bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the moss Pogonatum urnigerum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. under in vitro culture conditions
Authors: Cvetic Tijana , Sabovljevic Aneta , Sabovljevic M. , Grubisic D.
Published: February 2009

Pogonatum urnigerum (Polytrichaceae) in vitro culture was established from spores collected in nature. Both protonema and gametophore stages of gametophyte development were obtained. Also, a stable callus culture was established using hormone-free nutrient medium. The best nutrient medium for development was half-strength Murashige- Skoog medium supplemented with 1.5% sucrose. Auxin treatment enabled some gametophores to develop, but prolonged treatment induced early senescence. Tissues grown on cytokinin did not produce any gametophytes and did not survive prolonged treatment.
First findings of the clam shrimps Leptestheria sars, 1896 and Imnadia Hertzog, 1935 (Crustacea, Conchostraca) in the western foothills of the Stara planina mountains, Serbia
Authors: Milicic Dragana , Petrov Brigita
Published: February 2009

During 2004 conchostracans Imnadia and Leptestheria were recorded near the Serbian-Bulgarian border, in the foothills of the Western Stara Planina Mountains. Leptestheria occurred in relatively large density and was presented by adults of both sexes. Imnadia was identified only by resting eggs separated from the pond sediment. This is the first report of genus Imnadia in the Balkans, and also a first record of the second genus in the limnological area of the "Eastern Balkans".
Mutations in the PAH gene: A Tool for population genetics study
Authors: Stojiljkovic Maja , Stevanovic Ana , Djordjevic Maja , Petrucev Branka , Tosic Natasa , Karan-Djurasevic Teodora , Aveic Sanja , Radmilovic Milena , Pavlovic Sonja
Published: February 2009

Phenylketonuria (PKU), an inborn error of metabolism, is caused by mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. In the Serbian population, 19 different PAH mutations have been identified. We used PAH mutations as molecular markers for population genetics study. The low homozygosity value of the PAH gene (0.10) indicates that PKU in Serbia is heterogeneous, reflecting numerous migrations throughout Southeast Europe. The strategy for molecular diagnostics of PKU was designed accordingly. To elucidate the origin of the most common (L48S) PKU mutation in Serbia, we performed haplotype analysis by PCR-RFLP. Our results suggest that the L48S mutation was imported into Serbia from populations with different genetic backgrounds.
Effect of nitrogen salts on the growth of Ceratonia siliqua L. Shoot cultures
Authors: Vinterhalter Branka , Ninkovic Slavica , Zdravkovic-Korac Snezana , Subotic Angelina , Vinterhalter D.
Published: February 2009

Effects of reduced nitrogen salt nutriton on the growth, lenticel hypertrophy and anthocyanin accumulation of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) shoot cultures were investigated in conditions of light and darkness. Growth of shoot cultures was not significantly affected until nitrogen salts were reduced to less than ? of full-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) values. Cultures in darkness were less affected and their main shoots even increased in length. Appearance of hypertrophied lenticels in light decreased, while in darkness they were absent in all treatments. Reduced nitrogen salt nutrition strongly affected anthocyanin accumulation of shoots and leaves, which greatly increased in both light and darkness. .
Effect of NaCl on seed germination in some Centaurium Hill. Species (Gentianaceae)
Authors: Zivkovic S. , Devic M. , Filipovic B. , Giba Z. , Grubisic D.
Published: February 2009

The influence of high NaCl concentrations on seed germination in both light and darkness was examined in the species Centaurium pulchellum, C. erythraea, C. littorale, C. spicatum, and C. tenuiflorum. Salt tolerance was found to depend on the life history of the seeds. To be specific, seeds of all five species failed to complete germination when exposed to continuous white light if kept all the time in the presence of 100-200 mM and greater NaCl concentrations. However, when after two weeks NaCl was rinsed from the seeds and the seeds were left in distilled water under white light for an additional two weeks, all species completed germination to a certain extent. The percent of germination not only depended on NaCl concentration in the prior medium, but was also species specific. Thus, seeds of C. pulchellum, C. erythraea, and C. littorale completed germination well almost irrespective of the salt concentration previously experienced. On the other hand, seeds of C. tenuiflorum completed germination poorly if NaCl concentrations in the prior media were greater than 200 mM. When seeds after washing were transferred to darkness for an additional 14 days, they failed to complete germination if previously imbibed on media containing NaCl concentrations greater than 400 mM. However, the seeds of all species, even if previously imbibed at 800 mM NaCl, could be induced to complete germination in darkness by 1 mM gibberellic acid. .
Hyper-Wiener index and Laplacian spectrum
Authors: Gutman Ivan
Published: February 2009

The hyper-Wiener index WWW of a chemical tree T is defined as the sum of the product n1 n2 n3, over all pairs ?,? of vertices of T, where n1 and n2 are the number of vertices of T, lying on the two sides of the path which connects ? and ?, and n3 is the number of vertices lying between ? and ?. An expression enabling the calculation of WWW from the Laplacian eigenvalues of T has been deduced.
Comparative electrochemical study of some cobalt(III) and cobalt(II) complexes with azamacrocyles and β-diketonato ligands
Authors: Babic-Samardzija K. , Sovilj Sofija , Jovanovic V.M.
Published: February 2009

