bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐Analysis of Nitrogen Removal in Riparian Buffers
Authors: Mayer Paul M. , Reynolds Steven K. , McCutchen Marshall D. , Canfield Timothy J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRiparian buffers, the vegetated region adjacent to streams and wetlands, are thought to be effective at intercepting and reducing nitrogen loads entering water bodies. Riparian buffer width is thought to be positively related to nitrogen removal effectiveness by influencing nitrogen retention or removal. We surveyed the scientific literature containing data on riparian buffers and nitrogen concentration in streams and groundwater to identify trends between nitrogen removal effectiveness and buffer width, hydrological flow path, and vegetative cover. Nitrogen removal effectiveness varied widely. Wide buffers (>50 m) more consistently removed significant portions of nitrogen entering a riparian zone than narrow buffers (0–25 m). Buffers of various vegetation types were equally effective at removing nitrogen but buffers composed of herbaceous and forest/herbaceous vegetation were more effective when wider. Subsurface removal of nitrogen was efficient, but did not appear to be related to buffer width, while surface removal of nitrogen was partly related to buffer width. The mass of nitrate nitrogen removed per unit length of buffer did not differ by buffer width, flow path, or buffer vegetation type. Our meta‐analysis suggests that buffer width is an important consideration in managing nitrogen in watersheds. However, the inconsistent effects of buffer width and vegetation on nitrogen removal suggest that soil type, subsurface hydrology (e.g., soil saturation, groundwater flow paths), and subsurface biogeochemistry (organic carbon supply, nitrate inputs) also are important factors governing nitrogen removal in buffers.
Threatening of cerebrovascular insufficiency within surgery of carotid artery restenosis
Authors: Palkovic Stefan , Tjan Tonny , Fischer Bernhard , Wassmann Hansdetlef 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Surgical intervention for extracranial carotid artery stenosis remains a major potential therapeutic modality for the prevention of stroke. Nevertheless, every kind of surgical technique for carotid entarterectomy (CEA) has its specific complications, compromising the final surgical result. The authors report about a 70-year old man, suffering from recurrent transient ischemic attacks by suspected internal carotid artery (ICA) re-stenosis, 11 and 13 years after CEA with patch angioplasty. In relation to neurological symptomatic and angiographic appearance of ICA re-stenosis an open surgery of the left ICA was preferred. Intraoperatively the old patch material was such vulnerable that it was not possible to maintain the continuity of ECA and ICA or CCA and ICA. Consequently reconstruction and replacement of ICA and ECA with 6 mm Gore-Tex grafts was performed. Follow-up three years after surgery showed no symptoms of insufficient brain metabolism as well as a good flow within the grafts. Patch angioplasty by CEA seems to be favourable to reduce the risk of early ICA re-stenosis but for all that there are other accompanying problems, which can compromise utility of patch technique. For this the authors prefer a patient adapted surgical treatment, based not only on so far not significant data but moreover on personal experience.
Effects of an adapted intravenous amiodarone treatment protocol in horses with atrial fibrillation
Authors: de CLERCQ D. , van LOON G. , BAERT K. , TAVERNIER R. , CROUBELS S. , de BACKER P. , DEPREZ P. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryReason for performing study: Good results have been obtained with a human amiodarone (AD) i.v. protocol in horses with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and a pharmacokinetic study is required for a specific i.v. amiodarone treatment protocol for horses.Objectives: To study the efficacy of this pharmacokinetic based i.v. AD protocol in horses with chronic AF.Methods: Six horses with chronic AF were treated with an adapted AD infusion protocol. The protocol consisted of 2 phases with a loading dose followed by a maintenance infusion. In the first phase, horses received an infusion of 6.52 mg AD/kg bwt/h for 1 h followed by 1.1 mg/kg bwt/h for 47 h. In the second phase, horses received a second loading dose of 3.74 mg AD/kg bwt/h for 1 h followed by 1.31 mg/kg bwt/h for 47 h. Clinical signs were monitored, a surface ECG and an intra‐atrial electrogram were recorded. AD treatment was discontinued when conversion or any side effects were observed.Results: Three of the 6 horses cardioverted successfully without side effects. The other 3 horses did not convert and showed adverse effects, including diarrhoea. In the latter, there were no important circulatory problems, but the diarrhoea continued for 10–14 days. The third horse had to be subjected to euthanasia because a concomitantSalmonellainfection worsened the clinical signs.Conclusion: The applied treatment protocol based upon pharmacokinetic data achieved clinically relevant concentrations of AD and desethylamiodarone.Potential relevance: Intravenous AD has the potential to be an alternative pharmacological treatment for AF in horses, although AD may lead to adverse drug effects, particularly with cumulative dosing.
