bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators on Selected Hepatic Functions in Rats
Authors: Pejchal Jaroslav , Osterreicher Jan , Kuca Kamil , Jun Daniel , Bajgar Jiri , Kassa Jiri 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of acetylcholinesterase reactivators – K027 [1‐(4‐carbamoyl pyridinium)‐3‐(4‐hydroxyiminomethyl pyridinium) propane dibromide], HI‐6 [1‐(4‐carbamoylpyridinium)‐3‐(2‐hydroxyimino methylpyridinium) oxapropane dichloride] and obidoxime [1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyiminomethyl pyridinium)oxapropane dichloride] on hepatic functions in vivo. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided to seven groups and intramuscularly administered with saline and acetylcholinesterase reactivators (K027, HI‐6 and obidoxime) at doses of 5% LD50 and 50% LD50. Liver tissue samples were taken 24 hr after administration. Histochemical detection of lipid droplets and immunohistochemical detection of multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) were provided. Lipid droplet count in rat liver did not show any significant differences in animals administered with K027, HI‐6 and obidoxime in comparison with the control group. Mrp2 protein expression significantly decreased when animals were administered with K027 at a dose of 50% LD50 and HI‐6 and obidoxime at doses of 5% LD50 and 50% LD50, when compared to the controls. No statistical differences of Mrp2 expression were measured when animals were administered with K027 at a dose of 5% LD50 in comparison with control animals. We found impaired hepatic transporter function after administration of HI‐6, obidoxime and higher concentration of K027, which might be the underlying mechanism of acetylcholinesterase reactivators’ hepatotoxicity.
The Effects of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Motion‐Induced Emesis inSuncus murinus
Authors: Cluny Nina L. , Naylor Robert J. , Whittle Brian A. , Javid Farideh A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract: The effect of cannabinoids on motion‐induced emesis is unknown. The present study investigated the action of phytocannabinoids against motion‐induced emesis inSuncus murinus.Suncus murinuswere injected intraperitoneally with either cannabidiol (CBD) (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg), Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC; 0.5, 3, 5 and 10 mg/kg) or vehicle 45 min. before exposure to a 10‐min. horizontal motion stimulus (amplitude 40 mm, frequency 1 Hz). In further investigations, the CB1receptor antagonist,N‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (AM 251; 5 mg/kg), was injected 15 min. prior to an injection of Δ9‐THC (3 mg/kg). The motion stimulus was applied 45 min. later. The number of emetic episodes and latency of onset to the first emetic episode were recorded. Pre‐treatment with the above doses of CBD did not modify the emetic response to the motion stimulus as compared to the vehicle‐treated controls. Application of the higher doses of Δ9‐THC induced emesis in its own right, which was inhibited by AM 251. Furthermore, pre‐treatment with Δ9‐THC dose‐dependently attenuated motion‐induced emesis, an effect that was inhibited by AM 251. AM 251 neither induced an emetic response nor modified motion‐induced emesis. The present study indicates that Δ9‐THC, acting via the CB1receptors, is anti‐emetic to motion, and that CBD has no effect on motion‐induced emesis inSuncus murinus.
Thymoquinone Ameliorates Renal Oxidative Damage and Proliferative Response Induced by Mercuric Chloride in Rats
Authors: Fouda Abdel‐Motaal M. , Daba Mohamad‐Hesham Y. , Dahab Gamal M. , Sharaf el‐Din Osama A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  We tested the hypothesis if thymoquinone (2‐isopropyl‐5‐methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone) could ameliorate renal oxidative damage and proliferative response induced by mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in rats. HgCl2 (3 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously to each one of two groups of rats: (i) HgCl2–thymoquinone group that received thymoquinone (10 mg/kg/day); and (ii) HgCl2 group that received vehicle instead of thymoquinone. A third group of rats was reserved as control group. Rats were killed 24, 48 and 72 hr after HgCl2 administration for histological and biochemical studies. Our findings show that treatment with thymoquinone offers imperative protection from HgCl2‐induced nephrotoxicity. The deterioration of antioxidant enzymes, increment of serum creatinine and histological damage caused by HgCl2 are markedly improved by thymoquinone treatment. Apoptosis and proliferative reactions are also reduced. The maximal protection offered by thymoquinone treatment was particularly noticeable 48 and 72 hr after administration of the toxic agent at the time when histological damage, renal cell apoptosis and proliferative reactions reached their maximum. These observations may be attributed partially to the antioxidant effect of thymoquinone and suggest that it may be a clinically valuable agent in the prevention of acute renal failure caused by inorganic mercury intoxication.
