bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arteria linguofacial of the Donkey (Equus asinus)
Authors: AHMED M. A. A. , ANIS H. , MOUSTAFA M. S. M.
Published: July 2013

A gross anatomical study of the origin and distribution of the linguofacial artery was carried out in the donkey. The distribution was compared with that of other domestic animals. It is demonstrated that the distribution is similar in the donkey to that of the horse.

Die A. linguofacialis des Esels (Equus asinus)

Ursprung, Verlauf und Aufteilung der A. linguofacialis des Esels werden beschrieben. Folgende morphologischen Unterschiede bestehen zwischen Esel und Pferd:

Eine A. angularis oris fehlt dem Esel, während sie beim Pferd vorkommt.

Die A. sublingualis entspringt beim Esel aus der A. lingualis, während sie beim Pferd aus der A. facialis stammt.

Die A. lingualis des Esels verläuft unter dem M. hyoglossus, während sie sich beim Pferd auf der Oberfläche dieses Muskels findet.

Die A. lateralis nasi war in 20% der untersuchten Fälle doppelt ausgebildet.

L'Artère linguo‐faciale de l'Ane (Equus asinus) L'origine, le trajet et la distribution de l'A. linguo‐faciale de l'Ane ont été décrits. En comparam avec le Cheval, les différences suivantes ont été notées:

L'A. angulaire de la bouche manque à l'Ane, alors qu'elle est présente chez le Cheval.

L'A. sublinguale prend origine sur l'A. linguale chez l'Ane, sur l'A. faciale chez le Cheval.

L'A. linguale chemine sous la face profonde du M. hyoglosse chez l'Ane, alors qu'elle croise superficiellement ce muscle chez le Cheval.

L'A. latérale du nez était dédoublée dans 20 % des cas examinés.

La Arteria linguofacialis del burro (Equus asinus)

Se describe el origen, el trayecto y la distribución de la A. linguofacialis del asno, tomando en consideración las diferencias entre este animal y el caballo, que son las siguientes:

La A. angularis oris falta en el asno y existe en el caballo.

La A. sublingualis tiene su origen en la A. lingualis del asno, mientras en el caballo se origina de la A. facialis.

La A. lingualis del asno pasa por debajo del M. hyoglossus, mientras que en el caballo se sitúa en la cara superficial de este músculo.

La A. lateralis nasi se encontró duplicada en un 20 % de los casos.
Reactive lesions of the gingiva
Authors: EVERSOLE L. R. , ROVIN S.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. A total of 279 cases of reactive lesions of the gingiva have been subdivided into three groups: pyogenic granuloma/gingival fibromatoid lesions, peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma. Age, sex and and site distribution are similar for pyogenic granuloma/ gingival fibromatoid lesions and peripheral giant cell granuloma; namely, comparable bimodal age peaks occur, women are affected more often, and a predilection exists for the anterior segment of the dental arch. Although peripheral ossifying fibromas also have the same sex and site predilection, incidence occurs as a single age peak in the second decade with a continuous decline thereafter. Clinical and histopathologic features invite speculation that all three lesions represent varied histologic responses to irritation.
The Relationships between External Integration and Plant Improvement and Innovation Capabilities: The Moderation Effect of Product Clockspeed
Authors: Peng David X. , Verghese Anto , Shah Rachna , Schroeder Roger G.
Published: July 2013

Product clockspeed as represented by the rate of product changes has important implications for supply chain design. The literature suggests that external integration with customers and suppliers is associated with increased improvement and innovation capabilities of the focal firm. However, the way product clockspeed affects these relationships has seldom been subjected to empirical investigation. This study investigates whether product clockspeed moderates the relationship between external integration and improvement and innovation capabilities of manufacturing plants. Analysis of survey data collected from 238 manufacturing plants indicates a positive moderation effect of product clockspeed on the relationship between customer integration and plant improvement and innovation capabilities. However, product clockspeed does not have a significant moderation effect on the relationship between supplier integration and either of the two plant capabilities. This study provides theoretical and managerial insights into aligning external integration with plant capabilities under the contingency of product clockspeed.
Cerebral and Extracerebral Vasoreactivity in Symptomatic Lacunar Stroke Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Deplanque Dominique , Lavallee Philippa C. , Labreuche Julien , Gongora-Rivera Fernando , Jaramillo Arturo , Brenner David , Abboud Halim , Klein Isabelle F. , Touboul Pierre-Jean , Vicaut Eric , Amarenco Pierre
Published: July 2013

Background

Whether cerebral artery endothelial dysfunction is a key factor of symptomatic lacunar stroke and cerebral small vessel disease remains unclear.

Methods

Cerebral and extracerebral vasoreactivity were measured in 81 patients with recent symptomatic lacunar stroke and in 81 control subjects matched for main vascular risk factors. Cerebral vasoreactivity and carotid endothelial-dependent vasodilation were measured after five-minutes of carbon dioxide-induced hypercapnia. Brachial endothelial-dependent vasodilation was assessed after hyperemia induced by deflating a cuff around the forearm previously inflated to 200 mmHg for four-minutes. Carotid and brachial endothelial-independent vasodilation were measured five-minutes after administration of sublingual nitroglycerin 300 μg. Brain magnetic resonance imaging were analyzed in lacunar stroke patients.

