bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of vitamin D and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the development of early- and late-onset preeclampsia
Authors: Álvarez-Fernández Indira , Prieto Belén , Rodríguez Verónica , Ruano Yolanda , Escudero Ana I. , Álvarez Francisco V.
Published: December 2014

The imbalanced production of placental biomarkers and vitamin D deficiency have been proposed as risk factors for the development of preeclampsia (PE). However, little is known about the relationship between them and their role in early- versus late-onset PE. The objectives were to assess the role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio in the development of early- and late-onset PE; and to evaluate the relationship between 25(OH)D and the biomarkers.

A retrospective, full-blinded cohort study was conducted at the Obstetric Emergency Service of a tertiary care hospital. Pregnant women (n=257) attending obstetric triage with suspicion of PE were included. sFlt-1, PlGF and 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by electrochemoluminescence (ECLIA) immunoassay and pregnancy outcome (development of PE) was registered from patients records.

PE women showed lower 25(OH)D concentrations at clinical presentation than non-PE women (median: 35.0 nmol/L and 39.6 nmol/L, respectively; p=0.027). Women with 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L experienced an increased risk of developing late-onset PE [odds ratio (OR) 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–15], but no association was found for early-onset PE. However, a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio above the corresponding cutpoints increased the risk of developing both early- and late-onset PE [ORs 58 (95% CI 11–312) and 12 (95% CI 5.0–27), respectively]. No association was found between 25(OH)D levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.

Low vitamin D status in women with suspected late-onset PE increases the risk of imminent development of the disease.
Ahlfors–Weill extensions in several complex variables
Authors: Chuaqui Martin , Hernández Rodrigo
Published: January 2015

We derive an Ahlfors–Weill type extension for a class of holomorphic mappings defined in the ball 𝔹
n
, generalizing the formula for Nehari mappings in the disk. The class of mappings holomorphic in the ball is defined in terms of the Schwarzian operator. Convexity relative to the Bergman metric plays an essential role, as well as the concept of a weakly linearly convex domain. The extension outside the ball takes values in the projective dual to ℂ
n
, that is, in the set of complex hyperplanes.
Synthesis, characterization and formulation of sodium calcium silicate bioceramic for drug delivery applications
Authors: Reddy P. Manohar , Lakshmi Ravy , Dass Febin Prabhu , Sasikumar Swamiappan
Published: December 2014

Sodium calcium silicate (Na2CaSiO4) is a bioactive silicate with Na2O, CaO and SiO2 as its basic components, which is similar to that of the composition of bioactive glasses. In the present study, pure sodium calcium silicate was synthesized by rapid combustion technique, and the synthesized sample was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction to check the phase purity. The scaffolds were prepared by varying the ratio of sodium calcium silicate and polyvinyl alcohol, and the apatite-formation ability of the scaffolds was examined by soaking them in a simulated body fluid. The results revealed the formation of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the scaffold after 5 days, which is found to be rapid when compared with the bioactivity of the calcium silicates and calcium magnesium silicates. The scaffolds were also loaded with ciprofloxacin as a model drug and analyzed for its drug release profile using UV spectrophotometer. The release profile did not vary with the change in bioceramic-to-biopolymer ratio, and 60% of the drug was released in 10 days, which is within the appreciable range for a targeted drug delivery system. Moreover, the experimental and simulated values of the release kinetics were compared by applying the existing mathematical model.
Quality of Life of the Person Taking Care of a Child Diagnosed with Spina Bifida
Authors: Medvecká Eva , Fialová Alena , Vojčáková Marcela
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Birth of a disabled child, constitutes a large and initially insoluble problem particularly for parents. Assistance should be offered by relatives but above all by experts.Aim. Assessment of the quality of life of caregivers taking care at home of children diagnosed with spina bifida.Material and Methods. The valid questionnaire containing a modified and standardized tool — the Index of the caregiver’s quality of life was applied as a method for collecting empirical data. The scale includes 26 items that reflect the perception of the situation by the caregiver. Grade 4 expressed the greatest burden. The surveyed group consisted of 60 respondents who care at home for children diagnosed with spina bifida. The index of the quality of life was assessed in terms of the following statistical data: caregiver’s family relationship to the child, duration of care of a disabled child and the degree of burden perception by the caregiver, depending on the age of the child.Results. Based on the analysis of the data there has not been revealed a statistically significant relationship between the caregiver’s family relationship to a disabled child and their level of subjective quality (p>0.05). A statistically significant relationship has not been confirmed between the duration of the care of a disabled child and caregiver’s burden perception measured, as well as between the age of the disabled child and the caregiver’s performance evaluation (p>0.05).Conclusions. The research results are consistent with the results obtained by several other authors who argue that performance of care often depends on the condition of the disabled child, access to the child and also on the child’s age. (JNNN 2014;3(4):148–152)
The Evolving Puzzle of AutosomalVersusY-linked Male Determination inMusca domestica
Authors: Hamm Ronda L , Meisel Richard P , Scott Jeffrey G
Published: January 2015

