bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of farmed–wild hybridization across divergent wild populations and multiple traits in salmon
Authors: Fraser Dylan J. , Houde Aimee Lee S. , Debes Paul V. , O'Reilly Patrick , Eddington James D. , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2010

Theory predicts that hybrid fitness should decrease as population divergence increases. This suggests that the effects of human‐induced hybridization might be adequately predicted from the known divergence among parental populations. We tested this prediction by quantifying trait differentiation between multigenerational crosses of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and divergent wild populations from the Northwest Atlantic; the former escape repeatedly into the wild, while the latter are severely depleted. Under common environmental conditions and at the spatiotemporal scale considered (340 km, 12 000 years of divergence), substantial cross differentiation had a largely additive genetic basis at behavioral, life history, and morphological traits. Wild backcrossing did not completely restore hybrid trait distributions to presumably more optimal wild states. Consistent with theory, the degree to which hybrids deviated in absolute terms from their parental populations increased with increasing parental divergence (i.e., the collective environmental and life history differentiation, genetic divergence, and geographic distance between parents). Nevertheless, while these differences were predictable, their implications for risk assessment were not: wild populations that were equally divergent from farmed salmon in the total amount of divergence differed in the specific traits at which this divergence occurred. Combined with ecological data on the rate of farmed escapes and wild population trends, we thus suggest that the greatest utility of hybridization data for risk assessment may be through their incorporation into demographic modeling of the short‐ and long‐term consequences to wild population persistence. In this regard, our work demonstrates that detailed hybridization data are essential to account for life‐stage‐specific changes in phenotype or fitness within divergent but interrelated groups of wild populations. The approach employed here will be relevant to risk assessments in a range of wild species where hybridization with domesticated relatives is a concern, especially where the conservation status of the wild species may preclude direct fitness comparisons in the wild.
Assessing spatial and temporal population dynamics of cryptic species: an example with the European pond turtle
Authors: Olivier Anthony , Barbraud Christophe , Rosecchi Elisabeth , Germain Christophe , Cheylan Marc
Published: June 2010

Within the current context of biodiversity loss a number of biodiversity indicators have been developed to help measure the state of nature and how it is changing. However, most indicators are derived from bird populations. Reptiles and amphibians could be useful ecosystem indicators, but this requires obtaining precise and unbiased population parameters. This is a particularly challenging task for these two groups of species, because individuals are extremely difficult to detect for various reasons. We illustrate the use of a sampling and analytical method that explicitly takes into account imperfect detection to assess the population dynamics of a reptile species and its temporal and spatial variation. European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) were sampled at two different locations during a 10‐year study. The two sites differed by their water management regimes and number of livestock. At each site and for each sex, the data were modeled using a robust design capture–mark–recapture framework to obtain and compare estimates of survival, temporary emigration, time‐specific abundance, density, and population growth rate, while taking into account effects of individual heterogeneity, trap‐response, and time on capture probabilities. Temporary emigration was higher in males (0.344 ± 0.046) (mean ± SE) than in females (0.228 ± 0.071), did not differ between sites for each sex, and was mainly Markovian. Apparent adult survival was higher in females (0.966 ± 0.031) than in males (0.864 ± 0.024), and was negatively related to the proportion of individuals with repaired shell fractures in the population. Average density was 63.7 ± 6.6 turtles/km2but was higher for females (39.2 ± 14.0 females/km2) than for males (23.5 ± 5.7 males/km2). The population sizes of males and females decreased where long periods of artificial drought and the highest density of livestock occurred. This research highlights differences in demographic parameters according to sex and site in a turtle species, and it provides evidence that significant human‐induced disturbance represents a potential risk to European pond turtle populations. The sampling and analytical approaches illustrated in this study are applicable to many other species of reptiles and amphibians, and estimated population parameters could be combined to produce population indicators useful for conservation and management.
EVALUATION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PROGRAM AND IN SITU TRAINING BY PARENTS TO TEACH ABDUCTION‐PREVENTION SKILLS TO CHILDREN
Authors: Beck Kimberly V , Miltenberger Raymond G
Published: June 2010

Child abduction is a serious problem; therefore, it is essential that researchers evaluate the efficacy of commercially available abduction‐prevention programs. A multiple baseline design across participants (ages 6 to 8 years) was used to evaluate the effects of a training program, The Safe Side. Experimenters assessed safety responses in situ in two different situations (knock on the door and interaction by a stranger in public). Results revealed that participants did not demonstrate the safety skills following Safe Side training. All participants subsequently received in situ training (IST) implemented by the parent. Additional assessments and IST were conducted until each participant performed the skills to criterion. All participants demonstrated criterion performance following IST and maintained the skills over time.
OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING AND THE EMERGENCE OF SYMMETRY RELATIONS IN TEACHING SPANISH VOCABULARY WORDS TO TYPICALLY DEVELOPING CHILDREN
Authors: Ramirez Joline , Rehfeldt Ruth Anne , Ninness Chris
Published: June 2010

