bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rendimento de coalhada obtida a partir de leite fresco, resfriado e congelado de ovelhas da raça Lacaune e caracterização física do soro obtido
Authors: Fava Luisa Wolker , Külkamp-Guerreiro Irene Clemes , Pinto Andrea Troller
Published: April 2014

A composição do leite, que pode ser afetada pelo resfriamento ou congelamento, é determinante para o rendimento na fabricação de queijos, sendo um parâmetro muito importante em termos econômicos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do resfriamento e do congelamento do leite, durante sete dias, sobre o rendimento da coalhada produzida a partir de leite de ovelha e sobre as características físicas do soro obtido. Entre janeiro e dezembro de 2011, foram coletadas mensalmente amostras de leite de ovelha, diretamente dos tanques de resfriamento. Uma parte foi submetida à análise no mesmo dia, denominada leite fresco, e as restantes armazenadas até sete dias, uma em refrigeração (5°C - leite resfriado) e outra em congelamento doméstico (-4°C - leite congelado). Determinou-se o rendimento da coalhada e densidade, pH e acidez titulável do soro obtido. Verificou-se diferença significativa (P<0,05) no rendimento da coalhada entre os tratamentos aplicados, sendo que o rendimento obtido com leite resfriado (3,64±0,34L kg-1) e congelado (3,18±0,23L kg-1) não apresentaram diferenças com o de leite fresco (3,38±0,22L kg-1), porém estes tratamentos diferiram entre si. A densidade média do soro obtido (1,025g mL-1) não apresentou diferenças entre os tratamentos aplicados. O pH e acidez titulável do soro foram semelhantes nos tratamentos de leite fresco e congelado, havendo diferenças (P<0,05) com o soro de leite resfriado, que apresentou-se mais ácido. Embora o soro da coalhada obtida a partir de leite resfriado apresente-se mais ácido, o resfriamento e o congelamento do leite ovino, por um período de sete dias, não afetam o rendimento na fabricação de queijos e o soro obtido não apresenta diferença de densidade entre os tratamentos aplicados.
Leite e modernidade: ideologia e políticas de alimentação na era Vargas
Authors: Brinkmann Sören
Published: April 2014

Nos anos 1930 difundiu-se no Brasil a nova ciência da nutrição, que introduziu também a convicção de que o leite de vaca constituía o mais importante dos alimentos básicos. Apesar da campanha levada a cabo pelo Ministério de Educação e Saúde Pública em meados dos anos 1930, o consumo de leite no Rio de Janeiro se manteve muito aquém das recomendações dos expertsdevido à má qualidade do produto e a seu elevado preço. Este trabalho analisa os esforços do Estado Novo para melhorar o sistema de abastecimento de leite da capital brasileira assim como para atenuar causas e efeitos de seu fracasso final.
Entre o passado europeu e o futuro americano: dois ensaios sobre o Brasil da década de 1930
Authors: Lisboa Karen Macknow
Published: April 2014

O artigo explora a ideia de Europa concebida por Stefan Zweig e Hermann Ullmann nos livros quase homônimos sobre o Brasil, escritos no final da década de 1930 e início de 1940. No contexto político do entreguerras marcado pela ascensão do nazismo, pergunta-se em que sentido a Europa continua a servir de modelo civilizatório e qual a dimensão crítica que se expressa em concepções que invertem os papéis da Europa e do Brasil. Observa-se ruptura parcial com visões dicotômicas e hierárquicas acerca das relações entre o Velho e o Novo Mundo e sugerem-se novas formas de relação entre essas regiões no contexto mundial.
Clinical Signs of Impending Death in Cancer Patients
Authors: Hui David , dos Santos Renata , Chisholm Gary , Bansal Swati , Silva Thiago Buosi , Kilgore Kelly , Crovador Camila Souza , Yu Xiaoying , Swartz Michael D. , Perez-Cruz Pedro Emilio , Leite Raphael de Almeida , Nascimento Maria Salete de Angelis , Reddy Suresh , Seriaco Fabiola , Yennu Sriram , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Dev Rony , Hall Stacy , Fajardo Julieta , Bruera Eduardo
Published: April 2014

Background.

The physical signs of impending death have not been well characterized in cancer patients. A better understanding of these signs may improve the ability of clinicians to diagnose impending death. We examined the frequency and onset of 10 bedside physical signs and their diagnostic performance for impending death.

Methods.

We systematically documented 10 physical signs every 12 hours from admission to death or discharge in 357 consecutive patients with advanced cancer admitted to two acute palliative care units. We examined the frequency and median onset of each sign from death backward and calculated their likelihood ratios (LRs) associated with death within 3 days.

Results.

