bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Brain Endocannabinoid Levels by Voluntary Alcohol Consumption in Alcohol‐Preferring AA Rats
Authors: Malinen Hanna , Lehtonen Marko , Hyytiä Petri
Published: July 2009

Background:  The central nervous system cannabinoid CB1 receptors have been implicated in regulation of alcohol consumption. Less data are available on the role of the endogenous ligands for these receptors, anandamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), in alcohol‐related behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption on the levels of these endocannabinoids in key brain areas mediating alcohol reinforcement.

Methods:  Female and male alcohol‐preferring AA (Alko, Alcohol) rats were trained to drink 10% (v/v) alcohol during 90‐min limited access sessions every second day. Following establishment of stable alcohol drinking, half of the subjects were killed immediately before the daily alcohol access (“pre‐session” group), while the other half was killed after the drinking session (“post‐session” group). A separate control group consisted of water‐drinking rats. AEA and 2‐AG levels were measured from prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate putamen (CPu), amygdala, and hippocampus using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).

Results:  Voluntary alcohol drinking caused widespread alterations in the levels of both AEA and 2‐AG. Compared to the water group, increased AEA levels were seen in the pre‐session group, but they were decreased immediately following limited access drinking in the female AA rats. Also 2‐AG levels were significantly elevated after long alcohol exposure, and an additional increase was found after limited access drinking in PFC. In males, however, the only alterations caused by alcohol drinking were significantly elevated AEA levels in NAc and CPu in the post‐session group. No changes were seen in the levels of 2‐AG.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that voluntary alcohol drinking modulates the levels of endocannabinoids in several brain areas implicated in alcohol reinforcement. AEA and 2‐AG were differentially affected, suggesting that they could have partially separate modulatory roles. Alterations were more widespread in females than males, possibly reflecting their higher alcohol intake. Taken together, alcohol‐induced release of endocannabinoids may have an important role in alcohol reinforcement and development of alcohol addiction.
A Single, Moderate Ethanol Exposure Alters Extracellular Dopamine Levels and Dopamine D2Receptor Function in the Nucleus Accumbens of Wistar Rats
Authors: Franklin Kelle M. , Engleman Eric A. , Ingraham Cynthia M. , McClaren Joseph A. , Keith Carrie M. , McBride William J. , Murphy James M.
Published: July 2009

Background: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in the neurochemical effects of ethanol (EtOH). Evidence suggests that repeated EtOH exposures and chronic EtOH drinking increase dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the NAc due, in part, to a reduction in D2autoreceptor function. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the effects of a single EtOH pretreatment and repeated EtOH pretreatments on DA neurotransmission and D2autoreceptor function in the NAc of Wistar rats.

Methods: Experiment 1 examined D2receptor function after a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection or repeated i.p. injections of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg EtOH to female Wistar rats. Single EtOH pretreatment groups received 1 daily i.p. injection of 0.9% NaCl (saline) for 4 days, followed by 1 day of saline or EtOH administration; repeated EtOH pretreatment groups received 5 days of saline or EtOH injections. Reverse microdialysis experiments were conducted to determine the effects of local perfusion with the D2‐like receptor antagonist (‐)sulpiride (SUL; 100 uM), on extracellular DA levels in the NAc. Experiment 2 evaluated if pretreatment with a single, moderate (1.0 g/kg) dose of EtOH would alter levels and clearance of extracellular DA in the NAc, as measured by no‐net‐flux (NNF) microdialysis. Subjects were divided into the EtOH‐naïve and the single EtOH pretreated groups from Experiment 1.

Results: Experiment 1: Changes in extracellular DA levels induced with SUL perfusion were altered by the EtOH dose (p < 0.001), but not the number of EtOH pretreatments (p > 0.05). Post‐hoc analyses indicated that groups pretreated with single or repeated 1.0 g/kg EtOH showed significantly attenuated DA response to SUL, compared with all other groups (p < 0.001). Experiment 2: Multiple linear regression analyses yielded significantly (p < 0.05) higher extracellular DA concentrations in the NAc of rats receiving EtOH pretreatment, compared with their EtOH‐naïve counterparts (3.96 ± 0.42 nM and 3.25 ± 0.23 nM, respectively). Extraction fractions were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

Conclusions: The present results indicate that a single EtOH pretreatment at a moderate dose can increase DA neurotransmission in the NAc due, in part, to reduced D2autoreceptor function.
Reduction of Alcohol’s Reinforcing and Motivational Properties by the Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABABReceptor, BHF177, in Alcohol‐Preferring Rats
Authors: Maccioni Paola , Carai Mauro A.M. , Kaupmann Klemens , Guery Sébastien , Froestl Wolfgang , Leite‐Morris Kimberly A. , Gessa Gian Luigi , Colombo Giancarlo
Published: July 2009

Background: The positive allosteric modulators of the GABABreceptor, CGP7930 and GS39783, have been found to reduce alcohol self‐administration in alcohol‐preferring rats. The present study was designed to assess the effect of the newly synthesized positive allosteric modulator of the GABABreceptor, BHF177, on alcohol’s reinforcing and motivational properties in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats.