Acute in vivo interactions of Helicobacter equorum with its equine host
Authors: MOYAERT H. , DECOSTERE A. , PASMANS F. , BAELE M. , CEELEN L. , SMITS K. , DUCATELLE R. , HAESEBROUCK F. 
Published: June 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: A novel urease‐negative Helicobacter species has been isolated from faecal samples of clinically healthy horses, but no information is available about the main sites of colonisation in the equine gastrointestinal tract nor is the pathogenic potential of this microorganism known. An experimental infection in horses was therefore carried out. Methods: Four horses were infected with H. equorum strain CCUG 52199T and subjected to euthanasia at 10 (n = 2) and 30 days (n = 2) post inoculation. A fifth animal was inoculated with phosphate buffered saline and used as control. Gastrointestinal samples were examined histologically and bacteriologically. These samples, as well as faecal material collected at regular intervals, were also subjected to PCR analysis. Results: All horses remained clinically healthy and no specific macroscopic lesions were identified, nor were there any microscopic changes. H. equorum‐DNA was detected in the faeces during the whole experiment in all infected animals but not in the negative control. Sites of colonisation were caecum, colon and rectum. Conclusions: H. equorum is able to colonise the equine lower bowel and is excreted in faeces without apparent pathology. No association between the presence of the organism and gastrointestinal disease was demonstrated.
Physiology of equine performance and associated tests of function
Authors: EVANS D. L. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThis review addresses the physiology of performance horses in the context of functional tests aimed at assisting clinicians in the search for explanations of the individual's limitations, actual or perceived as below expectation. The intention is to assist clinicians who are faced frequently by owners or trainers seeking explanations for poor performance; and for research workers as a basis on which to proceed in their search for new methodologies, particularly those that can be applied in the field as for treadmill exercise.The review sets out fundamental physiological pathways, the entailment of which may represent a limiting factor to performance, while taking into account the individual's status, including anamnesis and the possibility of actual disease being present.Tests that assess the possible roles of several body systems, as causes of limited performance, are discussed. These systems include pulmonary, cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. The evaluation of anaerobic and aerobic energy pathways is also discussed.Emphasis is given to the assessment of pulmonary ventilation by techniques such as spirometry and ergospirometry. These techniques are considered to be of particular potential for further development.
Cover Picture: Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanohorns with Porphyrins: Nanohybrid Formation and Photoinduced Electron and Energy Transfer (Adv. Funct. Mater. 10/2007)
Authors: Pagona G. , Sandanayaka A. S. D. , Araki Y. , Fan J. , Tagmatarchis N. , Charalambidis G. , Coutsolelos A. G. , Boitrel B. , Yudasaka M. , Iijima S. , Ito O. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA transmission electron microscopy image of the spherical superstructure of dahlia flowerlike carbon nanohorns (CNHs), functionalized at the conical tips with porphyrins (H2P), is shown, together with an illustration of the architecture of the novel CNH–H2P nanohybrid material. Nikos Tagmatarchis, Osamu Ito, and co‐workers report on the preparation and photophysical properties of this material on p. 1705. Photo‐excitation of H2P with visible light results in reduction of the CNHs with a simultaneous oxidation of the porphyrin moiety, resulting in a charge‐separated state; CNH•––H2P•+.The covalent attachment of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) to α‐5‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐α‐15‐(2‐nitrophenyl)‐10,20‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethyl‐phenyl)‐porphyrin (H2P) via an amide bond is accomplished. The resulting CNH–H2P nanohybrids form a stable inklike solution. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images demonstrate that the original dahlia‐flowerlike superstructure of the CNHs is preserved in the CNH–H2P nanohybrids. Steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence studies show efficient quenching of the excited singlet state of H2P, suggesting that both electron and energy transfer occur from the singlet excited state of H2P to CNHs, depending on the polarity of the solvent. In the case of electron transfer, photoexcitation of H2P results in the reduction of the nanohorns and the simultaneous oxidation of the porphyrin unit. The formation of a charge‐separated state, CNH•––H2P•+, has been corroborated with the help of an electron mediator, hexyl‐viologen dication (HV2+), in polar solvents. Moreover, the charge‐separated CNH•––H2P•+ states have been identified by transient absorption spectroscopy.
