bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioavailability of a novel midazolam gel after intranasal administration in dogs
Authors: Eagleson Joseph S. , Platt Simon R. , Strong Deborah L. Elder , Kent Marc , Freeman Anne C. , Nghiem Peter P. , Zheng Bo , White Catherine A. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Objective—To compare the pharmacokinetics of a novel bioadhesive gel formulation of midazolam after intranasal (IN) administration with that of midazolam solution after IN, IV, and rectal administration to dogs.
Animals—10 (5 males and 5 females) healthy adult Beagles.
Procedures—Dogs were assigned to 4 treatment groups for a crossover study design. Initially, midazolam solution (5 mg/mL) was administered (0.2 mg/kg) IV to group 1, rectally to group 2, and IN to group 3; a 0.4% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose midazolam gel formulation (50 mg/mL) was administered (0.2 mg/kg, IN) to group 4. Each dog received all 4 treatments; there was a 7-day washout period between subsequent treatments. Blood samples were collected before and after midazolam administration. Plasma concentration of midazolam was determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography.
Results—The peak plasma concentration after IN administration of the gel formulation was significantly higher than that after IN and rectal administration of the solution. Mean ± SD time to peak concentration was 11.70 ± 2.63 minutes (gel IN), 17.50 ± 2.64 minutes (solution IN), and 39 ± 14.49 minutes (solution rectally). Mean bioavailability of midazolam was 70.4% (gel IN), 52.0% (solution IN), and 49.0% (solution rectally). Bioavailability after IN administration of the gel formulation was significantly higher than that after IN and rectal administration of the solution.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IN administration of midazolam gel was superior to both IN and rectal administration of midazolam solution with respect to peak plasma concentration and bioavailability.
Effect of optical defocus on performance of dogs involved in field trial competition
Authors: Ofri Ron , Hollingsworth Steven R. , Groth Allyson , Motta Monica J. , Doval John H. , Kass Philip H. , Murphy Christopher J. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Objective—To measure the effect of induced myopia on field trial performance in dogs.
Animals—7 Labrador Retrievers and 1 Chesapeake Bay Retriever trained in field trial competition.
Procedures—Dogs were commanded to retrieve targets at 137.2 m (150 yards). Each dog participated in 3 trials while their eyes were fitted with 0- (plano), +1.50-, or +3.00-diopter (D) contact lenses, applied in random order. Retrieval times were measured objectively, and dog performances were evaluated subjectively by masked judges.
Results—Retrieval times were significantly faster with plano lenses than with +1.50- or +3.00-D lenses, but there were no significant differences in times between +1.50- and +3.00-D lenses. Masked judges assigned the best performance scores to dogs with plano lenses and the lowest scores to dogs fitted with +3.00-D lenses.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Even mild myopic defocusing had a significant negative impact on both the subjective and objective assessments of dogs' performances. Dogs with demanding visual tasks or signs of visual deterioration should be evaluated retinoscopically to determine the refractive state because they may have ametropia.
The Effects of Taurine on Permethrininduced Cytogenetic and Oxidative Damage in Cultured Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Aydin Elanur 
Published: March 2012

The Effects of Taurine on Permethrininduced Cytogenetic and Oxidative Damage in Cultured Human LymphocytesPermethrin (PM) is a common pyrethroid pesticide used to control pests in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, health care, homes, and textile industry. It is confirmed as a strong mutagen in animals and humans. Taurine (TA) is an amino acid found in mammalian tissues that protects the cell against DNA damage. In this study, we investigated whether supplementation of human lymphocyte cultures with TA (in the concentrations of 25 μg mL-1, 50 μg mL-1and 100 μg mL-1) provided any protection against PM toxicity applied in the concentration of 200 μg mL-1. Genotoxicity was assessed using the micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) tests. In addition, we measured the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels in the plasma to determine oxidative effects. PM increased SCE and MN levels and altered TAC and TOS levels. TA alone did not affect SCE and MN levels compared to controls, regardless of the concentration applied. In addition, it increased TAC levels without changing TOS levels. Moreover, it significantly buffered the negative cytogenetic and oxidative effects induced by PM in a clear dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study is the first to evidence the beneficial effects of TA against PM-induced DNA and oxidative damagesin vitro.
A Systematic Review of Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning
Authors: Mehrpour Omid , Jafarzadeh Mostafa , Abdollahi Mohammad 
Published: March 2012