Methods: sP rats were initially trained to respond on a lever [on a fixed ratio 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement] to orally self‐administer alcohol (15%, v/v) or sucrose (1 to 3%, w/v) in daily 30‐minute sessions. Once responding reached stable levels, rats were allocated to 2 different experiments: in the first experiment, rats were exposed to sessions with the FR4 schedule of reinforcement; in the second experiment, rats were exposed to sessions with a conventional progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. In both experiments, the effect of BHF177 (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg; i.g.) on responding for alcohol and sucrose (FR experiment: 1%, w/v; PR experiment: 3%, w/v) was determined.

Results: In the FR experiment, pretreatment with 25 and 50 mg/kg BHF177 produced a 30 and 45% reduction, respectively, in responding for alcohol. In the PR experiment, pretreatment with 50 mg/kg BHF177 resulted in a 35% reduction in breakpoint for alcohol (defined as the lowest response requirement not achieved by each rat and used as index of the motivational strength of alcohol). In both experiments, the effect of BHF177 on alcohol self‐administration was specific, since responding for sucrose was unaltered by BHF177 pretreatment.

Conclusions: The present results extend to BHF177 the capacity of the 2 previously tested positive allosteric modulators of the GABABreceptor, CGP7930 and GS39783, to specifically suppress alcohol’s reinforcing and motivational properties in alcohol‐preferring rats.
Epidemiology of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence in Rural Chinese Men
Authors: Zhou Liang , Conner Kenneth R. , Phillips Michael R. , Caine Eric D. , Xiao Shuiyuan , Zhang Ruiling , Gong Yu
Published: July 2009

Background:  Several national and regional epidemiological studies in China have reported increases in the prevalence of alcohol use disorders over the past 3 decades.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study conducted in 2007 identified 11,884 male subjects aged 18 to 60 years using multi‐stage randomized cluster sampling methods in 2 rural communities in China and interviewed 9,866 of them. Current and lifetime alcohol use disorders were assessed with a semi‐structured diagnostic interview.

Results:  The age‐standardized prevalence of current (lifetime) alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence in Hunan were 1.8% (4.8%) and 4.7% (8.6%) respectively, and those in Henan were 7.6% (11.8%) and 8.7% (10.8%). Higher age (55 to 60) and lower education were risk factors for alcohol dependence in Hunan while middle age (35 to 44), currently married, and higher education and higher income were risk factors in Henan.

Conclusions:  Alcohol abuse and dependence are no longer uncommon disorders among rural men in China. Unlike most western reports, alcohol dependence shows higher prevalence than abuse. There are significant differences in the prevalence of alcohol use disorders and the socio‐demographic profile of affected individuals in the 2 different regions of the country.
Hospital billing for blood processing and transfusion for inpatient stays
Authors: McCue Michael J. , Nayar Preethy
Published: July 2009

Medicare, an important payer for hospitals, reimburses hospitals for inpatient stays using Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs). Many private insurers also use the DRG methodology to reimburse hospitals for their services. Therefore, those blood service organizations that bill Medicare directly require an understanding of the DRG system of payment to enable them to bill Medicare correctly, and in order to be certain they are adequately reimbursed. Blood centers that do not bill Medicare directly need to understand how hospitals are reimbursed for blood and blood components as this affects a hospital's ability to pay service fees related to these products. This review presents a detailed explanation of how hospitals are reimbursed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for Medicare inpatient services, including blood services.
Firm–Specific Human Capital and Governance in IPO Firms: Addressing Agency and Resource Dependence Concerns
Authors: Arthurs Jonathan D. , Busenitz Lowell W. , Hoskisson Robert E. , Johnson Richard A.
Published: July 2009

Entrepreneurs with firm–specific human capital represent both a potential source of competitive advantage and a threat to appropriate the rents that are ultimately generated by a new venture. This situation presents interesting agency and resource dependence challenges. While potential investors in these ventures will want assurances that their interests are protected, they will also want to ensure that these key entrepreneurs remain with the organization. Using agency theory and resource dependence theory, we examine the types of governance mechanisms that are implemented in firms going through an initial public offering comparing those ventures which indicate a dependence on these critical entrepreneurs versus those that do not. Our analysis reveals that ventures exhibiting dependence on key entrepreneurs are associated with higher insider and outsider ownership by the board, greater start–up experience by the board, greater use of contingent compensation, and greater use of involuntary departure agreements.
The Impact of Networking on Bank Financing: The Case of Small and Medium–Sized Enterprises in Vietnam
Authors: Le Ngoc T.B. , Nguyen Thang V.
Published: July 2009

