bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connective Tissue Grafting on Resin Ionomer in Localized Gingival Recession
Authors: Alkan Arzu , Keskiner Ilker , Yuzbasioglu Emir
Published: August 2006

Background: One of the main objectives of periodontal reconstructive surgery is the coverage of exposed roots that occur due to gingival recession. On some occasions, where a caries, root resorption, or amalgam restoration exists on the exposed root surface, the treatment planning becomes more complex. This case report describes the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) on a resin ionomer‐restored root surface to treat gingival recession that is complicated with the above‐mentioned handicaps.

Methods: An amalgam restoration and carious lesion were removed following full‐thickness flap reflection, and the cavity was restored with glass ionomer cement. An SCTG was placed onto the restoration, and the flap was coronally positioned. A porcelain crown restoration was performed 9 months after surgery.

Results: At 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐month follow‐ups, probing depths were reduced and gain in attachment level was obtained with no clinical signs of inflammation in gingiva. Monthly periodontal controls revealed that creeping attachment had occurred on the restoration during the follow‐up periods.

Conclusion: This single case report serves as a good example to show that SCTG can be successfully performed to treat gingival recession associated with a glass ionomer‐restored root surface.
Effect of trotting velocity on work patterns of the hind limbs of Greyhounds
Authors: Colborne G. Robert , Walker Anna M. , Tattersall Anna J. , Fuller Cathy J.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To quantify the effects of trotting velocity on joint angular excursions, net joint moments, and powers across the hind limb joints in Greyhounds.

Animals—5 healthy Greyhounds with no history of lameness of the hind limbs.

Procedures—Small reflective markers were applied to the skin over the joints of the hind limbs, and a 4-camera kinematic system was used to record positional data at 200 Hz in tandem with force platform data while the dogs trotted on a runway at slow, medium, and fast velocities. Breed-specific morphometric data were combined with kinematic and force data in an inverse-dynamics solution for net joint moments and powers at the hip, stifle, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints.

Results—Angle, moment, and power patterns at the various joints were conserved among the 3 velocities. With increasing velocity, moments and powers at the tarsal, stifle, and hip joints during the stance phase were increased in amplitude, whereas amplitudes during the swing phase were not. The main contributors to increased velocity were the hip extensors and stifle flexors during the early part of the stance phase and the tarsal extensors during the late part of the stance phase.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Increases in trotting velocity in Greyhounds do not alter the basic patterns of work and power for various joints of the hind limbs, but local burst amplitudes during the stance phase increase incrementally.
Neurohormonal, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic evaluations of healthy dogs receiving long-term administration of doxorubicin
Authors: Alves de Souza Rute Chamié , Camacho Aparecido Antonio
Published: August 2006

Objective—To evaluate diagnostic testing that could be used to establish an early diagnosis of cardiotoxicosis induced by long-term administration of doxorubicin.

Animals—13 adult mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—7 dogs were administered doxorubicin chloride (30 mg/m2, IV, q 21 d for 168 days [cumulative dose, 240 mg/m2]), and 6 dogs received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (5 mL, IV, q 21 d for 168 days; control group). Echocardiography, ECG, arterial blood pressure, plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were assessed before each subsequent administration of doxorubicin and saline solution.

Results—Dogs that received doxorubicin had a significant decrease in R-wave amplitude, compared with values for the control group, from 30 to 210 mg/m2. Doxorubicin-treated dogs had decreases in fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction evident as early as 30 mg/m2, but significant differences between groups were not detected until 90 mg/m2was reached. There was also a significant increase in PRA (≥ 120 mg/m2) and left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions (≥ 60 and ≥ 180 mg/m2, respectively). Systemic arterial pressure, remaining echocardiographic variables, and concentrations of norepinephrine and BNP had significant variations, but of no clinical importance, during doxorubicin administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Doxorubicininduced cardiotoxicosis developed at 120 mg/m2, but there were no clinical signs of dilated cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. Echocardiography and determination of PRA were able to detect early cardiac alterations during the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, despite apparently differing degrees of sensitivity to development of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicosis.
Sectional anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of coelomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles
Authors: Valente Ana Luisa S. , Cuenca Rafaela , Zamora Maria Angeles , Parga Maria Luz , Lavin Santiago , Alegre Ferrán , Marco Ignasi
Published: August 2006

Objective—To compare cross-sectional anatomic specimens with images obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the coelomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

Animals—5 clinically normal live turtles and 5 dead turtles.

Procedures—MRI was used to produce T1- and T2- weighted images of the turtles, which were compared with gross anatomic sections of 3 of the 5 dead turtles. The other 2 dead turtles received injection with latex and were dissected to provide additional cardiovascular anatomic data.

