bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poor Sleep Is Associated with Higher Plasma Proinflammatory Cytokine Interleukin‐6 and Procoagulant Marker Fibrin D‐Dimer in Older Caregivers of People with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: von Känel Roland , Dimsdale Joel E. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Mills Paul J. , Patterson Thomas L. , McKibbin Christine L. , Archuleta Christopher , Grant Igor 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether objective measures of sleep correlate with plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐6 and the procoagulant marker fibrin D‐dimer in caregivers of patients with dementia.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: Subjects' homes.PARTICIPANTS: Sixty‐four community‐dwelling spousal caregivers (69% women, mean age±standard deviation 72±9) and 36 sex‐matched noncaregiving controls.MEASUREMENTS: All participants underwent in‐home full‐night polysomnography. Demographic and lifestyle factors, depression, diseases, and medication that could affect inflammation, coagulation, and sleep were controlled for in analyses regressing sleep variables and caregiver status and their interaction on plasma levels of IL‐6 and D‐dimer.RESULTS: Caregivers had higher levels of D‐dimer (781±591 vs 463±214 ng/mL, P=.001) and IL‐6 (1.42±1.52 vs 0.99±0.86 pg/mL, P<.06) and lower levels of total sleep time (369±70 vs 393±51 minutes, P=.049) and sleep efficiency (77±11 vs 82±9%, P=.04) than controls. After controlling for age and body mass index, longer wake time after sleep onset (change in coefficient of determination (ΔR2)=0.039, P=.04) and the interaction between caregiver status and higher apnea–hypopnea index (ΔR2=0.054, P=.01) were predictors of IL‐6. Controlling for age, caregiver status independently predicted D‐dimer levels (ΔR2=0.047, P=.01). Controlling for age and caregiver status, lower sleep efficiency (ΔR2=0.032, P=.03) and the interaction between caregiver status and more Stage 2 sleep (ΔR2=0.037, P=.02) independently predicted plasma D‐dimer levels.CONCLUSION: Poor sleep was associated with higher plasma IL‐6 and D‐dimer levels. These effects were most pronounced in caregivers of subjects with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a mechanism that may explain how disturbed sleep might be associated downstream with cardiovascular risk, particularly in older people under chronic stress.
Use of Capecitabine After Renal Allograft Transplantation in Dog Erythrocyte Antigen‐Matched Dogs
Authors: SCHMIEDT CHAD , PENZO CHIARA , SCHWAB MICHELLE , DUBIELZIG RICHARD , McANULTY JONATHAN 
Published: February 2006

Objectives— To investigate the use of a capecitabine (CAP)‐based regimen after renal transplantation in dogs.Study Design— Prospective, pilot study.Animals— Healthy, unrelated, dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA)‐matched, adult beagles.Method— Standard heterotopic renal transplantation with native nephrectomy was performed in 7 dogs. Dogs received oral, twice daily, CAP (250 mg/m2), cyclosporine‐A (CsA) (4 mg/kg), ketoconazole (5 mg/kg), and prednisolone (0.25 mg/kg). After 90 days the surviving dogs were euthanatized and complete necropsy was performed.Results— Seven transplants were performed. All dogs survived surgery. Six dogs had acute neurotoxicity, which resulted in death or euthanasia of 2 dogs within 2 days of surgery. In the remaining dogs, toxicity resolved rapidly with cessation of drug administration. Thereafter, modification of the regimen minimized toxicity. The 5 remaining dogs survived to study end; 4 dogs had no evidence of graft rejection. Necropsy examination was mostly unremarkable in all dogs. There were no major changes in CBC or biochemical values, except for a significant increase in serum calcium.Conclusions— CAP appeared well tolerated in most dogs. Toxicity occurred but abated with modification of the drug regimen. Efficacy for postoperative immunosuppression cannot be determined by this study, although results are promising.Clinical Relevance— CAP‐CsA‐prednisolone is an effective, oral immunosuppressive regimen for prevention of acute allograft rejection in DEA‐matched beagles. Further studies on dose, toxicity, and efficacy compared with current immunosuppressive regimens are needed before use in clinical practice.
Renal Allograft Histopathology in Dog Leukocyte Antigen Mismatched Dogs After Renal Transplantation
Authors: BROADDUS KRISTYN D. , TILLSON D. MICHAEL , LENZ STEPHEN D. , NIEMEYER GLENN P. , BRAWNER WILLIAM R. , WELCH JANET A. , LOTHROP CLINTON D. 
