bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PRECLINICAL STUDY: The effects of p‐chloroamphetamine, methamphetamine and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) on the gene expression of cytoskeletal proteins in the rat brain
Authors: Putzke Jörg , Spina Mariarosa G. , Büchler Jochen , Kovar Karl‐Artur , Wolf Gerald , Smalla Karl‐Heinz 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTRepeated administration of β‐phenylalkylamines is known to produce neuronal changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems of mammals. It is suggested that various components of the cytoskeleton undergo profound alterations after amphetamine use and misuse, contributing to behavioral changes and neurotoxicity. Here we studied the expression of microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) and β‐actin after repeated intraperitoneal applications with equimolar doses of p‐chloroamphetamine (PCA), methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the brain of male Wistar rats. Effective (molecular) pharmacological doses (ED) were derived and used for the calculation of (molecular) pharmacological indices (PI). Besides clear but different dose–response curves on the toxicity of the drugs, in situ hybridization and Western blot analysis revealed that repeated administration of these compounds resulted in different substance‐ and dose‐dependent changes in MAP2 gene expression, e.g. in the frontoparietal somatosensoric cortex. In contrast, the expression of β‐actin was not influenced by any of the compounds at the dose levels tested. Lethal doses were determined with 2.1 (PCA), >5.1 (METH) and 8.4 mg/kg/day (MDMA). Linear and non‐linear repeat‐dose lethality was observed for MDMA and PCA, respectively, whereas METH was non‐lethal in the dose range used. Values for EDMAP2 were 0.3, 0.52 and >16.8 mg/kg/day, and therefore those for PIMAP2 were 20, 4, and 0.5 for METH, PCA and MDMA, respectively. Although the results on mortality did not reflect changes in MAP2 gene expression, they suggest a remarkable difference for those amphetamines without substituents or with a halogen atom at the paraposition of the benzene ring, such as METH or PCA, when compared with MDMA‐like substances.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Correlation between serum ghrelin levels and cocaine‐seeking behaviour triggered by cocaine‐associated conditioned stimuli in rats
Authors: Tessari Michela , Catalano Antonio , Pellitteri Michele , Di Francesco Carla , Marini Francesca , Gerrard Philip A. , Heidbreder Christian A. , Melotto Sergio 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTGhrelin is a brain–gut peptide with growth hormone‐releasing and appetite‐inducing activities. A growing body of evidence suggests that ghrelin may affect the central reward system and modulate the activity of the mesolimbic system. Recent clinical studies also showed a significant positive correlation between plasma ghrelin levels and craving in alcoholics. Accordingly, the present study investigated the potential role of serum ghrelin levels in the reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behaviour triggered by cocaine‐associated cues. In addition, serum corticosterone levels were determined in the light of evidence suggesting that corticosterone plays a modulatory role in cocaine‐seeking behaviour. Male Lister Hooded rats under a restricted diet regime were first trained to intravenously self‐administer cocaine under a fixed ratio‐1 schedule of reinforcement. Conditioned stimuli (CS: tone and cue‐light on for 5 seconds) were presented contingently with cocaine delivery. Once a stable baseline of cocaine self‐administration was observed, lever presses were extinguished to less than 30% of baseline rates by removing both cocaine and CS. Reinstatement of responding was then induced by re‐exposure to cocaine‐associated CS. Blood samples for the enzyme immunoassay determination of serum ghrelin and the radioimmunoassay determination of serum corticosterone levels were collected 30 minutes before the beginning of reinstatement sessions. Rats significantly reinstated their responding when exposed to CS. A positive and significant correlation was observed between ghrelin levels (r = 0.64; P < 0.05), but not corticosterone (r = 0.37; NS), and the increased active lever presses only in animals exposed to CS. These findings suggest a potential role of ghrelin in the modulation of cue‐triggered reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behaviour.
Hemangiosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the third eyelid of a horse
Authors: Gearhart Patricia M. , Steficek Barbara A. , Peteresen‐Jones Simon M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA 12‐year‐old Belgian draft horse presented for a right eye third eyelid mass and red‐tinged ocular discharge of 3 months’ duration. The third eyelid was excised and submitted for histopathology. On histopathologic examination, the mass was composed of both hemangiosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The horse developed thickened eyelids and hemorrhagic ocular discharge from the right eye approximately 16 months following surgery, and was euthanized. Necropsy and histopathology confirmed local recurrence and regional metastasis of the hemangiosarcoma. This was an unusual case because there were two distinct neoplastic processes composing the same mass that could not be differentiated grossly.
Propofol modulates inner retina function in Beagles
Authors: Kommonen Bertel , Hyvätti Eira , Dawson William W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose  To further understand a common veterinary anesthetic, propofol (2,6‐ di‐isopropylphenol) and effects of infusion rates on the retinal neurons in Beagle dogs.Methods  Standard full‐field blue xenon‐flash stimulation elicited responses of dark‐adapted eyes, which were recorded from dogs before and after a propofol infusion rate increase.Results  Electroretinogram b‐waves increased significantly after the infusion rate increase and decreased with decline (P < 0.0001). Also, a weak significance (P = 0.041) for a‐wave peak amplitude increase was found after infusion rate increase. The initial part (first 18 ms) of the leading edge of the a‐wave remained unchanged. No significant differences in times to a‐ and b‐wave peaks were found.Conclusion  Enhanced b‐wave response and decline is due to sensitivity of postreceptoral cells, possibly interplexiform and amacrine cells, to propofol concentration.
Surgical repair of deep melting ulcers with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft in dogs and cats
Authors: Vanore Maria , Chahory Sabine , Payen Guillaume , Clerc Bernard 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Purpose   To evaluate the efficacy of using a porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft for the surgical repair of deep melting ulcers in dogs and cats.Methods   Two cats and five dogs presented with deep and large melting ulcers of the cornea. In each case, the necrotic and collagenolytic tissue of the cornea was removed by keratectomy. A SIS graft, 1 mm greater than the corneal defect, was rehydrated in sterile saline and sutured to the edges of the ulcer with a simple interrupted pattern of 9/0 polyglactin 910. A nictitating membrane flap was utilized in two cats and four dogs for 2 weeks. All cases were treated postoperatively with topical and systemic antibiotics, a systemic anti‐inflammatory drug and topical atropine. All animals were re‐evaluated 15 days, 4 weeks, 35–45 days, 2–3 months and 6 months postsurgery.Results   At 15 days postsurgery, a superficial intense corneal neovascularization surrounded the SIS graft. No ocular discomfort was present and fluorescein staining was negative in all cases. At 4 weeks the SIS graft was thick and opaque in all cases, although in one cat the SIS graft had partially detached. Between 35 and 45 days, SIS graft integration was evident in all eyes, and corneal neovascularization had decreased progressively. All eyes healed without complications and retained corneal transparency. This occurred even in the presence of corneal perforation in two cases: one prior to and one during surgery.Conclusion   Results of our study suggest the SIS graft may be an effective alternative surgical treatment to the traditional conjunctival grafts commonly used to repair melting ulcers in dogs and cats. The advantages of using a SIS graft include good corneal transparency, preservation of corneal integrity and maintenance of vision.
