bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular Cardiomyoplasty: Improvement of Left Ventricular Function Correlates with the Release of Cardioactive Cytokines
Authors: Ebelt Henning , Jungblut Mirco , Zhang Ying , Kubin Thomas , Kostin Sawa , Technau Antje , Oustanina Svetlana , Niebrügge Sylvia , Lehmann Jürgen , Werdan Karl , Braun Thomas 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
A growing number of studies are reporting beneficial effects of the transplantation of alleged cardiac stem cells into diseased hearts after myocardial infarction. However, the mechanisms by which transplanted cells might help to promote repair of cardiac tissue are not understood and might involve processes different from the differentiation of transplanted cells into cardiomyocytes. We have compared the effects exerted by skeletal myoblasts (which are not able to form new cardiomyocytes) and ESC-derived cardiomyocytes after implantation into infarcted mouse hearts by echocardiographic follow-up and histological analysis and related these effects to the release of cardioactive cytokines. We found that both cell types led to a long-lasting improvement of left ventricle function and to an improvement of tissue architecture. Since no relevant amounts of myoblast-derived cells were present in infarcted hearts 28 days after transplantation, we investigated the release of cytokines from implanted cells both before and after transplantation into infarcted hearts. ESC-derived cardiomyocytes and myoblasts secreted substantial amounts of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-β, and oncostatin M, which strongly supported survival and protein synthesis of cultured cardiomyocytes. We postulate that the beneficial effects of the transplantation of myoblasts and cardiomyocytes on heart function and morphology only partially (if at all) depend on the integration of transplanted cells into the myocardium but do depend on the release of a complex blend of cardioactive cytokines.
Evaluation of the ADAPT Model for Simulating Nitrogen Dynamics in a Tile‐Drained Agricultural Watershed in Central Illinois
Authors: Sogbedji Jean M. , McIsaac Gregory F. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTAssessing the accuracy of agronomic and water quality simulation models in different soils, land‐use systems, and environments provides a basis for using and improving these models. We evaluated the performance of the ADAPT model for simulating riverine nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) export from a 1500‐km2 watershed in central Illinois, where approximately 85% of the land is used for maize‐soybean production and tile drainage is common. Soil chemical properties, crop nitrogen (N) uptake coefficient, dry matter ratio, and a denitrification reduction coefficient were used as calibration parameters to optimize the fit between measured and simulated NO3‐N load from the watershed for the 1989 to 1993 period. The applicability of the calibrated parameter values was tested by using these values for simulating the 1994 to 1997 period on the same watershed. Willmott's index of agreement ranged from 0.91 to 0.97 for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual comparisons of riverine nitrate N loads. Simulation accuracy generally decreased as the time interval decreased. Willmott's index for simulated crop yields ranged from 0.91 to 0.99; however, observed crop yields were used as input to the model. The partial N budget results suggested that 52 to 72 kg N ha−1 yr−1 accumulated in the soil, but simulated biological N fixation associated with soybeans was considerably greater than literature values for the region. Improvement of the N fixation algorithms and incorporation of mechanisms that describe soybean yield in response to environmental conditions appear to be needed to improve the performance of the model.
Bioconversion of Selenate in Methanogenic Anaerobic Granular Sludge
Authors: Astratinei Violeta , van Hullebusch Eric , Lens Piet 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTThe capacity of anaerobic granular sludge to remove selenate from contaminated wastewater was investigated. The potential of different types of granular sludge to remove selenate from the liquid phase was compared to that of suspended sludge and contaminated soil and sediment samples. The selenate removal rates ranged from 400 to 1500 μg g VSS−1 h−1, depending on the source of biomass, electron donor, and the initial selenate concentration. The granular structure protects the microorganisms when exposed to high selenate concentrations (0.1 to 1 mM). Anaerobic granular sludge “Eerbeek,” originating from a UASB reactor treating paper mill wastewater, removed about 90, 50, and 36% of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mM of Se, respectively, from the liquid phase when incubated with 20 mM lactate at 30°C and pH 7.5. Selenite, elemental Se (Seo), and metal selenide precipitates were the conversion products. Enrichments from the anaerobic granular sludge “Eerbeek” were able to convert 90% of the 10‐mM selenate to Seo at a rate of 1505 μg Se(VI) g cells−1 h−1, a specific growth rate of 0.0125 g cells h−1, and a yield of 0.083 g cells mg Se−1 Both microbial metabolic processes (e.g dissimilatory reduction) as well as microbially mediated physicochemical mechanisms (adsorption and precipitation) contribute to the removal of selenate from the Se‐containing medium.
