bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Discursive Performance of the Alliance in Family Therapy: A Conversation Analytic Perspective
Authors: Sutherland Olga , Couture Shari
Published: November 2007

Following the ‘discursive’ turn in family therapy, the attention of practitioners shifted towards understanding how culture and language shape meaning‐making in therapy. In this article, we demonstrate how conversation analysis (CA) can be used to examine the processes and outcomes of systemic/constructionist practice. We used CA to study collaborative interactions of a renowned constructionist therapist Karl Tomm and one client‐family. Viewing collaboration as a pivotal aspect of the therapeutic alliance, we demonstrate how the ‘split’ within‐system alliances were developed and sustained in the course of therapy and how they were discursively transformed into ‘intact’ alliances. The therapist's efforts to align with perspectives of family members (and subsystems) seemed pivotal in this process.
Mechanisms of Reversible GABAAReceptor Plasticity after Ethanol Intoxication
Authors: Liang Jing , Suryanarayanan Asha , Abriam Alana , Snyder Bradley , Olsen Richard W. , Spigelman Igor
Published: November 2007

The time-dependent effects of ethanol (EtOH) intoxication on GABAAreceptor (GABAAR) composition and function were studied in rats. A cross-linking assay and Western blot analysis of microdissected CA1 area of hippocampal slices obtained 1 h after EtOH intoxication (5 g/kg, gavage), revealed decreases in the cell-surface fraction of α4 and δ, but not α1, α5, or γ2 GABAAR subunits, without changes in their total content. This was accompanied (in CA1 neuron recordings) by decreased magnitude of the picrotoxin-sensitive tonic current (Itonic), but not miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs), and by reduced enhancement ofItonicby EtOH, but not by diazepam. By 48 h after EtOH dosing, cell-surface α4 (80%) and γ2 (82%) subunit content increased, and cell-surface α1 (−50%) and δ (−79%) and overall content were decreased. This was paralleled by faster decay of mIPSCs, decreased diazepam enhancement of both mIPSCs andItonic, and paradoxically increased mIPSC responsiveness to EtOH (10–100 mm). Sensitivity to isoflurane- or diazepam-induced loss of righting reflex was decreased at 12 and 24 h after EtOH intoxication, respectively, suggesting functional GABAAR tolerance. The plastic GABAAR changes were gradually and fully reversible by 2 weeks after single EtOH dosing, but unexplainably persisted long after withdrawal from chronic intermittent ethanol treatment, which leads to signs of alcohol dependence. Our data suggest that early tolerance to EtOH may result from excessive activation and subsequent internalization of α4βδ extrasynaptic GABAARs. This leads to transcriptionally regulated increases in α4 and γ2 and decreases in α1 subunits, with preferential insertion of the newly formed α4βγ2 GABAARs at synapses.
Activation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Inhibits Long-Term Potentiation with Synapse-Associated Impairments
Authors: Zhu Ling-Qiang , Wang Shao-Hui , Liu Dan , Yin Yang-Yang , Tian Qing , Wang Xiao-Chuan , Wang Qun , Chen Jian-Guo , Wang Jian-Zhi
Published: November 2007

Activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) can cause memory deficits as seen in Alzheimer's disease, the most common age-associated dementia, but the mechanism is not understood. Here, we found that activation of GSK-3 by wortmannin or transient overexpression of wild-type GSK-3β could suppress the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampus, whereas simultaneous inhibition of GSK-3 by lithium or SB216763 or transient expression of a dominant-negative GSK-3β mutant (dnGSK-3β) preserved the LTP. After high-frequency stimulation (HFS), the presynaptic release of glutamate and the expression/clustering of synapsin I, a synaptic vesicle protein playing an important role in neurotransmitter release, decreased markedly after upregulation of GSK-3.In vitrostudies further demonstrated that GSK-3 inhibited the expression of SynI independent of HFS. In postsynaptic level, the expression of PSD93 and NR2A/B proteins decreased significantly when GSK-3 was activated. The LTP-associated synapse impairments including less presynaptic active zone, thinner postsynaptic density, and broader synaptic cleft were also prominent in the hippocampal slices after HFS with activation of GSK-3. These synaptic impairments were attenuated when GSK-3 was simultaneously inhibited by LiCl or SB216763 or transient expression of dnGSK-3. We conclude that upregulation of GSK-3 impairs the synaptic plasticity both functionally and structurally, which may underlie the GSK-3-involved memory deficits.
Like an Extra Virgin
Authors: MENELEY ANNE
Published: November 2007

In this article, I track the contemporary possibilities for the global circulation of extravirgin olive oil. Recent technoscientific discoveries about the health benefits of extravirgin olive oil combine with narratives about olive oil's “ancientness” and “naturalness” to make it a very successful food commodity in an era of global concern about the risks of “industrial” food. “The Mediterranean” has emerged as a culture area that is defined by food in two realms: in a scientific register (“the Mediterranean Diet”) and in contemporary gustatory discourses of distinction that imagine “the Mediterranean” as a site of delicious, “real” food as opposed to the industrial, processed food of the North Atlantic.
Religious Fundamentalism
Authors: Pratt Douglas
Published: November 2007

