bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of bone healing using non‐glycosylated rhBMP‐2 released from a fibrin matrix in dogs and cats
Authors: Schmoekel H. G. , Weber F. E. , Hurter K. , Schense J. C. , Seiler G. , Rytz U. , Spreng D. , Schawalder P. , Hubbell J. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To test a non‐glycosylated recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (ngly‐rhBMP‐2)/fibrin composite, which has been shown experimentally to enhance healing of bone defects in rodents, in a clinical case series of dogs and cats undergoing treatment for fracture non‐unions and arthrodesis.Methods: A ngly‐rhBMP‐2/fibrin composite was applied in 41 sites in 38 dogs and cats for which a cancellous bone autograft was indicated, replacing the graft.Results: Bridging of the bone defect with functional bone healing was achieved in 90 per cent of the arthrodesis and fracture nonunions treated in this manner.Clinical Significance: This prospective clinical study demonstrates the beneficial effects of ngly‐rhBMP‐2 in a specially designed fibrin matrix on the treatment of bone defects, and validates the use of this composite as an alternative to bone autografts in dogs and cats.
Hyperparathyroidism in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Ramsey I. K. , Tebb A. , Harris E. , Evans H. , Herrtage M. E. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To assess the effect of canine hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) on parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphate and calcium concentrations.Methods: PTH concentrations and routine biochemical parameters were measured in 68 dogs with HAC. Ionised calcium was measured in 28 of these dogs. The results obtained were compared with an age‐ and weight‐matched group of 20 hospital patients that did not show signs of HAC.Results: There were significant differences between the PTH, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and albumin concentrations between the two groups. Total and ionised calcium concentrations were not significantly different. Most of the dogs (92 per cent) with HAC had PTH concentrations that were greater than the reference range (10 to 60 pg/ml), and in 23 dogs they were greater than 180 pg/ml. There were significant positive correlations between the PTH and basal cortisol, post‐adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cortisol and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, and also the phosphate and post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations.ClinicalSignificance: Adrenal secondary hyperparathyroidism is a cause of increased PTH concentrations and may be associated with abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism in dogs with HAC. The findings of this study could explain why canine HAC may cause clinical signs such as calcinosis cutis that are associated with altered calcium metabolism.
Prostatopexy as a treatment for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in male dogs
Authors: Holt P. E. , Coe R. J. , Moore A. Hotston 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: The incidence of urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in male dogs is relatively rare compared with the incidence in bitches, but the medical management of USMI in male dogs is less rewarding than in bitches. Attempts have been made to manage this condition surgically using either urethral bulking agents such as Teflon or by relocating the intrapelvic bladder neck to an intra‐abdominal position by vas deferentopexy. This paper reports the response to prostatopexy in male dogs with USMI.Methods: The response to prostatopexy was determined in nine severely incontinent male dogs with USMI that were followed up for periods ranging from 10 months to five years (mean 2.3 years).Results: One dog was cured, four were improved, and no improvement in the frequency or degree of urinary incontinence occurred in the remaining four animals. No complications were seen in any of the dogs.ClinicalSignificance: Prostatopexy may provide a further method of treating male dogs with USMI that do not respond to medical therapy.
Cardiac troponin I: evaluation of a biomarker for the diagnosis of heart disease in the dog
Authors: Spratt D. P. , Mellanby R. J. , Drury N. , Archer J. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To assess the value of measuring blood levels of the myocardial protein cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the diagnosis of congenital and acquired heart disease in the dog and in the evaluation of the severity of heart failure.Methods: Serum samples obtained from healthy dogs (n=26) and from dogs diagnosed with a variety of congenital and acquired heart conditions (n=35) were assayed for cTnI concentration using an automated immunoassay method. Results were also analysed according to the degree of heart failure as assessed using the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council's scheme.Results: Healthy dogs had very low or undetectable blood cTnI levels, as did dogs with congenital heart disease. However, cTnI levels were significantly elevated in dogs with acquired mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion. Blood cTnI levels also varied with severity of heart failure.ClinicalSignificance: Measurement of blood cTnI levels may be a useful aid in the diagnosis of dogs with suspected heart disease and in indicating the severity of heart failure.
