bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of supplemental intravenous anaesthesia/analgesia in horses
Authors: Auckburally Adam , Flaherty Derek
Published: July 2011

General anaesthesia in horses is associated with a significant risk of both morbidity and mortality. One major factor contributing to this is the marked cardiopulmonary depression that occurs in this species in association with the use of volatile anaesthetic agents. Attempts to minimise the required volatile concentration for the maintenance of unconsciousness by administering additional injectable agents may have beneficial effects on the outcome for the animal. This article describes the characteristics of the agents commonly used for supplemental intravenous anaesthesia/analgesia (SIVA), and highlights the key points that must be taken into consideration when undertaking the concurrent administration of these drugs.
Postmortem examination of cage and aviary birds
Authors: Gresham Andrew , Ainsworth Heather
Published: July 2011

Postmortem examination can often reveal significant findings in caged birds and, in many cases, can help to establish an accurate diagnosis about the cause of death. For good results, a comprehensive history and fresh specimens are required. Where mortality has occurred in a number of birds, it is best to examine all or a representative proportion of them. If carcases are unavailable, affected birds that are still alive and representative of the problem may be euthanased for postmortem examination. These birds should preferably be submitted to the laboratory alive if their welfare is not compromised; otherwise, they should be euthanased before submission. This article describes the human health and safety aspects that should be taken into consideration when performing an avian postmortem examination, the stages involved in the procedure and the possible causes of the lesions seen.
Subclinical diseases underlying poor performance in endurance horses: diagnostic methods and predictive tests
Authors: Fraipont A. , Van Erck E. , Ramery E. , Richard E. , Denoix J‐M. , Lekeux P. , Art T.
Published: July 2011

Thirty‐eight endurance horses underwent clinical and ancillary examinations, including haematological and biochemical evaluation, standardised exercise tests both on a treadmill and in the field, Doppler echocardiography, impulse oscillometry, video endoscopy and collection of respiratory fluids. All of the examined poorly performing horses were affected by subclinical diseases, and most of them had multiple concomitant disorders. On the contrary, the well‐performing horses were free of any subclinical disease. The most frequently diagnosed diseases were respiratory disorders, followed by musculoskeletal and cardiac problems. Poor performers exhibited lower speeds at blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l (VLA4) and at heart rates of 160 (V160) and 200 bpm (V200) on the treadmill and in the field, as well as slower recovery of heart rate.
Coprological survey in pet reptiles in Italy
Authors: Papini R. , Manetti C. , Mancianti F.
Published: July 2011

Faecal samples were collected from 324 pet reptiles showing no clinical signs, including 28 saurian species (n=192), three ophidian species (n=74) and three chelonian species (n=58). Samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by direct smear and faecal flotation, while direct immunofluorescence assays were used to reveal the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Overall, 57.4 per cent of the reptiles were harbouring intestinal parasites. These included oxyurids (16 per cent), coccidia (12.3 per cent), flagellates (9.3 per cent), strongyles (6.8 per cent), coccidia plus oxyurids (4.9 per cent), coccidia plus flagellates (1.8 per cent), coccidia plus strongyles (1.8 per cent), oxyurids plus strongyles (1.2 per cent), oxyurids plus flagellates (1.2 per cent), Cryptosporidium species (1.2 per cent) and strongyles plus flagellates (0.6 per cent). Intestinal parasites were more prevalent in saurians than in ophidians and chelonians, in insectivores than in carnivores, omnivores and herbivores, and in wild‐caught than in captive‐born reptiles. A highly significant difference was observed for saurians versus chelonians (odds ratio [OR]=2.20, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.21 to 3.99), insectivores versus herbivores (OR=2.38, 95 per cent CI 1.26 to 4.49) and in wild‐caught versus captive‐born pet reptiles (OR=2.36, 95 per cent CI 1.27 to 4.40).
Nutrient fluxes and the recent collapse of coastal California salmon populations
Authors: Moore Jonathan W. , Hayes Sean A. , Duffy Walter , Gallagher Sean , Michel Cyril J. , Wright David
Published: July 2011

Migratory salmon move nutrients both in and out of fresh waters during the different parts of their life cycle. We used a mass-balance approach to quantify recent changes in phosphorus (P) fluxes in six coastal California, USA, watersheds that have recently experienced dramatic decreases in salmon populations. As adults, semelparous Chinook ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) and coho ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) salmon imported 8.3 and 10.4 times more P from the ocean, respectively, than they exported as smolts, while iteroparous steelhead (i.e., sea-run rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss ) imported only 1.6 times more than they exported as kelts and smolts. Semelparous species whose life histories led them to import more nutrients were also the species whose populations decreased the most dramatically in California in recent years. In addition, the relationship between import and export was nonlinear, with export being proportionally more important at lower levels of import. This pattern was driven by two density-dependent processes — smolts were larger and disproportionately more abundant at lower spawner abundances. In fact, in four of our six streams we found evidence that salmon can drive net export of P at low abundance, evidence for the reversal of the “conveyor belt” of nutrients.
A hidden Markov model approach for determining vessel activity from vessel monitoring system data
Authors: Peel David , Good Norman M.
Published: July 2011

