bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of water‐phase derivatization followed by solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for fast determination of valproic acid in human plasma
Authors: Deng Chunhui , Li Ning , Ji Jie , Yang Bei , Duan Gengli , Zhang Xiangmin 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn this study, a simple, rapid, and sensitive method was developed and validated for the quantification of valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug, in human plasma, which was based on water‐phase derivatization followed by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In the proposed method, VPA in plasma was rapidly derivatized with a mixture of isobutyl chloroformate, ethanol and pyridine under mild conditions (room temperature, aqueous medium), and the VPA ethyl ester formed was headspace‐extracted and simultaneously concentrated using the SPME technique. Finally, the analyte extracted on SPME fiber was analyzed by GC/MS. The experimental parameters and method validations were studied. The optimal conditions were obtained: PDMS fiber, stirring rate of 1100 rpm, sample temperature of 80°C, extraction time of 20 min, NaCl concentration of 30%. The proposed method had a limit of quantification (0.3 µg/mL), good recovery (89–97%) and precision (RSD value less than 10%). Because the proposed method combined a rapid water‐phase derivatization with a fast, simple and solvent‐free sample extraction and concentration technique of SPME, the sample preparation time was less than 25 min. This much shortens the whole analysis time of VPA in plasma. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze VPA in human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic studies. All these results show that water‐phase derivatization followed by HS‐SPME and GC/MS is an alternative and powerful method for fast determination of VPA in biological fluids. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of packet‐level FEC and existing link level reliability mechanisms to deliver MBMS content over WCDMA mobile satellite systems
Authors: Mudugamuwa U. , Evans B. G. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe inherent broadcast capabilities of satellites make them an attractive solution for the delivery of multimedia services to mobile users in third generation (3G) networks. Reliable delivery of content over a hostile land‐mobile satellite channel is one of the key technical system requirements that can be addressed at different protocol layers. In this paper, we focus our attention on some of the mechanisms which can provide partial reliability: the packet‐level forward error correction (PLFEC) technique in radio access network (RAN), different interleaving depths at physical layer (inter frame) and power allocation in the satellite radio interface. We rely on an end‐to‐end simulation platform in order to assess the performance gain achieved by these mechanisms separately, and provide clear indications for the achievable benefits at system level when some of these mechanisms act in co‐ordination rather than in isolation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frame acquisition for continuous and discontinuous transmission in the forward link of satellite systems
Authors: Corazza G. E. , Pedone R. , Villanti M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis paper tackles the problem of frame acquisition for the forward link of satellite systems with continuous and discontinuous transmissions. Multi‐dwell and single‐dwell procedures with threshold crossing (TC) decision strategy are proposed and compared. To cope with the large frequency error, the detection is based on post‐detection integration (PDI), which is presented in two alternatives: non‐coherent and differential PDI.The main result of the paper is represented by the proposed analytical model that enables fine parameter optimization. The proposed approach being applicable to TDM/TDMA networks in general, the paper provides the designer with useful guidelines for the synchronization subsystem design. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Netherlands
Authors: Davies Gareth 
Published: March 2006

The court in this case decided that state subsidy to political parties that discriminate against women is prohibited by international treaties, notably the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.This raises a number of issues. Where the discrimination is for religious reasons, does sex equality need to be balanced against religious freedom? Both are usually seen as fundamental rights. What about discrimination against men, in favour of women; is that also against the law? Finally, is the obligation not to discriminate only binding on the state, or also on the party itself? Could such a party be banned from politics? Some of these issues were touched on by the court, although not convincingly, and some of them, such as religious freedom, were scandalously ignored.
Dual, but not selective, COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibitors, attenuate acetic acid‐evoked bladder irritation in the anaesthetised female cat
Authors: Wibberley Alexandra , McCafferty Gerald P , Evans Christopher , Edwards Richard M , Hieble J Paul 
Published: March 2006

Non‐selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors exert effects on lower urinary tract function in several species. The exact contributions of COX‐1 and COX‐2 isozymes have not been studied much. The present studies investigated the effects of non‐ and selective COX inhibitors on bladder irritation in the cat.
