bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of potassium bromide in adult horses
Authors: RAIDAL SL , EDWARDS S. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the pharmacokinetics of potassium bromide (KBr) in horses after single and multiple oral doses.AnimalsTwelve adult Standardbred and Thoroughbred maresProcedureHorses were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Group 1 horses were given a single oral dose of 120 mg/kg potassium bromide. Part 2 of the study evaluated a loading dose of 120 mg/kg KBr daily by stomach tube for 5 days, followed by 40 mg/kg daily in feed for 7 days. Serum concentrations of KBr were measured to construct concentration versus time curves and to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters. Treated horses were monitored twice daily by clinical examination. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride ions and partial pressures of venous blood gases were determined.ResultsMaximum mean serum concentration following a single dose of KBr (120 mg/kg) was 423 ± 22 μg/mL and the mean elimination half‐life was 75 ± 14 h. Repeated administration of a loading dose of KBr (120 mg/kg once daily for 5 d) gave a maximum serum concentration 1639 ± 156 μg/mL The administration of lower, maintenance doses (40 mg/kg once daily) was associated with decreased serum bromide concentrations, which plateaued at approximately 1000 μg/mL. Administration of KBr was associated with significant but transient changes in serum potassium and sodium concentrations, and possible changes in base excess and plasma bicarbonate concentrations. High serum concentrations of bromide were associated with an apparent increase in serum chloride concentrations, when measured on an ion specific electrode.Conclusions and clinical relevanceLoading doses of 120 mg/kg daily over 5 d and maintenance doses of approximately 90 mg/kg of KBr administered once daily resulted in serum bromide concentrations consistent with therapeutic efficacy for the management of seizures in other species. The clinical efficacy of this agent as an anticonvulsant medication and/or calmative in horses warrants further investigation.
A preliminary study of possible genetic influences on the susceptibility of sheep to Johne's disease
Authors: REDDACLIFF LA , BEH K. , McGREGOR H. , WHITTINGTON RJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate possible genetic influences on susceptibility or resistance of sheep to Johne's disease.DesignA field and laboratory study of two fine‐wool Merino flocks with a high prevalence of disease due toMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosisinfection.ProcedureAdult sheep were phenotypically classified as having severe, mild or no disease on the basis of clinical, pathological and cultural tests for paratuberculosis, and as positive or negative in tests for humoral immunity (agar gel immunodiffusion test) or cell mediated immunity (skin test for delayed type hyper‐sensitivity). Correlations with phenotype were sought for polymorphisms at loci within selected immune function genes (NRAMP, MHC complex, IFN‐γ, lysozyme, leukaemia inhibiting factor).ResultsPossible associations of particular NRAMP and MHC alleles with susceptibility or resistance to Johne's disease were detected.ConclusionIf the results of this preliminary study are confirmed in further work, then the use of rams with “resistant” genotypes may assist in the control of Johne's disease in infected flocks.
