bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Experienced Utility: Laws and Implications
Authors: Baucells Manel , Sarin Rakesh K.
Published: May 2013

Satisfaction in experiencing the future depends on decisions made today. We consider six well-known psychological laws governing satisfaction. The laws capture habit formation and satiation. We show it is possible to formalize these laws by means of a utility model and to derive implications from the laws: wanting versus liking, crescendo, recharge periods, variety seeking, and craving. The discussion combines mathematical propositions, experimental findings in psychology, and time-honored wisdom. We discuss how the sixth law—projection bias—may lead to incorrect predictions of experienced utility and suboptimal life-balance choices.
Coccidiosis in cattle
Authors: Wood Sarah , Barrett David , Sargison Neil , Millar Michael , Cutler Keith , Potter Tim
Published: May 2013

All calves are subjected to infection with coccidia, yet most do not develop clinical disease. Where disease does occur, it can be challenging to diagnose accurately and in an era where in-feed medication or prophylactic/metaphylactic use of medicines could be banned or severely restricted this condition could become very challenging on some units. In this article we briefly explore the current evidence supporting the epidemiology, and pathogenesis of this disease, and also the challenges for treatment and control.
Treatment of Escherichia coli mastitis: are antibiotics needed?
Authors: Laven Richard
Published: May 2013

The antibiotic sensitivity profile of Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from cases of mastitis in cattle matches that of commensal E. coli. Although there are significant differences between studies in antibiotic sensitivity, there is no evidence that mastitis occurrence or severity is related to antibiotic resistance. Almost all E. coli isolated from mastitis cases are susceptible to two or more antibiotics authorised for the treatment of cattle. However, although we have effective antibiotics in vitro, the in vivo evidence is not so clear-cut. For mild-to-moderate cases, there is only limited evidence that antibiotics are beneficial; for acute cases, there are more studies that show a benefit but also more studies that show there is no benefit from antibiotic treatment. On balance, treatment of acute E. coli mastitis with parenteral antibiotics is probably indicated, but antibiotic treatment should be part of a package alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and fluids.
The challenges of becoming a “Surgeon Inventor” and a “Product Champion”
Authors: Wallace W. Angus
Published: May 2013

In the UK we have many surgeon inventors – surgeons who innovate and create new ways of doing things, who invent operations, who design new instruments to facilitate surgery or design new implants for using in patients. However truly successful surgeon inventors are a rare breed and they need to develop additional knowledge and skills during their career in order to push forward their devices and innovations. This article reviews my own experiences as a surgeon inventor and the highs and lows over the whole of my surgical career.
Assessing RET/PTC in thyroid nodule fine-needle aspirates: the FISH point of view
Authors: Caria Paola , Dettori Tinuccia , Frau Daniela V , Borghero Angela , Cappai Antonello , Riola Alessia , Lai Maria L , Boi Francesco , Calò Piergiorgio , Nicolosi Angelo , Mariotti Stefano , Vanni Roberta
Published: May 2013

RET/PTC rearrangement and BRAFV600E mutation are the two prevalent molecular alterations associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and their identification is increasingly being used as an adjunct to cytology in diagnosing PTC. However, there are caveats associated with the use of the molecular approach in fine-needle aspiration (FNA), particularly for RET/PTC, that should be taken into consideration. It has been claimed that a clonal or sporadic presence of this abnormality in follicular cells can distinguish between malignant and benign nodules. Nevertheless, the most commonly used PCR-based techniques lack the capacity to quantify the number of abnormal cells. Because fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the most sensitive method for detecting gene rearrangement in a single cell, we compared results from FISH and conventional RT-PCR obtained in FNA of a large cohort of consecutive patients with suspicious nodules and investigated the feasibility of setting a FISH-FNA threshold capable of distinguishing non-clonal from clonal molecular events. For this purpose, a home brew break-apart probe, able to recognize the physical breakage of RET, was designed. While a ≥3% FISH signal for broken RET was sufficient to distinguish nodules with abnormal follicular cells, only samples with a ≥6.8% break-apart FISH signal also exhibited positive RT-PCR results. On histological analysis, all nodules meeting the ≥6.8% threshold proved to be malignant. These data corroborate the power of FISH when compared with RT-PCR in quantifying the presence of RET/PTC in FNA and validate the RT-PCR efficiency in detecting clonal RET/PTC alterations.
Roles for Children’s Hospitals in Pediatric Collaborative Improvement Networks
Authors: Miller Marlene
Published: May 2013

