bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phototoxicity of oil sands–derived polycyclic aromatic compounds to japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos
Authors: Farwell Andrea J. , Nero Vincent , Croft Melanie , Rhodes Spencer , Dixon D. George
Published: December 2006

Alkylated polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), which are rich in dibenzothiophenes, are present in natural and reclaimed aquatic environments in the oil sands region of northern Alberta (Canada). An oil sands–derived PAC extract has been shown to induce signs of blue sac disease in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos. Information regarding exposure to and effects of oil sands PACs is available, but little of this information concerns the impact of modifying factors. The present study focuses on the effect of simulated solar radiation on oil sands–derived PAC toxicity to Japanese medaka embryos. Photomodification of the oil sands PAC extract caused reduced toxicity with an increase in the duration of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Generally, mortality and developmental endpoints and, to a lesser extent, growth were affected by photomodification. Coexposures of the PAC mixture and UV caused slight increases in toxicity for mortality and embryonic developmental endpoints at the longest duration of UV exposure tested (16 h). Based on the modest phototoxicity of the oil sands PAC extract to Japanese medaka embryos, enhanced toxicity associated with UV irradiation may not be a concern for embryos of fish species that are common to the oil sands region. However, testing the effects of differing levels of UV irradiation on larval fish and invertebrates that may differ in their PAC bioaccumulation would improve our understanding concerning the importance of UV irradiation as a modifying factor in oil sands environmental risk assessment.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates in the altes land, an intensely used orchard region in Germany: Correlation between community structure and potential for pesticide exposure
Authors: Schäfers Christoph , Hommen Udo , Dembinski Michael , Gonzalez-Valero Juan F.
Published: December 2006

To assess the impact of pesticides on aquatic organisms under realistic worst-case conditions, a macroinvertebrate community of small ditches was sampled at 40 sites of the orchard region Altes Land near Hamburg, Germany. To differentiate between pesticide impact and other variables, the ditches selected for sampling were located at different distances along grassland, unused apple orchards, and orchards managed with integrated and/or organic crop protection methods. Samples of macroinvertebrates were taken on five dates over two years. In addition to biological data, water chemistry and structural parameters were measured. For each sampling site, a potential for exposure was calculated on the basis of the distance of the ditch to the nearest row of trees and the depth and width of the ditch. The neighborhood to either grassland or orchards turned out to have a larger impact on the macroinvertebrate community than the potential for exposure. Therefore, grassland sites were omitted from further evaluation. Remaining sites were grouped into low exposure (sites at unused orchards), medium exposure (distance of 3–5 m [track] between trees and ditch), and high exposure (trees close to the ditch, mean distance ≤ 1.5 m). Principal response curves showed differences in community structure between the three exposure groups over time. Whereas for sites from the high exposure group significant differences from low exposure was observed in all seasons, significant differences between low and medium were observed only occasionally. Effects were less pronounced in samples taken at springtime before the starting pesticide applications, suggesting some community recovery. Species richness was negatively correlated to exposure potential. Isopoda, Eulamellibranchiata, and insects, especially Ephemeroptera, showed a high negative correlation with the potential for pesticide exposure, suggesting that these taxa are sensitive to the pesticide use in the orchards.
Modeling biphasic sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic contaminants in sediments
Authors: Chai Yunzhou , Kochetkov Alexander , Reible Danny D.
Published: December 2006

A model was developed to predict biphasic sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds in contaminated sediments. The model was based on relatively rapid porous diffusion in amorphous organic carbon and slow solid-phase diffusion in condensed-phase organic carbon. The model was used to simulate measured solid–fluid phase desorption (rates and pore-water concentrations) for four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exhibiting a range of hydrophobicities (phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene) in two field-contaminated sediments from Utica Harbor (Utica, NY, USA) and Rouge River (Detroit, MI, USA). Pore-water concentrations have been related to bioavailability, indicating the potential usefulness of the model to predict bioavailability. Key model parameters included the fraction of condensed-phase carbon (estimated by combustion at 375°C), partition coefficient to the condensed-phase carbon (estimated by desorption measurements on coal-like particles physically separated from Utica Harbor sediments), and diffusivity and ratio of volume to surface area of the condensed-phase organic matter (fitted to measured desorption data on both sediments and for the measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Best fit for the diffusion coefficient in the condensed-phase organic matter was 8.5 × 10−20 m2/s, and ratio of volume to surface area was 2 μm. These parameters estimated measured pore-water concentrations of all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in both sediments with an average error of 46% and a correlation coefficient of 0.76 and the fast-desorbing fractions (as measured by the fraction removed with a nonpolar polymeric sorbent XAD-2) with an average error of approximately 30% and a correlation coefficient of 0.54 (14% and 0.76, respectively, for all but benzo[a]pyrene). Modeling results were relatively insensitive to the two fitted parameters, with changes of an order of magnitude or more being required to affect the correlation between the model and observations significantly.
Use of a parallel artificial membrane system to evaluate passive absorption and elimination in small fish
Authors: Kwon Jung-Hwan , Katz Lynn E. , Liljestrand Howard M.
Published: December 2006

