bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUMAN‐ANIMAL CHIMERAS: HUMAN DIGNITY, MORAL STATUS, AND SPECIES PREJUDICE
Authors: DEGRAZIA DAVID
Published: February 2007

Abstract:The creation of chimeras by introducing human stem cells into nonhuman animals has provoked intense concerns. Addressing objections that appeal to human dignity, I focus in this essay on stem cell research intended to generate human neurons in Great Apes and rodents. After considering samples of dignity‐based objections from the literature, I examine the underlying assumption that nonhuman animals have lower moral status than persons—with particular attention to what itmeansto speak of higher and lower moral status—before evaluating the chimera research in question. I argue that (1) such experiments involving Great Apes should be prohibited out of respect for the research subjects and (2) such experiments involving rodents may or may not be permissible, depending on how we answer unresolved questions regarding rodents' moral status. In the end, concerns about human dignity prove insignificant.
OOCYTES FOR SALE?
Authors: GRUEN LORI
Published: February 2007

Abstract: In order to reach its full potential, human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research requires the use of human oocytes. There is currently a shortage of human eggs for research, and this shortage is likely to continue, as many states and countries prohibit their sale for research purposes, while at the same time condoning unregulated markets for oocytes for use in assisted reproduction. In this essay I first explore possible alternative sources of oocytes for hESC research and conclude that, at present, women are the best source. I then examine arguments about exploitation and commodification that are often raised to prohibit payment to women for oocytes in both the reproductive and research contexts and find these arguments wanting. I conclude by suggesting that ethical concerns raised about a market in oocytes do not warrant a prohibition on the sale of eggs, but that a regulated market can consistently minimize ethical concerns while respecting women and providing important resources for advances in hESC research.
KILLING EMBRYOS FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH
Authors: MCMAHAN JEFF
Published: February 2007

Abstract: The main objection to human embryonic stem cell research is that it involves killing human embryos, which are essentially beings of the same sort that you and I are. This objection presupposes that we once existed as early embryos and that we had the same moral status then that we have now. This essay challenges both those presuppositions, but focuses primarily on the first. I argue first that these presuppositions are incompatible with widely accepted beliefs about both assisted conception and monozygotic twinning. I then argue that we never existed as embryos. If this last claim is right, killing an embryo does not kill someone like you or me but merely prevents one of us from existing.
Dynamic capabilities: A review and research agenda
Authors: Wang Catherine L. , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: February 2007

The notion of dynamic capabilities complements the premise of the resource‐based view of the firm, and has injected new vigour into empirical research in the last decade. Nonetheless, several issues surrounding its conceptualization remain ambivalent. In light of empirical advancement, this paper aims to clarify the concept of dynamic capabilities, and then identify three component factors which reflect the common features of dynamic capabilities across firms and which may be adopted and further developed into a measurement construct in future research. Further, a research model is developed encompassing antecedents and consequences of dynamic capabilities in an integrated framework. Suggestions for future research and managerial implications are also discussed.
Green supply‐chain management: A state‐of‐the‐art literature review
Authors: Srivastava Samir K.
Published: February 2007

There is a growing need for integrating environmentally sound choices into supply‐chain management research and practice. Perusal of the literature shows that a broad frame of reference for green supply‐chain management (GrSCM) is not adequately developed. Regulatory bodies that formulate regulations to meet societal and ecological concerns to facilitate growth of business and economy also suffer from its absence. A succinct classification to help academicians, researchers and practitioners in understanding integrated GrSCM from a wider perspective is needed. Further, sufficient literature is available to warrant such classification. This paper takes an integrated and fresh look into the area of GrSCM. The literature on GrSCM is covered exhaustively from its conceptualization, primarily taking a ‘reverse logistics angle’. Using the rich body of available literature, including earlier reviews that had relatively limited perspectives, the literature on GrSCM is classified on the basis of the problem context in supply chain's major influential areas. It is also classified on the basis of methodology and approach adopted. Various mathematical tools/techniques used in literaturevis‐à‐visthe contexts of GrSCM are mapped. A timeline indicating relevant papers is also provided as a ready reference. Finally, the findings and interpretations are summarized, and the main research issues and opportunities are highlighted.
Anticipating Future Vulnerability: Defining Characteristics of Increasingly Critical Infrastructure‐like Systems
Authors: Egan Matthew Jude
Published: February 2007

The world's ‘Critical Infrastructure’ (CI) has increased in size during the three decades between 1975–2006. CIs are those systems that provide critical support services to a country, geographic area for a corporate entity; when they fail, there is potentially a large cost in human life, the environment or economic markets. This article examines the characteristics of new technologies or services that are becoming a part of the CI, but are not yet. The article attempts to systematically define the characteristics of ‘criticality’ in order to better anticipate the types of vulnerabilities these new technologies or services create.
In situ oxygen utilization in the rat intervertebral disc
Authors: Lee Deanna C. , Adams Christopher S. , Albert Todd J. , Shapiro Irving M. , Evans Sydney M. , Koch Cameron J.
Published: February 2007