One 9‐year‐old child was taught conditional discriminations between dictated names in Spanish and their corresponding pictures across three stimulus sets while her 10‐year‐old brother observed. Posttests revealed the emergence of symmetry relations in the form of oral naming skills by both children.
TEACHING WOMEN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO IDENTIFY AND REPORT INAPPROPRIATE STAFF‐TO‐RESIDENT INTERACTIONS
Authors: Bollman Jessica R , Davis Paula K , Zarcone Jennifer
Published: June 2010

This study examined the effectiveness of behavioral skills training in teaching 2 adult women with mild intellectual disabilities to report inappropriate staff‐to‐resident interactions. The reporting skill included making a self‐advocacy response, walking away, and reporting the interaction. Participants' performance was measured during baseline, posttesting, 2‐ and 4‐week follow‐up, and generalization probes in new situations. All participants learned reporting skills, maintained these skills at 2‐ and 4‐week follow‐up, and generalized the skills to novel stimulus situations.
ASSESSING THE UTILITY OF A DEMAND ASSESSMENT FOR FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Roscoe Eileen M , Rooker Griffin W , Pence Sacha T , Longworth Lynlea J , Zarcone Jennifer
Published: June 2010

We evaluated the utility of an assessment for identifying tasks for the functional analysis demand condition with 4 individuals who had been diagnosed with autism. During the demand assessment, a therapist presented a variety of tasks, and observers measured problem behavior and compliance to identify demands associated with low levels of compliance or high levels of problem behavior (low‐probability demands) and demands associated with high levels of compliance or low levels of problem behavior (high‐probability demands). Results showed that clearer functional analysis outcomes were obtained for 3 of the 4 participants when low‐probability rather than high‐probability demands were used.
COMPARISON OF DATA‐COLLECTION METHODS IN A BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS: A REPLICATION
Authors: Najdowski Adel C , Chilingaryan Vardui , Bergstrom Ryan , Granpeesheh Doreen , Balasanyan Susie , Aguilar Barbara , Tarbox Jonathan , Roane Henry
Published: June 2010

Cummings and Carr (2009) compared two methods of data collection in a behavioral intervention program for children with pervasive developmental disorders: collecting data on all trials versus only the first trial in a session. Results showed that basing a child's progress on first‐trial data resulted in identifying mastery‐level responding slightly sooner, whereas determining mastery based on all trials resulted in slightly better skill maintenance. In the current replication, no such differences in indication of mastery or maintenance were observed when data were collected on all trials or the first trial.
ACQUISITION OF MANDS AND TACTS WITH CONCURRENT ECHOIC TRAINING
Authors: Kodak Tiffany , Clements Andrea , Ninness Chris
Published: June 2010

Previous studies have identified a number of effective teaching procedures to increase verbal behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities. However, few studies have evaluated modifications of treatment procedures when children fail to acquire communication skills. In the present investigation, a 4‐year‐old boy with autism failed to acquire unprompted mands and tacts during mand‐only and tact‐only training. Results indicated that combining echoic training with mand or tact training increased unprompted manding and tacting.
VIDEO MODELING BY EXPERTS WITH VIDEO FEEDBACK TO ENHANCE GYMNASTICS SKILLS
Authors: Boyer Eva , Miltenberger Raymond G , Batsche Catherine , Fogel Victoria , LeBlanc Linda
Published: June 2010

The effects of combining video modeling by experts with video feedback were analyzed with 4 female competitive gymnasts (7 to 10 years old) in a multiple baseline design across behaviors. During the intervention, after the gymnast performed a specific gymnastics skill, she viewed a video segment showing an expert gymnast performing the same skill and then viewed a video replay of her own performance of the skill. The results showed that all gymnasts demonstrated improved performance across three gymnastics skills following exposure to the intervention.
USING DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT TO DECREASE ACADEMIC RESPONSE LATENCIES OF AN ADOLESCENT WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
Authors: Heinicke Megan R , Carr James E , Mozzoni Michael P , Roane Henry
Published: June 2010

The present study investigated the effects of contingency‐specifying rules and a token economy to decrease the latency to comply with academic instructions by a 16‐year‐old girl with acquired brain injury. Results showed that treatment was successful in reducing academic response latencies. These results replicate previous research in which differential reinforcement was used to decrease slow responding to academic tasks.
USING MICROSOFT OFFICE EXCEL® 2007 TO CONDUCT GENERALIZED MATCHING ANALYSES
Authors: Reed Derek D , Dixon Mark
Published: June 2010

The generalized matching equation is a robust and empirically supported means of analyzing relations between reinforcement and behavior. Unfortunately, no simple task analysis is available to behavior analysts interested in using the matching equation to evaluate data in clinical or applied settings. This technical article presents a task analysis for the use of Microsoft Excel to analyze and plot the generalized matching equation. Using a data‐based case example and a step‐by‐step guide for completing the analysis, these instructions are intended to promote the use of quantitative analyses by researchers with little to no experience in quantitative analyses or the matching law.
THE EFFECTS OF RESPONSE INTERRUPTION AND REDIRECTION AND SERTRALINE ON VOCAL STEREOTYPY
Authors: Miguel Caio F , Clark Kathy , Tereshko Lisa , Ahearn William H , Zarcone Jennifer
Published: June 2010