Results—The general view on the 3 oriented planes provided good understanding of cross-sectional anatomic features. Likewise, major anatomic structures such as the esophagus, stomach, lungs, intestine (duodenum and colon), liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, heart, bronchi, and vessels could be clearly imaged. It was not possible to recognize the ureters or reproductive tract.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—By providing reference information for clinical use, MRI may be valuable for detailed assessment of the internal anatomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles. Drawbacks exist in association with anesthesia and the cost and availability of MRI, but the technique does provide excellent images of most internal organs. Information concerning structures such as the pancreas, ureters, intestinal segments (jejunum and ileum), and the reproductive tract is limited because of inconsistent visualization.
Effects of human recombinant alpha-2b interferon and feline recombinant omega interferon on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus-1
Authors: Siebeck Nicola , Hurley David J. , Garcia Maricarmen , Greene Craig E. , Köstlin Roberto G. , Moore Phillip A. , Dietrich Ursula M.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To evaluate the effects of recombinant human interferon α-2b (rHuIFN-α2b) and recombinant feline interferon ω (rFeIFN-ω) on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus (FHV)-1.

Sample Population—Cultures of Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells.

Procedures—CRFK cells were treated with rFeIFN-ω or rHuIFN-α2b at concentrations ranging from 100 to 500,000 U/mL. Cultures were then inoculated with FHV-1. Constant concentrations of interferon products were maintained throughout the study. Reductions in the number and size of plaques were used as indicators of antiviral activity. Six plaque reduction assays were performed in duplicate. A 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to detect cytotoxic effects of interferon. A 1-way ANOVA and Dunnett test were used to determine significant differences.

Results—Treatment with rFeIFN-ω at various concentrations resulted in significant reductions in the number of plaques (100,000 U/mL, 54.7%; and 500,000 U/mL, 59.8%) and in plaque size (100,000 U/mL, 47.5%; 250,000 U/mL, 81.0%; and 500,000 U/mL; 70.5%). Treatment with various concentrations of rHuIFN-α2b resulted in a significant reduction in plaque size (100,000 U/mL, 56.0%; 250,000 U/mL, 75.7%; and 500,000 U/mL, 69.0%). None of the tested concentrations of interferon caused significant cellular toxicosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—At some of the higher concentrations, the antiviral effect of rFeIFN-ω was greater than the antiviral effect of rHuIFN-α2b. Reduction in plaque size appeared to be a good indicator of the antiviral activity of interferon against FHV-1.
Clinical, microbiological, and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections of cats
Authors: Morris Daniel O. , Mauldin Elizabeth A. , O'Shea Kathleen , Shofer Frances S. , Rankin Shelley C.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To compare clinical information obtained from medical records of cats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA) infections, evaluate antibiograms of MRSA and MSSA for multiple-drug resistance (MDR), and characterize the strain type and staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC)mec type of each MRSA.

Sample Population—70 S aureus isolates obtained from 46 cats.

Procedures—Clinical information obtained from medical records, including signalment, clinical signs, histologic examination of affected tissues, and outcomes, was compared between the 2 groups. Composite antibiograms of MRSA and MSSA were compared statistically. The MRSA strains were characterized by use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and SCCmec typing.

Results—No statistical differences in signalment or subjective differences in clinical signs or outcomes were detected between groups with MRSA or MSSA infection. Significant differences in antimicrobial resistance were detected, with MRSA having complete resistance to fluoroquinolone and macrolide antimicrobials, whereas MSSA maintained a high frequency of susceptibility. Seven pulsed-field patterns were observed in 15 MRSA strains; all but 1 were highly related. All MRSA isolates contained a type II SCCmec element.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Because MDR cannot be predicted in staphylococcal infections in cats on the basis of clinical signalment, culture and susceptibility testing are recommended whenever initial empirical treatment is unsuccessful. Molecular characterization of MRSA strains suggests that there has been reverse-zoonotic transmission from humans.

Impact for Human Medicine—The SCCmec type II element is typically associated with nosocomial MRSA infections of people. Cats may serve as reservoirs for MRSA infections in humans.
Comparative analysis of cytokine gene expression in cerebrospinal fluid of horses without neurologic signs or with selected neurologic disorders
Authors: Pusterla Nicola , Wilson W. David , Conrad Patricia A. , Mapes Samantha , Leutenegger Christian M.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To determine gene transcription for cytokines in nucleated cells in CSF of horses without neurologic signs or with cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM), West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), or spinal cord trauma.

Animals—41 horses (no neurologic signs [n = 12], CSM [8], WNV encephalitis [9], EPM [6], and spinal cord trauma [6]).

Procedures—Total RNA was extracted from nucleated cells and converted into cDNA. Gene expression was measured by use of real-time PCR assay and final quantitation via the comparative threshold cycle method.

