bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of crossbreeding, age, and sex on erythrocyte indices and biochemical variables in crossbred pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Yeh Sze‐Yu , Sung Chi‐Hsuan , Lin Tsai‐Lu , Cheng Tsun‐Li , Chou Chi‐Chung 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA number of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) breeds exist, and the pet rabbit population consists of a variety of pure‐ and crossbred animals. However, the reference intervals (RIs) for rabbits are limited by outdated methods and a single‐breed source.ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish more complete, updated erythrocytic and biochemical RIs for the crossbred pet rabbit population to improve routine diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice, and to examine the effects of crossbreeding on erythrocytic and biochemical parameters.MethodsBlood specimens were collected from 85 clinically healthy crossbred pet rabbits representing a wide range of breeds. RIs for the erythrocyte indices and 12 chemistry analytes were determined as recommended by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. The results were compared with four widely used RIs. Age and sex differences for all variables were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe results diverged from the RIs for New Zealand white rabbits, indicating that not all RIs from this species are appropriate for use in exotic animal practices. Breed‐associated variations were evident for aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and glucose, while crossbreed effects were found for total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate. Statistically significant differences and clinical relevance among age groups were detected for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and creatinine.ConclusionsEstablishing RIs specifically for crossbred pet rabbits is desirable for clinicians treating pet rabbits of various breeds and ages. Age‐specific RIs for this population warrants further investigation.
Theoretical Prediction Model of Tip Leakage Vortex in a Mixed Flow Pump With Tip Clearance
Authors: Liu Yabin , Tan Lei 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Tip clearance results in the leakage flow from blade pressure side to suction side, which will further cause the tip leakage vortex (TLV). Moreover, the flow pattern in an impeller is seriously deteriorated due to the TLV and its interaction with the main stream. In this work, the TLV in a mixed flow pump is investigated by numerical simulation validated by experiment measurement. The primary tip leakage vortex (PTLV) trajectory is specially studied with consideration of the tip clearance size δ, the impeller blade number Zi, and the impeller rotational speed n. The results show that δ slightly shifts the separation point (SP) of the PTLV but rarely affects the separation angle α. The increase in Zi and the decrease in n both lead to the shift of the SP toward the blade trailing edge and the decrease in α. Furthermore, a theoretical prediction model is proposed to predict the PTLV trajectory, by which the axial position and radial position of PTLV trajectory versus the rotation angle can be predicted. The proposed model is verified to be accurate to predict the PTLV trajectory, especially for the PTLV trajectory in the main flow passage. The dynamic evolution of TLV under different tip clearance sizes can all be classified into the same three stages: splitting stage, developing stage, and merging stage. Meanwhile, the dynamic evolution frequency fe is the same as the impeller rotational frequency fi.
Intermittent bolus versus continuous infusion popliteal sciatic nerve block following major foot and ankle surgery: a prospective randomized comparison
Authors: Short Anthony James , Ghosh Meela , Jin Rongyu , Chan Vincent W S , Chin Ki Jinn 
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives
Foot and ankle surgery is associated with severe pain that can be reduced with continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block. We tested the hypothesis that programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) delivery of local anesthetic provides superior analgesia to a continuous infusion (CI) regimen.

Methods
60 patients undergoing major foot and ankle surgery were randomized to receive PIB (10 mL of ropivacaine 0.2% every 2 hours) or CI (5 mL/hour) continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block with patient-controlled regional analgesia (5 mL every 30 min as needed) provided for all. Primary outcome was the average of static and dynamic numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores through 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included rest and movement NRS pain scores at different timepoints, opioid consumption, local anesthetic consumption, intensity of sensory and motor block, patient satisfaction and the incidence of opioid-related side effects.

Results
There was no significant difference in the primary outcome of average NRS pain score through 48 hours, opioid consumption or the volume of local anesthetic administered. Patients in group PIB had significantly decreased strength of toe dorsiflexion at 6 hours (p=0.007) and 12 hours (p=0.001) and toe plantarflexion at 12 hours (p=0.004). Patient satisfaction and the incidence of side effects was similar between groups.