Many fisheries worldwide have adopted vessel monitoring systems (VMS) for compliance purposes. An added benefit of these systems is that they collect a large amount of data on vessel locations at very fine spatial and temporal scales. This data can provide a wealth of information for stock assessment, research, and management. However, since most VMS implementations record vessel location at set time intervals with no regard to vessel activity, some methodology is required to determine which data records correspond to fishing activity. This paper describes a probabilistic approach, based on hidden Markov models (HMMs), to determine vessel activity. A HMM provides a natural framework for the problem and, by definition, models the intrinsic temporal correlation of the data. The paper describes the general approach that was developed and presents an example of this approach applied to the Queensland trawl fishery off the coast of eastern Australia. Finally, a simulation experiment is presented that compares the misallocation rates of the HMM approach with other approaches.
Ocean circulation, Stokes drift, and connectivity of western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) population
Authors: Feng Ming , Caputi Nick , Penn James , Slawinski Dirk , de Lestang Simon , Weller Evan , Pearce Alan
Published: July 2011

An individual-based model, incorporating outputs of a data-assimilating hydrodynamic model, was developed to investigate the role of ocean circulation in the recruitment processes of western rock lobster ( Panulirus cygnus ) during its 9- to 11-month larval phase off the west coast of Australia. During austral summer, strong northward alongshore winds aid the offshore movement of early-stage model larvae from midshelf hatching sites into open ocean; during austral winter, eastward flows that feed the enhanced Leeuwin Current facilitate onshore movement of late-stage larvae towards nearshore habitats. Stokes drift induced by swells from the Southern Ocean is critical to retain larvae off the west coast. Diurnal migration and temperature-dependent growth are also important. Model larvae hatched in late spring – early summer grow faster because of longer exposure to warm summer temperature, which allows them to be transported towards the coast by the strong onshore flows in winter and reduces their natural mortality. Preliminary source–sink relationship indicates that the population was well mixed off the coast, with higher likelihood of settlement success from hatching sites in the north, mostly due to higher surface temperature. Weighted with the breeding stock distribution, the area between 27.5°S and 29.5°S, including the Abrolhos Islands, is the most important hatching area to the success of settlement.
The mitochondrial genome of the soybean cyst nematode,Heterodera glycines
Authors: Gibson Tracey , Farrugia Daniel , Barrett Jeff , Chitwood David J. , Rowe Janet , Subbotin Sergei , Dowton Mark
Published: July 2011

We sequenced the entire coding region of the mitochondrial genome of Heterodera glycines. The sequence obtained comprised 14.9 kb, with PCR evidence indicating that the entire genome comprised a single, circular molecule of approximately 21–22 kb. The genome is the most T-rich nematode mitochondrial genome reported to date, with T representing over half of all nucleotides on the coding strand. The genome also contains the highest number of poly(T) tracts so far reported (to our knowledge), with 60 poly(T) tracts ≥ 12 Ts. All genes are transcribed from the same mitochondrial strand. The organization of the mitochondrial genome of H. glycines shows a number of similarities compared with Radopholus similis, but fewer similarities when compared with Meloidogyne javanica. Very few gene boundaries are shared with Globodera pallida or Globodera rostochiensis. Partial mitochondrial genome sequences were also obtained for Heterodera cardiolata (5.3 kb) and Punctodera chalcoensis (6.8 kb), and these had identical organizations compared with H. glycines. We found PCR evidence of a minicircular mitochondrial genome in P. chalcoensis, but at low levels and lacking a noncoding region. Such circularised genome fragments may be present at low levels in a range of nematodes, with multipartite mitochondrial genomes representing a shift to a condition in which these subgenomic circles predominate.
THE IMPACT OF COMMODITY TRANSACTION TAX ON FUTURES TRADING IN INDIA: AN EX-ANTE ANALYSIS
Authors: SAHOO PRAVAKAR , KUMAR RAJIV
Published: July 2011

Trading in commodity derivatives on exchange platforms is an instrument to achieve price discovery and better price-risk management besides helping the macroeconomy with better resource allocation. In the 2008–2009 budget, the Indian government proposed to impose a commodity transaction tax (CTT) amounting to 0.017% of trading value. In this context, we examine the relationship between trading activity, volatility and transaction cost for five most traded commodities in India. Results suggest that there exists a negative relationship between transaction cost and liquidity and a positive relationship between transaction cost and volatility. Further, the results of structural model support the results of VAR analysis. Therefore, if the government imposes CTT, it would lead to higher volatility and lower trading activity affecting market efficiency and liquidity.
OCCUPATIONAL SEGREGATION IN THE MALAYSIAN LABOR MARKET: EVIDENCE ON THE L INDEX
Authors: GOY SIEW CHING , JOHNES GERAINT
Published: July 2011

