bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of the extraction parameters on the quality of dried sugar beet pulp
Authors: Bogdanovic Branislav , Seres Zita , Gyura Julianna , Sakac Marijana , Simovic-Soronja Dragana , Misan Aleksandra , Pajin Biljana
Published: July 2012

Growing demand for better quality and cheaper products put on the need to
industry to balance between the two kinds of needs, which are the reduction
of production costs and to ensure a high quality product. This is the case
with dried sugar beet pulp as a byproduct of sugar refining process. One of
the possibilities to reduce energy consumption is savings in the process of
thermal dehydration in the process of the conventional drying of pulp. Pulp
drying is one third of total energy consumption in the sugar factory.
Acidification of water extraction result in pulp that could be pressed better
and in other hand in the juice with less non-sucrose compounds. Keeping the
extraction process under certain conditions, directly affects on the quality
of the extracted pulp and on effects of their further processing. This paper
examines the impact of the extraction parameters of sugar from sugar beet and
agents of acidification for water extraction (sulphurous acid, hydrogen
peroxide) on the quality of dried sugar beet pulp. Extraction of sugar from
sugar beet cossettes by hydrogen peroxide at pH 5.5 to 8.5 does not cause
changes in mechanical properties of sugar beet cossettes and in water
retention coefficient, but increases the brightness of dried sugar beet pulp
for about 5-7 units, which solubility in water does not depend on the applied
concentration of extracting agents, but increases in dependence on the
duration of the extraction. Sugar beet pulp extracted at pH 11.0 has reduced
strength, they are highly hydrated, and under the force they lose their
shape, binding a larger amount of water thus reducing the effect of their
pressing. The changes in microstructure were probably accompanied by
segmenting the linear parts of macromolecules and are reflected in the
increase of water retention capacity and increase the solubility of dried
sugar beet pulp for two to three times. Under the same conditions of
extraction, sulphurous acid produces similar but relatively mild changes in
the characteristics of extracted and dried sugar beet pulp compared to
conditions when hydrogen peroxide is used. From the point of the quality of
the product of extraction, the most favorable results are obtained when the
extraction is carried on at pH 5.5 for a period of 1 h at 70 ?C, using water
for extraction with sulphourus acid with the addition of 5% hydrogen
peroxide. Under these conditions no significant degradation of sugar beet
tissue is detected, do not change the physical, chemical and mechanical
properties of the extracted pulp. But there is an average increase of
lightness of dried noodles for about 7 units, which represents a significant
improvement of their quality, since there is difficult to sell on the market
the dried sugar beet pulp with increased colour.
Inclusion complexes of pesticides in aqueous solutions of methylated-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Petrovic Goran , Stojanovic Gordana , Jovanovic Olga , Djordjevic Aleksandra , Palic Ivan , Sovilj Sofija
Published: July 2012

Disadvantage of some organic pesticides is their low water solubility. Among
other substances, cyclodextrins and modified cyclodextrins were considered as
agents for improving pesticides water solubility. The solubility of poorly
soluble pesticides, dimethoate, simazine, linuron and thiram, was determined
in aqueous solution of methylated-?-cyclodextrin (mbCD) by ultraviolet
spectrophotometry. Methylated-?-cyclodextrin was obtained by the modified
Hawort method and characterized by 1H NMR and HPLC data. The average degree
of substitution was 13.8. Methylation was done either on C-2, C-3, and C-6
atoms of glucopyranose unit therefore obtained product can be assort as
randomly m?CD. Solubility of the studied pesticides in aqueous solution of
m?CD increases in relation to their solubility in water for dimethoate 506,
for simazine167, for thiram 44, and for linuron 20 times. Reactions of
dimethoate and simazine with m?CD were entropy-driven while the inclusion
complexation of m?CD with the linuron and thiram were driven by both,
enthalpy and entropy, as determined by calorimetric measurements. The
observed solubility increment of the investigated pesticides in aqueous
solution of m?CD, suggests that it can be efficiently used in pesticide
solutions formulations and increase their bioavailability, and
biodegradability.
Trace and selective determination of cobalt(II) in water and salt samples using cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry in the presence of pyrogallol red
Authors: Hasanpour Foroozan , Teimori Hossein , Fouladgar Masoud , Taei Masoumeh
Published: July 2012

A sensitive and selective procedure is presented for voltammetric
determination of cobalt. The procedure involves an adsorptive accumulation of
cobalt pyrogallol red (PGR) complex on stationary mercury drop electrode,
followed by cathodic stripping voltammetry measurement of reduction current
of adsorbed complex at -1.17 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The optimum conditions for
determination of cobalt include pH 11.0, 35 ?M pyrogallol red, an
accumulation potential of -0.9 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and scan rate 80 mVs-1. The
peak current is proportional to the concentration of cobalt over the
concentration range of 5.0 to 280 ng mL-1 with a detection limit of 1 ng mL-1
with an accumulation time of 140 s. The method was applied for the
determination of cobalt in analytical grade NaCl and water samples.
A regularized GMRES method for inverse blackbody radiation problem
Authors: Wu Jieer , Ma Zheshu
Published: July 2012

