bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSTRUCTING AND DERIVING RECIPROCAL TRIGONOMETRIC RELATIONS: A FUNCTIONAL ANALYTIC APPROACH
Authors: Ninness Chris , Dixon Mark , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot , Rehfeldt Ruth Anne , Rumph Robin , McCuller Glen , Holland James , Smith Ronald , Ninness Sharon K. , McGinty Jennifer
Published: December 2009

Participants were pretrained and tested on mutually entailed trigonometric relations and combinatorially entailed relations as they pertained to positive and negative forms of sine, cosine, secant, and cosecant. Experiment 1 focused on training and testing transformations of these mathematical functions in terms of amplitude and frequency followed by tests of novel relations. Experiment 2 addressed training in accordance with frames of coordination (same as) and frames of opposition (reciprocal of) followed by more tests of novel relations. All assessments of derived and novel formula‐to‐graph relations, including reciprocal functions with diversified amplitude and frequency transformations, indicated that all 4 participants demonstrated substantial improvement in their ability to identify increasingly complex trigonometric formula‐to‐graph relations pertaining to same as and reciprocal of to establish mathematically complex repertoires.
EVALUATION OF AN ENHANCED STIMULUS‐STIMULUS PAIRING PROCEDURE TO INCREASE EARLY VOCALIZATIONS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Esch Barbara E. , Carr James E. , Grow Laura L.
Published: December 2009

Evidence to support stimulus‐stimulus pairing (SSP) in speech acquisition is less than robust, calling into question the ability of SSP to reliably establish automatically reinforcing properties of speech and limiting the procedure's clinical utility for increasing vocalizations. We evaluated the effects of a modified SSP procedure on low‐frequency within‐session vocalizations that were further strengthened through programmed reinforcement. Procedural modifications (e.g., interspersed paired and unpaired trials) were designed to increase stimulus salience during SSP. All 3 participants, preschoolers with autism, showed differential increases of target over nontarget vocal responses during SSP. Results suggested an automatic reinforcement effect of SSP, although alternative interpretations are discussed, and suggestions are made for future research to determine the utility of SSP as a clinical intervention for speech‐delayed children.
DERIVED MORE‐LESS RELATIONAL MANDS IN CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM
Authors: Murphy Carol , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot
Published: December 2009

In Experiment 1, more and less relations were trained for arbitrary Stimuli A1 and A2 with 3 children with autism. The following conditional discriminations were then trained: A1‐B1, A2‐B2, B1‐C1, B2‐C2. In subsequent tests, participants showed derived more‐less mands (mand with C1 for more and mand with C2 for less). A training procedure reversed the B‐C conditional discriminations, and participants then showed derived reversed more—less mands (mand with C1 for less, C2 for more). Baseline B‐C relations were retrained, and participants subsequently demonstrated a return to the original derived manding. A second experiment with 1 prior participant and 1 naive participant removed a possible confounding effect. Establishing derived manding may be an advantageous component when teaching a mand repertoire in applied settings.
ALTERING THE MAGNITUDE OF DELAY DISCOUNTING BY PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLERS
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Holton Bethany
Published: December 2009

The present study explored the delay discounting of future and past monetary rewards by pathological gamblers. Using a multiple baseline design, following repeated exposure to choices between smaller immediate and larger delayed consequences, participants completed a relational responding task that attempted to alter the psychological functions of irrelevant stimuli and to affect subsequent delay discounting. Results support previous literature on the discounting of delayed consequences by pathological gamblers, illustrate that the discounting of past rewards occurs in a similar fashion to the well‐documented literature on the discounting of future rewards, and that magnitude of discounting can be altered.
CREATING SINGLE‐SUBJECT DESIGN GRAPHS IN MICROSOFT EXCEL™ 2007
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Jackson James W. , Small Stacey L. , Horner‐King Mollie J. , Lik Nicholas Mui Ker , Garcia Yors , Rosales Rocio
Published: December 2009

Over 10 years have passed since the publication of Carr and Burkholder's (1998) technical article on how to construct single‐subject graphs using Microsoft Excel. Over the course of the past decade, the Excel program has undergone a series of revisions that make the Carr and Burkholder paper somewhat difficult to follow with newer versions. The present article provides task analyses for constructing various types of commonly used single‐subject design graphs in Microsoft Excel 2007. The task analyses were evaluated using a between‐subjects design that compared the graphing skills of 22 behavior‐analytic graduate students using Excel 2007 and either the Carr and Burkholder or newly developed task analyses. Results indicate that the new task analyses yielded more accurate and faster graph construction than the Carr and Burkholder instructions.
EFFECTS OF RESPONSE SPACING ON ACQUISITION AND RETENTION OF CONDITIONAL DISCRIMINATIONS
Authors: Porritt Matthew , Wagner Karen Van , Poling Alan
Published: December 2009