Although response interruption and redirection (RIRD) has been shown to be successful in reducing vocal stereotypy, recent reports have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also reduce these behaviors. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the effects of RIRD with and without sertraline on automatically maintained vocal stereotypy of a 4‐year‐old boy with autism. Results suggested that vocal stereotypy decreased when RIRD was implemented and that sertraline did not affect the participant's vocal stereotypy.
ALTERING THE NEAR‐MISS EFFECT IN SLOT MACHINE GAMBLERS
Authors: Dixon Mark R , Nastally Becky L , Jackson James E , Habib Reza , Ninness Chris
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the potential for recreational gamblers to respond as if certain types of losing slot machine outcomes were actually closer to a win than others (termed the near‐miss effect). Exposure to conditional discrimination training and testing disrupted this effect for 10 of the 16 participants. These 10 participants demonstrated high percentages of conditional discrimination testing performance, and the remaining 6 participants failed the discrimination tests. The implications for a verbally based behavioral explanation of gambling are presented.
USING VIDEO TECHNOLOGY TO DISSEMINATE BEHAVIORAL PROCEDURES: A REVIEW OF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS: A GUIDE FOR UNDERSTANDING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR (DVD)
Authors: Carr James E , Fox Eric J , Vollmer Timothy
Published: June 2010

Although applied behavior analysis has generated many highly effective behavior‐change procedures, the procedures have not always been effectively disseminated. One solution to this problem is the use of video technology, which has been facilitated by the ready availability of video production equipment and software and multiple distribution methods (e.g., DVD, online streaming). We review a recent DVD that was produced to disseminate the successful experimental functional analysis procedure. The review is followed by general recommendations for disseminating behavior‐analytic procedures via video technology.
Synthetic, structural and biological studies of organosilicon(IV) complexes of Schiff bases derived from pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde
Authors: Singh Kiran , Pal Dharam
Published: June 2010

Selected new organosilicon(IV) complexes having the general formula R2SiCl[L] and R2Si[L]2 were synthesized by the reactions of Me2SiCl2 with Schiff bases [5-mercapto-4-(2-pyrrolecarboxalideneamino)-s-triazole, 5-mercapto-3-methyl-4-(2-pyrrolecarboxalidene amino)-s-triazole and 3-ethyl-5-mercapto-4-(2-pyrrolecarboxalideneamino)-s-triazole] in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios. All of the compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, and IR, UV, 1H-, 13C- and metal-NMR spectral studies. All the spectral data suggest an involvement with an azomethine nitrogen in coordination to the central metal atom. With the help of above-mentioned spectral studies, penta and hexacoordinated environments around the central metal atoms in the 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, respectively, are proposed. Finally, the free ligands and their metal complexes were tested in vitro against some pathogenic bacteria and fungi to assess their antimicrobial properties.
Development and application of a validated HPLC method for the analysis of dissolution samples of mexiletine hydrochloride capsules
Authors: Milenovic Dragan , Todorovic Zoran
Published: June 2010

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, efficient, sensitive and selective method for the analysis of dissolution samples of mexiletine hydrochloride capsules by HPLC without the necessity of any time-consuming extraction, dilution or evaporation steps prior to drug assay. Separation was performed isocratically on a 5 ?m LiChrospher 60, RP-Select B column (250 x 4 mm ID) using the mobile phase buffer-acetonitrile (60:42, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL min-1 and UV detection at 262 nm. The elution occurred in less than 10 minutes. The assay was linear in the concentration range 50-300 ?g mL-1 (r2 = 0.9998). The validation characteristics included accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, limits of detection and quantification, stability, and robustness. Validation acceptance criteria were met in all cases (the percent recoveries ranged between 100.01 and 101.68 %, RSD < 0.44 %). The method could be used for the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride and for monitoring its concentration in in vitro dissolution studies.
Cyclic conjugation in benzo-annelated triphenylenes
Authors: Jeremic Svetlana , Radenkovic Slavko , Gutman Ivan
Published: June 2010

Cyclic conjugation in benzo-annelated triphenylenes was studied by means of the energy effect (ef) and the ?-electron content (EC) of the six-membered rings. A regularity that was earlier discovered in the case of acenaphthylene and fluoranthene congeners is now shown to hold also for benzo-annelated triphenylenes: Benzenoid rings that are annelated angularly with regard to the central six-membered ring Z0 of triphenylene increase the intensity of the cyclic conjugation in Z0, whereas linearly annelated benzenoid rings decrease the cyclic conjugation in Z0. The efand EC-values are strongly correlated, yet in a non-linear manner.
The Effect of Local Anesthetic on Quality of Recovery Characteristics Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia in Children
Authors: Townsend Janice A. , Ganzberg Steven , Thikkurissy S.
Published: June 2010

