bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brugia-type microfilariae in the Madras tree shrew Anathana ellioti (Waterhouse)
Authors: Nandi N. C. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBrugia-type microfilariae were noted in a Madras tree shrew, Anathana ellioti (Waterhouse) from Andhra Pradesh, India. This is a new host record, the first report from the genus Anathana and the second report from the tree shrews.
Ascaridoid nematodes of South American mammals, with a definition of a new genus
Authors: Sprent J. F. A. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTAscaridoid nematodes occurring in South American mammals are divided into categories based on their possible origin. The affinities are discussed of five species so far known only from the Neotropical Region.Toxocara alienata(Rudolphi, 1819) is reported fromNasua rufa socialis, Procyon cancrivorus, andTayassus torquatus. The specimens fromT. torquatusare described and found most closely to resembleToxocara mackerrasaefrom south-east Asian and Australian rodents.Anisakis insignisfromInia geoffrensisis transferred back toPeritracheliusDiesing, 1851, on account of the structure of the lips and spicules.P. insignisis shown to exhibit remarkable convergence of lip structure withLagochilascaris turgidafromDidelphis marsupialis.Galeiceps longispiculum(Freitas & Lent, 1941) fromPteronura brasiliensisis confirmed as a species distinct fromG. cucullus(Linstow, 1899) andG. spinicollis(Baylis, 1923), butG. simiae(Mosgovoy, 1951) is considered to be a synonym ofG. spinicollis. An error in the host record ofG. spinicollisis corrected fromCercopithecus leucampyx kandtitoLutra maculicollis kivuana.Ascaris dasypodinaBaylis, 1922 from armadillos, includingCabassous unicinctusandTolypeutes matacos, is redescribed and placed in a new genusBairdascaris. The question is raised as to whether some species inLagochilascaris, Galeiceps, andToxocaramay have crossed directly by sea from Africa to South America, rather than entering via North America.
Money or mental health: the cost of alleviating psychological distress with monetary compensation versus psychological therapy
Authors: Boyce Christopher J. , Wood Alex M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMoney is the default way in which intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, are currently valued and compensated in law courts. Economists have suggested that subjective well-being regressions can be used to guide compensation payouts for psychological distress following traumatic life events. We bring together studies from law, economic, psychology and medical journals to show that alleviating psychological distress through psychological therapy could be at least 32 times more cost effective than financial compensation. This result is not only important for law courts but has important implications for public health. Mental health is deteriorating across the world – improvements to mental health care might be a more efficient way to increase the health and happiness of our nations than pure income growth.
Evangelicals, Issues, and the 2008 Iowa Caucuses
Authors: Conger Kimberly H. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEvangelicals form the core of Republican constituencies in many states. This has been particularly true in Iowa, where the Christian Right has held significant influence in the Republican party for almost 20 years. However, recent scholarship has suggested that evangelicals, particularly younger ones, may be changing their candidate choices and partisanship due to dissatisfaction with Republican policies. Based on a unique study surveying caucus-goers' opinions after the January 2008 caucuses, I examine respondents' candidate preferences in light of their religious beliefs, issues preferences, and demographic identities. The results indicate that while evangelicals remain more conservative on social issues than their co-partisans in both parties, issues seem to make little difference in candidate choice. This conclusion suggests that Republican evangelicals remain committed to the importance of social issues – or at least to their evangelical identity – in their voting choices.
Gametic gene flow method accounts for genomic imprinting
Authors: Börner V. , Reinsch N. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryFindings within the last 15 years emphasize the possible role of genomic imprinting for trait expression in livestock species. In genetic evaluation, genomically imprinted traits can be treated by models with two different breeding values per animal; one accounts for the paternal and the other for the maternal expression pattern. Relative weighting factors for these breeding values were derived by a generalized version of the discounted gene flow method, which was extended to a gametic level to account for parent‐of‐origin effects. The gametic approach proved also useful for calculating the expected increase in inbreeding induced by one round of selection and its dynamics over time. The gametic gene flow method was applied to a hypothetical pig breeding programme. Relative weighting factors were higher for the paternally inherited genetic effect even in female selection paths, but depend on the breeding scheme heavily. The maximum medium‐term increase in inbreeding due to selection exceeded the long‐term increase in a range of 20–100%.
