bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal Growth Velocity, Size in Early Life and Adolescence, and Prediction of Bone Mass: Association to the GH–IGF Axis
Authors: Jensen Rikke Beck , Vielwerth Signe , Frystyk Jan , Veldhuis Johannes , Larsen Torben , Mølgaard Christian , Greisen Gorm , Juul Anders
Published: October 2007

Poor growth in early life is associated with numerous adverse outcomes later in life. In 123 adolescents 16–18 yr of age, the previous findings of a positive relation between size in early life and later bone mass was confirmed. These associations were mediated by the current height and weight, but it was not confirmed that alterations of the GH–IGF axis cause this.

Introduction: Numerous studies have found associations between low birth weight and disease later in life, including decreased bone mass.

Materials and Methods: A longitudinal cohort of 16- to 19-year-old adolescents (n = 123) with data on third trimester fetal growth velocity (FGV) was assessed by serial ultrasound measurements, birth weight (BW), and weight at 1 yr. A follow-up study included DXA scan, anthropometric measurements, and measurements of the growth hormone (GH) –IGF-I axis in a representative subpopulation (n = 30).

Results: BW and weight at 1 yr were positively associated with whole body BMC (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively), lumbar spine BMC (p = 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively), and lumbar spine BMD (p = 0.04). After correction for adolescent height and weight, no association remained significant. There was no relation between IGF-I and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels in adolescence and size in early life or bone mass. In the subpopulation, GH secretion (median, 2.58 versus 4.05), GH pulse mass (median, 10.7 versus 19.4 mU/liter), and total GH (median, 74.9 versus 108.8 mU/liter/12 h) were decreased in the small for gestational age (SGA) group compared with the appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group; this did not reach statistical significance. Likewise, there were no differences in IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-1, −2, and −3 levels between the SGA and AGA groups. A statistically significant positive association between FGV and adolescent IGF-II was found (B = 199.9, p = 0.006). Significant negative associations between GH measurement and BMC, as well as BMD, were found (B = −0.008, p = 0.005 and B = −0.008, p = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusions: This study confirms the previous findings of a positive relation between size in early life and later BMC, an association apparently independent of the distal part of the GH/IGF-I axis. However, this association may be mediated mainly by postnatal growth determining size of the skeletal envelope rather than an effect of fetal programming on bone mass per se.
Evaluation of Mammalian Cell-free Systems of Nuclear Disassembly and Assembly
Authors: Vaillant Dominique C. , Paulin-Levasseur Micheline
Published: October 2007

Mammalian cell-free systems are very useful for the biochemical and structural study of nuclear disassembly and assembly. Through experimental manipulations, the role of specific proteins in these processes can be studied. Recently, we intended to examine the involvement of integral and peripheral inner nuclear membrane proteins in nuclear disassembly and assembly. However, we could not achieve proper disassembly when isolated interphase HeLa nuclei were exposed to mitotic soluble extracts obtained from the same cell line and containing cyclin B1. Homogenates of synchronized mitotic HeLa cells left to reassemble their nuclei generated incomplete nuclear envelopes on chromatin masses. Digitonin-permeabilized mitotic cells also assembled incomplete nuclei, generating a lot of cytoplasmic inclusions of inner nuclear membrane proteins as an intermediate. These results were therefore used as a basis for a critical evaluation of mammalian cell-free systems. We present here evidence that cell synchronization itself can interfere with the progress of nuclear assembly, possibly by causing aberrant nuclear disassembly and/or by inducing the formation of an abnormal number of mitotic spindles.
One-Dimensional Compression Tests on Stabilized Clays Incorporating Shear Wave Velocity Measurements
Authors: Hird Charles , Chan Chee-Ming
Published: October 2007

Laboratory experiments were carried out on stabilized clays to study the relationship between shear wave velocity and one-dimensional compressibility. One artificial clay, kaolin, and two natural clays, from Malaysia and Sweden, were tested. These were stabilized with either Ordinary Portland cement or a 1+1 mix of cement and unslaked lime. A purpose-built oedometer was equipped with bender elements in order to monitor the shear wave velocity during tests on 100-mm diameter, 70-mm high samples cured for a set period of seven days. Lateral stresses were also measured. Supplementary tests were conducted in standard oedometers, mainly to study the effect of the curing period. In all these tests vertical yield stresses were identified and corresponded to the onset of changes in shear wave velocity, when measured. After yield, the constrained moduli could be correlated with shear wave velocity.
Contribution of Imitative Suicide to the Suicide Rate in Prisons
Authors: McKenzie Nigel , Keane Michael
Published: October 2007

