bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for transferrin allele as a host‐level risk factor in naturally occurring equine respiratory disease: a preliminary study
Authors: NEWTON J. R. , WOOD J. L. N. , CHANTER N. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Recurring respiratory infections can contribute to prolonged burdens of disease, especially in younger horses and better knowledge of factors and effective interventions, such as vaccines, should improve therapeutic and preventive strategies. Objectives: To identify factors and infections associated with naturally occurring respiratory disease in recently weaned Welsh Mountain ponies maintained at pasture and to determine whether ponies vaccinated with an experimental inactivated bacterial vaccine had lower burdens of disease and infection compared to nonvaccinated controls. Transferrin allele, which may influence the ability of pathogenic bacteria to acquire iron, was examined specifically as a host‐level risk factor. Methods: Twice weekly clinical evaluations and weekly microbiological samplings over a 10 week period were conducted in 29 ponies, of which 12 received an experimental bacterial vaccine, 12 received placebo and 5 were untreated. A multilevel modelling approach suitable for analysing longitudinal data containing repeated observations was used to identify factors associated with disease and to evaluate any effect from vaccination. Results: Analyses demonstrated significant variation in clinical disease between ponies that possessed different alleles of iron binding transferrin protein but no significant effect from vaccination. Of the 29 ponies monitored, 14 possessing homozygote or non‐F2 heterozygote transferrin D alleles demonstrated significantly less clinical disease (P<0.001), whereas 14 possessing the F2 transferrin allele demonstrated significantly more clinical disease (P<0.001). These effects remained apparent even after the significant effects of tracheal bacterial isolates, clinical score the previous week and repeated observations from the same ponies were accounted for. Conclusions and potential relevance: Results provide evidence for a potential genetic basis for variation in susceptibility to clinical equine respiratory disease of bacterial origin, although more work is required to corroborate this conclusion.
Expression of connexin 43 protein in testes, epididymides and prostates of stallions
Authors: HEJMEJ A. , KOTULA‐BALAK M. , SADOWSKA J. , BILIŃSKA B. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a ubiquitously distributed gap junction protein in testes and other reproductive tissues. Adjacent cells share ions and small metabolites through intercellular channels, which are present in gap junctions. Previously, Cx43 has not been reported in testes, epididymides and prostates either in healthy stallions or cryptorchid horses. Objectives: To demonstrate the expression pattern of Cx43 in the reproductive tissues of stallions and examine whether naturally occurring bilateral cryptorchidism has any influence on distribution and expression of Cx43. Methods: The expression and the presence of Cx43 protein were detected by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal rabbit anti‐Cx43 antibody. Results: In stallions, gap junctions appeared as structures localised to cell‐cell contacts between adjacent cells. In testes, Cx43 expression was detected in the interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules, between Leydig and Sertoli, as well as Sertoli and germ cells. In epididymides, Cx43 was localised between epithelial cells, whereas in prostates, between secretory cells of the glandular epithelium. In the cryptorchid, a clear reduction of Cx43 signal was observed in all reproductive tissues. Conclusions: Coupling of Leydig cells via gap junctions may suggest that steroidogenic function of the testis is under the influence of these intercellular channels. Within seminiferous tubules, the expression was found to be stage‐specific, pointing to its role in coordinating spermatogenesis. Differential distribution of Cx43 protein in the reproductive tract of normal and cryptorchid stallions indicates that expression is clearly dependent on the physiological status of the horse. Potential relevance: Detection of Cx43 expression in equine testicular, epididymal, and prostatic cells is important for a better understanding of the role of intercellular membrane channels in direct cell communication within the reproductive tract of stallions.