A parallel artificial lipid membrane system was developed to mimic passive mass transfer of hydrophobic organic chemicals in fish. In this physical model system, a membrane filter–supported lipid bilayer separates two aqueous phases that represent the external and internal aqueous environments of fish. To predict bioconcentration kinetics in small fish with this system, literature absorption and elimination rates were analyzed with an allometric diffusion model to quantify the mass transfer resistances in the aqueous and lipid phases of fish. The effect of the aqueous phase mass transfer resistance was controlled by adjusting stirring intensity to mimic bioconcentration rates in small fish. Twenty-three simple aromatic hydrocarbons were chosen as model compounds for purposes of evaluation. For most of the selected chemicals, literature absorption/elimination rates fall into the range predicted from measured membrane permeabilities and elimination rates of the selected chemicals determined by the diffusion model system.
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by carbaryl: Computational evidence of the ability of carbaryl to assume a planar conformation
Authors: Casado Susana , Alonso Mercedes , Herradón Bernardo , Tarazona José V. , Navas José MA
Published: December 2006

It has been accepted that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands are compounds with two or more aromatic rings in a coplanar conformation. Although general agreement exists that carbaryl is able to activate the AhR, it has been proposed that such activation could occur through alternative pathways without ligand binding. This idea was supported by studies showing a planar conformation of carbaryl as unlikely. The objective of the present work was to clarify the process of AhR activation by carbaryl. In rat H4IIE cells permanently transfected with a luciferase gene under the indirect control of AhR, incubation with carbaryl led to an increase of luminescence. Ligand binding to the AhR was studied by means of a cell-free in vitro system in which the activation of AhR can occur only by ligand binding. In this system, exposure to carbaryl also led to activation of AhR. These results were similar to those obtained with the AhR model ligand β-naphthoflavone, although this compound exhibited higher potency than carbaryl in both assays. By means of computational modeling (molecular mechanics and quantum chemical calculations), the structural characteristics and electrostatic properties of carbaryl were described in detail, and it was observed that the substituent at C-1 and the naphthyl ring were not coplanar. Assuming that carbaryl would interact with the AhR through a hydrogen bond, this interaction was studied computationally using hydrogen fluoride as a model H-bond donor. Under this situation, the stabilization energy of the carbaryl molecule would permit it to adopt a planar conformation. These results are in accordance with the mechanism traditionally accepted for AhR activation: Binding of ligands in a planar conformation.
EQUIVALENCE CLASSES WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORT RESPONSE LATENCIES
Authors: Tomanari Gerson Y. , Sidman Murray , Rubio Adriana R. , Dube William V.
Published: December 2006

Five adult humans were tested for emergent conditional discriminations under rapid‐responding contingencies. During four‐comparison matching‐to‐sample baseline training (AB and AC), limited‐hold contingencies for responding to samples and comparisons were gradually restricted to the shortest duration consistent with at least 95% accuracy and no more than 5% failures to respond. The final limited‐hold values were 0.4–0.5 s for samples and 1.2–1.3 s for comparisons; mean response latencies were 0.15–0.28 s for samples and 0.59–0.73 s for comparisons; inter‐trial intervals were 0.4 s. With these fast‐responding requirements, test blocks presented 72 probe trials interspersed among 72 baseline trials, all without programmed differential consequences. Four equivalence test blocks (BC and CB probes, which tested simultaneously for both symmetry and transitivity) were followed by four symmetry (BA and CA probes) test blocks. Three subjects' results documented emergent performances indicative of equivalence classes despite fast‐responding requirements that severely limited the time available for mediating vocal or subvocal responses. For these three subjects, mean latencies were slightly shorter in baseline trials than in probes, and shorter on symmetry than on equivalence probes. These differences, however, were usually less than the differences among mean latencies on the different types of trials within the baseline and probed performances.
RESISTANCE TO CHANGE OF RESPONDING MAINTAINED BY UNSIGNALED DELAYS TO REINFORCEMENT: A RESPONSE‐BOUT ANALYSIS
Authors: Podlesnik Christopher A. , Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Ward Ryan D. , Shahan Timothy A.
Published: December 2006

