bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Silent Mass Extinction of Insect Herbivores in Biodiversity Hotspots
Authors: FONSECA CARLOS ROBERTO
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Habitat loss is silently leading numerous insects to extinction. Conservation efforts, however, have not been designed specifically to protect these organisms, despite their ecological and evolutionary significance. On the basis of species–host area equations, parameterized with data from the literature and interviews with botanical experts, I estimated the number of specialized plant‐feeding insects (i.e., monophages) that live in 34 biodiversity hotspots and the number committed to extinction because of habitat loss. I estimated that 795,971–1,602,423 monophagous insect species live in biodiversity hotspots on 150,371 endemic plant species, which is 5.3–10.6 monophages per plant species. I calculated that 213,830–547,500 monophagous species are committed to extinction in biodiversity hotspots because of reduction of the geographic range size of their endemic hosts. I provided rankings of biodiversity hotspots on the basis of estimated richness of monophagous insects and on estimated number of extinctions of monophagous species. Extinction rates were predicted to be higher in biodiversity hotspots located along strong environmental gradients and on archipelagos, where high spatial turnover of monophagous species along the geographic distribution of their endemic plants is likely. The results strongly support the overall strategy of selecting priority conservation areas worldwide primarily on the basis of richness of endemic plants. To face the global decline of insect herbivores, one must expand the coverage of the network of protected areas and improve the richness of native plants on private lands.
Efficacy of a Voluntary Area to Be Avoided to Reduce Risk of Lethal Vessel Strikes to Endangered Whales
Authors: VANDERLAAN ANGELIA S. M. , TAGGART CHRISTOPHER T.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Ocean‐going vessels pose a threat to large whales worldwide and are responsible for the majority of reported deaths diagnosed among endangered North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Various conservation policies have been implemented to reduce vessel‐strike mortality in this species. The International Maritime Organization adopted the Roseway Basin Area to be avoided on the Scotian Shelf as a voluntary conservation initiative to reduce the risk of lethal vessel strikes to right whales. We initiated the Vessel Avoidance & Conservation Area Transit Experiment to evaluate the efficacy of this initiative because the effectiveness of the avoidance scheme in reducing risk without the imposition of vessel‐speed restrictions depends entirely on vessel‐operator compliance. Using a network of automatic identification system receivers, we collected static, dynamic, and voyage‐related vessel data in near real time from the Roseway Basin region for 12 months before and 6 months after the implementation of the area to be avoided. Using pre‐ and post‐implementation vessel navigation and speed data, along with right whale sightings per unit effort data, all resolved at 3′N latitude by 3′W longitude, we estimated the post‐implementation change in risk of lethal vessel strikes. Estimates of vessel‐operator voluntary compliance ranged from 57% to 87% and stabilized at 71% within the first 5 months of implementation. Our estimates showed an 82% reduction in the risk of lethal vessel strikes to right whales due to vessel‐operator compliance. We conclude that the high level of compliance achieved with this voluntary conservation initiative occurred because the area to be avoided was adopted by the International Maritime Organization. Our results demonstrate that international shipping interests are able and willing to voluntarily alter course to protect endangered whales.
Nonmanipulative proximal upper extremity automatisms lateralize contralaterally in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kelemen Anna , Fogarasi András , Borbély Csaba , Szűcs Anna , Fabó Dániel , Jakus Rita , Rásonyi György , Halász Péter
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  Upper extremity automatisms are considered to be an ipsilateral seizure lateralizing sign in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Herein we describe different types of contralateral upper extremity automatisms (CUEAs).

Methods:  One hundred ninety‐three video–(electroencephalography) EEG recordings of 59 patients were reviewed. Other than two patients who refused surgery, all patients underwent standardized temporal lobectomy with favorable postoperative outcome. Fifty‐seven seizures of 21 patients were selected with CUEAs. We evaluated their electroclinical characteristics and their relation to other lateralizing motor symptoms.

Results:  Two types of CUEAs were observed. Nonmanipulative, proximal upper extremity automatisms were seen unilaterally and contralaterally to the operated side. These automatisms were rhythmic; repetitive; and often occurred with a circulatory component resembling waving, flaunting, circling, or stirring movements. They occurred in 29 seizures (15%) of 11 patients (19%), in most seizures in the first half of the seizure, and never postictally, in various time sequences and combined with dystonic/tonic posturing or limb immobility. Manipulative/distal type of CUEAs occurred in 11 seizures (6%) of 7 patients (12%) on the unexpected contralateral side. These CUEAs were seen in all phases of the seizures, including in the postictal state.

Discussion:  Nonmanipulative unilateral proximal upper extremity automatism is a reliable lateralizing sign to the contralateral hemisphere in TLE. This sign may be pathophysiologically related to dystonic/tonic posturing. Manipulative distal automatisms have less lateralizing value.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in epileptic patients on new antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Belcastro Vincenzo , Striano Pasquale , Gorgone Gaetano , Costa Cinzia , Ciampa Clotilde , Caccamo Daniela , Pisani Laura R. , Oteri Giancarla , Marciani Maria G. , Aguglia Umberto , Striano Salvatore , Ientile Riccardo , Calabresi Paolo , Pisani Francesco
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  Older enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may induce supraphysiologic plasma concentrations of total (t) homocysteine (Hcy). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of new AEDs on plasma tHcy levels.

