bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penile Histomorphometrical Evaluation in Hypertensive Rats Treated with Sildenafil or Enalapril Alone or in Combination: A Comparison with Normotensive and Untreated Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Felix-Patrício Bruno , Medeiros Jorge L. , De Souza Diogo B. , Costa Waldemar S. , Sampaio Francisco J.B. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently associated to hypertension and antihypertensive drugs; however, the penile morphological aspects on these situations are poorly known.

Aim
Evaluate the penile morphology of untreated hypertensive rats and rats treated with enalapril or sildenafil alone or in combination to verify the hypothesis that morphological alterations promoted by hypertension on corpus cavernosum could be ameliorated by the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

Methods
Fifty male rats were assigned into five groups: normotensive rats, untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and SHR treated with enalapril or sildenafil alone or in combination. Blood pressure was measured weekly. At the conclusion of the study, the rats were euthanized, and their penises were collected for histomorphometrical analysis.

Main Outcome Measures
The cross-sectional areas of the penis, tunica albuginea, and corpus cavernosum were measured. The density of the corpus cavernosum structures was quantified.

Results
Both groups of SHR rats treated with enalapril became normotensive. Untreated SHR showed no difference in penile and cavernosal cross-sectional area compared with normotensive rats; however, those rats treated with enalapril or sildenafil alone demonstrated an increase in these parameters. Rats receiving combination therapy showed no cross-sectional area differences compared with normotensive rats. Cavernosal connective tissue density was increased, while the sinusoidal spaces were diminished in untreated SHR. All treatments were effective in maintaining connective tissue density in comparison with normotensive animals. Cavernosal smooth muscle density was similar in all groups, with the exception of the combination therapy group, which demonstrated a reduction in smooth muscle.

Conclusions
Hypertension promoted structural alterations in the corpus cavernosum that may be related to ED. Enalapril- and sildenafil-treated animals had preservation of normal corpus cavernosum structure and an increase in penile and cavernosal cross-sectional area. The combination of these drugs showed less benefit than individual use.
Repeatability and Intra‐ and Inter‐observer Agreement of Cervical Vertebral Sagittal Diameter Ratios in Horses with Neurological Disease
Authors: Hughes K.J. , Laidlaw E.H. , Reed S.M. , Keen J. , Abbott J.B. , Trevail T. , Hammond G. , Parkin T.D.H. , Love S. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundSagittal ratio values (SRVs) of cervical vertebrae are used for ante‐mortem diagnosis of cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy, but intraobserver and interobserver variability in measurement may influence radiographic interpretation of vertebral stenosis in horses with neurological disease.ObjectivesTo determine intraobserver repeatability inSRVs, intra‐ and interobserver agreement inSRVs and whether or not agreement was influenced by animal age.AnimalsForty‐two horses (>1 year old) with neurological disease from which laterolateral computed radiographic images of C2–C7 were obtained.MethodsFour observers made measurements from C2 to C7 for each horse and interobserver agreement for intra‐ and intervertebralSRVs was determined using Bland–Altman analysis (acceptable agreement: limits of agreement [LOA] ≤ 0.05) on all horses and those ≤3 (n = 25) and >3 (n = 17) years old. Each observer also made repeated measurements for 10 horses and intraobserver repeatability and agreement were determined.ResultsAdequate intraobserver repeatability was achieved for 6 sites. Within observers, paired measurements had a median difference ≤5.7%, but a large range in differences often occurred, most frequently at intervertebral sites. For C5, C6, C7, and C3–4,LOA ≤ 0.05 were achieved by at least 1 observer. With the exception of C5 for 1 pair,LOAwere >0.05 for interobserver agreement, regardless of animal age.LOAwere largest at intervertebral sites.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWithin and between observers, measurement error may limit the diagnostic accuracy ofSRVs and result in discrepancies of diagnosis and treatment and warrants consideration when used clinically in horses with neurological disease.
Association of Obesity with Serum Leptin, Adiponectin, and Serotonin and Gut Microflora in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Park H.‐J. , Lee S.‐E. , Kim H.‐B. , Isaacson R.E. , Seo K.‐W. , Song K.‐H. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundSerotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) is involved in hypothalamic regulation of energy consumption. Also, the gut microbiome can influence neuronal signaling to the brain through vagal afferent neurons. Therefore, serotonin concentrations in the central nervous system and the composition of the microbiota can be related to obesity.ObjectiveTo examine adipokine, and, serotonin concentrations, and the gut microbiota in lean dogs and dogs with experimentally induced obesity.AnimalsFourteen healthy Beagle dogs were used in this study.MethodsSeven Beagle dogs in the obese group were fed commercial food ad libitum, over a period of 6 months to increase their weight and seven Beagle dogs in lean group were fed a restricted amount of the same diet to maintain optimal body condition over a period of 6 months. Peripheral leptin, adiponectin, 5HT, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF‐5HT) levels were measured by ELISA. Fecal samples were collected in lean and obese groups 6 months after obesity was induced. Targeted pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using a Genome Sequencer FLX plus system.ResultsLeptin concentrations were higher in the obese group (1.98 ± 1.00) compared to those of the lean group (1.12 ± 0.07, P = .025). Adiponectin and 5‐hydroytryptamine of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF‐5HT) concentrations were higher in the lean group (27.1 ± 7.28) than in the obese group (14.4 ± 5.40, P = .018). Analysis of the microbiome revealed that the diversity of the microbial community was lower in the obese group. Microbes from the phylum Firmicutes (85%) were predominant group in the gut microbiota of lean dogs. However, bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria (76%) were the predominant group in the gut microbiota of dogs in the obese group.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDecreased 5HT levels in obese group might increase the risk of obesity because of increased appetite. Microflora enriched with gram‐negative might be related with chronic inflammation status in obese dogs.
Nutrition and epigenetics: An emerging field
Authors: Johnson I. T. , Belshaw N. J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEpigenetics refers to heritable changes to gene expression encoded not by differences in the genetic sequence but by other chemical modifications to chromatin, such as methylation of the DNA backbone, or acetylation and methylation of the histone core. The total set of such epigenetic marks can be referred to as the epigenome, but unlike the genome, epigenetic marks differ between tissues and are modified by metabolic conditions and environmental exposures throughout life. In humans and animal models, key metabolic pathways, such as those of energy metabolism and obesity, are believed to be partly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and to be subject to metabolic and nutritional modification in utero and throughout life. There is growing interest in the possibility that extremes of energy or micronutrient availability may modulate the epigenome and hence modify the development and disease susceptibility of individuals. Particular interest is evident for methyl donors, including folic acid, which might directly modify DNA methylation in humans.
Post‐disaster psychosocial support and quality improvement: A conceptual framework for understanding and improving the quality of psychosocial support programs
Authors: Dückers Michel L. A. , Thormar Sigridur B. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article is original in that it addresses post‐disaster psychosocial support programs from a quality‐improvement perspective, not from the traditional viewpoint of mental health services. Based on a combination of renowned quality models, a framework is sketched that offers chances to better understand and optimize the quality of post‐disaster psychosocial service delivery. The quality is reflected in the program's structure, process, and outcome. Moreover, quality can be expressed in scores per criterion (i.e. need centeredness, effectiveness, safety, timeliness, efficiency, and equity) that are proposed to be related to the “attitude” (more passive or active) toward affected people. When quality and attitude are combined in a 2‐D parabolic model, psychosocial support is preferably found in the middle of the attitude‐axis (high quality); extremely passive or active positions are to be avoided (low quality). Well‐timed assessments of structure, process, and outcome aspects, and associations between them, will help planners, providers, and evaluators understand if the optimum is reached, as well as provide guidance for quality improvement.
Poor quality of external validity reporting limits generalizability of overweight and/or obesity lifestyle prevention interventions in young adults: a systematic review
Authors: Partridge S. R. , Juan S. J.‐H. , McGeechan K. , Bauman A. , Allman‐Farinelli M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryYoung adulthood is a high‐risk life stage for weight gain. Evidence is needed to translate behavioural approaches into community practice to prevent weight gain in young adults. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness and reporting of external validity components in prevention interventions. The search was limited to randomized controlled trial (RCT) lifestyle interventions for the prevention of weight gain in young adults (18–35 years). Mean body weight and/or body mass index (BMI) change were the primary outcomes. External validity, quality assessment and risk of bias tools were applied to all studies. Twenty‐one RCTs were identified through 14 major electronic databases. Over half of the studies were effective in the short term for significantly reducing body weight and/or BMI; however, few showed long‐term maintenance. All studies lacked full reporting on external validity components. Description of the intervention components and participant attrition rates were reported by most studies. However, few studies reported the representativeness of participants, effectiveness of recruitment methods, process evaluation detail or costs. It is unclear from the information reported how to implement the interventions into community practice. Integrated reporting of intervention effectiveness and enhanced reporting of external validity components are needed for the translation and potential upscale of prevention strategies.
Lung transplant waitlist mortality: Height as a predictor of poor outcomes
Authors: Keeshan Britton C. , Rossano Joseph W. , Beck Nicole , Hammond Rachel , Kreindler James , Spray Thomas L. , Fuller Stephanie , Goldfarb Samuel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe LAS was designed to minimize pretransplant mortality while maximizing post‐transplant outcome. Recipients <12 are not allocated lungs based on LAS. Waitlist mortality has decreased for those >12, but not <12, suggesting this population may be disadvantaged. To identify predictors of waitlist mortality, a retrospective analysis of the UNOS database was performed since implementation of the LAS. There were 16 973 patients listed for lung transplant in the United States; 12 070 (71.1%) were transplanted, and 2498 (14.7%) patients died or were removed from the wait list. Significantly more pediatric patients died or were removed compared with adults (22.0% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, in addition to higher LAS at time of listing (adj. HR1.058, 1.055–1.060), shorter height (1.008, 1.006–1.010), male gender (1.210, 1.110–1.319), and requiring ECMO (1.613, 1.202–2.163) were associated with pretransplant mortality. Post‐transplant survival was not affected by height. The current age cutoff may impose limitations within the current lung allocation system in the United States. Height is an independent predictor of waitlist mortality and may be a valuable factor for the development of a comprehensive lung allocation system.
New era of pediatric ventricular assist devices: Let us go to school
Authors: Ozbaran Mustafa , Yagdi Tahir , Engin Cagatay , Ulger Zulal , Ozbaran Burcu , Kose Sezen , Kacamak Duygu , Engin Yaprak 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAs there is still a shortage of pediatric donor hearts, several techniques have been used to assist pediatric patients to survive until transplantation. VADs provide long‐term support and ability of mobilization for children before a suitable heart becomes available. Several devices such as paracorporeal pumps have been used for this purpose, with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. However, discharge is not possible, as there is no mobile drive unit for these small‐sized pumps. The possible negative psychosocial impact of long‐term hospitalization, away from home and school, may cause some adjustment problems in the future. In this case series, three pediatric patients that underwent intracorporeal LVAD implantation and returned to school are presented to share clinical experience and also to attract attention to the potential social and psychiatric implications.
Minimum Exposure Limits and Measured Relationships Between the Vitamin D, Erythema and International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection Solar Ultraviolet
Authors: Downs Nathan , Parisi Alfio , Butler Harry , Turner Joanna , Wainwright Lisa 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has established guidelines for exposure to ultraviolet radiation in outdoor occupational settings. Spectrally weighted ICNIRP ultraviolet exposures received by the skin or eye in an 8 h period are limited to 30 J m−2. In this study, the time required to reach the ICNIRP exposure limit was measured daily in 10 min intervals upon a horizontal plane at a subtropical Australian latitude over a full year and compared with the effective Vitamin D dose received to one‐quarter of the available skin surface area for all six Fitzpatrick skin types. The comparison of measured solar ultraviolet exposures for the full range of sky conditions in the 2009 measurement period, including a major September continental dust event, show a clear relationship between the weighted ICNIRP and the effective vitamin D dose. Our results show that the horizontal plane ICNIRP ultraviolet exposure may be used under these conditions to provide minimum guidelines for the healthy moderation of vitamin D, scalable to each of the six Fitzpatrick skin types.
PAPEL DE LAS EMPRESAS Y DE LOS ESTADOS EN LA DEBIDA DILIGENCIA EN DERECHOS HUMANOS
Authors: Ibáñez-M. Pilar , Ordoñez-S. Viviana 
Published: November 2014