Previous experiments have shown that unsignaled delayed reinforcement decreases response rates and resistance to change. However, the effects of different delays to reinforcement on underlying response structure have not been investigated in conjunction with tests of resistance to change. In the present experiment, pigeons responded on a three‐component multiple variable‐interval schedule for food presented immediately, following brief (0.5 s), or following long (3 s) unsignaled delays of reinforcement. Baseline response rates were lowest in the component with the longest delay; they were about equal with immediate and briefly delayed reinforcers. Resistance to disruption by presession feeding, response‐independent food during the intercomponent interval, and extinction was slightly but consistently lower as delays increased. Because log survivor functions of interresponse times (IRTs) deviated from simple modes of bout initiations and within‐bout responding, an IRT‐cutoff method was used to examine underlying response structure. These analyses suggested that baseline rates of initiating bouts of responding decreased as scheduled delays increased, and within‐bout response rates tended to be lower in the component with immediate reinforcers. The number of responses per bout was not reliably affected by reinforcer delay, but tended to be highest with brief delays when total response rates were higher in that component. Consistent with previous findings, resistance to change of overall response rate was highly correlated with resistance to change of bout‐initiation rates but not with within‐bout responding. These results suggest that unsignaled delays to reinforcement affect resistance to change through changes in the probability of initiating a response bout rather than through changes in the underlying response structure.
Late Cretaceous – Eocene interval of the Apulian passive margin in Albania (Kruje-Dajt and Makareshi massifs, Kruja Zone): facies, micro-organisms and sedimentary cycles of a shallow-water carbonate platform
Authors: Heba Grigor , Prichonnet Gilbert
Published: December 2006

Two sections, respectively in the Kruje-Dajt and Makareshi massifs of the Kruja Zone carbonate platform (located in the Apulian passive margin of Albania), and representing a period which extends from the Late Cretaceous to the Eocene, have been studied from several points of view : biostratigraphy, lithology and sequence stratigraphy. The proposed biozonation for the Late Cretaceous which has been established with benthic foraminifera (CsB4, CsB5, CsB6 and CsB7) improves substantially the stratigraphy for this period in this region. Eleven different facies (F1 to F11) characterise the Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene-Eocene carbonate sediments, and are distinguished for the first time. Fourteen sequences in the Kruje-Dajt massif and seven sequences in the Makareshi massif are recognized, using sedimentological criteria and clearly distinguished according to an established model for calcareous facies of this platform. Intense early dolomitization (sebkha type) is generally superimposed to the facies. The two sections represent a mostly homogeneous environment, evolving from the infra to supratidal environments. However, small variations of subenvironments are observed and linked to local and temporary variations of the platform. They are attributed to frequent eustatic fluctuations, and in two cases at least to instabilities of the platform which had cause emergencies and temporal discontinuities at the end of Cretaceous and early Eocene times (ca 20 and 5 m.y.).
PERCEPTION OF FEMALE BUTTOCKS AND BREAST SIZE IN PROFILE
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Swami Viren
Published: December 2006

This study looked at the contribution of breast size and buttock size on ratings of female physical attractiveness in profile. A total of 114 British undergraduates rated 9 silhouettes with 3 varying levels of breast size and 3 levels of buttock size. Results showed significant main effects of breast size (with an overall preference for small breasts) but not of buttock size. Gender of the participants did not have a significant effect on the variables, although there was a significant interaction of breast and buttock size. The findings suggest that variables such as breast size are minor cues of female physical attractiveness.
APPLYING THEORIES OF INSTITUTIONAL HELPING TO INFORMAL VOLUNTEERING: MOTIVES, ROLE IDENTITY, AND PROSOCIAL PERSONALITY
Authors: Finkelstein Marcia A. , Brannick Michael T.
Published: December 2006

Dispositional variables from a volunteer model were shown to apply to informal volunteering. The model integrates two theories of the volunteer process: functional analysis and role identity theory. Undergraduates, (N = 139), completed an informal volunteer inventory, and measures
of motives, role identity, and prosocial personality. Two dimensions of informal volunteering: people-oriented and task-oriented were revealed. Both correlated with motives for helping and role identity. The personality dimension of Helpfulness was associated with both Informal Volunteering
– People (IVP) and Informal Volunteering – Task (IVT), while Other-oriented Empathy correlated only with IVP. This study is the first to demonstrate the applicability of a model of formal volunteering to ongoing informal helping. Variables heretofore conceptualized as describing
individuals within organizations, are seen as equally important in initiating and sustaining informal helping.
PERCEIVED PATERNAL AND MATERNAL ACCEPTANCE AND CHILDREN'S OUTCOMES IN COLOMBIA
Authors: Lila Marisol , García Fernando , Gracia Enrique
Published: December 2006

The relationship between perceived paternal and maternal acceptance and children's adjustment was analyzed. The sample consisted of 234 children and 234 parental figures (mother or primary female caregiver, and father or primary male caregiver) living in two-parent nuclear families
in Colombia. The children's age range was 7 to 13 (M = 9.7). Children completed the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (Child PARQ mother and father versions; Rohner, 1990), and the Personality Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ; Rohner, 1990). Parents completed the Child Behavior
Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1983). The analyses revealed that perceived paternal and maternal acceptance were both related to self-reported children's psychological adjustment. Perceived acceptance from mothers, but not from fathers, was directly related to children's
behavioral problems as reported by parents. Results suggested that the effect of perceived paternal acceptance on children's behavioral problems is indirect, and that maternal acceptance mediates the effects of paternal acceptance.
Love of Life as a New Construct in the Well-being Domain
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M.
Published: December 2006