Results—Cytokine genes expressed by nucleated cells of horses without neurologic signs comprised a balance between proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-10 and transforming growth factor [TGF]-β), and Th1 mediators (interferon [IFN]-γ). Cells of horses with CSM mainly expressed genes for TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-10. Cells of horses with WNV encephalitis mainly expressed genes for IL-6 and TGF-β. Cells of horses with EPM mainly had expression of genes for IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and TGF-β. Cells from horses with spinal cord trauma had expression mainly for IL-6; IFN-γ; TGF-β; and less frequently, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α. Interleukin-8 gene expression was only detected in CSF of horses with infectious diseases.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Despite the small number of CSF samples for each group, results suggest distinct gene signatures expressed by nucleated cells in the CSF of horses without neurologic signs versus horses with inflammatory or traumatic neurologic disorders.
Vascular distribution of contrast medium during intraosseous regional perfusion of the distal portion of the equine forelimb
Authors: Keys Graham J. , Berry Douglass B. , Pleasant R. Scott , Jones Jeryl C. , Freeman Larry E.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To describe the vascular distribution pattern of contrast medium during intraosseous regional perfusion (IORP) of the distal portion of the equine forelimb.

Sample Population—13 cadaveric forelimbs from 12 horses without forelimb diseases.

Procedures—Serial lateromedial radiographic views were taken of the distal portion of 10 heparinized cadaveric forelimbs at 0, 1, 2, 6, 15, and 30 minutes during IORP of the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) by use of iodinated contrast medium and a tourniquet placed over the proximal portion of MCIII. Vascular regions of interest (ROI) were created for each radiograph. Reviewers identified the presence or absence of contrast medium–induced opacified vessels in all ROI on radiographs. This information was summarized to identify vessel-filling patterns over time. Vessel identification was verified by use of computed tomography angiography and latex perfusion studies on the distal portion of separate cadaveric forelimbs.

Results—During IORP, contrast medium filled the medullary cavity of the MCIII; exited via transcortical vessels; and diffused distally to the remaining arteries and veins of the forelimb, distal to the tourniquet. Maximum vessel and soft tissue opacification occurred in most specimens at 6 and 30 minutes, respectively. Serial radiography vessel patterns matched those of computed tomography images and dissected specimens.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IORP provides a repeatable pattern of vascular distribution in the distal portion of the equine forelimb. To our knowledge, our study provides the first documentation of arterial perfusion by use of IORP; results of previous reports indicate that IORP delivers medications to only the venous vessels of the perfused forelimb.
Association between various physical factors and acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion in Dachshunds
Authors: Levine Jonathan M. , Levine Gwendolyn J. , Kerwin Sharon C. , Hettlich Bianca F. , Fosgate Geoffrey T.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To determine whether body weight, body condition score, or various body dimensions were associated with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion and whether any of these factors were associated with severity of clinical signs in Dachshunds.

Design—Cross-sectional clinical study.

Animals—75 Dachshunds with (n = 39) or without (36) acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion.

Procedures—Signalment, various body measurements, body weight, body condition score, and spinal cord injury grade were recorded at the time of initial examination.

Results—Mean T1-S1 distance and median tuber calcaneus–to–patellar tendon (TC-PT) distance were significantly shorter in affected than in unaffected dogs. A 1-cm decrease in T1-S1 distance was associated with a 2.1-times greater odds of being affected, and a 1-cm decrease in TC-PT distance was associated with an 11.1-times greater odds of being affected. Results of multivariable logistic regression also indicated that affected dogs were taller at the withers and had a larger pelvic circumference than unaffected dogs, after adjusting for other body measurements. Results of ordinal logistic regression indicated that longer T1-S1 distance, taller height at the withers, and smaller pelvic circumference were associated with more severe spinal cord injury.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that certain body dimensions may be associated with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion or protrusion in Dachshunds and, in affected dogs, with severity of neurologic dysfunction.
Outcome of desmoplasty and fasciotomy for desmitis involving the origin of the suspensory ligament in horses: 27 cases (1995–2004)
Authors: Hewes Christina A. , White Nathaniel A.
Published: August 2006

Objective—To determine outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided desmoplasty with simultaneous fasciotomy for proximal suspensory desmitis (ie, desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament) in horses that have not responded to stall rest.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—27 horses.

Procedures—Medical records of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis treated by means of desmoplasty with fasciotomy were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners and trainers of the horses or by examination of horses at the hospital.

Results—23 of the 27 (85%) horses, including 3 of 4 horses with forelimb lesions and 20 of 23 horses with hind limb lesions, were able to return to full work after surgery and rehabilitation. All horses had ultrasonographic evidence of healing of suspensory ligament lesions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that desmoplasty with fasciotomy is a viable treatment option in horses with proximal suspensory desmitis that have not responded to stall rest.
Synthesis and characterization of Al-and Y-Al-citrates as potential precursors for YAlO3
Authors: Petrova Nikolina , Todorovsky Dimitar , Kovacheva Daniela , Milanova Maria
Published: August 2006

Al-and Y-Al-citric complexes have been synthesized in ethylene glycol medium at conditions close to the ones used in polymerized complex method and their composition and spectral characteristics have been studied. Proofs have been found for the formation in the bimetallic system of a mixed-metal Al-Y-complex. Doubly ionized and esterified ligands take place in the Al-complex. All of the ligands forming Y-Al-complex are mono-or doubly esterified. Deprotonation of the alcoholic group takes place in the formation of the mixed-metal complex. Both complexes contain adduct-bonded ethylene glycol. Heating of the bimetallic complex or of the polyester resin formed leads to not phase-homogeneous YAlO3-along with cubic YAlO3, its orthorhombic modification as well as Y4All2O9 are found by X-ray diffractometry.
Hybrid density functional theory investigation of a series of alloxan-based thiosemicarbazones and semicarbazones
Authors: Nuwan De Silva N. , Lisic Edward , Albu Titus
Published: August 2006

