bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot‐Pressing of Nano‐Size Alumina Powder and the Resulting Mechanical Properties
Authors: Chang Sekyung , Doremus Robert H. , Schadler Linda S. , Siegel Richard W.
Published: September 2010

The optimum conditions for sintering nano‐phase alumina powder to theoretical density with high hardness and strength were determined. As‐received gamma alumina powder was transformed to alpha alumina by heating for 8 min at 1300°C, and 0.1 wt% MgO was added to the gamma powder. These conditions resulted in 100% alpha powder with minimum growth in particle size. The alpha powder was ball‐milled for 24 hr to further reduce its particle size. The resulting powder was hot‐pressed in vacuum at different temperatures from 1250°C to 1450°C. To achieve high hardness and strength, the minimum time to give theoretical density at each temperature was used. Under these conditions, a Vickers hardness of greater than 22 GPa and diametral strength of above 1 GPa were achieved, which are much greater than those properties of polycrystalline alumina with larger grain size. The activation energy of alpha alumina with a mean diameter of 46 nm to reach theoretical density was 366 ± 23 kJ/molK. From analysis of these results and those of other workers, we conclude that low porosity is a very important factor for increasing strength and hardness of alumina with small grains.
High‐Temperature Sensor for In‐Line Monitoring of Mg and Li in Molten Al Employing Ion‐Conducting Ceramic Electrolytes
Authors: Kale Girish M. , Wang Ling , Hong Yanruo
Published: September 2010

Novel solid‐state electrochemical sensors have been designed using the Mg2+ and Li+ cation conductors incorporating novel solid‐state reference electrodes for in‐line monitoring of Mg and Li in molten Al during the refining process, and also for in‐line monitoring of Mg and Li content in molten Al in the alloying process. In this paper we report the preparation of Mg2+ ion conductors, MgAl2O4 and MgZr4(PO4)6 and Li+ ion conductors, Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7P3O12 and Li2BeGeO4 by the solid‐state ceramic synthesis route, measurement of their electrical properties using ac‐impedance spectroscopy, and application of the above cation conductors for designing novel electrochemical sensors for monitoring Mg and Li dissolved in molten Al. The activation energy for Mg2+ ion conduction in MgAl2O4 is 2.08 eV and in MgZr4(PO4)6 is 1.7 eV. Similarly, the activation energy for Li+ ion conduction in Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7P3O12 is 0.52 eV and in Li2BeGeO4 is 1.44 eV. The sensors have been found to respond rapidly to change in Mg or Li content in molten Al around 1000 K.
Anomalous Defects and Dynamic Failure of Armor Ceramics
Authors: Bakas M.P. , Greenhut V.A. , Niesz D.E. , Quinn G. D. , McCauley J. W. , Wereszczak A. A. , Swab J. J.
Published: September 2010

The ballistic performance of state‐of‐the‐art silicon carbide armor material can exhibit a fairly wide variability in certain test configurations, which, it is proposed, may be due to the presence of large (>0.1 mm), rare defects, termed, herein, “anomalous” defects. SiC rubble resulting from ballistic tests was examined, as were quasi‐static test samples. Ballistic fragment fracture surfaces revealed large carbonaceous defects that seemed to affect fracture path and mode. Low‐strength biaxial flexure samples demonstrated similar defects (>0.1 mm) as failure origins. Carbonaceous defects similar in appearance but smaller in size were also found at the fracture origins of SiC bend bars. Frequently, alumina inclusions were found within the carbonaceous discontinuities. These alumina inclusions may cause the graphitic regions to form during sintering. The random distribution of such large, rare carbonaceous discontinuities from sample‐to‐sample, as well as batch‐to‐batch variability, may explain high ballistic variability for SiC armor ceramics.
Spall Strength of Silicon Carbide Under Normal and Simultaneous Compression‐Shear Shock Wave Loading
Authors: Dandekar Dattatraya P.
Published: September 2010

Spall strength data of sintered and hot‐pressed silicon carbide show an initial increase with an increase in the shock‐induced stress to around 4 GPa. At impact stress around 6 GPa and above, spall strength data of these materials show a continuous decrease in the magnitude of spall strength.1 This unusual trend in the spall strength of silicon carbides may be due to the competing roles of (i) localized plasticity, (ii) generation and propagation of cracks taking into consideration their relative dominance below and above a given magnitude of stress. This work presents the results of spall experiments conducted to test the relative dominance hypothesis by determining whether the observed initial increase in spall strength of silicon carbide is due to dominance of localized plastic deformation over crack‐dominated brittle deformation, while the observed decline in the spall strength with an increase in the shock‐induced stress reflects a dominance of crack‐induced brittle deformation over plastic deformation.
Advances in Nano‐Structured Electrochemical Reactors for NOx Treatment in the Presence of Oxygen
Authors: Awano Masanobu , Fujishiro Yoshinobu , Hamamoto Koichi , Katayama Shingo , Bredikhin Sergei
Published: September 2010