In total, 203 of 357 patients (52 of 151 in the U.S., 151 of 206 in Brazil) died. Decreased level of consciousness, Palliative Performance Scale ≤20%, and dysphagia of liquids appeared at high frequency and >3 days before death and had low specificity (<90%) and positive LR (<5) for impending death. In contrast, apnea periods, Cheyne-Stokes breathing, death rattle, peripheral cyanosis, pulselessness of radial artery, respiration with mandibular movement, and decreased urine output occurred mostly in the last 3 days of life and at lower frequency. Five of these signs had high specificity (>95%) and positive LRs for death within 3 days, including pulselessness of radial artery (positive LR: 15.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.7–17.4), respiration with mandibular movement (positive LR: 10; 95% CI: 9.1–10.9), decreased urine output (positive LR: 15.2; 95% CI: 13.4–17.1), Cheyne-Stokes breathing (positive LR: 12.4; 95% CI: 10.8–13.9), and death rattle (positive LR: 9; 95% CI: 8.1–9.8).

Conclusion.

We identified highly specific physical signs associated with death within 3 days among cancer patients.
Freshwater availability and coastal wetland foundation species: ecological transitions along a rainfall gradient
Authors: Osland Michael J. , Enwright Nicholas , Stagg Camille L.
Published: April 2014

Climate gradient‐focused ecological research can provide a foundation for better understanding critical ecological transition points and nonlinear climate–ecological relationships, which is information that can be used to better understand, predict, and manage ecological responses to climate change. In this study, we examined the influence of freshwater availability upon the coverage of foundation plant species in coastal wetlands along a northwestern Gulf of Mexico rainfall gradient. Our research addresses the following three questions: (1) What are the regional‐scale relationships between measures of freshwater availability (e.g., rainfall, aridity, freshwater inflow, salinity) and the relative abundance of foundation plant species in tidal wetlands; (2) how vulnerable are foundation plant species in tidal wetlands to future changes in freshwater availability; and (3) what is the potential future relative abundance of tidal wetland foundation plant species under alternative climate change scenarios? We developed simple freshwater availability‐based models to predict the relative abundance (i.e., coverage) of tidal wetland foundation plant species using climate data (1970–2000), estuarine freshwater inflow‐focused data, and coastal wetland habitat data. Our results identify regional ecological thresholds and nonlinear relationships between measures of freshwater availability and the relative abundance of foundation plant species in tidal wetlands. In drier coastal zones, relatively small changes in rainfall could produce comparatively large landscape‐scale changes in foundation plant species abundance that would affect some ecosystem good and services. Whereas a drier future would result in a decrease in the coverage of foundation plant species, a wetter future would result in an increase in foundation plant species coverage. In many ways, the freshwater‐dependent coastal wetland ecological transitions we observed are analogous to those present in dryland terrestrial ecosystems.
Why species matter: an experimental assessment of assumptions and predictive ability of two functional‐group models
Authors: Fong Caitlin R. , Fong Peggy
Published: April 2014

Community ecologists use functional groups based on the rarely tested assumption that within‐group responses to ecological processes are similar and thus members are functionally equivalent. However, recent research suggests that functional equivalency may break down with human impacts. We tested the equivalency assumption and model predictions of responses to simulated human alterations in nutrients and large herbivores for two models of coral reef algae, the Relative Dominance Model (RDM) and the Functional Group Model (FGM). Results of both mesocosm and field experiments using assembled communities were compared to model predictions, and within‐ and between‐group variability were assessed. Both models' predictions of group response to herbivory matched experimental outcomes, but only the RDM predicted response to nutrients. However, within‐group variability was dramatic, because the RDM grouped species with opposite responses to herbivory and the FGM grouped species with unique responses to nutrients. These heterogeneous responses resulted in loss of information and masked strong interactions between herbivory and nutrients that were not included in the models. As humans continue to impact major ecological processes in ecosystems globally, we postulate that functional‐group models may need to be reformulated to account for shifting baselines.
Innovative use of lamella clarifiers for central stormwater treatment in separate sewer systems
Authors: Weiss Gebhard
Published: April 2014

Lamella settlers have been used in the past few years for the sedimentation of particles in wastewater and stormwater applications. A new and very innovative approach for the treatment of stormwater flows is proposed which extends the portfolio of solutions beyond traditional settling tanks. Surface runoff is stored in a sewer or a basin and finally treated in a small but continuously operated lamella clarifier. The low throughput flow will yield good treatment efficiency at a small footprint. The possibilities of using existing storage volume in a storm sewer, as well as the structural flexibility of the arrangement are decisive benefits. As a large operational advantage, the lamellae may be cleaned mechanically, e.g. by pivoting under water. Finally, the flow and the sludge which will be sent to the downstream treatment plant will be minimized. A new comparative simulation method is proposed in order to assess an equivalent degree of stormwater treatment, either by achieving an equal annual volume of treated stormwater or, more directly, an equal amount of spilled pollutant load. The new solution is compared with a traditional settling tank according to current German design rules. Additionally, a case study from a real installation will be presented.
Investigation of the shape change of bio-flocs and its influence on mass transport using particle image velocimetry
Authors: Ren T. T. , Xiao F. , Sun W. J. , Sun F. Y. , Lam K. M. , Li X. Y.
Published: April 2014

