bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hip Toggle Stabilization Using the TightRope® System in 17 Dogs: Technique and Long‐Term Outcome
Authors: Kieves Nina R. , Lotsikas Peter J. , Schulz Kurt S. , Canapp Sherman O.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To describe the technique for, and long‐term clinical outcome of, a modified hip toggle stabilization using the TightRope® system for coxofemoral luxation repair.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records (July 2008–July 2010) including radiographs (17 limbs) of dogs that had coxofemoral luxation repaired with the TightRope system were reviewed. Follow‐up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Six dogs were available for re‐evaluation, radiographs, and objective gait analysis.

Results

Follow‐up (mean, 24 months; range, 12–43 months) by telephone interview was available for 17 dogs. Of these, 6 dogs were re‐evaluated (mean, 7.5 months; median 12.5 months: range, 4–24 months) and had gait analysis. Mean duration of luxation before surgical intervention was 7.5 days (median, 7 days; range, 2–44 days). There was a single case of relaxation 27 months postoperatively. One dog died from non‐surgical related circumstances. Objective gait analysis showed equal pelvic limb use in all 6 dogs available for re‐evaluation. All owners of living dogs reported limb function as being good to excellent, and perceived that their dogs were pain free. Radiographs (mean, 7.5 months; median, 12.5 months; range, 4–24 months post surgery) of 6 dogs showed no progression of osteoarthritis in comparison to immediate postoperative radiographs.

Conclusions

Hip toggle with the TightRope system as a prosthetic ligament of the head of the femur produces a favorable clinical outcome with high owner acceptance.
Comparing the monitoring of patients transferred from a critical care unit to hospital wards at after‐hours with day transfers: an exploratory, prospective cohort study
Authors: Wood Sally D. , Coster Samantha , Norman Ian
Published: April 2014

Aims

To investigate possible factors related to patient monitoring to explain the higher mortality rates associated with after‐hours transfers compared with daytime transfers from critical care units to the wards.

Background

International research suggests that patients transferred from critical care units after‐hours have a higher mortality rate than transfers during daytime, although the reasons remain unknown.

Design

A prospective exploratory study.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients transferred from a UK critical care unit to a ward within the same hospital after‐hours for 10 weeks beginning April 2009 were compared with 29 transfers during daytime hours matched on potentially confounding characteristics. UK Critical Care Unit transfer guidelines have remained unchanged since data collection. Outcomes were as follows: (i) frequency of nursing observations; (ii) time periods from transfer to first medical review; (iii) time period from transfer to first clinical observations; (iv) frequency of transfer to an inappropriate ward; (v) delayed transfers from Critical Care Unit to ward.

Results

Using Wilcoxon's Rank test (two tail) to compare paired data from the matched groups, observations were recorded significantly less frequently within the first 12 hours for after‐hours transfers. Time from transfer to first clinical observations was significantly longer for after‐hour transfer patients. The delay from when the patient was ready for ward care and actual transfer was also longer for the after‐hours transfer group.

Conclusions

Surveillance differences, including time to the first set of observations and frequency of observations in the first 12 hours, are potential factors that may explain the differential mortality associated with after‐hours transfers.
Snake predation on North American bird nests: culprits, patterns and future directions
Authors: DeGregorio Brett A. , Chiavacci Scott J. , Weatherhead Patrick J. , Willson John D. , Benson Thomas J. , Sperry Jinelle H.
Published: April 2014

Predation is the leading cause of nest failure for most birds. Thus, for ornithologists interested in the causes and consequences of variation in nest success, knowing the identity and understanding the behavior of dominant nest predators is likely to be important. Video documentation of nests has shown that snakes are frequent predators. Here we reviewed 53 North American studies that used nest cameras and used these data to identify broad patterns in snake predation. Snakes accounted for 26% (range: 0–90%) of recorded predation events, with values exceeding 35% in a third of studies. Snakes were more frequent nest predators at lower latitudes and less frequent in forested habitat relative to other nest predators. Although 12 species of snakes have been identified as nest predators, ratsnakes Elaphe obsoleta, corn snakes E. guttata and fox snakes E. vulpina were the most frequent, accounting for > 70% of all recorded nest predation events by snakes and have been documented preying on nests in 30–65% of studies conducted within their geographic ranges. Endotherm‐specialist snakes (Elaphe and Pituophis genera) were more likely to depredate nests in forests and the canopy relative to other snakes, due to their affinity for edge habitat. Predation by only ratsnakes and corn snakes was predominantly nocturnal and only ratsnakes were more likely to prey on nests during the nestling stage. Snakes were not identified to species in over 30% of predation events, underlining the need for more complete reporting of results. A review of research to date suggests the best approach to investigating factors that bring snakes and nests into contact involves combining nesting studies with radio tracking of locally important snake nest predators.
SWATmodel: A Multi‐Operating System, Multi‐Platform SWAT Model Package in R
Authors: Fuka Daniel R. , Walter M. Todd , MacAlister Charlotte , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Easton Zachary M.
Published: April 2014

