bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Rise in Serum VEGF and PDGF Levels Predisposes Patients With a Normal
MBL2
Genotype to Restenosis After Eversion Endarterectomy
Authors: Szabó Attila , Laki Judit , Madsen Hans O. , Dósa Edit , Prohászka Zoltán , Rugonfalvi-Kiss Szabolcs , Kókai Márta , Acsádi György , Karádi István , Entz László , Selmeci László , Romics László , Füst George , Garred Peter , Cervenak László
Published: July 2007

Background and Purpose—

Recently we found that the incidence of restenosis after carotid endarterectomy was significantly higher in patients homozygous for the normal genotype of mannose-binding lectin (
MBL2
) than in with patients with
MBL2
variant genotypes. Several growth factors are also known to contribute to restenosis. Therefore, we investigated whether early postoperative changes in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) concentrations and
MBL2
genotypes interact in the development of restenosis.

Methods—

Eighty-two patients who underwent carotid eversion endarterectomy and were followed up by carotid duplex scan sonography for 14 months were studied. Growth factors were measured preoperatively and 4 days after surgery.

Results—

Pronounced significant increases in both VEGF and PDGF predicted restenosis but only in patients who were homozygous for the normal
MBL2
genotype. In this group, the adjusted odds ratios of restenosis at 14 months in patients with high versus low early VEGF and PDGF increases were 27.73 (2.42 to 317.26) and 9.23 (1.45 to 58.70), respectively.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that the development of restenosis depends on both complement activation regulated by the
MBL2
gene and pathologic processes leading to enhanced production of VEGF and PDGF during the very early postoperative period.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Complication of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization
Authors: Calderon Eduardo , Carter Eliott , Ramsey Keith M. , Vande Waa John A. , Green William K. , Alpert Martin A.
Published: July 2007

Percutaneous coronary revascularization is rarely complicated by infection. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, deep-seated, potentially life-threatening infection of fascia and subcutaneous tissues. We report herein 2 cases of NF in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary revascularization for treatment of acute coronary syndrome. These are the first 2 reported cases of NF associated with percutaneous coronary revascularization.
Sympathetic Overactivity in Patients With Left Ventricular Aneurysm in Early Period After Anterior Myocardial Infarction: Does Sympathetic Activity Predict Aneurysm Formation?
Authors: Yıldırım Aydın , Soylu Özer , Dağdeviren Bahadır , Eksik Abdurrahman , Tezel Tuna
Published: July 2007

Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an important complication of acute transmural myocardial infarction (MI) that bears great clinical significance because of high mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is extensively used to evaluate autonomic modulation of sinus node and to identify patients at risk for an increased cardiac mortality. In this study, the authors evaluated HRV in patients with LVA in the early period after acute anterior wall MI. They compared 18 patients (7 men, 11 women, with an average age of 56.1 ±8.2 years) with LVA and 46 patients (34 men, 12 women, with an average age of 56.4 ±5.9 years) without LVA. Mean heart rate, low frequency (LF) and low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio were significantly higher and standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), number of NN intervals that differed by more than 50 ms from adjacent interval divided by the total number of all NN intervals (PNN50), and HF were lower in the patients with LVA. A SDNN <78 ms separated the patients with aneurysm from those without aneurysm with a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive accuracy of 79%; a LF/HF ratio >2.4 with a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 88%, and positive predictive accuracy of 92%. Single-vessel disease increased the left ventricular aneurysm formation by 5.1 fold, total left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion by 3.1 fold, mean heart rate >75 beats/minute by 2.3 fold, SDNN <78 ms by 7.9 fold, and LF/HF ratio >2.4 by 12.9 fold, but well-developed collaterals decreased the aneurysm formation by 4.4 fold. As a result, HRV analysis supplies parameters with high predictive value for LVA formation in the early period after acute anterior MI. The higher sympathetic activity and reduced heart rate variability may be associated with a higher incidence of complications such as ventricular arrhythmias and increased mortality in patients with LVA.
Assessing Coronary Blood Flow With TIMI Frame Count Method in Isolated Myocardial Bridging
Authors: Barutcu Irfan , Sezgin Alpay Turan , Gullu Hakan , Turkmen Muhsin , Esen Ali Metin
Published: July 2007

