bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A extends lifespan in mice
Authors: Conover Cheryl A. , Bale Laurie K. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryGenetic deletion in mice of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), a recently identified metalloproteinase in the insulin‐like growth factor system, extends by 30–40% both mean and maximum lifespan with no reduction in food intake or secondary endocrine abnormalities. Furthermore, these mice have markedly reduced incidence of spontaneous tumors. The findings implicate PAPP‐A as a critical regulator of lifespan and age‐related diseases, and suggest PAPP‐A as a possible target to promote longevity.
Reliability of knee extension and flexion measurements using the Con‐Trex isokinetic dynamometer
Authors: Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Bizzini Mario , Desbrosses Kevin , Babault Nicolas , Munzinger Urs 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of isokinetic and isometric assessments of the knee extensor and the flexor muscle function using the Con‐Trex isokinetic dynamometer. Thirty healthy subjects (15 males, 15 females) were tested and retested 7 days later for maximal strength (isokinetic peak torque, work, power and angle of peak torque as well as isometric maximal voluntary contraction torque and rate of torque development) and fatigue (per cent loss and linear slope of torque and work across a series of 20 contractions). For both the knee extensor and the flexor muscle groups, all strength data – except angle of peak torque – demonstrated moderate‐to‐high reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) higher than 0·86. The highest reliability was observed for concentric peak torque of the knee extensor muscles (ICC = 0·99). Test–retest reliability of fatigue variables was moderate for the knee extensor (ICC range 0·84–0·89) and insufficient‐to‐moderate for the knee flexor muscles (ICC range 0·78–0·81). The more reliable index of muscle fatigue was the linear slope of the decline in work output. These findings establish the reliability of isokinetic and isometric measurements using the Con‐Trex machine.
Calibrated photoplethysmographic estimation of digital pulse volume and arterial compliance
Authors: Raamat Rein , Jagomägi Kersti , Talts Jaak 
Published: August 2007

SummaryDigital pulse volume and arterial compliance have been estimated by using the finger arterial pressure and volume waveforms when performing measurements at rest and during local cold exposure in 17 volunteers. The amplitude‐based algorithm determines compliance as a ratio of finger volume and pressure pulses. Cooling was conducted by immersion of the contra‐lateral arm in water at 11°C for 2 min. Continuous non‐invasive finger blood pressure was measured by the Finapres monitor, while the finger volume pulses were recorded by the UT9201 physiograph, which provides a photoplethysmographic registration of volume changes in a large range of transmural pressures (Ptransm). The photoplethysmographic signal was calibrated by applying a graded modulation to the cuff. The study demonstrated that contra‐lateral arm cooling induced a statistically significant (P<0·001) reduction in the digital arterial compliance at Ptransm ≈ 0 as well as at Ptransm = 50 mmHg. The median compliance diminished during cooling from 0·67 mm3 mmHg−1 to the level of 55% at Ptransm ≈ 0, and from 0·14 mm3 mmHg−1 to the level of 42% at Ptransm = 50 mmHg respectively. The observed changes were mostly due to the reduction in the pulse volume. Digital arterial pressure and volume waveforms recorded by the Finapres monitor combined with a calibrated photoplethysmograph can be used in estimating the absolute values of the dynamic compliance of finger arteries. A quantitative estimation instead of the non‐calibrated recording of the digital pulse volume allows shortening the variability and widening the scope of finger arterial compliance measurements.
Duration of Untreated Psychosis, Referral Route, and Age of Onset in an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service and a Local CAMHS
Authors: Cratsley Kelso , Regan Judith , McAllister Victoria , Simic Mima , Aitchison Katherine J. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to investigate associations between demographic and clinical variables and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in a sample of cases of psychosis across an adult early intervention in psychosis service and a child and adolescent community team.Method:  Cross‐sectional baseline data for cases of psychosis across the two teams on the caseload at a given time point were collected, including age of onset, gender, ethnicity, referral route, and DUP.Results:  The median DUP across the entire sample was 91 days, while those patients with initial treatment for psychosis from the child and adolescent team had a median DUP of 69 days. Using multiple linear regression, there were two variables that showed a significant association with DUP: referral route (p < .001), and age of onset, with earlier age of onset associated with shorter DUP (p = .015).Conclusion:  These findings are discussed in relation to possible explanatory factors, with particular focus on service‐level variables and pathways to care. It is suggested that the involvement of child and adolescent teams is vital to the work of early intervention in psychosis services.