Pigeons were exposed to a repeated acquisition procedure in which no delays were imposed and rate of responding was relatively high. They also were exposed to conditions in which delays were arranged between trials within chains or between completed chains, and rates of responding were lower. Number of trials, rate of reinforcement, difficulty of the discrimination, and motivating operations were held constant. Terminal accuracy was highest under the no‐delay condition, in which rate of responding was highest. Effects of trial spacing on retention were mixed and depended on whether delays were imposed between trials within chains or between completed chains. These findings provide basic‐research support for the rapid presentation of trials in direct instruction and for rate building in precision teaching.
INTERTEACHING: THE EFFECTS OF QUALITY POINTS ON EXAM SCORES
Authors: Saville Bryan K. , Zinn Tracy E.
Published: December 2009

Although previous studies have found interteaching to be an effective alternative to traditional methods of instruction, few studies have examined which of its components contribute to its effectiveness. In the current study, we examined whether manipulating quality points had an effect on our students' exam scores. In two sections of an undergraduate general psychology course, we used interteaching but alternated between quality points and no quality points several times throughout the semester; we also counterbalanced the order of presentation across sections. We found that quality points did not have an effect on exam scores.
THREE VERSUS SIX REREADINGS OF PRACTICE PASSAGES
Authors: Ardoin Scott P. , Williams Jessica C. , Klubnik Cynthia , McCall Michael
Published: December 2009

Although the literature clearly demonstrates that repeated readings result in immediate effects on students' performance on the intervention materials as well as long‐term benefits, data are less promising regarding its immediate generalization effects to similar materials. Using an alternating treatments design, the current study evaluated the effects of a multicomponent repeated reading intervention on generalization passages after students had read a passage three versus six times. Results indicated improvements in fluency as a result of both interventions, with slightly greater maintenance effects when students were given six opportunities to read passages.
THE EFFECTS OF BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING ON CAREGIVER IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDED COMPLIANCE
Authors: Miles Nicholas I. , Wilder David A.
Published: December 2009

The effectiveness of a behavioral skills training package that consisted of modeling, rehearsal, and feedback was evaluated to increase correct implementation of guided compliance by caregivers of 3 children who exhibited noncompliance. Results showed that the training package improved performance of guided compliance. Generalization probes indicated that the skills learned were exhibited in different settings 3 to 6 weeks after training ended.
RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THREE DESCRIPTIVE METHODS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT
Authors: Pence Sacha T. , Roscoe Eileen M. , Bourret Jason C. , Ahearn William H.
Published: December 2009

This study compared the outcomes of three descriptive analysis methods—the ABC method, the conditional probability method, and the conditional and background probability method—to each other and to the results obtained from functional analyses. Six individuals who had been diagnosed with developmental delays and exhibited problem behavior participated. Functional analyses indicated that participants' problem behavior was maintained by social positive reinforcement (n = 2), social negative reinforcement (n = 2), or automatic reinforcement (n = 2). Results showed that for all but 1 participant, descriptive analysis outcomes were similar across methods. In addition, for all but 1 participant, the descriptive analysis outcome differed substantially from the functional analysis outcome. This supports the general finding that descriptive analysis is a poor means of determining functional relations.
ANALYSES OF RESPONSE—STIMULUS SEQUENCES IN DESCRIPTIVE OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Samaha Andrew L. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Borrero Carrie , Sloman Kimberly , Pipkin Claire St. Peter , Bourret Jason
Published: December 2009

Descriptive observations were conducted to record problem behavior displayed by participants and to record antecedents and consequences delivered by caregivers. Next, functional analyses were conducted to identify reinforcers for problem behavior. Then, using data from the descriptive observations, lag‐sequential analyses were conducted to examine changes in the probability of environmental events across time in relation to occurrences of problem behavior. The results of the lag‐sequential analyses were interpreted in light of the results of functional analyses. Results suggested that events identified as reinforcers in a functional analysis followed behavior in idiosyncratic ways: after a range of delays and frequencies. Thus, it is possible that naturally occurring reinforcement contingencies are arranged in ways different from those typically evaluated in applied research. Further, these complex response—stimulus relations can be represented by lag‐sequential analyses. However, limitations to the lag‐sequential analysis are evident.
ANTECEDENT VERSUS CONSEQUENT EVENTS AS PREDICTORS OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Camp Erin M. , Iwata Brian A. , Hammond Jennifer L. , Bloom Sarah E.
Published: December 2009

Comparisons of results from descriptive and functional analyses of problem behavior generally have shown poor correspondence. Most descriptive analyses have focused on relations between consequent events and behavior, and it has been noted that attention is a common consequence for problem behavior even though it may not be a functional reinforcer. Because attention may be prescribed simply as a means of stopping serious problem behavior, it is possible that naturally occurring antecedent events (establishing operations) might be better predictors of problem behavior than consequences. We conducted descriptive and functional analyses of the problem behaviors of 7 participants. Conditional probabilities based on combined antecedent and consequent events showed correspondence with the functional analysis data for 4 of the 7 participants, but antecedent events were no better than consequent events in identifying the function of problem behavior.
DYNAMICS OF CHOICE: RELATIVE RATE AND AMOUNT AFFECT LOCAL PREFERENCE AT THREE DIFFERENT TIME SCALES
Authors: Aparicio Carlos F. , Baum William M.
Published: December 2009

