bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of daily energy expenditure on academic performance of elementary students in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Peng‐Sheng , Huang Yi‐Ching , Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Wang Kuo‐Ming 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThe objective of the study was to investigate the potential effects of daily energy expenditure on the academic performance (AP) of elementary schoolchildren, the results of which will be used as the basis of planning physical activity (PA) for children in the future.MethodsParticipants were collected from 4th to 6th grade children at an elementary school in southern Taiwan. The effective sample data size was 1065 (79.8%; 528 boys and 537 girls). Daily mean energy expenditure was obtained using the 3 Day Physical Activity Recall (3‐DPAR), and the intensive activities degrees of physical activity were categorized into lowest PA, middle PA, and highest PA group, and academic performance assessed with weighted academic score.ResultsThe significant effect on the academic performance of schoolchildren was only in energy expenditure but not for sexes and tutorials attended. All students in the middle PA group performed better academically than those in the highest PA group. After controlling sexes, male students in the middle PA group performed better than other groups; female students in the lowest PA group performed better than other groups.ConclusionThese results may be consulted by schools, academic faculties, and parents in setting up exercise plans for children.
Evaluation of a peer‐based mental health support program for adolescents orphaned by AIDS in South Africa
Authors: Thupayagale‐Tshweneagae Gloria , Mokomane Zitha 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThis article provides the findings of a qualitative study done to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer‐based mental health support program for adolescents orphaned by AIDS in South Africa known as BAR, an acronym for “Better Accept Reality”.MethodsData was collected from 15 adolescents orphaned by AIDS using focus group discussions, reflective diaries, and recordings of the adolescents' school grades. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's steps of data analysis.ResultsThe results showed a notable positive change in the participants' attitude to caregivers, responsibility to self and to others, and school grades.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the peer‐based mental health support program is effective in meeting the mental health needs of adolescents orphaned by AIDS. The participants were able to express their needs and improve relationships with caregivers, a clear sign of adapting to their loss.
Lessons From the Trenches: Meeting Evaluation Challenges in School Health Education*
Authors: Young Michael , Denny George , Donnelly Joseph 
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND: Those involved in school health education programs generally believe that health‐education programs can play an important role in helping young people make positive health decisions. Thus, it is to document the effects of such programs through rigorous evaluations published in peer‐reviewed journals.METHODS: This paper helps the reader understand the context of school health program evaluation, examines several problems and challenges, shows how problems can often be fixed, or prevented, and demonstrates ways in which challenges can be met. A number of topics are addressed, including distinguishing between curricula evaluation and evaluation of outcomes, types of evaluation, identifying stakeholders in school health evaluation, selection of a program evaluator, recruiting participants, design issues, staff training, parental consent, instrumentation, program implementation and treatment fidelity, participant retention, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, presentation of results, and manuscript preparation and submission.RESULTS: Although there is a lack of health‐education program evaluation, rigorous evaluations that have been conducted have, at least in some cases, led to wider dissemination of effective programs.CONCLUSIONS: These suggestions will help those interested in school health education understand the importance of evaluation and will provide important guidelines for those conducting evaluations of school health‐education programs.
Surgical treatment of septic physitis in 17 foals
Authors: Hall MS , Pollock PJ , Russell T 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo document the progression and outcome after surgical curettage of septic physes in foals.Study designCase series of 17 foals, aged <9 weeks, with septic physitis.MethodsAll foals were treated surgically with curettage of physeal lesions. Combinations of systemic antibiotics, intravenous regional perfusion of antibiotic and antibiotic‐impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads were used as adjunct medical treatments. Tissue removed from the physis of three foals during surgery was sent for pathological analysis.ResultsAt follow‐up, 15 of the 17 foals were alive. In the two foals with septic physitis of the distal tibia, the condition was bilateral. Eight foals had concurrent septic arthritis of the joint adjacent to the growth plate, but this did not affect outcome. Referring veterinarians of the foals were contacted at least 9 months post‐surgery and all reported excellent functional, and good to excellent cosmetic, outcomes. Pathological examination of the septic physeal tissue showed that normal growth plate had been replaced by inflammatory tissue.Conclusion and clinical relevanceSeptic physitis in foals may be treated using surgical curettage in selected cases. Removal of septic material might be expected to expedite resolution of infection, especially important in immunologically challenged neonates, where septic tissue may act as a reservoir for seeding of infection to other sites.
Abstract Singular Terms and Thin Reference
Authors: Duke George 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe prevailing approach to the problem of the ontological status of mathematical entities such as numbers and sets is to ask in what sense it is legitimate to ascribe a reference to abstract singular terms; those expressions of our language which, taken at face value, denote abstract objects. On the basis of this approach, neo‐Fregean Abstractionists such as Hale and Wright have argued that abstract singular terms may be taken to effect genuine reference towards objects, whereas nominalists such as Field have asserted that these apparent ontological commitments should not be taken at face value. In this article I argue for an intermediate position which upholds the legitimacy of ascribing a reference to abstract singular terms in an attenuated sense relative to the more robust ascription of reference applicable to names denoting concrete entities. In so doing I seek to clear up some confusions regarding the ramifications of such a thin notion of reference for ontological claims about mathematical objects.
Idealism and Scepticism: A Reply to Brueckner
Authors: Puryear Stephen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAnthony Brueckner argues that Berkeleyan idealism lacks anti‐sceptical force because of the way Berkeley draws the appearance/reality distinction. But Brueckner's case rests on a misunderstanding of Berkeley's view. Properly understood, Berkeleyan idealism does indeed have anti‐sceptical force.
Agential Knowledge, Action and Process
Authors: Wolfson Ben 
Published: October 2012

AbstractClaims concerning processes, claims of the form “xisφing”, have been the subject of renewed interest in recent years in the philosophy of action. However, this interest has frequently limited itself to noting certain formal features such claims have, and has not extended to a discussion of when they are true. This article argues that a claim of the form “xisφing” is true when what is happening withxis such that, if it is not interrupted, a φing will occur. It then applies itself more directly to the case of action, arguing that when “xisφing” describesx's intentional action, it is true iffxis acting from a method she knows to be sufficient to φ, in the sense that if she is not interrupted in carrying out this method, she will φ. I use this criterion to argue that the carbon‐copier example Donald Davidson gives in “Intending” fails to refute Elizabeth Anscombe's claim that an agent who is φing intentionally knows that she is, because the agent in Davidson's example is not intentionally making the copies.
An Explanatory Challenge to Moral Reductionism
Authors: Zhong Lei 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIt is generally believed that moral reductionism is immune from notorious problems in moral metaphysics and epistemology, such as the problem of moral explanation – it is at least on this dimension that moral reductionism scores better than moral anti‐reductionism. However, in this article I reject this popular view. First, I argue that moral reductionism fails to help vindicate the explanatory efficacy of moral properties because the reductionist solution is either circular or otiose. Second, I attempt to show that a successful vindication, if any, of moral explanation requires moral‐descriptive irreducibility. My discussion thus raises an explanatory challenge to moral reductionism.
The Problem with Uniform Solutions to Peer Disagreement
Authors: Konigsberg Amir 
Published: October 2012

AbstractContributors to the recent disagreement debate have sought to provide a uniform response to cases in which epistemic peers disagree about the epistemic import of a shared body of evidence, no matter what kind of evidence they are disagreeing about. The varied cases addressed in the literature have included examples of disagreement about restaurant bills, court verdicts, weather forecasting, chess, morality, religious beliefs, and even disagreements about philosophical disagreements. The equal treatment of these varied cases has motivated the search for a uniform response to peer disagreement wherever it is encountered. In this article I challenge this prevalent approach in the literature. I grant the notion of epistemic peer and accept that being a peer may amount to the same thing in different domains; nonetheless I contend that different domains appear to call for different responses to disagreement. I argue that the appropriate response to finding out about a disagreement with a peer is different in different domains.