Children’s hospitals represent a significant opportunity to reduce morbidity, mortality, and costs, particularly for children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) who comprise a disproportionate and growing share of admissions, readmissions, and resource use. Most children with CCCs are in some way associated with a children’s hospital, and the subspecialists who care for them are primarily concentrated in the ∼200 children’s hospitals in the United States. Children’s hospitals and their associated subspecialty clinics are uniquely positioned to achieve significant outcomes and cost savings through coordinated quality-improvement efforts. However, even the largest children’s hospital has relatively small volumes of patients with any given condition. Only by linking children’s hospitals in networks can a sufficient “N” be achieved to build the evidence for what works for children. Large-scale pediatric collaborative network exemplars have demonstrated the ability to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and spread changes found to be effective. Substantial opportunities exist for networks to expand to additional conditions, improvement topics, and sites, but financial barriers exist. Although much of their participation has been funded as “pay to participate” efforts by the hospitals themselves, most financial benefits accrue to payers. As health care reform becomes a reality and financial pressures intensify, it will become increasingly difficult for children’s hospitals to serve as the primary source of support for networks. Partnerships between children’s hospitals and national payers to support collaborative networks are needed, and these partnerships have the potential to significantly improve pediatric care and outcomes, particularly for children with CCCs.
Correlation Between Quantum Conductance and Atomic Arrangement of Silver Atomic-Size Nanocontacts
Authors: Autreto Pedro A. , Lagos Maureen J. , Ugarte Daniel , Galvao Douglas S.
Published: May 2013

In this work we have studied the importance of thermal effects on the structural and transport properties of Ag atomic-size nanowires (NWs) generated by mechanical stretching. Our study involve time-resolved atomic high resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging and quantum conductance measurement using an ultra-high-vacuum mechanically controllable break junction combined with quantum transport calculations. We have observed drastic changes in conductance and structural properties of Ag NWs generated at different temperatures (150 and 300 K). By combining electron microscopy images, electronic transport measurements and theoretical modeling, we have been able to establish a consistent correlation between the conductance and structural properties of Ag NWs. In particular, our study has revealed the formation of metastable rectangular rod-like Ag wires along the [001] crystallographic direction.
Interfacing Ag Nanoparticles with 1D Semiconductor Micro/Nanostructures via Joule Heating for Transfer Printing Nanodevices at Room Ambient
Authors: Logeeswaran VJ , Katzenmeyer Aaron M. , Triplett Mark , Ombaba Matthew , Islam M. Saif
Published: May 2013

We describe an experiment to interface and characterize silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) aggregates that are self-assembled and plastically deformable on a thin gold (Au) film deposited on glass substrate. The electrical characterization is done using an electrical nanoprobe attached to a nano-manipulator inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Electrical current-voltage (I-V) measurements are made between the electrical nanoprobe in contact with the nanoparticle and the Au film. The Ag nanoparticles have diameters ranging between ~200-800nm and are self-assembled on a thiolated 100nm Au film. Application of a contact force via the nanoprobe even after substantial particle deformation reveals initially a small non-linear current. Upon current annealing through Joule heating, significant improvement in the electrical contact at the AgNP/substrate interface was observed. This is most likely based on bonding of the AgNPs to the Au film after passage of a high current. The need for such an annealing/sintering step will be critical in forming good ohmic contacts at ambient conditions during transfer printing of semiconductor micro/nanopillars.
Fabrication of Patterned Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Surfaces on SiC Substrates
Authors: Pochet Michael , Campbell Jonathon , Coutu Ronald , Fairchild Steven , Boeckl John
Published: May 2013

This work focuses on the patterning of SiC substrates prior to carbon nanotube (CNT) formation using the surface decomposition growth method for the purpose of improving the field emission capabilities of the resultant CNT film. The thermal decomposition of silicon carbide (SiC) substrates is an established approach to create highly dense arrays of vertically aligned CNTs. The attractiveness of this growth approach is that the CNTs form without the aid of a catalyst metal, yielding potentially defect free CNTs ideal for various applications. Due to the high temperature anneals (1400-1700oC) and moderate vacuum conditions (10−2 – 10−5 Torr) necessary for the thermal decomposition process to initiate on the SiC substrate, patterning CNT outcroppings ideal for enhancing the surface’s field emission properties is more difficult when compared to metal catalyst based chemical vapor deposition growth processes on silicon substrates. The intent of the SiC patterning is to reduce field screening effects between neighboring emission sites during field emission while maintaining a high emission site density. Specifically, the SiC substrate is etched to form μm scale pillars on the SiC surface. Experimental findings show that SiC substrates patterned with μm scale pillars can be decomposed to form CNT topped field emission sites, yielding a field emission substrate that outperforms a non-patterned SiC/CNT film. A turn-on electric field of 4.0 V/μm was measured.
Electrical Resistivity and Magnetoresistance of the δ-FeZn10 Complex Intermetallic Phase
Authors: Koželj P. , Jazbec S. , Dolinšek J.
Published: May 2013

The δ-FeZn10 phase possesses high structural complexity typical of complex metallic alloys: a giant unit cell comprising 556 atoms, polyhedral atomic order with icosahedrally-coordinated environments, fractionally occupied lattice sites and statistically disordered atomic clusters that introduce intrinsic disorder into the structure. The electrical resistivity is large and exhibits a maximum at about 220 K. The magnetoresistance is sizeable, amounting to 1.5 % at 2 K in 9 T field. The temperature–dependent resistivity is discussed within the frame of the theory of slow charge carriers, applicable to metallic systems with weak dispersion of the electronic bands, where the electron motion changes from ballistic to diffusive upon heating. A comparison to the theory of weak localization is also made.
Energetics of Protonic Species in Yttrium-doped Barium Zirconate: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Malagoli Massimo , Liu M.L. , Park Hyeon Cheol , Bongiorno Angelo
Published: May 2013

Density functional theory calculations are used to study the equilibrium energetics of protons on the surface and in the bulk of Y-doped BaZrO3. It is shown that protonic species in direct contact with Y dopants have energies lower than in perfect BaZrO3 by up to 0.4 eV. This energetic stabilization is achieved when the protonic species is in direct contact with two Y dopants. On the (001) surface of BaZrO3, protonic species are found to be energetically more stable than in the bulk by 1.1 eV and 1.6 eV on the BaO and ZrO2 surface terminations, respectively. At these terminations, the energy of protons recover the bulk value after penetrating three surface layers, and the energy cost associated with bulk incorporation is larger than 1 eV.
Nano-structured Aluminum Powders with Modified Protective Surface Layers
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Schoenitz Mirko , Dreizin Edward L.
Published: May 2013

The advantage of aluminum powder as a fuel additive in energetic formulation includes its high volumetric combustion enthalpy and relatively low cost. However, the thermodynamically predicted benefits of aluminum combustion are rarely achieved because of extended ignition delays associated with heterogeneous reactions occurring at the alumina surface which surrounds the aluminum particle. In order to fully exploit aluminum’s high reaction energy, this effort focuses on adjusting its combustion dynamics by modifying its surface and structure. The modification is achieved by cryo-milling aluminum with cyclooctane, which is liquid at room temperature, but solid when cooled by liquid nitrogen. The prepared materials consist of micron-sized, equiaxial, mostly Al particles with a small amount of cyclooctane. Aluminum surface in the prepared sample is coated with a cyclooctane-modified layer with properties significantly different from those of regular alumina. Its oxidation kinetics, as observed from thermo-analytical measurements, is different from that of pure aluminum. The powder ignites at substantially reduced temperatures, produces shorter ignition delays, and higher aerosol burn rates compared to a regular spherical Al powder with similar particle sizes.
Oxidation Dynamics of Aluminum Nanorods
Authors: Li Ying , Nakano Aiichiro , Kalia Rajiv K. , Vashishta Priya
Published: May 2013

Understanding of combustion of metastable intermolecular composites, including the burning of aluminum nanoparticles, is critical for broad applications such as propulsion, explosives and other pyrotechnics. Aluminum nanorods (Al-NR) with oxidized shells are good candidates for stable fuel-oxidizer combinations. We investigate the oxidation dynamics of Al-NRs of different diameters (26, 36 and 46 nm) but the same aspect ratio using molecular dynamics simulations. We heat one end of the Al-NR to 1100 K and then study the oxidation reaction at the interface of the alumina shell and the Al core. We find: (1) heat produced by oxidation causes the melting of nanorods; (2) heat release is accelerated due to Al-O reaction at outside-shell and core-shell interfaces; and (3) the larger surface-to-volume ratio causes faster burning of thinner nanorods. We present results for the oxidation speed of nanorods.
Heteroepitaxial growth of C60 on tetracene single crystal
Authors: Miyadera Tetsuhiko , Mitsuta Hiroki , Ohashi Noboru , Taima Tetsuya , Zhou Ying , Yamanari Toshihiro , Yoshida Yuji
Published: May 2013

We have developed a method for epitaxial growth of C60 thin films on tetracene single crystals. The crystal orientation of the C60 film was examined by reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In-situ observation by RHEED revealed that the C60 crystallizes from the very initial stage of the deposition (0.1 nm). A 6-fold symmetric pattern, which was observed in a XRD polar scan, can be taken as direct evidence for the epitaxial growth of C60 commensurate with the tetracene (001) surface lattice.
Preparation, ignition, and combustion of mechanically alloyed Al-Mg powders with customized particle sizes
Authors: Aly Yasmine , Hoffman Vern K. , Schoenitz Mirko , Dreizin Edward L.
Published: May 2013

Adding aluminum to propellants, pyrotechnics, and explosives is a common way to boost their energy density. A number of approaches have been investigated that shorten aluminum ignition delay, increase combustion rate, and decrease the tendency of aluminum droplets to agglomerate. Previous work showed that particles of mechanically alloyed Al-Mg powders burn faster than similarly sized particles of pure aluminum. However, preparation of mechanically alloyed powders with particle sizes matching those of fine aluminum used in energetic formulations was not achieved. This work is focused on preparation of mechanically alloyed, composite Al-Mg powders in which both internal structures and particle size distributions are adjusted. Binary powders with compositions in the range of 50 - 90 at. % Al were prepared and characterized. Milling protocol is optimized to prepare equiaxial, micron-scale particles suitable for laboratory evaluations of their oxidation, ignition, and combustion characteristics. Quantitative particle size analyses are done using low-angle laser light scattering. Electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction are used to examine particle morphology and phase makeup, respectively. Combustion of aerosolized powder clouds is studied using a constant volume explosion setup. For all materials, ignition and combustion characteristics are compared to each other and to those of pure Al. Compositions with improved performance (i.e., shorter ignition delay and faster pressurization rate) compared to pure Al are identified.
Numerical Calculations and Measurements of Energy Transduction in Electrically Exploded Ni/Al Laminates
Authors: Morris Christopher J. , Wilkins Paul R. , May Chadd M. , Piekiel Nicholas W.
Published: May 2013