To examine extended control over local choice, the present study investigated preference in transition as food‐rate ratio provided by two levers changed across seven components within daily sessions, and food‐amount ratio changed across phases. Phase 1 arranged a food‐amount ratio of 4:1 (i.e., the left lever delivered four pellets and the right lever one pellet); Phase 2 reversed the food‐amount ratio to 1:4, and in Phase 3 the food‐amount ratio was 3:2. At a relatively extended time scale, preference was described well by a linear relation between log response ratio and log rate ratio (the generalized matching law). A small amount of carryover occurred from one rate ratio to the next but disappeared after four food deliveries. Estimates of sensitivity to food‐amount ratio were around 1.0 and were independent of rate ratio. Analysis across food deliveries within rate‐ratio components showed that the effect of a small amount was diminished by the presence of a large amount—that is, when a larger amount was present in the situation (three or four pellets), the value of a small amount (one or two pellets) became paltry. More local analysis of visits to the levers between food deliveries showed that postfood visits following a large amount were disproportionately longer than following a small amount. Continuing food deliveries from the same source tended to make visits less dependent on relative amount, but a discontinuation (i.e., food from the other lever) reinstated dependence on relative amount. Analysis at a still smaller time scale revealed preference pulses following food deliveries that confirmed the tendency toward dependence on absolute amount with continuing deliveries, and toward dependence on relative amount following discontinuations. A mathematical model based on a linear‐operator equation accounts for many of the results. The larger and longer preference following a switch to a larger amount is consistent with the idea that local preference depends on relatively extended variables even on short time scales.
DO INFANTS SHOW GENERALIZED IMITATION OF GESTURES? II. THE EFFECTS OF SKILLS TRAINING AND MULTIPLE EXEMPLAR MATCHING TRAINING
Authors: Erjavec Mihela , Lovett Victoria E. , Horne Pauline J.
Published: December 2009

The determinants of generalized imitation of manual gestures were investigated in 1‐ to 2‐year‐old infants. Eleven infants were first trained eight baseline matching relations; then, four novel gestures that the infants did not match in probe trials were selected as target behaviors. Next, in a generalized imitation test in which matching responses to baseline models were intermittently reinforced, but matching responses to target models were not eligible for reinforcement, the infants matched baseline models but not the majority of their target behaviors. To ensure their failure to match the target behaviors was not due to motor constraints, the infants were trained, in a multiple‐baseline procedure, to produce the target responses under stimulus control that did not include an antecedent model of the target behavior. There was no evidence of generalized imitation in subsequent tests. When the infants were next trained to match each target behavior to criterion (tested in extinction) in a multiple‐baseline‐across‐behaviors procedure, only 2 infants continued to match all their targets in subsequent tests; the remaining infants matched only some of them. Seven infants were next given mixed matching training with the target behaviors to criterion (tested in extinction); they subsequently matched these targets without reinforcement when interspersed with trials on which matching responses to baseline models were intermittently reinforced. In repeat tests, administered at 3‐week intervals, these 7 children (and 2 that did not take part in mixed matching training) continued to match most of their target behaviors. The results support a trained matching account, but provide no evidence of generalized imitation, in 1‐ to 2‐year‐old infants.
REALISM WITHOUT TRUTH: A REVIEW OF GIERE'S SCIENCE WITHOUT LAWS AND SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVISM
Authors: Hackenberg Timothy D.
Published: December 2009

An increasingly popular view among philosophers of science is that of science as action—as the collective activity of scientists working in socially‐coordinated communities. Scientists are seen not as dispassionate pursuers of Truth, but as active participants in a social enterprise, and science is viewed on a continuum with other human activities. When taken to an extreme, the science‐as‐social‐process view can be taken to imply that science is no different from any other human activity, and therefore can make no privileged claims about its knowledge of the world. Such extreme views are normally contrasted with equally extreme views of classical science, as uncovering Universal Truth. In Science Without Laws and Scientific Perspectivism, Giere outlines an approach to understanding science that finds a middle ground between these extremes. He acknowledges that science occurs in a social and historical context, and that scientific models are constructions designed and created to serve human ends. At the same time, however, scientific models correspond to parts of the world in ways that can legitimately be termed objective. Giere's position, perspectival realism, shares important common ground with Skinner's writings on science, some of which are explored in this review. Perhaps most fundamentally, Giere shares with Skinner the view that science itself is amenable to scientific inquiry: scientific principles can and should be brought to bear on the process of science. The two approaches offer different but complementary perspectives on the nature of science, both of which are needed in a comprehensive understanding of science.
ATL 313, A Selective A2A Adenosine Receptor Agonist, Reduces Myocardial Infarct Size in a Rat Ischemia/Reperfusion Model
Authors: Dai Wangde , Hale Sharon L , Nayak Rohith , Kloner Robert A
Published: December 2009

Objective:

The cardioprotective effects of activation of the A2Aadenosine receptor (A2AAR) on ischemia/reperfusion injury in the heart remain controversial. We investigated whether ATL 313, a new selective A2AAR agonist, could reduce myocardial infarct size in a rat ischemia/reperfusion model.

