bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-range internal stresses in monotonically and cyclically deformed metallic single crystals
Authors: Kassner M. E. , Geantil P. , Levine L. E. , Larson B. C.
Published: March 2009

Selected experimental measurements and theoretical predictions for the magnitude of long-range internal stress in monotonically and cyclically deformed metals are assessed and recently developed, spatially-resolved X-ray micro-beam techniques for direct measurements of long-range internal stress are discussed. The results of previously reported differential-aperture X-ray microscopy spatially-resolved measurements of long-range internal stress in dislocation-cell interiors in monotonically deformed copper are compared with predictions and analyses associated with the composite model of deformation. In addition, the results of volume-integrating X-ray line-profile measurements and spatially-resolved differential-aperture X-ray microscopy measurements of strains in <100> oriented copper single crystals that were cyclically deformed to pre-saturation (without persistent slip bands) are presented.
High-rate plastic deformation of a copper single crystal under loading by spherical converging shock waves
Authors: Dobromyslov Arkadiy , Taluts Nina , Kozlov Evgeniy
Published: March 2009

A copper single crystal was deformed by spherical converging shock waves. The structure of the recovered specimen was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis (including back-reflection Laue technique), optical and transmission electron microscopy as well as by the measurement of microhardness along the radius in some radial directions. It is established that the high-rate plastic deformation of a copper single crystal under such loading proceeds mainly by both crystallographic and non-crystallographic slip.
Fe–Al materials for structural applications at high temperatures: Current research at MPIE
Authors: Palm Martin
Published: March 2009

Fe – Al-based materials possess a number of properties which make them highly interesting for the development of new light-weight structural materials. However, lack of strength at high temperatures and limited ductility at ambient temperatures so far has hindered any wider application of these materials. Recent progress achieved within an inter-departmental research initiative at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH is reviewed here. Based on a sound knowledge of physical and thermodynamic properties and careful analysis of the phase equilibria, various alloy systems have been investigated which offer different mechanisms for strengthening Fe – Al-based materials at high temperatures. By applying these mechanisms Fe – Al-based alloys with sufficient strength for structural applications at least between 650 – 800 °C have been developed. For these alloys processing routes such as rolling and forging have been demonstrated. Low ductility is still a crucial issue, but measures exist for improving ductility, e. g. by refining the microstructure through thermo-mechanical treatment. It has also been shown that iron aluminides not only show superior corrosion resistance in oxidising and sulphidising atmospheres but also in other hostile environments like carburising atmospheres and under molten salts.
Enhanced estimation of glacier mass balance in unsampled areas by means of topographic data
Authors: Carturan Luca , Cazorzi Federico , Dalla Fontana Giancarlo
Published: March 2009

A new method was developed to estimate the mass balance in unsampled areas from existing datasets. Three years of mass-balance data from two glaciers in the central Italian Alps were used to develop and test a multiple-regression method based exclusively on a 10m resolution digital terrain model. The introduction of a relative elevation attribute, which expresses the degree of wind exposure of the gridcells, notably increased the amount of explainable variance in winter balance with respect to altitude itself. The summer balance is highly correlated with elevation, but, in order to obtain reliable extrapolations, the clear-sky shortwave radiation and the diurnal cloud-cover cycle had to be taken into account. The net annual mass balance on a glacier system comprising the two monitored glaciers was calculated by applying both a single regression of winter and summer balance with altitude and the new regression method. The consistency of results was assessed against measured net balances and snow-cover maps drawn in the ablation season. The results of the new method were in close agreement with observations and proved to be less sensitive to the spatial representation of the sampled areas.
Geodetic mass balance of the western Svartisen ice cap, Norway, in the periods 1968–1985 and 1985–2002
Authors: Haug Torborg , Rolstad Cecilie , Elvehøy Hallgeir , Jackson Miriam , Maalen-Johansen Ivar
Published: March 2009

The geodetic mass balance of the western Svartisen ice cap in northern Norway is determined, in this work, from photogrammetry on vertical aerial photographs taken in 1968, 1985 and 2002. The existing 1968 digital terrain model (DTM) was generated using analogue photogrammetry, and the 1985 and 2002 DTMs are newly generated using digital photogrammetry. The geodetic mass balance for 1968–85 is –2.6±0.8mw.e., and for 1985–2002 it is –2.0±1.6mw.e. The area of western Svartisen decreased from 190 km2 in 1968, to 187 km2 in 1985 and to 184 km2 in 2002. The outlet glacier Flatisen in the southeast retreated 1700 m over the two periods. The geodetic mass balance is also determined for Engabreen drainage basin, as –2.1±0.9mw.e. for the first period, and –0.3±2.4mw.e. for the second. The results for Engabreen are compared to traditional mass balances, and the large deviations cannot be explained from uncertainties determined for the geodetic method. The assessed errors contributing to the uncertainty in the geodetic mass balance are elevation errors, uncertainties from the applied melt correction, and the use of Sorge’s law, assuming constant snow thickness and density.
After six decades of monitoring glacier mass balance we still need data but it should be richer data
Authors: Braithwaite Roger J.
Published: March 2009

