bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P450‐aromatase mRNA is Expressed in the Corpus Luteum (CL) of the Non‐Pregnant Sheep and Goat: The Expression of the Enzyme is Present Throughout Pregnancy in the Goat CL
Authors: Mondragón JA , Miranda C , García‐Mena J , Ocádiz‐Delgado R , Gariglio P , Romano MC 
Published: May 2012

ContentsIn most mammals, the corpus luteum (CL) and placenta are the major sources of progesterone. The goat pregnancy depends on the presence of CL after mid‐gestation, while sheep pregnancy does not. The expression and distribution of P450‐aromatase (P450‐Aro) mRNA throughout gestation has not been investigated in the goat CL and partially in the sheep CL. The present research was designed to characterize the expression of P450‐Aro mRNA in small ruminant CL with emphasis in the goat. For this purpose, ovaries from Criollo goats and Pelibuey sheeps were analysed using in situ reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for the histological detection of P450‐Aro transcripts. In addition, P450‐Aro expression was determined by in vitro RT‐PCR. In situ RT‐PCR studies showed that the goat and sheep CL were rich in cells positive for P450‐Aro mRNA. We have also found in vitro RT‐PCR expression of P450‐Aro mRNA in goat CL at 1, 3 and 4 months of gestation. This study shows that the goat CL expresses P450‐Aro mRNA along gestation, suggesting that this structure is capable to produce oestrogens up to the end of gestation.
Applicability of a New Cell Culture Device for Cooled‐Storage of Stallion Semen
Authors: Scarlet D , Budik S , Aurich C 
Published: May 2012

ContentsA new device for storage and shipping of cell cultures – the Petaka G3 cell management device – was tested for its applicability for cooled‐storage of equine semen. Semen from three stallions was processed with EquiPro extender either without antibiotics (three ejaculates per stallion) or with gentamicin (250 mg / l; three ejaculates per stallion). Semen was either stored at five (anaerobic conditions) or 15°C (aerobic conditions) in syringes or cell culture devices. Total and progressive motility, as well as membrane integrity of spermatozoa, were evaluated from days 1 to 7 after collection with computer‐assisted semen analysis. In experiment 1 (extender without antibiotics), total motility, progressive motility and viability of spermatozoa significantly decreased over time (p < 0.05). The decrease was significantly faster at 15°C than at 5°C (p < 0.05). In the presence of gentamicin (experiment 2), this difference was no longer present. It can be concluded that cooled‐storage of equine semen in sophisticated devices for cell culture is not advantageous to syringes for successful maintenance of semen longevity.
Influence of the rheological behaviour of the lubricant on the appearance of pitting in elastohydrodynamic regime
Authors: OTERO J. ECHÁVARRI , DE LA GUERRA OCHOA E. , TANARRO E. CHACÓN , MORGADO P. LAFONT , DÍAZ LANTADA A. , MUNOZ‐GUIJOSA J. M. , MUÑOZ SANZ J. L. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the influence of lubricant behaviour on the appearance of pitting. It attempts to study the effect of viscosity–pressure relation, compressibility, film thickness–roughness relation and friction coefficient on pitting failure of the contacting elements. To explain these effects, we first deal with the influence of the oil on the lubrication of the contact using elastohydrodynamic theory and secondly two multiaxial fatigue criteria are used, Crossland criterion and Dang Van criterion, to evaluate the influence of the rheology on the appearance of pitting. Finally, different applications are presented together with a discussion on the results obtained.
Unveiling the diversity of thalamocortical neuron subtypes
Authors: Clascá Francisco , Rubio‐Garrido Pablo , Jabaudon Denis 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOur current understanding of thalamocortical (TC) circuits is largely based on studies investigating so‐called ‘specific’ thalamic nuclei, which receive and transmit sensory‐triggered input to specific cortical target areas. TC neurons in these nuclei have a striking point‐to‐point topography and a stereotyped laminar pattern of termination in the cortex, which has made them ideal models to study the organization, plasticity, and development of TC circuits. However, despite their experimental importance, neurons within these nuclei only represent a fraction of all thalamic neurons and do not reflect the diversity of the TC neuron population. Here we review the distinct subtypes of projection neurons that populate the thalamus, both within and across anatomically‐defined nuclei, with regard to differences in their morphology, input/output connectivity and target specificity, as well as more recent findings on their neuron type‐specific gene expression and development. We argue that a detailed understanding of the biology of TC neurons is critical to understand the role of the thalamus in normal and pathological perception, voluntary movement, cognition and attention.
Patterning of pre‐thalamic somatosensory pathways
Authors: Pouchelon Gabrielle , Frangeul Laura , Rijli Filippo M. , Jabaudon Denis 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe topographical mapping of input is a fundamental organizing principle of sensory pathways. In the somatosensory system, a precise topographical representation of the face is first generated in the brainstem and then faithfully replicated in the thalamus and cortex. Although our knowledge of the distinct polysynaptic pathways that link cutaneous mechanoreceptors of the face with neocortical neurons has recently expanded, the molecular mechanisms controlling their neuron‐type‐specific assembly during development remain poorly understood. The increasing availability of genetic tools that enable manipulation of these developing circuits with cellular resolution now opens new perspectives in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which input from the periphery is converted into patterned central pathways.
Development and critical period plasticity of the barrel cortex
Authors: Erzurumlu Reha S. , Gaspar Patricia 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn primary sensory neocortical areas of mammals, the distribution of sensory receptors is mapped with topographic precision and amplification in proportion to the peripheral receptor density. The visual, somatosensory and auditory cortical maps are established during a critical period in development. Throughout this window in time, the developing cortical maps are vulnerable to deleterious effects of sense organ damage or sensory deprivation. The rodent barrel cortex offers an invaluable model system with which to investigate the mechanisms underlying the formation of topographic maps and their plasticity during development. Five rows of mystacial vibrissa (whisker) follicles on the snout and an array of sinus hairs are represented by layer IV neural modules (‘barrels’) and thalamocortical axon terminals in the primary somatosensory cortex. Perinatal damage to the whiskers or the sensory nerve innervating them irreversibly alters the structural organization of the barrels. Earlier studies emphasized the role of the sensory periphery in dictating whisker‐specific brain maps and patterns. Recent advances in molecular genetics and analyses of genetically altered mice allow new insights into neural pattern formation in the neocortex and the mechanisms underlying critical period plasticity. Here, we review the development and patterning of the barrel cortex and the critical period plasticity.
Novel real‐time feedback and integrated simulation model for teaching and evaluating ultrasound‐guided regional anesthesia skills in pediatric anesthesia trainees
Authors: Moore David L , Ding Lili , Sadhasivam Senthilkumar 
Published: May 2012