Results

One-month after stroke onset, patients had more severely impaired cerebral vasoreactivitys than matched controls (mean ± standard deviation, 14.4 ± 12.1% vs. 19.4 ± 17.4%; P = 0.049). Severe alterations of both carotid and brachial endothelial-dependent and at a lesser degree of carotid and brachial endothelial-independent vasodilation were observed in both groups. After adjustment for confounders, subjects with a cerebral vasoreactivity value in the two lower tertiles (≤19.6%) were more likely to have had a symptomatic lacunar stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 3.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 10.08; P = 0.008). Only alteration of brachial endothelial-independent vasodilation correlated with parenchymal abnormalities, namely microbleeds and leukoaraiosis.

Conclusions

While abnormalities in extracerebral vasoreactivity seem related to vascular risk factors, the severity of endothelial dysfunction in cerebral arteries may be determinant in the occurrence of symptomatic lacunar stroke in patients with small vessel disease.
Karyological and taxonomical considerations on Epipactis cupaniana sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Sicily
Authors: Brullo Cristian , D’Emerico Saverio , Pulvirenti Santa
Published: July 2013

A new species of Epipactis from the Madonie massif (Sicily), E. cupaniana C. Brullo, D’Emerico and Pulv. sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It is a nemoral species, occurring in Holm oak woods, and is characterized by a diploid chromosome complement of 2n = 2x = 38. In the metaphase I, the mother cells of the embryo sac contain 19 bivalents. With respect to morphology and karyotype structure, the new species shows a close relationships with E. helleborine and other allied species, such as E. meridionalis and E. schubertiorum, both occurring in southern Italy and Sicily. However, several morphological features, chromosome size, and differences in the heterochromatin distribution allow for a clear distinction between E. cupaniana and the above‐mentioned species.
Eragrostis nilgiriensis sp. nov. (Poaceae) from Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Vivek C. P. , Murthy G. V. S. , Nair V. J.
Published: July 2013

A new species of the grass genus Eragrostis Wolf, E. nilgiriensis C. P. Vivek, G. V. S. Murthy & V. J. Nair sp. nov. from Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu, India is described and illustrated. The species is allied to E. barrelieri, but differs from it mainly by the primary panicle branches not spiculate up to base, leaves not glaucous, lemma shorter and acute and by a much smaller caryopsis. The new species is morphologically similar also to E. minor and E. nigra. A table listing differences between these species is provided.
Specklinia integripetalaandS. ianthinaspp. nov. (Orchidaceae–Pleurothallidinae) from northeastern Brazil
Authors: Pessoa Edlley , Barros Fábio de , Alves Marccus
Published: July 2013

Two new species of the genusSpeckliniaLindl. (Orchidaceae) are described and illustrated from the septentrional portion of the Atlantic Forest, in northeastern Brazil.Specklinia integripetalacomes from the highland forest of Pernambuco state, andS. ianthinafrom a dry forest of Bahia state.Specklinia integripetalaE. Pessoa & F. Barros sp. nov. is morphologically related toS. semperflorens, but differs by a loose inflorescence, acute sepals, petals with entire margin and column with a clinandrium with an entire margin.Specklinia ianthinaE. Pessoa & F. Barros sp. nov. is morphologically related toS. spiculifera, but differs by wider leaves, lateral sepals completely connate, lanceolate petals and oblong mid‐lobe of the lip with a rounded apex.
An iterative consensus‐building approach to revising a genetics/genomics competency framework for nurse education in the UK
Authors: Kirk Maggie , Tonkin Emma , Skirton Heather
Published: July 2013

Aim

To report a review of a genetics education framework using a consensus approach to agree on a contemporary and comprehensive revised framework.

Background

Advances in genomic health care have been significant since the first genetics education framework for nurses was developed in 2003. These, coupled with developments in policy and international efforts to promote nursing competence in genetics, indicated that review was timely.

Design

A structured, iterative, primarily qualitative approach, based on a nominal group technique.

Method

A meeting convened in 2010 involved stakeholders in UK nursing education, practice and management, including patient representatives (n = 30). A consensus approach was used to solicit participants' views on the individual/family needs identified from real‐life stories of people affected by genetic conditions and the nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to meet those needs. Five groups considered the stories in iterative rounds, reviewing comments from previous groups. Omissions and deficiencies were identified by mapping resulting themes to the original framework. Anonymous voting captured views. Educators at a second meeting developed learning outcomes for the final framework.

Findings

Deficiencies in relation to Advocacy, Information management and Ongoing care were identified. All competencies of the original framework were revised, adding an eighth competency to make explicit the need for ongoing care of the individual/family.

Conclusion

Modifications to the framework reflect individual/family needs and are relevant to the nursing role. The approach promoted engagement in a complex issue and provides a framework to guide nurse education in genetics/genomics; however, nursing leadership is crucial to successful implementation.
Mometasone fuoroate 0.1% ointment in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus: a study of efficacy and safety on a large cohort of patients
Authors: Virgili A. , Borghi A. , Minghetti S. , Corazza M.
Published: July 2013

Background

Guidelines identify a 3‐month topical application of an ultra‐potent corticosteroid ointment as the mainstay of medical treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS). However, there are no trials providing evidence that any specific corticosteroid is superior to another.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of a 12‐week application of mometasone furoate (MMF) 0.1% ointment, with a tapering regimen, in achieving control of VLS signs and symptoms and to detect potential risk factors for VLS non‐response.