A Systematic Review of Aluminium Phosphide PoisoningEvery year, about 300,000 people die because of pesticide poisoning worldwide. The most common pesticide agents are organophosphates and phosphides, aluminium phosphide (AlP) in particular. AlP is known as a suicide poison that can easily be bought and has no effective antidote. Its toxicity results from the release of phosphine gas as the tablet gets into contact with moisture. Phosphine gas primarily affects the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Poisoning signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, abdominal pain, palpitation, refractory shock, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary oedema, dyspnoea, cyanosis, and sensory alterations. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, positive silver nitrate paper test to phosphine, and gastric aspirate and viscera biochemistry. Treatment includes early gastric lavage with potassium permanganate or a combination with coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate, administration of charcoal, and palliative care. Specific therapy includes intravenous magnesium sulphate and oral coconut oil. Moreover, acidosis can be treated with early intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate, cardiogenic shock with fluid, vasopresor, and refractory cardiogenic shock with intra-aortic baloon pump or digoxin. Trimetazidine may also have a useful role in the treatment, because it can stop ventricular ectopic beats and bigeminy and preserve oxidative metabolism. This article reviews the epidemiological, toxicological, and clinical/pathological aspects of AlP poisoning and its management.
A powerful and efficient evolutionary optimization algorithm based on stem cells algorithm for data clustering
Authors: Taherdangkoo Mohammad , Yazdi Mehran , Bagheri Mohammad 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
There are many ways to divide datasets into some clusters. One of most popular data clustering algorithms is K-means algorithm which uses the distance criteria for measuring the data correlation. To do that, we should know in advance the number of classes (K) and choose K data points as an initial set to run the algorithm. However, the choice of initial points is a main problem in this algorithm which may cause the algorithm to converge to a local minimum. Some other data clustering algorithms have been proposed to overcome this problem. The methods are Genetic algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), PSO algorithm, and ABC algorithms. In this paper, we employ the Stem Cells Optimization algorithm for data clustering. The algorithm was inspired by behavior of natural stem cells in the human body. We developed a new data clustering based on this new optimization scheme which has the advantages such as high convergence rate and easy implementation process. It also avoids local minimums in an intelligent manner. The experimental results obtained by using the new algorithm on different well-known test datasets compared with those obtained using other mentioned methods demonstrate the better accuracy and high speed of the new algorithm.
Scalable n-body event prediction
Authors: Braeger Steven , Arnold Nicholas , Dechev Damian 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The general simulation of n-body systems often requires the simulation of pairwise interaction events between the objects. The naive method of simulating these events is an algorithm that polls each pair of objects for an interaction every time step. This algorithm has O(n
2)operations per time step in the number of objects. However, this method scales very well to multiple cores. In this paper, we propose a novel method of pairwise simulation that saves a significant amount of computation time by predicting possible future outcomes rather than reacting to them. We demonstrate the implementation of this method, as well as demonstrate that it has amortized O(n) complexity per time step. We also demonstrate an implementation to allow this algorithm to scale comparably well to multiple cores of a shared memory machine.
Toward the methodology of social forecasting
Authors: Potůček Martin 
Published: March 2012

K metodologii sociálního prognózování
Stať rozebírá přístup Centra pro sociální a ekonomické strategie Fakulty sociálních věd Univerzity Karlovy k formování a uplatnění svébytné metodologie sociálního prognózování. Podstatným rysem tohoto přístupu je orientace na identifikaci klíčových problémů České republiky a cest jejich řešení a účast diferencovaných aktérů na tvorbě a uplatnění samotných prognóz. V letech 2000 - 2005 a 2006 - 2011 proběhly dva relativně samostatné prognostické cykly, které vyústily do návrhu modulárního přístupu k tvorbě vizí a strategií.
Feasibility, Reliability, and Agreement of the WeeFIM Instrument in Dutch Children With Burns
Authors: Niemeijer Anuschka S. , Reinders-Messelink Heleen A. , Disseldorp Laurien M. , Nieuwenhuis Marianne K. 
Published: March 2012