Empirical research on occupational segregation has conventionally measured it with Duncan dissimilarity index. This paper adopts an alternative approach — the L index — using the multivariate analysis introduced by Spriggs and Williams, which we extend to explore the impact of economic development on occupational segregation. This enables us to investigate the importance of individuals' attributes in explaining the segregation. Using data from the Labor Force Survey between 1985 and 2005, our results indicate that the L index controlling only for sex is substantial and persistent. However, the full model L index generally implies that occupational segregation has widened after controlling for individuals' attributes. It is found that segregation in the Malaysian labor market is mainly explained by gender, which, on average, accounts for 82% of the segregation. When a measure of macroeconomic conditions and a time variable economic are factored into the model that controls for gender only, the L index remains unchanged.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND SPEED OF ADJUSTMENT IN ASEAN-3 ECONOMIES: A COINTEGRATION ANALYSIS
Authors: SUBRAMANIAM THIRUNAUKARASU , BAHARUMSHAH AHMAD ZUBAIDI
Published: July 2011

This paper investigates the existence of long-run relationship between unemployment and several key macroeconomic variables in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The Johansen–Juselius cointegration method confirms the existence of a stationary long-run cointegration relationship between unemployment and its determinants in all three countries. Exports and foreign direct investment are important determinants of unemployment in Malaysia. In the Philippines, government spending and exports are inversely related to unemployment. In Singapore, only exports appeared as a significant factor in determining unemployment. The results show that the speed of adjustment following a shock is more rapid in Singapore compared to the other two ASEAN countries.
TOURISM AND GROWTH IN SINGAPORE: NEW EXTENSION FROM BOUNDS TEST TO LEVEL RELATIONSHIPS AND CONDITIONAL GRANGER CAUSALITY TESTS
Authors: KATIRCIOǦLU SALIH TURAN
Published: July 2011

This paper empirically investigates the tourism-led growth (TLG) hypothesis in the case of Singapore by employing the bounds test to cointegration, error correction models and Granger causality tests using annual data from 1960 to 2007. Results confirm the existence of long-term equilibrium relationship between international tourism and economic growth in the case of Singapore; real income growth converges to its long-term equilibrium level significantly by 51.4% in the TLG model. The major finding of this study is that the TLG hypothesis is confirmed for the Singaporean economy in the long-term as a result of conditional Granger causality tests.
Vilsmeier-Haack formylation of Cu(II) and Ni(II) porphyrin complexes under microwaves irradiation
Authors: Moura Nuno M.M. , Faustino Maria A.F. , Neves Maria G.P.M.S. , Duarte Armando C. , Cavaleiro José A.S.
Published: July 2011

Microwave irradiation is a powerful tool in organic synthesis allowing for instance, to reduce reaction times and to obtain the desired products in better yields. Contrary to what is reported in literature, the first Vilsmeier-Haack formylation of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of meso-tetraarylporphyrins by using microwave irradiation is described here. Different solvents, irradiation powers and reaction times were studied using the Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and the best found conditions were extended to a series of other meso-substituted tetraarylporphyrins. The products, namely the new ones were isolated in good to excellent yields and with a significant reduction on the reaction times. Scaled-up studies have shown that the efficiency of the process is not affected by increasing the amount of porphyrin.
Tumor necrosis factor-α downregulates sodium current in skeletal muscle by protein kinase C activation: involvement in critical illness polyneuromyopathy
Authors: Guillouet Maité , Gueret Gildas , Rannou Fabrice , Giroux-Metges Marie-Agnès , Gioux Maxime , Arvieux Charles C. , Pennec Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2011

Sepsis is involved in the decrease of membrane excitability of skeletal muscle, leading to polyneuromyopathy. This effect is mediated by alterations of the properties of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV), but the exact mechanism is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to check whether tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), a cytokine released during sepsis, exerts a rapid effect on NaV. Sodium current ( INa) was recorded by macropatch clamp in skeletal muscle fibers isolated from rat peroneus longus muscle, in control conditions and after TNF-α addition. Analyses of dose-effect and time-effect relationships were carried out. Effect of chelerythrine, a PKC inhibitor, was also studied to determine the way of action of TNF-α. TNF-α induced a reversible dose- and time-dependent inhibition of INa. A maximum inhibition of 75% of the control current was observed. A shift toward more negative potentials of activation and inactivation curves of INa was also noticed. These effects were prevented by chelerythrine pretreatment. TNF-α is a cytokine released in the early stages of sepsis. Besides a possible transcriptional role, i.e., modification of the channel type and/or number, we demonstrated the existence of a rapid, posttranscriptional inhibition of NaV by TNF-α. The downregulation of the sodium current could be mediated by a PKC-induced phosphorylation of the sodium channel, thus leading to a significant decrease in muscle excitability.
Mechanisms mediating sodium-induced pressor responses in the PVN of Dahl rats
Authors: Gabor Alexander , Leenen Frans H. H.
Published: July 2011