The electrochemical properties of eight mixed-ligand cobalt(III) and co balt(II) complexes of the general formulas [CoIII(Rac)cyclam (ClO4)2 (1)?(4) and [Co2II(Rac)tpmc](ClO4)3 (5)?(8) were studied. The substances were investigated in aqueous NaClO4 solution and non-aqueous LiClO4/CH3CN solution by cyclic voltam metry at a glassy carbon electrode. In aqueous solution, cyclam and Rac ligands being soluble in water undergo anodic oxidation. Coordination to Co(III) in complexes 1?4, stabilizes these ligands but reversible peaks in catohodic region indicate the redox reaction CoIII/CoII ion. In the case of the binuclear Co(II) complexes 5?8, peaks recorded on the CVs represent oxidation of the bridged Rac ligand. The complexes examined influence the cathodic reaction of hydrogen evolution in aqueous solutions by shifting its potential to more negative values and its current is increased. In non-aqueous solution the CVs of the ligands show irreversible anodic peaks for cyclam, tpmc and for the Rac ligands soluble in acetonitrile. The absence of any peaks in the case of the investigated complexes 1?4 indicates that coordination to Co(III) stabilizes both the cyclam and Rac ligands. Cyclic voltammograms of the complexes 5?8 show oxidation processes of the Rac ligand and Co(II) ions but the absence of a highly anodic peak of the coordinated macrocycle tpmc shows its stabilization. Contrary to in aqueous solution, the redox reaction Co(III)/Co(II) does not occur in acetonitrate indicating a higher stability of the complexes 1?4 in this media in comparison with the binuclear cobalt(II)-tpmc complexes 5?8.
Montmorillonite K-10 supported one-pot synthesis of some symmetric diimides and 3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydroisoindole-1,3-dione derivatives under solvent-free conditions using microwaves
Authors: Habibi Davood , Marvi Omid
Published: February 2009

The syntheses of cis-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydroisoindole-1,3-dione derivatives and some cyclic diimides were performed by the reaction of different aromatic and aliphatic amines and diamines with cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride and maleic anhydride on montmorillonite K-10 under microwave irradiation and solvent- free conditions. The desired attractive products were obtained in high yields and characterized by elemental analysis aswell as by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
Kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of polyhydric alcohols by dihydroxyditelluratoargentate(III) in alkaline medium
Authors: Shan J.H. , Huo S.Y. , Shen S.G. , Sun H.W.
Published: February 2009

The kinetics of oxidation of 1,2-propanediol and 1,2,3-propanetriol by dihydroxyditelluratoargentate(III) (DDA) were studied spectrophotometrically between 298.2 K and 313.2 K in alkaline medium. The reaction rate showed first order dependence on DDA and 1 < nap < 2 order on the reductant. It was found that the pseudo-first order rate constant kobs increased with increasing concentration of OH-1 and decreasing concentration of TeO42-. There is a negative salt effect and no free radicals were detected. In view of this, the dihydroxymonotelluratoargentate(III) species is assumed to be the active species. A plausible mechanism involving a two-electron transfer is proposed and the rate equations derived from the mechanism can explain all the experimental results. The activation parameters, as well as the rate constants of the rate-determining step were calculated.
Diabetes in Non-Hispanic White Youth
Authors: Bell Ronny A. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Beyer Jennifer W. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Lawrence Jean M. , Linder Barbara , Liu Lenna L. , Marcovina Santica M. , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Williams Desmond , Dabelea Dana ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE—To investigate the incidence, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of diabetes among U.S. non-Hispanic white (NHW) youth.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study (SEARCH study), a multicenter study of diabetes among youth aged 0–19 years, were examined. Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 person-years across 4 incident years (2002–2005), and prevalence in 2001 was calculated per 1,000 youths. Information obtained by questionnaire, physical examination, and blood and urine collection was analyzed to describe the characteristics of youth who completed an in-person visit.

RESULTS—The prevalence of type 1 diabetes (at ages 0–19 years) was 2.00/1,000, which was similar for male (2.02/1,000) and female (1.97/1,000) subjects. The incidence of type 1 diabetes was 23.6/100,000, slightly higher for male compared with female subjects (24.5 vs. 22.7 per 100,000, respectively, P = 0.04). Incidence rates of type 1 diabetes among youth aged 0–14 years in the SEARCH study are higher than all previously reported U.S. studies and many European studies. Few cases of type 2 diabetes in youth aged <10 years were found. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (at ages 10–19 years) was 0.18/1,000, which is significantly higher for female compared with male subjects (0.22 vs. 0.15 per 1,000, P = 0.01). Incidence of type 2 diabetes was 3.7/100,000, with similar rates for female and male subjects (3.9 vs. 3.4 per 1,000, respectively, P = 0.3). High levels of abnormal cardiometabolic and behavioral risk factor profiles were common among youth with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For example, within each of four age-groups for youth with type 1 diabetes and two age-groups for youth with type 2 diabetes, >40% had elevated LDL cholesterol, and <3% of youth aged >10 years met current recommendations for intake of saturated fat. Among youth aged ≥15 years, 18% with type 1 and 26% with type 2 diabetes were current smokers.

