bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance Profile of Diclofop-Resistant Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) to ACCase- and ALS-Inhibiting Herbicides in Arkansas, USA
Authors: In Kuk Yong , Burgos Nilda R. , Scott Robert C.
Published: July 2008

Diclofop-resistant Italian ryegrass is a major weed problem in wheat production. This study aimed to determine the resistance pattern of diclofop-resistant Italian ryegrass accessions from the southern United States to the latest commercialized herbicides for wheat production, pinoxaden and mesosulfuron, and to other acetolactate synthase (ALS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors. Twenty-nine of 36 accessions were resistant to the commercial dose of diclofop. The majority (80%) of diclofop-resistant accessions were also resistant to clodinafop. Of 25 diclofop-resistant accessions, 5 were resistant to pinoxaden. All accessions tested were susceptible to the commercial dose of clethodim and sethoxydim. The cross-resistance pattern of diclofop-resistant Italian ryegrass to other ACCase inhibitors was 20% for pinoxaden and none with clethodim or sethoxydim. One accession was resistant to mesosulfuron but not to diclofop. This mesosulfuron-resistant accession was cross-resistant to sulfometuron but not to imazamox. All diclofop-resistant accessions tested were susceptible to ALS inhibitors, mesosulfuron, sulfometuron, and imazamox. Therefore, diclofop-resistant Italian ryegrass in Arkansas can be controlled with imazamox (in Clearfield wheat) and can mostly be controlled with mesosulfuron and pinoxaden. It could also be controlled by other selective grass herbicides in broadleaf crops.
Erythropoietin and Its Receptor in Breast Cancer: Putting Together the Pieces of the Puzzle
Authors: Mannello Ferdinando , Tonti Gaetana A. M.
Published: July 2008

The expression of erythropoietin (Epo) and the Epo receptor (EpoR) has been detected in healthy tissue as well as in a variety of human cancers, including breast. Functional Epo/EpoR signaling in cancer cells, which contributes to disease initiation/progression, is not completely straightforward and is difficult to reconcile with the clinical practice of preventing/treating anemia in cancer patients with recombinant Epo. Preclinical and clinical investigations have provided contrasting results, ranging from a beneficial role that improves the patient's overall survival to a negative impact that promotes tumor growth progression. A careful gathering of Epo/EpoR biomolecular information enabled us to assemble an unexpected jigsaw puzzle which, via distinct JAK-dependent and JAK-independent mechanisms and different internalization/recycling as well as ubiquitination/degradation pathways, could explain most of the controversies of preclinical and clinical studies. However, until the mechanisms of the contrasting literature data are resolved, this new point of view may shed light on the Epo/EpoR paracrine/autocrine system and function, providing a basis for further studies in order to achieve the highest possible benefit for cancer patients.
Organic carbon biostimulates rapid rhizodegradation of perchlorate
Authors: Yifru Dawit D , Nzengung Valentine A
Published: July 2008

Previous hydroponics and field studies identified phytodegradation and rhizodegradation as the two main mechanisms by which plants metabolize perchlorate. Plant uptake and phytodegradation of perchlorate is a slower and undesired process that poses ecological risks resulting from phytoaccumulation of some fraction of the perchlorate. Meanwhile, rhizodegradation is a more rapid and favored process involving perchlorate-degrading bacteria utilizing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as a carbon and energy (electron) source to rapidly degrade perchlorate to innocuous chloride. In the present study, rhizodegradation of perchlorate by willow trees (Salix nigra) was biostimulated using electron sources obtained from natural and artificial carbon sources. In bioreactors provided with carbon sources as 500 mg/L DOC, 25 to 40 mg/L of initial perchlorate concentrations were removed to below the ion chromatography method detection limit of 2 μg/L in approximately 9 d. For planted controls provided with no electron donors, the time required for the complete removal of the same doses of perchlorate was up to 70 d. Enhancement of rhizodegradation by organic carbon reduced the phytoaccumulated fraction of perchlorate by an order of magnitude from approximately 430 to 20 mg/ kg. The implication of the present study is that the high fraction uptake and phytoaccumulation of perchlorate in agricultural products and the recycling of perchlorate into the ecosystem can be significantly curtailed by supplying electron donors derived from organic carbon sources to the root zone of plants.
Directional Permeability
Authors: Fanchi J. R.
Published: July 2008

A relationship between permeability tensor and coordinate orientation is used to estimate the error that occurs when some of the terms in the permeability tensor are neglected. The formula for calculating the errors that appear in the magnitude and direction of flow rate are presented. The results are applicable to any reservoir system that is influenced by directional permeability.
Collex-Biz
Authors: Blanpain Kristin , Heyvaert Liesbet , Laffut An
Published: July 2008