It is argued that networking is crucial for small and medium–sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in emerging economies as they seek to access resources for development. One key resource in emerging economies is bank financing. In this paper, we develop a model that examines the net effect of different network ties on bank financing to private SMEs. The results support our hypothesis that different network ties influence SMEs‘ use of bank loans in different ways. Specifically, networking with customers and government officials promotes the use of bank loans, while networking with suppliers and social ties reduces the need for bank loans. This study provides a number of research and managerial implications, which are discussed at the end of the paper.
Start–Up Capital and Chinese Entrepreneurs: The Role of Family
Authors: Au Kevin , Kwan Ho Kwong
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the formation of the initial capital structure of Chinese start–up firms. Contrary to the predominant view of Chinese family business, this study found that family funding is not the major source of start–up capital under certain conditions. Employing two surveys conducted separately in Hong Kong and the mainland of the People's Republic of China, it was revealed that Chinese entrepreneurs seek initial funding from their family rather than from outsiders only if they expected lower transaction costs and lower levels of family interference in the business. The implications of the findings for entrepreneurship of ethnic Chinese communities in East Asia are discussed.
Symptoms of delusion: the effects of discontinuation of low‐dose venlafaxine
Authors: Koga M. , Kodaka F. , Miyata H. , Nakayama K.
Published: July 2009

Objective:  We report a patient who experienced delusional symptoms during gradual discontinuation of low‐dose venlafaxine and required antipsychotic treatment.

Method:  Case report.

Results:  A 31‐year‐old woman with major depression had been treated abroad with venlafaxine before returning to Japan. Since venlafaxine is unavailable here, we supplemented her regular venlafaxine dosage of 37.5 mg/day with clomipramine 20 mg/day. After 5 weeks we reduced venlafaxine to 18.75 mg/day and uptitrated clomipramine to 40 mg/day. Four days later she developed delusions of reference, palpitations and nausea. Clomipramine was increased to 60 mg/day, and her symptoms subsided. Eight weeks later her supply of venlafaxine ran out, and within 4 days her condition deteriorated into more severe symptoms that required 4 months’ antipsychotic treatment.

Conclusion:  We speculate that her symptoms were discontinuation syndrome, including psychotic symptoms and physical symptoms, caused by (i) venlafaxine‐clomipramine interaction and/or (ii) the serotonin reuptake inhibitor‐like effects of low‐dose venlafaxine.
Non‐transferrin‐bound iron in haematological patients during chemotherapy and conditioning for autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sahlstedt Leila , Von Bonsdorff Leni , Ebeling Freja , Parkkinen Jaakko , Juvonen Eeva , Ruutu Tapani
Published: July 2009

Free iron induced hydroxyl radical formation is one possible mechanism for tissue injury during cytotoxic therapy. We studied the appearance of free, non‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) at baseline and during the 20‐d period after the onset of cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with haematological malignancy undergoing intensive chemotherapy or conditioning for autologous stem cell transplantation (aSCT). NTBI was detected on average for 15.6 d in patients treated with chemotherapy only, and for 6.1 d in patients undergoing aSCT. The recovery of the bone marrow function coincided with the disappearance of NTBI. The type of the conditioning regimen was also associated with the appearance of NTBI. The timing of the presence of NTBI accords with the presence of the most important non‐infectious complication of intensive chemotherapy and autologous transplantation, mucosal injury, and free iron is likely to contribute to this and probably other complications of the intensive treatments.
Abnormal adipokine levels and leptin‐induced changes in gene expression profiles in multiple myeloma
Authors: Reseland Janne E. , Reppe Sjur , Olstad Ole K. , Hjorth‐Hansen Henrik , Brenne Anne T. , Syversen Unni , Waage Anders , Iversen Per O.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Studies have revealed an association between overweight/obesity and multiple myeloma. However, the factors linking a dysregulated energy metabolism to this disease have not been identified. Adipose tissue produces and secretes the adipokines leptin, adiponectin and resistin, involved in metabolism and cell growth.

Methods:  We measured the plasma concentrations of these three adipokines in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma as well as in patients with relapse. We further explored the importance of leptin in multiple myeloma by performing gene expression profiling in two myeloma cell lines.

Results:  At diagnosis, leptin was increased (P < 0.05) in both female and male patients compared with controls. Adiponectin was reduced (P < 0.05) among male patients, whereas no significant changes in resistin were noted among any patients. In patients with relapse and treated with thalidomide, no particular adipokine pattern was revealed. Leptin induced the expression of several genes important for cell signaling, growth and viability.

Conclusions:  The plasma concentrations of leptin and adiponectin, but not resistin, were abnormal in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Adipose tissue may modify the growth and metabolism of myeloma cells through adipokine‐mediated effects.
Vitamin D deficiency rickets and allegations of non‐accidental injury
Authors: Paterson Colin R
Published: July 2009

Vitamin D deficiency rickets has long been recognized as a cause of fractures and fracture‐like appearances in young children. Often seen in the early 20th century, rickets has recently been regarded as uncommon; the radiological appearances, familiar to previous generations, may not be recognized for what they are.

This article reports four children with unexplained fractures initially attributed confidently to non‐accidental injury. In each case, the later evidence of vitamin D deficiency led to a reconsideration of that diagnosis.

