bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain reactivity to emotional, neutral and cigarette‐related stimuli in smokers
Authors: Versace Francesco , Minnix Jennifer A. , Robinson Jason D. , Lam Cho Y. , Brown Victoria L. , Cinciripini Paul M.
Published: December 2010

Addiction has been described as the pathological usurpation of the neural mechanisms normally involved in emotional processing. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) can provide a non‐invasive index of neural responses associated with the processing of emotionally relevant stimuli and serve as a tool for examining temporal and spatial commonalities between the processing of intrinsically motivating stimuli and drug cues. Before beginning a smoking cessation program, 116 smokers participated in a laboratory session in which dense‐array ERPs (129 sensors) were recorded during the presentation of pictures with emotional (pleasant and unpleasant), neutral and cigarette‐related content. ERP differences among categories were analyzed with use of randomization tests on time regions of interest identified by temporal principal component analysis. Both emotional and cigarette‐related pictures prompted significantly more positivity than did neutral pictures over central, parietal, and frontal sites in the 452–508 ms time window. During the 212–316 ms time window, both pleasant and cigarette‐related pictures prompted less positivity than neutral images did. Cigarette‐related pictures enhanced the amplitude of the P1 component (136–144 ms) above the levels measured in the emotional and neutral conditions. These results support the hypothesis that for smokers, cigarette‐related cues are motivationally relevant stimuli that capture attentional resources early during visual processing and engage brain circuits normally involved in the processing of intrinsically emotional stimuli.
The role of amygdaloid brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein and dendritic spines in anxiety and alcoholism
Authors: Moonat Sachin , Sakharkar Amul J. , Zhang Huaibo , Pandey Subhash C.
Published: December 2010

Innate anxiety appears to be a robust factor in the promotion of alcohol intake, possibly due to the anxiolytic effects of self‐medication with alcohol. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its downstream target, activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated (Arc) protein, play a role in the regulation of synaptic function and structure. In order to examine the role of the BDNF‐Arc system and associated dendritic spines in the anxiolytic effects of ethanol, we investigated the effects of acute ethanol exposure on anxiety‐like behaviors of alcohol‐preferring (P) and ‐nonpreferring (NP) rats. We also examined changes in the expression of BDNF and Arc, and dendritic spine density (DSD), in amygdaloid brain regions of P and NP rats with or without ethanol exposure. It was found that in comparison with NP rats, P rats displayed innate anxiety‐like behaviors, and had lower mRNA and protein levels of both BDNF and Arc, and also had lower DSD in the central amygdala (CeA) and medial amygdala (MeA), but not in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Acute ethanol treatment had an anxiolytic effect in P, but not in NP rats, and was associated with an increase in mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and Arc, and in DSD in the CeA and MeA, but not BLA. These results suggest that innate deficits in BDNF‐Arc levels, and DSD, in the CeA and MeA may be involved in the anxiety‐like and excessive alcohol‐drinking behaviors of P rats, as ethanol increased these amygdaloid synaptic markers and produced anxiolytic effects in P rats, but not NP rats.
Single nucleotide polymorphism at exon 7 splice acceptor site of OAS1 gene determines response of hepatitis C virus patients to interferon therapy
Authors: El Awady Mostafa K , Anany Mohamed A , Esmat Gamal , Zayed Naglaa , Tabll Ashraf A , Helmy Amr , El Zayady Abdel Rahman , Abdalla Mohga S , Sharada Hayat M , El Raziky Maissa , El Akel Wafaa , Abdalla Shadia , Bader El Din Noha G
Published: December 2010

Background and Aim:  Response to interferon therapy and disease progression in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients differs among individuals, suggesting a possibility of a contribution of host genetic factors. 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), an important component of the innate immune system with a proven antiviral function, may therefore have a relationship with the response to interferon therapy and clinical course of HCV disease. Our aim was to determine the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at exon 7 splice acceptor site (SAS) of the OAS1 gene in relation to the interferon response and status of HCV infection.

Methods:  A 203 bp fragment containing exon 7 SAS was amplified in 70 HCV chronic patients and 50 healthy controls. SNP was examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotyping method. Correlations of SNP genotypes with response to interferon and clinical status of patients were statistically analyzed.

Results:  There was an increasing trend of response from AA to AG to GG genotypes (P = 0.007). Genotype AA was associated with non‐response to interferon and higher degree of liver fibrosis (P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed this SNP as independent and a significant determinant of the outcome of interferon therapy (odds ratio 4.913 [95% confidence interval 1.365–8.2], P = 0.006).

