bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of lurasidone: results of two randomized, open‐label, crossover studies
Authors: Preskorn Sheldon , Ereshefsky Larry , Chiu Yu‐Yuan , Poola Nagaraju , Loebel Antony
Published: September 2013

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of prandial status and caloric and fat composition of meals on the pharmacokinetics of lurasidone.

Methods

Two randomized, open‐label, crossover studies were conducted in clinically stable adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Study 1 (n = 16) evaluated the effect of fasting and three meal types (100 kcal/medium fat, 200 kcal/medium fat, and 800–1000 kcal/high fat), and Study 2 (n = 26) evaluated the effect of fasting and five meal types (350 kcal/high fat, 500 kcal/low fat, 500 kcal/high fat, 800–1000 kcal/low fat, and 800–1000 kcal/high fat) on the bioavailability of lurasidone. Subjects received lurasidone 120 mg once daily. Maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the serum concentration–time curve over the dosing interval (AUC0–tau) were determined on Day 5 for each meal type.

Results

In Study 1, the geometric mean Cmax in the fasted state was 56.7 ng/mL compared with 123.0 ng/mL for the 800‐ to 1000‐kcal meal; mean AUC0–tau was 360.0 versus 752.4 ng·h/mL (both p < 0.001). Lurasidone exposure following meals containing 100 and 200 kcal was substantially lower than with meals containing 800–1000 kcal. In Study 2, the geometric mean Cmax was 52.9 ng/mL in the fasted state, 161 ng/mL for the 350‐kcal/high‐fat meal, 135 ng/mL for the 500‐kcal/high‐fat meal, and 131 ng/mL for the 800‐ to 1000‐kcal/high‐fat meal; mean AUC0–tau was 390, 743, 727, and 769 ng·h/mL, respectively. For all comparisons, the 90% confidence interval of the fed to fasted ratios indicated nonequivalence. Lurasidone exposure was similar following meals containing 350–1000 kcal and was independent of fat content.

Conclusion

Lurasidone should be administered with food—at least 350 kcal—to ensure maximum exposure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the influence of afforestation with Eucalyptus globulus on hydrological response from a small catchment in northwestern Spain using the HBV hydrological model
Authors: Rodriguez Suarez J. A. , Diaz‐Fierros F. , Perez R. , Soto B.
Published: September 2013

Land use change as conversion pasture to forest produces several changes on hydrological cycle. In this paper, we analyse the effects on stream discharge of afforestation of a small watershed devoted to pasture using the HBV hydrological model.

Streamflow data obtained over the first 10 years after planting were employed to evaluate the capacity of HBV model to simulate hydrological behaviour of catchment after afforestation. Obtained results indicate that the estimation of streamflow was accurate as reflected by statistics (R2 = 0.90, NSC = 0.89 and PBIAS = 0.34).

Afterwards, streamflow under pasture land use (if afforestation had not occurred) was simulated using hydrometeorological data collected during the period of study and model parameters optimized previously, together with two parameters, pcorr and cevpfo, that were adjusted for pasture conditions.

The HBV model results indicate that afforestation produced a water yield reduction around 2000 mm (22% of total stream discharge) during the first 10 years of planting growth. The differences between forest and pasture land cover are increasing in all seasons year by year. The greatest streamflow reduction was observed in wet period (autumn and winter) with 76% of total reduction. In summer, streamflow reduction represents only 3% of total, however, represents 24.7% of discharge in this season.

Streamflow reduction was related to increase of rainfall interception (mainly in wet periods) and the increase of evapotranspiration by plantation in dry periods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nighttime ionospheric enhancements induced by the occurrence of an evening solar eclipse
Authors: Chen Gang , Qi Hao , Ning Baiqi , Zhao Zhengyu , Yao Ming , Deng Zhongxing , Li Ting , Huang Shuo , Feng Wenchao , Wu Jianhua , Wu Chen
Published: September 2013

The solar eclipse on 15 January 2010 traversed Asia and completed its travel on the Shandong Peninsula in China at sunset. Two vertical incidence ionosondes at Wuhan and Beijing and the oblique incidence ionosonde network in North China were implemented to record the ionospheric response to the solar eclipse. Following the initial electron density decrease caused by the eclipse, the ionosphere was characterized by a strong premidnight enhancement, and a subsequent ionospheric decay, and a ~10 h later postmidnight enhancement. Neither geomagnetic disturbance occurred during the eclipse day nor did obvious nighttime peak appear for the 10 day mean of the F2‐layer critical frequency (foF2). The electron density profilogram of the Beijing ionosonde indicates that the two enhancements were the result of the plasma flux downward from the top ionosphere, possibly due to the steep decrease of the ionospheric electron density and plasma temperature during the solar eclipse. The two‐dimensional differential foF2 maps present the regional variations of the nighttime electron density peaks and decay. Both the pre‐ and postmidnight enhancements initially appeared in a belt almost in parallel with the eclipse track and then drifted southward. The different magnitudes of greatest eclipse in the umbra and outside tend to account for the different occurrence times of the plasma flux. The ionospheric decay following the premidnight enhancement is also considered as a consequence of the eclipse shade.
Do organizations spend wisely on employees? Effects of training and development investments on learning and innovation in organizations
Authors: Sung Sun Young , Choi Jin Nam
Published: September 2013

The present study examines the effects of training and development on organizational innovation. We specifically suggest that the training and development investments of an organization affect its innovative performance by promoting various learning practices. We empirically tested our hypothesis by using time‐lagged, multi‐source data collected from 260 Korean companies that represent diverse industries. Our analysis showed that corporate expenditure for internal training predicts interpersonal and organizational learning practices, which, in turn, increase innovative performance. The data also revealed that the positive relationship between interpersonal and organizational learning practices and innovative performance is stronger within organizations that have stronger innovative climates. By contrast, investment in employee development through financial support for education outside an organization poses a significant negative effect on its innovative performance and no significant effect on learning practices. The present study provides a plausible explanation for a mechanism through which the investment of an organization in employees enhances its innovative performance. Copyright © 2013 The Authors.Journal of Organizational Behaviorpublished by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of QSAR‐Improved Statistical Potential for the Structure‐Based Analysis of ProteinPeptide Binding Affinities
Authors: Han Ke‐qiang , Wu Gang , Lv Fenglin
Published: September 2013

Proteinpeptide interactions have recently been found to play an essential role in constructing intracellular signaling networks. Understanding the molecular mechanism of such interactions and identification of the interacting partners would be of great value for developing peptide therapeutics against many severe diseases such as cancer. In this study, we describe a structure‐based, general‐purpose strategy for fast and reliably predicting proteinpeptide binding affinities. This strategy combines unsupervised knowledge‐based statistical potential derived from 505 interfacially diverse, non‐redundant proteinpeptide complex structures and supervised quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) modeling trained by 250 proteinpeptide interactions with known structure and affinity data. The built partial least squares (PLS) model is confirmed to have high stability and predictive power by using internal 5‐fold cross‐validation and rigorous Monte Carlo cross‐validation (MCCV). The model is further employed to analyze two large groups of HLA‐ and SH3‐binding peptides based upon computationally modeled structures. Satisfactorily, although the PLS model is originally trained with dissociation constants (Kd) of proteinpeptide binding, it shows a good correlation with other two affinity qualities, i.e. SPOT signal intensities (BLU) and half maximal competitive concentrations (IC50). Furthermore, we perform systematic comparisons of our method with several widely used, representative affinity predictors, including molecular mechanics‐based MM‐PB/SA, knowledge‐based DFIRE and docking score HADDOCK, on a small panel of elaborately selected proteinpeptide systems. It is demonstrated that (i) the QSAR‐improved statistical potential exhibits a comparable predictive performance with but can work faster than these traditional methods, and (ii) the crystal structure‐derived statistical potential also supports the modeled and solution structures of proteinpeptide complexes. We expect that this hybrid method can be exploited as a new scoring tool to facilitate, for example, peptide docking and virtual screening.
Existence and exponential convergence of almost periodic positive solution for Nicholson's blowflies discrete model with linear harvesting term
Authors: Yao Zhijian
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with a discrete Nicholson's blowflies model with linear harvesting term. By using contraction mapping fixed point theorem, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of unique almost periodic positive solution. Moreover, we investigate exponential convergence of the almost periodic positive solution by Lyapunov functional. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prüfmittelüberwachung im Labor: Volumenmessgeräte
Authors: Schurz Christian
Published: September 2013

Analysen von chemischen oder pharmazeutischen Produkten sind nur dann verlässlich, wenn die Genauigkeit der Prüf‐ und Messmittel bekannt ist. Volumenmessgeräte sind ein Teil dieser Prüfmittel. Daher ist es für alle Labore sinnvoll und notwendig, Voll‐ und Messpipetten, Messkolben, Mess‐ und Mischzylinder sowie Büretten regelmäßig zu überwachen.
STRENGTHENING THE REGRESSION DISCONTINUITY DESIGN USING ADDITIONAL DESIGN ELEMENTS: A WITHIN‐STUDY COMPARISON
Authors: Wing Coady , Cook Thomas D.
Published: September 2013