CONCLUSIONS—The SEARCH study is one of the most comprehensive studies of diabetes in NHW youth. The incidence of type 1 diabetes in NHW youth in the U.S. is one of the highest in the world. While type 2 diabetes is still relatively rare, rates are several-fold higher than those reported by European countries. We believe efforts directed at improving the cardiometabolic and behavioral risk factor profiles in this population are warranted.
Diabetes in African American Youth
Authors: Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Beyer Jennifer , Bell Ronny A. , Dabelea Dana , D'Agostino Ralph , Imperatore Giuseppina , Lawrence Jean M. , Liese Angela D. , Liu Lenna , Marcovina Santica , Rodriguez Beatriz ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE—To report the prevalence and incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among African American youth and to describe demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study, a population-based, multicenter observational study of youth with clinically diagnosed diabetes aged 0–19 years, were used to estimate the prevalence for calendar year 2001 (692 cases) and incidence based on 748 African American case subjects diagnosed in 2002–2005. Characteristics of these youth were obtained during a research visit for 436 African American youth with type 1 diabetes and 212 African American youth with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS—Among African American youth aged 0–9 years, prevalence (per 1,000) of type 1 diabetes was 0.57 (95% CI 0.47–0.69) and for those aged 10–19 years 2.04 (1.85–2.26). Among African American youth aged 0–9 years, annual type 1 diabetes incidence (per 100,000) was 15.7 (13.7–17.9) and for those aged 10–19 years 15.7 (13.8–17.8). A1C was ≥9.5% among 50% of youth with type 1 diabetes aged ≥15 years. Across age-groups and sex, 44.7% of African American youth with type 1 diabetes were overweight or obese. Among African American youth aged 10–19 years, prevalence (per 1,000) of type 2 diabetes was 1.06 (0.93–1.22) and annual incidence (per 100,000) was 19.0 (16.9–21.3). About 60% of African American youth with type 2 diabetes had an annual household income of <$25,000. Among those aged ≥15 years, 27.5% had an A1C ≥9.5%, 22.5% had high blood pressure, and, across subgroups of age and sex, >90% were overweight or obese.

CONCLUSIONS—Type 1 diabetes presents a serious burden among African American youth aged <10 years, and African American adolescents are impacted substantially by both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes in Hispanic American Youth
Authors: Lawrence Jean M. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Reynolds Kristi , Beyer Jennifer , Pettitt David J. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Marcovina Santica M. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Hamman Richard F. ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE—To report the 2001 prevalence and 2002–2005 incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Hispanic American youth and to describe the demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of these youth.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study, a population-based multicenter observational study of youth aged 0–19 years with physician-diagnosed diabetes, were used to estimate the prevalence and incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Information obtained by questionnaire, physical examination, and blood and urine collection was analyzed to describe the characteristics of youth who completed a study visit.

RESULTS—Among Hispanic American youth, type 1 diabetes was more prevalent than type 2 diabetes, including in youth aged 10–19 years. There were no significant sex differences in type 1 or type 2 diabetes prevalence. The incidence of type 2 diabetes for female subjects aged 10–14 years was twice that of male subjects (P < 0.005), while among youth aged 15–19 years the incidence of type 2 diabetes exceeded that of type 1 diabetes for female subjects (P < 0.05) but not for male subjects. Poor glycemic control, defined as A1C ≥9.5%, as well as high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were common among youth aged ≥15 years with either type of diabetes. Forty-four percent of youth with type 1 diabetes were overweight or obese.

CONCLUSIONS—Factors such as poor glycemic control, elevated lipids, and a high prevalence of overweight and obesity may put Hispanic youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at risk for future diabetes-related complications.
Ergonomic Intervention in the Treatment of a Patient With Upper Extremity and Neck Pain
Authors: Fabrizio Philip
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are widespread among computer users and costly to the health care system. Workstation setup and worker postures contribute to upper-extremity and neck symptoms among computer users. Ergonomic interventions such as work risk analysis and workstation modifications can improve workers' symptoms. However, ergonomic interventions do not appear to be a common component of traditional physical therapy treatment.

Case Description

The patient was a 26-year-old woman with right upper-extremity and neck pain referred for physical therapy. A course of traditional physical therapy treatment was performed followed by an ergonomic intervention.

Outcomes

Following 4 weeks of traditional physical therapy, the patient showed a 1.0-cm improvement in her resting pain level but no change in her pain level during exacerbations on the visual analog scale. An ergonomic intervention was performed following traditional physical therapy. At the conclusion of the full course of treatment (traditional physical therapy plus ergonomic intervention), resting pain level decreased by 4.6 cm and exacerbation pain level decreased by 3.2 cm. Improvements in Rapid Upper Limb Assessment and Workstyle scores also were realized.