Dramatic improvements in the selective separation and purification of NOx in exhaust gases by an electrochemical reactor have been achieved. The novel electrochemical cells for NOx decomposition were developed by nano‐scale control of penetrating pores from the catalytic electrode surface to the bottom of the catalytic electrode layer, and by distribution at the interfaces of ionic and electronically conducting grains through the electro‐catalytic electrode of the cells. Dramatic improvement in the current efficiency and suppression of the working voltage of the cells enabled their application as a novel reactor for NOx decomposition of gases from gasoline‐ and diesel‐engine vehicles, gas engines, and other industrial equipment with the advantage of less energy consumption in comparison to “the fuel penalty” for presently used catalytic systems. The cells are able to work as a deNOx reactor even under excess oxygen contents up to 10% because of the selective separation to NOx molecules by the nano‐space reaction. For the first time such nano‐reaction has been shown to realize sufficiently applicable yielding rates. Enlarged cells revealed high performance similar to the small experimental cells.
Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings for SiC/SiC CMCs in Aircraft Engine Applications*
Authors: Spitsberg Irene , Steibel Jim
Published: September 2010

Accommodating relatively high engine component surface temperatures is a significant challenge that must be overcome in order to fully realize engine performance benefits associated with implementing CMC materials having relatively low density and higher temperature capability. The design surface temperature for selected components is expected to exceed the 1414°C (2577°F) melting point of silicon, a key CMC constituent, and thus protective coatings are required. This paper discusses challenges in developing the coating system, specifically addressing issues related to the selection of materials, designing the coating architecture, and the test methodology.
Layered Piezoelectric Ceramics for Fine‐Tolerance Resonator Applications
Authors: Ando Akira , Kimura Masahiko , Minamikawa Tadahiro , Sakabe Yukio
Published: September 2010

Double‐layered piezoelectric ceramic resonators were fabricated using layer stacking with lead–titanate‐based ceramics and strontium–bismuth–niobate (SBN)‐based ceramics, which are extremely stable against temperature changes or high‐temperature retention. Single‐mode resonant characteristics of the second harmonic thickness‐extensional (TE2) mode vibration can easily be obtained in those resonators. The dispersion curves of the TE2 vibrations were calculated and the results can explain the single‐mode resonant phenomenon in the TE2 mode. SBN‐based ceramic materials are quite adequate for the fine‐tolerance resonator applications, because their electromechanical coupling coefficients are sufficiently small. Strontium site substitutions for SBN improved the temperature coefficient of frequency.
Structure–Property Relationship in BT‐Based Dielectrics for Ni‐MLCC: Modification of Grain Boundary
Authors: Chazono Hirokazu , Hagiwara Tomoya
Published: September 2010

Structure–property relationship in BaTiO3 (BT)‐based dielectrics for multi‐layer ceramic capacitors with nickel internal electrode was investigated using samples having various HoO3/2 concentrations by measuring temperature characteristics of capacitance, voltage–current characteristics, lifetime at highly accelerated life test, high‐resolution analytical electron microscope, and frequency response at elevated temperature and ultra‐low frequency. It was concluded that the addition of Ho affected the shell and grain boundary (GB) characteristics. Incorporation of Ho into BT perovskite lattice and the change in GB characteristics along with the doped concentration of HoO3/2 were discussed to better understand the role of doped Ho2O3.
Characterization of the Piezoelectric Properties of Pb0.98Ba0.02(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 Epitaxial Thin Films
Authors: Maria Jon‐Paul , Shepard Joseph F. , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Watkins T. R. , Payzant A. E.
Published: September 2010

Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) (70/30) thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition using two growth strategies: adsorption controlled deposition from lead‐rich targets (∼25–30 mass%) and lower‐temperature deposition (Td≤600°C) from targets containing a small amount of excess lead oxide (≤3 mass %). The substrates used were (001) SrRuO3/LaAlO3. Typical remanent polarization values ranged between 12 and 14 μC/cm2 for these films. The longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient (d33,f) was measured using in situ four‐circle X‐ray diffraction, and the transverse coefficient (d31,f or e31,f) was measured using the wafer flexure method. d33,f and e31,f coefficients of ∼300–350 pm/V and ∼−11 C/m2 were calculated, respectively. In general, the piezoelectric coefficients and aging rates were strongly asymmetric, suggesting the presence of a polarization bias. The large, extremely stable piezoelectric response that results from poling parallel to the preferred polarization direction is attractive for miniaturized sensors and actuators.
Synthesis of Strontium Titanate Nanometer Crystallites Using a Peroxide‐Based Route
Authors: Wanjun Tang , Donghua Chen
Published: September 2010

Nanocrystalline strontium titanate (SrTiO3) particles were prepared using a peroxide‐based route. The reaction between hydrogen peroxide and β‐titanic acid yielded a peroxytitanic solution. An amorphous precipitate containing strontium and titanium was formed when a solution of strontium nitrate was added at pH 9. The precipitate was filtered, washed, and calcined. The precipitate was characterized by thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Powder calcined at temperatures of about 750°C within 1 h showed a well‐crystallized cubic SrTiO3 perovskite phase. Applying this synthesis procedure for SrTiO3 nanoparticles yields powders with a grain size of nearly 50 nm.
Microstructural Development of ZnO Pellets Doped with Different Vanadium Oxides (V2O5 and V2O3)
Authors: Méndez‐Martínez Francisco , Venegas Miriam J. , Pfeiffer Heriberto
Published: September 2010