This study is a randomized, prospective, double-blind study to evaluate the effects of the combination of local anesthetics and an intravenous nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) vs NSAID alone on quality of recovery following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA). Twenty-seven healthy children aged 3–5.5 years underwent dental rehabilitation under GA. Fifteen children in the experimental group received oral infiltration of local anesthetic in addition to intravenous ketorolac tromethamine, while 12 children in the control group received intravenous ketorolac tromethamine alone for postoperative pain management. Pain behaviors were evaluated immediately postoperatively using a FLACC scale and 4 hours postoperatively by self-report using various scales. Parents reported perception of child pain and comfort and any occurrences of postoperative cheek biting. The use of intraoral infiltration local anesthesia for complete dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for children aged 3–5.5 years did not result in improved pain behaviors in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), nor did it result in improved pain behaviors 4–6 hours postoperatively as measured by the FLACC scale, FACES scale, and subjective reports of parents or a PACU nurse. Those children receiving local anesthesia had a higher incidence of negative symptoms related to local anesthetic administration, including a higher incidence of lip and cheek biting, which was of clinical importance, but not statistically significant. Infiltration of local anesthetic for dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia did not improve quality of recovery in children aged 3–5.5 years.
Local and Systemic Toxicity of Intraoral Submucosal Injections of Phentolamine Mesylate (OraVerse)
Authors: Rutherford Bruce , Zeller Jillynne R. , Thake Daryl
Published: June 2010

OraVerseTM, an injectable formulation of phentolamine mesylate (PM), was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reversal of anesthesia of the lip and tongue and associated functional deficits resulting from an intraoral submucosal injection of a local anesthetic containing a vasoconstrictor. Because PM had not been approved previously for submucosal administration, 2 Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) studies in dogs designed to investigate systemic toxicity and the local effects of single and repeated dosing of OraVerse on the inferior alveolar nerve and branches of the superior alveolar nerve and adjacent soft tissues after local administration were conducted. Systemic toxicity was measured by preinjection and postinjection clinical examinations, clinical chemistry, and gross and microscopic examinations of major organs after necropsy. No evidence of systemic toxicity was detected. Local nerve and adjacent tissue damage was assessed by conventional histopathology. Nerve degeneration was evident in 1 animal. Mild perineural inflammation adjacent to the inferior alveolar nerve and inflammatory exudates were observed in submucosal tissues in several animals. No changes were observed in the nerves at injection sites of dogs from any dose group that were considered directly related to the test articles. These data reveal that single and repeated intraoral administrations of OraVerse are well tolerated in beagle dogs.
Preoperative Medical Evaluation: Part 2: Pulmonary, Endocrine, Renal, and Miscellaneous Considerations
Authors: Becker Daniel E.
Published: June 2010

A thorough assessment of a patient's medical status is standard practice when dental care is provided. Although this is true for procedures performed under local anesthesia alone, the information gathered may be viewed somewhat differently if the dentist is planning to provide sedation or general anesthesia as an adjunct to dental treatment. This article, the second of a 2-part sequence on preoperative assessment, will address pulmonary and other noncardiovascular disorders.
Effects of perzinfotel on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs when administered as a preanesthetic via various routes or in combination with butorphanol
Authors: Zwijnenberg Raphael J. , del Rio Carlos L. , Pollet Robert A. , Muir William W.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To determine the anesthetic-sparing effects of perzinfotel when administered as a preanesthetic via IV, IM, or SC routes or IM in combination with butorphanol.

Animals—6 healthy sexually intact Beagles (4 males and 2 females; age, 18.5 to 31 months; body weight, 9.8 to 12.4 kg).

Procedures—After administration of a placebo, perzinfotel (10 to 30 mg/kg), or a perzinfotel-butorphanol combination, anesthesia was induced in dogs with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The following variables were continuously monitored: bispectral index; heart rate; systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures; end-tidal concentration of isoflurane; end-tidal partial pressure of CO2; oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry; rectal temperature; and inspiration and expiration concentrations of isoflurane. A noxious stimulation protocol was used, and the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) was determined twice during anesthesia.

Results—IV, IM, and SC administration of perzinfotel alone decreased the mean isoflurane MAC values by 32% to 44% and significantly increased bispectral index values. A dose of 30 mg of perzinfotel/kg IM resulted in significant increases in heart rate and diastolic arterial blood pressure. The greatest MAC reduction (59%) was obtained with a combination of 20 mg of perzinfotel/kg IM and 0.2 mg of butorphanol/kg IM, whereas administration of butorphanol alone yielded a 15% reduction in the isoflurane MAC.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SC, IM, or IV administration of perzinfotel prior to induction of isoflurane anesthesia improved anesthetic safety by reducing inhalant anesthetic requirements in healthy dogs.
Ease of oral administration and owner-perceived acceptability of triglyceride oil, dissolving thin film strip, and gelatin capsule formulations to healthy cats
Authors: Traas Anne M. , Fleck Timothy , Ellings Andrea , Mahabir Sean , Stuebner Kathy , Brown Dorothy C. , Durso Dana , DiGregorio Michael , Bode Lora , Kievit Kelly I. , McCall Robert
Published: June 2010

Objective—To compare owner-assessed ease of administration and overall acceptability of 3 chemically inactive formulations administered PO to cats.

Animals—90 healthy client-owned cats.

Procedures—Cats were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 formulations PO once daily for 14 days: medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, dissolving thin film strips (proprietary ingredients), or gelatin capsules filled with microcrystalline cellulose. Owners administered the formulations and rated ease of administration daily on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). At the end of the study, owners rated overall acceptability of formulations from their own perspective and their overall perception of acceptability to their cat.

Results—Mean VAS scores for daily ease of administration of MCT oil and film strips were significantly higher than scores for gelatin capsules at all time points, except on days 2, 4, and 7. There was no difference between MCT oil and film strip formulation scores. Mean VAS scores were 8.8 (MCT oil), 8.9 (film strips), and 7.4 (gelatin capsules) for overall acceptability to owners and 8.0 (MCT oil), 8.3 (film strips), and 6.7 (gelatin capsules) for overall owner-perceived acceptability to cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Daily ease of administration on 11 of 14 days and overall owner-perceived acceptability to cats were scored significantly higher for film strips and MCT oil, compared with scores for gelatin capsules. Overall acceptability to owners followed a similar pattern; however, the differences were not significant. Dissolving thin film strip or MCT oil vehicles may allow for easier PO administration of medication to cats than does administration of gelatin capsules.
Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of intestinal innervation in dogs with and without intussusception
Authors: Oliveira-Barros Leda M. , Costa-Casagrande Thais A. , Cogliati Bruno , Sá Lílian R. M. , Matera Julia M.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To assess viability of innervation in bowel segments appearing macroscopically viable from dogs with intussusception.

Animals—7 dogs without gastrointestinal dysfunction that had been euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study (control dogs) and 13 dogs with intussusception that underwent enterectomy and intestinal anastomosis (affected dogs).

Procedures—A total of 31 samples of intestinal tissue were obtained from the control dogs; 28 samples were obtained from affected dogs during surgery. Samples were histologically and immunohistochemically prepared and subjectively scored for degree of vacuolization and staining, respectively. Other data collected included mean muscle cell density of circular and longitudinal muscular layers, ratio between areas of muscular layers, mean number of myenteric plexuses, mean ganglion cell density of myenteric plexuses, and degree of degeneration in neuronal plexuses as estimated through synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) immunoreactivity.

Results—Mean muscle cell density of longitudinal muscular layers, ratio between areas of muscular layers, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity did not differ significantly between affected and control dogs; values of all other variables did. Correlations were evident between mean ganglion cell density in myenteric plexuses and mean muscle cell density in circular muscular layers, degree of neuronal degeneration in myenteric plexuses and NSE immunoreactivity, and degree of neuronal degeneration in myenteric plexuses and mean ganglion cell density of myenteric plexuses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Innervation may be impaired in bowel segments that appear macroscopically viable. Therefore, careful evaluation of preserved surgical margins during enterectomy and enteroanastomosis and monitoring of digestive function after surgery are important.
Evaluation of activation of G proteins in response to thyroid stimulating hormone in thyroid gland cells from euthyroid and hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Ward Cynthia R. , Windham William R. , Dise Darrell
Published: June 2010

Objective—To evaluate alterations in ligand-stimulated activity of G proteins in thyroid gland cells of hyperthyroid cats.

Sample Population—Membranes of thyroid gland cells isolated from 5 hyperthyroid cats and 3 age-matched euthyroid (control) cats immediately after the cats were euthanatized.

Procedures—Isolated thyroid cell membranes were treated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and activation of G protein was quantified by measurement of the binding of guanosine triphosphate γ labeled with sulfur 35 (GTPγ35S). The separate effects of G-protein inhibitory (Gi) and G-protein stimulatory (Gs) proteins were determined by the use of pertussis toxin and cholera toxin, respectively.

Results—Thyroid cell membranes from hyperthyroid cats had higher basal GTPγ35S binding than did thyroid cell membranes from euthyroid cats. Thyroid cell membranes from hyperthyroid and euthyroid cats had a concentration-dependent increase in TSH-stimulated GTPγ35S binding over the TSH range of 0 to 100 mU/mL, with maximal activity at 1 to 100 mU/mL for both. The percentage increase in GTPγ35S binding stimulated by TSH was similar in magnitude between the membranes from hyperthyroid and euthyroid cats. The TSH-stimulated activation of Gs and Gi was not different between euthyroid and hyperthyroid cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ligand-stimulated activation of G proteins was the same in thyroid cell membranes obtained from hyperthyroid and euthyroid cats. Therefore, alterations in inherent Gs or Gi activities did not appear to be part of the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism in cats.
Gene expression of proteolytic systems and growth regulators of skeletal muscle in horses with myopathy associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
Authors: Aleman Monica , Nieto Jorge E.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To investigate gene expression of the major proteolytic systems and growth regulators in skeletal muscle of horses with myopathy associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

Animals—14 horses with PPID-associated myopathy and 7 healthy control horses.

Procedures—Horses with PPID and controls were age matched (15 to 28 years old). Muscle biopsy specimens were collected from both groups and processed for RNA and cDNA extraction. Validation of the most stable housekeeping genes for skeletal muscle was performed and used to compare gene expression of the following proteolytic systems: cysteine aspartate protease–dependent systems (caspases), lysosomal-dependent systems (cathepsins), non–lysosomal calcium protease–dependent systems (calpains), and ubiquitin-proteasome–dependent systems (ubiquitins). Gene expression of negative regulators of muscle growth (myostatin and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) was also determined.

Results—No significant difference between groups was detected in expression of the major proteolytic systems except for m-calpain, which was greater in horses with PPID. No differences in gene expression of myostatin and interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Greater expression of m-calpain may suggest that calpains play an important role in development of muscle atrophy in horses with PPID. However, because posttranslational events may alter protein activation, inactivation, and functions not studied here, other mechanisms of muscle atrophy cannot be excluded.
Tear volume, turnover rate, and flow rate in ophthalmologically normal horses
Authors: Chen Thomas , Ward Daniel A.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To determine tear volume, turnover rate, and flow rate in ophthalmologically normal horses by use of fluorophotometry.

Animals—12 mares free of ophthalmic disease.

Procedures—2 μL of 10% sodium fluorescein was instilled onto 1 eye of each horse, and tear samples were collected via microcapillary tubes from the inferonasal conjunctival culde-sac at 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, and 20 minutes after instillation. Collected tear samples were then measured for fluorescein concentrations with a computerized scanning ocular fluorophotometer. A decay curve plot of concentration changes over time was used to determine tear flow rate and volume through 2 different mathematical treatments of the data (the including method and the excluding method).

Results—Fluorescein concentration in tears decreased in a first-order manner. The including method yielded a mean tear volume of 360.09 μL, a turnover rate of 12.22%/min, and a flow rate of 47.77 μL/min. The excluding method yielded values of 233.74 μL, 13.21%/min, and 33.62 μL/min, respectively. Mean ± SD correlation coefficients for the natural logarithm of the fluorescein concentration versus time were 0.93 ± 0.12 for the including method and 0.98 ± 0.03 for the excluding method.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The excluding method yielded more accurate results. A tear flow rate of 33.62 μL/min and a tear volume of 233.74 μL imply a complete recycling of the tear volume in approximately 7 minutes and suggest that increased dosing regimens or constant infusion methods for topical administration of ophthalmic drugs may be indicated when treating horses for corneal disease in which high ocular surface concentrations are needed.
Evaluation of healthy equine eyes by use of retinoscopy, keratometry, and ultrasonographic biometry
Authors: Grinninger Petra , Skalicky Monika , Nell Barbara
Published: June 2010

Objective—To assess natural variations in degree of refraction, corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, corneal radius, and intraocular distance of healthy equine eyes.

Animals—159 horses with healthy eyes that were admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital for nonophthalmic surgeries.

Procedures—Eyes of horses were examined with a retinoscope prior to anesthesia and with a keratograph and A- and B-scan ultrasonographic biometers during surgery. In addition, manual caliper measurements of horizontal and vertical corneal radii were obtained.

Results—Mean ± SD degree of refraction in the horizontal meridian of eyes was −0.06 ± 0.68 diopters (D). Vitreous body length and horse age correlated negatively with refraction values. The horizontal corneal radius (15.96 ± 1.28 mm) was larger than the vertical corneal radius (15.02 ± 1.09 mm). Accordingly, the vertical corneal curvature (21.56 ± 1.68 D) was greater than the horizontal corneal curvature (22.89 ± 1.65 D). Axial globe length (40.52 ± 2.67 mm), anterior chamber depth (6.35 ± 0.59 mm), lens thickness (12.30 ± 0.83 mm), and vitreous body length (21.87 ± 1.85 mm) were positively correlated with body weight, height, and age. Results of keratograph and caliper measurements correlated well for horizontal corneal diameter but poorly for vertical corneal diameter. Results of A- and B-scan ultrasonography differed by ≤ 1 mm in 64% of measured eyes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of keratometry and ultrasonographic biometry varied widely. Additional research is needed to validate the keratograph used in our study for measurements in equine eyes.
Evaluation of MUC5AC expression and upregulation in airway epithelial cells of horses
Authors: Oslund Karen L. , Adamson Grete , Wu Reen
Published: June 2010

Objective—To isolate and culture primary equine airway epithelial cells in vitro and elucidate the major cytokines involved in expression of the gel-forming mucin gene MUC5AC in horses.

Sample Population—12 tracheas obtained within 5 hours after euthanasia from horses free from respiratory tract disease.

Procedures—Tracheal rings were digested overnight in 0.2% protease, and dissociated airway epithelial cells were grown in a serum-free defined medium at an air-liquid interface until confluence was achieved. Differentiated airway epithelial cells were treated with a panel of recombinant equine cytokines followed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay for mRNA of equine MUC5AC and the control gene glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Cultures were incubated in the presence of isohelenin, a nuclear factor KB–DNA-binding inhibitor, to investigate transcriptional regulation of MUC5AC.

Results—Light and electron microscopy revealed a differentiated epithelium with ciliated cells, nonciliated mucous cells, and basal-like cells. Recombinant equine tumor necrosis factor-A was the major mediator in the cytokine panel that significantly increased MUC5AC mRNA by a factor of 5 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This enhancement was attenuated by isohelenin.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggested that a nuclear factor KB-based transcriptional mechanism is involved in induction of MUC5AC expression by tumor necrosis factor-A. Understanding the molecular mechanism of cytokine-enhanced MUC5AC expression in horses may lead to better treatment options and understanding of the pathogenesis of equine pulmonary diseases.
Effect of a plasma-derived colostrum replacement feeding program on adult performance and longevity in Holstein cows
Authors: Pithua Patrick , Godden Sandra M. , Fetrow John , Wells Scott J.
Published: June 2010

Objective—To evaluate longevity, milk production, and breeding performance in adult Holstein cows fed either a plasma-derived commercial colostrum replacer (CR) or raw bovine maternal colostrum (MC) at birth.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—497 heifer calves born in 12 commercial dairies located in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Procedures—All calves were separated from their dams within 30 to 60 minutes after birth and systematically assigned to be fed either MC (control group [n = 261 calves]) or CR (treatment group [236]). Calves were observed from birth up to adulthood (approx 54 months old), during which time death and culling events plus milk yield and breeding performance data were collected. Time to death, time to culling, time to death or culling combined, time to first calving, and time to conception intervals were evaluated by use of proportional hazards survival analysis models. Number of times inseminated per conception and lifetime milk yield (up to 54 months old) were evaluated by use of general linear models.

Results—Cows fed CR as calves at the time of birth were no different than cows fed MC as calves with respect to overall risk of death, culling, or death or culling combined (from birth to 54 months of follow-up and from first calving to 54 months old); lifetime milk yield; and breeding performance.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—No difference was detected in overall risk of death or culling, milk production, or reproductive performance between cows fed CR and those fed MC as calves at birth.
Plasmatic protein values in captive adult Iberian red deer stags (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)
Authors: Gaspar-López Enrique , Estevez Jose , Landete-Castillejos Tomás , Ceacero Francisco , Gallego Laureano , García Andrés
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the time trend of plasmatic proteins in red deer stags. Blood samples were taken monthly from 17 male red deer for 22 months. Total plasmatic determination and protein electrophoresis were performed. Plasmatic proteins showed minimum values during spring and summer and a maximum at the peak of the mating period. Total globulins, β and γ, followed a pattern similar to that observed for total proteins, whereas α1 and α2 globulins showed no seasonal variations. Albumin showed higher values in early spring and summer and lower values at the beginning of autumn, coinciding with the mating season. These seasonal changes in plasmatic proteins should be taken into account when assessing blood protein analysis results.
Climatic cycles recorded in the Middle Eocene hemipelagites from a Dinaric foreland basin of Istria (Croatia)
Authors: Lužar-Oberiter Borna , Hochuli Peter , Babić Ljubomir , Glumac Bosiljka , Tibljaš Darko
Published: June 2010

Climatic cycles recorded in the Middle Eocene hemipelagites from a Dinaric foreland basin of Istria (Croatia)

Middle Eocene hemipelagic marls from the Pazin-Trieste Basin, a foreland basin of the Croatian Dinarides, display repetitive alternations of two types of marls with different resistance to weathering. This study focuses on the chemical composition, stable isotopes, and palynomorph content of these marls in order to better understand the nature of their cyclic deposition and to identify possible paleoenvironmental drivers responsible for their formation. The less resistant marls (LRM) have consistently lower carbonate content, lower δ18O and δ13C values, and more abundant dinoflagellate cysts than the more resistant marls (MRM). We interpret these differences between the two marl types to be a result of climatic variations, likely related to Milankovitch oscillations. Periods with wetter climate, associated with increased continental runoff, detrital and nutrient influx produced the LRM. Higher nutrient supply sparked higher dinoflagellate productivity during these times, while reduced salinity and stratification of the water column may have hampered the productivity of calcareous nannoplankton and/or planktonic foraminifera. In contrast, the MRM formed during dryer periods which favoured higher carbonate accumulation rates. This study provides new information about the sedimentary record of short-scale climate variations reflected in wet-dry cycles during an overall warm, greenhouse Earth.
From Alkaline Earth Ion Aggregates via Transition Metal Coordination Polymer Networks towards Heterometallic Single Source Precursors for Oxidic Materials
Authors: Gschwind Fabienne , Crochet Aurélien , Maudez William , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: June 2010

