bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic Design of Geosynthetic and Granular Liquid Collection Layers Comprising Two Different Slopes
Authors: Giroud J.P. , Zornberg J.G. , Beech J.F.
Published: October 2014

Liquid collection layers used in landfills often comprise two sections with different slopes. Typically, one of the slopes is much steeper than the other one. The steeper slope is generally the downstream slope in a landfill cover and the upstream slope in a leachate collection layer. The liquid collection material is generally a geosynthetic (such as a geonet) on the steep slope and is either a geosynthetic or a granular material (such as sand or gravel) on the other slope. Design methods are available for the case where there is a drain that promptly removes the liquid at the toe of each of the two sections. This paper provides a method to design the liquid collection layer for the case where there is no drain at the connection between the two sections, i.e. when the only drain is at the toe of the downstream section. The method consists of analytical expressions for calculating the maximum thickness of liquid under steady-state conditions in each of the two sections of the liquid collection layer. Design examples are presented and practical guidance is provided for the use of a transition zone between the two sections when needed.
Bentonite:Kaolinite Clay Liner
Authors: Karunaratne G.P. , Chew S.H. , Lee S.L. , Sinha A.N.
Published: October 2014

Conventional geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) contain bentonite. Since high-quality bentonite is not easily available in Southeast Asia in comparison to kaolinite, an alternative cost-effective method is necessary. The concept of creating a GCL with a bentonite and kaolinite mixture on a biodegradable jute base is discussed in the present paper. The hydraulic conductivity and consolidation behaviour of bentonite: kaolinite mixtures was investigated. It was revealed that at least 30% bentonite was required in the mixture to result in the same decreasing coefficient of consolidation trend with pressure as shown using pure bentonite. The 50:50 bentonite:kaolinite (50:50 B:K) ratio yielded approximately the same hydraulic conductivity, k, as pure bentonite; hence, the remainder of the study focused on the 50:50 B:K mixture. For the 50:50 B:K mixture hydraulic conductivity measurements, the following permeants were used: (i) distilled water, (ii) 0.25M calcium chloride, (iii) 0.1M hydrochloric acid, and (iv) 0.1M sodium hydroxide. With the calcium chloride permeant, the hydraulic conductivity of the mixture was found to be in the range of 10−10 m/s, whereas the hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide permeants yielded values near 10−11 m/s. It was also found that the liquid limit and swell index tests carried out on bentonite and the B:K mixture were significantly affected by the presence of a large amount of calcium chloride. A jute-based clay liner was then created with the 50:50 B:K mixture. Its effectiveness in the landfill liner system was investigated for equivalency and was found to be satisfactory when using distilled water as the permeant. The biodegradability of jute and the effect of organic chemicals on the clays are beyond the scope of the present paper.
Calibration and Validation of Design Methods for Geosynthetic-Reinforced Retaining Structures Using Partial Factors
Authors: Gourc J.P. , Arab R. , Giraud H.
Published: October 2014

The technique for constructing geosynthetic-reinforced soil retaining structures is now in widespread use. Since its first use in the late 1960s, construction processes have become more technologically advanced, and the number of alternatives has reduced, with most of the construction techniques being standardised. This type of reinforced structure has been in use for nearly 30 years, during which time its reliability has been proved. At the same time, work is in progress to standardise the design of these structures using the new international format of Ultimate Limit States and Serviceability Limit States calculations and associated partial factors. This study presents the procedure currently being prepared for the future standard in France. First, a preliminary parametric calibration based on typical structure profiles is described, comparing different stability calculation methods and different partial factor combinations. Second, design validation of instrumented case histories is performed.
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Geosynthetic Spacing on Failure Mechanisms in MSE Block Walls
Authors: Leshchinsky D. , Vulova C.
Published: October 2014

The analysis used in design of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) block walls is based on the premise that a failure surface will develop within the reinforced soil zone defining an active soil mass. Limit equilibrium analysis of this mass renders the reactive force in the reinforcement and connections. The objective of this work was to identify the effects of reinforcement spacing on failure mechanisms in block walls. A computer program, based on continuum mechanics and capable of dealing with soil at failure, was utilized. Geosynthetic connection to the blocks was purely frictional. Interfaces between stacked blocks, reinforcement and confining blocks, soil and blocks, and soil and reinforcement were modeled. In addition to spacing effects, computer simulations were conducted to study the effects of factors such as backfill strength, foundation strength, reinforcement stiffness, interface strength, and intermediate reinforcement layers. Results of the parametric studies on a surcharge-free wall show that, as the reinforcement spacing decreases, the likelihood of developing a failure or active zone entirely within the reinforced soil zone decreases. Nonexistent such failure zones, for closely spaced reinforcement, imply that current limit-equilibrium formulations and designs might be unrealistic leading to excessive reinforcement load and related length. However, based on the parameters used, it was observed that conventional failure modes, such as direct sliding and toppling, deep-seated failure, and compound instability, may occur. Current “external stability” design addresses the same identified modes and mechanisms; hence, reinforcement dimensioning based on these mechanisms seems appropriate.
When the Bending Stiffness of Geosynthetic Reinforcement is Important
Authors: Fakher A. , Jones C.J.F.P.
Published: October 2014