Love of life is defined as a generally positive attitude towards one's own life, a liking for it, and pleasurable attachment to it. The Love of Life Scale (LLS) was constructed by the author. It consists of 16 short statements with high internal consistency (α = .91) and
temporal reliability (.81). Factor analysis yielded three high-loaded factors labeled Positive attitude towards life, Happy consequences of love of life, and Meaningfulness of life, with moderate interfactor correlations. The LLS had significant and positive correlations with the Oxford Happiness
Inventory (Argyle, Martin, & Lu, 1995), optimism, self-esteem, hope, satisfaction with life, and extraversion. Therefore, the LLS received strong concurrent validational support in terms of these correlations. A factor analysis of the total scores on the LLS and the six other questionnaires
yielded a general factor of well-being onto which the LLS loaded .78. The simultaneous multiple regression revealed that the best predictors of love of life were tapped by happiness, optimism, self-esteem, and hope. It was found that there was no gender difference on the LLS.
FUTURE TIME ORIENTATION AND RELIGION
Authors: Öner-Özkan Bengi
Published: December 2006

The purposes of this study were to evaluate whether Future Time Orientation (FTO) was associated with interest in the future beyond death, and/or with level of belief in religion, and also to validate an instrument aimed at measuring belief in religion in Turkish society. Gjesme's
(1979) FTO scale was administered to 244 undergraduate students from Middle East Technical University together with a scale developed to measure Belief Orientations and a single-item measure designed to assess a subject's level of interest in the future beyond death. Results indicated
that those who scored high in FTO also tended to score high in level of interest about the future beyond death and level of belief in God (intrinsic religiosity), compared to those who scored low in FTO. Research implications and suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Effects of carprofen on renal function during medetomidine-propofol-isoflurane anesthesia in dogs
Authors: Frendin Jan H. M. , Boström Ingrid M. , Kampa Naruepon , Eksell Per , Häggström Jens U. , Nyman Görel C.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To investigate effects of carprofen on indices of renal function and results of serum bio-chemical analyses and effects on cardiovascular variables during medetomidine-propofol-isoflurane anesthesia in dogs.

Animals—8 healthy male Beagles.

Procedures—A randomized crossover study was conducted with treatments including saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.08 mL/kg) and carprofen (4 mg/kg) administered IV. Saline solution or carprofen was administered 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia and immediately before administration of medetomidine (20 μg/kg, IM). Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with inspired isoflurane in oxygen. Blood gas concentrations and ventilation were measured. Cardiovascular variables were continuously monitored via pulse contour cardiac output (CO) measurement. Renal function was assessed via glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), scintigraphy, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, and continuous CO measurements. Hematologic analysis was performed.

Results—Values did not differ significantly between the carprofen and saline solution groups. For both treatments, sedation and anesthesia caused changes in results of serum biochemical and hematologic analyses; a transient, significant increase in urine alkaline phosphatase activity; and blood flow diversion to the kidneys. The GFR increased significantly in both groups despite decreased CO, mean arterial pressure, and absolute RBF variables during anesthesia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Carprofen administered IV before anesthesia did not cause detectable, significant adverse effects on renal function during medetomidine-propofol-isoflurane anesthesia in healthy Beagles.
Role of cholecystokinin in the gastric motor response to a meal in horses
Authors: Lorenzo-Figueras Mireia , Merritt Alfred M.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To measure plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) activity and the effect of a CCK-1 receptor antagonist on accommodation of the proximal portion of the stomach, and subsequent gastric emptying, in horses after ingestion of high-fat or high-carbohydrate meals.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses with gastric cannulas.

Procedures—In the first study, horses were offered a high-fat (8% fat) or a high-carbohydrate (3% fat) pelleted meal of identical volume, caloric density, and protein content. Related plasma CCK-like activity was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In a separate experiment, a horse was fed a grain meal with corn oil and phenylalanine, and plasma CCK activity was assessed by bioassay. A second study evaluated the effect of a CCK-1 receptor antagonist, devazepide (0.1 mg/kg, IV), on gastric accommodation and emptying following a meal of grain supplemented with either corn oil (12.3% fat) or an isocaloric amount of glucose (2.9% fat). Gastric tone was measured by a barostat and emptying by the 13C-octanoic acid breath test.

Results—No plasma CCK-like activity was detected by RIA or bioassay before or after ingestion of meals. Preprandial devazepide did not alter the gastric accommodation response but did significantly shorten the gastric half-emptying time and time to peak breath 13CO2 content with the glucose-enriched meal.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In horses, CCK participates in regulating the gastric motor response to a meal. Compared with other species, horses may be more responsive to carbohydrate than fat. A vagovagal reflex most likely mediates this regulation, with CCK as a paracrine intermediary at the intestinal level.
In vitro analysis of nonthermal plasma as a disinfecting agent
Authors: Watts Ashlee E. , Fubini Susan L. , Vernier-Singer Margaret , Golkowski Czeslaw , Shin Sang , Todhunter Rory J.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To determine the effect of nonthermal plasma on Staphylococcus aureus, fibroblasts in monolayer culture, and clean and contaminated skin explants.