Recently, the synthesis and the NMR characterization of a series of eight alloxan-based thiosemicarbazones and semicarbazones were reported. These compounds exhibit a strongly hydrogenbonded hydrazinic proton that is a part of a characteristic six-membered ring. This proton is highly deshielded and resonates far downfield in the proton NMR spectra. In this report, mPW1PW91/6-31+G(d,p) calculations have been used to investigate the structure and other molecular properties of this series of eight compounds. The relationship between the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts and various geometric parameters was investigated, and linear relationships for proton peaks that are involved in hydrogen-bond interactions were found.
Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and mature spermatozoon of Skrjabinoporus merops (Cyclophyllidea, Metadilepididae)
Authors: Yoneva Aneta , Georgieva Katia , Mizinska Yana , Georgiev Boyko , Stoitsova Stoyanka
Published: August 2006

The ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoon and the spermiogenesis of a cestode belonging to the family Metadilepididae is described for the first time. The mature spermatozoon of Skrjabinoporus merops is characterized by twisted peripheral microtubules, the presence of a single crested body, periaxonemal sheath and electron-dense rods, and the absence of intracytoplasmic walls and inclusions (glycogen or proteinaceous granules); no peripheral microtubules where nucleus contacts the external plasma membrane. Four morphologically distinct regions of the mature spermatozoon are differentiated. The proximal part (Region I) contains a single crested body, periaxonemal sheath is absent in some (proximal) sections and is present in others situated closer to the nucleus. The central Region II is nucleated, and is followed by Region III that contains a periaxonemal sheath. The distal pole, Region IV, is characterized by disintegration of the axoneme. Spermiogenesis follows the type III pattern (Bâ and Marchand 1995) although in S. merops a slight flagellar rotation is observed. The differentiation zone is characterized by the absence of striated roots and intercentriolar body; two centrioles are present, one of which gives rise to a free flagellum. The latter rotates and undergoes proximodistal fusion with the cytoplasmic protrusion of the differentiation zone. Spermiological characters of S. merops are similar to those of the families Taeniidae and Catenotaeniidae. The mature spermatozoon differs from those of the Dilepididae (where the metadilepidid species have previously been classified) by the lack of glycogen.
Growth of Daphnia magna males and females fed with the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus in different proportions
Authors: Lürling Miquel , Beekman Wendy
Published: August 2006

Laboratory experiments were used to study the sensitivity of both male and female Daphnia magna to a toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa. Male and female D. magna were fed with M. aeruginosa and a green alga (Scenedesmus obliquus) in different mixtures that included 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% Microcystis. Growth of both males and females declined with increasing proportion of Microcystis in the diet. Males were slightly less sensitive to Microcystis than females with EC50 for growth inhibition at 72% and 63% Microcystis in the diet, respectively. On monospecific Microcystis diet, mortality rates for males (0.16 d–1) and females (0.17 d–1) were similar. The reproductive rate of females was the most sensitive endpoint with an EC50 of 42% Microcystis in the diet, whereas population growth rates were the least sensitive (EC50 of 74% Microcystis). Microcystis in the diet severely depressed growth and reproduction in Daphnia and poses a severe threat to its survival in which only a switch in reproductive strategy might provide Daphnia a refuge to a Microcystis environment that gradually becomes uninhabitable.
A systematic iterative procedure for determining granulator operating parameters
Authors: Fung Ka Y. , Ng Ka M. , Nakajima Susumu , Wibowo Christianto
Published: August 2006

A systematic iterative procedure is presented for determining granulator operating parameters to produce granules with desired product attributes. These include mean granule size, size distribution, porosity, strength, and spatial distribution of the constituent components. After selecting the equipment and binder, a preliminary experiment is performed to determine base case results, which usually do not match the desired attributes. The final product is obtained using an iterative procedure with both analyses and experiments. The qualitative analysis identifies the operating parameters that can effect changes to the off‐spec attribute. This is followed by a quantitative analysis—based on simple physically based mathematical models in the form of sensitivity analysis—that determines the parameter that has the greatest effect on the relevant attribute. Experiments with the modified formulation and operating conditions are conducted and the entire procedure is repeated until the desired product is obtained. A system with lactose and starch using hydroxypropyl cellulose as binder in an agitated fluidized bed granulator (Hosokawa Micron Agglomaster™) is used to illustrate this procedure. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Capacity to consent to or refuse treatment and/or research: theoretical considerations
Authors: Saks Elyn R. , Jeste Dilip V.
Published: August 2006