Canada's Indians: norms of responsible government under federalism
Authors: McInnes Simon , Billingsley Perry 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This study examines the application of norms of responsible government in Indian governments. We discuss Indian Act bands and the ten bands under separate self‐government legislation. In addition, the study looks closely at ten self‐government proposals involving forty‐seven communities that were under negotiation as of April 1991. We measure these twenty cases through a matrix of principles of accountability by governmental fields. These include enacting laws, leadership selection, lands and resources management, financial management, and band membership.The study argues that Canada's Indians do not need to take any lessons from non‐Indians on the importance of the accountability of leaders. In many aspects Indian norms of accountability, particularly those in a self‐government setting, are more direct and potentially richer in practice than those typically enjoyed by most non‐Indian Canadian citizens. The study concludes that the practice of responsible government by Indians deserves its rightful place within the mainstream of the study of public administration in Canada.Sommaire: Cette étude se penche sur l'application aux gouvernements indiens des normes définissant un gouvernement responsable. Elle discute des bandes qui relèvant de la Loi sur les Indiens et des dix bandes qui sont sous le coup de mesures législatives distinctes d'auto‐gouvernement. De plus, elle examine de près dix propositions gouvernementales mettant enjeu 47 collectivités et qui en étaient au stade des négociations en avril 1991. Nous évaluons ces 20 cas grâce à une matrice de principes d'obligation redditionnelle par secteurs gouvernementaux, tels que l'adoption des lois, la sélection des leaders, la gestion des terres, des ressources et des fonds, et l'appartenance aux bandes.L'étude soutient que les Canadiens non‐indiens n'ont pas de leçons à donner aux Indiens du Canada sur l'importance de la responsabilisation des leaders. À bien des égards, les normes d'obligation redditionnelle des Indiens ‐surtout dans un contexte d'auto‐gouvernement ‐ sont plus directes et potentiellement plus riches sur le plan pratique que celles en vigueur parmi la plupart des citoyens canadiens non‐indiens. L'étude conclut que les Indiens ont pleinement droit à un auto‐gouvernement capable
Secretion of
E
,
E
-Farnesol and Biofilm Formation in Eight Different
Candida
Species
Authors: Weber K. , Sohr R. , Schulz B. , Fleischhacker M. , Ruhnke M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Production of
E
,
E
-farnesol (FOH) and biofilm formation were studied under various conditions in 56 strains of eight
Candida
spp. FOH production differed significantly not only between
Candida
spp. but within
Candida albicans
strains as well. FOH concentrations and biofilm formation were the highest for
C albicans
.
Into High Gear: China's Public Diplomacy
Authors: d'Hooghe Ingrid 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn recent months China's public diplomacy has had to move into high gear. Recent problems with the safety of China's food and toys exports, Beijing's close relations with the regimes of Sudan and Myanmar, and telling pictures of China's environmental problems on newspaper front pages have seriously undermined the projected image of China as a reliable and responsible world power. Even more importantly, these issues have a direct negative impact on China's economy and domestic political situation. If the safety issue is not dealt with adequately, the label 'Made in China' may become known as 'Buyer Beware' and exports may plummet. If China distances itself too much from the international mainstream on Sudan and Myanmar, the call by various non-governmental groups and Hollywood individuals for a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games of 2008 may gain support and lead to actions that could blemish or even disrupt the Games. The Olympics have become a two-edged sword: a major public diplomacy tool for China but also an international stick to urge the Chinese government to step up its compliance to international norms and values. These recent developments illustrate the importance of image and public diplomacy for a country that is rising to play a more substantial role in world politics and economics.
A Two-step and Hysteretic Spin-crossover Transition in New Cyano-bridged Hetero-metal FeIIAuI 2-Dimensional Assemblage
Authors: Kosone Takashi , Kachi-Terajima Chihiro , Kanadani Chikahide , Saito Toshiaki , Kitazawa Takafumi 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A new hetero-metal 2-dimensional (2D) spin-crossover complex, {[FeII(3-Fpy)2][AuI(CN)2]2}n (3-Fpy = 3-fluoropyridine) has been synthesized and characterized crystallographically and magnetically. The complex consists of an octahedral FeII ion and a mononuclear [AuI(CN)2]− unit with a linear coordination geometry which combine to form an infinite 2D structure. The spin transition observed for this complex is accompanied by a drastic and reversible change of color from blue to purple.
Novel Sulfur–Selenium Exchange in Ethylenedioxy- and Ethylenedithio-dithiadiselenafulvalenedithiolates
Authors: Hayashi Toshiki , Xiao Xunwen , Yamaji Yuhta , Fujiwara Hideki , Sugimoto Toyonari , Nakazumi Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Ethylenedioxy- and ethylenedithiodithiadiselenafulvalenedithiolates are subjected to sulfur–selenium exchange, in which one selenium atom in the molecular skeleton is replaced by an outside sulfur atom. The reaction of the exchanged dithiolates with 2-methylthio-1,3-dithiolylium ion gives the corresponding thioquinone-1,3-dithiolemethides as new donor molecules.