Sample Population—Normal skin from euthanized horses.

Procedures—S aureus organisms were plated and treated with nonthermal plasma followed by bacterial culture to assess viability. Fibroblasts in monolayer culture and the epidermal and dermal surfaces of clean and S aureus–contaminated skin explants were treated. The effects of distance and duration on the response to treatment were compared.

Results—Compared with controls, treatment with nonthermal plasma resulted in significantly decreased bacterial growth and significantly inhibited survival of fibroblasts in monolayer culture. When epidermal and dermal surfaces of skin explants were treated, there was no effect on production of normal fibroblasts during explant culture, except when extended exposure times of ≥ 2 minutes were used. Treatment with nonthermal plasma resulted in significantly lower bacterial counts after 24 hours of culture of S aureus–contaminated epidermis but not of dermis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Nonthermal plasma resulted in bacterial decontamination of agar and epithelium; negative effects on fibroblasts in monolayer; and no negative effects on skin explants, except at long exposure times. Use of nonthermal plasma appears safe for treatment of epithelialized surfaces, may be safe for granulating wounds, and results in decontamination of S aureus. Investigations on the effects that nonthermal plasma may have on patient tissues are indicated with a clinically applicable delivery device.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 synthesis in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Acierno Mark J. , Mitchell Mark A. , Roundtree Marlana K. , Zachariah Trevor T.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To determine whether there are increased concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitaminn D3 in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) after exposure to UV radiation.

Animals—12 yearling turtles recently removed from aestivation.

Procedures—Turtles were randomly allocated to 2 groups (6 turtles/group). An initial blood sample was collected from all turtles for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. Turtles of 1 group were then provided no supplemental lighting, whereas turtles of the other group were exposed to full-spectrum coil bulbs at a distance of 22.86 cm. The UV-A and UV-B radiation generated by the supplemental lighting was measured by use of a radiometer-photometer at weekly intervals. Measurements were collected 2.54 and 22.86 cm from the bulb surface. The study was continued for a 4-week period. At the end of the study, a second blood sample was collected from all turtles for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.

Results—Mean ± SD 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations differed significantly between turtles provided supplemental UV radiation (71.7 ± 46.9 nmol/L) and those not provided UV radiation (31.4 ± 13.2 nmol/L).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Appropriate husbandry recommendations for raising and maintaining red-eared slider turtles should include use of sunlight that is unobstructed by UV-B filtering material or provision of an artificial source of UV-B radiation.
Comparison of intraoperative pain responses following intratesticular or mesorchial injection of lidocaine in standing horses undergoing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy
Authors: Joyce JoLynn , Hendrickson Dean A.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To compare pain responses in stallions undergoing standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy following intratesticular or mesorchial infiltration of lidocaine.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—20 stallions with 1 or 2 undescended testes.

Procedures—Standing horses were administered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a caudal epidural injection of detomidine hydrochloride and underwent laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy. The undescended testis (1/horse) was grasped to determine the preoperative pain response (present vs absent) and assess severity of pain (by use of a visual analog scale [VAS]). The undescended testis or its mesorchium was injected with 2% lidocaine (10 mL); saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (10 mL) was injected in the untreated structure. Presence and severity of pain was determined by 2 individuals as the testis was grasped following infiltration and at the times of ligature placement and transection of the spermatic cord. Serum cortisol concentration was analyzed preoperatively, after ligation, and after transection. Presence or absence of signs of pain, severity of pain, and serum cortisol concentrations were compared within and between treatment groups.

Results—Detection of signs of pain and VAS pain scores did not differ between observers at any time point. Perceived pain responses associated with ligature placement differed significantly from preoperative responses. Pain responses and serum cortisol concentrations after intratesticular and mesorchial infiltration of lidocaine did not differ.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that intratesticular or mesorchial infiltration of lidocaine combined with administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and caudal epidural injection of detomidine provides adequate analgesia in standing stallions undergoing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy.
Management of bilateral choanal atresia in a foal
Authors: James Frances M. , Parente Eric J. , Palmer Jonathan E.
Published: December 2006

Case Description—A 1-day-old Standardbred foal with a history of extreme respiratory distress after birth consistent with upper airway obstruction was evaluated. A temporary tracheostomy tube was placed by the referring veterinarian.

Clinical Findings—On initial examination, there was evidence of hypoxic-ischemic syndrome, secondary to perinatal asphyxia. Endoscopy revealed obstruction of both nares at the level of the choanae; a diagnosis of bilateral choanal atresia was made.