Methods:  Patients 18–50 years of age, on AEDs monotherapy, with no other known cause of hyper‐tHcy were enrolled. Plasma tHcy, folate, vitamin B12, and AEDs levels were determined by standard high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Methylenetetrahydrofolate‐reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms were checked using Puregene genomic DNA purification system (Gentra, Celbio, Italy). A group of healthy volunteers matched for age and sex was taken as control.

Results:  Two hundred fifty‐nine patients (151 on newer and 108 on older AEDs) and 231 controls were enrolled. Plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher [mean values, standard error (SE) 16.8, 0.4 vs. 9.1, 0.2 μm; physiologic range 5–13 μm] and folate lower (6.3, 0.1 vs. 9.3, 0.1 nm; normal > 6.8 nm) in patients compared to controls. Patients treated with oxcarbazepine, topiramate, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital exhibited mean plasma tHcy levels above the physiologic range [mean values (SE) 16 (0.8), 19.1 (0.8), 20.5 (1.0), and 18.5 (1.5) μm, respectively]. Conversely, normal tHcy concentrations were observed in the lamotrigine and levetiracetam groups [both 11.1 (0.5) μm].

Discussion:  Oxcarbazepine and topiramate might cause hyper‐tHcy, most likely because of the capacity of these agents to induce the hepatic enzymes. Because literature data suggest that hyper‐tHcy may contribute to the development of cerebrovascular diseases and brain atrophy, a supplement of folate can be considered in these patients to normalize plasma tHcy.
Medically intractable epilepsy in Sturge‐Weber syndrome is associated with cortical malformation: Implications for surgical therapy
Authors: Maton Bruno , Kršek Pavel , Jayakar Prasanna , Resnick Trevor , Koehn Monica , Morrison Glenn , Ragheb John , Castellano‐Sanchez Amilcar , Duchowny Michael
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  Anecdotal reports have described cortical malformations in epileptic patients with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS). No data are available regarding the prevalence and significance of this association.

Methods:  We reviewed retrospectively the clinical profile, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, and pathology reports of all patients with SWS and medically intractable epilepsy evaluated in our epilepsy surgery program between 1979 and 2006.

Results:  Twelve patients (male/female = 7/5) were identified. Mean age at seizure onset was 11.1 ± 16.7 months. Seizures occurred daily in seven patients and weekly in five patients. A facial port‐wine stain was noted in 10 cases. Eleven patients evidenced developmental delay and eight were hemiparetic. Eight patients underwent excisional surgery for epilepsy (mean age 10.3 ± 6.5 year), including hemispherectomy (n = 4) and focal cortical resection (n = 4). Tissue was available for neuropathology in six operated cases and revealed polymicrogyria (n = 3) and cortical dysplasia (n = 4). Polymicrogyria was associated with cortical dysplasia in one child. Brain MRIs were reviewed in 10 of 12 patients and were consistent with cortical malformations in all cases.

Conclusions:  We conclude that cortical malformations are frequent in patients with medically intractable epilepsy and Sturge‐Weber‐syndrome and may be the primary cause of epilepsy.
Interictal EEG spikes identify the region of electrographic seizure onset in some, but not all, pediatric epilepsy patients
Authors: Marsh Eric D. , Peltzer Bradley , Brown III Merritt W. , Wusthoff Courtney , Storm Jr Phillip B. , Litt Brian , Porter Brenda E.
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  The role of sharps and spikes, interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), in guiding epilepsy surgery in children remains controversial, particularly with intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG). Although ictal recording is the mainstay of localizing epileptic networks for surgical resection, current practice dictates removing regions generating frequent IEDs if they are near the ictal onset zone. Indeed, past studies suggest an inconsistent relationship between IED and seizure‐onset location, although these studies were based upon relatively short EEG epochs.

Methods:  We employ a previously validated, computerized spike detector to measure and localize IED activity over prolonged, representative segments of IEEG recorded from 19 children with intractable, mostly extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Approximately 8 h of IEEG, randomly selected 30‐min segments of continuous interictal IEEG per patient, were analyzed over all intracranial electrode contacts.

Results:  When spike frequency was averaged over the 16‐time segments, electrodes with the highest mean spike frequency were found to be within the seizure‐onset region in 11 of 19 patients. There was significant variability between individual 30‐min segments in these patients, indicating that large statistical samples of interictal activity were required for improved localization. Low‐voltage fast EEG at seizure onset was the only clinical factor predicting IED localization to the seizure‐onset region.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest that automated IED detection over multiple representative samples of IEEG may be of utility in planning epilepsy surgery for children with intractable epilepsy. Further research is required to better determine which patients may benefit from this technique a priori.
Ghrelin levels are reduced in prepubertal epileptic children under treatment with carbamazepine or valproic acid
Authors: Prodam Flavia , Bellone Simonetta , Casara Gianluca , De Rienzo Francesca , Grassino Erica C. , Bonsignori Ilaria , Demarchi Irene , Rapa Anna , Radetti Giorgio , Bona Gianni
Published: September 2009