Optimal body mass index that can predict long‐term graft outcome in Asian renal transplant recipients
Authors: CHEUNG CHI YUEN , CHAN YIU HAN , CHAN HOI WONG , CHAU KA FOON , LI CHUN SANG 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  There is limited data concerning the impact of recipient body mass index (BMI) on graft outcome in Asian renal transplant recipients. The aim of this study is to identify whether obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI ≥23 kg/m2) can predict graft outcome.Methods:  This is a single‐centre retrospective study. All patients who received kidney transplantation between 1997 and 2005 were recruited. Patients were categorized according to two different designated BMI cut‐off values.Results:  One hundred and thirty‐one patients were recruited with a median follow‐up duration of 73 months. If a BMI cut‐off value of 25 kg/m2 was used, 86.3% patients were classified as non‐obese and 13.7% as obese. Obesity was significantly associated with poor renal graft function and decreased patient and graft survival. On the other hand, 34.3% patients were classified as overweight and 65.7% patients as normal if a BMI cut‐off value of 23 kg/m2 was used. Overweight was significantly associated with a lower glomerular filtration rate only. Cox regression analysis showed that obesity (odds ratio (OR) = 3.09), acute rejection (OR = 5.68), pre‐transplant diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.21) and age of recipient (OR = 1.06) were all significant independent risk factors associated with graft failure.Conclusion:  Recipient BMI ≥25 kg/m2 is a significant predictive factor for long‐term renal graft outcome in the Asian population.
Halotaxis of cyanobacteria in an intertidal hypersaline microbial mat
Authors: Kohls Katharina , Abed Raeid M. M. , Polerecky Lubos , Weber Miriam , De Beer Dirk 
Published: November 2009

SummaryAn intertidal hypersaline cyanobacterial mat from Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) exhibited a reversible change in its surface colour within several hours upon changes in salinity of the overlying water. The mat surface was orange‐reddish at salinities above 15% and turned dark green at lower salinities. We investigated this phenomenon using a polyphasic approach that included denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, microscopy, high‐performance liquid chromatography, hyperspectral imaging, absorption spectroscopy, oxygen microsensor measurements and modelling of salinity dynamics. Filaments of Microcoleus chthonoplastes, identified based on 16S rRNA sequencing and morphology, were found to migrate up and down when salinity was decreased below or increased above 15%, respectively, causing the colour change of the mat uppermost layer. Migration occurred in light and in the dark, and could be induced by different salts, not only NaCl. The influence of salinity‐dependent and independent physico‐chemical parameters, such as water activity, oxygen solubility, H2S, gravity and light, was excluded, indicating that the observed migration was due to a direct response to salt stress. We propose to term this salinity‐driven cyanobacterial migration as ‘halotaxis’, a process that might play a vital role in the survival of cyanobacteria in environments exposed to continuous salinity fluctuations such as intertidal flats.
Earnings management following chief executive officer changes: the effect of contemporaneous chairperson and chief financial officer appointments
Authors: Wilson Mark , Wang Liang Wui 
Published: November 2009

AbstractUsing a sample of listed Australian firms from 1999 to 2007, we examine the relationship between discretionary accruals and concurrent senior management appointments. Employing panel data regression models and focusing on a measure of discretionary accruals that excludes the effect of transparent write‐downs such as restructuring charges, we find that chief executive officer (CEO) appointments, as a general phenomenon, are not significantly associated with opaque earnings management in the year of appointment or the following year. However, we find that CEO changes accompanied by a concurrent change in board chairperson are associated with significant income‐decreasing earnings management in the year of appointment. We detect no significant relationship between contemporaneous CEO and chief financial officer changes and discretionary accruals. We find no evidence of earnings management in the first compete financial period following CEO appointment, regardless of whether or not concurrent Chair or chief financial officer appointments occurred.
