bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I Concentration in Cats with Diabetes Mellitus and Acromegaly
Authors: Berg Rebecca I.M. , Nelson Richard W. , Feldman Edward C. , Kass Philip H. , Pollard Rachel , Refsal Kent R.
Published: March 2010

Background: Serum insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) has been used in place of serum growth hormone quantification for identifying acromegaly in diabetic cats. The utility of IGF‐I as a screening test for acromegaly has not been critically evaluated. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of serum IGF‐I concentration for identifying acromegaly.

Hypothesis: Serum IGF‐I is a useful screening test for acromegaly in diabetic cats.

Animals: A review was made of the medical records of 74 diabetic cats that had serum IGF‐I quantified. The diabetes was classified as well controlled (15 cats), poorly controlled because of problems with the insulin treatment regimen, concurrent disease, or both (40), or poorly controlled with clinical findings consistent with acromegaly (19).

Methods: A review of medical records was made.

Results: Serum IGF‐I concentration was significantly (P< .0001) increased in acromegalic diabetic cats, compared with well‐controlled and poorly controlled diabetic cats. Sensitivity and specificity for serum IGF‐I concentration were 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60.4–96.6%) and 92% (95% CI = 81.3–97.2%), respectively. There was no significant correlation between serum IGF‐I concentration and duration of insulin treatment (r = 0.23,P= .089), insulin dosage (r = 0.14,P= .30), age (r = 0.16,P= .12), and pituitary volume (r = 0.40,P= .11), but a modest correlation was found between serum IGF‐I concentration and body weight (r = 0.48,P< .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results support the use of serum IGF‐I concentration as a screening test for acromegaly in diabetic cats that have clinical findings supportive of the disease.
Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizing Regions and Ki67 Equally Reflect Proliferation in Fine Needle Aspirates of Normal, Hyperplastic, Inflamed, and Neoplastic Canine Lymph Nodes (n = 101)
Authors: Bauer Natali B. , Zervos Daniela , Moritz Andreas
Published: March 2010

Background: The count of argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR) has been considered a useful variable that reflects cellular proliferation in canine lymph nodes, but it has not been compared with other markers of proliferation.

Hypothesis: Ki67 and AgNORs are equally useful as markers of tissue proliferation in fine needle aspirates of canine lymph nodes.

Animals: A total of 101 dogs.

Material and Methods: Prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of dogs. Two smears were prepared for a May‐Gruenwald‐Giemsa stain and a Ki67/AgNOR double stain. In addition, CD3/CD79a immunostaining was performed when cytologic examination revealed a lymphoma. The dogs were grouped as normal (n = 26), reactive hyperplasia (n = 25), lymphadenitis (n = 31), and lymphoma (n = 19), based on the physical examination and the cytologic findings. The AgNOR count/cell, AgNOR area/cell and the percentage of cells staining positive for Ki67 were evaluated in 100–167 cells (median, 113 cells) by using automatic image analysis.

Results: Mean (SD) AgNOR counts/cell were 1.36 6 0.19 in normal dogs, 1.55 ± 0.26 in lymphadenitis, 1.65 ± 0.32 in reactive hyperplasia, and 3.67 ± 1.08 in lymphoma. The percentage of Ki67 positive cells was 2.67 ± 0.99% in normal lymph nodes, 5.04 ± 3.34% in lymphadenitis, 5.36 ± 2.14% in reactive hyperplasia, and 30.2 ± 10.8% in lymphoma. All variables were significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma compared with the other groups (P < .0001). The sensitivity and the specificity of the AgNOR count for diagnosing lymphoma were 95 and 96% at a cutoff value of .2.04 AgNORs/cell. The cutoff value for the Ki67 positive cells was .10.40% (sensitivity, 95%; specificity, 98%).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The results indicated that both AgNOR and Ki67 counts were good diagnostic tools for assessment of proliferation in aspirates of canine lymph nodes.
Comparison and Reproducibility of Plasma Clearance of Exogenous Creatinine, Exo‐iohexol, Endo‐iohexol, and51Cr‐EDTA in Young Adult and Aged Healthy Cats
Authors: van Hoek I. , Vandermeulen E. , Duchateau L. , Lefebvre H.P. , Croubels S. , Peremans K. , Polis I. , Daminet S.
Published: March 2010

Background: Important characteristics determining the usefulness of a method for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement are convenience, availability, and reproducibility.

Hypothesis: The use of different plasma clearance methods could lead to different results and differences in reproducibility.

Animals: Twelve healthy cats: 6 young adult cats (age 7–12 months), and 6 aged cats (age 9–12 years) were included in this study.

Methods: A cross‐over design was used to compare the plasma clearance of exogenous creatinine (PECCT), exo‐iohexol (PexICT), endo‐iohexol (PenICT), and chromium‐51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr‐EDTA), and to investigate reproducibility of these methods. Cats of different ages were included to determine if differences in GFR in young adult versus aged cats would be detected with these methods. The PECCT, PexICT, and PenICT were performed in a combined manner. Plasma data were subjected to noncompartmental (creatinine, exo‐iohexol, and endo‐iohexol) or bicompartmental (51Cr‐EDTA) analysis with a statistical moment approach. Area under the concentration‐time curve was calculated using the trapezoidal rule with extrapolation to infinity. Statistical analyses were carried out using a random effects model.