A numerical simulation has been undertaken to model a layer of sand overlaying a layer of geosynthetic reinforcement and super soft clay. Details of the model and the modelling procedures are described and the influence of the bending stiffness (flexural rigidity) of the reinforcement on the bearing capacity of super soft clay is discussed. Factors affecting the reinforcement mechanisms of geosynthetic reinforcement of super soft clay are considered.
Finite-element analysis of a piled embankment with reinforcement compared with BS 8006 predictions
Authors: ZHUANG Y. , ELLIS E.
Published: October 2014

The British ‘Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills' (BS 8006) was substantially revised in 2010, with a further ‘Corrigendum' in 2012. Historically, BS 8006 considered arching in a piled embankment, based on an interpretation of the ‘Marston' equation. The 2010 revision included an alternative method related to the analysis of arching in a piled embankment, which was proposed by Hewlett and Randolph in 1988, and later itself amended in the 2012 Corrigendum. This contribution considers BS 8006 predictions of reinforcement tension using these methods as a basis for embankment load on the reinforcement, for a wide range of piled embankment geometries. The predictions are compared with results from three-dimensional finite-element analysis, demonstrating encouraging correspondence with the Hewlett and Randolph approach (but noting that the 2010 revision overpredicts the data whereas the 2012 revision underpredicts it). Good predictions of maximum reinforcement sag are also achieved by slight modification of the BS 8006 method.
Phylogenetic signal in amphibian sensitivity to copper sulfate relative to experimental temperature
Authors: Chiari Ylenia , Glaberman Scott , Serén Nina , Carretero Miguel A. , Capellini Isabella
Published: October 2014

The release of large quantities of chemicals into the environment represents a major source of environmental disturbance. In recent years, the focus of ecotoxicology has shifted from describing the effects of chemical contaminants on individual species to developing more integrated approaches for predicting and evaluating long term effects of chemicals across species and ecosystems. Traditional ecotoxicology is typically based on data of sensitivity to a contaminant of a few surrogate species and often considers little variability in chemical sensitivity within and among taxonomic groups. This approach assumes that evolutionary history and phylogenetic relatedness among species have little or no impact on species' sensitivity to chemical compounds. Few studies have tested this assumption. Using phylogenetic comparative methods and published data for amphibians, we show that sensitivity to copper sulfate, a commonly used pesticide, exhibits a strong phylogenetic signal when controlling for experimental temperature. Our results indicate that evolutionary history needs to be accounted for to make accurate predictions of amphibian sensitivity to this contaminant under different temperature scenarios. Since physiological and metabolic traits showing high phylogenetic signal likely underlie variation in species sensitivity to chemical stressors, future studies should evaluate and predict species vulnerability to pollutants using evolutionarily informed approaches.
Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe
Authors: Davies K. W. , Collins G. , Boyd C. S.
Published: October 2014

Feral horses (Equus caballus) are viewed as a symbol of freedom and power; however, they are also a relatively unmanaged, non‐native grazer in North America, South America, and Australia. Information about their influence on vegetation and soil characteristics in semi‐arid rangelands has been limited by confounding effects of cattle (Bos taurus) grazing and a lack of empirical manipulative studies. We compared vegetation and soil surface characteristics in feral horse grazed areas and ungrazed exclosures at five sagebrush (Artemisia) steppe sites in northern Nevada. Horse grazed areas had lower sagebrush density and plant diversity, greater soil penetration resistance, and lower soil aggregate stability than ungrazed areas. Herbaceous cover and density generally did not differ between grazed and ungrazed treatments, with the exception of heavily grazed sites in which perennial grass cover was reduced. The cumulative effect of feral horses on soil characteristics suggests that they may affect the ecological function of semi‐arid rangelands by increasing the risk of soil erosion and potentially decreasing availability of water for plant growth. The two‐fold increase in sagebrush density with horse exclusion suggests that feral horses may limit sagebrush recruitment and thereby negatively impact Greater Sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and other sagebrush associated wildlife. The effects of feral horses on sagebrush and other semi‐arid ecosystems should be considered when developing conservation plans for these ecosystems and associated wildlife.
Social Inequalities and Pharmaceutical Cost Sharing in Italian Regions
Authors: Terraneo Marco , Sarti Simone , Bordogna Mara Tognetti
Published: October 2014