This paper reports on the development of Collex-Biz, a corpus-driven web-based learning platform for general economic English. The design of this platform was informed by a number of research-based principles, particularly frequency and collocation, which are insufficiently incorporated in existing Business English course materials. Following Sinclair & Renouf (1988) and Nelson (2000), we first developed a ‘lexical syllabus’ for first-year Business English students on the basis of frequency data from a self-compiled 6 million word corpus of business news reports. A didactically inspired selection of the most useful single words and collocations was then thematically classified. On the basis of concordances, finally, exercises were created in which lexical items were maximally contextualised and systematically recycled. In this article, we discuss the criteria that guided our selection of items and elaborate on the principles behind the exercise design.
Language Ideology and Second Language Learning
Authors: McGarry Theresa
Published: July 2008

The increasing recognition of the concept language ideology and the corresponding increasing use of the term have not yet been matched by applications in the field of second language acquisition. However, applications of the concept in analysis of actual classroom practices have shown it to have considerable explanatory power. Greater consideration of language ideology in SLA is necessary not only to achieve greater understanding of the role of ideology in various areas but also to show connections between these areas that may yield important generalizations and to impel the application of the concept in areas where it has been neglected by highlighting its uneven treatment.
An investigation on suspended solids sources in urban stormwater runoff using 7Be and 210 Pb as tracers
Authors: Yin Chengqing , Li Liqing
Published: July 2008

Radionuclides 7Be and 210Pb were used as tracers to identify suspended solid sources and transport pathways in the storm runoff events from urban catchments. Water samples were collected in runoff of storm events in Wuhan City, China. Suspended solids, COD, TN, TP, and the 7Be and 210Pb activities in the suspended solids were analyzed. Following the pathway of urban runoff pollution, the rain precipitation, urban ground dust, gutter sediments, and sewer deposit samples were analyzed for 7Be and 210Pb activities. The results show that the 7Be/210Pb ratio decreased through the system from a value of 0.86±0.44 in ground dust, to 0.63±0.18 in suspended solids in storm runoff from the sewer outlet, to 0.55±0.31 in gutter sediments, and to 0.41±0.13 in combined sewer deposits. The 7Be/210Pb ratio decrease suggests that 60±12% of suspended solids at sewer outlet originated from the drainage system sediments, the rest was from the wash-off of urban ground dust during the rainfall events. The 7Be and 210Pb trace approach can give insight into the short-term source and transport of pollutant during storm runoff in urban drainage systems and it can help to develop management strategies.
Utilization of a hybrid sequencing batch reactor (HSBR) as a decentralized system of domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: da Costa R. H. R. , Souto V. S. , Prelhaz A. T. S. , Neto L. G. L. , Wolff D. B.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the experiments carried out in a hybrid sequencing batch reactor (HSBR), used for biological treatment of sewage. The HSBR was built in a cylindrical shape and made of stainless steel, with a volume of 1.42 m3. Besides the biomass in suspension, the reactor also carried fixed biomass (hybrid process), adhered in the support material. This consisted of a nylon net disposed in a grille for biofilm biomass adhesion. The reactor worked fully automated in operational cycles of maximum 8 hours each, presenting the following phases: filling, anoxic, aerobic, settle and draw of treated effluent, with 3 fillings per cycle. Increasing organic loads (0.14 to 0.51 kg TCOD/m3 day) and ammonium loads (0.002 to 0.006 kg NH4-N/m3·day) were tested. We monitored the reactor's performance by measuring the liquid phase (COD, pH, temperature, DO, nitrogen and phosphorus) during the cycles and by measuring the sludge through respirometric tests. The results obtained demonstrated TCOD removal efficiency between 73 and 96%, and ammonium removal efficiency between 50 and 99%. At the end of the cycles, the effluent presented ammonium concentration <20 mg/L, meeting the Brazilian environmental legislation standards (CONAMA 357/2005) regarding discharges into the water bodies. Respirometric tests showed biomass dependency on FCOD concentrations. Results have demonstrated the potential of this type of reactor for decentralized treatment of domestic wastewater.
Impacts of a participatory approach to assess sustainable sewage treatment technologies for urban fringe of Surat city in India
Authors: Vashi A. N. , Shah N. C.
Published: July 2008

This paper describes the assessment of the sustainability of a number of different sewage treatment technologies by means of a multi-criteria, participatory method for a scattered settlement of urban fringe of Surat. The special efforts have been made for the broad participation to achieve stronger democracy, better quality of the end product, and a more effective process. The mere participation of technocrats and bureaucrats certainly lead to the greater efficiency in working methods. However, the ultimate goal of sustainable developments of such technologies could not be reached in absence of democratic participation and social learning. Keeping this important aspect in view for assessment of sustainability, the detailed study was conducted in the presence of policy makers and stakeholders, academicians, technical experts, finance managers and NGO, to find out sustainability criteria and indicators for three different sewage treatment technologies: (A) Conventional Activated Sludge Process (B) Extended Aeration System, and (C) Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor followed by Aerated Lagoon and Polishing Pond. Technologies were compared according to four criteria subdivided into twenty operational indicators. Criteria and indicators were evaluated as in a weighted-scale matrix. In India, sustainability criteria used in this type of comparisons are often restricted to a limited set of environmental impacts and financial costs but in this study additional criteria were evaluated including economic, social, and technical aspects. Based on the values assigned by the panel, the Sustainability Index (SI) was calculated for each technology. According to the SI and a predefined scale, sustainability was medium for options A and B, whereas high for option C. The purpose of this study is to provide a basis for the selection of a particular technology based on a rational and democratic assessment of its contribution to sustainability in the local and global context.
Secondary effluent reclamation: combination of pre-treatment and disinfection technologies
Authors: Alcalde L. , Folch M. , Tapias J. C. , Martínez F. , Enguídanos S. , Bernácer I.
Published: July 2008