Conclusion:  It is important to be aware of this bone disorder in the differential diagnosis of fractures, to investigate appropriately and to recognize that the radiological appearances may be misleading. A mistaken diagnosis of abuse does real harm, not least to the child itself.
Soft palate hypoplasia and concurrent middle ear pathology in six dogs
Authors: White R. N. , Hawkins H. L. , Alemi V. P. , Warner C.
Published: July 2009

This retrospective clinical study describes six consecutive cases of bilateral hypoplasia/malformation of the soft palate in dogs in which associated middle ear disease was investigated and the palatine defects were surgical repaired. Radiographic abnormalities of the tympanic bullae were seen in both ears of all six dogs (12 of 12). Negative tympanocentesis findings were recorded in 11 of 12 ears. A purulent otitis media was confirmed in one ear of one dog, and loss of hearing was also demonstrated in this ear on brainstem auditory evoked response hearing assessment. There was no evidence of hearing loss on brainstem auditory evoked response in any of the remaining ears. Surgical repair of the soft palate defect was undertaken in all six dogs. Long‐term assessment of the clinical outcome was considered excellent in five dogs and reasonable in one dog (mean 18 months, range seven to 27 months). It would appear that surgical intervention for the treatment of bilateral palatine malformation/hypoplasia may be associated with a better prognosis than reported previously. The lack of middle ear effusion and associated hearing impairment suggests that the underlying aetiology of middle ear pathology in dogs suffering from congenital palatine defects may be different from that observed in human beings. The true nature of the radiographic bullae changes seen in dogs with soft palate defects remains unclear.
Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging features of canine segmental caudal vena cava aplasia
Authors: Schwarz T. , Rossi F. , Wray J. D. , ÅBlad B. , Beal M. W. , Kinns J. , Seiler G. S. , Dennis R. , McConnell J. F. , Costello M.
Published: July 2009

Objective: To describe the computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging features of segmental caudal vena cava aplasia and associated vascular anomalies in dogs.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed reviewing computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging archives of eight institutions for dogs with segmental caudal vena cava aplasia. Inclusion criteria included a computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging study and supportive diagnostic and follow‐up information. Abdominal vessels were reviewed for size, shape, location and course (including tributaries and branches) and classified as normal, abnormal or shunt vessels.

Results: Ten dogs with segmental caudal vena cava aplasia were identified. In all dogs, postrenal caval blood was shunted to either a right or a left azygos vein, with seven different angiographic patterns. Affected dogs were predominantly female (70 per cent) and young (mean 2·6 years). Additional portocaval and porto‐azygos shunt vessels were identified in two cases each. Computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance angiography depicted details of abdominal vessels including thrombus formation in one dog.

Clinical Significance: Segmental caudal vena cava aplasia is a vascular congenital anomaly in the dog that can be associated with thrombosis and portosystemic shunts. Computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are excellent tools to demonstrate the complex vascular anatomy and to guide treatment planning for portosystemic shunts and thrombolytic therapy.
Extraction in Head‐driven Phrase Structure Grammar1
Authors: Levine Robert D.
Published: July 2009

Extraction is treated in Head‐driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG) as a series of linked identities, enforced by a small number of interacting constraints, in the specification of a syntactic feature, slash. HPSG's monostratal formalism ensures that this strictly local determination of slash identities connects the relevant morphosyntactic properties of the filler to those imposed by conditions at the gap site. This connectivity mechanism operates in precisely the same manner whether the filler is linked to a single gap site or several, thus yield strictly parallel treatments for single and multiple gap phenomena, respectively. The inherently local nature of HPSG's connectivity mechanism is supported by data from languages in which all clausal levels in filler/gap pathways are flagged by grammatical effects restricted to such pathways. Interruption in connectivity, familiar in syntax as ‘island’ effects, are regarded as outside the formal combinatorics of the syntax itself, as argued in an increasingly broad and deep literature documenting the origins of these effects in real‐time processing, pragmatic and other functional aspects of linguistic cognition. And this simple characterization of extraction connectivity is compatible with a review of arguments that purport to argue for a heterogeneous characterization of extraction constructions, but which prove to lack empirical motivation. Nonetheless, despite a homogeneous connectivity mechanism, extraction constructions differ from each other idiosyncratically in many respects, and these idiosyncrasies are the subject of much ongoing research in HPSG.
The Question of a Hamito‐Semitic Substratum in Insular Celtic
Authors: Hewitt Steve
Published: July 2009

The hypothesis of a Hamito‐Semitic (or Afro‐Asiatic) substratum in the Insular Celtic languages elaborated successively by Morris Jones, Pokorny and Wagner to explain striking structural resemblances between Insular Celtic and Hamito‐Semitic is enjoying a revival. Linguists have generally assumed that the parallels between Insular Celtic and Hamito‐Semitic are to be explained in terms of Greenbergian typology (all languages of the VSO type). However, recent work by Gensler, and also Jongeling and Vennemann, compels us to revisit the substratum hypothesis. This article presents the main contributions on the question, provides a table showing the principal points of similarity by author and language, briefly comments on each of these points, and, regretting the reluctance of substratalists to consider typological explanations, sounds a note of caution against what might be termed ‘substratum frenzy’.
The Cross‐linguistic Study of Sentence Production
Authors: Jaeger T. Florian , Norcliffe Elisabeth J.
Published: July 2009