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model (Arnold et al., 1998) is a popular watershed management tool. Currently, the SWAT model, actively supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M, operates only on Microsoft® Windows, which hinders modelers that use other operating systems (OS). This technical note introduces the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) distributed “SWATmodel” package which allows SWAT 2005 and 2012 to be widely distributed and run as a linear model‐like function on multiple OS and processor platforms. This allows researchers anywhere in the world using virtually any OS to run SWAT. In addition to simplifying the use of SWAT across computational platforms, the SWATmodel package allows SWAT modelers to utilize the analytical capabilities, statistical libraries, modeling tools, and programming flexibility inherent to R. The software allows watershed modelers to develop a simple hydrological watershed model conceptualization of the SWAT model and to obtain a first approximation of the minimum expected results a more complicated model should deliver. As a proof of concept, we test the SWAT model by initializing and calibrating 314 U.S. Geological Survey stream gages in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and present the results.
SLC23A1 polymorphism rs6596473 in the vitamin C transporter SVCT1 is associated with aggressive periodontitis
Authors: de Jong Thijs M. H. , Jochens Arne , Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne , Harks Inga , Dommisch Henrik , Graetz Christian , Flachsbart Friederike , Staufenbiel Ingmar , Eberhard Jörg , Folwaczny Mathias , Noack Barbara , Meyle Joerg , Eickholz Peter , Gieger Christian , Grallert Harald , Lieb Wolfgang , Franke Andre , Nebel Almut , Schreiber Stefan , Doerfer Christof , Jepsen Søren , Bruckmann Corinna , van der Velden Ubele , Loos Bruno G. , Schaefer Arne S.
Published: April 2014

Aim

Identification of variants within genes SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 coding for vitamin C transporter proteins associated with aggressive (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP).

Material and Methods

Employment of three independent case–control samples of AgP (I. 283 cases, 979 controls; II. 417 cases, 1912 controls; III. 164 cases, 357 controls) and one sample of CP (1359 cases, 1296 controls).

Results

Stage 1: Among the tested single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the rare allele (RA) of rs6596473 in SLC23A1 showed nominal significant association with AgP (p = 0.026, odds ratio [OR] 1.26, and a highly similar minor allele frequency between different control panels. Stage 2: rs6596473 showed no significant association with AgP in the replication with the German and Dutch case–control samples. After pooling the German AgP populations (674 cases, 2891 controls) to significantly increase the statistical power (SP = 0.81), rs6596473 RA showed significant association with AgP prior to and upon adjustment with the covariates smoking and gender with padj = 0.005, OR = 1.35. Stage 3: RA of rs6596473 showed no significant association with severe CP.

Conclusion

SNP rs6596473 of SLC23A1 is suggested to be associated with AgP. These results add to previous reports that vitamin C plays a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Levodopa‐Responsive Hemiparkinsonism Secondary to Cystic Expansion from a Coiled Cerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Norris Scott A. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: April 2014

An 80‐year‐old woman with longstanding hemifacial spasm had a 1 cm × 1.5 cm internal carotid artery terminus aneurysm treated with endovascularly delivered bare metal coils. Follow‐up imaging revealed an expansile perianeurysmal cyst that coincided with development of contralateral dopa‐responsive hemiparkinsonism. This is the first report of perianeurysmal cyst expansion causing levodopa‐responsive hemiparkinsonism.
Antioxidant enzyme activities, plasma hormone levels and serum metabolites of finishing broiler chickens reared under high ambient temperature and fed lemon and orange peel extracts and Curcuma xanthorrhiza essential oil
Authors: Akbarian A. , Golian A. , Kermanshahi H. , De Smet S. , Michiels J.
Published: April 2014

The negative effects of high ambient temperature during some months of the year on poultry production have been of great concern in many countries. Dietary modifications are among the most practical ways to alleviate the effects of high temperature. Possible effects of dietary supplementation with 200 or 400 mg/kg feed of lemon peel extract (LPE), orange peel extract (OPE) and Curcuma xanthorrhiza essential oil (CXEO) under hot conditions (34 °C with 50% relative humidity for 5 h daily starting from day 28 until day 38 of age) on blood antioxidant enzyme activities, biochemical parameters and antibody titres of broiler chickens were investigated. All extracts are rich in phenolic compounds and highly available. Compared to control, supplementation with OPE at 400 mg/kg and CXEO significantly increased erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, plasma growth hormone concentrations and serum phosphorus, total protein and chloride concentrations and decreased serum low‐density lipoprotein and cholesterol concentrations in chickens at 38 days of age. Regarding antibody titres, CXEO supplementation at 400 mg/kg caused a significant increase in bronchitis antibody titres. Supplementation with LPE and OPE gave more inconsistent results. Most interesting, 400 mg/kg LPE significantly increased 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine and GH concentration as compared to the control. In conclusion, the herbal extracts tested in this study, in particular CXEO at 400 mg/kg, may relieve some of the changes in blood composition induced by increased ambient temperatures.
Risk factors for postoperative complications following bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog
Authors: Charlesworth T. M.
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVES

To report the complication rate for bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog and to evaluate potential risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. To identify breed groups at risk of requiring anal sacculectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of dogs undergoing bilateral closed anal sacculectomy between 2003 and 2013.

RESULTS

Sixty‐two dogs were included in the study of which 32·3% developed mild and self‐limiting complications including 14·5% dogs that experienced postoperative defaecatory complications. No dog developed permanent faecal incontinence. Dogs less than 15 kg bodyweight were more likely to develop postoperative complications. Dogs that used gel to distend the anal sac were more likely to have postoperative complications than those that did not. Previous abscess formation, recurrent disease and pretreatment with antibiotics had no significant effect on postoperative complication rates. Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Labrador‐type dogs were over‐represented within this study population.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Anal sacculectomy is a safe procedure with a relatively high rate of short‐term but self‐limiting, minor, postoperative complications. Smaller (<15 kg) dogs are more likely to experience postoperative complications but the risk of permanent faecal incontinence is low.
Hybridization between Crassostrea hongkongensis and Crassostrea ariakensis at Different Salinities
Authors: Huo Zhongming , Wang Zhaoping , Yan Xiwu , Yu Ruihai
Published: April 2014

To evaluate the survival and growth performance of hybrid larvae and juveniles, we conducted hybridization experiments between Crassostrea hongkongensis and Crassostrea ariakensis at three salinities (15, 23, and 30 ppt). Hybrid fertilization occurred in one direction (C. hongkongensis ♀ and C. ariakensis ♂), and the fertilization rates did not differ significantly among the three trial salinities. Molecular genetics analysis revealed that hybrid progenies were true hybrids. Hybrid juveniles survived better than C. hongkongensis juveniles at a salinity of 30 ppt. Hybrid larvae and juveniles showed intermediate growth between C. hongkongensis and C. ariakensis progenies. The growth of hybrid juveniles was significantly greater than that of C. hongkongensis juveniles at a salinity of 30 ppt. Overall, C. hongkongensis has a high economic value but favorable hatchery and farm of this species is restricted to lower salinity sites. Because the hybrids were shown to have greater growth and survival characteristics at high salinity, hybrids may be a more desirable candidate to be cultured in those areas of China with higher salinities, such as the Bohai Sea of China where the salinity is usually 30 ppt.
The Physical Condition and Welfare of Five Species of Wild‐caught Wrasse Stocked under Aquaculture Conditions and when Stocked in Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, Production Cages
Authors: Treasurer Jim , Feledi Tibor
Published: April 2014

Several indices were examined to assess the physical condition of wrasse stocked on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, farms as cleaner fish, and included examination of eye condition, snout erosion, skin hemorrhaging, and erosion and splitting of dorsal, pectoral, anal and caudal fins. Baseline values were determined for five wrasse species: goldsinny, Ctenolabrus rupestris; rock cook, Centrolabrus exoletus; corkwing, Crenilabrus melops; cuckoo, Labrus mixtus; and ballan, Labrus bergylta, held in a farm environment for 3 mo prior to transfer to salmon farms. The caudal fin was most affected by injury. The fin erosion index (FEI) was low in all species and below 0.6. The fin splitting index (FSI) was the most prominent index and was significantly higher in the caudal fin (FSI > 2) compared with other fins (FSI < 0.5), and also significantly higher in corkwing and rock cook compared with the other wrasse species. The FEI and FSI were also calculated for a group of ballan wrasse before stocking on a seawater farm, during the first winter and upon harvesting. There were no significant differences in the scores of fin erosion and fin splitting in any of the samples, although the indices were marginally poorer in winter.
Effects of Various Levels of Silica Ash in the Diet of Juvenile Red Drum, Sciaenops ocellatus
Authors: Mendoza‐Rodriguez Maria G. , Gatlin Delbert M.
Published: April 2014

The demand for alternative feedstuffs to fish meal is anticipated to continue increasing due to fish meal's limited supply and escalating price. One group of alternative feedstuffs includes lipid‐extracted algae (LEA) by‐products from algae production for biofuels. Most LEA by‐products are known to contain relatively high levels of ash ranging from 20 to 30% of dry weight. Thus, inclusion of LEA by‐products in aquafeeds may contribute a substantial amount of ash, which potentially could have negative effects on utilization of other nutrients. To study the ash component of LEA by‐products, diatomaceous earth (DE) was used as a homogeneous source of silica ash. Therefore, two feeding trials were conducted with red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, in a closed, recirculating system to evaluate the effects of graded levels of dietary silica ash. In Experiment 1, semi‐purified diets were formulated to contain 35% crude protein, with DE included at 0, 5, 10, 20, or 30% of dry weight in place of cellulose to provide diets with analyzed ash levels of 8.6, 12.4, 16.7, 25.5, and 33.8% of dry weight in a regression design. Similar diets were fed in Experiment 2 but DE and cellulose were restricted to no more than 20% of diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of juvenile fish (initial average weight of 1.4 ± 0.2 and 2.3 ± 0.1 g) for 8 wk. In both experiments it was apparent that red drum did not respond negatively to even the highest dietary ash levels based on weight gain, feed efficiency, survival, or body composition. No apparent histological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of fish fed the graded levels of ash were observed. Therefore, inclusion of algae by‐products in diets of red drum will not be limited due to their contribution of ash.
Replacement of Fish Meal with Plant Feedstuffs in the Diet of Red Drum, Sciaenops ocellatus: Effects on Production Characteristics and Tolerance to Aquaculture‐Related Stressors
Authors: Moxley Joseph D. , Rossi Waldemar , Buentello Alejandro , Pohlenz Camilo , Gatlin Delbert M. , Tomasso Joseph R.
Published: April 2014

The continued expansion of intensive aquaculture activities requires that substitutes for fish meal‐based protein be identified. In this study, we evaluated partial (50 and 75%) replacement of fish meal in red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, diets with soy protein concentrate (S) and barley protein concentrate (B). Growth, feed efficiency, survival, tolerance to low temperature, and tolerance to handling in warm, hypersaline water were evaluated. Only the diet with a 50% replacement of fish meal with S yielded results comparable to fish fed a nonsubstituted fish meal diet. However, the low‐temperature studies were complicated by differences in mean fish weight among the groups. The results of this study indicate S may be partially substituted for fish meal in red drum diets.
Coxsackievirus B4 myocarditis and meningoencephalitis in newborn twins
Authors: Bissel Stephanie J. , Winkler Caitlin C. , DelTondo Joseph , Wang Guoji , Williams Karl , Wiley Clayton A.
Published: April 2014

Coxsackievirus B4 (CB4) is a picornavirus associated with a variety of human diseases, including neonatal meningoencephalitis, myocarditis and type 1 diabetes. We report the pathological findings in twin newborns who died during an acute infection. The twins were born 1 month premature but were well and neurologically intact at birth. After a week they developed acute lethal neonatal sepsis and seizures. Histopathology demonstrated meningoencephalitis and severe myocarditis, as well as pancreatitis, adrenal medullitis and nephritis. Abundant CB4 sequences were identified in nucleic acid extracted from the brain and heart. In situ hybridization with probes to CB4 demonstrated infection of neurons, myocardiocytes, endocrine pancreas and adrenal medulla. The distribution of infected cells and immune response is consistent with reported clinical symptomatology where systemic and neurological diseases are the result of CB4 infection of select target cells.
Shear bond strength of orthodontic attachments bonded to impacted teeth under in vivo and in vitro conditions
Authors: Arici N. , Bulut E.
Published: April 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of stainless steel and gold‐plated attachments to impacted lower third molars in vivo and in vitro with a light‐cured orthodontic resin.

Setting and Sample Population

Sixteen patients with bilaterally full soft tissue impaction of lower third molars were recruited on a voluntary basis from an oral and maxillofacial surgery department.

Materials and Methods

A split‐arch technique was used. Following surgical exposure of the crown, the tooth was luxated but not extracted. Then, two attachments (one stainless steel button and one gold‐plated eyelet) were bonded to the labial enamel surface of the loosened tooth. Five minutes later, the luxated tooth was removed from its socket. In each patient, the impacted tooth on the other side was extracted, and attachments were bonded in vitro. The SBSs of the attachments were evaluated. For comparison, analysis of variance and multiple range tests were used (α = 0.05).

Results

Statistically significant differences were evident in attachment adhesion to the impacted tooth surfaces among the four groups (p < 0.001). Superior SBS values were obtained for stainless steel button groups bonded in vitro. The mean bond strengths of the groups bonded in vitro were better than those of the same groups bonded in vivo.