Retrospective study of bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs
Authors: Clements D. N. , Owen M. R. , Mosley J. R. , Carmichael S. , Taylor D. J. , Bennett D. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To characterise the presenting signs and pathological changes of canine bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs, and to document the response to different treatment regimens. Risk factors that may predispose joints to bacterial infective arthritis and influence the success of treatment were also investigated.Methods: A retrospective review of cases of bacterial infective arthritis that were presented to three university veterinary referral hospitals over a five‐year period (January 1997 to January 2002) was performed.Results: The elbow joint (38 per cent) and stifle joint (44 per cent) were most commonly affected. Radiographic changes consistent with pre‐existing osteoarthritis were identified in 14 joints, which had no history of previous surgery (articular or periarticular) or penetrating wound. No significant difference (P=0.78) was identified between the outcome of combined surgical and medical management, and medical management alone. There were trends for poorer outcomes with increased bodyweight of the dog, longer duration of lameness and a higher nucleated cell count of the affected joint fluid at presentation. The overall infection rate for articular surgical procedures at one institution was 1.3 per cent.Clinical Significance: Medical and/or surgical management were usually successful in resolving infection (94 per cent). However, they were frequently unsuccessful in restoring full joint function; this may in part have been due to the nature of the underlying joint disease.
Osteoarthritis in cats: a retrospective radiological study
Authors: Godfrey D. R. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To provide basic information about natural feline osteoarthritis (OA) as part of more extensive studies.Methods: A retrospective study of cats (greater than one year of age) radiographed for any reason at a first opinion and referral veterinary practice was performed. Cats were classified as either having or not having radiographic OA. Computerised histories were searched for records of potential causes and clinical signs of OA. The genders and ages of the affected cats were compared with a control population using chi‐squared tests.Results: Of 491 cats, 292 (59 per cent) had undergone a diagnostic radiograph of at least one synovial joint. Sixty‐three of 292 cats (22 per cent) showed evidence of radiographic OA; 21 (33 per cent) of which also had clinically evident OA. A potential cause of OA had been recorded in only seven of 63 cats (11 per cent). The population of cats with radiographic evidence of OA was older than the control population (P<0.001).ClinicalSignificance: Radiographic OA was found in 22 per cent of the test population. In many cases there was no clinical evidence of OA recorded in the history, suggesting that either there is little correlation between clinical and radiographic OA or that clinical signs of OA in cats may not have been observed or recorded. Idiopathic/primary OA was common.
Questionnaire study of canine neutering techniques taught in UK veterinary schools and those used in practice
Authors: Tivers M. S. , Travis T. R. D. , Windsor R. V. , Moore A. Hotston 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To gather information about the different techniques employed in general practice and to compare this with current undergraduate teaching. This would provide an insight into any areas of discrepancy and influences on technique in practice.Methods: A questionnaire was composed and distributed to 407 practices throughout the UK, using a commercial mailing list. Fifty further questionnaires were distributed by final‐year students to their foster practices and five were sent to practices on request. A second questionnaire was composed and sent to the members of staff responsible for teaching surgical neutering techniques at each of the UK veterinary schools.Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 183 respondents. These were compared with seven questionnaires from university teachers. Only areas in which the teachers reached a consensus of opinion were directly compared.ClinicalSignificance: Several areas of discrepancy between current teaching and techniques in practice were identified. A study of complications compared with technique would provide further information. There is a lack of published material or an evidence base in many aspects of surgical neutering to support one technique over another.
REACTIONS OF CAPTIVE HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) TO PINGER‐LIKE SOUNDS
Authors: Teilmann Jonas , Tougaard Jakob , Miller Lee A. , Kirketerp Tim , Hansen Kirstin , Brando Sabrina 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPingers on gill nets can reduce bycatch of harbor porpoises. If harbor porpoises habituate to pingers, the effect may be reduced or lost. Two captive harbor porpoises were exposed to three sound types. All sounds were in the frequency band from 100 kHz to 140 kHz, 200 ms long, and presented once per 4 s. The source level was 153 dB re 1 μPa RMS at 1 m. Each session consisted of a 10‐min presound, a 5‐min sound, and a 10‐min postsound period. Behavior was recorded on video and on dataloggers placed on the dorsal fin of one animal. The loggers recorded heart rate, swimming speed, dive duration, and depth. The animals responded most strongly to the initial presentations of a sound. Surface time decreased, the heart rate dropped below the normal bradycardia, and echolocation activity decreased. The reactions of both animals diminished rapidly in the following sessions. Should the waning of responsiveness apply to wild animals, porpoises may adapt to the sounds but still avoid nets, or the bycatch may increase after some time. The success of long‐term use of pingers may then depend on the variety of sounds and rates of exposure.