This work presents the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) ceramics, doped with different percentages of vanadium trioxide (V2O3) and vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). Samples were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The addition of V2O3 or V2O5 produced changes in the composition and morphology of the pellets. In both cases, different zinc vanadates were detected as secondary phases: α‐Zn3(VO4)2 and Zn4V2O9. Furthermore, when the vanadium concentration was equal to or higher than 3 wt%, the presence of filaments was detected on the surface of the pellets. These filaments were produced due to vanadium segregation. However, this effect was only observed at the surface of the pellets. On the bulk, the filaments were not observed. Instead, vanadium was found at the interfaces between the ZnO grains and at triple points, as it could be expected.
Polypropylene Fibers and their Effects on Processing Refractory Castables
Authors: Salomão Rafael , Pandolfelli Victor Carlos
Published: September 2010

Polymeric fibers are efficient drying additives for refractory castables as they can reduce the risks of explosion during the first heat‐up. When fibers are melted, they increase permeability, enhancing the drying rate and reducing vapor pressure. Despite these benefits, adding fibers can induce mixing and pumping difficulties due to particle entanglement. In the present work, an analysis involving rheology, dynamic permeability, drying and explosion likelihood of polypropylene fiber containing castables is presented. An optimized condition (fiber content and geometry) to maximize the performance of fibers as drying additives and to prevent mixing drawbacks is also highlighted.
Optimization of the Hardening Properties of Refractory Castables Using Nondestructive Techniques to Measure Early Age Properties
Authors: Parr Christopher , Lievin Michael , Wöhrmeyer Christoph , Alt Charles
Published: September 2010

A significant part of downtime during the installation of refractory castables is spent waiting for hardening to occur so that molds and formwork can be stripped. In order to reduce this downtime, an optimization of the hardening properties is necessary. Traditional methods used to measure the hardening profile of a refractory castable do not provide enough information for significant breakthroughs to be made in the optimization of the hardening phase. There is therefore a need for better information about the early age hardening profile and volume change characteristics that can help the formulator optimize the castable binder systems. This paper will present an approach by which the early age properties of refractory castables can be followed with two complementary techniques. The techniques measure hardening kinetics through ultrasonics and early age linear shrinkage through a unique piece of equipment. Both can be done in an automated and continuous fashion. Different model castable formulations will be presented and comparisons will be made with existing tests such as flow, set, and compressive strength measurements to demonstrate the additional information that can be gained. Conclusions will be drawn about the impact of changes in binder composition and their effects on the castable hardening.
Effects of Starting Powder Characteristics on Bulk Assembly of Titania
Authors: Venugopal Navin , Haber Richard A. , Maiorano Daniel W.
Published: September 2010

Seven nanoscale titanias synthesized from a sulfate process were investigated for rheological characterization. Alteration of synthesis parameters had resulted in variation of the powder surface area and soluble sulfate level from powder to powder. The powder differences were further corroborated in stress‐controlled rheometry where the viscoelastic yield stress of a suspension was seen to vary strongly with processing history. Capillary and torque rheometry further showed the dependence of processing history on steady‐state extrusion pressure and steady‐state mixing torque. The powders were washed to determine whether sulfate equilibration through washing could be used to circumvent the synthesis parameter differences.
Functional Refractory Material Design for Advanced Thermal Shock Performance Due to Titania Additions
Authors: Aneziris C. G. , Klippel U. , Schärfl W. , Stein V. , Li Yawei
Published: September 2010

One of the biggest challenges of refractory materials during metallurgical applications is the thermal shock performance. In terms of this work, different ways of improving the thermal shock resistance in carbon‐bonded as well as in oxide‐based materials by adding reactive titania powders are explored with the aid of thermal shock tests and followed by microstructure evaluation. The laboratory results obtained lead to microstructures with superior thermal shock properties and open the horizon of development of functional components such as slide gates or nozzles for clean steel technology.
Cystine calculi I in the dog: an epidemiological retrospective study
Authors: Wallerström B. I. , Wågberg T. I. , Lagergren C. H.
Published: September 2010

During 1970 to 1990, 134 cases of obstructive cystine calculi were diagnosed in Sweden; it was estimated that at least two out of 10,000 male dogs in Sweden had this condition. The disease was found especially in the dachshund, basset hound and Welsh corgi (0–2 to 04 per cent). The study showed that obstructive cystine calculi occur in male dogs of all ages, but not in females or pups. Most cases (53 per cent) were detected at the age of three to five years. Recurrence was common (38 per cent), but was rare in older dogs. Eight dogs which originally had cystine calculi suffered recurrent stones consisting of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Surgery was performed in 40 per cent for the first time (n=122) during the first quarter of the year and in 71 per cent during January to July. Since this condition affects only male dogs after sexual maturity, it was assumed that the formation of cystine calculi involved the sex hormone(s).
Successful treatment of two cases of metaphyseal osteomyelitis in the dog
Authors: Dunn J. K. , Dennis R. , Houlton J. E. F.
Published: September 2010