l‐Arginine Inhibits Isoproterenol‐Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy through Nitric Oxide and Polyamine Pathways
Authors: Lin Yan , Wang Li‐Na , Xi Yu‐Hui , Li Hong‐Zhu , Xiao Feng‐Gang , Zhao Ya‐Jun , Tian Ye , Yang Bao‐Feng , Xu Chang‐Qing 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are essential for cell growth and differentiation. Nitric oxide exhibits antihypertrophic functions and inhibits cardiac remodelling. However, the metabolism of polyamines and the potential interactions with nitric oxide in cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. We randomly divided Wistar rats into four treatment groups: controls, isoproterenol (ISO), ISO and l‐arginine, and l‐arginine. Isoproterenol (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) and/or l‐arginine (800 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) was administered once daily for 7 days. The expression of atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA was determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and fibrogenesis of heart was assessed by Van Gieson staining. Polyamines were measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography, and plasma nitric oxide content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were determined with a spectrophotometer. The expression levels of ornithine decarboxylase, spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase (SSAT), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analysed by Western blot. Heart‐to‐body weight ratio, left ventricle‐to‐body weight ratio, atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA expression, collagen fibres and LDH activity were elevated, both ornithine decarboxylase and SSAT proteins were up‐regulated, and total polyamines were increased in the group treated with ISO. Additionally, the expression of iNOS was up‐regulated, eNOS was down‐regulated, and nitric oxide levels were low. Notably, cotreatment with l‐arginine reversed most of these changes except for SSAT expression, which was further up‐regulated. We propose that increased polyamines and decreased nitric oxide are involved in cardiac hypertrophy induced by ISO and suggest that l‐arginine pre‐treatment can attenuate cardiac hypertrophy through the regulation of key enzymes of the polyamine and nitric oxide pathways.
Topiramate and Vitamin E Modulate Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, Nitric Oxide and Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Pentylenetetrazol‐Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Armaǧan Abdullah , Kutluhan Süleyman , Yılmaz Mustafa , Yılmaz Nigar , Bülbül Metin , Vural Hüseyin , Soyupek Sedat , Nazıroǧlu Mustafa 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Previous studies have shown that generation of free radicals is increased following pentylenetetrazol kindling, due to increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Topiramate, a voltage‐gated calcium channel inhibitor, has an evident effect in the treatment of childhood epilepsy; however, topiramate may cause nephrotoxicity. We investigated the effects of topiramate and vitamin E administration on pentylenetetrazol‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats by evaluation of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase values. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. Group 1 was used as control and group II received a single dose of pentylenetetrazol. Fifty and 100 mg/kg topiramate daily were intragastrically administered to rats in groups III and IV for 7 days, respectively. Intragastric 100 mg topiramate (daily for 7 days) and intraperitoneal vitamin E (150 mg/kg, daily for 3 days) combination were given to animals in group V before a single‐dose pentylenetetrazol administration. Serum and kidney samples were taken after 3 hr of pentylenetetrazol administration. Pentylenetetrazol resulted in a significant increase in nitric oxide levels of serum and kidney, and lipid peroxidation levels of kidney although superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the kidney was reduced by pentylenetetrazol administration. The lipid peroxidation levels in serum and kidneys and the nitric oxide levels in kidneys of groups III, IV and V were decreased by topiramate although the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the kidneys were increased. Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels were reduced by the topiramate and vitamin E combination compared to only topiramate. Glutathione peroxidase activity was not affect by pentylenetetrazol, topiramate and vitamin E administrations. In conclusion, topiramate and vitamin E have protective effects on pentylenetetrazol‐induced nephrotoxicity by inhibition of free radicals and by support of the antioxidant redox system.
Effects of Subchronic versus Acute in utero Exposure to Dexmedetomidine on Foetal Developments in Rats
Authors: Tariq Mohammad , Cerny Vladimir , Elfaki Ibrahim , Khan Haseeb Ahmad 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective and specific α‐2 adrenergic agonist with sedative, analgesic and sympathetic activities. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of in utero exposure of dexmedetomidine on foetal development and postnatal behaviour in the offspring. Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were chronically treated with dexmedetomidine (0, 5, 10 and 20 µg/kg, subcutaneously) daily from gestation day 7 to day 19. Another group of animals received only a single acute dose of dexmedetomidine (20 µg/kg) on gestational day 19 to mimic a model for systemic analgesia during labour. Administration of dexmedetomidine did not affect the frequency of implantations. Chronic administration of 10 and 20 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the body weight and crown‐rump length of pups, whereas a single acute dose (20 µg/kg) did not affect these parameters. None of the pups exhibited any external malformations or skeletal abnormalities irrespective of treatment assigned. All the pups showed a normal postnatal weight gain during the developmental phase. No significant differences were observed among any of the groups with respect to behavioural performances of offspring in beam balance, grip strength and inclined plane tests as well as motor activity. In conclusion, acute exposure to dexmedetomidine at the anticipated delivery time does not exert any adverse effects on perinatal morphology of pups, their birth weight, crown‐rump length, physical growth and postnatal behavioural performances. Since this study was conducted in rats, its clinical relevance in human beings remains to be unclear and warrants further studies.
