bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of granzyme B and granulysin in the cytotoxic response in lichen planus
Authors: Ammar M. , Mokni M. , Boubaker S. , El Gaied Amel , Ben Osman A. , Louzir H.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Lichen planus is an inflammatory dermatosis involving either skin and/or mucosal epithelial surfaces. A cell‐mediated cytotoxicity response is the main suspected mechanism of this dermatosis. Granzyme B and granulysin are components of the cytoplasmic granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killers. They are involved in cell‐mediated apoptosis. This work studies the possible implication of granzyme B and granulysin in the cell‐mediated cytotoxicity response in lichen planus.

Methods:  In situ expression of granzyme B and granulysin was studied by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 15 biopsies of lichen planus. The distribution and the phenotype of the inflammatory infiltrate and the expression of granzyme B were studied by immunohistochemistry in seven other biopsies of lichen planus.

Results:  Granzyme B and granulysin mRNA expression was one to two hundred times greater than in biopsies of normal skin. Immunohistochemical study revealed that the lymphohistiocytic infiltrate consisted mainly of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. Granzyme B+ cells were observed close to apoptotic keratinocytes.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest a central role for cell‐mediated cytotoxicity by the granule exocytosis pathway probably because of auto‐cytotoxic T‐cell clones in the pathogenesis of lichen planus.
Mitosis in dermatofibroma: a worrisome histopathologic sign that does not necessarily equal recurrence
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Manjon Jose A.
Published: March 2008

Background:  High mitotic rate is a worrying histopathologic feature that pathologists occasionally face when diagnosing benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH), that otherwise seem to be benign. The clinical significance of this histologic feature has not been completely studied, because no studies on large series of BFH have been carried out, concerning mitotic rate as the only worrisome morphologic sign, in relation with recurrence.

Methods:  In order to study how common a high mitotic rate is in BFH, which do not present any other worrisome morphological signs, we studied 200 cases from our archives and counted the number of mitosis per 10 high power fields (HPFs) in all of them. We selected those cases that had a mitotic number of 4 or more mitosis per 10 HPF. We also performed the immunohistochemical study with MIB‐1 antibody (DakoCytomation, Denmark A/S). The clinical histories of the patients were also reviewed, in order to find out if there had been any recurrence.

Results:  Four BFH presented four or more mitosis in ten HPF. None of them had presented any recurrence or metastasis, and the follow‐up time was at least for 71 months.

Conclusions:  We conclude that common BFH can occasionally present a high mitotic rate and still show a benign behavior.
Platelet‐derived growth factor may be associated with fibrosis in a Down syndrome patient with transient myeloproliferative disorder
Authors: Ogawa Jiro , Kanegane Hirokazu , Tsuneyama Koichi , Kanezaki Rika , Futatani Takeshi , Nomura Keiko , Ishizawa Shin , Sasahara Masakiyo , Ito Etsuro , Miyawaki Toshio
Published: March 2008

Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) is experienced by approximately 10% of neonates with Down syndrome (DS). Most TMD is asymptomatic and the patients undergo spontaneous remission within a few months. However, some cases are fatal because of systemic organ dysfunctions including hepatic fibrosis. Some cytokines such as platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) may be involved in the development of hepatic fibrosis in TMD. The report describes a fatal case of TMD accompanying DS. The patient presented with pulmonary hypertension and hepatic failure. An autopsy disclosed severe fibrosis in the lung, liver, kidney and pancreas. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed high expression of PDGF receptor β in the severe fibrotic areas of the fibrotic tissues. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated the expression of PDGFα and PDGFβ in the peripheral blood samples of the patient. The finding indicates that the PDGF pathway may play an important role in the fibrosis of several organs in patients with TMD.
Clinical and pathologic manifestation of oesophagostomosis in African great apes: does self‐medication in wild apes influence disease progression?
Authors: Krief Sabrina , Jamart Aliette , Mahé Sandrine , Leendertz Fabian H. , Mätz‐Rensing Kerstin , Crespeau François , Bain Odile , Guillot Jacques
Published: March 2008

Nodular worms (Oesophagostomum spp.) are common intestinal parasites found in cattle, pig, and primates including humans. In human, they are responsible for serious clinical disease called oesophagostomosis resulting from the formation of granulomas, caseous lesions or abscesses in intestinal walls. In wild great apes, the fecal prevalence of this parasite is high, but little information is available concerning the clinical signs and lesions associated. In the present study, we describe six cases of multinodular oesophagostomosis in free‐ranging and ex‐captive chimpanzees and captive gorillas caused by Oesophagostomum stephanostomum. While severe clinical signs associated with this infection were observed in great apes raised in sanctuaries, nodules found in wild chimpanzees do not seem to affect their health status. One hypothesis to explain this difference would be that in wild chimpanzees, access to natural environment and behavior such as rough leaves swallowing combined with ingestion of plants having pharmacological properties would prevent severe infection and decrease potential symptoms.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Role of μ‐Calpain in Human Decidua for Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Kumagai Kyoko , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Nakanishi Tamao , Inomata Mitsushi , Furuno Tadahide , Nakanishi Mamoru , Ogasawara Mayumi S.
Published: March 2008

Problem  Earlier, we showed that calpain activated by increasing intracellular calcium ion concentration in endometrial cells, causes endometrial dysfunction for implantation and early pregnancy. In the present study, we investigated the existence and distribution of calpains, calpastatin, integrin β3 and α‐fodrin in decidua from patients with recurrent miscarriage.