Discussion

This case report demonstrates the importance of examining the work habits and work-related postures of a patient who complains of upper-extremity and neck pain that is exacerbated by work. Providing an ergonomic intervention in concert with traditional physical therapy may be the most beneficial course of treatment.
Influence of different exercise regimes on the proximal hoof circumference in young Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Decurnex V. , Anderson G. A. , Davies H. M. S.
Published: February 2009

Reasons for performing study: Most lameness in horses relates to foot problems and may be associated with changes in hoof shape, but there is a lack of information on the influence of normal exercise on hoof shape.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of training on proximal hoof circumference in young Thoroughbred racehorses being prepared for racing.

Methods: Thirty‐seven young Thoroughbred racehorses were included in this study. Front hoof circumference immediately below the coronary band was measured weekly with a measuring tape in all horses present at the stable. Most horses accomplished a minimum of 2 training periods at the stable separated by periods of rest on a paddock. One samplettests were used to evaluate if the mean change per week differed from zero. To estimate the repeatability coefficient, the left proximal hoof circumference of 25 horses was measured 3 times in a random order on one day.

Results: Most horses showed a similar pattern of change. The proximal hoof circumference decreased during the training periods (P<0.0001) and increased when the horse was rested (P<0.0001). The decrease of the circumference during the first training period was −0.66 mm/week on the left and −0.64 mm/week on the right. During the second training period, this was −0.58 mm/week on the left and −0.57 mm/week on the right. During the rest period, the circumference increased by 1.03 mm/week on the left and 1.12 mm/week on the right. The repeatability coefficient for the left circumference was 1.8 mm.

Conclusions: Horses showed a decrease in circumference during race training that reversed when they were rested.

Potential relevance: Measurement of front hoof circumference is a simple method to assess change in hoof shape. It provides an opportunity to investigate the relationships between specific training, hoof shape and soundness.
Influence of track surface on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon loading in two horses at high speed trot
Authors: Crevier‐Denoix N. , Pourcelot P. , Ravary B. , Robin D. , Falala S. , Uzel S. , Grison A.‐C. , Valette J.‐P. , Denoix J.‐M. , Chateau H.
Published: February 2009

Reasons for performing study: Although track surfaces are a risk factor of tendon injuries, their effects on tendon loading at high speed are unknown. Using a noninvasive ultrasonic technique, it is now possible to evaluate the forces in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in exercise conditions.

Objectives: To compare the effects of an all‐weather waxed track (W) vs. a crushed sand track (S), on the SDFT loading in the trotter horse at high speed.

Methods: Two trotter horses were equipped with the ultrasonic device (1 MHz ultrasonic probe, fixed on the palmar metacarpal area of the right forelimb). For each trial, data acquisition was made at 400 Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analysed. In each session, the 2 track surfaces were tested in a straight line. The speed was imposed at 10 m/s and recorded. The right forelimb was also equipped with a dynamometric horseshoe and skin markers. The horse was filmed with a high‐speed camera (600 Hz); all recordings were synchronised. Statistical differences were tested using the GLM procedure (SAS; P<0.05).

Results: Maximal tendon force was significantly lower on W compared with S. In addition to maximal force peaks around mid‐stance, earlier peaks were observed, more pronounced on S than on W, at about 13%(horse 2)and 30% (both horses) of the stance phase. Comparison with kinematic data revealed that these early peaks were accompanied by plateaux in the fetlock angle‐time chart. For high tendon forces, the tendon maximal loading rate was significantly lower on W than on S.

Conclusions and potential clinical relevance: The all‐weather waxed track appears to induce a lesser and more gradual SDFT loading than crushed sand. The SDFT loading pattern at high speed trot suggests proximal interphalangeal joint movements during limb loading.
Skeletal forelimb measurements and hoof spread in relation to asymmetry in the bilateral forelimb of horses
Authors: Wilson G. H. , Mcdonald K. , O'Connell M. J.
Published: February 2009

Reasons for performing study: Research has highlighted a high frequency of skeletal asymmetries in horses. In addition, research into hoof asymmetries has shown that within a bilateral pair, the hoof with the smaller angle is often subjected to greater loading. There has been limited attention paid to understanding compensatory mechanisms for skeletal asymmetries in the horse; the dynamic structure of the hoof could potentially be acting in a compensatory capacity.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between morphometry of forelimb segments and hoof spread and their incidence of asymmetry.

Methods: Ten bilateral measurements of the hoof and forelimb were taken from 34 leisure horses. The relationship between hoof spread and forelimb segment measurements were analysed using a generalised linear model (GLM).

Results: In relation to left hoof spread, the GLM identified significant negative relationships with left side measurements (third metacarpal length, elbow height), and significant positive relationships with right side measurements (fetlock height, third metacarpal length, elbow height). In relation to right hoof spread, the GLM identified significant negative relationship with left elbow height, and significant positive relationships with right side measurements (fetlock height, point of shoulder). The difference between the number of horses larger to the left or to the right was found to be significant for point of shoulder height (X2= 4.8, P<0.05), and highly significant for heel height (X2= 9.53, P<0.01) and the third metacarpal length (X2= 7.26, P<0.01).