An Internet-based videoconferencing system for supporting frail elderly people and their carers
Authors: Savolainen Liina , Hanson Elizabeth , Magnusson Lennart , Gustavsson Tomas 
Published: March 2008

Summary The ACTION project uses information and communication technology to support frail elderly people and their family carers. The aims are to enhance their quality of life, independence and preparedness and to break social isolation. A videoconferencing system, connecting homes and a call centre, was used in a pilot study in 1997–2002. A re-designed system was brought into use in late 2004 and over 60 new units were introduced during the first six months. The new system was evaluated with an interview study and by data logging. Eight family users and four professional carers were interviewed. The family users had used the videophone at least six times and they had had the equipment at home for at least two months. The average number of initiated calls per user was 5.7 per month and the average call time per user was 40 min per month. Seven of the users (88%) reported that the system very much reduced their sense of loneliness and isolation. The results of the evaluation were encouraging. There were several frequent users of videoconferencing. System quality was acceptable although a shorter audio delay would be desirable. The system was used regularly by the participants and it fulfilled its purpose.
Telemedicine for audiology screening of infants
Authors: Krumm Mark , Huffman Todd , Dick Kelly , Klich Richard 
Published: March 2008

Summary Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) screening were conducted in infants at a distant hospital using remote computing. Eighteen males and twelve females ranging in age from 11–45 days were tested. Both DPOAE and AABR data were recorded using an integrated test system which was connected to the computer network at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. Using a broadband Internet connection, an examiner at Utah State University, 200 km away, could control the DPOAE and the ABR equipment. Identical hearing screening results were obtained for face-to-face and telemedicine trials with all infants. The DPOAE means for face-to-face and telemedicine trials were not significantly different at any frequency. In an analysis of variance, there was no significant difference for the test method ( F = 0.8, P > 0.05). These results indicate that remote computing is a feasible telemedicine method for providing DPOAE and ABR hearing screening services to infants in rural communities.
Evaluating distance education of a mindfulness-based meditation programme for chronic pain management
Authors: Gardner-Nix Jacqueline , Backman Stéphanie , Barbati Julianna , Grummitt Jessica 
Published: March 2008

Summary Patients with chronic pain were recruited from two large urban hospitals and from rural hospitals in Ontario. Patients on the waiting list served as controls. The intervention was a Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management course, delivered to patients for two hours per week for 10 weeks. Pre- and postcourse measures of quality of life, pain catastrophizing and usual pain ratings were collected over a period of two years. Patients received the course via traditional face-to-face, in-person teaching (Present site group) or via videoconferencing at their local hospital site (Distant site group). In all, there were 99 Present site participants, 57 at Distant sites and 59 waitlist controls. Patients at Present and Distant sites achieved similar gains in mental health ( P < 0.01) and pain catastrophizing levels ( P < 0.01) relative to controls. However, the Present site group obtained significantly higher scores on the physical dimension of quality of life ( P < 0.01) and lower usual-pain ratings ( P < 0.05) than the Distant site group. The results suggest that videoconferencing is an effective mode of delivery for the Mindfulness course and may represent a new way of helping chronic pain patients in rural areas manage their suffering.