A study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of secondary effluent additional treatment, using a combination of pre-treatments (ring filter, physico-chemical and infiltration-percolation) followed by disinfection methods (chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid and ultraviolet light). Three different indicator microorganisms were determined: E. coli, total coliforms and somatic bacteriophages. The results show better efficiency of physico-chemical and infiltration-percolation processes. Bacteriophages were eliminated to a lesser extent than bacterial indicators in all the treatment systems. Chlorine dioxide and peracetic acid seems to be more efficient in disinfection than ultraviolet light when a ring filter is the pre-treatment used. For the same doses and contact times, the efficiency of the disinfection methods is higher when the pre-treatment used is the physico-chemical or the infiltration-percolation system. The final effluent quality from the physico-chemical treatment train and the infiltration-percolation treatment train, followed by the disinfectants, achieves an E. coli content that allows the reuse in most of the uses described in the Spanish legislation for wastewater reuse.
A Common Nonsynonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the SLC30A8 Gene Determines ZnT8 Autoantibody Specificity in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wenzlau Janet M. , Liu Yu , Yu Liping , Moua Ong , Fowler Kimberly T. , Rangasamy Sampathkumar , Walters Jay , Eisenbarth George S. , Davidson Howard W. , Hutton John C.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—Zinc transporter eight (SLC30A8) is a major target of autoimmunity in human type 1A diabetes and is implicated in type 2 diabetes in genome-wide association studies. The type 2 diabetes nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affecting aa325 lies within the region of highest ZnT8 autoantibody (ZnT8A) binding, prompting an investigation of its relationship to type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—ZnT8A radioimmunoprecipitation assays were performed in 421 new-onset type 1 diabetic Caucasians using COOH-terminal constructs incorporating the known human aa325 variants (Trp, Arg, and Gln). Genotypes were determined by PCR-based SNP analysis.

RESULTS—Sera from 224 subjects (53%) were reactive to Arg325 probes, from 185 (44%) to Trp325probes, and from 142 (34%) to Gln325probes. Sixty subjects reacted only with Arg325 constructs, 31 with Trp325 only, and 1 with Gln325 only. The restriction to either Arg325 or Trp325 corresponded with inheritance of the respective C- or T-alleles. A strong gene dosage effect was also evident because both Arg- and Trp-restricted ZnT8As were less prevalent in heterozygous than homozygous individuals. The SLC30A8 SNP allele frequency (75% C and 25% T) varied little with age of type 1 diabetes onset or the presence of other autoantibodies.

CONCLUSIONS—The finding that diabetes autoimmunity can be defined by a single polymorphic residue has not previously been documented. It argues against ZnT8 autoimmunity arising from molecular mimicry and suggests a mechanistic link between the two major forms of diabetes. It has implications for antigen-based therapeutic interventions because the response to ZnT8 administration could be protective or immunogenic depending on an individual's genotype.
Metabolism-Independent Sugar Sensing in Central Orexin Neurons
Authors: González J. Antonio , Jensen Lise T. , Fugger Lars , Burdakov Denis
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE— Glucose sensing by specialized neurons of the hypothalamus is vital for normal energy balance. In many glucose-activated neurons, glucose metabolism is considered a critical step in glucose sensing, but whether glucose-inhibited neurons follow the same strategy is unclear. Orexin/hypocretin neurons of the lateral hypothalamus are widely projecting glucose-inhibited cells essential for normal cognitive arousal and feeding behavior. Here, we used different sugars, energy metabolites, and pharmacological tools to explore the glucose-sensing strategy of orexin cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We carried out patch-clamp recordings of the electrical activity of individual orexin neurons unambiguously identified by transgenic expression of green fluorescent protein in mouse brain slices.

RESULTS— We show that 1) 2-deoxyglucose, a nonmetabolizable glucose analog, mimics the effects of glucose; 2) increasing intracellular energy fuel production with lactate does not reproduce glucose responses; 3) orexin cell glucose sensing is unaffected by glucokinase inhibitors alloxan, d-glucosamine, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine; and 4) orexin glucosensors detect mannose, d-glucose, and 2-deoxyglucose but not galactose, l-glucose, α-methyl-d-glucoside, or fructose.