In recent years, Italian citizens have increasingly been asked to share pharmaceutical costs, but at the same time, households' medicines expenditure has decreased. Cost-sharing policies have to be assessed not just in terms of limitation of moral hazard and revenue to the state, but also for equal opportunities for citizen users accessing health services. The aim of this article is to analyze how Italian co-payment policies (“ticket”) on medicines may affect pharmaceutical expenditure of households, considering territorial and social groups variation. We reviewed the per capita private spending on medicines of Italian regions, separating pharmaceutical outlay and “ticket.” Across the period 2001–2010 we found that the overall per capita private spending on medicines remained substantially stable, although medicine expenditure decreases while the “ticket” increases. When cost sharing rises, out-of-pocket spending on medicines by poorer families seems to remain unchanged; however, poorer families seem to reduce their pharmaceutical expenditure. Our analysis suggests that applying co-payment in Italy is partly successful, in terms of greater revenue to the health system, but in the last few years, cost-sharing increases would seem to have rebounded negatively on more vulnerable families, due to the economic crisis.
Weaving Together Two Ways of Knowing: Archaeological Organic Artifact Analysis and Indigenous Textile Arts
Authors: Blair S. , Jarratt T. , Ward P.
Published: October 2014

In 2007, a Canadian Aboriginal community, Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, opened a major archaeology interpretation and cultural center. This center emerged out of 40 years of collaborative, community driven archaeology, and is informed by a Mi'kmaq concept of two ways of knowing, or “Two-eyed Seeing.” One of the first initiatives of this center was a workshop on archaeological textiles that sought to bring together traditional basket-makers with archaeological textile researchers, to seek mechanisms to increase this dialogue and expand the common ground between traditional archaeological perspectives in a co-learning environment. This article explores the development of the workshop, and the way in which it illustrates a comprehensive and profound commitment to respectful sharing of knowledge and working together.
“Their Fingers Were too Fat to Weave”: Ancient Textiles and Academic Politics Today
Authors: Soffer Olga , Adovasio J. M.
Published: October 2014

In 1993, we recognized textile impressions on fragments of fired clay from Upper Paleolithic sites in Moravia, which documented the world's oldest weaving, net making, and basketry. We published this discovery first in Czech in their premier professional journal and in collaboration with Moravian colleagues. Subsequently, this evidence was augmented by new data from across Eurasia, the recognition of textile products on the “Venus” figurines, and the identification of tools used to make them. Our discovery received a bifurcate reception. While scholars outside of the Czech Republic accepted it readily, local academics split into feuding factions. Below we discuss the evidence for Paleolithic textiles and use its reception to illustrate that: 1) the deep past necessarily lives in the political present, and 2) the present is contested and multi-vocal. Our article also serves to raise the questions of whose voice to privilege, and why.
Analysis of antibiotic consumption for treating respiratory tract infections in children and compliance with the national clinical guidelines
Authors: Lakic Dragana , Tadic Ivana , Odalovic Marina , Tasic Ljiljana , Sabo Ana , Mecava Aleksandra
Published: October 2014

Introduction. Respiratory infections are the most common infections in
children. The aims of the study were to analyze the use of antibiotics for
respiratory infections in the period 2008 - 2010 in children?s population in
region of Nis and to estimate the rational use of antibiotics in relation to
the recommendations of the National Guidelines for physicians in primary
care. Material and methods. Data source was a Pharmacy Nis database.
Antibiotics prescriptions were selected for the following diagnoses: H65-H75
(acute otitis media, mastoiditis), J01 (acute sinusitis), J02-J03
(tonsillopharyngitis), J12-J18 (community acquired pneumonia), J20 (acute
bronchitis), J32 (chronic sinusitis), J42 (chronic bronchitis). Antibiotic
consumption was expressed in defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants/day.
Results. The most widely prescribed antibiotic for the treatment of upper
respiratory tract infections in children during the three years was
amoxicillin (34.63; 32.50 and 31.00 defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants/day
in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively). In the treatment of infections of the
middle ear and mastoid, the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid,
was the most prescribed antibiotics (60% of total consumption of antibiotics
for this indication). Azithromycin was the most widely prescribed antibiotic
for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in children during
the observed period (6.92; 8.20 and 7.18 defined daily dose/1000
inhabitans/day in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively). Conclusion.
Recommendations of national guidelines are not complied with the treatment of
upper and lower respiratory infections in the children population in region
of Nis. This could be a sign of potentially irrational use of antibiotics
that need to be further examined. Education of physicians can influence
irrational use of antibiotics.
Spatial Patterns of Structural Brain Changes in Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Their Longitudinal Progression With Intensive Control of Blood Glucose
Authors: Erus Guray , Battapady Harsha , Zhang Tianhao , Lovato James , Miller Michael E. , Williamson Jeff D. , Launer Lenore J. , Bryan R. Nick , Davatzikos Christos
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the effect of diabetes as well as of alternative treatment strategies on cerebral structure is critical for the development of targeted interventions against accelerated neurodegeneration in type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether diabetes characteristics were associated with spatially specific patterns of brain changes and whether those patterns were affected by intensive versus standard glycemic treatment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using baseline MRIs of 488 participants with type 2 diabetes from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes-Memory in Diabetes (ACCORD-MIND) study, we applied a new voxel-based analysis methodology to identify spatially specific patterns of gray matter and white matter volume loss related to diabetes duration and HbA1c. The longitudinal analysis used 40-month follow-up data to evaluate differences in progression of volume loss between intensive and standard glycemic treatment arms.