The mechanisms underlying language production are often assumed to be universal, and hence not contingent on a speaker's language. This assumption is problematic for at least two reasons. Given the typological diversity of the world's languages, only a small subset of languages has actually been studied psycholinguistically. And, in some cases, these investigations have returned results that at least superficially raise doubt about the assumption of universal production mechanisms. The goal of this paper is to illustrate the need for more psycholinguistic work on a typologically more diverse set of languages. We summarize cross‐linguistic work on sentence production (specifically: grammatical encoding), focusing on examples where such work has improved our theoretical understanding beyond what studies on English alone could have achieved. But cross‐linguistic research has much to offer beyond the testing ofexistinghypotheses: it can guide the development of theories by revealing the full extent of the human ability to produce language structures. We discuss the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations, and close with a remark on the impact of language endangerment on psycholinguistic research on understudied languages.
Gender and Land Reforms: Comparative Perspectives
Authors: Jacobs Susie
Published: July 2009

Concerns about rising food prices, food security and land grabs have focussed attention on land redistribution and land reform in recent years. The majority of the rural people and rural poor are women, but the issue of gender within land reform is rarely discussed. Agrarian reforms redistribute land either to collectives or to individual households; this article surveys the impact of the latter model of land reform for women, based on case studies from Asia, Africa and Latin America. A mixed picture emerges, but women have been seriously disadvantaged within most programmes by the granting of land title or permits to men as household heads. Husbands have often gained power at their wives’ expense. The potential benefits of landholding for women are substantial, however, and calls for women’s land rights are increasing. A question concerns what form these should take: customary law often discriminates against women, but individual land titling is likely to result in loss of land, especially among the poor. Redistributionist land reforms that have state backing are more likely to be concerned with equity. In order for such programmes to fulfil their democratic potential, smallholder women must gain rights on the same basis as men, and these must be enforced ‘on the ground’.
Dueling, Dancing, or Dominating? Journalists and Their Sources
Authors: Carlson Matt
Published: July 2009

The study of journalism has long included a close examination of who gets to be a news source. With their privileging of the objectivity paradigm and distrust of direct reportorial experience, journalists turn to outside sources to provide evidence for their accounts. But this is not a mere exchange of information; patterns of news sourcing confer authority and legitimacy on certain sources or groups while ignoring others. Over time, sourcing routines reinforce notions of who possesses social power. This essay reviews conceptualizations of how journalist–source dynamics result in the production of certain representations of the way things are. Three perspectives receive attention: viewing the journalist–source relationship as symbiotic and mutually beneficial, as dominated by sources who set the cultural definition of events and problems, and as marked by incessant competition over news access and the ability to shape news frames. While the work on news sources has been extremely productive in conceptualizing the relationship between definitional power and journalism, the shifting media environment requires renewed attention to the relationship between journalists and their sources.
Effects of Prednisone on Blood Lactate Concentrations in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Boysen S.R. , Bozzetti M. , Rose L. , Dunn M , Pang D.S.J.
Published: July 2009

Background: Glucocorticoids affect carbohydrate and lactate metabolism.

Hypothesis: Administration of prednisone to healthy dogs will result in clinically relevant hyperlactatemia.

Animals: Twelve healthy adult Beagle dogs.

Methods: Prospective, controlled experimental study. Twelve healthy adult Beagles were divided into 2 groups (3 of each sex per group). One group served as control. The other group received 2 treatments: low, 1 mg/kg prednisone PO q24h for 2 weeks; high, 4 mg/kg prednisone PO q24h for 2 weeks. A washout period of 6 weeks separated the treatments. Blood samples were drawn for whole blood lactate measurement on day (D) 0, D4, and D14 and measured in duplicate.

Results: Compared with the control group, low and high groups had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations at D4 and D14. There was no difference at D0. There was no effect of time within the control group. In the low and high groups, blood lactate concentration was increased at D4 and D14 versus D0. Blood lactate concentration was greater in the high group than the low group at D14 only.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs treated with prednisone experience statistically significant increases in blood lactate concentrations, which can result in type B hyperlactatemia. In such cases, improving tissue perfusion, treatment for the commonest form of hyperlactatemia (type A) would be unnecessary.
Association of Plasma N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Concentration with Mitral Regurgitation Severity and Outcome in Dogs with Asymptomatic Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Chetboul V. , Serres F. , Tissier R. , Lefebvre H.P. , Sampedrano C. Carlos , Gouni V. , Poujol L. , Hawa G. , Pouchelon J.‐L.
Published: July 2009

Background:The clinical outcome of dogs affected by degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) without overt clinical signs is still poorly defined, and criteria for identification of animals that are at a higher risk of early decompensation have not yet been determined.

Hypothesis:N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide plasma concentration (NT‐proBNP) is correlated with mitral regurgitation (MR) severity and can predict disease progression in dogs with asymptomatic MVD.