Intracerebroventricular infusion of Na+-rich artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) causes larger sympathetic and pressor responses in Dahl salt-sensitive (S) than -resistant (R) or Wistar rats. Enhanced activity of the aldosterone-“ouabain” pathway or decreased nitric oxide (NO) release may contribute to this enhanced responsiveness. Where in the brain these mechanisms interact is largely unknown. The present study evaluated whether Na+ in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) causes larger pressor responses in Dahl S (SS/Mcw) than R (Dahl SS.BN13) rats and whether mineralocorticoid receptors, benzamil-blockable Na+ channels, “ouabain,” angiotensin type 1 receptors, or NO mediates these enhanced responses. Na+-rich aCSF in the PVN caused 30–40% larger increases in blood pressure and heart rate in Dahl S than R or Wistar rats, whereas responses to ouabain, ANG II, or Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) in the PVN were the same. These responses to Na+ were not affected by eplerenone, benzamil, or Fab fragments, whereas they were fully blocked by losartan, in Dahl S and R rats. l-NAME enhanced them more in Dahl R than S rats, thereby equalizing the responses in the two strains. Pressor responses to l-NAME in the PVN were attenuated by a high-salt diet in Dahl S, but not R, rats. The results indicate that acute and chronic increases in Na+ concentration in the PVN inhibit NO release in the PVN of Dahl S, but not R, rats, thereby contributing to the enhanced pressor responses to Na+ in Dahl S rats.
Metyrapone and fluoxetine suppress enduring behavioral but not cardiac effects of subchronic stress in rats
Authors: Carnevali Luca , Bondarenko Evgeny , Sgoifo Andrea , Walker Frederick R. , Head Geoffrey A. , Lukoshkova Elena V. , Day Trevor A. , Nalivaiko Eugene
Published: July 2011

In humans, chronic stressors have long been recognized as potential causes for cardiac dysregulation. Despite this, the underlying mechanistic links responsible for this association are still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to a paradigm of subchronic stress can provoke enduring changes on the heart rate of experimental rats and, if so, to reveal the autonomic and neural mechanisms that mediate these effects. The study was conducted on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats instrumented for telemetric recording of heart rate and locomotor activity. Animals were submitted to a subchronic stress protocol, consisting of a 1-h foot shock session on five consecutive days. Heart rate and locomotor activity were recorded continuously for 3 days before and for 6 days after the subchronic stress period. Subchronic foot shock produced significant and enduring reduction in heart rate both during the dark/active [Δ= −23 ± 3 beats per minute (bpm)] and light/inactive (Δ= −20 ± 3 bpm) phases of the circadian cycle, and a reduction in locomotor activity during the dark/active phase [Δ= −54 ± 6 counts per hour (cph)]. The bradycardic effect of subchronic stress was not related to a reduced locomotion. Selective sympathetic (atenolol) and vagal (methyl-scopolamine) blockades were performed to reveal which autonomic component was responsible for this effect. We found that the fall in heart rate persisted after subchronic stress in animals treated with atenolol (active phase Δ= −16 ± 3 bpm, inactive phase Δ= −19 ± 2 bpm), whereas vagal blockade with scopolamine transiently prevented this effect, suggesting that the bradycardia following subchronic stress was predominantly vagally mediated. Fluoxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and metyrapone (inhibitor of corticosterone synthesis) treatments did not affect heart rate changes but prevented the reduction in locomotion. We conclude that subchronic stress exposure in rats reduces heart rate via a rebound in vagal activation and that this effect is serotonin- and corticosterone-independent.
Regulated recovery of pulsatile growth hormone secretion from negative feedback: a preclinical investigation
Authors: Veldhuis Johannes D. , Bowers Cyril Y.
Published: July 2011

Although stimulatory (feedforward) and inhibitory (feedback) dynamics jointly control neurohormone secretion, the factors that supervise feedback restraint are poorly understood. To parse the regulation of growth hormone (GH) escape from negative feedback, 25 healthy men and women were studied eight times each during an experimental GH feedback clamp. The clamp comprised combined bolus infusion of GH or saline and continuous stimulation by saline GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), GHRP-2, or both peptides after randomly ordered supplementation with placebo (both sexes) vs. E2 (estrogen; women) and T (testosterone; men). Endpoints were GH pulsatility and entropy (a model-free measure of feedback quenching). Gender determined recovery of pulsatile GH secretion from negative feedback in all four secretagog regimens (0.003 ≤ P ≤ 0.017 for women>men). Peptidyl secretagog controlled the mass, number, and duration of feedback-inhibited GH secretory bursts (each, P < 0.001). E2/T administration potentiated both pulsatile ( P = 0.006) and entropic ( P < 0.001) modes of GH recovery. IGF-I positively predicted the escape of GH secretory burst number and mode ( P = 0.022), whereas body mass index negatively forecast GH secretory burst number and mass ( P = 0.005). The composite of gender, body mass index, E2, IGF-I, and peptidyl secretagog strongly regulates the escape of pulsatile and entropic GH secretion from autonegative feedback. The ensemble factors identified in this preclinical investigation enlarge the dynamic model of GH control in humans.
Inflammatory stress exacerbates lipid-mediated renal injury in ApoE/CD36/SRA triple knockout mice
Authors: Xu Zhen E. , Chen Yaxi , Huang Ailong , Varghese Zac , Moorhead John F. , Yan Feng , Powis Stephen H. , Li Qiu , Ruan Xiong Z.
Published: July 2011