RESULTS

Participants with longer diabetes duration had significantly lower gray matter volumes, primarily in certain regions in the frontal and temporal lobes. The longitudinal analysis of treatment effects revealed a heterogeneous pattern of decelerated loss of gray matter volume associated with intensive glycemic treatment. Intensive treatment decelerated volume loss, particularly in regions adjacent to those cross-sectionally associated with diabetes duration. No significant relationship between low versus high baseline HbA1c levels and brain changes was found. Finally, regions in which cognitive change was associated with longitudinal volume loss had only small overlap with regions related to diabetes duration and to treatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying advanced quantitative image pattern analysis methods on longitudinal MRI data of a large sample of patients with type 2 diabetes, we demonstrate that there are spatially specific patterns of brain changes that vary by diabetes characteristics and that the progression of gray matter volume loss is slowed by intensive glycemic treatment, particularly in regions adjacent to areas affected by diabetes.
Company Strategy Determination in Food Company Using Swot Method
Authors: Ingaldi Manuela , Škůrková Katarína Lestyánszka
Published: October 2014

Strategy is a high-level plan to achieve one or more goals under conditions of uncertainty. Strategy becomes necessary when it is known or suspected there are insufcient resources to achieve these goals. To choose a good strategy, it is important to check frst the strategic position of a company. The SWOT analysis is a very useful tool to do so. Everyone almost every day buys food to live. For people, it is very important to buy food with good quality at a low price. That is why the authors chose a food company to check its strategic position. In this paper, the strategic position of the chosen food company was specifed. This allowed assessing the current situation of the company and to determine the direction of its future activities. The company should use the maxi-maxi strategy.
Co-Simulation of an Inverter Fed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine
Authors: Kiss Gergely Máté , Vajda István
Published: October 2014

Co-simulation is a method which makes it possible to study the electric machine and its drive at once, as one system. By taking into account the actual inverter voltage waveforms in a finite element model instead of using only the fundamental, we are able to study the electrical machine's behavior in more realistic scenario. The recent increase in the use of variable speed drives justifies the research on such simulation techniques. In this paper we present the co-simulation of an inverter fed permanent magnet synchronous machine. The modelling method employs an analytical variable speed drive model and a finite element electrical machine model. By linking the analytical variable speed drive model together with a finite element model the complex simulation model enables the investigation of the electrical machine during actual operation. The methods are coupled via the results. This means that output of the finite element model serves as an input to the analytical model, and the output of the analytical model provides the input of the finite element model for a different simulation, thus enabling the finite element simulation of an inverter fed machine. The resulting speed and torque characteristics from the analytical model and the finite element model show a good agreement. The experiences with the co-simulation technique encourage further research and effort to improve the method.
Kame or Moraine? A Sedimentological Study of a Glaciomarginal Landform at Niedźwiedziny (Great Polish Lowland)
Authors: Ewert-Krzemieniewska Aleksandra
Published: October 2014

A sedimentary succession in a gravel pit at Niedźwiedziny was investigated in order to determine its origin: kame or moraine. The gravel pit is located in an isolated hill of approx. 600 m long and 250–400 m wide.

The succession is built of glaciofuvial deposits: a sandy/gravelly unit in the lower and middle parts, overlain by diam-icton. Five lithofacies have been distinguished, which represent two facies associations: (1) a fuvial association evolving from a high-energy to a transitional to a shallow braided river on an alluvial fan, and (2) an association of cohesive deposits representing a glacigenic mass fow. The interpretation is based mainly on palaeocurrent data and differs from conclusions by earlier investigators. The ice-marginal zone is characterised by a large variety of glaciomarginal forms. Their sedimentology, morphology and palaeogeography are determined by successive phases of deglaciation. The results of the present study show that the character of the deglaciation in the study area changed with time from frontal to areal deglaciation.
Petrographical Analysis of Warthian Fuvioglacial Gravels as a Tool to Trace the Source Area – A Case Study From Central Poland
Authors: Górska-Zabielska Maria , Wachecka-Kotkowska Lucyna
Published: October 2014