Conclusions:  This is the first study to show a significant association between the functional SNP at exon 7 SAS of OAS1 gene and the viral response to interferon in chronic HCV patients. Patients with AA genotype were associated with progressive HCV disease and viral resistance to interferon therapy. This OAS SNP is a potential bio‐marker to predict IFN response in chronic hepatitis C patients.
School processes in providing reading support in GCSE examinations
Authors: Griffiths Dominic , Woods Kevin
Published: December 2010

Against a background of increasing student eligibility for ‘access arrangements’ in examinations for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), this article examines the processes within schools that structure a student's access to the provision of reading support, including staff and student viewpoints. Dominic Griffiths, who is a Senior Advisory Teacher with Tameside Local Authority Education Psychology and Learning Support Team, and Kevin Woods, who is a Senior Lecturer in Educational and Child Psychology at the University of Manchester, report upon a series of four case studies, each based within an urban secondary school offering some form of reading support to students in GCSE examinations. Each case study incorporates student interviews, observations of reading support in action, and interviews with staff who manage and provide reading support in examinations. Quantitative findings show an association between students' preferred mode of reading support and the location in which it is provided. Qualitative analyses revealed key themes relating to the dynamics of provision and use of reading support, including ‘student worthiness’, ‘relationships’ and ‘unfair advantage’. Recommendations are made for a more central role for student consultation within processes for providing reader support to GCSE examination candidates.
Balancing acts in the half‐way houses: the role of resourced provisions in mainstream schools
Authors: White Gordon Stan
Published: December 2010

This article by Gordon Stan White, who is SENCo and Head of the Foundation Stage Resourced Provision at Lowerhouses CE School in Huddersfield, considers the role of resourced provisions or ‘units’ within the present school system. Issues discussed include transition, the impact of children being transported out of their local communities, the social and academic benefits and tensions for the children, implications for mainstream teachers and support assistants, and the impact on school standards. The article also discusses the role of resourced provisions in the wider debate over inclusion, analysing whether they are an integral part of genuinely inclusive educational provision or simply make up deficiencies within a fundamentally flawed system. The author concludes that, in the absence of the political will and funding to create a truly inclusive system, although resourced provisions have significant limitations, the access to a mainstream environment with mainstream peer role‐models coupled with specialist support provides the best opportunity within the present system for children with special educational needs to make academic, social and emotional progress.
Educating children on the autism spectrum: preconditions for inclusion and notions of ‘best autism practice’ in the early years
Authors: Guldberg Karen
Published: December 2010

This article draws together findings from expert evidence and empirical studies to identify the preconditions for developing inclusive learning environments for young children on the autism spectrum. It concludes that in order to develop ‘best practice’, practitioners need to adapt interventions to the unique needs of the individual child, work in partnership with parents and other professionals, create enabling environments and be informed by a developmental approach to learning. Practitioners need to have knowledge of the autism spectrum and how it impacts on the child. Careful assessment of the individual child is also crucial. Finally, it is important to ensure that these young children receive direct teaching in communication and language, social understanding and skills, as well as learning with and through peers.
Comparing Different Economic Linkages Among Commodity Futures
Authors: Chng Michael T.
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  Gasoline (GA) and kerosene (KO) are extracted from crude oil (CO), such that the three fuel commodities share a chemical link. On the other hand, GA also shares an industrial link with natural rubber (NR) and palladium (PA) as complementary commodities that are heavily consumed by the automobile industry. We contrast the information content embedded in the two economic linkages. Focusing on TOCOM futures contracts written on the five commodities and centering on GA, we confirm that incremental information provided by either CO, KO or NR, PA over a buy‐and‐hold strategy and a naive forecast, are both statistically and economically significant. While the chemical link forecast is more profitable, a double‐link forecast generated from a VECM with two cointegrating vectors (KO‐GA and GA‐NR prices) outperforms both single‐link forecasts based on risk‐adjusted profit net of transaction costs. Further comparisons against the profitability of commodity‐based momentum strategies documented in Erb and Harvey (2006) and Miffre and Rallis (2007) show that the double‐link forecast holds its own against the most profitable of the 75 momentum strategies considered. This strongly suggests that not only are there incremental profits to be gained from harnessing and combining economic links among commodity futures, the resultant incremental profits are economically significant against other proven commodity‐based trading strategies in the existing literature.
Association genetics of complex traits in plants
Authors: Ingvarsson Pär K. , Street Nathaniel R.
Published: December 2010

Association mapping is rapidly becoming the main method for dissecting the genetic architecture of complex traits in plants. Currently most association mapping studies in plants are preformed using sets of genes selected to be putative candidates for the trait of interest, but rapid developments in genomics will allow for genome‐wide mapping in virtually any plant species in the near future. As the costs for genotyping are decreasing, the focus has shifted towards phenotyping. In plants, clonal replication and/or inbred lines allows for replicated phenotyping under many different environmental conditions. Reduced sequencing costs will increase the number of studies that use RNA sequencing data to perform expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping, which will increase our knowledge of how gene expression variation contributes to phenotypic variation. Current population sizes used in association mapping studies are modest in size and need to be greatly increased if mutations explaining less than a few per cent of the phenotypic variation are to be detected. Association mapping has started to yield insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits in plants, and future studies with greater genome coverage will help to elucidate how plants have managed to adapt to a wide variety of environmental conditions.

Contents

Summary
909

I.
Introduction
910

II.
Genotyping
910

III.
Phenotyping
911

IV.
Study designs
912

V.
The genetics of the ‘omics’
912

VI.
Missing heritability: the dark matter of the genome
913

VII.
Gene interactions
914

VIII.
Many rare alleles
914

IX.
Looking in the wrong place
914

X.
Looking but not seeing
915

XI.
Needles in a haystack
915

XII.
Confounding effects
916

XIII.
Replicating and verifying associations
916

XIV.
The genetic architecture of quantitative traits in plants
917

XV.
Outlook
918

Acknowledgements
919

References
919
Inhibition of cPLA2 activation by Ginkgo biloba extract protects spinal cord neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress‐induced cell death
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Liu Naikui , Huang Jingya , Lu Pei‐Hua , Xu Xiao‐Ming
Published: December 2010

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 1057–1065.