Nucleus pulposus cells of the intervertebral disc have no endogenous vasculature and have thus been hypothesized to be hypoxic. This hypothesis was tested using 2‐nitroimidazole, EF5, a drug that at low oxygen concentrations forms covalent adducts with cellular proteins. After administrating EF5 to rats, sections of the intervertebral disc were analysed for EF5 adducts. Drug adducts were quantified in tissue sections using a fluorescent monoclonal antibody. Although the level of EF5 fluorescence in all intervertebral disc tissues was low, the transition zone at the periphery of the nucleus pulposus exhibited the highest level of EF5 binding. To substantiate this result, tissue nitroreductase levels and drug pharmacology were evaluated. Nitroreductase levels were measured in whole discs under severe hypoxia. We noted that there was robust EF5 binding to cells in the annulus fibrosus and transition zone with modest binding to cells of the nucleus pulposus and endplate. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated limitations in EF5 access to the nucleus pulposus, most probably related to the lack of vasculature and slow drug distribution through the gel‐like interior of the disc. However, despite diffusion problems, the drug dose was determined to be sufficient to report the oxygen status of the nucleus pulposus cells. Based on these findings, we conclude that despite poor vascularization, the disc cells accommodate to the local environment by displaying a limited need for oxygen. Accordingly, the cells of the intervertebral disc are not severely hypoxic.
Morphological effects of two protocols of passive stretch over the immobilized rat soleus muscle
Authors: Gomes Anna R. S. , Cornachione Anabelle , Salvini Tania F. , Mattiello‐Sverzut Ana Cláudia
Published: February 2007

This study evaluated two different stretching protocols employed during a period of hind‐limb immobilization in terms of their effects on muscle morphology. Quantitative data regarding the soleus muscle were obtained based on the clinical hypothesis that a high frequency of this exercise would improve the recovery of muscle structure. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 each): the control group (C); the immobilized group, in which the left hind limb was immobilized in order to maintain the soleus muscle in a fully shortened position for 3 weeks (I); the ‘immobilized and stretched every 3 days’ group, in which the left hind limb was immobilized as in the immobilized group, but with the soleus muscle stretched every 3 days for 40 min (Ist3); and the ‘immobilized (as in the immobilized group) and stretched every 7 days’ group (ISt7). All soleus muscles were excised 21 days after the beginning of the experiment, and were processed for (1) haematoxylin and eosin and myosin ATPase to evaluate muscle morphology and cross‐sectional area and the proportions of the different fibre types, and (2) ultrastructural analysis. The cross‐sectional area was found to have decreased in all fibre types (I, II and C), mainly in ISt7, when compared with the C group and ISt3 group. The proportion of the different fibre types did not show statistical difference between groups. Light and electron microscopy examination revealed signs of cell degeneration that was more intense in the group immobilized and stretched three times a week. In conclusion, sessions of passive stretching applied to the soleus during immobilization induce muscle fibre injury, suggesting that this therapeutic tool should be applied carefully to disused muscles.
Promoting energy efficiency in small island states: overcoming barriers to the adoption of compact fluorescent lighting in Saint Lucia
Authors: Reynolds Travis W. , DeSisto Thomas P. , Murray Byron , Kolodinsky Jane
Published: February 2007

The ‘island factor’ refers to a series of shared energy‐related issues that many island nations face due to their isolation and limited population size. Under such conditions, one of the only ways to reduce energy costs for consumers is through energy efficiency – including the use of energy‐saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. This study uses consumer survey data to investigate how awareness, past purchasing behaviour, and demographic characteristics influence Saint Lucian consumers’ intentions to purchase energy‐saving compact fluorescent bulbs. The findings indicate that a lack of awareness and understanding of energy efficiency, combined with high product costs and a lack of product availability currently inhibit the adoption of compact fluorescent technologies by Saint Lucian consumers. Awareness of energy efficiency, income and geographic location are identified as significant factors related to increased use of and willingness to pay for compact fluorescent bulbs. In the discussion, possibilities for public education and cost subsidy for compact fluorescent bulb promotion are proposed.
The Chilean Agrarian Transformation: Agrarian Reform and Capitalist ‘Partial’ Counter‐Agrarian Reform, 1964–1980
Authors: BELLISARIO ANTONIO
Published: February 2007

This article, which is published in two parts, is an empirical analysis of the Chilean agrarian reform (1964–1973) and ‘partial’ counter‐agrarian reform (1974–1980). Its aim is to explain and interpret their logic and the changes they brought to Chile's agrarian property regime in particular and Chilean life in general. Chile's agrarian reform was successful in expropriating (under the Frei and Allende administrations, 1964–1973) the great estates of the hacienda landed property system. The capitalist ‘partial’ counter‐reform then redistributed it (under the military, 1974–1980). CORA, the country's agency for agrarian reform, expropriated and subsequently redistributed 5809 estates of almost 10 million hectares, or 59 per cent of Chile's agricultural farmland. A large amount of the expropriated land (41 per cent) benefited 54,000 peasant households with small‐sized family farms and house‐sites. The rest of the farmland benefited efficient and competitive commercial farmers and agro‐business and consolidated medium‐sized farms. Of central concern is the role of the agrarian reform and subsequent ‘partial’ counter‐reform processes in fostering the transformation of the erstwhile agrarian structure of the hacienda system toward agrarian capitalism. The redistribution of the agricultural land previously expropriated made possible the formation of an agro‐industrial bourgeoisie, small commercial farmers, an open land market and a dynamic agricultural sector. While, however, under military rule, a selected few benefited with family farms and became independent agricultural producers, a large majority of reformed and non‐reformed campesinos were torn from the land to become non‐propertied proletarians in a rapidly modernizing but highly exclusionary agricultural sector.
Microsatellite DNA markers for American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and cross‐species amplification within the family Clupeidae
Authors: JULIAN SHANNON E. , BARTRON MEREDITH L.
Published: February 2007