In this laboratory study, an advanced flow visualization technique – particle image velocimetry (PIV) – was employed to investigate the change of shape of activated sludge flocs in water and its influence on the material transport characteristics of the flocs. The continuous shape change of the bio-flocs that occurred within a very short period of time could be captured by the PIV system. The results demonstrate that the fluid turbulence caused the shift of parts of a floc from one side to the other in less than 200 ms. During the continuous shape change, the liquid within the floc was forced out of the floc, which was then refilled with the liquid from the surrounding flow. For the bio-flocs saturated with a tracer dye, it was shown that the dye could be released from the flocs at a faster rate when the flocs were swayed around in water. The experimental results indicate that frequent shape change of bio-flocs facilitates the exchange of fluid and materials between the floc interior and the surrounding water. This mass transfer mechanism can be more important than molecular diffusion and internal permeation to the function and behavior of particle aggregates, including bio-flocs, in natural waters and treatment systems.
Removing organic matter from sulfate-rich wastewater via sulfidogenic and methanogenic pathways
Authors: Vilela Rogerio Silveira , Damianovic Márcia Helena Rissato Zamariolli , Foresti Eugenio
Published: April 2014

The simultaneous organic matter removal and sulfate reduction in synthetic sulfate-rich wastewater was evaluated for various chemical oxygen demand (COD)/sulfate ratios applied in a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized sludge (HAIS) reactor. At higher COD/sulfate ratios (12.5 and 7.5), the removal of organic matter was stable, likely due to methanogenesis. A combination of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis was clearly established at COD/sulfate ratios of 3.0 and 1.9. At a COD/sulfate ratio of 1.0, the organic matter removal was likely influenced by methanogenesis inhibition. The quantity of sulfate removed at a COD/sulfate ratio of 1.0 was identical to that obtained at a ratio of 1.9, indicating a lack of available electron donors for sulfidogenesis. The sulfate reduction and organic matter removal were not maximized at the same COD/sulfate ratio; therefore, competitive inhibition must be the predominant mechanism in establishing an electron flow.
Advanced anaerobic processes to enhance waste activated sludge stabilization
Authors: Braguglia C. M. , Carozza N. , Gagliano M. C. , Gallipoli A. , Gianico A. , Rossetti S. , Suschka J. , Tomei M. C. , Mininni G.
Published: April 2014

The requirement for enhanced stabilization processes to obtain a more stable, pathogen-free sludge for agricultural use is an increasing challenge to comply with in the waste hierarchy. With this in mind, the Routes European project (‘Novel processing routes for effective sewage sludge management’) is addressed to assess innovative solutions with the aim of maximizing sludge quality and biological stability. In order to increase anaerobic stabilization performances, the sequential anerobic/aerobic process and the thermophilic digestion process, with or without integration of the thermal hydrolysis pre-treatment, were investigated as regards the effect on sludge stabilization, dewaterability and digestion performances. Thermal pre-treatment improved anaerobic digestion in terms of volatile solids reduction and biogas production, but digestate dewaterability worsened. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) quantification showed an increase of methanogens consistent with the increase of biogas produced. The aerobic post-treatment after mesophilic digestion had a beneficial effect on dewaterability and stability of the digested sludge even if was with a reduction of the potential energy recovery.
Effect of metal-ion doping on the characteristics and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes for the removal of toluene from water
Authors: Yuan Rongfang , Zhou Beihai , Hua Duo , Shi Chunhong , Ma Li
Published: April 2014

Toluene is an extensively used reagent that could cause water pollution and endanger human health. In this work, an O3/UV/ion-doped TiO2 nanotubes process was investigated to obtain the optimum TiO2 nanotubes for effective toluene decomposition. Photocatalytic activity is found to be influenced by the doped-ion type by affecting the ionic radius, valence state, and configuration of the dopant. The calcination temperature and doping concentration, which change the weight fractions of the anatase phase (fA), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (SBET), and the energy band gap (Eg) of the catalyst, also affect the photocatalytic activity. When TiO2 is doped with ions, SBET decreases and Eg becomes narrower. The photocatalytic activities of TiO2 for toluene removal increase after doping with Ag+, Al3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ni2+, V5+, and Zn2+. Moreover, the 1.0% Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanotubes calcined at 550 °C have the highest catalytic activity, with a toluene removal efficiency of 70.7%.
Study on nitrogen load reduction efficiency of agricultural conservation management in a small agricultural watershed
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Chen Qiuwen , Zeng Zhaoxia
Published: April 2014

Different crops can generate different non-point source (NPS) loads because of their spatial topography heterogeneity and variable fertilization application rates. The objective of this study was to assess nitrogen NPS load reduction efficiency by spatially adjusting crop plantings as an agricultural conservation management (ACM) measure in a typical small agricultural watershed in the black soil region in northeast China. The assessment was undertaken using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Results showed that lowland crops produce higher nitrogen NPS loads than those in highlands. It was also found that corn gave a comparatively larger NPS load than soybeans due to its larger fertilization demand. The ACM assessed was the conversion of lowland corn crops into soybean crops and highland soybean crops into corn crops. The verified SWAT model was used to evaluate the impact of the ACM action on nitrogen loads. The results revealed that the ACM could reduce NO3-N and total nitrogen loads by 9.5 and 10.7%, respectively, without changing the area of crops. Spatially optimized regulation of crop planting according to fertilizer demand and geological landscapes can effectively decrease NPS nitrogen exports from agricultural watersheds.
When the smoke disappears: dealing with extinguishing chemicals in firefighting wastewater
Authors: Courtens E. N. P. , Meerburg F. , Mausen V. , Vlaeminck S. E.
Published: April 2014