Results: Globally, the 4 methods differed significantly (P<.0001) in GFR assessment. Clearance of exo‐iohexol and chromium‐51 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr ‐EDTA) showed the highest and lowest reproducibility, respectively. Only plasma clearance of creatinine differed significantly between young adult and aged cats.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: We found considerable differences in reproducibility of different GFR measurements. These findings should be taken into account not only in practice but also in future studies involving GFR measurement.
Comparison of Direct Immunofluorescence, Immunoassays, and Fecal Flotation for Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Naturally Exposed Cats in 4 Northern California Animal Shelters
Authors: Mekaru Sumiko R. , Marks Stanley L. , Felley Allison J. , Chouicha Nadira , Kass Philip H.
Published: March 2010

Background: Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. are common intestinal protozoan parasites in domestic cats. Few studies have critically evaluated the performance characteristics of commercially available immunoassays for detection of these organisms in the cat.

Hypothesis: Human‐based immunoassays are suboptimal for the detection of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats.

Animals: Three‐hundred‐and‐forty‐four cats with diarrheic and nondiarrheic fecal specimens at 4 northern California animal shelters.

Methods: A fecal specimen was collected from each cat in a case‐controlled fashion. Fecal specimens were tested for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by using centrifugation flotation and 5 commercially available immunoassays (SNAP Giardia, ProSpecT Giardia Microplate Assay, ProSpecT Cryptosporidium Microplate Assay, ImmunoCard STAT!Cryptosporidium/Giardia Rapid Assay, and Xpect Giardia/Cryptosporidium). Results were compared with a reference standard, the MeriFluor direct immunofluorescence assay.

Results: Overall prevalences of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were 9.8 and 4.7%, respectively. The ProSpecT Microplate Assay had the highest sensitivities and specificities for Giardia spp. (91.2 and 99.4%) and Cryptosporidum spp. (71.4 and 96.7%), respectively. The SNAP Giardia antigen assay was easier to use and equally sensitive (85.3%) and specific (100%) to fecal flotation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Caution should be exercised when using human‐based immunoassays for the diagnosis of Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in cats. Fecal flotation remains a useful method for detection of Giardia spp., can be used to detect other parasites, and has a sensitivity of 97.8% for detection of Giardia spp. when combined with the SNAP Giardia immunoassay.
Determination of the In Vitro Susceptibility of Feline Tritrichomonas foetus to 5 Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Kather Elizabeth J. , Marks Stanley L. , Kass Philip H.
Published: March 2010

Background: The nitroimidazole, ronidazole, has been demonstrated to have in vitro and in vivo activity against the protozoanTritrichomonas foetusin cats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of feline Tfoetusisolates obtained from naturally infected cats to 5 antimicrobial agents and to compare the in vitro time kill of ronidazole and metronidazole.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that nitroimidazoles have in vitro activity againstT foetus, whereas furazolidone, omeprazole, and paromomycin do not.

Animals: Fecal specimens were cultured from 4 naturally infected Bengal cats with a history ofT foetus‐associated diarrhea.

Methods: A 24‐hour susceptibility assay was performed on all 4 isolates for the 5 antimicrobial agents. A time‐kill microdilution method was performed on 2 isolates for metronidazole and ronidazole.

Results: Paromomycin and omeprazole showed no in vitro effect at concentrations ±80 μg/mL. There was no significant difference in 24‐hour susceptibilities among metronidazole, ronidazole, and furazolidone. In addition, only the results of the highest concentration tested (80 μg/mL) and concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 μg/mL revealed significant differences in the rate of trophozoite killing, with ronidazole having a faster reduction in trophozoite survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Time‐kill assays demonstrated ronidazole had a higher lethal activity compared with metronidazole. These findings contrast with a previously published report and may reflect strain variation, different methodologies, or both. The lack of clinical response seen with metronidazole administration to treat feline trichomoniasis may not reflect inherent resistance but rather in vivo events involving drug distribution and pharmacokinetics.
Neutrophil Function in Septic Dogs
Authors: Webb Craig , McCord Kelly , Dow Steven
Published: March 2010

Background: Leukocytes appear to enter a hypo‐inflammatory state in human patients with a severe bacterial infection, whereas, in swine, intra‐abdominal sepsis produces an initial increase and subsequent decrease in neutrophil Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis.

Hypothesis: Impaired neutrophil function (hypo‐inflammatory state) develops in dogs with sepsis.

Animals: Thirteen adult client‐owned dogs that developed clinical signs consistent with sepsis were assessed for evidence of neutrophil dysfunction. These results were compared with those of 12 healthy dogs.

Methods: Flow cytometry combined with the appropriate fluorescent markers allowed for quantification of the phagolysosomal oxidative burst after Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis of immune complexes, neutrophil phagocytosis of opsonizedEscherichia coli, and the intracellular concentration of reduced glutathione as a measure of oxidative stress.

