g sind für energetisch bevorzugte Rotamere verantwortlich, die sich in den 31P{1H}‐NMR‐Spektren zu erkennen geben. Die Rotationsbarriere berechnet sich zu ΔG≠ = 42 kj/mol. Nach Röntgenstrukturanalysen kristallisieren (OC)2(Cy3P)Co(η2‐PEt2S) (3e), [(OC)2(Me3P)Co(μ‐PMe2S)]2 (5c) und [(OC)2(Ph2MeP)Co(μ‐PEt2S)]2 (5f) in der Raumgruppe P21/c, P1 bzw. P21/c mit Z = 4, 2 bzw. 2.
Insertion von Alkinen in Organonickel‐Funktionen zur Herstellung von Vinylnickel‐Verbindungen
Authors: Klein Hans‐Friedrich , Reitzel Lutz
Published: July 2007

Die diamagnetischen Vinylnickel‐Verbindungen trans‐Ni‐(CR1CR2R3)Cl(PMe3)2 (1a: R1 = R2 = C6H5, R3 = CH3; 2a: R1 = C6H5, R2 = R3 = CH3; 3a: R1 = R2 = CH3, R3 = C6H5; 4a: R1 = R2 = R3 = C6H5) und Ni(CR1CR2R3)(acac)(PMe3) (5: R1 = R2 = C6H5, R3 = CH3) bilden sich durch Einschiebung von Diphenylethin und 1‐Phenylpropin in Methyl‐ oder Phenyl‐nickel‐Einheiten als Z‐Isomere, die thermisch mit ihren E‐Isomeren ins Gleichgewicht gebracht werden. 1‐Phenylethin und 1‐Phenylpropin ergeben selektiv (1‐Phenylvinyl)nickel‐Verbindungen. Austausch von Halogen liefert die Bromide 1b, 2b, 4b, die Iodide 1c, 2c, 4c und ein Cyanid 1d. Einwirken von LiR (R = Me, CCCMe3) auf 1a mit anschließender reduktiver Eliminierung ergibt Olefin RR1CCR2R3, während Mineralsäuren oder Iod die NiC‐Bindungen von 1a spalten und die entsprechenden Olefine (R = H, I) erzeugen. Eine ergiebige Synthese von Chloro(phenyl)bis(trimethylphosphan)nickel wird ebenfalls beschrieben.
9‐(Organothio)‐9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane — Herstellung und Charakterisierung
Authors: Köster Roland , Seidel Günter , Boese Roland
Published: July 2007

Die 9‐RS‐9‐BBN‐Verbindungen [R = CH3 (1a), C2H5 (1b), CH(CH3)2 (1c), C(CH3)2 (1c), C(CH3)3 (1d), C6H5 (1e), CH2CH2 (1f)] werden aus 9‐Cl‐9‐BBN mit LiSR (1a, b, d, e) oder aus (9‐BBN)2 mit HSR (1c, f) hergestellt. Sämtliche 9‐RS‐9‐BBN‐Verbindungen sind in Lösung bei Raumtemperatur monomer (11B‐NMR). Die α‐C‐ und β‐C‐Resonanzen des C8H14B‐Bicyclus sind in den 13C‐NMR‐Spektren von 1a–c und f bei bzw. unterhalb Raumtemperatur in jeweils zwei Sätze aufgespalten (behinderte Rotation um die BS‐Bindung). Vom festen Dimeren (1a)2 liegt eine Röntgenstruktur‐analyse vor. Die gemischten Dimeren 1a‐9‐BBN und 1b‐9‐BBN bilden sich in Lösung aus 1a bzw. 1b mit (9‐BBN)2 (MS, 11B‐NMR‐Spektren). (1a)2 reagiert mit AlCl3, Pyridin oder Trimethylphosphan unter Bildung der kristallisierten 1:1‐Additions‐verbindungen 1a‐AlCl3, Py‐1a bzw. TMP‐1a.
Heterotricyclen durch intramolekulare 1,4‐Dipolare Cycloaddition von alkenylsubstituierten 3,6‐Dihydro‐6‐oxo‐1‐pyrimidinium‐4‐olaten
Authors: Gotthardt Hans , Riegels Martin
Published: July 2007

Die Synthese der Titelverbindungen vom Typ 5 und 10 sowie ihre intramolekularen Cycloadditionen zu den Produkten 4 bzw. 12 werden beschrieben.