Water is not enough. Nowadays, numerous chemicals are used for fire extinction. After use, however, these may unintentionally enter sewerage systems. In order to safely treat firefighting wastewater (FFWW), knowledge of the potential effects of these chemicals on biological treatment processes is essential. This study characterized and mimicked the composition of FFWW containing two powders, three foams and one foam degrader. Nitrogen (162–370 mg NH4+-N L−1) and phosphorus (173–320 mg PO43−-P L−1) concentrations exceeded discharge limits, whereas chemical and biological oxygen demand, suspended solids and detergent concentrations remained sufficiently low. Adequate nutrient removal could be obtained through FeCl3 addition and nitrification/denitrification with acetate as substrate. In batch tests, residual nitrifying activities of 84, 81, 89, 95 and 93% were observed in the presence of powders, foams, foam degrader, synthetic and real FFWW, respectively. All categories showed higher denitrification rates than the control. Although the powders at first seemed to inhibit anammox activity at 82%, after pH correction anammox was fully feasible, allowing nitrogen removal through oxygen-limited nitrification/denitrification (OLAND). Detailed cost calculations indicated that OLAND could save 11% of capital and 68% of operational costs compared to nitrification/denitrification, identifying OLAND as the most recommendable process for nitrogen removal from firefighting wastewaters.
A Psychological Perspective on the Temporal Dimensions of E-Learning
Authors: Terras Melody M. , Ramsay Judith
Published: April 2014

Psychological perspectives have long been reflected in educational theory and practice. Therefore, we expect psychology to contribute to our understanding of the impact of technology on the temporal aspects of teaching and learning in this digital age. Understanding how we learn, and how learning and teaching can be facilitated, are key to understanding the temporal dimension of e-learning. In this article the authors review the research literature with the purpose of developing a psychologically informed understanding of the temporal aspects, challenges and skills required for successful digital mediated learning. They consider how time has previously been addressed in educational theories and evaluate whether these theories retain their psychological validity in the context of e-learning. How is time perceived and experienced? How do such perceptions and expectations impact on e-learning? What skills will learners require? The authors' consideration of these and other issues leads them firstly to advance five psychologically informed challenges associated with the temporal aspects of e-learning. Secondly they identify three categories of psychological skills that support the ability to manage these temporal challenges and illustrate how they function as psychological enablers to e-learning. Psychological insights will not only deepen our understanding of the temporal aspects of e-learning, they will also inform the design of educational materials and the deployment of technology to support their effective use.
Using Virtual Worlds to Simulate Real-World Audit Procedures
Authors: Buckless Frank A. , Krawczyk Kathy , Showalter D. Scott
Published: April 2014

It is not uncommon for educators to struggle with providing their students real-world experiences within the classroom environment. This is particularly true when teaching a subject as application-oriented as auditing. This article furthers existing literature on using virtual worlds in the classroom by describing the learning strategies of using a common virtual world application, Second Life, to simulate a physical examination of inventory in a master's-level auditing class. Specifically, this article explores how an inventory simulation exercise can be used within a virtual world to maximize learning objectives focused on critical thinking and professional judgment, project management and teamwork, effective documentation, interviewing skills, and applying auditing standards. It also examines the feedback received from students in incorporating virtual worlds into the classroom, and lessons learned for future application. Based on pre- and post-assignment surveys, the results demonstrate that students significantly improved their inventory observation knowledge, interviewing, audit documentation, critical thinking, and group work skills completing a virtual world inventory simulation experience. The most significant lesson for instructors to take away is how to include virtual worlds into course activities to maximize the learning objectives.
Cerebral Microvascular Lesions on High-Resolution 7-Tesla MRI in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brundel Manon , Reijmer Yael D. , van Veluw Susanne J. , Kuijf Hugo J. , Luijten Peter R. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Biessels Geert Jan ,   on behalf of the Utrecht Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) Study Group
Published: April 2014