This paper reviews data on glacier mass balance together with extra metadata on topography and climate to put the data into context. The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates of global average glacier mass balance may not be much different from simple averages. A more mathematically correct approach is to analyse long and continuous mass-balance series measured in different regions, but there are few long series and they do not cover the globe in any representative way. However, 30 year series from 30 glaciers confirm a recent (1996–2005) trend to very negative mass balance after two decades of nearly zero mass balance. Climate data from a global gridded climatology are applied to datasets for global glacier cover, for 318 glaciers with mass-balance data for at least 1 year and for 30 glaciers with 30 year series of measurements. Results show that mean precipitation is relatively low in the global glacier-cover dataset and much higher for the observed glaciers. This shows that current mass-balance measurements are biased towards wetter conditions than are typical for global glacier cover. We urgently need to find better ways of analysing sparse datasets with ‘complex spatial and temporal patterns’ like the present mass-balance dataset.
Six decades of glacier mass-balance observations: a review of the worldwide monitoring network
Authors: Zemp M. , Hoelzle M. , Haeberli W.
Published: March 2009

Glacier mass balance is the direct and undelayed response to atmospheric conditions and hence is among the essential variables required for climate system monitoring. It has been recognized as the largest non-steric contributor to the present rise in sea level. Six decades of annual mass-balance data have been compiled and made easily available by the World Glacier Monitoring Service and its predecessor organizations. In total, there have been 3480 annual mass-balance measurements reported from 228 glaciers around the globe. However, the present dataset is strongly biased towards the Northern Hemisphere and Europe and there are only 30 ‘reference’ glaciers that have uninterrupted series going back to 1976. The available data from the six decades indicate a strong ice loss as early as the 1940s and 1950s followed by a moderate mass loss until the end of the 1970s and a subsequent acceleration that has lasted until now, culminating in a mean overall ice loss of over 20mw.e. for the period 1946–2006. In view of the discrepancy between the relevance of glacier mass-balance data and the shortcomings of the available dataset it is strongly recommended to: (1) continue the long-term measurements; (2) resume interrupted long-term data series; (3) replace vanishing glaciers by early-starting replacement observations; (4) extend the monitoring network to strategically important regions; (5) validate, calibrate and accordingly flag field measurements with geodetic methods; and (6) make systematic use of remote sensing and geo-informatics for assessment of the representativeness of the available data series for their entire mountain range and for the extrapolation to regions without in situ observations; and (7) make all these data and related meta-information available.
Surface mass-balance changes of the Greenland ice sheetc since 1866
Authors: Wake L.M. , Huybrechts P. , Box J.E. , Hanna E. , Janssens I. , Milne G.A.
Published: March 2009

Mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet over the past decade has caused the impression that the ice sheet has been behaving anomalously to the warming of the 1990s. We have reconstructed the recent (1866–2005) surface mass-balance (SMB) history of the Greenland ice sheet on a 5 × 5 km grid using a runoff-retention model based on the positive degree-day method. The model is forced with new datasets of temperature and precipitation patterns dating back to 1866.We use an innovative method to account for the influence of year-on-year surface elevation changes on SMB estimates and have found this effect to be minor. All SMB estimates are made relative to the 1961–90 average SMB and we compare annual SMB estimates from the period 1995–2005 to a similar period in the past (1923–33) where SMB was comparable, and conclude that the present-day changes are not exceptional within the last 140 years. Peripheral thinning has dominated the SMB response during the past decade, as in 1923–33, but we also show that thinning was not restricted to the margins during this earlier period.
Implications for the dynamic health of a glacier from comparison of conventional and reference-surface balances
Authors: Harrison W.D. , Cox L.H , Hock R. , March R.S. , Pettit E.C.
Published: March 2009

Conventional and reference-surface mass-balance data from Gulkana and Wolverine Glaciers, Alaska, USA, are used to address the questions of how rapidly these glaciers are adjusting (or ‘responding’) to climate, whether their responses are stable, and whether the glaciers are likely to survive in today’s climate. Instability means that a glacier will eventually vanish, or at least become greatly reduced in volume, if the climate stabilizes at its present state. A simple non-linear theory of response is presented for the analysis. The response of Gulkana Glacier is characterized by a timescale of several decades, but its stability and therefore its survival in today’s climate are uncertain. Wolverine seems to be responding to climate more slowly, on the timescale of one to several centuries. Its stability is also uncertain, but a slower response time would make it more susceptible to climate changes.
Ground-based gravimetry for measuring small spatial-scale mass changes on glaciers
Authors: Breili Kristian , Rolstad Cecilie
Published: March 2009

Gravity change on a glacier surface is a composite of several effects (e.g. melting and accumulation of snow and ice, redistribution of mass with depth by refreezing of meltwater and height and thickness changes of the snow and ice layers). Models and equations necessary to estimate the measured gravity change due to different effects are presented, and the propagation of observational errors is evaluated. The paper presents experiences with ground-based gravity measurements carried out on Hardangerjøkulen, Norway, in spring and autumn 2007. It was found that the vertical gradient of gravity contributes most to the uncertainty in the determined mass change. With present instrumentation, gravity can be measured with the required accuracy to determine the mass loss to ∼10% of the loss determined by conventional mass-balance measurements. Improvements in field procedures to achieve the required accuracy for measuring the mass/density changes directly, combining gravity measurements and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), are discussed.
Glacier changes in Alaska: can mass-balance models explain GRACE mascon trends?
Authors: Arendt Anthony A. , Luthcke Scott B. , Hock Regine
Published: March 2009