Sixteen microsatellite loci were identified and characterized for American shad (Alosa sapidissima). The number of alleles per locus observed ranged from eight to 32 and averaged 15.4 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 81.1%. The markers were screened using four other species from the family Clupeidae. Amplification success among Alosa species was 79.2% with 81.6% polymorphism among those markers that amplified successfully. Amplification success was poor in Dorosoma (31.3%). Due to allelic diversity and estimates of heterozygosity, these markers can be useful in A. sapidissima for population level analyses, parentage assignment and broodstock management.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
Authors: PETERS MAUREEN B. , GLENN JULIE L. , SVETE PAM , HAGEN CRIS , TSYUSKO OLGA V. , DECOURSEY PATRICIA , LIEUTENANT‐GOSSELIN MÉLISSA , GARANT DANY , GLENN TRAVIS C.
Published: February 2007

We isolated and characterized 16 microsatellite loci in the eastern chipmunk, Tamias striatus. The loci were screened across 25 individuals from one population and shown to be polymorphic with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to 17. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.212 to 0.887 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.200 to 0.960. Only two loci (Chip 10 and Chip 25) deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.
GLOBALIZATION AND REGIONAL INCOME INEQUALITY: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM WITHIN CHINA
Authors: Wan Guanghua , Lu Ming , Chen Zhao
Published: February 2007

China's recent accession to the WTO is expected to accelerate its integration into the world economy, which aggravates concerns over the impact of globalization on the already rising inter‐region income inequality in China. This paper discusses China's globalization process and estimates an income generating function, incorporating trade and FDI variables. It then applies the newly developed Shapley value decomposition technique to quantify the contributions of globalization, along with other variables, to regional inequality. It is found that: (a) globalization constitutes a positive and substantial share of regional inequality and the share rises over time; (b) domestic capital, however, emerges as the largest contributor to regional inequality; (c) economic reform characterized by privatization exerts an increasingly significant impact on regional inequality; and (d) the relative contributions of education, location, urbanization and dependency ratio to regional inequality have been declining.
Remote Magnetic Catheter Mapping and Ablation of Permanent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia in a Seven‐Year‐Old Child
Authors: PFLAUMER ANDREAS , HESSLING GABRIELE , LUIK ARMIN , WU JINJIN , ZRENNER BERNHARD
Published: February 2007

Background: Mapping and catheter ablation of permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) in children can be challenging. Remote magnetic navigation may improve precise mapping and catheter stability during ablation, as well as reduce fluoroscopy time, especially in conjunction with a non‐fluoroscopic mapping system.

Objective: We report a case of PJRT ablation in a 7‐year‐old child using remote magnetic navigation.

Methods and Results: Mapping of the right atrium (RA) and the coronary sinus (CS) and catheter ablation were performed using remote magnetic navigation in conjunction with a non‐fluoroscopic mapping system (NavX®). We observed excellent catheter steering abilities and constant wall contact during ablation, allowing a short and safe procedure.

Conclusions: Remote magnetic navigation may be used for mapping and ablation of PJRT in children.
Comparative Echocardiographic Analysis of Mitral and Tricuspid Annular Motion: Differences Explained with Proposed Anatomic‐Structural Correlates
Authors: López‐Candales Angel , Rajagopalan Navin , Gulyasy Beth , Edelman Kathy , Bazaz Raveen
Published: February 2007

Background: Annular motion (AM) has been shown to occur during all dynamic phases of the cardiac cycle; but little is known regarding comparisons between mitral and tricuspid AM. We elected to use M‐mode to examine the extent and timing of mitral and tricuspid AM events. Methods: A complete echocardiogram was obtained in 50 patients [mean age 53 ± 16 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 57 ± 19%, and mean right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) of 49 ± 20%]. Timing of all AM intervals was corrected for heart rate. Results: A strong linear correlation was noted for both LVEF and maximal mitral annular systolic excursion and for RVFAC and maximal tricuspid annular systolic excursion (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001). The amplitude of both maximal mitral annular descent (1.54 ± 0.45 cm) and ascent (0.64 ± 0.23 cm) was significantly smaller than for the tricuspid annulus (2.26 ± 0.73 and 0.98 ± 0.37 cm; P < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, while it takes longer for the mitral than for the tricuspid annulus (403 ± 52 ms vs 308 ± 50 ms; P < 0.0001, respectively) to descend to its lowest point; the duration to reach maximal ascent is shorter for the mitral than for tricuspid annulus (90 ± 22 ms vs 115 ± 19 ms; p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: Significant differences exist in both amplitude and timing of AM events between the mitral and tricuspid annuli, likely reflecting intrinsic anatomical and electromechanical differences between both sides of the heart that require further investigation.
Pulmonary Venous Flow Assessed by Doppler Echocardiography in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bollmann Andreas
Published: February 2007

