bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomagnetic jerks characterization via spectral analysis
Authors: Duka B. , De Santis A. , Mandea M. , Isac A. , Qamili E.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. In this study we have applied spectral techniques to analyze geomagnetic field time-series provided by observatories, and compared the results with those obtained from analogous analyses of synthetic data estimated from models. Then, an algorithm is here proposed to detect the geomagnetic jerks in time-series, mainly occurring in the eastern component of the geomagnetic field. Applying such analysis to time-series generated from global models has allowed us to depict the most important space-time features of the geomagnetic jerks all over the globe, since the beginning of XXth century. Finally, the spherical harmonic power spectrum of the third derivative of the main geomagnetic field has been computed from 1960 to 2002.5, bringing new insights to understand the spatial evolution of these rapid changes of the geomagnetic field.
Visual Acuity Outcome and Predictive Factors after Bevacizumab for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Daien Vincent , Navarre Sophie , Fesler Pierre , Vergely Laurence , Villain Max , Schneider Christelle
Published: May 2012

Purpose.

To evaluate the 12-month outcome and predictive factors of visual acuity (VA) changes following bevacizumab therapy for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods.

A total of 50 eyes from 50 patients with CRVO were consecutively included in this prospective study. Predictive factors were assessed by comparing baseline characteristics of patients classified into 3 groups: those showing a decrease in VA; those displaying a change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score between 0 and 15; and those in whom an increase in VA ≥15 letters was achieved. Baseline variables considered in the analyses of predictive factors were demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results.

Mean baseline ETDRS letter score was 20±12 and mean macular thickness was 575.1±152.7 µm. Mean final ETDRS letter score improved significantly, reaching 27±20, p=0.04, while mean macular thickness decreased significantly to 391.1±229.6 µm, p<0.001. The predictive factors associated with an increase in VA ≥15 ETDRS letters were younger age (p=0.002), shorter duration of symptoms before treatment initiation (p=0.001), and a higher visual acuity pretreatment (p=0.004). The frequency of ischemic CRVO and low vision at baseline was higher among nonresponsive patients (p=0.005).

Conclusions.

Intravitreal bevacizumab seems to be an effective primary treatment option for macular edema due to CRVO. Its main drawback is that multiple injections are often necessary to maintain visual improvement. Early injections of bevacizumab in young patients in whom VA is relatively preserved leads to a significant improvement in VA. Ischaemic CRVO and poor baseline VA are associated with nonresponse to such therapy.
Power-Injectable Ports: Safety during Placement, Therapeutic use, and Contrast Administration during Computed Tomography Procedures
Authors: Alexander Matthew D. , Morrison Harry L.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

To determine the safety of power-injectable ports during placement, therapeutic use, and administration of intravenous contrast material using automated mechanical injectors.

Methods

This retrospective, single institution study examined all patients undergoing placement of a power-injectable port between May 1, 2006 and June 30, 2010, with follow-up data collected through October 31, 2010. Electronic records and PACs were searched for patient demographics, placement indication, device placed, placement site, attending operator, and complications. The number of CECT scans performed for patients with indwelling ports, rate of port access for such studies, and contrast extravasation or device failure events during power injection of contrast were recorded and compared to the results of all other methods of venous access for CECT scans.

Results

In total, 313 ports were placed in 307 patients. Device dwell time ranged from 3 to 1506 days with a mean of 577. A total of 20 (6.5%) complications were identified during the study period, all of which were late. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between five attending operators. Patients with ports underwent 676 CECT scans during which the port was injected 142 times (20.9%). Neither extravasation nor device failure occurred during any scan, yielding no statistically significant difference when compared to the results of other venous access methods.

Conclusions

Power-injectable tunneled catheters with attached subcutaneous ports are safe with low rates of complication during placement and dwell time. Power injection of contrast through these ports may be as safe as power injection using other venous access methods.
Fault-Tolerant Energy-Efficient Priority-Based Routing Scheme for the Multisink Healthcare Sensor Networks
Authors: Saeed Ather , Stranieri Andrew , Dazeley Richard
Published: May 2012

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in battle fields, logistic applications, healthcare, habitat monitoring, environmental monitoring, home security, and variety of other areas. The existing routing algorithms focus on the delivery of data packets to the sink using the shortest path; however, calculating the shortest path is not a cost-effective solution while disseminating datasets of interest to the nearest sink node. The approach presented in this paper extends the existing PBR (priority-based routing) protocol by providing a new fault-tolerant multipath priority-based routing (FT-MPPBR) scheme, which not only balances the energy consumption while selecting multiple paths but also balances the workload of the node closest to the sink. The nodes closer to the sink dissipate more energy and can become the source of a communication bottleneck. Simulation results for the proposed routing scheme are encouraging and clearly show that the FT-MPPBR has outperformed the existing PBR schemes in terms of prolonging the network lifetime and reliability. In healthcare sensor networks, timely dissemination of datasets is critical for the well-being of a patient. This research further extends the PBR architecture for supporting computational intensive analysis by transferring datasets of interest to the sensor grid node for improved communication and better throughput.
On a Class of Meromorphic Functions Related to Cho-Kwon-Srivastava Operator
Authors: Ghanim F. , Darus M.
Published: May 2012