Temperature and precipitation data from three weather stations in the St Elias Mountains of Alaska and northwestern Canada were used to drive one-dimensional (1-D) (elevation-dependent) and 0-D degree-day mass-balance models. Model outputs were optimized against a 10 day resolution time series of mass variability during 2003–07 obtained from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mass concentration (mascon) solutions. The models explained 52–60% of the variance in the GRACE time series. Modelled mass variations matched the phase of the GRACE observations, and all optimized model parameters were within the range of values determined from conventional mass-balance and meteorological observations. We describe a framework for selecting appropriate weather stations and mass-balance models to represent glacier variations of large regions. There is potential for extending these calibrated mass-balance models forwards or backwards in time to construct mass-balance time series outside of the GRACE measurement window.
Recent fluctuations in the extent of the firn area of Austfonna, Svalbard, inferred from GPR
Authors: Dunse Thorben , Schuler Thomas Vikhamar , Hagen Jon Ove , Eiken Trond , Brandt Ola , Høgda Kjell Arild
Published: March 2009

In spring during 2004–07 we conducted ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements on the Austfonna ice cap, Svalbard, with the original aim of mapping the thickness and distribution of winter snow. Here, we further exploit the information content of the data and derive a multi-year sequence of glacier-facies distribution that provides valuable spatial information about the total surface mass balance (SMB) of the ice cap, beyond the usually evaluated winter balance. We find that following an initial decrease in the extent of the firn area (2003–04), the firn line lowered within two subsequent years by ∼40–100m elevation in the north and west and 150–230m in the south and east of the ice cap, corresponding to a lateral expansion of the firn area along the profiles by up to 7.3 and 13.3 km, respectively. The growth of the firn area is in line with stake measurements from Etonbreen that indicate a trend towards less negative SMB over the corresponding period.
Partial Purification of Deamidase from Germinating Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seeds and its Application for the Improvement of Functional Properties of Wheat Gluten
Authors: Rahman ATM Mijanur , Sana NK , Khan Md Masudul Hasan , Sarkar BC , Huque EM , Kumar Shaha Ranajit
Published: March 2009

Enzyme with deamidase activity was found in the germinating wheat seeds. The activity appeared in the seeds after 24 hours of germination and reached its maximum value after 48 hours and then declined rapidly. Protein deamidase from germinating wheat seeds was further purified by salting out with phosphate salts and by subsequent chromatography on gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Polyacrylamide slab gel elec trophoresis showed the purified enzyme to be homogeneous. The molecular weight was determined to be 59 kDa by gel filtration and 60 kDa, by SDS-Polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The optimum pH and temperature of the purified enzyme were found to be 6.9 and 32°C, respectively.The functional properties of wheat gluten were investigated after treating with it purified deamidase enzyme from germinating wheat seeds at pH 6.9 at 32°C. The functional properties such as solubility, emulsification and foam formation of deamidase treated gluten were improved greatly as compared to that of native gluten. The solubility of the deamidase treated gluten was remarkably high in the pH range of 6 to 8, in which the native gluten was insoluble. It was apparent that the improvement of functional properties of wheat gluten was mainly due to the deamidation induced by wheat deamidase at pH 6.9 and 32°C. Key words: Wheat seeds, Deamidase, Deamidation, Wheat gluten, DEAE-cellulose, SDS-PAGE. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v15i0.2208 J. bio-sci. 15: 89-98, 2007
Modelling radioimmunotherapy with anti-CD45 antibody to obtain a more favourable biodistribution
Authors: Király F. J. , Kletting P. , Reske S. N. , Glatting G.
Published: March 2009

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a method to selectively deliver radiation to malignant haemato logical cells by addressing specific antigens. One approach to improve the bio-distribution is to administer a preload of unlabelled antibodies. The aim of this study was to develop a model, which describes distribution of labelled and unlabelled antibodies based on the tissue blood flow and the competing binding behaviour of the antibodies. Such a model can be used to improve biodistribution in the particular case of RIT using anti-CD45 antibodies. Methods: A compartmental model for the interconnected organs was developed. Reaction constants and organ specific flow, antigen concentrations and distribution volumes were taken from the literature. The organ residence times were calculated for different amounts of given labelled and unlabelled antibodies and the time delay between their administrations. Results: The model is capable to describe the preloading effect. The biodistribution of labelled or unlabelled antibodies depends essentially on the specific blood flow to the organ and its antigen expression. The dose ratio of bone marrow to liver is maximized by applying sufficient unlabelled monoclonal antibody (mAb) to saturate antibody binding in the competing organs and by applying the labelled mAb with a delay of more than one hour. Conclusions: The developed model qualitatively describes how a preload can considerably increase selectivity of RIT due to different blood flows and antigen distribution in relevant organs. In addition, simulations can identify the optimal delay between the application of labelled and unlabelled antibody. For future analyses, i.e., to fit patient data, degradation and excretion should be incorporated into the model.
PET imaging in patients with Modic changes
Authors: Petersen H. , Manniche C. , Høilund-Carlsen P. F. , Albert H. B.
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was via PET imaging to reveal if any highly metabolic processes were occurring in Modic changes type 1 and/or in the adjacent discs. Modic changes (MC) are signal changes in the vertebral endplate and body visualised by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MC are strongly associated with low back pain (LBP). MC type 1 appear to be inflammation on MRI, and histological and biochemical findings make it highly likely that an inflammation is present. Though MC is painful no known treatment is available, and it is unknown which entities affect the progress or regress of MC. The changes observed on MRI are slow and take months to develop, but faster changes in the metabolism might provide a platform for monitoring patients. Patients, methods: Patients from The Back Centre Funen, with low back pain in the area of L1 to S1, MC type 1 in L1 to L5, and a previous herniated lumbar disc. All patients had a PET scan using FDG (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) as tracer. Results: Included in the study were 11 patients, 4 women and 7 men, mean age 48.1 year (range 20–65). All MC were situated in the vertebrae both above and below the previously herniated disc/discs. Ten patients had MC at 1 level, and 1 had MC at 2 levels. The affected levels were 1 at L2/L3, 6 at L4 /L5, and 5 at L5/S1. All had a previous disc herniation and MC larger than 4 mm in diameter. Technically satisfactory PET scans were obtained. However, PET imaging showed no increases in metabolism in any vertebra or disc of any patient. Conclusion: Modic type 1 changes do not reveal themselves by showing increased metabolism with ordinary FDG PET imaging. PET tracers illuminating inflammation are being developed and hopefully may become more successful.
99mTc sestamibi imaging
Authors: Kianifar H. R. , Kakhki V. R. D. , Zakavi R. , Ansari K. , Sadeghi R.
Published: March 2009