Suitability of biocompost as a bedding material for stabled horses: respiratory hygiene and management practicalities
Authors: SEEDORF J. , SCHRÖDER M. , KÖHLER L. , HARTUNG J. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Reasons for performing study: Bedding material in stables has an important influence on air hygiene and information on the suitability of biocompost and wood shavings is incomplete. Objectives: To compare the suitability and benefit of biocompost and wood shavings as bedding in horse stables and to determine key air factors for the evaluation of the potential impact of these materials on respiratory health. Methods: The study was conducted in a naturally ventilated stable with 4 horses. Air hygiene parameters were measured 24 h/day for 7 days with each bedding type: ammonia (NH3), inhalable and respirable dust, endotoxins, colony forming units (CFU) of total mesophilic bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and thermophilic actinomycetes. Both bedding materials were analysed for general chemical composition, particle size distribution and natural microbial content. The animals' behaviour was monitored by video cameras, and their health and cleanliness status determined by clinical and visual examination. Results: Concentrations of NH3, dust, endoxins and fungi were significantly higher during the monitoring period with wood shavings than with biocompost. In contrast concentrations of mesophilic bacteria, mesophilic actinomycetes and thermophilic actinomycetes microbial pollutants were highest with biocompost. The water content of bulk biocompost was considerably higher than that of wood shavings. Particles ≤0.4 mm were not detectable in bulk wood shavings. The concentration of thermophilic actinomycetes by weight in raw biocompost was 639 times higher than in raw wood shavings. No significant differences were observed in the time spent by the horses lying down. The biocompost material tended to adhere more intensively to the animals' hair coat. Horses showed no clinical signs indicating any adverse effects of the biocompost material during the trials. Conclusions: Biocompost cannot be recommended as bedding material for horses in stables, because the concentration of thermophilic actinomycetes and other agents that elicit and maintain recurrent airway obstructions was significantly higher with biocompost than with wood shavings. To ensure the well‐being of horses, any new bedding material must be tested very carefully before it is introduced to the market.
Adaptive transfer function‐based control of nonlinear process. Case study: Control of temperature in industrial methane tank
Authors: Brazauskas Kestutis , Levisauskas Donatas 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe state model‐based transfer function models are applied for adaptation of linear controller and disturbance compensator in a feedback/feed‐forward control system of nonlinear process. An advantage of the presented adaptation method is the avoidance of artificial disturbances or iterative identification procedures for on‐line estimation of process dynamic parameters. The adaptation is based on linearization of the process model at each sampling time about the current state point, independent of the process being at steady‐state or transient conditions. The linear time‐varying dynamics model is updated on‐line using measured values of process variables and reduced to the first‐order plus time delay transfer function models in order to directly apply well‐developed controller tuning rules. Computational aspects of the adaptation method are discussed and computation algorithms are presented.The adaptive feedback/feed‐forward control
system was applied for controlling temperature in industrial methane tank, dynamic parameters of which vary in a wide range due to variations of methane‐tank process load and external conditions. The heat balance‐based process state model is developed and validated using observation data of real plant. Computer simulation of the proposed control system performance under extreme operating conditions demonstrates fast adaptation of controller parameters, robust behaviour and significant improvement in the controllers' performance compared to that of fixed‐gain controllers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential work‐related exposures to bloodborne pathogens by industry and occupation in the United States Part II: A telephone interview study
Authors: Chen Guang X. , Jenkins E. Lynn 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe companion surveillance portion of this study [Chen and Jenkins, 2007] reported the frequency and rate of potential work‐related exposures to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) treated in emergency departments (EDs) by industry and occupation, but it lacks details on the circumstances of the exposure and other relevant issues such as BBP safety training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or safety needles, or reasons for seeking treatment in a hospital ED.