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The study demonstrated considerable asymmetry in left‐right morphometry of the equine limb. The fact that measurements of hoof spread were significantly associated with limb segment measurements could possibly indicate that an interaction exists. Any asymmetry in hoof spread measurements may suggest unequal loading of the limbs, which in turn may contribute to injuries and reduced performance.
Ex vivo calibration and validation of in vivo equine bone strain measures
Authors: Davies H. M. S.
Published: February 2009

Reasons for performing study: Data are required to confirm that strain gauges recording high bone strains in Thoroughbred racehorses provide an accurate record of bone strain.

Objective: To test the accuracy and reliability of very high in vivo strain recordings made during fast exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Methods: Strains were recorded during exercise from rosette gauges implanted onto the mid‐shaft dorsal cortex of each third metacarpal bone (MC3) in 6 yearling and 6 mature Thoroughbreds in a previous experiment. Bulk elastic modulus (EUS) was calculated from ultrasound speed and single photon absorptiometry measures. Each cleaned MC3 with the original gauge in situ and new gauges placed in a region of strain similarity (as shown by photoelastic coating) was loaded in a materials testing system (MTS) and strains recorded during loading. Elastic moduli were calculated from strain measures from new rosette gauges on the medial, dorsal, lateral and palmar surfaces (Em; Ed; El; Ep), and bulk moduli calculated from the displacement of the MTS machine heads during loading (Ebt). Peak loads were increased incrementally to failure.

Results: Of 14 original gauges tested against new gauges, 11 recorded strains from 80–115% of the new gauges and 3 showed reduced function (31–40%). Ebt were similar to Em, and EUS were similar to El and not significantly different from Ed. Maximum strains at yield were recorded by the medial gauges and ranged from −7500 to −16,000 μɛ.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Similarities between recordings from gauges used in vivo and new gauges confirmed the reliability and likely accuracy (or possible underestimate) of very high strains (exceeding −6000 μɛ) recorded in exercising Thoroughbred racehorses. The similarity between Ebt and Emconfirms that the gauges measured the true distortion of the bone in the MTS. These results confirm that mammalian bone may withstand much greater compressive loads than −4000 μɛ under some conditions at least.
Kinetics and kinematics of the passage
Authors: Weishaupt M. A. , Byström A. , von Peinen K. , Wiestner T. , Meyer H. , Waldern N. , Johnston C. , Van Weeren R. , Roepstorff L.
Published: February 2009

Reasons for performing study: The load acting on the limbs and the load distribution between fore‐ and hindlimbs while performing specific dressage exercises lack objective assessment.

Hypothesis: The greater a horse's level of collection, the more load is shifted to the rear and that during the passage the vertical load on the limbs increases in relation to the accentuated vertical movement of the centre of mass.

Methods: Back and limb kinematics, vertical ground reaction force and time parameters of each limb were measured in 6 Grand Prix dressage horses performing on an instrumented treadmill at the trot and the passage. Horses were ridden by their own professional rider.

Results: At the passage, horses moved at a slower speed (−43.2%), with a lower stride frequency (−23.6%) and, therefore, higher stride impulses (+31.0%). Relative stance duration of fore‐ and hindlimbs and suspension duration remained unchanged. While at the trot the diagonal limbs impacted almost simultaneously, the hindlimbs always impacted first at the passage; the time dissociation between landing and lift‐off remained unchanged. Because of the prolonged stride duration, stride impulse and consequently limb impulses were higher at the passage in the fore‐ as well as in the hindlimbs (+24.8% and +39.9%, respectively). Within the diagonal limb pair, load was shifted from the forehand to the hindquarters (percentage stride impulse carried by the forehand −4.8%). Despite the higher impulses, peak vertical forces in the fore‐ and hindlimbs remained unchanged because of the prolonged absolute stance durations in fore‐ and hindlimbs (+28.1% and +32.2%, respectively).

Conclusions: Based on the intralimb timing, the passage closely resembles the trot. Compared to other head‐neck positions, the higher degree of collection resulted in a pronounced shift in impulse towards the hindquarters. Despite the higher limb impulses, peak forces acting on the limbs were similar to those observed at the trot.

Potential clinical relevance: An understanding of load distribution between fore‐ and hindlimbs in relation to different riding techniques is crucial to prevent wear‐and‐tear on the locomotor apparatus.
Sequelae and complications ofStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiinfections in the horse
Authors: Whelchel D. D. , Chaffin M. K.
Published: February 2009

Streptococcus equissp.equiinfection in the horse, or strangles, commonly results in abscessation of the submandibular, submaxillary or retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Although this classical presentation of strangles is associated with a low mortality rate, complications and sequlae may worsen the prognosis and increase mortality rates. This article reviews sequelae and complictions ofS. equissp.equiinfection in the horse, including guttural pouch empyema, bastard strangles and immune mediated diseases such as purpura haemorrhagica, myopathies and myocarditis.
Burkholderia mallei infection in a horse imported from Brazil
Authors: Elschner M. C. , Klaus C. U. , Liebler‐Tenorio E. , Schmoock G. , Wohlsein P. , Tinschmann O. , Lange E. , Kaden V. , Klopfleisch R. , Melzer F. , Rassback A. , Neubauer H.
Published: February 2009