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) has been shown to be neuroprotective; however, the mechanism by which EGb761 mediates neuroprotection remains unclear. We hypothesized that the neuroprotective effect of EGb761 is mediated by inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), an enzyme that is known to play a key role in mediating secondary pathogenesis after acute spinal cord injury (SCI). To determine whether EGb761 neuroprotection involves the cPLA2 pathway, we first investigated the effect of glutamate and hydrogen peroxide on cPLA2 activation. Results showed that both insults induced an increase in the expression of phosphorylated cPLA2 (p‐cPLA2), a marker of cPLA2 activation, and neuronal death in vitro. Such effects were significantly reversed by EGb761 administration. Additionally, EGb761 significantly decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, a downstream metabolite of cPLA2. Moreover, inhibition of cPLA2 activity with arachidonyl trifluromethyl ketone improved neuroprotection against glutamate and hydrogen peroxide‐induced neuronal death, and reversed Bcl‐2/Bax ratio; notably, EGb761 produced greater effects than arachidonyl trifluromethyl ketone. Finally, we showed that the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway is involved in EGb761’s modulation of cPLA2 phosphorylation. These results collectively suggest that the protective effect of EGb761 is mediated, at least in part, through inhibition of cPLA2 activation, and that the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway may play an important role in mediating the EGb761’s effect.
Region‐specific regulation of 5‐HT1A receptor expression by Pet‐1‐dependent mechanismsin vivo
Authors: Jacobsen Kirsten X. , Czesak Margaret , Deria Mariam , Le François Brice , Albert Paul R.
Published: December 2010

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 1066–1076.

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) neurotransmission is negatively regulated by 5‐HT1A autoreceptors on raphe neurons, and is implicated in mood disorders. Pet‐1/FEV is an ETS transcription factor expressed exclusively in serotonergic neurons and is essential for serotonergic differentiation, although its regulation of 5‐HT receptors has not yet been studied. Here, we show by electrophoretic mobility shift assay that recombinant human Pet‐1/FEV binds directly to multiple Pet‐1 elements of the human 5‐HT1A receptor promoter to enhance its transcriptional activity. In luciferase reporter assays, mutational analysis indicated that while several sites contribute, the Pet‐1 site at ‐1406 bp had the greatest effect on 5‐HT1A promoter activity. To address the effect of Pet‐1 on 5‐HT1A receptor regulationin vivo, we compared the expression of 5‐HT1A receptor RNA and protein in Pet‐1 null and wild‐type littermate mice. In the raphe nuclei of Pet‐1−/− mice tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) RNA, and 5‐HT and TPH immunostaining were greatly reduced, indicating a deficit in 5‐HT production. Raphe 5‐HT1A RNA and protein levels were also reduced in Pet‐1‐deficient mice, consistent with an absence of Pet‐1‐mediated transcriptional enhancement of 5‐HT1A autoreceptors in serotonergic neurons. Interestingly, 5‐HT1A receptor expression was up‐regulated in the hippocampus, but down‐regulated in the striatum and cortex. These data indicate that, in addition to transcriptional regulation by Pet‐1 in raphe neurons, 5‐HT1A receptor expression is regulated indirectly by alterations in 5‐HT neurotransmission in a region‐specific manner that together may contribute to the aggressive/anxiety phenotype observed in Pet‐1 null mice.
Swimming serenely in a sea of words: Sexism, communication, and precarious couples
Authors: ANGULO SARAH , BROOKS MATTHEW L. , SWANN WILLIAM B.
Published: December 2010

When critical, verbally disinhibited women pair with verbally inhibited men, relationship quality suffers, rendering the relationship precarious. The interpersonal and personal antecedents of this precarious couple effect were examined. It was found that the precarious couple effect was partially mediated by unhealthy communication patterns, specifically, the absence of mutual constructive criticism and the presence of a woman‐demand/man‐withdraw pattern. It is proposed further that such unhealthy communication patterns emerge because inhibited men who endorse traditional conceptions of sex roles are dissatisfied with relatively disinhibited women who are also critical, setting in motion a chain of unhealthy communication patterns. Results were generally consistent with this prediction. Implications for understanding the role of sexism and personality mismatch in relationships are discussed.
Forgiveness and health: The role of attachment
Authors: LAWLER‐ROW KATHLEEN A. , HYATT‐EDWARDS LAURA , WUENSCH KARL L. , KARREMANS JOHAN C.
Published: December 2010