This article discusses theoretical dimensions of competency to consent to or refuse treatment and/or research. We will consider a number of issues. Our first subject is the nature of assessments of competency—their empirical, normative, and conceptual aspects. We then discuss how we should divide up the components of capacity—understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and evidencing a choice; how we should understand these different components; and whether all are indeed necessary. We discuss where to draw the line between capacity and incapacity on each of the four elements of capacity. We ask whether we should have a variable competency standard, either in general or in different contexts (e.g. treatment versus research). Finally we consider the role of mental illness in competency assessments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perfekte Fotos mit Platin
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: August 2006

Fotos im elektronischen Speicherformat, die wir per E‐Mail verschicken, herauf‐ und herunterladen oder vollautomatisch ausdrucken, haben die Silberhalogenid‐Chemie der Dunkelkammer schon beinahe verdrängt. Vor 90 Jahren verschwand bereits – aus anderen Gründen – eine andere fotographische Technik, der Platindruck. Ein solches Werk erzielte kürzlich auf einer Auktion einen Rekordpreis und brachte so die fast vergessene Methode wieder in Erinnerung.
Family history of breast cancer as a risk factor for ovarian cancer in a prospective study
Authors: Kazerouni Neely , Greene Mark H. , Lacey James V. , Mink Pamela J. , Schairer Catherine
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND.

A family history of breast cancer has been associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. However, few studies have assessed risk according to characteristics that suggest an inherited cancer susceptibility disorder, such as earlier‐than‐usual age at cancer diagnosis, family members with double primary cancers of different types, multiple relatives with cancer, and cancer in both members of paired organs.

METHODS.

Ovarian cancer risk was assessed according to a detailed breast cancer family history among 49,975 participants in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project Breast Cancer Defection Demenstration Project (BCDDP) Follow‐up Study (1979–1998). In all, 362 incident ovarian cancers were identified during follow‐up and rate ratios (RRs) were calculated by Poisson regression.

RESULTS.

Breast cancer in a first‐ or second‐degree relative was associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer (RR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–1.7). Having 2 or more affected first‐degree relatives was associated with increased risk (RR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1–2.8), especially for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer before age 60 (RR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.9–9.2) or with a personal history of breast cancer (RR = 3.7; 95% CI 1.8–7.7). Risk was also particularly high for women with 2 or more first‐degree relatives with breast cancer and at least 1 affected relative diagnosed before age 50 (RR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.4–4.8) or with bilateral breast cancer (RR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.7–10).

CONCLUSIONS.

A detailed breast cancer family history as well as an individual's age and personal history of breast cancer are useful for identifying women at elevated genetic risk of ovarian cancer. Cancer 2006. Published 2006 by the American Cancer Society.
A methodology for early validation of cache coherence protocols based on relational databases
Authors: Subramaniam Mahadevan , Conway Patrick
Published: August 2006

A novel, table‐driven approach based on relational database technology is proposed for the design and early validation of cache coherence protocols. A protocol is specified as multiple communicating, multi‐input, multi‐output, finite‐state machines each represented by a relational database table. The tables are automatically generated by solving relational calculus constraints specifying the protocol transactions. Early protocol validation prior to an implementation is performed by testing these tables for several protocol properties expressed using relational queries and database integrity constraints. The debugged tables are automatically mapped to a high‐level hardware implementation while preserving their correctness. The proposed approach has been deployed at Fujitsu Systems Technology Division for the design of their next‐generation multiprocessor and has been highly successful in reducing the overall protocol development time and has discovered several errors early in the design cycle. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed desk checking
Authors: Hayardeny Amiram , Fienblit Shachar , Farchi Eitan
Published: August 2006

Desk checking is known to be an effective reading technique for early detection of sequential program errors. This paper discusses how to extend desk checking for concurrent and distributed programs. In addition to exponential possible schedules, concurrent and distributed programs have execution states that include more than one process. The new distributed desk‐checking technique supports the selection of schedules and execution states to be reviewed. The cross‐product functional coverage technique assists in the selection process. Schedule selection guidelines that facilitate early detection and coverage are introduced. It is demonstrated that code inspection can be applied effectively to large industrial applications using the selection mechanism introduced by this technique. Industrial pilots show that distributed desk checking is an effective early error‐detection review technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐transplant treatment modality and renal transplant outcomes
Authors: Coronel Francisco , Sánchez‐Fructuoso Ana , Conesa José , Prats Dolores , Barrientos Alberto
Published: August 2006

Background

The effect of pre‐transplant treatment modality on renal transplant outcomes is still controversial. A negative patient selection for treatment with peritoneal dialysis (PD) some years ago gave the impression of poorer transplant survival than with hemodialysis (HD).

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of pre‐transplant treatment (PD, HD, or patients who were pre‐dialysis) on initial delayed graft function (DGF), graft thrombosis (GT), global rejection rate, and survival among patients at a single university hospital with a strong tradition of performing renal transplants.

Patients

The study analyzed 563 renal transplants (HD: 80%, PD: 16.5%, pre‐dialysis: 3.5%) performed at a single center between January 1996 and May 2002.