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted with workers who had been treated in EDs for potential work‐related exposures to BBP in 2000–2002. Respondents were drawn from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.ResultsOf the 593 interviews, 382 were from hospitals, 51 were from emergency medical service/firefighting (EMS/FF), 86 were from non‐hospital healthcare settings (e.g., nursing homes, doctors' offices, home healthcare providers, etc.), 22 were from law enforcement (including police and correctional facilities), and 52 were from other non‐healthcare settings (i.e., schools, hotels, and restaurants). Needlestick/sharps injuries were the primary source of exposure in hospitals and non‐hospital healthcare settings. Skin and mucous membrane was the primary route of exposure in EMS/FF. Human bites accounted for a significant portion of the exposures in law enforcement and other non‐healthcare settings. In general, workers from non‐hospital settings were less likely to use PPE, to have BBP safety training, to be aware of the BBP standards and exposure treatment procedures, and to report or seek treatment for a work‐related exposure compared to hospital workers.ConclusionsThis study suggests that each industry group has unique needs that should be addressed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Controlled preparation of nanocolorants via a modified miniemulsion polymerization process
Authors: Hu Z. K. , Xue M. Z. , Zhang Q. , Sheng Q. R. , Liu Y. G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNanocolorants were successfully prepared via a modified miniemulsion polymerization process into which styrene, a polar monomer, crosslinkers, a highly hydrophobic solvent, dyes, and so forth were introduced. The obtained nanocolorants were nanocomposite entities in which a fraction of dye molecules attached to the crosslinked macromolecular chains and more dye molecules formed clustering because of the phase separation between the dye and polymer during the polymerization process and were further embedded in the interior of the crosslinked polymer because of the high hydrophobicity of the dyes. The effects of the polar monomers, the amounts of the dyes dissolved in styrene, and the polymer crosslinking, as well as the effects of the water‐soluble and oil‐soluble initiator, the amount of the surfactant, and the ultrasonic homogenization time, on the preserving fastness of the dyes in the polymeric matrix and the morphology and particle size distribution of the nanocolorants were studied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Performance characterization of cellulose acetate and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blend membranes
Authors: Abdoul Raguime J. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Thanikaivelan P. , Mohan D. , Raajenthiren M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHydrophilic ultrafiltration membranes have been prepared by blending cellulose acetate (CA) as a matrix polymer with increasing concentrations of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) using N,N′‐dimethylformamide as the solvent. It is observed that the presence of PVP beyond 50 wt % in the casting solution did not form membranes. Prepared membranes have been subjected to ultrafiltration characterizations such as compaction, pure water flux, water content, and membrane hydraulic resistance. The results indicate significant changes in the characteristics upon the addition of PVP, which may lead to improved performance. The porosity, pore size, and molecular weight cut‐off of the membranes also increase as the concentration of PVP increases. It is estimated that the pore radius of the CA/PVP membranes increases from 30 to 63 Å, when the concentration of PVP increased from 0 to 50 wt %. This is in agreement with the results obtained from scanning electron microscopic studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Dynamics of capillary rise in yarns: Influence of fiber and liquid characteristics
Authors: Hamdaoui Mohamed , Fayala Faten , Nasrallah Sassi Ben 
Published: March 2007

AbstractLiquid transport and movement in yarns were studied using an experimental system based on the analysis of charge couple device images taken during the capillary rise of a colored liquid in the yarn. The generalized dynamic model of the liquid penetration into vertical cylindrical capillary used was based on the Lucas–Washburn equation. It had the advantage of independently characterizing the equivalent pore radius and the contact angle by determining the coefficient of diffusion of the liquid noted D and the height attained at equilibrium noted he. We studied cotton and viscose yarns and found that the diffusion of liquid and the height attained at equilibrium depending on the fiber type. These results were discussed on the basis of the wettability of the fibers. We used water and a chemical agent added to water to investigate the effect of the characteristics of liquid on the capillary rise in yarns. The capillary parameters values (D and he) depended on the concentration of the chemistry agent added to water. These results were discussed by studying the evolution of the characteristic of the porous media and the liquid properties by calculating the equivalent pore radius and the contact angle andmeasuring the surface tension and the viscosity of the fluid. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Electrochemical copolymerization of indole and 3‐methylthiophene