Aim: Hepatobiliary scintigraphy is an integral part in the diagnostic work-up of the neonatal cholestasis syndrome. However, less than optimal specificity is its major disadvantage. Differentiation between biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis is nearly impossible in some cases with poor hepatocellular function. 99mTc sestamibi (MIBI) is a cationic lipophilic agent which is a substrate of P-glycoprotein. This glycoprotein is normally expressed in biliary canalicular surfaces of hepatocytes. This property provides a hepatic excretory mechanism which is different from bilirubin excretion. In this study we evaluated the value of 99mTc MIBI in differential diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. Patients, methods: 20 infants with a mean age of 2.41 months (range, 0.1–5 months) were included in the study. Ten infants turned out to have extrahepatic biliary atresia and the other ten had neonatal hepatitis. Hepatobiliary (with 99mTc BrIDA) and 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy were performed for all the patients. Results: 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy has shown bowel activity in all patients, including the patients with biliary atresia. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy revealed bowel activity only in five patients with neo natal hepatitis. Conclusion: Bowel visualization with 99mTc MIBI may be seen in patients with biliary atresia and 99mTc MIBI has limited value in differential diagnosis of neonatal chole stasis.
Clinical outcomes of adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy for differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Pixberg M. K. , Riemann B. , Schuck A. , Heinecke A. , Schmid K. W. , Willich N. , Dralle H. , Schober O. , Biermann M.
Published: March 2009

Aim: Evaluate the clinical benefit of external beam radiotherapy (RTx) for locally invasive thyroid carcinoma with follicular cell differentiation (DTC). Patients, methods: The Multicentre Study on Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (MSDS) was planned as a prospective multicenter trial on the benefit of adjuvant RTx in locally invasive DTC (pT4; UICC 1997) with or without lymph node metastases and no known distant metastases. All patients were treated with thyroidectomy, 131I-therapy, and TSH-suppression and were randomized to receive additional RTx or not. In 4/2003 the trial became a prospective cohort study after only 45 of then 311 patients had consented to randomization. 351 of 422 patients met the trial's inclusion criteria. Age was 48 ± 12 years (mean ± SD). 25% were men. Tumours were papillary in 90% and follicular in 10%. Of 47 patients randomized or allocated to RTx, 26 actually received RTx. Results: Mean followup was 930 days. In an actual treatment analysis, 96% (25/26) of the RTx-patients reached complete remission (CR) vs. 86% in the non-RTx patients. Recurrences occurred in 0 vs. 3 % of patients: 6 reoperated for regional lymph node metastases, 1 tracheal invasion treated with tracheoplasty, 1 local invasion necessitating laryngectomy, 2 distant metastases (1 lung, 1 lung + bone). Serious chronic RTx toxicity occurred in 1/26 patients. Conclusion: The MSDS trial showed low mortality and recurrence rates and a weak benefit of RTx in terms of local control that did however not reach statistical significance. Routine RTx in locally invasive DTC can no longer be recommended .
Should all patients with thyroid nodules ≥ 1 cm undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy?
Authors: Hellmich M. , Lehmacher W. , Eschner W. , Schmidt M. , Kobe C. , Schober O. , Dietlein M. , Schicha H.
Published: March 2009

The prevalence of thyroid nodules . 1 cm is high in a previously iodine-deficient area. Under the hypothesis, that all patients with such nodules undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and that sensitivity and specificity of cytology are calculated with 85%, the positive predictive value of pathologic cytologic finding will reach 1.5% only according to Bayes-theorem. This is clinically unacceptable, as resection will be the consequence in all cases with suspect cytology. Even implementation of a second, independent test (e. g. moleculargenetic testing of thyreocytes, sensitivity to detect mutation 50%, specificity 95%) and application of sequential Bayestheorem the positive predictive value of combined pathologic findings will increase to 13% only. Nevertheless, 58% out of all thyroid cancer remain undetected by such a sequential algorithm.