Amelioration of Cyclosporine A‐Induced Renal, Hepatic and Cardiac Damages by Ellagic Acid in Rats*
Authors: Yüce Abdurrauf , Ateşşahin Ahmet , Çeribaşı Ali Osman 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Treatment with cyclosporine A has significantly improved long‐term survival after organ transplantations. Cyclosporine A also causes a dose‐related decrease in body functions in experimental animals and human beings. The generation of reactive oxygen species has been implicated in cyclosporine A‐induced dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ellagic acid on cyclosporine A‐induced alterations in the kidney, liver and heart oxidant/antioxidant system. The control group was treated with placebo and subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml isotonic saline + 0.5 ml slightly alkaline solution for 21 days. The cyclosporine A group received a subcutaneous injection of cyclosporine A (15 mg/kg) + 0.5 ml slightly alkaline solution for 21 days. The ellagic acid group was treated with a subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml isotonic saline + ellagic acid (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. The cyclosporine A plus ellagic acid group received a subcutaneous injection of cyclosporine A + ellagic acid for 21 days. Ellagic acid and slightly alkaline solution were administered by gavage. The rats were killed at the end of the treatment period. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in kidney, liver and heart tissues. While administration of cyclosporine A increased the MDA levels in kidney, liver and heart tissues, it decreased the GSH, GSH‐Px and CAT in these samples when compared to the control group. However, the simultaneously administration of ellagic acid markedly normalized the cyclosporine A‐induced liver and heart MDA levels, liver CAT activities and GSH‐Px activities of all samples. Cyclosporine A caused marked damages in the histopathological status of kidney, liver and heart tissues, which were partially ameliorated by ellagic acid administration. In conclusion, ellagic acid may be used in combination with cyclosporine A in transplantation treatment to improve the cyclosporine A‐induced oxidative stress parameters and other adverse effects.
Activity budget and diving behavior of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in feeding grounds off coastal British Columbia
Authors: Stelle Lei Lani , Megill William M. , Kinzel Michelle R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBehavior and diving patterns of summer resident gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) foraging on mysids were studied in coastal bays along the north shore of Queen Charlotte Strait, British Columbia. In this region, gray whales were found to feed primarily on planktonic prey rather than on the benthos as in their primary feeding areas further north. During the summers of 1999 and 2000, whales spent most of their time actively feeding or searching for prey (77%), whereas only 15% of their time was spent traveling and 8% socializing. The majority of the dives were short; the mean dive duration was 2.24 min with approximately three respirations per surfacing and 15 s between blows. Whales dove frequently (26.7 h−1), spending only 17% of their time at the surface with an overall blow rate of 1.14 respirations per minute. Activity states were characterized by significantly different diving and respiratory parameters; feeding whales dove more frequently, with shorter intervals between respirations, thus spending less time at the surface compared to when traveling or searching. This diving pattern differs from benthic‐feeding whales and likely optimizes capture of the mobile mysid swarms in shallow waters.
Diel variation in beaked whale diving behavior
Authors: Baird Robin W. , Webster Daniel L. , Schorr Gregory S. , McSweeney Daniel J. , Barlow Jay 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe investigate diel variation in beaked whale diving behavior using data from time–depth recorders deployed on six Blainville's (Mesoplodon densirostris) (255 h) and two Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris) (34 h) beaked whales. Deep foraging dives (>800 m) occurred at similar rates during the day and night for Blainville's beaked whales, and there were no significant diel differences in ascent rates, descent rates, or mean or maximum depths or durations for deep dives. Dive to mid‐water depths (100–600 m) occurred significantly more often during the day (mean = 1.59 h−1) than at night (mean = 0.26 h−1). Series of progressively shallower “bounce” dives were only documented to follow the deep, long dives made during the day; at night whales spent more time in shallow (<100 m) depths. Significantly slower ascent rates than descent rates were found following deep foraging dives both during the day and night. Similar patterns were found for the Cuvier's beaked whales. Our results suggest that so‐called “bounce” dives do not serve a physiological function, although the slow ascents may. This diel variation in behavior suggests that beaked whales may spend less time in surface waters during the day to avoid near‐surface, visually oriented predators such as large sharks or killer whales (Orcinus orca).
Maple Trees and Weeping Willows: The Role of Time, Uncertainty, and Affinity in Intergenerational Decisions
Authors: Wade‐Benzoni Kimberly A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSome of the most important issues in business and society today involve a conflict of interest between present and future generations. In this article, I explore how resources are allocated across generations, articulate the role of psychological distance in intergenerational decisions, and develop the construct of intergenerational discounting. Intergenerational discounting is defined as the preference for smaller, highly probable benefits for oneself in the present to relatively larger but less certain benefits for others in the future. In three studies, I explore the role of three variables in intergenerational decisions, including time delay between decisions and their consequences, uncertainty about the future, and affinity with future generations.