The term, ‘fundamentalism’, today names a broad religio-political perspective found in most, if not all, major religions. Most disturbingly, it is associated with variant forms of religious extremism and thus religiously-oriented terrorism. And it is Islamic modalities of terrorism that, rightly or wrongly, have come to take centre-stage in current world affairs. Arguably, however, the religious fundamentalism with which Islamist extremism is associated follows an identifiable paradigm that has wider applicability. It denotes, among other things, a paradigm that paves the way from the relative harmlessness of an idiosyncratic and dogmatic belief system, to the harmful reality of religiously driven and fanatically followed pathways to terrorist activity. This paper will discuss the phenomenon of fundamentalism and attempt to describe and analyse the paradigm of religious fundamentalism. It is the cumulative dynamic of fundamentalism which informs the emergence of religious extremism and terrorism.
Christopher Deacy, Faith in Film: Religious Themes in Contemporary Cinema.
Authors: Kozlovic Anton Karl
Published: November 2007

Christopher Deacy, Faith in Film: Religious Themes in Contemporary Cinema. Ashgate, Aldershot, 2005, pp. 170, ISBN 0754651584 (hbk).
Ian S. Markham, A Theology of Engagement: Challenges in Contemporary Theology.
Authors: Power Kate
Published: November 2007

Ian S. Markham, A Theology of Engagement: Challenges in Contemporary Theology. Blackwell, Malden, MA, 2003, pp. 264, ISBN 0631236023.
Megascreens USA Inc.—A Foreign Operations Case
Authors: Carslaw Charles A. , Purvis S. E. C.
Published: November 2007

This relatively short case gives students a comprehensive overview of the steps required to prepare consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP when a subsidiary prepares its accounts under a foreign GAAP—in this case, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). While the case is closely based on an actual Australasian company seeking listing in the United States, the product and the exact financial details are disguised. Specifically, the case exposes students to the following: accounting for foreign currency transactions; adjustments to convert foreign GAAP to U.S. GAAP (accounting for license fees); translation of financial statements; change of functional currency; remeasurement of financial statements; and foreign consolidation and statement of cash flows with foreign operations. The case has been field-tested in an advanced accounting course and is also suitable for use in international accounting courses. Both undergraduate and graduate students have profited from the case.
Svenska Handelsbanken: Controlling a Radically Decentralized Organization without Budgets
Authors: Lindsay R. Murray , Libby Theresa
Published: November 2007

Svenska Handelsbanken was the large national Swedish bank that provided the exemplar case for the idea that organizations could abandon budgets and operate successfully, or perhaps operate even more successfully, without them. In this case, Nancy Cartwright, a senior executive in a large Canadian financial services corporation, had just been introduced to the Handelsbanken case and the Beyond Budgeting idea. She was intrigued by the idea that companies could abandon budgets while implementing a new more decentralized model of management control. She wondered whether these ideas could work beyond Handelsbanken and, in particular, outside of Scandinavia.
Actions Speak Louder than Words: A Case Study on Mexican Corporate Governance
Authors: Austen Lizabeth A. , Reisch John T. , Seese Larry P.
Published: November 2007

In this case, you will examine corporate governance in an international context and gain a thorough understanding of the ramifications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), as you observe very different reactions to the provisions of SOX by two Mexican companies, both of whom were trading on the NYSE at the time SOX was enacted. One company, TV Azteca, withdrew from the exchange on the grounds that U.S. regulations ignore Mexico's legal framework and corporate culture. You are required to contrast TV Azteca's response with the actions of another Mexican company, Cemex, which embraces the concepts of SOX. Cemex views compliance with SOX as an integral component of its corporate governance and sees it as necessary for continued access to international capital markets.
Making the Right Comparisons: Novartis AG
Authors: Henry Elaine , Yang Ya-Wen
Published: November 2007

This case introduces the concept of convergence between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The scenario involves a securities analyst's evaluation of Novartis AG's financial performance under IFRS and U.S. GAAP, and provides an opportunity to examine the issues giving rise to differences under the two sets of standards. Based on the company's 20-F disclosure, the case uses the reconciliation footnotes to recast the company's IFRS financial statements to U.S. GAAP. The analytical skill of adjusting financial statements is useful beyond the IFRS-to-U.S. GAAP context.
Bond Failure with a No-Mix Adhesive System
Authors: Bherwani Aneel , Fida Mubassar , Azam Iqbal
Published: November 2007

Objective: To determine the bond failure pattern and time to first bond failure at an orthodontic clinic.

Materials and Methods: The study included 63 subjects meeting the study criteria. A total of 1074 brackets (Roth prescription 0.022 slot) were bonded to incisors, canines, and premolars using a no-mix adhesive (Unite, 3M Unitek). The survival and failure rates of the brackets were evaluated by tooth position in the dental arch, sagittal occlusal relationship, and gender of the patients. Overall bracket survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier test.