The petrographical features of the medium- and coarse-grained gravels (4-10 mm and 20-60 mm, respectively) of weathered and fresh (unweathered) deposits indicate, in combination with so-called indicator and statistical erratics, that two glacial lobes joined in the borderland of the Polish Lowlands and Uplands. Lower Palaeozoic limestones become less frequent in the fner gravel fraction, whereas crystalline rocks and fints become more frequent. The petrographical analysis of the coarser gravel fraction indicates that the ice sheet advanced from the NE to NNW (the Widawka lobe) and from the NE to ENE (the Rawka, Pilica and Luciąża lobes). The source areas of the gravel deposited by the Warthian ice sheet were magmatic and sedimentary areas of both the Baltic and the SE Sweden basins.
Do the Available Data Permit Clarifcation of the Possible Dependence of Palaeozoic Brachiopod Generic Diversity Dynamics on Global Sea-Level Changes? A Viewpoint
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: October 2014

At a glance, progress in palaeontology and eustatic reconstructions in the past decade permits to prove or to disprove the possible dependence of Palaeozoic brachiopod generic diversity dynamics on global sea-level changes. However, the available diversity curve is of much lower resolution than the eustatic curve. This problem can be resolved by decreasing the resolution of the latter. The other restriction linked to the chronostratigraphical incompatibility of the available data allows to focus on the Middle Palaeozoic only. A series of mass extinctions and other biotic crises in the Silurian-Devonian does not allow to interpret correctly the results of direct comparison of the brachiopod generic diversity dynamics with global sea-level changes. With the available data, it is only possible to hypothesize that the eustatic control was not playing a major part in diversity dynamics of Middle Palaeozoic brachiopods. The resolution of the stratigraphic ranges of Palaeozoic brachiopods should be increased signifcantly, and these ranges should be plotted against the most up-to-date geologic time scale. Until this task will be achieved, it is impossible to judge about the existence of any dependence (either full or partial) of the Palaeozoic brachiopod diversity dynamics on global sea-level changes.
Ano1 is a better marker than c-Kit for transcript analysis of single interstitial cells of Cajal in culture
Authors: Loera-Valencia Raúl , Wang Xuan-Yu , Wright George , Barajas-López Carlos , Huizinga Jan
Published: October 2014

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) drive the slow wave-associated contractions in the small intestine. A commonly used marker for these cells is c-Kit, but another marker named Ano1 was recently described. This study uses single-cell RT-PCR, qPCR and immunohistochemistry to determine if Ano1 could be reliably used as a molecular marker for ICC in single-cell mRNA analysis. Here, we report on the relationship between the expression of c-Kit and Ano1 in single ICC in culture. We observed that Ano1 is expressed in more than 60% of the collected cells, whereas c-Kit is found only in 22% of the cells (n = 18). When we stained ICC primary cultures for c-KIT and ANO1 protein, we found complete co-localization in all the preparations. We propose that this difference is due to the regulation of c-Kit mRNA in culture. This regulation gives rise to low levels of its transcript, while Ano1 is expressed more prominently in culture on day 4. We also propose that Ano1 is more suitable for single-cell expression analysis as a marker for cell identity than c-Kit at the mRNA level. We hope this evidence will help to validate and increase the success of future studies characterizing single ICC expression patterns.
Promoted megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells through oxidative stress caused by near ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Nurhayati Retno , Ojima Yoshihiro , Nomura Naoki , Taya Masahito
Published: October 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proven to be important activators for various cellular activities, including cell differentiation. Several reports showed the necessity of ROS during cell differentiation of the megakaryocytic (MK) lineage. In this study, we employed near ultraviolet (near-UV) irradiation to generate endogenous oxidative stress in an MK differentiation process of K562 cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induction. A significant increase in the intracellular ROS level was detected on day 1 after near-UV irradiation. In the initial stage of differentiation, a shifted fraction of G1 and G2 phase cells was obtained using near-UV irradiation, giving an increased percentage of G2 phase cells (up from 31.1 to 68.7%). The near-UV irradiation-induced upregulation of the p21 gene, which is a cell cycle inhibitor, suggested that the G2 phase cells were prevented from undergoing cell division. It was found that the percentage of high ploidy (8N and 16N) cells was enhanced significantly at the later stage of the K562 cell culture with near-UV irradiation. Moreover, time-lapse analysis showed that near-UV irradiation encouraged the expression of CD41, a specific surface marker of megakaryocytes. This is the first report that the elevated oxidative stress through the near-UV irradiation promoted the MK differentiation of PMA-induced K562 cells.
Ectoparasite infestation patterns, haematology and serum biochemistry of urban‐dwelling common brushtail possums
Authors: Webster Koa N. , Hill Nichola J. , Burnett Leslie , Deane Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2014

Urban environments support high concentrations of humans, domestic pets and introduced animals, creating conditions conducive to the transmission of parasites. This study compared patterns of ectoparasite infestation of the common brushtail possumTrichosurus vulpeculain urbanised Sydney (n = 161) to those from a remote woodland site (n = 18) from February 2005 – November 2006. We found diff erences in ectoparasite species prevalence between the two groups: the fleaEchidnophaga myrmecobiiwas only found on urban possums and the tickIxodes trichosuriwas much more prevalent in the urban habitat, while the miteAtellana papiliowas more prevalent on woodland possums.E. myrmecobiiandI. trichosuridiff ered from other ectoparasites by showing an association with host sex and host age. Potential physiological costs of ectoparasitism to urban‐dwelling possums were determined using multivariate analysis of haematology, serum biochemistry and body condition. Changes in serum iron levels were seen in the presence of both the tickIxodes trichosuriand the fleaE. myrmecobii, andE. myrmecobiiwas associated with elevated serum levels of the liver enzyme ALT. However, ectoparasite‐related changes in haematology and serum biochemistry were not indicative of long‐term pathology. In this urban possum population, the costs of ectoparasitism appear to be limited and unlikely to pose a major threat to the health of the population.
Raising Awareness of the Hidden Curriculum in Veterinary Medical Education: A Review and Call for Research
Authors: Whitcomb Tiffany L.
Published: October 2014

The hidden curriculum is characterized by information that is tacitly conveyed to and among students about the cultural and moral environment in which they find themselves. Although the hidden curriculum is often defined as a distinct entity, tacit information is conveyed to students throughout all aspects of formal and informal curricula. This unconsciously communicated knowledge has been identified across a wide spectrum of educational environments and is known to have lasting and powerful impacts, both positive and negative. Recently, medical education research on the hidden curriculum of becoming a doctor has come to the forefront as institutions struggle with inconsistencies between formal and hidden curricula that hinder the practice of patient-centered medicine. Similarly, the complex ethical questions that arise during the practice and teaching of veterinary medicine have the potential to cause disagreement between what the institution sets out to teach and what is actually learned. However, the hidden curriculum remains largely unexplored for this field. Because the hidden curriculum is retained effectively by students, elucidating its underlying messages can be a key component of program refinement. A review of recent literature about the hidden curriculum in a variety of fields, including medical education, will be used to explore potential hidden curricula in veterinary medicine and draw attention to the need for further investigation.
Identifying Veterinary Students' Capacity for Moral Behavior Concerning Animal Ethics Issues
Authors: Verrinder Joy M. , Phillips Clive J.C.
Published: October 2014

Veterinarians face unique animal ethics challenges as practitioners and policy advisors to government and industry. Changing societal attitudes, cultural diversity, and the often conflicting needs and interests of patients and clients contribute to moral distress. Yet little has been done to identify veterinarians' capacity to address these animal ethics issues. In this study, first-year and final-year veterinary students in an Australian university were surveyed to explore moral sensitivity, moral motivation, and moral character and their relationship with moral reasoning. The majority of students were concerned about animal ethics issues and had experienced moral distress in relation to the treatment of animals. Most believed that veterinarians should address the wider social issues of animal protection and that veterinary medicine should require a commitment to animals' interests over owners'/caregivers' interests. There was less agreement that the veterinary profession was sufficiently involved in addressing animal ethics issues. The principal motivators for studying veterinary medicine were, in declining importance, enjoyment in working with animals, helping sick and injured animals, and improving the way animals are treated. However, most students had taken little or no action to address animal ethics issues. These results suggest that both first- and fifth-year veterinary students are sensitive to animal ethics issues and are motivated to prioritize the interests of animals but have little experience in taking action to address these issues. Further research is needed to determine ways to identify and assess these moral behavior components in veterinary education to develop veterinarians' capacity to address animal ethics issues.
Hasty retreat of glaciers in northern Patagonia from 1985 to 2011
Authors: Paul Frank , Mölg Nico
Published: October 2014

Mapping changes in glacier extent from repeat optical satellite data has revealed widespread glacier decline in nearly all regions of the world over the past few decades. While numerous studies have documented the changes of the outlet glaciers of the Northern and Southern Patagonia Icefields (NPI/SPI), information about glacier changes in the Patagonian Andes (to the north of the NPI) is much scarcer. Here we present an assessment of area changes for glaciers mainly located in the Palena district of Chile based on glacier inventories for 1985, 2000 and 2011 that were derived from two consecutive Landsat scenes and a digital elevation model. The analysis revealed a dramatic area decline for the largest glaciers and total area loss of 25% from 1985 to 2011. The lower parts of several larger glaciers (>10 km2) melted completely. Area loss below 1000 m elevation was 50–100% in both periods, and 374 glaciers out of 1664 disappeared. The number of proglacial lakes increased from 223 to 327 and their area expanded by 11.6 km2 (59%) between 1985 and 2011. Seasonal snow persisting at high elevations in the 2011 scene was a major obstacle to glacier delineation, so the obtained area change rate of ~1% a–1 over the entire period is a lower-bound estimate. The observed climate trends (e.g. cooling in Puerto Montt) are in contrast to the observed shrinkage.
Teenagers and Playing: Are Pastimes Like Neknominate a Usual Response to Adolescence?
Authors: Else Perry
Published: October 2014