Background
Burns occur frequently in young children. To date, insufficient data are available to fully describe the functional consequences of burns. In different patient populations and countries, the WeeFIM instrument (“WeeFIM”) often is used to measure functional independence in children.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the WeeFIM instrument for use in Dutch burn centers.

Design
This was an observational study.

Methods
The WeeFIM instrument was translated into Dutch. All clinicians who rated the children with the instrument passed the WeeFIM credentialing examination. They scored consecutive children (n=134) aged 6 months to 16 years admitted to Dutch burn centers with acute burns during a 1-year period at 2 to 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postburn. To examine reliability, 2 raters scored a child at the same time (n=52, 9 raters) or the same rater scored a child twice within 1 week (n=7, 3 raters).

Results
After a few weeks, the WeeFIM assessment could be administered in less than 15 minutes. Clinicians thought it was difficult to rate a child aged between 2 and 4 years as well as the cognitive items. Nevertheless, reliability was good (all intraclass correlation coefficients [1,1] were above .80). The standard error of measurement was 3.7.

Limitations
Intrarater reliability was based on only 7 test-retest measurements. Within our clinical setting, it turned out to be difficult to schedule the same rater and patient twice in one week for repeated assessments. Assessments for interrater reliability, on the other hand, worked out well.

Conclusions
The WeeFIM instrument is a feasible and reliable instrument for use in children with burns. For evaluation of a child's individual progress, at least 11 points' improvement should be observed to state that a child has significantly improved.
Fat dynamics and development of body condition indices for harvested populations of wolverine Gulo gulo
Authors: Robitaille Jean‐François , Villano Liane , Jung Thomas S. , Slama Helen P. , Oakley Michelle P. 
Published: March 2012