Suicide rates in prisons are high. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of imitative suicide to the prison suicide rate. We used Knox tests for space‐time clustering in a case register of natural and self‐inflicted deaths in prisons in England and Wales and model simulations to estimate the effect size. We found significant space‐time clustering among 657 self‐inflicted deaths in 90 prisons over 10 years but no space‐time clustering among 430 deaths from natural causes in 87 prisons over this period. Model simulations with an imitation rate of 5.8% (CI 1%‐11%) reproduced the observed space‐time clustering.
A Cluster Analysis of the Circumstances of Death in Suicides in Hong Kong
Authors: Chen Eric Y.H. , Chan Wincy S.C. , Chan Sandra S.M. , Liu Ka Y. , Chan Cecilia L.W. , Wong Paul W.C. , Law Y. W. , Yip Paul S.F.
Published: October 2007

Classification of suicides is essential for clinicians to better identify self‐harm patients with future suicidal risks. This study examined potential subtypes of suicide in a psychological autopsy sample (N = 148) in Hong Kong. Hierarchical cluster analysis extracted two subgroups of subjects in terms of expressed deliberation assessed by the Beck Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). The first group was associated with charcoal burning suicide, no psychiatric illness, indebtedness, better problem‐solving ability, chronic stress, and higher overall SIS scores. The second group was associated with jumping from a height, psychotic disorders, psychiatric treatment, acute stress, and lower overall SIS score. The existence of a substantial cluster of subjects with lower expressed intent and preparation has important implications for the performance of the SIS as a predictive tool. Suicide prevention strategy may have to target potential subgroups with specific approaches.
Depression Moderated the Effect of Exposure to Suicide News on Suicidality among College Students in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Szu‐hua , Ko Huei‐chen , Wu Jo Yung‐Wei
Published: October 2007

The present study was designed to examine whether age, gender, and depression level may moderate the effect of exposure to suicide news on the suicidality of college students in Taiwan. A representative sample of 3,222 college students were recruited from Southern Taiwan with a total of 2,602 useable surveys returned. Results showed that only depression level reached a significant moderating effect and further examination showed that the exposure to suicide news significantly predicted suicidality solely in the severely depressed group.
A Decrease in Suicide Rates in Japanese Rural Towns after Community‐Based Intervention by the Health Promotion Approach
Authors: Motohashi Yutaka , Kaneko Yoshihiro , Sasaki Hisanaga , Yamaji Masako
Published: October 2007

A community‐based intervention study for suicide prevention was conducted in six towns (total population 43,964) in Akita Prefecture of Japan according to a quasi‐experimental design to reduce suicide rates in rural towns. Public awareness raising activities using a health promotion approach emphasizing the empowerment of residents and civic participation were conducted. The welfare measures of promoting a sense of purpose among senior citizens and creating a community network were also taken. As a result, the suicide rate per 100,000 in the intervention towns decreased from 70.8 before intervention (1999) to 34.1 after intervention (2004). The suicide rate per 100,000 in the control towns was 47.8 before intervention and 49.1 after intervention.
Verdi versus Victor Maurel on Falstaff: Twelve New Verdi Letters and Other Operatic and Musical Theater Sources
Authors: Henson Karen
Published: October 2007

This article introduces twelve new Verdi letters and other operatic and musical theater sources in the Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings. The materials hail from the French baritone Victor Maurel (1848-1923), Verdi's first Iago and first Falstaff, and from his second wife, the musical theater librettist and screenwriter Frederique Rosine de Gresac (1866/7-1943). The letters and other sources constitute an important resource for not only nineteenth-century opera and operatic performance but also the early American musical, film studies, the history of women, even the history of celebrity. The Verdi letters concern Maurel's creation of the role of Falstaff and include a intriguing debate about preparing for the role and singing generally.
Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Johnson Chris Plauché , Myers Scott M. ,   and the Council on Children With Disabilities
Published: October 2007

Autism spectrum disorders are not rare; many primary care pediatricians care for several children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatricians play an important role in early recognition of autism spectrum disorders, because they usually are the first point of contact for parents. Parents are now much more aware of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders because of frequent coverage in the media; if their child demonstrates any of the published signs, they will most likely raise their concerns to their child's pediatrician. It is important that pediatricians be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and have a strategy for assessing them systematically. Pediatricians also must be aware of local resources that can assist in making a definitive diagnosis of, and in managing, autism spectrum disorders. The pediatrician must be familiar with developmental, educational, and community resources as well as medical subspecialty clinics. This clinical report is 1 of 2 documents that replace the original American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement and technical report published in 2001. This report addresses background information, including definition, history, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, early signs, neuropathologic aspects, and etiologic possibilities in autism spectrum disorders. In addition, this report provides an algorithm to help the pediatrician develop a strategy for early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders. The accompanying clinical report addresses the management of children with autism spectrum disorders and follows this report on page 1162 [available at www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/120/5/1162]. Both clinical reports are complemented by the toolkit titled “Autism: Caring for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Resource Toolkit for Clinicians,” which contains screening and surveillance tools, practical forms, tables, and parent handouts to assist the pediatrician in the identification, evaluation, and management of autism spectrum disorders in children.
Ventricular Fibrillation and the Use of Automated External Defibrillators on Children
Authors: Markenson David , Pyles Lee , Neish Steve ,   and the Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
Published: October 2007

This Technical Report was retired June 2011.