Conclusions
Both CI and PIB regimens provided excellent analgesia, low opioid consumption and high patient satisfaction. While there was no difference in analgesic outcomes, PIB dosing resulted in a more profound motor block.

Trial registration number

NCT02707874
.
Does postactivation potentiation (PAP) increase voluntary performance?
Authors: Zimmermann Haiko Bruno , MacIntosh Brian R. , Dal Pupo Juliano 
Published: September 2019

The transient increase in torque of an electrically evoked twitch following a voluntary contraction is called postactivation potentiation (PAP). Phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chains is the most accepted mechanism explaining the enhanced electrically evoked twitch torque. While many authors attribute voluntary postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) to the positive effects of PAP, few actually confirmed that contraction was indeed potentiated using electrical stimulation (twitch response) at the time that PAPE was measured. Thus, this review aims to investigate if increases in voluntary performance after a conditioning contraction (CC) are related to the PAP phenomenon. For this, studies that confirmed the presence of PAP through an evoked response after a voluntary CC and concurrently evaluated PAPE were reviewed. Some studies reported increases in PAPE when PAP reaches extremely high values. However, PAPE has also been reported when PAP was not present, and unchanged/diminished performance has been identified when PAP was present. This range of observations demonstrates that mechanisms of PAPE are different from mechanisms of PAP. These mechanisms of PAPE still need to be understood and those studying PAPE should not assume that regulatory light chain phosphorylation is the mechanism for such enhanced voluntary performance.Novelty The occurrence of PAP does not necessarily mean that the voluntary performance will be improved. Improvement in voluntary performance is sometimes observed when the PAP level reaches extremely high values. Other mechanisms may be more relevant than that for PAP in the manifestation of acute increases in performance following a conditioning contraction.
A comprehensive checklist of endemic flora of Meghalaya, India
Authors: Mir Aabid Hussain , Upadhaya Krishna , Roy Dilip Kumar , Deori Chaya , Singh Bikarma 
Published: September 2019

The geographical distribution of plants of Meghalaya show that a total of 548 plant taxa belonging to 302 genera and 100 families are endemic to northeastern India or Indo-Burma or the eastern Himalaya region. Of these, 115 species are exclusively endemic to the state of Meghalaya. The dominant life form is epiphytes (25.4%), followed by trees (25%), shrubs (21.7%), herbs (21%), climbers (6.6%) and parasites (0.4%). In terms of species richness, Orchidaceae is the largest family with 146 species and Bulbophyllum is the dominant genera represented by 15 species. The present investigation reveals that most species considered endemic to the state of Meghalaya has extended geographic distribution to neighbouring states and other countries. Majority of the endemic taxa are restricted to protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and small forest patches preserved in the form of community forests or sacred groves. Lesser known species with small populations outside the protected areas are on the verge of extinction due to a number of anthropogenic activities, hence warranting immediate conservation measures.
Overcoming the pollination barrier through artificial pollination in the Wild Nutmeg Knema attenuata (Myristicaceae), an endemic tree of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Govind Murugan Govindakurup , Rameshkumar Koranapallil Bahuleyan , Dan Mathew 
Published: September 2019

The barrier to pollination and pollinator assemblage were investigated in Knema attenuata, a dioecious tree species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It occupies an intermediate canopy stratum of the low and mid-elevation wet evergreen forests. In order to observe floral display, insect foraging and fruit development, four populations of K. attenuata were selected. The population diagram of each population was constructed by marking one female tree as the centre and male trees available at different radii from the female tree. Direct observations and swap net trapping were used to sample insects in the canopy during the flowering season of 2016 and 2017. Knema attenuata exhibited generalised pollination through diverse insects: thysanopterans (thrips), coleopterans (beetles), halictid bees, and dipterans (syrphid and phorid flies), where thrips played the major role. On analysing the floral display, it was found that the male flowers provided no rewards and thus attracted less pollinators than the female flowers. Among the four populations studied, three showed more than 70% fruit setting and the rate of abscission in flowers and young fruits were negligible. One population was without fruit setting and trials on artificial pollination resulted in fruit setting. A very low frequency of seed germination was observed in natural conditions which was enhanced by a seed germinator.
Brief insight into the behavior, activity, and interspecific interactions of urban Trimeresurus (Cryptelytrops) albolabris (Reptilia: Squamata: Viperidae) vipers in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Barnes Curt Hrad , Knierim Tyler Keith 
Published: September 2019