Results: The total percentage of bond failure was 17.87%. The mean survival time for the sample was 235 days (SE = 32.27 days). Significantly higher failure rates were observed for posterior than anterior teeth (P < .05) and in the Class II division 2 malocclusion group than other malocclusion groups (P < .05). No difference was observed between dental arches or genders. However, in terms of survival time, the difference was marginally significant for gender (P = .051)

Conclusion: For 1074 brackets bonded with a no-mix adhesive system in 63 patients, the mean time until first bracket failure was 235 days. The overall failure rate of brackets was 17.87%.
Time Course of Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in Rabbit Condylar Chondrocytes Following Forward Mandibular Positioning
Authors: Wu Meng-Jie , Zhan Jing , Gu Zhi-Yuan
Published: November 2007

Objective: To clarify the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax following forward mandibular positioning (FMP) in the condylar chondrocytes of rabbits.

Materials and Methods: Sixty rabbits at 8 weeks of age were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 36) and control group (n = 24). Rabbits in the experimental group were induced to FMP by a functional appliance. Six rabbits from the experimental group and four from the control group were sacrificed after 3 days and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. All the right temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were collected and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.

Results: The results showed the expression pattern of Bcl-2 and Bax during 12 weeks after FMP. The expression of Bcl-2 reached the highest level at 1 week, whereas Bax reached its maximal expression after 4 weeks. Subsequently, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax gradually decreased. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax began to decrease 3 days after FMP and continued to decline until 12 weeks.

Conclusions: FMP with functional appliances could change the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, which is related to apoptosis in condylar chondrocytes.
Rebonding of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Montasser Mona A. , Drummond James L. , Evans Carla A.
Published: November 2007

Objective: To compare rebonding of orthodontic brackets based on the hypothesis that no difference would be found between the adhesive systems with respect to shear bond strength, mode of failure, and clinical failure rates.

Materials and Methods: The three adhesive systems included two self-etch primers (Transbond and M-Bond) and a conventional phosphoric acid etch (Rely-a-Bond). The sample size was 20 premolars for each adhesive system. The shear bond strength was tested 24 hours after bracket bonding with the bonding/debonding procedures repeated two times after the first debonding. Bond strength, adhesive remnant index (ARI), and failure sites were evaluated for each debonding. Statistical analysis consisted of a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Scheffè analysis. The clinical portion evaluated 15 patients over a 12-month period.

Results: The mean shear bond strengths after the first, second, and third debondings for Rely-a-Bond were 8.4 ± 1.8, 10.3 ± 2.4, and 14.1 ± 3.3 MPa, respectively; for Transbond 11.1 ± 4.6, 13.6 ± 4.5, and 12.9 ± 4.4 MPa, respectively; and for M-Bond 8.7 ± 2.7, 10.4 ± 2.4, and 12.4 ± 3.4 MPa, respectively. After the three debondings the mean shear bond strength increased significantly from the first to the third debonding for Rely-a-Bond and M-bond (P ≤ .001), but did not change for Transbond (P = .199).

Conclusions: The original hypothesis is not rejected. The two self-etching primers showing higher or comparable bond strength to the conventional phosphoric etch with less adhesive remnant on the enamel surface after the first debonding. With repeated bonding/debonding, the differences in the bond strength, ARI, and failure site were not significantly different. There was no difference in the clinical performance of the three adhesive systems (P = .667).
Rebonding of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Montasser Mona A. , Drummond James L. , Roth John R. , Al-Turki Lulwa , Evans Carla A.
Published: November 2007

Objective: The hypothesis of this two-part study is that adhesive systems for bonding orthodontic brackets (ie, two self-etch primers [Transbond and M-Bond] and a conventional phosphoric acid etch [Rely-a-Bond]) would show a difference with respect to rebonded enamel surface morphology and chemical composition.

Materials and Methods: This study examined the enamel surface before and after debonding with scanning electron microscopy and the enamel surface chemical composition for the elements Ca, P, O, F, Si, and C using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Results: The etching of the two self-etch groups is less aggressive and less uniform than that of phosphoric acid. The change in the concentration of C indicated that the separation of the bracket from the enamel surface is at the resin-enamel interface for the phosphoric acid–etched adhesive and a mixed mode involving the enamel-resin-bracket interfaces for the self-etching systems. F release appears to occur for Transbond but not for M-Bond.

Conclusions: The results confirm the original hypothesis that differences in adhesive systems are manifested in less aggressive etches and less adhesive left on the enamel surface for the self-etching adhesive systems.
The construction and characteristics of a BAC library for Cucumis sativus L. ‘B10’
Authors: Gutman Wojciech , Pawełkowicz Magdalena , Woycicki Rafał , Piszczek Ewa , Przybecki Zbigniew
Published: October 2007

Cloning using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) can yield high quality genomic libraries, which are used for the physical mapping, identification and isolation of genes, and for gene sequencing. A BAC genomic library was constructed from high molecular weight DNA (HMW DNA) obtained from nuclei of the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Borszczagowski; B10 line). The DNA was digested with the HindIII restriction enzyme and ligated into the pCC1BAC vector. The library consists of 34,560 BAC clones with an average insert size of 135 kb, and 12.7x genome coverage. Screening the library for chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA content indicated an exceptionally low 0.26% contamination with chloroplast DNA and 0.3% with mitochondrial DNA.
The stage-specific function of gap junctions during tumourigenesis
Authors: Czyż Jarosław
Published: October 2007