Combined Effects of Constant versus Variable Intensity Simulated Rainfall and Reduced Tillage Management on Cotton Preemergence Herbicide Runoff
Authors: Potter Thomas L. , Truman Clint C. , Strickland Timothy C. , Bosch David D. , Webster Theodore M. , Franklin Dorcas H. , Bednarz Craig W. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTPesticide runoff research relies heavily on rainfall simulation experiments. Most are conducted at a constant intensity, i.e., at a fixed rainfall rate; however, large differences in natural rainfall intensity is common. To assess implications we quantified runoff of two herbicides, fluometuron and pendimethalin, and applied preemergence after planting cotton on Tifton loamy sand. Rainfall at constant and variable intensity patterns representative of late spring thunderstorms in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region of Georgia (USA) were simulated on 6‐m2 plots under strip‐ (ST) and conventional‐tillage (CT) management. The variable pattern produced significantly higher runoff rates of both compounds from CT but not ST plots. However, on an event‐basis, runoff totals (% applied) were not significantly different, with one exception: fluometuron runoff from CT plots. There was about 25% more fluometuron runoff with the variable versus the constant intensity pattern (P = 0.10). Study results suggest that conduct of simulations using variable intensity storm patterns may provide more representative rainfall simulation‐based estimates of pesticide runoff and that the greatest impacts will be observed with CT. The study also found significantly more fluometuron in runoff from ST than CT plots. Further work is needed to determine whether this behavior may be generalized to other active ingredients with similar properties [low Koc (organic carbon partition coefficient) ∼100 mL g−1; high water solubility ∼100 mg L−1]. If so, it should be considered when making tillage‐specific herbicide recommendations to reduce runoff potential.
Stream Buffer Effectiveness in an Agriculturally Influenced Area, Southwestern Georgia
Authors: Muenz Tara K. , Golladay Stephen W. , Vellidis George , Smith Lora L. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTTo determine useful metrics for assessing stream water quality in the Southeastern Coastal Plain, we examined differences among two buffered and three unbuffered streams in an agricultural landscape in southwestern Georgia. Potential indicators included amphibian diversity and abundance, aquatic macroinvertebrate populations, riparian vegetative structure, water quality, and stream physical parameters. Variability among sites and treatments (buffered vs. unbuffered) existed, with sites in the same treatment as most similar, and disturbances from a nearby eroding gully strongly affecting one unbuffered site. Of the invertebrate metrics examined, percentages of clingers, Ephemeroptera‐Plecoptera‐Trichoptera (EPT), Elmidae (Coleoptera), Crustacea (Decapoda and Amphipoda), and dipterans were found to be possible indicators of stream health for perennial streams within this region. Overall, buffered sites showed higher percentages of sensitive invertebrate groups and showed lower and more stable concentrations of nitrate N, suspended solids, and fecal coliforms (FCs). Percent canopy cover was similar among sites; however, riparian vegetative coverage and percent leaf litter were greatest at buffered sites. No differences in amphibian abundance, presence, and absence within the riparian area were apparent between sites; however, instream larval salamanders were more abundant at buffered streams. In this study, stream buffers appeared to decrease nutrient and sediment loads to adjacent streams, enhancing overall water quality. Selected benthic macroinvertebrate metrics and amphibian abundance also appeared sensitive to agricultural influences. Amphibians show potential as indicator candidates, however further information is needed on their responses and tolerances to disturbances from the microhabitat to landscape levels.
