bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing Treatments for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Wilkins Martin R. 
Published: January 2014

Developing new treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a challenge. We have enjoyed success with regulatory approvals for three drug classes—prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. But we have also seen some disappointing results, for example, from studies with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, statins and tergolide. Animal models are an unreliable predictor of efficacy in humans. The best model for the disease is the patient. This review discusses three major issues facing the evaluation of drugs in PAH patients—target validation, choosing the right dose, and early trial design.
Unintended Thermal Injuries from Radiofrequency Ablation: Organ Protection with an Angioplasty Balloon Catheter in an Animal Model
Authors: Knuttinen Martha-Grace , Van Ha Thuong G. , Reilly Christopher , Montag Anthony , Straus Christopher 
Published: January 2014

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate a novel approach of using a balloon catheter as a protective device to separate liver from the diaphragm or nearby bowel during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic dome tumors in an animal model.

Materials and Methods:
All experimental procedures were approved by animal Institutional Review Board. Using a 3 cm RF needle electrode, 70 hepatic ablation zones were created using ultrasound in 7 pigs. 50 lesions were created using balloon interposition between liver and diaphragm; 20 lesions were created using the balloon device interposed posteriorly between liver and bowel. Additional 21 control lesions were performed. Animals were sacrificed immediately; diaphragm and bowel were then visually inspected and sectioned. Diaphragmatic and bowel injury was then classified according to the depth of thickness.

Results:
Control lesions caused full thickness injury, either to diaphragm or bowel. During ablation of lesions with balloon interposition, there was significantly less diaphragmatic injury, P < 0.001 and less bowel injury, P < 0.01.

Conclusion:
Using balloon interposition as a protective device has advantages over previous saline infusion or CO2 insufflation, providing a safe way to expand percutaneous RFA of liver tumors located on the undersurface of the diaphragm. In addition, this method may be used in protection of other organs adjacent to areas being ablated.
The welfare ethics of the commercial killing of free-ranging kangaroos: an evaluation of the benefits and costs of the industry
Authors: Ben-Ami D , Boom K , Boronyak L , Townend C , Ramp D , Croft DB , Bekoff M 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe commercial killing of kangaroos provides multiple benefits to society, but also causes both deliberate and unintended harms to kangaroos. The ethics of the kangaroo industry is assessed in terms of whether the assumed benefits justify the welfare costs. An analysis of the stated benefits indicates that killing for damage mitigation is beneficial mainly during drought and not at current levels; that there is a commercial value, although considerably lower than previously estimated, and that demonstrable environmental benefits from commercial killing of kangaroos are lacking; and that the commercial kill may ameliorate the suffering of kangaroos during drought. Welfare practices are very difficult to assess and regulate due to the size and remote nature of the industry. A combination of empirical data on welfare outcomes and inferences drawn from behavioural and reproductive knowledge of the commercially killed species are utilised to assess harm. The welfare costs include deliberate and indirect harm to dependent young (a by-product of the commercial kill), and a number of unintended harms to adult kangaroos, including increased mortality during drought, inhumane killing of a portion of adult kangaroos, and a disruption of social stability and the evolutionary potential of individuals. Furthermore, a substantial gap exists between the intended welfare standards of the code of practice governing the kangaroo industry and the welfare outcomes for both dependent young and adult kangaroos. We found that, on balance, the benefits are lower than expected and the welfare costs are likely to be considerably higher than acceptable. More research, particularly at the point of kill, is necessary to verify and assess the extent of harms. A number of improvements are suggested to the code of practice to improve welfare outcomes.
Defining and measuring farmers’ attitudes to farm animal welfare
Authors: Hansson H , Lagerkvist CJ 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIdentifying farmers’ attitudes to farm animal welfare (FAW) is an important step in determining farmers’ efforts to improve FAW, knowledge of which is of particular importance for understanding how the living conditions of production animals are determined. This study developed a hypothetical model of farmers’ attitudes to FAW, including the antecedents of these attitudes and possible influences on FAW-related behaviour. Two models for empirical measurement of attitudes, namely formative and reflective models, were also evaluated and compared. The results suggested that choice of measurement model considerably influences conceptualisation of attitudes and that there may be considerable model misspecifications in previous literature relating to farmers’ FAW attitudes. Existing literature on farmers’ FAW attitudes was reviewed with the aim of providing a preliminary indication of the coverage of farmers’ FAW attitudes. A need for future research related to farmers’ attitudes to FAW was identified.
The effect of fine granular sand on pododermatitis in captive greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Authors: Wyss F , Wenker C , Hoby S , von Houwald F , Schumacher V , Doherr MG , Robert N 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPododermatitis is a worldwide health and animal welfare problem in captive flamingos (Phoenicopteridae). Since sub-optimal substrate or flooring has been described as a factor in the development of pododermatitis in poultry and raptors, it is also suspected to play a role in flamingo foot health. Small groups of flamingos were separated from the main group in an indoor enclosure with artificial grass carpet and, in earlier years, concrete flooring, with additional fine granular sand in the water basin for the study year. Feet were evaluated before and after the separation. Judged subjectively, foot lesions had shown a general increase in the indoor enclosure in earlier years. In contrast, lesion severity and prevalence, scored in accordance with a standardised protocol, decreased when fine granular sand was provided. Since flamingos were observed mostly standing on sand and as this represented the major differentiating factor between years, it is concluded that fine granular sand is a favourable substrate to maintain, and one that may even lead to an improvement in flamingo foot health.
Risk factors for unassisted on-farm death in Swedish dairy cows
Authors: Alvåsen K , Thomsen PT , Sandgren C Hallén , Mörk M Jansson , Emanuelson U 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIncreased on-farm cow mortality (ie unassisted death and euthanasia) has been demonstrated in Swedish dairy herds during the last decade. Identifying risk factors associated with type of death is needed for future work in reducing cow mortality rates. The objectives of this case-control study were to quantify the relative proportion of unassisted dead cows among cows that die on-farm, and to identify risk factors associated with unassisted death (as opposed to euthanasia). In Sweden, cadavers and animal waste products are being processed into biofuel at destruction plants. Two destruction plants were visited three times in 2011-2012. All dairy cows (n = 556) entering the plants were examined. Farmers that had sent the cows were contacted by telephone to verify type of death. Of the 433 dairy cows included in the analysis, 30% had died unassisted. A stillbirth rate above or equal to the median in the study material (7%) increased the risk for unassisted death. The proportion of unassisted dead cows was lower than that found in other countries. The results indicate that it might be possible to study euthanasia and unassisted death as one group in Swedish dairy cows, because only one factor differentiating between the two types of death was identified. However, unidentified risk factors may still differ and, possibly more importantly, welfare implications may also differ between the two types of death which implies the need to separate them in future studies.
Can animal-based welfare assessment be simplified? A comparison of the Welfare Quality®protocol for dairy cattle and the simpler and less time-consuming protocol developed by the Danish Cattle Federation
Authors: Andreasen SN , SandØe P , Forkman B 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWelfare assessment protocols using primarily animal-based measures are believed to give valid information about the welfare of animals. However, they tend to be time consuming and therefore costly, thus in practice there is often considerable reluctance to use them. In the present study, the relatively quick to use, simple but non-validated welfare assessment protocol for dairy cattle developed by the Danish Cattle Federation and the validated comprehensive Welfare Quality® protocol were compared in Danish conditions. In total, 44 Danish dairy herds were evaluated using the two protocols. The protocols were correlated on four sub-levels (corresponding to the ‘Principles’ in the Welfare Quality® protocol) and on the Overall welfare score. They correlated significantly with regard to the Principles ‘Good health’ and ‘Appropriate behaviour’. Significant correlations were not found for ‘Good feeding’, ‘Good housing’, and the Overall score. On the basis of this we changed the Danish Cattle Federation protocol by introducing six new measures, changing three measuring procedures and omitting two measures. This extended protocol was found to correlate significantly with the Welfare Quality® protocol in all four Principles and on the Overall score. The extended protocol still has the advantage of the original Danish Cattle Federation protocol whereby under Danish field conditions it will take only 2 h to apply as opposed to 7-8 h for the Welfare Quality® protocol. We believe that the extended protocol balances, in a good way, the demands of practicability against its value as a diagnostic test.
Does the current regulation of assisted reproductive techniques in the UK safeguard animal welfare?
Authors: Campbell MLH 
Published: January 2014

AbstractReproductive medicine is one of the fastest developing fields of veterinary medicine. Regulation of veterinary-assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is currently divided between the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986), the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966), and the Animal Welfare Act (2006). None of those pieces of legislation was purpose designed to protect the welfare of animals undergoing ARTs, either directly or by determining which veterinary ART procedures may or may not be performed. Consequently, due to the lack of reference to such procedures, the welfare protection aims of the legislation are sometimes ambiguous. It is therefore difficult to ascertain whether the aims of the legislation are being fulfilled but, in the opinion of this author, the legislation is anyway inadequate in scope, most particularly because it fails to provide a reporting function. It is unclear whether all or any veterinary ART procedures being undertaken on post-natal animals are associated with suffering. Some ARTs may cause discomfort, stress or pain: study or review of the welfare effects of these would be valuable. Any future review of the legislation regulating veterinary ARTs, be that an overall review or a review of one of the relevant statutes (for example the VSA), should take into account the interface between research and clinical medicine; the potentially welfare-compromising gaps between the Acts, the need to introduce reporting functions in order to build an evidence base, and the issue of veterinary specialisation and whether specialised techniques should be carried out only by those with specialist post-graduate qualifications.
The UV and visible spectra of chlorine peroxide: Constraining the atmospheric photolysis rate
Authors: Young I. A. K. , Jones R. L. , Pope F. D. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe photolysis of chlorine peroxide (ClOOCl) is a key chemical step in the depletion of polar stratospheric ozone. As such, precise measurements of the absorption cross sections for ClOOCl are required. In this paper we provide two critical pieces of laboratory data with which to constrain the rate of ozone depletion. First, we provide an optically pure ClOOCl spectrum in the photolytically important UV wavelength region (200–350 nm). Second, we provide the first ever measurement of the ClOOCl spectrum in the visible region (509–536 nm) conclusively demonstrating the photolysis of ClOOCl to be negligible in this spectral region. The visible measurement is important because it can be used to anchor other previously recorded UV spectra and hence reduce the uncertainty in the ClOOCl photolysis rate. The calculated photolysis rate from this study indicates that the current models of stratospheric ozone depletion are correct.
Substorm onset process: Ignition of auroral acceleration and related substorm phases
Authors: Morioka Akira , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Kasaba Yasumasa , Sato N. , Kadokura Akira , Misawa Hiroaki , Miyashita Yukinaga , Mann Ian 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe substorm onset process was studied on the basis of the vertical evolution of auroral acceleration regions derived from auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) spectra and Pi pulsations on the ground. The field‐aligned auroral acceleration at substorm onset demonstrated two distinct phases. Low‐altitude acceleration (h~3000–5000 km), which accompanied auroral initial brightening, prebreakup Pi2, and direct current of ultralow frequency (DC‐ULF) pulsation were first activated and played an important role (precondition) in the subsequent substorm expansion phase onset. Prebreakup Pi2 is suggestive of the ballooning mode wave generation, and negative decrease in DC‐ULF suggests increasing field‐aligned current (FAC). We called this stage the substorm initial phase. A few minutes after this initial phase onset, high‐altitude acceleration, which accompanied auroral breakup and poleward expansion with breakup Pi1 and Pi2 pulsations, suddenly broke out in an altitude range from 8000 to 16,000 km. Thus, substorm expansion onset originated in the magnetosphere‐ionosphere (M‐I) coupling region, i.e., substorm ignition in the M‐I coupling region. Statistical investigations revealed that about 65% of earthward flow bursts observed in the plasma sheet were accompanied by enhanced low‐altitude AKR, suggesting that flow braking of bursts causes FAC and resulting low‐altitude field‐aligned acceleration in the M‐I coupling region. On the basis of these observations, we propose a substorm onset scenario in which FAC that originated from the braking of plasma flow bursts first enhances low‐altitude acceleration (substorm initial phase onset) and then the increasing FAC induces current‐driven instability in the M‐I coupling region, which leads to high‐altitude acceleration and resulting substorm expansion phase onset.