A relationship between ghrelin and epilepsy has been already shown in humans, although the results are controversial. Ghrelin levels are reduced in obesity. Epileptic patients progressively develop a therapy‐linked weight gain; however, the mechanisms for this have not been fully explained. The aim of our study is to evaluate if ghrelin secretion is modulated by treatment with carbamazepine or valproic acid in young prepubertal epileptic children. Ghrelin levels were reduced in normal‐weight young epileptic prepubertal children under treatment with carbamazepine (p < 0.0001) or valproic acid (p < 0.006) compared to healthy age‐ and weight‐matched subjects. Ghrelin was also lower in children under carbamazepine when compared to those under valproic acid (p < 0.01). A derangement in ghrelin secretion in epilepsy during specific pharmacologic therapies and independent of weight gain could be hypothesized.
Voxel‐based morphometry of sporadic epileptic patients with mesiotemporal sclerosis
Authors: Labate Angelo , Cerasa Antonio , Aguglia Umberto , Mumoli Laura , Quattrone Aldo , Gambardella Antonio
Published: September 2009

Purpose:  In refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE), gray matter (GM) abnormalities are not confined to the hippocampus but also are found in extrahippocampal structures. Very recently we observed in mild TLE (mTLE) with or without mesiotemporal sclerosis (MTS), GM reductions in regions outside the presumed epileptogenic focus. To date, there are no studies that directly investigate whether whole‐brain GM volume differs between rTLE and mTLE. Herein, we used optimized voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to identify GM abnormalities beyond the hippocampus in both rTLE and mTLE with evidence of MTS.

Methods:  Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optimized VBM were performed in 19 unrelated patients with mTLE, 19 patients with rTLE, and 37 healthy controls. MRI diagnosis of MTS was based on the atrophy of the hippocampal formation and/or mesiotemporal hyperintensity on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) or T2 images, or both.

Results:  No patients (rTLE and mTLE) had generalized tonic–clonic or complex partial seizures for at least 3 weeks before scanning. Both mTLE and rTLE patients showed GM volume reduction of the bilateral thalamus, left hippocampus, and sensorimotor cortex compared with controls. No significant GM difference was found between rTLE and mTLE groups.

Discussion:  In both rTLE and mTLE, VBM shows GM reductions not confined to the hippocampus involving mainly the thalamus bilaterally. This finding together with the lack of significant GM differences between the two TLE groups supports the hypothesis that mTLE and rTLE might lie along a biologic continuum, suggesting a pathophysiologic role of the thalamus in partial epilepsy.
A new cold autoagglutinin specificity: the third external loop of band 3
Authors: Janvier Daniel , Lam Yin , Galicier Lionel , Bierling Philippe
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Cold autoagglutinins (CAs) are almost always of immunoglobulin (Ig)M class and specific for carbohydrate antigens. We report a case of hemolytic anemia caused by a mixture of IgM and IgG cold agglutinins. Both agglutinins were specific for the third extracellular loop of band 3.

CASE REPORT: The patient, a 46‐year‐old man with no medical history, was admitted for an acute, life‐threatening hemolytic anemia caused by a cold agglutinin. Improvement was obtained after plasmapheresis, red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and steroid therapy. Recovery was complete and no etiology was found.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Conventional serologic procedures and immunochemical methods were used.

RESULTS: The patient's autoantibody was directed to an antigen equally expressed by adult and cord RBCs, resistant to papain, neuraminidase, and endo‐β‐galactosidase treatments. This pattern of reactivity excluded all known specificities of cold agglutinins. The antibody failed to react with RBCs treated by α‐chymotrypsin or pronase, suggesting that it may be directed to the third extracellular loop of band 3. Serum fractionation showed that the cold agglutinin was composed of IgM and IgG class antibodies. Antibody specificity was confirmed by blocking tests using murine monoclonal antibodies against band 3 and by immunoprecipitation.

CONCLUSION: This is to our knowledge the first observation of a CA specific for band 3. The coexistence of IgM and IgG molecules, a very unusual feature for a CA, may be related to the peptidic nature of the target antigen.
Core temperature changes in resuspended red blood cells (RBCs) and pediatric RBCs removed from refrigerated storage
Authors: Perry Holly Elizabeth , Prasad Priyanka , Kirwan Susy , Huang Yuan Qing
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: The 30‐minute rule, whereby intact red blood cell (RBC) products may be returned to stock if returned to 4°C storage within 30 minutes of issue, was established many years ago. It was based on observations that the core temperature of units of whole blood removed from storage temperatures of 1 to 6°C, and left at room temperature, would reach 10°C at between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty‐one units of RBCs resuspended leukoreduced and 8 units of pediatric RBCs resuspended leukoreduced were exposed to ambient temperature for periods of time between 0 and 60 minutes. Core temperatures of all units were measured at 1‐minute or 5‐minute intervals.

RESULTS: Resuspended RBCs units reached a mean core temperature of 10°C at 15 minutes, 12.7°C at 30 minutes, and 15°C at 60 minutes. Pediatric RBCs reached a mean core temperature of 12.8°C at 15 minutes, 15.5°C at 30 minutes, and 17.8°C at 60 minutes.

CONCLUSION: In view of our results, and the range of RBC products now available, it may be timely for blood services to review and reduce the 30‐minute rule.
Effects of anemia and blood transfusion in acute myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Hu Houxiang , Xenocostas Anargyros , Chin‐Yee Ian , Lu Xiangru , Feng Qingping
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: The optimal hemoglobin (Hb) level in acute myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal Hb concentration in acute MI and whether transfusion of fresh blood to correct anemia reduces myocardial injury and improves outcome.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Anemia was induced in rats by an iron‐deficient diet and phlebotomy. MI was induced by left coronary artery ligation. Some rats received transfusion of fresh blood. Survival, hemodynamic measurements, and infarct size were determined 24 hours after MI.