Drug‐induced angioedema without urticaria: prevalence and clinical features
Authors: Leeyaphan C , Kulthanan K , Jongjarearnprasert K , Dhana N 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  Angioedema without urticaria can be caused by drugs. The purpose of our study was to assess the prevalence and clinical features of patients with drug‐induced angioedema without urticaria.Methods  This study retrospectively reviewed case records at Siriraj Hospital, between January 2007 and December 2008. Patients aged at least 15 years were included.Results  The prevalence of drug‐induced angioedema without urticaria among patients with adverse drug reactions was 2.3%/year. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were the most common cause (50%), followed by antibiotics (20%). The commonest NSAID which induced angioedema were ibuprofen and diclofenac. The common sites were periorbital area (67.3%) and lips (27.6%). The median duration of suspected drug therapy before the development of angioedema was 1 day with the range of 10 min to 23 days.Conclusions  Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were the most common drugs causing angioedema without urticaria. The duration of onset ranged from minutes to days. After stopping the suspected drugs, symptoms disappeared within 2–5 days in most patients.
Ultrasonic Assesment of Physiological Echo‐Contrast Agent Distribution in Brain Parenchyma With Transient Response Second Harmonic Imaging
Authors: Postert Thomas , Federlein Jens , Rose Jürgen , Przuntek Horst , Weber Sepp , Büttner Thomas 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT Objectives. The present study was designed to provide normal data of transient response second harmonic imaging (TRSHI) examinations of cerebral echo contrast enhancement using different modes of electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and echo‐contrast agent doses. Materials and Methods. Fifty‐five patients were examined in an axial diencephalic plane of section using the transtemporal acoustic bone window. TRSHI examinations (ECG gating: systolic, frame‐rate once every 2 cardiac cycles =“basical instrument setting”) could be performed in 50 individuals with adequate insonation conditions after application of 4 g of a galactose‐based microbubbles suspension in a concentration of 400 mg/ml. For comparison, diastolic ECG gating (20 patients), cardiac‐cycle triggering frequency of once every 2 seconds (15 patients), or an echo contrast agent dose of 2 g Levovist® (15 patients) were used. Analysis of peak intensities (PIs) and areas under the curve (AUCs) was done in posterior (region of interest [ROI]a) and anterior (ROIb) parts of the thalamus, in the lentiform nucleus (ROIc), and the white matter (ROId). Results. In 41 patients with basical instrument setting, characteristic time intensity curve (TIC) could be detected in all ROIs. In ROIa (90%) and ROIb (82%), focal contrast enhancement was most difficult to visualize, and in ROIc and ROId, characteristic TICs were observable in more than 90% of the examinations. Background subtracted PIs and AUCs were significantly higher in ROIc (mean PI: 12.2 ± 8 acoustic units [AUs]; mean AUC: 598.8 ± 451.1 AU × Cardiac cycles), and ROId (11.8 ± 6.9; 559.2 ± 404) as compared to ROIa (8.3 ± 5.2; 368.9 ± 242.7) and ROIb (7.1 ± 4.7; 298.2 ± 199.1) (P < .0001). Values for corresponding examinations with a diastolic ECG gating and a cardiac cycle triggering frequency of once every 2 seconds were not different as compared to the basical instrument setting. A 4 g Levovist dose increased the portion of typical TIC in all ROIs. PI of 4 g examinations were significantly higher in ROId and ROIb as compared to the 2 g examination. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that TRSHI allows noninvasive assessment of focal cerebral contrast enhancement in the majority of patients with adequate insonation conditions. This study provides data about normal quantitative and qualitative TRSHI values in patients without cerebrovascular diseases. A dose of 4 g Levovist is recommended in those individuals with inaccurate echo contrast enhancement using the 2 g dose.
