bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable window binding for mutually exclusive alternative splicing
Authors: Anastassiou Dimitris , Liu Hairuo , Varadan Vinay 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background

Genes of advanced organisms undergo alternative splicing, which can be mutually exclusive, in the sense that only one exon is included in the mature mRNA out of a cluster of alternative choices, often arranged in a tandem array. In many cases, however, the details of the underlying biologic mechanisms are unknown.

Results

We describe 'variable window binding' - a mechanism used for mutually exclusive alternative splicing by which a segment ('window') of a conserved nucleotide 'anchor' sequence upstream of the exon 6 cluster in the pre-mRNA of the fruitfly Dscam gene binds to one of the introns, thereby activating selection of the exon directly downstream from the binding site. This mechanism is supported by the fact that the anchor sequence can be inferred solely from a comparison of the intron sequences using a genetic algorithm. Because the window location varies for each exon choice, regulation can be achieved by obstructing part of that sequence. We also describe a related mechanism based on competing pre-mRNA stem-loop structures that could explain the mutually exclusive choice of exon 17 of the Dscam gene.

Conclusion

On the basis of comparative sequence analysis, we propose efficient biologic mechanisms of alternative splicing of the Drosophila Dscam gene that rely on the inherent structure of the pre-mRNA. Related mechanisms employing 'locus control regions' could be involved on other occasions of mutually exclusive choices of exons or genes.
Protic, Imidazolium Ionic Liquids as Media for (Z)- to (E)-Alkene Isomerization
Authors: Janus Ewa , Lozynski Marek , Pernak Juliusz 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The quantitative isomerization of (Z)- to (E)-alkene in protic, imidazolium ionic liquids is demonstrated. The isomerization parameters were determined. The mechanism on the addition of the protic imidazolium species to carbon–carbon double bond is presented.
Production of COx-free Hydrogen by Alkali Enhanced Hydrothermal Catalytic Reforming of Biomass-derived Alcohols
Authors: Xu Yunpeng , Tian Zhijian , Wen Guodong , Xu Zhusheng , Qu Wei , Lin Liwu 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
COx-free hydrogen could be produced by hydrothermal catalytic reforming process when Ca(OH)2 was added into the reaction, and biomass-derived alcohols were used as the reactants.
Fabrication of a Novel Microfluidic Device Incorporating 2-D Array of Microbeads
Authors: Gumpenberger Thomas , Sato Tadatake , Kurosaki Ryozo , Narazaki Aiko , Kawaguchi Yoshizo , Niino Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
A novel microfluidic device incorporating a two-dimensional array of microbeads with 10 μm diameter was fabricated. Surface-modified microbeads to be used as detectors were arranged into microstructures prepared at the surface of a silica glass plate by laser-micromachining and sealed with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) plate to form microchannels. The capturing reaction of surface amino groups with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) supplied via microchannels was examined.
Amorphous Carbon-promoted Low-temperature Crystallization of Silica
Authors: Okabe Akihiro , Niki Makiko , Fukushima Takanori , Aida Takuzo 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Heating of mesoporous silica hybridized with self-assembled disc-like molecules such as hexabenzocoronene and triphenylene derivatives at ≥900 °C under N2 resulted in low-temperature crystallization of its amorphous silicate framework into cristobalite, a form of crystalline silica that appears in a much higher temperature range in the phase diagram.
Influence of Temperature and Purity of Polyacrylic Acid on its Adsorption and Surface Structures at the ZrO2/Polymer Solution Interface
Authors: Wiśniewska M. , Chibowski S. 
Published: January 2006

The influence of temperature and the effect of the purity of polyacrylic acid (PAA) on its conformation on the zirconium oxide surface were studied. Spectrophotometric measurements, potentiometric titrations, electro-kinetic and viscosity measurements allowed the determination of the amounts of polymer adsorbed, the surface charge and the zeta potential of solid particles in the absence and presence of the polymer together with the thickness of the polymer adsorption layers. All measurements were carried out over the temperature range 15—40°C. The occurrence of a minimum in the adsorption of PAA between 25–30°C was caused by conformational changes of the polymer macromolecules. For non-filtered PAA, a decrease in polymer adsorption and an increase in the thickness of the adsorbed polymer layers were observed. These result from changes in the polydispersity index of filtered PAA and the blocking of some active sites on the oxide surface by inorganic contamination present in the non-filtered PAA samples. The free energy of PAA adsorption was calculated from the zeta potential data. Some parameters characterizing the conformation of PAA chains in the bulk liquid phase and on the ZrO2 surface were determined.
Evaluation of a method to experimentally induce colic in horses and the effects of acupuncture applied at the Guan-yuan-shu (similar to BL-21) acupoint
Authors: Merritt Alfred M. , Xie Huisheng , Lester Guy D. , Burrow James A. , Lorenzo-Figueras Mireia , Mahfoud Ziyad 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the reliability of a method for
inducing colic via small intestinal distention in horses
and to examine the analgesic potential of bilateral
electroacupuncture (EAP) at the Guan-yuan-shu (similar
to BL-21) acupoint.