RESULTS: Reduction of Hb to 80 to 90 and 70 to 80 g/L decreased 24‐hour survival after MI to 42 and 47%, respectively (p < 0.05). Infarct size was increased in both 70 to 80 and 80 to 90 g/L anemic groups compared to the normal Hb group (p < 0.05). Cardiac function was decreased in anemic groups after MI (p < 0.01). Transfusion of fresh blood to increase Hb from 80 to 90 g/L to 100 g/L decreased infarct size (p < 0.05) and improved cardiac function (p < 0.05), and a trend toward better survival (73%) was observed. Transfusion from 80 to 90 g/L Hb to 120 g/L Hb was associated with larger infarct size (p < 0.05), decreased cardiac function (p < 0.05), and no improvement in survival (47%, p = NS).

CONCLUSION: Anemia increases infarct size and decreases cardiac function and survival in acute MI. Transfusion of anemic animals up to 100 g/L Hb with fresh blood reduces infarct size and improves cardiac function. However, transfusion to 120 g/L Hb did not demonstrate any additional benefit and was associated with larger infarcts.
Effect of packing density of hollow fibers on solute removal performances of dialyzers
Authors: YAMASHITA Akihiro C. , FUJITA Ryoichiro , TOMISAWA Narumi , JINBO Yoichi , YAMAMURA Masaru
Published: September 2009

Solute removal performances of dialyzers are dependent not only on the solute permeabilities of the membrane but also on the module design. We have investigated how the packing density of hollow fiber (PDF) affects the solute removal performances. A series of 4 polyester polymer alloy membrane test dialyzers were assembled with varying PDFs of 29.6%, 35.3%, 44.1%, and 53.1%. Clearances (CL) were measured in vitro for creatinine (MW113), vitamin B12 (MW1355), and chymotrypsin (MW25300) with various QB=100 to 400 and QD=350 to 650 mL/min in the absence of net ultrafiltration. When QB was ≤300 mL/min, no significant changes were found in creatinine CL with the increase of PDF up to 35.3%. A slightly greater increase was found in CL when QB=400 mL/min. Clearances for vitamin B12, however, increased with the increase of PDF in the range of 29.6% to 35.3%. The effects of PDF on CL were greater with larger QB. More importantly, an abrupt increase of CL was found when PDF was increased from 44.1% to 53.1%. According to a rigorous mathematical model, this may be caused by the internal filtration, which is reverse ultrafiltration occurring in a dialyzer at any given time. No significant increase was found in chymotrypsin CL when the PDF was ≤35.3%, which suggested that CL for large molecules was strongly dependent on the solute permeability rather than the conditions of flow patterns. A very steep increase was also found in CL for chymotrypsin when the PDF was >44.1%, which was also considered to be due to the internal filtration. Packing density of hollow fiber can be optimized in terms of solute removal performances when the target solute and therapeutic conditions are specified.
Genetic and environmental effects and characteristics of Japanese end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: OGATA Satoshi , YORIOKA Noriaki , GILBERTSON David T. , CHEN Shu‐Cheng , FOLEY Robert N. , COLLINS Allan J.
Published: September 2009

Few studies of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) investigate genetic and environmental effects simultaneously in one racial/ethnic group. United States Renal Data System data show racial differences in primary causes of ESRD, survival rates, and causes of death. Comparing these with Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy data, survival rates appear better for Japanese than for US patients. To explore genetic and environmental differences, we investigated incident and prevalent ESRD patient characteristics. The United States Renal Data System and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy databases were analyzed between 1983 and 2002 for the following patient subsets: Americans excluding Asian Americans (n=1,153,974); Asian Americans excluding Japanese Americans (n=35,983); Hawaiian and non‐Hawaiian Japanese Americans by state, race, and Japanese surname (n=3932); native Japanese living in Japan (n=450,593). Japanese Americans tended to be older, male, have more diabetes and hypertension and less glomerulonephritis, and to die more often of heart failure than the other US groups. Adjusted mortality hazard ratios were 0.70 for non‐Japanese Asian Americans and 0.75 for Japanese Americans vs. non‐Asian Americans (1.00). Hawaiian Japanese patients tended to be older, with more diabetes and hypertension and less glomerulonephritis than the other Japanese groups; their survival rates improved after adjustment for rate of diabetes. Japanese American ESRD patients differ from Asian and non‐Asian Americans, and from native Japanese, despite similar genetic make‐ups. Both genetic and environmental factors may affect patient outcomes.
Spontaneous erythrocytosis in a patient on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: ADENIYI Muniru , SUN Yijuan , SERVILLA Karen S. , HARTSHORNE Michael F. , TZAMALOUKAS Antonios H.
Published: September 2009