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a 40 minute occlusion of the left coronary artery followed by 3 hours reperfusion. Hemodynamics were monitored during the procedure. The rats were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 received continuous intravenous infusion of saline given 10 min prior to ischemia and throughout reperfusion (n=8); Group 2 received continuous intravenous infusion of 10 ng/kg/min of ATL 313 given 10 min prior to ischemia, and throughout reperfusion (n=8); and group 3 received an intravenous bolus of ATL 313 (900 ng/Kg body weight) given 10 min prior to ischemia, and continuous intravenous infusion of 10 ng/kg/min of ATL 313 started at 20 min after ischemia and throughout reperfusion (n=8). After euthanasia of the rats, the hearts were harvested for the assessment of risk zone and zone of necrosis of the left ventricle.

Results:

The percentage of risk zone in the left ventricle was similar among group 1 (47 ± 3.7 %), group 2 (41.5 ± 4.2 %) and group 3 (42.4 ± 3.8 %). However, the infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the risk zone, was significantly decreased in group 3 (30.6 ± 5 %, P=0.01) compared with group 1 (53.8 ± 6.2 %) and group 2 (52.1 ± 4.8 %). In group 3, the bolus injection of ATL 313 caused a reduction in blood pressure during the procedure, and decreased heart rate and LV ±dp/dt before coronary artery occlusion; but increased LV +dp/dt at the end of reperfusion compared to the other 2 groups.

Conclusion:

A2AAR agonist ATL313 significantly reduced infarct size and improved LV contractility at the end of reperfusion assessed by LV dp/dt at a dose of 900 ng/Kg. The mechanisms for the observed cardioprotection effect of ATL313 remain to be determined.
A Comparative Study of Ultrasonic Pretreatment and an Internal Recycle for the Enhancement of Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Muller Christopher D. , Abu‐Orf Mohammad , Blumenschein Charles D. , Novak John T.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of ultrasonic energy in an internal recycle and pretreatment mode of operation relative to a conventional mode of mesophilic anaerobic digestion. The primary focus was to determine if using ultrasonics in a pretreatment mode and in an internal recycle line produced changes in performance relative to each other and the control. Using a relatively low‐energy sonication system, the data showed that the addition of ultrasonic energy, in either a recycle line or as a pretreatment technology, improved anaerobic digestion efficiency for waste‐activated sludge. There was a 13 to 21% increase in biogas yield and an increase in total and volatile solids destruction of 3 to 10.3 additional percentage points, depending on the ultrasonic dose and location. Dewatering of the biosolids following ultrasonic treatment was poorer, as measured by an increase in the optimum polymer conditioning dose. The addition of ultrasonics to the digestion systems generated a more stable biosolids product, with a 2 to 58% reduction in organo‐sulfur gas production from dewatered biosolids cakes.
Modification of a Conventional Anaerobic Digester for Improving the Effluent and Sludge Characteristics
Authors: Uludag‐Demirer S. , Demirer G.N. , Othman M.
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to enrich the composition of anaerobic digester sludge in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus by struvite (MgNH4PO4) formation. Waste activated sludge was anaerobically digested in batch reactors under the conditions that the minimum stoichiometric requirement for struvite formation was satisfied in all reactors. For this purpose, different amounts of magnesium (Mg2+) and phosphate (PO43−) ions were added initially to the batch reactors. The results showed the effects of adding Mg2+ and PO43− ions on the performance of anaerobic digestion and on the amounts of ammonium (NH4+) and PO43− ions released during digestion. The results indicated that the performance of the anaerobic digestion in chemical oxygen demand removal changed between −4.0% and 15.4% for a Mg2+ concentration range of 277.2 to 529.3 mg/L and a PO43− concentration range of 377.4 to 2372.4 mg/L. There was an increase in the concentration of NH4+ in all reactors during digestion, but the extent of concentration increase could be controlled by increasing the initial concentrations of Mg2+ and PO43−. The maximum removal of NH4+ ions (33.7%) was observed in the reactor dosed initially by Mg2+ and PO43− concentrations of 467.2 and 2123.3 mg/L, respectively. The concentration of PO43− ion was lower than its initial concentration in all reactors, indicating considerable fixation of PO43− as it was released, by struvite and other solid species formation. The decrease in the concentration of Mg2+ ions similar to PO43− was accepted as evidence for the formation of solid species composed of Mg2+ and PO43, in addition to struvite.
Effect of Aging, Time, and Temperature on Fecal Coliform Counts during Centrifugal Dewatering and Role of Centrate in Growth Inhibition
Authors: Gardner Julie , Örmeci Banu
Published: December 2009