Diagnostic Utility of Abdominal Ultrasonography in Dogs with Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Leib M.S. , Larson M.M. , Grant D.C. , Monroe W.E. , Troy G.C. , Panciera D.L. , Rossmeisl J.H. , Werre S.R. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundChronic diarrhea is common in dogs and has many causes. Ultrasonographic descriptions of many gastrointestinal diseases have been published, but the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography in dogs with chronic diarrhea has not been investigated.HypothesisDiagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound will be highest in dogs withGIneoplasia and lowest in those with inflammatory disorders.Animals87 pet dogs with chronic diarrhea.MethodsProspective study in which medical records were reviewed and contribution of abdominal ultrasound toward making diagnosis was scored.ResultsIn 57/87 (66%) of dogs, the same diagnosis would have been reached without ultrasonography. In 13/87 (15%) of dogs, the ultrasound examination was vital or beneficial to making the diagnosis. Univariable analysis identified that increased diagnostic utility was associated with weight loss (P = .0086), palpation of an abdominal or rectal mass (P = .0031), diseases that commonly have mass lesions visible on ultrasound examination (P < .0001), and a final diagnosis ofGIneoplasia. Multivariable regression indicated that utility of abdominal ultrasonography would be 30 times more likely to be high in dogs in which an abdominal or rectal mass was palpated (odds ratio 30.5, 95% CI 5.5–169.6) (P < .0001) versus dogs without a palpable mass. In 15/87 (17%) of dogs, additional benefits of ultrasonography to case management, independent of the contribution to the diagnosis of diarrhea, were identified.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOverall, the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasonography was low in dogs with chronic diarrhea. Identification of factors associated with high diagnostic utility is an indication to perform abdominal ultrasonography in dogs with chronic diarrhea.
Clinical Characterization of Canine Platelet Procoagulant Deficiency (Scott Syndrome)
Authors: Jandrey K.E. , Norris J.W. , Tucker M. , Brooks M.B. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundPlatelet function defects are rare causes of bleeding diatheses; however, disease prevalence might be underestimated because diagnosis requires assessment of specific parameters of platelet activation.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation of canine Scott syndrome (CSS), an intrinsic platelet function defect first identified in a closed colony of German Shepherds (GSD).AnimalsEleven (n = 6 female) client‐owned GSD affected with CSS that sought veterinary care for one or more episodes of abnormal bleeding.MethodsRetrospective review of all cases of CSS diagnosed through the Comparative Coagulation Laboratory at Cornell University between 2005 and 2011. The diagnosis of CSS was based on 2 measures of platelet procoagulant activity: serum prothrombin consumption and flow cytometric detection of platelet phosphatidylserine externalization after in vitro activation.ResultsPostoperative hemorrhage was the most common sign of CSS, whereas petechiae were not found in any dog. Although most GSD responded to platelet transfusion, refractory epistaxis in 2 GSD was managed by nasal arterial embolization. The CSS trait was not restricted to a single pedigree of related GSD or to a single geographic region.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUnlike thrombocytopenia and platelet aggregation defects, petechiae and other capillary hemorrhage are not typical features of CSS. After preliminary screening to rule out more common causes of hemorrhage, CSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent hemorrhage in GSD, and potentially other breeds of dog. Definitive diagnosis of CSS requires specific tests of platelet procoagulant activity.
Improving visual estimation through active feedback
Authors: Wintle Bonnie C. , Fidler Fiona , Vesk Peter A. , L. Moore Joslin 
Published: October 2012

Summary

In field surveys, ecological researchers and practitioners routinely make quantitative judgements that are known to vary in quality. Feedback about judgement accuracy is crucial for improving estimation performance yet is not usually afforded to fieldworkers. One reason it is rare lies in the difficulty of obtaining ‘true values’ (e.g. percentage cover) to learn from. Often, the only information we can access is other people's estimates of the same thing. Group average estimates tend to be remarkably accurate. By extension, receiving feedback about group averages may improve the estimation performance of individuals, dispensing with the need for ‘true values’ to learn from.

In experiment 1, we tested whether feedback using group averages might improve estimates of species abundance as much as feedback using true values. However, not all feedback approaches are effective. In experiment 2, we compared two feedback formats for presenting information about group estimates of percentage cover. In both experiments, we used a novel 4‐point interval estimation approach to quantify uncertainty that is known to reduce overconfidence but is yet to be applied in ecology.

Results from experiment 1 show that feedback about group averages improved performance (calibration and accuracy) almost as much as feedback about the truth, despite the fact that group averages were generally not close to true values. In contrast, group averages in experiment 2 were remarkably close to true values, but the only participants who improved their estimates were those who evaluated their own performance during the feedback session, using active feedback with a calibration component.

Feedback reminds surveyors not to give over‐precise estimates and to appropriately reflect uncertainty. It improves calibration and accuracy of abundance estimates and could reasonably improve estimates of other quantities. Drawing on the wisdom of crowds, group averages could be used as a proxy for true values in feedback procedures. However, the format for delivering feedback matters. Actively engaging participants by having them evaluate their own estimation performance appears critical to improving their subsequent judgements, compared with passive feedback. We advocate the introduction of feedback into the training of ecologists.
Determination of anthelmintic efficacy against equine cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum in France
Authors: Geurden T. , Betsch J.‐M. , Maillard K. , Vanimisetti B. , D'Espois M. , Besognet B. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThis article reports the results of a faecal egg count reduction test on 4 farms in France, as an integrated part of the routine deworming strategy against horse cyathostomins and Parascaris equorum. Treatment with fenbendazole (FBZ) or ivermectin (IVM) was evaluated in yearlings on Farms 1 and 2 and treatment with pyrantel embonate (PYR) was tested on Farms 3 and 4. Calculation of the arithmetic mean faecal egg count reduction and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) around the mean was performed using bootstrap analysis. For equine cyathostomins, resistance to FBZ was found with an arithmetic mean reduction of 48.8% (95% CI: 1.9–69.3%). On Farms 1 and 2, horses with reduced efficacy were identified. PYR was found to be effective against cyathostomins, with an arithmetic mean reduction of 95.3% (95% CI: 84.6–99.8%), as well as IVM (100%). For P. equorum, both FBZ and PYR were effective (100% reduction). The efficacy of IVM, however, was low (45.5%; 95% CI: 0–96.3%). These results confirm that FBZ resistance in equine cyathostomins is present in France and that anthelmintic resistance to IVM is present in P. equorum. This study underlines the necessity to evaluate the efficacy of horse deworming strategies on a regular basis under field conditions.
Tongue coating: related factors
Authors: Van Tornout Marie , Dadamio Jesica , Coucke Wim , Quirynen Marc 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimA clear relationship between tongue coating and oral malodour has been observed in many clinical trials. Why or when this coating is formed remains an open question. The aim of this study was to analyse possible factors related to the presence of tongue coating in a population complaining from oral malodour.Materials and MethodsPatients were recruited from a halitosis clinic (UZ Leuven). Medical history, dietary and oral hygiene habits were retrieved via a questionnaire. Data were recorded on organoleptic score and level of sulphur compounds in breath, anatomical features of the tongue dorsum, amount of tongue coating (according to three indices: Miyazaki, Winkel and modified Winkel), tongue coating wet weight and salivary flow. The correlation between the presence of tongue coating and a series of parameters was analysed.ResultsThe level of oral hygiene was the strongest determinant factor for the presence of tongue coating. Smoking, presence of a denture, periodontal status and dietary habits also correlated although less obvious.ConclusionThe presence of tongue coating appears to be related to several factors of which oral hygiene is the strongest.
Effect of the canopy complexity of trees on the rate of predation of insects
Authors: Šipoš J. , Kindlmann P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe effect of the complexity of tree canopies on the effectiveness of biological control of tree‐dwelling insect herbivores by predators has been neglected. A complex canopy provides a greater variety of resources than a simple canopy, which may result in an increase in the abundance of both herbivores and predators in complex canopies and a higher predation rate. On the other hand, it may be more difficult to locate prey in trees with a complex canopy, which may lower the predation rate. The main aim of this study is to determine the relationship between predation rate and canopy complexity. We have used a system consisting of lime trees, larvae of blowflies as prey and naturally occurring predators (mainly birds and ants). The complexity of the canopy of 12 of the lime trees was reduced by pruning, and the predation rate was determined by recording the fate of prey pinned on each of the trees for 30 min several times during the course of a year. The predation rate was negatively associated with canopy complexity. We compare these results with those reported in the literature and contrary to the widely held view conclude that a negative relationship between predation rate and canopy complexity is a common phenomenon and can be expected to be reported in studies not only on ambush but also on predators that actively search for prey.
Methamphetamine‐induced changes in the mice hippocampal neuropeptide Y system: implications for memory impairment
Authors: Gonçalves Joana , Baptista Sofia , Olesen Mikkel V. , Fontes‐Ribeiro Carlos , Malva João O. , Woldbye David P. , Silva Ana P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMethamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug that causes irreversible brain damage leading to several neurological and psychiatric abnormalities, including cognitive deficits. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is abundant in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and has several important functions, being involved in learning and memory processing. It has been demonstrated that METH induces significant alteration in mice striatal NPY, Y1 and Y2 receptor mRNA levels. However, the impact of this drug on the hippocampal NPY system and its consequences remain unknown. Thus, in this study, we investigated the effect of METH intoxication on mouse hippocampal NPY levels, NPY receptors function, and memory performance. Results show that METH increased NPY, Y2 and Y5 receptor mRNA levels, as well as total NPY binding accounted by opposite up‐ and down‐regulation of Y2 and Y1 functional binding, respectively. Moreover, METH‐induced impairment in memory performance and AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway were both prevented by the Y2 receptor antagonist, BIIE0246. These findings demonstrate that METH interferes with the hippocampal NPY system, which seems to be associated with memory failure. Overall, we concluded that Y2 receptors are involved in memory deficits induced by METH intoxication.
Prion protein participates in the regulation of classical and alternative activation of BV2 microglia
Authors: Shi Fushan , Yang Lifeng , Kouadir Mohammed , Yang Yang , Ding Tianjian , Wang Jihong , Zhou Xiangmei , Yin Xiaomin , Zhao Deming 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycoprotein anchored by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) to the cell surface and is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. Numerous studies have suggested a protective function for PrPC, including protection from ischemic and excitotoxic lesions and several apoptotic insults, and recent reports have shown that PrPC has a context‐dependent neuroprotective function. In this study, we investigated the effect of PPNP down‐regulation on various forms of microglial activation. We first examined the mRNA expression of PRNP upon exposure to IFN‐γ, IL‐4, or IL‐10 in BV2 microglia. We then analyzed the effect of si‐RNA‐mediated disruption of PRNP on different parameters of microglial activation in IFN‐γ‐, IL‐4‐, or IL‐10‐stimulated microglia. The results showed that PRNP mRNA expression was invariably down‐regulated in microglia upon exposure to IFN‐γ, IL‐4, or IL‐10. PRNP silencing prior to cytokines treatment reduced the responsiveness of microglia to INF‐γ treatment, significantly altered IL‐4‐induced microglial activation phenotype, and had no effect on IL‐10‐induced microglial activation. Together, these results support a role of PrPC in the modulation of the shift of microglia from a quiescent state to an activated phenotype and in the regulation of the microglial response during classical and alternative activation.