bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computergestützte Messung des KontaktwiderstandesComputer-controlled Contact Resistance Measurement
Authors: Bähnck Frauke , Wagner Friedrich Ernst
Published: November 2009

Die Wartung der zunehmend mit Sensoren, Aktuatoren und Steuerungsgeräten ausgerüsteten Verkehrsmittel erfordert lösbare Kabelverbindungen. Genau diese sind aber das schwächste Glied in der Kette vom Sensor zum Aktuator. Nicht ausreichender Kontakt im Steckverbinder führt zu Ausfällen in der Stromversorgung. Es wurde ein vollautomatisiertes Messsystem entwickelt, mit dem der Kontaktwiderstand in Abhängigkeit von der Kontaktkraft, der Geometrie und den spezifischen Widerständen der Kontaktpartner ermittelt wird. Hiermit erhält der Entwickler von lösbaren Verbindungen die Möglichkeit, aus dem Verlauf der Änderung des Kontaktwiderstandes in Abhängigkeit von der Kontaktkraft den Kraftschluss zu entnehmen, der für eine sichere Kontaktgabe erforderlich ist.
Neonatal Informatics—Dream of a Paperless NICU
Authors: Drummond Willa H.
Published: November 2009

Expert versus novice clinical data gathering, cognitive modeling strategies, and physical skills for evaluating medical problems differ markedly in complexity, clinical accuracy, and speed. Experts’ mental models develop during a decade of education and practical training. Clinical experts use data-based clinical information flow in near real-time to assess complex intensive care unit (ICU) situations and to act definitively and correctly within 2 to 30 seconds of acute problem recognition. Critical care bedside medical management of unstable neonates, when parents are present, challenges all existing clinical processes and computerized information systems. Success is currently-site dependent. Details are very important.

The critical care expert's working mental model is a temporally sequenced, multidimensional, physiologically based matrix, in which 20 to 60 simultaneous clinical variables can be assimilated nearly instantaneously. The mental data-seeking exercise follows an expert's cognitive pattern of simultaneously developing answers, while still seeking more data. Any computerized, paperless incarnation of clinical data management in NICUs should have instant data access at the bedside for full support of focused, expert-level, cognitive work and decision making. High-speed information reporting is essential in all ICU environments.

Critical care clinicians often are interrupted by a more urgent situation. Standard computer access/use/log-off is very difficult to incorporate seamlessly into a NICU workflow. Critical care physicians report feeling cognitively blinded by computer-related fragmentation of the temporally flowing clinical data streams. Nurses are distracted by time-consuming, adult-designed charting systems requiring typed data entry. Reports are slow and fragmented.

Neonatologists and criticalists find that existing computerized charting methods in NICUs waste time. Without bedside data tracking, quick understanding of the overall situation of a particular patient, at the bedside, at a particular moment is virtually impossible. New computerization introduces change that often disrupts generations-old clinical workflow functions and may have many unintended consequences. Planning, developing, or purchasing and implementing effective systems for totally computerizing an NICU is an interdisciplinary work in progress.
Dogma Disputed
Authors: Poland Ronald L.
Published: November 2009

Sodium bicarbonate is an ideal buffer for the treatment of metabolic acidosis if the following conditions are present: 1) the desired pH is close to 6.1, 2) the recipient has the ability to excrete instantly any additional carbon dioxide generated, and 3) the additional osmoles do not shift the pKa of all buffers downward. Unfortunately, none of these three conditions are met. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate might provide a benefit if the patient who has metabolic acidosis needs more extracellular fluid volume (eg, those who have lactic acidosis). However, in trials comparing the effect of sodium bicarbonate with sodium chloride or albumin, sodium bicarbonate was not superior. Consequently, the intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate is not recommended for the treatment of newborns who have metabolic acidosis.
Beyond Trastuzumab: Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in HER-2–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Roy Vivek , Perez Edith A.
Published: November 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the potential therapeutic advantages of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) over antibody mediated inhibition with trastuzumab, such as oral bioavailability and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.Explain the ability of TKIs to overcome resistance to and synergize with trastuzumab.Discuss the multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently in development and their spectrum of targets and toxicities.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.

HER-2 is a transmembrane, tyrosine kinase (TK) receptor whose overexpression is associated with adverse prognosis in breast cancer. The biological effects of HER-2 are mediated by kinase activity causing phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor molecule, leading to activation of downstream growth-promoting pathways. Antibody-mediated inhibition by trastuzumab as well as TK inhibition are clinically effective anti–HER-2 strategies. Kinase inhibitors offer some potential therapeutic advantages over antibody-based therapies. Being small molecules, TK inhibitors (TKIs) have oral bioavailability and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. Because of their different mode of action, TKIs may be able to overcome some of the mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance. Preclinical, and limited clinical data also suggest that TKIs and trastuzumab have synergistic activity. Lapatinib is the only TKI available for clinical use at present, but several molecules with anti–HER-2 activity have been identified and are undergoing evaluation. These differ in the spectrum of kinases that they inhibit, potency of HER-2 inhibition, pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicity profiles, and are at various stages of clinical development. In this article we summarize selected HER-2 TKIs approved for clinical use or in development for which clinical data are available.
Landscape‐level variation in forest structure and biogeochemistry across a substrate age gradient in Hawaii
Authors: Vitousek Peter , Asner Gregory P. , Chadwick Oliver A. , Hotchkiss Sara
Published: November 2009

We compared forest canopy heights and nitrogen concentrations in long‐term research sites and in 2 × 2 km landscapes surrounding these sites along a substrate age gradient in the Hawaiian Islands. Both remote airborne and ground‐based measurements were used to characterize processes that control landscape‐level variation in canopy properties. We integrated a waveform light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system, a high‐resolution imaging spectrometer, and a global positioning system/inertial measurement unit to provide highly resolved images of ground topography, canopy heights, and canopy nitrogen concentrations (1) within a circle 50 m in radius focused on a long‐term study site in the center of each landscape; (2) for the entire 2 × 2 km landscape regardless of land cover; and (3) after stratification, for our target cover class, native‐dominated vegetation on constructional geomorphic surfaces throughout each landscape. Remote measurements at all scales yielded the same overall patterns as did ground‐based measurements in the long‐term sites. The two younger landscapes supported taller trees than did older landscapes, while the two intermediate‐aged landscapes had higher canopy nitrogen (N) concentrations than did either young or old landscapes. However, aircraft‐based analyses detected substantial variability in canopy characteristics on the landscape level, even within the target cover class. Canopy heights were more heterogeneous on the older landscapes, with coefficients of variation increasing from 23–41% to 69–78% with increasing substrate age. This increasing heterogeneity was associated with a larger patch size of canopy turnover and with dominance of most secondary successional stands by the mat‐forming fern Dicranopteris linearis in the older landscapes.
Spatial variation in soil‐borne disease dynamics of a temperate tree, Prunus serotina
Authors: Reinhart Kurt O. , Clay Keith
Published: November 2009

Soil‐borne pathogens are posited to maintain forest diversity. However, their in situ impact and spatial variation are largely unknown. We examined spatial patterns of pathogenic activity in a deciduous forest using a common garden experiment and also in a natural experiment around replicated trees, and we quantifiedPythium(a soil‐borne pathogen) density around individualPrunus serotinatrees. In both experiments,P. serotinaseedling survival was 52–57% greater in plots treated with a metalaxyl‐based fungicide specific to oomycetes (i.e.,Pythium) than in untreated plots. Disease dynamics were not density dependent, but pathogenic activity andPythiumdensity were spatially variable. In the common garden and natural experiments, pathogenic activity of soil inoculum varied among trees, while in the natural experiment disease dynamics were also distance dependent and pathogenic activity decreased away fromP. serotinatrees. Disease andPythiumdensity were not always related but displayed considerable spatial variation. We found thatPythiumdensity did not vary with distance away fromP. serotinatrees but did vary among trees. Understanding the spatial complexity of soil‐borne pathogens is critical to accurately characterizing their effects on populations and ultimately on forest diversity.
Short‐ and long‐term consequences of reproductive decisions: an experimental study in the puffin
Authors: Erikstad Kjell Einar , Sandvik Hanno , Fauchald Per , Tveraa Torkild
Published: November 2009

The purpose of the present study was to inspect the response of the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) to an experimental manipulation of the investment needed to successfully raise an offspring. We achieved this by replacing an old offspring with a younger chick, and vice versa, thereby prolonging and shortening the chick‐rearing period. To examine any costs of reproduction we then followed the breeding success, the recruitment of young to the population, and the survival of parents for 11 years following the manipulation. Parents in the prolonged and shortened category had a lower breeding success than controls mainly because parents deserted their chick shortly after swapping. Among those that raised their chick, the age and body mass of foster chicks at fledging were the same in all three categories even though the parents had raised chicks for different lengths of time. The recruitment of young to the breeding population was high and independent of treatment. Likewise, the survival of adults was independent of treatment. For the 11 years after the experiment, however, the resighting rate of those that deserted their chick was clearly lower than among those that accepted their foster chick. For parents that raised their foster chick, the survival to the following year was positively related to their body mass. The results support the hypothesis that puffins have a highly flexible parental investment, which they adjust according to their own individual quality and the survival prospects of the chick.
Ecological correlates of fitness across the northern geographic range limit of a Pacific Coast dune plant
Authors: Samis Karen E. , Eckert Christopher G.
Published: November 2009

A species is expected to occur where the prevailing biotic and abiotic conditions fall within its fundamental niche. Geographic range limits should, therefore, occur when the survival and fitness of individuals along ecological gradients is reduced to the point at which populations are no longer self‐sustaining. Abrupt limits to a species' distribution are expected to reflect abrupt changes in the ecological conditions that cause sharp declines in fitness across the limit. We investigated the correlation between geographic variation in environment and fitness across the abrupt northern range limit of a coastal dune plant,Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia(Onagraceae). In each of 64 plots distributed across five sites along a 200‐km transect spanning the species' northern range limit (four within the range plus one beyond the limit), we measured plant community composition as a proxy for variation in biotic and abiotic environmental factors and lifetime fitness of genetically standardized experimental populations ofC. cheiranthifolia. There was substantial variation in plant community composition among plots and sites across the range limit, and fitness of experimental plants covaried strongly with the first principal component of plant community composition. However, we did not detect an abrupt shift in plant community or the expected decline in fitness across the range limit. In fact, fitness and recruitment increased toward the limit and were relatively high beyond the limit. This suggests that habitat beyond the range did not occur outside of the species' fundamental niche. These results challenge niche‐based explanations for range limits and suggest that hypotheses involving the finer‐scale distribution of habitat patches or constraints on dispersal warrant more serious consideration.
Separating ontogenetic and environmental determination of resistance to herbivory in cottonwood
Authors: Holeski Liza M. , Kearsley Michael J. C. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: November 2009

We used narrowleaf cottonwood, Populus angustifolia, and the gall‐forming aphid, Pemphigus betae, to determine the extent to which ontogenetic variation in resistance to herbivory is due to endogenous, stable genetic influences. In a three‐year common garden trial using ramets propagated from the top, middle, and bottom of mature trees, we found that the resistance of trees to aphids was significantly higher in top vs. bottom source ramets, supporting the hypothesis of a stable, genetically programmed component to aphid resistance. The magnitude of ontogenetically based variation in resistance within an individual tree is comparable to the genetic variation in resistance among narrowleaf cottonwood genotypes or populations found in other studies. These ontogenetic‐based findings have the potential to alter ecological interactions and evolutionary trajectories of plant–herbivore interactions.
Results of Monetary Priceless on Political Coordination
Authors: Facchini François
Published: November 2009

Cet article étudie les effets de labsence de prix monétaires sur la coordination des actions individuelles sur le marché politique. Il sarticule autour de deux parties. Il rappelle, dans la première, que le prix monétaire est une condition nécessaire du calcul économique et quil est un pré-requis institutionnel de la coordination des anticipations opérée par lentrepreneur sur le marché. La deuxième partie se cale sur ce résultat. Elle expose, tout dabord, les conséquences sur la formation des préférences politiques de limpossibilité pour les électeurs de pratiquer un calcul monétaire et expl ique, ensui te, comment malgré labsence de prix monétaire, lentrepreneur politique (candidat) ajuste loffre à la demande politique. Nous montrons que la coordination politique se fait autour de lactivité de lentrepreneur politique, mais que le processus de reconnaissance des préférences politiques passe par la prise de parole et la normalisation idéologique du discours politique et non par le système des prix et la normalisation monétaire des préférences économiques. La coordination politique possède, pour cette raison, une moindre efficacité cognitive que la coordination économique.This paper studies the implications of the lack of monetary prices for the modes of individuals calculus coordination on the political market. On the economic market, the evaluation of decision costs is based on monetary prices. The entrepreneurs decisions are led by the profit expectations they build on the information embodied in market prices. Given that there is no price on the political market, how are individuals informed? What are their incentives to act? And how are their actions coordinated? It is argued that 1) the electoral system provides information on the individuals preferences between being candidate and being represented, 2) the individuals are induced to be candidate since the existing political supply does not meet their expectations, and 3) the coordination is achieved through ideology that acts as a signaling mechanism.
Winter Operation of Biofilters for Hydrogen Sulphide Removal
Authors: Shareefdeen Zarook M , Hashim Mohd Ali
Published: November 2009

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is one of the main odor causing, toxic, and corrosive chemicals found in wastewater treatment, pulp and paper and several other industries. One of the main challenges of winter operation of biofilters for H2S removal is to deal with the heat effects of biofiltration process. During winter lower air temperature, snow fall on biofilter vessels and moisture condensation in air ducts decrease percent removal of H2S significantly. In this work, laboratory and field data that are collected during winter operation of biofilters are analyzed and presented. The results demonstrate that temperature within the biofilter should be maintained at a minimum of 15°C to avoid lower percent removal or odor breakthrough resulting from untreated H2S emissions in the air. It was found that heat input to the incoming air by steam addition easily remedy the problem.
Characteristics of Local Flow Dynamics and Macro-Mixing in Airlift Column Reactors for Reliable Design and Scale-Up
Authors: Gumery Farouza , Ein-Mozaffari Farhad , Dahman Yaser
Published: November 2009

There has been tremendous development within mixing operations in industry. Incomplete knowledge of this process caused serious economic losses to process industries. For optimum yields and the economic potential that goes with better understanding of mixing, research in this field continues to grow. The major forms of mixing in industry are either by mechanical or pneumatic agitation. Airlift bioreactors achieve mixing through pneumatic agitation and have gained attention over two decades for their fluid dynamic characteristics and low power consumption. It has been widely applied in bioprocess industries for production of biochemicals, to wastewater treatment in which the performance of this reactor has been overwhelming with respect to its production levels as compared to the conventional mechanical agitation.In this review, mixing through mechanical and pneumatic agitation is compared. An extensive literature is distilled from various investigators on the hydrodynamics and mixing characteristics of airlift bioreactors. This review has emphasis on factors that affect mixing such as the geometrical parameters of the vessel, gas flow rate, properties of the liquid medium, sparger design and measuring techniques employed. In an attempt to understand process related issues, sophisticated advances in the measuring techniques provides more insight into mixing in this reactor. Thus extensive correlations have been proposed by various investigators to predict the hydrodynamic and mixing parameters. Some design modifications proposed by several scholars have also been reviewed.
Use of Cassava Peel as Carbon Source for Production of Amylolytic Enzymes by Aspergillus niveus
Authors: Silva Tony Marcio , Alarcon Ricardo Fernandes , Damasio Andre Ricardo de Lima , Michelin Michele , Maller Alexandre , Masui Douglas C. , Terenzi Héctor Francisco , Jorge João Atílio , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes T. M.
Published: November 2009

Aspergillus niveus produced high levels of ?-amylase and glucoamylase in submerged fermentation using the agricultural residue cassava peel as a carbon source. In static conditions, the amylase production was substantially greater than in the agitated condition. The optimized culture conditions were initially at pH 5.0, 35°C during 48 hours. Amylolytic activity was still improved (50%) with a mixture of cassava peel and soluble starch in the proportion 1:1 (w/w). The crude extract exhibited temperature and pH optima approximately 70°C and 4.5, respectively. Amylase activity was stable for 1 h at 60°C, and at pH values between 3.0 and 7.0. The enzyme hydrolysed preferentially maltose, starch, penetrose, amylose, isomaltose, maltotriose, glycogen and amylopectin, and not hydrolysed cyclodextrin (? and ß), trehalose and sucrose. In the first hour of reaction on soluble starch, the hydrolysis products were glucose and maltose, but after two hours of hydrolysis, glucose was the unique product formed, confirming the presence in the crude extract of an ?-amylase and a glucoamylase.
Measurement of plasma renin concentration in cats by use of a fluorescence resonance energy transfer peptide substrate of renin
Authors: Schmiedt Chad W. , Hurley Katherine A. E. , Tong Xiaohe , Rakhmanova Vera A. , Po Cecilia L. , Hurley David J.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To evaluate the use of a commercially available 5-carboxyfluorescein–based, intramolecularly quenched, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptide substrate of renin for measurement of plasma renin concentration in cats.

Sample Population—Plasma samples obtained during a previous study of renal autograft ischemia-reperfusion injury in 10 cats and samples of fetal bovine serum containing recombinant human renin (rh-renin).

Procedures—Experiments involving samples of fetal bovine serum containing rh-renin were conducted to identify a suitable control vehicle, optimal substrate concentration, and appropriate duration of incubation. With the use of the identified assay conditions, a standard curve was constructed to allow conversion of relative fluorescent units into values of renin concentration (ng/mL). Subsequently, plasma samples obtained from cats before and after renal autograft ischemia-reperfusion injury were assayed to determine endogenous renin concentration.

Results—Under conditions of a 1:50 substrate dilution and 4-hour incubation period, the assay detected small amounts of rh-renin in fetal bovine serum. A linear relationship (R2 = 0.996) between the relative fluorescent units generated and exogenous rh-renin concentration was evident. The assay detected renin in plasma samples obtained from cats after renal autograft ischemia-reperfusion, and renin concentrations on days 1 and 2 after transplant differed significantly.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The study data indicated that the assay involving the FRET peptide substrate of renin is potentially a rapid and specific method for measurement of plasma renin concentration in cats.
Effect of topical application of 1% diclofenac sodium liposomal cream on inflammation in healthy horses undergoing intravenous regional limb perfusion with amikacin sulfate
Authors: Levine David G. , Epstein Kira L. , Neelis Dana A. , Ross Michael W.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To determine whether topical application of 1% diclofenac sodium cream would decrease inflammation at sites of IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) in healthy horses.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses (12 forelimbs).

Procedures—Bilateral IVRLP with 2.5 g of amikacin sulfate was performed twice in each horse, with 24 hours between each session. Horses were treated with topical 1% diclofenac liposomal cream (treated limbs) or a placebo cream (control limbs). All injection sites were evaluated before the first IVRLP session and 24 hours after the second session by means of ultrasonographic examination by a trained ultrasonographer who was unaware of the treatment received. Circumferential measurements and subjective visible inflammation scores were recorded by a veterinarian who was also unaware of treatment received.

Results—After IVRLP, control limbs had a significantly greater increase in subcutaneous thickness, compared with treated limbs. Ultrasonographic and visual assessment scores were significantly higher in control versus treated limbs. The mean change in limb circumference was greater, but not significantly so, in control limbs, compared with treated limbs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Topical application of 1% diclofenac sodium liposomal cream to sites of IVRLP in healthy horses decreased inflammation as judged by visual assessment and ultrasonography. Decreased inflammation may allow extended use of IVRLP and may result in a reduction in pain in treated horses.
Physiologic effects of electroacupuncture combined with intramuscular administration of xylazine to provide analgesia in goats
Authors: Liu Dong-Ming , Zhou Zhi-Yu , Ding Yi , Chen Jian-Guo , Hu Chang-Min , Chen Xi , Ding Ming-Xing
Published: November 2009

Objective—To investigate physiologic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with xylazine administration in goats.

Animals—48 healthy crossbred goats.

Procedures—Goats were randomly allotted to 8 groups of 3 (nonpregnant and nonlactating) female goats and 3 male goats each. The 8 treatment groups were as follows: 1 EA group, 3 xylazine (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg, IM) groups, 3 EA plus xylazine (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg, IM) groups, and 1 control group. Electroacupuncture was performed for 90 minutes. Xylazine was administered 20 minutes after EA was performed. Pain threshold, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiration rate, and rectal temperature were observed at 0, 5, 25, 45, 65, and 85 minutes after xylazine administration.

Results—Xylazine administered at 0.4 mg/kg increased the pain threshold and reduced MAP. Xylazine administered at 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg/kg reduced heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. Electroacupuncture increased the pain threshold but had no effect on heart rate, MAP, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. Pain threshold in goats that underwent EA plus xylazine administration was higher than in goats that received EA or xylazine alone. Electroacupuncture combined with xylazine at 0.1 mg/kg did not affect heart rate, MAP, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. Pain threshold in goats that underwent EA plus xylazine administration at 0.1 mg/kg was higher than in goats given xylazine at 0.4 mg/kg alone.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Electroacupuncture combined with xylazine, even at 0.1 mg/kg, provided analgesia without significantly affecting cardiorespiratory parameters or rectal temperature in goats.
Comparison of time to desaturation between preoxygenated and nonpreoxygenated dogs following sedation with acepromazine maleate and morphine and induction of anesthesia with propofol
Authors: McNally Erin M. , Robertson Sheilah A. , Pablo Luisito S.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To compare the time to desaturation in healthy dogs that breathed oxygen or room air for 3 minutes before induction of anesthesia.

Animals—20 healthy dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were sedated with morphine and acepromazine maleate. Dogs received a 3-minute treatment of room air or oxygen (100 mL/kg/min) via face mask. Arterial blood samples were collected before and after treatment to determine PaCO2, PaO2, pH, and SaO2; propofol (6 mg/kg, IV) was injected during a 7-second period, and the dogs were intubated. A lingual pulse oximeter probe was placed. Dogs remained disconnected from the breathing circuit until SpO2 equaled 90% (desaturation point) and then connected and ventilated until the SpO2 was ≥ 97%. Arterial blood samples were collected and SpO2 was recorded every 30 seconds for 4 minutes and then every minute until the desaturation point. Times to first breath and the desaturation point were recorded. Data were collected at 0, 5, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 seconds.

Results—Mean ± SEM time to desaturation differed significantly between dogs treated with room air (69.6 ± 10.6 seconds) and oxygen (297.8 ± 42.0 seconds). Lowest mean PaO2 and SaO2 when dogs were breathing room air were 62 ± 6.3 mm Hg and 82.3 ± 4%, respectively, at 30 seconds.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Preoxygenation for 3 minutes increased the time to desaturation in healthy dogs sedated with acepromazine and morphine in which anesthesia was induced with propofol.
Comparison of recovery from anesthesia with isoflurane, sevoflurane, or desflurane in healthy dogs
Authors: Lopez Luis A. , Hofmeister Erik H. , Pavez Juan C. , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To determine the quality and speed of recovery from anesthesia with isoflurane, sevoflurane, or desflurane and determine end-tidal inhalant concentration at certain events during recovery in healthy dogs.

Animals—11 healthy dogs.

Procedures—Anesthesia was induced with propofol (IV), and dogs were assigned by use of a crossover design to receive isoflurane at 2.0%, sevoflurane at 3.2%, or desflurane at 11% end-tidal concentrations. Direct blood pressure was monitored throughout the 120 minutes of anesthesia. At the end of anesthesia, the circuit was flushed with oxygen, and the time to specific events in recovery and overall quality of recovery were assessed. Blood gas concentrations were measured prior to anesthesia and after recovery.

Results—Dogs in the desflurane group had the shortest time to standing (11.7 ± 5.1 minutes), followed by dogs in the sevoflurane group (18.6 ± 7.5 minutes) and dogs in the isoflurane group (26.3 ± 7.2 minutes). There was no difference for recovery quality among groups. Arterial blood pressure was higher in the sevoflurane group than in the desflurane group at 10 and 15 minutes and in the isoflurane group at 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 105, and 120 minutes. There were no significant differences among groups with respect to blood gas concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that in dogs for which a short interval to standing is desired, desflurane is the best selection, followed by sevoflurane.
Effect of intravenous administration of lactated Ringer's solution or hetastarch for the treatment of isoflurane-induced hypotension in dogs
Authors: Aarnes Turi K. , Bednarski Richard M. , Lerche Phillip , Hubbell John A. E. , Muir William W.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To determine the effect of IV administration of crystalloid (lactated Ringer's solution [LRS]) or colloid (hetastarch) fluid on isoflurane-induced hypotension in dogs.

Animals—6 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—On 3 occasions, each dog was anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane and instrumented with a thermodilution catheter (pulmonary artery). Following baseline assessments of hemodynamic variables, end-tidal isoflurane concentration was increased to achieve systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) of 80 mm Hg. At that time (0 minutes), 1 of 3 IV treatments (no fluid, LRS [80 mL/kg/h], or hetastarch [80 mL/kg/h]) was initiated. Fluid administration continued until SABP was within 10% of baseline or to a maximum volume of 80 mL/kg (LRS) or 40 mL/kg (hetastarch). Hemodynamic variables were measured at intervals (0 through 120 minutes and additionally at 150 and 180 minutes in LRS- or hetastarch-treated dogs). Several clinicopathologic variables including total protein concentration, PCV, colloid osmotic pressure, and viscosity of blood were assessed at baseline and intervals thereafter (0 through 120 minutes).

Results—Administration of 80 mL of LRS/kg did not increase SABP in any dog, whereas administration of ≤ 40 mL of hetastarch/kg increased SABP in 4 of 6 dogs. Fluid administration increased cardiac index and decreased systemic vascular resistance. Compared with hetastarch treatment, administration of LRS decreased blood viscosity. Treatment with LRS decreased PCV and total protein concentration, whereas treatment with hetastarch increased colloid osmotic pressure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that IV administration of hetastarch rather than LRS is recommended for the treatment of isoflurane-induced hypotension in dogs.
Changes in growth of the hoof wall and hoof morphology in response to regular periods of trotting exercise in Standardbreds
Authors: Faramarzi Babak , Thomason Jeffrey J. , Sears William C.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To quantitate changes in hoof wall growth and hoof morphology induced by mild exercise in Standardbreds.

Animals—18 Standardbreds.

Procedures—Horses were exercised at approximately 6 m/s (4,200 to 5,600 m/d) on 4 d/wk for 17 weeks. Both exercise (n = 9) and nonexercise (control group; 9) groups were housed in a large paddock throughout the study. At the beginning and end of the study, right forelimb feet of all horses were digitally photographed and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Hoof wall measurements were obtained from the images to evaluate hoof wall growth and morphometric variables. Data were compared between the groups and within each group via a quadratic model. Changes in each variable and pairwise correlations between variables were evaluated.

Results—Morphometric variables did not significantly differ between the control and exercise groups. However, differences within each group between the start and the end of the study were significant for several variables; overall, values for hoof wall variables increased and those for solar variables decreased. Between the beginning and the end of the study, the amount of variation in values of hoof capsule variables in the exercise group decreased to a greater extent, compared with control group findings. Patterns of pairwise correlations for variables differed between the groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In Standardbreds, mild exercise for 17 weeks caused no significant changes in hoof wall growth or morphometric variables. Subtle changes may develop in equine hooves in response to loading, and mild exercise may not be a strong adaptive stimulus.
Comparison of continuous arterial pressure waveform analysis with the lithium dilution technique to monitor cardiac output in conscious dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Duffy Amanda L. , Butler Amy L. , Radecki Steven V. , Campbell Vicki L.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To assess the agreement between cardiac output (CO) measured by use of arterial pressure waveform analysis (PulseCO) and lithium dilution (LiDCO) in conscious dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Animals—14 dogs with naturally occurring SIRS.

Procedures—Pulse power analysis was performed on critically ill patients with a PulseCO monitor. All measurements were obtained with an indwelling arterial line and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Intermittent measurements of CO were obtained with the LiDCO method to validate the PulseCO measurements at initial calibration (baseline; time 0) and at 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. The 2 methods for measuring CO were compared by use of Bland-Altman analysis. An error rate for the limits of agreement between the 2 methods of < 30% was defined as being acceptable.

Results—Bland-Altman analysis did not indicate good agreement between measurements obtained by use of the PulseCO and LiDCO methods, despite no significant change in cardiac index (CI) over time as measured with the LiDCO method. The percentage error for the overall difference in CI values between the PulseCO and LiDCO measurements was 122%, which indicated that the PulseCO method was not an acceptable means of CO measurement when compared with the LiDCO method for this patient population.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Agreement between the PulseCO and LiDCO methods for measurement of CO was not acceptable at 4- and 8-hour intervals after calibration in conscious dogs with naturally occurring SIRS.
Plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations in cats eating commercially prepared diets
Authors: Heinze Cailin R. , Larsen Jennifer A. , Kass Philip H. , Fascetti Andrea J.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To establish comprehensive reference ranges for plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations in healthy adult cats eating commercial diets and to evaluate the relationships of age, sex, body weight, body condition score (BCS), dietary protein concentration, and dietary ingredients with plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations.

Animals—120 healthy adult cats.

Procedures—Blood samples and a complete health and diet history were obtained for each cat, and reference intervals for plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations were determined. Results were analyzed for associations of age, breed, sex, body weight, BCS, use of heparin, sample hemolysis and lipemia, dietary protein concentrations, and dietary ingredients with amino acid concentrations.

Results—95% reference intervals were determined for plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations. A significant difference in amino acid concentrations on the basis of sex was apparent for multiple amino acids. There was no clear relationship between age, BCS, body weight, and dietary protein concentration and amino acid concentrations. Differences in amino acid concentrations were detected for various dietary ingredients, but the relationships were difficult to interpret.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This study provided data on plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations for a large population of adult cats eating commercial diets. Plasma amino acid and whole blood taurine concentrations were not affected by age, BCS, or body weight but were affected by sex and neuter status. Dietary protein concentration and dietary ingredients were not directly associated with plasma amino acid or whole blood taurine concentrations.
Comparison of characteristics and enzymatic products of leukocytes in the skin and laminar tissues of horses administered black walnut heartwood extract or lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Riggs Laura M. , Krunkosky Thomas M. , Noschka Erik , Boozer Lindsay A. , Moore James N. , Robertson Thomas P.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To compare characteristics and enzymatic products of leukocytes detected in the skin and laminar tissues of horses administered black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE) and horses administered purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Animals—25 healthy 5- to 15-year-old horses.

Procedures—Horses were randomly assigned to receive LPS (20 ng of O55:B5 Escherichia coli endotoxin/kg; n = 5) IV or 6 L of BWHE (10) or water (control group; 10) via nasogastric intubation. Horses were euthanatized 12 hours after treatment or at onset of Obel grade 1 lameness. Laminar tissue samples and skin samples from the middle region of the neck were harvested at the time of euthanasia. Leukocyte emigration (determined via CD13 immunohistochemical analysis) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 gene expressions and activities (determined via reverse transcription PCR assay and gelatin zymography, respectively) were measured in skin and laminar tissue samples.

Results—Tissues of horses receiving BWHE contained significantly higher numbers of CD13-positive cells and increased MMP-9 gene expression and activity, compared with findings in the other 2 groups. Values for laminar tissue and skin from LPS-treated horses were not increased, compared with findings in the control group, in any experiment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that BWHE administration causes increases in CD13-positive leukocyte numbers and MMP-9 expression and activity in laminar tissue and skin in horses; similar effects were not detected following LPS administration. Leukocyte emigration in horses with experimentally induced endotoxemia and in horses administered BWHE differed markedly, thereby providing additional evidence that the development of laminitis involves more complex mechanisms than endotoxemia-induced leukocyte activation alone.
Effects of dietary lysine supplementation on upper respiratory and ocular disease and detection of infectious organisms in cats within an animal shelter
Authors: Drazenovich Tracy L. , Fascetti Andrea J. , Westermeyer Hans D. , Sykes Jane E. , Bannasch Mike J. , Kass Philip H. , Hurley Kate F. , Maggs David J.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To determine within a cat shelter effects of dietary lysine supplementation on nasal and ocular disease and detection of nucleic acids of Chlamydophila felis, feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus (FHV-1).

Animals—261 adult cats.

Procedures—Cats were fed a diet containing 1.7% (basal diet; control cats) or 5.7% (supplemented diet; treated cats) lysine for 4 weeks. Plasma concentrations of lysine and arginine were assessed at the beginning (baseline) and end of the study. Three times a week, cats were assigned a clinical score based on evidence of nasal and ocular disease. Conjunctival and oropharyngeal swab specimens were tested for FHV-1, FCV, and C felis nucleic acids once a week.

Results—Data were collected from 123, 74, 59, and 47 cats during study weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. By study end, plasma lysine concentration in treated cats was greater than that in control cats and had increased from baseline. There was no difference between dietary groups in the proportion of cats developing mild disease. However, more treated cats than control cats developed moderate to severe disease during week 4. During week 2, FHV-1 DNA was detected more commonly in swab specimens from treated versus control cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dietary lysine supplementation in the amount used in our study was not a successful means of controlling infectious upper respiratory disease within a cat shelter. Rather, it led to increases in disease severity and the incidence of detection of FHV-1 DNA in oropharyngeal or conjunctival mucosal swab specimens at certain time points.
Prevalence of urovirulence genes cnf, hlyD, sfa/foc, and papGIII in fecal Escherichia coli from healthy dogs and their owners
Authors: Stenske Katherine A. , Bemis David A. , Gillespie Barbara E. , Oliver Stephen P. , Draughon Francis A. , Matteson Karla J. , Bartges Joseph W.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To determine the prevalence of 4 urovirulence genes in fecal Escherichia coli isolates from healthy dogs and their owners and to determine whether detection of E coli strains with these genes was associated with a history of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Sample Population—61 healthy dog-owner pairs and 30 healthy non–dog owners.

Procedures—A fecal specimen was obtained from each participant, and 3 colonies of E coli were isolated from each specimen. A multiplex PCR assay was used to detect 4 genes encoding virulence factors: cytotoxic necrotizing factor (cnf), hemolysin (hlyD), s-fimbrial and F1C fimbriae adhesin (sfa/foc), and pilus associated with pyelonephritis G allele III (papGIII). Human participants completed a questionnaire to provide general information and any history of UTI for themselves and, when applicable, their dog.

Results—26% (16/61) of dogs, 18% (11/61) of owners, and 20% (6/30) of non–dog owners had positive test results for ≥ 1 E coli virulence gene. One or more genes were identified in fecal E coli isolates of both dog and owner in 2% (1/61) of households. There was no difference in the detection of any virulence factor between dog-owner pairs. Female owner history of UTI was associated with detection of each virulence factor in E coli strains isolated from their dogs' feces.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dogs and humans harbored fecal E coli strains possessing the genes cnf, hlyD, sfa/foc, and papGIII that encode urovirulence factors. It was rare for both dog and owner to have fecal E coli strains with these virulence genes.
Cardiovascular effects of dipyrone and propofol on hemodynamic function in rabbits
Authors: Baumgartner Christine M. , Koenighaus Hilke , Ebner Johanna K. , Henke Julia , Schuster Tibor , Erhardt Wolf D.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To evaluate the short-term cardiovascular effects of IV administration of dipyrone (metamizole) as an intraoperative analgesic during total IV anesthesia with propofol.

Animals—6 healthy female New Zealand White rabbits.

Procedures—Anesthesia was induced with propofol (4.0 to 8.0 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with the same drug (1.2 to 1.3 mg/kg/min, IV). After induction, 3 doses of dipyrone (65 mg/kg each) were administered IV at 25-minute intervals. Before and for 10 minutes after each dipyrone injection, the following vascular and hemodynamic variables were recorded at the left common carotid artery every minute after the first injection: vessel diameter; peak systolic, minimum diastolic, end-diastolic, and mean blood flow velocities; mean volumetric flow; resistance and pulsatility indices; mean arterial blood pressure (MAP); heart rate; arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2); and end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (PETCO2). Echocardiography was performed after the second injection. The same variables were measured at the abdominal aorta (AA) after the third injection.

Results—Dipyrone injections caused a significant, transient decrease in the resistance index at the AA. Also detected were a minor decrease in pulsatility index at the left common carotid artery and a minor increase in end-diastolic blood flow velocity at the AA. The MAP, heart rate, SpO2, and PETCO2 did not significantly change after injections. A comparison of HR and MAP after the first and third bolus injections revealed only minor changes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dipyrone used with propofol anesthesia in rabbits appeared not to significantly impair cardiovascular and hemodynamic function.
Effects of orthopedic implants with a polycaprolactone polymer coating containing bone morphogenetic protein-2 on osseointegration in bones of sheep
Authors: Niehaus Andrew J. , Anderson David E. , Samii Valerie F. , Weisbrode Steven E. , Johnson Jed K. , Noon Mike S. , Tomasko David L. , Lannutti John J.
Published: November 2009

Objective—To determine elution characteristics of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 from a polycaprolactone coating applied to orthopedic implants and determine effects of this coating on osseointegration.

Animals—6 sheep.

Procedures—An in vitro study was conducted to determine BMP-2 elution from polycaprolactone-coated implants. An in vivo study was conducted to determine the effects on osseointegration when the polycaprolactone with BMP-2 coating was applied to bone screws. Osseointegration was assessed via radiography, measurement of peak removal torque and bone mineral density, and histomorphometric analysis. Physiologic response was assessed by measuring serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity and uptake of bone markers.

Results—Mean ± SD elution on day 1 of the in vitro study was 263 ± 152 pg/d, which then maintained a plateau at 59.8 ± 29.1 pg/d. Mean peak removal torque for screws coated with polycalprolactone and BMP-2 (0.91 ± 0.65 dN·m) and screws coated with polycaprolactone alone (0.97 ± 1.30 dN·m) did not differ significantly from that for the control screws (2.34 ± 1.62 dN·m). Mean bone mineral densities were 0.535 ± 0.060 g/cm2, 0.596 ± 0.093 g/cm2, and 0.524 ± 0.142 g/cm2 for the polycaprolactone–BMP-2–coated, polycaprolactone-coated, and control screws, respectively, and did not differ significantly among groups. Histologically, bone was in closer apposition to the implant with the control screws than with either of the coated screws.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—BMP-2 within the polycaprolactone coating did not stimulate osteogenesis. The polycaprolactone coating appeared to cause a barrier effect that prevented formation of new bone. A longer period or use of another carrier polymer may result in increased osseointegration.