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital anomaly of coronary arteries and its functional significance remains controversial. Using the TIMI frame count (TFC) method, the authors investigated whether the coronary blood flow velocity is decreased in MB. The study included 18 patients (group 1; 12 men and 6 women; mean age 50 ±6 years) who had angiographically proven MB and otherwise normal coronary arteries and 20 subjects (group 2; 13 men and 7 women; mean age 50 ±7 years) with normal-appearing coronary arteriograms. TFC of each group was determined and correlation between TFC and various factors including percent systolic narrowing, age, gender, body mass index, blood pressure, and echocardiographic parameters (ejection fraction, left-right ventricle wall thickness, and diameters) was investigated. Baseline characteristics were similar in the groups. All of the MB was localized to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Corrected TFCLAD frame count (CTFC) was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (24.7 ±2.1 vs 22.1 ±1.9 frames/s, p = 0.001). Circumflex and right coronary artery frames counts were similar in the groups (22.4 ±2.4 vs 21.3 ±2.3 frames/s, p = 0.18, 23.1 ±2.2 vs 23.4 ±2.1 frames/s, p = 0.7) On correlation analysis, there was no correlation between TFC and the factors investigated. CTFC of patients with MB was higher than of those with normal coronary arteries, irrespective of the degree of systolic narrowing. This may suggest that coronary blood flow is decreased in patients with MB compared to patients having normal coronary arteries
Outcome of Significant Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Late After Mitral Valve Replacement for Predominant Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Boyaci Ayca , Gokce V. , Topaloglu Serkan , Korkmaz Sule , Goksel Siber
Published: July 2007

Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery for mitral stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the severity of preoperative functional TR and late adverse outcomes in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement (MVR). The study group comprised 68 patients (54 women, 14 men; mean age 45 ±10 years) with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) who had undergone MVR without tricuspid valve surgery between 4 and 13 years (mean 8.1 ±2.6 years) before their last clinical examination. All patients underwent a complete preoperative and late postoperative color-Doppler echocardiographic examination. The severity of TR was assessed echocardiographically by using color-Doppler flow images and flow direction in the inferior vena cava or hepatic veins. Patients were classified into 2 groups; 42 with mild (62%) and 26 with significant (38%) TR. Patients with significant TR showed longer preoperative symptomatic period and more atrial fibrillation than those with mild TR. All patients had medical treatment. Functional capacity and NYHA class of the patients in both groups improved significantly after MVR. Freedom from symptomatic heart failure (functional class III or IV) was higher (86% vs 54%) and the need for hospitalization was significantly lower for the mild TR group. Significant preoperative functional TR diagnosed by echocardiography was associated with an adverse outcome. Therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of concomitant tricuspid valve repair on the late outcome of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in order to prevent significant late morbidity.
Proximal Left Subclavian Artery Aneurysms: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Halldorsson A. , Ramsey J. , Gallagher C. , Meyerrose G.
Published: July 2007

Aneurysms of the proximal subclavian artery are extremely rare. A 39-year-old female with an incidental finding of a small proximal left subclavian artery aneurysm at its origin from the aortic arch is described. This was an incidental finding during workup for chest pain. No other vascular abnormalities were found and no obvious etiology was identified. The workup, plan for conservative treatment, and close follow-up are described. Although larger aneurysms and those in the middle and distal subclavian arteries, symptomatic or asymptomatic, are generally considered for surgical treatment, very little is known about the natural history of small proximal subclavian aneurysms.
Cultural Evolution: Interpersonal Influence, Issue Importance, and the Development of Shared Attitudes in College Residence Halls
Authors: Cullum Jerry , Harton Helen C.
Published: July 2007

This article investigates cultural evolution in four college residence halls. Up to four attitude surveys were completed by 1,252 participants in a semester. Participants' attitudes became more similar to those living closest to them over time as a result of localized interpersonal influence processes. Correlations between attitudes also increased with time as these cultural attributes grew increasingly interdependent. These basic findings support the predictions of dynamic social impact theory. However, these effects were stronger for more important issues even when controlling for discussion. These findings are likely the result of (a) individual-level selective attention to personally important information, (b) greater attitude-behavior consistency for important issues, and/or (c) nonlinear attitude change processes for important issues as suggested by the catastrophe theory of attitudes. These results suggest that intrapsychic processes as well as interpersonal processes contribute to cultural evolution.
Novel fuzzy information proximity measures
Authors: Ding Shi-Fei , Xia Shi-Xiong , Jin Feng-Xiang , Shi Zhong-Zhi
Published: July 2007

As a measure of information shared between two fuzzy pattern vectors, the fuzzy information proximity measure (FIPM) plays an important part in fuzzy pattern recognition, fuzzy clustering analysis and fuzzy approximate reasoning. In this paper, two novel FIPMs are set up. Firstly, an axiom theory about the FIPM is given, and different expressions of the FIPM are discussed. A new FIPM is then proposed based on the axiom theory of the FIPM and the concept of fuzzy subsethood function. Two concepts based on the idea of Shannon information entropy, fuzzy joint entropy (FJE) and fuzzy conditional entropy (FCE), are proposed and the basic properties of FJE and FCE are given and proved. Finally, classical similarity measures such as dissimilarity measure (DM) and similarity measure (SM) are studied, and two new measures, fuzzy absolute information measure (FAIM) and fuzzy relative information measure (FRIM), are set up, which can be used as measures of the proximity between fuzzy sets A and B.
Administration and Scoring Errors on the WISC-IV Among Graduate Student Examiners
Authors: Loe Scott A. , Kadlubek Renee M. , Marks William J.
Published: July 2007