While anemia is common in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD), spontaneous erythrocytosis is rare and can be caused by either the same conditions causing erythrocytosis in the general population or any condition specific to chronic renal failure. We present a patient illustrating this latter circumstance. A 53‐year‐old man with diabetic nephropathy, with no known disease causing hypoxemia started HD in April 2001. Blood hemoglobin (Hgb) level was 13.7 ± 2.8 g/dL while his kidney function was normal (1993–1996) and after 1997, with the development of chronic kidney disease, decreased progressively to a low of 10.2 g/dL in March 2001 when erythropoietin (EPO) injections were started. Erythropoietin requirements progressively decreased because of rising Hgb. Erythropoietin was discontinued in mid‐2005. Blood hemoglobin continued to rise, however, to a high value of 17.6 g/dL in February 2006. At the same time, endogenous blood EPO level was 3.6 mIU/mL, a value consistent with primary polycythemia. White blood cell and platelet counts were normal. Several small renal cysts, including 1 complex cyst, were detected by ultrasonography and computer tomography in April 2006. He refused surgical treatment. He was treated with small phlebotomies (not returning the blood in the dialyzer at the end of dialysis) and monitoring of Hgb, which decreased toward the desired range. Repeated computer tomographic scans showed a slow increase in the size of the complex cyst and several other cysts. In late 2007 Hgb started rising again, and in February 2008, while the Hgb level was 16.4 g/dL, the endogenous serum EPO level was 726 mIU/mL (upper normal limit 31.5 mIU/mL). Intermittent phlebotomies were reinstituted. He subsequently developed multiple vascular catastrophes and expired from ischemic bowel disease in September 2008. Acquired cystic disease of the kidneys should be considered in HD patients who develop spontaneous erythrocytosis. The risks of acquired cystic disease include, in addition to the development of malignancy, vascular events from elevated Hgb.
Preparation and Characterization of BaO–TeO2 Thin Films Obtained from Tellurium(VI) Alkoxide by a Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Fujino Shigeru , Kajiwara Toshihisa
Published: September 2009

BaO–TeO2 thin films were prepared from tellurium(VI) alkoxide by a sol–gel method and their structure was investigated by X‐ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and 125Te static nuclear magnetic resonance. Their crystallization temperature (Tc), optical transmittance, and dielectric constant were measured, and their refractive index was calculated from the transmission spectra. The results indicate that the BaO–TeO2 thin films were composed of TeO6 and TeO4 units, and had a Tc of ∼520°C, refractive index of ∼1.79, dielectric constant of ∼20. These films had a Tc higher than the glass prepared by a melt‐quench method, but their refractive index and dielectric constant were lower. These differences may be due to differences in their structural units.
Synthesis of Rare Earth Iron‐Mixed Oxide Nanoparticles by Solvothermal Methods
Authors: Hosokawa Saburo , Jeon Hyung‐Joon , Iwamoto Shinji , Inoue Masashi
Published: September 2009

We investigated the effects of starting materials, solvents, and amine additives on solvothermal reaction of the rare earth (RE) compounds with iron (III) compounds. Hexagonal YbFeO3 was formed by the solvothermal reactions of ytterbium acetate and iron acetylacetonate in the absence and presence of amines. On the other hand, the solvothermal reaction of Yb chlorides and iron acetylacetonate in 1,4‐butanediol in the presence of 1,6‐hexanediamine (N/Cl=15) yielded orthorhombic YbFeO3 (o‐YbFeO3) having a perovskite structure. o‐YbFeO3 crystals were also formed by the reaction in 1,5‐pentanediol and 1,6‐hexanediol. The crystallite sizes of o‐YbFeO3 obtained by the reaction in 1,5‐pentanediol and 1,6‐hexanediol were 59 and 49 nm, respectively, which were much smaller than that obtained in 1,4‐butanediol (76 nm). XRD‐pure orthorhombic REFeO3 phases for Dy–Er with small ionic sizes were synthesized by the solvothermal reactions of RE chlorides and iron acetylacetonate.
Surface Chemistry of Ion Irradiated and Heat‐Treated Mullite‐Type Bi2Ga4O9 Single Crystals
Authors: Palomares Francisco J. , Paz Elvira , Soria Federico , Moya Jose S. , Burianek Manfred , Muehlberg Manfred , Schneider Hartmut
Published: September 2009

The gas–solid interface of ceramics is a key aspect, since it is where reactions occur and sensing signals are generated. Therefore the chemistry of as‐grown mullite‐type Bi2Ga4O9 (110) single‐crystals surfaces and its change due to thermal treatments (500°–800°C) under ultra high vacuum conditions and irradiation by low energy ions (Ar+) have been investigated by in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Ion bombardment causes preferential sputtering of O atoms bonded to Bi, and partial reduction of Bi3+ to metallic Bi0, whereas Ga3+ is not affected. Upon annealing under vacuum conditions, simultaneous O and Bi interdiffusion from the bulk of the crystals and segregation onto the surfaces on the one hand, and sublimation of metallic Bi present on the outermost surface layers on the other hand have been observed. Because of these dynamical processes the chemical composition of the surface, above 600°C recovers to the nominal (110) surface stoichiometry and to the Bi3+ and Ga3+ oxidation states of Bi2Ga4O9. The same effects were found by annealing the single crystals in air at 700°C. Changes of the morphology of the mullite‐type Bi2Ga4O9 (110) single‐crystals surfaces upon ion irradiation and thermal treatments have been monitored by atomic force microscopy. Ion irradiation produces a significant sputtering‐induced increase of the surface roughness. The smooth pillow‐like structure of the irradiated surfaces after annealing at 700° and 800°C may indicate the partial formation of a glassy or pseudo‐amorphous phase.
Centrifugal Deairing of Concentrated Ceramic Slurries
Authors: Maleksaeedi Saeed , Paydar Mohammad Hossein , Ma Jan
Published: September 2009