Chloralose‐anaesthetised female cats were catheterised through the bladder dome for cystometric evaluation of bladder responses to intravesical infusion of saline or acetic acid. Bladder capacity, voiding efficiency, threshold pressure, and reflex‐evoked bladder contraction amplitude and duration were measured. The cat COX selectivity of the doses of inhibitors examined was determined using an in vitro whole‐blood assay and analysis of plasma levels.
Pretreatment with indomethacin or ketoprofen (non‐selective COX inhibitors; 0.3 mg kg−1 i.v.) inhibited acetic acid‐evoked irritation (characterised by a decrease in bladder capacity in vehicle pretreated animals). FR‐122047 (selective COX‐1 inhibitor), NS‐398 and nimesulide (selective COX‐2 inhibitors; 1 and 3 mg kg−1 i.v.) had no effects on bladder irritation. Analysis of plasma levels of the doses examined and determination of COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibition in cat whole blood confirmed the reported selectivity of these compounds in this species.
The present studies suggest that dual COX inhibition is required to attenuate acetic acid‐evoked bladder irritation in the cat.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 154–161. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706715
The peptidic urotensin‐II receptor ligand GSK248451 possesses less intrinsic activity than the low‐efficacy partial agonists SB‐710411 and urantide in native mammalian tissues and recombinant cell systems
Authors: Behm David J , Stankus Gerald , Doe Christopher P A , Willette Robert N , Sarau Henry M , Foley James J , Schmidt Dulcie B , Nuthulaganti Parvathi , Fornwald James A , Ames Robert S , Lambert David G , Calo' Girolamo , Camarda Valeria , Aiyar Nambi V , Douglas Stephen A 
Published: March 2006

Several peptidic urotensin‐II (UT) receptor antagonists exert ‘paradoxical’ agonist activity in recombinant cell‐ and tissue‐based bioassay systems, likely the result of differential urotensin‐II receptor (UT receptor) signal transduction/coupling efficiency between assays. The present study has examined this phenomenon in mammalian arteries and recombinant UT‐HEK (human embryonic kidney) cells.BacMam‐mediated recombinant UT receptor upregulation in HEK cells augmented agonist activity for all four peptidic UT ligands studied. The nominal rank order of relative intrinsic efficacy was U‐II>urantide ([Pen5‐DTrp7‐Orn8]hU‐II4–11)>SB‐710411 (Cpa‐c[DCys‐Pal‐DTrp‐Lys‐Val‐Cys]‐Cpa‐amide)≫GSK248451 (Cin‐c[DCys‐Pal‐DTrp‐Orn‐Val‐Cys]‐His‐amide) (the relative coupling efficiency of recombinant HEK cells was cat>human≫rat UT receptor).The present study further demonstrated that the use of high signal transduction/coupling efficiency isolated blood vessel assays (primate>cat arteries) is required in order to characterize UT receptor antagonism thoroughly. This cannot be attained simply by using the rat isolated aorta, an artery with low signal transduction/coupling efficiency in which low‐efficacy agonists appear to function as antagonists.In contrast to the ‘low‐efficacy agonists’ urantide and SB‐710411, GSK248451 functioned as a potent UT receptor antagonist inallnative isolated tissues studied (UT receptor selectivity was confirmed in the rat aorta). Further, GSK248451 exhibited an extremely low level of relative intrinsic activity in recombinant HEK cells (4–5‐fold less than seen with urantide). Since GSK248451 (1 mg kg−1, i.v.) blocked the systemic pressor actions of exogenous U‐II in the anaesthetized cat, it represents a suitable peptidic tool antagonist for delineating the role of U‐II in the aetiology of mammalian cardiometabolic diseases.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 173–190. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706716
The effect of sward surface height on the response to mixed grazing by cattle and sheep