SPRING HAUL‐OUT BEHAVIOR OF RINGED SEALS (PUSA HISPIDA) IN KONGSFJORDEN, SVALBARD
Authors: Carlens Helen , Lydersen Christian , Krafft Bjørn A. , Kovacs Kit M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractHaul‐out behavior of ringed seals (Pusa hispida) was investigated during the spring molting period of 2003 (May–July) in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Norway. Hourly counts were conducted on the land‐fast ice in six spatially defined sectors in the inner fjord, from an elevated land‐based vantage point from early May through until the ice began to break up in June, from 0600 to 2200 daily (total countsn= 478). Concomitantly, measurements were made of a variety of weather parameters. Multiple regression analyses revealed that time of day (P< 0.001) and date (P< 0.001) significantly affected the number of ringed seals hauled out on the ice surface. Other factors influencing the number of seals counted on the ice were air temperature (P= 0.011) and wind speed (P< 0.001). Daily peaks occurred in the early afternoon between 1300 and 1400 and the seasonal high (n= 385) was registered during the first week in June, after which the number of seals on the ice in the fjord declined. In addition to the visual counts, 24 ringed seals were equipped with VHF transmitters, and the haul‐out behavior of individuals was monitored from May through Julyviaan automatic recording station. The VHF‐tagged seals exhibited the same diurnal pattern seen in the total counts, with haul‐out most frequent from 1300 to 1400. Pups exhibited short and frequent haul‐outs, whereas longer haul‐out periods were seen in the older age classes; adult females had the greatest number of haul‐out periods that exceeded 24 h. The seasonal peak of haul‐out for the tagged seals preceded the peak seasonal counts by approximately 3 wk. This may reflect significant out‐ and influx of seals from and to the area, a phenomenon warranting further attention because of its implications for assessment studies.
COMPARATIVE GROWTH ANALYSIS OF TWO POPULATIONS OF PONTOPORIA BLAINVILLEI ON THE BRAZILIAN COAST
Authors: Barreto André S. , Rosas Fernando C. W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe von Bertalanffy growth model was applied to franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) incidentally caught in fishing nets on the São Paulo/Paraná coasts (25°00′–25°58′S), and compared with the growth of franciscanas incidentally caught on the Rio Grande do Sul coast (29°–33°S). In both locations, a difference was noted between the growth of males and females, confirming the sexual dimorphism of the body proportions of this dolphin. The growth curves of the dolphins from São Paulo/Paraná were significantly different (P < 0.01) from those obtained from Rio Grande do Sul, with significantly smaller animals in the former area. On the São Paulo/Paraná coast, the stabilization of the growth curves happened at a total length of 113 and 129 cm for males (n= 23) and females (n= 18), respectively. In Rio Grande do Sul, they stabilized at 130 cm for the males (n= 59) and at 146 cm (n= 48) for the females. These results corroborate the morphometric differences previously mentioned in the literature, which resulted in the identification of a smaller northern form and a larger southern form of P. blainvillei. The data here presented can be used for future comparisons of changes in growth parameters of these two franciscana stocks and help to develop proper conservation programs for the species.
PENNING DISCHARGE PLASMA SOURCE AND ITS APPLICATION TO SYNTHESIS OF NANOSTRUCTURED AlN FILMS
Authors: FENG P. X. , LI Y. H. , WEINER BRAD 
Published: February 2006

Penning discharge (PD) sputtering deposition technique is developed and first used in synthesis of nanostructured aluminum nitride (AlN) films. The advantage of the present PD is that discharge current is linearly dependent on power supply voltage. Maximal discharge current up to 180 mA is obtained for power supply voltage of 5 kV with a ballast resistor of 25 kΩ. In contrast, the discharge voltage is only 290 V. Installation of smaller value of the ballast resistor will yield larger discharge current, whereas discharge voltage remains nearly unchanged, which is an important factor employed to the synthesis of high quality of AlN films. The preferred orientations of nanoscale AlN particles distributions on the surface of the substrates are observed. The increase of the power voltage (discharge current) for sputtering deposition yields different patterns of the nanoscale particles, but sizes of the particles are unchanged. Typical A 1– TO and A1– LO bands in Raman spectra of the films are identified, respectively.