Although there are many investigations in the field of bubble dynamics in various scientific fields, this subject has never been fundamentally studied in the field of ceramic slurries. In this work, a mechanism for bubble formation was proposed, and the elimination of bubbles under a centrifugal field was modeled and formulated. Bubbles were divided into intra‐agglomerate and interagglomerate/free categories, and the dynamics were predicted by Stokes' law, which has been proven to be applicable for small bubbles. According to the theory of centrifugal deairing and available formulations for centrifugal casting, the behavior of bubbles in mono‐dispersed slurries with various solid contents was evaluated and the change in the slurry property during centrifugation was determined. Finally, it was revealed that the bubbles in ceramic slurries with sizes above 20 μm can be effectively eliminated by centrifugal deairing without a significant change in the slurry properties and material loss.
Tellurium‐Based Far‐Infrared Transmitting Glasses
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Lucas Pierre
Published: September 2009

Spectroscopic investigations of molecules having their main infrared (IR) signatures at longer wavelengths require optical elements transmitting lights as far as possible in the IR region toward 20 μm and beyond. In this paper, several far‐IR transmitting glass systems including Ge–In–Te, Ge–As–Te, as well as some compositions containing gallium, CsI, KI, or iodine are reported. Their glass‐forming ability, thermal stability, and IR transmitting property are investigated. The gallium‐containing glasses show intrinsic absorptions in the 15–20 μm region. These absorptions disappear if gallium is replaced by indium, a heavier element, but these glasses display mediocre glass forming ability. Among the systems, Ge–As–Te glasses show superior glass‐forming ability and wide IR transparency. The ΔT of glasses in this system can be as great as 145°C and most of the studied glasses exhibit excellent transparency in the 3–20 μm spectral window. These glass properties compares favorably to the state‐of‐the‐art Ge–Te–I glasses both in terms of optical quality and thermodynamic stability.
Influence of Activated Art Paper Sludge‐Lime Ratio on Hydration Kinetics and Mechanical Behavior in Mixtures Cured at 20°C
Authors: Ferreiro Sergio , Blasco Teresa , Sánchez de Rojas M. Isabel , Frías Moisés
Published: September 2009

This research study shows for the first time the hydration reaction of Activated Art Paper Sludge (AAPS)‐lime mixtures cured at 20°C. Two mixtures series were prepared using weight ratios of 3:1 and 1:1 for AAPS/lime. The kinetics of the hydration reaction was investigated by characterization techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, thermo‐gravimetrical and differential thermal analysis, 27Al and 29Si {1H} magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance. Results show higher quantity of hydrated phases formed with the increase of the AAPS/lime ratio (such as calcium silicates hydrates (C–S–H), hydrated tetracalcium monocarboaluminate

, and hydrotalcite‐like phases), specially C–S–H exhibiting a major incorporation of Al3+ into silicate chains, increasing its medium chain length. It becomes demonstrated that mechanical performance of the studied mixtures will be directly influenced by all these parameters.
Piezoelectric and Ferroelectric Properties of Bismuth Tungstate Ceramics Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zeng Tao , Yan Haixue , Ning Huanpo , Zeng Jiangtao , Reece Michael J.
Published: September 2009

Single‐phase bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) ceramics with high relative density (>99%) were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. Ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of Bi2WO6 ceramics were investigated. Almost saturated polarization–electric field (P–E) hysteresis loops with a remanent polarization (Pr) of ∼16.1 μC/cm2 and a coercive field (Ec) of ∼3.7 kV/mm were obtained. Curie point and second phase transition temperatures were observed at 937°±5° and 665°±5°C, respectively. The average piezoelectric constant (d33) of this high Curie point ceramic is 15±0.2 pCN−1.
Comparison of human papillomavirus genotyping using commercial assays based on PCR and reverse hybridization methods
Authors: GALAN‐SANCHEZ FATIMA , RODRIGUEZ‐IGLESIAS MANUEL A.
Published: September 2009

Different tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) screening are commercially available, detecting high‐risk oncogenic HPV types with a pool of genotype‐specific probes. However, it is necessary to establish reliable methods for the identification of individual genotypes. The purpose of this study was to compare three different commercial methods for HPV genotyping: INNO‐LiPA HPV Genotyping v2 (LiPA), Linear Arrays HPV Genotyping Test (LA) and Clinical Arrays Human Papillomavirus (CA). A total of 83 HPV DNA‐positive samples by hybrid capture method were genotyped (82, 78 and 81 by LiPA, LA and CA, respectively). Comparison analysis was limited to the HPV genotypes common to the three assays. There were concordant results (absolute agreement between assays) in 31 samples (39.7%) and compatible results (correspondence for some but not all genotypes) were found in 44 samples (56.4%). Only three samples (3.8%) were considered as discordant (did not show any similarity between the tests). Analyzing kappa values we have a very good agreement (>0.8) for HPV16 and HPV31 and good agreement (0.6–0.8) for HPV types 6, 18, 53 and 66 when all methods are compared. We conclude that all genotyping methods tested are highly comparable and suitable for clinical and epidemiological studies.
Aicardi–Goutières syndrome presenting with haematemesis in infancy
Authors: Hall D , Rice GI , Akbar N , Meager A , Crow YJ , Lim MJ
Published: September 2009

Aicardi–Goutières syndrome is a genetic childhood encephalopathy characterized by basal ganglia calcification, chronic cerebrospinal lymphocytosis and elevated cerebrospinal fluid interferon‐alpha, mimicking acquired congenital viral infections. As more is discovered about the pathogenesis of Aicardi–Goutières, it is becoming evident that a dysfunction of the immune system is likely to be responsible for the disease phenotype. We describe a previously healthy 2‐month‐old female infant who presented with haematemesis and seizures and was subsequently diagnosed with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of Aicardi–Goutières syndrome presenting with haematemesis. The gastrointestinal tract is an area of high cell loss, revealing early signs of systemic inflammation and we postulate that a systemic proinflammatory milieu occurs in Aicardi–Goutières syndrome.