Treatment and Outcome—The foal was anesthetized and underwent transendoscopic laser fenestration of the buccopharyngeal membranes. Three weeks after surgery, cicatricial narrowing of the choanae was apparent and further transendoscopic ablation was performed. Recurrent stenosis necessitated revision surgeries involving a combination of laser ablation with topical administration of mitomycin and, subsequently, a combination of radial incisions into the stenotic tissue and repeated bougienage with a cuffed endotracheal tube. The degree of stenosis decreased, and at 1 year of age, the horse was an appropriate size for its age, had choanae that were almost maximally open (> 85%), and had entered training. Mild stenosis was still evident when the horse was reexamined the following year, although there was no evidence of exercise intolerance or respiratory compromise.

Clinical Relevance—Bilateral choanal atresia in a foal can be successfully treated via transendoscopic fenestration of the buccopharyngeal membranes, enabling the horse to subsequently participate in athletic activities. Secondary problems resulting from initial asphyxia and recurrent stenosis at the surgical site can be overcome but may require prolonged and extensive treatment.
Woven Surface and Form
Authors: Simmonds Tristan , Self Martin , Bosia Daniel
Published: December 2006

The Advanced Geometry Unit (AGU) at Arup, founded by Cecil Balmond and Charles Walker, has become synonymous with a highly mathematical, topological approach to architecture. It has, however, collaborated on some of the most exciting experimental fabric structures of recent years, including Anish Kapoor's Marsyas at Tate Modern and Rem Koolhaas's Cosmic Egg at the Serpentine Gallery. Here, the unit's Tristan Simmonds, Martin Self and Daniel Bosia describe how the AGU has progressed research into textile techniques that encompass tailored biomorphic forms alongside knot diagrams. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sauerbruch Hutton
Authors: Merkel Jayne
Published: December 2006

The bold curves and bright colours in Sauerbruch Hutton's work belie the reasoned, empirical approach they bring to every project. That approach has helped them win numerous competitions, which led to major commissions almost as soon as they opened their office in 1989. Jayne Merkel explains how this apparently whimsical architecture grows out of a commitment to existing context, energy conservation and creating a strong sense of place. The sensual experience the buildings provide, inside and out, is always uppermost in the architects' minds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Project Units 2b and 2c, Nuovo Portello, Milan
Authors: Croci Valentina
Published: December 2006

The once industrial area immediately surrounding Milan is undergoing a transformation. Valentina Croci describes a sizable development at Nuovo Portello currently being undertaken by the Milanese architect Cino Zucchi, on a site close to the old trade fair. She explains how Zucchi is, in this particularly fragmented urban context, seeking a solution that is ‘do‐it‐yourself city planning on a miniature scale’, while also drawing on his considerable practical and academic knowledge of Milanese housing design. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the lower limb after evaluation of vascular invasion with intraoperative intravascular ultrasonography
Authors: Hünerbein M , Hohenberger P , Stroszczynski C , Bartelt N , Schlag P M , Tunn P U
Published: December 2006

Background

This study investigated the value of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) in the intraoperative assessment of vascular invasion of soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods

In a 4-year interval, of 337 patients with soft tissue sarcoma, 20 patients with tumours of the lower limb in close relation to the neurovascular bundle underwent intraoperative IVUS (20 MHz). Intraoperative findings were correlated with preoperative imaging, histopathological appearance of the resection specimen and patient outcome.

Results

Intraoperative IVUS was technically successful in all 20 patients. It correctly predicted vascular involvement (true positive) in ten of 11 patients who required resection of major vessels. There was one false-negative and one false-positive result. With magnetic resonance imaging, there were ten true-positive and three false-positive scans, and one false-negative diagnosis. IVUS improved the assessment of vascular involvement in four of the 20 patients. Histopathological examination confirmed complete resection (R0) in 18 patients. Mean survival was 37 months, and no local recurrence was observed in these patients.

Conclusion

Vascular infiltration by soft tissue sarcoma can be visualized accurately by IVUS. This may improve intraoperative decisions about vessel resection.
Right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary artery stents in children under 18 months of age
Authors: Zeidenweber Carlo M. , Kim Dennis W. , Vincent Robert N.
Published: December 2006