Cerebral and Oculorhinal Manifestations of a Limited Form of Wegener's Granulomatosis With c‐ANCA—Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Thajeb Peterus , Tsai Jaw‐Ji 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe authors report on cerebral and oculorhinal manifestations in a patient with a cytoplasmic pattern of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (c‐ANCA)—associated vasculitis. Recurrent Tolosa‐Hunt syndrome, cavernous sinus syndrome, Raeder's paratrigeminal neuralgia, and seizures were the major clinical manifestations. Brain MRI showed localized enhancing lesions initially in the cavernous sinus and later in the convexity pachymeninges. The lesions disappeared following 9 months of oral prednisolone (15 mg/day) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/day) therapy. The presence of c‐ANCA, demonstration of vasculitis, and depositions of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and fibrinogen in the vessel walls of pachymeninges of the patient confirmed an immune‐mediated cause of the vasculitis. Cranial pathology without renal and pulmonary involvement suggests a variant of Wegener's granulomatosis, which is called the “limited” form of Wegener's granulomatosis.
Synthesis, Properties and In Vitro Photodynamic Activity of Water‐soluble Azaphthalocyanines and Azanaphthalocyanines
Authors: Zimcik Petr , Miletin Miroslav , Radilova Hana , Novakova Veronika , Kopecky Kamil , Svec Jaroslav , Rudolf Emil 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this work zinc azaphthalocyanines (AzaPcs) from the group of tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines and zinc azanaphthalocyanines from the group of tetra[6,7]quinoxalinoporphyrazines (TQP) with eight diethylaminoethylsulfanyl substituents were synthesized. Tertiary amines were later quaternized with ethyl iodide to obtain water‐soluble photosensitizers (PSs). Quaternized compounds showed high singlet oxygen quantum yields as determined in DMF by monitoring decomposition of 1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran. In water medium, quaternized AzaPc derivatives appeared in monomeric form in a wide range of concentrations while quaternized TQP derivatives showed aggregation at higher concentrations (over 1 μm). Photodynamic activity was tested on Hep2 cells using light of λ > 640 nm. Both quaternized dyes showed high photodynamic activity (IC50 = 104 and 220 nm for AzaPc and TQP, respectively). Dark toxicity was not detected even at the highest concentration used in in vitro tests (200 μm) which indicates a promising therapeutic index of these new substances. Tested compounds localized inside the cells mainly within the lysosomes thus suggesting an endocytic mechanism of cellular uptake. No localization within mitochondria was detected. A great advantage of TQP derivatives over other PSs is their very strong absorption at 747 nm that allows activation at wavelengths penetrating deeper into human tissues.
Immediate Compensation in Bite-Block Speech
Authors: Fowler Carol A. , Turvey Michael T. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
An experiment was conducted to examine whether a bite block affects the latency and/or the quality of spoken vowels. The results suggest that vowels spoken with the bite block and vowels spoken normally were (1) of the same latency, that is, the same time elapsed between visual presentation and initiation of response; and (2) of the same quality, that is, the acoustic measures of the vowels did not differ substantially. Moreover, there was minimal evidence of improvement in either latency or quality with practice, and minimal evidence of an effect of time pressure on the quality of bite-block vowels. A detailed consideration is given to the implications of these and other findings for two recent perspectives on vowel production.
What Do Humans Get to Know about the Gods and Their Plans? On Prophecies and Their Deficiencies in Valerius Flaccus' Argonautica
Authors: Manuwald Gesine 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis article discusses aspects of the communication between gods and humans in Valerius Flaccus' Flavian epic Argonautica by focusing on the situation of Jason and the Argonauts as well as on the Phineus episode in the fourth Book: although the gods in this poem, and Jupiter in particular, have specific plans for the fate of humans and the development of world history, they do not want humans to know those. As humans therefore receive only scattered and unclear information about the future, they remain uncertain and terrified, while retaining their confidence in the gods. The gods at least save humans from unnecessary, excessive suffering and allow them to entertain an unspecific hope of improvement in the future. Hence Valerius Flaccus' depiction of the attitude of the gods to humans and of its consequences for the lives of humans differs, in different ways, from both Apollonius Rhodius and Vergil and indicates how the poet interprets the general human condition. Recipients of the poem do get some idea of the larger framework in which the action is set (in contrast to characters), but the outlook remains gloomy.