The sharp regression discontinuity design (RDD) has three key weaknesses compared to the randomized clinical trial (RCT). It has lower statistical power, it is more dependent on statistical modeling assumptions, and its treatment effect estimates are limited to the narrow subpopulation of cases immediately around the cutoff, which is rarely of direct scientific or policy interest. This paper examines how adding an untreated comparison to the basic RDD structure can mitigate these three problems. In the example we present, pretest observations on the posttest outcome measure are used to form a comparison RDD function. To assess its performance as a supplement to the basic RDD, we designed a within‐study comparison that compares causal estimates and their standard errors for (1) the basic posttest‐only RDD, (2) a pretest‐supplemented RDD, and (3) an RCT chosen to serve as the causal benchmark. The two RDD designs are constructed from the RCT, and all analyses are replicated with three different assignment cutoffs in three American states. The results show that adding the pretest makes functional form assumptions more transparent. It also produces causal estimates that are more precise than in the posttest‐only RDD, but that are nonetheless larger than in the RCT. Neither RDD version shows much bias at the cutoff, and the pretest‐supplemented RDD produces causal effects in the region beyond the cutoff that are very similar to the RCT estimates for that same region. Thus, the pretest‐supplemented RDD improves on the standard RDD in multiple ways that bring causal estimates and their standard errors closer to those of an RCT, not just at the cutoff, but also away from it.
Clinical use of tobramycin inhalation solution (TOBI®) shows sustained improvement in FEV1 in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Konstan Michael W. , Wagener Jeffrey S. , Pasta David J. , Millar Stefanie J. , Morgan Wayne J.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS; TOBI®) has improved forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) in cystic fibrosis (CF) trials. Using data from the Epidemiologic Study of CF (ESCF), we assessed the change in level and trend of FEV1 % predicted (pred) over a 2‐year period associated with initiation of TIS during routine clinical practice.

Methods

Patients age 8–38 years and in ESCF for ≥2 years before treatment with TIS as a chronic therapy were selected if they remained on therapy for 2 years, defined as being on TIS for at least 3 months per year (C‐TIS group). Comparator intervals age 8–38 years used TIS <10% of the time. For each interval, we estimated the level and trend (rate of decline) in FEV1 % pred before and after the index using a piecewise linear mixed‐effects model adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

During the 2‐year pre‐index period the C‐TIS group (n = 2,534) had a more rapid decline in FEV1 (−2.49% vs. −1.39% pred/year) and a lower FEV1 at index (62.6% vs. 74.7% pred) than the comparator group (N = 17,656 intervals). After starting chronic TIS, the FEV1 trend line over the 2‐year post‐index period was higher, but the comparator group's FEV1 was essentially unchanged (difference 2.22, P < 0.001). Change in slope was not different between groups (0.06, P = 0.82).

Conclusions

Initiating chronic TIS therapy in the routine clinical care of patients with CF was associated with improvement in FEV1 % pred but no change in rate of decline, which means that this benefit was sustained over the 2 years studied. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:529–536. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capillary hemangiomatosis like‐lesions in lung biopsies from children with congenital heart defects
Authors: Aiello Vera Demarchi , Thomaz Ana Maria , Pozzan Geanete , Lopes Antonio Augusto
Published: September 2013

The morphological findings in the lung vessels of children with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with uncorrected congenital cardiac shunts may be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by lung biopsy in selected cases. Among 297 lung biopsies collected over a period of 11 years two cases were detected presenting the typical findings of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis, a rare disorder usually associated with pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease. We report the clinical and histological findings and discuss about the impact of this unexpected and not‐previously described associated lesion on the prognosis and on the therapeutic strategy in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E82–E85. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inverse probability weighting for covariate adjustment in randomized studies
Authors: Shen Changyu , Li Xiaochun , Li Lingling
Published: September 2013

Covariate adjustment in randomized clinical trials has the potential benefit of precision gain. It also has the potential pitfall of reduced objectivity as it opens the possibility of selecting a ‘favorable’ model that yields strong treatment benefit estimate. Although there is a large volume of statistical literature targeting on the first aspect, realistic solutions to enforce objective inference and improve precision are rare. As a typical randomized trial needs to accommodate many implementation issues beyond statistical considerations, maintaining the objectivity is at least as important as precision gain if not more, particularly from the perspective of the regulatory agencies. In this article, we propose a two‐stage estimation procedure based on inverse probability weighting to achieve better precision without compromising objectivity. The procedure is designed in a way such that the covariate adjustment is performed before seeing the outcome, effectively reducing the possibility of selecting a ‘favorable’ model that yields a strong intervention effect. Both theoretical and numerical properties of the estimation procedure are presented. Application of the proposed method to a real data example is presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Family Transitions on Child Fostering in Rural Malawi
Authors: Grant Monica J. , Yeatman Sara
Published: September 2013

Despite the frequency of divorce and remarriage across much of sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about what these events mean for the living arrangements of children. We use longitudinal data from rural Malawi to examine the effects of family transitions on the prevalence and incidence of child fostering, or children residing apart from their living parents. We find that between 7 % and 15 % of children aged 3–14 are out-fostered over the two-year intersurvey period. Although divorce appears to be a significant driver of child fostering in the cross-sectional analysis, it is not significantly associated with the incidence of out-fostering. In contrast, maternal remarriage has both a lagged and an immediate effect on the incidence of out-fostering. Furthermore, the likelihood of out-fostering is even higher among children whose mother remarried and had a new child during the intersurvey period. Using longitudinal data collected from living mothers rather than from children’s current foster homes offers new insights into the reasons children are sent to live with others besides their parents.
Settlement patterns and the eastern boundary of the Northern Cities Shift
Authors: Dinkin Aaron J.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the dialectology of eastern New York State. Data are considered from twelve cities and villages bridging the gap between the Inland North dialect region (home to the Northern Cities Shift [NCS]) and the Western New England region. Communities are classified as belonging to the Inland North “core,” the Inland North “fringe,” or a non–Inland North region. The settlement history of these communities is used to explain the boundaries between the dialect regions; presence of the NCS is found to correlate well with heavy migration from southwestern New England early in a community's history. Looking in detail at the different distributions of the individual sound changes involved in the NCS across the dialect regions established in this paper makes it possible to posit a reconstructed early history for the NCS and make hypotheses about the phonological character of the different sound changes.
Unveiling the Influence of Dark Matter in Axially Symmetric Galaxies
Authors: Caranicolas Nicolaos D. , Zotos Euaggelos E.
Published: September 2013

We investigate the regular or chaotic nature of orbits of stars moving in the meridional plane (R,z) of an axially symmetric galactic model with a dense, massive spherical nucleus and a dark matter halo component. In particular, we study the influence of the fractional portion of the dark matter, by computing in each case the percentage of chaotic orbits, as well as the percentages of orbits of the main regular resonant families. In an attempt to distinguish between regular and chaotic motion, we use the fast Lyapunov indicator method to extensive samples of orbits obtained by integrating numerically the equations of motion as well as the variational equations. Furthermore, a technique which is based mainly on the field of spectral dynamics that utilises the Fourier transform of the time series of each coordinate is used for identifying the various families of regular orbits and also to recognise the secondary resonances that bifurcate from them. Two cases are studied in our work: (i) the case where we have a disk galaxy model and (ii) the case where our model represents an elliptical galaxy. A comparison with early related work is also made.
IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY, WATER AND ENERGY USE EFFICIENCY IN LOWLAND RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) THROUGH APPROPRIATE ESTABLISHMENT METHODS AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE MID-ALTITUDE OF NORTH-EAST INDIA
Authors: DAS ANUP , PATEL D. P. , MUNDA G. C. , RAMKRUSHNA G. I. , KUMAR MANOJ , NGACHAN S. V.
Published: September 2013

Rice is the major staple food crop in the North Eastern Region of India (26.2 million hectare geographical area) and the region has a deficit of 1.40 million tones of rice, mainly due to low productivity (1.72 t ha−1). Field experiments were conducted for the first time to evaluate the new techniques of rice cultivation, viz. the system of rice intensification (SRI) and integrated crop management (ICM) along with conventional rice culture (CRC) for improving productivity, water and energy use efficiency during the rainy seasons of 2004–07 at the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya (950 m msl), India. Three stand establishment methods, viz. SRI, ICM and CRC in main plots, and five nutrient management practices, viz. recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF = 80:26:33 kg NPK ha−1), farmyard manure (FYM) 10 t ha−1, RDF + FYM 5 t ha−1, 50% RDF + FYM 10 t ha−1, and a control (no fertilizer and manure) in sub-plots, were tested in a split-plot design; only few meaningful interactions were found. Results showed a higher number of panicles per square metre under CRC and ICM compared with SRI. However, the number of panicles per hill, grains per panicle and the test weight remained higher in the SRI method. In terms of mean grain yield, ICM (4.86 t ha−1) and SRI (4.72 t ha) produced 12.8 and 9.6%, respectively, higher grain yield over CRC (4.3 t ha−1). Among the nutrient management practices, the application of RDF + FYM 5 t ha−1(5.0 t ha−1) and 50% RDF + FYM 10 t ha−1(4.87 t ha−1) not only produced higher grain yield of rice (23.8 and 20.5%, respectively, higher yield over control) but also maintained higher soil available N, P and organic carbon at harvest compared with other nutrient management practices. Photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency were found to be significantly (p< 0.05) higher under SRI, whereas the transpiration rate was higher under CRC. The ICM method recorded maximum net return and energy output to input ratio, which was followed by SRI and CRC. Therefore, the ICM method of rice cultivation would be the preferred option for the sub-tropical mid-hills of eastern Indian Himalayas.
SOIL AGGREGATION AND ORGANIC CARBON AS AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT IRRIGATION AND NITROGEN LEVELS IN THE MAIZE–WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM
Authors: LENKA SANGEETA , SINGH A. K. , LENKA N. K.
Published: September 2013

Best management practices in agriculture have the potential to sequester carbon and improve soil aggregation. Hence, in the present investigation, different levels of irrigation and nitrogen (inorganic and organic) were used in the maize–wheat cropping system to study their effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation and aggregation. The treatments consisted of three levels of water regimes (namely W1, W2 and W3 referring to limited, medium and maximum irrigation) and five nitrogen levels (T1, 0% N; T2, 75% N; T3, 100% N; T4, 150% N; T5, 100% N from organic source), with three replications taken in a split plot design. Positive and significant correlation between SOC and mean weight diameter (MWD) was observed, implying that increasing SOC improved soil structure and increased the MWD. The quantification of water and nitrogen interaction on SOC was done by developing a multiple regression equation, which, when validated with SOC of the subsequent year, resulted in significant correlation. Irrigation and N was found to have a significant effect on soil aggregation and organic carbon build-up. Two N treatments (T4: 150% N and T5: 100% N from organic source) improved soil aggregation (macro-aggregates) and SOC when accompanied with W3 water regime (maximum amount of irrigation). Across N treatments, the W3 regime registered significantly higher SOC by more than 30% over control in the 0–15-cm soil depth.
Explaining counterfactuals of freedom
Authors: PRUSS ALEXANDER R. , RASMUSSEN JOSHUA L.
Published: September 2013

Counterfactuals of creaturely freedom (CCFs) are notoriously puzzling. One puzzle has to do with truth-making: we wonder how any CCFs could be true prior to the existence of all creatures. Another, less addressed puzzle has to do with truth-explaining: what antecedent conditions or facts might explain a given CCF? The usual answer to the ‘explanation’ question is that true CCFs are brute: nothing explains them. We motivate an alternative answer by arguing that there can be an explanation of CCFs if there can be an explanation of free actions. Our argument reveals that theoretical frameworks, such as Molinism, that make use of CCFs do not automatically carry an explanatory cost.
Processing of S-cone signals in the inner plexiform layer of the mammalian retina
Authors: MIYAGISHIMA KIYOHARU J. , GRÜNERT ULRIKE , LI WEI
Published: September 2013

Color information is encoded by two parallel pathways in the mammalian retina. One pathway compares signals from long- and middle-wavelength sensitive cones and generates red-green opponency. The other compares signals from short- and middle-/long-wavelength sensitive cones and generates blue-green (yellow) opponency. Whereas both pathways operate in trichromatic primates (including humans), the fundamental, phylogenetically ancient color mechanism shared among most mammals is blue-green opponency. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how signals from short-wavelength sensitive cones are processed in the primate and nonprimate mammalian retina, with a focus on the inner plexiform layer where bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cell processes interact to facilitate the generation of blue-green opponency.
An evaluation of heart rate variability and its modifying factors in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Özgür Senem , Ceylan Özben , Şenocak Filiz , Örün Utku A. , Doğan Vehbi , Yılmaz Osman , Keskin Mahmut , Aycan Zehra , Okutucu Sercan , Karademir Selmin
Published: September 2013

Objective: To evaluate heart rate variability by Holter monitoring in type 1 diabetic children compared with a healthy control group and determine the factors modifying heart rate variability. Methods: This was designed as a prospective study comparing 28 patients, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and under follow-up, with 27 healthy control group subjects. Results: The patients were aged 9.9 ± 4.2 years in the diabetic group, including 13 (46.5%) girls and 15 (53.5%) boys. The healthy control group comprised 20 (74%) girls and seven boys (26%) with an average age of 8.6 ± 3.7 years. The search for factors modifying heart rate variability yielded the following correlations: for the time-dependent variables, negative between age and both average and maximal heart rate (r = −0.263 and −0.460, respectively), negative between haemoglobin A1c and percentage of differences between adjacent RR intervals >50 ms, positive between diabetes duration and square root of the mean of the sum of squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals. The average heart rate and percentage of differences between adjacent RR intervals >50 ms was significantly higher in the girls than the boys in all groups. With regard to the frequency-dependent factors affecting heart rate variability, correlations were found between haemoglobin A1c level and both total power and very low frequency (r = −0.751 and −0.644) and between very low frequency and diabetes duration. Conclusion: A reduction in heart rate variability parameters was observed in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients who had a long disease duration or were poorly controlled, as compared with healthy controls.
WHY FLATULENCE IS FUNNY
Authors: Spiegel James S.
Published: September 2013

Toot. Pass gas. Break wind. Cut the cheese. Float an air biscuit. Burp from behind. Blow the brown horn. The backfire, bant, bucksnort, booty bomb, colon cologne, drifter, fanny bubble, gasser, gurgler, moon beam, nether belch, pants puffer, pooh tune, rip-snort, sphincter whistle, thunder dumpling, tush tickler, and trouser cough. These are synonyms for a bodily function that is as natural as breathing, eating, or sleeping. Yet unlike other physiological functions, the ‘flatus’ is a source of endless humor – perhaps more so than any other subject in human experience. But why are farts funny? That is a question that is both serious and philosophically interesting.
HOW BELIEF WORKS
Authors: Farnell Derrick
Published: September 2013

Why do we believe what we believe? The answer may seem obvious: we believe what we've assessed to be true. However, there's a surprisingly basic logical flaw in this theory. And even more surprising is the real answer to the above question.
TWO FLAWS IN ANTI-MARKET CRITICISMS
Authors: Machan Tibor R.
Published: September 2013

Over the years, two criticisms of free markets have been repeated over and over again, by very prominent academics. One concerns the subjective theory of values many pro-market economists embrace, the other involves the move from something being good to do to requiring the government to make – or ‘nudge’ – us do it.
DEATH
Authors: Dore Clement
Published: September 2013

In the final chapter of his book, The View from Nowhere, the American philosopher, Thomas Nagel, writes as follows about death:

We do not regard the period before we were born in the same way we regard the prospect of death, yet most of the things that can be said about death are equally true of the former. Lucretius thought this showed that it was a mistake to regard death as an evil. But I believe it is an example of a more general future-past asymmetry... [Derek] Parfit has explored the asymmetry in connection with other values such as... pain. The fact that a pain (of ours) is in prospect rather than in the past has a very great effect on our attitude toward it, and this effect cannot be regarded as irrational... [the former asymmetry] can't be accounted for in terms of some other difference between past and future nonexistence, any more than the asymmetry in the case of pain can be accounted for in terms of some other differences between past and future pains, which makes the latter worse than the former.

Nagel is maintaining in this quote that it is rational for a person to view pains which he is apt to experience in the future in a manner different from the way in which he views pains which he has experienced in the past. Nagel is saying that it is rational for a person to think of his future pains as more undesirable than his past ones. And Nagel claims that there is a similar asymmetry between a rational person's attitude towards a past in which he did not exist and a time in the future when he will not exist. In Nagel's view, just as a rational person will think of pains which he will experience as more undesirable than pains which he had in the past, he will think of his not existing in the future as much more undesirable than his not having existed in the past.
Sulfur passivation of surface electrons in highly Mg-doped InN
Authors: Linhart W. M. , Chai J. , McConville C. F. , Durbin S. M. , Veal T. D.
Published: September 2013

Electron accumulation with a sheet density greater than 1013 cm−2 usually occurs at InN surfaces. Here, the effects of treatment with ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2Sx) on the surface electronic properties of highly Mg-doped InN (>4×1018 cm−3) have been investigated with high resolution x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The valence band photoemission spectra show that the surface Fermi level decreases by approximately 0.08 eV with (NH4)2Sx treatment, resulting in a decrease of the downward band bending and up to a 70% reduction in the surface electron sheet density.
A survey of reimbursement practices of private health insurance companies for pharmaceuticals not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 2008
Authors: Lingaratnam Senthil M. , Kirsa Sue W. , Mellor James D. , Jackson John , Crellin Wallace , Fitzsimons Michael , Zalcberg John R.
Published: September 2013

Objective.
To describe the current practices and policy of Australian private health insurance (PHI) companies with respect to cover for pharmaceuticals not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Design, setting and participants.
A 2008 review of web-published policy statements for top-level hospital and comprehensive general treatment insurance, and survey of reimbursement practices by way of questionnaire, of 31 Australian-registered, open-membership PHI companies.

Main outcome measures(s).
Description of the level of pharmaceutical cover and important considerations identified by PHI companies for funding non-PBS pharmaceuticals through benefit entitlements or ex-gratia payments.

Results.
Nine of thirty-one PHI companies (29%) provided responses accounting for ~60% market share of PHI. The majority of smaller PHI firms either declined participation or did not respond. The maximum limits offered for non-PBS pharmaceuticals, under comprehensive general treatment insurance, varied significantly and typically did not adequately cover high-cost pharmaceuticals. Some companies occasionally offered ex-gratia payments (or discretionary payments in excess of the policyholder’s entitlement benefits) for high cost-pharmaceuticals. Factors considered important in their decision to approve or reject ex-gratia requests were provided. All results were de-identified.

Conclusions.
There is little consistency across PHI companies in the manner in which they handle requests for high-cost pharmaceuticals in excess of the defined benefit limits. Such information and processes are not transparent to consumers.

What is known about the topic?
Pharmaceuticals that are not accessible via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) may be subsidised through private health insurance. The level of cover through general treatment insurance and hospital insurance varies according to the insurer or policy type and hospital–insurer agreement respectively.

What does this paper add?
An increasing proportion of lower cost, high volume pharmaceuticals that are available to consumers without any form of Commonwealth subsidy, under current arrangements, also do not attract any form of PHI cover. There is also little consistency across PHI companies in the manner in which they handle requests for high-cost pharmaceuticals in excess of the defined benefit limits and that such information and processes are not transparent to consumers.

What are the implications for practitioners?
PHI could be better engaged to play a more significant role in helping maintain consumer access to essential medicines.
‘Feeling for’ and ‘feeling with’: developmental and neuroscientific perspectives on intersubjectivity and empathy
Authors: Knox Jean
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses research by Beatrice Beebe, Bessel van der Kolk and others, exploring the interpersonal processes that underpin early relational trauma and how this contributes to adult psychopathology. An essential feature of early relational trauma, the infant's experience of being unable to evoke an empathic response from the caregiver and the feelings of shame this gives rise to, is discussed and its implications for psychotherapy are considered. The neuroscience that underpins two forms of empathy in the therapeutic relationship, of ‘feeling for’ and ‘feeling with’ the patient is discussed and explored in relation to the concordant and complementary countertransference. I argue that when therapists respond to the projection on to them of the abuser by an increasingly determined adherence to analytic technique, this may become a complementary countertransference identification with the abuser and an enactment of the abusive relationship.
Determinants of cabinet size
Authors: Indridason Indridi H. , Bowler Shaun
Published: September 2013

A large literature examines the composition of cabinets in parliamentary systems, but very little attention has been paid to the size of those cabinets. Yet not only is the size of the cabinet related to the division of portfolios that may take place, cabinet size is also related to policy outcomes. In this article, a theory of party size is considered which examines how coalition bargaining considerations, intra‐party politics and efficiency concerns affect the size of cabinets. Hypotheses derived from the theory are examined using an extensive cross‐national dataset on coalition governments which allows us to track changes in cabinet size and membership both across and within cabinets.
Defeating the Argument from Hubris
Authors: Baertschi Bernard
Published: September 2013

Biotechnologies – synthetic biology in particular – are sometimes blamed for playing God or manifesting hubris, that is, for evincing the vicious attitude of transcending the limits of human agency. In trying to create living organisms, we would adopt an attitude that is immoral for human beings. In this article, I want to show that this blame is unwarranted. I distinguish two aspects of the argument, which claims that it is impossible for human beings to create life and immoral to attempt it. I argue that if we adopt a conception of what life consists of in agreement with the scientific world view, there is no place for hubris. Finally, I maintain that even if we accept a non‐scientific conception of life (a vitalist or a supernatural one), we are not in a position to formulate the blame against synthetic biologists because what they do cannot contravene this vitalist or supernaturalist view.
The Effect of Displaced Versus Nondisplaced Pelvic Fractures on Long‐Term Racing Performance in 31 Thoroughbred Racehorses
Authors: Hennessy S.E. , Muurlink M.A. , Anderson G.A. , Puksmann T.N. , Whitton R.C.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To evaluate the long‐term racing prognosis for Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced vs. nondisplaced fractures of the pelvis, identified scintigraphically.

Methods

Medical records of 31 Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to the University of Melbourne Equine Centre, that had fractures of the pelvis identified scintigraphically were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or nondisplaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months follow‐up, and correlated to fracture type to determine long‐term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range.

Results

Fractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving 2 sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12). Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with nondisplaced fractures (n = 19) (0.5, 0–13, vs. 7, 0–24, P = 0.037) but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the 2 groups (0, 0–123,250, vs. 14,440, 0–325,500, P = 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were subjected to euthanasia on humane grounds due to persistent severe pain. When these were excluded from the analysis there were no differences in performance variables between horses with displaced and nondisplaced fractures.

Conclusions and practical significance

Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced and nondisplaced pelvic fractures that survive the initial post injury period have a good prognosis for racing.

Ethical animal research

All owners consented to use of horse details within this retrospective analysis. Sources of funding: University of Melbourne Equine Centre. Conflicts of interest: None.
Changes in Intestinal Mucosal Microvascular Perfusion Assessed Using Orthogonal Polarisation Spectral Imaging in the Horse
Authors: Croxford A.K. , Bowen I.M. , Hallowell G.D.
Published: September 2013

Aims

Although several markers for measuring global tissue perfusion are available, there are currently no practical measurements of capillary microvascular perfusion in horses with hypovolaemia. Orthogonal polarisation spectral (OPS) imaging allows assessment of capillary microvascular perfusion by visualisation of mucosal blood flow. This study aims to demonstrate that administration of the α2 adrenoreceptor agonist detomidine, results in measurable changes in mucosal blood flow that can be determined using OPS. We hypothesise that these changes will mirror known aberrations in total peripheral resistance and cardiac output.

Methods

Microvascular blood flow was recorded using OPS placed manually, per rectum in 6 normal horses (weighing 603 ± 134 kg) undergoing sedation for a range of clinical procedures. The OPS recordings were made prior to and following sedation (5, 10, 20 min) with detomidine (10 ug/kg bwt) and butorphanol (10 ug/kg bwt) administered by i.v. injection. Microvascular perfusion was determined using standardised methods from OPS recordings including proportion of perfused vessels (PPV), functional capillary density (FCD), microvascular flow index (MFI) and vessel density (VD).

Results

Detomidine had a significant effect on microvascular blood flow as demonstrated by changes in MFI, PPV and FCD 5 min following sedation (P<0.001) and changes in VD 10 min after sedation (P<0.02). Microvasculature had returned to the presedation baseline by 20 min for all criterions.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that changes in organ perfusion known to be caused by α2 adrenoreceptor agonists result in observable changes in mucosal blood flow. This appears to mirror changes in cardiac output and total peripheral resistance previously demonstrated after administration of detomidine in the horse.

Practical significance

This technique may be a useful marker to use in early goal‐directed therapy in horses with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and severe intestinal pathology.

Acknowledgements

The staff at DAC Melton Mowbray for their assistance with the conduct of the study.

Ethical animal research

This study was approved by the University of Nottingham ethical review committee. Horses were admitted into the DAC veterinary facility for routine veterinary procedures and sedated for routine dental care or orthopaedic investigation. Full consent was given by the DAC for use of these horses in the study. Sources of funding: Student project undertaken at the University of Nottingham. Competing interests: None.
The Antimicrobial Activity of Honey Against Common Equine Wound Isolates
Authors: Carnwath R. , Graham E.M. , Reynolds K. , Pollock P.J.
Published: September 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if shop‐bought honey was free from contamination and suitable for use on equine wounds, and to investigate the effect of a number of different types of uncontaminated honey on the growth of equine pathogens.

Methods

Twenty‐eight honeys were collected from sources ranging from supermarkets to bee keepers, and were cultured on sheep blood and MacConkey agar. Ten bacteria were collected from equine wounds, these included: methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus equi, S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermis (MRSE), Staphylococcus sciuri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Uncontaminated honey was incorporated into agar at a variety of concentrations and the plates were inoculated with the 10 bacterial isolates.

Results

Of the 28 honeys tested, 18 were contaminated with bacteria and/or fungi including Bacillus sp. and Proteus sp. Of the uncontaminated honeys, 8/11 were effective against all 10 isolates at concentrations from 4 to 16%. Overall, Manuka 20+ and heather honey performed best.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that many honeys have antimicrobial properties, and may be effective in the treatment of wound infections. The concentrations at which honey samples inhibited microbial growth, were typically less than 16%, much lower than is likely to occur at the surface of an infected wound treated with honey.

Practical significance

The use of shop‐bought honey on wounds should be avoided, as contamination with potentially pathogenic microbes appears to be common. Honey sourced within the UK is as, and in some cases more, effective than medical grade honey sourced in New Zealand. In many regions of the world access to expensive antimicrobial drugs are limited; therefore, honey may provide a local, inexpensive alternative.

Ethical animal research

Study approved by University of Glasgow Ethics and Welfare Committee. Sources of funding: Study funded by Glasgow Vet School and Kruuse UK Ltd. Competing interests: None.
Laser Surgery as A Sole Treatment of Histologically Confirmed Equine Sarcoids: Outcome and Risk Factors for Recurrence
Authors: Compston P.C. , Turner T.G. , Payne R.J.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To evaluate laser surgery as a sole treatment for sarcoid resection; and determine risk factors for recurrence.

Methods

Horses included had diode laser surgery to remove ≥1 sarcoid. No previous/concurrent veterinary treatment was administered. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology in all cases. Clinical data were retrieved from the hospital database. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire.

Results

Follow‐up data are currently available for 290 sarcoids, in 73 horses, over 177 horse‐years. Overall recurrence rate was 1.31 sarcoids per 10 horse‐years (95% CI 0.80–2.02). For horses with 1–5 sarcoids, recurrence rate was 0.95 sarcoids per 10 horse‐years (95% CI 0.52–1.62). For each additional sarcoid removed, that horse was 1.24 (odds ratio) as likely to have at least one sarcoid recur (95% CI 1.03–1.50; P<0.001). Initial univariable analyses on this preliminary dataset revealed no risk associated with age, breed, sarcoid location (grouped as lower limb; upper limb/ventral abdomen; body; head and neck), sarcoid size or month of removal (all P>0.05). Horses with mixed‐type sarcoids were more likely to have recurrence than horses with sarcoids of other types (P = 0.007). Time‐to‐recurrence (mean 7.6 months, 99% CI 3.2–11.9) was significantly shorter than follow‐up time for horses without recurrence (mean 30.0 months, 99% CI 19.8–32.1; P<0.001).

Conclusions

If a horse has 5 or less sarcoids removed by laser surgery alone, recurrence will occur in <1 horse every 10 horse‐years. Risk factors for recurrence include number of sarcoids and mixed‐type sarcoid. Recurrence is most likely within 12 months of original surgery. Full time‐to‐event regression analysis is intended.

Practical significance

These preliminary findings indicate laser removal of sarcoids as a sole treatment method carries a high success rate. These results provide evidence‐based support for decision making in equine practice, where sarcoids are the most commonly encountered skin tumour.

Ethical animal research

Not required by this Congress: retrospective clinical study. Sources of funding: Polly Compston is supported by the Margaret Giffen Trust. Competing interests: None.