Linguistic Style Matching and Negotiation Outcome
Authors: Taylor Paul J. , Thomas Sally 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis research examined the relationship between Linguistic Style Matching (LSM)—the degree to which negotiators coordinate their word use—and negotiation outcome. Nine hostage negotiations were divided into six time stages and the dialogue of police negotiators and hostage takers analyzed across 18 linguistic categories. Correlational analyses showed that successful negotiations were associated with higher aggregate levels of LSM than unsuccessful negotiations. This result was due to dramatic fluctuations of LSM during unsuccessful negotiations, with negotiators unable to maintain the constant levels of rapport and coordination that occurred in successful negotiations. A further analysis of LSM at the local turn‐by‐turn level revealed complex but organized variations in behavior across outcome. In comparison to unsuccessful negotiations, the dialogue of successful negotiations involved greater coordination of turn taking, reciprocation of positive affect, a focus on the present rather than the past, and a focus on alternatives rather than on competition.
Individual Differences and Group Negotiation: The Role of Polychronicity, Dominance, and Decision Rule
Authors: Mohammed Susan , Rizzuto Tracey , Hiller Nathan J. , Newman Daniel A. , Chen Tina 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe purpose of the current study was to integrate two streams of research that have remained largely distinct: negotiation and group composition. Specifically, this experiment examined the interactive effects of two individual difference variables (polychronicity and dominance) on multi‐party negotiation performance (task conflict and joint profit) in either unanimity or majority rule contexts. Results from business students in a multi‐issue negotiation exercise revealed that personality does play a role in group negotiation, but relationships were contingent, as revealed by the presence of a significant two‐way interaction for task conflict and a three‐way interaction for joint profit. Group polychronicity resulted in higher task conflict, but only when group dominance was low. The polychronicity–dominance interaction significantly predicted joint profit under majority rule, but had little effect under a unanimity decision rule. Consistent with task conflict results, polychronicity negatively predicted joint profit, but only for lower dominance groups under majority rule. Findings reinforce the importance of examining how multiple individual differences interact with each other, as well as with situational factors, to determine group negotiation outcomes.
Multihull and
Surface-Effect Ship Configuration Design: A Framework for Powering
Minimization
Authors: Yeung Ronald
W. , Wan Hui 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The powering issue of a high-speed marine vehicle with multihulls and air-cushion support is addressed, since there is an often need to quickly evaluate the effects of several configuration parameters in the early stage of the design. For component hulls with given geometry, the parameters considered include the relative locations of individual hulls and the relative volumetric ratios. Within the realm of linearized theory, an interference-resistance expression for hull-to-hull interaction is first reviewed, and then a new formula for hull-and-pressure distribution interference is derived. Each of these analytical expressions is expressed in terms of the Fourier signatures or Kochin functions of the interacting component hulls, with the separation, stagger, and speed as explicit parameters. Based on this framework, an example is given for assessing the powering performance of a catamaran (dihull) as opposed to a tetrahull system. Also examined is the wave resistance of a surface-effect ship of varying cushion support in comparison with that of a base line catamaran, subject to the constraint of constant total displacement.
Uncertainty Analysis in MCP-Based Wind Resource Assessment and Energy Production Estimation
Authors: Lackner Matthew A. , Rogers Anthony L. , Manwell James F. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
This paper presents a mathematical framework to properly account for uncertainty in wind resource assessment and wind energy production estimation. A meteorological tower based wind measurement campaign is considered exclusively, in which measure-correlate-predict is used to estimate the long-term wind resource. The evaluation of a wind resource and the subsequent estimation of the annual energy production (AEP) is a highly uncertain process. Uncertainty arises at all points in the process, from measuring the wind speed to the uncertainty in a power curve. A proper assessment of uncertainty is critical for judging the feasibility and risk of a potential wind energy development. The approach in this paper provides a framework for an accurate and objective accounting of uncertainty and, therefore, better decision making when assessing a potential wind energy site. It does not investigate the values of individual uncertainty sources. Three major aspects of site assessment uncertainty are presented here. First, a method is presented for combining uncertainty that arises in assessing the wind resource. Second, methods for handling uncertainty sources in wind turbine power output and energy losses are presented. Third, a new method for estimating the overall AEP uncertainty when using a Weibull distribution is presented. While it is commonly assumed that the uncertainty in the wind resource should be scaled by a factor between 2 and 3 to yield the uncertainty in the AEP, this work demonstrates that this assumption is an oversimplification and also presents a closed form solution for the sensitivity factors of the Weibull parameters.