Pulmonary venous blood flow (PVF) visualized by Doppler echocardiography exhibits a pulsatile behavior, which is related to left atrial pressure and function, mitral valve function, and left ventricular compliance. In atrial fibrillation (AF), the disappearance of atrial reverse flow, a decrease in systolic flow with a greater diastolic than systolic flow, a prolonged onset of systolic flow and the appearance of an early systolic reverse flow are characteristic findings. A reduction in systolic PVF expressed by reduced peak velocity, reduced velocity–time integral of systolic flow, and reduced systolic fraction of PVF has been found to be associated with reduced left atrial appendage flow, left atrial spontaneous echo contrast formation, frequency of AF paroxysms and propensity for AF recurrence following restoration of sinus rhythm. Ablation techniques targeting pulmonary vein ostia and adjacent left atrium are promising treatment options to cure AF. Monitoring the PVF response to and adjusting of ablation procedures has been suggested to optimize outcome and prevent complications such as pulmonary vein stenosis. In conclusion, assessment of PVF variables and patterns by Doppler echocardiography seems useful in the management of AF patients. Especially the reduction in systolic PVF may be used as marker for left atrial dysfunction which favors thrombus formation and AF reinitiation. Finally, PVF monitoring has the potential to an increasing role in AF ablation procedures.
Prevalence of Dyssynchrony Derived from Echocardiographic Criteria in Heart Failure Patients with Normal or Prolonged QRS Duration
Authors: Niu Hongxia , Hua Wei , Zhang Shu , Sun Xin , Wang Fangzheng , Chen Keping , Chen Xin
Published: February 2007

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure is targeted at specific patients with mechanical dyssynchrony. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dyssynchrony in heart failure patients with either normal or prolonged QRS duration using Doppler imaging. Sixty heart failure patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (30 with prolonged QRS duration 30 with normal QRS duration) underwent standard echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging examinations. Difference between left and right ventricular pre‐ejection intervals of more than 40 msec was considered a marker of interventricular dyssynchrony. Intraventricular dyssynchrony was defined as a delay of 60 msec between the time to peak velocities of the septum and left ventricular lateral wall. Patients who have either intra‐ or interventricular dyssynchrony were defined as with cardiac dyssynchrony. Dyssynchrony was observed in 7 (23.3%) heart failure patients with normal QRS duration versus 26 (86.7%) patients with prolonged QRS duration. There was significant difference between the prevalence of dyssynchrony derived from echo criteria in two groups (P<0.05). Although patients with prolonged QRS duration have a high prevalence of dyssynchrony, yet some still have good cardiac synchronicity. Moreover, dyssynchrony also exists in a small percentage of heart failure patients with normal QRS duration. To identify the potential responders for CRT, both QRS duration and cardiac synchronicity should be assessed.
Role of Echocardiography in Percutaneous Occlusion of the Left Atrial Appendage
Authors: Mráz Tomáš , Neužil Petr , Mandysová Eva , Niederle Petr , Reddy Vivek Y.
Published: February 2007

Percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a modern alternative for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and with a high risk of stroke who are not eligible for long‐term anticoagulation therapy. Echocardiography plays a significant role in selecting patients, guiding the procedure, and in the postprocedural follow‐up. Objectives and methods: To test the role of transesophagoeal echocardiography (TEE) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in facilitating and shortening the procedure. Results: ICE represents a more convenient approach in patients who are not under generally anesthesia and helps to facilitate transseptal puncture. On the other hand, TEE, having the ability to rotate the image plane, helps to better determine the position of the occluder. Conclusions: Echocardiographic guidance of this procedure is essential. Which approach will be preferred will depend on the development of these two methods.
Longitudinal Diastolic Myocardial Functions Are Affected by Chronic Smoking in Young Healthy People: A Study of Color Tissue Doppler Imaging
Authors: Gulel Okan , Soylu Korhan , Yazici Mustafa , Demircan Sabri , Durna Kenan , Sahin Mahmut
Published: February 2007