The use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has been advocated in recent years as a part of the chain of survival to improve outcomes for adult cardiac arrest victims. When AEDs first entered the market, they were not tested for pediatric usage and rhythm interpretation. In addition, the presumption was that children do not experience ventricular fibrillation, so they would not benefit from use of AEDs. Recent literature has shown that children do experience ventricular fibrillation, and this rhythm has a better outcome than do other cardiac arrest rhythms. At the same time, the arrhythmia software on AEDs has become more extensive and validated for children, and attenuation devices have become available to downregulate the energy delivered by AEDs to allow their use in children. Pediatricians are now being asked whether AED programs should be implemented, and where they are being implemented, pediatricians are being asked to provide guidance on the use of AEDs in children. As AED programs expand, pediatricians must advocate on behalf of children so that their needs are accounted for in these programs. For pediatricians to be able to provide guidance and ensure that children are included in AED programs, it is important for pediatricians to know how AEDs work, be up-to-date on the literature regarding pediatric fibrillation and energy delivery, and understand the role of AEDs as life-saving interventions for children.
The first ten years: achievements and challenges of the Brazilian program of universal access to HIV/AIDS comprehensive management and care, 1996-2006
Authors: Hacker Mariana A. , Kaida Angela , Hogg Robert S. , Bastos Francisco I.
Published: October 2007

A review was carried out of papers published between 1996 and 2006, documenting the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in Brazil. Papers indexed in the MEDLINE and SciELO databases were retrieved using different combinations of keywords related to the management and care of AIDS in the post-HAART era: opportunistic diseases and co-infections, adherence to therapy, survival in the pre- and post-HAART eras, adverse events and side-effects, emergence and possible transmission of resistant viral strains, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and issues related to access to care and equity. The review documents the dramatic changes in HIV/AIDS disease progression in the post-HAART era, including an increase in survival and quality of life and a pronounced decrease in the episodes of opportunistic diseases. Notwithstanding such major achievements, new challenges have emerged, including slow evolving co-infections (such as hepatitis C, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders), the emergence of viral resistance, with consequences at the individual level (virological failure) and the community level (primary/secondary resistance at the population level), and impacts on the cost of new therapeutic regimens.
The relevance of social network analysis on the epidemiology and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
Authors: Périssé André Reynaldo Santos , Nery José Augusto da Costa
Published: October 2007

Historically, the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) has been based on individual attributes and behavior. However, STD constitute a good example of diseases that depend on personal contacts for dissemination. Social network analysis is a relatively new technique that studies the interactions among people. Since 1985 when it was first used for STD, some studies have been done using the technique, especially in the last 10 years. The two network-based designs, sociocentric or complete networks and egocentric or personal networks, are currently recognized as important tools for a better understanding of STD's dynamic. Here an overview is presented of social network analysis: the technique, its use, and its limitations. Ethical considerations regarding social network analyses are also briefly discussed.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV: risk factors and missed opportunities for prevention among pregnant women attending health services in Goiânia, Goiás State, Brazil
Authors: Turchi Marília Dalva , Duarte Lucélia da Silva , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi
Published: October 2007

The objectives of this study were to estimate the risk of vertical HIV transmission and assess the associated factors and missed opportunities for prevention in a cohort of HIV+ pregnant women (1995-2001) treated in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, with follow-up of their children until 2005. Three data sources were compared: Information System on Reportable Diseases (SINAN), Information System on HIV+ Pregnant Women and Exposed Children (SISGHIV), and patient clinical charts. The study estimated the vertical transmission rates, factors associated with vertical transmission, and use of antiretroviral therapy. 276 HIV+ women were identified (322 pregnancies), and there were 70 HIV+ children. Overall risk of vertical HIV transmission was 27.8%. The vertical transmission rate was 40.8% in the group without prophylaxis and 1% in the group with adequate prophylaxis, i.e., a 97.5% reduction in transmission risk. Year of delivery, consultation with a specialist, and no history of injecting drug use were factors associated with adequate use of antiretroviral therapy. The study showed an important reduction in the risk of vertical transmission in pregnant women who received adequate therapy, besides identifying missed opportunities for prevention.
Costs of care provided in a university hospital for children exposed to or infected with the HIV/AIDS
Authors: Marques Heloisa Helena de Sousa , Couttolenc Bernard François , Latorre Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira , Aquino Maria Zilda de , Aveiro Maria Ignez Garcia , Pluciennik Ana Maria Aratangy
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study was to estimate and analyze the costs of treating children with HIV/AIDS at a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study collected and analyzed data from 291 medical records of children treated at the hospital as of March 2002. The costs of treatment were estimated for each category of patient (exposed and infected) and severity, based on the quantity of inputs and procedures used in treating each child, based on the cost accounting system used at the hospital. The total cost of treatment for children exposed to the HIV was R$ 956.41 and for those infected with HIV R$ 8,092.71 per year. The mean cost of ambulatory care was R$ 6,047.28 for children with severe conditions, R$ 3,714.45 for those with light/moderate conditions, and R$ 948.63 for the exposed. Hospitalized children had annual costs of R$ 19,353.34, R$ 18,823.16, and R$ 871.03, respectively. The medication was a major factor in the cost of treatment. Our estimates are comparable to the findings from other studies, but lower than corresponding findings from the international literature.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in children: a study of prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Wachholz Neiva Isabel Raffo , Ferreira Jair
Published: October 2007