Tumour development is a process resulting from the disturbance of various cellular functions including cell proliferation, adhesion and motility. While the role of these cell parameters in tumour promotion and progression has been widely recognized, the mechanisms that influence gap junctional coupling during tumorigenesis remain elusive. Neoplastic cells usually display decreased levels of connexin expression and/or gap junctional coupling. Thus, impaired intercellular communication via gap junctions may facilitate the release of a potentially neoplastic cell from the controlling regime of the surrounding tissue, leading to tumour promotion. However, recent data indicates that metastatic tumour cell lines are often characterized by relatively high levels of connexin expression and gap junctional coupling. This review outlines current knowledge on the role of connexins in tumorigenesis and the possible mechanisms of the interference of gap junctional coupling with the processes of tumour invasion and metastasis.
Ascorbic acid inhibits the migration of walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells
Authors: Wybieralska Ewa , Koza Monika , Sroka Jolanta , Czyż Jarosław , Madeja Zbigniew
Published: October 2007

The results of several experimental studies have shown that ascorbic acid inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that acts as a scavenger for a wide range of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both tumour metastasis and cell migration have been correlated with the intracellular ROS level, so it was postulated that the inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid derivatives on cell motility may be caused by scavenging of ROS. Time-lapse analyses of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cell migration showed that both the speed of movement and the cell displacement were inhibited by ascorbic acid applied in concentrations ranging from 10 to 250 μM. This effect correlated with a reduction in the intracellular ROS level in WC 256 cells, suggesting that ROS scavenging may be a mechanism responsible for the inhibition of WC 256 cell migration. However, another potent antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, also efficiently decreased the intracellular ROS level in WC 256 cells, but did not affect the migration of the investigated cells. These results demonstrate that intact, unmodified ascorbic acid applied in physiologically relevant and nontoxicconcentrations exerts an inhibitory effect on the migration of WC 256 carcinosarcoma cells, and that this may be one of the factors responsible for the anti-metastatic activity of vitamin C. However, our data does not support the hypothesis that the scavenging of intracellular ROS is the main mechanism in the inhibition of cancer cell migration by ascorbic acid.
Acidification induces Bax translocation to the mitochondria and promotes ultraviolet light-induced apoptosis
Authors: Yang Lin , Mei Yongyu , Xie Qifeng , Han Xiaoyan , Zhang Fucheng , Gu Lin , Zhang Yufeng , Chen Youming , Li Gang , Gao Zhiliang
Published: October 2007

It has been suggested that Bax translocation to the mitochondria is related to apoptosis, and that cytosol acidification contributes to apoptosis events. However, the mechanisms remain obscure. We investigated the effect of acidification on Bax translocation and on ultraviolet (UV) light-induced apoptosis. The Bax translocation assay in vitro showed that Bax translocated to the mitochondria at pH 6.5, whereas no Bax translocation was observed at pH 7.4. VHDBB cells expressing the GFP-Bax fusion protein were treated for 12 h with a pH 6.5 DMEM medium, nigericin (5 μg/ml) and UV light (50 J/cm2), separately or in combination, and Bax translocation to the mitochondria was determined by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, and apoptotic cell death was detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that some of the Bax translocated to the mitochondria in the cells treated with the normal medium, nigericin and UV in combination, whereas all of the Bax translocated to the mitochondria in the cells treated with the pH 6.5 medium, nigericin and UV in combination. In VHDBB cells treated for 12 h with nigericin, UV alone, and UV and nigericin in combination, the respective rates of apoptotic cell death were 25.08%, 33.25% and 52.88%. In cells treated with pH 6.5 medium and nigericin, pH 6.5 medium and UV, and pH 6.5 medium, nigericin and UV in combination, the respective rates of apoptotic cell death increased to 37.19%, 41.42% and 89.44%. Our results indicated that acidification induces Bax translocation from the cytosol to the mitochondria, and promotes UV lightmediated apoptosis. This suggests that there is a possibility of improving cancer treatment by combining acidification with irradiation or chemotherapeutic drugs.
The induction of apoptosis by daunorubicin and idarubicin in human trisomic and diabetic fibroblasts
Authors: Dragojew Sylwia , Marczak Agnieszka , Maszewski Janusz , Ilnicki Krzysztof , Jóźwiak Zofia
Published: October 2007

In this study, we investigated apoptosis induced in human trisomic and diabetic fibroblasts by daunorubicin (DNR) and its derivative, idarubicin (IDA). The cells were incubated with DNR or IDA for 2 h and then cultured in a drug-free medium for a further 2–48 h. The apoptosis in the cultured cell lines was assessed by biochemical analysis. We found that both drugs induced a timedependent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and a significant increase in intracellular calcium and caspase-3 activity. Mitochondrial polarization and changes in the level of intracellular calcium were observed during the first 2–6 h after drug treatment. Caspase-3 activation occurred in the late stages of the apoptotic pathway. Our findings also demonstrated that idarubicin was more cytotoxic and more effective than daunorubicin in inducing apoptosis in trisomic and diabetic fibroblasts.
Natriuretic peptides in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Piechota Mariusz , Banach Maciej , Jacoń Anna , Rysz Jacek
Published: October 2007