Clinical evaluation of dietary modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic kidney disease in cats
Authors: Ross Sheri J. , Osborne Carl A. , Kirk Claudia A. , Lowry Stephen R. , Koehler Lori A. , Polzin David J. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether a renal diet modified in protein, phosphorus, sodium, and lipid content was superior to an adult maintenance diet in minimizing uremic episodes and mortality rate in cats with stage 2 or 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Design—Double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Animals—45 client-owned cats with spontaneous stage 2 or 3 CKD.
Procedures—Cats were randomly assigned to an adult maintenance diet (n = 23 cats) or a renal diet (22) and evaluated trimonthly for up to 24 months. Efficacy of the renal diet, compared with the maintenance diet, in minimizing uremia, renal-related deaths, and all causes of death was evaluated.
Results—Serum urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly lower and blood bicarbonate concentrations were significantly higher in the renal diet group at baseline and during the 12- and 24-month intervals. Significant differences were not detected in body weight; Hct; urine protein-to-creatinine ratio; and serum creatinine, potassium, calcium, and parathyroid hormone concentrations. A significantly greater percentage of cats fed the maintenance diet had uremic episodes (26%), compared with cats fed the renal diet (0%). A significant reduction in renal-related deaths but not all causes of death was detected in cats fed the renal diet.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The renal diet evaluated in this study was superior to an adult maintenance diet in minimizing uremic episodes and renalrelated deaths in cats with spontaneous stage 2 or 3 CKD.
Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs
Authors: Wells Deborah L. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of the ambient odor of lavender as a treatment for travel-induced excitement in dogs.
Design—Clinical trial.
Animals—32 dogs with a history of travel-induced excitement in owners' cars.
Procedures—Each dog was studied during travel in the owner's car to a familiar walking site during 2 conditions of olfactory stimulation. The first condition was a control condition, during which dogs were exposed to no odor other than that arising naturally from the environment. The second condition was an experimental condition during which dogs were exposed to the ambient odor of lavender. Dogs' behavior was recorded during the car journey for 3 consecutive days under the control condition and for 3 consecutive days under the experimental condition. The percentage of time spent moving, standing, sitting, resting, and vocalizing in each condition of olfactory stimulation was quantified for each dog.
Results—Dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing during the experimental condition. There was no significant relationship between dogs' behavior and sex, castration status, day, or the order of exposure to each olfactory condition.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Traditional treatments for travel-induced excitement in dogs may be time-consuming, expensive, or associated with adverse effects. Aromatherapy in the form of diffused lavender odor may offer a practical alternative treatment for travel-induced excitement in this species.
Drug distribution and stability in extemporaneous preparations of meloxicam and carprofen after dilution and suspension at two storage temperatures
Authors: Hawkins Michelle G. , Karriker Margo J. , Wiebe Valerie , Taylor Ian T. , Kass Philip H. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Objective—To determine dispersion uniformity and stability of meloxicam and carprofen in extemporaneous preparations stored for 28 days.
Design—Prospective study.
Sample Population—Meloxicam and carprofen (commercial formulations) were compounded (day 0) with deionized water (DW), 1% methylcellulose gel (MCG), MCG and simple syrup (SS; 1:1 mixture), or a suspending and flavoring vehicle combination (SFVC; 1:1 mixture) to nominal drug concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/mL and 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 mg/mL, respectively.
Procedures—Preparations were stored at approximately 4°C (39.2°F) or 22°C (71.6°F). For each preparation, drug concentrations were determined and drug stability was evaluated at intervals during storage; on days 0 and 28, pH values were measured and bacterial cultures were initiated.
Results—In meloxicam-DW, meloxicam-MCG (0.25 mg/mL), and meloxicam-MCG (0.5 mg/mL) preparations, drug distribution was uniform (coefficient of variation < 10%); > 90% of the original drug concentration was maintained for 28 days. Despite uniform drug distribution of the carprofen-SFVC preparations, most retained ≥ 90% of the original drug concentration for only 21 days. Use of the MCG-SS combination resulted in foamy preparations of unacceptable variability. After 28 days, pH decreased slightly in meloxicam-DW and meloxicam-MCG preparations (0.17 ± 0.04 and 0.21 ± 0.04, respectively). Carprofen-SFVC (2.5 mg/mL) and carprofen-MCG-SS (5.0 mg/mL) preparations stored at 22°C for 28 days yielded bacterial growth.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—DW, MCG, and the SFVC can be used successfully for extemporaneous preparation of meloxicam and carprofen for administration to small exotic animals. Refrigeration is recommended for preparations of meloxicam-DW and carprofen-SFVC.