A horse imported from Brazil developed a respiratory illness 2 weeks after arrival in Germany. After an initial but inefficient treatment glanders was diagnosed based on serological and molecular biological findings. The present case highlights the potential risk of an importation of glanders in free areas. The fact that veterinarians in countries where glanders has been eradicated for decades are not familiar with the clinical symptoms of the disease, can favour the entry of the disease. In order to prevent the spread of glanders, the sanctions of the veterinary authorities in such cases of the infection are of utmost importance.
Quantitative multi-elemental laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using artificial neural networks
Authors: Motto-Ros Vincent , Koujelev Alexander S. , Osinski Gordon R. , Dudelzak Alexander E.
Published: February 2009

The Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging technique with great potential in atomic elemental analysis in many areas, particularly, in space exploration. In this paper, an algorithm for automated identification of elements and measurements of their concentrations in rocks and soils, as well as its experimental validation are presented. The proposed approach is based on the artificial neural network (ANN). We demonstrate that the ANN algorithm works successfully for all major elements of geological interest tested on natural rock and soil samples.
Peace Education in Societies Involved in Intractable Conflicts: Direct and Indirect Models
Authors: Bar-Tal Daniel , Rosen Yigal
Published: February 2009

The present article deals with the crucial question: Can peace education facilitate change in the sociopsychological infrastructure that feeds continued intractable conflict and then how the change can be carried? Intractable conflicts still rage in various parts of the globe, and they not only cause local misery and suffering but also threaten the well-being of the international community at large. The present article examines the nature of peace education in societies that were, or are still, involved in intractable conflict. It presents the political–societal and educational conditions for successful implementation of peace education and describes two models for peace education: direct and indirect peace education. Finally, the article offers a number of conclusions.
Rheological Properties of Chlorinated Polyethylene Blended with Low-cost Grade Natural Rubber
Authors: Wongwitthayakool P. , Saeoui P. , Sirisinha C.
Published: February 2009

A low-cost grade natural rubber (STR20 NR) was used for partly substituting elastomeric chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and then cured by sulfur. Rheological properties of blends with various blend composition ratios under oscillatory and steady shear flows were investigated. Cure behavior is found to be promoted with increasing NR content. The viscoelastic behavior of CPE/NR blends, as determined from the Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA2000), is controlled strongly by blend composition. Uncured blends show relatively poor storage modulus associated with high damping factor probably due to the thermal degradation of NR phase. By contrast, after curing the NR phase in blends, bulk rheological properties change remarkably. Blends with NR as a major component reveal frequency-independent behavior with a broad linear viscoelastic (LVE) region. Flow properties under capillary shear of uncured blends agree well with those under oscillatory shear, i.e., the greater the NR content, the lower the apparent shear viscosity. Surprisingly, even without the elimination of elastic effect by the Bagley correction, it is still possible to superimpose plots of complex viscosity against test frequency over those of apparent shear viscosity against wall shear rate, which are different from the rheological properties of CPE blended with premium grade of NR (STR5L).
Dependence on Nuclear Localization Signals of the Opioid Growth Factor Receptor in the Regulation of Cell Proliferation
Authors: Cheng Fan , McLaughlin Patricia J. , Verderame Michael F. , Zagon Ian S.
Published: February 2009

The opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) mediates the inhibitory action of OGF on cell replication of normal and neoplastic cells. The spatiotemporal course of OGFr nucleocytoplasmic trafficking was determined with a probe of full-length OGFr fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). Translation of OGFr required 8.5 hours, and transit into the nucleus required 8 hours; OGFr remained in the nucleus for 8 days. OGFr was initially expressed on the outer nuclear envelope, transited to the paranuclear cytoplasm, and into the nucleus. Transport through the nuclear pore was elucidated by mutation of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences in full-length OGFr. Mutation of each NLS reduced nuclear localization by 5%–50%, whereas simultaneous mutation of NLS383–386 and NLS456–460 abolished OGFr-eGFP nuclear localization in 80% of the cells. To determine whether intact NLSs are important for the inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA synthesis was monitored with BrdU. Wild-type OGFr-eGFP–transfected cells had 20% BrdU-positive cells, whereas cells with simultaneous mutation of all three NLS sites had a 70% labeling index. These results indicate that the regulation of cell proliferation by the OGF-OGFr axis is dependent on nucleocytoplasmic translocation and reliant on the integrity of two NLSs in OGFr to interact with transport receptors.
Extending Hospitality: Giving Space, Taking Time
Authors: DIKEÇ MUSTAFA , CLARK NIGEL , BARNETT CLIVE
Published: February 2009

The recent revival of the theme of hospitality in the humanities and social sciences reflects a shared concern with issues of belonging, identity and placement that arises out of the experience of globalized social life. In this context, migration — or spatial dislocation and relocation — is often equated with demands for hospitality. There is a need to engage more carefully with the ‘proximities’ that prompt acts of hospitality and inhospitality; to attend more closely to their spatial and temporal dimensions. Is the stranger or the Other primarily one who is recognisably ‘out of place’? Or is there more to being estranged than moving from one territory to another? This brings us to the question of human finitude, and to the possibility of encounters with others that do not simply only occur in time or space, but are themselves generative of new times and spaces.
The Limits of Hospitality
Authors: FRIESE HEIDRUN
Published: February 2009