The natriuretic peptide family comprises atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), and urodilatin. The activities of natriuretic peptides and endothelins are strictly associated with each other. ANP and BNP inhibit endothelin-1 (ET-1) production. ET-1 stimulates natriuretic peptide synthesis. All natriuretic peptides are synthesized from polypeptide precursors. Changes in natriuretic peptides and endothelin release were observed in many cardiovascular diseases: e.g. chronic heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction and coronary artery disease.
Sclerotia of the acellular (true) slime mould Fuligo septica as a model to study melanization and anabiosis
Authors: Krzywda Anna , Petelenz Elżbieta , Michalczyk Dominika , Płonka Przemysław
Published: October 2007

Acellular (true) slime moulds (Myxomycetes) are capable of a transition to the stage of sclerotium — a dormant form of plasmodium produced under unfavourable environmental conditions. In this study, sclerotia of Fuligo septica were analyzed by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The moulds were cultivated in vitro on filter paper, fed with oat flour, and kept until the plasmodia began to produce sclerotia. The obtained sclerotia differed in colour from yellow through orange to dark-brown. The EPR spectra revealed a free radical, melanin-like signal correlated with the depth of the colour; it was strongest in the dark sclerotia. Sclerotization only took place when the plasmodia were starved and very slowly dried. Only the yellow sclerotia were able to regenerate into viable plasmodia. This suggests that myxomycete cytoplasm dehydration is an active process regulated metabolically. Plasmodial sclerotization may therefore serve as a convenient model system to study the regulation of cytoplasmatic water balance, and sclerotia as a convenient material for EPR measurements, combining the quality of plasmodia with the technical simplicity of the measurements characteristic of dry spores. Darkening of the sclerotia is most probably a pathological phenomenon connected with the impairment of water balance during sclerotization.
Sedation with detomidine and acepromazine influences the endoscopic evaluation of laryngeal function in horses
Authors: Lindegaard C. , Husted L. , Ullum H. , Fjeldborg J.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: Endoscopy of the upper airways of horses is used as a diagnostic tool and at purchase examinations. On some occasions it is necessary to use sedation during the procedure and it is often speculated that the result of the examination might be influenced due to the muscle‐relaxing properties of the most commonly used sedatives.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of detomidine (0.01 mg/kg bwt) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg bwt) on the appearance of symmetry ofrima glottidis, ability to abduct maximally the arytenoid cartilages and the effect on recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) grade.

Methods: Forty‐two apparently normal horses underwent endoscopic examination of the upper airways on 3 different occasions, under the influence of 3 different treatments: no sedation (control), sedation with detomidine and sedation with acepromazine. All examinations were performed with a minimum of one week apart. The study was performed as an observer‐blind cross‐over study.

Results: Sedation with detomidine had a significant effect on the RLN grading (OR = 2.91) and ability maximally to abduct the left arytenoid cartilages (OR = 2.91). Sedation with acepromazine resulted in OR = 2.43 for the RLN grading and OR = 2.22 for the ability to abduct maximally. The ability to abduct maximally the right arytenoid cartilage was not altered.

Conclusions: Sedating apparently healthy horses with detomidine or acepromazine significantly impairs these horses' ability to abduct fully the left but not the right arytenoid cartilage. This resulted in different diagnosis with respect to RLN when comparing sedation to no sedation.

Potential relevance: Since the ability to abduct the right arytenoid cartilage fully is not altered by sedation, it is speculated that horses changing from normal to abnormal laryngeal function when sedated, might be horses in an early stage of the disease. To confirm or reject these speculations, further studies are needed. Until then sedation during endoscopy should be used with care.
Safety of an attenuated West Nile virus vaccine, live Flavivirus chimera in horses
Authors: Long M. T. , Gibbs E. P. J. , Mellencamp M. W. , Zhang S. , Barnett D. C. , Seino K. K. , Beachboard S. E. , Humphrey P. P.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: West Nile virus (WNV) infection is endemic and able to cause disease in naive hosts. It is necessary therefore to evaluate the safety of new vaccines.

Objectives: To establish: 1) the safety of a modified live Flavivirus/West Nile virus (WN‐FV) chimera by administration of an overdose and testing for shed of vaccine virus and spread to uninoculated sentinel horses; 2) that this vaccine did not become pathogenic once passaged in horses; and 3) vaccine safety under field conditions.

Methods: There were 3 protocols: 1) In the overdose/shed and spread study, horses were vaccinated with a 100x immunogenicity overdose of WN‐FV chimera vaccine and housed with sentinel horses. 2) A reversion to virulence study, where horses were vaccinated with a 20x immunogenicity overdose of WN‐FV chimera vaccine. Horses in both studies were evaluated for abnormal health conditions and samples obtained to detect virus, seroconversion and dissemination into tissues. 3) In a field safety test 919 healthy horses of various ages, breeds and sex were used.