Results: The phagolysosomal oxidative burst after Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis was significantly lower in neutrophils from septic dogs (mean fluorescence intensity ± standard deviation; 118 ± 13 and 165 ± 27 for septic and control dogs, respectively, p = 0.001), although the phagocytosis of opsonizedE coliwas significantly increased (155 ± 74 and 77 ± 44 for septic and control dogs, respectively, p = 0.004). Intracellular reduced glutathione was not significantly different in neutrophils from septic and healthy control dogs.

Conclusions: An important component of neutrophil function is decreased in septic dogs. The diminished oxidative burst after Fc receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in neutrophils from septic dogs could hinder the ability of the innate immune system to clear bacterial infections or it might help protect these patients from the systemic consequences of infection.
Effects of Carvedilol Treatment in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Disease
Authors: Marcondes‐Santos Mario , Tarasoutchi Flavio , Mansur Antonio P. , Strunz Célia M.C.
Published: March 2010

Background: Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system occurs during the development of heart failure in dogs with chronic mitral valvular disease (CMVD).

Hypothesis: The use of beta‐blockers to modulate the activation of the sympathetic nervous system would be useful in dogs with CMVD.

Animals: Group A included 13 dogs who received the conventional treatment (digoxin, benazepril, a reduced sodium diet, and codeine, and a diuretic when indicated), and group B included 12 dogs who received the protocol above plus carvedilol (0.3 mg/kg q12h).

Methods: Blinded, placebo, controlled study.

Results: The main echodopplercardiographic variables, heart rate, biochemical data, functional classification (FC) (New York Heart Association) and quality of life score (functional evaluation of cardiac health questionnaire) were assessed at baseline (TO) and after 3 months (T1). Only group B showed improvement in score of quality of life (13.8 ± 8.8 versus 6.0 ± 6.3;P <.001), in FC (2.4 ± 0.9 versus 1.8 ± 0.7;P =.032) and a reduction in systolic blood pressure (151.2 ± 18.3 versus 124.5 ± 23.4;P =.021). Two deaths from group A and 1 from B were related to CMVD.

Conclusion: The studied dose of carvedilol in this group did not improve the sympathetic activation and echocardiographic variables over 3 months of chronic oral treatment. However, the results suggested a beneficial effect on the quality of life score, functional classification, and a reduction on systolic blood pressure.
Pericardial Effusion in Cats: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Findings and Outcome in 146 Cats
Authors: Hall Daniel J. , Shofer Frances , Meier C. Kate , Sleeper Meg M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Pericardial effusion (PE) in dogs most often is associated with neoplasia or idiopathic pericarditis, and frequently causes cardiac tamponade. Studies of PE in the cat are limited.

Hypothesis: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common cause of PE in the cat.

Animals: All cats diagnosed with PE on echocardiographic examination at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (MJR‐VHUP) from 2000 to 2005.

Methods: The clinical and pathologic findings in 146 cats with PE were reviewed. Records were examined retrospectively to identify additional underlying conditions. Follow‐up status and cause of death were determined by review of the medical records or phone interviews with the owners.

Results: The most common cause of PE in this study was CHF (75%). Biochemical abnormalities were uncommon, but aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity frequently was increased (85%). Follow‐up information was available on 108 cats (74%). Median survival time (MST) was 144 days for cats that were not euthanized within 24 hours (n = 85). The MST of cats with heart failure was 41 days, whereas the MST of cats without heart failure was 361 days, when those euthanized within 24 hours were excluded.

Conclusions: Survival time of cats with heart failure in this study was significantly shorter than previously reported, and significantly shorter than in cats without heart failure as a cause of PE.
The Effect of Hydration Status on the Echocardiographic Measurements of Normal Cats
Authors: Campbell F.E. , Kittleson M.D.
Published: March 2010

Background: Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy of cats is based on 2‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography. However, circulating fluid volume largely determines diastolic cardiac chamber dimensions, and reduced diastolic volume in other species results in what has been called “pseudohypertrophy of the ventricular myocardium.”

Hypothesis: Altered hydration produces changes on 2D echocardiography that may confound the diagnosis or severity assessment of cardiomyopathy of cats.

Animals: Ten normal colony‐sourced mixed breed cats were included.

Methods: Cats were examined by echocardiography at baseline and at completion of 3 protocols (volume depletion and maintenance‐rate and anesthetic‐rate IV fluid administration) applied in randomized crossover design with a 6–7 day washout period.

Results: Volume depletion increased diastolic left ventricular interventricular septal (IVSd) and free wall diameter (4.5 ± 0.4 to 5.8 ± 0.6 mm;P <.001) with wall thickness exceeding 6 mm in 4 cats. Diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd) decreased, and reduction in systolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDs) produced end‐systolic cavity obliteration in 7 cats. Left‐atrial‐to‐aortic‐root ratio (LA: Ao, 1.4 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.1,P <.05) and left atrial area in diastole (LAAd) decreased with volume depletion. Maintenance‐rate IV fluid administration increased LAAd and fractional shortening (FS%). Anesthetic‐rate IV fluid administration increased LVIDd, FS%, LAAd, and LA: Ao ratios (to 1.7 ± 0.1,P <.01), producing an LA: Ao ratio above normal limits in 6 cats. A systolic heart murmur developed with administration of fluid at maintenance (n = 1) and anesthetic rates (n = 6).