Animals—5 healthy adult horses, each with a gastric
cannula.

Procedure—A polyester balloon connected to an electronic
barostat was introduced into the duodenum via
the gastric cannula. At 2 specified intervals (before and
after commencement of EAP), the balloon was inflated
to a barostat-controlled pressure that induced signs of
moderate colic. Each inflation was maintained for 10
minutes. Heart and respiratory rates were continuously
recorded. Frequency of various clinical signs of colic was
recorded by 2 trained observers during various combinations
of balloon inflation and EAP. Each horse received
each of 5 treatment protocols (EAP at 20 Hz, sham EAP
at 20 Hz, EAP at 80 : 120 Hz dense:disperse, sham EAP
at 80 : 120 Hz dense:disperse, no treatment). Sham EAP
was at a point located 2 cm lateral to the Guan-yuan-shu
acupoint.

Results—Duodenal distention consistently induced a
significant increase in frequency of signs of colic.
None of the EAP protocols caused a significant reduction
in frequency of these clinical signs during distention.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The method
described is reproducible and highly controllable
method for inducing colic that involved duodenal distention
that should be useful in evaluating the efficacy
of various analgesic strategies. Bilateral EAP at the
Guan-yuan-shu acupoint was ineffective in reducing
signs of discomfort induced by this method. (Am J Vet
Res 2002;63:1006–1011)
Pharmacokinetics after intravenous and oral administration of enrofloxacin in sheep
Authors: Bermingham Eden C. , Papich Mark G. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To compare pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin administered IV and in various oral preparations to ewes.Animals—5 mature Katahdin ewes weighing 42 to 50 kg.Procedure—Ewes received 4 single-dose treatments of enrofloxacin in a nonrandomized crossover design followed by a multiple-dose oral regimen. Single-dose treatments consisted of an IV bolus of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg), an oral drench (10 mg/kg) made from crushed enrofloxacin tablets, oral administration in feed (10 mg/kg; mixture of crushed enrofloxacin tablets and grain), and another type of oral administration in feed (10 mg/kg; mixture of enrofloxacin solution and grain). The multiple-dose regimen consisted of feeding a mixture of enrofloxacin solution and grain (10 mg/kg, q 24 h, for 7 days). Plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were measured by use of high-performance liquid chromatography.Results—Harmonic mean half-life for oral administration was 14.80, 10.80, and 13.07 hours, respectively, for the oral drench, crushed tablets in grain, and enrofloxacin solution in grain. Oral bioavailability for the oral drench, crushed tablets in grain, and enrofloxacin in grain was 47.89, 98.07, and 94.60%, respectively, and median maximum concentration (Cmax) was 1.61, 2.69, and 2.26 µg/ml, respectively. Median Cmaxof the multiple-dose regimen was 2.99 µg/ml.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Enrofloxacin administered orally to sheep has a prolonged half-life and high oral bioavailability. Oral administration at 10 mg/kg, q 24 h, was sufficient to achieve a plasma concentration of 8 to 10 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of any microorganism with an MIC ≤ 0.29 µg/ml. (Am J Vet Res2002; 63:1012–1017)
Influence of dietary calcium and phosphorus content in a fixed ratio on growth and development in Great Danes
Authors: Lauten Susan D. , Cox Nancy R. , Brawner William R. , Goodman Susan A. , Hathcock John T. , Montgomery Ronald D. , Kincaid Steven A. , Morrison Nancy E. , Spano Joseph S. , Lepine Allan. J. , Reinhart Gregory A. , Baker Henry J. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To study the musculoskeletal development of Great Dane puppies fed various dietary concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in fixed ratio by use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), determination of serum insulin-like growth factor I and parathyroid hormone concentrations, radiography, and blood chemistry analysis results.Animals—32 purebred Great Dane puppies from 4 litters.Procedure—At weaning, puppies were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 diets. Blood was collected for biochemical analyses and hormone assays, and radiography and DEXA were performed through 18 months of age. Changes in body weight, bone mineral content, fat tissue weight, lean mass, result of serum biochemical analyses, hormonal concentrations, and radius lengths were analyzed through 18 months of age.Results—Bone mineral content of puppies correlated positively with Ca and P content of the diets fed. Significant differences between groups in bone mineral content, lean mass, and body fat were apparent early. The disparity among groups increased until 6 months of age and then declined until body composition was no longer different at 12 months of age. Accretion rates for skeletal mineral content, fat, and lean tissue differed from each other and by diet group.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ca and P concentrations in the diet of young Great Dane puppies are rapidly reflected in the bone mineral content of the puppies until 5 to 6 months of age, after which hormonal regulation adjusts absorption and excretion of these minerals. Appropriate Ca and P concentrations in diets are important in young puppies < 6 months of age. (Am J Vet Res2002;63:1036–1047)
Use of routine ventrodorsal radiographic views of the pelvis to assess inclination of the wings of the sacrum in dogs
Authors: Breit Sabine M. , Knaus Iris M. , Künzel Wolfgang W. F. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Objective—To determine the ratio of ventral-to-dorsal
transverse diameters between the wings of the
sacrum on ventrodorsal radiographic views of the
pelvis in large dogs and to validate the reliability of
this morphometric analysis for functional interpretation.

Sample Population—Pelvic specimens from 40
large-breed dogs and radiographs of 113 large-breed
dogs.

Procedure—In an anatomic and radiographic evaluation,
the transverse dorsal diameter (TVDS) and transverse
ventral diameter (TVV) between the wings of
the sacrum were evaluated in sacrum specimens and
on corresponding radiographs of the pelvis and
sacrum. The ratio between TVV and TVDS (VD ratio)
was calculated. Intraobserver reliability was determined
by calculation of the coefficient of variation. In
a retrospective radiographic evaluation, the VD ratio
was determined in Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers,
and German Shepherd Dogs. Correlations between
VD ratio and breed, age, and sex were tested.

Results—The VD ratio was significantly higher in
Rottweilers than in Golden Retrievers and German
Shepherd Dogs, denoting an oblique alignment of the
sacral wings in Rottweilers (ie, the dorsal aspects of
the sacral wings were located more medially than the
ventral aspects) and an almost sagittal alignment in
the other breeds. The VD ratio was significantly associated
with age but not with sex.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Sagittal alignment
of the wings of the sacrum is considered to be
biomechanically less efficient. These results provide a
basis for further studies to evaluate radiographic
assessment of the sacroiliac joints similar to the evaluation
for hip dysplasia. (Am J Vet Res 2002;
63:1220–1225)
Comparison of corn gluten meal and meat meal as a protein source in dry foods formulated for cats
Authors: Funaba Masayuki , Matsumoto Chiho , Matsuki Kunihiro , Gotoh Ken , Kaneko Masahiro , Iriki Tsunenori , Hatano Yoshikazu , Abe Matanobu 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To compare the nutritional value of corn gluten meal (CGM) and meat meal (MM) as a dietary source of protein in dry food formulated for adult cats.Animals—8 healthy adult cats (4 males and 4 females).Procedure—Diets containing CGM or MM as the main protein source were each fed for a 3-week period in a crossover study. Digestibility and nutritional balance experiments were conducted during the last 7 days of each period. Furthermore, freshly voided urine was obtained to measure urinary pH, struvite crystals, and sediment concentrations.Results—Daily food intake and dry-matter digestibility were significantly higher for the MM diet. Fecal moisture content also was higher for the MM diet. Apparent nitrogen (N) absorption and N retention were higher for the MM diet, even when values were expressed as a percentage to account for differences in N intake. Urinary pH, struvite activity product, number of struvite crystals in urine, and urinary sediment concentrations were not different between diets. Retention of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium was lower for the CGM diet, and cats lost body calcium and magnesium when fed the CGM diet.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Meat meal was superior to CGM as a protein source in dry foods formulated for cats, because dry-matter digestibility and N utilization were higher for the MM diet. In addition, net loss of body calcium and magnesium for the CGM diet suggests that mineral requirements increase when CGM is used as a protein source. (Am J Vet Res2002;63:1247–1251)
Effects of hydrocortisone on substrates of energy metabolism in alpacas
Authors: Cebra Christopher K. , Tornquist Susan J. , McKane Shaun A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To evaluate effects of hydrocortisone administration, with and without concurrent administration of insulin, on intermediary metabolism in alpacas.Animals—8 adult castrated male alpacas.Procedure—On each of 2 consecutive days, food was withheld from alpacas for 8 hours. Alpacas then were administered 1 mg of hydrocortisone sodium succinate/kg, IV (time 0). On 1 of the days, randomly assigned alpacas were also administered regular insulin (0.2 U/kg, IV) 120 minutes after hydrocortisone administration. Blood samples were collected at 0, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 210, 240, 300, and 360 minutes. Plasma concentrations of glucose and lactate and serum concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate were determined. Data were compared between days. Additionally, serum insulin concentrations before and after hydrocortisone administration were determined for selected samples.Results—Hydrocortisone administration induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, a reduction in concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol, and a reduction in triglyceride-to-cholesterol ratio. Subsequent insulin administration temporarily negated the hyperglycemic effects of hydrocortisone, induced temporary hyperlactemia, and augmented the reduction in blood triglycerides.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—A single dose of a short-acting corticosteroid does not increase blood lipid fractions in healthy alpacas, probably because of a competent endogenous insulin response. Corticosteroids may induce differing responses in camelids with depleted glycogen stores or an ineffective insulin response. Administration of insulin can effectively negate the hyperglycemic effects of hydrocortisone and augment lipoprotein clearance. Hence, insulin administration may be therapeutic for alpacas with hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, or hyperketonemia. (Am J Vet Res2002;63:1269–1274)
Effects of various diets on gastric tone in the proximal portion of the stomach of horses
Authors: Lorenzo-Figueras Mireia , Jones Galin , Merritt Alfred M. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Objective—To assess gastric tone in the proximal portion
of the stomach in horses during and after ingestion
of 4 diets (2 diets of grain and 2 diets of hay).

Animals—6 adult horses.

Procedure—A polyester bag with a volume of approximately
1,600 ml was inserted through a gastric cannula
into the proximal portion of the stomach of each
horse. Internal pressure of the bag was maintained at
2 mm Hg by use of an electronic barostat, and
changes in bag volume were recorded before, during,
and after horses consumed diets of grain or hay. Each
horse was fed 0.5 and 1.0 g of grain/kg and 0.5 and 1.0
g of hay/kg. Changes in bag volume measured by use
of the barostat were indirectly related to changes in
tone of the gastric wall.