Both lipids and inflammation play important roles in the progression of kidney disease. This study was designed to investigate whether inflammation exacerbates lipid accumulation via LDL receptors (LDLr), thereby causing renal injury in C57BL/6J mice, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) mice, and ApoE/CD36/scavenger receptor A triple KO mice. The mice were given a subcutaneous casein injection to induce inflammatory stress. After 14 wk, terminal blood samples were taken for renal function, lipid profiles, amyloid A (SAA), and IL-6 assays. Lipid accumulation in kidneys was visualized by oil red O staining. Fibrogenic molecule expression in kidneys was examined. There was a significant increase in serum SAA and IL-6 in the all casein-injected mice compared with respective controls. Casein injection reduced serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol and caused lipid accumulation in kidneys from three types of mice. The expression of LDLr and its regulatory proteins sterol-responsive element-binding protein (SREBP) 2 and SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) were upregulated in inflamed mice compared with controls. Casein injection induced renal fibrosis accompanied by increased expression of fibrogenic molecules in the triple KO mice. These data imply that inflammation exacerbates lipid accumulation in the kidney by diverting lipid from the plasma to the kidney via the SCAP-SREBP2-LDLr pathway and causing renal injury. Low blood cholesterol levels, resulting from inflammation, may be associated with high risk for chronic renal fibrosis.
The organization of the human cerebellum estimated by intrinsic functional connectivity
Authors: Buckner Randy L. , Krienen Fenna M. , Castellanos Angela , Diaz Julio C. , Yeo B. T. Thomas
Published: July 2011

The cerebral cortex communicates with the cerebellum via polysynaptic circuits. Separate regions of the cerebellum are connected to distinct cerebral areas, forming a complex topography. In this study we explored the organization of cerebrocerebellar circuits in the human using resting-state functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI). Data from 1,000 subjects were registered using nonlinear deformation of the cerebellum in combination with surface-based alignment of the cerebral cortex. The foot, hand, and tongue representations were localized in subjects performing movements. fcMRI maps derived from seed regions placed in different parts of the motor body representation yielded the expected inverted map of somatomotor topography in the anterior lobe and the upright map in the posterior lobe. Next, we mapped the complete topography of the cerebellum by estimating the principal cerebral target for each point in the cerebellum in a discovery sample of 500 subjects and replicated the topography in 500 independent subjects. The majority of the human cerebellum maps to association areas. Quantitative analysis of 17 distinct cerebral networks revealed that the extent of the cerebellum dedicated to each network is proportional to the network's extent in the cerebrum with a few exceptions, including primary visual cortex, which is not represented in the cerebellum. Like somatomotor representations, cerebellar regions linked to association cortex have separate anterior and posterior representations that are oriented as mirror images of one another. The orderly topography of the representations suggests that the cerebellum possesses at least two large, homotopic maps of the full cerebrum and possibly a smaller third map.
Group Divisible Designs with Two Associate Classes and λ2 = 1
Authors: Pabhapote Nittiya , Punnim Narong
Published: July 2011

The original classiffcation of PBIBDs defined group divisible designs GDD(v = v1 + v2 + ⋯ + vg, g, k, λ1, λ2) with λ1 ≠ 0. In this paper, we prove that the necessary
conditions are suffcient for the existence of the group divisible designs with two groups
of unequal sizes and block size three with λ2 = 1.
Quantitative Similarity Evaluation of Internet Social Network Entities Based on Supernetwork
Authors: Chen Xiuzhen , Li Shenghong , Li Jianhua , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: July 2011

How to accurately characterize similarities of entities is the basis of detecting virtual community structure of an Internet social network. This paper proposes a supernetwork based approach of quantitative similarity evaluation among entities with two indices of friend relation and interest similarity. The supernetwork theory is firstly introduced to model the complex relationship of online social network entities by integrating three basic networks: entity, action, and interest and establishing three kinds of mappings: from entity to action, from action to interest, and from entity to interest, that is, one hidden relation mined through the transfer characteristic of visible mappings. And further similarity degree between two entities is calculated by weighting the values of two indices: friend relation and interest similarity. Experiments show that this model not only can provide a more realistic relation of individual users within an Internet social network, but also, build a weighted social network, that is, a graph in which user entities are vertices and similarities are edges, on which the values record their similarity strength relative to one another.
Comparative Triceps Surae Morphology in Primates: A Review
Authors: Hanna Jandy B. , Schmitt Daniel
Published: July 2011

Primate locomotor evolution, particularly the evolution of bipedalism, is often examined through morphological studies. Many of these studies have examined the uniqueness of the primate forelimb, and others have examined the primate hip and thigh. Few data exist, however, regarding the myology and function of the leg muscles, even though the ankle plantar flexors are highly important during human bipedalism. In this paper, we draw together data on the fiber type and muscle mass variation in the ankle plantar flexors of primates and make comparisons to other mammals. The data suggest that great apes, atelines, and lorisines exhibit similarity in the mass distribution of the triceps surae. We conclude that variation in triceps surae may be related to the shared locomotor mode exhibited by these groups and that triceps surae morphology, which approaches that of humans, may be related to frequent use of semiplantigrade locomotion and vertical climbing.
Ultrasound Guidance for Deep Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Brief Review
Authors: Wadhwa Anupama , Kandadai Sunitha Kanchi , Tongpresert Sujittra , Obal Detlef , Gebhard Ralf Erich
Published: July 2011