Conclusions: Altered hydration status produces changes in the echocardiographic examination of normal cats that may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of cardiomyopathy or mask its presence. Hydration status should be considered during echocardiographic examination in cats.
A Prospective Genetic Evaluation of Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Doberman Pinscher
Authors: Meurs Kathryn M. , Fox Philip R. , Norgard Michelle , Spier Alan W. , Lamb Allison , Koplitz Shianne L. , Baumwart Ryan D.
Published: March 2010

Background: The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most common breeds of dogs to develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a primary heart muscle disorder characterized by myocardial dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. In the Doberman Pinscher, the disease is typically adult onset, and a familial etiology has been suggested.

Hypothesis: DCM in the Doberman Pinscher, is a familial disease linked to a specific genetic marker.

Animals: The study comprised an extended family of Doberman Pinschers with a history of DCM.

Methods: Participating dogs were prospectively evaluated over an 8‐year period. Phenotype of participating dogs was determined by annual echocardiography and ambulatory electrocardiography, and the pedigree was evaluated to determine a specific mode of inheritance. Three hundred seventy‐two microsatellite markers were selected and genotyped to cover the 38 autosomal chromosomes. Phenotyping, genotyping, and pedigree information was entered into a database, and parametric, 2‐point analysis was performed. Markers were considered to be linked to the development of DCM if the logarithm of odds LOD score was ±3.0.

Results: An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance was defined by the appearance of the disease in multiple generations, equal gender representation (P = .973) and male‐to‐male transmission. A maximum LOD score of 1.31 was obtained for 1 marker on chromosome 20, a score not high enough to be associated with DCM.

Conclusion: DCM in the Doberman Pinscher is a familial disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The causative gene(s) responsible for this condition remain unresolved. Association studies by means of array technology may provide new insights into gene identification.
Microsatellite Instability in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors
Authors: McNiel Elizabeth A. , Griffin Kelly L. , Mellett Amelia M. , Madrill Nicole J. , Mickelson James R.
Published: March 2010

Background: Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer and may be required for the accumulation of cancer‐causing mutations within cells. One form of genomic instability occurs in tandem nucleotide repeats and is known as microsatellite instability (MSI).

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that MSI can be observed in canine mammary gland tumors (MGT) and represents a potential carcinogenic mechanism in dogs.

Animals: Thirty‐five dogs with MGTs and 9 dogs with other tumors were recruited from the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center and referring veterinary clinics.

Methods: A panel of 21 canine microsatellite (MS) markers was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from deoxyribonucleic acid obtained from blood and from fresh or formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor tissues. PCR products were evaluated by using capillary electrophoresis, and the chromatograms were analyzed by using genotyping software. MS genotypes obtained from fresh and formalin‐fixed tumor tissues were compared, as were MS genotypes from normal tissue and tumor tissue.

Results: Genotypes obtained from formalin‐fixed and fresh tissues were identical for all MS in 9 tumors evaluated, suggesting excellent concordance between the 2 sample types. For the 35 canine mammary tumors evaluated, 13 (37%) had stable genotypes; 22 (63%) exhibited aberrations in 1 or 2 MS; and 4 tumors (11%) demonstrated high‐level instability, with aberrations in 29 to 61% of MS.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Although some low‐level MSI often is observed, high‐level MSI is an infrequent finding in canine mammary tumors. Further evaluations are required to better characterize this phenomenon and to determine its relevance to canine carcinogenesis.
In Vitro Cyclooxygenase‐2 Protein Expression and Enzymatic Activity in Neoplastic Cells
Authors: Heller David A. , Fan Timothy M. , de Lorimier Louis‐Philippe , Charney Sarah C. , Barger Anne M. , Tannehill‐Gregg Sarah H. , Rosol Thomas J. , Wallig Matthew A.
Published: March 2010

Background: Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and its principle enzymatic metabolite, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are implicated in cancer progression. Based upon immunohistochemical (IHC) evidence that several tumor types in animals overexpress COX‐2 protein, COX‐2 inhibitors are used as anticancer agents in dogs and cats.

Hypothesis: IHC is inaccurate for assessing tumor‐associated COX‐2 protein and enzymatic activity.

Methods: Five mammalian cell lines were assessed for COX‐2 protein expression by IHC and Western blot analysis (WB), and functional COX‐2 activity was based upon PGE2 production.

Results: Detection of COX‐2 protein by IHC and WB were in agreement in 4 of 5 cell lines. In 1 cell line that lacked COX‐2 gene transcription because of promoter hypermethylation (HCT‐116), IHC produced false‐positive staining for COX‐2 protein expression. Functional COX‐2 enzymatic activity was dissociated from relative IHC‐based COX‐2 protein expression in 2 cell lines (RPMI 2650 and SCCF1). The RPMI 2650 cell line demonstrated strong COX‐2 protein expression but minimal PGE2 production.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Western blot is more accurate than IHC for the detection of COX‐2 protein in the cell lines studied. Furthermore, the semiquantitative identification of COX‐2 protein by IHC or WB does not necessarily correlate with enzymatic activity. Based upon the potential inaccuracy of IHC and dissociation of COX‐2 protein expression from enzymatic activity, the practice of instituting treatment of tumors with COX‐2 inhibitors based solely on IHC results should be reconsidered.
Mammary Gland Tumors in Male Dogs
Authors: Saba Corey F. , Rogers Kenita S. , Newman Shelley J. , Mauldin Glenna E. , Vail David M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Reports of mammary‐gland tumors in male dogs are lacking.