Conclusion: Aicardi–Goutières syndrome can present with haematemesis, adding to the growing evidence that the Aicardi–Goutières syndrome spectrum encompasses an immune‐mediated multisystem involvement. Gastrointestinal inflammation should also be considered in these patients and treated appropriately.
Dimethylthiazolidine Carboxylic Acid as a Rigid P3 Unit in Inhibitors of Serine Proteases: Application to Two Targets†
Authors: Kawai Stephen H. , Aubry Norman , Duceppe Jean‐Simon , Llinàs‐Brunet Montse , LaPlante Steven R.
Published: September 2009

Serine proteases are a very large class of enzymes, many of which represent important targets for therapeutic agents against a wide variety of disease states. The similarity in active site architecture for these proteases has often allowed inhibitor design strategies for a particular target to be successfully applied to other enzymes in the class. In many cases, the presence of a bulky P3 amino acid residue in peptide‐based inhibitors is central to conferring an extended peptide conformation, critical to binding of the ligands to serine protease active sites. The dimethylthiazolidine carboxylic acid ‘residue’ was found to be effective as a novel P3 replacement in peptidomimetic inhibitors of two distinct serine proteases, the hepatitis C NS3 protease and the human cytomegalovirus maturational protease. An array of NMR methods was used to confirm that the dimethylthiazolidine carboxylic acid unit indeed confers conformational and dynamic properties very similar to that of the rigidified parent structures.
Why do municipal issues rise on the federal policy agenda in Canada?
Authors: Young Robert , McCarthy Kelly
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Under Prime Minister Paul Martin, the federal government developed a “cities and communities” agenda, with Ottawa prepared to be much more active about municipalities. The pendulum has swung back under the Harper government, which is far less inclined to intrude into this area of provincial jurisdiction. But these recent developments are not unique. The federal government was involved with the urban file in the 1970s through the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs, and there have been other historical instances of federal interest in municipalities. This article explores the factors that are associated with the place of municipalities and urban issues on the federal policy agenda. The time period covered is 1867–2005. The methodology is the one common to the agenda‐setting literature: cross‐correlation functions and lagged correlations. The authors think there may be three operative independent variables: rapid population growth in cities; restructuring of municipal systems by provincial governments; and financial stress. The analysis investigates the strength of each factor in placing urban issues on the national policy agenda. In the end, there is no single explanatory model to explain the rise of municipal issues on the agenda: history matters.

Sommaire : Sous le régime du Premier ministre Paul Martin, le gouvernement fédéral d'Ottawa était disposéàêtre beaucoup plus actif auprès des municipalités en mettant au point un programme intitulé« Villes et collectivités ». Le pendule est revenu en arrière sous le gouvernement Harper, qui est beaucoup moins enclin à s'infiltrer dans ce domaine de compétence provinciale. Mais ces récents développements ne sont pas uniques en leur genre. Dans les années 1970, le gouvernement fédéral s'était investi dans les affaires urbaines par l'intermédiaire du département d'État chargé des Affaires urbaines, et il y a eu d'autres cas historiques d'un intérêt fédéral accordé aux municipalités. Le présent article examine les facteurs associés à l'importance qu'occupent les municipalités et les questions urbaines dans le programme de la politique fédérale. La période étudiée va de 1867 à 2005. La méthodologie est celle propre aux documents sur l'établissement de programmes : fonctions de corrélations croisées et corrélations retardées. Selon les auteurs, il pourrait y avoir trois variables indépendantes en jeu : une croissance rapide de la population dans les villes; la restructuration des systèmes municipaux par les gouvernements provinciaux; et le stress financier. L'analyse examine la force de chaque facteur pour placer les questions urbaines à l'ordre du jour de la politique nationale. Finalement, il n'existe pas de modèle unique pour expliquer la croissance des questions municipales à l'ordre du jour : c'est l'histoire qui compte.
Federal‐municipal relations in Canada: The changing organizational landscape
Authors: Stoney Christopher , Graham Katherine A.H.
Published: September 2009

Abstract: Drawing on research that is part of the five‐year Major Collaborative Research Initiative project examining public policy in Canadian municipalities, this article provides an overview of the federal‐municipal machinery developed to facilitate urban policy and program development. The “federal‐municipal machinery” refers to the many programs and initiatives that have been used to structure federal‐municipal relations and influence urban policy and development. The research time frame begins with the period leading up to the creation of the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs, in 1971, and continues through four decades to include recent events of note such as the creation of the Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues, the subsequent announcements of the New Deal, and the Gas Tax Fund for Canada's cities and communities. The authors begin with a discussion of why federal governments involve themselves in municipal and urban affairs and then provide an overview of their analysis by identifying patterns and trends in the evolution of federal‐municipal machinery. They then discuss the effectiveness of the machinery, over three periods, and conclude by considering the implications of their findings for the future of federal‐municipal relations in the context of the growing pressures facing urban Canada.