Method of study  Deciduae were surgically collected from 29 patients with recurrent miscarriage and 20 healthy women with informed consent. Immunohistochemistry, sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and western blot analysis were performed.

Results  Staining of μ‐calpain, m‐calpain, calpastatin, integrin β3 and α‐fodrin were observed in the cytoplasm of stromal and epithelial cells in decidua using immunohistochemistry. No significant differences were observed in staining patterns. Western blot analysis showed no significant differences in expression of m‐calpain, calpastatin and α‐fodrin, whereas μ‐calpain was significantly higher and integrin β3 was lower in subject.

Conclusion  The results suggest that cleavage of integrin β3 by μ‐calpain may have an adverse effect on the mechanism of early pregnancy.
Periodontal disease: associations with diabetes, glycemic control and complications
Authors: Taylor GW , Borgnakke WS
Published: March 2008

Objective:  This report reviews the evidence for adverse effects of diabetes on periodontal health and periodontal disease on glycemic control and complications of diabetes.

Design:  MEDLINE search of the English language literature identified primary research reports published on (a) relationships between diabetes and periodontal diseases since 2000 and (b) effects of periodontal infection on glycemic control and diabetes complications since 1960.

Results:  Observational studies provided consistent evidence of greater prevalence, severity, extent, or progression of at least one manifestation of periodontal disease in 13/17 reports reviewed. Treatment and longitudinal observational studies provided evidence to support periodontal infection having an adverse effect on glycemic control, although not all investigations reported an improvement in glycemic control after periodontal treatment. Additionally, evidence from three observational studies supported periodontal disease increasing the risk for diabetes complications and no published reports refuted the findings.

Conclusion:  The evidence reviewed supports diabetes having an adverse effect on periodontal health and periodontal infection having an adverse effect on glycemic control and incidence of diabetes complications. Further rigorous study is necessary to establish unequivocally that treating periodontal infections can contribute to glycemic control management and to the reduction of the burden of diabetes complications.
Investigating the Link between the Pill and Cancer
Authors: Hannaford Phil
Published: March 2008

Does the contraceptive pill increase the risk of cancer? The question has been asked ever since the pill was introduced, and is one that must worry almost every woman in the country. Small wonder that when the results of a long-term study, which began 40 years ago, came out in the autumn it made front-page headlines. As Phil Hannaford explains, answering the question was not straightforward.
Privacy, Data Discs and Realistic Risk
Authors: Hand David
Published: March 2008

Two ordinary computer discs containing the personal details—including the bank account numbers—of almost half the citizens of this country have gone missing. David Hand looks at data in the modern world and asks how secure it is and how secure it should be.
Racing, the Law and the Top Jockey: The Kieren Fallon Trial
Authors: Haigh John
Published: March 2008

In a headline-hitting trial at the Old Bailey last year, top jockey Kieren Fallon was accused of “throwing” races. Did he really ride to lose? John Haigh comes to a clear statistical conclusion.
Bacon Sandwiches and Middle – Class Drinkers: The Risk of Communicating Risk
Authors: Spiegelhalter David , Riesch Hauke
Published: March 2008

Last year, Cambridge University created the new post of Winton Professor of the Public Understanding of Risk and appointed David Spiegelhalter to the role. With Hauke Riesch he reflects on some news stories that came up soon after he started in his job.
No Islands: Charting a Course for UK Official Statistics
Authors: Alldritt Richard , Laux Richard
Published: March 2008

Our system of official statistics in the UK is one of the most decentralised and elaborate in the world. As well as the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it spans several sizeable centres of expertise in Whitehall departments and in the three devolved administrations; and it embraces agencies such as the Higher Education Statistics Agency and the Information Centre for Health and Social Care, which sit at arms length from central departments. In 2008, legislation establishing a new Statistics Board, with oversight not just of the ONS but of all official figures produced by these bodies, will come fully into force. Richard Alldritt of the Statistics Commission and Richard Laux of the ONS identify some of the challenges facing the statistical system at this time of transition and suggests a course that the Statistics Board might want to steer.
Identification of critical residues of subunit H in its interaction with subunit E of the A‐ATP synthase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
Authors: Gayen Shovanlal , Balakrishna Asha M. , Biuković Goran , Yulei Wu , Hunke Cornelia , Grüber Gerhard
Published: March 2008