Sex determination is one of the most rapidly evolving developmental pathways, but the factors responsible for this fast evolution are not well resolved. The house fly, Musca domestica, is an ideal model for studying sex determination because house fly sex determination is polygenic and varies considerably between populations. Male house flies possess a male-determining locus, the M factor, which can be located on the Y or X chromosome or any of the five autosomes. There can be a single M or multiple M factors present in an individual male, in heterozygous or homozygous condition. Males with multiple copies of M skew the sex ratio toward the production of males. Potentially in response to these male-biased sex ratios, an allele of the gene transformer, Md-traD, promotes female development in the presence of one or multiple M factors. There have been many studies to determine the linkage and frequency of these male determining factors and the frequency of Md-traD chromosomes in populations from around the world. This review provides a summary of the information available to date regarding the patterns of distribution of autosomal, X-linked and Y-linked M factors, the relative frequencies of the linkage of M, the changes in frequencies found in field populations, and the fitness of males with autosomal M factors vs. Y-linked M. We evaluate this natural variation in the house fly sex determination pathway in light of models of the evolution of sex determination.
Fish, Sorocaba River basin, São Paulo State, Brazil [with erratum]
Authors: Júnior Gilberto Aparecido Villares , Goitein Roberto
Published: December 2014

The Sorocaba River hydrographic basin locates in a sub-area known as Superior Medium Tietê in São Paulo State. The study was made in the low Sorocaba River. A relatively high diversity of fish species was noticed at that place, whose habits are also presumed to be diversified. The river in this region shows some important tributaries, which are the Sarapuí, Tatuí and Guarapó, and also a great number of smaller streams and marginal lagoons. Fishes were collected using gill-nets, purse seines, sieves and traps, line and hook, every month during two years. Fish species were 55, including 7 orders and 18 families. Characiformes and Siluriformes were the most represented with respectively 28 and 17 species.
Amphibia, Hylidae, Bokermannohyla sazimai (Cardoso and Andrade 1982): distribution extension
Authors: Giasson Luís Olímpio Menta
Published: December 2014

None
Macrocrustaceans of non-consolidated sublittoral of the São Vicente Estuarine Bay Complex, São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Reigada Álvaro Luiz Diogo , Sant’Anna Bruno Sampaio , Zangrande Cilene Mariane , Costa Rogério Caetano
Published: December 2014

Despite the economic importance of the carcinofauna which inhabits the estuarine regions of São Vicente, state of São Paulo, Brazil, there are few studies of the biology, distribution and biodiversity of crustaceans. The aim of this work was to list the species of macrocrustaceans that inhabit the non-consolidated substrates of Estuarine Bay Complex in São Vicente. After two years of monthly collections, we recorded two orders: Stomatopoda and Decapoda, represented by 13 families and 26 species. Only one species of the order Stomatopoda was recorded, all other 25 species belonging to the order Decapoda. Nine species of shrimp, in five families were captured; five of these belong to the family Penaeidae, one to Sergestidae one to Sycioniidae, one to Palaemonidae and one to Hippolytidae Anomuran crabs were composed of five species of hermit crabs. Brachyuran crabs were more prominent, with 11 species, most in the family Portunidae.
Optofluidically Tuned Fluorescence Enhancement by Plasmonic Nanocup Arrays
Authors: Seo Sujin , Ameen Abid , Liu Gang Logan
Published: January 2015

We demonstrate fluidically tuned fluorescence enhancement on the colorimetric substrate with the plasmonic effects induced by the periodic gold nanocup arrays. The fluorescence enhancement by the plasmonic effect has been studied extensively by varying the geometries of nanostructures or the morphology of nanoparticles. In this study, however, the fluorescence enhancement without changing these parameters but simply by varying surrounding media on the colorimetric plasmonic surface is accomplished. The dynamic responses of fluorescence from self-assembled monolayer of dyes on the surface were monitored by flowing various fluids with different refractive indices. The dependence of the radiative decay rate as well as the scattering cross-section on the surrounding dielectric properties results into the selective enhancement of the fluorescence intensity, having a maximum at different surrounding refractive index for different fluorophores with different emission band centers.
Optofluidic Waveguiding for Biomedical Sensing
Authors: Wall Thomas A. , Parks Joshua , Leake Kaelyn D. , Schmidt Holger , Hawkins Aaron R.
Published: January 2015

We review an optofluidic waveguiding lab-on-a-chip used to sense bioparticles. The sensor uses a liquid filled Anti-Resonant Reflecting Optical Waveguide (ARROW) that is interfaced with standard ridge waveguides. The ridge waveguides are coupled to off-chip lasers and detectors via optical fiber. A perpendicular intersection between the ARROW and a ridge waveguide is especially useful for detecting fluorescently tagged particles. Light coupled into the ridge waveguide can fluorescently excite these particles within a very small volume. Fluorescent signal can then be guided within the ARROW and subsequently off chip to a detector.