Objective: To report our experience on patients less than 18 months of age in whom stents were placed either in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or pulmonary arteries. Background: Although percutaneous placement of intravascular stents in congenital heart disease is common practice, there are few reports regarding placement in young children. Methods: Retrospective review of our database identified 19 patients less than 18 months of age who underwent placement of 26 stents in either the RVOT or pulmonary arteries. Data evaluated were patient age, gender, weight, site of narrowing, type of stent, gradient across the area of narrowing pre‐ and post‐stent placement, vessel size pre‐ and post‐stent placement, gradient, and vessel size on followup, and ability to redilate the stent if necessary. Results: Mean patient age was 9.7 months (range 0.5–17.5 months). There were 14 males and 5 females with a mean weight of 7.1 kg (range 2.3–10.2 kg). Five patients had stents placed in the RVOT and 14 patients had 21 stents placed in the branch pulmonary arteries. Two Johnson and Johnson P188 stents were used, 23 premounted Genesis biliary stents and 1 other. Gradient across the stenotic area decreased from a mean of 52.9 mm Hg (range 20–80 mm Hg) to 15 mm Hg (range 3–40 mm Hg) (P <.001). Conclusions: Percutaneous placement of intravascular stents in young children is a viable procedure, can provide excellent relief of stenoses, and increases vessel size in the short term. Although many of these stents cannot be dilated to adult size, their efficacy in small infants and children in whom further surgery will ultimately be required makes them desirable for this group of patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Functionalization of Heteropolyanions—Osmium and Rhenium Nitrido Derivatives of Keggin‐ and Dawson‐Type Polyoxotungstates: Synthesis, Characterization and Multinuclear (183W, 15N) NMR, EPR, IR, and UV/Vis Fingerprints (Chem. Eur. J. 36/2006)
Authors: Dablemont Céline , Hamaker Christopher G. , Thouvenot René , Sojka Zbigniew , Che Michel , Maatta Eric A. , Proust Anna
Published: December 2006

Polyoxometalates or POM are remarkable because of their molecular and electronic tunability, and their range of properties and applications. In their Full Paper on page 9150 ff., E. A. Maatta, A. Proust et al. discuss various routes to nitrido derivatives, which may act as nitrogen‐atom transfer reagents to organic substrates. 183W and 15N NMR, EPR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry have been used to address their electronic and molecular structures.
Mixed finite element formulation of algorithms for double‐diffusive convection in a fluid‐saturated porous medium
Authors: Wong J. C.‐F. , Yuan P.
Published: December 2006

The consistent splitting scheme involving a mixed finite element method for considering the influence of the Forchheimer‐extended Brinkman–Darcy model in the momentum equation is applied to double‐diffusive convection in a fluid‐saturated porous medium. It is shown that the method is robust and can accurately predict flow, pressure distribution, temperature and concentration fields. The numerical scheme may be an alternative to some other existing methods for the solution of porous thermosolutal convection problems since its implementation is very handy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expansion and retraction of hippocampal mossy fibers during postweaning development: Strain‐specific effects of NMDA receptor blockade
Authors: Holahan Matthew R. , Honegger Kyle S. , Routtenberg Aryeh
Published: December 2006

We have recently discovered differences in the distribution of the mossy fiber terminal field (MFTF) between adult Long‐Evans rats (LER) and Wistar rats(WR): the suprapyramidal MFTF extends into distal stratum oriens (dSO) in LER, but is nearly absent in WR (Holahan et al.,2006, Hippocampus 16:560–570). To our knowledge, there is no developmental evidence that sheds light on how this strain‐dependent MFTF innervation in the adult is achieved. Accordingly, the present study examined the time course of MFTF development from postnatal days 0 to 40 and the effect of NMDA‐receptor antagonist 3‐(2‐carboxypiperazin‐4‐yl) propyl‐1‐phosphonic acid (CPP) on this developmental organization. In both LER and WR, a MFTF projection to dSO was observed between P18 and P21. By P24, the dSO projection in WR was no longer detectable whereas in LER, the dSO projection seen on P21 remained. We suggest that in WR a retraction of the MFTF projection from dSO to stratum lucidum between P21 and P24 leads to its adult pattern. In WR, CPP administration enhanced the dSO projection, possibly by blocking the retraction process. In LER, CPP administration reduced the dSO projection. Thus, in each strain, NMDA receptor blockade effectively reversed the developmental course of MFTF pattern of innervation. The present results lend strong support to the view that NMDA receptor regulation of input‐dependent processes during development is of critical importance in promoting the motility and target selection of presynaptic MF axons. This regulation extends later into development than had previously been thought. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution of Chemoautotrophic Production to Freshwater Macroinvertebrates in a Headwater Stream Using Multiple Stable Isotopes
Authors: Doi Hideyuki , Takagi Atsushi , Mizota Chitoshi , Okano Jun‐ichi , Nakano Shin‐ichi , Kikuchi Eisuke
Published: December 2006

We estimated the food sources of macroinvertebrates using carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotopes in a headwater stream. Stream food webs, including macroinvertebrates, rely on production from autochthonous and allochthonous photosynthesis. We found that a freshwater grazer, the snail Semisulcospira libertina, may assimilate different food sources, based on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope evidence from snail muscle and the much lighter sulfur isotope signature than those of other associated macroinvertebrates. Previous studies have shown the importance of methanotrophic and sulfur bacteria in reductive environments (clay and organic‐rich sediments) as food sources for macroinvertebrates. Our results show that the production by chemoautotrophic bacteria contributes to the food sources of a snail in a stream. Thus, the chemoautotrophic bacteria are important in the freshwater food webs, even in mostly aerobic habitats. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diatom Diversity in Chronically versus Episodically Acidified Adirondack Streams
Authors: Passy Sophia I. , Ciugulea Ionel , Lawrence Gregory B.
Published: December 2006