<p>La relación de las empresas con los derechos humanos ha ido tomando cada vez más fuerza y en ese sentido se hace necesario precisar conceptos y apreciaciones sobre cuáles responsabilidades le son atribuibles a las empresas y cuáles a los Estados. Así, en el presente artículo las autoras buscan acercarse al concepto de debida diligencia, consagrada en los principios rectores sobre las empresas y los derechos humanos de John Ruggie, la cual recae en cabeza de las empresas en cuanto al respeto y protección de los derechos humanos, al tiempo que se quiere mostrar cuáles aspectos de este deber son responsabilidad de los particulares y cuáles del Estado. Por tanto, se expondrán, a lo largo del artículo, (I) el concepto de debida diligencia; (II) cómo elaborar un proceso de debida diligencia en el marco de derechos humanos; (III) el desarrollo e implementación de procesos de debida diligencia en derechos humanos; (IV) límites a la debida diligencia de las empresas; y (V) precisar en materia de debida diligencia, cuáles son las obligaciones del Estado y cuáles sus límites. A modo de conclusión, las autoras buscan dar recomendaciones que permitan tanto a empresas como a Estados, un cumplimiento efectivo de sus obligaciones y responsabilidades.</p><p> </p>
Fuel Optimal Controller for Hydrostatic Drives: A Simulation Study and Model Validation
Authors: Backas Joni , Ghabcheloo Reza , Hyvönen Mika , Huhtala Kalevi 
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an optimal controller for fuel efficiency of a hydraulic mobile machine with hydrostatic drive (HSD). The solution is validated using a semi-empirical simulated research platform. The drive transmission of the machine includes one variable displacement hydraulic pump and four two-speed hub motors. There is no energy storage installed. Thus, the structure of the HSD and presented improvements in fuel economy are comparable to traditional machines.
The optimal controller is compared to a baseline controller that intuitively keeps the components at their high efficiency regions. In simulated hill tests, fuel economy was improved by up to 25.9 % depending on the slope of the hill and velocity reference.
Developed Measuring Methods for Hydraulic Fluid Dynamics and Viscosity at Extreme Pressures and Temperatures
Authors: Karjalainen J.-P. , Karjalainen R. , Huhtala K. 
Published: November 2014