Spectral study of interaction between poly [acrylamide‐(2‐methyl acryloxyethyl) dimethyl buthylammonium bromide] and nucleic acids
Authors: Song Gongwu , Peng Mao , Yan Qiujun 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA polycation, poly[acrylamide‐(2‐methylacryloxyethyl) dimethyl buthylammonium bromide] [P (AM‐DMB)], was synthesized. The interaction between P (AM‐DMB) and DNA was studied by spectral methods. Resonance light scattering spectra, FTIR‐spectra and UV‐spectra were used to study the mechanisms of the interaction. The results indicate that the conformation of the DNA alters during the interaction because the microenvironment of DNA changes. The binding constant K between P (AM‐DMB) and DNA is 8.0 × 103 L mol−1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal evidence for the involvement of the neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM, in chronic stress‐induced cognitive impairments
Authors: Bisaz Reto , Schachner Melitta , Sandi Carmen 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn rodents, chronic stress induces long‐lasting structural and functional alterations in the hippocampus, as well as learning and memory impairments. The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) was previously hypothesized to be a key molecule in mediating the effects of stress due to its role in neuronal remodeling and since chronic stress diminishes hippocampal NCAM expression in rats. However, since most of the evidence for these effects is correlative or circumstantial, we tested the performance of conditional NCAM‐deficient mice in the water maze task to obtain causal evidence for the role of NCAM. We first validated that exposure to chronic unpredictable stress decreased hippocampal NCAM expression in C57BL/6 wild‐type mice, inducing deficits in reversal learning and mild deficits in spatial learning. Similar deficits in water maze performance were found in conditional NCAM‐deficient mice that could not be attributed to increased anxiety or enhanced corticosterone responses. Importantly, the performance of both the conditional NCAM‐deficient mice and chronically stressed wild‐type mice in the water maze was improved by post‐training injection of the NCAM mimetic peptide, FGLs. Thus, these findings support the functional involvement of NCAM in chronic stress‐induced alterations and highlight this molecule as a potential target to treat stress‐related cognitive disturbances. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of thermostability and phonon–phonon interactions in Mo6S3I6 nanowires by Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Todorović J. M. , Dohčević‐Mitrović Z. D. , Ðokić D. M. , Mihailović D. , Popović Z. V. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDetailed Raman scattering measurements were performed on molybdenum–sulfur–iodine nanowires (Mo6S3I6). At room temperature, 21 well‐resolved Raman modes were experimentally observed for the first time in this new compound. The phase stability and vibrational properties of the nanowires were investigated by different temperature treatments. High‐temperature Raman spectra showed that the phase separation of Mo6S3I6 nanowires took place between 573 and 673 K, followed by appearance of a new mode at 819 cm−1 characteristic of the MoO3 phase. Low‐temperature Raman scattering spectra showed a significant difference in phonon–phonon interactions between internal and external Raman modes of Mo6S3I6 nanowires. These interesting vibrational properties can give new insights for improved material preparation and achievement of higher conductivity and other functional properties of these otherwise interesting materials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The retail market for fresh cassava root tubers in the European Union (EU): the case of Copenhagen, Denmark — a chemical food safety issue?
Authors: Kolind‐Hansen Lotte , Brimer Leon 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: A number of retail shops in Copenhagen sell fresh cassava roots. Cassava roots contain the toxic cyanogenic glucoside linamarin. A survey was made of the shop characteristics, origin of the roots, buyers, shop owner's knowledge of toxicity levels, and actual toxicity levels.RESULTS: Shops selling fresh cassava were shown mostly to be owned by persons originating in the Middle East or Afghanistan, buyers were found to predominantly be of African origin, and sellers' knowledge concerning the potential toxicity was found to be very restricted. Seventy‐six per cent of the roots purchased had a total cyanogenic potentials (CNp) above the 50 mg HCN equivalents kg−1 dry weight (d.w.) proposed as acceptable by an EU working group. Two of 25 roots purchased had CNp higher than 340 mg HCN eq. kg−1 d.w.CONCLUSION: The EU has previously made risk assessments concerning cassava and cyanogenic compounds. In the light of the conclusions drawn, the EU needs to make decisions about how to deal with the regulation and control of fresh cassava roots imported to the European food market. Also cassava root products and cassava leaves should be considered. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry