bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of alternative test strategies for the safety assessment of engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Nel A. E. 
Published: July 2013

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

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

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study aimed to assess whether a school‐based physical education intervention was effective in improving physical abilities and influencing daily physical activity habits in primary school children. The possible effect on body mass index (BMI) was also considered.MethodsTwenty‐six 3rd‐grade classes were randomly selected stratifying by geographic location (city, plain, hills) and were assigned either to an intervention (127 boys; 120 girls) or to a traditional (129 boys; 121 girls) physical education program. At baseline (age: 8‐9 years) and after a 2‐year follow‐up (age: 10‐11 years), information was collected about sport participation and daily activity habits using a self‐administered questionnaire. Height, weight, and BMI were measured and physical performance was assessed by means of standardized tests.ResultsThe enhanced program of physical education was effective in improving physical abilities of children and determining a decrease (boys: 10%; girls: 12%) in daily sedentary activities (preintervention versus postintervention, p < .05; intervention versus control group, p < .01). The percentages of overweight and obese children did not vary significantly, but the experimental group showed a significantly lower rise in BMI compared to the control group (p < .001).ConclusionThe school proved to be an ideal setting for promoting physical activity and achieving the required daily activity levels.
Infectious agent screening in canine blood donors in the United Kingdom
Authors: Crawford K. , Walton J. , Lewis D. , Tasker S. , Warman S. M. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTransfusion of blood products is an important component of veterinary emergency medicine. Donors must be carefully selected to minimise risk of transmission of blood‐borne infectious agents. This study was devised to assess the prevalence of such agents in healthy, non‐travelledUKdogs screened as prospective donors.MethodsEthylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples from dogs donating blood between August 2007 and January 2012 were screened by polymerase chain reaction for haemotropic mycoplasmas,Bartonella,Babesia,Leishmania,EhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspp. Dogs with positive or inconclusive results underwent repeat polymerase chain reaction testing.ResultsFour of 262 dogs had positive or inconclusive results at initial screening. Repeat polymerase chain reaction testing in each dog was negative, and none of the dogs developed clinical signs of disease.Clinical SignificanceThe positive results on initial screening may have represented false positives from sample contamination or amplification of non‐targetDNA. It is also possible that dogs were infected at initial sampling but successfully cleared infection before repeat testing. The low number of positive results obtained suggests that prevalence of these agents in a population of healthyUKdogs is low and that use of blood products is unlikely to represent a significant risk of transmission of these diseases.
Pulmonic stenosis in dogs: survival and risk factors in a retrospective cohort of patients
Authors: Locatelli C. , Spalla I. , Domenech O. , Sala E. , Brambilla P. G. , Bussadori C. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTo assess survival and risk factors in dogs with pulmonic stenosis.MethodsA retrospective review of medical case records of all cases of pulmonic stenosis >50 mmHg, undergoing pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty or not. Survival curves and multivariate analysis were calculated in the overall population and in subgroups.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐two cases were included. Factors negatively affecting survival were clinical signs [hazard ratio (HR) 3 · 44, P < 0 · 001], younger age at diagnosis (HR 3 · 96, P = 0 · 001) and valve morphology type B (HR 3 · 33, P = 0 · 001) in the overall population. In those that had pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty group only clinical signs was significant (HR 3 · 44, P < 0 · 001). In cases that did not undergo pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty group Doppler gradient (HR 1 · 02, P < 0 · 001), clinical signs (HR 5 · 41, P = 0 · 002), valve morphology type B (HR 10 · 20, P = 0 · 001) and younger age at diagnosis (HR 12 · 82, P < 0 · 001) negatively affected survival. Dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis undergoing pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty (HR 0 · 47, P = 0 · 047) and asymptomatic dogs with moderate pulmonic stenosis (HR 0 · 10, P = 0 · 042) had a better outcome. Younger age at diagnosis was correlated with poorer outcome in right‐sided congestive heart failure dogs (HR 14 · 02, P = 0 · 01).Clinical SignificanceClinical signs, valve morphology type B and age at diagnosis are risk factors in pulmonic stenosis patients. Pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty is a reasonable treatment choice in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis.
Neuroactive Steroid Levels are Modified in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma of Post-Finasteride Patients Showing Persistent Sexual Side Effects and Anxious/Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Melcangi Roberto Cosimo , Caruso Donatella , Abbiati Federico , Giatti Silvia , Calabrese Donato , Piazza Fabrizio , Cavaletti Guido 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AbstractObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that chronic metformin treatment enhances insulin‐induced vasodilation in skeletal muscle resistance arteries and arterioles.MethodsWe assessed the effect of metformin treatment (from 20 to 32 weeks of age) of obese Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and lean LETO rats (300 mg/kg) on insulin‐stimulated vasodilation in isolated skeletal muscle feed arteries and arterioles.ResultsMetformin treatment significantly lowered food intake, body weight, percent body fat, and HbA1c in OLETF rats. Metformin resulted in a ~30% reduction in insulin‐induced vasodilation of soleus feed arteries (SFA) from OLETF rats. Inhibition of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) signaling produced 20% dilation and eliminated the difference between metformin‐treated and untreated OLETF rats in insulin‐induced dilation of SFA. In contrast to the SFA, metformin did not alter insulin‐stimulated vasodilation in gastrocnemius feed arteries (GFA), or second‐order arterioles in the red (G2A‐R) or white (G2A‐W) portions of the gastrocnemius muscle of OLETF rats. Metformin had no effects on vasomotor responses of arteries from LETO.ConclusionsAlthough metformin exerts favorable effects on body composition and HbA1c, it does not enhance the vasodilatory responses to insulin in the skeletal muscle feed arteries or arterioles of the obese OLETF rat.
Bottom side‐roll feeding by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the southern Gulf of Maine, U.S.A
Authors: Ware Colin , Wiley David N. , Friedlaender Ari S. , Weinrich Mason , Hazen Elliott L. , Bocconcelli Alessandro , Parks Susan E. , Stimpert Alison K. , Thompson Mike A. , Abernathy Kyler 
Published: July 2013

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

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

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

AbstractBelief revision theory studies how an ideal doxastic agent should revise her beliefs when she receives new information. In part I I will first present the AGM theory of belief revision (Alchourrón & Gärdenfors & Makinson 1985). Then I will focus on the problem ofiteratedbelief revisions.
Rickettsia‐like organisms from cultured aquatic organisms, with emphasis on necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium affecting penaeid shrimp: an overview on an emergent concern
Authors: Gollas‐Galván Teresa , Avila‐Villa Luz Angélica , Martínez‐Porchas Marcel , Hernandez‐Lopez Jorge 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAquaculture has expanded significantly in the last two decades. However, mass mortalities of cultured organisms have occurred, sometimes caused by intracellular prokaryotic organisms such as rickettsial‐like organisms (RLO). Different species of bivalves, fish and crustacean considered as commercially important have been affected by RLO. In particular, there are scarce reports of RLO affecting crustaceans; however, the necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (NHPB) bacterium has emerged as a pathogen of concern during the last decade. NHPB thrives in shrimp hepatopancreas, causing physiological alterations and inclusively massive mortalities. In spite of the above, there is still scarce information regarding NHPB and its molecular characterization. The review is focused on the recent advances in the knowledge of RLO of mollusc and fish, with special emphasis on the intracellular necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacterium (NHPB) of penaeid shrimp.