Results—Food intake caused a distinctly significant
biphasic increase in volume. The first phase was during
active ingestion, which was followed shortly by a
second, more prolonged postprandial phase. The
ingestion-related phase of the response to intake of a
diet of 1 g of hay/kg was significantly greater than that
for the other diets.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Ingestion of a
solid meal induces a biphasic relaxation response in
the proximal portion of the stomach of horses.
Magnitude of the ingestion-related phase may be
determined by size of the meal. (Am J Vet Res 2002;
63:1275–1278)
Effect of inhaled endotoxin on cardiopulmonary function and E-selectin expression in pigs
Authors: Landolt Gabrielle , Nemke Brett W. , Darien Benjamin J. , Kruse-Elliott Kris T. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To evaluate the effect of controlled exposure to inhaled lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the pulmonary inflammatory response of anesthetized pigs.Animals—Forty-seven 8- to 12-week-old domestic pigs.Procedure—Pigs were anesthetized with pentobarbital, instrumented for measurement of cardiopulmonary function, and randomly assigned to receive saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 µg of LPS/kg/h for 2 or 6 hours via nebulization through the endotracheal tube. Cardiopulmonary variables were measured, ex vivo neutrophil superoxide production determined, and postmortem assessment for pulmonary neutrophil influx and modulation of adhesion molecule (E-selectin) expression was done.Results—Mild changes in cardiopulmonary function were observed in response to inhaled LPS in the 2- and 6-hour groups. In pigs inhaling LPS (0.5 or 1.0 µg/kg/h) for 6 hours, there was significant pulmonary neutrophil influx observed postmortem. An increase in expression of E-selectin on pulmonary endothelial cells after 6 hours of LPS inhalation (0.5 µg/kg/h) was also observed. In contrast, there was no significant influx of neutrophils or expression of E-selectin in lungs from pigs inhaling LPS for 2 hours.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Inhalation of LPS resulted in localized pulmonary inflammation characterized by neutrophil influx and increased expression of the endothelial cell adhesion molecule, E-selectin. It may be possible to relate our experimental findings to the clinical consequences of airborne LPS exposure in swine confinement facilities. (Am J Vet Res2002;63:1302–1308)
Laparoscopic-assisted enterostomy tube placement and full-thickness biopsy of the jejunum with serosal patching in dogs
Authors: Rawlings Clarence A. , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Bement Shannon , Canalis Chanda 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To develop laparoscopic-assisted techniques for enterostomy feeding tube placement and full-thickness biopsy of the jejunum in dogs.Animals—15 healthy dogs.Procedure—Dogs were anesthetized, and positive pressure ventilation was provided. A trocar cannula for the laparoscope was inserted on the ventral midline caudal to the umbilicus. For enterostomy tube placement, a second trocar cannula was placed lateral to the right rectus abdominis muscle, and a Babcock forceps was used to grasp the duodenum and elevate it to the incision