Results: Vaccination did not result in site or systemic reactions in either experimental or field‐injected horses. There was no shed of vaccine virus, no detection of vaccine virus into tissue and no reversion to virulence with passage.

Conclusions: WN‐FV chimera vaccine is safe to use in horses with no evidence of ill effects from very high doses of vaccine. There was no evidence of reversion to virulence. In addition, administration of this vaccine to several hundred horses that may have been previously exposed to WNV or WNV vaccine resulted in no untoward reactions.

Potential relevance: These studies establish that this live attenuated Flavivirus chimera is safe to use for immunoprophylaxis against WNV disease in horses.
Clinical, immunophenotypic and functional characterisation of T‐cell leukaemia in six horses
Authors: Rendle D. I. , Durham A. E. , Thompson J. C. , Archer J. , Mitchell M. , Saunders K. , Millere J. , Paillot R. , Smith K. C. , Kydd J. H.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing the study: Lymphoid leukaemia (LL) is rare in equids. In man, immunophenotypic classification identifies distinct leukaemic types with different treatment strategies. Improved understanding and classification of equine LL may allow similar advances.

Objectives: To document the clinical, immunophenotypic and functional characteristics in 6 cases of equine LL of T‐cell origin.

Methods: The clinical records and pathological findings from 6 cases of equine LL were analysed. Immunohistochemistry to identify T or B lymphocytes was performed on paraffin embedded tissues in 4 cases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were phenotyped for expression of CD4, CD8, MHC class I and II and B‐cell antigens in 4 cases using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and flow cytometry. Neoplastic lymphocytes from 4 horses were stimulated with mitogens.

Results and conclusions: Six horses of various breeds were identified with LL of T‐cell origin. The clinical course and presenting signs varied. Neoplastic lymphocytes were identified in peripheral blood samples from all horses and tissue invasion was confirmed at examination post mortem in 4 horses. Immunophenotyping identified a predominance of CD3+ T‐cells in lymphoid tissues and CD4+ T‐cells in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the affected horses. Neoplastic lymphocytes from the 4 cases that were tested failed to proliferate in response to mitogens.

Potential relevance: Characterisation of the clinical, pathological and immunological findings in 6 horses with LL has added to reports of this rare condition, characterised it in greater detail and therefore provides a starting point for further investigations.
Efficacy, duration, and onset of immunogenicity of a West Nile virus vaccine, live Flavivirus chimera, in horses with a clinical disease challenge model
Authors: Long M. T. , Gibbs E. P. J. , Mellencamp M. W. , Bowen R. A. , Seino K. K. , Zhang S. , Beachboard S. E. , Humphrey P. P.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: West Nile virus (WNF) is a Flavivirus responsible for a life‐threatening neurological disease in man and horses. Development of improved vaccines against Flavivirus infections is therefore important.

Objectives: To establish that a single immunogenicity dose of live Flavivirus chimera (WN‐FV) vaccine protects horses from the disease and it induces a protective immune response, and to determine the duration of the protective immunity.

Methods: Clinical signs were compared between vaccinated (VACC) and control (CTRL) horses after an intrathecal WNV challenge given at 10 or 28 days, or 12 months post vaccination.

Results: Challenge of horses in the immunogenicity study at Day 28 post vaccination resulted in severe clinical signs of WNV infection in 10/10 control (CTRL) compared to 1/20 vaccinated (VACC) horses (P<0.01). None of the VACC horses developed viraemia and minimal histopathology was noted. Duration of immunity (DPI) was established at 12 months post vaccination. Eight of 10 CTRL exhibited severe clinical signs of infection compared to 1 of 9 VACC horses (P<0.05). There was a significant reduction in the occurrence of viraemia and histopathology lesion in VACC horses relative to CTRL horses. Horses challenged at Day 10 post vaccination experienced moderate or severe clinical signs of WNV infection in 3/3 CTRL compared to 5/6 VACC horses (P<0.05).

Conclusions: This novel WN‐FV chimera vaccine generates a protective immune response to WNV infection in horses that is demonstrated 10 days after a single vaccination and lasts for up to one year.

Potential relevance: This is the first USDA licensed equine WNV vaccine to utilise a severe challenge model that produces the same WNV disease observed under field conditions to obtain a label claim for prevention of viraemia and aid in the prevention of WNV disease and encephalitis with a duration of immunity of 12 months.
Hypertrophy and physiological death of equine chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Ahmed Y. A. , Tatarczuch L. , Pagel C. N. , Davies H. M. , Mirams M. , Mackie E. J.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: Equine osteochondrosis results from a failure of endochondral ossification during skeletal growth. Endochondral ossification involves chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy and death. Until recently no culture system was available to study these processes in equine chondrocytes.

Objective: To optimise an in vitro model in which equine chondrocytes can be induced to undergo hypertrophy and physiological death as seen in vivo.

Methods: Chondrocytes isolated from fetal or older (neonatal, growing and mature) horses were cultured as pellets in 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) or 10% horse serum (HS). The pellets were examined by light and electron microscopy. Total RNA was extracted from the pellets, and quantitative PCR carried out to investigate changes in expression of a number of genes regulating endochondral ossification.