Cerebral small vessel disease, including microvascular lesions, is considered to play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-associated cognitive deficits. With ultra-high field MRI, microvascular lesions (e.g., microinfarcts and microbleeds) can now be visualized in vivo. For the current study, 48 nondemented older individuals with T2DM (mean age 70.3 ± 4.1 years) and 49 age-, sex-, and education-matched control subjects underwent a 7-Tesla brain MRI scan and a detailed cognitive assessment. The occurrence of cortical microinfarcts and cerebral microbleeds was assessed on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T1-weighted and T2*-weighted images, respectively, compared between the groups, and related to cognitive performance. Microinfarcts were found in 38% of control subjects and 48% of patients with T2DM. Microbleeds were present in 41% of control subjects and 33% of patients (all P > 0.05). The presence and number of microinfarcts or microbleeds were unrelated to cognitive performance. This study showed that microvascular brain lesions on ultra-high field MRI are not significantly more common in well-controlled patients with T2DM than in control subjects.
Distribution of C-Peptide and Its Determinants in North American Children at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Xu Ping , Qian Xiaoning , Schatz Desmond A. , Cuthbertson David , Krischer Jeffrey P. ,   the DPT-1 Study Group
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine basal and stimulated C-peptide percentiles in North American children and adolescents at risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to examine factors associated with this distribution in the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 582 subjects aged 4–18 years at randomization in the DPT-1 trials. A 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at baseline and every 6 months during the 5-year follow-up period. The percentile values of C-peptide after baseline OGTT were estimated according to age, BMI Z score (BMIZ), and/or sex categories. Conditional quantile regression was used to examine the relationship between C-peptide percentiles and various independent variables.

RESULTS

The basal and stimulated C-peptide levels increased significantly as age and BMIZ increased (P < 0.05). Both age and BMIZ had a stronger impact on the upper quartile of C-peptide distributions than the lower quartile. Sex was only significantly associated with stimulated C-peptide. Higher stimulated C-peptide levels were generally observed in girls compared with boys at the same age and BMIZ (P < 0.05). HLA type and number of positive antibodies and antibody titers (islet cell antibody [ICA], insulin autoantibody, GAD65A, and ICA512A) were not significantly associated with C-peptide distribution after adjustment for age, BMIZ, and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-, sex-, and BMIZ-specific C-peptide percentiles can be estimated for North American children and adolescents at risk for T1D. They can be used as an assessment tool that could impact the recommendations in T1D prevention trials.
Complement Factor 3 Is Associated With Insulin Resistance and With Incident Type 2 Diabetes Over a 7-Year Follow-up Period: The CODAM Study
Authors: Wlazlo Nick , van Greevenbroek Marleen M.J. , Ferreira Isabel , Feskens Edith J.M. , van der Kallen Carla J.H. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Bravenboer Bert , Stehouwer Coen D.A.
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

Immune dysregulation can affect insulin resistance (IR) and β-cell function and hence contribute to development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The complement system, as a regulator of immune and inflammatory homeostasis, may be a relevant contributor therein. However, longitudinal studies focusing on complement as a determinant of T2DM and IR are scarce. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the association of plasma complement factor 3 (C3) with (estimates of) IR in muscle, liver, and adipocytes, as well as with glucose tolerance, including incident T2DM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting C3, nonesterified fatty acids, glucose, and insulin (the latter two during oral glucose tolerance tests) were measured at baseline (n = 545) and after 7 years of follow-up (n = 394) in a prospective cohort study.

RESULTS

Over the 7-year period, C3 levels (per 0.1 g/L) were longitudinally associated with higher homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA2-IR; β = 15.2% [95% CI 12.9–17.6]), hepatic IR (β = 6.1% [95% CI 4.7–7.4]), adipocyte IR (β = 16.0% [95% CI 13.0–19.1]), fasting glucose (β = 1.8% [95% CI 1.2–2.4]), 2-h glucose (β = 5.2% [95% CI 3.7–6.7]), and area under the curve for glucose (β = 3.6% [95% CI 2.7–4.6]). In addition, greater changes in C3 (per 0.1 g/L) were associated with greater changes in HOMA2-IR (β = 0.08 [95% CI 0.02–0.15]) and greater changes in hepatic IR (β = 0.87 [95% CI 0.12–1.61]) over 7 years, but not glucose tolerance. Moreover, baseline C3 was associated with the 7-year incidence of T2DM (odds ratio 1.5 [95% CI 1.1–2.0]).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in C3 were associated with changes in several measures of IR and may reflect progression of metabolic dysregulation, which eventually leads to abnormalities in glucose tolerance and T2DM.
Gross anatomy of the deep perivertebral musculature in horses
Authors: Rombach Nicole , Stubbs Narelle C. , Clayton Hilary M.
Published: April 2014

Objective—To determine the gross morphology of the multifidus, longus colli, and longus thoracis muscles in the cervical and cranial thoracic portions of the equine vertebral column.

Sample—15 horse cadavers.

Procedures—The vertebral column was removed intact from the first cervical vertebra (C1) to the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7). After removing the superficial musculature, detailed anatomic dissections of the multifidus, longus colli, and longus thoracis muscles were performed.

Results—The multifidus cervicis muscle consisted of 5 bundles/level arranged in lateral, medial, and deep layers from C2 caudally into the thoracic portion of the vertebral column. Fibers in each bundle attached cranially to a spinous process then diverged laterally, attaching caudally on the dorsolateral edge of the vertebral lamina and blending into the joint capsule of an articular process articulation after crossing 1 to 4 intervertebral joints. The longus colli muscle had ventral, medial, and deep layers with 5 bundles/level from C1 to C5 that attached cranially to the ventral surface of the vertebral body, diverged laterally and crossed 1 to 4 intervertebral joints, then attached onto a vertebral transverse process as far caudally as C6. The longus thoracis muscle consisted of a single, well-defined muscle belly from C6 to T5-T6, with intermediate muscular attachments onto the ventral aspects of the vertebral bodies, the intervertebral symphyses, and the craniomedial aspects of the costovertebral joint capsules.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that there were multiple, short bundles of the multifidus cervicis, multifidus thoracis, and longus colli muscles; this was consistent with a function of providing sagittal plane intersegmental vertebral column stability.
Pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine after intravenous administration of a bolus to cats
Authors: Pypendop Bruno H. , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: April 2014

Objective—To characterize the pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine after IV administration of a bolus to conscious healthy cats.

Animals—5 healthy adult spayed female cats.

Procedures—Dexmedetomidine was administered IV as a bolus at 3 doses (5, 20, or 50 μg/kg) on separate days in a random order. Blood samples were collected immediately before and at various times for 8 hours after drug administration. Plasma dexmedetomidine concentrations were determined with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Compartment models were fitted to the concentration-time data by means of nonlinear regression.

Results—A 2-compartment model best fit the concentration-time data after administration of 5 μg/kg, whereas a 3-compartment model best fit the data after administration of 20 and 50 μg/kg. The median volume of distribution at steady-state and terminal half-life were 371 mL/kg (range, 266 to 435 mL/kg) and 31.8 minutes (range, 30.3 to 39.7 minutes), respectively, after administration of 5 μg/kg; 545 mL/kg (range, 445 to 998 mL/kg) and 56.3 minutes (range, 39.3 to 68.9 minutes), respectively, after administration of 20 μg/kg; and 750 mL/kg (range, 514 to 938 mL/kg) and 75.3 minutes (range, 52.2 to 223.3 minutes), respectively, after administration of 50 μg/kg.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine was characterized by a small volume of distribution and moderate clearance and had minimal dose dependence within the range of doses evaluated. These data will help clinicians design dosing regimens once effective plasma concentrations are established.
Relationship between plasma dexmedetomidine concentration and sedation score and thermal threshold in cats
Authors: Pypendop Bruno H. , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: April 2014

Objective—To characterize the relationship between plasma dexmedetomidine concentration and the temperature difference between the thermal threshold and skin temperature (ΔT) and between plasma dexmedetomidine concentration and sedation score in healthy cats.

Animals—5 healthy adult spayed female cats.

Procedures—Cats received IV administrations of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, dexmedetomidine (5, 20, or 50 μg/kg), or acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected and thermal threshold and sedation score were determined before and at various times up to 8 hours after drug administration. In addition, cats received an IV infusion of dexmedetomidine that targeted a concentration achieving 99% of the maximum effect on ΔT.

Results—No change in ΔT over time was found for the saline solution and acepromazine treatments; ΔT increased for 45 minutes when cats received dexmedetomidine at 5 and 20 μg/kg and for 180 minutes when cats received dexmedetomidine at 50 μg/kg. No change in sedation score over time was found for saline solution. Sedation score increased for 120 minutes after cats received acepromazine and for 60, 120, and 180 minutes after cats received dexmedetomidine at 5, 20, and 50 μg/kg, respectively. The plasma dexmedetomidine concentration–effect relationships for the effect on ΔT and sedation score were almost identical. The plasma dexmedetomidine concentration after infusion was lower than targeted, and ΔT was not significantly affected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dexmedetomidine administration to cats resulted in thermal analgesia and also profound sedation. These data may be useful for predicting the course of thermal analgesia and sedation after dexmedetomidine administration to cats.
Effects of tylosin administration on C-reactive protein concentration and carriage of Salmonella enterica in pigs
Authors: Kim Hyeun Bum , Singer Randall S. , Borewicz Klaudyna , White Bryan A. , Sreevatsan Srinand , Johnson Timothy J. , Espejo Luis A. , Isaacson Richard E.
Published: April 2014

Objective—To evaluate the effects of tylosin on C-reactive protein concentration, carriage of Salmonella enterica, and antimicrobial resistance genes in commercial pigs.

Animals—120 pigs on 2 commercial farms.

Procedures—A cohort of sixty 10-week-old pigs in 4 pens/farm (15 pigs/pen) was randomly selected. Equal numbers of pigs were given feed containing tylosin (40 μg/g of feed) for 0, 6, or 12 weeks. C-reactive protein concentrations were measured, microbial culture for S enterica in feces was performed, and antimicrobial resistance genes in feces were quantified.

Results—No significant associations were detected between C-reactive protein concentration or S enterica status and tylosin treatment. During the 12 weeks of tylosin administration, increased levels of 6 antimicrobial resistance genes did not occur.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Treatment of pigs with tylosin did not affect C-reactive protein concentration or reduce carriage or load of S enterica. There was no evidence that pigs receiving tylosin had increased carriage of the 6 antimicrobial resistance genes measured.