We introduce new classes, Σn,λ*,μ,k(α,β,ρ) and Σn,λμ,k(α,β,ρ),
of meromorphic functions defined by means of the Hadamard product of Cho-Kwon-Srivastava operator, and we define here a similar transformation by means of an operator
given by Ghanim and Darus, in U={z:0<|z|<1}, and investigate a number of inclusion
relationships of these classes. We also derive some interesting properties of these
classes.
N-tert-Butoxycarbonylation of Structurally Diverse Amines and Sulfamides under Water-Mediated Catalyst-Free Conditions
Authors: Cheraiet Zinelaabine , Ouarna Souad , Hessainia Sihem , Berredjem Malika , Aouf Nour-Eddine
Published: May 2012

A simple, efficient, and eco-friendly protocol for the N-Boc protection of the amine moiety in a variety of compounds with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate under water-acetone catalyst-free conditions is described. The corresponding monocarbamate is obtained in excellent yields on short reaction times. No competitive side reactions such as isocyanate urea and O-Boc were observed. This method represents a reasonable alternative to the previous reported protection procedures.
Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus: Time for a Shift in the Treatment Paradigm?
Authors: Dewdney Alice , Rao Sheela
Published: May 2012

Anal cancers are rare tumours; however, the incidence is increasing in both men and women. Changing trends in sexual behaviour, smoking, and infection with the human papillomavirus are thought to be responsible for the increase. Patients with metastatic disease have a poor prognosis, with 5-year median overall survival rates of 10% in men and 20% in women. The standard systemic treatment of metastatic disease remains cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, and aside from several non-randomised small phase II trials there has been no real progress over the past two decades. Based on the efficacy of cetuximab in squamous cell carcinomas from other primary sites, there appears to be clinical rationale for evaluation of anti-epidermal growth factor inhibitors in anal squamous cell carcinoma. In order to facilitate research and implement more effective treatment strategies international collaboration in clinical trials incorporating tissue collection for biomarkers is essential.
To Compare the Methods of Pregnancy Termination for Fetal Abnormality in the First and Second Trimesters
Authors: Wong H. S.
Published: May 2012

Fetal abnormality is a major cause of termination of pregnancy and preservation of the fetus is important for confirmation of the diagnosis. Various regimes have been reported for termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality in the first and the second trimesters. In this paper, we compare those regimes that allow preservation of the fetus, in terms of the efficacy in expulsion of the fetus, the factors and the side effects.
Acute Phase Reactants as Novel Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ahmed M. S. , Jadhav A. B. , Hassan A. , Meng Qing H.
Published: May 2012

Acute phase reaction is a systemic response which usually follows a physiological condition that takes place in the beginning of an inflammatory process. This physiological change usually lasts 1-2 days. However, the systemic acute phase response usually lasts longer. The aim of this systemic response is to restore homeostasis. These events are accompanied by upregulation of some proteins (positive acute phase reactants) and downregulation of others (negative acute phase reactants) during inflammatory reactions. Cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by the elevation of several positive acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen, white blood cell count, secretory nonpancreatic phospholipase 2-II (sPLA2-II), ferritin, and ceruloplasmin. Cardiovascular disease is also accompanied by the reduction of negative acute phase reactants such as albumin, transferrin, transthyretin, retinol-binding protein, antithrombin, and transcortin. In this paper, we will be discussing the biological activity and diagnostic and prognostic values of acute phase reactants with cardiovascular importance. The potential therapeutic targets of these reactants will be also discussed.
Ciência, educação e a possibilidade de novas utopias
Authors: Ruiz Adriano Rodrigues
Published: May 2012

Modern scientific determinism as a parameter for the endurance of scholastic education spirit is herediscussed. The belief in a regular and foreseeable world has helped to annihilate the respect for individuality and hasfostered the pedagogy of repetition and dependency. The current scientific revolution abandons simplified modelsand advocates the end of convictions. It is the threshold of a time in which the individual must perfect his/herintellectual tools for everyday encounters thus opening new horizons for educational utopias.
How can economists help to improve animal welfare?
Authors: Christensen T , Lawrence A , Lund M , Stott A , SandØe P
Published: May 2012