Synthetic and catalytic investigations of ruthenium(III) complexes with triphenylphosphine/triphenylarsine and tridentate Schiff base
Authors: Priyarega S. , Prabhakaran R. , Aranganayagam K. R. , Karvembu R. , Natarajan K. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of several hexa‐coordinated ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuCl(PPh3)2(L)] (L = dibasic tridentate ligand derived by the condensation of salicylaldehyde/o‐vanillin with o‐aminophenol/o‐aminothiophenol) are reported. IR, electronic, EPR spectral data and redox bahaviour of the complexes are discussed. An octahedral geometry has been tentatively proposed for all the complexes. The new complexes were found to be effective catalysts for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and cyclohexanol to benzaldehyde and cyclohexanone respectively using N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide as a co‐oxidant. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel adamantane‐containing epoxy resin
Authors: Su Xiaoming , Jing Xinli 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA novel adamantane‐containing epoxy resin diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐adamantane (DGEBAda) was successfully synthesized from 1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)adamantane by a one‐step method. The proposed structure of the epoxy resin was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography, and epoxy equivalent weight titration. The synthesized adamantane‐containing epoxy resin was cured with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and dicyandiamide (DICY). The thermal properties of the DDS‐cured epoxy were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dielectric properties of the DICY‐cured epoxy were determined from its dielectric spectrum. The obtained results were compared with those of commercially available diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), a tetramethyl biphenol (TMBP)/epoxy system, and some other associated epoxy resins. According to the measured values, the glass‐transition temperature of the DGEBAda/DDS system (223°C) was higher than that of the DGEBA/DDS system and close to that of the TMBP/DDS system. TGA results showed that the DGEBAda/DDS system had a higher char yield (25.02%) and integral procedure decomposition temperature (850.7°C); however, the 5 wt % degradation temperature was lower than that of DDS‐cured DGEBA and TMBP. Moreover, DGEBAda/DDS had reduced moisture absorption and lower dielectric properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Biodegradable double‐layer films based on biological resources: Polyhydroxybutyrate and cellulose
Authors: Cyras Viviana P. , Commisso Ma. Soledad , Mauri Adriana N. , Vázquez Analía 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA novel biocomposites double‐layer films using polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and cellulose paper were produced. The biocomposites were prepared by the solvent‐casting method (with chloroform). Films of the blends were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray (XR) and surface roughness measurements. Moisture absorption, water absorption and water vapor permeation of films has been investigated. The PHB impregnated the fibers of cellulose paper and it was on the valley of paper structure. The double‐layer films showed diminutions in the moisture absorption, in the water abortion, in water vapor permeation and in surface roughness. According to contact angle, surface free energies and the barrier properties of the films can be considered more hydrophobic. The experimentally observed tensile properties (modulus and tensile strength) of double‐layer films with different content of PHB were determined. Measurements show the tensile strength and modulus of cellulose paper increases with the percentage of PHB. SEM photomicrographs of the fractured films surfaces were also analyzed. It was possible to obtain a biodegradable material with little amount of PHB to improve the barrier and the mechanical properties of cellulose paper, taking advantage of the good properties of both materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation and characterization of nylon‐6/PPy/MMT composite of nanocomposite
Authors: Peighambardoust S. Jamal , Pourabbas Behzad 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSeries of composites consisting of polypyrrole/montmorillonite nanocomposites in the matrix of Nylon6 has been synthesized and characterized in this work. The composites were processable, so that test samples were prepared by compression‐molding of the materials for electrical property measurements. Intercalated structures were confirmed by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and TEM studies for PPy/MMT nanocomposites. A two‐phase structure was determined for the fused samples consisting of two separated N6 and PPy phases by using scanning electron microscopy analyses. A conductivity threshold was measured at 15%(w/w) loading level of PPy in the composites. Electrical resistivity–temperature behavior of the samples was investigated and a resistivity peak was observed at 100°C for the samples. It was proved that the glass transition temperature of PPy around 100°C should be the responsible factor for the observed resistivity peak, as studied by thermogravimetic analysis and differential scanning calorimetry thermal methods. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Clinical criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus precede diagnosis, and associated autoantibodies are present before clinical symptoms
Authors: Heinlen Latisha D. , McClain Micah T. , Merrill Joan , Akbarali Yasmin W. , Edgerton Colin C. , Harley John B. , James Judith A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveSpecific events that occur during the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be quite variable among individual patients. The aim of this study was to identify patterns that distinguish early clinical events in SLE and to assess whether the presence of associated autoantibodies precedes the fulfillment of clinical criteria.MethodsThrough a retrospective chart review of military medical records, 130 patients who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for the classification of SLE were identified. The initial time at which each criterion was fulfilled was recorded. Autoantibody analysis was performed on serum samples, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays or immunofluorescence.ResultsThe clinical features that were observed earliest were discoid rash and seizures, which developed a mean 1.74 and 1.70 years, respectively, before the diagnosis of SLE; however, arthritis was the criterion that was most commonly observed before diagnosis. The presence of IgG rheumatoid factor (IgG‐RF) preceded the development of arthritis in 15 (94%) of the 16 patients who were positive for IgG‐RF and in whom arthritis developed (Z = 10.2, P < 0.0001). Analogously, IgM‐RF appeared before the development of arthritis in 13 (76%) of 17 patients. Anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies were associated with renal disease and appeared before evidence of nephritis in most patients (92%) (Z = 13.3, P < 0.0001). An analysis of the appearance of autoantibodies compared with the appearance of clinical criteria not associated with them revealed no significant temporal relationship.ConclusionSymptoms associated with the ACR criteria for classification of SLE are commonly present before the diagnosis of SLE, and development of organ‐associated autoantibodies generally precedes the appearance of their associated clinical features.