Attachment was examined for its association to forgiveness and health. Young adults were interviewed about a time of conflict with a parent; during rest and interview periods, readings of blood pressure and heart rate were taken. Participants completed surveys of forgiveness, attachment, relationship commitment, parental intrusiveness, and health. Analyses revealed strong associations among forgiveness, attachment, and health. Structural equation modeling indicated a strong, negative direct association between forgiveness and health problems, as well as an indirect association between attachment and health problems through forgiveness. Forgiveness groups differed on heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Psychological tension, created by unforgiveness in a close relationship, may lead to physiological indices of unease, as well as self‐reports of physical symptoms, loneliness, and stress.
Responses to interpersonal conflict among young adults: Influence of family of origin
Authors: LARKIN KEVIN T. , FRAZER NICOLE L. , WHEAT AMANDA L.
Published: December 2010

This study aimed to examine the role of family environment upon responses to interpersonal conflict in young adulthood, and to determine whether response patterns differed between men and women. Behavioral, affective, and cardiovascular responses of 17 young adults from families rated extreme (EXT) on scales of cohesion and flexibility were compared with those of 21 young adults from balanced (BAL) families. Participants engaged in 2 role‐play conflicts, 1 with a male confederate and 1 with a female confederate. Measures of positive and negative verbal and nonverbal behaviors, self‐reported anxiety and anger, and heart rate and blood pressure were obtained. Results showed EXT participants exhibited more negative verbal and less positive verbal behavior during both interactions than BAL participants. EXT men exhibited greater DBP, state anger, and negative nonverbal responses than BAL men, findings not observed for women. These findings indicate that exposure to a negative family environment influences how young adult men respond to interpersonal confrontation more than young adult women.
Effect of transdermal opioids in experimentally induced superficial, deep and hyperalgesic pain
Authors: Andresen T , Staahl C , Oksche A , Mansikka H , Arendt‐Nielsen L , Drewes AM
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEChronic pain and hyperalgesia can be difficult to treat with classical opioids acting predominately at the µ‐opioid receptor. Buprenorphine and its active metabolite are believed to act through µ‐, κ‐ and δ‐receptors and may therefore possess different analgesic and anti‐hyperalgesic effects compared with pure µ‐receptor agonists, for example, fentanyl. Here, we have compared the analgesic and anti‐hyperalgesic effects of buprenorphine and fentanyl.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHTwenty‐two healthy volunteers were randomized to treatment with transdermal buprenorphine (20 µg·h−1, 144 h), fentanyl (25 µg·h−1, 72 h) or placebo patches in a double‐blind, cross‐over experimental pain study. The experimental pain tests (phasic pain, sensitization) involved pressure at the tibial bone, cutaneous electrical and thermal stimulation, intramuscular nerve growth factor, UVB light burn injury model and intradermal capsaicin‐induced hyperalgesia. Pain testing was carried out at baseline, 24, 48, 72 and 144 h after application of the drugs.

KEY RESULTSCompared with placebo, buprenorphine, but not fentanyl, significantly attenuated pressure at the tibial bone as well as pressure pain in the primary hyperalgesic area induced by UVB light The two drugs were equipotent and better than placebo against cutaneous thermal pain stimulation), but failed to show significant analgesic effect to cutaneous electrical stimulation, nerve growth factor‐induced muscle soreness and to capsaicin‐induced hyperalgesia.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSBuprenorphine, but not fentanyl, showed analgesic effects against experimentally induced, bone‐associated pain and primary hyperalgesia compared with placebo. These tissue‐ and modality‐differentiated properties may reflect the variable effects of opioid drugs observed in individual patients.
Elucidation of flow‐mediated tumour cell‐induced platelet aggregation using an ultrasound standing wave trap
Authors: Bazou D , Santos‐Martinez MJ , Medina C , Radomski MW
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Tumour cells activate and aggregate platelets [tumour cell‐induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA)] and this process plays an important role in the successful metastasis of cancer cells. To date, most studies on TCIPA have been conducted under no‐flow conditions. In this study, we have investigated TCIPA in real time under flow conditions, using an ultrasound standing wave trap that allows formation and levitation of cancer cell clusters in suspension, thus mimicking the conditions generated by flowing blood.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using 59M adenocarcinoma and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells and human platelets, cancer cell cluster–platelet aggregates were imaged in real time using epi‐fluorescence microscopy (F‐actin) and investigated in detail using confocal microscopy (matrix metalloproteinase‐2‐GPIIb/IIIa co‐localization) and scanning electron and helium‐ion microscopy (<1 nm resolution). The release of gelatinases from aggregates was studied using zymography.

KEY RESULTS We found that platelet activation and aggregation takes place on the surface of cancer cells (TCIPA), leading to time‐dependent disruption of cancer cell clusters. Pharmacological modulation of TCIPA revealed that EDTA, prostacyclin, o‐phenanthroline and apyrase significantly down‐regulated TCIPA and, in turn, delayed cell cluster disruption, However, EGTA and aspirin were ineffective. Pharmacological inhibition of TCIPA correlated with the down‐regulation of platelet activation as shown by flow‐cytometry assay of platelet P‐selectin.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results show for the first time, that during TCIPA, platelet activation disrupts cancer cell clusters and this can contribute to metastasis. Thus, selective targeting of platelet aggregate–cancer cell clusters may be an important strategy to control metastasis.
Digital Sheath Synovial Ganglion Cysts in Horses
Authors: Crawford Andrew , O'Donnell Matthew , Crowe Oliver , Eliashar Ehud , Smith Roger K.
Published: December 2010

Objectives:To report the clinical features of horses with fluid‐filled masses associated with the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) and outcome after surgery.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Horses (n=10)

Methods:Medical records of horses with fluid‐filled masses associated with the DFTS were reviewed and the clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment, histopathology, and outcome reported.

Results:Masses were unilateral (7 hind limb, 3 front limb) and in 8 horses were associated with lameness. In 6 horses, lameness improved by >50% with intrathecal DTFS anesthesia, whereas 2 were less positive but were further improved with perineural anesthesia just proximal to the cyst. Communication between the DFTS and mass was identified in all horses ultrasonographically. Resection of the mass resolved lameness in 7 horses. Histologically (5 specimens), the mass was characterized by a fibrous outer layer without a synovial lining, consistent with a ganglion cyst.

Conclusion:The histologic appearance of ganglion cysts suggests that they arise from trauma to the sheath wall and may subsequently be a cause of lameness.
Comparison of Fixation Methods for Treatment of Long Bone Fractures in Llamas and Alpacas
Authors: Brounts Sabrina H. , Racette Molly , Muir Peter
Published: December 2010

Objective:To determine outcome after repair of long bone fractures in llamas and alpacas.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Llamas (n=11) and alpacas (8).

Methods:Medical records (1998–2008) of camelids with long bone fractures were reviewed for history, repair method, and complications. Outcome was also assessed by owner telephone questionnaire.

Results:Mean age at repair was 39 months. There were 8 males and 11 females. Fracture distribution was tibia (n=6), metatarsus (5), metacarpus (4), radius and ulna (2), humerus (1), and femur (1), with 13 closed and 6 open fractures. Fracture repair was by internal fixation (n=11), external fixation with a transfixation pin cast (5), external coaptation (2), and cross‐pinning (1). In 1 llama, the limb was amputated to revise a failed external fixation repair. Seventeen animals (89%) were discharged, and 2 were euthanatized. Outcome was available for 13 animals: 9 were used for breeding and 4 as pets. Fewer major complications occurred with internal fixation than with external fixation with a transfixation pin cast (P<.005); however, there were no significant differences in minor complications between groups.

Conclusions:Internal fixation with bone plates was associated with fewer major complications than external fixation with a transfixation pin cast.
Racing and Sales Performance after Unilateral or Bilateral Single Transphyseal Screw Insertion for Varus Angular Limb Deformities of the Carpus in 53 Thoroughbreds
Authors: Baker William True , Slone Donnie E. , Lynch Timothy M. , Johnson Christopher R. , Baker William A.
Published: December 2010

Objective:To evaluate the racing and sales performance of Thoroughbred horses with varus angular limb deformities of the carpus treated by unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw (STS) placement.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Thoroughbred horses (n=53).

Methods:Medical records (January 1, 2005–December 31, 2006) of yearling Thoroughbreds treated for carpal angular limb deformity by transphyseal screw insertion in the distal aspect of the radius were reviewed. Retrieved data were sex, surgery, and screw removal dates, surgical site, appearance, limb(s) affected, type of angular limb deformity, and degree of angular deviation measured by a goniometer. Racing and sales data were collected for analysis from an online racing site for all treated horses and their maternal siblings.

Results:No significant differences were identified between treated horses and their maternal siblings in yearling sale price, 2‐year‐olds in training sale price, percent starters, percent winners, and starts, earnings, and earnings/start made during the 2‐ and 3‐year old years.

Conclusions:No deleterious effects on sales or racing performance were identified after use of STS in the distal aspect of the radius of Thoroughbreds for the treatment of varus angular limb deformities of the carpus.
Electrosurgical Tenoscopic Desmotomy of the Accessory Ligament of the Superficial Digital Flexor Muscle (Proximal Check Ligament) in Horses
Authors: David Florent , Laverty Sheila , Marcoux Marcel , Szoke Mihaly , Celeste Christophe
Published: December 2010

Objective: To report a tenoscopic technique using monopolar electrosurgery to transect the accessory ligament of superficial digital flexor muscle (AL‐SDFM) and outcome in 33 horses.

Study Design: Case series.

Animals: Horses (n=33).

Methods: Medical files and surgery video recordings of horses that had AL‐SDFM desmotomy performed by tenoscopy with monopolar electrosurgical electrodes were reviewed.

Results: Of 33 horses, 24 were Standardbred racehorses with surgery performed bilaterally for superficial digital flexor tendonitis and 9 horses had flexural deformity. Severe (n=6) and mild (6) intrathecal hemorrhage was the most common intraoperative complication. Large intrathecal vessels including the nutrient artery were successfully electrocoagulated and AL‐SDFM transection was completed. Clear/serosanguinous drainage from skin incisions was observed for 4.3±3.3 days (mean, SD). Protracted wound drainage for >4 days occurred in 10 horses, principally in the group treated for flexural deformities (P=.01).

Conclusions: Sixty‐four AL‐SDFM were transected under tenoscopic observation using monopolar electrodes. Electrocoagulation of large intrathecal vessels, including the nutrient artery, was possible in all cases and allowed completion of desmotomy. Postoperative wound care was similar to routine tenoscopy in most (70%) horses. Aseptic protracted wound drainage was observed in 30% of horses (principally those with flexural deformity), and led to a prolonged hospitalization.
Standing Hand‐Assisted Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in 65 Mares
Authors: Goodin Jacob T. , Rodgerson Dwayne H. , Gomez Jorge H.
Published: December 2010

Objective:To review the efficacy and safety of unilateral ovariectomy by use of a standing hand‐assisted laparoscopic approach and evaluate the effect of ovary size on posttransection hemorrhage after application of a linear stapling device.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Horses (n=65) aged 2–20 years.

Methods:Medical records of mares that had ovariectomy performed by use of a standing hand‐assisted laparoscopic approach were reviewed. Data retrieved were signalment, ovary removed (left, right), ovarian size, ovarian pathology, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospitalization.

Results:Mean ovarian diameter was 17 cm. Histopathology (52 mares) confirmed 41 granulosa cell tumors (79%), 8 ovarian cysts (15%), 1 teratoma (2%), and 2 ovaries (4%) without abnormalities. Hemorrhage was observed laparoscopically in 16 mares after transection of the mesovarium. Complications encountered during surgery included 1 mare collapsing in the stocks and 1 mare that hemorrhaged excessively from the incision. Postoperative complications included 2 cases of mild colic. Overall complication rate was 6%.

Conclusions:All attempts to remove the target ovary were successful. The approach is safe for the mare, as complications encountered were similar to those recently reported for other approaches.
Comparison of Healing of the Osteotomy Gap after Tibial Tuberosity Advancement with and without Use of an Autogenous Cancellous Bone Graft
Authors: Guerrero Tomás G. , Makara Mariano A. , Katiofsky Kristine , Fluckiger Mark A. , Morgan Joe P. , Haessig Michael , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: December 2010

Objective: To evaluate and compare healing, with and without the use of bone graft, of the gap created during tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).

Study Design: Prospective study and case series.

Animals: Dogs treated with TTA (n=67).

Methods: Prospective study: Mediolateral radiographic projections (6 weeks and 4 months) after TTA without use of bone graft (group I, n=14) were compared with radiographs of consecutive TTA in which the gap was filled with autologous cancellous bone graft (group II, n=14). Two scoring techniques (A, B) were used. Score A was used to grade the overall osteotomy healing (0=no healing, 4=healed osteotomy). Score B evaluated, independently of each other, healing in 3 sites: proximal to the cage (B1), between cage and plate (B2), and distal to the plate (B3). Case series: nongrafted TTA (4–25 weeks, n=39) were evaluated for healing (Score A). Data was analyzed using t‐tests and ANOVA. Significance was set at P≤.05.

Results: Prospective study: Score A, B2, and B3 showed no difference in healing between groups at 6.8 weeks and 4.2 months. Score B1 revealed, in both rechecks, a significantly higher density in group II. Case series: Radiographs at 11.59±5.99 weeks scored 3.3 (2–4). No healing related complications were observed.

Conclusion: The osteotomy gap created during TTA healed within expected time regardless of bone graft use.
Microfenestration Using the CUSA Excel Ultrasonic Aspiration System in Chondrodystrophic Dogs with Thoracolumbar Disk Extrusion: A Descriptive Cadaveric and Clinical Study
Authors: Forterre Franck , Dickomeit Mark , Senn David , Gorgas Daniela , Spreng David
Published: December 2010

Objective:To describe an ultrasonic surgical aspirator assisted disk fenestration technique in dogs.

Study design:Descriptive cadaveric and prospective clinical study.

Animals:Fresh Beagle cadavers (n=5) and 10 chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion.

Methods:Cadaveric study: Intervertebral disks T12‐L2 were fenestrated with the CUSA Excel in 5 Beagle cadavers, and fenestration efficacy assessed by morphologic examination of the completeness of fenestration and size of annulotomy. Clinical study: the affected intervertebral disk was fenestrated in 10 chondrodystrophic dogs treated by hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar disk disease. Efficacy of fenestration was evaluated.

Results:Mean time necessary to perform CUSA assisted fenestration was 8 minutes (range, 5‐10 minutes) for each disk in cadavers and patients. In cadaver spines, removal of the nucleus pulposus was complete in 11/15 disks. In 4 disks, remnants of nucleus pulposus material were observed on the contralateral side. Nuclear material was normal in 9/15 disks and showed evidence of chondroid degeneration on histopathologic examination in the 6 disks. Median annulotomy size was 3 mm. Clinically, no signs of early recurrence were observed and all dogs recovered uneventfully.

Conclusions:CUSA assisted fenestration is a safe and efficient method of fenestration for removal of most of the nucleus pulposus through a limited annulotomy.
A New Heterolobosean Amoeba Solumitrus palustris n. g., n. sp. Isolated from Freshwater Marsh Soil
Authors: ANDERSON O. ROGER , WANG WEN , FAUCHER SEBASTIEN P. , BI KERAN , SHUMAN HOWARD A.
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT. During the course of research on the bacterial feeding behavior and resistance of amoebae to virulent pathogens, we isolated a new strain of amoeba from organic rich soil at the margin of freshwater swamp in the northeastern United States. Light microscopic morphology is characteristically heterolobosean, resembling vahlkampfiids, including a broadened, limax shape, and eruptive locomotion, but occasionally becoming more contracted and less elongated with lateral or anterior bulges and somewhat branching sparse, uroidal filaments. Electron microscopic evidence, including mitochondria with flattened cristae surrounded by rough endoplasmic reticulum, further indicates a heterolobosean affinity. The solitary nucleus contains a centrally located nucleolus. Cysts are rounded with occasionally an eccentrically located nucleus. The cyst walls are relatively thin, becoming crenated, and loosely enclosing the cyst when mature. Molecular genetic evidence places this isolate among the Heterolobosea, branching most closely in a clade including Allovahlkampfia spelaea and previously isolated, un‐named strains of soil amoebae. Based on differentiated features, including morphology of the uroid, cyst wall structure, and molecular genetic evidence that distinguish it from A. spelaea, a new genus and species, Solumitrus palustris, is proposed for this new heterolobosean.
Another Chloromyxid Lineage: Molecular Phylogeny and Redescription of Chloromyxum careni from the Asian Horned frog Megophrys nasuta
Authors: JIRKŮ MILOSLAV , BARTOŠOVÁ PAVLA , KODÁDKOVÁ ALENA , MUTSCHMANN FRANK
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT. Infection with Chloromyxum careni Mutschmann, 1999 was found in the Asian horned frog Megophrys nasuta from Malaysia and Indonesia. Kidney was the only organ infected. Coelozoic plasmodia up to 300 μm were localized in Bowman's space, embracing the glomerulus from all sides, or rarely in lumina of renal tubules. Plasmodia are polysporic, containing disporic pansporoblasts. Myxospores observed by light microscopy are colorless, variable in shape and size, measuring 6.0–8.5 × 5.0–6.5 μm, composed of two symmetrical valves joined by a meridian suture, containing four pyriform polar capsules 3.0–4.0 × 2.5–3.0 μm and a single sporoplasm. Each valve possesses 14–24 (median 21) fine longitudinal ridges clearly visible only in scanning electron microscopy. Rarely, atypical spores with a markedly pointed posterior pole and only 6–10 surface ridges are present in plasmodia together with typical spores. Both small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene sequences possess extremely long GU‐rich inserts. In all SSU and LSU rDNA‐based phylogenetic analyses, C. careni clustered as a distinct basal branch to the Myxobolus+Myxidium lieberkuehni clade, out of the marine Chloromyxum clade containing Chloromyxum leydigi, the type species of the genus. These morphological and phylogenetic data suggest erection of a new genus for the C. careni lineage, but we conservatively treat it as a Chloromyxum sensu lato until more information is available.
Patterns of 5′ Untranslated Region Length Distribution in Encephalitozoon cuniculi: Implications for Gene Regulation and Potential Links Between Transcription and Splicing
Authors: GRISDALE CAMERON J. , FAST NAOMI M.
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a eukaryotic intracellular parasite belonging to the group Microsporidia, has a highly reduced and compacted genome. Its mRNA transcripts have been found to differ between the two life stages, the spore and meront, of the parasite. Spore transcripts generally have more transcription start sites, longer 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs), and overlap more frequently with upstream genes than those of meronts. A previous analysis of 31 meront gene transcripts showed that most have short 5′UTRs, and intron‐containing genes, mostly ribosomal protein genes, exclusively have very short 5′UTRs. Here we analyzed a larger set of transcripts from meronts, and we find a pattern of 5′UTR length distribution similar to other reduced genomes. There is an abundance of very short 5′UTRs that are <20 bp in length, and very few 5′UTRs that are much longer. We also find a relationship between gene categories and 5′UTR length: intron‐containing genes and ribosomal protein genes have exclusively short 5′UTRs. We suggest that the abundance of short 5′UTRs may be related to a class of highly expressed genes that benefit the parasite's growth cycle. Also, the longer 5′UTRs may be playing a role in down‐regulating expression of genes that require temporal or environment‐induced expression.
An explanation for the slopes of stellar cusps in galaxy spheroids
Authors: Hopkins Philip F. , Quataert Eliot
Published: December 2010

The stellar surface mass density profiles at the centres of typical ∼ L* and lower mass spheroids exhibit power-law ‘cusps’ with Σ ∝ R−η, where 0.5 ≲ η ≲ 1 for radii ∼1–100 pc. Observations and theory support models in which these cusps are formed by dissipative gas inflows and nuclear starbursts in gas-rich mergers. At these comparatively large radii, stellar relaxation is unlikely to account for, or strongly modify, the cuspy stellar profiles. We argue that the power-law surface density profiles observed are a natural consequence of the gravitational instabilities that dominate angular momentum transport in the gravitational potential of a central massive black hole. The dominant mode at these radii is an m = 1 lopsided/eccentric disc instability, in which stars torquing the gas can drive rapid inflow and accretion. Such a mode first generically appears at large radii and propagates inwards by exciting eccentricities at smaller and smaller radii, where M*(< R) ≪MBH. When the stellar surface density profile is comparatively shallow with η < 1/2, the modes cannot efficiently propagate to R = 0 and so gas piles up and star formation steepens the profile. But if the profile is steeper than η= 1, the inward propagation of eccentricity is strongly damped, suppressing inflow and bringing η down again. Together these results produce an equilibrium slope of 1/2 ≲η≲ 1 in the potential of the central black hole. These physical arguments are supported by non-linear numerical simulations of gas inflow in galactic nuclei. Together, these results naturally explain the observed stellar density profiles of ‘cusp’ elliptical galaxies.
Financial Planning and Investor Communications at GE (With a Look at Why We Ended Earnings Guidance)*
Authors: Sherin Keith
Published: December 2010

In this edited version of a talk given at a conference of accounting academics and corporate practitioners, the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of General Electric describes the company's internal budgeting and financial planning process, and how the information generated by this process is communicated to investors. The company's business model—the common thread running through all its different businesses—is to make large investments in technology that make possible the firm's equipment sales, which in turn provide the basis for a profitable long‐term services business. The main role of the company's internal analysis and planning process is to help management allocate capital in a way that produces long‐run growth in revenues and earnings but, most important, a competitive return on investor capital.

Another major aim of the company's planning process is to help management identify and manage major risks that could interfere with management's ability to carry out its strategic investments and goals. The company's focus on risk management is both reflected in, and facilitated by, a forecasting process that puts less emphasis on the accuracy of “point estimates” and pays greater attention to the range and distribution of possible outcomes. “What we really care about,” as the author says, “is the quality of the thinking and the dialogue among our managers that takes place around the forecasting process.”

And it is the output of these internal processes, and “the quality of the thinking and dialogue” behind it, that are “the essence of what the company is trying to communicate to analysts and investors.” Instead of holding up quarterly earnings targets—a practice the company ended in 2008—management's communications with investors are intended to create “a continuous flow of information and feedback about the ongoing performance, investment opportunities, and risks confronting the firm.” In the author's words, “Ending the firm's longstanding practice of holding up earnings target s to the Street, and then trying to meet them, helped us rid ourselves of needless pressures and burdens… that can get in the way of managing for long‐run growth and profitability.”
Maintaining a Flexible Payout Policy in a Mature Industry: The Case of Crown Cork and Seal in the Connelly Era
Authors: Ang James , Arnold Tom , Conover C. Mitchell , Lancaster Carol
Published: December 2010

This case study suggests that the payment of cash dividends may not be essential to the long‐run success of even mature companies. A mature company in a mature industry, the Crown Cork and Seal Company did not pay any common dividends during John Connelly's 33‐year tenure as chairman and CEO. During that period (from 1957 to 1990), the company used stock repurchases along with a compensation policy featuring low executive salaries and generous executive stock options to motivate and execute a focused business strategy.

Under the leadership of Connelly, Crown was rescued from what appeared to be certain bankruptcy to become one of the most profitable firms in its industry. Debt was immediately paid down, preferred stock was retired, and the firm's operations were revamped and streamlined. Instead of following the diversification strategies of larger industry peers, Crown's strategy was focused and driven by profit margin and customer service. This strategy eventually led Crown to invest internationally and acquire one of its major rivals.

In addition to significant equity ownership by Crown's management and board members, the company's board had a remarkable number of “outsiders” and representatives from international operations, creating a culture that was outward‐looking as well as cohesive. And without paying a dollar of dividends—a practice that many finance scholars believe imposes a necessary discipline on mature companies—Crown both preserved its financing flexibility and produced a remarkable record of increases in both profits and market value.
Is Carl Icahn Good for Long‐Term Shareholders? A Case Study in Shareholder Activism
Authors: Venkiteshwaran Vinod , Iyer Subramanian R. , Rao Ramesh P.
Published: December 2010

The increase in activist campaigns by entrepreneurial investors and hedge funds in the past decade has raised considerable debate about their benefits for average shareholders. Although critics have longed charged that the proposals for change by such active investors typically do not increase the longer‐run efficiency and values of the targeted companies, more recent studies have provided evidence of success, both in terms of increasing the market value of such companies and achieving at least some of the investors' expressed objectives.

This article attempts to add to these findings by examining the case of a single well‐known investor, Carl Icahn, whose career as a shareholder activist now spans at least three decades. The authors report, first of all, that Icahn's targets have included companies from a remarkable variety of industries, and that his stated objectives have varied with the industries of the targets. Although more of Icahn's targets appear to have been overleveraged than underleveraged, a significant minority have had payouts ratios that were judged to be too low and more cash than they needed.

In terms of Icahn's effect on other shareholders, the authors report a significant positive stock price reaction—on the order of 10%—to the announcement of Icahn's taking a position in the target firm. When examining the subsequent performance of the target firms, the authors found a very large difference between those firms that were either taken private or acquired (within 18 months)—over a third of the target companies—and those that remained independent. The authors report that although the acquired group achieved significant positive stock market returns, the firms that remained independent suffered very negative (‐60%) returns. Although Icahn's proposed changes could be responsible, as critics charge, for the performance of the latter group, the authors suggest that the success of many of these companies in fending off Icahn without enacting most of his proposed reforms is a more plausible explanation. At the same time, the authors report that Icahn was successful in achieving at least one of his stated objectives in well over half of the cases in which the target companies remained independent.