To-date, the dominant approach to improving farm animal welfare has consisted of a combination of voluntary improvements undertaken by farmers and the tightening of legal requirements. However, history suggests that there is a limit to the improvements capable of being secured by this approach. In this paper, it is argued that economic principles can and should have an important role when new, market-driven and other approaches are set up to improve farm animal welfare. The paper focuses on two ways in which economic principles can improve analyses of animal welfare. Thefirstis by helping to define priorities as to which aspects of animal welfare should be promoted. Here, economic approaches can be used to capture and synthesise the perspectives of all the stakeholders, including the animals, in a transparent and systematic way. Thesecondway is by helping to ensure that incentives are set up in the right way. Where the benefits and costs of improving animal welfare are initially distributed unevenly across stakeholders so that a socially desirable situation will not develop automatically, or be implemented, suitable economic principles may help to create incentives which correct this situation. Thus, if society is to achieve its goal of improving animal welfare, scholars from different disciplines should collaborate in identifying animal needs, assessing stakeholder preferences, making priorities transparent and providing incentives that make solutions realistically attainable.
Animal welfare: a complex international public policy issue: economic, policy, societal, cultural and other drivers and constraints. A 20-year international perspective
Authors: Bayvel ACD , Diesch TJ , Cross N
Published: May 2012

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) policy definition that “animal welfare is a complex international public policy issue with scientific, ethical, economic, cultural and religious dimensions, plus important trade policy considerations” clearly demonstrates the multi-faceted nature of animal welfare. Progress made is inevitably incremental and compromises often have to be reached between animal welfare and other important societal values. Recognition of the need for managed change over agreed time-frames, and involving full consultation with affected animal user groups, is essential. This paper draws on case studies involving intensive livestock agriculture, live animal exports for slaughter, religious slaughter and vertebrate pest control in both New Zealand's domestic experience, gained over the last 20 years, and international (OIE) experience, gained over the last ten years. Case studies will also highlight policy considerations relating to animal health, food safety and the impact on the environment. Important drivers of animal welfare change will be discussed; as will the constraints to making changes. The paper will conclude by commenting on the direction, and rate, of animal welfare change and the impact of animal welfare being addressed, not only at the national and regional level, but now also at the international level.
Culled early or culled late: economic decisions and risks to welfare in dairy cows
Authors: Langford FM , Stott AW
Published: May 2012

Involuntary culling (IC) is where a cow is disposed of due to injury, poor health or infertility. The main reasons for IC are infertility, mastitis and lameness. These reasons have differing age profiles in when they affect cows, cost variable amounts to treat and have an effect on the value of the cow at market. They also reduce cow welfare in different ways. These factors influence the economically optimum cow replacement decision, which must balance the risks of future loss from the current cow against its future prospects and the net costs of a replacement. So the farmer's economic decision as to when to cull a cow may not occur at the same time as when the cow could, and sometimes should, be culled to maximise her welfare. To explore this dilemma, we developed a Dynamic Programme (DP) model to assess the optimum replacement policies for each of 180 possible cow states (12 parities and 15 milk-yield levels) under a simplified set of alternative husbandry systems and remedial practices. The DP was used to explore the relationships between financial outcomes, investment in improving welfare, lifespan and IC in dairy systems. There is a trade-off between dairy cattle lifespan and risk of suffering over which farmers have some control by the replacement and investment decisions they make. Our results show that improving cow welfare by reducing mastitis, lameness or infertility over the long term increases the mean longevity of the herd and also reduces the potential of long-term suffering resulting from chronic conditions. Additionally, it has the effect of increasing replacement opportunities and the annuities for each cow (£ per cow per year) mainly by increasing milk yield and reducing costly on-farm culls, creating a win-win situation for both farmer and cow.
Impact of rapid treatment of sheep lame with footrot on welfare and economics and farmer attitudes to lameness in sheep
Authors: Green LE , Kaler J , Wassink GJ , King EM , Thomas R Grogono
Published: May 2012

This review article summarises the evidence for an effective management protocol for footrot to sheep, the welfare and economic benefits of such a protocol and its likely uptake by farmers. Over 90% of lameness in sheep in England is caused by Dichelobacter nodosus, the aetiological agent of footrot. Farmers can recognise lame sheep both from video clips and when examining their own sheep but make a separate decision about whether to catch lame sheep. Only farmers who catch and treat mildly lame sheep immediately report a low prevalence of lameness (< 5%). From a within-farm clinical trial, treatment of sheep lame with footrot with parenteral antibiotic and topical spray led to over 90% recovery from lameness within 10 days whilst only 25% of sheep treated with foot trimming and topical spray recovered in 10 days. In parallel, a within-farm clinical trial with approximately 800 ewes was run for 18 months to test the hypothesis that rapid appropriate treatment led to reduced prevalence of lameness. Ewes were stratified and randomly allocated to one of two groups. The prevalence and incidence of lameness decreased in the treatment group, where lame sheep were treated with parenteral and topical antibacterials within three days of being observed lame, but remained at approximately 8% in the control group where lame sheep were treated with trimming hoof horn and topical antibacterial spray when the farm shepherd considered them sufficiently lame. Sheep in the treatment group had a higher body condition and produced more lambs that grew faster. The net economic benefit to all sheep (whether lame or not) in 2006 was £6 per ewe put to the ram. A group of 265 farmers were asked about their satisfaction with methods to manage footrot. Satisfied farmers reported a prevalence of lameness of ≤ 5% and used rapid individual treatment. Dissatisfied farmers reported a prevalence of lameness of > 5% and used whole-flock footbathing and vaccination. Overall, farmers stated that their ideal managements would be footbathing and vaccination. One explanation for this apparent inconsistency is that farmers want effective vaccines and footbaths; an alternative explanation is that this is an example of cognitive dissonance, where subjects adopt a belief because it is their current practice despite evidence that it is not effective. We conclude that farmers can identify lame sheep and that rapid treatment of individual sheep lame with footrot with intramuscular and topical antibacterials is currently the most effective control of interdigital dermatitis and footrot in sheep but that in future effective measures that prevent footrot would be ideal.
Welfare risk assessment: the benefits and common pitfalls
Authors: Collins LM
Published: May 2012