This paper describes two cases of metaphyseal osteomyelitis in young dogs. The condition was characterised by generalised stiffness, muscle atrophy and reluctance to stand. Pain was evident on deep palpation of the distal extremities of long bones. Radiographic lesions, consisting of diffuse areas of bone lysis and pronounced periosteal reaction, were demonstrated in the metaphyseal regions of multiple long bones, particularly the distal radii and ulnae. Growth plates appeared unaffected and remained open. Biochemical abnormalities included significant increases in the plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and alkaline phosphatase. A pronounced neutrophilia and absolute monocytosis were noted in one dog. A six week course of amoxycil‐lin/clavulanic acid in combination with metronidazole resulted in complete resolution of clinical and radiographic signs in each case. Growth disturbances were not observed.
‘Battered pets’: Munchausen syndrome by proxy (factitious illness by proxy)
Authors: Munro H. M. C. , Thrusf1eld M. V.
Published: September 2010

Nine cases of suspected Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), Involving pets as proxies, were identified among 448 cases of non‐accidental injury to small animals. These cases, recorded by a random sample of small animal practitioners in the UK, demonstrated several combinations of features, including attention‐seeking behaviour by the owner, real and apparently factitious clinical signs, deliberate injury, markedly abnormal biochemical profiles, serial incidents, Interference with surgical sites, recovery after separation from the owner, and ‘veterinarian‐shopping’ by the owner. All of these features are consistent with those identified in the well documented MSBP in which children are the victims. Furthermore, one of the cases involved serial attempts at poisoning other animals and a child.
Patellar luxation in 70 large breed dogs
Authors: Gibbons S. E. , Macias C. , Tonzing M. A. , Pinchbeck G. L. , McKee W. M.
Published: September 2010

Objectives:To report the signalment, history, clinical features, and outcome in dogs weighing greater than 15 kg, treated surgically and non‐surgically for patellar luxation. Risk factors for the development of patellar luxation, postoperative complications, and outcome were evaluated.

Methods:Details regarding signalment, bodyweight, breed, aetiology, unilateral or bilateral luxation, duration of lameness, grade of luxation, direction of luxation, grade of lameness at presentation, concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture, method of treatment, surgical technique, surgeon, and complications were obtained from the medical records. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor, according to the degree of lameness.

Results:Seventy dogs (45 males and 25 females) were included. Thirty‐five had bilateral luxations (105 limbs). Mean age was two years, and mean weight was 30 kg. The relative risk for Labrador retrievers was 3·3 (P<0·001). All luxations were developmental. Luxations were medial in 102 stifles and lateral in three. Fourteen stifles had concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture. As the grade of patellar luxation increased, so did the grade of lameness (P<0·001). Surgery was performed in 70 stifles, and outcome was excellent/good in 94 per cent and fair/poor in 6 per cent of stifles. Complications occurred in 29 per cent of stifles, and increasing bodyweight was found to be a risk factor (P=0·03). Thirty‐five stifles were managed non‐surgically, and outcome was excellent/good in 86 per cent and fair/poor in 14 per cent of stifles.

ClinicalSignificance:In view of the potential risk of postoperative complications, all surgically treated cases of patellar luxation in large breed dogs should be managed with a femoral trochleoplasty, a tibial tuberosity transposition (stabilised with K‐wires and a tension band wire), and soft tissue releasing and tightening procedures.
Symmetrical double aortic arch in a beagle puppy
Authors: Du Plessis C. J. , Keller N. , Joubert K. E.
Published: September 2010

Double aortic arch denotes the persistence of both fourth aortic arches and has been reported as ‘very rare’ in the dog. Most reported cases have been seen in German shepherd dogs. An eight‐week‐old, male, 1·5‐kg beagle presented with a three‐week history of regurgitation and dyspnoea. A barium oesophagram showed severe oesophageal constriction cranial to the base of the heart, and a provisional diagnosis of a persistent right aortic arch was made. A left‐sided fourth intercostal thoracotomy was performed. The ligamentum arteriosum was ligated and divided. The oesophagus was seen lying on the right‐hand side of the aorta. Postoperatively, the puppy deteriorated and was euthanased. Postmortem revealed a double aortic arch entrapping both the oesophagus and trachea. The inexperienced surgeon could consider computed tomography or angiography to determine the exact vascular ring, and other possible concurrent vascular anomalies present, before surgery.
Y‐T humeral fractures with supracondylar comminution in five cats
Authors: Macias C. , Gibbons S. E. , McKee W. M.
Published: September 2010