Results

There were no differences in immunosuppressive protocol during the study. The HD patients were older (p=0.004). The proportion of diabetics was higher among patients who received PD (20%) than in those who underwent HD (8%) and in those who were pre‐dialysis (10%) (p=0.002). There were no differences between PD and HD patients in donor type (brain death: 55.6% PD vs. 55.6% HD; non‐heart‐beating [NHB]: 39% PD vs. 35% HD; dual pediatric: 6% PD vs. 7% HD; dual elderly: 0% PD vs. 2% HD). Despite the higher proportion of diabetics among PD patients, graft and patient survival did not differ between patients coming from PD, HD, and those who were pre‐dialysis. Patient/graft survival after 1 year was 100%/100% with Pre‐D, 96.5%/95% with PD, and 95.6%/92.5% with HD. Patient/graft survival after 3 years was 100%/100% with pre‐dialysis, 94.1%/94.1% with PD, and 91.7%/89% with HD. DGF incidence was higher in HD patients than in PD and pre‐dialysis patients (p<0.001) even when brain‐dead (p<0.01) and NHB (p<0.001) donors were analyzed separately. The global rejection rate was the same for all patients regardless of pre‐transplant treatment. There was a very low rate of graft thrombosis, with no statistical differences between the groups (0.9% PD and 1.3% HD).

Conclusion

Graft and patient survival was similar in patients previously treated with PD or HD and excellent in pre‐dialysis patients. A significantly higher rate of initial DGF was confirmed in HD patients, whereas rejection and GT rates were similar with all pre‐transplant treatment modalities.
Lanthanide(III) Double‐Decker Complexes with Octaphenoxy‐ or Octathiophenoxyphthalocyaninato Ligands – Revealing the Electron‐Withdrawing Nature of the Phenoxy and Thiophenoxy Groups in the Double‐Decker Complexes
Authors: Lu Guifen , Bai Ming , Li Renjie , Zhang Xianxi , Ma Changqin , Lo Pui‐Chi , Ng Dennis K. P. , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: August 2006

A series of heteroleptic and homoleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) lanthanide(III) complexes, namely M(Pc)[Pc(OPh)8], M[Pc(OPh)8]2, Eu(Pc)[Pc(SPh)8], and Eu[Pc(SPh)8]2 [M = Eu, Ho, Lu; Pc = unsubstituted phthalocyaninate; Pc(OPh)8 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octaphenoxyphthalocyaninate; Pc(SPh)8 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octathiophenoxyphthalocyaninate](1–8) have been prepared. The molecular structure of Eu[Pc(OPh)8]2 (4) has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. All of the new sandwich compounds have been characterized with various spectroscopic methods. Their electrochemical characteristics show that the introduction of phenoxy or thiophenoxy groups onto the peripheral positions of the phthalocyaninato ligand makes the double‐decker harder to oxidize and easier to reduce than the analogous compounds without the (thio)phenoxy group. Theoretical calculations, with the semi‐empirical PM3 method, indicate that the change in the energy level of the frontier orbitals of these ligands induced by the electron‐withdrawing substituents is responsible for these unusual electrochemical properties. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Syntheses, Structural, and Physical Studies of Basic CrIII and FeIII Benzilates and Benzoates: Evidence of Antisymmetric Exchange and Distributions of Isotropic and Antisymmetric Exchange Parameters
Authors: Psycharis Vassilios , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Boudalis Athanassios K. , Sanakis Yiannis , Fardis Michael , Diamantopoulos George , Papavassiliou George
Published: August 2006

The synthesis, crystal structures, spectroscopic and magnetic properties studies of four trinuclear oxo‐centered carboxylate complexes are reported and discussed: [Cr3(μ3‐O){O2C(OH)Ph2}6(H2O)3](NO3)·2H2O·3Me2CO (1·2H2O·3Me2CO), [Cr3(μ3‐O)(O2CPh)6(H2O)3](NO3)·1.9MeCN·0.5H2O (2·1.9MeCN·0.5H2O), [Fe3(μ3‐O){O2C(OH)Ph2}6(H2O)3](NO3)·5.69H2O (3·5.69H2O), and [Fe3(μ3‐O)(O2CPh)6(H2O)3](NO3)·3MeCN (4·3MeCN). From a crystallographic point of view, the three metal ions form an isosceles triangle in 1 and 3 (benzilato complexes) and an almost equilateral one in 2 and 4 (benzoato complexes). Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal metal‐dependent isotropic exchange, for the CrIII clusters (1, 2), with the “magnetic symmetry” resembling that of an almost equilateral triangle. For the FeIII clusters the “magnetic symmetry” resembles that of an isosceles triangle. Solid‐state 1H NMR studies for 1, through the measurements of the temperature variation of the relaxation rate 1/T1, reveal that the first excited spin state with ST = 3/2 is well above (ca. 30 cm–1) the ground state with ST = 1/2, consistent with the magnetic susceptibility data. Mössbauer spectroscopic studies give a larger quadrupole splitting, ΔEQ, value for 3 than for 4, because of a larger charge asymmetry in 3 attributed to the different nature of the carboxylato ligands. EPR experiments at X‐band reveal the presence of antisymmetric exchange within the CrIII clusters and distributions of both isotropic and antisymmetric exchange interactions. In the case of 2 the magnitude and distribution of these interactions are greater. EPR spectroscopy for 3 suggests weak interactions between neighboring units, which could be described assuming a dimer of trimers. For complex 4 the EPR spectra indicate a more complicated picture. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Wittig Rearrangement of Lithiated Allyl Aryl Ethers: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Strunk Sven , Schlosser Manfred
Published: August 2006