Animals:Seventy‐two dogs with asymptomatic MVD, with or without heart enlargement (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council: ISACHC classes 1a and 1b), and a control group of 22 dogs were prospectively recruited.

Methods:Severity of MR was quantitatively assessed from the regurgitation fraction (RF) by the proximal isovelocity surface area method. Consequences of MR were evaluated from measurements of the left atrium/aorta ratio (LA/Ao), fractional shortening (FS), end‐diastolic and end‐systolic left ventricular volumes indexed to body surface area (EDVI and ESVI). The relevance of these echo‐Doppler indices and NT‐proBNP for prediction of outcome at 12 months was studied.

Results:A significant correlation was found between NT‐proBNP and RF, LA/Ao, FS, and EDVI (P< .05). NT‐proBNP was higher in dogs with MVD (ISACHC classes 1a and 1b) compared with the control group (P= .025 and < .001, respectively). The difference was not significant when only dogs from ISACHC class 1a with RF < 30% were considered. Lastly, NT‐proBNP was higher in dogs that underwent MVD decompensation at 12 months (P< .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:NT‐proBNP is correlated with MVD severity and prognosis in dogs with asymptomatic MVD.
SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
Authors: SHARIF M. , IQBAL KHADIJA
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we discuss gravitational collapse of spherically symmetric spacetimes. We derive a general formalism by taking two arbitrary spherically symmetric spacetimes with g00 = 1. Israel's junction conditions are used to develop this formalism. The formulas for extrinsic curvature tensor are obtained. The general form of the surface energy–momentum tensor depending on extrinsic curvature tensor components is derived. This leads us to the surface energy density and the tangential pressure. The formalism is applied to two known spherically symmetric spacetimes. The results obtained show the regions for the collapse and expansion of the shell.
RADIUS DESTABILIZATION IN FIVE-DIMENSIONAL ORBIFOLDS DUE TO AN ENHANCED CASIMIR EFFECT
Authors: OBOUSY R. , CLEAVER G.
Published: July 2009

One of the challenges in connecting higher dimensional theories to cosmology is stabilization of the moduli fields. We investigate the role of a Lorentz violating vector field in the context of stabilization. Specifically, we compute the one-loop Casimir energy in Randall–Sundrum five-dimensional (non-supersymmetric) S1/ Z2 orbifolds resulting from the interaction of a real scalar field with periodic boundary conditions with a Lorentz violating vector field. We find that the result is an enhanced attractive Casimir force. Hence, for stability, positive contributions to the Casimir force from branes and additional fields would be required to counter the destabilizing, attractive effect of Lorentz violating fields.
REDUCED DYNAMICS FROM THE UNITARY GROUP TO SOME FLAG MANIFOLDS: INTERACTING MATRIX RICCATI EQUATIONS
Authors: FUJII KAZUYUKI , OIKE HIROSHI
Published: July 2009

In this paper we treat the time evolution of unitary elements in the N level system and consider the reduced dynamics from the unitary group U(N) to flag manifolds of the second type (in our terminology). Then we derive a set of differential equations of matrix Riccati types interacting with one another and present an important problem on a nonlinear superposition formula that the Riccati equation satisfies.

Our result is a natural generalization of the paper Chaturvedi et al. [1] (arXiv: 0706.0964 [quant-ph]).
GENERALIZATION OF HASIMOTO'S TRANSFORMATION
Authors: MOLITOR MATHIEU
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we generalize the famous Hasimoto's transformation by showing that the dynamics of a closed unidimensional vortex filament embedded in a three-dimensional manifold M of constant curvature, gives rise under Hasimoto's transformation to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We also give a natural interpretation of the function ψ introduced by Hasimoto in terms of moving frames associated to a natural complex bundle over the filament.
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE SOLUTIONS OF THE HAMILTONIAN CONSTRAINTS OF GRAVITY
Authors: MARTÍN J. , RAÑADA ANTONIO F. , TIEMBLO A.
Published: July 2009

A general framework for the solutions of the constraints of pure gravity is constructed. It provides with well defined mathematical criteria to classify their solutions in four classes. Complete families of solutions are obtained in some cases. A starting point for the systematic study of the solutions of Einstein gravity is suggested.
A METHOD TO CONSTRUCT 4-DIMENSIONAL SPACETIMES WITH A SPACELIKE CIRCLE ACTION
Authors: HAESEN STEFAN , PALOMO FRANCISCO J. , ROMERO ALFONSO
Published: July 2009

A general procedure to construct a 4-dimensional spacetime from a 3-dimensional time-oriented Lorentzian manifold and each of its timelike vector fields is exposed. It is based on the construction of the null congruence Lorentzian manifold. As an application, examples of stably causal spacetimes which obey the timelike convergence condition, are semi-symmetric, and admit an isometric spacelike circle action are obtained.
Facilitative glucose transporter 9, a unique hexose and urate transporter
Authors: Doblado Manuel , Moley Kelle H.
Published: July 2009