Green Pit Vipers are a widely distributed, diverse group of snakes which occur across a variety of habitats. Little is known about their natural history in anthropogenically modified environments, and no ecological work has investigated their persistence in cities. We non-invasively photo-monitored White-lipped Green Pit Vipers Trimeresurus (Cryptelytrops) albolabris in the metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand (n = 4 individuals, mean = 2,658 minutes per individual). Subsequently, we preliminarily characterize urban green pit vipers as nocturnal predators, displaying ambush-foraging at night, sheltering during the day, and having limited movement in between temporal periods. We recorded two predation events of vipers capturing and ingesting anuran prey. Vipers infrequently displayed tail undulations (239 minutes total), with one event occurring immediately before a predation event. We also document chemosensory, probing, and mouth-gaping behaviors having occurred exclusively at night. Other vertebrates including birds, frogs, geckos, small mammals, and a cobra were photographed interacting with focal vipers or their immediate surroundings (315 minutes total). Knowledge of organisms in tropical urban environments is scarce, and the persistence of venomous snakes in these unique and challenging habitats requires further study.
“The Book of Formation of the World”: Sefer Yetzirah and Hilkhot Yetzirah
Authors: Weiss Tzahi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Babylonian Talmud contains a tale about the creation of an artificial calf by two sages who dealt with hilkhot yetzirah, or laws of formation (b. Sanhedrin 65b). Already in the eleventh century CE the phrase “Laws of Formation” was being used to refer to the short, enigmatic, and influential treatise Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Formation), which depicts the creation of the world by means of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The connection between hilkhot yetzirah and Sefer Yetzirah is of great consequence in determining the period in which the latter was edited, as well as its reception history.
Labour and Value
Authors: Screpanti Ernesto 
Published: September 2019

In this book Ernesto Screpanti provides a rigorous examination of Marx’s theory of exploitation, one of the cornerstones of Marxist thought. With precision and clarity, he identifies the holes in traditional readings of Marx’s theory before advancing his own original interpretation, drawing on contemporary philosophy and economic theory to provide a refreshingly interdisciplinary exegesis.
Screpanti’s arguments are delivered with perspicuity and verve: this is a book that aims to spark a debate. He exposes ambiguities present in Marx’s exposition of his own theory, especially when dealing with the employment contract and the notions of ‘abstract labor’ and ‘labor value’, and he argues that these ambiguities have given rise to misunderstandings in previous analyses of Marx’s theory of exploitation. Screpanti’s own interpretation is a meticulously argued counterpoint to these traditional interpretations.
Labour and Value is a significant contribution to the theory of economics, particularly Marxist economics. It will also be of great interest to scholars in other disciplines including sociology, political science, and moral and political philosophy. Screpanti’s clear and engaging writing style will attract the interested general reader as well as the academic theorist.
Atmospheric Bistability and Abrupt Transitions to Superrotation: Wave–Jet Resonance and Hadley Cell Feedbacks
Authors: Herbert Corentin , Caballero Rodrigo , Bouchet Freddy 
Published: September 2019