Risk is defined as a situation involving exposure to danger. Risk assessment by nature characterises the probability of a negative event occurring and quantifies the consequences of such an event. Risk assessment is increasingly being used in the field of animal welfare as a means of drawing comparisons between multiple welfare problems within and between species and identifying those that should be prioritised by policy-makers, either because they affect a large proportion of the population or because they have particularly severe consequences for those affected. The assessment of risk is typically based on three fundamental factors: intensity of consequences, duration affected by consequences and prevalence. However, it has been recognised that these factors alone do not give a complete picture of a hazard and its associated consequences. Rather, to get a complete picture, it is important to also consider information about the hazard itself: probability of exposure to the hazard and duration of exposure to the hazard. The method has been applied to a variety of farmed species (eg poultry, dairy cows, farmed fish), investigating housing, husbandry and slaughter procedures, as well as companion animals, where it has been used to compare inherited defects in pedigree dogs and horses. To what extent can we trust current risk assessment methods to get the priorities straight? How should we interpret the results produced by such assessments? Here, the potential difficulties and pitfalls of the welfare risk assessment method will be discussed: (i) the assumption that welfare hazards are independent; (ii) the problem of quantifying the model parameters; and (iii) assessing and incorporating variability and uncertainty into welfare risk assessments.
Do dog owners perceive the clinical signs related to conformational inherited disorders as ‘normal’ for the breed? A potential constraint to improving canine welfare
Authors: Packer RMA , Hendricks A , Burn CC
Published: May 2012

Selection for brachycephalic (foreshortened muzzle) phenotypes in dogs is a major risk factor for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Clinical signs include respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, upper respiratory noise and collapse. Efforts to combat BOAS may be constrained by a perception that it is ‘normal’ in brachycephalic dogs. This study aimed to quantify owner-perception of the clinical signs of BOAS as a veterinary problem. A questionnaire-based study was carried out over five months on the owners of dogs referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) for all clinical services, except for Emergency and Critical Care. Owners reported the frequency of respiratory difficulty and characteristics of respiratory noise in their dogs in four scenarios, summarised as an ‘owner-reported breathing’ (ORB) score. Owners then reported whether their dog currently has, or has a history of, ‘breathing problems’. Dogs (n = 285) representing 68 breeds were included, 31 of which were classed as ‘affected’ by BOAS either following diagnostics, or by fitting case criteria based on their ORB score, skull morphology and presence of stenotic nares. The median ORB score given by affected dogs’ owners was 20/40 (range 8-30). Over half (58%) of owners of affected dogs reported that their dog didnothave a breathing problem. This marked disparity between owners’ reports of frequent, severe clinical signs and their perceived lack of a ‘breathing problem’ in their dogs is of concern. Without appreciation of the welfare implications of BOAS, affected but undiagnosed dogs may be negatively affected indefinitely through lack of treatment. Furthermore, affected dogs may continue to be selected in breeding programmes, perpetuating this disorder.
Economic, education, encouragement and enforcement influences within farm assurance schemes
Authors: Main DCJ , Mullan S
Published: May 2012

Farm assurance schemes are voluntary certification schemes that aim to provide consumers and retailers with assurances on animal welfare, environment and food safety standards. Whilst current schemes have often been focused on resource-based standards there has been interest in schemes including more outcome-based assessments. In order to maximise the likely impact of including these outcome assessments it is important to consider the economic, education, encouragement and enforcement drivers that may improve welfare. Using dairy cattle lameness as an example, the potential mechanisms to use these drivers within farm assurance schemes is reviewed. Future development of schemes should focus on encouraging the active participation of farmers in monitoring and managing outcome measures. Economic and educational approaches have a role in supporting change. Where possible, economic drivers need to be working in the same direction as welfare (ie provide win-win situations). Educational initiatives, such as providing generic technical information and farm-specific advisory support, need to be available when requested. Finally, enforcement tools, based on existing noncompliance procedures, may be needed to stimulate activity if other initiatives prove ineffective on individual farms.
Global Animal Partnership's 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Standards: a welfare-labelling scheme that allows for continuous improvement
Authors: Duncan IJH , Park M , Malleau AE
Published: May 2012