While “outside of society” for much of the last sixty years, adolescents have attracted attention in recent times because of perceptions of their anti-social and, in some cases, violent behaviour. Teenagers face many challenges on their journey to adulthood; growth spurts, hormone developments and changes in the structure of the brain. These biological challenges have been affected since around 1990 by the impact of technology and the subsequent cultural changes. Activities, like the technology-driven, socially-networked pastime, Neknomination, amongst others, meet basic drives that gym-based activities do not. Adults are increasingly concerned about unhealthy patterns of behaviour that suggest that this coming generation of adults will not live as long as their parents, causing misery and putting additional economic pressures on families and society if the expected standards of living and health are to be maintained. The pressures facing teenagers are many, but a concerted effort by adults to change their attitudes towards children and young people to help rather than instruct may assist with meeting their needs and those of society.
Health Behaviors of Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ford Jennifer , Barnett Marie , Werk Rachel
Published: October 2014

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of childhood cancer survivors living to an old age due to improved cancer treatments. However, these survivors are at risk of numerous late effects as a result of their cancer therapy. Engaging in protective health behaviors and limiting health damaging behaviors are vitally important for these survivors given their increased risks. We reviewed the literature on childhood cancer survivors’ health behaviors by searching for published data and conference proceedings. We examine the prevalence of a variety of health behaviors among childhood cancer survivors, identify significant risk factors, and describe health behavior interventions for survivors.
Contributions to the Transformation Entropy Change and Influencing Factors in Metamagnetic Ni-Co-Mn-Ga Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Seguí Concepció , Cesari Eduard
Published: October 2014

Ni-Co-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys show metamagnetic transition from ferromagnetic austenite to paramagnetic (or weak-magnetic) martensite for a limited range of Co contents. The temperatures of the structural and magnetic transitions depend strongly on composition and atomic order degree, in such a way that combined composition and thermal treatment allows obtaining martensitic transformation (MT) between any magnetic state of austenite and martensite. The entropy change ΔS measured in the magnetostructural transition comprises a magnetic contribution which depends on the type and degree of magnetic order of the related phases. Consequently, both the magnetization jump across the MT (ΔM) and ΔS are composition and atomic order dependent. Both ΔS and ΔM determine the effect of applied magnetic fields on the MT, hence knowledge and understanding of their behavior can help to approach the best conditions for magnetic field induced MT and related effects. In previous papers, we have reported findings regarding the behavior of the transformation entropy in relation to composition and atomic order in Ni50−xCoxMn25+yGa25−y (x = 3–8, y = 5–7) alloys. In the present paper we will review our recent results, summarizing the key findings and drawing general conclusions regarding the magnetic contribution to ΔS and the effect of different factors on the magnetic and structural properties of these metamagnetic alloys.
Estimating the Annual Above-Ground Biomass Production of Various Species on Sites in Sweden on the Basis of Individual Climate and Productivity Values
Authors: Trischler Johann , Sandberg Dick , Thörnqvist Thomas
Published: October 2014

The literature contains a large number of bioclimate, climate and biometric models for estimating the production of different species or stands under specific conditions on a defined site or models giving the distribution of a single species. Depending on the model used, the amount of input data required varies considerably and often involves a large investment in time and money. The purpose of this study was to create a model to estimate the annual above-ground biomass production of various species from site conditions defined by mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation. For this approach, the Miami model of Lieth was used as a base model with some modifications. This first version of the modified model was restricted to sites in Sweden, where changes in the soil and groundwater level were relatively small, and where the growth of land vegetation was mostly dependent on temperature. A validation of this model has shown that it seems possible to use the Miami model to estimate the annual above-ground biomass production of various species, and that it was possible to compare the annual above-ground biomass production of different species on one site, as well as the annual above-ground biomass production of different species on different sites using the modeled data.
The Age of Consent and the Ending of Queer Theory
Authors: Beresford Sarah
Published: October 2014

This article uses the debates surrounding the age of consent as a broad umbrella to question the continued usefulness of Queer Theory. The debates surrounding the age of consent illustrate that Queer Theory has not fulfilled its original promise and that it is not (and possibly never been), “fit for purpose”. Towards the end of 2013, the topic of lowering the age of consent in England and Wales was once again much in the news. This article suggests that much of that debate focused expressly or impliedly on the age of which men and boys have sexual intercourse (whether gay or straight), rather than when people have sexual intercourse. Queer Theory (originating from feminism), was intended to be a liberating phenomenon, but contrary to these hopes and intentions, Queer Theory evolved to become synonymous with white gay men, thus denying its origins and becoming distinctly anti-feminist. Those who argue for a reduction in the age of consent have used (whether knowingly or not) an approach which is consistent with this evolved version of Queer Theory. Consequently, the debate on the age of consent has ignored, or given insufficient attention to, the effect(s) a lowering of the age of consent will have on girls and women. This article, therefore, seeks to question, disrupt and unsettle, what Queer Theory has become, suggesting that, in several significant aspects, it fails to fully acknowledge patriarchy; render (lesbian) women visible; acknowledge and accommodate the lived experiences of women.
Co-Precipitation of YAG Powders for Transparent Materials: Effect of the Synthesis Parameters on Processing and Microstructure
Authors: Palmero Paola , Traverso Rebecca
Published: October 2014