Results: Chondrocytes from fetal foals, grown as pellets, underwent hypertrophy and died by a process morphologically similar to that seen in vivo. Chondrocytes from horses age >5 months did not undergo hypertrophy in pellet culture. They formed intramembranous inclusion bodies and the cultures included cells of osteoblastic appearance. Pellets from neonatal foals cultured in FCS resembled pellets from older horses, however pellets grown in HS underwent hypertrophy but contained inclusion bodies. Chondrocytes from fetal foals formed a typical cartilage‐like tissue grossly and histologically, and expressed the cartilage markers collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA. Expression of Sox9, collagen type II, Runx2, matrix metalloproteinase‐13 and connective tissue growth factor mRNA increased at different times in culture. Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor‐3 and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA decreased with time in culture.

Conclusions: Freshly isolated cells from fetal growth cartilage cultured as pellets provide optimal conditions for studying hypertrophy and death of equine chondrocytes.

Potential relevance: This culture system should greatly assist laboratory studies aimed at elucidating the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis.
Influence of breed and oestrous cycle on endometrial gland surface density in the mare
Authors: Lefranc A.‐C. , Allen W. R.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: The diffuse noninvasive epitheliochorial equine placenta develops an intimate and complex interdigitation with the maternal endometrium throughout gestation to maximise surface contact and, consequently, optimise nutritional and gaseous maternofetal exchanges. A significant reduction occurs in the surface density of microcotyledons on the placentae of Welsh Pony vs. Thoroughbred mares that may relate to a difference in either the number or density of endometrial glands between these breeds.

Objectives: To examine this hypothesis and to determine the influence of the oestrous cycle upon the development and surface density of endometrial glands.

Methods: Endometrial biopsies were taken under videoendoscopic visual control from the base of a uterine horn from young, fertile, Welsh Pony and Thoroughbred mares at defined stages of the oestrous cycle. Computer‐assisted morphometric analysis then permitted the surface density of endometrial glands within the stratum spongiosum to be assessed.

Conclusions: There was a statistically significant reduction in endometrial gland surface density in the Welsh Pony vs. Thoroughbred mares during both oestrus and dioestrus.

Potential relevance: A substantial upregulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) mRNA in the epithelial cells lining the apical portions of endometrial glands has been demonstrated in pregnant mares between Days 35 and 40 after ovulation, coincident with the onset of interdigitation between the allantochorion and endometrium to form the microcotyledonary placenta. The increased surface density of endometrial glands noted in the uteri of Thoroughbred mares might account for the greater surface density of placental microcotyledons in this breed.
Alternative vaccination against equine botulism (BoNT/C)
Authors: Frey J. , Eberle S. , Stahl C. , Mazuet C. , Popoff M. , Schatzmann E. , Gerber V. , Dungu B. , Straub R.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: In Europe the incidence of botulism in horses has increased in the last decade due to the growing popularity of haylage feeding. Recombinant vaccines are safer and less expensive to produce and are generally better tolerated than toxoids.

Objectives: To investigate whether the recombinant C‐terminal half of the heavy chain of the botulinum neurotoxin C (Hc BoNT/C) in combination with an immunstimulatory adjuvant is an appropriate vaccine candidate for horses by testing its efficacy to induce neutralising antibodies and by comparing its immunogenic properties and adverse reactions to a commercial toxoid vaccine. Formation of oedema and local pain reactions were assessed. ELISA and Western blot assay against Hc BoNT/C and testing of neutralising antibody induction in a mouse protection assay were used to evaluate the immune response.

Results: With the recombinant vaccine, only minor local swelling with full recovery after 5 days was noted after brisket injections. The toxoid vaccine produced local, painful reactions with longer recovery periods of up to 2 weeks. Horses vaccinated with either vaccine induced neutralising antibodies after the second booster vaccination, while seroconversion on ELISA and Western blot to Hc BoNT/C was apparent after the first recombinant vaccination, and at various time points in the vaccination schedule in horses that received commercial toxoid vaccine.

Conclusion: The recombinant vaccine showed fewer adverse reactions compared to the only commercially available vaccine but induced similar concentrations of neutralising antibodies. There was no correlation between the serological response to Hc BoNT/C and the neutralising capacity of serum.

Potential relevance: Recombinant Hc BoNT/C is an appropriate vaccine candidate to stimulate production of neutralising antibodies against botulinum neurotoxin C in horses and creates only minor local reactions at the injection site.
A case‐control study of factors associated with development of clinical disease due to West Nile virus, Saskatchewan 2003
Authors: Epp T. , Waldner C. , Townsend H. G. G.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: West Nile virus (WNV) was first diagnosed in Saskatchewan equids in 2002. A WNV epidemic was considered highly likely for 2003, which would provide a unique opportunity to study all aspects of WNV subclinical infection and clinical disease development in a relatively naive population.

Hypothesis: There are individual equid attributes and management risk factors associated with development of clinical disease. Specifically, this study could address the question of vaccine efficacy for the prevention of development of clinical disease.