CONCLUSIONS— Our new data suggest that behaviorally critical neurocircuits of the lateral hypothalamus contain glucose detectors that exhibit novel sugar selectivity and can operate independently of glucose metabolism.
Reduced Progression to Type 2 Diabetes From Impaired Glucose Tolerance After a 2-Day In-Hospital Diabetes Educational Program
Authors: Kawahara Tetsuya , Takahashi Keiichi , Inazu Tetsuya , Arao Tadashi , Kawahara Chie , Tabata Takahiro , Moriyama Hiroyuki , Okada Yosuke , Morita Emiko , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—We assessed the effects of a 2-day in-hospital diabetes educational program in preventing or delaying progression of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to type 2 diabetes, including analysis of changes in serum lipids, body weight, and blood pressure after the program.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 426 subjects (51 ± 9 years, BMI 24.6 ± 3.9 kg/m2) with newly diagnosed IGT were randomly assigned to three groups, 143 as the short-term hospitalization with diabetes education and support (STH) group, 141 as the nonhospitalization but diabetes education and support (DES) group, and 142 as the neither hospitalization nor education (control) group.

RESULTS—The average follow-up was 3.1 years. The incidence of diabetes was 8.0, 10.7, and 13.2 cases per 100 person-years for STH, DES, and control groups, respectively. The incidence of diabetes was 42% lower (95% CI 33–51%) in the STH group and 27% lower (15–37%) in the DES group than in the control group. The incidence of diabetes was 21% lower (10–31%) in the STH group than in the DES group.

CONCLUSIONS—The 2-day in-hospital program with diabetes education and support every 3 months was more effective in preventing or delaying the progression from IGT to diabetes than only diabetes education and support every 3 months.
Young Women With Type 1 Diabetes Have Lower Bone Mineral Density That Persists Over Time
Authors: Mastrandrea Lucy D. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Donahue Richard P. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Clark Angela , Quattrin Teresa
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—Individuals with type 1 diabetes have decreased bone mineral density (BMD), yet the natural history and pathogenesis of osteopenia are unclear. We have previously shown that women with type 1 diabetes (aged 13–35 years) have lower BMD than community age-matched nondiabetic control subjects. We here report 2-year follow-up BMD data in this cohort to determine the natural history of BMD in young women with and without diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 2 years later in 63 women with type 1 diabetes and in 85 age-matched community control subjects. A1C, IGF-1, IGF binding protein-3, serum osteocalcin, and urine N-teleopeptide were measured at follow-up.

RESULTS—After adjusting for age, BMI, and oral contraceptive use, BMD at year 2 continued to be lower in women ≥20 years of age with type 1 diabetes compared with control subjects at the total hip, femoral neck, and whole body. Lower BMD values were observed in cases <20 years of age compared with control subjects; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Lower BMD did not correlate with diabetes control, growth factors, or metabolic bone markers.

CONCLUSIONS—This study confirms our previous findings that young women with type 1 diabetes have lower BMD than control subjects and that these differences persist over time, particularly in women ≥20 years of age. Persistence of low BMD as well as failure to accrue bone density after age 20 years may contribute to the increased incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures seen in postmenopausal women with type 1 diabetes.
Can Admission and Fasting Glucose Reliably Identify Undiagnosed Diabetes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome?
Authors: Okosieme Onyebuchi E. , Peter Rajesh , Usman Muhammad , Bolusani Hemanth , Suruliram Prem , George Lindsay , Evans L. Marc
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of previously undiagnosed abnormal glucose tolerance, i.e., diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome and to assess the utility of admission and fasting glucose in identifying diabetes in these patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Glycemic status was characterized on the basis of admission plasma glucose (APG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 140 patients admitted to the hospital with acute coronary syndrome, who were not known to have diabetes (mean ± SD age 67.3 ± 13.4 years; 79% men). OGTTs were performed on days 5–7 after admission.

RESULTS—The prevalences of diabetes and IGT were 27 and 39%, respectively, according to OGTT criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the area under the curve for diagnosing diabetes was 0.83 (P < 0.001) for FPG, 0.79 (P < 0.001) for APG, and 0.84 (P < 0.001) for FPG and APG applied in combination. A FPG cutoff ≥5.6 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) and/or APG ≥7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) yielded a sensitivity of 89.5% and a positive predictive value of 43.6% for detecting diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS—A high prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance was seen in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The combination of FPG ≥5.6 mmol/l (100 mg/dl) and/or APG ≥7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) was highly sensitive for identifying diabetes. Although weakly specific, this simple algorithm could offer a practical initial screening tool at the acute setting in the high-risk population with acute coronary syndrome.
Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome Among a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Group of U.S. Eighth-Grade Adolescents and Associations With Fasting Insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Levels
Authors:   Studies to Treat or Prevent Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes (STOPP-T2D) Prevention Study Group
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)–defined metabolic syndrome and its components among a cross-sectional sample of racially/ethnically diverse eighth grade youths and examine the association between the presence of the syndrome and participant fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data were from a cross-sectional study with 1,453 racially/ethnically diverse eighth grade students from 12 middle schools in three U.S. states (Texas, North Carolina, and California). Height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were recorded. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, glucose, and insulin; HOMA-IR was calculated. Sex, race/ethnicity, and pubertal stage were self-reported. IDF criteria were used to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. The odds ratio for being classified with the syndrome was calculated by quintiles of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR.