made for the cannula. The duodenum was sutured to the abdominal wall, and a feeding tube was inserted. For jejunal biopsy, a third trocar cannula was placed lateral to the left rectus abdominis muscle. A portion of jejunum was elevated to the incision for the second or third cannula, and a full-thickness biopsy specimen was obtained. A second specimen was obtained from another portion of jejunum, and retention sutures for the 2 biopsy sites were tied so that serosal surfaces of the biopsy sites were apposed to each other. Dogs were euthanatized 30 days after surgery.Results—The enterostomy tube was properly positioned and functional in all 8 dogs that underwent laparoscopic-assisted enterostomy tube placement, and sufficient samples for histologic examination were obtained from all 7 dogs that underwent laparoscopic-assisted jejunal biopsy. None of the dogs had any identifiable problems after surgery.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that in dogs, laparoscopic-assisted procedures for enterostomy tube placement and jejunal biopsy are an acceptable alternative to procedures performed during a laparotomy. (Am J Vet Res2002; 63:1313–1319)
Plasma and synovial fluid endothelin-1 and nitric oxide concentrations in horses with and without joint disease
Authors: Calle Jorge de la , Burba Daniel J. , Ramaswamy Chidambaram M. , Hosgood Giselle , Williams Jamil , LeBlanc Casey , Moore Rustin M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective—To compare plasma and synovial fluid endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in clinically normal horses and horses with joint disease.Animals—36 horses with joint disease, and 15 horses without joint disease.Procedure—Horses with joint disease were assigned to 1 of the 3 groups (ie, synovitis, degenerative joint disease [DJD], or joint sepsis groups) on the basis of findings on clinical and radiographic examination and synovial fluid analysis. Endothelin-1 and NO concentrations were measured in plasma from blood samples, collected from the jugular vein and ipsilateral cephalic or saphenous vein of the limb with an affected or unaffected joint, as well as in synovial fluid samples obtained via arthrocentesis from the involved joint.Results—Plasma ET-1 concentrations between affected and unaffected groups were not significantly different. Median concentration and concentration range of ET-1 in synovial fluid obtained from the joint sepsis group (35.830 pg/mL, 7.926 to 86.614 pg/mL; n = 7) were significantly greater than values from the synovitis (17.531 pg/mL, 0.01 to 46.908 pg/mL; 18), DJD (22.858 pg/mL, 0.01 to 49.990 pg/mL; 10), and unaffected (10.547 pg/mL, 0.01 to 35.927 pg/mL; 10) groups. Plasma and synovial fluid NO concentrations between affected and unaffected groups were not significantly different.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Endothelin-1 is locally synthesized in the joints of horses with various types of joint disease. Synovial fluid concentrations of ET-1 varied among horses with joint disease, with concentrations significantly higher in the synovial fluid of horses with joint sepsis. These results indicate that ET-1 may play a role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of joint disease in horses. (Am J Vet Res2002;63:1648–1654)