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of mammary‐gland tumors in male dogs.

Animals: Eight male dogs diagnosed with mammary‐gland tumors.

Methods: Retrospective study. Medical databases from 3 institutions were searched. Medical records were abstracted, and owners and referring veterinarians contacted for follow‐up information. Tissues were reviewed for histologic type, and immunohistochemical staining for estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR) was performed.

Results: Eight dogs with histologically confirmed mammary‐gland tumors were included in this retrospective study. Median age at diagnosis was 11.5 years. Four dogs were sexually intact; 4 were neutered. All were purebred. Mammary‐gland tumors were incidental findings in 7 of 8 dogs. All dogs were treated with only surgical excision. All but 1 dog had benign epithelial tumors. The dog with the malignant tumor was the only dog to develop possible local recurrence but de novo tumor development cannot be excluded. No dog had evidence of metastatic disease at diagnosis. Based on institutional population data, it was determined that female dogs are 62 times more likely to develop mammary‐gland tumors than male dogs (P< .001). Estrogen‐receptor expression was strong in the majority of tumors; progesterone‐receptor expression, although present in all tumors, was less intense.

Conclusions/Clinical Importance: This study suggests that mammary‐gland tumors in male dogs are rare, usually benign, and surgery alone can provide long‐term control in most dogs.
Blood Glucose in Horses with Acute Abdominal Disease
Authors: Hollis A.R. , Boston R.C. , Corley K.T.T.
Published: March 2010

Background: Hyperglycemia in critically ill humans is associated with increased glucose production and insulin resistance and is associated with death. This might also be true in horses presenting with acute abdominal disease.

Hypothesis: Throughout hospitalization, hyperglycemia will be common in adult horses presenting with acute abdominal disease. Hyperglycemia will be associated with a worse prognosis for survival to hospital discharge.

Animals: Two hundred sixty‐nine adult horses with acute abdominal disease.

Methods: Observational retrospective study. Records were reviewed for 269 horses that had glucose data analysed and recorded at the time of hospital admission: 154 horses had a first sample after admission; 110 horses at 24 hours after admission; 74 horses at 36 hours after admission; and 49 horses at 48 hours after admission. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of glucose concentrations with survival, in addition to the association of glucose concentrations with surgical, small intestinal, strangulating lesions, and lesions requiring a resection.

Results: Of 269 horses presenting with acute abdominal disease, 50.2% had blood glucose concentrations greater than the reference range (75.6–131.4 mg/dL); 0.4%, below the reference range; and 49.4%, within the reference range at admission. Of 269 horses, 2.3% had blood glucose concentrations below the reference range at some point during the first 48 hours of hospitalization, all of which had strangulating intestinal lesions. Horses that did not survive to hospital discharge had a higher mean blood glucose concentration at admission; at the first sample after admission; at 24, 36, and 48 hours after admission; and higher maximum and minimum blood glucose concentrations in the first 24 hours after admission.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Derangements of blood glucose concentration are common in horses with acute abdominal disease. Hyperglycemia is much more common than hypoglycemia in these animals. Hyperglycemia in the first 48 hours of hospitalization is associated with a worse prognosis for survival to hospital discharge.
The Struggle between Security and Democracy: An Alternative Explanation of the Democratization of South Korea
Authors: Kim Dongsoo
Published: March 2010

South Korea experienced democratic reform relatively recently. Before its significant democratic reform in 1987, South Korea had been dominated by a series of authoritarian regimes over a few decades since its liberation from Japanese colonial rule. This study aims to uncover a set of variables that helped the democratic development of South Korea. For that purpose, I will demonstrate that prior to democratization the politics of South Korea were characterized by the struggle between democracy and security, and that the authoritarian leaders were successful in utilizing the unstable international security environment to strengthen their power during those years. I will also show that the favorably changing security environment played a significant role in the process of democratic transition. In so doing, I will argue that consideration of the external security environment is essential in the discussion of democratization.
The Changing Status of Developing Countries under the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Mechanism
Authors: Moon Don
Published: March 2010

This paper explores the changing status of developing countries under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM). Based on the analysis of WTO dispute dates for the last 14 years, we find that developing countries' participation in the WTO DSM has increased significantly since 2001, which implies their successful adaptation to the new legal system. In spite of concerns regarding various disadvantages on the part of developing countries, such as insufficient legal resources and biased decisions unfavorable to developing countries, the dispute outcome demonstrates that many developing countries have successfully defended their interests as complainants or defendants under the WTO DSM, and that there is no significant bias in the operation of the court that is unfavorable to developing countries. In a broader aspect, this study helps us understand the distributive consequences of the legalized dispute settlement system of the WTO.
The Politics of Economic Sanctions against North Korea: The Bush Administration's Strategy toward a Multilateral Governance
Authors: Rhyu Sang‐young , Bae Jong‐Yun
Published: March 2010