One challenge with animal welfare assessment programmes is that standards that make a meaningful difference to welfare can be difficult for a broad spectrum of producers to meet, thereby preventing many from engaging at all. Global Animal Partnership's (GAP's) 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rating Standards are unique in that they are designed as a multi-tiered system that encourages continuous welfare improvement. The 5-Step program allows for a wide variety of production models — from small farms raising fewer than 50 animals in extensive, outdoor systems to larger, indoor operations raising tens of millions — and allows producers to move up the Steps as they choose. Each additional Step provides a four-fold benefit: the animals have improved welfare, the producer has the opportunity of greater rewards and more accurate representation of her or his farming practices, retailers can provide wider product selection to meet their customer demands, and consumers have the guarantee of ever-increasing, welfare-friendly choices as well as a transparent source of information on how their meat was raised. GAP began piloting its 5-Step program in 2008 with comprehensive on-farm/on-ranch and transport standards for meat chickens, pigs and beef cattle in an exclusive, two-year partnership with Whole Foods Market (WFM), North America's largest natural-foods grocer. The variety of farms and ranches supplying WFM provided a thorough testing ground for the programme. Chicken, pork, beef and turkey products ranging from Step 1 to Step 5+ are available regionally in WFM stores in the USA and Canada. Having successfully completed this pilot phase with WFM, GAP is now negotiating with other retailers, both restaurants and grocers, as well as further-processors, in North America and beyond. The essence of the Steps is captured by the following phrases: Step 1 — no crowding, cages or crates; Step 2 — an enriched environment; Step 3 — enhanced outdoor access; Step 4 — pasture centred; Step 5 — animal-centred: bred for the outdoors; and Step 5+ — animal-centred: entire life on the same farm. As of 1 December 2011, more than 1,740 third-party audited and certified farms and ranches are raising more than 140 million animals annually according to GAP's 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Standards.
Critical control points in the delivery of improved animal welfare
Authors: Webster J
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the implementation and simultaneous promotion of an action plan designed to ensure animal welfare standards on-farm that exceed the requirements for acceptability in law. The approach is based on two action cycles, the producer and retailer cycles, The producer cycle, involving welfare audit and the implementation of an action plan for welfare has four stages: self-assessment; independent audit; creation of an action plan based on identification of principal hazards and critical control points; review; and revision of the action plan depending upon assessment of outcomes. The retailer cycle is designed to set quality standards for animal welfare, demonstrate compliance, promote proven high welfare products and reward producers. The paper reviews some incentives and constraints to action for both farmers and retailers and presents encouraging examples of the extent to which both producers and retailers have responded to increased public demand for high welfare products.
A method for the economic valuation of animal welfare benefits using a single welfare score
Authors: Bennett R , Kehlbacher A , Balcombe K
Published: May 2012

Unless the benefits to society of measures to protect and improve the welfare of animals are made transparent by means of their valuation they are likely to go unrecognised and cannot easily be weighed against the costs of such measures as required, for example, by policy-makers. A simple single measure scoring system, based on the Welfare Quality® index, is used, together with a choice experiment economic valuation method, to estimate the value that people place on improvements to the welfare of different farm animal species measured on a continuous (0-100) scale. Results from using the method on a survey sample of some 300 people show that it is able to elicit apparently credible values. The survey found that 96% of respondents thought that we have a moral obligation to safeguard the welfare of animals and that over 72% were concerned about the way farm animals are treated. Estimated mean annual willingness to pay for meat from animals with improved welfare of just one point on the scale was £5.24 for beef cattle, £4.57 for pigs and £5.10 for meat chickens. Further development of the method is required to capture the total economic value of animal welfare benefits. Despite this, the method is considered a practical means for obtaining economic values that can be used in the cost-benefit appraisal of policy measures intended to improve the welfare of animals.
Commodifying animal welfare
Authors: Buller H , Roe E
Published: May 2012

As the profile of farm animal welfare rises within food production chains, in response both to consumer demand and greater ethical engagement with the lives of animals, animal welfare is increasingly being commodified by various foodchain actors. That is to say that, over and above regulatory or assurance scheme compliance, welfare conditions and criteria are being used as a ‘value-added’ component or distinctive selling point for food products, brands or even particular manufacturers and retailers. We argue in this paper that such a commodification process has major implications both for the way in which farm animal welfare is defined and assessed (with greater emphasis being placed either on those welfare elements that lend themselves to commodification processes or on those that respond to consumer interpretations of what ‘good’ welfare might be at a particular time) and for the ways in which farm animal welfare is articulated and presented to food consumers as a component of product value or quality.
Better rodent control by better regulation: regulatory incentives and regulator support to improve the humaneness of rodent control
Authors: Littin KE
Published: May 2012