Recent studies have reported significant increases in fecal coliform counts in anaerobically digested sludge soon after centrifuge dewatering. The reasons behind these increases are not yet understood. This study investigated the role of inhibitor substances on the reactivation and regrowth of sludge bacteria and the effect of storage time and temperature on their growth behavior. The study consisted of full‐ and laboratory‐scale testing, and quantified the microbiological and chemical characteristics of sludge, cake, and centrate samples under different temperatures and aging times. Significant reactivation was not observed at the treatment plants tested. Results showed that the regrowth phenomenon is not observed for all sludges, and differences in sludge characteristics and treatment processes may play a role in determining the regrowth behavior of sludge. Centrate collected from one of the treatment plants had an inhibitory effect on the growth of fecal coliform and was four times more toxic than cake to the bacteria. Chemical analyses of the centrate identified sulfide as one of the possible inhibitory compounds. The results also showed that fecal coliform have different growth and survival behavior compared to other sludge bacteria.
Influence of body condition during selection and insemination on reproduction performances of different pig races
Authors: John Angelika , Wähner Martin
Published: November 2009

On a pig farm in Thuringia (Germany), data from 775 sows of 5 different genetic constructions were recorded from birth until exit. Based on live weight gain and lateral back fat thickness measured at selection (around 180th living day), statistical relations were analyzed in regard to the influence of both factors on reproduction performance. There are no uniform results in regard to their influence, from our investigations nor in literature references. Different races, stable systems, methods and equipment of measurement cause partly opposite statements about the influence of live weight gain and lateral back fat thickness on reproduction performances of sows. Based on these investigations an influence of genetic construction could be ascertained, because the stable system, equipment and method of measurement were uniform. As a result, a partly significant influence of genetic construction on living performance of sows could be verified.
Teeth eruption disturbances: Two case reports
Authors: Cudovic Borko , Schneider-Del Savio , Imhoff Vesna
Published: November 2009

Teeth eruption disturbances are very important in everyday orthodontic praxis because those are the most common causes of the orofacial system deviations. The aim of this study was to show two clinical cases with teeth eruption failures and to explain possible causes and potential therapy. Two clinical cases of tooth ankylosis are described as well as complete plan and treatment procedure. Even the irregularities in tooth development were very complex, it was shown that in cases which go beyond the possibilities of bone remodelling, stable results, functional and aesthetic, may be achieved.
Exploring the Use of Online Corporate Reporting Information
Authors: Rowbottom N. , Lymer Andy
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper explores the use and users of corporate reporting information published online by large companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Although prior research details the increasing supply of online corporate reporting disclosures, there is a lack of empirical research investigating the use and users of this information. Therefore, this study observes approximately 4.7 million online requests to explore who uses online corporate reporting and what information is used by different types of users. In doing so, it attempts to provide a context in which to inform the tailoring of the content, format and granularity of information to meet different user needs within the next generation of corporate reporting websites that can more readily incorporate user interactivity and information customization (as envisaged by the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] and the Interactive Data Electronic Applications [IDEA] project).
Dynamics of a Siped Tire Tread Block—Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Ripka S. , Gäbel G. , Wangenheim M.
Published: December 2009

Within the contact zone between tire and road all normal and tangential forces have to be transmitted. The tread block is the only tire component which is in direct contact to the pavement and therefore of special interest. The rolling process of a tire can be seen as a chronology of single contact events between tread block and road surface, whereas the contact situation in detail is usually unknown. The surface texture of the pavement comprises a large range of surface wavelengths which leads to a small area of real contact and to complex contact conditions. Under braking and acceleration procedures sliding friction occurs within the footprint especially at the trailing area of the contact zone. The tangential forces strongly depend on the contact conditions, e.g., surface texture, sliding velocity, normal contact pressure, temperature, tread block geometry, and existence of a lubrication film. An intermediate layer not only simply lowers the friction coefficient but also the whole contact situation changes. This effect is considerably existent for siped tire tread blocks which react in a different manner compared to nonsiped tread blocks. Within this publication the dynamics of siped tread blocks in contact are analyzed and a mechanical model will be presented to explain the observed phenomena. The simulation results are verified by experiments.
Characterization of spatiotemporal gait characteristics in clinically normal dogs and dogs with spinal cord disease
Authors: Gordon-Evans Wanda J. , Evans Richard B. , Knap Kimberly E. , Hildreth Joanna M. , Pinel Corey B. , Imhoff Darren J. , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine the spatiotemporal gait characteristics and associated covariates of clinically normal dogs and dogs with spinal cord disease.

Animals—42 clinically normal dogs and 24 dogs with myelopathy at spinal cord segment T3-L3.

Procedures—Gait was analyzed for velocity, stride length, stride time, stance time, and swing time and compared between groups with consideration of covariates, including height, weight, velocity, sex, and age.

Results—By use of multivariate regression, dogs with neurologic signs, compared with clinically normal dogs, had decreased stride time, stance time, and stride length in the forelimbs and increased swing time in the hind limbs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of spatiotemporal gait characteristics appears to have potential for use as an outcome measure for dogs with neurologic disease.
Computed tomographic, magnetic resonance imaging, and cross-sectional anatomic features of the manus in cadavers of dogs without forelimb disease
Authors: Ober Christopher P. , Freeman Larry E.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To provide a detailed description of cross-sectional anatomic structures of the manus in canine cadavers in association with corresponding features in computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images.

Sample Population—7 cadavers of adult large-breed–type dogs (weight range, 25 to 30 kg) without forelimb disease.

Procedures—Forelimbs were removed from the cadavers within 4 hours after euthanasia and frozen. The right forelimbs of 3 cadavers were cut into 4-mm sections by use of a band saw; 1 limb each was sectioned in the transverse, dorsal, or sagittal plane. Sections were cleaned and then photographed. After thawing, transverse CT images of the right forelimbs of 3 additional cadavers were obtained, and the right forelimb of a seventh cadaver underwent MR imaging in the transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes. The evaluated regions extended from the digits to the carpus. Features in CT and MR images that corresponded to clinically important anatomic structures in tissue sections were identified.

Results—For most of the anatomic structures evident in tissue sections, corresponding CT and MR imaging features were identified. Osseous and musculotendinous structures of the manus were readily detected in CT and MR images, whereas vascular structures were only rarely identified by use of the imaging techniques.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the detailed assessment of anatomic structures of the canine manus in association with corresponding features in CT and MR images will facilitate detection of pathological conditions and be beneficial in planning surgical procedures for diseases of the manus in dogs.
Use of quantitative ultrasonography for noninvasive surveillance of the third metacarpal bone in racing and training Thoroughbreds
Authors: Tabar-Rodriguez Juan J. , Cruz Antonio M. , Monteith Gabrielle , Gordon Karen , Hurtig Mark B.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To use quantitative ultrasonography to evaluate the association between the speed of sound (SOS) at 9 sites in the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) of racing Thoroughbreds with workload accumulation and the effect that MCIII failure has on this association.

Animals—Sixty-two 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in racing condition.

Procedures—Cumulative work index (CWI) was used to calculate total workload (CWItotal) and also 3 independent CWIs for the various gaits (ie, trot [CWItrot], gallop [CWIgallop], and race [CWIrace]) used during training and racing. Speed of sound was monitored in horses during the 2007 racing season and compared with the CWIs via regression analysis. Sex, age, limb, and MCIII failure were included as covariates in the model.

Results—SOS was significantly associated with CWItotal at 8 sites and with independent CWIs of the various gaits at all 9 sites. Progression of SOS in MCIIIs with workload differed significantly in horses with clinical signs of metacarpal bone failure, compared with results for horses with clinically normal MCIIIs, in 1 site by use of CWItotal and in 5 sites by use of the independent CWIs for the various gaits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results indicated that SOS in the MCIII of racing Thoroughbreds followed a constant pattern of progression as workload accumulated. With the development of more precise quantitative ultrasonography devices, SOS corrected for amount of activity may be used to identify horses at risk of bone failure.
Effects of sodium hyaluronate and triamcinolone acetonide on glucosaminoglycan metabolism in equine articular chondrocytes treated with interleukin-1
Authors: Schaefer Elysia C. , Stewart Allison A. , Durgam Sushmitha S. , Byron Christopher R. , Stewart Matthew C.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine whether the effects of a high–molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate alone or in combination with triamcinolone acetonide can mitigate chondrocyte glyocosaminoglycan (GAG) catabolism caused by interleukin (IL)-1 administration.

Sample Population—Chondrocytes collected from metacarpophalangeal joints of 10 horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to joint disease.

Procedures—Chondrocyte pellets were treated with medium (negative control), medium containing IL-1 only (positive control), or medium containing IL-1 with hyaluronic acid only (0.5 or 2.0 mg/mL), triamcinolone acetonide only (0.06 or 0.6 mg/mL), or hyaluronic acid (0.5 or 2.0 mg/mL) and triamcinolone acetonide (0.06 or 0.6 mg/mL) in combination. Chondrocyte pellets were assayed for newly synthesized GAG, total GAG content, total DNA content, and mRNA for collagen type II, aggrecan, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2.

Results—High-concentration hyaluronic acid increased GAG synthesis, whereas high-concentration triamcinolone acetonide decreased loss of GAG into the medium. High concentrations of hyaluronic acid and triamcinolone acetonide increased total GAG content. There was no change in DNA content with either treatment. Triamcinolone acetonide reduced COX-2 mRNA as well as aggrecan and collagen type II expression. Treatment with hyaluronic acid had no effect on mRNA for COX-2, aggrecan, or collagen type II.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that high concentrations of hyaluronic acid or triamcinolone acetonide alone or in combination mitigated effects of IL-1 administration on GAG catabolism of equine chondrocytes.
Evaluation of the mydriatic effect of intracameral lidocaine hydrochloride injection in eyes of clinically normal dogs
Authors: Park Shin-Ae , Kim Na-Ra , Park Young-Woo , Jeong Man-Bok , Kim Won-Tae , Kim Se-Eun , Kim Tae-Hyun , Seo Kang-Moon
Published: December 2009

Objective—To evaluate the mydriatic effect of intracameral injection of preservative-free 1% and 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solutions and determine the onset and duration of mydriasis according to the concentration and volume of lidocaine administered in healthy dogs.

Animals—5 healthy adult Beagles weighing 7 to 10 kg, with no apparent ocular disease.