Aquatic fate and effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Bb1 protein: Toward risk assessment
Authors: Prihoda Kelsey R , Coats Joel R 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Genetically engineered crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal crystalline (Cry) proteins became commercially available in the United States in 1996. In 2006, 19 million ha of Bt corn were planted worldwide, which represents a 10 million ha increase in 10 years. The sustainability of Bt crops is important, because their use has significantly reduced the amount of chemical insecticides necessary to control agricultural pests. Despite the high adoption rates of this novel insecticide, little is known about the aquatic fate of transgenic Bt proteins and their nontarget effects on aquatic invertebrates, although several potential routes exist for their transport to aquatic systems. Methods were developed to investigate the aquatic fate of transgenic Bt proteins and to determine their potential effects on nontarget aquatic invertebrates. Laboratory microcosms containing pond water only or pond water and sediment were used to examine the fate of the coleopteran-active Bt Cry3Bb1 protein in decomposing transgenic corn event MON863 (hereafter referred to as MON863 corn) leaf, stalk, and root. A half-life of less than 3 d was found for Bt Cry3Bb1 from decomposing MON863 corn residue. No Bt Cry3Bb1 was measured in the pond water or sediment extracts of microcosms containing MON863 corn. In an acute, static, partial-renewal toxicity test, Bt Cry3Bb1 protein from MON863 root extracts was fed to Chironomus dilutus larvae for 10 d. A significant decrease in C. dilutus survival at nominal concentrations of 30 ng/ml was found; however, no effect on growth among the surviving larvae was observed.
Membrane–Water partitioning, membrane permeability, and baseline toxicity of the parasiticides ivermectin, albendazole, and morantel
Authors: Escher Beate I , Berger Cindy , Bramaz Nadine , Kwon Jung-Hwan , Richter Manuela , Tsinman Oksana , Avdeef Alex 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A comparative hazard assessment of the antiparasitics ivermectin, albendazole, and morantel was performed, with a particular focus on bioavailability and uptake into biological membranes. The experimentally determined liposome–waterdistribution ratio at pH 7 (Dlipw (pH 7)) of the positively charged morantel was 100 L/kg lipid. The Dlipw (pH 7) of albendazole was 3,000 L/kg lipid. The membrane permeability determined with the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay was consistent with predictions from a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) for morantel but 14-fold lower than predicted for albendazole, which can be rationalized because neutral albendazole is, in fact, zwitterionic and the large dipole moment hinders permeation through hydrophobic membranes. An unusually large molecule, ivermectin was suspected to show decreased bioaccumulation because of its bulkiness, but experimental determination of solubility showed that it was 40-fold less soluble than expected from a QSAR between solubility and the octanol–water partition coefficient. In contrast, its membrane permeability appeared to be typical for a compound of the given hydrophobicity, but it was not possible to determine the membrane–water partition coefficient because of its low solubility and high affinity to the dialysis membrane of the experimental device. The Dlipw (pH 7) for ivermectin of 2,700 L/kg lipid was calculated with a QSAR model. Morantel and albendazole were baseline toxicants in the bioluminescence inhibition test with Vibrio fischeri and a test for inhibition of photosynthesis in green algae. Only ivermectin exhibited a specific effect toward algae, but the excess toxicity was not very pronounced and might be biased by the uncertainty of the estimated hydrophobicity descriptor. Overall, we did not find any unexpected effect on nontarget endpoints.
Plant species segregation on different spatial scales in semi‐natural grasslands
Authors: Reitalu T. , Prentice H.C. , Sykes M.T. , Lonn M. , Johansson L.J. , Hall K. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractQuestion:We studied the patterns of plant species co‐occurrence on three, nested, spatial scales in semi‐natural grassland communities and explored the possible ecological processes underlying the patterns.Location:Dry, semi‐natural grasslands in a 4.5 km x 4.5 km area on the Baltic Island of Oland (Sweden). Methods: The study used replicated samples on three, nested, spatial scales: 50 cm x 50 cm plots (N= 516), grassland patches (N = 109) and the whole landscape (N= 6). We used a null model approach to study species co‐occurrence patterns and compared the ecological amplitudes of the pairs of species contributing most to the patterns. We used linear models to search for associations between species segregation and environmental and landscape factors.Results and Conclusions:Our results support the prediction that patterns of species co‐occurrence are likely to be influenced by different mechanisms on different spatial scales. On the plot scale, we interpreted the species segregation in terms of species interactions. The degree of species segregation was significantly associated with the plots'positions within the grassland patches (edge effects) and with management intensity of the grasslands ‐ both variables can be assumed to influence species interactions. On the grassland patch scale, we interpreted the species segregation in terms of within‐patch environmental heterogeneity. The degree of segregation was significantly associated with the area of the grassland patches and with management intensity ‐ both variables that are likely to be related to environmental heterogeneity within the grasslands. Species segregation on the landscape scale was interpreted in terms of environmental heterogeneity among grassland patches and was significantly associated with land‐use history.
Glycan Synthesis: Key Strategies
Authors: Andrade Rodrigo B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe biologic significance of glycans (i.e., carbohydrates and saccharides) and the need to obtain structurally defined material for study have resulted in a proliferation of strategies for the synthesis of this extraordinary class of biomolecules. Each strategy carries with it both advantages and disadvantages. The two major approaches, chemical and enzymatic synthesis, will be discussed with an emphasis on the former.
Human Hemoglobin: Identification of a Key Intermediate
Authors: Ackers Gary K. , Holt Jo M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Human hemoglobin binds four oxygen molecules with positive cooperativity in a binding cascade of eight partially ligated intermediates whose oxygen ligands are distributed in different combinations between the hemoglobin's two αβ dimers. Traditionally, it had been assumed that, given their close association in forming the hemoglobin tetramer, the two αβ dimers would always respond to oxygen binding in a synchronous and symmetric manner. Using linkage thermodynamics, the intermediate binding constants are evaluated
via
dimer–tetramer assembly with ligand configurations within the tetramer fixed through the use of hemesite analogs. It is observed that the free energy contribution of the asymmetrically ligated intermediate composed of one fully oxygenated αβ dimer plus one unoxygenated dimer is not the same as other doubly ligated intermediates, which contain at least one bound oxygen on both dimers. Therefore, the dimers within the tetramer respond to oxygenation differently, and cooperativity is dependent on the distribution of ligands between the two αβ dimers.
Intramembrane Proteolysis
Authors: Wolfe Michael S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEvolutionarily conserved membrane‐embedded enzymes somehow use water to hydrolyze peptide bonds that reside within the lipid bilayer. These proteases are stitched into the membrane and bear little or no sequence similarity to other known proteases with one exception: All known intramembrane proteases apparently have converged on catalytic mechanisms that resemble those of proteases that reside in the aqueous milieu. The identities of these residues suggest that the intramembrane proteases use catalytic functionalities similar to those found in their soluble counterparts. However, in contrast to classical proteases, residues essential for catalysis lie within predicted hydrophobic transmembrane domains. Current research is focused on elucidating the range of biologic roles of these proteases, identifying their substrates, and understanding their structure and mechanism of action. Such knowledge is important because the intramembrane proteases discovered thus far play critical regulatory roles in biology and contribute to human disease.
Microtubule Dynamics
Authors: Lopus Manu , Yenjerla Mythili , Wilson Leslie 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Microtubules are cylindrical, cytoskeletal protein polymers found in all eukaryotic cells. They perform a plethora of functions associated with cellular structure, organization, and movement. They polymerize and depolymerize by the reversible addition and loss of α:β tubulin heterodimers, which are their building block subunits, at the microtubule ends. Importantly, microtubules are not simple equilibrium polymers. The hydrolysis of GTP that occurs when tubulin dimers add to the ends of microtubules creates two distinct and often coexisting dynamic behaviors: dynamic instability and treadmilling. These dynamic properties are crucial in guaranteeing the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division, in many kinds of intracellular transport, in cell signaling, and even during programmed cell death. Microtubule dynamics play critical roles in terminally differentiated cells as well. In neurons, microtubule dynamics regulate neuronal plasticity, growth‐cone motility, and maintenance of mature neurons. Suppression of mitotic spindle microtubule dynamics by small drug molecules is an important therapeutic strategy for treatment of many types of cancer. In addition, agents that stabilize microtubule dynamics offer potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases in which the dynamics are misregulated. Agents that modulate microtubule dynamics can be used as experimental tools or could be used therapeutically to perturb the functions of any cellular disease processes dependent on the dynamics.