At –75 °C, α‐lithiated allyl phenyl ether undergoes mainly the [1,2] Wittig rearrangement to afford, after acidic hydrolysis, 1‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐ol as the main product. A second metalation taking place at one of the ortho positions is the sole competing side reaction. Both, the significant decrease of the isomerization rate upon the introduction of a tert‐butyl substituent in the para position of the aromatic ring and the complete absence of [1.4] rearrangement products suggest an intramolecular addition/elimination process bringing about the aryl migration. The first step, a nucleophilic attack of the α‐ to the ipso‐carbon atom generates a spiro‐connected oxiranylidene‐cyclohexadienyllithium species. This short‐lived intermediate collapses to the final product, a lithium alkoxide, by the nucleofugal departure of the oxygen atom which simultaneously binds the metal atom.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
2‐(Guanidiniocarbonyl)furans as a New Class of Potential Anion Hosts: Synthesis and First Binding Studies
Authors: Schmuck Carsten , Machon Uwe
Published: August 2006

The synthesis of a new class of potential anion hosts, the 2‐(guanidiniocarbonyl)furans 5a–d, is presented in this study. The facile decomposition of furans under acidic conditions makes the synthesis of these compounds challenging. First binding studies showed that the (guanidiniocarbonyl)furans are much more acidic (pKa ≈ 5.5) than the analogous pyrroles (pKa ≈ 7) previously introduced by us for oxoanion binding in aqueous solvents. Hence, anion binding with the furan derivatives occurs only in acidic solutions below pH = 5. Therefore, carboxylates are not bound efficiently, whereas, for example, the less basic hydrogen sulfate is bound by 5b with an association constant of K = 600 M–1 in aqueous DMSO even in the presence of a large excess of buffer. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Further application of hybrid solution to another form of Boussinesq equations and comparisons
Authors: Erduran K. S.
Published: August 2006

Recently, a new hybrid scheme is introduced for the solution of the Boussinesq equations. In this study, the hybrid scheme is used to solve another form of the Boussinesq equations. The hybrid solution is composed of finite‐volume and finite difference method. The finite‐volume method is applied to conservative part of the governing equations, whereas the higher order Boussinesq terms are discretized using the finite‐difference scheme. Fourth‐order accuracy is provided in both time and space. The solution is then applied to several test cases, which are taken from the previous studies. The results of this study are compared with experimental and theoretical results as well as those of the previous ones. The comparisons indicate that the Boussinesq equations solved here and in the previous study produce quite similar results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated radial basis functions‐based differential quadrature method and its performance
Authors: Shu C. , Wu Y. L.
Published: August 2006

In this paper, indirect radial basis function networks (IRBFN) proposed by Nam and Tranh (Neural Networks 2001; 14(2):185–199; Appl. Math. Modelling 2003; 27:197–220) are incorporated into the differential quadrature (DQ) approximation of derivatives. For simplicity, this new variant of RBF‐DQ approach is named as iRBF‐DQ method. The proposed approach is validated by its application to solve the one‐dimensional Burger's equation, and simulate natural convection in a concentric annulus by solving Navier–Stokes equations. It was found that as compared to the benchmark data, the iRBF‐DQ approach can provide more accurate results than the original RBF‐DQ method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roles of two types of anion channels in glutamate release from mouse astrocytes under ischemic or osmotic stress
Authors: Liu Hong‐Tao , Tashmukhamedov Bekjan A. , Inoue Hana , Okada Yasunobu , Sabirov Ravshan Z.
Published: August 2006

Astrocytes release glutamate upon hyperexcitation in the normal brain, and in response to pathologic insults such as ischemia and trauma. In our experiments, both hypotonic and ischemic stimuli caused the release of glutamate from cultured mouse astrocytes, which occurred with little or no contribution of gap junction hemichannels, vesicle‐mediated exocytosis, or reversed operation of the Na‐dependent glutamate transporter. Cell swelling and chemical ischemia activated, in cell‐attached membrane patches, anionic channels with large unitary conductance (∼400 pS) and inactivation kinetics at potentials more positive than +20 mV or more negative than −20 mV. These properties are different from those of volume‐sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) Cl− channels, which were also expressed in these cells and exhibited intermediate unitary conductance (∼80 pS) and inactivation kinetics at large positive potentials of more than +40 mV. Both maxi‐anion channels and VSOR Cl− channels were permeable to glutamate with permeability ratios of glutamate to chloride of 0.21 ± 0.07 and 0.15 ± 0.01, respectively. However, the release of glutamate was significantly more sensitive to Gd3+, a blocker of maxi‐anion channels, than to phloretin, a blocker of VSOR Cl− channels. We conclude that these two channels jointly represent a major conductive pathway for the release of glutamate from swollen and ischemia‐challenged astrocytes, with the contribution of maxi‐anion channels being predominant. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prudence and optimal prevention for health risks
Authors: Courbage Christophe , Rey Béatrice
Published: August 2006