AbstractStrong eastward jets at the equator have been observed in many planetary atmospheres and simulated in numerical models of varying complexity. However, the nature of the transition from a conventional state of the general circulation, with easterlies or weak westerlies in the tropics, to such a superrotating state remains unclear. Is it abrupt or continuous? This question may have far-reaching consequences, as it may provide a mechanism for abrupt climate change in a planetary atmosphere, both through the loss of stability of the conventional circulation and through potential noise-induced transitions in the bistability range. We study two previously suggested feedbacks that may lead to bistability between a conventional and a superrotating state: the Hadley cell feedback and a wave–jet resonance feedback. We delineate the regime of applicability of these two mechanisms in a simple model of zonal acceleration budget at the equator. Then we show using numerical simulations of the axisymmetric primitive equations that the wave–jet resonance feedback indeed leads to robust bistability, while the bistability governed by the Hadley cell feedback, although observed in our numerical simulations, is much more fragile in a multilevel model.
Is Regional Lymph Node Metastasis of Head and Neck Paraganglioma a Sign of Aggressive Clinical Behavior: A Clinical/Pathologic Review
Authors: Javidiparsijani Sara , Brickman Arlen , Lin Diana Murro , Rohra Prih , Ghai Ritu , Bitterman Pincas , Reddi Vijaya , AL-Khudari Samer , Gattuso Paolo 
Published: September 2019

Background: Head and neck paraganglioma is a rare neoplasm of the paraganglia. It accounts for <1% of all head and neck tumors. It usually has benign clinical course; however, malignant paraganglioma can only be diagnosed by showing metastatic disease. We undertook a retrospective study to assess the clinical significance of regional lymph nodes metastases in head and neck paragangliomas. Design: From 1993 to 2016, primary head and neck paragangliomas are identified. The patient clinical and histopathologic materials were reviewed. Results: Sixty-five specimens from 62 patients (3 patients with more than 1 specimens) with head and neck paragangliomas were recorded (49 female and 13 males) with mean age of 54 (24-78 years). The locations of the tumors were as follows: carotid body: 30, glomus tympanicum: 11, glomus jugulare: 14, parapharyngeal space: 3, and 1 case each of larynx, skull base, paraglottic area, infratemporal fossa, mastoid, cerebellopontine (CP) angle, and pyriform sinus. On histopathology, we found 5 cases of sclerosing variant. Thirty-two (52%) of the 62 patients had regional lymph node biopsy. Four (12%) of the 32 show metastatic paraganglioma (3 females and 1 male with mean age = 35). Two of the 5 cases of sclerosing variant had positive lymph nodes. No evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis in the patients with positive lymph nodes with a 6 to 11 years follow-up. One of the 28 patients with negative lymph nodes developed metastatic disease to lumbar spine in 5 years. Conclusion: Metastatic paraganglioma to regional lymph nodes may have indolent clinical behavior, with disease-free survival of up to 11 years. The incidence of metastatic disease in lymph nodes was 4 (12%) of 32. Forty percent (2/5) of the cases with sclerosing variant of paraganglioma had lymph node metastases indicating that this tumor may have a more aggressive histological behavior.
Medial Rectus Anastomosis Under Endoscopic Endonasal Orbital Approach With Image-Guided Navigation: A New Way of Repairing a Ruptured Medial Rectus
Authors: Wu Ying-Xing , Li Zhi-Yong , Luo Ban , Long Xiao-Bo , Xiang Nan , Wang Ping , Liu Rong , Xiang Yan , Zhen Hong-Tao 
Published: September 2019

Background: With the extensive development of endoscopic sinus surgery, iatrogenic medial rectus muscle injury should be treated with caution. Traditional methods to repair a ruptured medial rectus need an anterior orbitotomy approach, with more injury and difficulty in finding the posterior end of the ruptured medial rectus. Objective: To explore a new method to repair a ruptured medial rectus. Methods: Eight cases of iatrogenic medial rectus rupture after endoscopic sinus surgery were reviewed from July 2015 to January 2019. Assisted by image-guided navigation, the ruptured medial rectus was sutured under an endoscopic endonasal orbital approach. Two methods were designed to suture the ruptured medial rectus. Optic nerve and orbital decompression were performed in 5 cases with visual impairment. The extent of exotropia and diplopia were followed up for 5 to 33 months after surgery. Results: With the help of image guidance, the posterior and anterior ends of the ruptured medial rectus of all patients were pinpointed, and operations using medial rectus anastomosis were successfully completed in 7 patients. The exotropia of these patients was corrected, and they have recovered. The vision of 2 patients recovered. There were no minor or major complications intraoperatively or postoperatively. Conclusion: Assisted by image-guided navigation, medial rectus anastomosis under an endoscopic endonasal orbital approach is a feasible method. The key to preventing orbital complications is strict professional training, including identification of the Onodi air cell and correct application of powered instrumentation.
Can Pregnancy Lead to Changes in Hearing Threshold?
Authors: Kwatra Devanshu , Kumar Sunil , Singh Gautam Bir , Biswas Ratna , Upadhyay Prabhakar 
Published: September 2019