As a consequence, pre-selection of thyroid nodules for FNAB is required to increase the pretest-probability to at least 5.10%. A combination of sonographic criteria and scintigraphy, even in patients with normal TSHlevels, is suited to selected thyroid nodules for FNAB.
Fibrotic myopathy of the iliopsoas muscle in a dog
Authors: Bernard F. , Bardet J.F. , Théau V. , Krimer P. M. , Da Silva Adrega
Published: March 2009

Fibrosis of the iliopsoas muscle can result in pelvic limb lameness in dogs. In this case report we describe fibrosis after an initial injury of the iliopsoas muscle in a dog. A seven-year-old hunting dog developed an acute onset of lameness and pain of the left pelvic limb after an intense period of exercise. Two months later, the dog was referred for evaluation of a non-weight-bearing left pelvic limb lameness. Orthopaedic examination revealed pain on hyperextension and internal rotation of the left coxofemoral joint. Neurological examination revealed a decreased patellar reflex in the left pelvic limb. Computed tomographic images showed non-uniform, contrast enhancement of the left iliopsoas muscle. The animal was treated with an iliopsoas tenomyectomy. Histopathological examination of the affected iliopsoas muscle revealed endomysial and perimysial mature fibrous replacement tissue. Sixteen weeks after surgery, the dog had returned to pre-injury levels of exercise.
Use of a lateral surgical approach to the femoral nerve in the management of two primary femoral nerve sheath tumours
Authors: Granger N. , Smith P. M. , Hughes K. , Jeffery N. D. , Harcourt-Brown T. R.
Published: March 2009

This case report describes the diagnosis and management of primary femoral nerve sheath tumours in two dogs. Both of the tumours were localised by electromyography (EMG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and were then surgically resected using a novel approach to the iliopsoas muscle via osteotomy of the ventral ilial wing. This approach should be considered when attempting surgical treatment of conditions affecting the iliopsoas muscle or the femoral nerve because it provides excellent exposure of these structures.
The cranial instrument port in arthroscopy of the canine shoulder joint
Authors: Lehmann K. , Lorinson D. , Skalicky M. , Riener S.
Published: March 2009

We describe the creation of a cranial instrument portal for shoulder joint arthroscopy in the dog using a target device that has been successfully employed for the caudal access. We compared the method with a conventional triangulation technique. The shoulder joints of 60 dog cadavers were investigated by arthroscopy and the two methods were compared on the basis of pre-defined parameters of outcome. Time, the number of trials, success, damage to cartilage and the accessibility of intra-articular structures were assessed. The anatomical localisation of the working cannula in muscles was also documented. In general, the new method permitted more successful insertion of the working cannula. This was achieved in a shorter period of time and was associated with fewer insertion attempts as well as less damage to joint cartilage. Intra-articular structures could be readily approached through the working cannula with both methods. Predetermined, clinically relevant points were comparatively more accessible with the new technique. Independent of the method, in only a few cases, the working cannula perforated neither muscles nor tendons when accessing the joint. It may be concluded that the new method using a target device is simpler and safer and offers a standardised technique to establish a cranial instrument port.
Type-IV variant Monteggia fracture with concurrent proximal radial physeal fracture in a Domestic Shorthaired Cat
Authors: Owen Martin , Bush Mark
Published: March 2009

A fracture of the proximal 1/3 of the ulna, with concurrent fractures of the proximal radial physis and the distal 1/3 of the diaphysis of the radius occurred in a three-month-old, male, neutered, Domestic Shorthaired cat. The ulnar fracture was stabilised with an intramedullary pin. The proximal radial physeal fracture was reduced and stabilised with two crossed Kirschner wires. The proximal radius was secured to the ulna with an additional Kirschner wire. The distal radial diaphyseal fracture was stabilised with a five-hole, 2.0 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP). Six weeks postoperatively the cat was using the limb comfortably and demonstrated a full range of motion of the elbow joint. There were radiographic signs of fracture union and the radioulnar pin had migrated. The Kirschner wires were removed. Follow-up at 18 months postoperatively revealed that the cat was using the limb normally without any lameness. A full, pain-free range of motion was present in the joints of the left thoracic limb.
Tissue level mechanical properties of cortical bone in skeletally immature and mature dogs
Authors: Phillips C.A. , Fernandez S.A. , Li Y. , Huja S.S.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the tissue level mechanical properties of cortical bone of skeletally immature (~five-month-old) Beagle dogs and compare them to data from mature dogs measured in a previous study.

Methods: Eight femoral cross sectional specimens (two bone sections / dog) were obtained from four skeletally immature dogs. A pair of calcein bone labels were administered intravenously to the dogs to mark sites of active mineralization prior to euthanasia. Prepared bone specimens were placed in a nanoindenter specimen holder and the previously identified calcein labelled osteons were located. Labelled (n = 128) and neighbouring unlabelled (n = 127) osteons in skeletally immature femurs were examined by instrumented indentation testing. Indents were made to a depth of 500 nm at a loading rate of 10 nm/s. Indentation modulus (IM) and hardness (H) were obtained.

Results: The overall IM of the cortical bone in the skeletally mature groups was significantly greater than in the immature group (p = 0.0011), however overall H was not significantly different. The differences between the groups in IM were significant for the unlabelled osteons (p = 0.001), but not for the labelled osteons (p = 0.56).

Conclusion: There are differences in the IM of unlabelled osteons in skeletally immature and mature groups of Beagle dogs. In contrast to whole bone mechanical tests, where there are obvious differences between growing and mature bones, there are only small differences in the micro-mechanical properties.
Simultaneous bilateral contracture of the infraspinatus muscle
Authors: Franch J. , Bertrán J. , Remolins G. , Fontecha P. , Díaz-Bertrana M.C. , Durall I.
Published: March 2009

A case of bilateral fibrotic contracture of the infraspinatus muscles in a five-year-old Belgian Shepherd dog is described. The dog was presented with progressive forelimb lameness with postural and gait abnormalities three months after an episode of overexertion. When walking, the lower part of both forelimbs swung in a lateral arc causing a circumduction movement and in the standing position, the dog showed elbow adduction with external rotation of the distal part of both front limbs. Orthopaedic examination revealed bilateral atrophy of both infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles and restriction in the range of motion of both shoulders, especially when attempting abduction and flexion. No specific findings were observed in the shoulder or elbow radiographs but hyper-echogenic areas were evident in the ultra-sonographic examination of both infraspinatus muscles. A diagnosis of fibrotic contracture of both infraspinatus muscles was established and bilateral tenectomy of the insertion tendons of the infraspinatus muscles was performed. Complete recovery of the animal was achieved after the surgery, which was confirmed in a long-term follow-up (10 months). In conclusion, physical examination and ultra-sonography allowed a proper diagnosis of the condition, and tenectomy of the infraspinatus muscles resulted in a complete recovery of the patient even with bilateral involvement.
Privatization Is Not an Answer to Health Care Access Problems, Increased Public Funding Is
Authors: Podgorsak Ervin B.
Published: March 2009

The most important characteristics of a health care system are its quality, access, and cost. [...]
Quality of Life Measurement in Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Radiotherapy for Symptomatic Lung Cancer: A Literature Review
Authors: Salvo N. , Hadi S. , Napolskikh J. , Goh P. , Sinclair E. , Chow Edward
Published: March 2009

Approximately 27% of North American cancer deaths are attributable to cancer of the lung. Many lung cancers are found at an advanced stage, rendering the tumours inoperable and the patients palliative. Common symptoms associated with palliative lung cancer include cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea, all of which can significantly debilitate and diminish quality of life (qol). In studies of the effects of cancer therapies, the frequent evaluative endpoints are survival and local control; however, it is imperative that clinical trials with palliative patients also have a qol focus when a cure is unattainable. We conducted a literature review to investigate the use of qol instrument tools in trials studying qol or symptom palliation of primary lung cancer or lung metastases through the use of radiotherapy. We identified forty-three studies: nineteen used a qol tool, and twenty-four examined symptom palliation without the use of a qol instrument. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (eortc) qlq-C30 survey was the most commonly used qol questionnaire (in thirteen of twenty trials). Of those thirteen studies, eight also incorporated the lung-specific qol survey eortc qlq-LC13 (or the eortc qlq-LC17). A second lung-specific survey, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung (fact-L) was used in only two of the twenty trials. In total, only ten of forty-three trials (23%) used a lung-specific qol tool, suggesting that qol was of low priority as an endpoint and that measures created for lung cancer patients are underused. We encourage investigators in future trials to include specific qol instruments such as the eortc qlq-LC13 or the fact-L for studies in palliative thoracic radiotherapy because those instruments provide a measure of qol specific to patients with lung cancer or lung metastases.
Metronomic Chemotherapy: Changing the Paradigm That More Is Better
Authors: Scharovsky O. Graciela , Mainetti L. E. , Rozados V. R.
Published: March 2009

The introduction of the “maximum tolerated dose” in usual treatment protocols (and its concomitant overt toxicity) made necessary the imposition of rest periods between cycles of therapy—a practice that not only involves re-growth of tumour cells, but also growth of selected clones resistant to the therapy. To avoid the problems caused by traditional chemotherapeutic regimens, a new modality of drug administration called “metronomic chemotherapy” has been proposed. This name makes reference to the chronic, equally spaced administration of (generally) low doses of various chemotherapeutic drugs without extended rest periods. The novelty of this treatment modality lies not only in its antitumour efficacy with very low toxicity, but also in a cell target switch, now aiming at tumour endothelial cells. The knowledge acquired in the experimental field of metronomic chemotherapy, plus the increasing experience that is being obtained in the clinical setting, will help to lead a change in the design of therapeutic protocols against cancer.
Development of Cell-Cycle Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Dickson M. A. , Schwartz Gary K.
Published: March 2009

The cell cycle governs the transition from quiescence through cell growth to proliferation. The key parts of the cell cycle machinery are the cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) and the regulatory proteins called cyclins. The cdks are rational targets for cancer therapy because their expression in cancer cells is often aberrant and their inhibition can induce cell death. Inhibitors of cdks can also block transcription. Several drugs targeting the cell cycle have entered clinical trials. These agents include flavopiridol, indisulam, AZD5438, SNS-032, bryostatin-1, seliciclib, PD 0332991, and SCH 727965. Phase i studies have demonstrated that these drugs can generally be administered safely. Phase ii studies have shown little single-agent activity in solid tumors, but combination studies with cytotoxic chemotherapy have been more promising. In hematologic malignancies, reports have shown encouraging single-agent and combination activity. Pharmacodynamic studies show that the dose and schedule of these drugs are crucial to permit maximum therapeutic effect.
Where do HMOs and PPOs locate? Debunking an urban myth
Authors: Grefer James , Mobley Lee , Frech H.E.
Published: March 2009

The potential geographic distribution of preferred provider organizations (PPOs) differs greatly from that of health maintenance organizations (HMOs). We explain this theoretically by the natural ordering of insurance types according to the degree of consumer choice of provider. We examine the issue empirically, employing a unique data set based on California hospital discharges in 1998, a time when PPO and HMO insurance types were coded separately. Because HMOs are more restrictive than PPOs in the provider networks allowed, we find that they require urban areas with many physicians to form viable networks. PPOs are less restrictive in the provider networks, which we find allows PPOs to thrive outside of urban areas where HMOs cannot. We find that indemnity-type plans, also known as fee-for-service plans, can survive anywhere because they do not impose restrictions on provider choice. These findings have real world implications for Medicare modernization efforts aimed at increasing the proportion of seniors enrolled in Medicare managed care plans. Regional PPOs established under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 are likely to thrive, extending the geographic coverage of managed care service options to all seniors.
ON CONTEMPORARY COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS
Authors: Mang Herbert
Published: March 2009

It is a great pleasure to inform the readers that Prof. Herbert A. Mang, an active member of Editorial Board, on April 30, 2007, was given a prestigious award, the Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Medal, by the Braunschweigische Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft (BWG). Congratulations! This medal has been awarded annually once since 1949. Among the awardees are several laureates of the Nobel Prize.The laudation was held by Prof. Peter Wriggers, President of the Gesellschaft fuer Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik (GAMM). On this occasion Prof. Mang gave a lecture. We expect that printing of a translation of this lecture, reflecting the achievements in Computational mechanics of a research group led by Prof. Herbert A. Mang (http://www.imws.tuwien. ac.at/en/team/management/herbert-mang.html), a prominent and world-renowned scientist, would be interesting for the readers.
LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY OF CONCRETE-FILLED STEEL COLUMNS
Authors: Kuranovas Artiomas , Goode Douglas , Kvedaras Audronis Kazimieras , Zhong Shantong
Published: March 2009

This paper represents the analysis of 1303 specimens of CFST experimental data. Test results are compared with EC4 provided method for determining the load‐bearing capacity of these composite elements. Several types of CFSTs were tested: both circular and rectangular cross‐sections with solid and hollow concrete core with axial load applied without and with moment, with sustained load and preloading. For circular cross‐section columns there is a good agreement between the test failure load and the EC4 calculation for both short and long columns with and without moment. For rectangular cross‐section columns the agreement is good except when the concrete cylinder strength was greater than 75 MPa, when many tests failed below the strength predicted by EC4. Preloading the steel tube before filling with concrete seems to have no effect on the strength. This paper also presents the stress distribution, confinement distribution and complete average longitudinal stress‐strain curves for concrete‐filled steel tubular elements. Based on the definition of the “Unified Theory”, the CFST is looked upon as an entity of a new composite material. In this paper, the research achievement of the strength and stability for centrifugal‐hollow and solid concrete filled steel tube are introduced. These behaviours relate to the hollowness ratio and the confining indexes of corresponding solid CFST. If the hollow ratio equals to 0,4–0,5 and over, the N‐ϵ relationship exists in steady descending stage. The critical stress of CFST elements stability is determined as an eccentric member with the initial eccentricity by use of finite element method. Santrauka Straipsnyje analizuojami 1303 betonšerdžių plieninių strypų bandinių eksperimentiniai duomenys. Duomenys lyginami su eurokode 4 pateiktais kompozitinių elementų laikomosios galios nustatymo metodais. Analizuojami šie betonšerdžių plieninių strypų bandinių tipai: pilnaviduriai ir tuščiaviduriai, apskrito ir stačiakampio skerspjūvio kolonos, kurių galuose veikia arba neveikia momentas, su iš anksto pridėta arba ilgalaike apkrova. Apskrito skerspjūvio kolonų laikomosios galios bandymų rezultatai atitinka skaičiavimų reikšmes, apskaičiuotas pagal eurokode 4 pateiktu metodu. Stačiakampio skerspjūvio elementų laikomosios galios reikšmių bandymo rezultatai puikiai atitinka teorines reikšmes, kai betono ritininis stipris nesiekia 75 MPa. Išankstinis elementų apkrovimas poveikio elementų laikomajai galiai beveik neturi. Taip pat nagrinėjami betonšerdžių elementų įtempių būvių pasiskirstymas, betono apspaudimo poveikis ir išilginių deformacijų ir įtempių kreivės. Pateikiama S. T. Zhong „Unifikuota teorija“, kuri nagrinėja kompozitinį elementą kaip visumą. Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos kompozitinio plieninio ir betoninio elemento stiprumo ir pastovumo sąlygos. Tokių elementų reikšmėmis. Jeigu tuštumos santykis lygus 0,4–0,5 ir daugiau, N-ε sąryšis yra kritimo stadijoje. Elgsenos stadijos keičiasi pagal tuštumos koeficientą.
HILLTOP BUCKLING AS THE A AND O IN SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF THE INITIAL POSTBUCKLING BEHAVIOR OF ELASTIC STRUCTURES
Authors: Mang Herbert A. , Jia Xin , Hoefinger Gerhard
Published: March 2009

The coincidence of a bifurcation point with a snap‐through point is called hilltop buckling. In this paper, it either serves as the starting point ‐ the ? ‐ or as the end ‐ the O ‐ in sensitivity analysis of the initial postbuckling behavior of elastic structures. It is shown that hilltop buckling is imperfection sensitive. In sensitivity analyses with hilltop buckling as the starting point (end), the bifurcation point and the snap‐through point are diverging from (converging to) each other. Two classes of sensitivity analyses are identified by means of the consistently linearized eigenproblem. They determine the more (or less) effective mode of conversion of an originally imperfection‐sensitive into an imperfection‐insensitive structure. The results from the numerical investigation corroborate the theoretical findings. The present study is viewed as a step in the direction of better understanding the reasons for different modes of the initial postbuckling behavior of elastic structures and its interplay with the prebuckling behavior. Santrauka Nagrinėjant apkraunamos konstrukcijos elgseną, bifurkacijos taško sutapdinimas su staigaus pasikeitimo tašku vadinamas aukštesniuoju klupumu. Šiame straipsnyje šis taškas yra arba pradžios taškas A, arba proceso pabaigos taškas Ω. Šie taškai imami atliekant tampriųjų konstrukcijų elgsenos jautrumo analizę už pradinio suklupimo ribos. Parodyta, kad aukštesnysis konstrukcijos klupumas priklauso nuo jos geometrinių netikslumų. Kai aukštesniojo klupumo jautrumo analizė sutapdinama su pradiniu tašku, bifurkacijos taškas ir staigaus pasikeitimo taškas artėja vienas prie kito. Identifikuojamos dvi jautrumo analizės klasės sprendžiant nuoseklaus linearizavimo savųjų reikšmių uždavinį. Uždavinio sprendinys lemia daugiau ar mažiau efektyvią klupumo formą, kuri leidžia pakeisti pradinę netikslumams jautrią konstrukciją į konstrukciją, nejautrią jiems. Skaitiniai tyrimai patvirtina teorinius rezultatus. Šie tyrimai padeda nustatant įvairias klupumo formas, nagrinėjant tampriųjų konstrukcijų elgseną už pradinio klupumo ribos ir ryšį su jos elgsena prieš šią ribą.
ANALYSIS OF RECTANGULAR‐SHAPED COLLAR CONNECTORS FOR COMPOSITE TIMBER‐STEEL‐CONCRETE FLOORS: PUSH‐OUT TESTS
Authors: Faggiano Beatrice , Marzo Anna , Mazzolani Federico M. , Calado Luis M.
Published: March 2009

The paper deals with the experimental analysis of an innovative connection system for composite timber‐steel‐concrete floors. The connection device consists of a collar composed by two or more parts, astride the timber beam, bolted together at adjacent wings. A rubber layer is interposed at the collar‐beam interface. The slipping action transmission is guaranteed by the superior wings of the collar or by a steel stud, purposely welded to the collar in the upper part, which are immersed in the concrete cast. In this paper push‐out monotonic tests on several rectangular‐shaped configurations of the connection system are presented, being part of a more comprehensive experimental campaign, aimed at the system performance evaluation and optimization. First, the preliminary numerical analyses, meant to define both the best geometrical characteristics of the specimens and the configuration of the testing apparatus, are illustrated. Then the push‐out tests, considering subsequent improvements of the connection system are detailed. The connection behaviour is discussed in terms of force‐slip relationship. Santrauka Pateikiami inovatyvios jungčių sistemos, taikomos medžio, plieno ir betono perdangose, eksperimentiniai tyrimai. Jungtį sudaro apkaba, sudaryta iš dviejų ar daugiau dalių. Ši jungtis apjuosia medinę siją, o atskiros jos dalys tarpusavyje sujungiamos varžtais. Tarp apkabos ir medžio paviršių dedamas gumos intarpas. Šlyties įtempius, atsirandančius medinės sijos ir gelžbetoninės perdangos sąlyčio zonoje, perima sparninės jungės arba prie apkabos viršutinės dalies privirintas plieno strypas. Straipsnyje pateikiami naujos jungčių sistemos kai kurių stačiakampio formos apkabų eksperimentinių išstūmimo bandymų rezultatai. Pateikti tyrimai yra dalis plačios eksperimentinių tyrimų programos, kuria siekiama atlikti naujos sistemos elgsenos analizę ir optimizavimą. Pirmiausia pateikiami preliminarūs skaitinės analizės rezultatai. Ši analizė skirta optimaliausioms geometrinėms charakteristikoms bei formoms parinkti. Paskui, priėmus atitinkamus geometrinių matmenų ir formų patikslinimus, atlikti išstūmimo eksperimentiniai tyrimai. Jungčių elgsena nagrinėta analizuojant jėgos ir praslydimo priklausomybes.