A total of 51 Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) protocols, administered by graduate students in training, were examined to obtain data describing the frequency of examiner errors and the impact of errors on resultant test scores. Present results were generally consistent with previous research examining graduate students' errors on the previous two editions of the WISC. Students committed errors on 98% of the protocols examined and averaged 25.8 errors per protocol. The most common errors were failure to query verbal responses, assigning too many points to an answer, and failure to record an examinee's response on the test protocol. Errors resulted in inaccurate test composite scores, with the Full Scale IQ and Verbal Comprehension Index most frequently affected. Error rates did not improve significantly over the course of three practice administrations.
The Relationship Between Working Memory, Inhibition, and Performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Children With and Without ADHD
Authors: Mullane Jennifer C. , Corkum Penny V.
Published: July 2007

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) has frequently been used to assess executive functions in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We first compared the performance of 15 children with ADHD to 15 children of a control group (age range 6 to 11) on the WCST and then examined the relationship among working memory, inhibition, age, IQ, and scores from this test. When age and IQ were included as covariates, children with and without ADHD did not differ on the perseverative errors (PE) score, but the ADHD group made significantly more failure to maintain set errors (FTMS). Partial correlations revealed that working memory was significantly correlated with PE but was fully mediated by age and IQ. Age and IQ had no effect on the significant correlation between inhibition and FTMS. Clinicians are encouraged to interpret the results of this test with caution when including it in an assessment for ADHD.
Maltreatment History and Weapon Carrying Among Early Adolescents
Authors: Lewis Terri , Leeb Rebecca , Kotch Jonathan , Smith Jamie , Thompson Richard , Black Maureen M. , Pelaez-Merrick Melissa , Briggs Ernestine , Coyne-Beasley Tamera
Published: July 2007

This study examines the role of maltreatment in weapon carrying among 12-year-old youth (N = 797) interviewed as part of the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), an ongoing study of the antecedents and consequences of child maltreatment. Participants reported their physical and sexual abuse history and provided responses to items assessing perceived need for a weapon and weapon carrying. There were no gender differences in rates of self-reported physical or sexual abuse. Males were more likely than females to report weapon carrying and perceived need for a weapon. A mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediating effect of perceived need for a weapon on the association between abuse and weapon carrying. Results indicated that perceived need for a weapon fully mediated the effect of physical abuse and partially mediated the effect of sexual abuse. Results are discussed in the context of self-protection theory.
Why Referees Reject Manuscripts
Authors: McKercher Bob , Law Rob , Weber Karin , Haiyan Song  , Hsu Cathy
Published: July 2007

This article presents the results of content analysis of 373 referees' reports of manuscripts submitted to 35 hospitality and tourism journals where rejection or major revision was recommended. Failed manuscripts had multiple shortcomings, with referees identifying an average of 6.2 deficiencies per article. The most common areas where referees found fault with manuscripts were methodology (74% of papers), failure to elucidate significance effectively (60%), poor writing style (58%) and a weak literature review (50%). The study concluded that communications' problems were more common than technical flaws.
Acetylation of Histone H3 and Adrenergic-Regulated Gene Transcription in Rat Pinealocytes
Authors: Ho A. K. , Price D. M. , Dukewich W. G. , Steinberg N. , Arnason T. G. , Chik C. L.
Published: July 2007

In this study we investigated the effect of histone acetylation on the transcription of adrenergic-induced genes in rat pinealocytes. We found that treatment of pinealocytes with trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, caused hyperacetylation of histone H3 (H3) Lys14 at nanomolar concentrations. Hyperacetylation of H3 was also observed after treatment with scriptaid, a structurally unrelated histone deacetylase inhibitor. The effects of TSA and scriptaid were inhibitory on the adrenergic induction of arylalkylamine-n-acetyltransferase (aa-nat) mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity, and on melatonin production. TSA at higher concentrations also inhibited the adrenergic induction of mapk phosphatase-1 (mkp-1) and inducible cAMP early repressor mRNAs. In contrast, the effect of TSA on the norepinephrine induction of the c-fos mRNA was stimulatory. Moreover, the effect of TSA on adrenergic-induced gene transcription was dependent on the time of its addition; its effect was only observed during the active phase of transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with antibodies against acetylated Lys14 of H3 showed an increase in DNA recovery of the promoter regions of aa-nat, mkp-1, and c-fos after treatment with TSA. Together, our results demonstrate that histone acetylation differentially influences the transcription of adrenergic-induced genes, an enhancing effect for c-fos but inhibitory for aa-nat, mkp-1, and inducible cAMP early repressor. Moreover, both inhibitory and enhancing effects appear to be mediated through specific modification of promoter-bound histones during gene transcription.
FRET-detectable interactions between the ARE binding proteins, HuR and p37AUF1
Authors: David Pamela S. , Tanveer Rasheeda , Port J. David
Published: July 2007

A number of highly regulated gene classes are regulated post-transcriptionally at the level of mRNA stability. A central feature in these mRNAs is the presence of A+U-rich elements (ARE) within their 3′ UTRs. Two ARE binding proteins, HuR and AUF1, are associated with mRNA stabilization and destabilization, respectively. Previous studies have demonstrated homomultimerization of each protein and the capacity to bind simultaneous or competitively to a single ARE. To investigate this possibility further, cell biological and biophysical approaches were undertaken. Protein–protein interaction was monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and by immunocytochemistry in live and fixed cells using fluorescently labeled CFP/YFP fusion proteins of HuR and p37AUF1. Strong nuclear FRET between HuR/HuR and AUF1/AUF1 homodimers as well as HuR/AUF1 heterodimers was observed. Treatment with the MAP kinase activator, anisomycin, which commonly stabilizes ARE-containing mRNAs, caused rapid nuclear to cytoplasmic shuttling of HuR. AUF1 also underwent shuttling, but on a longer time scale. After shuttling, HuR/HuR, AUF1/AUF1, and HuR/AUF1, FRET was also observed in the cytoplasm. In further studies, arsenite rapidly induced the formation of stress granules containing HuR and TIA-1 but not AUF1. The current studies demonstrate that two mRNA binding proteins, HuR and AUF1, are colocalized and are capable of functional interaction in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. FRET-based detection of AUF1/HuR interaction may serve as a basis of opening up new dimensions in delineating the functional interaction of mRNA binding proteins with RNA turnover.
Ameloblastoma presenting as an intranasal mass
Authors: Baker Bruce E. , Matukas Victor J.
Published: July 2007

This report documents the origin of an ameloblastoma in the lateral wall of the nose and its subsequent presentation as an intranasal mass with nasal obstruction.
Tinnitus: A New Management
Authors: Vernon Jack , Schleuning Alexander
Published: July 2007

Tinnitus Clinic was established at the University of Oregon Medical School and the result of treatment for 158 patients is discussed. Patients received three forms of masking as treatment: masking from hearing aids, masking from the Tinnitus Masker, and FM‐Masking. Conditions leading to each kind of recommendation are discussed. The examination procedures used in the Tinnitus Clinic are presented. The phenomenon of residual inhibition is explained and discussed in relation to possible long‐term or permanent relief of tinnitus.Future plans for the clinic and needs of tinnitus patients are presented.
Hemangiopericytoma‐like tumors of the nasal cavity: A Comparison With Hemangiopericytoma Of Soft Tissues
Authors: Compagno John
Published: July 2007

This study compares the published clinical and pathological features of hemangiopericytoma‐like intranasal tumors with those of the hemangiopericytomas of other sites.

Hemangiopericytoma‐like intranasal tumors often originate in a paranasal sinus and extend into the nasal cavity secondarily. They occur most commonly in adults in the sixth and seventh decades of life and clinically mimic allergic polyps. These patients most commonly present with symptoms of nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Microscopically, these tumors demonstrate a vascular architecture, are composed predominantly of spindle cells, and lack nuclear or cytoplasmic pleomorphism, mitotic activity, hemorrhage, or necrosis. Follow‐up data suggest that these tumors are unaggressive and are of local consequence only.

Hemangiopericytomas of soft tissues usually occur in the retroperitoneum or the thigh and are uncommon in the nasal and paranasal sinuses. They usually present as painless masses. Attention to certain microscopic features of these tumors has led to reasonably good predictions of their behavior based on strict adherence to microscopic criteria. These criteria include the presence or absence of mitotic figures, necrosis, anaplasia, and hemorrhage.
Tympanoplasty: Cartilage prostheses ‐ A report of 564 cases.
Authors: Altenau Mark M. , Sheehy James L.
Published: July 2007

We reviewed 564 tympanoplasties operated upon over an eight year period at the Otologic Medical Group in which tragal cartilage was used to re‐establish the sound pressure transfer mechanism. Eighty‐six percent of the cases were revisions, and half of these were planned second stage procedures.

In the majority of cases the stapes crural arch was missing. The conductive deficit in these cases was reduced to 20 db or less in 67% and 10 db or less in 40%. The commonest single cause of failure was a short prosthesis.

There were no instances of cartilage resorption. Extrusion occurred in one case.

Tragal cartilage has been more satisfactory than ossicular tissue in many situations. Recently we have been using plastic prostheses (TORP and PORP) in combination with tragal cartilage and believe that the results will be even better.
Surgery of the skull base.
Authors: Glasscock Michael E. , Miller Gale W. , Drake Fred D. , Kanok Montra M.
Published: July 2007

Tumors involving the base of the skull are often occult and may become quite large before detection is possible. Symptomology varies depending upon the nature of the tumor and its placement. These neoplasms have frequently been considered inoperable simply because of their location, but in recent years microsurgical technique and high speed air drills have allowed the modern temporal bone surgeon to gain improved access to the skull base.

A wide variety of surgical approaches to tumors in this area have been described in the past 20 years: translabyrinthine, middle fossa, transcochlear, retrolabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, transpalatal‐transclival, and through the jugular bulb. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications, complications, and results of each of these procedures in relation to specific tumors involving the skull base. Case reports illustrate the diagnosis and surgical management of a variety of unusual neoplasms, including an extradural meningioma of the temporal bone and clivus, a low grade squamous cell carcinoma on the tegmen in a radical cavity, a large primary cholesteatoma, an osteoblastoma of the temporal and occipital bones, an XIth nerve neuroma in the jugular bulb area, and an osseous hemangioma involving the facial nerve at the geniculate ganglion.
Use of plastipore for ossicular chain reconstruction: An evaluation.
Authors: Hicks George W. , Wright J. William , Wright J. William
Published: July 2007

With the exception of stapes prostheses, previous use of implantable alloplastic materials in reconstructing the sound conducting mechanism in middle ear surgery has been uniformly unsuccessful. A new material composed of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene has been developed as a replacement for middle ear ossicles. This implant, called the Plastipore‡ total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP), and the Plastipore drum to the stapes prosthesis were inserted in 87 patients, all of whom had a long history of extensive middle ear disease and/or surgery. One TORP patient was lost to follow‐up. The overall average hearing gain was 14.8 db. The overall follow‐up was 12.4 months with a range of from 3 to 25 months. Eleven of the 15 patients receiving the drum‐to‐stapes prosthesis had hearing gain; 55 of 71 patients receiving the TORP had hearing gain. Eight prostheses were extruded. Nine patients had no improvement in hearing. Eight patients had subsequent decrease in hearing after initial gains. All ears are now dry and aerated. Early evaluation appears to demonstrate that the Plastipore prosthesis shows promise for use in difficult reconstructive middle ear problems
Lateral rhinotomy.
Authors: Schramm Victor L. , Myers Eugene N.
Published: July 2007

The lateral rhinotomy is a technique which affords excellent exposure of the nasal cavity and lateral nasal wall and creates minimal cosmetic or functional disability. The approach will allow excision of the lateral nasal wall from the anterior tip of the turbinates to the eustachian tube and from the cribriform plate and roof of the ethmoid to the floor of the nose
Distinguishing between Murder and Manslaughter in Practice
Authors: Mitchell Barry
Published: July 2007

The Home Office is currently engaged in a review of the homicide law, which includes consideration of the Law Commission's report Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide, published in November 2006, which recommended three principal offences—first and second degree murder, and a redefined manslaughter. Through an analysis of a sample of murder and manslaughter prosecutions, this article offers some timely evidence of the way in which the law works in practice. In particular, it suggests there is evidence—not mere anecdotes—that occasionally the verdicts reached by the courts do not seem to sit comfortably with the law as stated in books, and that whilst some of these apparent ‘discrepancies' may be attributed to the vagaries of the jury, it is likely that the way in which those who investigate, prosecute and defend homicide cases also play an important role here.
Descent into Murder: Provocation's Stricture—The Prognosis for Women Who Kill Men Who Abuse Them
Authors: Edwards Susan
Published: July 2007

This article considers the ruling in Attorney-General for Jersey v Holley1 and its impact on limiting the ambit of the defence of provocation by restoring to the reasonable person a normative capacity for self-control. In particular, the implications of this limitation on legal outcome in cases where women kill men who abuse them are explored. The inevitable demise of provocation as a defence, which follows from the ruling in Holley, is of particular concern as is the new framework for sentencing in convictions for murder2 which in removing judicial discretion from the sentencing decision prohibits judges from tempering the harshness of the mandatory sentence. This new murder/sentencing regime will undoubtedly result in injustice, especially in those cases where battered women kill, which, although deserving of mitigation, nevertheless fail to satisfy the strictures of provocation's requirements post Holley, thereby resulting in an increase in convictions for murder. The Law Commission's report on Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide3 recommends a new framework for murder and manslaughter, including a new definition of provocation and also a new direction in the murder sentencing framework. This area of the law is still far from fixed.
Attenuated Total Internal Reflection Infrared Microscopy of Multilayer Plastic Packaging Foils
Authors: van Dalen Gerard , Heussen Patricia C. M. , Den Adel Ruud , Hoeve Robert B. J.
Published: July 2007

Multilayer plastic foils are important packaging materials that are used to extend the shelf life of food products and drinks. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging using attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) can be used for the identification and localization of different layers in multilayer foils. A new type of ATR crystal was used in combination with a linear array detector through which large sample areas (400 × 400 μm2) could be imaged with a pixel size of 1.6 μm. The method was tested on laminated plastic packing materials containing 5 to 12 layers. The results of the identification of the different materials using ATR-FT-IR were compared with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the layer thickness of the individual layers measured by ATR-FT-IR was compared with polarized light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It has been demonstrated that individual layers with a thickness of about 3 μm could be identified in multilayer foils with a total thickness ranging from 100 to 150 μm. The results show a spatial resolution of about 4 μm (measured at wavenumbers ranging from 1000 to 1730 cm−1), which is about a factor of two better than can be obtained using transmission FT-IR imaging. An additional advantage of ATR is the ease of sample preparation. A good correspondence was found between visible and FT-IR images. The results of ATR-FT-IR imaging were in agreement with those obtained by LM, SEM, and DSC. ATR-FT-IR is superior to the combination of these techniques because it delivers both spatial and chemical information.
Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Study of Secondary Amide Hydrogen Bonding in Benzoyl PABA Derivatives (Retinoids)
Authors: Dalterio Richard , Huang Xiaohua Stella , Yu Kuo-Long
Published: July 2007

Attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data are used to characterize the hydrogen bonding of the secondary amide N–H group of several structurally similar benzoyl derivatives of p-aminobenzoic acid esters ( retinoids) in chloroform solution. The amide N–H can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds to several proton acceptors in these molecules or it can form an intramolecular hydrogen bond to a fluorine or oxygen atom in some of the molecules. The concentration dependence of the solution N–H infrared absorption bands is used to determine the formation of intramolecular and/or intermolecular H-bonds. Proton NMR spectra were obtained from deuterated chloroform solutions and the sec-amide N–H resonance was assigned for each compound. The downfield shift in the N–H resonance is correlated to intramolecular H-bond formation. Also, the NMR spectra of fluorine-containing compounds provide JF–H through-space coupling values. Using infrared and NMR data, the relative intramolecular hydrogen bond strengths (N–H…F or N–H…O) of the compounds are approximately ranked.
Postnatal growth in Myotis blythii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Sharifi Mozafar
Published: July 2007

The length of the forearm, the body mass and the length of the total gap of
the fourth metacarpal-phalangeal joint were measured in order to develop
empirical growth curves for a free-ranging population of the lesser mouseeared
bat Myotis blythii in a maternity colony in western Iran. Length of forearm
and body mass followed a linear pattern of growth until day 14 (at mean
rates of 1.44 mm/day and 0.43 g/day respectively), and subsequently
decreased to reach a stable level. The length of the total gap of the metacarpalphalangeal
joint increased up to 10 days and decreased when it closed at over
70 days. Initiation of flight occurred 3-4 weeks after birth. A method of estimation
of age was derived from values of length of forearm and the total gap
of the fourth metacarpal-phalangeal joint during the preflight and post flight
periods.
Variability in echolocation call design of 26 Swiss bat species: consequences, limits and options for automated field identification with a synergetic pattern recognition approach
Authors: Obrist Martin K. , Boesch Ruedi , Flückiger Peter F.
Published: July 2007

Pattern recognition algorithms offer a promising approach to recognizing bat species by their echolocation calls. Automated systems like synergetic classifiers may contribute significantly to operator-independent species identification in the field. However, it necessitates the assembling of an appropriate database of reference calls, a task far from trivial. We present data on species specific flexibility in call parameters of all Swiss bat species (exceptNyctalus lasiopterusandPlecotus alpinus). The selection of "training-calls" for the classifier is crucial for species identification success. We discuss this in the context of echolocation call variability differing between species and its consequences for the implementation of an automated, species specific bat activity monitoring system.
Control region variability of the mitochondrial DNA of Pipistrellus nathusii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae): First results of a population genetic study
Authors: Jarzembowski Tomasz , Naumiuk Łukasz , Ciechanowski Mateusz
Published: July 2007

Migration routes and migration strategies of Pipistrellus nathusii in Europe
may suggest that there are several different populations of this species. This
pilot project aimed to check if genetic variability of mitochondrial DNA
could support this hypothesis. Hair samples were taken from individuals from
Lithuania, Northern Poland and The Netherlands. PCR amplifications of
mtDNA control region and subsequent restriction analysis provided data that
were computed using Arlequin and Treecon softwares for AMOVA analysis
and UPGMA clustering.. Fourteen mtDNA haplotypes (lineages) have been
found that were grouped into four main clusters. Interestingly individuals
from Rotterdam and Darzlubska forest clustered together, while individuals
from Lithuania and Sobieszewo Island were grouped in another cluster,
nearby clusters including the other Polish samples (Vistula Split and Wdzydze
Landscape Park). According to these preliminary results Poland could be the
meeting place of western and eastern populations.
Aerial deposition of cadmium before and after the closure of an oil-fired power station in the vicinity of two nursery roosts of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae)
Authors: Andrews Margaret M. , Allen Jane
Published: July 2007

Aerial deposition of cadmium has been monitored from 1994-1995 to the
present by extraction of cadmium from petroleum jelly coated onto ceramic
tiles placed near two nursery roosts and in the foraging area of greater horseshoe
bats, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum. The mean cadmium deposit from
aerial precipitation recorded in the area from 1994-1995 at locations which
were upwind of the power station was 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg/mm rain per day
compared with 1.01 ± 1.60 mg/kg/mm rain per day at locations downwind.
After the oil-fired power station closed in 1996 subsequent analysis from
1998-2000 showed a slight increase in cadmium precipitation at upwind
locations (0.22 ± 0.06 mg/kg/mm rain per day) but a decrease at the downwind
locations (0.32 ± 0.07 mg/kg/mm rain per day). After closure of the oilfired
power station near the bat roosts the aerial deposition of cadmium
downwind was reduced but continued monitoring of the cadmium precipitation
in the area is indicated since cadmium deposition still occurs. The
deposits of cadmium have not had a major impact on the number of adult
bats which have increased from 1994 to 2000. The findings made in this
study have implications for conservation of the greater horseshoe bats which
are at the Northern limit of their distribution.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Heterogeneity of Single CD34+ Cells After Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yao Yong-Gang , Childs Richard W. , Kajigaya Sachiko , McCoy J. Philip , Young Neal S.
Published: July 2007

We applied a single-cell method to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations to evaluate the reconstitution of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and committed progenitor cells after nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation in humans. In a total of 1,958 single CD34+ cells from six human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donor and recipient pairs, individual CD34+ clones were recognized based on the observed donor- or recipient-specific mtDNA sequence somatic alteration. There was no overall reduction of mtDNA heterogeneity among CD34+ cells from the recipient after transplantation. Samples collected from two donors over time showed the persistence of certain CD34+ clones marked by specific mutations. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of distinguishing donor and recipient individual CD34+ clones based on mtDNA mutations during engraftment. HSCs were not limited in number, and similar mtDNA heterogeneity levels suggested representation of the total stem cell compartment during rapid hematopoietic reconstitution in the recipient.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Influence of Forest Fragmentation on the Winter Abundance of Mammals in Mt. Chirisan National Park, South Korea
Authors: RHIM SHIN‐JAE , LEE WOO‐SHIN
Published: July 2007

Abstract: We examined the influence of both local habitat and landscape variables on mammal species abundance in a forest fragmented by road construction and in continuous forest in 8 study sites in Mt. Chirisan National Park, South Korea, from 2001 to 2004. We recorded tracks of 8 species of mammals, Siberian weasels (Mustela sibirica), yellow‐throated martens (Martes flavigula), Bengal cats (Felis bengalensis), wild boars (Sus scrofa), water deer (Hydropotes inermis), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), Korean hares (Lepus coreanus), and red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), on the snow on 8 2‐km transects in our study areas. There were significant differences in density of snags, mean tree basal area, and in shrub coverage between the fragmented and unfragmented forest areas. We found significant differences in abundance index of tracks between the fragmented and unfragmented areas for 5 mammal species; the others had even distributions. Of the 8 mammal species analyzed, 5 species related to landscape and local vegetation variables in a stepwise approach with repeated measures. Landscape variables are significant predictors of abundance for many mammal species. Forest managers should consider multiple measures of forest fragmentation sensitivity when making forest management decisions.
Identifying Sites for Elk Restoration in Arkansas
Authors: TELESCO REBECCA L. , VAN MANEN FRANK T. , CLARK JOSEPH D. , CARTWRIGHT MICHAEL E.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: We used spatial data to identify potential areas for elk (Cervus elaphus) restoration in Arkansas. To assess habitat, we used locations of 239 elk groups collected from helicopter surveys in the Buffalo National River area of northwestern Arkansas, USA, from 1992 to 2002. We calculated the Mahalanobis distance (D2) statistic based on the relationship between those elk‐group locations and a suite of 9 landscape variables to evaluate winter habitat in Arkansas. We tested model performance in the Buffalo National River area by comparing the D2 values of pixels representing areas with and without elk pellets along 19 fixed‐width transects surveyed in March 2002. Pixels with elk scat had lower D2 values than pixels in which we found no pellets (logistic regression: Wald χ2 = 24.37, P < 0.001), indicating that habitat characteristics were similar to those selected by the aerially surveyed elk. Our D2 model indicated that the best elk habitat primarily occurred in northern and western Arkansas and was associated with areas of high landscape heterogeneity, heavy forest cover, gently sloping ridge tops and valleys, low human population density, and low road densities. To assess the potential for elk‐human conflicts in Arkansas, we used the analytical hierarchy process to rank the importance of 8 criteria based on expert opinion from biologists involved in elk management. The biologists ranked availability of forage on public lands as having the strongest influence on the potential for elk‐human conflict (33%), followed by human population growth rate (22%) and the amount of private land in row crops (18%). We then applied those rankings in a weighted linear summation to map the relative potential for elk‐human conflict. Finally, we used white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities to identify areas where success of elk restoration may be hampered due to meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) transmission. By combining results of the 3 spatial data layers (i.e., habitat model, elk‐human conflict model, deer density), our model indicated that restoration sites located in west‐central and north‐central Arkansas were most favorable for reintroduction.
Forestry Matters: Decline of Oaks Will Impact Wildlife in Hardwood Forests
Authors: MCSHEA WILLIAM J. , HEALY WILLIAM M. , DEVERS PATRICK , FEARER TODD , KOCH FRANK H. , STAUFFER DEAN , WALDON JEFF
Published: July 2007

Abstract:Acom production by oaks (Quercusspp.) is an important food resource for wildlife in many deciduous forests. Its role as a hard mast crop that can be either stored or used to build fat reserves for winter survival cannot be replaced by most other potential foods. Changes in forest management, introduced pests and pathogens, and increased deer populations have resulted in significant changes in the demography of oaks in eastern North America, as evident in Forest Inventory and Analysis data. Specifically, maples (Acerspp.) are replacing oaks in many forests through dominance of the younger age classes. These changes are not yet obvious in mast production but will take decades to reverse. Effective forest management for mast production is arguably one of the more important tasks facing wildlife professionals, yet receives scant attention by both public and private land managers. Public forests need to explicitly include mast production in their forest planning and reduce adversarial relationships over forest management. Market forces are driving commercial forests toward forest certification. Private forests compose 80% of our oak forests and are the hardest group to influence. States have not been able to effectively market forest plans and we recommend joining with advocacy groups more adept at motivating the public. Increased communication between wildlife and forestry professionals is needed through agency restructuring and joint meetings of professional agencies at the state level. Professional wildlife and forest managers are encouraged to make increased use of monitoring data and form a multiagency cooperative using a joint venture model, which has been successful for other organizations.
Fence‐Line Contact Between Wild and Farmed White‐Tailed Deer in Michigan: Potential for Disease Transmission
Authors: VERCAUTEREN KURT C. , LAVELLE MICHAEL J. , SEWARD NATHAN W. , FISCHER JUSTIN W. , PHILLIPS GREGORY E.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Interactions between wild and farmed white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) along perimeter fences may play a role in the transmission of diseases like bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease. However, no study has evaluated direct contact between wild and farmed deer through fences. We used animal‐activated cameras to estimate rates of interaction between wild and farmed deer at 6 high‐fenced commercial white‐tailed deer farms in Michigan, USA, during October 2003 to January 2005. We recorded only 2 direct, naso‐oral contacts between wild and farmed deer during >77,000 hours of camera monitoring. We documented little direct contact between wild and captive deer through fences and, therefore, believe there is limited potential for direct transmission of diseases. However, we suspect our results are conservative and do not rule out the risks of direct or indirect disease transmission into or out of deer farms. Our findings will be of use to federal and state agencies responsible for regulating deer farms as well as managers of such facilities.
Aerial Surveys for Estimating Wild Turkey Abundance in the Texas Rolling Plains
Authors: BUTLER MATTHEW J. , BALLARD WARREN B. , WALLACE MARK C. , DEMASO STEPHEN J. , MCGEE BRADY K.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:Aerial surveys have been used to estimate abundance of several wild bird species including wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). We used inflatable turkey decoys at 3 study sites in the Texas Rolling Plains to simulate Rio Grande wild turkey (M. g. intermedia) flocks. We evaluated detectability of flocks and errors in counting flock size during fixed‐wing (Cessna 172) aerial surveys using logistic and linear regression models. Flock detectability was primarily influenced by flock size and vegetative cover, and errors in counting flock size were primarily influenced by size of flocks. We conducted computer simulations to evaluate the accuracy and precision of fixed‐wing aerial surveys and examined power to detect trends in population change. Our simulations suggested abundance estimates from fixed‐wing aerial surveys may be underestimated by 10‐15% (2.0‐4.8% CV). Power analyses suggested that fixed‐wing aerial surveys can provide sufficient power (>0.80) to detect a population change of 10‐25% over a 4‐5‐year period. We concluded fixed‐wing aerial surveys are feasible on ecoregion scales.
Testing Predictions of the Prey of Lion Derived From Modeled Prey Preferences
Authors: HAYWARD MATT W. , O'BRIEN JOHN , HOFMEYR MARKUS , KERLEY GRAHAM I. H.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Apex predators are often threatened with extinction, and reintroduction is one method conservation managers are using to secure their persistence. Yet the ability to predict what these predators will eat upon reintroduction is lacking. Here we test predictions of the diet of the lion (Panthera leo), derived from dietary electivity index and optimality theory, using independent data collected from reintroduced and resident populations. We solved the Jacobs’ index preference equation for each prey species of the lion using values calculated by Hayward and Kerley (2005) and prey abundance data from 4 reintroduction sites and one resident lion population over several years. We then compared these estimates with actual kill data gathered from each site and time period, using the log‐likelihood ratio and linear regression. The model precisely predicted the observed number of kills in 9 of the 13 tests. There was a highly significant linear relationship between the number of lion kills predicted to occur at a site and the number observed for all but one site (x̄r2 = 0.612; β = 1.03). Predicting predator diet will allow conservation managers to stop responding and start planning in advance for reintroductions and environmental variation. Furthermore, ensuring that sufficient food resources are available is likely to increase the success of reintroduction projects. In addition, managers responsible for threatened prey species will be able to predict the vulnerability of these species to predation in the event of predator reintroductions or changes in abundance. These methods are applicable to virtually all large predators that have been sufficiently studied.