The arrival of migrants in search of a better life puts forward urgent questions for social and political thought. Historically, hospitality has been considered as a religious duty, a sacred commandment of charity and generosity to assign strangers a place — albeit ambivalent — in the community. With the development of the modern nation state, these obligations have been inscribed into the procedures of political deliberation and legislation that determine the social spaces of aliens, residents and citizens. Current debates are tied to notions of justice which question borders and undermine the congruence of citizenship, territory and belonging that make up modern nation states. These debates focus on the rights of others and the demands of unconditional hospitality, an absolute requirement on one hand, and political and legal limitations on the other. The paper will critically engage with these debates, and evidence the tensions and limits inherent in current notions of hospitality.
Continent cut off by fog: just how insular is Britain?
Authors: CUNLIFFE BARRY
Published: February 2009

This article summarises the Dylrymple lectures for 2007. It surveys theories and evidence concerning Britain's connections since the Holocene.
THE POLITICS OF READING THE BIBLE IN ISRAEL
Authors: Thompson Professor Thomas L.
Published: February 2009

The biblical themes of exile, return, the blossoming of the desert and the promise of the land have been transformed to support Zionist nationalist policies of ethnic cleansing. Biblical and archaeological scholarship, itself, has contributed substantially to the de-Arabicisation of Palestinian toponymy, the understanding of the Bible's allegorical narratives as nationalist epic and an ethno-centric understanding of Palestine's ancient history.
THE WAR ON THE MIXED CITIES: THE DEPOPULATION OF ARAB TIBERIAS AND THE DESTRUCTION OF ITS OLD, ‘SACRED’ CITY (1948–9)
Authors: Abbasi Dr Mustafa
Published: February 2009

The Old City of Tiberias was one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Palestine. With a mixed population of Palestinian Arabs and (largely) Mizrahi 1 1 The Mizrahim are eastern or oriental Jews. and Sephardic Jews until the 1948 Palestinian Nakba, Tiberias – in which Maimonides is buried – is, according to Jewish tradition, among the four ‘sacred’ cities in the country. Shortly after Israel was established, the secular Zionist establishment decided to raze the Old City to its foundations. As a result of this policy, the Old City, with all its historical buildings and nearly all its historical walls, was entirely erased, and in its place today there are parking lots and modern high-rise hotels. This article traces the story of the destruction of Old Tiberias and examines the attitudes of the secular Labour Zionist leadership to a ‘sacred’ Jewish city and the reactions to these attitudes of the local Sephardic and Mizrahi public.
Natural stone in ventilated façades: method for determining the appropriate moisture content for strength tests
Authors: Vielba C.
Published: February 2009

The article discusses the effect of the assumptions about moisture content on the design of ventilated façades with porous natural stone cladding. Moisture is shown to impact cladding strength and condition its dimensions. For this reason the performance of such façades when exposed to water should be analyzed more fully than specified in EN standards. An example is given of how to conduct such an analysis, along with guidelines for choosing a moisture content value that correctly reflects the absorption levels attainable in such façades. This value is then used to determine panel mechanical strength. Application of the method to three sandstones from Northeastern Spain showed the utility of the type of analysis proposed.
Significance of sperm characteristics in the evaluation of adolescents, adults and older men with varicocele
Authors: Andrade-Rocha FT
Published: February 2009

Background:

No reports have been published about age-related sperm malformations in varicocele patients.

Aim:

To investigate the distribution of abnormal sperm characteristics in adolescents, adults and older men with varicocele.

Setting and Design:

Records of semen analysis of 143 men aged 14 to 53 years who had evident left-sided varicocele detected by physical examination and confirmed by doppler sonography were selected.

Materials and Methods:

Sperm concentration, vitality, motility, morphology, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) and morphology were measured in adolescent males aged 14 to 20 years (n=31), men 21 to 30 years (n=48), 31 to 40 years (n=40) and older men over 40 (n=24) and compared with a control group of fertile men with no varicocele (n=27) and with a group of infertile men with varicocele (n=26).