The electrical heating of Ni/Al laminate foils allows interrogation of phenomena at heating rates as high as 10^12 K/s. In the 2011 Fall MRS meeting, we reported on emission spectra from rapidly heated Ni/Al laminates resolved temporally over 350 ns, which provided qualitative evidence of rapid and exothermic vapor phase mixing of Ni and Al in these experiments which we term electrical explosions. These results were significant, because thermal diffusion processes normally limit Ni/Al reactions to much slower energy release rates, potentially limiting their applications. Here we present further evidence of exothermic Ni/Al mixing, quantified by experimental velocity measurements of encapsulation material and interpreted by numerical calculations of energy partitioning into different processes. These calculations agreed well with experiments from different Al, Cu, and Ni samples, sputter-deposited and lithographically patterned into bow-tie bridge structures. Velocity measurements of up to 5 km/s for 11.5 μm thick parylene encapsulation layers were accurately predicted using a single, empirical fitting parameter which depended on the electrical circuit used. The calculations also agreed with encapsulation layers accelerated by electrically exploded Ni/Al laminates as long as an additional 1.2 kJ/g of energy was included in the model. This value is precisely the enthalpy of mixing between Ni and Al, and therefore quantifies the transduction of energy into encapsulation layer kinetic energy.
Predictors of Long-Term Opioid Treatment Among Patients Who Receive Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Kwon Jung Hye , Hui David , Chisholm Gary , Bruera Eduardo
Published: May 2013

Introduction.

The factors associated with successful opioid discontinuation after cancer treatment are not well-known. We determined the proportion of patients with advanced head and neck cancer who continued using opioids 3 months after the completion of radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.

Methods.

We included 70 patients with head and neck cancer referred to our institution's supportive care center between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010. Patients who no longer used opioids 3 months after the completion of radiation therapy were classified as stoppers; patients who continued using opioids were considered nonstoppers. We compared demographics, cancer-related characteristics, alcoholism, substance abuse history, use of psychoactive drugs, and opioid-related factors between stoppers and nonstoppers.

Results.

In all, 44 of 70 patients (63%) and 23 of 70 patients (33%) continued opioids 3 months and 6 months after the completion of radiation therapy, respectively. A total of 18 of 44 nonstoppers (41%) and 3 of 26 stoppers (12%) were positive for alcoholism based on the CAGE questionnaire (i.e., Cut down, Annoying, Guilty, Eye opener; odds ratio: 5.3). Demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ between stoppers and nonstoppers. The median duration of any type of opioid use of CAGE-positive patients was significantly longer than that of CAGE-negative patients (median: 261 days vs. 93 days; hazard ratio: 2.5).

Conclusion.

CAGE positivity is a risk factor for opioid use beyond 3 months after the completion of radiation therapy and for duration of opioid treatment. Routine CAGE screening and meticulous follow-up are needed for these patients.
Changes in area of shallow siliciclastic marine habitat in response to sediment deposition: implications for onshore-offshore paleobiologic patterns
Authors: Holland Steven M. , Christie Max
Published: May 2013

Models presented here of shallow-marine siliciclastic deposition show that the widths of depth-defined regions differ markedly in response to sea-level change. These models add to recent studies that have emphasized the highly specific response of habitat area to sea-level change. Collectively, these studies indicate that a particular bathymetric zone on a particular margin may vary substantially in area during a sea-level change, while other such zones and margins may experience little or even opposite responses. In the models presented here, intermediate-depth and deep-water regions tend to show sinusoidal variations in width, with widening during relative falls in sea level and narrowing during relative rises. The shallow-water region displays markedly non-sinusoidal change and is consistently characterized by abrupt widening at the beginning of the highstand systems tract and an equally abrupt narrowing at the onset of sea-level fall at the beginning of the falling-stage systems tract. These onshore-offshore differences in how width and area change with sea level may explain why taxa in shallow-water settings tend to be more abundant, eurytopic, and widespread than those in deeper-water settings. Likewise, these models suggest that the evolution of novelty in nearshore habitats may be a response to wide variation in shallow-marine area during sea-level change.
Scaling issues in centrifuge modelling of monopiles
Authors: Klinkvort Rasmus Tofte , Hededal Ole , Springman Sarah M
Published: May 2013

This paper deals with three different and important issues for centrifuge testing on monopiles for offshore wind turbines. A series of centrifuge model tests has been conducted on cylindrical stiff model monopiles that were installed at 1g and in-flight before being loaded laterally as well as on conical model piles installed in-flight. All model tests were performed in normally consolidated dense dry sand, simulating drained conditions. The tests confirmed three important issues for centrifuge modelling of monopiles for offshore wind turbines. First, to avoid any noticeable grain-size effect, the geometric ratio between average grain-size in poorly graded soils and pile diameter has to be larger than 88. Second, the non-linear stress distribution with depth, which is often neglected, has to be taken into account in the analysis of the lateral response. Finally, the pile lateral load–displacement tests confirm that both stiffness and strength increase following in-flight installation and that in-flight installation is needed to avoid any scale effects. This paper illustrates how these three issues are important factors in achieving reliable centrifuge modelling, which is capable of scaling model observations to prototype.
Tariff structures and incentives for water demand management
Authors: Kayaga Sam , Smout Ian
Published: May 2013

Urban water managers need to adopt water demand management (WDM) as one of the ways to provide for the needs and demands of escalating urban populations, amidst the negative impacts of increased pollution loads and climate change on finite water resources. This paper reviews how urban water tariff structures could be designed to promote water conservation in households while also ensuring revenue sufficiency for the service providers and affordability for low-income households. As an example, the paper describes the case of Zaragoza (Spain), a city where implementation of a water-conserving tariff and providing economic incentives largely contributed to a 27% reduction in overall water consumption between 1996 and 2008, although the population of the city increased by 12%. Similar principles were adapted to model a water-saving, socially equitable tariff for the city of Kampala (Uganda). The proposed tariff for Kampala can save over 2·5 million m3 of water and generate an extra US$ 0·68 million of revenue per year, which could be used to extend water services to currently unserved households in low-income settlements. If implemented, the tariff could enhance economic efficiency, revenue sufficiency, social equity and service coverage.
The Role of Smoking and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Markers on Coronally Advanced Flap Outcomes
Authors: Kaval Başak , Renaud Diane E. , Scott David A. , Buduneli Nurcan
Published: May 2013

Background: This study evaluates possible effects of smoking on the following: 1) biochemical content in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from sites of gingival recession and saliva; and 2) clinical outcomes of coronally advanced flap (CAF) for root coverage.

Methods: Eighteen defects in 15 patients were included in each of the smoker and non‐smoker groups. Baseline cotinine, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, MMP‐9, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 levels were determined in GCF and saliva samples. CAF with microsurgery technique was applied. Plaque index, papilla bleeding index, recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), and root surface area were evaluated at baseline and postoperative months 1, 3, and 6. Probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized gingival width (KGW) was recorded at baseline and month 6. Percentage of root coverage and complete root coverage were calculated at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6.

Results: All biochemical parameters were similar in the two groups apart from the definite difference in salivary cotinine concentrations (P = 0.000). Compared with the baseline values, RD, RW, CAL, and root surface area decreased, and KGW increased, with no significant difference between the study groups. CAL gain, percentage of root coverage, and complete root‐coverage rates were similar in the study groups.

Conclusion: Similar baseline biochemical data and comparably high success rates of root coverage with CAF in systemically and periodontally healthy smokers versus non‐smokers suggest lack of adverse effects of smoking on clinical outcomes.
Summary of Certified Crop Advisors’ Response to a Weed Resistance Survey
Authors: Asmus Amy , Clay Sharon A. , Ren Cuirong
Published: May 2013

Nearly 400 herbicide‐resistant weed biotypes due to one or several modes of action have been documented worldwide. Certified crop advisors (CCAs) were surveyed in December 2012 about the attitudes of clients toward resistant weeds and management. About 10% of total U.S. (∼1000 North Central, 60 Northeast, 165 West, and 257 South and Southeast regions) and Canadian (232) CCAs responded to the survey. Results were grouped by country, U.S. region, and job classification, with differences identified using χ2 analysis. Twenty‐three percent of the South and Southeast regions CCAs identified the weed resistance level in their territory as “heavy,” whereas 5.5% identified the level as “epidemic,” compared with 0 in these categories for Canadian CCAs and CCAs in the U.S. Northeast and West regions. About 1% of CCAs in sales identified weed resistance as “epidemic,” compared with 5.6% of agriculture manufacturer representatives. Resistance management tactics listed frequently included multiple modes of action (20%), herbicide or crop rotation (16% each), and preemergence or residual herbicide application (14%), whereas integrated pest management was listed <2% of the time. In the South and Southeast regions, about 50% of the respondents thought that producers would modify current production practices “…only if the resistant weed were present in their fields,” whereas 37 and 31% of the North Central and Northeast/West regions, respectively, chose this answer. The cost of resistance implementation was seen as a primary barrier to implementation by 24% of the Northeast/West, North Central, and Canadian respondents. These findings suggest that solutions for weed resistance must be effective, easily implemented, and cost conscious to maximize acceptance and implementation by farmers.
Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: Kazory Amir
Published: May 2013

Heart failure remains the leading cause of hospitalization in older patients and is considered a growing public health problem with a significant financial burden on the health care system. The suboptimal efficacy and safety profile of diuretic-based therapeutic regimens coupled with unsatisfactory results of the studies on novel pharmacologic agents have positioned ultrafiltration on the forefront as an appealing therapeutic option for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). In recent years, substantial interest in the use of ultrafiltration has been generated due to the advent of dedicated portable devices and promising results of trials focusing both on mechanistic and clinical aspects of this therapeutic modality. This article briefly reviews the proposed benefits of ultrafiltration therapy in the setting of ADHF and summarizes the major findings of the currently available studies in this field. The results of more recent trials on cardiorenal syndrome that present a counterpoint to previous observations and highlight certain limitations of ultrafiltration therapy are then discussed, followed by identification of major challenges and unanswered questions that could potentially hinder its more widespread use. Future studies are warranted to shed light on less well characterized aspects of ultrafiltration therapy and to further define its role in ADHF and cardiorenal syndrome.
Epidemiological and clinical features of erythema infectiosum in children in Novi Sad from 2000 to 2009
Authors: Prcic Sonja , Gajinov Zorica , Zrnic Bogdan , Radulovic Anica , Matic Milan , Djuran Verica
Published: May 2013

Background/Aim. Erythema infectiosum (EI) is a common childhood illness,
caused by human parvovirus B19. It occurs sporadically or in epidemics and
is characterized by mild constitutional symptoms and a blotchy or
maculopapular lacy rash on the cheeks (slapped-cheek) spreading primarily to
the extremities and trunk. The aim of our study was to analyse the
epidemiological and clinical characteristics of erythema infectiosum in
children. Methods. This study included 88 children observed in the
Department of Dermatology of the Institute for Child and Youth Health Care
of Vojvodina, in Novi Sad, during the period January 2000-December 2009. We
compared the data about the clinical characteristics during and after the
outbreak of EI observed from December 2001 to September 2002. The data were
retrieved from the hospital database. Results. During the study period, EI
was detected in 88 children (44 females and 44 males), 0.213% of the total
number of 4 1345 children observed in the Department of Dermatology. An
outbreak of erythema infectiosum was observed from December 2001 to
September 2002, with the peak frequency in April and May 2002 and 39
diagnosed cases, and stable number of cases from 2005 to 2009 (a total of 49
diagnosed cases). The average age of infected children was 7.59 ? 3.339.
Eleven (12.5%) children were referred from primary care pediatricians with
the diagnosis of urticaria or rash of allergic origin. The most constant
clinical sign was reticular exanthema on the limbs, present in 100% of the
cases, followed by 89.77% of cheek erythema. Pruritus was present in 9.09%
of the children, mild constitutional symptoms in 5.68% and palpable lymph
glands in 3.41% of the children. In all the cases the course of the disease
was without complications. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the
presence of EI (the fifth disease) in our area with a mild course in the
majority of patients. Since the diagnosis of EI is usually based on clinical
findings, continuing medical education of primary health care pediatricians
is essential for reducing the number of misdiagnosed cases.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 7 and 9 in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kostova Elena , Slaninka-Miceska Maja , Labacevski Nikola , Jakovski Krume , Trojachanec Jasmina , Atanasovska Emilija , Janevski Vlado , Jovanovik Rubens , Janevska Vesna
Published: May 2013

Background/Aim. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are perceived to play a key
role in tumor invasion and metastasis by their capacity to degrade basement
membranes and extracellular matrix proteins. The aim of this study was to
investigate the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 in tumor tissue and
their relation to clinicopathologic features in patients with colorectal
cancer. Methods. Specimens of resected colorectal cancer and surrounding
normal tissue of 82 patients were immunohistochemically stained for MMP-2,
MMP-7 and MMP-9. The results of immunohistochemical expression of MMPs were
correlated with some clinical and pathologic parameters. Results.
Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2 was more frequent in the patients
with higher preoperative serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (p =
0.047), MMP-2 (p = 0.018), MMP-9 (p = 0.036) and in those with lymph node
metastasis (p = 0.018) and the advanced stage of the disease (p = 0.046).
Expression of MMP-7 was more frequent in the patients with elevated
preoperative serum levels of: CEA (p = 0.012), MMP-7 (p = 0.036), MMP-9 (p =
0.023) and with deeply invasive neoplasms (p = 0.027). MMP-9 cell expression
was in a positive correlation with elevated preoperative serum levels of:
CEA (p = 0.013), MMP-2 (p = 0.012), MMP-9 (p = 0.018) and depth of CRC
invasion, i.e. Tparameter (p = 0.027). Conclusion. Immunohistochemical
expression of MMPs is a useful indicator of the disease development and
progression in patients with colorectal cancer.
Critical Approach to the Contribution Made by Education Research to the Social Construction of the Value of Teaching Work
Authors: Marcel Jean-François
Published: May 2013

Current changes affecting education systems have impacted teaching work as a whole. The concept of teachers' and establishments' effectiveness was introduced to operationalise an approach that is dominated by the cost-benefit model. This article uses this premise to suggest an analysis of the social value of teaching work, and more specifically the contribution made by education research in developing this value. The article outlines the most significant trends in education research in conjunction with teaching work — that is, work on the effectiveness of teachers and establishments — and applies a critical approach (methodology, theory and axiology) to indicate its limits. The article concludes with a clarification approach to enable education research to fully fulfil its social, critical and heuristic functions and renew its contribution to the definition of the social value of teaching work.
The Role of Supervisors in Light of the Experience of Doctoral Students
Authors: Bégin Christian , Géarard Laetitia
Published: May 2013

Doctoral supervision is one of the primary factors affecting doctoral degree completion and attrition rates. Basing their work on the concept of cognitive apprenticeship, the authors investigated the role that doctoral supervisors should adopt in supporting their students, in light of feedback from the latter. A total of 533 doctoral students completed an online survey, in which they were asked to describe their experience using a metaphor. Although the issue of support is rarely referred to directly in the resulting metaphors, the latter do seem to suggest that supervisors should adopt a coaching role.
Peer Coaching as a Model for Professional Development in the Elementary Mathematics Context: Challenges, Needs and Rewards
Authors: Jao Limin
Published: May 2013

As our knowledge about education continues to change, educators must refine and redefine their beliefs and teaching practices through professional development. In the peer coaching model of professional development, both participants have a chance to reflect on what they observe and on their own teaching practices. This reciprocal gain is one of the major benefits of peer coaching. This study examined the experiences of elementary mathematics teachers engaging in a peer coaching model of professional development. A Grade 1 and a Grade 3 teacher in Western Canada act as the participants in this case study and qualitative data were gathered from teacher interviews and observations of peer coaching sessions. Each teacher selected two dimensions from the Ten Dimensions framework for professional growth. This framework allows teachers to focus on the areas of teaching practices that generate higher levels of student achievement. The findings focus on three major areas, highlighting: (1) the fact that resources are needed to support the peer coaching process; (2) the challenges of peer coaching; and (3) the benefits of peer coaching. Overall, participants valued the peer coaching process and declared its collaborative nature as the greatest benefit.
Doxycycline concentration over time after storage in a compounded veterinary preparation
Authors: Papich Mark G. , Davidson Gigi S. , Fortier Lisa A.
Published: May 2013

Objective—To determine the concentration of doxycycline compounded from doxycycline hyclate tablets into liquid formulations for oral administration in veterinary species and stored for 28 days.

Design—Evaluation study.

Sample—Doxycycline hyclate tablets (100 mg) crushed and mixed with a 50:50 mixture of syrup and suspension vehicles for oral administration to produce 3 batches each of 2 doxycycline formulations: 33.3 and 166.7 mg/mL.

Procedures—Formulations were stored, protected from light, at room temperature (22° to 26°C [71.6° to 78.8°F]) and at a controlled cold temperature (refrigerated 2° to 8°C [35.6° to 46.4°F]). Doxycycline was extracted from the formulations, and concentration was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography on days 0 (date of preparation), 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Concentrations were compared with those of a US Pharmacopeial Convention reference standard. Formulation quality at each point was also assessed through color change, formulation consistency, and suspension uniformity.

Results—On days 0, 1, 4, and 7, the concentration of each formulation was within 90% to 110% of the reference standard (range, 93% to 109%), which was deemed acceptable. However, doxycycline concentrations had decreased dramatically by day 14 and remained low for the duration of the study period. Doxycycline concentrations on days 14, 21, and 28 were all < 20% (range, 14% to 18%) of the reference standard, and the quality of the formulations decreased as well. No effect of storage temperatures on doxycycline concentration was identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The concentration of doxycycline, compounded from commercial tablets in the vehicles evaluated to yield doses of 33.3 and 166.7 mg/mL, cannot be assured beyond 7 days.
Evaluation of risk factors for outcome associated with adrenal gland tumors with or without invasion of the caudal vena cava and treated via adrenalectomy in dogs: 86 cases (1993–2009)
Authors: Barrera Jessica S. , Bernard Fabrice , Ehrhart E. J. , Withrow Stephen J. , Monnet Eric
Published: May 2013

Objective—To evaluate risk factors for outcome for dogs with adrenal gland tumors with or without invasion of the caudal vena cava treated via adrenalectomy.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—86 dogs that underwent adrenalectomy for treatment of adrenal gland tumors.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs that underwent adrenalectomy for treatment of an adrenal gland tumor from 1993 to 2009 were reviewed; data collected including signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test findings, treatments prior to surgery, findings at surgery including additional procedures performed and extent of caudal vena caval invasion (local invasion [caudal to the hepatic portion of the vena cava] or extensive invasion [cranial to the hepatic portion of the vena cava]), procedures performed during surgery, histopathologic diagnosis, perioperative complications, follow-up data, and necropsy findings.

Results—Of the 86 dogs, 14 had adenomas, 45 had adrenocortical carcinomas, and 27 had pheochromocytomas. Fourteen dogs had invasion of the caudal vena cava; of these tumors, 7 were locally invasive and 7 were extensively invasive. Risk factors for poor short-term survival (death within 14 days following surgery) were vena caval invasion, extent of invasion, pheochromocytoma, intraoperative transfusion, and postoperative factors including disseminated intravascular coagulation, pancreatitis, hypotension, hypoxemia, and renal failure. Multivariate analysis of risk factors for poor short-term survival revealed that extensive invasion was the most important factor. Regardless of extent of invasion or tumor type, long-term survival was possible.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Invasion of the caudal vena cava, particularly tumor thrombus extension beyond the hepatic hilus, was associated with a higher postoperative mortality rate, but did not affect long-term prognosis in dogs undergoing adrenalectomy because of an adrenal gland tumor.
Unilateral laryngeal paralysis subsequent to surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus in an 8-week-old domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Adamovich-Rippe Krista N. , Steffey Michele A. , Ybarra Winnie L. , Johnson Lynelle R.
Published: May 2013

Case Description—An 8-week-old female domestic shorthair cat was treated for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with surgical ligation. Seven weeks postoperatively, the cat was evaluated because of increased upper respiratory noise, inspiratory stridor, wheezing, and episodes of intermittent open-mouth breathing that had developed 1 week following the surgical ligation.

Clinical Findings—The cat was sedated, and examination of the larynx revealed left-sided laryngeal paralysis.

Treatment and Outcome—At the time left-sided laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed, the clinical signs of laryngeal dysfunction were not considered severe enough to warrant surgical intervention. No treatment was administered, and the owner monitored the cat for respiratory distress and worsening of clinical signs for an additional 5 months. During those 5 months, the clinical signs improved but persisted. Seven months after PDA ligation, the cat was again sedated and the larynx examined. The examination revealed persistent left arytenoid dysfunction, which was believed to be the result of permanent damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve that was sustained during the surgical ligation of the PDA. The owner was counseled about surgical and medical treatment options for laryngeal paralysis but elected to forego treatment at that time.

Clinical Relevance—Unilateral laryngeal paralysis caused by iatrogenic damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve is a potential complication subsequent to surgical ligation of a PDA. The frequency of iatrogenically induced laryngeal paralysis is likely underestimated in small animal patients. Laryngoscopy should be performed in any small animal with a history of PDA attenuation and clinical signs of respiratory tract disease.
Management factors associated with veterinary usage by organic and conventional dairy farms
Authors: Richert Roxann M. , Cicconi Kellie M. , Gamroth Mike J. , Schukken Ynte H. , Stiglbauer Katie E. , Ruegg Pamela L.
Published: May 2013

Objective—To identify management factors associated with veterinary usage by organic and conventional dairy farms.

Design—Prospective case-control study.

Sample—292 farms.

Procedures—Organic farms in New York, Oregon, and Wisconsin were matched to conventional farms on the basis of location and herd size. During a single herd visit, a questionnaire was administered, information about animal disease incidence and number of veterinarian visits in the preceding 60 days was collected, and forms to record similar information during the 60 days after the visit were left for the herd manager to complete. For analysis, conventional herds were classified as either grazing or nongrazing. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to assess relationships among management factors and selected outcomes for frequency of veterinary usage.

Results—Intensive management practices were closely associated with frequent veterinary usage. Generally, organic management practices were associated with less frequent veterinary usage than were conventional management practices. Conventional grazing practices were associated with intermediate veterinary usage (more than organic practices but less than intensive practices), whereas conventional nongrazing practices were associated with frequent veterinary usage. Cost of routinely scheduled veterinarian visits/45 kg (100 lb) of milk produced/y was greater for small farms than that for large farms.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that management intensiveness was more closely associated with frequency of veterinary usage than was organic status; therefore, veterinarians should characterize farms by factors other than organic status when investigating which farms are most likely to use their services. Economic factors substantially affected routine veterinary usage on small farms.
Evaluation of impurities in simvastatin drug products with the use of FT-IR spectroscopy and selected chemometric techniques
Authors: Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Ronowicz Joanna , Balcerowska-Czerniak Grażyna , Walasek Andrzej , Budzisz Elżbieta
Published: May 2013

In the present study a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with diode array detector (DAD) at room temperature was used for obtaining impurity profiles of 20 drug products containing simvastatin as an active substance. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was carried out to obtain absorption spectra of samples. The partial least squares (PLS) model was built to predict the relative content of lovastatin, the main impurity of simvastatin, and sum of statin-like impurities. In order to build the PLS model, peak areas obtained from HPLC chromatograms were related to FT-IR spectra of drugs. The PLS model based on signal normal variate and orthogonal signal correction (SNV+OSC) transformed FT-IR spectra was able to predict the content of drug impurities in real samples with a good prediction ability (R2 > 0.95).