Purpose: This study explores the changes in hearing thresholds in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital-based observational study was performed with a total of 69 patients in the age-group of 18 to 40 years. Patients underwent hearing assessment twice during the study period. Conventional pure tone audiometry and impedance audiometry were performed, first during the antepartum period (28-32 weeks of gestational age) and second time during the postpartum period (6 weeks postpartum). Results: Significant difference was seen between the average of air conduction threshold values at speech frequencies when antepartum values were compared with postpartum values. Conclusion: The alterations in hearing sensitivity in pregnant females which improved during the postpartum period can be attributed to pregnancy.
Robust RBM3 and β-klotho expression in developing neurons in the human brain
Authors: Jackson Travis C , Janesko-Feldman Keri , Carlson Shaun W , Kotermanski Shawn E , Kochanek Patrick M 
Published: September 2019

RNA binding motif 3 (RBM3) is a powerful neuroprotectant that inhibits neurodegenerative cell death in vivo and is a promising therapeutic target in brain ischemia. RBM3 is increased by the hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in an age- and temperature-dependent manner in rat cortical neurons. FGF21 receptor binding is controlled by the transmembrane protein β-klotho, which is mostly absent in the adult brain. We discovered that RBM3/β-klotho is unexpectedly high in the human infant vs. adult brain (hippocampus/prefrontal cortex). The use of tissue homogenates in that study precluded a comparison of RBM3/β-klotho expression among different CNS cell-types, thus, omitted key evidence (i.e. confirmation of neuronal expression) that would otherwise provide a critical link to support their possible direct neuroprotective effects in humans. This report addresses that knowledge gap. High-quality fixed human hippocampus, cortex, and hypothalamic tissues were acquired from the NIH Neurobiobank (<1 yr (premature born) infants, 1 yr, 4 yr, and 34 yr). Dual labeling of cell-type markers vs. RBM3/β-klotho revealed enriched staining of targets in neurons in the developing brain. Identifying that RBM3/β-klotho is abundant in neurons in the immature brain is fundamentally important to guide protocol design and conceptual frameworks germane to future testing of these neuroprotective pathways in humans.
Screening at stationary versus mobile units in BreastScreen Norway
Authors: Holen Åsne , Sebuødegård Sofie , Waade Gunvor G , Aase Hildegunn , Hopland Nina-Merete , Pedersen Kristin , Larsen Marthe , Tsuruda Kaitlyn M , Hofvind Solveig 
Published: September 2019

Objective To compare breast characteristics, compression parameters, and early performance measures (rates of recall, screen-detected and interval breast cancer, and histopathologic tumour characteristics) for mammographic screening at a stationary versus mobile screening unit. Methods Results from 92,408 mammographic screening examinations performed as part of BreastScreen Norway during 2008–2017 at either a stationary ( n = 52,620) or mobile ( n = 39,788) unit in Hordaland county were compared using descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations. A generalized estimating equation for a binary outcome was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the outcomes of interest. Adjusted generalized estimating equation models included age, breast volume, and density grade as covariates. Results Screening at the stationary unit was performed on smaller breasts with higher mammographic density, using lower compression force but higher pressure than at the mobile unit. Using the stationary screening unit as reference, for women screened at the mobile unit, the adjusted odds ratio was: for recall 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87--1.01), screen-detected breast cancer 0.92 (95% CI: 0.78--1.10), and interval breast cancer 1.17 (95% CI: 0.83–1.64). Conclusions The quality of care did not differ for women screened at the stationary versus the mobile unit, but there were differences between the women who attended the two units. Sociodemographic factors should be included in future analyses to fully understand the risk of breast cancer among women residing in urban versus rural areas.