Authors: Wright I. A. , Jones J. R. , Davies D. A. , Davidson G. R. , Vale J. E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to examine the effects of mixed grazing of sheep plus cattle under continuous stocking of permanent pasture at different sward heights. The experiment had a 2×3 factorial design, with two sward surface heights (4–5 and 8–10 cm) and three combinations of animal species viz., sheep only, cattle only and sheep plus cattle. There were two replicate plots of each treatment combination and the experiment was conducted over 2 years consecutively. The sheep were Beulah Speckled Face ewes and their single Suffolk-cross lambs while the cattle were yearling Charolais-cross steers. Six ‘core’ steers and six ‘core’ ewes and their lambs grazed plots, as appropriately, while additional, non-experimental steers and ewes and their lambs were used to maintain sward heights. Each year the steers and the ewes grazed the pastures from May to October, while lambs were weaned and removed each year from the experiment in July. There was no significant effect of mixed grazing on live-weight gain of steers, but ewes had significantly higher live-weight gains on the sheep plus cattle treatment than on the sheep-only treatment (82 v. 61 g/day;P<0·001). The live-weight gain of the lambs was higher on the mixed grazing treatment than on the sheep only treatment on the 8–10 cm sward height treatment (243 v. 212 g/day;P<0·05) but there was no significant difference on the 4–5 cm sward height treatment (260 v. 250 g/day;P>0·05). The total output of live-weight gain per ha from steers, ewes and lambs was not significantly affected by animal species combination. It is concluded that while output per ha is not enhanced by mixed grazing by sheep and cattle when sward height is controlled, the live-weight gain of ewes is increased and the live-weight gain of lambs can be increased on taller swards.
Genetic analyses of carcass composition, as assessed by X-ray computer tomography, and meat quality traits in Scottish Blackface sheep
Authors: Karamichou E. , Richardson R. I. , Nute G. R. , McLean K. A. , Bishop S. C. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractGenetic parameters for carcass composition and meat quality traits were estimated in Scottish Blackface sheep, previously divergently selected for carcass lean content (LEAN and FAT lines). Computerized X-ray tomography (CT) was used to obtain non-destructivein vivoestimates of the carcass composition of 700 lambs, at ca. 24 weeks of age, with tissue areas and image densities obtained for fat, muscle and bone components of the carcass. Comprehensive measures of meat quality and carcass fatness were made on 350 male lambs, at ca. 8 months of age, which had previously been CT scanned. Meat quality traits included intramuscular fat content, initial and final pH of the meat, colour attributes, shear force, dry matter, moisture and nitrogen proportions, and taste panel assessments of the cooked meat. FAT line animals were significantly (P<0·05) fatter than the LEAN line animals in all measures of fatness (from CT and slaughter data), although the differences were modest and generally proportionately less than 0·1. Correspondingly, the LEAN line animals were superior to the FAT line animals in muscling measurements. Compared with the LEAN line, the FAT line had lower muscle density (as indicated by the relative darkness of the scan image), greater estimated subcutaneous fat (predicted from fat classification score) at slaughter, more intramuscular fat content, a more ‘yellow’ as opposed to ‘red’ muscle colour, and juicer meat (allP<0·05). All CT tissue areas were moderately to highly heritable, with h2values ranging from 0·23 to 0·76. Likewise, meat quality traits were also moderately heritable. Muscle density was the CT trait most consistently related to meat quality traits, and genetic correlations of muscle density with live weight, fat class, subcutaneous fat score, dry matter proportion, juiciness, flavour and overall liking were all moderately to strongly negative, and significantly different from zero. In addition, intramuscular fat content was positively genetically correlated with juiciness and flavour, and negatively genetically correlated with shear force value. The results of this study demonstrate that altering carcass fatness will simultaneously change muscle density (indicative of changes in intramuscular fatness), and aspects of intramuscular fat content, muscle colour and juiciness. The heritabilities for the meat quality traits indicate ample opportunities for altering most meat quality traits. Moreover, it appears that colour, intramuscular fat content, juiciness, overall liking and flavour may be adequately predicted, both genetically and phenotypically, from measures of muscle density. Thus, genetic improvement of carcass composition and meat quality is feasible using in vivo measurements.