Diagnosis and surgical management of vascular ectasia in a dog
Authors: Daugherty Megen A. , Leib Michael S. , Lanz Otto I. , Duncan Robert B. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Case Description—An 8-year-old male Golden Retriever was evaluated because of an 8-week history of intermittent diarrhea with melena and hematochezia that were not responsive to medical treatment and resulted in severe anemia.
Clinical Findings—Exploratory celiotomy with intestinal and colonic biopsy revealed mild enterocolitis but did not result in diagnosis of the cause of melena and hematochezia. Endoscopy of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract and colonoscopy were performed. Multifocal areas of coalescing, tortuous mucosal blood vessels were observed in the cecum and all regions of the colon. A diagnosis of vascular ectasia (VE) was made on the basis of the endoscopic and histologic appearance of the lesions.
Treatment and Outcome—An ileorectal anastamosis was performed. Melena and hematochezia resolved within 3 days after surgery, and the anemia resolved within 6 weeks after surgery. Surgical resection of the cecum and colon and feeding of a highly digestible diet resulted in long-term (22 months) resolution of clinical signs.
Clinical Relevance—Initial exploratory celiotomy with intestinal and colonic biopsy failed to reveal the VE lesions responsible for the melena, hematochezia, and anemia. Endoscopic evaluation was necessary for detection of the colonic VE lesions. Surgical resection of the cecum and colon and feeding of a highly digestible diet may result in a favorable outcome in affected dogs.
Portal site metastasis of invasive mesothelioma after diagnostic thoracoscopy in a dog
Authors: Brisson Brigitte A. , Reggeti Felipe , Bienzle Dorothee 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Case Description—A 10-year-old Golden Retriever evaluated because of recurrent pericardial and pleural effusion underwent thoracoscopy with biopsy of the pleura and mediastinum.
Clinical Findings—Before thoracoscopy, 5 L of serosanguinous fluid was removed from the pleural cavity via thoracocentesis. During thoracoscopic exploration, it was observed that the parietal pleura and mediastinum were covered by miliary white to tan nodules 1 to 3 mm in diameter. Biopsy specimens were obtained, and partial pericardiectomy was performed. Portal sites were closed routinely. Cytologic evaluation of the pleural fluid revealed high protein concentration and cellularity, with cellular changes consistent with an exfoliating carcinoma. Results of bacterial culture were negative.
Treatment and Outcome—Carboplatin was administered via intracavitary instillation, and prednisone was administered orally. Twenty-one days later, 1 firm, irregularly shaped 6.5 × 3-cm mass and 4 smaller masses were detected in the area of the left thoracic wall where the cannula had been inserted during thoracoscopy. Histologic analysis of tissue from the masses collected at necropsy confirmed that they were malignant tumors with similar appearance to the pleural mesothelioma and immunohistochemical staining properties identical to those of the primary tumor.
Clinical Relevance—Although thoracoscopy is associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization times, and faster patient recovery than sternotomy procedures, complications are also possible with minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Portal site metastasis can develop from contamination of portal sites with cells on instruments or cannulas or via leakage of effusion fluid. Although rare, this potential complication should be discussed with owners prior to performing the procedure.
Control of selection bias in parallel-group controlled clinical trials in dogs and cats: 97 trials (2000–2005)
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Objective—To determine how selection bias (allocation bias) was controlled in published clinical trials.
Design—Retrospective study.
Sample Population—97 parallel-group controlled clinical trials published from January 2000 through December 2005 in 12 peer-reviewed journals.
Procedures—Journals were hand searched to identify eligible reports. Details concerning allocation of animals to study groups, baseline characteristics of the groups, and the number of animals allocated to each group were recorded.