Singular Spectrum Analysis of Nonstationary Tidal Currents Applied to ADCP Data from the Northeast Brazilian Shelf
Authors: Vianna Marcio L. , Menezes Viviane V. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe development of new tools for the analysis of nonstationary currents, including tidal currents, has been the subject of recent research. In this work a method for studies of nonstationary barotropic or baroclinic currents based on empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and singular spectrum analysis (SSA) is proposed. It represents a new alternative to other methods of analysis of tidal currents in strong interaction with nontidal forcing, for example, the continuous wavelet transform. The advantage of the SSA method resides in the fact that it is fast, easy to implement, efficient for short-time records, and is based on the covariance structure of the data. If significant tidal constituents occur in the measurements, these are determined by the method itself even with short-time-series records. This is in contrast to the harmonic analysis (HA), where a large table of tidal constituents stated a priori are fitted to the data, even if the presence of some of these are spurious and not justified physically. The method is first demonstrated in the analysis of a synthetic current time series and then applied to an hourly current ADCP profile dataset of 410 days from the northeast Brazilian shelf. In both cases the SSA results were compared to the classical HA and the neoclassical short-term HA (STHA). The description of the shelf area where the ADCP was placed, the deployment and data acquisition operations, and the quality control data analysis are included for completeness. Analysis of the full ADCP quality-controlled data was done after a separation of the subtidal from the tidal high-frequency bands, although this traditional separation is not strictly necessary and was only made to better compare with HA and STHA. Analysis of the tidal band obtained from the ADCP data showed that the extracted tidal ellipse constituents present coherent oscillations dominated by the annual and 57-day periods, and changes in the sense of rotation of the current vector from anticyclonic to cyclonic in the ellipses. The subtidal band variability is shown to be also dominated by an annual and a 57-day period component, both polarized along the isobaths, which is suggestive of a nonlinear interaction of the subtidal and the tidal variability.
An Application of Neural Network Technique to Correct the Dome Temperature Effects on Pyrgeometer Measurements
Authors: Oliveira Amauri P. , Soares Jacyra , Božnar Marija Z. , Mlakar Primož , Escobedo João F. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis work describes an application of a multilayer perceptron neural network technique to correct dome emission effects on longwave atmospheric radiation measurements carried out using an Eppley Precision Infrared Radiometer (PIR) pyrgeometer. It is shown that approximately 7-month-long measurements of dome and case temperatures and meteorological variables available in regular surface stations (global solar radiation, air temperature, and air relative humidity) are enough to train the neural network algorithm and correct the observed longwave radiation for dome temperature effects in surface stations with climates similar to that of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The network was trained using data from 15 October 2003 to 7 January 2004 and verified using data, not present during the network-training period, from 8 January to 30 April 2004. The longwave radiation values generated by the neural network technique were very similar to the values obtained by Fairall et al., assumed here as the reference approach to correct dome emission effects in PIR pyrgeometers. Compared to the empirical approach the neural network technique is less limited to sensor type and time of day (allows nighttime corrections).
An OSSE Framework Based on the Ensemble Square Root Kalman Filter for Evaluating the Impact of Data from Radar Networks on Thunderstorm Analysis and Forecasting
Authors: Xue Ming , Tong Mingjing , Droegemeier Kelvin K. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A framework for Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) based on the ensemble square root Kalman filter (EnSRF) technique for assimilating data from more than one radar network is described. The system is tested by assimilating simulated radial velocity and reflectivity data from a Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radar and a network of four low-cost radars planned for the Oklahoma test bed by the new National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA). Such networks are meant to adaptively probe the lower atmosphere that is often missed by the existing WSR-88D radar network, so as to improve the detection of low-level hazardous weather events and to provide more complete data for the initialization of numerical weather prediction models.
Different from earlier OSSE work with ensemble Kalman filters, the radar data are sampled on the radar elevation levels and a more realistic forward operator based on the Gaussian power-gain function is used. A stretched vertical grid with high vertical resolution near the ground allows for a better examination of the impact of low-level data. Furthermore, the impacts of storm propagation and higher-volume scan frequencies up to one volume scan per minute on the quality of analysis are examined, using a domain of a sufficient size. The generally good analysis compared to earlier work indicates that the filter can effectively handle the non-uniform-resolution data on the radar elevation levels.
The assimilation of additional data from a well-positioned (relative to the storm) CASA radar improves the analysis of a supercell storm system that uses data from one WSR-88D radar alone; and the improvement is most significant at the low levels. When data from a single CASA radar are assimilated and when the radar does not provide full coverage of the storm system, significant errors develop in the analysis that cannot be effectively corrected. The combination of three CASA radars produces analyses of similar quality as the combination of one WSR-88D radar and one well-positioned CASA radar.
The most significant effect of storm propagation speed appears to be on the data coverage, which in turn affects the analysis quality. It is generally true that the more observations, the better the analysis. The results of the EnSRF assimilation are not very sensitive to the propagation speed. The quality of analysis can be improved by employing faster volume scans. The sensitivity of the EnSRF analysis to the volume scan interval is however much less than that of traditional velocity and thermodynamic retrieval schemes, suggesting the superiority of the EnSRF method compared to traditional methods. The very frequent update of the model state by the filter, even at 1-min intervals, does not show any negative effect, indicating that the analyzed fields are well balanced.