On 12 October 2008, as a successful result of Six‐Party Talks, the US government removed North Korea from its list of terrorism‐sponsoring states, which had been one of the main reasons for economic sanctions against North Korea. Although it could not be viewed as an imminent and irreversible decision, the softening of the Bush administration's position represents a major change in distrustful interactions between the two countries. What made the Bush administration change its policy course against North Korea, which had continued for a quite long time? Regarding the real effectiveness of sanctions against North Korea, this study seeks to focus on the changing perspectives on economic sanctions in US–DPRK relations and the changing strategy of the Bush administration toward North Korea. Eventually the Bush administration did not give up its basic attitudes on the economic sanctions against North Korea, but redesigned its existing unilateral economic sanctions to build multilateral governance over North Korea, which could invite the cooperation of neighboring countries, and secure the validity of North Korean policy more easily.
China's “Soft” Naval Power in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Yoshihara Toshi
Published: March 2010

For the past several years, Beijing has been attempting to “shape” the diplomatic and strategic environment in maritime Asia, projecting an image of itself as an innately trustworthy great power. As a part of this public relations campaign, Chinese leaders have retailed the story of Zheng He, the Ming Dynasty eunuch admiral who voyaged to destinations throughout the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean six centuries ago. They have touted the feats of Zheng He, who sojourned in maritime Asia without attempting military conquest, as a metaphor for China's current peaceful ascent in the maritime domain. In doing so, Beijing hopes to convince key audiences in Southeast Asia and South Asia that it remains pacific in outlook – and thus can be counted on not to abuse the sea power it is amassing. An attractive vision of China, they hope, will avert the tendency of regional states to band together to balance Chinese power.

Until now, Chinese diplomats have had the luxury of telling their story how they wanted to, as deployments of China's naval forces beyond East Asia remained abstract. Beijing neither saw the need nor boasted the capacity to maintain strong forces far from Chinese shores. However, the headline‐grabbing dispatch of two destroyers and a combat logistics ship to the Gulf of Aden on counter‐piracy duty in late 2008 has put China squarely in the spotlight. By depicting itself as an inherently defensive power, China has set a high standard for its behavior at sea. Fellow Asian powers will hold Beijing to this lofty benchmark – measuring its actions against the storyline Chinese leaders have developed around Zheng He's voyages.

Beijing's anti‐piracy mission thus offers an ideal opportunity to empirically test the efficacy of Chinese soft power at sea. To this end, this paper explores the motives behind the Zheng He narrative and assesses the key messages that Chinese leaders are attempting to convey to Asian capitals. This study then examines the extent to which China's unprecedented naval presence in the Indian Ocean has dovetailed with the Zheng He storyline and with the larger strategy of easing regional misgivings about Chinese maritime power. Finally, the paper analyzes how India, a target audience, is responding to China's narrative, drawing several preliminary conclusions about the effectiveness and the prospects of Chinese soft power in the Indian Ocean.
The “Century of Humiliation,” Then and Now: Chinese Perceptions of the International Order
Authors: Kaufman Alison Adcock
Published: March 2010

Chinese elites today draw on the “Century of Humiliation” (1839–1949) as a starting point for their views on how China should interact with other nations. Arguments about the nature of international competition, about the reasons that nations succeed or fail in the international arena, and about the prospects for long‐term global peace and cooperation draw not just on China's experiences during that period, but on the vocabulary and debates that Qing‐ and republican‐era intellectuals developed to understand the modern international system.

Today there are at least three views among Chinese elites of the international system and China's role in it. All three start from the implicit premise that today's international system has not changed in its essence from the 19th century: the world is composed of strong and weak nation‐states that vie for dominance on the global stage. They differ, however, on whether this state of affairs is permanent and on what global role China should seek. Some assert that the international system still revolves around Western interests that aim to subjugate and humiliate weaker nations, and that China's bitter experiences during the Century of Humiliation should provide a cautionary tale about the dangers of this system. A second viewpoint suggests that the current system is acceptable now that China can play a prominent role in it. They assert that China's period of humiliation has ended, and that China should now seek to ensure the stability of the system and to assure other nations of its commitment to doing so. This view suggests that the potential dangers of a competitive international system can be mitigated by adapting existing institutions and practices. A third line of reasoning suggests that China is in a unique position to fundamentally remake the international system because its experiences of shame and subjugation have given the Chinese people an alternative vision of how international relations can and should be conducted.
Local Mechanical Properties of a Magnesium Hood Inner Component Formed at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Savic Vesna , Hector Louis G. , Kim Sooho , Verma Ravi
Published: March 2010

There is considerable worldwide interest in magnesium (Mg) sheet as a replacement for heavier steel and aluminum alloys in vehicle closure components. As Mg gains acceptance in the automotive industry, there will be an increasing demand for accurate material properties for finite element simulations of Mg structures. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which average grain size and postformed tensile properties vary across a Mg AZ31B hood inner component formed at 485°C for 20 min under a constant gas pressure. Tensile specimens were extracted from six regions of the hood inner, which underwent varying degrees of thinning. A state-of-the-art digital image correlation (DIC) algorithm and custom image acquisition software provided true stress-true strain data for each specimen. Tensile data acquired during room temperature testing was compared with that from baseline (undeformed) Mg AZ31B in a fully recrystallized condition (O-temper). Due to its importance in finite element simulations, particular emphasis was placed on the variation of postformed yield strength with specimen thickness and average grain size. Finally, we compute local strain fields during fracture in a tensile specimen with DIC grids positioned in the failure region.
Flexural Response of Inorganic Hybrid Composites With E-Glass and Carbon Fibers
Authors: Giancaspro James W. , Papakonstantinou Christos G. , Balaguru P. N.
Published: March 2010

By far, carbon and glass fibers are the most popular fiber reinforcements for composites. Traditional carbon composites are relatively expensive since the manufacturing process requires significant heat and pressure, while the carbon fibers themselves are inherently expensive to produce. In addition, they are often flammable and their use is restricted when fire is a critical design parameter. Glass fabrics are approximately one order of magnitude less expensive than similar carbon fabrics. However, they lack the stiffness and the durability needed for many high performance applications. By combining these two types of fibers, hybrid composites can be fabricated that are strong, yet relatively inexpensive to produce. The primary objective of this study was to experimentally investigate the effects of bonding high strength carbon fibers to E-glass composite cores using a high temperature, inorganic matrix known as geopolymer. Carbon fibers were bonded to E-glass cores (i) on only the tension face, (ii) on both the tension and compression faces, or (iii) dispersed throughout the core in alternating layers to obtain a strong, yet economical, hybrid composite laminate. For each response measured (flexural capacity, stiffness, and ductility), at least one hybrid configuration displayed mechanical properties comparable to all carbon composite laminates. The results indicate that hybrid composite plates manufactured using 3k unidirectional carbon tape exhibit increases in flexural capacity of approximately 700% over those manufactured using E-glass fibers alone. In general, as the relative amount of carbon fibers increased, the likelihood of precipitating a compression failure also increased. For 92% of the specimens tested, the threshold for obtaining a compression failure was utilizing 30% carbon fibers. The results presented herein can dictate future studies to optimize hybrid performance and to achieve economical configurations for a given set of design requirements.
Surface modification of phyllosilicate minerals by fluorination methods
Authors: Tressaud Alain , Labrugère Christine , Durand Etienne , Serier Hélène , Demyanova Larisa P.
Published: March 2010

The effect of fluorination on various types of phyllosilicate minerals has been investigated. Two different fluorination techniques have been used: direct F2 gas and cold radio frequency plasma involving c-C4F8 or O2/CF4 mixtures. The modifications of the surface composition and properties have been followed mostly by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Depending of the fluorination reagents, a reactive etching process involving M-F bonding occurs (direct F2 gas; O2–CF4 rf plasma) or a carbon fluoride deposition takes place (c-C4F8 rf plasma). In the case of F2-gas treated minerals, Si 2p XPS signal accounts for the presence of fluorinated Si environments.
Viscoelastic behavior of a mass-rubber band oscillator
Authors: Filipponi A. , Di Michele L. , Ferrante C.
Published: March 2010

The behavior of a one-dimensional mass-rubber band oscillator is investigated experimentally. The data show clear evidence for viscoelastic behavior and can be interpreted in terms of a simple oscillator model consisting of a mass connected to a four parameter viscoelastic element. The model displays the observed crossover in the dynamic response. The success and limitations of the model and the pedagogical relevance of the experiment are discussed.
Renormalization group solution of the harmonic oscillator
Authors: Sunko D. K.
Published: March 2010

An alternative calculation of the path integral for the harmonic oscillator is carried out as recommended in the textbook of Feynman and Hibbs. A surprising generalization of the angle-doubling formulas for the trigonometric functions appears. Some algebraic and numerical properties of the recursion relations are analyzed and interpreted as an example of a renormalization group transformation albeit in time rather than in space.
Estimation of the power of greenhouse gases on the basis of absorption spectra
Authors: Tomizuka Akira
Published: March 2010

The radiative forcing and global warming potential of three important greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, are derived using their absorption spectra at the Earth’s surface and their number densities in the atmosphere. The calculated values are close to the IPCC estimates except for methane.
A mechanical device to study geometric phases and curvatures
Authors: Gil Salvador
Published: March 2010

A simple mechanical device is introduced that can be used to illustrate the parallel transport of a vector along a curved surface and the geometric phase shift that occurs when a vector is carried along a loop on a curved surface. Its connection with the Foucault pendulum and Berry phases is discussed. The experimental results are in close agreement with the theoretical expectations. The experiment is inexpensive and conceptually easy to understand and perform.
Identification of a Primary Target of Thalidomide Teratogenicity
Authors: Ito Takumi , Ando Hideki , Suzuki Takayuki , Ogura Toshihiko , Hotta Kentaro , Imamura Yoshimasa , Yamaguchi Yuki , Handa Hiroshi
Published: March 2010

Thalidomide Teratogenicity Target

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women as a cure for morning sickness, but it was then found to have developmental defects, most obviously, stunted limbs in thousands of babies. Although its use was banned worldwide, thalidomide has since been found to be a valuable treatment for a range of cancers, inflammatory disorders, and leprosy. Several hypotheses have been proposed, but the mechanism of action of thalidomide is unknown. Using zebrafish and chicken as animal models,

Ito
et al.