The relationship between algal species richness and diversity, and pH is controversial. Furthermore, it is still unknown how episodic stream acidification following atmospheric deposition affects species richness and diversity. Here we analyzed water chemistry and diatom epiphyton dynamics and showed their contrasting behavior in chronically vs. episodically acidic streams in the Adirondack region. Species richness and diversity were significantly higher in the chronically acidic brown water stream, where organic acidity was significantly higher and the ratio of inorganic to organic monomeric aluminum significantly lower. Conversely, in the episodically acidic clear water stream, the inorganic acidity and pH were significantly higher and the diatom communities were very species‐poor. This suggests that episodic acidification in the Adirondacks may be more stressful for stream biota than chronic acidity. Strong negative linear relationships between species diversity, Eunotia exigua, and dissolved organic carbon against pH were revealed after the influence of non‐linear temporal trends was partialled out using a novel way of temporal modeling. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Working tools for theoretical chemistry: Polanyi, eyring, and debates over the “semiempirical method”
Authors: Nye Mary Jo
Published: December 2006

Following along with the development of electron theory and quantum mechanics in the 1910s and 1920s, physical chemists began incorporating these new theories and approaches in their studies of activation energies, transition states, and chemical reactions for simple atomic and molecular systems. Among these chemists was Michael Polanyi, one of the founders of modern chemical dynamics, who collaborated with Henry Eyring in the development in the 1930s of a theory of the activated transition state and absolute reaction rates using potential energy surfaces and a semiempirical methodology. This paper examines the circumstances of their collaborative work, its reception, and its implications for further chemical research. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 28: 98–108, 2007
Covalent versus ionic bonding in alkalimetal fluoride oligomers
Authors: Bickelhaupt F. M. , Solà M. , Guerra C. Fonseca
Published: December 2006

The most polar bond in chemistry is that between a fluorine and an alkalimetal atom. Inspired by our recent finding that other polar bonds (CM and HM) have important covalent contributions (i.e., stabilization due to bond overlap), we herein address the question if covalency is also essential in the FM bond. Thus, we have theoretically studied the alkalimetal fluoride monomers, FM, and (distorted) cubic tetramers, (FM)4, with M = Li, Na, K, and Rb, using density functional theory at the BP86/TZ2P level. Our objective is to determine how the structure and thermochemistry (e.g., FM bond lengths and strengths, oligomerization energies, etc.) of alkalimetal fluorides depend on the metal atom, and to understand the emerging trends in terms of quantitative Kohn–Sham molecular orbital theory. The analyses confirm the extreme polarity of the FM bond (dipole moment, Voronoi deformation density and Hirshfeld atomic charges), and they reveal that bond overlap‐derived stabilization (ca. −6, −6, and −2 kcal/mol) contributes only little to the bond strength (−136, −112, and −114 kcal/mol) and the trend therein along Li, Na, and K. According to this and other criteria, the FM bond is not only strongly polar, but also has a truly ionic bonding mechanism. Interestingly, the polarity is reduced on tetramerization. For the lithium and sodium fluoride tetramers, the F4 tetrahedron is larger than and surrounds the M4 cluster (i.e., FF ≫ MM). But in the potassium and rubidium fluoride tetramers, the F4 tetrahedron is smaller than and inside the M4 cluster (i.e., FF < MM). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 28: 238–250, 2007
Locating of macro-inhomogeneity in random turbid medium by using artificial neural networks
Authors: Kovaleva A V , Veksler B A , Maksimova I L , Meglinski I V
Published: December 2006

Nowadays the artificial neural network (ANN), an effective powerful technique that is able denoting complex input and output relationships, is widely used in different biomedical applications. In present Letter the applying of ANN for the determination of characteristics of random highly scattering medium (like bio-tissue) is considered. Spatial distribution of the back-scattered light calculated by Monte Carlo method is used to train ANN for single and multiply scattering regimes. The potential opportunities of use of ANN for image reconstruction of an absorbing macro inhomogeneity located in topical layers of random scattering medium are presented. This is especially of high priority because of new diagnostics/treatment developing that is based on the applying gold nano-particles for labeling cancer cells.
Performance of diode-pumped passively Q-switched mode-locking Nd:GdVO4/KTP green laser with Cr4+:YAG
Authors: Tian W , Wang C , Wang G , Liu S , Liu J
Published: December 2006

We demonstrate a diode-pumped passively Q-switched and mode-locking intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:GdVO4/KTP green laser with a Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber. Nearly 95% modulation depth for the mode-locked pulses inside the Q-switched envelope has been obtained. The Q-switched envelope pulses with the pulse width (FWHM) of 42 ns and the repetition rate of 8.33 kHz were obtained, at the incident pump power of 6 W. The repetition rate of the mode-locked green pulses inside the Q-switched envelope was 417 MHz.