The survival of children with AIDS has increased considerably with the use of more effective antiretrovirals, but the benefits of this therapy are limited by the difficulty of adherence to the treatment. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of non-adherence to antiretrovirals among children residents in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and identifying associated factors. There were 194 child caregivers interviewed. The technique utilized to evaluate adherence allowed the detection of lack of understanding of the prescribed antiretroviral regimens, as well as conscious loss of doses. Non-adherence was defined when the child had taken less than 80% of the prescribed medication during the 24h period prior to the interview. A general prevalence of non-adherence was 49.5%, which was higher than that estimated. The non-institutional caregivers had a prevalence rate of 55.7%, while the institutional caregivers had 22.2%. In multivariate analysis, the education of the caregiver was found to have a borderline association with the outcome. Institutionalized children and those taken care of by people with a higher educational level appeared to have more protection against non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
AIDS by mother-to-child transmission: survival analysis of cases followed from 1983 to 2002 in different regions of Brazil
Authors: Matida Luiza Harunari , Ramos Jr. Alberto Novaes , Moncau José Eduardo Cajado , Marcopito Luiz Francisco , Marques Heloisa Helena de Sousa , Succi Regina Célia Menezes , Della Negra Marinella , Hearst Norman
Published: October 2007

Antiretroviral therapy contributes to decreasing morbidity and mortality, and ultimately to increasing survival. In Brazil, there are regional differences in HIV epidemiology regarding pregnant women and children with HIV/AIDS. This study evaluates survival time after AIDS diagnosis in 914 children infected by mother-to-child transmission, reported between 1983 and 1998 and followed until 2002, in Brazil's five regions. Time between birth and HIV diagnosis decreased over the years, mainly in the South and Southeast Regions. There was a significant improvement in survival; more than 75% of cases were still living four years after diagnosis in the 1997-1998 group. This Brazilian study demonstrates that even with regional inequalities in health care infrastructure it is possible for a developing country to establish an effective system of universal and free access to antiretroviral therapy that produces a significant increase in survival for children with AIDS.
AIDS mortality, "race or color", and social inequality in a context of universal access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Brazil, 1999-2004
Authors: Fonseca Maria Goretti P. , Lucena Francisca de Fátima A. , Sousa Artur de , Bastos Francisco I.
Published: October 2007

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a substantial increase in the survival of people living with AIDS, despite heterogeneities among individuals from different socioeconomic strata. The present paper analyzes AIDS deaths in Brazil during a period in which HAART became a key treatment regimen, exploring the hypothesis that "race or color" defines one dimension of socioeconomic inequality in Brazil. AIDS mortality, stratified by gender and "race or color", was calculated using data from the National Mortality System. The rates were highest among individuals classified as "black" and lower among those classified as "mixed-race", with a continuous increase among the later from 1999 to 2004 for men and women. Among individuals classified as "white", mortality rates remained stable among men, but not women. Median age at death among "mixed-race" individuals was lower for both men and women. Differential trends according to gender and "race or color" were highlighted by the present study, indicating the pressing need to further explore the underlying factors that might explain different mortality rates in a context of universal access.
Doing battle with a noun
Authors: Crichton Jonathan
Published: October 2007

Studies from a range of disciplinary perspectives have highlighted how the public rhetoric of the Bush administration has shaped the representation of the conflict which has followed 9/11. However, the literature in this area raises but does not itself address the question of how the administration’s use of ‘terror’, ‘terrorism’ and ‘terrorist(s)’ contributes to this representation. This paper addresses the question by providing a preliminary analysis of how these terms participate in the grammar of twelve of George W. Bush’s speeches since 9/11. Drawing on Systemic Functional Grammar, the analysis suggests that ‘terror’ has become interchangeable with ‘terrorism’ and ‘terrorist(s)’, resulting in the personification of ‘terror’ as an abstract agent. The implications of this construction are explored in relation to the literature on the rhetoric associated with the ‘war on terror’.
Girl – lass or curl?
Authors: Norrby Catrin Elisabeth , Håkansson Gisela
Published: October 2007