Increased macrophage activation mediated through toll‐like receptors in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Huang QiQuan , Ma Yingyu , Adebayo Adedamola , Pope Richard M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveMacrophages are the major source of inflammation mediators that are important in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to analyze macrophages obtained from the joints of RA patients in order to characterize the expression of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2) and TLR‐4 and the responses to TLR ligation.MethodsCells were isolated from the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients or patients with other forms of inflammatory arthritis. Cell surface TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression and intracellular tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) expression by CD14+ macrophages were determined by flow cytometry. Peptidoglycan (PG) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as ligands for TLR‐2 and TLR‐4, respectively.ResultsThe expression of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 was increased on CD14+ macrophages from the joints of RA patients compared with that on control in vitro–differentiated macrophages or control peripheral blood monocytes. Neither TLR‐2 expression nor TLR‐4 expression differed between RA and other forms of inflammatory arthritis. However, PG‐ and LPS‐induced TNFα expression and IL‐8 expression were greater with RA SF macrophages than with those obtained from the joints of patients with other forms of inflammatory arthritis or with control macrophages. PG‐induced TNFα expression and IL‐8 expression were highly correlated with TLR‐2 expression in normal macrophages, but not with that in macrophages obtained from joints of RA patients or patients with other forms of inflammatory arthritis.ConclusionTLR‐2 and TLR‐4 ligation resulted in increased activation of RA synovial macrophages compared with those from patients with other forms of inflammatory arthritis or compared with control macrophages. Factors other than the level of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression contributed to the increased activation of RA SF macrophages. These observations support the notion of a potential role for activation through TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in the inflammation and joint destruction of RA.
Resistance of rheumatoid arthritis patients to changing therapy: Discordance between disease activity and patients' treatment choices
Authors: Wolfe Frederick , Michaud Kaleb 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveDespite advances in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, patients' decisions regarding therapy often deviate from expert recommendation. This study was undertaken to investigate patients' acceptance and satisfaction with therapy, willingness to change therapy, and reasons for not changing.MethodsParticipants (n = 6,135) completed an 11‐item questionnaire concerning treatment preferences. Eight questions assessed reasons for not wanting to change therapy. The contribution of individual predictors was determined by logistic regression analysis.ResultsQuestionnaire responses showed that 63.8% of the patients would not want to change therapy as long as their condition didn't get worse; 77.3% were satisfied with their medications, while 9.4% were dissatisfied. These assessments were weakly related to RA activity and functional status. Side effects had occurred in 22.4% of the patients during the previous 6 months, and in 65.5% at some period during their lifetime. Predictors of unwillingness to change therapy were satisfaction with RA control, which had an odds ratio (OR) of 6.8 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.8–8.0), risk of side effects (OR 4.4 [95% CI 3.8–5.2]), physician opinion (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.6–2.2]), fear of loss of control (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.6–2.1]), lack of better medications (OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2–1.6]), and costs (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1–1.6]). There was little difference in results between patients who were receiving biologic agents and those who were not.ConclusionThere is substantial discrepancy between declared satisfaction with therapy and measured RA activity and functional status. Most RA patients are satisfied with their therapy, even many with abnormal scores. Fear of loss of control of RA and fear of side effects are major patient concerns. Maintenance of current status, rather than future improvement, appears to be a high priority for patients.