Origins of topography in the western U.S.: Mapping crustal and upper mantle density variations using a uniform seismic velocity model
Authors: Levandowski Will , Jones Craig H. , Shen Weisen , Ritzwoller Michael H. , Schulte‐Pelkum Vera 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTo investigate the physical basis for support of topography in the western U.S., we construct a subcontinent scale, 3‐D density model using ~1000 estimated crustal thicknesses and S velocity profiles to 150 km depth at each of 947 seismic stations. Crustal temperature and composition are considered, but we assume that mantle velocity variations are thermal in origin. From these densities, we calculate crustal and mantle topographic contributions. Typical 2σ uncertainty of topography is ~500 m, and elevations in 84% of the region are reproduced within error. Remaining deviations from observed elevations are attributed to melt, variations in crustal quartz content, and dynamic topography; compositional variations in the mantle, while plausible, are not necessary to reproduce topography. Support for western U.S. topography is heterogeneous, with each province having a unique combination of mechanisms. Topography due to mantle buoyancy is nearly constant (within ~250 m) across the Cordillera; relief there (>2 km) results from variations in crustal chemistry and thickness. Cold mantle provides ~1.5 km of ballast to the thick crust of the Great Plains and Wyoming craton. Crustal temperature variations and dynamic pressures have smaller magnitude and/or more localized impacts. Positive gravitational potential energy (GPE) anomalies (~2 × 1012N/m) calculated from our model promote extension in the northern Basin and Range and near the Sierra Nevada. Negative GPE anomalies (−3 × 1012N/m) along the western North American margin and Yakima fold and thrust belt add compressive stresses. Stresses derived from lithospheric density variations may strongly modulate tectonic stresses in the western U.S. continental interior.
Structure and Optical Properties of Multilayers Carbon Nanotubes/PEEK Nanocomposites
Authors: Ahmad Ishaq , Rakha Sobia A. , Yan Long , Zhou Xingtai , Ma Guohong , Munir Arshad 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTUsing sheet‐by‐sheet method, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) multilayered composites are manufactured. The shielding efficiencies and dielectric constants of the MWCNTs/PEEK composites are investigated in the frequency range of 0.1–1.6 THz using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS). The MWCNTs/PEEK composite with a carbon‐nanotubes fraction of 1.2% turns to be metallic. Moreover, compared with multilayered graphite/PEEK and single layered MWCNTs/PEEK composites, the multilayered MWCNTs/PEEK composites present excellent terahertz absorptive with a frequency response consistent with Drude's free‐electron model.
Parental smoking and allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Salehi Maryam , Bakhshaee Mehdi , Ashtiani Sara Jafari , Najafi Mona , Sehatbakhsh Samineh , Hossainzadeh Mana 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundParental smoking is one of the controversial risk factors associated with allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parental smoking and allergic rhinitis; considering confounding factors.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 671 children aged 2 to 7 years. Random cluster sampling was used to select the participants. The signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children were assessed through standard questionnaires and physical examinations.ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, parental smoking (odds ratio [OR] 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–2.41) was not a significant risk factor for allergic rhinitis; positive family history of allergy was the only significant factor among other factors (OR 23.64; 95% CI, 11.63–48.04). Sex (OR 1.16; 95% CI, 0.60–2.24), family size (OR 1.06; 95% CI, 0.22–5.05), family income (OR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.24–1.47), and parents’ education (OR 1.79; 95% CI, 0.61–5.20) were not statistically significant.ConclusionThe findings suggest that there is no significant relationship between parental smoking and allergic rhinitis.