The inverse blackbody radiation problem is focused on determining temperature
distribution of a blackbody from measured total radiated power spectrum. This
problem consists of solving a first kind of Fredholm integral equation and
many numerical methods have been proposed. In this paper, a regularized GMRES
method is presented to solve the linear ill-posed problem caused by the
discretization of such an integral equation. This method projects the orignal
problem onto a lower dimensional subspaces by the Arnoldi process. Tikhonov
regularization combined with GCV criterion is applied to stabilize the
numerical iteration process. Three numerical examples indicate the
effectiveness of the regularized GMRES method.
Numerical model to optimize the refrigerant charge for maximum refrigeration capacity
Authors: Wainaina Patrick , Njue Musa , Ogola Wilson
Published: July 2012

Refrigeration systems require optimal amount of refrigerant for maximum
system performance. Undercharged or overcharged systems experience reduced
efficiency and accessories deterioration. Optimal amount of refrigerant to be
charged in a refrigeration system depends on the physical and thermal dynamic
properties of the evaporator and the refrigerant. This paper presents
formulation of a numerical model that can be used in determination of optimal
amount of refrigerant charged in a system for maximum cooling rate as hence
maximum system performance. Rayleigh?s method of dimensional analysis was
used obtain the relationship between the maximum cooling rates of direct
expansion evaporators as a function of thermodynamic properties of
refrigerant R-134a, Different sizes of evaporator were fitted in the
refrigeration system and charged with systematically varying amount of
refrigerant until a maximum cooling rate was determined. The variation of
pressures and temperatures both at the inlet and exit of the evaporator were
observed and analyzed. The cooling rate of the numerical model formulated was
compared with the cooling rate the actual physical refrigeration system. A
t-test of 95% confidence interval indicated no significance difference
between the numerical model, and the physical refrigeration system.
Nusselt number evaluation for combined radiative and convective heat transfer in flow of gaseous products from combustion
Authors: Trabelsi Soraya , Lakhal Wissem , Sediki Ezeddine , Moussa Mahmoud
Published: July 2012

Combined convection and radiation in simultaneously developing laminar flow
and heat transfer is numerically considered with a discrete-direction method.
Coupled heat transfer in absorbing emitting but not scattering gases is
presented in some cases of practical situations such as combustion of natural
gas, propane and heavy fuel. Numerical calculations are performed to evaluate
the thermal radiation effects on heat transfer through combustion products
flowing inside circular ducts. The radiative properties of the flowing gases
are modeled by using the absorption distribution function (ADF) model. The
fluid is a mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen. The flow and
energy balance equations are solved simultaneously with temperature dependent
fluid properties. The bulk mean temperature variations and Nusselt numbers
are shown for a uniform inlet temperature. Total, radiative and convective
mean Nusselt numbers and their axial evolution for different gas mixtures
produced by combustion with oxygen are explored.
Benchmarking of the SW80 polycrystalline silicon modules using the sun as source of light
Authors: Mtunzi Busiso , Meyer Edson
Published: July 2012

Benchmarking of modules is necessary as it helps to note any changes on the
operation of the modules when in operation outdoors. The equipment needed to
do this has been found to be very expensive hence the need of cheaper
methods. This paper tries to show how this can be achieved using outdoor
conditions and an I/V measuring instrument PVPM1000. SW80 photovoltaic
modules were tested using outdoor conditions. The current and voltage
measurements were taken at solar noon and converted to the standard test
conditions (STC, 1000 Wm-2 AM 1.5 and 25?C). These normalized values were in
turn taken as bench mark values of the modules. Future measurements can then
be taken at solar noon and compared to benchmark values; any variations in
performance can then be noted. The variations on benchmark values as compared
to the manufacturer STC values for SW80 type module were noted. The
measurements were carried out under typical South Africa meteorological
conditions.
Investigation of thermal behavior and fluid motion in DC magnetohydrodynamic pumps
Authors: Kiyasatfar Mehdi , Pourmahmoud Nader , Golzan Maqsood , Mirzaee Iraj
Published: July 2012

Motivated by increasingly being used MHD micropumps for pumping biological
and chemical specimens, this study presents a simplified MHD flow model based
upon steady state, incompressible and fully developed laminar flow theory in
rectangular channel to offer the characteristics of MHD pumps for prediction
of pumping performance in MHD flow. The nonlinear governing equations of
motion and energy including viscous and Joule dissipation are solved
numerically for velocity and temperature distributions. To aim this goal a
finite difference approximation based code is developed and utilized. In
addition, the effects of magnetic flux density, applied electric current and
channel size on flow velocity field as well as thermal behavior are
investigated in various working medium with different physical properties.
Also the entropy generation rate is discussed. The simulation results are in
good agreement with experimental data from literature.
Thermal asymmetry model of single slope single basin solar still with sponge liner
Authors: Shanmugan Sengottain , Janarathanan Balasundaram , Chandrasekaran Joseph
Published: July 2012

An attempt has been made to propose a thermal asymmetry model for single
slope basin type solar still with sponge liner of different thickness (3cm,
5cm, and 10cm) in the basin. Two different color sponge liners have been used
i.e., yellow and black. In the proposed design, a suitable dripping
arrangement has been designed and used to pour water drop by drop over the
sponge liner instead of sponge liner in stagnant saline water in the basin.
The special arrangement overcomes the dryness of the sponge during peak sunny
hours. The performance of the system with black color sponge of 3cm thickness
shows better result with an output of 5.3 kg/m2 day and the proposed model
have used to find the thermal asymmetries during the working hours of the
still.
Spread of smoke and heat along narrow air cavity in double-skin façade fires
Authors: Chow Lun
Published: July 2012

A scenario on double-skin fa?ade fire was identified earlier for hazard
assessment. A flashover room fire occurred next to the fa?ade, broke the
interior glass pane and spread to the fa?ade cavity. As observed in
experiments, hot gas moved up as a vertical channel flow for narrow fa?ade
cavity. Heat and smoke spread along the narrow air cavity of a double-skin
fa?ade will be studied in this paper. A simple mathematical model is
developed from basic heat transfer theory for studying the vertical air
temperature profiles of the hot gas flowing along the cavity. Assuming
one-dimensional flow for hot gas moving up the fa?ade cavity, conservation
equations on mass and enthalpy were solved. Experimental results on two
double-skin fa?ade rigs of height 6 m and 15 m with narrow cavity depth were
used to justify the results. A total of 11 tests were carried out.
Correlation expressions between cavity air temperature and the height above
ceiling of the fire room were derived.
Models for optimum thermo-ecological criteria of actual thermal cycles
Authors: Açikkalp Emin
Published: July 2012

In this study, the ecological optimization point of irreversible thermal
cycles (refrigerator, heat pump and power cycles) was investigated. The
importance of ecological optimization is to propose a way to use fuels and
energy source more efficiently because of an increasing energy need and
environmental pollution. It provides this by maximizing obtained (or
minimizing supplied) work and minimizing entropy generation for irreversible
(actual) thermal cycles. In this research, ecological optimization was
defined for all basic irreversible thermal cycles, by using the first and
second laws of thermodynamics. Finally, the ecological optimization was
defined in thermodynamic cycles and results were given to show the effects of
the cycles? ecological optimization point, efficiency, COP and power output
(or input), and exergy destruction.
Computation of heat transfer of a plane turbulent jet impinging a moving plate
Authors: Benmouhoub Dahbia , Mataoui Amina
Published: July 2012

This study examines the performance of one point closure turbulence models in
predicting of heat and momentum transfer of impinging flows. The scope of
this paper is limited to impinging jet on a moving wall and heat transfer.
The impinging distance is fixed to 8 thickness of the nozzle (8e) for this
study. Two parameters are considered: the jet exit Reynolds number
(10000?Re?25000) and the jet-surface velocity ratio (0?Rsj?4). the flow
field structure at a given surface-to-jet velocity ratio is independent of
the jet Reynolds number, a slight modification of the flow field is observed
for low surface-to-jet velocity ratio (Rsj<0.25) whereas at higher ratios
Rsj>0.25, the flow field is significantly modified. Good agreement with
experimental results is obtained for surface-to-jet velocity ratio 0?Rsj?2.
the purpose of this paper is to consider the case of higher of surface-to-jet
velocity Rsj>2. A further study of heat transfer is achieved and shows that
the stagnation points the local heat transfer coefficient have a maximum
value. The local Nusselt number at the impinging region tends to decrease
significantly when Rsj?1.5. The evolution of average Nusselt number is
correlated according to the surface-to-jet velocity ratios for each Reynolds
number.
Development of temperature statistical model when machining of aerospace alloy materials
Authors: Kadirgama Kumaran , Rahman Md. , Mohamed Basir , Bakar Rosli , Ismail Ahmad
Published: July 2012

This paper presents to develop first-order models for predicting the cutting
temperature for end-milling operation of Hastelloy C-22HS by using four
different coated carbide cutting tools and two different cutting
environments. The first-order equations of cutting temperature are developed
using the response surface methodology (RSM). The cutting variables are
cutting speed, feed rate, and axial depth. The analyses are carried out with
the aid of the statistical software package. It can be seen that the model is
suitable to predict the longitudinal component of the cutting temperature
close to those readings recorded experimentally with a 95% confident level.
The results obtained from the predictive models are also compared with
results obtained from finite-element analysis (FEA). The developed
first-order equations for the cutting temperature revealed that the feed rate
is the most crucial factor, followed by axial depth and cutting speed. The
PVD coated cutting tools perform better than the CVD-coated cutting tools in
terms of cutting temperature. The cutting tools coated with TiAlN perform
better compared with other cutting tools during the machining performance of
Hastelloy C-22HS. It followed by TiN/TiCN/TiN and CVD coated with
TiN/TiCN/Al2O3 and TiN/TiCN/TiN. From the finite-element analysis, the
distribution of the cutting temperature can be discussed. High temperature
appears in the lower sliding friction zone and at the cutting tip of the
cutting tool. Maximum temperature is developed at the rake face some distance
away from the tool nose, however, before the chip lift away.
Schedule UTP: Stock Price Reaction and Economic Consequences
Authors: Abernathy John L. , Davenport Stephan A. , Rapley Eric T.
Published: July 2012

In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the requirement to disclose uncertain tax positions (UTP) on a new schedule (Schedule UTP) to be filed with federal corporate income tax returns. Schedule UTP could increase a firm's tax burden by providing a roadmap for the IRS to identify firms' tax-planning strategies. We find that stock returns around the development of Schedule UTP are negative, consistent with investors' concern that Schedule UTP would impose costs on firms. However, we document a significant positive stock price reaction to the release of the final draft of Schedule UTP in which the IRS relaxed many of the controversial provisions of Schedule UTP. Additionally, we find this positive reaction is incrementally larger for more tax-aggressive firms. Finally, we find a significant decrease in reported unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs) and additions to UTBs after the adoption of Schedule UTP in 2010.
The Effectiveness of SOX Regulation: An Interview Study of Corporate Directors
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey R. , Hayes Colleen , Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Monroe Gary S. , Wright Arnold M.
Published: July 2012

This study provides insights on the effectiveness of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (U.S. House of Representatives 2002) in promoting high-quality financial reporting and good corporate governance, based on interviews conducted with 22 experienced directors from U.S. firms. Our analysis indicates that SOX has positively impacted the monitoring role of the audit committee (board), which directors attributed to the financial expertise and internal control requirements and heightened substantive diligence. However, some considered that an emphasis on financial expertise at the expense of legal expertise and financial markets expertise could compromise the quality of financial disclosures due to a lack of business savvy needed to inform accounting judgments and the standardization of reporting. SOX was also perceived as having led to a formalistic approach to accounting policy decision making by the audit committee and external auditor, as a buffer against litigation. While CEO certification was viewed as having led to heightened ownership and diligence on the part of decision agents throughout the financial reporting decision hierarchy, it was also identified as a source of the costly resource-intensive reaction to SOX. Directors also considered that SOX had led boards to take a narrow focus on financial reporting risk at the expense of strategy. Further, management was identified as being actively involved in the more overt process of initiating and administering the process. The directors' responses also demonstrate some variation in the extent and nature of the role played by the audit committee to resolve accounting disputes, reflecting varying interpretations of law. Participants indicate that SOX has also led to a substantial improvement in the scope, responsibility, and status of internal auditors.

Data Availability: Contact the authors.
Illustrations in Financial Accounting Textbooks: Function and Placement Interact to Affect Student Learning
Authors: Phillips Fred , Alford Sarah J. , Guina Sarah
Published: July 2012

Prior research has documented that text readability varies among introductory accounting textbooks, but few studies in any discipline have documented the extent to which illustrations vary, and even fewer studies have explored how these variations might impact student learning. We report results of a content analysis of introductory financial accounting textbooks that reveal diversity in how illustrations are used, in ways that depart from normative recommendations in the education literature. We then conduct an experiment to test whether two of these variations, illustration function and placement, interact to affect student learning. We find that students learn more when decorational images precede rather than follow corresponding text and when conceptual images follow rather than precede corresponding text. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Antimicrobial drug use in dogs prior to admission to a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Baker Sarah A. , Van-Balen Joany , Lu Bo , Hillier Andrew , Hoet Armando E.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine frequency of antimicrobial drug (AMD) use in dogs within 12 months prior to admission to a veterinary teaching hospital.

Design—Owner survey and medical records review.

Animals—435 dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital.

Procedures—Demographic characteristics and information regarding AMD use in dogs were obtained from medical records and results of surveys completed by owners of dogs.

Results—242 (55.6%) dogs received at least 1 AMD within 12 months prior to hospital admission; 125 (51.7%) of these dogs had a disease of the integument at the time of admission. β-Lactam AMDs were used more frequently than AMDs of any other class (176/242 [72.7%] dogs). Three hundred sixty-eight dogs had a medical problem at the time of hospital admission; 225 (61.1%) of these dogs had received at least 1 AMD within 12 months prior to hospital admission. Dogs referred by a veterinarian to the hospital were 2.39 times as likely to have received at least 1 AMD within 30 days prior to hospital admission as were dogs admitted without a referral.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated AMDs were frequently administered to dogs prior to admission to the teaching hospital. Use of AMDs in animals could be a risk factor for coselection and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and colonization or infection of dogs with such pathogens could have a negative impact on the health of other animals and humans.
Comparison of the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefovecin, and doxycycline in the treatment of upper respiratory tract disease in cats housed in an animal shelter
Authors: Litster Annette L. , Wu Ching Ching , Constable Peter D.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To compare efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefovecin, and doxycycline in shelter-housed cats with clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD).

Design—Randomized prospective clinical trial.

Animals—48 cats with URTD.

Procedures—Conjunctival and nasal swab specimens were obtained for culture and susceptibility testing, and cats were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (16 cats/group) on day 1: amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (12.5 mg/kg [5.68 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h, for 14 days), cefovecin (8.0 mg/kg [3.64 mg/lb], SC, once), or doxycycline (10.0 mg/kg [4.55 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, for 14 days). Oculonasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, dyspnea, demeanor, and food intake were scored twice daily for 14 days (scale, 0 [subjectively normal] to 3 [markedly abnormal]).

Results—The most common bacterial isolates were Mycoplasma spp (n = 22) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (9). Cats treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or doxycycline had significantly increased body weight by day 14. Cats that received doxycycline had significantly lower overall oculonasal discharge scores than those treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or cefovecin. Cats treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or doxycycline had significantly lower overall sneezing scores than those that received cefovecin. Cats that received amoxicillin-clavulanic acid had significantly decreased demeanor and food intake scores on day 2, whereas this was detected later in other groups (demeanor score on days 5 and 7 and food intake score on days 10 and 11 in the cefovecin and doxycycline groups, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Oral administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or doxycycline appeared to be more effective than a single SC injection of cefovecin in treating cats with clinical signs of URTD.
Erythrocyte-bound immunoglobulin isotypes in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 54 cases (2001–2010)
Authors: Harkin Kenneth R. , Hicks Jill A. , Wilkerson Melinda J.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To identify erythrocyte-bound immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes in dogs with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—54 dogs with IMHA.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs with IMHA diagnosed between January 2001 and April 2010 were examined. Immunoglobulin isotype (tested via direct immunofluorescence by flow cytometry to identify erythrocyte-bound Ig), Hct, serum bilirubin concentration, presence of autoagglutination, degree of spherocytosis, duration of hospitalization, and 90-day outcome were recorded.

Results—The Hct on admission was significantly lower in dogs with IgG and IgM isotypes bound to erythrocytes, compared with dogs with a single Ig isotype, and the degree of spherocytosis was greater in dogs with IgG and IgM bound to erythrocytes, compared with dogs that only had IgM. Dogs with only IgM were not more likely to have autoagglutination, compared with dogs that only had IgG on the erythrocyte surface. Although Ig isotype was not associated with survival time, initial serum total bilirubin concentration was higher in nonsurvivors.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that dogs with IMHA with ≥ 2 Ig isotypes bound to erythrocytes, particularly IgG and IgM, are likely to have a more severe degree of anemia, spherocytosis, and autoagglutination.
Evaluation of preoperative serum concentrations of ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone as predictors of hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism: 17 cases (2001–2009)
Authors: Arbaugh Melissa , Smeak Daniel , Monnet Eric
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine whether preoperative serum ionized calcium (iCa) or parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations help predict postoperative hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—17 dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism treated with parathyroidectomy.

Procedures—Medical records were evaluated from years 2001 to 2009. Data evaluated included age, breed, sex, clinical signs, diagnostic tests performed, preoperative and postoperative iCa concentrations, preoperative PTH concentrations, and whether calcium supplementation was provided following surgery. Two groups were identified on the basis of whether dogs became hypocalcemic (iCa < 1.2 mmol/L) following parathyroidectomy.

Results—12 dogs developed hypocalcemia after surgery. Preoperative (within 24 hours before surgery) iCa concentrations for the hypocalcemic group (mean ± SD, 1.82 ± 0.22 mmol/L) and the nonhypocalcemic group (1.83 ± 0.29 mmol/L) were not significantly different. Calcium concentrations decreased in a linear fashion during the 24 hours following parathyroidectomy, and the slopes of the decrease over that time were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Preoperative PTH concentrations were not significantly different between the hypocalcemic and nonhypocalcemic groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Preoperative iCa and PTH concentrations were not predictive of postoperative hypocalcemia in dogs undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. Future studies to evaluate whether calcium supplementation should be provided on an individual basis with perhaps more emphasis on clinical signs than iCa concentrations after surgery may be warranted.
Seasonal variation in results of diagnostic tests for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in older, clinically normal geldings
Authors: Schreiber Christopher M. , Stewart Allison J. , Kwessi Eddy , Behrend Ellen N. , Wright James C. , Kemppainen Robert J. , Busch Katherine A.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine whether seasonal variations exist in endogenous plasma ACTH, plasma α-melanocyte—stimulating hormone (α-MSH), serum cortisol, and serum insulin concentrations and in the results of a dexamethasone suppression test for older, clinically normal geldings in Alabama.

Design—Cohort study.

Animals—15 healthy mixed-breed geldings (median age, 14 years).

Procedures—Sample collection was repeated monthly for 12 months. Dexamethasone (0.04 mg/kg [0.02 mg/lb], IM) was administered and cortisol concentrations were determined at 15 and 19 hours. Radioimmunoassays were used to measure ACTH, α-MSH, cortisol, and insulin concentrations at each testing time. Hormone concentrations were compared between months via repeated-measures ANOVA and correlated with age within each month.

Results—A significant time effect was found between months for α-MSH and insulin concentrations. Endogenous cortisol and ACTH concentrations remained within existing reference ranges. Significant correlations were detected between age and ACTH concentration for several fall and winter months and between age and insulin concentration for September.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Older horses have higher ACTH concentrations in several fall and winter months and higher insulin concentrations in September than do younger horses. Seasonally specific reference ranges are required for α-MSH and insulin concentrations, with significantly higher concentrations detected in the fall. Practitioners should be advised to submit samples only to local laboratories that can provide such reference ranges for their local geographic region.
The 3-state Potts model and Rogers-Ramanujan series
Authors: Feingold Alex , Milas Antun
Published: July 2012

We explain the appearance of Rogers-Ramanujan series inside the tensor product of two basic A 2(2) -modules, previously discovered by the first author in [Feingold A.J., Some applications of vertex operators to Kac-Moody algebras, In: Vertex Operators in Mathematics and Physics, Berkeley, November 10–17, 1983, Math. Sci. Res. Inst. Publ., 3, Springer, New York, 1985, 185–206]. The key new ingredients are (5,6)Virasoro minimal models and twisted modules for the Zamolodchikov W 3-algebra.
Severe aplastic anemia in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis after introduction of etanercept
Authors: Horai Yoshiro , Miyamura Tomoya , Shimada Karin , Ishida Motoko , Takahama Soichiro , Minami Rumi , Yamamoto Masahiro , Suematsu Eiichi
Published: July 2012

A 73-year-old female, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), complicated with severe levels of joint destruction, started etanercept (ETN) because of high persistent RA disease activity. Although her articular symptoms dramatically improved, she developed marked pancytopenia after the introduction of ETN. Bone marrow aspirate specimen revealed hypocellular marrow in three hematopoietic series without atypical findings, which was compatible with aplastic anemia (AA). This is a rare case of severe pancytopenia due to AA presumably induced by ETN.
Oxygen isotope analysis of shark teeth phosphates from Bartonian (Eocene) deposits in Mangyshlak peninsula, Kazakhstan
Authors: Pelc Andrzej , Hałas Stanisław , Niedźwiedzki Robert
Published: July 2012

Oxygen isotope analysis of shark teeth phosphates from Bartonian (Eocene) deposits in Mangyshlak peninsula, Kazakhstan

We report the results of high-precision (±0.05‰) oxygen isotope analysis of phosphates in 6 teeth of fossil sharks from the Mangyshlak peninsula. This precision was achieved by the offline preparation of CO2 which was then analyzed on a dual-inlet and triple-collector IRMS. The teeth samples were separated from Middle- and Late Bartonian sediments cropping out in two locations, Usak and Kuilus. Seawater temperatures calculated from the δ18O data vary from 23-41°C. However, these temperatures are probably overestimated due to freshwater inflow. The data point at higher temperature in the Late Bartonian than in the Middle Bartonian and suggest differences in the depth habitats of the shark species studied.
Quantitative MRI of Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis and Gluteus Medius Muscle Workload after Squat Exercise: Comparison Between Squatting with Hip Adduction and Hip Abduction
Authors: Baffa Augusto , Felicio Lilian , Saad Marcelo , Nogueira-Barbosa Marcello , Santos Antonio , Bevilaqua-Grossi Débora
Published: July 2012

Quantitative MRI of Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis and Gluteus Medius Muscle Workload after Squat Exercise: Comparison Between Squatting with Hip Adduction and Hip Abduction

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use MRI to quantify the workload of gluteus medius (GM), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles in different types of squat exercises. Fourteen female volunteers were evaluated, average age of 22 ± 2 years, sedentary, without clinical symptoms, and without history of previous lower limb injuries. Quantitative MRI was used to analyze VM, VL and GM muscles before and after squat exercise, squat associated with isometric hip adduction and squat associated with isometric hip abduction. Multi echo images were acquired to calculate the transversal relaxation times (T2) before and after exercise. Mixed Effects Model statistical analysis was used to compare images before and after the exercise (ΔT2) to normalize the variability between subjects. Imaging post processing was performed in Matlab software. GM muscle was the least active during the squat associated with isometric hip adduction and VM the least active during the squat associated with isometric hip abduction, while VL was the most active during squat associated with isometric hip adduction. Our data suggests that isometric hip adduction during the squat does not increase the workload of VM, but decreases the GM muscle workload. Squat associated with isometric hip abduction does not increase VL workload.
Kinematics of the Hip and Body Center of Mass in Front Crawl
Authors: Fernandes Ricardo , Ribeiro João , Figueiredo Pedro , Seifert Ludovic , Vilas-Boas João
Published: July 2012

Kinematics of the Hip and Body Center of Mass in Front Crawl

The kinematic profiles of the hip and center of mass in front crawl swimming were compared to quantify the error of using a fixed body point to assess intracyclic velocity variations at moderate intensity exercise. The practical goal was to provide a useful tool, easy and fast to assess, and to use as feedback, for assessing swimming efficiency. Sixteen swimmers performed an intermittent incremental protocol that allowed assessing the individual anaerobic threshold velocity. One complete stroke cycle was analysed at the step intensity corresponding to each swimmer's anaerobic threshold. The subjects were videotaped in the sagittal plane using a double camera set-up for two-dimensional kinematical analyses. The hip and the center of mass presented similar mean velocity and displacement values, being highly related to both parameters. However, the hip reflects the center of mass forward velocity and horizontal displacement with 7.54% and 3.24% associated error, respectively. Differences between hip and center of mass were observed for intracyclic velocity variations (0.19±0.05 and 0.25±0.08, respectively, for a p<0.001), and the negative mean error value found (-0.06) evidenced a tendency of the hip to overestimate the center of mass velocity variation. It is possible to conclude that the hips forward movements might provide a good estimate of the swimmer's horizontal velocity and displacement that is relevant for diagnostic purposes, especially to assess swimming efficiency through the intracyclic velocity variations. Nevertheless, the hip point error magnitude should be taken into consideration in data interpretation.
Gender Differences in Postural Stability Among Children
Authors: Smith Andrew , Ulmer Franciska , Wong Del
Published: July 2012

Gender Differences in Postural Stability Among Children

This study aimed to examine the gender differences in postural stability among 8-12 year-old children. Twenty-six children participated in this repeated measures study to measure the centre of pressure (COP) under one normal condition (CONTROL: hard surface, eyes open, and looking straight ahead) and two challenging sensory conditions (ECHB: eyes closed and head back; and EOCS: eyes open and compliant surface) in randomized order. Girls had significantly lower COP path velocity (COP-PV, p < 0.05, medium effect), smaller radial displacement (COP-RD, p < 0.05, medium effect), and lower area velocity (COP-AV, p < 0.05, medium effect) as compared to boys when the three conditions were pooled. Gender differences were found in the percentage changes in COP-RD during ECHB (p < 0.05, large effect) and EOCS (p < 0.05, medium effect), and in COP-AV during both ECHB and EOCS conditions (p < 0.05, medium effect). Postural stability performance of girls had higher correlations with age (-0.62 vs. -0.40), body mass (-0.60 vs. -0.42), foot length (-0.68 vs. -0.45), and physical activity level (-0.45 vs. 0.02), as compared to boys. Girls had better postural stability than boys but were more affected by altered sensory input information. Girls are more capable of integrating their sensory inputs, whereas boys treat each sensory input somewhat separately and rely more on somatosensory feedback. Exercises such as standing on unstable surfaces with eyes open instead of eye closed and head back are more beneficial to children's postural stability control system.
The Relationships Between Plasma Adrenomedullin and Endothelin-1 Concentrations and Doppler Echocardiographic Indices of Left Ventricular Function During Static Exercise in Healthy Men
Authors: Krzemiński Krzysztof , Pawłowska-Jenerowicz Wiesława
Published: July 2012

The Relationships Between Plasma Adrenomedullin and Endothelin-1 Concentrations and Doppler Echocardiographic Indices of Left Ventricular Function During Static Exercise in Healthy Men

Our previous study showed a significant relationships between static exercise-induced changes in plasma adrenomedullin (ADM) and those in endothelin-1 (ET-1), noradrenaline (NA) and pre-ejection period/left ventricular ejection time ratio (PEP/LVET) in older healthy men. It is hypothesized that ADM, ET-1, NA and adrenaline (A) may function as endogenous regulators of cardiac function by modulating myocardial contractility during static exercise. The present study was undertaken to assess the relationships between exercise-induced changes in plasma ADM, ET-1, NA, A concentrations and those in ascending aortic blood flow peak velocity (PV) and mean acceleration (MA) measured by Doppler echocardiography in 24 healthy older men during two 3-min bouts of handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, performed alternately with each hand without any break between the bouts. Plasma ADM, ET-1, NA and A as well as heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), PV and MA were determined. During handgrip, plasma ADM, ET-1, NA and A as well as HR, BP increased, whereas PV and MA decreased. The increases in plasma ADM correlated positively with those in ET-1, NA and diastolic BP, and correlated negatively with changes in PV (r = -0.68) and MA (r = -0.62). The increases in plasma ET-1 correlated positively with those in NA and BPs and correlated negatively with changes in PV (r= -0.67) and MA (r= -0.60). The results of this study suggest that in healthy older men the exercise-induced changes in plasma ADM, ET 1 and catecholamines are related to alterations in left ventricular contractile state and may co-operatively counteract age-related deterioration of cardiac performance in men.
Comparison of a New Test For Agility and Skill in Soccer With Other Agility Tests
Authors: Kutlu Mehmet , Yapıcı Hakan , Yoncalık Oğuzhan , Çelik Serkan
Published: July 2012

Comparison of a New Test For Agility and Skill in Soccer With Other Agility Tests

The purpose of this study was both to develop a novel test to measure run, shuttle run and directional change agility, and soccer shots on goal with decision making and to compare it with other agility tests. Multiple comparisons and assessments were conducted, including test-retest, Illinois, Zig-Zag, 30 m, Bosco, T-drill agility, and Wingate peak power tests. A total of 113 Turkish amateur and professional soccer players and tertiary-level students participated in the study. Test-retest and inter-tester reliability testing measures were conducted with athletes. The correlation coefficient of the new test was .88, with no significant difference (p> 0.01> 0.01) between the test results obtained in the first and second test sessions. The results of an analysis of variance revealed a significant (p < 0.01) difference between the T-drill agility and power test results for soccer players. The new agility and skill test is an acceptable and reliable test when considering test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability. The findings in this study suggest that the novel soccer-specific agility and shooting test can be utilized in the testing and identification of soccer players' talents.
Self-Determination and Goal Orientation in Track and Field
Authors: Chin Ngien-Siong , Khoo Selina , Low Wah-Yun
Published: July 2012

Self-Determination and Goal Orientation in Track and Field

This study investigated gender, age group and locality differences in adolescent athletes' self-determination motivation and goal orientations in track and field. It also examined the relationship between the self-determination theory and achievement goal theory. A total of 632 (349 boys, 283 girls) adolescent athletes (aged 13-18 years) completed the Sports Motivation Scale and Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire. Results indicated significant differences between gender on intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, amotivation (t(630) = 4.10, p < 0.05) and ego orientation (t(630) = 2.48, p < 0.05). Male students reported higher intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, amotivation and ego orientation. A significant difference was found between age groups on task orientation (t(630) = 1.94, p < 0.05) and locality on ego orientation (t(630) = 1.94, p < 0.05). Older athletes showed significantly higher task orientation. Rural athletes had higher ego orientation whereas urban athletes have higher intrinsic motivation. Task orientation was related to intrinsic motivation (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), extrinsic motivation (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), but weakly related to amotivation (r = 0.10, p < 0.01). Ego orientation was related to intrinsic motivation (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), extrinsic motivation (r = 0.36, p < 0.01) and amotivaion (r = 0.36, p < 0.01). Task orientation was related to ego orientation (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and amotivation accounted for 30.5% of the variances in task orientation.
The Effect of Goal Setting Difficulty on Serving Success in Table Tennis and the Mediating Mechanism of Self-regulation
Authors: Liu Weina , Zhou Chenglin , Ji Liu , Watson Jack
Published: July 2012

The Effect of Goal Setting Difficulty on Serving Success in Table Tennis and the Mediating Mechanism of Self-regulation

Goal setting difficulty has been shown to contribute to athletic performance (Burton et al., 2000). However, the potential mediating mechanism of goal difficulty on performance is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify the effect of goal setting difficulty on serving success in table tennis, and determine if self-regulation is the mediating variable. The current study used serving success within a one minute period as the task, and the "Athlete's Self-regulation in Motor Learning" as the measurement tool. The experiment was designed as a 3 (serving frequency: 20/min, 23/min, and 26/min) x 2 (serving placement: left "small triangle", and right "small triangle") model. Participants (N = 60) in the current study were students from a physical education school. These participants were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups. After the intervention, differences in self-regulation (p < 0.001) and serving success (p < 0.05) between the experimental and control groups were significant. For the experimental groups, there was a significant difference in self-regulation (p < 0.001) and serving success (p < 0.05) before and after the experiment. Serving frequency had a main effect on self-regulation (F (5, 24) = 12.398, p < 0.01) and serving success (F (5, 24) = 37.601, p < 0.001). Moderately difficult goal setting contributed to athletic performance. Regression analysis using bootstrapping methods revealed that self-regulation partially mediated the relationship between the two.