Conclusions

Although the in vitro‐bonded groups showed higher SBS values, adequate bond strength is possible with stainless steel buttons bonded in vivo.
The Personal/Subpersonal Distinction
Authors: Drayson Zoe
Published: April 2014

Daniel Dennett's distinction between personal and subpersonal explanations was fundamental in establishing the philosophical foundations of cognitive science. Since it was first introduced in 1969, the personal/subpersonal distinction has been adapted to fit different approaches to the mind. In one example of this, the ‘Pittsburgh school’ of philosophers attempted to map Dennett's distinction onto their own distinction between the ‘space of reasons’ and the ‘space of causes’. A second example can be found in much contemporary philosophy of psychology, where Dennett's distinction has been presumed to be equivalent to Stephen Stich's distinction between doxastic and subdoxastic states. Both these interpretations of the personal/subpersonal distinction, and also Dennett's own philosophical views of the mind, go beyond the personal/subpersonal distinction itself. They each involve supplementing the distinction between personal and subpersonal explanations with metaphysical claims about the relationship between the two kinds of explanation and the entities they posit.
The Concept of Intersectionality in Feminist Theory
Authors: Carastathis Anna
Published: April 2014

In feminist theory, intersectionality has become the predominant way of conceptualizing the relation between systems of oppression which construct our multiple identities and our social locations in hierarchies of power and privilege. The aim of this essay is to clarify the origins of intersectionality as a metaphor, and its theorization as a provisional concept in Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw's work, followed by its uptake and mainstreaming as a paradigm by feminist theorists in a period marked by its widespread and rather unquestioned – if, at times, superficial and inattentive – usage. I adduce four analytic benefits of intersectionality as a research paradigm: simultaneity, complexity, irreducibility, and inclusivity. Then, I gesture at some critiques of intersectionality advanced in the last few years, during which the concept has increasingly come under scrutiny.
Therapeutic efficacies of chitosan against Pneumocystis pneumonia of immunosuppressed rat
Authors: Liu A.‐B. , Pu Y. , Zheng Y.‐Q. , Cai H. , Ye B.
Published: April 2014

This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of chitosan on Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunosuppressed rats. The PCP rat model was established using intramuscular injections of dexamethasone sodium phosphate. To estimate treatment effects of chitosan on rat PCP, weight gain, lung weight, lung weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio and per cent survival were measured and the HSP70 mRNA expression of Pneumocystis carinii was detected using real‐time PCR analysis. Rat lung tissues were stained with HE, and their pathological changes, inflammatory cells and alveolar macrophages were observed by light microscopy. Rat lymphocyte numbers and the concentrations of IL‐10, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA analysis. Additionally, the ultrastructure of P. carinii was examined by electron microscopy to evaluate the effects of chitosan on the protist. Our results demonstrated that chitosan has some apparent treatment effects on rat PCP by reducing HSP70 mRNA expression and lung inflammation, increasing the concentrations of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ as well as CD4+ T‐lymphocyte numbers, reducing the CD8+ T‐lymphocyte numbers and the concentration of TNF‐α and inducing significant ultrastructural damage to P. carinii. Although its precise therapeutic mechanism has yet to be determined, these results lay a theoretical foundation for PCP chitosan therapy.
On how thin submarine flows transported large volumes of sand for hundreds of kilometres across a flat basin plain without eroding the sea floor
Authors: Stevenson Christopher J. , Talling Peter J. , Sumner Esther J. , Masson Douglas G. , Frenz Micheal , Wynn Russell B.
Published: April 2014

Submarine gravity currents, especially long run‐out flows that reach the deep ocean, are exceptionally difficult to monitor in action, hence there is a need to reconstruct how these flows behave from their deposits. This study mapped five individual flow deposits (beds) across the Agadir Basin, offshore north‐west Africa. This is the only data set where bed shape, internal distribution of lithofacies, changes in grain size and sea floor gradient, bed volumes, flow thickness and depth of erosion into underlying hemipelagic mud are known for individual beds. Some flows were 30 to 120 m thick. However, flows with the highest fraction of sand were less than 5 to 14 m thick. Sand was most likely to be carried in the lower 5 to 7 m of these flows. Despite being relatively thin, one flow was capable of transporting very large volumes of sediment (ca 200 km3) for large distances across very flat sea floor. These observations show that these relatively thin flows could travel quickly enough on very low gradients (0·02° to 0·05°) to suspend sand several metres to tens of metres above the sea floor, and maintain those speeds for up to 250 km across the basin. Near uniform hemipelagic mud interval thickness between beds, and coccolith assemblages in the mud caps of beds, suggest that the flows did not erode significantly into the underlying sea floor mud. Simple calculations imply that some flows, especially in the proximal part of the basin, were powerful enough to have eroded hemipelagic mud if it was exposed to the flow. This suggests that the flows were depositional from the moment they arrived at a basin plain location, and that deposition shielded the underlying hemipelagic mud from erosion. Reproducing the field observations outlined in this exceptionally detailed field data set is a challenge for future experimental and numerical models.
Of sand and mud: Sedimentological criteria for identifying the turbidity maximum zone in a tidally influenced river
Authors: La Croix Andrew D. , Dashtgard Shahin E.
Published: April 2014

The thickness and lateral distribution of sand and mud beds and bedsets on channel bars from the tidally influenced Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada, are quantitatively assessed. Fifty‐six vibracores totalling ca 114 m of vertical section are used to tabulate bed thicknesses. Statistical calculations are undertaken for nine channel bars ranging from the freshwater and tidal zone, to the sustained brackish water and tidal zone. The data reveal that thickness trends can be organized into three groups that broadly correspond to time‐averaged hydrodynamic and salinity conditions in the various distributary channels. Thick sand beds (up to 30 cm) and thin mud beds (up to 5 cm) characterize the freshwater tidal zone. The tidal and freshwater to brackish‐water transition zone comprises thin sands (up to 10 cm) and thicker muds (up to 19 cm), and the sustained brackish water tidal zone consists of thin muds (up to 6 cm) with relatively thicker sands (up to 25 cm). The results suggest that the locus of mud deposition occurs in the tidal freshwater to brackish‐water zone, probably reflecting mud flocculation and deposition at the turbidity maximum. Landward of the turbidity maximum, mud deposition is linked to tidal influence (tidal backwater effect and reverse eddy currents on channel margins) as mud beds thin in the landward direction. These results support the hypothesis that mud deposition is greatest at the turbidity maximum and decreases in both the seaward and landward direction. This study also showcases that mud‐bed thicknesses are greatest towards the turbidity maximum and thin in both the landward and seaward direction. In the rock record, the apex of mud deposition probably marks the position of the palaeo‐turbidity maximum.
The Definition and Epidemiology of Clusters of Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review
Authors: Niedzwiedz Claire , Haw Camilla , Hawton Keith , Platt Stephen
Published: April 2014

Suicide clusters are a rare and underresearched phenomenon which attract wide media attention and result in heightened concern in the communities where they occur. We conducted a systematic literature review covering the definition and epidemiology of the time–space clustering of suicidal behavior. Of the 890 articles identified by electronic searching, 82 were selected for inclusion and the extracted data were analyzed by narrative synthesis. Less than a third of studies included a definition of a suicide cluster, and definitions varied considerably. Clusters occurred in various settings, including psychiatric hospitals, schools, prisons, indigenous communities, and among the general population. Most clusters involved young people. The proportion of all episodes that occurred in clusters varied considerably between studies and partly depended on study methodology (e.g., a larger proportion was found in studies of specific clusters compared with general population studies). Future studies should aim to combine the statistical analysis of time–space clustering with a case study of events, which examines potential links between individuals and the wider environmental context.
Why Cornell Moral Realism Cannot Provide an Adequate Account of Moral Knowledge
Authors: Tropman Elizabeth
Published: April 2014

According to Cornell moral realists, we can know about moral facts in much the same way that we do the empirical facts of the natural sciences. In “Can Cornell Moral Realism Adequately Account for Moral Knowledge?” (2012), I argue that this positive comparison to scientific knowledge hurts, rather than helps, the moral realist position. Joseph Long has recently defended Cornell moral realism against my concerns. In this article, I respond to Long's arguments and clarify important issues in the present debate.
Classification of finite-dimensional irreducible modules over -algebras
Authors: Losev Ivan , Ostrik Victor
Published: April 2014

Finite $W$-algebras are certain associative algebras arising in Lie theory. Each $W$-algebra is constructed from a pair of a semisimple Lie algebra ${\mathfrak{g}}$ (our base field is algebraically closed and of characteristic 0) and its nilpotent element $e$. In this paper we classify finite-dimensional irreducible modules with integral central character over $W$-algebras. In more detail, in a previous paper the first author proved that the component group $A(e)$ of the centralizer of the nilpotent element under consideration acts on the set of finite-dimensional irreducible modules over the $W$-algebra and the quotient set is naturally identified with the set of primitive ideals in $U({\mathfrak{g}})$ whose associated variety is the closure of the adjoint orbit of $e$. In this paper, for a given primitive ideal with integral central character, we compute the corresponding $A(e)$-orbit. The answer is that the stabilizer of that orbit is basically a subgroup of $A(e)$ introduced by G. Lusztig. In the proof we use a variety of different ingredients: the structure theory of primitive ideals and Harish-Chandra bimodules for semisimple Lie algebras, the representation theory of $W$-algebras, the structure theory of cells and Springer representations, and multi-fusion monoidal categories.
A Study on Biodiesel NOx Emission Control With the Reduced Chemical Kinetics Model
Authors: Li Juncheng , Han Zhiyu , Shen Cai , Lee Chia-fon
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the effects of the start of injection (SOI) timing and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate on the nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions of a biodiesel-powered diesel engine are studied with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupling with a chemical kinetics model. The KIVA code coupling with a CHEMKIN-II chemistry solver is applied to the simulation of the in-cylinder combustion process. A surrogate biodiesel mechanism consisting of two fuel components is employed as the combustion model of soybean biodiesel. The in-cylinder combustion processes of the cases with four injection timings and three EGR rates are simulated. The simulation results show that the calculated NOx emissions of the cases with default EGR rate are reduced by 20.3% and 32.9% when the injection timings are delayed by 2- and 4-deg crank angle, respectively. The calculated NOx emissions of the cases with 24.0% and 28.0% EGR are reduced by 38.4% and 62.8%, respectively, compared to that of the case with default SOI and 19.2% EGR. But higher EGR rate deteriorates the soot emission. When EGR rate is 28.0% and SOI is advanced by 2 deg, the NOx emission is reduced by 55.1% and soot emission is controlled as that of the case with 24% EGR and default SOI. The NOx emissions of biodiesel combustion can be effectively improved by SOI retardation or increasing EGR rate. Under the studied engine operating conditions, introducing more 4.8% EGR into the intake air with unchanged SOI is more effective for NOx emission controlling than that of 4-deg SOI retardation with default EGR rate.
A Comparison of Valving Strategies Appropriate For Multimode Combustion Within a Downsized Boosted Automotive Engine—Part I: High Load Operation Within the Spark Ignition Combustion Regime
Authors: Shingne Prasad S. , Gerow Matthew S. , Triantopoulos Vassilis , Bohac Stanislav V. , Martz Jason B.
Published: April 2014