Authors: Nie Guangming , Han Xuejun , Zhang Shusheng , Xu Jingkun , Cai Tao 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe copolymerization of indole (In) and 3‐methylthiophene (3MeT) was successfully achieved electrochemically in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) by direct anodic oxidation of the monomer mixtures on stainless steel electrodes although their respective oxidation potentials were quite different. The electrochemical properties of the copolymers were studied by cyclic voltammetry. As‐formed free‐standing insoluble copolymers owned both the advantages of polyindole (PIn) and poly(3‐methylthiophene) (P3MeT), i.e., good thermal stability, good electrochemical activity, and high conductivity. The insert of 3MeT units in PIn was helpful to improve the conductivity of PIn and the insert of In units in P3MeT was also beneficial to improve the electrochemical and thermal stability of P3MeT. The influence of applied polymerization potential on the synthesis of copolymer was investigated. The higher potential favored the incorporation of 3MeT units into the copolymers. 1.3 V vs. SCE was tested to be the best potential for the electrochemical copolymerization of In and 3MeT. The structure and morphology of the copolymers were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Polymerization mechanism studies showed that the polymerization of indole ring occurred at 2,3 position. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)‐based biocomposites reinforced with kenaf fibers
Authors: Avella Maurizio , Bogoeva‐Gaceva Gordana , Buzõarovska Aleksandra , Emanuela Errico Maria , Gentile Gennaro , Grozdanov Anita 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBiodegradable thermoplastic‐based composites reinforced with kenaf fibers were prepared and characterized. Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), produced by bacterial fermentation, was selected as polymeric matrix. To improve PHBV/fibers adhesion, low amount of a proper compatibilizing agent, obtained by grafting maleic anhydride onto PHBV, was added during matrix/fibers melt mixing (reactive blending). When compared with uncompatibilized composites, the presence of the compatibilizer induces a stronger interfacial adhesion and a more pronounced improvement of the mechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis and 5‐HT2A, 5‐HT1A and α1‐Binding Affinities of 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl‐methyl)amino]‐, 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(2‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethyl)amino]‐ and 2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(4‐N‐methyl‐piperazin‐1‐yl)‐amino]propoxybenzaldehyde‐O‐(substituted) Benzyl Oximes
Authors: Orlandini Elisabetta , Rapposelli Simona , Nencetti Susanna , Giannaccini Gino , Betti Laura , Balsamo Aldo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSome oxime ether‐substituted aryloxypropanolamines 3‐5, structurally related to the active metabolite 2 of sarpogrelate 1, were synthesized and tested for their affinities at 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT1A serotoninergic receptors as well as at the α1‐adrenoceptor. The results show that the compounds possess, at least partially, the ability of the model compounds 1 and 2 to interact with the 5‐HT2A‐receptors; they have the same selectivity towards 5‐HT2A receptors vs α1‐adrenoceptors.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Niphathesine Analogues
Authors: Krauss Jürgen , Wetzel Christine , Thiel Julia , Neudert Christine , Bracher Franz 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNiphathesine C and related pyridine alkaloids are well known natural products with interesting antimicrobial activities, characterized by a pyridine ring and a lipophilic side chain with a terminal nitrogen‐containing functional group. This paper describes the synthesis of analogues of these alkylpyridine alkaloids with variation of the heterocyclic ring and the terminal functional group. Key steps of the syntheses are a Sonogashira reaction of appropriate aryl iodides with undec‐10‐ynol or undec‐10‐ynoic acid derivatives. The resulting compounds were tested in an agar diffusion assay against several bacteria and fungi.
Bewertung des Erdbebenrisikos von historischen Bauwerken
Authors: Urban Marcel , Peil Udo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHistorische Bauten, insbesondere Kirchen, reagieren i.allg. sehr empfindlich auf mögliche Baugrundbewegungen. Wenn diese Bauwerke aufgrund eines Erdbebens einstürzen oder erheblich geschädigt werden, können neben hohen Verlusten an Menschenleben auch erhebliche immaterielle Werte verloren gehen. Die Bewertung des Risikos enthält dabei die Bestimmung der Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Schadens und die Bestimmung möglicher Schadensfolgen. In diesem Aufsatz wird eine Methodik zur Beschreibung und vergleichenden Bewertung solcher Risiken vorgestellt. Dazu wird zunächst die Bodenbewegung infolge Erdbeben mit Hilfe von Monte‐Carlo‐Simulationen dargestellt, der Einfluß möglicher Materialparameter mit Sensitivitätsanalysen abgeschätzt, um mögliche Schadensklassen nach der Europäischen Makroseismischen Skala vorherzusagen. Verluste werden anhand einer speziell für diesen Fall zusammengetragenen Datengrundlage erfaßt, so daß ein Vergleich mit einer Vielzahl anderer Risiken möglich ist.
