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We aimed to test the protective effect of dopexamine on renal function and systemic haemodynamics in rats with induced sepsis. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three equal groups: group 1 (control, received 3% creatinine throughout the experiment); group 2 (sepsis, received 3% creatinine and Escherichia colilipopolysaccharide [LPS] endotoxin [8 mg/kg per h]); and group 3 (sepsis plus dopexamine, received 3% creatinine, E. coliLPS and dopexamine [1 μg/kg per min]). Time-adjusted heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, urine volume and glomerular filtration rate (from creatinine clearance) were recorded. After bacterial infusion heart rate increased and mean arterial pressure decreased; the fall in mean arterial pressure was less pronounced with dopexamine (group 3) than without (group 2). Dopexamine also induced significant and moderate increases in urine volume and heart rate, respectively. We concluded that dopexamine has some positive inotropic-chronotropic effects and induces favourable responses in renal function.

A modified Sihler's stain technique was used to visualize the branching patterns of oculomotor and trochlear nerves. The levator palpebrae, superior rectus, inferior rectus, medial rectus, inferior oblique, superior oblique and tensor trochlea muscles were isolated from the eyes of normal rabbits and processed using modified Sihler's technique. The distributions and terminal ramifications of the oculomotor and trochlear nerves were observed. Two distinct divisions and terminal branches of the oculomotor nerve were shown in detail together with the trochlear nerve distribution. The application of Sihler's technique enables researchers to trace nerve branching within relatively transparent muscles, whereas the nerve fibers are counterstained and clearly visible. This technique could be useful for detailed studies of the motor control of extraocular muscles.

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) are rapidly becoming more popular in industrial applications where variable speed is required because of their simple construction, ease of maintenance, low cost and high efficiency. However, the operation of the SRM is heavily dependent upon precise information about rotor position, measurement of which may be very expensive or prohibited because of the nature of the application. The paper investigates the use of observer theory to eliminate the problems of having to measure the rotor position. For this purpose, observer algorithms based upon the extended Luenberger observer theory have been developed. These include plant nonlinearities which naturally lead to an estimator with improved performance over the existing estimation schemes. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, both theoretical study and practical implementation were done and satisfactory results were obtained.

A 1-month-old Miniature Shetland colt was presented to the Burg Müggenhausen Equine Clinic. Primary complaints were regurgitation of milk, bilateral white nasal discharge, and weakness. Physical examination, endoscopy of the esophagus, and contrast radiography led to the diagnosis of an esophageal stricture and aspiration pneumonia. Surgical treatment by means of an esophagomyotomy was performed. The foal improved only temporarily and multiple sessions of endoscopic balloon dilation of the esophagus were performed afterwards. 12 months after the final treatment the foal was healthy and had no complaints regarding esophageal function.