The boomerang‐like H subunit of A1A0 ATP synthase forms one of the peripheral stalks connecting the A1 and A0 sections. Structural analyses of the N‐terminal part (H1–47) of subunit H of the A1A0 ATP synthase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii have been performed by NMR spectroscopy. Our initial NMR structural calculations for H1–47 indicate that amino acid residues 7–44 fold into a single α‐helical structure. Using the purified N‐ (E1–100) and C‐terminal domains (E101–206) of subunit E, NMR titration experiments revealed that the N‐terminal residues Met1–6, Lys10, Glu11, Ala15, Val20 and Glu24 of H1–47 interact specifically with the N‐terminal domain E1–100 of subunit E. A more detailed picture regarding the residues of E1–100 involved in this association was obtained by titration studies using the N‐terminal peptides E1–20, E21–40 and E41–60. These data indicate that the N‐terminal tail E41–60 interacts with the N‐terminal amino acids of H1–47, and this has been confirmed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy results. Analysis of 1H–15N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectra of the central stalk subunit F in the presence and absence of E101–206 show no obvious interaction between the C‐terminal domain of E and subunit F. The data presented provide, for the first time, structural insights into the interaction of subunits E and H, and their arrangement within A1A0 ATP synthase.
Engineering triterpene production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae–β‐amyrin synthase from Artemisia annua
Authors: Kirby James , Romanini Dante W. , Paradise Eric M. , Keasling Jay D.
Published: March 2008

Using a degenerate primer designed from triterpene synthase sequences, we have isolated a new gene from the medicinal plant Artemisia annua. The predicted protein is highly similar to β‐amyrin synthases (EC 5.4.99.–), sharing amino acid sequence identities of up to 86%. Expression of the gene, designated AaBAS, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, followed by GC/MS analysis, confirmed the encoded enzyme as a β‐amyrin synthase. Through engineering the sterol pathway in S. cerevisiae, we explore strategies for increasing triterpene production, using AaBAS as a test case. By manipulation of two key enzymes in the pathway, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase and lanosterol synthase, we have improved β‐amyrin production by 50%, achieving levels of 6 mg·L−1 culture. As we have observed a 12‐fold increase in squalene levels, it appears that this strain has the capacity for even higher β‐amyrin production. Options for further engineering efforts are explored.
Analysis of prognostic factors for 5 year survival in surgically treated patients with carcinoma cervix stages IB1, IB2 and IIA
Authors: SALHAN Sudha , TRIPATHI Vrijesh , GAIKWAD Harsha S
Published: March 2008

Aim: To identify pathological and clinical prognostic factors that best predict 5 year survival among patients with early stage cervical carcinoma treated with radical hysterectomy.

Methods: Data from 77 patients diagnosed at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India with carcinoma cervix were taken from 1997 to 2002. Patients were followed up for 5 years. Survival probability was calculated through Kaplan–Meier method for overall survival at 5 years. Univariate and multivariate analysis with Cox's regression model was used to statistically identify the best combination of these risk factors to predict prognosis.

Results: Univariate analysis revealed tumour size, lymph node involvement and parametrial spread as significant prognostic factors for survival. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node involvement and parametrial spread remained significant prognostic factors. Overall carcinoma with tumour size of less than 4 cms had a higher chance for survival.

Conclusion: The presence of lymph node involvement and parametrial spread decreased the chance of survival by two and a half and threefold, respectively. Lack of awareness about the screening, symptoms of disease and non‐availability of early diagnostic facilities such as the Pap smear at a primary health care level are areas of priority. The most pressing need is to spread awareness among sexually active women to undergo Pap tests at regular intervals.
Anticoagulation prophylaxis for central venous catheter‐associated thrombosis in cancer patients: An Australian perspective
Authors: KOSMIDER Suzanne , FIELD Kathryn M , JEFFORD Michael , GIBBS Peter
Published: March 2008

Background:  The use of indwelling central venous catheters (CVC) for chemotherapy delivery is essential for people receiving therapies by protracted venous infusion and for patients with difficult venous access. Complications include infection and catheter‐related thrombosis. Strategies have been suggested to prevent catheter‐related thrombosis, however, there is no clear consensus on how to proceed. Guidelines recommend against the use of prophylactic anticoagulation in adult patients with solid organ malignancies and an indwelling CVC. We investigated the practice of Australian medical oncologists.

Methods:  A written questionnaire was mailed to all members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia assessing practices of prophylactic anticoagulation in adult patients with solid organ malignancies and CVC.

Results:  Responses were obtained from 141 (55%) medical oncologists and from 40 advanced trainees. Ten percent (n = 4) of oncology trainees and 18.4% (n = 26) of medical oncologists routinely administered anticoagulants to patients with a CVC without a previous history of line‐related thrombus. The most common strategy employed (73% of those using anticoagulation) was to recommend 1 mg of warfarin.

Conclusions:  The results demonstrate that a significant number of patients in Australia receive routine anticoagulation, the most popular strategy being the use of low‐dose warfarin. Based on our results there is a clear need for further education regarding the lack of supporting data and the potential harm that may ensue.
Modeling Judgments in the Angoff and Contrasting‐Groups Method of Standard Setting
Authors: Van Nijlen Daniël , Janssen Rianne
Published: March 2008

Essential for the validity of the judgments in a standard‐setting study is that they follow the implicit task assumptions. In the Angoff method, judgments are assumed to be inversely related to the difficulty of the items; contrasting‐groups judgments are assumed to be positively related to the ability of the students. In the present study, judgments from both procedures were modeled with a random‐effects probit regression model. The Angoff judgments showed a weaker link with the position of the items on the latent scale than the contrasting‐groups judgments with the position of the students. Hence, in the specific context of the study, the contrasting‐groups judgments were more aligned with the underlying assumptions of the method than the Angoff judgments.
Plant Patenting, Benefit Sharing and the Law Applicable to the Food and Agriculture Organisation Standard Material Transfer Agreement
Authors: Chiarolla Claudio
Published: March 2008

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) should make an enormous contribution to international equity in terms of the way plant genetic resources are transferred and agricultural research is conducted. However, its implementation remains a critical challenge for the majority of the developing countries. The literature has focused on access and benefit sharing discussions from the standpoint of public international law and the interaction between international regimes. By contrast, the original contribution of this article is to address the question of the applicable law to the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA). The SMTA is an essential operational mechanism of the ITPGRFA implementation. However, it operates as an international commercial contract, which creates specific rights and obligations between the parties under private law. This article considers the choice of law clause contained in the SMTA, its reference to the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts and the supplementary use of national law. It concludes that arbitrators may supplement non‐national and international standards with substantive law principles of domestic origin only in three narrow exceptions, namely the following cases: (1) national “mandatory” provisions; (2) gaps within applicable non‐national and international standards; and (3) additional choice of law clauses inserted by the parties in accordance with article 6.6 of the SMTA. The applicable law to the SMTA and the balance between non‐national, international and national standards will play an important role in defining both the scope and the impact of benefit sharing on international equity in agriculture.
The Religious Iconography of Israel and Judah ca. 1200–587 bce
Authors: Cornelius Izak
Published: March 2008

In spite of the prohibition on images, the religions of ancient Israel and Judah were not without visual representations. The development of the religions of these regions in the period ca. 1200–587 bce (all dates are bce = before the common/Christian era) is discussed by using iconography or visual sources. A selection of materials and their meaning from the Iron Age I (ca. 1200/1150–1000), IIA (ca. 1000–900), IIB (900–700) and IIC (700–587) is presented.1 The million‐dollar question that remains is whether the chief Israelite deity may be identified in the iconographical record.
Sexuality and Religion in Mesopotamia
Authors: Leick Gwendolyn
Published: March 2008

In ancient Near Eastern thought, religion permeated all aspects of life. Sexual desire was considered a divine force that ensured the continuity of generations, of gods, of humans, and all other animate beings. The article looks at archaeological evidence and current interpretations of material culture from the prehistoric periods, beginning with the Neolithic, and in more detail, the epigraphic sources written in cuneiform from Mesopotamia. Topics such as the ideology of kingship, sacred and divine marriage, myths concerning the love affairs of deities, the goddess Inanna, as well as notions of the sacred, ritual purity and death are considered in the light of texts from the mid‐third to the mid‐first millenniumbc.
Parallelism and Competition in Syntactic Ambiguity Resolution
Authors: Clifton Charles , Staub Adrian
Published: March 2008

A central issue in sentence‐processing research is whether the parser entertains multiple analyses of syntactically ambiguous input in parallel, and whether these analyses compete for selection. In this article, we review theoretical positions for and against such competitive parallelism. We then review empirical evidence, primarily drawing on reading time studies, bearing on the prediction made by parallel competitive models that some cost ought to be associated with processing syntactically ambiguous material. We argue that this prediction is not confirmed by the data, and we discuss recent claims that the models in question do not actually make this prediction. We also emphasize the contrast with lexical ambiguity, where there is clearly a processing cost associated with competition between alternate meanings. Finally, we review a different kind of recent evidence suggesting that two syntactic analyses may indeed coexist under specific circumstances.
The North Sea Fisheries Crisis and Good Governance
Authors: Griffin Liza
Published: March 2008

In the European Union, ‘principles of good governance’ have been instituted across several sectors in response to criticisms from environmentalists, business and the public, because of alleged inefficiency, inadequate policy implementation, democratic deficit and environmental crisis. In fisheries, the pursuit of good governance has gained extra significance because it has been posited as a means to eliminate many of the problems that characterise the sector, including the overexploitation of fish stocks, marine ecosystem degradation and fishing community vulnerability. This article explores good governance reforms put in place to deal with the North Sea fisheries crisis, with particular reference to the newly instated North Sea Regional Advisory Council. First, I describe the current state of North Sea fisheries and the problems associated with European fisheries management. I then show how these problems were dealt with in the European Union's pre‐reformed Common Fisheries Policy. Finally, I explore the changes introduced in fisheries after the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, and suggest that the good governance of fisheries may not represent the panacea that some policy‐makers and theorists maintain it is.
Mapping Global Urban Networks: A Decade of Empirical World Cities Research
Authors: Derudder Ben
Published: March 2008

This survey article reviews the harvest of empirical world cities research since its formal inception about a decade ago. Taylor's (1997) delineation of ‘the problem of evidence’ in this literature is used as a cue to assess the merits and inadequacies of recent empirical studies. To get a handle on the literature as a whole, a taxonomy of empirical approaches is developed. Major features of the dominant approaches in general and some important studies in particular are discussed. This discussion is thereupon used to analyse the extent to which these studies have managed to construct meaningful measures of transnational inter‐city relations. This analysis reveals that significant steps have been taken, but some new points of attention can be raised, such as the lack of suitable theoretical reference points in some recent empirical studies and the disproportionate focus on a relatively narrow range of formal economic processes.
Respiratory syncytial virus: an important cause of acute respiratory illness among young adults undergoing military training
Authors: O’Shea Matthew K. , Pipkin Christopher , Cane Patricia A. , Gray Gregory C.
Published: March 2008

Background  Military recruits receiving training are vulnerable to acute respiratory disease and a significant proportion of illness is caused by unidentified pathogens. While some countries use surveillance programmes to monitor such illness, few data exist for recruits of the British Armed Forces.

Objectives  Through active surveillance of approximately 1000 Royal Navy trainees during 2001, we sought to describe and determine the aetiology of acute respiratory illness.

Methods  Standard viral culture was used together with serology and a novel highly sensitive real‐time PCR and molecular beacon probe assay for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection.

Results  Among 54 Royal Navy recruits with respiratory symptoms adenovirus was identified in 35%, influenza viruses in 19% and RSV in 14%. All recruits were absent from training for almost a week, most of whom were confined to the sickbay.

Conclusions  This study is the first to document adenovirus and RSV as important causes of acute respiratory illness among Royal Navy trainees. The study findings demonstrate the clinical significance and challenges of diagnosing RSV infection in young adults.
Avian influenza A (H5N1) infection in a patient in China, 2006
Authors: Chen X. , Smith G.J.D. , Zhou B. , Qiu C. , Wu W.L. , Li Y. , Lu P. , Duan L. , Liu S. , Yuan J. , Yang G. , Wang H. , Cheng J. , Jiang H. , Peiris J.S.M. , Chen H. , Yuen K.Y. , Zhong N. , Guan Y.
Published: March 2008

Background  Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has caused increasing human infection in Eurasia since 2004. So far, H5N1 human infection has been associated with over 50% mortality that is partly because of delay of diagnosis and treatment.

Objectives and methods  Here, we report that an H5N1 influenza virus infected a 31‐year‐old patient in Shenzhen in June 2006. To identify the possible source of the infection, the human isolate and other H5N1 influenza viruses obtained from poultry and wild birds in southern China during the same period of time were characterized.

Results  Genetic and antigenic analyses revealed that the human H5N1 influenza virus, Shenzhen/406H/06, is of purely avian origin and is most closely related to viruses detected in poultry and wild birds in Hong Kong in early 2006.

Conclusions  The findings of the present study suggest that the continued endemicity of H5N1 influenza virus in the poultry in southern China increases the chance for introduction of the virus to humans. This highlights the importance of continued surveillance of poultry and wild birds for determining the source for human H5N1 infection.
The efficacy of formulations of triclabendazole and ivermectin in combination against liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and gastro‐intestinal nematodes in cattle and sheep and sucking lice species in cattle
Authors: STEVENSON CR , MAHONEY RH , FISARA P , STREHLAU G , REICHEL MP
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the efficacy of two formulations of triclabendazole and ivermectin in combination against liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica), gastro‐intestinal nematodes and sucking louse species in cattle and sheep.

Procedure A study of 540 cattle and 428 sheep at 18 sites throughout Victoria and New South Wales was undertaken. At each site, one group of cattle or sheep was treated with a combined formulation (Fasimec® Cattle or Fasimec® Sheep), another received ivermectin and triclabendazole separately. In trials on lice infestation, an additional group remained untreated. Samples for faecal egg counts were collected on days ‐7, 0 (treatment day), +7, +14 and +21 after treatment. Lice assessments were carried out on days −7, 0, +7, +14, +28, +42 and +56.

Results Both treatments were highly efficacious (> 98% efficacy) against liver fluke in cattle and sheep, against three sucking lice species of cattle and against gastro‐intestinal nematodes in sheep. There was also no significant difference between treatments in efficacy.

Against gastro‐intestinal nematodes, Fasimec® Cattle was significantly (P<0.01) more effective than the separately applied ivermectin and triclabendazole treatment. Mean efficacy for the Fasimec Cattle and Ivomec/Fasinex 120 groups respectively, was 97.6% and 94.2% on Day +7, 98.9% and 91% on Day +14 and 98.5% and 92.6% on Day +21.

Conclusion The efficacy of Fasimec® Cattle and Fasimec® Sheep was at least equal to that of currently registered products (with the same active ingredients) used to control these parasites.
Effect of declining owned‐cat population on veterinary practices in Sydney
Authors: MCGREEVY PD , FOUGERE B , COLLINS H , BARTIMOTE KM , THOMSON PC
Published: March 2008

Objectives To investigate relationships between declining owned‐cat populations and cat‐related clinical work and practice activities.

Design Sydney practitioners were interviewed, and practice records were examined, from small animal veterinary practices (n = 56) in Sydney. Using data that covered a 4 year period, the age distribution of cats was examined and associated trends in cat‐related clinical work were analysed.

Results Important changes in the pet population attending veterinary practices were found, with 38.2% of respondents reporting a fall in cat desexings from 1996 to 2000.

Conclusions While economic impact could not be determined, the qualitative data demonstrated that the majority of practices in the survey were active in the promotion of cat ownership. The study provides a useful model for future investigations. To facilitate this process and to enhance principals' knowledge of their practice's population dynamics, we advocate a minimum standard of data collection that records week‐by‐week activities and the deaths of pets.
Cattle deaths during sea transport from Australia
Authors: NORRIS RT , RICHARDS RB , CREEPER JH , JUBB TF , MADIN B , KERR JW
Published: March 2008

Objective To establish the death rate and the causes of death in cattle exported by sea from Australia.

Procedure Cattle deaths on voyages from Australia to all destinations between 1995 and 2000 were analysed retrospectively. On four voyages to the Middle East between December 1998 and April 2001, cattle that died were examined to determine the cause of death.

Results The death rate was 0.24% among 4 million cattle exported, and a greater proportion of deaths occurred on voyages to the Middle East (0.52%, P < 0.05) than to south east Asia (0.13%). The risk of death on voyages to the Middle East was three times greater for cattle exported from southern ports in Australia compared to northern ports. The main causes of death were heat stroke, trauma and respiratory disease.

Conclusion Cattle have a low risk of death during sea transport from Australia. The risk of death can be reduced on voyages to the Middle East by preferentially exporting cattle from northern ports, and selecting those with a higher Bos indicus content whenever possible.
Surgical repair of a coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca
Authors: BARTLETT GR , DART AJ , DART CM
Published: March 2008

A female breeding alpaca with acute lameness of the left hindleg was diagnosed with a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation. Repair was achieved using extracapsular stabilisation. Two nylon sutures were passed through a hole drilled in the femoral neck and anchored to the dorsal acetabulum using two screws and two spiked washers. A metal crimp was used to tighten and maintain the sutures. Postoperatively the alpaca was confined to a stall for 4 weeks before being returned to a paddock. At 6 months after surgery the alpaca was free of lameness and was successfully mated.
Estimated and predicted changes in the cat population of Australian households from 1979 to 2005
Authors: BALDOCK FC , ALEXANDER L. , MORE SJ
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo estimate and predict changes in the cat population of Australian households from 1979 to 2005.

MethodTelephone surveys were used to estimate Australia's total household cat population for each year from 1979 to 1999. A simple mathematical model based on population characteristics in 1995 was used to predict future population changes to 2005. Estimates and predictions for 1996 to 1999 were compared to validate the model.

ResultsAustralia's household cat population increased steadily from 2.23 million in 1979 to peak at 3.24 million in 1988. Since then it has steadily declined to 2.60 million in 1999. The population size predicted from the mathematical model was similar to that from surveys for the years 1996 to 1999. It is predicted that the population will continue to decline to approximately 2.19 million in 2005. The proportion of Australian households owning cats fell from 31.1% in 1994 to 25.8% in 1999, while the average number of cats per cat‐owning household remained relatively constant at 1.47.

ConclusionsAustralia's household cat population is decreasing, falling by 19% between 1988, when it reached its peak, and 1999. This contrasts with the US where the population increased by 13.9% over the same period. The decline in Australia appears to be due to a decrease in the total number of cat‐owning households rather than the number of cats per cat‐owning household. It is likely that this trend will continue unless there is a change in household pet ownership preferences in the meantime.
INFORMATION TOPICS IMPORTANT TO CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Ormandy Paula
Published: March 2008

It is essential to identify the information topics that are important to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to provide ‘appropriate’ information that will improve their knowledge, promote independence and encourage them to self‐manage their illness. This paper, through a systematic review, explores the existing body of evidence on the information needs of CKD patients to identify information topic areas important to these patients and highlight factors that influence a patient's information needs.
DIALYSIS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: COMPARING HOME AND UNIT‐BASED HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: James Ray
Published: March 2008

The quality of the patient's life while in the hospital setting is important and hence the quality of the hospital environment is equally important. The effect of noise on health varies depending upon the susceptibility of the individual, but can include higher blood pressure, stress and annoyance in staff, and can erode quality of care. This paper ascertains what the noise levels are in a typical renal unit and considers the potential effects on staff and patients. The quality of the hospital environment plays an important part in treating patients effectively and efficiently. The use of acoustic design principles can reduce the level and impact of noise and, in doing so, improve the quality of care and the patient experience.
THE AUXILIARY TABLE FOR GFR ESTIMATION ACCORDING TO THE MDRD FORMULA
Authors: Štollová Milena , Schűck Otto , Smrčková Ivana , Skibová Jelena , Teplan Vladimír
Published: March 2008

The best overall index of renal function is considered to be glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the gold standard for its assessment is renal inulin clearance (Cin) Unfortunately, Cin cannot be routinely used in daily practice due to its complexity as a test. The most often used ones are the Cockcroft‐Gault (CG) formula and the recently developed Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) prediction equation. Calculation of MDRD (estimated GFR) according to this formula is simple but it requires a computer program. The following table is prepared for parts of the world where the computer program is not available as yet.
Fractional Dynamics: A Statistical Perspective
Authors: Machado J. A. Tenreiro , Galhano Alexandra
Published: March 2008

Fractional calculus is a mathematical paradigm that has been increasingly adopted to describe the dynamics of systems with hereditary characteristics, or that reflect an average of a large population of microelements. In this line of thought, this article analyzes the statistical dynamics of a system composed of a large number of micromechanical masses with backlash and impacts. We conclude that, while individual dynamics of each element has an integer-order nature, the global dynamics reveal the existence of both integer and fractional dynamics.
Advances in System Identification Using Fractional Models
Authors: Malti Rachid , Victor Stephane , Oustaloup Alain
Published: March 2008

This paper presents an up to date advances in time-domain system identification using fractional models. Both equation-error- and output-error-based models are detailed. In the former models, prior knowledge is generally used to fix differentiation orders; model coefficients are estimated using least squares. The latter models allow simultaneous estimation of model coefficients and differentiation orders using nonlinear programing. As an example, a thermal system is identified using a fractional model and is compared to a rational one.
Energy and the Confused Student IV: A Global Approach to Energy
Authors: Jewett John W.
Published: March 2008

Energy is a critical concept in physics problem-solving, but is often a major source of confusion for students if the presentation is not carefully crafted by the instructor or the textbook. In the first three articles1–3 in this series we discussed several issues related to the teaching of energy concepts. We have saved a major single issue for this article: the presentation of energy by means of a global approach. Energy, energy transfers, and energy transformations are at the heart of every process that occurs in physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology. Consequently, it is useful and highly instructive to discuss this global nature of energy from the very beginning, when energy is first introduced in mechanics.
Some Activities with Polarized Light from a Laptop LCD Screen
Authors: Fakhruddin Hasan
Published: March 2008

The LCD screen of a laptop computer provides a broad, bright, and extended source of polarized light. A number of demonstrations on the properties of polarized light from a laptop computer screens are presented here.
Oblique and Head-On Elastic Collisions
Authors: Ng Chiu-king
Published: March 2008

When a moving ball collides elastically with an identical, initially stationary ball, the incident ball will either come to rest (head-on collision; see Fig. 1) or will acquire a velocity that is perpendicular to that acquired by the target ball (oblique collision; see Fig. 2). These two possible outcomes are related in an interesting way, which we describe in this paper.
Elastic wave field computation in multilayered nonplanar solid structures: A mesh-free semianalytical approach
Authors: Banerjee Sourav , Kundu Tribikram
Published: March 2008

Multilayered solid structures made of isotropic, transversely isotropic, or general anisotropic materials are frequently used in aerospace, mechanical, and civil structures. Ultrasonic fields developed in such structures by finite size transducers simulating actual experiments in laboratories or in the field have not been rigorously studied. Several attempts to compute the ultrasonic field inside solid media have been made based on approximate paraxial methods like the classical ray tracing and multi-Gaussian beam models. These approximate methods have several limitations. A new semianalytical method is adopted in this article to model elastic wave field in multilayered solid structures with planar or nonplanar interfaces generated by finite size transducers. A general formulation good for both isotropic and anisotropic solids is presented in this article. A variety of conditions have been incorporated in the formulation including irregularities at the interfaces. The method presented here requires frequency domain displacement and stress Green’s functions. Due to the presence of different materials in the problem geometry various elastodynamic Green’s functions for different materials are used in the formulation. Expressions of displacement and stress Green’s functions for isotropic and anisotropic solids as well as for the fluid media are presented. Computed results are verified by checking the stress and displacement continuity conditions across the interface of two different solids of a bimetal plate and investigating if the results for a corrugated plate with very small corrugation match with the flat plate results.
Assessment of asphalt concrete acoustic performance in urban streets
Authors: Paje S. E. , Bueno M. , Terán F. , Viñuela U. , Luong J.
Published: March 2008

Geo-referenced close proximity rolling noise and sound absorption measurements are used for acoustical characterization of asphalt concrete surfaces in an urban environment. A close proximity noise map of streets with low speed limits is presented for a reference speed of 50km∕h. Different pavements and pavement conditions, common in urban streets, are analyzed: dense and semidense asphalt concrete, with Spanish denomination D-8 and S-12, respectively, and on the other hand, dense pavement at the end of its service life (D-8*). From the acoustics point of view, the most favorable surface, by more than 4dB(A) compared with the S-12 mix, is the smoothest surface, i.e., the D-8 mix, even though it presents a minor absorption coefficient in normal incidence. Noise levels from dense surfaces (D-8) increase significantly over time, principally due to the appearance of surface defects such as cracks and ruts. Longitudinal variability of the close proximity tire/pavement noise emission and surface homogeneity are also analyzed.
Two-tone suppression of stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Keefe Douglas H. , Ellison John C. , Fitzpatrick Denis F. , Gorga Michael P.
Published: March 2008

Stimulus frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) measured using a suppressor tone in human ears are analogous to two-tone suppression responses measured mechanically and neurally in mammalian cochleae. SFOAE suppression was measured in 24 normal-hearing adults at octave frequencies (fp=0.5–8.0kHz) over a 40dB range of probe levels (Lp). Suppressor frequencies (fs) ranged from −2.0 to 0.7 octaves re: fp, and suppressor levels ranged from just detectable suppression to full suppression. The lowest suppression thresholds occurred for “best” fs slightly higher than fp. SFOAE growth of suppression (GOS) had slopes close to one at frequencies much lower than best fs, and shallow slopes near best fs, which indicated compressive growth close to 0.3dB∕dB. Suppression tuning curves constructed from GOS functions were well defined at 1, 2, and 4kHz, but less so at 0.5 and 8.0kHz. Tuning was sharper at lower Lp with an equivalent rectangular bandwidth similar to that reported behaviorally for simultaneous masking. The tip-to-tail difference assessed cochlear gain, increasing with decreasing Lp and increasing fp at the lowest Lp from 32 to 45dB for fp from 1 to 4kHz. SFOAE suppression provides a noninvasive measure of the saturating nonlinearities associated with cochlear amplification on the basilar membrane.
The acoustic and visual factors influencing the construction of tranquil space in urban and rural environments tranquil spaces-quiet places?
Authors: Pheasant Robert , Horoshenkov Kirill , Watts Greg , Barrett Brendan
Published: March 2008

Prior to this work no structured mechanism existed in the UK to evaluate the tranquillity of open spaces with respect to the characteristics of both acoustic and visual stimuli. This is largely due to the fact that within the context of “tranquil” environments, little is known about the interaction of the audio-visual modalities and how they combine to lead to the perception of tranquillity. This paper presents the findings of a study in which visual and acoustic data, captured from 11 English rural and urban landscapes, were used by 44 volunteers to make subjective assessments of both their perceived tranquillity of a location, and the loudness of five generic soundscape components. The results were then analyzed alongside objective measurements taken in the laboratory. It was found that the maximum sound pressure level (LAmax) and the percentage of natural features present at a location were the key factors influencing tranquillity. Engineering formulas for the tranquillity as a function of the noise level and proportion of the natural features are proposed.
Attenuation and scattering of axisymmetrical modes in a fluid-filled round pipe with internally rough walls
Authors: Maximov German A. , Podjachev Eugenii V. , Horoshenkov Kirill V.
Published: March 2008

The attenuation of axisymmetric eigenmodes in a cylindrical, elastic, fluid-filled waveguide with a statistically rough elastic wall is studied. It is shown that small perturbation theory can be used to relate explicitly the statistical characteristics of the internal wall surface roughness of an elastic pipe to the attenuation and scattering coefficients of the acoustic modes in the filling fluid. Analytical expressions for modal attenuation coefficients are obtained. The analysis of the frequency dependent attenuation coefficients and the ratio between the roughness correlation length and the inner radius of the pipe is made for different correlation functions of the roughness. It is shown that two scale parameters control the overall behavior of the modal attenuation coefficients. These are the ratios of the roughness correlation length and the inner pipe radius to the acoustic wavelength. The numerical results for sound propagation in a pipe and in a borehole with statistically rough, elastic walls are obtained and discussed.
Efficient absorbing boundary conditions for Biot’s equations in time-harmonic finite element applications
Authors: Wahl Reiner , Spies Martin , Diebels Stefan
Published: March 2008

Absorbing boundary conditions for two phase media previously presented by Zerfa and Loret [Earthquake Eng. Struct. Dyn. 33, 89–110 (2004)] have been improved by considering additionally absorbing waves with auxiliary angles of incidence. These angles are defined at each point on the boundaries, so one can easily implement tensor impedances as analogous to those defined by Krenk and Kirkegaard for isotropic, nonporous media [J. Sound Vib. 247, 875–896 (2001)]. The boundary conditions have been tested and validated in two-dimensional frequency domain simulations.