One of the ways to investigate the mental lexicon is to use word association tests. Empirical studies comparing associations by children and adults have indicated a tendency for children to give syntagmatic responses, whereas adults give paradigmatic responses. In order to investigate lexical development in L2 acquisition of Swedish we collected data from two groups of students, one in MalmÖ, Sweden and one in Melbourne. Part of the Melbourne group also took the association test in their L1 six months later. Native speakers were used as a control group. The results demonstrate that learners in general tend to focus more on form than content compared to native speakers. This trend was particularly strong for the L2 group in Melbourne who also exhibited more variation in their responses compared to the L2 group in Sweden and the NS control group.
The effect of tributyltin on human eosinophylic leukemia EoL-1 cells
Authors: Sroka Jolanta , Włosiak Przemysław , Wilk Anna , Antonik Justyna , Czyż Jarosław , Madeja Zbigniew
Published: October 2007

Organotin compounds are chemicals that are widely used in industry and agriculture as plastic stabilizers, catalysts and biocides. Many of them, including tributyltin (TBT), have been detected in human food and, as a consequence, detectable levels have been found in human blood. As organotin compounds were shown to possess immunotoxic activity, we focused our attention on the effect of TBT on the basic determinants of the function of eosinophils, i.e. cell adhesiveness and motility. We used human eosinophylic leukemia EoL-1 cells, a common in vitro cellular model of human eosinophils. Here, we demonstrate that TBT causes a dose-dependent decrease in the viability of EoL-1 cells. When administered at sub-lethal concentrations, TBT significantly decreases the adhesion of EoL-1 cells to human fibroblasts (HSFs) and inhibits their migration on fibroblast surfaces. Since the basic function of eosinophils is to invade inflamed tissues, our results indicate that TBT, and possibly other organotin compounds, may affect major cellular properties involved in the determination of in vivo eosinophil function.
The transcription reinitiation properties of RNA polymerase III in the absence of transcription factors
Authors: Ferrari Roberto , Dieci Giorgio
Published: October 2007

Transcription reinitiation by RNA polymerase (Pol) III proceeds through facilitated recycling, a process by which the terminating Pol III, assisted by the transcription factors TFIIIB and TFIIIC, rapidly reloads onto the same transcription unit. To get further insight into the Pol III transcription mechanism, we analyzed the kinetics of transcription initiation and reinitiation of a simplified in vitro transcription system consisting only of Pol III and template DNA. The data indicates that, in the absence of transcription factors, first-round transcription initiation by Pol III proceeds at a normal rate, while facilitated reinitiation during subsequent cycles is compromised.
Syntaxin 8 has two functionally distinct di-leucine-based motifs
Authors: Kasai Kazuo , Suga Kei , Izumi Tetsuro , Akagawa Kimio
Published: October 2007

Syntaxin 8 has been shown to form the SNARE complex with syntaxin 7, vti1b and endobrevin. These have been shown to function as the machinery for the homotypic fusion of late endosomes. Recently, we showed that syntaxins 7 and 8 cycle through the plasma membrane, and that the di-leucine-based motifs in the cytoplasmic domain of syntaxins 7 and 8 respectively function in their endocytic and exocytic processes. However, we could not elucidate the mechanism by which syntaxin 8 cycles through the plasma membrane. In this study, we constructed several different syntaxin 8 molecules by mutating putative di-leucine-based motifs, and analyzed their intracellular localization and trafficking. We found a di-leucine-based motif in the cytoplasmic domain of syntaxin 8. It is similar to that of syntaxin 7, and functions in its endocytosis. These results suggest that in the cytoplasmic domain, syntaxin 8 has two functionally distinct di-leucine-based motifs that act independently in its endocytic and exocytic processes. This is the first report on two di-leucine-based motifs in the same molecule acting independently in distinct transport pathways.
Accumulation of aquaporin-1 during hemolysininduced necrotic cell death
Authors: Schweitzer Kelly , Li Erran , Sidhaye Venkataramana , Leitch Virginia , Kuznetsov Sergey , King Landon
Published: October 2007

Altered tissue water homeostasis may contribute to edema formation during various stresses including bacterial infection. We observed induction of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) during Staphylococcus aureus infection of cultured cells indicating a potential mechanism underlying altered water homeostasis during infection. To investigate mechanisms of AQP1 induction, we examined the effects of the S. aureus α-hemolysin on AQP1 abundance in Balb/c fibroblasts. Fibroblasts incubated with 30 μg/ml hemolysin exhibited a 5–10 fold increase in AQP1 protein within 4-6 hours of exposure. The use of multiple signaling cascade inhibitors failed to affect hemolysin-mediated accumulation of AQP1. However, immunoprecipitation revealed an initial accumulation of ubiquitinated AQP1 followed by a decrease to baseline levels after 4 hours. Immunofluorescence indicated that following hemolysin exposure, AQP1 was no longer on the plasma membrane, but was found in a population of submembrane vacuoles. AQP1 redistribution was further indicated by surface biotinylation experiments suggesting diminished AQP1 abundance on the plasma membrane as well as redistribution out of lipid raft fractions. Live cell confocal microscopy revealed that the pattern of cell volume change observed following hemolysin exposure was altered in cells in which AQP1 was silenced. We conclude that alpha-toxin alters proteasomal processing and leads to intracellular accumulation of AQP1, which may likely contribute to disrupted cell volume homeostasis in infection.
Principles of VCSEL designing
Authors: Nakwaski W.
Published: October 2007