Comparison of models using different censoring scenarios for days open in Spanish Holstein cows
Authors: González-Recio O. , Chang Y.M. , Gianola D. , Weigel K. A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDays open data from 113 569 lactation records in 774 Spanish Holstein herds were analysed using standard linear models under two different editing procedures, and with two alternative methodologies that account for censoring: a censored linear model (CLM) and a Weibull survival analysis (SA) model. The first editing procedure excluded from the linear model all censored records for days open (LMnc), and the second defined days open as days from calving to the last known insemination or culling date, treating censored records as complete (LM). Sire variance estimates for days open were 61, 70 and 139 for LMnc, LM and CLM, respectively, and 0·026 for SA on a logarithmic scale. Heritability estimates were 0·05, 0·06 and 0·08 with LMnc, LM and CLM, respectively. Rankings of sires varied between methodologies: sire evaluations from LMnc and LM had rank correlations with evaluations from SA equal to −0·65 and −0·82, respectively, and of 0·71 and 0·87 with evaluations from CLM. The rank correlation between evaluations from SA and CLM was −0·98, suggesting stronger agreement of sire rankings between models that take censoring into account.The SA model had a better predictive ability of daughter fertility at early stages of lactation than the other methods, as measured by chi-squared statistics for predicted pregnancy status at 75, 103, 140, or 200 days post partum in a split data set. The CLM also predicted daughter fertility more accurately than any of the two standard linear models.
Effects of grazing system on production and parasitism of dairy breed heifers and steers grazing wet marginal grasslands
Authors: Kristensen T. , Thamsborg S. M. , Andersen H. R. , Søegaard K. , Nielsen A. L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractProduction and endoparasitism of first grazing season Holstein heifers and steers were investigated over two grazing seasons. Studies were conducted on low-lying peaty soil. In year 2000, 40 animals were included in a 2×2 factorial, replicated experiment with two sexes (steers v. heifers) and two stocking rates (SR): normal v. low (840 v. 420 kg live weight per ha at turn-out) in a set stocking grazing system. Mean grass heights over the entire season were 6·3±4·8 cm (mean±s.d.) at normal SR and 9·8±6·1 cm at low SR. Mean daily live-weight gain during grazing was significantly (P<0·001) lower at normal SR (256±147 g) compared with low (468±142 g) but sex did not significantly affect the daily gain. Serum pepsinogen levels, indicating uptake of gastric nematodes, were higher at normal SR and consistently higher in steers compared with heifers, although not significantly. In 2001 the experiment included 80 animals in a 2×2 factorial experiment with two sexes (steers v. heifers), two grazing systems (set stocking and two-paddock rotation) and four replicates. Pasture quality was low, 570 g digestible organic matter per kg organic matter and 139 g crude protein per kg dry matter on average, independent of grazing system. Mean daily live-weight gain was not significantly affected by grazing system. A tendency (P=0·07) to lower daily gain for the heifers than for steers was observed (427±161 g v. 474±138 g). Lower levels of pasture contamination with parasites were observed in the paddocks without grazing up to mid July but otherwise rotation did not prevent parasite infections. It is concluded that first grazing season steers and heifers have the same potential for growth when grazing marginal areas with low pasture quality. Set stocking or the two-paddock rotation scheme did not affect productivity or level of parasite infection at the end of season. Parasite infections became a problem at high SR. SR is an important factor for both daily live-weight gain per animal and total production per ha. However, due to the very heterogeneous structure of marginal areas there is a need for other indicators than kg live weight per ha at turn-out in order to define a clear relationship between stocking rate and production.
Nutritive value of tropical tree leaf meals in adult sows
Authors: Leterme P. , Botero M. , Londoño A. M. , Bindelle J. , Buldgen A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractTree leaf meals (TLM) are increasingly used in the tropics to feed pigs. The nutritive value of the TLM of cocoyam (Xanthosoma saggitifolium), mulberry (Morus alba) and Trichanthera gigantea, their effect on the digestive tract and their fermentation rate in the large intestine, were determined in adult sows given diets containing 150 or 300 g TLM per kg. The TLM contained from 8·5 to 12·0 MJ digestible energy per kg dry matter (DM) and from 60 to 125 g digestible protein per kg DM. The digestibility was not affected ( P>0·05) by their rate of incorporation in the diet. The apparent ileal protein digestibility of the diets containing 300 g TLM per kg was also determined by the slaughtering method. It reached 80% for the basal diet and 54, 70 and 74% for the Trichanthera-, mulberry- and cocoyam-based diets, respectively. No diet effect ( P>0·05) was observed on the weight and length of the gastro-intestinal tract, with the exception of a heavier caecum in sows given the Trichanthera-based diet ( P<0·01). The pH of the gastric fluid of these sows was also higher ( P<0·001). The fermentation of the dietary fibre in the large intestine was evaluated by the gas technique using syringes. The cocoyam leaves presented the highest amount of total gas produced after fibre fermentation ( P<0·001). The ranking order of gas production was identical to that observed for the digestibility coefficients: Trichanthera <mulberry <cocoyam. In conclusion, TLM can represent up to 0·3 of a diet for sows. Their use in sow nutrition may be considered in tropical regions where protein sources are scarce.
Genetic relationships among objectively and subjectively assessed traits measured on crossbred (Mule) lambs
Authors: van Heelsum A. M. , Lewis R. M. , Davies M. H. , Haresign W. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSheep farming in the UK is characterized by a crossbreeding system where ‘Longwool’ sire breeds are mated with hill dam breeds, with the crossbred (F1) ewe lambs retained for mating to terminal sires. The F1 wether and terminal-sire cross lambs are marketed for meat. At selection, F1 females are typically assessed visually for type traits relevant to dam lines, and these traits could be considered as goal traits. Their offspring and their male sibs derive their value from carcass traits. This study investigated the genetic relationships between type (subjective) and carcass (objective) traits in F1 lambs, and their potential impact on genetic improvement within this production system. Bluefaced Leicester rams were crossed with Scottish Blackface and Hardy Speckled Face ewes to produce F1 (‘Mule’) lambs. The wether lambs (no.=2197) were selected for slaughter at a target condition (a carcass fat score of 2/3L) and a number of live and carcass traits were measured. Carcass dissection data were collected on approximately one-third of these wether lambs. The ewe lambs (no.=2423) were measured for similar live traits but at a fixed age (195±5·5 days). In addition, they were subjectively assessed for a number of functional and type traits. Genetic parameters among these traits were then estimated. Heritabilities for the ewe traits were generally moderate (0·18 to 0·31) and genetic correlations between the traits were variable, with some moderate to high correlations (favourable in direction) of growth/carcass traits with overall type traits. Live weight at slaughter in wethers was highly correlated to live weight at constant age in ewes (r=0·72). In the wethers, live, cold carcass and lean weight had moderately high heritabilities (between 0·26 and 0·46), and were positively correlated with slaughter age (≥0·79). However, age at slaughter in wethers was highly negatively correlated with growth/carcass and overall type traits in ewes (between −0·45 and −0·97), perhaps reflecting differences in maturity in lambs measured at a target fatness versus age. The correlations of most other type traits in ewes with wether traits were non-significant. These results show that the subjectively assessed type traits (at least as measured in this study) will not deteriorate, and some will in fact be improved, in a selection programme aiming to improve carcass merit.