RESULTS—Of the sample, 138 students (9.5%) were classified with metabolic syndrome. Hispanics were more likely to have high abdominal adiposity and high triglycerides. Male adolescents were more likely to have high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting glucose. Participants in the highest insulin quintile were almost 200 times more likely to be classified with the syndrome than participants in the lowest quintile with comparable associations for HOMA-IR quintiles.

CONCLUSIONS—In a racially/ethnically diverse sample of U.S. adolescents, 9.5% of participants were identified with the metabolic syndrome using the IDF criteria. The likelihood of metabolic syndrome classification significantly increased with higher insulin and HOMA-IR values.
Development and analytic validation of a radioimmunoassay for the quantification of canine calprotectin in serum and feces from dogs
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To develop and analytically validate a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the quantification of canine calprotectin (cCP) in serum and fecal extracts of dogs.

Sample Population—Serum samples (n = 50) and fecal samples (30) were obtained from healthy dogs of various breeds and ages.

Procedures—A competitive, liquid-phase, double-antibody RIA was developed and analytically validated by assessing analytic sensitivity, working range, linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. Reference intervals for serum and fecal cCP concentrations were determined.

Results—Sensitivity and upper limit of the working range were 29 and 12,774 μg/L for serum and 2.9 and 1,277.4 μg/g for fecal extracts, respectively. Observed-to-expected ratios for serial dilutions of 6 serum samples and 6 fecal extracts ranged from 95.3% to 138.2% and from 80.9% to 118.1%, respectively. Observed-to-expected ratios for spiking recovery for 6 serum samples and 6 fecal extracts ranged from 84.6% to 121.5% and from 80.3% to 132.1%, respectively. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay and interassay variability were < 3.9% and < 8.7% for 6 serum samples and < 8.5% and < 12.6% for 6 fecal extracts, respectively. Reference intervals were 92 to 1,121 μg of cCP/L for serum and < 2.9 to 137.5 μg of cCP/g for fecal extracts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The RIA described here was analytically sensitive, linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for the quantification of cCP in serum and fecal extracts. This assay should facilitate research into the clinical use of serum and fecal cCP measurements in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease.
Effects of triamcinolone acetonide, sodium hyaluronate, amikacin sulfate, and mepivacaine hydrochloride, alone and in combination, on morphology and matrix composition of lipopolysaccharide-challenged and unchallenged equine articular cartilage explants
Authors: Bolt David M. , Ishihara Akikazu , Weisbrode Stephen E. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To evaluate the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), sodium hyaluronate (HA), amikacin sulfate (AS), and mepivacaine hydrochloride (MC) on articular cartilage morphology and matrix composition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged and unchallenged equine articular cartilage explants.

Sample Population—96 articular cartilage explants from 4 femoropatellar joints of 2 adult horses.

Procedures—Articular cartilage explants were challenged with LPS (100 ng/mL) or unchallenged for 48 hours, then treated with TA, HA, AS, and MC alone or in combination for 96 hours or left untreated. Cartilage extracts were analyzed for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content by dimethyl-methylene blue assay (ng/mg of dry wt). Histomorphometric quantification of total lacunae, empty lacunae, and lacunae with pyknotic nuclei was recorded for superficial, middle, and deep cartilage zones.

Results—LPS induced a significant increase in pyknotic nuclei and empty lacunae. Treatment with TA or HA significantly decreased empty lacunae (TA and HA), compared with groups without TA or HA, and significantly decreased empty lacunae of LPS-challenged explants, compared with untreated explants. Treatment with AS or MC significantly increased empty lacunae in unchallenged explants, and these effects were attenuated by TA. Treatment with MC significantly increased empty lacunae and pyknotic nuclei and, in combination with LPS, could not be attenuated by TA. Content of GAG did not differ between unchallenged and LPS-challenged explants or among treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Treatment with TA or HA supported chondrocyte morphology in culture and protected chondrocytes from toxic effects exerted by LPS, AS, and MC.
Relationship between plasma iron concentration and gastric pH in captive adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Mitchell Mark A. , Solangi Moby A. , Clemons-Chevis Connie L. , Vanderpool Delphine , Romagnoli Marci , Hoffland Tim , Jowett Peter
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine the correlation between plasma iron concentrations and gastric pH in a population of captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Animals—6 adult female dolphins that ranged from 16 to 30 years of age.

Procedures—Blood and gastric samples were collected from each dolphin to allow measurement of plasma iron concentrations and gastric pH, respectively. Samples were collected each month for 12 months.