Aims: Many cardiac and hemodynamic alterations occur after acute consumption of cigarettes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of chronic smoking on longitudinal myocardial functions of left ventricle in young, healthy people by using color tissue Doppler imaging modalities. Methods and Results: Ninety‐nine healthy participants were studied. There were 65 smokers and 34 nonsmokers. All subjects were between 20 and 35 years old. Sample volumes were placed on the mid left ventricle in the inner half of the myocardium at the septum, lateral, inferior, and anterior walls. The peak systolic strain (S‐S), peak systolic strain rate (S‐SR), peak early diastolic SR (E‐SR), peak late diastolic SR (A‐SR), peak systolic tissue velocity (S‐TV), peak early diastolic TV (E‐TV), and peak late diastolic TV (A‐TV) values were measured. For the systolic parameters S‐S, S‐SR, and S‐TV values were not different between the groups. For the diastolic parameters smokers had lower E‐SR and E‐TV values than nonsmokers (P = 0.03 for both). Although there was a trend toward higher A‐SR and A‐TV values in the smokers, they were not reaching the statistical significance. Conclusion: Chronic smoking in young, healthy people causes significant alterations in the longitudinal diastolic myocardial function parameters as assessed by color tissue Doppler imaging.
NO‐donor melatonin derivatives: synthesis and in vitro pharmacological characterization
Authors: Chegaev Konstantin , Lazzarato Loretta , Rolando Barbara , Marini Elisabetta , Tosco Paolo , Cena Clara , Fruttero Roberta , Bertolini Francesca , Reist Marianne , Carrupt Pierre‐Alain , Lucini Valeria , Fraschini Franco , Gasco Alberto
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Numerous studies document that melatonin possesses a broad‐spectrum antioxidant activity. It traps a number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid. It also inhibits peroxynitrite‐induced reactions. It is known that atherosclerosis progression involves ROS‐induced oxidation of low‐density lipoproteins in sub‐endothelial space and the depletion of nitric oxide (NO) in blood vessels, as well as a decreased sensitivity of the vessels to the actions of NO. Considering this, a series of new NO‐donor antioxidants were designed and synthesized by joining melatonin with NO‐donor nitrooxy and furoxan moieties as polyvalent agents potentially useful for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases involving atherosclerotic vascular changes. The in vitro antioxidant properties of the resulting products were assessed in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay (TBARS), the ABTS+• as well as in the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay. The antioxidant capacities of NO‐donor melatonins to inhibit lipoperoxidation (TBARS‐IC50) was predominantly dependent on their lipophilicity, and therefore on their partitioning process into membranes. On the other hand, their comparable capacity to inhibit protein oxidation (ALP‐IC50) was independent of their lipophilicity and was consistent with their similar ability to participate in electron transfer reactions. All the NO‐donor melatonins were also evaluated for their ability to relax rat aorta strips precontracted with 1 μm phenylephrine. Finally, binding affinities and intrinsic activity studies, carried out at MT1 and MT2 receptor subtypes, showed a rather complex picture in need of further investigation.
ASYMMETRIC SIGNAL INTENSITY IN NORMAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS OF THE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT IN HORSES WITH A LOW‐FIELD MRI SYSTEM DUE TO THE MAGIC ANGLE EFFECT
Authors: SPRIET MATHIEU , MAI WILFRIED , McKNIGHT ALEXIA
Published: February 2007

Increased signal intensity in one of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of sound horses in images acquired using a low‐field magnet with vertical orientation of the magnetic field was investigated as a possible manifestation of the magic angle effect. Three isolated equine digits were imaged using the following pulse sequences: (1) spin echo T1, (2) turbo spin echo proton density and T2, and (3) 3D gradient echo T1, in different positions by mildly changing the orientation of the long axis of the digit, in the dorsal plane, relative to the magnetic field. The signal intensity in a ligament was significantly increased when the ligament orientation relative to the magnetic field was 55±10°. The signal intensity was markedly increased in pulse sequences with short echo time (TE) 5.0, 4.9, and 3.9 times increased, respectively, for 3D gradient echo T1, spin echo T1, and turbo spin echo proton density) and to a lesser extent with pulse sequences with a longer TE (1.8 times increased for turbo spin echo T2). These changes are characteristic of the magic angle effect. Because of the anatomic orientation of the collateral ligaments of the DIP joint, a slight deviation of the long axis of the digit in the dorsal plane, from the ideal horizontal position, will induce an increased signal intensity that can be confused with desmitis. Careful positioning of the foot in magnetic resonance imaging systems where B0 is perpendicular to the long axis of the digit is critical to prevent the occurrence of the magic angle effect.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT IN HEALTHY PURE‐BRED SPANISH HORSES
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ MARÍA J. , SOLER MARTA , LATORRE RAFAEL , GIL FRANCISCO , AGUT AMALIA
Published: February 2007

The objective was to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the soft tissue and bony structures of the temporomandibular joint in Pure‐Bred Spanish horses using frozen and plastinated sections performed as anatomical references. The temporomandibular joint of five healthy Pure‐Bred Spanish horses and the head specimens from 12 Pure‐Bred Spanish cadavers that were subjected to euthanasia for reasons other than temporomandibular joint problems were studied sonographically and anatomically. An 11 MHz linear‐array transducer was used to obtain longitudinal ultrasonographic images of the temporomandibular joint from rostral, lateral, and caudal approaches. For anatomic study, a gross dissection was performed on six temporomandibular joints. The other six head specimens were first frozen at −30°C for 48 h and then, at −70°C for a week. Three millimeter thick anatomic sections were collected in the same plane as the sonographic planes. These sections were plastinated, photographed, and compared with the corresponding ultrasonographic images. The articular surfaces, the articular cartilage, the disc, the intra‐articular fat tissue, the joint capsule, and other structures were clearly visualized sonographically. Structures identified on the ultrasonographic images were in accordance with those identified on the corresponding anatomic sections. We confirmed the appearance of structures of the equine temporomandibular joint that have been described previously but we also identified the caudal fibrous expansion of the disc, the caudal compartment of the dorsal synovial pouch, and the lateral ligament. Our results define a reference that will aid in sonographic evaluation of the equine temporomandibular joint region.
Cold exposure and associated metabolic changes in adult tropical beetles exposed to fluctuating thermal regimes
Authors: Lalouette L. , Koštál V. , Colinet H. , Gagneul D. , Renault D.
Published: February 2007