Comprehensive computer simulations are currently the most efficient and cheap methods in designing and optimisation of semiconductor device structures. Seemingly they should be as exact as possible, but in practice it is well known that the most exact approaches are also the most involved and the most time-consuming ones and need powerful computers. In some cases, cheaper somewhat simplified modelling simulations are sufficiently accurate. Therefore, an appropriate modelling approach should be chosen taking into account a compromise between our needs and our possibilities.

Modelling of operation and designing of structures of vertical-cavity surface-emitting diode lasers (VCSELs) requires appropriate mathematical description of physical processes crucial for devices operation, i.e., various optical, electrical, thermal, recombination and sometimes also mechanical phenomena taking place within their volumes. Equally important are mutual interactions between above individual processes, usually strongly non-linear and creating a real network of various inter-relations.

Chain is as strong as its weakest link. Analogously, model is as exact as its less exact part. Therefore it is useless to improve exactness of its more accurate parts and not to care about less exact ones. All model parts should exhibit similar accuracy. In any individual case, a reasonable compromise should be reached between high modelling fidelity and its practical convenience depending on a main modelling goal, importance and urgency of expected results, available equipment and also financial possibilities. In the present paper, some simplifications used in VCSEL modelling are discussed and their impact on exactness of VCSEL designing is analysed.
Increasing resolution of digital images using edge-based approach
Authors: Świerczyński Z. , Rokita P.
Published: October 2007

This paper presents the results of our research aimed at obtaining new methods for increasing resolution of digital images giving better visual results. Classification of these methods and implementation of some algorithms is also shortly presented here. The main part of the paper presents modification and development of the new methods. Main new feature, which we added to the interpolation algorithms, consists in taking into consideration in the final image (i.e., after interpolation at high resolution) the edges detected in the original image (i.e., before interpolation). Summing an image and its properly processed edges in the interpolation process enables us to get final image characterized by better sharpness with simultaneous precise presentation of the image details interpolated to higher resolution.
Photoinduced Surface Alignment for Optical Thin Films and Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Studer Peggy , Bachels Thomas
Published: October 2007

Over the past few years, photoinduced surface alignment of liquid crystal layers has evolved into a mature technology which enables the production of high-quality liquid crystal displays and functional optical thin films. Owing to its versatile possibilities to control the azimuthal
and polar orientation of liquid crystals without mechanical intervention, photoalignment (PA) brings along considerable advantages over alternative alignment methods and opens up a plethora of novel applications. Improved optical performances, high production throughputs and yield increases
are additional benefits of this technology. PA materials undergoing anisotropic photochemical crosslinking reactions have now reached technological maturity and are entering the market on a large commercial scale.
Oxidation of Aquatic Organic Contaminants Induced by Excited Triplet States
Authors: Canonica Silvio
Published: October 2007

The developments of the last fifteen years in the field of triplet-induced degradation of aquatic organic contaminants are reviewed. There is increasing evidence that the elusive excited triplet states of colored dissolved natural organic matter (CDOM) initiate the oxidative degradation
of various contaminants. To date, phenols, phenylurea herbicides, and sulfonamide antibiotics have been shown to be affected by such an oxidation. The parallel study of aqueous oxidation of target contaminants induced by excited triplet states of aromatic ketones, taken as model systems, has
been useful in understanding the action of triplet CDOM and in developing predictive tools to assess aquatic oxidation rates of such contaminants.
Controlled Light-Induced Release of Volatile Aldehydes and Ketones by Photofragmentation of 2-Oxo-(2-phenyl)acetates
Authors: Levrand Barbara , Herrmann Andreas
Published: October 2007

The light-induced controlled release of fragrances from photolabile 2-oxo-(2-phenyl)acetates via Norrish Type II photofragmentation was evaluated by irradiation of the precursors in different solvents and on cotton in a typical fabric softener application. The desired photooxidation
was found to work efficiently in water-based systems, and it tolerates the presence of oxygen. The formation of a certain amount of alcohol besides the desired aldehyde or ketone was attributed to further reaction of the photochemically released carbonyl compound, rather than to ester hydrolysis
in an aqueous environment.
Superficial digital flexor tendon lesions in racehorses as a sequela to muscle fatigue: A preliminary study
Authors: Butcher M. T. , Hermanson J. W. , Ducharme N. G. , Mitchell L. M. , Soderholm L. V. , Bertram J. E. A.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: Racing and training related lesions of the forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon are a common career ending injury to racehorses but aetiology and/or predisposing causes of the injury are not completely understood.