GLUT9 is a novel, facilitative glucose transporter isoform that exists as two alternative splice variants encoding two proteins that differ in their NH2-terminal sequence (GLUT9a and GLUT9b). Both forms of GLUT9 protein and mRNA are expressed in the epithelia of various tissues; however, the two splice variants are expressed differentially within polarized cells, with GLUT9a localized predominantly on the basolateral surfaces and GLUT9b expressed on apical surfaces. Protein expression of GLUT9 drops under conditions of starvation but increases with addition of glucose and under hyperglycemic conditions. The substrate specificity of GLUT9 is unique since, in addition to transporting hexose sugars, it also is a high-capacity uric acid transporter. Several recent large-scale human genetic studies show a correlation between SNPs mapped to GLUT9 and the serum uric acid levels in several different cohorts. The relationship between GLUT9 and uric acid is highly clinically significant. Elevated uric acid levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic renal failure. Although some believe uric acid is elevated as a result of these diseases, there is now evidence that uric acid may play a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. It is also known that GLUT9 is expressed in articular cartilage and is a uric acid transporter, and thus it is possible that GLUT9 plays a role in gout, a disease of uric acid deposition in the joints. In addition, some studies have suggested that intake of fructose plays an important role in causing elevated serum uric acid levels, especially in diabetes and obesity. It is possible that GLUT9, which seems to be both a fructose and a uric acid transporter, plays an important role in these conditions associated with hyperuricemia.
Enterocyte-specific epidermal growth factor prevents barrier dysfunction and improves mortality in murine peritonitis
Authors: Clark Jessica A. , Gan Heng , Samocha Alexandr J. , Fox Amy C. , Buchman Timothy G. , Coopersmith Craig M.
Published: July 2009

Systemic administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) decreases mortality in a murine model of septic peritonitis. Although EGF can have direct healing effects on the intestinal mucosa, it is unknown whether the benefits of systemic EGF in peritonitis are mediated through the intestine. Here, we demonstrate that enterocyte-specific overexpression of EGF is sufficient to prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction and improve survival in peritonitis. Transgenic FVB/N mice that overexpress EGF exclusively in enterocytes ( IFABP-EGF) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to either sham laparotomy or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Intestinal permeability, expression of the tight junction proteins claudins-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, and -8, occludin, and zonula occludens-1; villus length; intestinal epithelial proliferation; and epithelial apoptosis were evaluated. A separate cohort of mice was followed for survival. Peritonitis induced a threefold increase in intestinal permeability in WT mice. This was associated with increased claudin-2 expression and a change in subcellular localization. Permeability decreased to basal levels in IFABP-EGF septic mice, and claudin-2 expression and localization were similar to those of sham animals. Claudin-4 expression was decreased following CLP but was not different between WT septic mice and IFABP-EGF septic mice. Peritonitis-induced decreases in villus length and proliferation and increases in apoptosis seen in WT septic mice did not occur in IFABP-EGF septic mice. IFABP-EGF mice had improved 7-day mortality compared with WT septic mice (6% vs. 64%). Since enterocyte-specific overexpression of EGF is sufficient to prevent peritonitis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and confers a survival advantage, the protective effects of systemic EGF in septic peritonitis appear to be mediated in an intestine-specific fashion.
Effect of interleukin-6 receptor blockage on renal injury in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Tomiyama-Hanayama Mari , Rakugi Hiromi , Kohara Masaharu , Mima Toru , Adachi Yasuo , Ohishi Mitsuru , Katsuya Tomohiro , Hoshida Yoshihiko , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Ogihara Toshio , Nishimoto Norihiro
Published: July 2009

Hyperlipidemia has been demonstrated to be associated with renal disease, yet the mechanism of renal injury is still poorly understood. Inflammation that occurs with the hyperlipidemia has been considered to play an important role in development of glomerular injury. In the present study, we investigated the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key inflammatory molecule, on renal injury in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice with severe hypercholesterolemia. The 6-wk-old mice were fed a high-fat diet and administered weekly rat anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody (MR16-1), control rat IgG, or saline for a total of 4 wk. We examined histopathological changes in the kidney and urinary excretion of protein and albumin. Saline- and IgG-treated mice showed remarkable proteinuria at 10 wk of age, whereas MR16-1-treated mice exhibited significantly lower levels. Renal histopathology of saline- and IgG-treated mice revealed striking lipid deposits and foam cells in the glomerular tuft, juxtaglomerular area, and arteriolar wall along with range of mesangial cell proliferation and matrix expansion. Notably, the severity of lipid deposits and mesangial cell proliferation were significantly reduced in MR16-1-treated mice. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that mesangial IL-6 expression was dramatically reduced in MR16-1-treated mice compared with IgG-treated mice. Blocking the IL-6 receptor prevented progression of proteinuria and renal lipid deposit, as well as the mesangial cell proliferation associated with severe hyperlipoproteinemia. These results clearly demonstrate that IL-6 plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia-induced glomerular injury in ApoE−/− mice and suggests the usefulness of anti-IL-6 receptor antibody in treatments for hyperlipidemia-induced organ damage.
Locomotor-Activated Neurons of the Cat. I. Serotonergic Innervation and Co-Localization of 5-HT7, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT1A Receptors in the Thoraco-Lumbar Spinal Cord
Authors: Noga Brian R. , Johnson Dawn M. G. , Riesgo Mirta I. , Pinzon Alberto
Published: July 2009