Methods

147 patients affected with VLS were enrolled in a 12‐week active treatment phase (ATP) with topical 0.1% MMF. The primary efficacy endpoint was the rate of patients achieving clinical response, as defined by protocol parameters. The secondary efficacy endpoint was to assess the changes of mean VLS‐related symptoms after the 12‐week ATP compared with baseline.

Results

By the end of the ATP, 113 patients (80.7%) experienced a treatment response, whereas 27 women (19.3%) were judged as non‐responders. Mean symptom scores decreased significantly in the study patients, regardless of their clinical response at the end of the ATP. Among all the epidemiological and clinical data considered, only the absence of previous medical therapies was found to be related to a significantly higher risk of non‐response to treatment.

Conclusions

Application of 0.1% MMF ointment for 12 weeks on a tapering regimen was found to be an effective and safe therapy option in the ATP of VLS and could represent an alternative first‐line treatment to an ultra‐potent molecule.
The effect of sustained hypoxia on the cardio‐respiratory response of bowfin Amia calva: implications for changes in the oxygen transport system
Authors: Porteus C. S. , Wright P. A. , Milsom W. K.
Published: July 2013

This study examined mechanisms underlying cardio‐respiratory acclimation to moderate sustained hypoxia (6·0 kPa for 7 days at 22° C) in the bowfin Amia calva, a facultative air‐breathing fish. This level of hypoxia is slightly below the critical oxygen tension (pcrit) of A. calva denied access to air (mean ± s.e. = 9·3 ± 1·0 kPa). Before exposure to sustained hypoxia, A. calva with access to air increased air‐breathing frequency on exposure to acute progressive hypoxia while A. calva without access to air increased gill‐breathing frequency. Exposure to sustained hypoxia increased the gill ventilation response to acute progressive hypoxia in A. calva without access to air, regardless of whether they had access to air or not during the sustained hypoxia. Additionally, there was a decrease in Hb–O2 binding affinity in these fish. This suggests that, in A. calva, acclimation to hypoxia elicits changes that increase oxygen delivery to the gas exchange surface for oxygen uptake and reduce haemoglobin affinity to enhance oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Orientation and phase mapping in the transmission electron microscope using precession‐assisted diffraction spot recognition: state‐of‐the‐art results
Authors: VILADOT D. , VÉRON M. , GEMMI M. , PEIRÓ F. , PORTILLO J. , ESTRADÉ S. , MENDOZA J. , LLORCA‐ISERN N. , NICOLOPOULOS S.
Published: July 2013

A recently developed technique based on the transmission electron microscope, which makes use of electron beam precession together with spot diffraction pattern recognition now offers the possibility to acquire reliable orientation/phase maps with a spatial resolution down to 2 nm on a field emission gun transmission electron microscope. The technique may be described as precession‐assisted crystal orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope, precession‐assisted crystal orientation mapping technique–transmission electron microscope, also known by its product name, ASTAR, and consists in scanning the precessed electron beam in nanoprobe mode over the specimen area, thus producing a collection of precession electron diffraction spot patterns, to be thereafter indexed automatically through template matching. We present a review on several application examples relative to the characterization of microstructure/microtexture of nanocrystalline metals, ceramics, nanoparticles, minerals and organics. The strengths and limitations of the technique are also discussed using several application examples.
How the Perceived Healthfulness of Restaurant Menu Items Influences Sodium and Calorie Misperceptions: Implications for Nutrition Disclosures in Chain Restaurants
Authors: BURTON SCOT , TANGARI ANDREA H. , HOWLETT ELIZABETH , TURRI ANNA M.
Published: July 2013

The authors address some implications of recent legislation that will require calorie labeling for national chain restaurants. Drawing from the health halo and information disclosure literatures, the potential positive consumer outcomes associated with the disclosure of calorie (only) and additional nutrient information are examined. Results across four studies show that while most consumers underestimate calorie levels of restaurant menu items, the degree of underestimation is substantially greater for sodium. The provision of sodium content levels for menu items, in addition to calorie information, influences purchase intentions and choices of consumers with high health risk levels, but has little effect on other consumers. Reducing Americans' average daily intake of sodium (currently 3,400 mg) to the recommended level of 2,300 mg could eliminate 11 million cases of high blood pressure and prevent 92,000 annual deaths (Palar and Sturm 2009). Therefore, the results have potentially significant implications for consumer health and welfare and the restaurant industry.
Implementation of alternative test strategies for the safety assessment of engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Nel A. E.
Published: July 2013