Statistical Analysis:

One-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare varicocele groups. Comparisons with the control group and infertile group were performed using the unpaired t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. The discriminating ability of significant sperm characteristics in evaluating the sperm quality of varicocele men was also analyzed using receiver operating characteristics curve to select the cut-off level providing the best combination of sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

Varicocele men displayed similar impairment of vitality, motility and HOST. Sperm morphology analysis revealed a prevalence of small head, slightly and severely amorphous head and particularly combined anomalies in the study groups. Sperm concentration fell within the normal range of the World Health Organization manual. Differences were not significant between the study groups and when compared with infertile group (P <0.005). However, a comparative study of the varicocele groups and the infertile group with the control group revealed significant differences in sperm vitality, motility, HOST, morphologically normal sperm, pin-headed, tapered and combined anomalies. Morphologically normal sperm and combined anomalies showed higher accuracy in identifying poor sperm quality in varicocele men (83.7% and 77.9%, at cut-off levels of 9% and 38%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Varicocele harms equally the sperm characteristics of adolescents, adults and older men. Apparently, it affects sperm quality more adversely than it does sperm production.
An injectable cement
Authors: Weitao Y , Kangmei K , Anmin J
Published: February 2009

Micro-invasive bone grafting is to deliver bone graft materials to the desired site through local puncturation and injection. It has many advantages such as little injury, simple procedures and high efficiency of osteogenesis. Limited sources of graft materials and complicated procedures are the main factors affecting the development of the technique. Therefore, to prepare a stable, economical, efficient and easy-to-use liquid graft material is crucial for the development of the technique.

Purpose:

The potential efficacy of an injectable calcium phosphate cement's handling properties and scaffold for bone repair performance was evaluated in a rabbit femoral condyles model.

Study Design:

A comparative study was conducted between a new cement and a commercially available calcium phosphate cement.

Materials and Methods:

The new cement and commercially available calcium-phosphate cements were compared in terms of the setting time, injection pressure, particle size and compressive strength. Then the cements were delivered to rabbit femoral condyles through local injection and then degradation of cements and bone formation were observed regularly after operation.

Results:

The new injectable cement was superior to currently used cements in terms of permitted manipulation time, injection pressure, particle size, postoperative degradation and efficacy of scaffold for bone repair; nevertheless, the new cement was slightly inferior to currently used cements in compressive strength and the final setting time.

Conclusions:

The new injectable cement is more suitable for the clinical study of micro-invasive bone grafting. It allows a brand new bone grafting procedure and provides a new graft material and thus merits further development and wider application.
The hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome in renal artery stenosis
Authors: Browne WL , Nair B
Published: February 2009

The hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome is a rare but serious complication of reno-vascular disease. The syndrome is characterized by hypertension and profound natriuresis, leading to body sodium and water depletion. Hypertension is typically refractory to treatment. We report an 82-year-old patient with this syndrome and describe the results of an audit of the clinical records of patients admitted to a teaching hospital over a two-year period with confirmed renal artery stenosis and hyponatremia. The syndrome should be suspected in patients in whom severe hypertension is associated with hyponatremia without other apparent cause, especially in the presence of reno-vascular disease.
Bleeding gums
Authors: Balhara YPS , Sagar R , Varghese ST
Published: February 2009

Duloxetine is a newly introduced drug. It is being prescribed for the management of diabetic neuropathic pain and major depressive disorder. The most frequently observed adverse events with duloxetine are nausea, dry mouth and somnolence, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, feeling of fatigue, dizziness, somnolence, hypohidrosis, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. One of the patients being prescribed the drug developed bleeding gums on being started with the drug which resolved on stopping it. We hereby report this case.
Antimicrobial price variation
Authors: Rataboli PV , Dang A
Published: February 2009

Pharmacoeconomics plays a pivotal role in clinical practice. High medicine prices can adversely affect a patient's finances and compliance. The Indian pharmaceutical industry has become a cornucopia of medicines with wide variation in prices for the same medicine marketed under different brand names. Price list of available antimicrobial brands was procured from a commercial drug directory. Average price of widely prescribed oral antimicrobials was found and price variation between different brands was calculated. The variation in medicine prices was found to be from 95% lower to more than 350% higher than the average price. Implications of price variation in clinical practice are discussed and remedial measures suggested.
Outcomes of renal transplantation in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy in India
Authors: Chacko B , George JT , Neelakantan N , Korula A , Chakko JK
Published: February 2009

Background:

There is a paucity of data on the course of renal transplant in patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) from India. While the natural history of IgAN in the Indian context is rapidly progressive, the post-transplant course remains speculative.

Aim:

To study the graft survival in renal transplant recipients whose native kidney disease was IgAN and the incidence and correlates of recurrent disease.

Settings and Designs:

Retrospective case control study from a Nephrology unit of a large tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:

The outcomes of 56 transplant patients (58 grafts) with biopsy-proven IgAN and of 116 patients without IgAN or diabetic nephropathy, transplanted during the same period were analyzed. Correlates of biopsy-confirmed recurrent disease were determined.

Statistical Analysis:

Means were analyzed by Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test; proportions were determined by Chi-square analysis and graft survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier.

Results:

Five-year graft survival for IgA patients was not significantly different from that in the reference group (90% and 79%,P = 0.6). During a mean follow-up of 42 months (range, 1-144), 28 event graft biopsies were required in 20 grafts of IgAN. Histological recurrence was diagnosed in five of the 20 available biopsies (25%) after a mean duration of 28 months. Recurrence did not correlate with donor status, HLA B35 and A2, recipient age, gender or immunosuppression.

Conclusions:

Renal transplantation is an appropriate treatment modality for IgA nephropathy patients with end-stage renal disease in India, despite the potential for recurrent disease. The posttransplant course is an indolent one when compared to the malignant pretransplant phase.