Domenico Fontana (1543–1607) und seine Sippe – Berühmte Tessiner Ingenieurarchitekten in Diensten von Papst und König
Authors: Caminada Paul 
Published: March 2007

AbstractVor 400 Jahren, anno 1607, starb “ingegniere maggiore del Regno” (Oberingenieur des Königreichs) Domenico Fontana in Neapel und wurde dort in der Kirche S. Anna dei Lombardi feierlich beigesetzt. Er wurde 1543 in Melide am Luganer See geboren als Sohn des Sebastiano Fontana und dessen Frau Domenica, geborene Paerino.Die Fontana – Domenico mit den Brüdern Giovanni und Marsilio sowie der Neffe Carlo Maderno, geboren in Capologo am unteren Luganer See – hatten sich in jungen Jahren aufgemacht, um ihr Glück in Rom zu suchen. Die fremde Herkunft der Tessiner Comasken oder “comacini” (maestri), die aus dem damaligen Gebiet der Diözese Como stammten, war kennzeichnend für das Architekturambiente von imposanten Kirchen, Palästen und Residenzen in der zweiten Hälfte des 16. und Anfang des 17. Jahrhunderts, das von Nicht‐Römern dominiert wurde. In der Fremde hatten sie es – zusammen mit vielen anderen, darunter auch Francesco Borromini, ein Schüler und Mitarbeiter von Domenico s Neffen Carlo Maderno – zu Erfolg, Ruhm und großem Ansehen gebracht.Die Berufsausbildung der Tessiner Immigranten war ursprünglich in der Hauptsache eine handwerkliche (Stukkateure, Steinmetze und Maurer), wobei die Fähigsten zu Meistern, Architekten und Ingenieuren aufstiegen. Durch ständige Weiterbildung wußten die Fontana mit Zirkel, Winkel und Meßlatte umzugehen. Sie waren in der Lage, Formen schöpferisch zu gestalten, und schufen Schönes und Zweckmäßiges in idealen und vollkommenen Proportionen: zuerst zeichnerisch auf dem Papier und dann in der Ausführung. Als perfekte Organisatoren waren sie auch fähig, Transporte, Hebemaschinen, Rollen und Flaschenzüge auf den riesigen Baustellen sinnvoll einzusetzen.
Local excision of rectal tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery
Authors: Bretagnol F , Merrie A , George B , Warren B F , Mortensen N J 
Published: March 2007

Abstract

Background
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows locally complete excision of rectal tumours and provides an alternative to conventional surgery for benign tumours. However, its role in the curative treatment of invasive carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity and long-term results for rectal tumours excised by TEM.

Methods
Between February 1993 and January 2005, 200 patients underwent TEM for excision of adenomas (148) or carcinomas (52). The median tumour distance from the anal verge was 8 (range 1–16) cm.

Results
Mortality and morbidity rates were 0·5 and 14·0 per cent respectively. At a median follow-up of 33 (range 2–133) months, local recurrence had developed in 11 patients (7·6 per cent) with an adenoma. Histological examination of carcinomas revealed pathological tumour (pT) stage 1 in 31 patients, pT2 in 17 and pT3 in four. Immediate salvage surgery was performed in seven patients (13 per cent). At a median follow-up of 34 (range 1–102) months, eight patients (15 per cent) with carcinomas had developed local recurrence. The overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates for patients with carcinomas were 76 and 65 per cent respectively.

Conclusion
TEM is an appropriate surgical treatment option for benign rectal tumours. For carcinomas, it is oncologically safe provided that resection margins are clear, but strict patient selection is required.