Objectives: Although the injury takes place within the tendon, the lesion must be considered within the context of the function of the complete suspensory system of the distal limb, including the associated muscles.

Methods: Both muscle and tendon function were investigated in vivo using implanted strain gauges in 3 Thoroughbred horses walking, trotting and cantering on a motorised treadmill. These data were combined with assessments of muscle architecture and fibre composition to arrive at an overview of the contribution of each muscle‐tendon unit during locomotion.

Results: The superficial digital flexor muscle has fatigue‐resistant and high force production properties that allow its tendon to store and return elastic energy, predominantly at the trot. As running speed increases, deep digital flexor tendon force increases and it stabilises hyperextension of the fetlock, thus reinforcing the superficial digital flexor in limb load support. The deep digital flexor muscle has fast contracting properties that render it susceptible to fatigue.

Conclusion: Based on these measurements and supporting evidence from the literature, it is proposed that overloading of the superficial digital flexor tendon results from fatigue of the synergistic, faster contracting deep digital flexor muscle.

Potential relevance: Future research investigating distal limb system function as a whole should help refine clinical diagnostic procedures and exercise training approaches that will lead to more effective prevention and treatment of digital flexor tendon injuries in equine athletes.
Effects of analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath on pain originating in the sole, distal interphalangeal joint or navicular bursa of horses
Authors: Harper J. , Schumacher John , Degraves F. , Schramme M. , Schumacher Jim
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: Specific analgesic techniques are required in diagnosis of lameness to isolate the exact origin of pain to the many structures of the foot that may be involved.

Objective: To determine if analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) results in anaesthesia of other portions of the foot, such as the sole, distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), or navicular bursa (NB).

Methods: Lameness caused by pain in the dorsal margin or heel region of the sole of the foot was induced in 18 horses by: using set‐screws to create solar pressure (Trial 1: n = 5); or administering endotoxin intrasynovially into the DIPJ (Trial 2: n = 6) and NB (Trial 3: n = 7). The gait of each horse was evaluated by examining videotape recorded before and after creation of lameness and after administration of mepivacaine hydrochloride into the DFTS.

Results: Median lameness scores inTrial 1at 10 min post injection of the DFTS were not significantly different from those before administration of local anaesthetic solution into the DFTS (P>0.05), but median lameness scores were reduced significantly at 20 min (P<0.05). InTrials 2and 3, median lameness scores were not significantly different at observations made at 10 and 20 min post injection of the DFTS.

Conclusions: Analgesia of the DFTS has little effect on lameness caused by pain originating in the sole, DIPJ or NB.

Potential relevance: Improvement of lameness in horses after intrasynovial analgesia of the DFTS is probably caused by attenuation of pain within the structures contained in the DFTS.
Interpretation of serum antibody response toAnoplocephala perfoliatain relation to parasite burden and faecal egg count
Authors: Kjær L. N. , Lungholt M. M. , Nielsen M. K. , Olsen S. N. , Maddox‐Hyttel C.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: Increased knowledge is needed to assist in the interpretation of presently available diagnostic techniques for infection by the tapewormAnoplocephala perfoliatain horses.

Hypothesis: The suggested cut‐off level of an A.perfoliataspecific ELISA may not adequately reflect the actual infection level. Hence, faecal egg counts may be a more useful diagnostic test for individual horses than previously reported.

Methods: Eighty‐four horses admitted for slaughter at a Danish abattoir were examined for the presence ofA. perfoliata.The number of tapeworms, their stage of development and gross pathological mucosal lesions were recorded and compared with serum antibody responses and faecal egg counts. Faecal egg counts were determined in samples fromA. perfoliatainfected horses using a semi‐quantitative centrifugation/flotation technique. Blood samples collected at slaughter were analysed by ELISA to determine serum antibody levels againstA. perfoliata12/13 kDa excretory/secretory antigens.

Results: Macroscopically visible tapeworms were detected in 24 (29%) of the horses. The overall sensitivity of the faecal egg count was found to be 0.46; however, if the detection limit was increased to above 20 tapeworms, sensitivity increased to 0.89. There was a correlation of 0.71 between worm burden and egg count. The antibody levels correlated significantly with infection intensity despite a wide variation among horses with similar levels of infection. The optimal cut‐off value was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. If cut‐off was chosen at optical density (OD) = 0.7, sensitivity was 0.68 and specificity 0.71.

Conclusions: Both diagnostic methods were capable of revealing potentially pathogenic infections, with the faecal egg count being more applicable on the individual horse level.