Regulation by government can act as a constraint to improving the humaneness of rodent control, or it can be used to support improvements. How do we make sure it does one and not the other? Societal support and understanding, economic impacts and current knowledge can all ‘make or break’ progress towards improved rodent control. This is also true in the development of regulations to support this improvement. Moreover, the development of regulations can itself slow progress towards better rodent control. There are many ways that governments, working in a national co-ordination role and as research funders, animal pest managers and regulators, can support a move towards improved rodent control. Progress will depend on finding ways that meet the need to control the impacts of rodents as pests and that are acceptable to citizens and budgets.
Minimising number killed in long-term vertebrate pest management programmes, and associated economic incentives
Authors: Warburton B , Tompkins DM , Choquenot D , Cowan P
Published: May 2012

Management of invasive vertebrate species often requires the use of lethal control tools such as toxins, traps, or shooting. However, because these pest species are sentient and have the capacity to suffer, the application of such tools raises concerns about welfare impacts. To address such concerns, research, policy and regulation have focused most often on the welfare impacts (humaneness) of the tools at the individual animal level (ie the ‘quality’ of the impact) with no attempt to assess welfare at the population level (ie the ‘quantity’ of the impact). Because control programmes often target large numbers of animals, we suggest that when the welfare costs of pest control operations and strategies are being evaluated, the numbers of individuals involved should be considered in addition to the intensity and duration of individual suffering. We explore this concept using a modelling framework and three New Zealand case studies (brushtail possums [Trichosurus vulpecula], ship rats[Rattus rattus], and Bennett's wallabies[Macropus rufogriseus])to assess the extent to which typical control strategies used by land managers influence the numbers of animals killed. We test whether a predicted relationship between numbers killed and position on the population growth curve holds across these scenarios, and identify whether it would be economically viable for end-users to adopt more welfare-friendly control strategies (ie those that kill fewer individuals to achieve the required management outcomes) for these pest species, or whether some form of incentive would be required. Computer modelling showed that for four simulated brushtail possum control strategies, the number of animals killed on a 1,000-ha area over 30 years ranged from approximately 13,000 to 26,000. Similarly, for two ship rat control strategies, numbers killed over a 20-year period were 977 for an aerial strategy versus 1,517 for a ground-based strategy. For both species, the strategies that killed fewest animals generally also cost the least. For Bennett's wallabies, because farmers only carry out control for production benefits, the control strategy they are most likely to select would result in the highest number of wallabies killed. To reduce the number of wallabies killed while allowing farmers to achieve some production benefits, farmers would need to receive some additional financial benefit. The concept of welfare incentive then raises questions such as ‘what willingness is there to pay for increased welfare’ and ‘to what extent can reducing control costs substitute for incentive payments in reducing numbers killed?’
Accountability Reduces Unconscious Plagiarism
Authors: Weidler Blaire J. , Multhaup Kristi S. , Faust Mark E.
Published: May 2012

We investigated how holding participants accountable for their responses affected unconscious plagiarism when solving a Boggle puzzle task (finding words in a 4 × 4 letter matrix). Both experimental and control participants (N = 60) generated puzzle solutions with a computer partner, recalled their own previously generated solutions, and then produced new solutions to the puzzles. Accountability was manipulated by telling participants in the experimental group before beginning the initial‐generation phase that at the end of the session, they would review their generated responses with the researcher (accountable participants). Accountable participants plagiarized less than control participants when generating words with the computer and generating new solutions on their own but not when they were attempting to recall words they initially generated. The data are discussed in terms of the leading theoretical explanation of unconscious plagiarism, the source‐monitoring framework. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of Layered Rare‐Earth Hydroxide Nanosheets and SiO2 Nanoparticles to Fabricate Multifunctional Transparent Films Capable of Combinatorial Color Generation
Authors: Lee Byung‐Il , Lee Eun‐su , Byeon Song‐Ho
Published: May 2012

Colloidal solutions of layered rare‐earth hydroxide nanosheets provide a simple route to deposit ultra thin luminescence films. The antireflection and antifogging properties were integrated into transparent luminescent films by the layer‐by‐layer assembly of Eu3+, Tb3+, Dy3+ doped‐hydroxocation nanosheets and negatively‐charged SiO2 nanoparticles. Resulting multifunctional films exhibited efficient red, green, and blue emissions with controllable intensity. Highly improved transmittance enabled us to display combinatorial color luminescence, which can be achieved by multiply overlapping individual films with different combinations, without significant loss of transparency. Triple overlap of red/green/blue films generated an excellent white‐light under 254 nm UV irradiation.
Catalytic C‐F Bond Activation of Perfluoroarenes by Tricoordinated Gold(I) Complexes
Authors: Zhan Jin‐Hui , Lv Hongbin , Yu Yi , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: May 2012