Impact for Human Medicine—S enterica is a public health concern. Use of the antimicrobial growth promoter tylosin did not pose a public health risk by means of increased carriage of S enterica.
Accuracy of noninvasive, single-plane fluoroscopic analysis for measurement of three-dimensional femorotibial joint poses in dogs
Authors: Jones Stephen C. , Kim Stanley E. , Banks Scott A. , Conrad Bryan P. , Abbasi Abdullah Z. , Tremolada Giovanni , Lewis Daniel D. , Pozzi Antonio
Published: April 2014

Objective—To compare accuracy of a noninvasive single-plane fluoroscopic technique with radiostereometric analysis (RSA) for determining 3-D femorotibial poses in a canine cadaver with normal stifle joints.

Sample—Right pelvic limb from a 25-kg adult mixed-breed dog.

Procedures—A CT scan of the limb was obtained before and after metal beads were implanted into the right femur and tibia. Orthogonal fluoroscopic images of the right stifle joint were acquired to simulate a biplanar fluoroscopic acquisition setup. Images were obtained at 5 flexion angles from 110° to 150° to simulate a gait cycle; 5 cycles were completed. Joint poses were calculated from the biplanar images by use of RSA with CT-derived beaded bone models and compared with measurements obtained by use of CT-derived nonbeaded bone models matched to single-plane, lateral-view fluoroscopic images. Single-plane measurements were performed by 2 observers and repeated 3 times by the primary observer.

Results—Mean absolute differences between the single-plane fluoroscopic analysis and RSA measurements were 0.60, 1.28, and 0.64 mm for craniocaudal, proximodistal, and mediolateral translations, respectively, and 0.63°, 1.49°, and 1.58° for flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and internal-external rotations, respectively. Intra- and interobserver repeatability was strong with maximum mean translational and rotational SDs of 0.52 mm and 1.36°, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that single-plane fluoroscopic analysis performed by use of CT-derived bone models is a valid, noninvasive technique for accurately measuring 3-D femorotibial poses in dogs.
Mechanical properties of various suture materials and placement patterns tested with surrogate in vitro model constructs simulating laryngeal advancement tie-forward procedures in horses
Authors: Santos Marcos P. , Gutierrez-Nibeyro Santiago D. , Horn Gavin P. , Johnson Amy J. Wagoner , Stewart Matthew C. , Schaeffer David J.
Published: April 2014

Objective—To compare the mechanical properties of laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) surrogate constructs prepared with steel fixtures and No. 5 braided polyester or braided polyethylene by use of a standard or a modified suture placement technique.

Sample—32 LTF surrogate constructs.

Procedures—Surrogate constructs were prepared with steel fixtures and sutures (polyester or polyethylene) by use of a standard or modified suture placement technique. Constructs underwent single-load-to-failure testing. Maximal load at failure, elongation at failure, stiffness, and suture breakage sites were compared among constructs prepared with polyester sutures by means of the standard (n = 10) or modified (10) technique and those prepared with polyethylene sutures with the standard (6) or modified (6) technique.

Results—Polyethylene suture constructs had higher stiffness, higher load at failure, and lower elongation at failure than did polyester suture constructs. Constructs prepared with the modified technique had higher load at failure than did those prepared with the standard technique for both suture materials. All sutures broke at the knot in constructs prepared with the standard technique. Sutures broke at a location away from the knot in 13 of 16 constructs prepared with the modified technique (3 such constructs with polyethylene sutures broke at the knot).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested LTF surrogate constructs prepared with polyethylene sutures or the modified technique were stronger than those prepared with polyester sutures or the standard technique.
Chemical preparation and applications of silver dendrites
Authors: Fu Li , Tamanna Tasnuva , Hu Wen-Jing , Yu Aimin
Published: April 2014

Silver dendrites have received immense attention because of their fascinating hierarchical structures and unique properties. Depending on the methods of synthesis, Ag dendrites can be implemented in numerous fields. This review summarizes a variety of Ag dendrites preparation techniques. The involved growth mechanisms are investigated in order to control the formation progress more effectively. With regard to the applications, this article mainly focuses on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, catalysis, superhydrophobic surface and surface enhanced fluorescence by using Ag dendrites. The remaining issues of the preparation methods, which impede the practical applications of Ag dendrites, are pointed out to enlighten their future research.
Characterization of hot flow behaviour and deformation stability of medium carbon microalloyed steel using artificial neural networks and dynamic material model
Authors: Alcelay Ignacio , Al Omar Anas , Prado José Manuel
Published: April 2014

Artificial neural network (ANN) and dynamic material model (DMM) are considered to be powerful methods to characterize the flow behaviour of metallic materials. The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of these two methods in the characterization of flow behaviour and deformation stability of medium-carbon microalloyed steel. Flow curves obtained from hot compression tests have been used to describe the flow behaviour of the studied steel using an ANN model. Good correlation between experimental and predicted data was observed. To characterize the deformation stability of the studied steel, experimental processing maps are generated using DMM. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of ANN results, processing maps based on the DMM have been developed using ANN predicted data. It has been found that these maps agree closely with those obtained using experimental data.
Copper-catalyzed electroless nickel coating on poly(ethylene terephthalate) board for electromagnetic application
Authors: Li Wenlong , Shi Guoqing , Lu Yinxiang
Published: April 2014

Electroless nickel coating on poly(ethylene terephthalate) board via a copper-catalyzed process is reported. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was firstly modified by organic silanes to graft thio groups onto its surface, and then covered with copper particles and clusters in solution with dimethyl amineborane as a reducing reagent. This copper-activated board was dipped into a nickel electroless solution for metallization. An Ni/Cu/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite was obtained in which the copper interlayer served as both catalyst and interlocker for the formation of the composite. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that the metallic layer was composed of Ni and Cu. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the metal layer was smooth with root-mean-square roughness of 5.98 nm (area: 3 μm × 3 μm). The adhesion of the plated film to the polymer was measured to be 16.3 N cm−1, higher than those from traditional processes. The Ni/Cu/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite was conductive and magnetic, and could be used for electromagnetic interference shielding.
Machinery of Death or Machinic Life
Authors: Wills David
Published: April 2014

The notion of a ‘machinery of death’ not only underwrites abolitionist discourse but also informs what Derrida's Death Penalty refers to as an anesthesial drive that can be traced back at least as far as Guillotin. I read it here as a symptom of a more complex relation to the technological that functions across the line dividing life from death, and which is concentrated in the question of the instant that capital punishment (at least in order to be distinguished from torture) requires. Further indications of such a relation include the forms of automatic machinism that regulate, on one hand, the generalisable certainty that death occurs (in tension with the singular death of each convict), and on the other, the discursive contagion that the death penalty generates. But it can be analysed most productively in the way in which the putative instantaneity of an execution reveals how life is severed from, but also perhaps tethered to death by means of a machinery of time; how that machinery of time ‘abandons’ its indifference in order to decide the moment of death by execution, and at the same time, by contriving an instant at which death takes over from life, produces the uncanny result of having life and death meet on the same knife-edge.
Optimal Time to Invest Energy Storage System under Uncertainty Conditions
Authors: Moon Yongma
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a model to determine the optimal investment time for energy storage systems (ESSs) in a price arbitrage trade application under conditions of uncertainty over future profits. The adoption of ESSs can generate profits from price arbitrage trade, which are uncertain because the future marginal prices of electricity will change depending on supply and demand. In addition, since the investment is optional, an investor can delay adopting an ESS until it becomes profitable, and can decide the optimal time. Thus, when we evaluate this investment, we need to incorporate the investor’s option which is not captured by traditional evaluation methods. In order to incorporate these aspects, we applied real option theory to our proposed model, which provides an optimal investment threshold. Our results concerning the optimal time to invest show that if future profits that are expected to be obtained from arbitrage trade become more uncertain, an investor needs to wait longer to invest. Also, improvement in efficiency of ESSs can reduce the uncertainty of arbitrage profit and, consequently, the reduced uncertainty enables earlier ESS investment, even for the same power capacity. Besides, when a higher rate of profits is expected and ESS costs are higher, an investor needs to wait longer. Also, by comparing a widely used net present value model to our real option model, we show that the net present value method underestimates the value for ESS investment and misleads the investor to make an investment earlier.
Downscaling the Impacts of Large-Scale LUCC on Surface Temperature along with IPCC RCPs: A Global Perspective
Authors: Deng Xiangzheng , Zhao Chunhong , Lin Yingzhi , Zhang Tao , Qu Yi , Zhang Fan , Wang Zhan , Wu Feng
Published: April 2014

This study focuses on the potential impacts of large-scale land use and land cover changes (LUCC) on surface temperature from a global perspective. As important types of LUCC, urbanization, deforestation, cultivated land reclamation, and grassland degradation have effects on the climate, the potential changes of the surface temperature caused by these four types of large-scale LUCC from 2010 to 2050 are downscaled, and this issue analyzed worldwide along with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The first case study presents some evidence of the effects of future urbanization on surface temperature in the Northeast megalopolis of the United States of America (USA). In order to understand the potential climatological variability caused by future forest deforestation and vulnerability, we chose Brazilian Amazon region as the second case study. The third selected region in India as a typical region of cultivated land reclamation where the possible climatic impacts are explored. In the fourth case study, we simulate the surface temperature changes caused by future grassland degradation in Mongolia. Results show that the temperature in built-up area would increase obviously throughout the four land types. In addition, the effects of all four large-scale LUCC on monthly average temperature change would vary from month to month with obviously spatial heterogeneity.
Market Efficiency and Behavioral Biases in the WNBA Betting Market
Authors: Paul Rodney , Weinbach Andrew
Published: April 2014

The betting market for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a thin financial market, which does not attract much interest from sports bettors. Given these characteristics, it is possible that profitable wagering strategies could exist for informed bettors of the WNBA. Using betting data on the WNBA from 2007–2012, we find that simple betting strategies do not earn statistically significant returns. WNBA bettors are like NBA bettors; however, in that they strongly prefer the best teams, particularly when they are on the road. Despite this clear bias, betting against the most popular public wagers is not found to earn statistically significant profits.