Nerve stimulation and ultrasound have been introduced to the practice of regional anesthesia mostly in the last two decades. Ultrasound did not gain as much popularity as the nerve stimulation until a decade ago because of the simplicity, accuracy and portability of the nerve stimulator. Ultrasound is now available in most academic centers practicing regional anesthesia and is a popular tool amongst trainees for performance of nerve blocks. This review article specifically discusses the role of ultrasonography for deeply situated nerves or plexuses such as the infraclavicular block for the upper extremity and lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve blocks for the lower extremity. Transitioning from nerve stimulation to ultrasound-guided blocks alone or in combination is beneficial in certain scenarios. However, not every patient undergoing regional anesthesia technique benefits from the use of ultrasound, especially when circumstances resulting in difficult visualization such as deep nerve blocks and/or block performed by inexperienced ultrasonographers. The use of ultrasound does not replace experience and knowledge of relevant anatomy, especially for visualization of deep structures. In certain scenarios, ultrasound may not offer additional value and substantial amount of time may be spent trying to find relevant structures or even provide a false sense of security, especially to an inexperienced operator. We look at available literature on the role of ultrasound for the performance of deep peripheral nerve blocks and its benefits.
Venom-Induced Immunosuppression: An Overview of Hemocyte-Mediated Responses
Authors: Er Aylin , Sak Olga , Ergin Ekrem , Uçkan Fevzi , Rivers David B.
Published: July 2011

Parasitic wasps are important natural enemies of several insect pests. They use a variety of methods to modulate their insect host for their progeny to develop. For example, the female wasp needs to avoid or suppress the host immune responses by introducing venom with or without virus like particles and/or polydnaviruses. The aim of this paper is to provide a synthesis of current knowledge regarding the immunosuppression of host immunity with venom in parasitoids that are devoid of symbiotic viruses. Special emphasis is given through disabling host hemocytes by venom of the endoparasitoidPimpla turionellae(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) with comparisons of venoms from other parasitoid species.
Cross‐Validation, Bootstrap, and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Tsujitani Masaaki , Tanaka Yusuke
Published: July 2011

This paper considers the applications of resampling methods to support vector machines (SVMs). We take into account the leaving‐one‐out cross‐validation (CV) when determining the optimum tuning parameters and bootstrapping the deviance in order to summarize the measure of goodness‐of‐fit in SVMs. The leaving‐one‐out CV is also adapted in order to provide estimates of the bias of the excess error in a prediction rule constructed with training samples. We analyze the data from a mackerel‐egg survey and a liver‐disease study.
Positive Periodic Solutions for Neutral Delay Ratio‐Dependent Predator‐Prey Model with Holling‐Tanner Functional Response
Authors: Liu Guirong , Wang Sanhu , Yan Jurang
Published: July 2011

By using a continuation theorem based on coincidence degree theory, we establish some easily verifiable criteria for the existence of positive periodic solutions for neutral delay ratio‐dependent predator‐prey model with Holling‐Tanner functional response x′(t) = x(t)[r(t) − a(t)x(t − σ(t)) − b(t)x′(t − σ(t))]−c(t)x(t)y(t)/(h(t)y(t) + x(t)), y′(t) = y(t)[d(t) − f(t)y(t − τ(t))/x(t − τ(t))].
Dynamics of Mean-Variance-Skewness of Cumulative Crop Yield Impact Temporal Yield Variance
Authors: Jaradat Abdullah A.
Published: July 2011

Farmers' decision to adopt new management or production system depends on production risk. Grain yield data was used to assess production risk in a field experiment composed of two cropping systems (CNV and ORG), each with eight subsystems (two levels each of crop rotation (2-yr and 4-yr), tillage management (conventional, CT and strip, ST), and fertilizer input (fertilized, YF and non-fertilized, NF)). Statistical moments, cumulative yield (CY), temporal yield variance (TYV) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to assess the risk associated with adopting combinations of new management practices in CNV and ORG. The mean-variance-skewness (M-V-S) statistics derived from yield data separated all 16 subsystems into three clusters. Both cropping systems and clustered subsystems differed as to their ability to maintain a constant yield over years, displayed different yield cumulative probabilities, exhibited significant and different M-V-S relationships, and differed as to the reliability of estimating TYV as a function of CY. Results indicated that differences in management among cropping systems and subsystems contributed differently to the goal of achieving yield potential as estimated by the cumulative density function, and that certain low-input management practices caused a positive shift in yield distribution, and may lower TYV and reduce production risk.
Effectiveness of a Smoking Cessation Intervention for Methadone-Maintained Women: A Comparison of Pregnant and Parenting Women
Authors: Holbrook Amber M. , Kaltenbach Karol A.
Published: July 2011

Women in substance abuse programs have high rates of smoking. Pregnancy represents a unique opportunity for intervention, but few data exist to guide tailoring of effective interventions. In this study, 44 pregnant and 47 nonpregnant opioid-dependent women enrolled in comprehensive substance abuse treatment received a 6-week smoking cessation intervention based on the 5A's counseling model. The number of daily cigarettes decreased by 49% for pregnant patients and 32% for nonpregnant patients at the 3-month followup. Length of time in substance abuse treatment did not correlate with smoking cessation or reduction for either group. Factors predicting reduction of cigarette smoking differed for pregnant versus nonpregnant patients. For pregnant patients, lower levels of nicotine use prior to intervention and self-reported cigarette cravings predicted successful reduction in smoking. For nonpregnant patients, lower affiliative attachment to cigarettes, reliance on cigarettes for cognitive enhancement, and greater sense of control predicted more successful outcomes.
Effect of Ga/Cu Ratio on Polycrystalline Thin Film Solar Cell
Authors: Islam M. M. , Yamada A. , Sakurai T. , Ishizuka S. , Matsubara K. , Niki S. , Akimoto K.
Published: July 2011

Structural and electrical properties of polycrystalline CuGaSe2 thin films have been studied by changing the Ga/Cu ratio in the films. CuGaSe2 thin films with various Ga/Cu ratio were grown over Mo-coated soda-lime glass substrates. With the increase of Ga content in CuGaSe2, morphology of the films was found to deteriorate which is associated with the smaller grain size and the appearance of impurity phases presumably due to the phase transition from the chalcopyrite structure to the defect-related phase on the surface of the films. Properties of the Ga poor films were affected by the Cu rich secondary phases. Electrical properties of the films were strongly influenced by the structural properties and degraded with increasing the Ga/Cu ratio in the film. Device performances, fabricated with the corresponding CuGaSe2 films, were found to be correlated with the Ga/Cu ratio in the films and consistent with the observed structural and electrical properties.
Current Approaches for Management of Postpenetrating Keratoplasty Astigmatism
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Zare Mohammad
Published: July 2011

A successful corneal graft requires both clarity and an acceptable refraction. A clear corneal graft may be an optical failure if high astigmatism limits visual acuity. Intraoperative measures to reduce postkeratoplasty astigmatism include round and central trephination of cornea with an adequate size, appropriate sutures with evenly distributed tension, and perfect graft-host apposition. Suture manipulation has been described for minimising early postoperative astigmatism. If significant astigmatism remains after suture removal, which cannot be corrected by optical means, then further surgical procedures containing relaxing incisions, compression sutures, laser refractive surgery, insertion of intrastromal corneal ring segments, wedge resection, and toric intraocular lens implantation can be performed. When astigmatism cannot be reduced using one or more abovementioned approaches, repeat penetrating keratoplasty should inevitably be considered. However, none of these techniques has emerged as an ideal one, and corneal surgeons may require combining two or more approaches to exploit the maximum advantages.
Chlamydia trachomatisandMycoplasma genitaliumPlasma Antibodies in Relation to Epithelial Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Idahl Annika , Lundin Eva , Jurstrand Margaretha , Kumlin Urban , Elgh Fredrik , Ohlson Nina , Ottander Ulrika
Published: July 2011

Objective. To assess associations ofChlamydia trachomatisandMycoplasma genitaliumantibodies with epithelial ovarian tumors.Methods. Plasma samples from 291 women, undergoing surgery due to suspected ovarian pathology, were analyzed with respect toC. trachomatisIgG and IgA, chlamydial Heat Shock Protein 60-1 (cHSP60-1) IgG andM. genitaliumIgG antibodies. Women with borderline tumors (n=12), ovarian carcinoma (n=45), or other pelvic malignancies (n=11) were matched to four healthy controls each.Results. Overall, there were no associations of antibodies with EOC. However, chlamydial HSP60-1 IgG antibodies were associated with type II ovarian cancer (P=.002) in women with plasma samples obtained >1 year prior to diagnosis (n=7).M. genitaliumIgG antibodies were associated with borderline ovarian tumors (P=.01).Conclusion. Chlamydial HSP60-1 IgG andM. genitaliumIgG antibodies are in this study associated with epithelial ovarian tumors in some subsets, which support the hypothesis linking upper-genital tract infections and ovarian tumor development.
Psychopathology and Suicide among Quebec Physicians: A Nested Case Control Study
Authors: Gagné Pierre , Moamai Javad , Bourget Dominique
Published: July 2011