Results—Within each dolphin, plasma iron concentrations and gastric pH did not differ significantly over time. There was a strong negative correlation (r = −0.85) between plasma iron concentration and gastric pH, which suggested that dolphins with a lower gastric pH had a higher plasma iron concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of results reported here suggested that gastric pH may play an important role in iron absorption in dolphins.
Effect of adipose-derived nucleated cell fractions on tendon repair in horses with collagenase-induced tendinitis
Authors: Nixon Alan J. , Dahlgren Linda A. , Haupt Jennifer L. , Yeager Amy E. , Ward Daniel L.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To assess the potential of adipose-derived nucleated cell (ADNC) fractions to improve tendon repair in horses with collagenase-induced tendinitis.

Animals—8 horses.

Procedures—Collagenase was used to induce tendinitis in the superficial digital flexor tendon of 1 forelimb in each horse. Four horses were treated by injection of autogenous ADNC fractions, and 4 control horses were injected with PBS solution. Healing was compared by weekly ultrasonographic evaluation. Horses were euthanatized at 6 weeks. Gross and histologic evaluation of tendon structure, fiber alignment, and collagen typing were used to define tendon architecture. Biochemical and molecular analyses of collagen, DNA, and proteoglycan and gene expression of collagen type I and type III, decorin, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and insulin-like growth factor-I were performed.

Results—Ultrasonography revealed no difference in rate or quality of repair between groups. Histologic evaluation revealed a significant improvement in tendon fiber architecture; reductions in vascularity, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and collagen type III formation; and improvements in tendon fiber density and alignment in ADNC-treated tendons. Repair sites did not differ in DNA, proteoglycan, or total collagen content. Gene expression of collagen type I and type III in treated and control tendons were similar. Gene expression of COMP was significantly increased in ADNC-injected tendons.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—ADNC injection improved tendon organization in treated tendons. Although biochemical and molecular differences were less profound, tendons appeared architecturally improved after ADNC injection, which was corroborated by improved tendon COMP expression. Use of ADNC in horses with tendinitis appears warranted.
Refractive states of eyes and association between ametropia and breed in dogs
Authors: Kubai Melissa A. , Bentley Ellison , Miller Paul E. , Mutti Donald O. , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To assess the refractive state of eyes in various breeds of dogs to identify breeds susceptible to ametropias.

Animals—1,440 dogs representing 90 breeds.

Procedures—In each dog, 1 drop of 1% cyclopentolate or 1% tropicamide was applied to each eye, and a Canine Eye Registration Foundation examination was performed. Approximately 30 minutes after drops were administered, the refractive state of each eye was assessed via streak retinoscopy. Dogs were considered ametropic (myopic or hyperopic) when the mean refractive state (the resting focus of the eye at rest relative to visual infinity) exceeded ± 0.5 diopter (D). Anisometropia was diagnosed when the refractive error of each eye in a pair differed by > 1 D.

Results—Mean ± SD refractive state of all eyes examined was −0.05 ± 1.36 D (emmetropia). Breeds in which the mean refractive state was myopic (≤ −0.5 D) included Rottweiler, Collie, Miniature Schnauzer, and Toy Poodle. Degree of myopia increased with increasing age across all breeds. Breeds in which the mean refractive state was hyperopic (≥ +0.5 D) included Australian Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Bouvier des Flandres. Astigmatism was detected in 1% (14/1,440) of adult (≥ 1 year of age) dogs; prevalence of astigmatism among German Shepherd Dogs was 3.3% (3/90). Anisometropia was detected in 6% (87/1,440) of all dogs and in 8.9% (8/90) of German Shepherd Dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Refractive states of canine eyes varied widely and were influenced by breed and age. In dogs expected to have high visual function (eg, performance dogs), determination of refractive state is recommended prior to intensive training.
Pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of pirfenidone administered intravenously in horses
Authors: Braim Amy E. Poulin , MacDonald Melinda H. , Bruss Michael L. , Stanley Scott D. , Giri Jill K. , Giri Shri N.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To characterize the plasma pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of pirfenidone administered IV in healthy horses.

Animals—6 adult horses.

Procedures—A 15 mg/kg dose of pirfenidone was administered IV over 5 minutes. Physical variables were recorded and blood samples collected prior to infusion; 2.5 minutes after beginning infusion; at the end of infusion; and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, and 90 minutes and 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after completion of infusion. Plasma concentrations of pirfenidone and its metabolites were determined.

Results—Mild clinical effects, including tachycardia and muscle fasciculations, were observed during drug administration but stopped at the end of the infusion. Pirfenidone and 2 metabolites, hydroxypirfenidone and carboxypirfenidone, were detected by the end of the 5-minute infusion. Mean peak plasma concentration of pirfenidone was 182.5 μmol/L, detected at the end of the infusion. Mean peak plasma concentrations of hydroxypirfenidone and carboxypirfenidone were 1.07 and 3.4 μmol/L, respectively, at 40 minutes after infusion. No parent drug or metabolites were detected at 24 hours. Distribution of pirfenidone best fit a 2-compartment model, and the drug had mean ± SEM elimination half-life of 86.0 ± 4.7 minutes, mean body clearance of 6.54 ± 0.45 mL/kg/min, and apparent volume of distribution at steady state of 0.791 ± 0.056 L/kg.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intravenous administration of pirfenidone was tolerated with transient adverse affects during infusion, and drug clearance was rapid.
Perceptions and priorities of owners of dogs with heart disease regarding quality versus quantity of life for their pets
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Rush John E. , O'Sullivan M. Lynne , Williams Regan M. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Petrie Jean-Paul , Sleeper Meg M. , Brown Dorothy Cimino
Published: July 2008

Objective—To describe the relative importance of pets' quality versus quantity of life among owners of dogs with heart disease.

Design—Prospective questionnaire-based clinical study.

Sample Population—Owners of 201 dogs with heart disease.

Procedures—Owners each completed a questionnaire that was designed to ascertain the relative importance of quality versus quantity of life for their pet and to assess the owners' willingness to trade survival time for quality of life, if that were possible. Analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with owner willingness to trade time for quality of life.

Results—Most owners (170/197 [86%]) were willing to trade survival time for quality of life for their heart disease–affected dogs; of those owners, 88 (52%) were willing to trade 6 months. Owners were highly concerned with detection of perceived pet suffering and their pet's ability to interact with them. Owners whose pets had respiratory difficulty or fainting episodes and were treated on an outpatient basis had a greater willingness to trade survival time than owners of dogs that were treated on an emergency basis. Among owners willing to trade time for quality of life, younger owners and those whose pets had fainting episodes were willing to trade the most amount of time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that quality of life is highly important to owners of dogs with heart disease. Owners' priorities partly depend on owner age and the pet's clinical circumstances; ongoing client-veterinarian communication is important to optimize treatment success as perceived by owners.
Effect of age at the time of vaccination on antibody titers and feedlot performance in beef calves
Authors: Kirkpatrick John G. , Step Douglas L. , Payton Mark E. , Richards Jeffrey B. , McTague Lawrence F. , Saliki Jeremiah T. , Confer Anthony W. , Cook Billy J. , Ingram Shan H. , Wright John C.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To compare antibody responses, feedlot morbidity and mortality rates, feedlot performance, and carcass value for calves vaccinated with 1 of 2 vaccination strategies and for unvaccinated control calves.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—451 beef steers and heifers.

Procedures—Calves were vaccinated with a modified-live infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 (BVDV1) and 2 (BVDV2), parainfluenza type 3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus vaccine and Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida bacterin-toxoid at approximately 67 and 190 days of age (group 1; n = 151) or at approximately 167 and 190 days of age (group 2; 150) or were not vaccinated (control; 150). Serum antibody titers were measured at approximately 2, 67, 167, 190, and 232 days of age. Morbidity and mortality rates, feedlot performance, and carcass value were recorded for 361 calves shipped to feedlots.

Results—Percentages of calves seroconverting to IBRV, BVDV1, and BVDV2 were significantly higher for groups 1 and 2 than for the control group. Mean treatment costs were significantly lower for vaccinated than for control calves, and mean mortality rate was significantly higher for control calves than for group 1 calves. Feedlot performance and carcass value did not vary significantly among groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that vaccination of beef calves with a 5-antigen modified-live virus vaccine at 67 and 190 days of age was as effective in terms of immunologic responses as was vaccination at 167 and 190 days of age.
Assessment of acute injuries, exposure to environmental toxins, and five-year health surveillance of New York Police Department working dogs following the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center terrorist attack
Authors: Fox Philip R. , Puschner Birgit , Ebel Joseph G.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To determine deployment logistics of New York Police Department (NYPD) working dogs that assisted in relief efforts at the World Trade Center (WTC) site following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack; establish types and rates of related acute injuries and illnesses; identify environmental toxin exposures; and determine long-term (ie, 5-year) health effects of deployment.

Design—Prospective cohort study.

Animals—27 working dogs.

Procedures—Deployment logistics for the period from September 11, 2001, through May 30, 2002, were determined, and acute health disorders were identified by means of physical examination; a questionnaire; interviews with dog handlers; and toxicologic (blood and hair samples), clinicopathologic, microbiologic (nasal swab specimens submitted for Bacillus anthracis culture), and radiographic methods. Long-term health surveillance ended September 21, 2006.