We report the first example of gold catalyzing CF bond activation for perfluoroarenes in the presence of silanes. Tricoordinated gold(I) complexes supported by Xantphos‐type ligands, such as Xantphos and tBuXantphos ligands, exhibit efficacy in the hydrodefluorination (HDF) of various types of perfluoroarenes. For [tBuXantphosAu(AuCl2)], the highest turnover number is up to 1000 in the HDF of pentafluoronitrobenzene with diphenylsilane. An examination of functional group tolerance shows the orthogonality of this gold(I) catalytic protocol to ketone, ester, carboxylate, alkynyl, alkenyl and amide groups, suggesting its potential application in chemoselective CF activations. Mechanistic studies show that the equilibrium between tetracoordinated [L2Au]+ and [LAu]+ is important for the reactivity of gold catalysts, which is dependent on the sterically bulky group of Xantphos‐type ligands. Furthermore, computational studies for the possible reaction pathways suggest that direct oxidative addition of CF bonds by gold(I) cation might be the key step during these catalytic reactions.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Pyrazino[2,1‐b]quinazolines and 3‐Indolyl‐2(1H)‐pyrazinones Employing a Chemoselective Silver(I)‐ and Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Vachhani Dipak D. , Mehta Vaibhav P. , Modha Sachin G. , Van Hecke Kristof , VanMeervelt Luc , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: May 2012

Novel microwave‐assisted syntheses of pyrazino[2,1‐b]quinazolines and 3‐indolyl‐2(1H)‐pyrazinones employing silver(I)‐ or gold(I)‐catalyzed protocols have been elaborated. The scope and limitations of these processes have been investigated.
Organophosphorus‐Catalysed Staudinger Reduction
Authors: van Kalkeren Henri A. , Bruins Jorick J. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , van Delft Floris L.
Published: May 2012

The first Staudinger reduction that is catalytic in phosphine has been developed, showing excellent yields and functional group selectivity. To this end we utilised dibenzophosphole catalysts and mild in situ reduction of the intermediate iminophosphoranes. We could avoid the necessity of water during the reduction, obtained no phosphine oxides as waste and thus enabled facile purification of the product. A range of azides was converted into amines with good to excellent yields and high functional group tolerance.
Control of Six Contiguous Stereocenters in an Asymmetric Organocatalytic One‐Pot Michael/Michael/Aldol Addition Sequence
Authors: Enders Dieter , Urbanietz Gregor , Cassens‐Sasse Elisa , Keeß Sebastian , Raabe Gerhard
Published: May 2012

The asymmetric organocatalytic one‐pot synthesis of polyfunctionalized cyclohexanes is described. Starting from β‐keto esters, nitroalkenes and α,β‐unstaturated aldehydes and employing a bifunctional norephedrine‐based thiourea catalyst, six contiguous stereocenters including one quarternary center are generated. The one‐pot protocol follows a Michael/Michael/aldol addition sequence and affords the highly substituted cyclohexanes in moderate to very good yields (22–70%), diastereomeric ratios of dr>95:5 and excellent enantioselectivities of 91–99% ee.
Probing the Mechanism of the Asymmetric Aminolysis of meso‐Epoxides Catalyzed by a Proline‐Based N,N′‐Dioxide‐Indium Tris(triflate) Complex
Authors: Gao Bo , Xie Mingsheng , Sun Aimin , Hu Xiaolei , Ding Xueqing , Liu Xiaohua , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: May 2012

An exploration of the mechanism of the aminolysis of meso‐epoxides catalyzed by the proline‐based N,N′‐dioxide‐indium tris(triflate) complex was performed using control experiments, UV‐Vis spectroscopy, 1H NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Control experiments disclosed that the ligand‐to‐indium tris(triflate) ratio, the catalyst loading, the concentration, and the presence of 4 Å MS have dramatic effects on this reaction with regard to both the yield and the enantioselectivity. Combined with control experiments, UV‐Vis spectroscopy, 1H NMR, ESI‐MS and SEM analyses revealed that molecular sieves perform multiple functions in the catalysis. A plausible molecular sieves‐assisted reaction pathway was proposed. In this pathway, molecular sieves perform (i) as desiccant to in situ dry the reaction system, (ii) as proton transfer agent to accelerate the catalysis, and (iii) as counter ion source to preserve the electroneutrality of the transition states. Besides, the generality of the substrate scope was further explored; excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) were obtained.
Feeding the Heck Reaction with Alcohol: One‐Pot Synthesis of Stilbenes from Aryl Alcohols and Bromides
Authors: Colbon Paul , Barnard Jonathan H. , Purdie Mark , Mulholland Keith , Kozhevnikov Ivan , Xiao Jianliang
Published: May 2012

Aryl alcohols are employed as feedstock for the Heck reaction. Keggin‐type heteropolyacids catalyse the selective dehydration of the alcohols to styrenes, which, in one‐pot, undergo palladium‐catalysed Heck arylation with aryl bromides, affording broadly functionalised stilbenes. The choice of solvent is critical for the cascade dehydration–Heck reaction, with electron‐rich aryl alcohols preferring a basic medium while electron‐deficient ones demanding solvents of lower basicity.
Pathways to a New Efficiency Regime for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Koster L. Jan Anton , Shaheen Sean E. , Hummelen Jan C.
Published: May 2012

Three different theoretical approaches are presented to identify pathways to organic solar cells with power conversion efficiencies in excess of 20%. A radiation limit for organic solar cells is introduced that elucidates the role of charge‐transfer (CT) state absorption. Provided this CT action is sufficiently weak, organic solar cells can be as efficient as their inorganic counterparts. Next, a model based on Marcus theory of electronic transfer that also considers exciton generation in both the electron donor and electron acceptor is used to show how reduction of the reorganization energies can lead to substantial efficiency gains. Finally, the dielectric constant is introduced as a central parameter for efficient solar cells. By using a drift–diffusion model, it is found that efficiencies of more than 20% are within reach.
Different gene sets contribute to different symptom dimensions of depression and anxiety
Authors: van Veen Tineke , Goeman Jelle J. , Monajemi Ramin , Wardenaar Klaas J. , Hartman Catharina A. , Snieder Harold , Nolte Ilja M. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Zitman Frans G.
Published: May 2012

Although many genetic association studies have been carried out, it remains unclear which genes contribute to depression. This may be due to heterogeneity of the DSM‐IV category of depression. Specific symptom‐dimensions provide a more homogenous phenotype. Furthermore, as effects of individual genes are small, analysis of genetic data at the pathway‐level provides more power to detect associations and yield valuable biological insight. In 1,398 individuals with a Major Depressive Disorder, the symptom dimensions of the tripartite model of anxiety and depression, General Distress, Anhedonic Depression, and Anxious Arousal, were measured with the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (30‐item Dutch adaptation; MASQ‐D30). Association of these symptom dimensions with candidate gene sets and gene sets from two public pathway databases was tested using the Global test. One pathway was associated with General Distress, and concerned molecules expressed in the endoplasmatic reticulum lumen. Seven pathways were associated with Anhedonic Depression. Important themes were neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and cytoskeleton. Furthermore, three gene sets associated with Anxious Arousal regarded development, morphology, and genetic recombination. The individual pathways explained up to 1.7% of the variance. These data demonstrate mechanisms that influence the specific dimensions. Moreover, they show the value of using dimensional phenotypes on one hand and gene sets on the other hand. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Depression and anxiety symptoms among women who carry the FMR1 premutation: Impact of raising a child with fragile X syndrome is moderated by CRHR1 polymorphisms
Authors: Hunter Jessica Ezzell , Leslie Mary , Novak Gloria , Hamilton Debra , Shubeck Lisa , Charen Krista , Abramowitz Ann , Epstein Michael P. , Lori Adriana , Binder Elisabeth , Cubells Joseph F. , Sherman Stephanie L.
Published: May 2012

The fragile X mental retardation gene, FMR1, contains a polymorphic CGG repeat in the 5′‐untranslated region of exon 1. Once unstable, this repeat is capable of expansion across generations. Women who carry a premutation allele (55–199 repeats) are at risk of passing on a full mutation allele (>200 repeats) to their offspring. A full mutation leads to the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, fragile X syndrome (FXS). Mounting evidence suggests that premutation carriers may be vulnerable to symptoms of anxiety and depression. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that among women who carry a premutation, the stress of raising a child with FXS would be moderated by genetic factors influencing endogenous cortisol responses, which could in turn modulate anxiety and depression symptoms. To this end, we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the corticotrophin releasing hormone receptor 1 locus (CRHR1) in 460 women. Participants completed self‐report questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression [Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD)], anxiety [State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI)], and mood [Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)]. Results indicate a statistically significant interaction between CRHR1 genotype and the status of raising a child with FXS to predict social anxiety symptoms reported on the SPAI (rs7209436, P = 0.0001). Our data suggest that genetic variants in CRHR1 that associate with differential cortisol activation may also modulate levels of anxiety related to the stress of raising a child with FXS among women who carry an FMR1 premutation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of a layered crystalline AlSPP and reusable catalysts for epoxidation of unfunctionalized olefins
Authors: Jia Ziyong , Fu Xiangkai , Luo Yunfei , Zhang Huaizhi , Huang Xuemei
Published: May 2012

A type of organic–inorganic hybrid material layered crystalline AlSPP (AlSPP) was prepared under simple conditions, completely different to the traditional hydrothermal methods, by the reaction of oligo‐styrenyl phosphonic acid with aluminum acetate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. The microstructure of AlSPP was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR, atomic absorption spectroscopy, N2volumetric adsorption, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Based on the experimental date, the ideal structure model of AlSPP is proposed, which indicated that the layered crystalline AlSPP samples are special lamellar structure with many cavums, holes, channels and ravines on the surface, the interlamellar region and interlayer surfaces of the particles. Therefore AlSPP possesses excellent properties and has potential applications for heterogeneous asymmetric catalyst supports. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.