The fabrication of transparent polycrystalline Y3Al5O12 (YAG) is still a challenge, requiring the achievement of highly pure and fully dense, homogeneous materials. An important role is played by the powder characteristics: pure, fine and unagglomerated powders are essential for achieving full density and the required microstructural features. Keeping in mind these requirements, the aim of this work was to investigate the role of different synthesis parameters during co-precipitation, which is widely used to prepare YAG powders for transparent devices. The key role of the precipitant solution is here illustrated, by comparing the effect of aqueous ammonia (AA) versus ammonium hydrogen carbonate (AHC). This latter allowed the preparation of softly agglomerated powders, characterized by a very good sinterability. However, when AHC is used, attention should be paid to its concentration. By comparing the effect of two AHC precipitant solutions (at 0.5 M and 1.5 M, respectively), only the former one allowed the preparation of pure YAG powders, free from secondary phases. In this last condition, by using both chlorides and nitrates as YAG precursors, pressureless sintering at 1500–1600 °C/3 h gave rise to pure materials, highly dense and characterized by a fine and homogeneous microstructure.
Robotized Surface Mounting of Permanent Magnets
Authors: Hultman Erik , Salar Dana , Leijon Mats
Published: October 2014

Using permanent magnets on a rotor can both simplify the design and increase the efficiency of electric machines compared to using electromagnets. A drawback, however, is the lack of existing automated assembly methods for large machines. This paper presents and motivates a method for robotized surface mounting of permanent magnets on electric machine rotors. The translator of the Uppsala University Wave Energy Converter generator is used as an example of a rotor. The robot cell layout, equipment design and assembly process are presented and validated through computer simulations and experiments with prototype equipment. A comparison with manual assembly indicates substantial cost savings and an improved work environment. By using the flexibility of industrial robots and a scalable equipment design, it is possible for this assembly method to be adjusted for other rotor geometries and sizes. Finally, there is a discussion on the work that remains to be done on improving and integrating the robot cell into a production line.
SxtA and sxtG Gene Expression and Toxin Production in the Mediterranean Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Perini Federico , Galluzzi Luca , Dell'Aversano Carmela , Iacovo Emma , Tartaglione Luciana , Ricci Fabio , Forino Martino , Ciminiello Patrizia , Penna Antonella
Published: October 2014

The dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum is known for the production of potent neurotoxins affecting the health of human seafood consumers via paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the toxin content and the expression level of the genes involved in paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) production. The algal cultures were grown both in standard f/2 medium and in phosphorus/nitrogen limitation. In our study, LC-HRMS analyses of PST profile and content in different Mediterranean A. minutum strains confirmed that this species was able to synthesize mainly the saxitoxin analogues Gonyautoxin-1 (GTX1) and Gonyautoxin-4 (GTX4). The average cellular toxin content varied among different strains, and between growth phases, highlighting a decreasing trend from exponential to stationary phase in all culture conditions tested. The absolute quantities of intracellular sxtA1 and sxtG mRNA were not correlated with the amount of intracellular toxins in the analysed A. minutum suggesting that the production of toxins may be regulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms and/or by the concerted actions of alternative genes belonging to the PST biosynthesis gene cluster. Therefore, it is likely that the sxtA1 and sxtG gene expression could not reflect the PST accumulation in the Mediterranean A. minutum populations under the examined standard and nutrient limiting conditions.
Phlorotannins from Alaskan Seaweed Inhibit Carbolytic Enzyme Activity
Authors: Kellogg Joshua , Grace Mary , Lila Mary
Published: October 2014

Global incidence of type 2 diabetes has escalated over the past few decades, necessitating a continued search for natural sources of enzyme inhibitors to offset postprandial hyperglycemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate coastal Alaskan seaweed inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, two carbolytic enzymes involved in serum glucose regulation. Of the six species initially screened, the brown seaweeds Fucus distichus and Alaria marginata possessed the strongest inhibitory effects. F. distichus fractions were potent mixed-mode inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, with IC50 values of 0.89 and 13.9 μg/mL, respectively; significantly more efficacious than the pharmaceutical acarbose (IC50 of 112.0 and 137.8 μg/mL, respectively). The activity of F. distichus fractions was associated with phlorotannin oligomers. Normal-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (NPLC-MS) was employed to characterize individual oligomers. Accurate masses and fragmentation patterns confirmed the presence of fucophloroethol structures with degrees of polymerization from 3 to 18 monomer units. These findings suggest that coastal Alaskan seaweeds are sources of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory phlorotannins, and thus have potential to limit the release of sugar from carbohydrates and thus alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia.