bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract Singular Terms and Thin Reference
Authors: Duke George
Published: October 2012

The prevailing approach to the problem of the ontological status of mathematical entities such as numbers and sets is to ask in what sense it is legitimate to ascribe a reference to abstract singular terms; those expressions of our language which, taken at face value, denote abstract objects. On the basis of this approach, neo‐Fregean Abstractionists such as Hale and Wright have argued that abstract singular terms may be taken to effect genuine reference towards objects, whereas nominalists such as Field have asserted that these apparent ontological commitments should not be taken at face value. In this article I argue for an intermediate position which upholds the legitimacy of ascribing a reference to abstract singular terms in an attenuated sense relative to the more robust ascription of reference applicable to names denoting concrete entities. In so doing I seek to clear up some confusions regarding the ramifications of such a thin notion of reference for ontological claims about mathematical objects.
Idealism and Scepticism: A Reply to Brueckner
Authors: Puryear Stephen
Published: October 2012

Anthony Brueckner argues that Berkeleyan idealism lacks anti‐sceptical force because of the way Berkeley draws the appearance/reality distinction. But Brueckner's case rests on a misunderstanding of Berkeley's view. Properly understood, Berkeleyan idealism does indeed have anti‐sceptical force.
Agential Knowledge, Action and Process
Authors: Wolfson Ben
Published: October 2012

Claims concerning processes, claims of the form “xisφing”, have been the subject of renewed interest in recent years in the philosophy of action. However, this interest has frequently limited itself to noting certain formal features such claims have, and has not extended to a discussion of when they are true. This article argues that a claim of the form “xisφing” is true when what is happening withxis such that, if it is not interrupted, a φing will occur. It then applies itself more directly to the case of action, arguing that when “xisφing” describesx's intentional action, it is true iffxis acting from a method she knows to be sufficient to φ, in the sense that if she is not interrupted in carrying out this method, she will φ. I use this criterion to argue that the carbon‐copier example Donald Davidson gives in “Intending” fails to refute Elizabeth Anscombe's claim that an agent who is φing intentionally knows that she is, because the agent in Davidson's example is not intentionally making the copies.
An Explanatory Challenge to Moral Reductionism
Authors: Zhong Lei
Published: October 2012

It is generally believed that moral reductionism is immune from notorious problems in moral metaphysics and epistemology, such as the problem of moral explanation – it is at least on this dimension that moral reductionism scores better than moral anti‐reductionism. However, in this article I reject this popular view. First, I argue that moral reductionism fails to help vindicate the explanatory efficacy of moral properties because the reductionist solution is either circular or otiose. Second, I attempt to show that a successful vindication, if any, of moral explanation requires moral‐descriptive irreducibility. My discussion thus raises an explanatory challenge to moral reductionism.
The Problem with Uniform Solutions to Peer Disagreement
Authors: Konigsberg Amir
Published: October 2012

Contributors to the recent disagreement debate have sought to provide a uniform response to cases in which epistemic peers disagree about the epistemic import of a shared body of evidence, no matter what kind of evidence they are disagreeing about. The varied cases addressed in the literature have included examples of disagreement about restaurant bills, court verdicts, weather forecasting, chess, morality, religious beliefs, and even disagreements about philosophical disagreements. The equal treatment of these varied cases has motivated the search for a uniform response to peer disagreement wherever it is encountered. In this article I challenge this prevalent approach in the literature. I grant the notion of epistemic peer and accept that being a peer may amount to the same thing in different domains; nonetheless I contend that different domains appear to call for different responses to disagreement. I argue that the appropriate response to finding out about a disagreement with a peer is different in different domains.
Diagnostic Utility of Abdominal Ultrasonography in Dogs with Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Leib M.S. , Larson M.M. , Grant D.C. , Monroe W.E. , Troy G.C. , Panciera D.L. , Rossmeisl J.H. , Werre S.R.
Published: October 2012

Background

Chronic diarrhea is common in dogs and has many causes. Ultrasonographic descriptions of many gastrointestinal diseases have been published, but the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography in dogs with chronic diarrhea has not been investigated.

Hypothesis

Diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound will be highest in dogs withGIneoplasia and lowest in those with inflammatory disorders.

Animals

87 pet dogs with chronic diarrhea.

Methods

Prospective study in which medical records were reviewed and contribution of abdominal ultrasound toward making diagnosis was scored.