Procedures—A double-blind randomized 9-session crossover trial was designed. Both eyes were assigned to 9 treatments with a minimum 7-day washout period between treatments: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of 2% lidocaine solution; 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of 1% lidocaine solution; and 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of balanced salt solution. Dogs were anesthetized, and the allocated treatment was injected intracamerally after aspiration of the same volume of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of each eye. Two perpendicular pupil diameters were measured. Intraocular pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, ECG readings, and end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 were monitored.

Results—Intracameral injection of 1% or 2% lidocaine solutions in volumes of 0.1 to 0.3 mL induced a significant degree of mydriasis, and the effect was maintained for 74 to 142 minutes. Lidocaine injection had no significant effect on intraocular pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, ECG readings, or end-tidal partial pressure of CO2.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intracameral lidocaine injection in healthy dogs induced mydriasis, the timing of which was affected by concentration and volume of lidocaine. This technique could serve as an alternative to topically administered mydriatics for intraocular surgery in dogs.
Identification of variables that optimize isolation and culture of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells from equine umbilical-cord blood
Authors: Schuh Elizabeth M. , Friedman Michael S. , Carrade Danielle D. , Li Junzhi , Heeke Darren , Oyserman Sivan M. , Galuppo Larry D. , Lara Dorian J. , Walker Naomi J. , Ferraro Gregory L. , Owens Sean D. , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To optimize the isolation and culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical-cord blood (UCB), identify variables that predicted successful MSC isolation, and determine whether shipping, processing, and cryopreservation altered MSC viability, recovery rates, and expansion kinetics.

Sample Population—UCB samples from 79 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse mares.

Procedures—UCB samples were processed to reduce volume and remove RBCs. Nucleated cells (NCs) were cryopreserved or grown in various culture conditions to optimize MSC monolayer expansion and proliferation. Donor and UCB-sample factors were analyzed to determine their influence on the success of MSC isolation and monolayer expansion.

Results—MSCs capable of multilineage in vitro differentiation were expanded from > 80% of UCB samples. Automated UCB processing and temperature-controlled shipping facilitated sterile and standardized RBC reduction and NC enrichment from UCB samples. The number of NCs after UCB samples were processed was the sole variable that predicted successful MSC expansion. The UCB-derived MSCs and NCs were successfully cryopreserved and thawed with no decrease in cell recovery, viability, or MSC proliferation. The use of fibronectin-coated culture plates and reduction of incubator oxygen tension from 20% to 5% improved the MSC isolation rate. Some UCB-derived MSC clones proliferated for > 20 passages before senescence. Onset of senescence was associated with specific immunocytochemical changes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Equine UCB samples appeared to be a rich source of readily obtainable, highly proliferative MSCs that could be banked for therapeutic use.
Comparison of serum iohexol clearance and plasma creatinine clearance in clinically normal horses
Authors: Wilson Katherine E. , Wilcke Jeff R. , Crisman Mark V. , Ward Daniel L. , McKenzie Harold C. , Scarratt W. Kent
Published: December 2009

Objective—To determine whether a limited sampling time method based on serum iohexol clearance (Cliohexol) would yield estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in clinically normal horses similar to those for plasma creatinine clearance (Clcreatinine).

Animals—10 clinically normal adult horses.

Procedures—A bolus of iohexol (150 mg/kg) was administered IV, and serum samples were obtained 5, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after injection. Urinary clearance of exogenous creatinine was measured during three 20-minute periods. The GFR determined by use of serum Cliohexol and plasma Clcreatinine was compared with limits of agreement plots.

Results—Values obtained for plasma Clcreatinine ranged from 1.68 to 2.69 mL/min/kg (mean, 2.11 mL/min/kg). Mean serum Cliohexol was 2.38 mL/min/kg (range, 1.95 to 3.33 mL/min/kg). Limits of agreement plots indicated good agreement between the methods.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of serum Cliohexol yielded estimates of GFR in clinically normal adult horses similar to those for plasma Clcreatinine. This study was the first step in the evaluation of the use of serum Cliohexol for estimating GFR in adult horses.
Comparison of a human portable blood glucose meter, veterinary portable blood glucose meter, and automated chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentrations in dogs
Authors: Johnson Beth M. , Fry Michael M. , Flatland Bente , Kirk Claudia A.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To compare blood glucose concentrations measured with 2 portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) validated for use in dogs (PBGM-D) and humans (PBGM-H) and an automated chemistry analyzer.

Design—Validation study.

Sample Population—92 samples of fresh whole blood and plasma from 83 dogs with various diseases.

Procedures—Each PBGM was used to measure whole blood glucose concentration, and the automated analyzer was used to measure plasma glucose concentration. Passing-Bablok linear regression and Bland-Altman plots were used to determine correlations and bias between the PBGMs and the automated analyzer. Calculated acceptability limits based on combined inherent instrument imprecision were used with Bland-Altman plots to determine agreement. Clinical relevance was assessed via error grid analysis.