Five cats with Y‐T fractures of the humeral condyle were reviewed. Breeds presented included domestic shorthair (four cats) and Maine Coon (one cat). Age ranged from two to 16 years. All the cats were neutered males. A road traffic accident was suspected in all cases. Four of the fractures were severely comminuted and one fracture had four fragments. The fractures were repaired via combined medial and lateral approaches. Fixation of the epicondylar ridges was performed using buttress plates in four cases and neutralisation plates in one case. The intracondylar fracture was stabilised using a 2·7 mm lag screw in four cases and a 3·5 mm lag screw in the other. A corticocancellous bone graft was applied in two cases. The intracondylar fracture was accurately reduced in all cases. Complete radiographic healing was documented in two cases 6 and 11 weeks following surgery. Failure of the fixation occurred in the most severely comminuted fracture five days postoperatively. Surgical revision was not performed, and the limb was amputated. Three cats were free of lameness and had resumed outdoor activities at follow‐up (five to eight months after surgery). Marked lameness due to loss of elbow movement was observed in the other case.
Heart failure is common in diabetic cats: findings from a retrospective case‐controlled study in first‐opinion practice
Authors: Little C. J. L. , Gettinby G.
Published: September 2010

Objectives:To study the prognosis and cause of death in cats with diabetes mellitus.

Methods:Twenty consecutive cases of feline diabetes mellitus diagnosed in first‐opinion practice were followed. Three control cats, without diabetes, were matched to each case of diabetes; these were also followed.

Results:One Somali cat with diabetes could not be matched, so complete data analysis considered only 19 diabetics and 57 matched controls. Death occurred in 14 of 20 diabetics and 23 of 57 controls although one control cat was eventually lost to follow‐up. Heart disease and heart failure led to death in six diabetic cats. One of these was the non‐matched Somali; nevertheless, the death rate from heart disease in the diabetics was five of 19 compared with two of 57 in controls. The relative risk of heart failure in diabetic cats was 10·4 times that of the controls; this difference in rates was statistically significant. Survival amongst diabetics was significantly worse than for controls. For the control cats median survival was 718 days after the index visit, whereas for the diabetic cases median survival was 385 days after diagnosis.

ClinicalSignificance:Heart disease and failure are common in diabetic cats. This observation deserves further attention.
Implantable loop recorders: a viable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine
Authors: James R. , Summerfield N. , Loureiro J. , Swift S. , Dukes‐McEwan J.
Published: September 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether implantable loop recorders could be used in the diagnosis of unexplained collapse in dogs.

Methods: The medical records of six dogs presented to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital between May 2003 and October 2006 for further evaluation of intermittent syncopal episodes, collapse or episodic weakness, were reviewed. All these dogs underwent standard investigations and had implantable loop recorders placed.

Results: A provisional diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia was made in one dog, and diagnoses of exclusion of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and idiopathic epilepsy was made in two dogs. One dog suffered no further syncopal episodes, a diagnosis was not reached in another dog and the final dog was lost to follow‐up.

Clinical Significance: The implantable loop recorder can be used successfully for the diagnosis of unexplained collapse in dogs.
Fatal venous air embolism in a cat undergoing dental extractions
Authors: Gunew M. , Marshall R. , Lui M. , Astley C.
Published: September 2010

A five‐year‐old domestic shorthair cat underwent general anaesthesia and tooth extractions. Immediately after use of a high‐speed, air‐driven, water‐cooled dental drill, the cat suffered cardiac arrest and attempted resuscitation was unsuccessful. Post‐mortem radiographs showed air in the vena cava, right atrium, right auricle and right ventricle, hepatic and renal veins. These findings were confirmed at post‐mortem examination. The cause of death was massive air embolism. There are reports of fatal venous air embolism in the human literature from the use of high‐speed, air‐driven, water‐cooled dental drills. In this case, we believe that the air jet from the cooling system provided an enormous pressure gradient allowing air entry through an alveolar bone fracture or the inflamed gingival tissues. This is the first report of fatal venous air embolism associated with the use of a high‐speed dental drill in the veterinary literature.
Addressing the Global Tragedy of Needless Pain: Rethinking the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs
Authors: Taylor Allyn L.
Published: September 2010

Important medical advances over the last several decades have vastly improved the technical capacity to control human pain. Millions of patients suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions have been able to find relief from incapacitating chronic and acute pain. However, despite these developments, pain remains severely under treated worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The tragic consequence is that for millions of people around the globe, excruciating pain is an inescapable reality of life.
Detention and the Evolving Threat of Tuberculosis: Evidence, Ethics, and Law
Authors: Coker Richard , Thomas Marianna , Lock Karen , Martin Robyn
Published: September 2010

The issue of detention as a tuberculosis control measure has resurfaced following the prolonged detention of a patient with an extensively drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis in a prison cell in Arizona, and the attempted detention in Italy and subsequent detention in Atlanta, Georgia of an American sufferer thought to have XDR-TB in May 2007. These cases have reignited the debate over the evidence that supports detention policy in the control of tuberculosis, and its associated legal and ethical ramifications. This paper considers whether involuntary detention is justified where voluntary measures have failed or where a patient poses a danger, albeit uncertain, to the public, and discusses the need for strengthening evidencebased assessments of public health risk.
The Ancillary-Care Responsibilities of Researchers: Reasonable but Not Great Expectations
Authors: Brownsword Roger
Published: September 2010

It is axiomatic that the first responsibility of researchers, whether they are working in the developed or the developing world, is to (strive to) do no harm to those who participate in their studies or trials. However, on neither side of the Atlantic is there any such settled view with regard to the responsibility of researchers to attend to the ancillary-care needs of their participants – that is, a responsibility to advise or assist participants who have medical condition X in circumstances where the research concerns medical condition Y, and the research did not contribute to the presence of condition X in participants, nor did the having of condition X contribute to the research. Consider, for example, the following hypothetical posed by Leah Belsky and Henry Richardson:

Researchers testing a new treatment for tuberculosis in a developing country discover some patients have HIV infection. Do they have a responsibility to provide antiretroviral drugs?
The Physician-Patient Relationship and a National Health Information Network
Authors: Francis Leslie Pickering
Published: September 2010

The United States, like other countries facing rising health care costs, is pursuing a commitment to interoperable electronic health records. Electronic records, it is thought, have the potential to reduce the risks of error, improve care coordination, monitor care quality, enable patients to participate more fully in care management, and provide the data needed for research and surveillance. Interoperable electronic health records on a national scale — the ideal of a national health information network (or NHIN) — seem likely to magnify these advantages. Thus, the recent economic stimulus package contains considerable funding for the development of “health information technology architecture that will support the nationwide electronic exchange and use of health information in a secure, private, and accurate manner.”
State Tort Reforms and Hospital Malpractice Costs
Authors: Ellington Charles R. , Dodoo Martey , Phillips Robert , Szabat Ronald , Green Larry , Bullock Kim
Published: September 2010

Medical liability remains a major concern among U.S. physicians, and according to the American Medical Association (AMA) the United States is currently experiencing its third fullblown medical liability crisis with many physicians limiting their practices as a result of rising malpractice costs. The AMA, many in the medical community, and several prominent politicians including former president George W. Bush have called for medical liability reform including caps on non-economic damages. Some researchers argue that the medical liability crisis has been overdrawn. Several studies have shown that the vast majority of patients injured through medical malpractice do not sue, that the insurance cycle is likely major contributor to rising malpractice insurance premiums, and that defensive medicine likely plays a minor role in rising health care costs. Further, evidence shows that malpractice damage caps may lead to a crossover effect where juries increase the amount of economic damages they award to offset limitations in non-economic damages available.
Physicians' “Right of Conscience” — Beyond Politics
Authors: Gold Azgad
Published: September 2010

Recently, the discussion regarding the physicians’ “Right of Conscience” (ROC) has been on the rise. This issue is often confined to the “reproductive health” arena (abortions, birth control, morning-after pills, fertility treatments, etc.) within the political context. The recent dispute of the Bush-Obama administrations regarding the legal protections of health workers who refuse to provide care that violates their personal beliefs is an example of the political aspects of this dispute. The involvement of the political system (motivated by specific interests and values) automatically shifts the discussion regarding physicians’ ROC into the narrow area of “reproductive health laws.” Indeed, the immediate association that comes to mind when thinking about the practical implications of this dispute is related to the reproductive health arena. This is partly because of the historical context of the first “conscience clauses,” initially enacted by Congress and state legislatures in the mid-1970s; in fact, most of these clauses provided specific exemptions for abortion and few exempted sterilization as well.
Teaching Health Law
Authors: Pendo Elizabeth
Published: September 2010

Last summer, I was thinking about a public service project for my disability discrimination law course. I teach the course in fall, and try to incorporate a project each year. Integrating a public service project into a traditional doctrinal course fits within the trend toward expanding teaching techniques beyond the case method in order to better prepare students for the practice of law. It was also inspired in part by the Carnegie Foundation's 2007 report, “Educating Lawyers: Preparation for the Profession of Law,” as a way to foster “civic professionalism,” and to “[link] the interests of legal educators with the needs of legal practitioners and with the public the profession is pledged to serve.” That link is especially important to disability discrimination law, as issues critical to the lives of people with disabilities often go unnoticed and unaddressed by people without disabilities.
Recent Case Developments in Health Law
Authors: Clark Stacy
Published: September 2010

In September 2009, the First Circuit Court of Appeals decidedBlue Cross & Blue Shield v. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP,part of the class action suit known asIn re Pharmaceutical Industry Average Wholesale Price Litigation. The First Circuit upheld a Massachusetts District Court finding that AstraZeneca violated Massachusetts’ consumer protection laws by manipulating the “average wholesale price” of its physician-administered injectable cancer drug Zoladex, leading to overpayment by the government, third-party payers, and consumers. This case, which highlights the persistent tension between pharmaceutical pricing flexibility and consumer protection, has important implications for similar pending class actions.

Between 1991 and 2003, Medicare, as well as many private insurance companies, pegged reimbursement for certain pharmaceutical products to a national “average wholesale price” (AWP) for each drug. Although the amended 1991 Medicare Part B regulations3 that introduced the term “average wholesale price” failed to define it explicitly, there is some indication in the legislative history that AWP was intended to refer to the prices that physicians and pharmacists actually pay to the drug manufacturers.
MARICULTURE IN ESTUARINE OIL‐PIPELINE CANALS IN LOUISIANA1
Authors: Harris Alva H. , Kilgen Ronald H. , Kraemer Danny
Published: September 2010

A study was initiated to determine the suitability of utilizing some of the thousands of hectares of estuarine oil‐pipeline canals in Louisiana for mariculture purposes. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), and white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) were selected as test animals. Preliminary catfish culture results are reported here. Channel catfish stocked in a 2.55 ha brackish‐water oil‐field pipeline canal averaged 323 g after 6 months. Growth rates, water quality, and pathogenic organisms remained within acceptable parameters. Predation, overbank flooding, and harvesting were the most obvious problems, and are addressed separately.
Physical Performance of Biodegradable Films Intended for Antimicrobial Food Packaging
Authors: Marcos Begonya , Aymerich Teresa , Monfort Josep M. , Garriga Margarita
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Antimicrobial films were prepared by including enterocins to alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and zein films. The physical performance of the films was assessed by measuring color, microstructure (SEM), water vapor permeability (WVP), and tensile properties. All studied biopolymers showed poor WVP and limited tensile properties. PVOH showed the best performance exhibiting the lowest WVP values, higher tensile properties, and flexibility among studied biopolymers. SEM of antimicrobial films showed increased presence of voids and pores as a consequence of enterocin addition. However, changes in microstructure did not disturb WVP of films. Moreover, enterocin‐containing films showed slight improvement compared to control films. Addition of enterocins to PVOH films had a plasticizing effect, by reducing its tensile strength and increasing the strain at break. The presence of enterocins had an important effect on tensile properties of zein films by significantly reducing its brittleness. Addition of enterocins, thus, proved not to disturb the physical performance of studied biopolymers. Development of new antimicrobial biodegradable packaging materials may contribute to improving food safety while reducing environmental impact derived from packaging waste.

Practical Application: Development of new antimicrobial biodegradable packaging materials may contribute to improving food safety while reducing environmental impact derived from packaging waste.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Relaxation Spectrum Analysis as Methods to Investigate Swelling in Whey Protein Gels
Authors: Oztop Mecit H. , Rosenberg Moshe , Rosenberg Yael , McCarthy Kathryn L. , McCarthy Michael J.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Effective means for controlled delivery of nutrients and nutraceuticals are needed. Whey protein‐based gels, as a model system and as a potential delivery system, exhibit pH‐dependent swelling when placed in aqueous solutions. Understanding the physics that govern gel swelling is thus important when designing gel‐based delivery platforms. The extent of swelling over time was monitored gravimetrically. In addition to gravimetric measurements, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a real‐time noninvasive imaging technique that quantified changes in geometry and water content of these gels was utilized. Heat‐set whey protein gels were prepared at pH 7 and swelling was monitored in aqueous solutions with pH values of 2.5, 7, and 10. Changes in dimension over time, as characterized by the number of voxels in an image, were correlated to gravimetric measurements. Excellent correlations between mass uptake and volume change (R2= 0.99) were obtained for the gels in aqueous solutions at pH 7 and 10, but not for gels in the aqueous solution at pH 2.5. To provide insight into the mechanisms for water uptake, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation times were measured in independent experiments. The relaxation spectrum for the spin–spin relaxation time (T2) showed the presence of 3 proton pools for pH 7 and 10 trials and 4 proton pools for pH 2.5 trials. Results demonstrate that MRI and NMR relaxation measurements provided information about swelling in whey protein gels that can constitute a new means for investigating and developing effective delivery systems for foods.
Isolation and Characterization of Barosensitive Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Obtained by UV Mutagenesis
Authors: Shigematsu Toru , Nasuhara Yusuke , Nagai Gen , Nomura Kazuki , Ikarashi Kenta , Hirayama Masao , Hayashi Mayumi , Ueno Shigeaki , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Using UV mutagenesis, 2 high‐pressure (HP) sensitive (barosensitive) mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were obtained. The HP inactivation of the mutants, as well as their parent strains, followed 1st‐order kinetics in the range of 175 to 250 MPa within 600 s. Both mutants showed larger 1st‐order inactivation rate constant values or significant loss of viabilities, compared with their parent strains in the pressure range tested. The inactivation rate constant value of one of the mutants was comparable with that of a previously reported highly barosensitive strain, which was generated by deletion of hsp104 in a trehalose deficient strain. The activation volume values of HP inactivation reactions in the 2 mutants were apparently equivalent with those of their parent strains. This suggested that the mutation did not bring drastic volume changes of the key molecules for HP inactivation. Their auxotrophic properties, growth, and ethanol fermentation were identical in mutant and parent strains. The mutants could therefore be useful for fermentations where control by HP processing is desired.
Distal luxation of the patella in a horse
Authors: Hall MS , Jalim SL , Russell TM
Published: September 2010