Sufficient energy reserves are crucial to the overwinter survival of northern non‐hibernating mustelids. We sought a reliable index of body condition (fatness) in harvested populations of wolverine Gulo gulo, based on the relationship between fatness and the mass of distinct fat depots extractable by necropsy. Fatness did not differ significantly between genders or winter months, nor was it significantly related to body size or age. Using a first group of 18 males and 14 females, we developed predictive least‐square linear regressions between fat depots (popliteal, sternal, omentum, mesenteric and perirenal) and fatness (g fat/100 g body mass) using skinned carcasses provided by fur trappers in the Yukon, Canada. Fatness was consistently better predicted in females than in males. Fatness was best predicted by the sternal fat depot (R2 = 0.73) in males and by the omentum as well as sternal fat depots in females (R2 = 0.94 and 0.87, respectively). We then compared known fatness and fatness predicted from regressions of the sternal fat depot using a second group of 14 males and nine females, and mean fatness did not differ significantly. We suggest that, due to its ease of extraction and predictive power, the sternal fat depot is a valid fat index with both sexes of wolverine, although it (or any other fat depot) should be used with caution with males, which seem more prone to obesity. This new index will help wildlife managers monitor changes in body condition of wolverines in response to changes in environmental conditions.
Determination of mechanical properties by nanoindentation in the case of viscous materials
Authors: Mazeran Pierre-Emmanuel , Beyaoui Moez , Bigerelle Maxence , Guigon Michèle 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
A mechanical model based on a generalized Kelvin–Voigt model has been developed to explain and fit the nanoindentation curves realized on three amorphous polymers (PC, PMMA and PS). This model includes the responses of quadratic elastic (spring), viscoelastic (two Kelvin–Voigt elements), plastic (slider) and viscoplastic components (dashpot). It is able to fit nanoindentation curves during loading, unloading and hold time periods. With the values of the model parameters and the value of the contact area calculated with the Oliver and Pharr method, it is possible to calculate the values of the mechanical properties of the polymers. A good agreement is found between these values and those obtained with conventional methods.
Studies of dynamic mass transfer at the slag–metal interface – Interfacial velocity measurements
Authors: Muhmood Luckman , Viswanathan Nurni Neelakandan , Seetharaman Seshadri 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The dynamics of oxygen transport along the slag–metal interface of pure iron and alumina-saturated CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag was studied using high-temperature X-ray image analysis. The oscillations of the metal drop occurring due to the interfacial movement of oxygen atoms driven by Marangoni forces were studied in detail. The change in interfacial area during the oscillations was measured using a digitizing software and MATLAB. It was observed that the interfacial velocity as a function of oxygen exhibits insignificant variation with temperature. Further, the values obtained for the interfacial velocity using oxygen concentration difference at the interface were slightly lower in comparison to those using sulfur. The possible reason for this lower velocity could be that, although oxygen is a smaller atom compared to that of sulfur, the energy barrier at the free iron surface is higher for oxygen, thus hindering its motion along the interface.
Manufacturing process and electrochemical properties of an Mg–Ga–Hg anode sheet
Authors: Zhao Jun , Yu Kun , Hu Yanan , Li Shaojun 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The manufacturing process, electrochemical property, and microstructure evolution of as-cast, rolled, and annealed Mg-4.1% Ga-2.2% Hg anode sheet are studied in this investigation. The results show that the Mg-4.1% Ga-2.2% Hg anode sheet obtains an average discharge potential of −1.7924 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode) with an electric current density of 100 mA · cm−2 and a rapid activation time of less than 10 s in a half-cell test. The Mg–Ga–Hg sheet can be used as an anode material for seawater activated batteries. The Mg3Hg and Mg21Hg5Ga3 phases in the anode influence the electrochemical corrosion of the Mg–Ga–Hg anode sheet and provide a stable corrosion potential during discharge.
Bishop Stephen Neill, the IMC and the State of African Theological Education in 1950
Authors: Daughrity Dyron 
Published: March 2012