As future downsized boosted engines may employ multiple combustion modes, the goal of the current work is the definition of valving strategies appropriate for moderate to high load spark ignition (SI) combustion and at low to moderate loads for spark assisted compression ignition (SACI) combustion for an engine with variable valve timing capability and fixed camshaft profiles. The dilution and unburned gas temperature requirements for SACI combustion can be markedly different from those of SI; therefore it is important to ensure that a given valving strategy is appropriate for operation within both regimes. This paper compares one-dimensional (1D) thermodynamic simulations of rated engine operation with positive valve overlap (PVO) and a baseline negative valve overlap (NVO) camshaft design in a boosted automotive engine with variable valve timing capability. Several peak lifts and valve open durations are investigated to guide the down-selection of camshaft profiles for further evaluation under SACI conditions in a companion paper. While the results of this study are engine specific, rated performance predictions show that the duration of both the intake and exhaust camshafts significantly impacts the ability to achieve high load operation. While it was noted that the flow through the exhaust valves chokes for the majority of the exhaust stroke for peak exhaust lifts less than 8 mm, the aggressive engine rating of 194 kW at 5250 rpm could be achieved with peak intake lifts as low as 4 mm and baseline duration. Therefore, camshafts with peak lifts of 8/4 mm exhaust/intake were down-selected to facilitate multimode combustion operation with high levels of PVO. Analysis of high load operation with the down-selected camshafts indicates that peak unburned gas temperatures remain low enough to mitigate end-gas knock, while other variables such as peak cylinder pressure, turbine inlet temperature, and turbocharger speed are all predicted to be within acceptable limits.
A Comparison of Valving Strategies Appropriate for Multimode Combustion Within a Downsized Boosted Automotive Engine—Part II: Mid Load Operation Within the SACI Combustion Regime
Authors: Gerow Matthew S. , Shingne Prasad S. , Triantopoulos Vassilis , Bohac Stanislav V. , Martz Jason B.
Published: April 2014

Spark assisted compression ignition (SACI) is a combustion mode that may offer significant efficiency improvements compared to conventional spark-ignited combustion systems. Unfortunately, SACI is constrained to a relatively narrow range of dilution levels and top dead center temperatures. Both positive valve overlap (PVO) and negative valve overlap (NVO) strategies may be utilized to attain these conditions at low and intermediate engine loads. The current work compares 1D thermodynamic simulations of PVO valving strategies and a baseline NVO strategy in a downsized boosted automotive engine with variable valve timing capability. As future downsized boosted engines may employ multiple combustion modes, the goal of this work is the definition of valving strategies appropriate for SACI combustion at low to moderate loads and spark ignition (SI) combustion at moderate to high loads for an engine with fixed camshaft profiles. PVO durations, valve opening timings, and peak lifts are investigated at low to moderate loads and are compared to a baseline NVO configuration in order to assess valving strategies appropriate for multimode combustion operation. A valvetrain kinematic model is used to translate the desired valve lift profiles into camshaft profiles while a kinematic analysis is used to calculate piston to valve clearances and to define the practical limits of the PVO strategies. The NVO and PVO strategies are also compared to throttled SI operation at part load to assess the overall efficiency benefit of operating under the thermodynamic conditions of the SACI combustion regime. While the results of this study are engine specific, there are several camshaft profiles that are appropriate for the use of PVO rebreathing type valve events. For the range of PVO valve events examined and taking into consideration piston to valve interference, the use of high exhaust and low intake lifts with early exhaust valve opening timing and long PVO durations enables high levels of internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with relatively low pumping losses.
Effect of Nonionic, Anionic, and Cationic Surfactants on the Sol Gel Synthesis of IrO-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-δ Nanocomposite for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Chima Njoku. B. , Patrick Ndungu. G.
Published: April 2014

The sol-gel technique is a versatile and relatively simple method, easily adapted to synthesize complex metal oxide formulations. The sol-gel technique takes advantage of the structural directing properties and templating characteristics of nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants to produce porous iridium oxide with samarium doped ceria (SDC) nanoparticles. The nanopowders were calcined at a temperature of 950 °C and the crystalline nanostructures and compositions were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The textural characteristics and particle morphology were respectively characterized by nitrogen sorption at 77.5 K and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties were characterized by using Kittec squadro, solid oxide fuel cell testing equipment, with air and hydrogen as the gases used. The nature of the surfactant influenced the particle morphology, pore diameter, pore size, crystallite size, surface area, and electrochemical properties.
The Method of Receptances for Continuous Rods
Authors: Maha Amit , Ram Y. M.
Published: April 2014

It is shown that it is possible in general to assign 2n poles of an axially vibrating nonuniform rod by sensing the state at n points along the rod and by using an actuator which applies the control force. Moreover, the assignment of poles may be done without continuous or discrete analytical modeling. In particular, the rigidity, the density, and the variable cross-sectional area of the rod may be considered unknown. The control gains are determined by the receptances between the point of actuation and the points of sensing, which may be measured experimentally. In the analytical arena, where the receptances are exact, the assignment of the desired poles is also exact and suffers from no discretization or model reduction errors. However, the control force affects in general the distribution of the poles which are not intended to be desirably placed or to remain unchanged. Although the analysis is carried out for simplicity on an axially vibrating rod, the above mentioned results are generally applicable to other linear elastic structures of higher dimensions.
Stridor: an unusual presentation of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Singh Hitendra Prakash , Kumar Sunil , Vashishtha Madhukar , Agarwal Satya Prakash
Published: April 2014

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare and benign disease, which is mainly found in adolescent male subjects. It is usually diagnosed on clinical grounds on the basis of its presenting symptoms of nasal obstruction, nasal mass and most importantly unprovoked recurrent moderate to severe epistaxis. Imaging studies are only needed to confirm the diagnosis and formulate the management plan. A case of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is presented here, which presented to us with severe respiratory distress and stridor. Urgent tracheostomy had to be performed before definitive management could be started. Definitive treatment was excision through modified transpalatal with sublabial route, which resulted in successful outcome.
The horses are the first thought but one must not forget the zebras even if they are rare: Stiff person syndrome associated with malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Koca Irfan , Ucar Mehmet , Kalender Mehmet Emin , Alkan Samet
Published: April 2014

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare condition that causes rigidity in the muscles of the body and extremities, difficulty in walking, episodic spasms and progressive disability. SPS is generally seen together with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes mellitus, thyroiditis, vitiligo and pernicious anaemia. Rarely, it may develop as a paraneoplastic condition. SPS cases associated with breast cancer, small cell lung carcinoma, thymoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and colorectal cancer have been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 58-year-old female patient who had malignant mesothelioma-associated SPS. Patients who have muscle spasms and difficulty in movement of joints should be evaluated for SPS before diagnosis of Parkinson's or other neurological disorders, and possible underlying malignancies should be excluded.
Primary pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma and a review of the literature since 2006
Authors: Cooksley Nathania , Judge Daniel James , Brown James
Published: April 2014

A 28-year-old woman of Laotian origin presented with dry cough, fevers, night sweats and weight loss over the preceding 6 weeks. Radiological investigations revealed large complex cavitary lesions in the middle and lower lobes of the right lung, with no mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Bronchoscopic investigations did not yield a diagnosis. CT-guided fine-needle aspiration raised the possibility of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Open lung biopsy initially supported this, but eventually a microscopic and immunohistochemical diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma was made. The final diagnosis was primary pulmonary Hodgkin's lymphoma. We present a new case as well as a literature review of reported cases published since 2006.
Constructing a virtual forest: Using hierarchical nearest neighbor imputation to generate simulated tree lists
Authors: Gehringer Kevin R. , Turnblom Eric C.
Published: April 2014

A nearest neighbors method for generating simulated tree lists has been developed. The method employs an implicit two-scale hierarchy to incorporate information from a coarse scale representing the distribution of stand attributes across a region and a fine scale representing the distribution of tree attributes within a stand. The tree list generation method was implemented and tested using data from untreated, naturally regenerated and planted forests in western Oregon, western Washington, and southern British Columbia west of the Cascade Mountains. Simulated tree lists were generated from stand scale attributes for each of the actual tree lists in the data. Distributions of stand scale and tree scale attributes were estimated and used to compare the simulated and actual tree lists. At the stand scale, distributions of quadratic mean diameter and average height for the simulated and actual stands were in very good agreement, having approximately 98% of their probability mass in common for each attribute. At the tree scale, comparisons of the distributions of diameter at breast height, height, and species composition between the simulated and actual stands were more variable, with approximately 84% of the simulated stands identified as statistically similar to their respective actual stands.