Parasympathetic control of the pupillary light response in the red‐eared slider turtle (Pseudemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Dearworth J. R. , Cooper L. J. , McGee C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective We investigated effects of both vecuronium bromide, a nicotinic cholinergic antagonist, and atropine, a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, on the pupil of the turtle to determine whether responses to light are controlled by parasympathetic innervations acting on the iris.Animal studied Three red‐eared slider turtles,Pseudemys scripta elegans.Procedure Turtles were secured to immobilize their head movements and then inserted into a light‐integrating sphere. Both pupils were monitored through small apertures by digital video cameras. Pupil diameters were measured manually with a digital caliper. During each trial, drugs (0.4%) were topically applied, four times at 15 min intervals, to the corneas of each eye. One eye was randomly selected for treatment of the drug while the other, treated with saline (0.9% NaCl), was used as control. Pupil sizes under adaptation to light were tracked after drug or saline applications.Results Mean pupillary diameters of eyes treated with vercuronium bromide increased by 28%, reaching peak size in 90 min. Onset of response occurred 20 min after drug application and then increased at a rate having a time constant of 26 min. Recovery began at 120 min after initial application. Atropine had no effect on pupil size. No systemic side effects by drugs were observed in turtles.Conclusions Although atropine does not cause mydriasis, vecuronium bromide does. These results suggest that the parasympathetic system in turtles acts through acetylcholine onto nicotinic receptors to stimulate pupillary light constriction.
The Effects of Nations and Organisations on Work Value Importance: A Cross‐Cultural Investigation
Authors: Hattrup Keith , Mueller Karsten , Joens Ingela 
Published: February 2007

This research examined similarities and differences in the work values of employees of three German multinational organisations across nations and across organisations. Value importance was measured by the strength of the empirical relationship between satisfaction of a job facet or value and overall job satisfaction; satisfaction of more important values is more strongly related to overall satisfaction than is the satisfaction of less important values. Comparisons of value importance across nations and organisations indicated substantial similarity, in contrast to previous research that has measured value importance with direct ratings. Implications of the results for our understanding of work values and the meaning of work in multicultural contexts are discussed.Cette recherche étudie les points communs et les différences dans les valeurs professionnelles des salariés de trois multinationales allemandes, cela sur plusieurs pays et organisations. L’importance d’une valeur a étéévaluée à partir de la force de la relation empirique entre la satisfaction procurée par un aspect du travail ou l’une de ses valeurs et la satisfaction professionnelle globale; la satisfaction due aux plus importantes des valeurs est davantage corrélée à la satisfaction générale que ne l’est la satisfaction apportée par les valeurs périphériques. La comparaison de l’importance des valeurs dans les divers pays et organisations a mis en évidence une grande proximité en contradiction avec les recherches antérieures qui avaient mesuré l’importance des valeurs avec des évaluations directes. On expose les retombées de ces résultats pour l’étude des valeurs professionnelles et de la signification du travail dans des contextes multiculturels.
Relationships among Organisational Justice Perceptions, Adjustment, and Turnover of United States‐Based Expatriates
Authors: Siers Brian 
Published: February 2007

Expatriate turnover is a potentially expensive problem for organisations. This study examined the process of cognitive evaluation that can result in the formation of turnover intentions. Expatriates from two organisations participated. Results indicated that facets of justice and adjustment interacted to explain turnover intentions. Specifically, when procedural fairness perceptions were low, general adjustment was related to turnover perceptions. Also, assignment satisfaction partially mediated relationships between facets of justice and adjustment and turnover cognitions. Findings are integrated into existing models of expatriate adjustment and turnover cognitions.La rotation du personnel expatrié revient potentiellement cher aux organisations. Cette étude examine comment le processus d’évaluation cognitive peut avoir comme résultat l’émergence d’intentions de turnover. Des expatriés de deux organisations ont participéà cette étude. Les résultats indiquaient que les aspects de la justice et de l’adaptation interagissaient pour expliquer les intentions de turnover. Plus particulièrement, lorsque les perceptions d’équité procédurale étaient basses, l’adaptation générale était liée aux perceptions de turnover. De plus, la satisfaction de la mission influençait partiellement les relations entre les aspects de la justice, l’adaptation et les cognitions à propos du turnover. Ces résultats ont été intégrés aux modèles existants à propos de l’adaptation des expatriés et des cognitions à propos du turnover.
Modelling exchange‐traded barrier options traded in the Australian options market
Authors: Easton Steve , Gerlach Richard 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBarrier options traded in the Australian market vary considerably in terms of the extent to which the barrier is monitored and in terms of the location of the barrier level relative to the exercise price. This paper examines the impact of these differences on prices and also on deltas and gammas. We find that it is not possible to generalize results concerning hedge parameter values to all barrier options. We find that options examined by Easton et al. (2004) do not display discontinuity of deltas at the barrier levels and that their apparent overpricing cannot be attributed to hedging difficulties.