Results—Randomization was the stated method of allocating animals to groups in 87% of the reports, yet in only 11% of reports were both randomization of the group allocation process and concealment of the allocation sequence described. Studies reported as randomized were more likely to report baseline characteristics of the study groups for comparison than studies that did not report randomization (88% vs 54%). Studies in which baseline group characteristics were reported had more subjects allocated to each study group (median, 16) than those that did not (median, 11).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Randomization was reported as the method of allocating study animals to groups in most publications, indicating that the potential power of randomization in controlling selection bias is appreciated by clinical investigators seeking to determine the efficacy of an intervention. However, in most reports, little corroborating information was included to support the claim. The absence of this information makes it difficult for practitioners to critically review the impact of bias on study results and make informed decisions regarding patients.
From the Hamiltonian to the Lagrangean formalism for 1-reducible theories. The Freedman-Townsend model
Authors: Constantinescu Radu , Ionescu Carmen 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The paper presents a possible path to the sp(3) BRST Lagrangean formalism for a 1-reducible gauge field theory starting from the Hamiltonian one. This appears to be not at all a trivial attempt and will allow explanation of the structure of generators and the form of the master equations in the Lagrangean sp(3) theories. The Freedman-Townsend model, for which a Lagrangean (covariant) sp(3) theory is important, is presented.
Field and dipole squeezing in a driven degenerate Λ quantum-beat system
Authors: Zhou Qing-Chun 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The properties of field squeezing and atomic dipole squeezing in a coherent-microwave field driven degenerate Λ quantum-beat system were theoretically investigated. Numerical calculations indicate that the driving microwave may enhance or suppress both dipole squeezing and cavity-field squeezing, depending on the atomic energy level splitting and the microwave Rabi frequency.
The application of practical Kedem-Katchalsky equations in membrane transport
Authors: Jarzyńska Maria 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Kedem-Katchalsky (K-K) equations, commonly used to describe the volume and solute flows of nonelectrolyte solutions across membranes, assume that the solutions on both sides are mixed. This paper presents a new contribution to the description of solute and solvent transfer through a membrane within the Kedem-Katchalsky formalism. The modified K-K equation obtained here, which expresses the volume flow (J
v), includes the effect of boundary layers of varied concentrations that form in the vicinity of the membrane in the case of poorly-mixed solutions. This equation is dependent on the following: membrane parameters (σ, L
p, ω), complex h/M/l parameters (σ
s-reflection, L
ps-hydraulic permeability, ω
s-solute permeability coefficients, δ
h, δ
l-thicknesses of concentration boundary layers), and solution parameters (c-concentration, ρ-density, v-kinematic viscosity, D-diffusion coefficient). In order to verify the elaborated equation concerning J
v, we calculated the following functions:
$$J_v = f(\Delta c)_{\Delta p,R_C = const} $$
,
$$J_v = f(R_C )_{\Delta p,\Delta c = const} $$
, and
$$J_v = f(\Delta p)_{\Delta c,R_C = const} $$
. The J
v equation was derived by means of two methods.
A comparative gene-expression analysis of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells grown in static and stirred culture systems
Authors: Li Qunliang , Liu Qiwei , Cai Haibo , Tan Wen-Song 
Published: September 2006

AbstractStatic and stirred culture systems are widely used to expand hematopoietic cells, but differential culture performances are observed between these systems. We hypothesize that these differential culture outcomes are caused by the physiological responses of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to the different physical microenvironments created in these culture devices. To understand the genetic changes provoked by culture microenvironments, the gene expression profiling of CD34+ HSPCs grown in static and stirred culture systems was compared using SMART-PCR and cDNA arrays. The results revealed that 103 and 99 genes were significantly expressed in CD34+ cells from static and stirred systems, respectively. Of those, 91 have similar levels of expression, while 12 show differential transcription levels. These differentially expressed genes are mainly involved in anti-oxidation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and chemotactic activity. A quantitative molecular understanding of the influences of growth microenvironments on transcriptional events in CD34+ HSPCs should give new insights into optimizing culture strategies to produce hematopoietic cells.