(p.
1345
) show that the protein cereblon is a primary target of thalidomide. Thalidomide exerts teratogenic effects by binding to cereblon and inhibiting associated enzymatic activity important for limb development. Knowing the mechanism of action of thalidomide should encourage the search for thalidomide derivatives without teratogenic activity.
The Near-Tip Fields of Fast Cracks
Authors: Livne Ariel , Bouchbinder Eran , Svetlizky Ilya , Fineberg Jay
Published: March 2010

Slightly Cracked

While there are detailed theories to explain the propagation of a crack in the bulk of a material, our understanding of cracking breaks down near the tip of the crack. Experimentally, it is very hard to observe the propagation of a crack at the tip region because it tends to move very quickly.

Livne
et al.

(p.
1359
) approached this problem by working with a polyacrylamide gel in which cracks progress slowly enough to monitor them. A hierarchy of linear and nonlinear regions was observed through which energy is transported before being dissipated by the growing crack. How stresses are distributed during cracking will determine whether the resulting failure will be brittle or ductile.
Restriction of Receptor Movement Alters Cellular Response: Physical Force Sensing by EphA2
Authors: Salaita Khalid , Nair Pradeep M. , Petit Rebecca S. , Neve Richard M. , Das Debopriya , Gray Joe W. , Groves Jay T.
Published: March 2010

Moving Signals

Many types of human breast cancers overexpress a cell-surface receptor—EphA2—a tyrosine kinase activated by the ligand ephrin-A1 present on adjoining cells.

Salaita
et al.

(p.
1380
; see the Perspective by

Paszek and Weaver
)

studied the regulation of mechanically stimulated EphA2 signaling by inducing intermembrane signaling between living EphA2-expressing human breast cancer cells and supported membranes displaying laterally mobile ephrin-A1. When the receptors engaged their ligands, they formed clusters that moved radially to the junction between the cells and the membranes. Physically impeding this movement altered the cellular response to ephrin-A1. Different breast cancer cell lines showed differences in receptor movement that correlated with their invasion potential, and might indicate their capacity for metastasis formation.
In Crystallo Posttranslational Modification Within a MauG/Pre–Methylamine Dehydrogenase Complex
Authors: Jensen Lyndal M. R. , Sanishvili Ruslan , Davidson Victor L. , Wilmot Carrie M.
Published: March 2010

Diheme Conversion

A dehydrogenase enzyme found in methylotrophic and autotrophic bacteria, which converts methylamine to ammonia and formaldehyde, must be posttranslationally modified to create a covalently bound cofactor. Synthesis of the cofactor is completed by a diheme enzyme, MauG, which oxidatively links two tryptophan residues to form tryptophan tryptophylquinone.

Jensen
et al.

(p.
1392
; see the Perspective by

Bollinger and Matthews

) describe the crystal structure of a catalytically competent complex of MauG bound to the methylamine dehydrogenase precursor. The reactive tryptophans are buried and well-separated from both heme irons. The heme closest to the nascent tryptophylquinone site is a 6-coordinate with an unusual His-Tyr axial link. The axial Tyr likely stabilizes a
bis
-Fe(IV) state involved in catalysis. Two other tyrosine residues are positioned to participate in long-range interprotein electron and radical transfer.
Structural Sources of Robustness in Biochemical Reaction Networks
Authors: Shinar Guy , Feinberg Martin
Published: March 2010

Steady As She Blows

A fundamental characteristic of many biological control networks is the capacity to maintain the concentration of a particular component at steady state within a narrow range, in spite of variations in the amounts of other network components that might change as a result of environmental variables in the state of a cell. In a mathematical analysis,
Shinar and Feinberg
(p.
1389
) reveal the essential requirements of a network robust to perturbation. Using this method, the sources of robustness in two bacterial systems—one that functions in osmoregulation and another that controls carbon flux in metabolism—were explained.
Lgr6
Marks Stem Cells in the Hair Follicle That Generate All Cell Lineages of the Skin
Authors: Snippert Hugo J. , Haegebarth Andrea , Kasper Maria , Jaks Viljar , van Es Johan H. , Barker Nick , van de Wetering Marc , van den Born Maaike , Begthel Harry , Vries Robert G. , Stange Daniel E. , Toftgård Rune , Clevers Hans
Published: March 2010

Hair Today, Skin Tomorrow

The epidermis of mammals contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and interfollicular epidermis, but it has not been clear how the development and repair of these structures is regulated.

Snippert
et al.

(p.
1385
) show that a stem-cell cluster in the hair follicle, characterized by the expression of Lgr6, a close homolog of the Lgr5 marker for stem cells in the small intestine and colon, resides directly above the hair bulge and gives rise to all cell lineages of the skin. Skin wounds in adult mice are repaired by Lgr6 stem cells in the hair follicles that flank the damage. After hair morphogenesis, Lgr6 stem cells give rise to epidermal and sebaceous gland lineages to generate fully differentiated new skin.
Putting Law into Practice in Personnel

Inventing Equal Opportunity
by Frank Dobbin

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2009. 320 pp. $35, £24.95. ISBN 9780691137438.
Authors: Marshall Anna-Maria
Published: March 2010

Examining the origins and evolution of affirmative action and equal opportunity, Dobbin argues that the crucial roles in shaping these transformative employment policies were played by human resources professionals rather than the law.