Results—Although correlation between results of both PBGMs and the standard analyzer was > 0.90, disagreement was greater than could be explained by instrument imprecision alone. Mean difference between PBGM-H and chemistry-analyzer values was −15.8 mg/dL. Mean difference between PBGM-D and chemistry-analyzer values was 2.4 mg/dL. Linear regression analysis revealed proportional bias of PBGM-H (greater disagreement at higher glucose concentrations); no proportional bias was detected for PBGM-D. No constant bias was detected for either PBGM. Error grid analysis revealed all measurements from both PBGMs were within zones without an anticipated effect on clinical outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Neither PBGM had exact agreement with the automated analyzer; however, the disagreement detected did not have serious clinical consequences. Our findings stressed the importance of using the same device for monitoring trends in dogs and using instrument-specific reference ranges.
Probing superfluidity of periodically trapped ultracold atoms in a cavity by transmission spectroscopy
Authors: Bhattacherjee Aranya , Kumar Tarun , Mohan Man
Published: December 2009

We study a system of periodic Bose-condensed atoms coupled to cavity photons using the input-output formalism of [14]. We show for the first time that the cavity will either act as a through-pass Lorentzian filter when the superfluid fraction of the condensate is minimum, or completely reflect the input field when the superfluid fraction is maximum. We show that by monitoring the ratio between the transmitted field and the reflected field, one can estimate the superfluid fraction.
Non-physical consequences of the muffin-tin-type intra-molecular potential
Authors: Amusia Miron , Baltenkov Arkadiy
Published: December 2009

We demonstrate, using a simple model, that, in the frame of muffin-tin-like potential, non-physical peculiarities appear in molecular photoionization cross-sections that are a consequence of “jumps” in the potential and its first derivative at some radius. The magnitude of non-physical effects is of the same order as the physical oscillations in the cross-section of a diatomicmolecule. The role of the size of these “jumps” is illustrated by choosing three values for it. The results obtained are connected to the previously studied effect of non-analytic behavior as a function of r, the potential V(r) acting upon a particle on its photoionization cross-section. In reality, such potential has to be analytic in magnitude and have a first derivative function in r. The introduction of non-analytic features in model V(r) leads to non-physical features — oscillations, additional maxima, and so forth — in the corresponding cross-section.
Faecal shedding of Arcobacter species following experimental infection in rats: Public health implications
Authors: Adesiji Yemisi
Published: December 2009

Arcobacter spp. are emerging food borne pathogens associated with prolonged diarrhea and occasional systemic infections such as bactereamia and peritonitis in humans. Information on faecal shedding patterns to assess the potential role they play within the intestine however, is lacking. This study was designed to investigate faecal shedding of local isolates of Arcobacter spp. Using real time PCR for confirmation, A. cryaerophilus and A. butzleri were isolated from the stool of healthy chickens. Pathogenicity of the organisms was tested by administering a single oral challenge of 102–109 cfu/ml to 45 healthy adult male albino rats divided equally among 5 groups. Uninfected rats were used as the control group. A. cryaerophilus and A. butzleri produced infection in 100% of the animals. Experimental infection was dose dependent and caused diarrheal illness and faecal shedding was noted up to 5 weeks post infection. The present study demonstrates that rats can act as a reservoir and potential source of Arcobacter infection in humans and animals exposed to this pathogen.
Radiographic anatomy of the articular process joints of the caudal cervical vertebrae in the horse on lateral and oblique projections
Authors: WITHERS J. M. , VOÛTE L. C. , HAMMOND G. , LISCHER C. J.
Published: December 2009

Reasons for performing study: Plain radiography is the standard imaging technique for investigation of diseases associated with the articular process joints (APJ) of the caudal neck; however, the radiographic anatomy of these structures on both lateral and oblique radiographic projections has not previously been described in detail.

Objectives: To determine the optimal technique for obtaining oblique radiographs of the APJ of the caudal cervical vertebrae (C4‐5, C5‐6 and C6‐7) and to provide a detailed description of their normal radiographic appearance, on both lateral and oblique radiographic projections.

Methods: Radiopaque markers were used to highlight the contours of the APJ on both lateral and oblique radiographs. A novel cineradiographic technique was employed to determine the optimal oblique projection to permit both left and right APJ to be assessed on the same radiograph. Lateral and oblique radiographs of the caudal neck were obtained in 6 live horses under standing sedation to assess the feasibility of the technique.

Results: The radiopaque markers facilitated identification of the APJ by clearly outlining the margins of the cranial and caudal articular processes on lateral and oblique radiographs. The optimal range of angles for obtaining oblique radiographs was 50–55° for C4‐5, 45–55° for C5‐6 and 45–55° for C6‐7. Obtaining oblique radiographs within the specified range of angles resulted in a consistent radiographic image of the APJ in the caudal cervical region in the live individual.

Conclusions and potential relevance: The description of the normal radiographic anatomy of the cervical APJ of the caudal neck region in horses provides a valuable reference for the interpretation of cervical radiographs. Using the standardised technique to obtain oblique radiographs of the equine cervical vertebrae may provide additional diagnostic information about the APJ.