Published: February 2006

Objective— To evaluate allograft histopathology in dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)‐mismatched dogs undergoing renal transplantation, with transient immunosuppression.Study Design— Prospective study.Animals— Ten healthy adult mongrel dogs.Methods— Reciprocal renal transplantation and bilateral nephrectomy were performed. Immune conditioning consisted of nonmyeloablative (200 cGy), total body irradiation (TBI), bone marrow transplantation (BMT; 7 dogs), cyclosporine (CSA; 15 mg/kg every 12 hours), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 10 mg/kg every 12 hours) and intermittent prednisone (1 mg/kg every 12–24 hours). Biopsies were collected at transplantation, during full immunosuppression (44–90 days), and once medications were reduced or discontinued (228–580 days). Biopsies were evaluated for interstitial, tubular, vascular, and glomerular lesions. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum CSA concentrations, and clinical score were determined at each biopsy.Results— Seven dogs survived >200 days (mean, 380 days). Transient CSA toxicity was suspected in 6 dogs. Lymphocytic, plasmacytic interstitial inflammation, and tubulitis progressed when immunosuppressive medications were decreased. All 7 dogs had histologic lesions consistent with some degree of allograft rejection at study end.Conclusion— Nonmyeloablative TBI, BMT, and short‐term immunosuppression with CSA, MMF, and prednisone allowed renal allograft function and dog survival for >200 days. It appears unlikely that total drug withdrawal will be possible in unrelated DLA‐mismatched dogs using this protocol.Clinical Relevance— Transient immunosuppression with MMF, CSA, and prednisone along with BMT and nonmyeloablative TBI may make kidney transplantation a clinical reality for treatment of kidney failure in dogs. Initiating both MMF and CSA at lower dosages may potentially eliminate early renal allograft injury.
Making a Rational Choice Between Ovariectomy and Ovariohysterectomy in the Dog: A Discussion of the Benefits of Either Technique
Authors: VAN GOETHEM BART , SCHAEFERS‐OKKENS AUKE , KIRPENSTEIJN JOLLE 
Published: February 2006

Objective—To determine if ovariectomy (OVE) is a safe alternative to ovariohysterectomy (OVH) for canine gonadectomy.Study Design—Literature review.Methods—An on‐line bibliographic search in MEDLINE and PubMed was performed in December 2004, covering the period 1969–2004. Relevant studies were compared and evaluated with regard to study design, surgical technique, and both short‐term and long‐term follow‐up.Conclusions—OVH is technically more complicated, time consuming, and is probably associated with greater morbidity (larger incision, more intraoperative trauma, increased discomfort) compared with OVE. No significant differences between techniques were observed for incidence of long‐term urogenital problems, including endometritis/pyometra and urinary incontinence, making OVE the preferred method of gonadectomy in the healthy bitch.Clinical Relevance—Canine OVE can replace OVH as the procedure of choice for routine neutering of healthy female dogs.
TIBIAL NERVE SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED POTENTIALS IN DOGS WITH DEGENERATIVE LUMBOSACRAL STENOSIS
Authors: MEIJ BJÖRN P. , SUWANKONG NIYADA , VAN DEN BROM WALTER E. , VENKER‐VAN HAAGEN ANJOP J. , HAZEWINKEL HERMAN A.W. 
Published: February 2006

Objective—To determine somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) and in healthy dogs.Study Design—Clinical and experimental study.Animals—Dogs with DLS (n=21) and 11 clinically normal dogs, age, and weight matched.Methods—Under anesthesia, the tibial nerve was stimulated at the caudolateral aspect of the stifle, and lumbar SEP (LSEP) were recorded percutaneously from S1 to T13 at each interspinous space. Cortical SEP (CSEP) were recorded from the scalp.Results—LSEP were identified as the N1–P1 (latency 3–6 ms) and N2–P2 (latency 7–13 ms) wave complexes in the recordings of dogs with DLS and control dogs. Latency of N1–P1 increased and that of N2–P2 decreased as the active recording electrode was moved cranially from S1 to T13. Compared with controls, latencies were significantly delayed in DLS dogs: .8 ms for N1–P1 and 1.7 ms for the N2–P2 complex. CSEP were not different between groups.Conclusions—Surface needle recording of tibial nerve SEP can be used to monitor somatosensory nerve function of pelvic limbs in dogs. In dogs with DLS, the latency of LSEP, but not of CSEP, is prolonged compared with normal dogs.Clinical Relevance—In dogs with lumbosacral pain from DLS, the cauda equina compression is sufficient to affect LSEP at the lumbar level.
Effect of an Active Abdominal Pulse Generator on Defibrillation Thresholds with a Dual‐Coil, Transvenous ICD Lead System
Authors: RASHBA ERIC J. , FARASAT MORTEZA , KIRK MALCOLM M. , SHOROFSKY STEPHEN R. , PETERS ROBERT W. , GOLD MICHAEL R. 
Published: February 2006

Introduction: Many patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have older lead systems, which are usually not replaced at the time of pulse generator replacement unless a malfunction is noted. Therefore, optimization of defibrillation with these lead systems is clinically important. The objective of this prospective study was to determine if an active abdominal pulse generator (Can) affects chronic defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) with a dual‐coil, transvenous ICD lead system. Methods and Results: The study population consisted of 39 patients who presented for routine abdominal pulse generator replacement. Each patient underwent two assessments of DFT using a step‐down protocol, with the order of testing randomized. The distal right ventricular (RV) coil was the anode for the first phase of the biphasic shocks. The proximal superior vena cava (SVC) coil was the cathode for the Lead Alone configuration (RV → SVC). For the Active Can configuration, the SVC coil and Can were connected electrically as the cathode (RV → SVC + Can). The Active Can configuration was associated with a significant decrease in shock impedance (39.5 ± 5.8 Ω vs. 50.0 ± 7.6 Ω, P < 0.01) and a significant increase in peak current (8.3 ± 2.6 A vs. 7.2 ± 2.4 A, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in DFT energy (9.0 ± 4.6 J vs. 9.8 ± 5.2 J) or leading edge voltage (319 ± 86 V vs. 315 ± 83 V). An adequate safety margin for defibrillation (≥10 J) was present in all patients with both shocking configurations. Conclusion: DFTs are similar with the Active Can and Lead Alone configurations when a dual‐coil, transvenous lead is used with a left abdominal pulse generator. Since most commercially available ICDs are only available with an active can, our data support the use of an active can device with this lead system for patients who present for routine pulse generator replacement.
On Wisdom
Authors: GRUNEBAUM HENRY 
Published: February 2006

This article explores some of the features involved in making wise decisions in couples and family therapy. Delineating what qualities are involved in making wise decisions in life—so as to live the “good life” in the polis, and the necessary contributions of life experiences in this task—was first discussed by Aristotle.A major problem that therapists face today is that our society offers many different ways of living well—or for that matter, badly—and our theories do the same. Family therapy theories are not value free. I clarify that different family theories embody different values: clear boundaries, good attachments, the ability to communicate, and so on. If our theories foster certain values, then, as Isaiah Berlin has made clear, seeking to achieve a particular value leads to placing less value on another. The article concludes with some thoughts about values that therapists could appropriately follow in their work.
Intraocular malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma in an adult: clinicopathological case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sosińska‐Mielcarek Katarzyna , Senkus‐Konefka Elżbieta , Jaskiewicz Kazimierz , Kordek Radzislaw , Jassem Jacek 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To report a case of intraocular medulloepithelioma, an embryonal tumour with extremely rare presentation in adults. Method:  The case of a 44‐year‐old man with intraocular malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma, primarily diagnosed as intraocular teratoma, is described and the literature on this subject is reviewed. Results:  The patient presented with progressive proptosis caused by a tumour in the left eyeball. He had a 28‐year history of loss of vision in the left eye. Histopathological examination of the enucleated eye demonstrated an intraocular teratoma. No adjuvant treatment was given. Six months later the patient presented with massive progression in the left orbit and intracranial invasion. Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy was administered, but discontinued after two cycles due to poor tolerance and lack of response. At subsequent pathology review, a final diagnosis of malignant teratoid medulloepithelioma was made. Salvage radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions) resulted in partial response of the intracranial lesion. However, the patient died 6 months later due to intracranial tumour progression. Conclusion:  Medulloepithelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraocular tumours in adults, especially in the case of coexisting, long‐standing ocular symptoms. In some cases this disease is very aggressive.
EFFECT OF VIEWING BACKGROUND ON TURBIDITY PERCEPTION THRESHOLDS
Authors: FLEET CHRISTINE F. , SIEBERT KARL J. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT Colloidal‐size synthetic‐polymer microspheres of three sizes (0.15, 0.31 and 0.70‐µm diameter) were each suspended in liquids of three different colors (clear, tan and dark brown) at a range of concentrations. The samples were presented to panelists in a viewing box. Visual‐threshold determinations were made for each of the nine sample sets using the ascending method of limits (AMLs) and bright illumination (1,192 lux) with each of the three viewing backgrounds: black velvet, white cotton and white taffeta. The thresholds were much more similarly expressed as turbidimeter observations than as either weight or number concentration. With the black‐velvet background, the thresholds ranged from 0.206 to 2.190 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). With white cotton and white taffeta, they were considerably higher (P < 0.001), ranging from 1.97 to 41.00 and 2.97 to 34.40 NTU, respectively. This large difference appears to be a matter of contrast – scattered white light is much easier to perceive against a dark background.
Geochemical Factors Controlling Radium Activity in a Sandstone Aquifer
Authors: Grundl Tim , Cape Mike 
Published: February 2006

AbstractGeochemical processes behind the occurrence of radium activities in excess of the U.S. EPA’s drinking water limit of 5 pCi/L combined radium were investigated in a regional sandstone aquifer located in southeastern Wisconsin. Geochemical speciation modeling (PHREEQC 2.7) combined with a detailed understanding of the regional flow system provided by recent flow modeling efforts was used to determine that radium coprecipitation into barite controls radium activity in the unconfined portion of the aquifer. As the aquifer transitions from unconfined to confined conditions, radium levels rise and the water becomes more sulfate rich yet the aquifer remains at saturation with barite throughout. Calculations based on published distribution coefficients and the observed Ra:Ba atomic ratios indicate that barite contains ∼12 μg/kg coprecipitated radium. Confined portions of the aquifer have high concentrations of sulfate, and barium concentrations become too low to be an effective control on radium activity. Additional, as yet undefined, controls on radium are operative in the downgradient, confined portion of the aquifer.
An experimental investigation of aeration performance in stepped spillways
Authors: Baylar Ahmet , Emiroglu M. Emin , Bagatur Tamer 
Published: February 2006

AbstractDissolved oxygen content is a prime indicator of water quality. The oxygen transfer across the air–water interface at a hydraulic structure, such as a weir or spillway, occurs by self‐aeration along the chute and by flow aeration in the hydraulic jump at the downstream end of the structure. Despite increased research activities in the field of stepped spillways, the aeration efficiency of stepped spillways is not yet known. This paper investigates the aeration efficiency of stepped spillways, in particular the effects of varying chute angle and step height. Empirical correlations predicting length of the nonaerated flow region and aeration efficiency were developed. The results indicate that stepped spillways are effective for oxygen transfer.
Sludge dewatering using the reed bed system in the Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: Nassar Abdel Majid , Smith Michael , Afifi Samir 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSludge treatment using reed beds is more attractive in the Gaza Strip than traditional sludge drying beds. Sludges having solids contents of 1–2% can be applied to reed beds at a loading of 40 cm/m2 every 2 weeks. The infiltration rate for a reed bed system is high, and the evapotranspiration rate is typically 170% of pan evaporation. The cost of sludge treatment using reed beds is 0.34 US$/m3 compared with 1.01 US$/m3 for treatment using conventional drying beds. This paper presents the results of using reed beds for sludge treatment in the Gaza Strip for 3 years.
Likely sensitivity of bottlenose dolphins to pile‐driving noise
Authors: David J.A. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPile driver‐generated noise has the potential to affect dolphin populations adversely as it is detectable up to 40 km from the source. At 9 kHz, this noise is capable of masking strong vocalisations within 10–15 km and weak vocalisations up to approximately 40 km. The masking radius reduces as the frequency increases: 6 km at 50 kHz and 1.2 km at 115 kHz. The impacts of masking are expected to be limited by the intermittent nature of pile driver noise, the dolphin's directional hearing, their ability to adjust vocalisation amplitude and frequency, and the structured content of their signals. Behavioural modifications have been observed in response to underwater sounds, including those produced by pile drivers, although in the latter case this may have been due to redistribution of prey species. A range of mitigation measures are proposed that are aimed at reducing the impact of pile driver noise on dolphin populations.
Urban diffuse pollution: key data information approaches for the Water Framework Directive
Authors: Ellis J. Bryan , Mitchell Gordon 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe Water Framework Directive (WFD) provides a coherent structure within which the problems of diffuse urban pollution can be effectively tackled and managed. The context of impermeable surface water quality within the terms of the Directive are outlined, and the pollutant sources and loadings associated with various urban land uses are identified. Stormwater flows and quality are sufficient to prejudice any ‘good’ ecological potential, particularly in terms of chronic receiving water sediment toxicity. A simple volume–concentration method for the prediction of pollutant loadings and impact assessment on a subcatchment scale is described and discussed.
Membrane performance enhancer evaluations on pilot‐ and full‐scale membrane bioreactors
Authors: Collins John H. , Yoon Seong‐Hoon , Musale Deepak , Kong Jian Feng , Koppes Jeroen , Sundararajan Suma , Tsai Shih‐Perng , Hallsby G. Anders , Cachia Philippe , Kronoveter Karen 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRecently developed polymeric membrane performance enhancer product, MPE50, was tested in various pilot‐ and full‐scale membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The Initial MPE50 dosage was determined by visual jar tests and by using various bench‐top filtration tests. Different amounts of MPE50 were dosed, and the particle size and supernatant clarity of the mixed liquor were monitored visually. Bench‐top filtration tests were also conducted. A 50% higher MPE50 dosage is recommended to be added to the pilot/full‐scale bioreactors because, based on experience, some of the soluble microbial products in the mixed liquor do not completely react with polymer during the relatively short bench‐test mixing time interval. With the addition of 400 mg/L MPE50 to a pilot MBR, the design flow was increased twofold without any significant transmembrane pressure (TMP) increase for 1 day. The control TMP surged within a few hours without MPE50. Long‐term field trials in a full‐scale plant also showed a substantial flux increase. In addition to flux enhancement, MPE50 helped to remove foam from the bioreactors and improved plant aesthetics, safety and general operating performance.
Aesthetic Experience and Aesthetic Value
Authors: Stecker Robert 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWhat possesses aesthetic value? According to a broad view, it can be found almost anywhere. According to a narrower view, it is found primarily in art and is applied to other items by courtesy of sharing some of the properties that make artworks aesthetically valuable. In this paper I will defend the broad view in answering the question: how should we characterize aesthetic value and other aesthetic concepts? I will also criticize some alternative answers.
The Problem of Change
Authors: Wasserman Ryan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe Eleatic philosophers argued that it was impossible for anything to change, since that would require something to differ from itself. Although this line of reasoning is unpersuasive, it challenges us to provide an account of temporal predication, which is the focus of much recent work on change. This paper surveys various approaches to change and temporal predication and addresses related questions about identity, persistence, properties, time, tense, and temporal logic.
Cyclosporine treatment of anal furunculosis in 26 dogs
Authors: Hardie R. J. , Gregory S. P. , Tomlin J. , Sturgeon C. , Lipscomb V. , Ladlow J. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of cyclosporine on anal furunculosis lesions in 26 dogs.Methods: Lesions were graded as mild in 11 dogs, moderate in eight and severe in seven. Each dog was treated with approximately 4 mg/kg cyclosporine orally every 12 hours until the lesions resolved or showed no further improvement. Residual lesions were resected surgically.Results: Eighteen dogs (69 per cent) experienced complete resolution, seven (27 per cent) improved but had residual lesions and one (4 per cent) showed no improvement. The mean duration of treatment until resolution or no further improvement was 8.8 weeks (range four to 24 weeks). Nine dogs (35 per cent) experienced recurrence. Six were from the group that had shown complete resolution and three were from the group that had surgery. Fifteen dogs (58 per cent) developed side effects to cyclosporine, although none required treatment to be discontinued. Mean duration of follow‐up was 6.8 months (range one to 20 months).ClinicalSignificance: Cyclosporine was effective at resolving or reducing anal furunculosis lesions in 25 of 26 dogs (96 per cent). However, residual or recurrent lesions in a potential problem, and surgical resection or long‐term cyclosporine treatment may be necessary in some dogs.