Results

In 57/87 (66%) of dogs, the same diagnosis would have been reached without ultrasonography. In 13/87 (15%) of dogs, the ultrasound examination was vital or beneficial to making the diagnosis. Univariable analysis identified that increased diagnostic utility was associated with weight loss (P = .0086), palpation of an abdominal or rectal mass (P = .0031), diseases that commonly have mass lesions visible on ultrasound examination (P < .0001), and a final diagnosis ofGIneoplasia. Multivariable regression indicated that utility of abdominal ultrasonography would be 30 times more likely to be high in dogs in which an abdominal or rectal mass was palpated (odds ratio 30.5, 95% CI 5.5–169.6) (P < .0001) versus dogs without a palpable mass. In 15/87 (17%) of dogs, additional benefits of ultrasonography to case management, independent of the contribution to the diagnosis of diarrhea, were identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Overall, the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasonography was low in dogs with chronic diarrhea. Identification of factors associated with high diagnostic utility is an indication to perform abdominal ultrasonography in dogs with chronic diarrhea.
Clinical Characterization of Canine Platelet Procoagulant Deficiency (Scott Syndrome)
Authors: Jandrey K.E. , Norris J.W. , Tucker M. , Brooks M.B.
Published: October 2012

Background

Platelet function defects are rare causes of bleeding diatheses; however, disease prevalence might be underestimated because diagnosis requires assessment of specific parameters of platelet activation.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation of canine Scott syndrome (CSS), an intrinsic platelet function defect first identified in a closed colony of German Shepherds (GSD).

Animals

Eleven (n = 6 female) client‐owned GSD affected with CSS that sought veterinary care for one or more episodes of abnormal bleeding.

Methods

Retrospective review of all cases of CSS diagnosed through the Comparative Coagulation Laboratory at Cornell University between 2005 and 2011. The diagnosis of CSS was based on 2 measures of platelet procoagulant activity: serum prothrombin consumption and flow cytometric detection of platelet phosphatidylserine externalization after in vitro activation.

Results

Postoperative hemorrhage was the most common sign of CSS, whereas petechiae were not found in any dog. Although most GSD responded to platelet transfusion, refractory epistaxis in 2 GSD was managed by nasal arterial embolization. The CSS trait was not restricted to a single pedigree of related GSD or to a single geographic region.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Unlike thrombocytopenia and platelet aggregation defects, petechiae and other capillary hemorrhage are not typical features of CSS. After preliminary screening to rule out more common causes of hemorrhage, CSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent hemorrhage in GSD, and potentially other breeds of dog. Definitive diagnosis of CSS requires specific tests of platelet procoagulant activity.
Improving visual estimation through active feedback
Authors: Wintle Bonnie C. , Fidler Fiona , Vesk Peter A. , L. Moore Joslin
Published: October 2012

In field surveys, ecological researchers and practitioners routinely make quantitative judgements that are known to vary in quality. Feedback about judgement accuracy is crucial for improving estimation performance yet is not usually afforded to fieldworkers. One reason it is rare lies in the difficulty of obtaining ‘true values’ (e.g. percentage cover) to learn from. Often, the only information we can access is other people's estimates of the same thing. Group average estimates tend to be remarkably accurate. By extension, receiving feedback about group averages may improve the estimation performance of individuals, dispensing with the need for ‘true values’ to learn from.

In experiment 1, we tested whether feedback using group averages might improve estimates of species abundance as much as feedback using true values. However, not all feedback approaches are effective. In experiment 2, we compared two feedback formats for presenting information about group estimates of percentage cover. In both experiments, we used a novel 4‐point interval estimation approach to quantify uncertainty that is known to reduce overconfidence but is yet to be applied in ecology.

Results from experiment 1 show that feedback about group averages improved performance (calibration and accuracy) almost as much as feedback about the truth, despite the fact that group averages were generally not close to true values. In contrast, group averages in experiment 2 were remarkably close to true values, but the only participants who improved their estimates were those who evaluated their own performance during the feedback session, using active feedback with a calibration component.

Feedback reminds surveyors not to give over‐precise estimates and to appropriately reflect uncertainty. It improves calibration and accuracy of abundance estimates and could reasonably improve estimates of other quantities. Drawing on the wisdom of crowds, group averages could be used as a proxy for true values in feedback procedures. However, the format for delivering feedback matters. Actively engaging participants by having them evaluate their own estimation performance appears critical to improving their subsequent judgements, compared with passive feedback. We advocate the introduction of feedback into the training of ecologists.
Determination of anthelmintic efficacy against equine cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum in France
Authors: Geurden T. , Betsch J.‐M. , Maillard K. , Vanimisetti B. , D'Espois M. , Besognet B.
Published: October 2012

This article reports the results of a faecal egg count reduction test on 4 farms in France, as an integrated part of the routine deworming strategy against horse cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum. Treatment with fenbendazole (FBZ) or ivermectin (IVM) was evaluated in yearlings on Farms 1 and 2 and treatment with pyrantel embonate (PYR) was tested on Farms 3 and 4. Calculation of the arithmetic mean faecal egg count reduction and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) around the mean was performed using bootstrap analysis. For equine cyathostomins, resistance to FBZ was found with an arithmetic mean reduction of 48.8% (95% CI: 1.9–69.3%). On Farms 1 and 2, horses with reduced efficacy were identified. PYR was found to be effective against cyathostomins, with an arithmetic mean reduction of 95.3% (95% CI: 84.6–99.8%), as well as IVM (100%). For P. equorum, both FBZ and PYR were effective (100% reduction). The efficacy of IVM, however, was low (45.5%; 95% CI: 0–96.3%). These results confirm that FBZ resistance in equine cyathostomins is present in France and that anthelmintic resistance to IVM is present in P. equorum. This study underlines the necessity to evaluate the efficacy of horse deworming strategies on a regular basis under field conditions.
Tongue coating: related factors
Authors: Van Tornout Marie , Dadamio Jesica , Coucke Wim , Quirynen Marc
Published: October 2012

Aim

A clear relationship between tongue coating and oral malodour has been observed in many clinical trials. Why or when this coating is formed remains an open question. The aim of this study was to analyse possible factors related to the presence of tongue coating in a population complaining from oral malodour.

Materials and Methods

Patients were recruited from a halitosis clinic (UZ Leuven). Medical history, dietary and oral hygiene habits were retrieved via a questionnaire. Data were recorded on organoleptic score and level of sulphur compounds in breath, anatomical features of the tongue dorsum, amount of tongue coating (according to three indices: Miyazaki, Winkel and modified Winkel), tongue coating wet weight and salivary flow. The correlation between the presence of tongue coating and a series of parameters was analysed.

Results

The level of oral hygiene was the strongest determinant factor for the presence of tongue coating. Smoking, presence of a denture, periodontal status and dietary habits also correlated although less obvious.

Conclusion

The presence of tongue coating appears to be related to several factors of which oral hygiene is the strongest.
Effect of the canopy complexity of trees on the rate of predation of insects
Authors: Šipoš J. , Kindlmann P.
Published: October 2012

The effect of the complexity of tree canopies on the effectiveness of biological control of tree‐dwelling insect herbivores by predators has been neglected. A complex canopy provides a greater variety of resources than a simple canopy, which may result in an increase in the abundance of both herbivores and predators in complex canopies and a higher predation rate. On the other hand, it may be more difficult to locate prey in trees with a complex canopy, which may lower the predation rate. The main aim of this study is to determine the relationship between predation rate and canopy complexity. We have used a system consisting of lime trees, larvae of blowflies as prey and naturally occurring predators (mainly birds and ants). The complexity of the canopy of 12 of the lime trees was reduced by pruning, and the predation rate was determined by recording the fate of prey pinned on each of the trees for 30 min several times during the course of a year. The predation rate was negatively associated with canopy complexity. We compare these results with those reported in the literature and contrary to the widely held view conclude that a negative relationship between predation rate and canopy complexity is a common phenomenon and can be expected to be reported in studies not only on ambush but also on predators that actively search for prey.
Methamphetamine‐induced changes in the mice hippocampal neuropeptide Y system: implications for memory impairment
Authors: Gonçalves Joana , Baptista Sofia , Olesen Mikkel V. , Fontes‐Ribeiro Carlos , Malva João O. , Woldbye David P. , Silva Ana P.
Published: October 2012

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug that causes irreversible brain damage leading to several neurological and psychiatric abnormalities, including cognitive deficits. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is abundant in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and has several important functions, being involved in learning and memory processing. It has been demonstrated that METH induces significant alteration in mice striatal NPY, Y1 and Y2 receptor mRNA levels. However, the impact of this drug on the hippocampal NPY system and its consequences remain unknown. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of METH intoxication on mouse hippocampal NPY levels, NPY receptors function, and memory performance. Results show that METH increased NPY, Y2 and Y5 receptor mRNA levels, as well as total NPY binding accounted by opposite up‐ and down‐regulation of Y2 and Y1 functional binding, respectively. Moreover, METH‐induced impairment in memory performance and AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway were both prevented by the Y2 receptor antagonist, BIIE0246. These findings demonstrate that METH interferes with the hippocampal NPY system, which seems to be associated with memory failure. Overall, we concluded that Y2 receptors are involved in memory deficits induced by METH intoxication.
Prion protein participates in the regulation of classical and alternative activation of BV2 microglia
Authors: Shi Fushan , Yang Lifeng , Kouadir Mohammed , Yang Yang , Ding Tianjian , Wang Jihong , Zhou Xiangmei , Yin Xiaomin , Zhao Deming
Published: October 2012

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycoprotein anchored by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) to the cell surface and is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. Numerous studies have suggested a protective function for PrPC, including protection from ischemic and excitotoxic lesions and several apoptotic insults, and recent reports have shown that PrPC has a context‐dependent neuroprotective function. In this study, we investigated the effect of PPNP down‐regulation on various forms of microglial activation. We first examined the mRNA expression of PRNP upon exposure to IFN‐γ, IL‐4, or IL‐10 in BV2 microglia. We then analyzed the effect of si‐RNA‐mediated disruption of PRNP on different parameters of microglial activation in IFN‐γ‐, IL‐4‐, or IL‐10‐stimulated microglia. The results showed that PRNP mRNA expression was invariably down‐regulated in microglia upon exposure to IFN‐γ, IL‐4, or IL‐10. PRNP silencing prior to cytokines treatment reduced the responsiveness of microglia to INF‐γ treatment, significantly altered IL‐4‐induced microglial activation phenotype, and had no effect on IL‐10‐induced microglial activation. Together, these results support a role of PrPC in the modulation of the shift of microglia from a quiescent state to an activated phenotype and in the regulation of the microglial response during classical and alternative activation.
Deep brain stimulation of the accumbens increases dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: van Dijk Addy , Klompmakers Andre A. , Feenstra Matthijs G. P. , Denys Damiaan
Published: October 2012

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is effective in treatment‐refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. However, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the rapid and effective changes of DBS. One of the hypotheses is that DBS modulates activity of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this study, we evaluated the effects of DBS in the NAc core on the extracellular concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters in the medial (mPFC) and orbital prefrontal cortex (OFC). Freely moving rats were bilaterally stimulated in the NAc core for 2 h while dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline were measured using in vivo microdialysis in the mPFC and the OFC. We report rapid increases in the release of dopamine and serotonin to a maximum of 177% and 127% in the mPFC and an increase up to 171% and 166% for dopamine and noradrenaline in the OFC after onset of stimulation in the NAc core. These results provide further evidence for the distal effects of DBS and corroborate previous clinical and pre‐clinical findings of altered neuronal activity in prefrontal areas.
Chronic social defeat up‐regulates expression of the serotonin transporter in rat dorsal raphe nucleus and projection regions in a glucocorticoid‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhang Jia , Fan Yan , Li Ying , Zhu Hobart , Wang Liang , Zhu Meng‐Yang
Published: October 2012

Chronic stress and dysfunction of the serotonergic system in the brain have been considered two of the major risks for development of depression. In this study, adult Fischer 344 rats were subjected to a regimen of chronic social defeat (CSD). To mimic stressful conditions, some rats were not exposed to CSD, but instead treated with corticosterone (CORT) in oral solution while maintained in their home cage. Protein levels of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala were examined by Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that CSD up‐regulated SERT protein levels in the DRN, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala regions. This up‐regulation was abolished or prevented by adrenalectomy, or treatment with antagonists of corticosteroid receptors mifepristone and spironolactone, alone or in combination. Similarly, up‐regulated SERT protein levels in these brain regions were also observed in rats treated with oral CORT ingestion, which was analogously prevented by treatment with mifepristone and spironolactone. Furthermore, both CSD‐ and CORT‐induced up‐regulation of SERT protein levels in the DRN and three brain regions were attenuated by simultaneous treatment with fluoxetine, an antidepressant that specifically inhibits serotonin reuptake. The results indicate that up‐regulation in SERT protein levels in the DRN and forebrain limbic structures caused by CSD regimen was mainly motivated by CORT through corticosteroid receptors. The present findings demonstrate that chronic stress is closely correlated with the serotonergic system by acting on the regulation of the SERT expression in the DRN and its projection regions, which may contribute to the development of depression.
Variance of d′ for the Tetrad Test and Comparisons with Other Forced‐Choice Methods
Authors: Bi Jian , O'Mahony Michael
Published: October 2012

Tetrad tests are forced‐choice discrimination methods that have received comparatively little attention in the past. However, recently, their relatively large statistical power has stimulated interest in these methods. In this paper, some historical notes for the tetrads are presented along with some recent developments in the use of the tetrads. Tables of B are presented for the specified and unspecified tetrad tests. R/S‐Plus codes are provided for calculating d′s and variances of d′s for the tetrads. The paper notices that the psychometric function for the unspecified tetrad given by Ennis et al. can be expressed as closed forms. The influential psychometric function for the triangle method can also be expressed as closed forms, which are similar to those of the unspecified tetrad. The latter part of the paper pulls together tables of d′ and B scattered throughout the literature into single tables for ease of comparison with those values for the tetrad test. In the same spirit, power curves scattered across the literature are also pulled together in a single figure for ease of comparison.

Practical Applications

Thurstonian discriminal distance d′ is a first appropriation, method‐independent measure of sensory differences and treatment effects. Estimations of d′ and variance of d′ for the tetrads can be used to compare treatment effects evaluated using the tetrads and other discrimination methods.
Compression Test of Food Gels on Artificial Tongue and Its Comparison with Human Test
Authors: Ishihara Sayaka , Nakao Satomi , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro , Kohyama Kaoru , Nishinari Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2012

An in vitro evaluation system of food texture was developed using artificial tongue and a conventional uniaxial compression apparatus to mimic the tongue‐palate compression. Deformation behavior of agar gels on artificial tongues from silicone rubber with three levels of elastic modulus was observed during compression by a nondeformable plate. The results were compared with the oral strategy for size reduction from sensory evaluation by human subjects. Agar gels fractured upon compression when the strain of the gels was larger than that of artificial tongue, whereas they did not when the strain of the gels was equivalent to or smaller than that of the artificial tongue. When apparent elastic modulus of artificial tongue was approximately 5.5 × 104 Pa, fracture profile of the gels corresponded well to human tests. Results suggest that the oral strategy for size reduction might be determined by sensing the relative strain of the gels to the tongue during compression to a somewhat small strain.

Practical Applications

In an aged society, there is an increasing demand for properly texturized foods for safe consumption by those who have mastication or chewing difficulty. Food of soft texture is often preferred by these people because of easy tongue‐palate compression and no need of the teeth mastication. An in vitro evaluation system of food texture developed in the present study provides a simple method for food manufactures in assessing textural acceptability of products without using human subjects. This evaluation system can lead to the innovation of food product design for textural diversity and thus improved quality of life for these disadvantaged populations.
Correlates and characteristics of hepatitis C virus‐specific T‐cell immunity in exposed uninfected high‐risk prison inmates
Authors: Cameron B. , Galbraith S. , Li H. , Lloyd A. ,   the HITS investigators
Published: October 2012

Some hepatitis C (HCV)‐uninfected, high‐risk individuals have HCV‐specific cellular immunity without viraemia or seroconversion. The characteristics of these responses and the risk behavioural associations were studied in 94 subjects in a prospective cohort of recently seronegative prisoners reporting injecting drug use (IDU). Detailed behavioural data were collected. HCV antibody and PCR testing were performed. ELISpot assays for HCV‐induced interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐2 production by T lymphocytes, as well as multiplex in vitro cytokine production assays, were performed. Seventy‐eight subjects remained antibody and PCR negative and 16 seroconverted. Of the seronegative group, 22 (28%) had IFN‐γ ELISpot responses in comparison with 13 of the 16 seroconverters (82%). This seronegative immune status was associated positively with injecting anabolic steroids and negatively with a recent break from IDU. The IFN‐γ ELISpot responses involved both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes and were comparable in magnitude, but narrower in specificity, in uninfected subjects than in seroconverters. A subset of seronegative subjects had HCV‐induced cytokine production patterns comparable with the seroconverters with increased production of IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and reduced IL‐10 in response to nonstructural peptides. In conclusion, comparable patterns of HCV‐specific cellular immunity are found in recently infected subjects and in a minority of high‐risk, uninfected subjects. Further characterization of these responses and their protective efficacy will inform HCV vaccine development.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tramadol in horses following oral administration
Authors: Knych H. K. , Corado C. R. , McKemie D. S. , Scholtz E. , Sams R.
Published: October 2012

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid used in human medicine, and to a lesser extent in veterinary medicine, for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. In humans, the analgesic effects are owing to the actions of both the parent compound and an active metabolite (M1). The goal of the current study was to extend current knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and M1 following oral administration of three doses of tramadol to horses. A total of nine healthy adult horses received a single oral administration of 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg of tramadol via nasogastric tube. Blood samples were collected at time 0 and at various times up to 96 h after drug administration. Urine samples were collected until 120 h after administration. Plasma and urine samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the resulting data analyzed using noncompartmental analysis. For the 3, 6, and 9 mg/kg dose groups, Cmax, Tmax, and the t1/2λ were 43.1, 90.7, and 218 ng/mL, 0.750, 2.0, and 1.5 h and 2.14, 2.25, and 2.39 h, respectively. While tramadol and M1 plasma concentrations within the analgesic range for humans were attained in the 3 and 6 mg/kg dose group, these concentrations were at the lower end of the analgesic range and were only transiently maintained. Furthermore, until effective analgesic plasma concentrations have been established in horses, tramadol should be cautiously recommended for control of pain in horses. No significant undesirable behavioral or physiologic effects were noted at any of the doses administered.
Pharmacokinetics and adverse effects of oral meloxicam tablets in healthy adult horses
Authors: Vander Werf K. A. , Davis E. G. , KuKanich B.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile and determine whether any adverse effects would occur in seven healthy adult horses following oral meloxicam tablet administration once daily for 14 days at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg·bwt. Horses were evaluated for health using physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and gastroscopy at the beginning and end of the study. Blood was collected for the quantification of meloxicam concentrations with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The mean terminal half‐life was 4.99 ± 1.11 h. There was no significant difference between the meanCmax, 1.58 ± 0.71 ng/mL atTmax3.48 ± 3.30 h on day 1, 2.07 ± 0.94 ng/mL atTmax1.24 ± 1.24 h on day 7, and 1.81 ± 0.76 ng/mL at 1.93 ± 1.30 h on day 14 (P = 0.30). There was a statistically significant difference between theTmaxon the sample days (P = 0.04). No statistically significant increase in gastric ulcer score or laboratory analytes was noted. Oral meloxicam tablets were absorbed in adult horses, and adverse effects were not statistically significant in this study. Further studies should evaluate the adverse effects and efficacy of meloxicam tablets in a larger population of horses before routine use can be recommended.
Involvement of complex sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine in endosomal trafficking in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tani Motohiro , Kuge Osamu
Published: October 2012

Sphingolipids play critical roles in many physiologically important events in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we found that csg2Δ mutant cells defective in the synthesis of mannosylinositol phosphorylceramide exhibited abnormal intracellular accumulation of an exocytic v‐SNARE, Snc1, under phosphatidylserine synthase gene (PSS1)‐repressive conditions, although in wild‐type cells, Snc1 was known to cycle between plasma membranes and the late Golgi via post‐Golgi endosomes. The mislocalized Snc1 was co‐localized with an endocytic marker dye, FM4‐64, upon labelling for a short time. The abnormal distribution of Snc1 was suppressed by deletion of GYP2 encoding a GTPase‐activating protein that negatively regulates endosomal vesicular trafficking, or expression of GTP‐restricted form of Ypt32 GTPase. Furthermore, an endocytosis‐deficient mutant of Snc1 was localized to plasma membranes in PSS1‐repressed csg2Δ mutant cells as well as wild‐type cells. Thus, the PSS1‐repressed csg2Δ mutant cells were indicated to be defective in the trafficking of Snc1 from post‐Golgi endosomes to the late Golgi. In contrast, the vesicular trafficking pathways via pre‐vacuolar endosomes in the PSS1‐repressed csg2Δ mutant cells seemed to be normal. These results suggested that specific complex sphingolipids and phosphatidylserine are co‐ordinately involved in specific vesicular trafficking pathway.
The validity of the Computer Face Scale for measuring pediatric pain and mood
Authors: Cravero Joseph P. , Fanciullo Gilbert J. , McHugo Gregory J. , Baird John C.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The aim was to assess the validity of the Computer Face Scale.

Methods

Forty children (5–13 years old) rated pain and mood prior to and twice following tonsillectomy. The children used the Computer Face Scale to adjust a cartoon face to rate pain and mood. During sessions one and two, the children also chose an expression on the Wong‐Baker Faces Scale to rate their pain, and they reported their mood verbally on a seven‐point scale.

Results

On average, the children reported no pain and a positive mood prior to surgery. Soon after surgery, they reported mild pain and a slightly negative mood. An hour later, they reported decreases in pain and return to a positive mood. The differences between presurgery and postsurgery ratings were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001) for all measures. The correlation between the two mood measures was 0.88 before surgery and 0.78 afterward. The correlation between the two measures of pain was 0.83 after surgery (P's < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results support the validity of the Computer Face Scale. The mean ratings of pain and mood followed the expected pattern from pre‐ to postsurgery, and there was a significant association between ratings obtained by different methods. The Computer Face Scale provides a simple‐to‐use scale with more resolution and electronic capture, which may provide advantages in numerous clinical and research applications.
A comparison of three methods that assess tracheal tube leakage: leak conductance, fractional volume loss, and audible assessment
Authors: Smith Jon H. , Keltie Kim , Murphy Tim , Raj Naveen , Lane Mary , Ranger Michael , Sims Andrew J.
Published: October 2012

Background

When intubating a child's trachea with an uncuffed tracheal tube (TT), it is current practice in anesthesia and intensive care to use the leak test to assess TT fit. The aim of this study is to compare three measures of assessing leak around uncuffed tracheal tubes in the PICU.

Methods

We obtained institutional ethical permission and written informed consent, prior to any clinical investigation, from the parents of 135 children who had surgery for cardiac defects. On admission to the PICU, we measured leak by audible assessment, fractional volume loss, and leak conductance for each patient. Measurements of fractional volume loss and leak conductance were repeated every 4 h thereafter until extubation.

Results

On admission to the PICU, calculated values of leak conductance were significantly different between each grade of audible leak (P < 0.001). Values of fractional volume loss were not significantly different between ‘no leak’ and ‘small leak’ grades of leak. Throughout the PICU stay, a significant correlation between mean leak conductance and mean fractional volume loss was found (0.86, 95% CI, 0.81–0.90). Significant agreement within time series of leak conductance and fractional volume recorded for each patient occurred in 47/128 cases (37%).

Conclusions

On admission to the PICU, values of leak conductance are more strongly associated with audible assessment than with fractional volume loss. Throughout PICU stay, leak conductance is associated with fractional volume loss. This study demonstrates that leak conductance, calculated from routinely available pressure and flow signals, has the potential to represent the characteristics of the leak interface between a TT and the trachea.
Electrocardiographic and blood pressure alterations caused by intravenous injection of ropivacaine – a study in piglets
Authors: Mauch Jacqueline Y. , Weiss Markus , Spielmann Nelly , Ringer Simone K.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Objective signs to detect inadvertent intravascular injection of local anesthetics are essential in the anesthetized pediatric patient. For early detection of intravenous bupivacaine administration, it was shown that an epinephrine containing test dose reliably provoked T‐wave alterations, changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure, whereas intravenous injection of plain bupivacaine could not be detected until high doses were applied. This study investigates electrocardiographic and hemodynamic alterations caused by intravenous ropivacaine.

Methods

Twenty‐four piglets, anesthetized with sevoflurane, were randomized into two groups: Group R received as test dose plain ropivacaine 0.2% and group RE, ropivacaine 0.2% + epinephrine 5 μg·ml−1. Under stable conditions, 0.2 ml kg−1 of the test solution was intravenously injected. Twenty minutes later, 0.4 ml kg−1 was applied. A positive effect was defined as HR increase ≥10 bpm, increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥15 mmHg, T‐wave increase ≥25% baseline. In another setting ropivacaine was intravenously infused until cardiac arrest.

Results

After injection of 0.2 or 0.4 ml kg−1 test solution, a positive increase in HR and MAP was found in 0% of group R and in 100% of group RE. An increase in T‐wave ≥25% was found in 42% of group R and in 100% of group RE. During intoxication, T‐elevation was seen in 83%.