Evaluating a method of integrating generic skills with accounting content based on a functional theory of meaning
Authors: Sin Samantha , Jones Alan , Petocz Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper documents and evaluates an intervention designed to integrate the learning of selected generic skills, particularly analytical thinking and written communication skills, with the learning of accounting content. The method used was to scaffold practice in analytical thinking skills through specially designed writing activities. Content‐focused learning materials adapted from task‐types currently used to teach language skills were used to facilitate the analysis and interrelation of accounting concepts, principles and problems in interpersonal communicative contexts typical of actual accounting practice. The materials, in three assignments, were designed to incorporate: (i) selected generic skills, taken from those listed by the professional accounting bodies; (ii) writing, both as communication and as an instrument for analytical thinking and learning; (iii) knowledge of accounting concepts and principles; and (iv) awareness of the interpersonal dimensions of professional communication. Overall, students showed improved learning outcomes, with improvements of 19 percentage points for non‐Australian students over the three assignments. We were also able to show significant positive relationships between the assessments of assignments 2 and 3 and performance in the knowledge‐based final examination. Improvements in the quality of learning were shown in students’ improved ability to assess their own work.
WEIGHTED LOTTERIES IN LIFE AND DEATH CASES
Authors: Hirose Iwao 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFaced with a choice between saving one stranger and saving a group of strangers, some people endorse weighted lotteries, which give a strictly greater chance of being saved to the group of strangers than the single stranger. In this paper I attempt to criticize this view. I first consider a particular version of the weighted lotteries, Frances Kamm's procedure of proportional chances, and point out two implausible implications of her proposal. Then, I consider weighted lotteries in general, and claim (1) that the correct thing to distribute is not the chance of being saved but the good of being saved, (2) that assigning some chance to the single stranger is not the only way to give a positive (and equal) respect to the people concerned, and (3) that the weighted lottery appears to be deceptive since it would show the respect to the single stranger in a negligible way.
Wettability alteration of caprock minerals by carbon dioxide
Authors: CHIQUET P. , BROSETA D. , THIBEAU S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOne of the critical factors that control the efficiency of CO2 geological storage process in aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs is the capillary‐sealing potential of the caprock. This potential can be expressed in terms of the maximum reservoir overpressure that the brine‐saturated caprock can sustain, i.e. of the CO2 capillary entry pressure. It is controlled by the brine/CO2 interfacial tension, the water‐wettability of caprock minerals, and the pore size distribution within the caprock.By means of contact angle measurements, experimental evidence was obtained showing that the water‐wettability of mica and quartz is altered in the presence of CO2 under pressures typical of geological storage conditions. The alteration is more pronounced in the case of mica. Both minerals are representative of shaly caprocks and are strongly water‐wet in the presence of hydrocarbons.A careful analysis of the available literature data on breakthrough pressure measurements in caprock samples confirms the existence of a wettability alteration by dense CO2, both in shaly and in evaporitic caprocks. The consequences of this effect on the maximum CO2 storage pressure and on CO2 storage capacity in the underground reservoir are discussed. For hydrocarbon reservoirs that were initially close to capillary leakage, the maximum allowable CO2 storage pressure is only a fraction of the initial reservoir pressure.