From April to July of 1950, Bishop Stephen Neill (1900–84) took a sweeping tour of East and West Africa to assess the state of African theological education. He visited Egypt, Sudan and the six British territories in tropical Africa: Tanganyika, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Gold Coast (Ghana) and Sierra Leone. Employed by the World Council of Churches at the time, Neill was appointed by the International Missionary Council to spearhead the project. The overall objective was to shed insight on what could be done to improve the quality of theological education and the training of ministry in Africa. Neill produced a considerable amount of material during and after the trip, including a 120-page ‘travel diary’ and a 51-page confidential report. This paper has three goals: to explain how and why this tour of African theological education came together, to provide an overview of Neill's research trip through his diary entries and to reflect on Neill's conclusions and suggestions for what ought to be done.
The Mammalian Actin-Binding Protein 1 Is Critical for Spreading and Intraluminal Crawling of Neutrophils under Flow Conditions
Authors: Hepper Ingrid , Schymeinsky Jürgen , Weckbach Ludwig T. , Jakob Sascha M. , Frommhold David , Sixt Michael , Laschinger Melanie , Sperandio Markus , Walzog Barbara 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Recently, the mammalian actin-binding protein 1 (mAbp1; Hip-55, SH3P7, debrin-like protein) was identified as a novel component of the β2 integrin-mediated signaling cascade during complement-mediated phagocytosis and firm adhesion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) under physiological shear stress conditions. In this study, we found that the genetic ablation of mAbp1 severely compromised not only the induction of adhesion, but also subsequent spreading of leukocytes to the endothelium as assessed by intravital microscopy of inflamed vessels of the cremaster muscle of mice. In vitro studies using murine PMN confirmed that mAbp1 was required for β2 integrin-mediated spreading under shear stress conditions, whereas mAbp1 was dispensable for spreading under static conditions. Upon β2 integrin-mediated adhesion and chemotactic migration of human neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells, mAbp1 was enriched at the leading edge of the polarized cell. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed that mAbp1 formed propagating waves toward the front of the lamellipodium, which are characteristic for dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Accordingly, binding of mAbp1 to actin was increased upon β2 integrin-mediated adhesion, as shown by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. However, chemotactic migration under static conditions was unaffected in the absence of mAbp1. In contrast, the downregulation of mAbp1 by RNA interference technique in neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells or the genetic ablation of mAbp1 in leukocytes led to defective migration under flow conditions in vitro and in inflamed cremaster muscle venules in the situation in vivo. In conclusion, mAbp1 is of fundamental importance for spreading and migration under shear stress conditions, which are critical prerequisites for efficient PMN extravasation during inflammation.
Distinct Effects of Saracatinib on Memory CD8+ T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Takai Shinji , Sabzevari Helen , Farsaci Benedetto , Schlom Jeffrey , Greiner John W. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Immunologic memory involving CD8+ T cells is a hallmark of an adaptive Ag-specific immune response and constitutes a critical component of protective immunity. Designing approaches that enhance long-term T cell memory would, for the most part, fortify vaccines and enhance host protection against infectious diseases and, perhaps, cancer immunotherapy. A better understanding of the cellular programs involved in the Ag-specific T cell response has led to new approaches that target the magnitude and quality of the memory T cell response. In this article, we show that T cells from TCR transgenic mice for the nucleoprotein of influenza virus NP68 exhibit the distinct phases—priming, expansion, contraction, and memory—of an Ag-specific T cell response when exposed in vitro to the cognate peptide. Saracatinib, a specific inhibitor of Src family kinases, administered at low doses during the expansion or contraction phases, increased CD62Lhigh/CD44high central memory CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ production but suppressed immunity when added during the priming phase. These effects by saracatinib were not accompanied by the expected decline of Src family kinases but were accompanied by Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin suppression and/or mediated via another pathway. Increased central memory cells by saracatinib were recapitulated in mice using a poxvirus-based influenza vaccine, thus underscoring the importance of dose and timing of the inhibitor in the context of memory T cell differentiation. Finally, vaccine plus saracatinib treatment showed better protection against tumor challenge. The immune-potentiating effects on CD8+ T cells by a low dose of saracatinib might afford better protection from pathogens or cancer when combined with vaccine.
Cellular Interactions of Synovial Fluid γδ T Cells in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Bendersky Anna , Marcu-Malina Victoria , Berkun Yackov , Gerstein Maya , Nagar Meital , Goldstein Itamar , Padeh Shai , Bank Ilan 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is thought to involve multiple components of the cellular immune system, including subsets of γδ T cells. In this study, we conducted experiments to define the functional roles of one of the major synovial fluid (SF) T cell subsets, Vγ9+Vδ2+ (Vγ9+) T cells, in JIA. We found that as opposed to CD4+ T cells, equally high percentages (∼35%) of Vγ9+ T cells in SF and peripheral blood (PB) produced TNF-α and IFN-γ. Furthermore, stimulation with isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), a metabolite in the mevalonate pathway, which is a specific potent Ag for Vγ9Jγ1.2+ T cells, similarly amplified cytokine secretion by SF and PB Vγ9+ T cells. Significantly, the SF subset expressed higher levels of CD69 in situ, suggesting their recent activation. Furthermore, 24-h coculturing with SF-derived fibroblasts enhanced CD69 on the SF &gt; PB Vγ9+ T cells, a phenomenon strongly augmented by zoledronate, a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase inhibitor that increases endogenous intracellular IPP. Importantly, although Vγ9+ T cell proliferation in response to IPP was significantly lower in SF than PBMC cultures, it could be enhanced by depleting SF CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ cells (regulatory T cells). Furthermore, coculture with the Vγ9+ T cells in medium containing zoledronate or IPP strongly increased SF-derived fibroblasts' apoptosis. The findings that IPP-responsive proinflammatory synovial Vγ9+ T cells for which proliferation is partly controlled by regulatory T cells can recognize and become activated by SF fibroblasts and then induce their apoptosis suggest their crucial role in the pathogenesis and control of synovial inflammation.