Environmental stress deleteriously affects every aspect of an ectotherm's biological function. Frequent exposure of terrestrial insects to temperature variation has thus led to the evolution of protective biochemical and physiological mechanisms. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying the positive impact of fluctuating thermal regimes (FTRs) on the fitness and survival of cold‐exposed insects have not been studied. We have thus investigated the metabolic changes in adults of the beetle Alphitobius diaperinus in order to determine whether FTRs trigger the initiation of a metabolic response involving synthesis of protective compounds, such as free amino acids (FAAs) and polyols. The metabolic profile was analyzed during constant fluctuating thermal regimes (the beetles had daily pulses at higher temperatures that enabled them to recover) and compared with constant cold exposure and untreated controls. The increase of several essential amino acids (Lys, Iso, Leu, Phe and Trp) in cold‐exposed beetles supports the conclusion that it results from the breakdown of proteins. Some FAAs have been shown to have cryoprotective properties in insects, but the relationship between FAAs, cold tolerance and survival has not yet been well defined. Instead of considering FAAs only as a part of the osmo‐ and cryoprotective arsenal, they should also be regarded as main factors involved in the multiple regulatory pathways activated during cold acclimation. Under FTRs, polyol accumulation probably contributes to the increased duration of survival in A. diaperinus.
Insect cytokine, growth‐blocking peptide, is a primary regulator of melanin‐synthesis enzymes in armyworm larval cuticle
Authors: Ninomiya Yosuke , Hayakawa Yoichi
Published: February 2007

The cuticles of most insect larvae have a variety of melanin patterns that function in the insects' interactions with their biotic and abiotic environments. Larvae of the armyworm Pseudaletia separata have black and white stripes running longitudinally along the body axis. This pattern is emphasized after the last larval molt by an increase in the contrast between the lines. We have previously shown that 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine (Dopa) decarboxylase (DDC) is activated during the molt period by preferential enhancement of its transcription in the epidermal cells beneath the black stripes. This study demonstrated that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression is activated synchronously with DDC. Furthermore, enhancement of DDC and TH transcription is due to an increase in cyotoplasmic Ca2+, which is induced by the insect cytokine, growth‐blocking peptide (GBP). Enhanced gene expression for both enzymes was induced by substitution of the calcium ionophore A23187, and completely blocked by EGTA. A GBP‐induced increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ was seen in epidermal cells under the black stripes but not those beneath the white stripes, suggesting that a difference in Ca2+ concentration in stripe cells leads to the specific expression of DDC and TH genes. Based on the fact that epidermal cells beneath the white stripes contain abundant granules composed mainly of uric acid, which can form a complex with Ca2+ and hence decrease its free concentration, we discuss the possibility that uric acid, as well as GBP, contributes to the difference in cytoplasmic Ca2+ within the epidermal cells.
Combined thalidomide and interferon‐α for chronic hepatitis C‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: WANG Tsang‐En , LIM Ken‐Hong , HUANG Ming‐Jer
Published: February 2007

Successful treatment with the combination of low dose thalidomide and interferon‐α is described in an 89‐year‐old man who had chronic hepatitis C‐related metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Thalidomide 100 mg/day and interferon‐α2b 3 million units/week were prescribed. After 9 months of the combination therapy, his serum α‐fetoprotein level had declined from 24 549 ng/mL to less than 2.76 ng/mL. The recurrent liver tumors decreased in size and the metastatic lung lesions had complete remission after treatment. Combination therapy with lower dose interferon‐α and thalidomide, two antiangiogenic drugs with different mechanisms of action, was associated with a good response and was well tolerated in this preliminary study.
Ethical reflections on Edward Jenner’s experimental treatment
Authors: Davies Hugh
Published: February 2007

In 1798 Dr Edward Jenner published his famous account of “vaccination”. Some claim that a Research Ethics Committee, had it existed in the 1790s, might have rejected his work. I provide the historical context of his work and argue that it addressed a major risk to the health of the community, and, given the devastating nature of smallpox and the significant risk of variolation, the only alternative preventative measure, Jenner’s study had purpose, justification and a base in the practice of the day.
Clinicians’ knowledge of informed consent
Authors: Fisher-Jeffes Lisa , Barton Charlotte , Finlay Fiona
Published: February 2007

Objective:To audit doctors’ knowledge of informed consent.

Design:10 consent scenarios with “true”, “false”, or “don’t know” answers were completed by doctors who care for children at a large district general hospital. These questions tested clinicians’ knowledge of who could give consent in different clinical situations.

Setting:Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK.

Results:51 doctors participated (25 paediatricians and 26 other clinicians). Paediatricians scored higher than other clinicians (average correct response 69%v49%). Only 36% (9/25) of paediatricians and 8% (2/26) of other clinicians realised that the biological father of a child born before 1 December 2003 needed a court order or a parental responsibility agreement to acquire parental responsibility, and thus be able to consent on behalf of his child, if he was not married to the child’s mother. Non-paediatric clinicians were unsure or incorrect when tested on situations where people with parental responsibility do not agree, or where young people (<16 years), who are Fraser competent do not want to consult their parents. Most clinicians did not know that the parents of a 20-year-old man with severe learning difficulties are unable to consent to surgery on his behalf, and many non-paediatricians were unclear on who could give consent when a child lived with foster parents.