A Regio‐ and Stereoselective ω‐Transaminase/Monoamine Oxidase Cascade for the Synthesis of Chiral 2,5‐Disubstituted Pyrrolidines
Authors: O'Reilly Elaine , Iglesias Cesar , Ghislieri Diego , Hopwood Jennifer , Galman James L. , Lloyd Richard C. , Turner Nicholas J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBiocatalytic approaches to the synthesis of optically pure chiral amines, starting from simple achiral building blocks, are highly desirable because such motifs are present in a wide variety of important natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, a novel one‐pot ω‐transaminase (TA)/monoamine oxidase (MAO‐N) cascade process for the synthesis of chiral 2,5‐disubstituted pyrrolidines is reported. The reactions proceeded with excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity (>94 % ee; >98 % de) and can be performed on a preparative scale. This methodology exploits the complementary regio‐ and stereoselectivity displayed by both enzymes, which ensures that the stereogenic center established by the transaminase is not affected by the monoamine oxidase, and highlights the potential of this multienzyme cascade for the efficient synthesis of chiral building blocks.
Broadly Applicable Z‐ and Diastereoselective Ring‐Opening/Cross‐Metathesis Catalyzed by a Dithiolate Ru Complex
Authors: Koh Ming Joo , Khan R. Kashif M. , Torker Sebastian , Hoveyda Amir H. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA broadly applicable Ru‐catalyzed protocol for Z‐selective ring‐opening/cross‐metathesis (ROCM) is disclosed. In addition to reactions relating to terminal alkenes of different sizes, the first examples of Z‐selective ROCM processes involving heteroaryl olefins, 1,3‐dienes, and O‐ and S‐substituted alkenes as well as allylic and homoallylic alcohols are reported. Z‐Selective transformations with an α‐substituted allylic alcohol are shown to afford congested Z alkenes with high diastereoselectivity. Transformations are performed in the presence of 2.0–5.0 mol % of a recently disclosed Ru‐based dithiolate complex that can be easily prepared in a single step from commercially available starting materials. Typically, transformations proceed at ambient temperature and are complete within eight hours; products are obtained in up to 97 % yield, >98:2 Z/E, and >98:2 diastereomeric ratio. The present investigations reveal a mechanistically significant attribute of the Ru‐based dithiolates that arises from electrostatic interactions with anionic S‐based ligands.
A Multicomponent Ni‐, Zr‐, and Cu‐Catalyzed Strategy for Enantioselective Synthesis of Alkenyl‐Substituted Quaternary Carbons
Authors: McGrath Kevin P. , Hoveyda Amir H. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe availability of enantiomerically enriched carbonyl‐containing compounds is essential to the synthesis of biologically active molecules. Since catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition (ECA) reactions directly generate the latter valuable class of molecules, the design and development of such protocols represents a compelling objective in modern chemistry. Herein, we disclose the first solution to the problem of ECA of alkenyl groups to acyclic trisubstituted enones, an advance achieved by adopting an easily modifiable and fully catalytic approach. The requisite alkenylaluminum reagents are synthesized with exceptional site‐ and/or stereoselectivity by a Ni‐catalyzed hydroalumination process, and the necessary enones are prepared through a site‐ and stereoselective zirconocene‐catalyzed carboalumination/acylation reaction. The all‐catalytic procedure is complete within four hours, furnishing the desired products in up to 77 % overall yield and 99:1 enantiomeric ratio.