Conclusions

An epinephrine containing test dose ropivacaine reliably provoked T‐wave elevations and increases in HR and MAP. A small dose plain ropivacaine caused T‐elevations in a remarkable percentage, whereas higher, quite toxic doses provoked T‐elevations in most of the pigs.
Trends in the Use of Antiepileptic Drugs among Pregnant Women in the US, 2001–2007: A Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program Study
Authors: Bobo William V. , Davis Robert L. , Toh Sengwee , Li De‐Kun , Andrade Susan E. , Cheetham T. Craig , Pawloski Pamala , Dublin Sascha , Pinheiro Simone , Hammad Tarek , Scott Pamela E. , Epstein, Jr. Richard A. , Arbogast Patrick G. , Morrow James A. , Dudley Judith A. , Lawrence Jean M. , Avalos Lyndsay A. , Cooper William O.
Published: October 2012

Background: Little is known about the extent of antiepileptic drug (AED) use in pregnancy, particularly for newer agents. Our objective was to assess whether AED use has increased among pregnant women in the US, 2001–2007.

Methods: We analysed data from the Medication Exposure in Pregnancy Risk Evaluation Program (MEPREP) database, 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2007. We identified liveborn deliveries among women, aged 15–45 years on delivery date, who were members of MEPREP health plans (n = 585 615 deliveries). Pregnancy exposure to AEDs, determined through outpatient pharmacy dispensing files. Older AEDs were available for clinical use before 1993; other agents were considered newer AEDs. Information on sociodemographic and medical/reproductive factors was obtained from linked birth certificate files. Maternal diagnoses were identified based on ICD‐9 codes.

Results: Prevalence of AED use during pregnancy increased between 2001 (15.7 per 1000 deliveries) and 2007 (21.9 per 1000 deliveries), driven primarily by a fivefold increase in the use of newer AEDs. Thirteen per cent of AED‐exposed deliveries involved a combination of two or more AEDs. Psychiatric disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses, followed by epileptic and pain disorders, among AED users regardless of AED type, year of conception or gestational period.

Conclusions: AED use during pregnancy increased between 2001 and 2007, driven by a fivefold increase in the use of newer AEDs. Nearly one in eight AED‐exposed deliveries involved the concomitant use of more than one AED. Additional investigations of the reproductive safety of newer AEDs may be needed.
Preterm Birth and Birthweight‐for‐Gestational Age among Immigrant Women in Denmark 1978–2007: A Nationwide Registry Study
Authors: Pedersen Grete S. , Mortensen Laust H. , Gerster Mette , Rich‐Edwards Janet , Andersen Anne‐Marie N.
Published: October 2012

Background:  We sought to examine whether age at immigration and length of residence were associated with preterm and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) delivery among immigrant women in Denmark.

Methods:  We included all live singleton deliveries from Danish‐born women (1 626 880) and women from the five largest immigrant groups (68 936) from 1978 to 2007. Data from the Danish Medical Birth Registry were linked to: parental country of origin, length of residence and age at immigration. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate absolute and relative differences with Danish‐born women as the reference group.

Results:  All immigrant groups had an increased risk of SGA delivery with the highest risk among Lebanese‐, Somali‐ and Pakistani‐born women: risk differences (RDs) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] per 1000 deliveries of 50.2 [95% CI 43.7, 56.7], 70.1 [95% CI 62.2, 77.9] and 85.7 [95% CI 78.5, 92.9]. Turkish‐ and Pakistani‐born women had increased RDs of 1.8 [95% CI 0.5, 3.1] and 2.2 [95% CI 0.1, 4.2] for very preterm and RDs of 3.5 [95% CI 0.9, 6.1] and 10.2 [95% CI 5.9, 14.5] for moderate preterm delivery. Lebanese‐born women had a decreased risk of very preterm delivery, RD of −1.9 [95% CI −3.5, −0.3] and Somali‐born women a lower risk of moderate preterm delivery, RD of −7.8 [−12.0, −3.6]. No differences were seen for the remaining groups. The association with length of residence for most immigrant groups was U‐shaped, with highest risks among recent and long‐term residents.

Conclusion:  Immigration was more strongly related to SGA than to preterm delivery. Observed differences in birth outcomes varied by age at immigration and length of residency in Denmark.
Population‐Based Study of Risk Factors for Severe Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Gray Kristen E. , Wallace Erin R. , Nelson Kailey R. , Reed Susan D. , Schiff Melissa A.
Published: October 2012

Background:  Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is a serious health condition potentially resulting in death without immediate medical attention, including organ failure, obstetric shock and eclampsia. SMM affects 20 000 US women every year; however, few population‐based studies have examined SMM risk factors.

Methods:  We conducted a population‐based case–control study linking birth certificate and hospital discharge data from Washington State (1987–2008), identifying 9485 women with an antepartum, intrapartum or postpartum SMM with ≥3‐day hospitalisation or transfer from another facility and 41 112 random controls. Maternal age, race, smoking during pregnancy, parity, pre‐existing medical condition, multiple birth, prior caesarean delivery, and body mass index were assessed as risk factors with logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI], adjusted for education and delivery payer source.

Results:  Older women (35–39: OR 1.65 [CI 1.52, 1.79]; 40+: OR 2.48 [CI 2.16, 2.81]), non‐White women (Black: OR 1.82 [CI 1.64, 2.01]; American Indian: OR 1.52 [CI 1.32, 1.73]; Asian/Pacific Islander: OR 1.30 [CI 1.19, 1.41]; Hispanic: OR 1.17 [CI 1.07, 1.27]) and women at parity extremes (nulliparous: OR 1.83 [CI 1.72, 1.95]; parity 3+: OR 1.34 [CI 1.23, 1.45]) were at greater risk of SMM. Women with a pre‐existing medical condition (OR 2.10 [CI 1.88, 2.33]), a multiple birth (OR 2.54 [CI 2.26, 2.82]) and a prior caesarean delivery (OR 2.08 [CI 1.93, 2.23]) were also at increased risk.

Conclusion:  The risk factors identified are not modifiable at the individual level; therefore, provider and system‐level factors may be the most appropriate target for preventing SMM.
Consequentialism and the World in Time
Authors: Fiocco M. Oreste
Published: October 2012

Consequentialism is a general approach to understanding the nature of morality that seems to entail a certain view of the world in time. This entailment raises specific problems for the approach. The first seems to lead to the conclusion that every actual act is right – an unacceptable result for any moral theory. The second calls into question the idea that consequentialism is an approach to morality, for it leads to the conclusion that this approach produces a theory whose truth does not depend in any way on the nature of rational beings or value.
Comparative metabolic profiling between desiccation‐sensitive and desiccation‐tolerant species of Selaginella reveals insights into the resurrection trait
Authors: Yobi Abou , Wone Bernard W. M. , Xu Wenxin , Alexander Danny C. , Guo Lining , Ryals John A. , Oliver Melvin J. , Cushman John C.
Published: October 2012

Spike mosses (Selaginellaceae) represent an ancient lineage of vascular plants in which some species have evolved desiccation tolerance (DT). A sister‐group contrast to reveal the metabolic basis of DT was conducted between a desiccation‐tolerant species, Selaginella lepidophylla, and a desiccation‐sensitive species, Selaginella moellendorffii, at 100% relative water content (RWC) and 50% RWC using non‐biased, global metabolomics profiling technology, based on GC/MS and UHLC/MS/MS2 platforms. A total of 301 metabolites, including 170 named (56.5%) and 131 (43.5%) unnamed compounds, were characterized across both species. S.  lepidophylla retained significantly higher abundances of sucrose, mono‐ and polysaccharides, and sugar alcohols than did S. moellendorffii. Aromatic amino acids, the well‐known osmoprotectant betaine and flavonoids were also more abundant in S. lepidophylla. Notably, levels of γ‐glutamyl amino acid, linked with glutathione metabolism in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and with possible nitrogen remobilization following rehydration, were markedly higher in S. lepidophylla. Markers for lipoxygenase activity were also greater in S. lepidophylla, especially at 50% RWC. S. moellendorffii contained more than twice the number of unnamed compounds, with only a slightly greater abundance than in S. lepidophylla. In contrast, S. lepidophylla contained 14 unnamed compounds of fivefold or greater abundance than in S. moellendorffii, suggesting that these compounds might play critical roles in DT. Overall, S. lepidophylla appears poised to tolerate desiccation in a constitutive manner using a wide range of metabolites with some inducible components, whereas S. moellendorffii mounts only limited metabolic responses to dehydration stress.
Mutations in two non‐canonical Arabidopsis SWI2/SNF2 chromatin remodeling ATPases cause embryogenesis and stem cell maintenance defects
Authors: Sang Yi , Silva‐Ortega Claudia O. , Wu Shuang , Yamaguchi Nobutoshi , Wu Miin‐Feng , Pfluger Jennifer , Gillmor C. Stewart , Gallagher Kimberly L. , Wagner Doris
Published: October 2012

SWI2/SNF2 chromatin remodeling ATPases play important roles in plant and metazoan development. Whereas metazoans generally encode one or two SWI2/SNF2 ATPase genes, Arabidopsis encodes four such chromatin regulators: the well‐studied BRAHMA and SPLAYED ATPases, as well as two closely related non‐canonical SWI2/SNF2 ATPases, CHR12 and CHR23. No developmental role has as yet been described for CHR12 and CHR23. Here, we show that although strong single chr12 or chr23 mutants are morphologically indistinguishable from the wild type, chr12 chr23 double mutants cause embryonic lethality. The double mutant embryos fail to initiate root and shoot meristems, and display few and aberrant cell divisions. Weak double mutant embryos give rise to viable seedlings with dramatic defects in the maintenance of both the shoot and the root stem cell populations. Paradoxically, the stem cell defects are correlated with increased expression of the stem cell markers WUSCHEL and WOX5. During subsequent development, the meristem defects are partially overcome to allow for the formation of very small, bushy adult plants. Based on the observed morphological defects, we named the two chromatin remodelers MINUSCULE 1 and 2. Possible links between minu1 minu2 defects and defects in hormone signaling and replication‐coupled chromatin assembly are discussed.