Nanotechnology introduces a new field that requires novel approaches and methods for hazard and risk assessment. For an appropriate scientific platform for safety assessment, nanoscale properties and functions of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), including how the physicochemical properties of the materials relate to mechanisms of injury at the nano–bio interface, must be considered. Moreover, this rapidly advancing new field requires novel test strategies that allow multiple toxicants to be screened in robust, mechanism‐based assays in which the bulk of the investigation can be carried out at the cellular and biomolecular level whilst maintaining limited animal use and is based on the contribution of toxicological pathways to the pathophysiology of disease. First, a predictive toxicological approach for the safety assessment of ENMs will be discussed against the background of a ‘21st‐century vision’ for using alternative test strategies (ATSs) to perform toxicological assessment of large numbers of untested chemicals, thereby reducing a backlog that could otherwise become a problem for nanotechnology. An ATS is defined here as an alternative to animal experiments or refinement/reduction alternative to traditional animal testing. Secondly, the approach of selecting pathways of toxicity to screen for the pulmonary hazard potential of carbon nanotubes and metal oxides will be discussed, as well as how to use these pathways to perform high‐content or high‐throughput testing and how the data can be used for hazard ranking, risk assessment, regulatory decision‐making and ‘safer‐by‐design’ strategies. Finally, the utility and disadvantages of this predictive toxicological approach to ENM safety assessment, and how it can assist the 21st‐century vision, will be addressed.
Motivation and Self‐Control: Implicit Motives Moderate the Exertion of Self‐Control in Motive‐Related Tasks
Authors: Gröpel Peter , Kehr Hugo M.
Published: July 2013

Using a dual‐task paradigm, two experiments tested whether aroused implicit motives would moderate the exertion of self‐control in motive‐related tasks. In Study 1, 67 participants first watched a power dialogue and were then asked to either enact the dialogue or simply reproduce it by writing it down. In Study 2, 74 participants performed either the frustrating or the simple version of an achievement‐related sensorimotor task. Participants who were high (compared to low) on the implicit power motive and had exerted power over another person subsequently showed more success at controlling their emotional responses (Study 1). Participants who were high (compared to low) on the implicit achievement motive and who had mastered a frustrating sensorimotor task scored better on a subsequent Stroop task (Study 2). Participants in the control conditions did not differ in self‐control performance regardless of their level of implicit motives. These studies provide evidence that aroused implicit motives regulate how much self‐control is exerted when performing motive‐related tasks that require self‐control.
Effects of a 2‐Year School‐Based Intervention of Enhanced Physical Education in the Primary School
Authors: Sacchetti Rossella , Ceciliani Andrea , Garulli Andrea , Dallolio Laura , Beltrami Patrizia , Leoni Erica
Published: July 2013

Background

This study aimed to assess whether a school‐based physical education intervention was effective in improving physical abilities and influencing daily physical activity habits in primary school children. The possible effect on body mass index (BMI) was also considered.

Methods

Twenty‐six 3rd‐grade classes were randomly selected stratifying by geographic location (city, plain, hills) and were assigned either to an intervention (127 boys; 120 girls) or to a traditional (129 boys; 121 girls) physical education program. At baseline (age: 8‐9 years) and after a 2‐year follow‐up (age: 10‐11 years), information was collected about sport participation and daily activity habits using a self‐administered questionnaire. Height, weight, and BMI were measured and physical performance was assessed by means of standardized tests.

Results

The enhanced program of physical education was effective in improving physical abilities of children and determining a decrease (boys: 10%; girls: 12%) in daily sedentary activities (preintervention versus postintervention, p < .05; intervention versus control group, p < .01). The percentages of overweight and obese children did not vary significantly, but the experimental group showed a significantly lower rise in BMI compared to the control group (p < .001).

Conclusion

The school proved to be an ideal setting for promoting physical activity and achieving the required daily activity levels.
Infectious agent screening in canine blood donors in the United Kingdom
Authors: Crawford K. , Walton J. , Lewis D. , Tasker S. , Warman S. M.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Transfusion of blood products is an important component of veterinary emergency medicine. Donors must be carefully selected to minimise risk of transmission of blood‐borne infectious agents. This study was devised to assess the prevalence of such agents in healthy, non‐travelledUKdogs screened as prospective donors.

Methods

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples from dogs donating blood between August 2007 and January 2012 were screened by polymerase chain reaction for haemotropic mycoplasmas,Bartonella,Babesia,Leishmania,EhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspp. Dogs with positive or inconclusive results underwent repeat polymerase chain reaction testing.

Results

Four of 262 dogs had positive or inconclusive results at initial screening. Repeat polymerase chain reaction testing in each dog was negative, and none of the dogs developed clinical signs of disease.

Clinical Significance

The positive results on initial screening may have represented false positives from sample contamination or amplification of non‐targetDNA. It is also possible that dogs were infected at initial sampling but successfully cleared infection before repeat testing. The low number of positive results obtained suggests that prevalence of these agents in a population of healthyUKdogs is low and that use of blood products is unlikely to represent a significant risk of transmission of these diseases.
Pulmonic stenosis in dogs: survival and risk factors in a retrospective cohort of patients
Authors: Locatelli C. , Spalla I. , Domenech O. , Sala E. , Brambilla P. G. , Bussadori C.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To assess survival and risk factors in dogs with pulmonic stenosis.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical case records of all cases of pulmonic stenosis >50 mmHg, undergoing pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty or not. Survival curves and multivariate analysis were calculated in the overall population and in subgroups.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐two cases were included. Factors negatively affecting survival were clinical signs [hazard ratio (HR) 3 · 44, P < 0 · 001], younger age at diagnosis (HR 3 · 96, P = 0 · 001) and valve morphology type B (HR 3 · 33, P = 0 · 001) in the overall population. In those that had pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty group only clinical signs was significant (HR 3 · 44, P < 0 · 001). In cases that did not undergo pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty group Doppler gradient (HR 1 · 02, P < 0 · 001), clinical signs (HR 5 · 41, P = 0 · 002), valve morphology type B (HR 10 · 20, P = 0 · 001) and younger age at diagnosis (HR 12 · 82, P < 0 · 001) negatively affected survival. Dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis undergoing pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (HR 0 · 47, P = 0 · 047) and asymptomatic dogs with moderate pulmonic stenosis (HR 0 · 10, P = 0 · 042) had a better outcome. Younger age at diagnosis was correlated with poorer outcome in right‐sided congestive heart failure dogs (HR 14 · 02, P = 0 · 01).

Clinical Significance

Clinical signs, valve morphology type B and age at diagnosis are risk factors in pulmonic stenosis patients. Pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty is a reasonable treatment choice in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis.
Neuroactive Steroid Levels are Modified in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma of Post-Finasteride Patients Showing Persistent Sexual Side Effects and Anxious/Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Melcangi Roberto Cosimo , Caruso Donatella , Abbiati Federico , Giatti Silvia , Calabrese Donato , Piazza Fabrizio , Cavaletti Guido
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Observations performed in a subset of subjects treated with finasteride (an inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase) for male pattern hair loss seem to indicate that sexual dysfunction as well as anxious/depressive symptomatology may occur at the end of the treatment and continue after discontinuation.

Aim

A possible hypothesis to explain depression symptoms after finasteride treatment might be impairment in the levels of neuroactive steroids. Therefore, neuroactive steroid levels were evaluated in paired plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from male patients who received finasteride for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and who, after drug discontinuation, still show long-term sexual side effects as well as anxious/depressive symptomatology.

Methods

The levels of neuroactive steroids were evaluated by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in three postfinasteride patients and compared to those of five healthy controls.

Main Outcome Measures

Neuroactive steroid levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of postfinasteride patients and healthy controls.

Results

At the examination, the three postfinasteride patients reported muscular stiffness, cramps, tremors, and chronic fatigue in the absence of clinical evidence of any muscular disorder or strength reduction. Severity and frequency of the anxious/depressive symptoms were quite variable; overall, all the subjects had a fairly complex and constant neuropsychiatric pattern. Assessment of neuroactive steroid levels in patients showed some interindividual differences. However, the most important finding was the comparison of their neuroactive steroid levels with those of healthy controls. Indeed, decreased levels of tetrahydroprogesterone, isopregnanolone and dihydrotestosterone and increased levels of testosterone and 17β-estradiol were reported in cerebrospinal fluid of postfinasteride patients. Moreover, decreased levels of dihydroprogesterone and increased levels of 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol and 17β-estradiol were observed in plasma.

Conclusion

The present observations confirm that an impairment of neuroactive steroid levels, associated with depression symptoms, is still present in androgenic alopecia patients treated with finasteride despite the discontinuation of the treatment.
In‐flight sleep, pilot fatigue and Psychomotor Vigilance Task performance on ultra‐long range versus long range flights
Authors: Gander Philippa H. , Signal T. Leigh , van den Berg Margo J. , Mulrine Hannah M. , Jay Sarah M. , Jim Mangie Captain
Published: July 2013

This study evaluated whether pilot fatigue was greater on ultra‐long range (ULR) trips (flights >16 h on 10% of trips in a 90‐day period) than on long range (LR) trips. The within‐subjects design controlled for crew complement, pattern of in‐flight breaks, flight direction and departure time. Thirty male Captains (mean age = 54.5 years) and 40 male First officers (mean age = 48.0 years) were monitored on commercial passenger flights (Boeing 777 aircraft). Sleep was monitored (actigraphy, duty/sleep diaries) from 3 days before the first study trip to 3 days after the second study trip. Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Samn–Perelli fatigue ratings and a 5‐min Psychomotor Vigilance Task were completed before, during and after every flight. Total sleep in the 24 h before outbound flights and before inbound flights after 2‐day layovers was comparable for ULR and LR flights. All pilots slept on all flights. For each additional hour of flight time, they obtained an estimated additional 12.3 min of sleep. Estimated mean total sleep was longer on ULR flights (3 h 53 min) than LR flights (3 h 15 min; P(F) = 0.0004). Sleepiness ratings were lower and mean reaction speed was faster at the end of ULR flights. Findings suggest that additional in‐flight sleep mitigated fatigue effectively on longer flights. Further research is needed to clarify the contributions to fatigue of in‐flight sleep versus time awake at top of descent. The study design was limited to eastward outbound flights with two Captains and two First Officers. Caution must be exercised when extrapolating to different operations.
Comment on “Cosmogenic neon in grains separated from individual chondrules: Evidence of precompaction exposure in chondrules” by J. P. Das, J. N. Goswami, O. V. Pravdivtseva, A. P. Meshik, and C. M. Hohenberg
Authors: Ott U. , Wieler R. , Huber L.
Published: July 2013

Das et al. (2012) claim that in several cases nominal cosmic ray exposure ages derived from concentrations of cosmogenic Ne in individual olivine grains separated from chondrules substantially exceed exposure ages of matrix samples. Some grains were also reported to show larger apparent exposure ages than other grains from the same chondrule. The authors conclude that the excesses were caused by an exposure of chondrules to high fluences of solar energetic particles and suggest that their data provide direct evidence for a highly active phase of the early Sun, similar to what is observed in X‐ray emissions of recent naked T‐Tauri stars. Here, we show that the production rates of cosmogenic Ne used by Das et al. (2012) to derive nominal cosmic ray exposure ages of their olivine grains are often much too low, as the reported major element concentrations in many cases sum up to considerably less than 100% even if converted to oxides. In contrast, adopted element concentrations for matrix samples are basically self‐consistent. A precompaction exposure of chondrules to a very high flux of solar energetic particles is thus not supported by the data presented by Das et al. (2012).

Das et al. (2012) claim that in several cases nominal cosmic ray exposure ages derived from concentrations of cosmogenic Ne in individual olivine grains separated from chondrules substantially exceed exposure ages of matrix samples. Some grains were also reported to show larger apparent exposure ages than other grains from the same chondrule. The authors conclude that the excesses were caused by an exposure of chondrules to high fluences of solar energetic particles and suggest that their data provide direct evidence for a highly active phase of the early Sun, similar to what is observed in X‐ray emissions of recent naked T‐Tauri stars. Here, we show that the production rates of cosmogenic Ne used by Das et al. (2012) to derive nominal cosmic ray exposure ages of their olivine grains are often much too low, as the reported major element concentrations in many cases sum up to considerably less than 100% even if converted to oxides. In contrast, adopted element concentrations for matrix samples are basically self‐consistent. A precompaction exposure of chondrules to a very high flux of solar energetic particles is thus not supported by the data presented by Das et al. (2012).
Metformin does not Enhance Insulin‐Stimulated Vasodilation in Skeletal Muscle Resistance Arteries of the OLETF Rat
Authors: Crissey Jacqueline M. , Padilla Jaume , Jenkins Nathan T. , Martin Jeffrey S. , Scott Rector Randy , Thyfault John P. , Harold Laughlin Maurice
Published: July 2013

Objective

To test the hypothesis that chronic metformin treatment enhances insulin‐induced vasodilation in skeletal muscle resistance arteries and arterioles.

Methods

We assessed the effect of metformin treatment (from 20 to 32 weeks of age) of obese Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and lean LETO rats (300 mg/kg) on insulin‐stimulated vasodilation in isolated skeletal muscle feed arteries and arterioles.

Results

Metformin treatment significantly lowered food intake, body weight, percent body fat, and HbA1c in OLETF rats. Metformin resulted in a ~30% reduction in insulin‐induced vasodilation of soleus feed arteries (SFA) from OLETF rats. Inhibition of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) signaling produced 20% dilation and eliminated the difference between metformin‐treated and untreated OLETF rats in insulin‐induced dilation of SFA. In contrast to the SFA, metformin did not alter insulin‐stimulated vasodilation in gastrocnemius feed arteries (GFA), or second‐order arterioles in the red (G2A‐R) or white (G2A‐W) portions of the gastrocnemius muscle of OLETF rats. Metformin had no effects on vasomotor responses of arteries from LETO.

Conclusions

Although metformin exerts favorable effects on body composition and HbA1c, it does not enhance the vasodilatory responses to insulin in the skeletal muscle feed arteries or arterioles of the obese OLETF rat.
Bottom side‐roll feeding by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southern Gulf of Maine, U.S.A
Authors: Ware Colin , Wiley David N. , Friedlaender Ari S. , Weinrich Mason , Hazen Elliott L. , Bocconcelli Alessandro , Parks Susan E. , Stimpert Alison K. , Thompson Mike A. , Abernathy Kyler
Published: July 2013

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for the variety and complexity of their feeding behaviors. Here we report on the use of synchronous motion and acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) to provide the first detailed kinematic descriptions of humpback whales using bottom side‐rolls (BSRs) to feed along the seafloor. We recorded 3,505 events from 19 animals (individual range 8–722). By animal, mean BSR duration ranged from 14.1 s to 36.2 s.; mean body roll angle from 80º to 121º, and mean pitch from 7º to 38º. The median interval between sequential BSRs, by animal, ranged from 24.0 s to 63.6 s and animals tended to maintain a consistent BSR heading during long BSR series encompassing multiple dives. BSRs were most frequent between 2200 and 0400. We identify three classes of behavior: simple side‐roll, side‐roll inversion, and repetitive scooping. Results indicate that BSR feeding is a common technique in the study area and there is both coordination and noncoordination between animals. We argue that this behavior is not lunge feeding as normally characterized, because animals are moving slowly through the event. The behavior also leads to vulnerability to entanglement in bottom‐set fishing gear, a major mortality factor for the species.
Obesity and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Abed H. S. , Wittert G. A.
Published: July 2013

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasing public health problem, often described as the epidemic of the new millennium. The rising health economic impact of AF, its association with poor quality of life and independent probability of increased mortality, has recently been highlighted. Although population ageing is regarded as an important contributor to this epidemic, obesity and its associated cardiometabolic comorbidities may represent the principal driving factor behind the current and projected AF epidemic. Obesity‐related risk factors, such as hypertension, vascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea and pericardial fat, are thought to result in atrial electro‐structural dysfunction. In addition, insulin resistance, its associated abnormalities in nutrient utilization and intermediary metabolic by‐products are associated with structural and functional abnormalities, ultimately promoting AF. Recent elucidation of molecular pathways, including those responsible for atrial fibrosis, have provided mechanistic insights and the potential for targeted pharmacotherapy. In this article, we review the evidence for an obesity‐related atrial electromechanical dysfunction, the mechanisms behind this and its impact on AF therapeutic outcomes. In light of the recently described mechanisms, we illustrate proposed management approaches and avenues for further investigations.
“How to Compare?” – On the Methodological State of Comparative Philosophy
Authors: Weber Ralph
Published: July 2013

From early on, comparative philosophy has had on offer a high variety of goals, approaches and methodologies. Such high variety is still today a trademark of the discipline, and it is not uncommon of representatives of one camp in comparative philosophy to think of those in other camps as not really being about ‘comparative philosophy’. Much of the disagreement arguably has to do with methodological problems related to the concept of comparison and with the widely prevailing but unwarranted assumption that comparative philosophy should be about comparing ‘culturally different philosophies’. This paper seeks to problematize this assumption by clarifying conceptually the notions of ‘comparative philosophy’ and of ‘comparison’, by showing the prevalence of the assumption in recent second‐order discussions of methodology in comparative philosophy and its restraining implications in a randomly selected contribution of ‘Chinese philosophy’. At the end, a rallying call for a (self‐)critical comparative philosophy is issued.
Belief Revision I: The AGM Theory
Authors: Huber Franz
Published: July 2013

Belief revision theory studies how an ideal doxastic agent should revise her beliefs when she receives new information. In part I I will first present the AGM theory of belief revision (Alchourrón & Gärdenfors & Makinson 1985). Then I will focus on the problem ofiteratedbelief revisions.
Polls and Elections: Partisanship and Voting Behavior: An Update
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron C.
Published: July 2013

In this article, I update Bartels' (2000) analysis of the impact of partisanship on voting behavior in U.S. presidential and congressional elections, which extended from 1952 to 1996. I show that Bartels' findings nicely replicate and that between 1952 and 2008, the high point of partisan voting in presidential elections occurred in 2004. The level of partisan voting in 2004 was 4% higher than in 1996—the apex of partisan voting in Bartels' original analysis. The level of partisan voting in the 2008 presidential election was quite high, although it was slightly lower than in 2004, 2000, and 1996. The level of partisan voting in congressional elections has remained high but reached a peak in 2006, exceeding the previous high point of 1956. In the elections that have occurred since the publication of Bartels' original analysis, levels of partisan voting have reached new heights.
Rickettsia‐like organisms from cultured aquatic organisms, with emphasis on necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium affecting penaeid shrimp: an overview on an emergent concern
Authors: Gollas‐Galván Teresa , Avila‐Villa Luz Angélica , Martínez‐Porchas Marcel , Hernandez‐Lopez Jorge
Published: July 2013

Aquaculture has expanded significantly in the last two decades. However, mass mortalities of cultured organisms have occurred, sometimes caused by intracellular prokaryotic organisms such as rickettsial‐like organisms (RLO). Different species of bivalves, fish and crustacean considered as commercially important have been affected by RLO. In particular, there are scarce reports of RLO affecting crustaceans; however, the necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (NHPB) bacterium has emerged as a pathogen of concern during the last decade. NHPB thrives in shrimp hepatopancreas, causing physiological alterations and inclusively massive mortalities. In spite of the above, there is still scarce information regarding NHPB and its molecular characterization. The review is focused on the recent advances in the knowledge of RLO of mollusc and fish, with special emphasis on the intracellular necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium (NHPB) of penaeid shrimp.
Percentage of Ubiquitinated Spermatozoa does not Correlate with Fertilizing Capacity of Thawed Bovine Semen
Authors: Rodríguez‐Lozano I , Ávalos‐Rodríguez A , Castillo‐Juárez H , Borderas‐Tordesillas F , Roa‐Vidal JJ , Rosales‐Torres AM
Published: July 2013

Contents

In the spermatozoa of some species, the ubiquitin–proteasome system detects altered proteins and tags them for elimination by the proteasome. In some species' ejaculates, a high proportion of ubiquitinated spermatozoa (i.e. those having ubiquitin bound to the altered or damaged membrane proteins) has been related to infertility. The aim of this study was to assess whether the percentage of ubiquitinated spermatozoa relates to fertility of dairy bulls and whether ubiquitination increases during protein remodelling that occurs during in vitro spermatic capacitation. Thirty‐two frozen semen straws from four high‐fertility (ReproMax®) and four normal‐fertility (Normal) Holstein‐Friesian sires were evaluated. Ubiquitinated and capacitated spermatozoa were quantified by sperm ubiquitin tag immunoassay and chlortetracycline stain, respectively. Fertilizing capacity of sires was assessed by in vitro fertilization. No differences were found between Normal and ReproMax® sires with regard to the observed percentage of ubiquitinated spermatozoa (42.97 ± 3.69% and 49.68 ± 9.27%, respectively; p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were found in the percentage of ubiquitinated spermatozoa as a consequence of spermatic capacitation in either Normal (42.97 ± 3.69% before capacitation vs 44.67 ± 7.5% after; p > 0.05) or ReproMax® sires (49.68 ± 9.27% before vs 45.05 ± 7.51% after; p > 0.05). The percentage of ubiquitinated spermatozoa in a thawed sperm samples did not correlate with its in vitro fertilizing capacity; thus, this assay does not prove useful to detect in vivo fertility differences between sires. Additionally, protein degradation occurring during remodelling of the spermatozoon plasma membrane during the capacitation process does not seem to involve the ubiquitin–proteasome system.
Suture anchor placement technique around the insertion of the ventral rectus muscle for the replacement of the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs: 100 dogs
Authors: Sapienza John S. , Mayordomo Aloma , Beyer Anne M.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To evaluate a rapid and efficacious procedure to anchor the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 100 affected dogs (122 eyes) with third eyelid gland prolapse that were surgically anchored with a nonabsorbable suture around the insertion of the ventral rectus muscle.

Results

Hundred dogs (122 eyes) were included in this study. Twenty‐three pure‐bred and several mixed‐breed dogs were represented with the right eye affected in 60 cases and the left eye in 62 cases. Thirty‐four eyes (27.9%) were previously operated on at another facility prior to referral. The average age of the patients was 2.2 years (57 days to 11 years). No recurrences of gland prolapse were observed over the course of study. Minor intraoperative conjunctival perforations were observed and easily repaired at the time of the surgery in 21 cases (17.2%).Five cases demonstrated preexistent keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), and all had improved Schirmer tear test following surgical correction and medical therapy.

Conclusions

The suture anchor placement technique provides a cosmetic, rapid, and successful replacement of the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs. No recurrences were noted. Complications were easily addressed.
The Concept of Research Utilization as Understood by Swedish Nurses: Demarcations of Instrumental, Conceptual, and Persuasive Research Utilization
Authors: Strandberg Elisabeth , Eldh Ann Catrine , Forsman Henrietta , Rudman Ann , Gustavsson Petter , Wallin Lars
Published: July 2013

Background and Aims

The literature implies research utilization (RU) to be a multifaceted and complex phenomenon, difficult to trace in clinical practice. A deeper understanding of the concept of RU in a nursing context is needed, in particular, for the development of instruments for measuring nurses’ RU, which could facilitate the evaluation of interventions to support the implementation of evidence‐based practice. In this paper, we explored nurses’ demarcation of instrumental RU (IRU), conceptual RU (CRU), and persuasive RU (PRU) using an item pool proposed to measure IRU, CRU, and PRU.

Methods

The item pool (12 items) was presented to two samples: one of practicing registered nurses (n = 890) in Sweden 4 years after graduating and one of recognized content experts (n = 7). Correlation analyses and content validity index (CVI) calculations were used together with qualitative content analysis, in a mixed methods design.

Findings

According to the item and factor analyses, CRU and PRU could not be distinguished, whereas IRU could. Analyses also revealed problems in linking the CRU items to the external criteria. The CVIs, however, showed excellent or good results for the IRU, CRU, and PRU items as well as at the scale level. The qualitative data indicated that IRU was the least problematic for the experts to categorize, whereas CRU and PRU were harder to demarcate.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate a difficulty in explicitly demarcating between CRU and PRU in clinical nursing. We suggest this overlap is related to conceptual incoherence, indicating a need for further studies. The findings constitute new knowledge about the RU concepts in a clinical nursing context, and highlight differences in how the concepts can be understood by RNs in clinical practice and experts within the field. We suggest that the findings are useful for defining RU in nursing and further development of measures of RU.
A Brucellosis Disease Control Strategy for the Kakheti Region of the Country of Georgia: An Agent‐Based Model
Authors: Havas K. A. , Boone R. B. , Hill A. E. , Salman M. D.
Published: July 2013

Brucellosis has been reported in livestock and humans in the country of Georgia with Brucella melitensis as the most common species causing disease. Georgia lacked sufficient data to assess effectiveness of the various potential control measures utilizing a reliable population‐based simulation model of animal‐to‐human transmission of this infection. Therefore, an agent‐based model was built using data from previous studies to evaluate the effect of an animal‐level infection control programme on human incidence and sheep flock and cattle herd prevalence of brucellosis in the Kakheti region of Georgia. This model simulated the patterns of interaction of human–animal workers, sheep flocks and cattle herds with various infection control measures and returned population‐based data. The model simulates the use of control measures needed for herd and flock prevalence to fall below 2%. As per the model output, shepherds had the greatest disease reduction as a result of the infection control programme. Cattle had the greatest influence on the incidence of human disease. Control strategies should include all susceptible animal species, sheep and cattle, identify the species of brucellosis present in the cattle population and should be conducted at the municipality level. This approach can be considered as a model to other countries and regions when assessment of control strategies is needed but data are scattered.