Contrasting paleofluid systems in the continental basement: a fluid inclusion and stable isotope study of hydrothermal vein mineralization, Schwarzwald district, Germany
Authors: BAATARTSOGT B. , SCHWINN G. , WAGNER T. , TAUBALD H. , BEITTER T. , MARKL G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn integrated fluid inclusion and stable isotope study was carried out on hydrothermal veins (Sb‐bearing quartz veins, metal‐bearing fluorite–barite–quartz veins) from the Schwarzwald district, Germany. A total number of 106 Variscan (quartz veins related to Variscan orogenic processes) and post‐Variscan deposits were studied by microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy, and stable isotope analysis. The fluid inclusions in Variscan quartz veins are of the H2O–NaCl–(KCl) type, have low salinities (0–10 wt.% eqv. NaCl) and high Th values (150–350°C). Oxygen isotope data for quartz range from +2.8‰ to +12.2‰ and calculated δ18OH2O values of the fluid are between −12.5‰ and +4.4‰. The δD values of water extracted from fluid inclusions vary between −49‰ and +4‰. The geological framework, fluid inclusion and stable isotope characteristics of the Variscan veins suggest an origin from regional metamorphic devolatilization processes.By contrast, the fluid inclusions in post‐Variscan fluorite, calcite, barite, quartz, and sphalerite belong to the H2O–NaCl–CaCl2 type, have high salinities (22–25 wt.% eqv. NaCl) and lower Th values of 90–200°C. A low‐salinity fluid (0–15 wt.% eqv. NaCl) was observed in late‐stage fluorite, calcite, and quartz, which was trapped at similar temperatures. The δ18O values of quartz range between +11.1‰ and +20.9‰, which translates into calculated δ18OH2O values between −11.0‰ and +4.4‰. This range is consistent with δ18OH2O values of fluid inclusion water extracted from fluorite (−11.6‰ to +1.1‰). The δD values of directly measured fluid inclusion water range between −29‰ and −1‰, −26‰ and −15‰, and −63‰ and +9‰ for fluorite, quartz, and calcite, respectively.Calculations using the fluid inclusion and isotope data point to formation of the fluorite–barite–quartz veins under near‐hydrostatic conditions. The δ18OH2O and δD data, particularly the observed wide range in δD, indicate that the mineralization formed through large‐scale mixing of a basement‐derived saline NaCl–CaCl2 brine with meteoric water. Our comprehensive study provides evidence for two fundamentally different fluid systems in the crystalline basement. The Variscan fluid regime is dominated by fluids generated through metamorphic devolatilization and fluid expulsion driven by compressional nappe tectonics. The onset of post‐Variscan extensional tectonics resulted in replacement of the orogenic fluid regime by fluids which have distinct compositional characteristics and are related to a change in the principal fluid sources and the general fluid flow patterns. This younger system shows remarkably persistent geochemical and isotopic features over a prolonged period of more than 100 Ma.
Evidence for a role of Hsp70 in the neuroprotection induced by heat shock pre‐treatment against 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine toxicity in rat brain
Authors: Escobedo Isabel , Peraile Ines , Orio Laura , Colado M. Isabel , O’Shea Esther 
Published: February 2007

Abstract3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) produces acute hyperthermia which increases the severity of the selective serotoninergic neurotoxicity produced by the drug in rats. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a major inducible cellular protein expressed in stress conditions and which is thought to exert protective functions. MDMA (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.), given to rats housed at 22°C, produced an immediate hyperthermia and increased Hsp70 in frontal cortex between 3 h and 7 days after administration. MDMA, given to rats housed at low ambient temperature (4°C) produced transient hypothermia followed by mild hyperthermia but no increase in Hsp70 expression, while rats treated at elevated room temperature (30°C) showed enhanced hyperthermia and similar expression of Hsp70 to that seen in rats housed at 22°C. Fluoxetine‐induced inhibition of 5‐HT release and hydroxyl radical formation did not modify MDMA‐induced Hsp70 expression 3 h later. Four‐ or 8‐day heat shock (elevation of basal rectal temperature by 1.5°C for 1 h) or geldanamycin pre‐treatment induced Hsp70 expression and protected against MDMA‐induced serotoninergic neurotoxicity without affecting drug‐induced hyperthermia. Thus, MDMA‐induced Hsp70 expression depends on the drug‐induced hyperthermic response and not on 5‐HT release or hydroxyl radical formation and pre‐induction of Hsp70 protects against the long‐term serotoninergic damage produced by MDMA.