Hydraulic fluid is one of the most important components in every fluid power system. Therefore, fluid properties have to be known with a good accuracy in an increasing number of applications, for example in system’s design, modelling and control. The fluid of interest may be a power transmission fluid as well as a fuel. In defining the needed fluid characteristics, the large variety of different fluid types sets many demands for a single measuring system. Moreover, known fluid properties, of fuels in particular, are needed at constantly higher pressures and temperatures, raising the bar for practical measuring concepts — user-friendliness, safety and equipment cost are also essential criteria.
In this paper, two accurate, but rather simple and affordable measuring concepts are presented. The speed of sound in a fluid, hydraulic fluid density and adiabatic tangent fluid bulk modulus are all defined with a direct measurement of the pressure wave propagation. The dynamic and kinematic fluid viscosities are defined with a remotely operated, modified falling ball viscometer. Both the presented methods have been developed further from the previously published concepts of the same authors. With these improved systems, all the mentioned fluid parameters can reliably be measured at up to at least 2,500 bar and at up to at least +150°C. Moreover, the same equipment can be applied to any type of hydraulic fluid, a fuel or a power transmission fluid, regardless of the base fluid, additives or viscosity grade.
In addition to presenting the measuring concepts and the equipment used in detail, a selected sample of experimental results will also be presented to demonstrate the performance characteristics of the methods.
A New One Dimensional Modeling Method for Complex Oil Passage Coupled With CFD Results
Authors: Higo Hiroshi , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Yamaguchi Takeshi 
Published: November 2014

Oil pipes are indispensable to a hydraulic circuit. The linear model of pipe based on the Hagen-Poiseuille law is commonly used and very convenient in the analyses. However, real oil passages, such as in manifolds and oil passages in an automatic transmission in a car, have complex configurations. As they are quite three-dimensional and have various kinds of pressure drops on the inside, it is sometimes unsuitable to represent the real oil passages using the linear model. As the result of applying it to the real oil passage, the equivalent pipe length would sometimes be very long unrealistically. Moreover, the inertia effect of oil column in the passage is sometimes non-negligible.
This study represents a way to model real oil passages into a dynamically-equivalent pipe model using its CAD data and CFD results. The pressure drop is represented by the non-linear model of pipe and the coefficients are calculated from ΔP-Q curve of the passage which is obtained by CFD steady flow analysis. The inertia effect of oil column is calculated by CFD unsteady flow analysis and its coefficient is obtained from the solution of the differential equation which is expressed by a correlation coefficient. As a result, a new model of pipe is successfully obtained with the same effects of resistance and inertia as the real oil passage. The simulation using the new model of pipe agrees well with the experimental results. This modeling way is applicable to all oil passages with any 3-D configuration.
An Approach to Digital Distributor Valves in Low Speed Pumps and Motors
Authors: Chapple Peter , Lindholdt Per N. , Larsen Henrik B. 
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a novel approach to digital pumps and motors with electronic controlled valves for each working chamber in positive displacement machines. The approach is focused on low speed operation of hydraulic pumps and motors.
When applied to High Torque Low Speed radial piston units with eccentric shaft it offers increased efficiency, increased power capacity, more compact design, displacement control and a number of other control features.
The proposed valve system has out-wards opening poppet-type valves on both the high- and low pressure side. This solution allows for a symmetric valve arrangement, enabling the units to operate as traditional motors/pumps with traditional distributor valves as well as to be used in simplified system layouts where full advantage is taken of the technology.
This is opposed to current solutions having poppet type valves opening inwards on the low-pressure side and outwards on the high-pressure side, requiring dedicated high- and low pressure ports, also on motors.
New opportunities and challenges are discussed, among which are four quadrant operation, displacement variation, start and stop, valve timing, overpressure protection and valve actuators.