Methods: A case‐control study was conducted in the summer of 2003 during a province‐wide outbreak of WNV. Between 5 and 10 equids were sampled from each of 23 case premises with clinical disease and 23 control premises with no apparent or confirmed clinical disease. Data were analysed to identify risk factors for the development of clinical disease.

Results: The proportion of equids serologically positive for natural exposure to West Nile virus was 64% (193/300). Nonvaccinated equids were 23 times (95%CI limits 3.0, 168.5, P = 0.002) more likely to develop clinical disease than those vaccinated. The estimate of vaccine efficacy in this field study was 96% (95%CI limits 67%, 99%).

Conclusions: The study demonstrated that vaccination was strongly associated with the prevention of clinical disease.

Potential relevance: Vaccination is an effective, practical method of prevention of clinical disease.
Modeling gas displacement kinetics in coal with Maxwell‐Stefan diffusion theory
Authors: Wei X. R. , Wang G. X. , Massarotto P. , Rudolph V. , Golding S. D.
Published: October 2007

The kinetics of binary gas counter‐diffusion and Darcy flow in a large coal sample were modeled, and the results compared with data from experimental laboratory investigations. The study aimed for a better understanding of the CO2‐sequestration enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery process. The transport model used was based on the bidisperse diffusion mechanism and Maxwell‐Stefan (MS) diffusion theory. This provides an alternative approach to simulate multicomponent gas diffusion and flow in bulk coals. A series of high‐stress core flush tests were performed on a large coal sample sourced from a Bowen Basin coal mine in Queensland, Australia to investigate the kinetics of one gas displacing another. These experimental results were used to derive gas diffusivities, and to examine the predictive capability of the diffusion model. The simulations show good agreements with the displacement experiments, revealing that MS diffusion theory is superior for describing diffusion of mixed gases in coals compared with the constant Fick diffusivity model. The optimized effective micropore and macropore diffusivities are comparable with experimental measurements achieved by other researchers. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
A consequence based approach to the quantitative assessment of inherent safety
Authors: Tugnoli Alessandro , Cozzani Valerio , Landucci Gabriele
Published: October 2007

The availability of inherent safety drivers for early process design is a critical issue for the further development of the chemical and process industry. In this study, a consequence‐based method for the inherent safety assessment of process alternatives was developed. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for inherent safety were defined and a procedure for their quantitative assessment was developed. A specific equipment classification and the related failure modes were identified, in order to define the potential accidental scenarios associated to each process unit. Rules for the calculation, by physical model runs, of the damage distances for conventional effects were also defined. Credit factors to account for the safety score of the different equipment classes were introduced. KPIs were defined by the combination of the expected damage distances and of credit factors. The methodology was demonstrated through a case study, and provided useful results both for the identification of safety critical units, and for the assessment of the inherent safety of alternative processes. The comparison of the results with those obtained from other literature methods for inherent safety assessment showed that the KPIs introduced allowed considering the hazards coming from auxiliary equipment, that are often overlooked in conventional inherent safety assessment methods. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Curbing the greenhouse effect by carbon dioxide adsorption with Zeolite 13X
Authors: Konduru Naveen , Lindner Peter , Assaf‐Anid Nada Marie
Published: October 2007

The removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial emissions has become essential in the fight against climate change. In this study, we employed Zeolite 13X for the capture and recovery of CO2 in a flow through system where the adsorbent was subjected to five adsorption‐desorption cycles. The influent stream contained 1.5% CO2 at standard conditions. The adsorbent bed was 1 in. in length and 1 in. 3/8 in dia., and was packed with 10 g of the zeolite. Temperature swing adsorption (TSA) was employed as the regeneration method through heating to approximately 135 °C with helium as the purge gas. The adsorbent capacity at 90% saturation was found to decrease from 78 to 60gCO2/kgZeolite13X after the fifth cycle. The CO2 capture ratio or the mass of CO2 adsorbed to the total mass that entered the system decreased from 63% to only 61% after the fifth cycle. The CO2 recovery efficiency ranged from 82 to 93% during desorption, and the CO2 relative recovery, i.e., CO2 desorbed for the nth cycle to CO2 adsorbed for the first cycle, ranged from 88 to 68%. The service life of the adsorbent was determined to be equal to eleven cycles at a useful capacity of 40gCO2/kgZeolite13X. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Freeze drying with dielectric‐material‐assisted microwave heating
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Guohua
Published: October 2007

Experimental and theoretical investigations were conducted with regard to the effects of a dielectric material on freeze drying with microwave heating. The experimental results show that the dielectric material can effectively enhance the microwave freeze drying process, and substantial drying time can be saved compared with conventional freeze drying under the operating conditions tested. Theoretical study was performed by numerically solving a heat and mass transfer model of freeze drying with hygroscopic effect using the finite difference method with a moving boundary. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of using the dielectric material in microwave freeze drying, especially when the solid content of the solution to be freeze dried is very low or the solid product has a very small loss factor. Comparisons of the drying curves display good agreements between experimental measurements and model predictions. Based on the profiles of the ice saturation and temperature, mechanisms of heat and mass transfer inside the material were analyzed, and the drying rate‐controlling factor was discussed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007