A 19‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding presented with sudden onset, non‐weight bearing lameness in the right hindlimb. Radiography confirmed distal luxation of the patella, which was replaced into its normal anatomical location under general anaesthesia. There were no pathological sequelae noted on follow‐up examination 9 months after the initial injury. To our knowledge, this is a rare manifestation of patellar luxation, only reported once previously in the equine literature.
Concentration and prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella serotypes in sheep during slaughter at two Australian abattoirs
Authors: Duffy LL , Small A , Fegan N
Published: September 2010

Objective  This study aimed to determine the presence and concentration of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella spp. on fleece, faeces and carcases of sheep during slaughter.

Procedure  Faeces, fleece and pre‐chill carcase samples were collected from 164 sheep slaughtered at two Australian abattoirs. The presence of E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. were determined by use of automated immunomagnetic separation (AIMS) with enumeration by use of the ‘most probable number’ (MPN) method.

Results  Escherichia coli O157 was isolated from 5% of faeces, 3% of fleeces and 0.6% of pre‐chill carcases. The mean log10 count of E. coli O157 positive faecal samples was 2.32 MPN/g, but counts on fleeces and carcases were below the countable limit (−1 log10 MPN/cm2). Salmonella spp. were isolated from 20% of faeces, 13% of fleeces and 1.3% of pre‐chill carcases. The mean log10 count of Salmonella spp. in faeces was 1.43 MPN/g and on fleece was −0.24 MPN/cm2, but counts on carcases were below the countable limit (−1 log10 MPN/cm2).

Conclusion  The prevalence and concentration of pathogens were low in the sheep tested in this study, indicating a low risk of human infection from products derived from these animals.
Alzheimer type II astrocytes in the brains of pigs with salt poisoning (water deprivation/intoxication)
Authors: Finnie JW , Blumbergs PC , Williamson MM
Published: September 2010

The finding of Alzheimer type II astrocytes, in addition to the pathognomonic combination of laminar cerebrocortical necrosis and eosinophil infiltration, in the brains of pigs is reported for the first time in cases of indirect salt poisoning following water deprivation.
Assessing sources of parametric uncertainty and uncertainty propagation in sediment runoff simulations of flooding
Authors:   Apip, Sayama T. , Tachikawa Y. , Takara K. , Yamashiki Y.
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a framework for assessing the contribution of different sources of parametric uncertainty in sediment runoff simulations. The proposed uncertainty assessment is comprised in the three procedures. First, global parametric sensitivity and uncertainty analysis based on a Monte Carlo Simulation technique was applied to identify the dominant uncertainty sources. The analysis revealed a few parameters significantly affecting the model behaviours. Second, the propagation of parametric uncertainties through sediment runoff simulations was investigated, which identified that sediment simulations tend to involve more uncertainty than only streamflow simulations. Third, by conducting scenario simulations considering different uncertainty sources, it explores a strategy for reducing the parametric uncertainty considering its propagation effect. The proposed framework can provide useful information for improving sediment runoff modelling and its application to river basin management recognizing predictive uncertainty.
PCR‐RFLP assays to distinguish the Western and Eastern phylogroups in wild and cultured tench Tinca tinca
Authors: LAJBNER Z. , KOTLÍK P.
Published: September 2010

The tench Tinca tinca is a valued table fish native to Europe and Asia, but which is now widely distributed in many temperate freshwater regions of the world as the result of human‐mediated translocations. Fish are currently being transplanted between watersheds without concern for genetic similarity to wild populations or local adaptation, and efficient phylogeographic markers are therefore urgently needed to rapidly distinguish genetically distinct geographical populations and to assess their contribution to the hatchery breeds and to the stocked wild populations. Here, we present a new method to distinguish recently discovered and morphologically undistinguishable Western and Eastern phylogroups of the tench. The method relies on PCR‐RFLP assays of two independent nuclear‐encoded exon‐primed intron‐crossing (EPIC) markers and of one mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) marker and allows the rapid identification of the Western and Eastern phylogroup and also of three geographical mtDNA clades within the Eastern phylogroup. Our method will enable researchers and fishery practitioners to rapidly distinguish genetically divergent geographical populations of the tench and will be useful for monitoring the introduction and human‐mediated spread of the phylogroups in wild populations, for characterization of cultured strains and in breeding experiments.
The Role of Franchisee Associations
Authors: Knight Russell M.
Published: September 2010

This study compares the responses of 148 franchisors and 10 5 franchisees operating in Canada today to questions about franchisee associations. The issues discussed ranged from desirable characteristics of such associations to problem areas in the operation of franchises addressed by these organizations.

Cette étude compare les réponses de 148 franchiseurs et 105 franchisés exploi‐tant actuellement des entreprises au Canada à des questions relatives aux associations de franchisés. Les questions discutées vont des caractéristiques souhaitables de ces associations aux divers problèmes des franchises discutés au sein de ces associations.