MANAGERIAL INCENTIVES AND THE USE OF FOREIGN‐EXCHANGE DERIVATIVES BY BANKS
Authors: Adkins Lee C. , Carter David A. , Simpson W. Gary 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe examine the effect of managerial compensation and ownership on the use of foreign‐exchange derivatives by U.S. bank holding companies. We focus on derivatives used for purposes other than trading to investigate derivative use in a hedging framework. We use instrumental variables probit and sample‐selection models to estimate the effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on the probability and extent of foreign‐exchange derivatives used. We find that the use of derivatives is inversely related to option awards but positively related to managerial ownership. Finally, our results suggest that ownership by large institutional shareholders provides incentive for managers to hedge.
Geometric consistency and stability of consumer‐grade digital cameras for accurate spatial measurement
Authors: Wackrow Rene , Chandler Jim H. , Bryan Paul 
Published: August 2007

Abstract It is known that uncertain internal geometry of consumer‐grade digital cameras limits the accuracy of data that can be extracted. These cameras can be calibrated, but the validity of calibration data over a period of time should be carefully assessed before subsequent photogrammetric measurement. This paper examines the geometric stability and manufacturing consistency of a typical low‐cost digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 5400) by estimating the degree of similarity between interior orientation parameters (IOP), established over a 1‐year period. Digital elevation models (DEMs) were extracted with differing IOP, and accuracies were compared using data obtained from seven identical cameras. An independent self‐calibrating bundle adjustment (GAP) and the Leica Photogrammetry Suite (LPS) software were used to provide these data‐sets. Results are presented that indicate the potential of these cameras to maintain their internal geometry in terms of temporal stability and manufacturing consistency. This study also identifies residual systematic error surfaces or ‘‘domes’’, discernible in ‘‘DEMs of difference’’. These are caused by slightly inaccurately estimated lens distortion parameters, which effectively constrain the accuracies achievable with this class of sensor.
Temporal Vulnerability of Fetal Cerebellar Purkinje Cells to Chronic Binge Alcohol Exposure: Ovine Model
Authors: Ramadoss Jayanth , Lunde Emilie R. , Chen Wei‐Jung A. , West James R. , Cudd Timothy A. 
Published: August 2007

Background: Human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and autopsy studies reveal abnormal cerebellar development in children who had been exposed to alcohol prenatally, independent of the exposure period. Animal studies conducted utilizing the rat model similarly demonstrate a broad period of vulnerability, albeit the third trimester‐equivalent of human brain development is reported to be the most vulnerable period, and the first trimester‐equivalent exposure produces cerebellar Purkinje cell loss only at high doses of alcohol. However, in the rat model, all 3 trimester‐equivalents do not occur prenatally, requiring the assumption that intrauterine environment, placenta, maternal interactions, and parturition do not play an important role in mediating the damage. In this study, we utilized the ovine model, where all 3 trimester‐equivalents occur in utero, to determine the critical window of vulnerability of fetal cerebellar Purkinje cells.Methods: Four groups of pregnant sheep were used: first trimester‐equivalent pair‐fed saline control group, first trimester‐equivalent alcohol group (1.75 g/kg), third trimester‐equivalent pair‐fed saline control group, and third trimester‐equivalent alcohol group (1.75 g/kg). The alcohol exposure regimen was designed to mimic a human binge pattern. Alcohol was administered intravenously on 3 consecutive days beginning on day 4 and day 109 of gestation in the first and third trimester‐equivalent groups, respectively, and the alcohol treatment was followed by a 4‐day inter‐treatment interval when the animals were not exposed to alcohol. Such treatment episodes were replicated until gestational day 41 and 132 in the first and third trimester‐equivalent groups, respectively. All fetal brains were harvested on day 133 and processed for stereological cerebellar Purkinje cell counting.Results: Significant deficits were found in the fetal cerebellar Purkinje cell number and density in the first and third trimester‐equivalent alcohol exposed fetuses compared with those in the saline controls. However, there was no difference between the first and third trimester‐equivalent alcohol administered groups. When comparing the present findings to those from a previous study where the duration of alcohol exposure was all 3 trimester‐equivalents of gestation, we did not detect a difference in fetal cerebellar Purkinje cell number.Conclusions: We conclude that the fetal cerebellar Purkinje cells are sensitive to alcohol exposure at any time during gestation and that women who engage in binge drinking during the first trimester are at a high risk of giving birth to children with cerebellar damage even if drinking ceases after the first trimester. Our findings also support the hypothesis that only a certain population of Purkinje cells are vulnerable to alcohol‐induced depletion irrespective of the timing or duration of alcohol exposure.
In Vitro Validation of a Technique for Assessment of Canine and Feline Elbow Joint Collateral Ligament Integrity and Description of a New Method for Collateral Ligament Prosthetic Replacement
Authors: FARRELL MICHAEL , DRAFFAN DAVINIA , GEMMILL TOBY , MELLOR DOMINIC , CARMICHAEL STUART 
Published: August 2007

Objective—To assess the ability of an operator to differentiate intact from transected canine and feline elbow joint collateral ligaments (CL) using a reported manipulative test (Campbell's test) and to determine the potential for elbow joint luxation in canine and feline elbows with intact, transected, and surgically stabilized CL.Study Design—In vitro biomechanical study.Sample Population—Canine (n=6) and feline cadavers (n=3).Methods—Thoracic limb specimens were mounted on a custom‐built jig with the elbows and carpi fixed in 90° of flexion. Angles of pronation and supination were recorded after applying rotational forces to the manus. Attempts were made to manually luxate each elbow with intact CL. Constructs were re‐evaluated after sequential sectioning of the medial (MCL) and lateral (LCL) collateral ligaments and after insertion of a new CL prosthesis.Results—Mean (±SD) angles of rotation in dogs increased from 27.3±8° (range, 16.7–41.3°) in pronation to 58.9±9.2° (range, 38–88.3°) after sectioning the MCL and from 45.5±10.8° (range, 30.7–67.3°) in supination to 68.9±17.2° (range, 45–94°) after sectioning the LCL. Angles of pronation and supination were subject to significant interanimal variability, with a strong correlation between increasing animal weight and smaller angles of rotation. Elbow luxation in dogs was not possible unless at least the LCL was transected. In cats, mean angles of rotation increased from 49.8±14.9° (range, 30.7–70°) in pronation to 99.1±17.6° (range, 79–111.7°) after sectioning the MCL and from 128.7±18.8° (range, 108.3–151.7°) in supination to 166.7±13.1° (range, 157.3–181.7°) after sectioning the LCL. Luxation in cats was not possible unless both CL were cut. Use of the ligament prosthesis without primary CL repair reliably prevented reluxation in all canine and feline elbows.Conclusions—Campbell's test allowed reliable differentiation of intact, transected and surgically stabilized canine and feline elbow joint CL in a cadaveric model. Luxation could not be performed by application of rotational forces to specimens with intact CL.Clinical Relevance—Clinical examination findings, specifically Campbell's test, can be used to determine elbow CL integrity in dogs and cats. The contralateral elbow should be used as a control, because of interanimal variability in angles of rotation.
Laparoscopic Hernioplasty in Recumbent Horses Using Transposition of a Peritoneal Flap
Authors: ROSSIGNOL FABRICE , PERRIN ROLAND , BOENING K. JOSEF 
Published: August 2007

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of a laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty (PFH) to close anatomically the vaginal ring and to evaluate its protective effect in horses with a history of strangulated inguinal hernia (SIH) against future herniation.Study Design—Prospective study.Animals—A first group of 5 ponies, 3 horses and 1 donkey with no history of SIH and a second group of 4 horses ‘clinical cases’ with a history of SIH.Methods—A laparoscopic PFH was effected on all horses under general anaesthesia. Peritoneum ventro‐lateral to the vaginal ring was elevated and cut on 3 sides, separated from the underlying muscle, then inverted and attached dorso‐medially and laterally to the parietal wall using intra‐corporeal stitches (6 cases) or laparoscopic staples (7 cases). Animals of the first group (n=9) underwent a standing laparoscopy 7 days post‐operatively to visualize the vaginal rings. Horses of the second group were followed to confirm the absence of re‐herniation.Results—The laparoscopic check‐up showed that the vaginal ring had been effectively and completely covered in all cases except the first one. No adhesions was observed. In the four clinical cases, none of the horses have had a reccurence of SIH at the time of writing (6 months to 4 years).Conclusion—Laparoscopic hernioplasty on a recumbent horse is feasible by closing the vaginal ring with a peritoneal flap. This technique was efficient in our cases to prevent recurrence of SIH but more cases are needed. This technique may reduce inflammation and irritation of the spermatic cord, which could otherwise jeopardise the animal's breeding career.Clinical Relevance—Laparoscopic PFH coud be used in horses with a history of SIH.
Left‐ and Right‐Sided Laparoscopic‐Assisted Nephrectomy in Standing Horses with Unilateral Renal Disease
Authors: RÖCKEN MICHAEL , MOSEL GESINE , STEHLE CHRISTIANE , RASS JULIA , LITZKE LUTZ F. 
Published: August 2007

Objective—To describe a technique for, and outcome after, left‐ or right‐sided laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy in standing horses with unilateral renal disease.Study Design—Clinical report.Animals—Horses (n=3) with unilateral renal disease.Methods—Horses were sedated with detomidine (0.01 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) and levomethadone (0.05 mg/kg IV). Paravertebral anesthesia and infiltration‐anesthesia with 2% lidocaine were used to create a surgical field incorporating the 17th intercostal space and paralumbar fossa. Two separate, ipsilateral portals and a mini‐laparotomy were used. The perirenal peritoneum was horizontally incised (10–15 cm) using endoscissors and the incision digitally enlarged for manual dissection of the perirenal fat and kidney mobilization. The renal vessels and ureter were individually dissected, ligated, and transected under laparoscopic observation and the kidney removed. The perirenal and laparotomy peritoneal defects were not closed; and the laparotomy was closed in a multilayered fashion. The transverse abdominal muscle was apposed in a continuous pattern using 1 polyglactin 910, the subcutaneous tissue (simple continuous pattern) and skin (simple interrupted pattern) with 2–0 polyglactin 910.Results—Left (2) and right (1) sided laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy (1 nephrolithiasis, 2 hydronephrosis) was performed successfully. Sedation and local anesthesia was adequate for intraoperative immobilization and analgesia. No intraoperative complications occurred. Incisional seroma formation and fever occurred on days 3 and 4 in 1 horse and resolved with medical management.Conclusion—Laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy can be used for removal of the left or right kidney in standing horses with unilateral kidney disease.Clinical Relevance—To avoid risks associated with general anesthesia and to reduce surgical trauma, laparoscopic‐assisted nephrectomy can be performed in the standing sedated horse using a 2 portal technique and a mini‐laparotomy.
Use of a Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap for One‐Stage Reconstruction of the Thoracic Wall After En bloc Resection of Primary Rib Chondrosarcoma in Five Dogs
Authors: HALFACREE ZOE J. , BAINES STEPHEN J. , LIPSCOMB VICTORIA J. , GRIERSON JAMES , SUMMERS BRIAN A. , BROCKMAN DANIEL J. 
Published: August 2007

Objective—To describe a thoracic wall reconstructive technique using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap after en bloc resection of primary rib chondrosarcoma and report outcome in 5 dogs.Study Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Dogs (n=5) with primary rib chondrosarcoma.Methods—Medical records (2003–2005) were reviewed for signalment, staging investigations, surgical findings, complications, and outcomes. Owners and veterinary surgeons were contacted for outcome information.Results—A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap provided an air‐tight thoracic wall closure after chondrosarcoma resection. Paradoxical respiratory movement of the flap occurred; however, from physical examination and blood gas analysis (2 dogs), ventilation was adequate. All flaps survived, 1 had superficial skin necrosis distally and 2 had minor wound dehiscence. One dog without tumor‐free margins died of tumor‐related disease 56 days after surgery. Tumor recurrence did not occur in 4 dogs with tumor‐free margins. One dog was euthanatized 10 months after surgery for unrelated disease; 3 dogs were alive at writing (median follow‐up: 20 months; range, 18–27 months) and all had a satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcome.Conclusions—Reconstruction of ventral thoracic wall defects using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap yields a functional, cosmetic outcome.Clinical Relevance—A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can be used as a successful 1‐stage reconstructive technique for ventral thoracic wall defects.
Culture‐based bacterial detection systems for platelets: the effect of time prior to sampling and duration of incubation required for detection with aerobic culture
Authors: Ezuki Shoji , Kawabata Kinuyo , Kanno Takahiro , Ohto Hitoshi 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of platelet (PLT) products occurs at low concentrations requiring a period of incubation for growth to minimize sampling error. Culture‐based detection methods also need sufficient incubation time; together these periods may limit the useful life of PLTs. This study characterizes the impact of sampling and detection times with two commercially available bacteria detection products.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PLTs inoculated with nine bacterial species at low concentrations were sampled immediately and 24 hours after inoculation. Test results were analyzed after incubation at 16, 20, and 24 hours after sampling with two bacterial detection systems.RESULTS: When sampled immediately after inoculation, two commercially available bacterial detection systems (BacT/ALERT, bioMérieux; and eBDS, Pall Corp.) failed to detect some PLTs inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia liquefaciens, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. epidermidis, S. liquefaciens, Bacillus cereus, or P. aeruginosa, respectively. The BacT/ALERT was better at 20 hours (p  < 0.02), but not at 16 or 24 hours for Time 0 sampling. When sampling occurred 24 hours after inoculation, there were no difference between the two systems.CONCLUSION: Results suggest that for either bacteria detection system, holding PLTs for 24 hours before sampling improves the detection sensitivity for PLTs contaminated with low concentrations of bacteria, and longer incubation periods improve detection.
Statistical Analysis of Environmental Space‐Time Processes edited by N. D. Le and J. V. Zidek
Authors: Wakefield Jon 
Published: August 2007

Statistical Analysis of Environmental Space‐Time Processes (N. D. Le and J. V. Zidek)       Jon Wakefield Computer‐Intensive Methods of Data Analysis in Biology (D. A. Roff)       A. W. Kemp Randomization, Bootstrap, and Monte Carlo Methods in Biology (3rd Edition) (B. F. J. Manly)       A. W. Kemp Applied Mixed Models in Medicine, 2nd edition (H. Brown and R. Prescott)       Matthew J. Gurka Stochastic Modeling for Systems Biology (D. J. Wilkinson)       Olaf Wolkenhauer Knowledge Discovery in Proteomics (I. Jurisica and D. Wigle)       Zhen Zhang Computational Genome Analysis: An Introduction (R. C. Deonier, S. Tavaré, and        M. S. Waterman)       Marc Suling Stochastic Orders (M. Shaked and J. G. Shantikumar)       Subhash Kochar Brief Reports by the Editor Measurement Error in Nonlinear Models: A Modern Perspective, 2nd edition (R. J. Carroll, D. Ruppert, L. A. Stefansky, and C. M. Crainiceanu) Basic Statistics and Pharmaceutical Statistical Applications, 2nd edition (J. E. De Muth) A Handbook of Statistical Analyses Using Stata, 4th edition (S. Rabe‐Hesketh and B. S. Everitt) Introduction to Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials, 2nd edition (J. N. S. Matthews) Survival and Event History Analysis (P. K. Andersen and N. Keiding, editors) A Pocket Guide to Epidemiology (D. G. Kleinbaum, K. M. Sullivan, and N. D. Barker)
Pollution, Politics, and Preferences for Environmental Spending in the States
Authors: Newmark Adam J. , Witko Christopher 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWhile state environmental and natural resource spending is designed to address actual environmental problems, the budget process is also inherently political. Thus, in the following article we ask a simple question: to what extent does state environmental and natural resource spending respond to the scope of environmental problems in a state, versus the demands of the political process? Unlike the bulk of previous research, we consider both aggregate spending and program‐specific spending. We also consider how the severity of environmental problems and the political environment may interact to determine spending. The findings show that politics, specifically the strength of the environmental movement, is a more important determinant of state environmental spending than pollution severity. However, for some program areas, it appears that strong environmental groups make state budgets more responsive to the severity of environmental problems.