Heterometallic oxides are used as materials in many applications, e.g. from ferroelectrics to superconductors. Making these compounds usually requires high temperatures and long reaction times. Molecular precursors may contribute to render their processing shorter and accessible
at lower temperatures, thus cheaper in energy and time. In this review article, different approaches toward oxide materials will be shown, starting with homometallic clusters and coordination polymers and highlighting recent results with heterometallic single source precursors. On the way
to the latter, we came across many exciting results which themselves allowed applications in different fields. This work will give an overview on how these fields were brought together for the current mixed metallic compounds as precursors for heterometallic oxides.
Chemical Information Media in the Chemistry Lecture Hall: A Comparative Assessment of Two Online Encyclopedias
Authors: Korosec Lukas , Limacher Peter Andreas , Lüthi Hans Peter , Brändle Martin Paul
Published: June 2010

The chemistry encyclopedia Römpp Online and the German universal encyclopedia Wikipedia were assessed by first-year university students on the basis of a set of 30 articles about chemical thermodynamics. Criteria with regard to both content and form were applied in the comparison;
619 ratings (48% participation rate) were returned. While both encyclopedias obtained very good marks and performed nearly equally with regard to their accuracy, the average overall mark for Wikipedia was better than for Römpp Online, which obtained lower marks with regard to completeness
and length. Analysis of the results and participants' comments shows that students attach importance to completeness, length and comprehensibility rather than accuracy, and also attribute less value to the availability of sources which validate an encyclopedia article. Both encyclopedias can
be promoted as a starting reference to access a topic in chemistry. However, it is recommended that instructors should insist that students do not rely solely on encyclopedia texts, but use and cite primary literature in their reports.
A simple method to reduce infection of ventriculoperitoneal shunts
Authors: Rehman Atiq-ur , Rehman Tausif-ur , Bashir Hassaan H. , Gupta Vikas
Published: June 2010

Object

Postoperative shunt infection is the most common and feared complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for treatment of hydrocephalus. The rate of shunt infection is highest in the 1st postoperative month. The most common organisms responsible for shunt infection include coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests a transfer of patient's skin flora via the surgeons' glove as a possible means of infection. The authors conducted a study to determine if the rate of postoperative shunt infections could be reduced simply by changing gloves before handling the shunt catheter.

Methods

A total of 111 neonates born with congenital hydrocephalus requiring a VP shunt were enrolled retrospectively and divided into 2 groups: a control group of 54 neonates treated with standard protocol VP shunt placement (Group A) and a treatment group of 57 neonates in whom, after initially double gloving, the outer pair of gloves was removed before handling the shunt catheter (Group B). Shunt infection rates were compared up to 6 months postoperatively.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction of infection rate from 16.33% in Group A (control) to 3.77% in Group B (p = 0.0458).

Conclusions

The study shows that a changing of gloves before handling the shunt catheter may be a simple and cost-effective way to reduce the burden of postoperative shunt infections.
Pineal anlage tumor in a 5-month-old boy
Authors: Olaya Joffre E. , Raghavan Ravi , Totaro Laura , Zouros Alexander
Published: June 2010

Pineal tumors are rare neoplasms that are categorized into pineoblastomas, pineocytomas, and pineal parenchymal tumors of intermediate differentiation. Pineal anlage tumors are primary pineal tumors with neuroepithelial and ectomesenchymal differentiation and without endodermal differentiation. The authors review the literature and report the case of a 5-month-old boy with a pineal anlage tumor. This is only the sixth case of a pineal anlage tumor reported in the English-language literature adding to the understanding of this tumor's presentation, immunomorphological and molecular characteristics, embryological origin, radiological appearance, treatment outcome, and prognosis.
Bony carotid canal hypoplasia in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Watanabe Arata , Omata Tomohiro , Koizumi Hidehito , Nakano Shin , Takeuchi Nobuyasu , Kinouchi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2010

Object

The natural history of moyamoya disease is not well known. We have observed that the bony carotid canal is hypoplastic in patients with adult onset moyamoya disease. Bony carotid canal development should represent internal carotid artery (ICA) development, and may stop with the beginning of ICA stenosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the onset of moyamoya disease by measuring the bony carotid canal.

Methods

The normal diameter of the bony carotid canal was evaluated on 4-mm thick bone window CT scans of the skull base in 60 Japanese patients aged 20–80 years, who had minor head trauma or headache considered to be unrelated to the skull base or arterial systems. The relationship between age and bony carotid canal development was assessed in a second group of 50 patients aged 0–19 years, including 10 under 2 years, using CT scans with the same parameters. The diameter of the bony carotid canal in 17 Japanese patients with moyamoya disease was measured.

Results

The normal diameter in adults was 5.27 ± 0.62 mm (mean ± SD). The bony carotid canal developed rapidly before approximately 2 years of age. After fusion of the bony suture, the bony carotid canal developed slowly. The mean diameter of the bony carotid canal was 3.31 ± 0.44 mm in 11 adult patients with adult-onset moyamoya disease. According to the apparent curve of bony carotid canal development, ICA stenosis was assumed to start in early childhood.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that most cases of Asian moyamoya disease may arise in childhood and that many Asian adult patients with moyamoya disease may develop occlusive vasculopathy in childhood.