SummaryObjectives:  To assess, teach, and improve core competencies and skills sets associated with ultrasound‐guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) of pediatric anesthesia trainees.Aim:  To effectively assess and improve UGRA‐associated cognitive and technical skills and proficiency of pediatric anesthesia trainees using simulators and real‐time feedback.Background:  Ultrasound usage has been increasingly adopted by anesthesiologists to perform regional anesthesia. Pediatric UGRA performance significantly lags behind adult UGRA practice. Lack of effective UGRA training is the major reason for this unfortunate lag. Integration of ultrasound imaging, target location, and needling skills are crucial in safely performing UGRA. However, there are no standards to ensure proficiency in practice, nor in training.Methods:  We implemented an UGRA instructional program for all trainees, in two parts. First, we used a unique training model for initial assessment and training of technical skills. Second, we used an instructional program that encompasses UGRA and equipment‐associated cognitive skills. After baseline assessment at 0 months, we retested these trainees at 6 and 12 months to identify progression of proficiency over time.Results:  Cognitive and technical UGRA skills of trainees improved significantly over the course of time. UGRA performance average accuracy improved to 79% at 12 months from the baseline accuracy of 57%. Cognitive UGRA‐related skills of trainees improved from baseline results of 52.5–79.2% at 12 months.Conclusions:  Implementing a multifaceted assessment and real‐time feedback‐based training has significantly improved UGRA‐related cognitive and technical skills and proficiency of pediatric anesthesia trainees.
Role of ultrasound compared to age‐related formulas for uncuffed endotracheal intubation in a pediatric population
Authors: Schramm Christoph , Knop Jana , Jensen Katrin , Plaschke Konstanze 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackground:  It is often difficult to determine the correct size of endotracheal tubes (ETT) needed for intubating pediatric patients. Therefore, we evaluated the role of ultrasound in pediatric patients to compare the correct size of an uncuffed (ETT) with the minimal transverse diameter of the subglottic airway (MTDSA) measured by ultrasound and with tube size predicted by different age‐related formulas.Methods:  A total of 50 pediatric patients ≤5 years were enrolled. As a standard, we defined the adequate ETT size with no audible leakage below a ventilation pressure of 15 mbar and with an audible leakage above 25 mbar. The maximum allowed difference between the prediction method result and the ETT that fit was defined as 0.3 mm. Ultrasound was performed before the intubation procedure; the intubating anesthesiologists were blinded to the results of the ultrasound measurement. Agreement between the two age‐based formulas most commonly used at our department and MTDSA with the correct ETT size (standard) was analyzed using a Bland–Altman plot. Correlation and regression analyses were performed and the numbers of correct intubation trials recorded.Results:  The frequency of bias ≤0.3 mm between each method and the correct ETT in the first attempt was <50% and the mean number of reintubations 1.6 ± 1.3. In contrast to age‐related formulas, however, the ultrasonographically determined MTDSA was not significantly different from the correct ETT. MTDSA was highly associated with the outer diameter of the ETT (r = 0.869, R2 = 0.754).Conclusions:  Measuring MTDSA by ultrasound facilitates selection of the appropriate ETT in pediatric patients and may reduce the number of reintubations.
Adhesive intestinal obstruction in laparoscopic vs open colorectal resection
Authors: Saklani A. P. , Naguib N. , Shah P. R. , Mekhail P. , Winstanley S. , Masoud A. G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  While there is evidence that laparoscopy creates fewer adhesions, evidence regarding decreased episodes of adhesive obstruction in laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR) is still lacking. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of adhesion‐related admissions/surgery in patients undergoing LCR and open colorectal resection (OCR).Method  We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database that included all patients undergoing LCR and OCR between 2001 and 2010. Patients with < 6 months of follow‐up were excluded. Patients who were converted to open surgery were included in the laparoscopic group. Details regarding readmission rates and surgery for adhesive obstruction were obtained from clinical portals and the theatre database. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test, the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Student’s t‐test.Results  One‐hundred and forty‐four patients had LCR with a median (range) follow‐up of 24.5 (6–108) months. One‐hundred and eighty‐seven patients underwent OCR, with a median (range) follow‐up of 49 (6–104) months. Six (4.2%) of 144 patients in the LCR group had adhesion‐related admission/obstruction compared with 13 (6.95%) of 187 patients in the OCR group (P = 0.34). Three (2.1%) of 144 patients who had LCR required surgery for adhesive obstruction compared with five (2.7%) of 187 who had OCR (P = 0.73).Conclusion  In our study there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction between LCR and OCR groups.
Privatisation by the Back Door: the case of the higher education policy in Israel
Authors: Gaziel Haim H. 
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study is to seek to understand the process of privatisation and deregulation of Israel's higher education system which had been until the late 20th century predominantly public.Since 1994, public and governmental agencies became major clients of private universities. Thus the public sector played a major role in the expansion of international universities and in the operation of their academic programmes and became their major financial source. This partnership between the public and the private sector could be explained by the following: the increased demand for higher education by native born Israelis and the large flux of immigrants from the former USSR and Ethiopia on the one side, and the socialist ideology which deeply rooted in the Israeli society, to enable for everyone who wishes to attain higher education to find a place in the undergraduate system (particularly the population of the developmental towns and minority groups) on the other, pushed the Israeli government to expand its boundaries. Israel's public universities have been subjected to relax admissions requirement, which they refused to do.Another reason is the increasing demand from the public service in general and particularly from the education service that having a BA degree would increase the teacher salary and it does not matter whether the degree comes from an Israeli university(with its higher standards) or from a branch of an international university(with its lower standards). That explains the expansion and diversification that occurred in the higher education system in Israel. The 1998 Branches Act stipulating that any overseas institution intending to open an off shore branch must obtain a licence from the Council of Higher Education. The new regime demonstrates the paradox in higher education policy, on one side privatisation by the backdoor, on the other, regulation and control by the Israeli government.
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Essentials of Magnetism Scale (EOM II)
Authors: Yıldırım D. , Kısa S. , Hisar F. 
Published: May 2012

Yıldırım D., Kısa S. & Hisar F. (2012) Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Essentials of Magnetism Scale (EOM II). International Nursing ReviewAim:  To test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Essentials of Magnetism II Scale (EOMII) for use by staff nurses as being essential to quality patient care.Methods:  This study consisted of 385 nurses from four joint commission internationally accredited hospitals. The EOMII scale was translated using a back‐translation technique. The statistical analysis was carried out using Cronbach's alpha to test the internal consistency of the scale, while the factor analysis was carried out using the principal component analysis together with the varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization to test its construct validity.Results:  The total mean scores of all the items of the scale were found to be 155.33 (minimum 77 – maximum 219) and the standard deviation was 29.45. All the items showed a statistically significant correlation (P < 0.01). The Cronbach's α of the scale was 0.92, indicating a high level of reliability. Cronbach's alpha consistencies in subgroups were between 0.87 and 0.70. In this study, job satisfaction and quality results show the sign of convergence as in the original scale, which shows that the scale has a high construct validity (P < 0.01).Discussions:  Transcultural differences in the quality of nursing services can only be compared with reliable and valid instruments. This study shows that the Turkish version of the EOMII scale is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the nurses' working environment and to provide quality patient care in Turkey.
The Mutability of Public Reason
Authors: FLANDERS CHAD 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRawls's “public reason” has not been without its critics. One criticism is that public reason is “conservative.” Public reason must rely on those beliefs that are “widely shared” among citizens. But if public reason relies on widely shared beliefs, how can it change without departing from those beliefs, thus violating public reason? In part one of my essay, I introduce the conservatism objection and describe two unsatisfactory responses to it. Part two argues that there are aspects of public reason which diminish the force of the conservatism objection: first, that public reason is historical, and second, that it is mutable.
Psycho‐logic: Some thoughts and after‐thoughts
Authors: SMEDSLUND J. 
Published: May 2012

Smedslund, J. (2012). Psycho‐logic: Some thoughts and after‐thoughts. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 295–302.The main features of the system of psycho‐logic and its historical origins, especially in the writings of Heider and Piaget, are briefly reviewed. An updated version of the axioms of psycho‐logic, and a list of the semantic primitives of Wierzbicka are presented. Some foundational questions are discussed, including the genetically determined limitations of human knowledge, the constructive, moral, and political nature of the approach, the role of fortuitous events, the ultimate limitations of psychological knowledge (the “balloon” to be inflated from the inside), the role of the subjective unconscious, and the implications of the approach for practice.
Mental health problems and post‐migration stress among multi‐traumatized refugees attending outpatient clinics upon resettlement to Norway
Authors: TEODORESCU DINU‐STEFAN , HEIR TROND , HAUFF EDVARD , WENTZEL‐LARSEN TORE , LIEN LARS 
Published: May 2012

Teodorescu, D.‐S., Heir, T., Hauff, E., Wentzel‐Larsen, T. & Lien, L. (2012). Mental health problems and post‐migration stress among multi‐traumatized refugees attending outpatient clinics upon resettlement to Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 316–332.Refugees have often been exposed to multiple traumas making them prone to mental health problems later. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and symptom load of psychiatric disorders in refugees admitted to psychiatric outpatient clinics and to investigate the relationship between multiple exposure to traumatic events, the severity of traumatic symptoms and post‐migration stressors. A clinical sample of 61 refugee outpatients from psychiatric clinics in Southern Norway was cross‐sectionally examined using three structured clinical interviews (SCID‐PTSD, SIDES and MINI) and self‐report psychometric instruments (HSCL‐25, IES‐R). Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was diagnosed in 82% of the patients, while Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS) was present in 16% of them. Comorbidity was considerable; 64% of the patients had both PTSD and major depression disorder (MDD) and 80% of those who had PTSD had three or more additional diagnoses. Multi‐traumatized refugees in outpatient clinics have high prevalence of PTSD, DESNOS, comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. A more severe symptomatology was found in patients diagnosed with both PTSD and DESNOS, than in those diagnosed with only PTSD. Higher rates of unemployment, weak social network and weak social integration were also prevalent in these outpatients, and related to increased psychiatric comorbidity and severity of symptoms. Further research may clarify the existence of a cumulative relationship between pre‐resettlement traumas and post‐resettlement stressors in the mental health of refugees, which in turn may help to improve therapeutic interventions.
Using individual differences to predict job performance: Correcting for direct and indirect restriction of range
Authors: SJÖBERG SOFIA , SJÖBERG ANDERS , NÄSWALL KATHARINA , SVERKE MAGNUS 
Published: May 2012

Sjöberg, S., Sjöberg, A., Näswall, K. & Sverke, M. (2012). Using individual differences to predict job performance: Correcting for direct and indirect restriction of range. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 368–373.The present study investigates the relationship between individual differences, indicated by personality (FFM) and general mental ability (GMA), and job performance applying two different methods of correction for range restriction. The results, derived by analyzing meta‐analytic correlations, show that the more accurate method of correcting for indirect range restriction increased the operational validity of individual differences in predicting job performance and that this increase primarily was due to general mental ability being a stronger predictor than any of the personality traits. The estimates for single traits can be applied in practice to maximize prediction of job performance. Further, differences in the relative importance of general mental ability in relation to overall personality assessment methods was substantive and the estimates provided enables practitioners to perform a correct utility analysis of their overall selection procedure.
Crime and the Decline of Unions
Authors: Baumann Robert , Engelhardt Bryan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this paper we investigate the relationship between union membership and crime. Using state level data between 1993 and 2006, we find the elasticity of crime with respect to union membership is roughly −0.5. From our results, we predict the decline in union membership has increased crime by 15 per cent since 1993. Furthermore, we find the elasticity between union jobs and crime is larger in absolute value when using an instrumental variable approach to control for the impact unions have on labor market efficiency.