Monoamines are strong modulators and/or activators of spinal locomotor networks. Thus monoaminergic fibers likely contact neurons involved in generating locomotion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the serotonergic innervation of locomotor-activated neurons within the thoraco-lumbar spinal cord following induction of hindlimb locomotion. This was determined by immunohistochemical co-localization of serotonin (5-HT) fibers or 5-HT7/5-HT2A/5-HT1A receptors with cells expressing the activity-dependent marker c-fos. Experiments were performed on paralyzed, decerebrate cats in which locomotion was induced by electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region. Abundant c-fos immunoreactive cells were observed in laminae VII and VIII throughout the thoraco-lumbar segments of locomotor animals. Control sections from the same segments showed significantly fewer labeled neurons, mostly within the dorsal horn. Multiple serotonergic boutons were found in close apposition to the majority (80–100%) of locomotor cells, which were most abundant in lumbar segments L3–7. 5-HT7 receptor immunoreactivity was observed on cells across the thoraco-lumbar segments (T7–L7), in a dorsoventral gradient. Most locomotor-activated cells co-localized with 5-HT7, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT1A receptors, with largest numbers in laminae VII and VIII. Co-localization of c-fos and 5-HT7 receptor was highest in the L5–L7 segments (>90%) and decreased rostrally (to ∼50%) due to the absence of receptors on cells within the intermediolateral nucleus. In contrast, 60–80 and 35–80% of c-fos immunoreactive cells stained positive for 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors, respectively, with no rostrocaudal gradient. These results indicate that serotonergic modulation of locomotion likely involves 5-HT7/5-HT2A/5-HT1A receptors located on the soma and proximal dendrites of serotonergic-innervated locomotor-activated neurons within laminae VII and VIII of thoraco-lumbar segments.
State-Dependent Effects of Stimulus Presentation Duration on the Temporal Dynamics of Neural Responses in the Inferotemporal Cortex of Macaque Monkeys
Authors: Mirpour Koorosh , Esteky Hossein
Published: July 2009

During natural vision, stimuli are viewed for different durations as the state of brain activity changes over time. Here we studied the effects of stimulus presentation duration on cell responses ( n = 259) in three subdivisions of the inferotemporal (IT) cortex of fixating macaque monkeys as neural baseline firing rates varied over the course of recording. First, cell responses to the presentation of 120 images were tested, and four images that elicited significant responses with various degrees of effectiveness were selected for further study. Then the four selected images were presented to the monkeys for five different presentation durations (18, 70, 140, 210, and 350 ms). We found that depending on the magnitude of neural baseline activity, stimulus presentation duration affected the response properties and efficiency of neural information processing in the IT cortex. Short stimulus presentation durations elicited phasic responses consisting of rhythmic activation and inactivation, which conveyed a lower amount of stimulus information, particularly following higher baseline firing rates. Longer presentation durations elicited a sustained pattern of response and carried a greater amount of information, particularly at lower baseline firing rates. Finally, a significantly higher proportion of cells in the posterior IT compared with the anterior IT had a tendency to have high baseline activity, recruit stronger phasic responses and convey less information. It is plausible that during natural vision, as stimuli with various exposure durations affect the visual system, top-down influence or competition within local neural networks differentially influences the function of IT cells by changing their baseline activity.
Some Relatively New Techniques for Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: July 2009

This paper outlines a detailed study of some relatively new techniques which are originated by He for solving diversified nonlinear problems of physical nature. In particular, we will focus on the variational iteration method (VIM) and its modifications, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), the parameter expansion method, and exp‐function method. These relatively new but very reliable techniques proved useful for solving a wide class of nonlinear problems and are capable to cope with the versatility of the physical problems. Several examples are given to reconfirm the efficiency of these algorithms. Some open problems are also suggested for future research work.
An Application of Homotopy Analysis to the Viscous Flow Past a Circular Cylinder
Authors: Ifidon E. O.
Published: July 2009

We consider the application of a new analytic method based on homotopy analysis to the solution of the steady flow of a viscous incompressible fluid past a fixed circular cylinder. The solutions obtained using this method produce some interesting
results. For instance, an analytic verification of the critical Reynolds number Rd for which a standing vortex first appears behind the cylinder is given for the first time and found to be Rd≼2.4. Since these values of the critical Reynolds number are beyond the range of validity of Oseen theory, no analytic verification of this value had previously been given. As a check on the accuracy of the solutions, the calculated drag coefficients at 6th‐order approximation are found to agree reasonably well with experimental measurements for Rd≃30 which is considerably larger than the Rd≃1 results currently available using other analytic techniques. This buttresses the usefulness of the homotopy analysis method (HAM) as an important tool in solving highly nonlinear problems.