Objective. To describe a psychiatric profile and characteristics of physicians who killed themselves in Quebec between 1992 and 2009.Method. The cases of 36 physicians (7 females and 29 males) and 36 nonphysicians who committed suicide were matched for age and gender and examined in a nested case control design. All subjects were judged as definite suicide by the Quebec Coroner Head Office. Consensus regarding DSM-IV diagnoses was established by two forensic psychiatrists.Results. Rates of all Axis I diagnoses were 83% for physicians and 91% for nonphysicians at the time of suicide. Major depressive disorders were the most frequently observed pathology in both groups (61% and 56%, resp.).Conclusions. Physicians and nonphysicians who committed suicide in Quebec suffered from the same type of psychiatric disorder at the time of killing themselves. The findings advocate strongly for more efficient suicide prevention measures including early detection and treatment of mood disorders for the physicians.
The Tumor Suppressive MicroRNAmiR-218Targets the mTOR ComponentRictorand Inhibits AKT Phosphorylation in Oral Cancer
Authors: Uesugi Atsushi , Kozaki Ken-ichi , Tsuruta Tomohiko , Furuta Mayuko , Morita Kei-ichi , Imoto Issei , Omura Ken , Inazawa Johji
Published: July 2011

The incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is rising rapidly in developed countries, posing a growing challenge due to the poor management of this type of malignancy at present. In this study, we profiled tumor suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) that are silenced by DNA hypermethylation in OSCC using a function-based screening approach. This approach employed a cell proliferation assay for 327 synthetic miRNAs in two OSCC cell lines. Among the 110 miRNAs identified in this set that exhibited inhibitory properties, we compared DNA methylation and expression status in a wider panel of OSCC cell lines and primary tumor tissues, resulting in the identification of miR-218 and miR-585 as functionally significant miRNA genes that are frequently silenced in OSCC by DNA hypermethylation. Ectopic expression of miR-218 and miR-585 in OSCC cells lacking endogenous expression reduced cell growth in part through caspase-mediated apoptosis. Notably, miR-218 reduced levels of the rapamycin-insensitive component of mTOR, Rictor, in a manner associated with a suppression of Akt S473 phosphorylation. Together our findings define miR-585 as a tumor suppressive function that is often epigenetically silenced in OSCC, and they identify Rictor as a novel target of miR-218, suggesting that activation of the mTOR-Akt signaling pathway induced by Rictor contributes centrally to oral carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5765–78. ©2011 AACR.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and Its Role in Assessing the Value of New Cancer Treatments in England and Wales
Authors: Trowman Rebecca , Chung Helen , Longson Carole , Littlejohns Peter , Clark Peter
Published: July 2011

The boundaries of medical science in the treatment of cancer are constantly extending. Developments of existing treatments, innovative approaches, new discoveries, and more targeted therapeutic options are translating into practice. With advances come increasing costs, often of a magnitude that stretches finite financial resources. When decisions about funding are made on behalf of a population, standardized processes and methods are needed in order to produce robust guidance in a fair, consistent, and transparent way. The challenges of making these difficult decisions are brought into particularly stark relief when potentially life-extending treatments for patients with a short life expectancy are appraised. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) produces guidance on the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of medicines compared with current standard practice. Approximately 40% of the technologies appraised by NICE are indicated for cancer, and the majority of these are pharmaceuticals, mostly biological agents. This article provides an overview of the current role of NICE in making new technologies for cancer available in England and Wales. This includes a summary of experiences with end-of-life treatments and the supplementary advice regarding such treatments that was issued by NICE to its decision-making committees in 2009. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 4930–5. ©2011 AACR.
Interleukin-6 as a Therapeutic Target in Human Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Coward Jermaine , Kulbe Hagen , Chakravarty Probir , Leader David , Vassileva Vessela , Leinster D. Andrew , Thompson Richard , Schioppa Tiziana , Nemeth Jeffery , Vermeulen Jessica , Singh Naveena , Avril Norbert , Cummings Jeff , Rexhepaj Elton , Jirström Karin , Gallagher William M. , Brennan Donal J. , McNeish Iain A. , Balkwill Frances R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: We investigated whether inhibition of interleukin 6 (IL-6) has therapeutic activity in ovarian cancer via abrogation of a tumor-promoting cytokine network.

Experimental Design: We combined preclinical and in silico experiments with a phase 2 clinical trial of the anti-IL-6 antibody siltuximab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Results: Automated immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays from 221 ovarian cancer cases showed that intensity of IL-6 staining in malignant cells significantly associated with poor prognosis. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with siltuximab reduced constitutive cytokine and chemokine production and also inhibited IL-6 signaling, tumor growth, the tumor-associated macrophage infiltrate and angiogenesis in IL-6–producing intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenografts. In the clinical trial, the primary endpoint was response rate as assessed by combined RECIST and CA125 criteria. One patient of eighteen evaluable had a partial response, while seven others had periods of disease stabilization. In patients treated for 6 months, there was a significant decline in plasma levels of IL-6–regulated CCL2, CXCL12, and VEGF. Gene expression levels of factors that were reduced by siltuximab treatment in the patients significantly correlated with high IL-6 pathway gene expression and macrophage markers in microarray analyses of ovarian cancer biopsies.

Conclusion: IL-6 stimulates inflammatory cytokine production, tumor angiogenesis, and the tumor macrophage infiltrate in ovarian cancer and these actions can be inhibited by a neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody in preclinical and clinical studies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(18); 6083–96. ©2011 AACR.