Conclusion:Clinicians who obtain consent for the treatment of children need to increase their knowledge on who is able to give informed consent to ensure best (legal and safe) practice.
OPTIMAL PERIODIC PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES WITH IMPROVEMENT FACTORS DEPENDING ON NUMBER OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCES
Authors: LIM JAE-HAK , PARK DONG HO
Published: February 2007

This paper considers a periodic preventive maintenance policy under which each preventive maintenance (PM) reduces the hazard rate of the repairable system, while keeping the pattern of hazard rate unchanged. For this model, the hazard rate at a given time t is affected by the improvement factor which depends on the number of PMs conducted until t. In addition to the periodic preventive maintenance, the system undergoes the minimal repair at each failure between the preventive maintenances. We derive mathematical formulas to evaluate the expected cost rate per unit time by computing the expected number of failures depending on the hazard rate of the underlying life distribution of the system. Assuming that the system is replaced by a new one at the N-th preventive maintenance, the optimal values of N and the preventive maintenance period, which minimize the expected cost rate, are solved and thus the best schedules for the periodic preventive maintenance policy are established. Explicit solutions for the optimal schedule for the periodic preventive maintenance are presented when the failure times follow the Weibull distribution.
CONSTRAINTS ON STRUCTURE-BASED OPTICAL ACCELERATORS
Authors: MIZRAHI AMIT , KARAGODSKY VADIM , SCHÄCHTER LEVI
Published: February 2007

A structure-based laser accelerator harnesses technological progress developed by the laser and optical fiber industries, potentially facilitating a compact and efficient system. In the optical regime, dielectrics sustain higher electric fields and gradients of the order of a few GV/m may become available, but the acceleration structures are different than those used in the microwave regime. Various dielectric structures have been analyzed, and from the pure accelerator parameters perspective (gradient, interaction impedance, group velocity, wake-fields), their performance is of great promise. Operation similar to current linear accelerators may lead to a prohibitively low efficiency. Therefore, including a feedback attached to each module may improve the efficiency from a few percents to higher than 90% – in fact, the efficiency is limited only by the constraints on the stability of the optical system. Single mode operation in the optical regime imposes that at least one of the dimensions of each micro-bunch ought to be sub-micronic leading to a stringent constraint on the emittance and thus on the luminosity. Attempting to increase the latter, imposes high energy density in the vacuum tunnel as well as in its adjacent dielectric layer(s). This, in turn, is bounded by the maximum stress, temperature increase and heat dissipation, dielectrics can sustain at these scales.
A TRAIN OF MICRO-BUNCHES FOR PWFA EXPERIMENTS PRODUCED BY RF PHOTOINJECTORS
Authors: BOSCOLO M. , FERRARIO M. , VACCAREZZA C. , BOSCOLO I. , CASTELLI F. , CIALDI S.
Published: February 2007

An electron beam generated in a radio-frequency photo-injector illuminated by a laser "comb" pulse evolves towards a homogenous electron beam with an energy modulation. The density modulation in fact is transformed into an energy modulation, with a saw-tooth like shape, by the longitudinal space charge forces. Such an energy distribution can be exploited to restore the initial density profile by means of a RF accelerating structure operating in the velocity bunching mode. It results a train of short electron bunches suitable for advanced PWFA experiments. The initial laser comb can be obtained with a pulse shaping device inserted into the laser system. In this paper we discuss the beam dynamics features of such a beam.
DEVELOPMENT OF RADIO FREQUENCY GUNS AT NSRRC
Authors: LAU W. K. , CHANG S. S. , HSU S. Y. , HWANG C. S. , HWANG J. Y. , WANG Y. C. , YANG T. T. , HO C. H.
Published: February 2007

Technologies for rf gun-based high brightness injector are being developed at NSRRC. An X-band photo-cathode rf gun has been constructed and operated successfully for coherent electromagnetic radiation research at U.C. Davis. Recent measurement of a 1.5-2 MeV beam from this gun with bunch charge at 25 pC showed that it has a normalized emittance at 1.65 mm-mrad. As a successive project, a 100 MeV electron beam injector system with a thermionic rf gun and a photo-cathode rf gun that share the same 2998 MHz rf linac is being designed as the pre-injector of the TPS (Taiwan Photon Source) booster as well as beam injector for novel light source research. For evaluation purposes, a prototype thermionic rf gun system is now under construction at NSRRC with the existing 2856 MHz high power microwave system as the driver source.
SHEET CROSSING AND WAVE BREAKING IN THE LASER WAKEFIELD ACCELERATOR
Authors: VIEIRA J. , FONSECA R. A. , SILVA L. O. , LU W. , TZOUFRAS M. , TSUNG F. S. , MORI W. B.
Published: February 2007

The seminal work of J. M. Dawson on sheet crossing and wave breaking is extended to laser wakefield scenarios. We derive a quantitative estimate for the sheet crossing time. We find that the time for the onset of sheet crossing is reduced for lower densities, higher laser intensities and smaller spot sizes. Furthermore, we show that a preformed parabolic plasma channel can decrease the time required for sheet crossing.
LWFA OF ATTO-SECOND AND FEMTO-SECOND BUNCHES FOR PULSE RADIOLYSIS
Authors: OGATA A. , KONDOH T. , YANG J. , YOSHIDA A. , YOSHIDA Y.
Published: February 2007

Pulse radiolysis spectroscopically studies the initial stage of atomic and molecular reactions induced by electron beams. Single-bunched beams with bunch lengths on the order of femtosecond or shorter are fervently requested for this purpose. The laser wake field acceleration is readily applicable now, which is able to realize beams with bunch length of 1 fs, energy of 30 MeV, repetition rate of 1 Hz, bunch charge of 10 pC, energy width of 10%, etc.
STUDIES PLANNED AT CAT, INDORE ON LASER-PLASMA BASED ELECTRON ACCELERATION
Authors: NAIK P. A. , GUPTA P. D.
Published: February 2007

The Laser Plasma Division at the Centre for Advanced Technology is engaged in a variety of research and development activities on laser-plasma interaction with special emphasis on laser-matter interaction at ultra-high intensities. An important aspect of our future work is studies in laser-plasma based acceleration using an elaborate infrastructural set-up of ultra-fast laser and plasma diagnostic systems and recently acquired 10TW, 50fs Ti :Sapphire laser system. This paper presents outline of the planned studies in this field.
OBSERVATION OF NONLINEAR THOMSON SCATTERING AT BNL-ATF
Authors: KUMITA TETSURO , KAMIYA YOSHIO , BABZIEN MARCUS , BEN-ZVI ILAN , KUSCHE KARL , PAVLISHIN IGOR V. , POGORELSKY IGOR V. , SIDDONS DAVID P. , YAKIMENKO VITALY , OMORI TSUNEHIKO , URAKAWA JUNJI , YOKOYA KAORU , HIROSE TACHISHIGE , CLINE DAVID , ZHOU FENG
Published: February 2007

Measurement of X-rays produced in nonlinear Thomson scattering of high power laser and electron beams is a good test of electrodynamics in the high field region. We performed an experiment of head-on collision between sub-terawatt CO 2 laser and 60-MeV electron beams at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Accelerator Test Facility. Angular distributions of X-rays produced in Thomson scattering were measured and contribution of the second order nonlinear interaction was observed by comparing the distributions with Monte Carlo simulations based on the semi-classical theory of photon-electron interactions.
NONINVASIVE LASER PROBING OF ULTRASHORT SINGLE ELECTRON BUNCHES FOR ACCELERATOR AND LIGHT SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: BOLTON PAUL R.
Published: February 2007

Companion development of ultrafast electron beam diagnostics capable of noninvasively resolving single bunch detail is essential for the development of high energy, high brightness accelerator facilities and associated beam-based light source applications. Existing conventional accelerators can exhibit timing-jitter down to the 100 femtosecond level which exceeds their single bunch duration capability. At the other extreme, in relatively jitterless environments, laser-plasma wakefield accelerators (LWFA) can generate single electron bunches of duration estimated to be of order 10 femtoseconds making this setting a valuable testbed for development of broadband electron bunch diagnostics. Characteristics of electro-optic schemes and laser-induced reflectance are discussed with emphasis on temporal resolution.
DIAGNOSTICS FOR GUIDED LASER PLASMA WAKEFIELD
Authors: CROS B. , ANDREEV N. E. , CHEGOTOV M. V. , MORA P. , VIEUX G.
Published: February 2007

The structure of the wakefield is studied in a gas filled capillary under conditions of a quasi-monomode laser pulse propagation in a capillary tube. Self-consistent numerical simulations show that in the central bulk part of a plasma where the laser intensity exceeds the ionization threshold, the wakefield structure is similar to that of an infinite homogeneous plasma. The efficient generation of a regular wakefield over long distances suitable for the laser wakefield accelerators is shown. The modification of the spectrum of a frequency doubled probe pulse traveling in a plasma wave created in the wake of a pump pulse guided inside a capillary tube is analyzed for the cases of narrow or broad chirped probe spectra. It is shown that in both cases the measurement of the spectrum can be used as a diagnostic for the amplitude of the plasma wave. The results of full scale numerical modeling confirm the developed analytical theory of wakefield diagnostics.
PRESENT STATUS OF TABLE-TOP SHORT-PULSE BEAT WAVE ELECTRON ACCELERATION LASER SYSTEM
Authors: MORI YOSHITAKA , FUKUMOCHI SHYUJI , HAMA YOSHIKAZU , KONDO KIMINORI , SENTOKU YASUHIKO , KITAGAWA YONEYOSHI
Published: February 2007

Development status of a double-line table top beat wave electron laser acceleration system is discussed. The advantage of beat wave driven laser accelerator is described here using 1D-PIC simulation comparing with a single laser wake-field acceleration concerning an electric field excitation. As for experimental status, double line different color pulses (central wavelength with 795 nm and 805 nm, respectively) were successfully amplified to 30 mJ as a single overlapping beam with a hybrid chirped pulse amplification system, Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification (OPCPA) and Ti -Sap multi-pass amplifier pumped by YAG lasers, and then compressed into ps time duration. Amplified double-color pulse drove beating pulse bunches of 300 fs time duration which was identified by an autocorrelation trace. In order to investigate plasma sustainment in cm order, amplified beam illuminated a 2 cm in-length glass capillary and then the laser penetration in the capillary was confirmed.
A FORMULA ON PHASE VELOCITY OF WAVES AND APPLICATION
Authors: CHEN Z. , HO Y. K. , WANG P. X. , KONG Q. , XIE Y. J. , WANG W. , XU J. J.
Published: February 2007

This is a duplicate pubication and the authors submitted and published the same article in APL.