Results—Dogs worked a total of 1,428 days (15,148 hours) at the site. Seventeen of the 27 (62.9%) dogs had health disorders during the first week. Specific conditions included fatigue (incidence rate [events/1,000 active deployment hours], 13.1), conjunctival irritation (13.1), respiratory tract problems (12.4), decreased appetite (10.8), dehydration (10), and cuts (9.3). Only minor hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities were identified. Bacterial culture of nasal swab specimens did not yield B anthracis. Only mild and infrequent health conditions were identified during the 5-year follow-up period. None of the dogs were identified as having chronic respiratory tract disease. Six dogs died of various causes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that acute injuries and illnesses were common among NYPD working dogs deployed to the WTC disaster site, but that longterm health complications were minimal.
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs
Authors: Looney Andrea L. , Bohling Mark W. , Bushby Philip A. , Howe Lisa M. , Griffin Brenda , Levy Julie K. , Eddlestone Susan M. , Weedon James R. , Appel Leslie D. , Rigdon-Brestle Y. Karla , Ferguson Nancy J. , Sweeney David J. , Tyson Kathy A. , Voors Adriana H. , White Sara C. , Wilford Christine L. , Farrell Kelly A. , Jefferson Ellen P. , Moyer Michael R. , Newbury Sandra P. , Saxton Melissa A. , Scarlett Janet M.
Published: July 2008

As efforts to reduce the overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted and unowned dogs and cats have increased, greater attention has been focused on spay-neuter programs throughout the United States. Because of the wide range of geographic and demographic needs, a wide variety of programs have been developed to increase delivery of spay-neuter services to targeted populations of animals, including stationary and mobile clinics, MASH-style operations, shelter services, feral cat programs, and services provided through private practitioners. In an effort to ensure a consistent level of care, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians convened a task force of veterinarians to develop veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs. The guidelines consist of recommendations for preoperative care (eg, patient transport and housing, patient selection, client communication, record keeping, and medical considerations), anesthetic management (eg, equipment, monitoring, perioperative considerations, anesthetic protocols, and emergency preparedness), surgical care (eg, operating-area environment; surgical-pack preparation; patient preparation; surgeon preparation; surgical procedures for pediatric, juvenile, and adult patients; and identification of neutered animals), and postoperative care (eg, analgesia, recovery, and release). These guidelines are based on current principles of anesthesiology, critical care medicine, microbiology, and surgical practice, as determined from published evidence and expert opinion. They represent acceptable practices that are attainable in spay-neuter programs.
Strategies for Accelerating the Development of Catalytic Enantioselective Reactions
Authors: Blaser Hans-Ulrich , Hoge Garrett , Lotz Matthias , Nettekoven Ulrike , Schnyder Anita , Spindler Felix
Published: July 2008

The development of enantioselective catalytic processes for the manufacture of chiral intermediates is a very complex endeavor and can be very time consuming and expensive. In this contribution the major issues which might lead to long development times will be discussed and strategies
to deal with these problems are described. The general part is illustrated with the approach Solvias has chosen for assisting and supporting the development of enantioselective homogeneous hydrogenation processes, at the moment the most important industrial application of asymmetric catalysis.
Special emphasis is given to the application of high-throughput screening (HTS) using a Symyx HiP system and the description of the Solvias portfolio of chiral ligands which makes a broad variety of diphosphine ligands available for all phases of process development from the first screening
experiments to the large-scale manufacturing phase. Four case histories serve to illustrate the generic description of the development process.
Pastoral Economics and Marketing in North Africa: A Literature Review
Authors: Dutilly-Diane Céline
Published: July 2008

Although pastoralism is the primary economic activity in the steppe areas that occupy a large part of North Africa, very little is known about its contribution to national economies. This is partly because of the complex integration between crop and livestock sectors, and the major transformation in pastoral systems (e.g. decreased mobility, greater dependence on feed supplements), which makes it difficult to define a 'pastoral' household in North Africa in today's context. It is crucial to evaluate the contribution of the pastoral sector in national economies in order to influence government policies on livestock pastoralism and rangeland management. Future work should aim to fill the gaps in statistical data, examine long-term trends in steppe pastoral systems (which are often masked by high fluctuation in both climatic and economic conditions), and consider not only livestock production but also other environmental goods and services provided by the pastoral zones.
Tabular iceberg collisions within the coastal regime
Authors: MacAyeal Douglas R. , Okal Marianne H. , Thom Jonathan E. , Brunt Kelly M. , Kim Young-Jin , Bliss Andrew K.
Published: July 2008

During 2000–07, five giant icebergs (B15A, B15J, B15K, C16 and C25) adrift in the southwestern Ross Sea, Antarctica, were instrumented with global positioning system (GPS) receivers and other instruments to monitor their behavior in the near-coastal environment. The measurements show that collision processes can strongly influence iceberg behavior and delay their progress in drifting to the open ocean. Collisions appear to have been a dominant control on the movement of B15A, the largest of the icebergs, during the 4-year period it gyrated within the limited confines of Ross Island, the fixed Ross Ice Shelf and grounded C16. Iceberg interactions in the near-coastal regime are largely driven by ocean tidal effects which determine the magnitude of forces generated during collision and break-up events. Estimates of forces derived from the observed drift trajectories during the iceberg-collisioninduced calving of iceberg C19 from the Ross Ice Shelf, during the iceberg-induced break-off of the tip of the Drygalski Ice Tongue and the break-up of B15A provide a crude estimate of the stress scale involved in iceberg calving. Considering the total area the vertical face of new rifts created in the calving or break-up process, and not accounting for local stress amplification near rift tips, this estimated stress scale is 104 Pa.