Empirical evidence suggests the existence of a positive relationship between fear of sickness (FS) – as measured by the level of future utility lost when sickness occurs – and the level of effort to prevent the occurrence of sickness. By looking theoretically at this issue, we develop new results on the determinants of optimal prevention for health risks. In particular, we show that a sufficient condition to pursue more prevention for an individual with a higher FS than another is to have lower prudence in Kimball's (1990) sense, whatever the distribution of risk. These findings reinforce the role of prudence as a main determinant of the optimal level of prevention. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decellularized placental matrices for adipose tissue engineering
Authors: Flynn Lauren , Semple John L. , Woodhouse Kimberly A.
Published: August 2006

A tissue‐engineered adipose substitute would be invaluable to plastic surgeons for reconstructive, corrective, and cosmetic procedures. This work involves the design of a scaffold for soft tissue augmentation incorporating the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of human placenta. We have developed a protocol to decellularize an intact, large segment (8 cm by 8 cm) of the human placenta. To facilitate the complete decellularization of the dense matrix, a system was designed to perfuse the required chemicals into the placenta via the existing vasculature. Following processing, the original architecture of the placental ECM was preserved, including an intact vascular network. Histological, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopic analyses confirmed the removal of the cells and cellular debris and characterized the composition and structure of the matrix. In vitro cell culture experimentation showed that the placental decellular matrix (PDM) could facilitate the adhesion of primary human adipose precursor cells at early time points. The PDM has great potential for use as a scaffold for adipose tissue engineering, as the placenta is a rich source of human ECM components that can be readily harvested without harm to the donor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Apoptosis induced by troglitazone is both peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ‐ and ERK‐dependent in human non‐small lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Mingyue , Lee Tak W. , Yim Anthony P.C. , Mok Tony S.K. , Chen George G.
Published: August 2006

The role of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPARγ) in cell differentiation, cell‐cycle arrest, and apoptosis has attracted increasing attention. We have recently demonstrated that PPARγ ligands‐troglitazone (TGZ) induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells. In this report, we further studied the role of ERK1/2 in lung cancer cells treated by TGZ. The result demonstrated that TGZ induced PPARγ and ERK1/2 accumulation in the nucleus, in which the co‐localization of both proteins was found. The activation of ERK1/2 resulted in apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. Both PPARγ siRNA and U0126, a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2, were able to block these effects of TGZ, suggesting that apoptosis induced by TGZ was PPARγ and ERK1/2 dependent. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 also led to a significant decrease in the level of PPARγ, indicating a positive cross‐talk between PPARγ and ERK1/2 or an auto‐regulatory feedback mechanism to amplify the effect of ERK1/2 on cell growth arrest and apoptosis. In addition to ERK1/2, TGZ also activated Akt. Interestingly, inhibition of ERK1/2 prevented the activation of Akt whereas the suppression of Akt had no effect on ERK1/2, suggesting that Akt was not necessary for TGZ‐PPARγ‐ERK pathway. However, the inhibition of Akt promoted the release of cytochrome c, suggesting the activation of Akt may have a negative effect on apoptosis induced by TGZ. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated that TGZ, a synthetic PPARγ ligand, induced apoptosis in NCI‐H23 lung cancer cells via a mitochondrial pathway and this pathway was PPARγ and ERK1/2 dependent. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 428–438, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 downregulate CaV3.1 channel expression in mouse C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Avila Traudy , Andrade Arturo , Felix Ricardo
Published: August 2006

In the developing skeletal muscle, fusion of myoblasts and myotube formation is a process that involves Ca2+ influx through T‐type (CaV3) channels. Treatment of myoblasts with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) decreases the number of CaV3 channels in the plasma membrane and reduces myotube formation. In the current report, we examined whether the inhibitory actions of TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 involve alterations in CaV3 mRNA expression in the myoblast C2C12 cell line. Using RT‐PCR, we found that CaV3.1 but not CaV3.2 and CaV3.3 transcripts are present in either undifferentiated or fusion competent C2C12 myoblasts. Semi‐quantitative analysis revealed a significant decrease of CaV3.1 mRNA expression in cells treated with TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2. In contrast, patch‐clamp recordings on HEK‐293 cells stably expressing recombinant CaV3.1 channels showed that T‐type currents were not affected by chronic exposure to the growth factors. These results suggest that muscle T‐channel downregulation by TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 may be mediated by reduced transcription rather than through post‐transcriptional modifications of CaV3.1 channels. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 448–456, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.