Potential relevance: In the population of Danish horses investigated the serum ELISA test should be interpreted such that horses in need of anti‐Anoplocephalatreatment have an OD = 0.7 or above.
Platelet activation in ponies with airway inflammation
Authors: Dunkel B. , Rickards K. J. , Page C. P. , Cunningham F. M.
Published: October 2007

Reason for performing study: Platelet activation occurs in human obstructive airway diseases and in laboratory animal models. However, there is limited evidence that platelets may be involved in equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and other inflammatory diseases. This study investigated whether platelet activation also occurred in RAO.

Hypothesis: Platelet function is altered in ponies with active RAO. This alteration can be detectedex vivoby measuring platelet adhesion.

Methods: Anin vitroplatelet adhesion assay measuring acid phosphatase (AcP) activity colorimetrically was adapted for use with equine platelets and responses to selected agonists were established. Platelet adhesion and aggregation was evaluatedin vitroon platelets isolated from 6 ponies with RAO before, during and after a 7 h natural antigen challenge. Three ponies with no history of airway disease were also studied.

Results: Adhesion of equine platelets to serum coated plastic was detected at concentrations of 10–100 times 109/l. Adhesion increased in response to stimulation with platelet activating factor and thrombin, but not equine interleukin 8. Prior to the antigen challenge, adhesion of nonstimulated platelets was low and increased significantly (P<0.05) 24 h after initiation of the challenge in RAOs, but not in the normal animals. No changes in platelet aggregation were noted in either group.

Conclusions: The described assay offers an alternative method to evaluate platelet function in healthy and diseased horses and can detect changes not observed using a classic aggregation assay. Circulating platelets are activated 24 h after antigen challenge of ponies with RAO and may play a role in pulmonary inflammation and/or the pathophysiology of RAO.

Potential relevance: Investigating platelet function in RAO and airway inflammation may reveal new aspects of the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung disease in the horse.
Endometrial gland surface density and hyperaemia of the endometrium during early pregnancy in the mare
Authors: Lefranc A.‐C. , Allen W. R.
Published: October 2007

Reasons for performing study: The morphology and surface density of endometrial glands responsible for the nutrition of the placenta requires further study employing computer assisted morphometric analysis.

Objective: To analyse changes in the morphology and surface density of endometrial glands situated adjacent to, and remote from, the conceptus during the first 30 days of gestation.

Methods: Endometrial biopsies were recovered, under videoendoscopic control, from both nonpregnant and pregnant mares 12 days after ovulation, as well as from pregnant mares on Days 16, 20, 25 and 30 of gestation. One biopsy was taken at the base of the nongravid uterine horn and the other from beneath the conceptus at the base of the gravid horn. The samples were evaluated by computer‐assisted morphometric analysis to determine the surface area per unit volume (Sv) of endometrial glands in the stratum spongiosum.

Results: No differences in morphology or density of the glands were discernable between pregnant and nonpregnant mares on Day 12 day after ovulation. On Day 16, however, the glands beneath the conceptus appeared to be at a significantly lower density than the clearly more tortuous glands at the base of the nongravid horn. Between Days 20 and 30 of gestation the endometrium in direct contact with the conceptus was visibly more reddened and hyperaemic than elsewhere in the uterus. However, the Sv of glands beneath the conceptus had now increased again so they appeared similar to those in the nongravid horn, due mainly to a reduction in the level of stromal oedema in the former.

Conclusion and potential relevance: The embryo‐maternal interactions that are vital during early pregnancy to suppress the cyclical luteolytic cascade and support nidation of the conceptus, were characterised here with local endometrial hyperaemia, histotroph production and a decrease in endometrial gland Sv at the commencement of the stationary phase. Both the components secreted by the endometrial glands and the factors liberated by the conceptus during early pregnancy need further investigation.
Factors affecting clinical assessment of insulin sensitivity in horses
Authors: Firshman A. M. , Valberg S. J.
Published: October 2007

Insulin resistance is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of many equine conditions such as pars intermedia dysfunction, equine metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipaemia, laminitis, endotoxaemia and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD); whereas polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses and equine motor neuron disease (EMD) have been associated with increased insulin sensitivity. However, it is clear that there is not one ideal test, in terms of both practicality and accuracy, for evaluating insulin sensitivity in horses and improved diagnostic techniques are required.

This review sets out the background to the subject and identifies current knowledge regarding the measurement of insulin sensitivity by tolerance testing and clamping techniques. Factors affecting insulin sensitivity, such as breed, pregnancy, lactation, obesity and nutritional factors are discussed. In addition, the relationship with training, nutritional supplementation and drug administration are considered.
The General Linear Model as Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Graham James M.
Published: October 2007

Statistical procedures based on the general linear model (GLM) share much in common with one another, both conceptually and practically. The use of structural equation modeling path diagrams as tools for teaching the GLM as a body of connected statistical procedures is presented. A heuristic data set is used to demonstrate a variety of univariate and multivariate statistics as structural models. Implications for analytic strategies and education are discussed.