Sommaire : Fondé sur la recherche entreprise sur cinq ans dans le cadre du projet intitulé«Grands travaux de recherche concertée» qui examine la politique gouvernementale dans les municipalités canadiennes, le présent article donne un aperçu de l'appareil fédéral‐municipal mis au point pour faciliter l'élaboration de programmes et de politiques dans le secteur urbain. L'«appareil fédéral‐municipal» fait référence aux nombreux programmes et initiatives qui ont servi à structurer les relations fédérales‐municipales et à influencer la politique d'urbanisme et son développement. Le cadre de référence de la recherche commence avec la période menant à la création du département d'État chargé des Affaires urbaines en 1971 et se poursuit sur quatre décennies pour inclure de récents événements remarquables, comme la création du Groupe de travail du caucus du premier ministre sur les affaires urbaines du Canada, les annonces subséquentes du Nouveau Pacte et du Fonds de la taxe sur l'essence pour les villes et collectivités du Canada. Les auteurs commencent par une discussion sur la raison pour laquelle les gouvernements fédéraux s'impliquent dans les affaires urbaines et municipales, puis ils présentent une vue d'ensemble de leur analyse en identifiant les modèles et les tendances dans l'évolution de l'appareil fédéral‐municipal. Enfin, ils discutent de l'efficacité de l'appareil sur trois périodes distinctes et concluent en examinant les implications de leurs résultats pour l'avenir des relations fédérales‐municipales dans le contexte des pressions croissantes auxquelles fait face le Canada urbain.
Evaluation of Pimobendan and N‐Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs
Authors: Atkinson K.J. , Fine D.M. , Thombs L.A. , Gorelick J.J. , Durham H.E.
Published: September 2009

Background:Pimobendan is a positive inotrope and vasodilator that may be useful in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease.

Hypothesis:Pimobendan decreases the severity of PHT measured echocardiographically and improves quality‐of‐life scores. Changes in N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations will reflect improvement in severity of PHT.

Animals:Ten client‐owned dogs with peak tricuspid regurgitant flow velocity (TRFV) ≥3.5 m/s.

Methods:Prospective short‐term, double‐blinded, crossover design, with a long‐term, open‐label component. Short term, dogs were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or pimobendan (0.18–0.3 mg/kg PO q12 h) for 14 days. After a 1‐week washout, they received the alternative treatment for 14 days, followed by pimobendan open‐label for 8 weeks.

Results:Short‐term comparison: peak TRFV decreased in all dogs on pimobendan compared with placebo from a median of 4.40 (range, 3.2–5.6) to 3.75 (range, 2.4–4.8) m/s (P< .0001). NT‐proBNP concentration decreased after treatment with pimobendan from a median of 2,143 (range, 450–3,981) to 1,329 (range, 123–2,411) pmol/L (P= .0009). All dogs improved their quality‐of‐life score (P= .006). In the long‐term comparisons, peak TRFV decreased in all dogs from a median of 4.28 (range, 3.5–5.7) to 3.52 (range, 2.4–5.0) m/s (P< .0001). No significant changes in NT‐proBNP or quality‐of‐life scores were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Pimobendan lowered severity of measurable PHT, improved quality‐of‐life scores, and decreased NT‐proBNP concentrations short‐term. Long term, only the reduction in TRFV was maintained.
Modulation of interhemispheric inhibition by volitional motor activity: an ipsilateral silent period study
Authors: Giovannelli Fabio , Borgheresi Alessandra , Balestrieri Fabrizio , Zaccara Gaetano , Viggiano Maria Pia , Cincotta Massimo , Ziemann Ulf
Published: September 2009

Brief interruption of voluntary EMG in a hand muscle by focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1), the so‐called ipsilateral silent period (ISP), is a measure of interhemispheric motor inhibition. However, little is known about how volitional motor activity would modulate the ISP. Here we tested in 30 healthy adults to what extent and under what conditions voluntary activation of the stimulated right M1 by moving the left hand strengthens interhemispheric inhibition as indexed by an enhancement of the ISP area in the maximally contracting right first dorsal interosseous (FDI). Left index finger abduction, already at low levels of contraction, significantly enhanced the ISP compared to left hand at rest. Even imagination of left index finger movement enhanced the ISP compared to rest or mental calculation. This enhancement occurred in the absence of motor‐evoked potential amplitude modulation in the left FDI, thus excluding a non‐specific contribution from an increase in right M1 corticospinal excitability. Contraction of the left extensor indicis, but not contraction of more proximal left upper limb or left or right lower limb muscles also enhanced the ISP. A reaction time experiment showed that the ISP enhancement developed at a late stage of movement preparation just before or at movement onset. Interhemispheric inhibition of the motor‐evoked potential as tested by a bifocal paired‐pulse TMS protocol and thought to be mediated via a neuronal circuit different to the ISP was not enhanced when tested under identical motor task conditions. Finally, ISP enhancement by contraction of the left FDI correlated inversely with EMG mirror activity in the right FDI during phasic abductions of the left index finger. Our findings strongly suggest that voluntary M1 activation by real or imagined movement of the contralateral hand increases interhemispheric motor inhibition of the opposite M1. This phenomenon shows substantial topographical, temporal and neuronal circuit specificity, and has functional significance as it probably plays a pivotal role in suppressing mirror activity.