We also discuss how such devices are fabricated. Both the ARROW and ridge waveguides are made using alternating thin films of tantalum oxide and silicon dioxide on silicon substrates. These thin films are deposited by either sputtering or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The waveguides are patterned using a combination of standard photolithographic processes, reactive ion etching, and sacrificial etching. Low-loss optical guiding is very dependent on both the waveguide structure and the materials used. The latest processes for maximizing detection sensitivity are reviewed.

We also present results using the optofluidic waveguiding sensor for detecting a variety of different types of particles such as fluorescently labeled nanobeads, viruses, ribosomes, and RNA.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Films and Characterization
Authors: Lim Junyoung , Jalali Maryam , Campbell Stephen A.
Published: January 2015

Electrophoretic deposition enables the rapid deposition of single wall carbon nanotube films at room temperature. An accurate, reproducible film thickness can be obtained by controlling electric field strength, suspension concentration, and time. To investigate the electrical and mechanical properties of such films, we recorded electric resistance and Young’s modulus using I-V characterization and a nanoindenter, respectively. The measured resistivity of the films varied from 2.14 × 10-3 to 7.66 × 10-3 Ω·cm, and the Young’s modulus was 4.72 to 5.67 GPa, independent of film thickness from 77 to 134 nm. These results indicated that the mechanical and electrical properties of film are comparable with previously reported methods such as layer by layer deposition even though we achieved much higher deposition rates. We also measured the film mass density which is usually unrecorded even though it is an important parameter for MEMS/NEMS device actuation. The film density was found with conventional thickness measurement and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. It varied from 0.12 to 0.54 g/cm3 as the film thickness increased. This method could be extended to applications of CNT films for flexible electronics or high frequency RF MEMS devices.
Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Assisted Thermal Sensor
Authors: Chandrasekar S. , Santhanam K.S.V. , Yue Y. , Kalaiazagan K. , Fuller L.
Published: January 2015

A nano thermal sensor was made by depositing carbon nanotubes from a medium containing a) methylene chloride b)sodium dodecyl sulfate and c) Baytron-P (polymer) assisted sodium dodecyl sulfate. The nano thermal sensors showed d.c. electrical resistance as independent of temperature when the sensors were made by procedures (a) or (b). The electrical resistivity in both the situations has been independent of temperature. When the nanosensor is made with carbon nanotubes by assisted method (c), the d.c. electrical resistance decreased with temperature. The negative temperature coefficient (TCR) is manifested in the semiconducting property of the active material. The sensor behavior is reproducible and varies linearly with temperature. The nanosensor made by non assisted carbon nanotube showed zero TCR. This is probably the first instance of assisted thermal sensor made with single walled carbon nanotubes.
Effects of Carbon Content, Annealing Condition and Internal Defects on the nucleation, growth and coarsening of P-type Carbides in High Niobium Containing TiAl Alloys
Authors: Wang Li , Pyczak Florian , Gabrisch Heike , Lorenz Uwe , Münch Mathias , Schimansky Frank-Peter , Schreyer Andreas , Stark Andreas
Published: January 2015

The nucleation, growth and coarsening of carbides is investigated in high niobium containing TiAl alloys by diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Higher carbon content increases the dissolution temperature of carbides. The solubility of carbon is much higher in a γ/α2-phase alloy than in the γ phase alone. Hereby no significant influence of Nb on carbon solubility is found. Crystallographic defects as grain boundaries and dislocations promote carbide nucleation which results in a carbide precipitation sequence starting first at grain boundaries, then at dislocations and only later in the γ matrix away from crystallographic defects. The consumption of carbon by grain boundary carbides or neighboring α2 grains also generates a precipitate free zone in γ grains near the grain boundary.
Thin Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Barnett Allen M. , Hall Robert B. , Rand James A.
Published: January 2015

Solar cells formed with thin silicon active layers (<100 μm thick) offer advantages over thick ingot-based devices. The advantages come in two forms: the first is the potential for higher conversion efficiency than that of conventional thick devices, and the second is a reduction in material requirements. The use of thin polycrystalline silicon for solar cells offers the potential of capturing the high performance of crystalline silicon while achieving the potential low cost of thin films. Experimental and theoretical studies initially uncovered the issues of grain size and thickness as limiting factors. Subsequent work added the issue of back-surface passivation. This article addresses the conditions required for the successful development of polycrystalline silicon into a high efficiency, low-cost, terrestrial product.
Direct SIMS Determination of the InxGa1-xN Mole Fraction
Authors: Kovarsky A. P. , Kretser Yu. L. , Kudriavtsev Yu A. , Stroganov D. N. , Yagovkina M. A. , Beierlein Tilman , Strite S.
Published: January 2015

We demonstrate that our secondary mass ion spectroscopy (SIMS) method for the determination of the mole fraction in solid InxGa1-xN solutions is accurate and reproduceable without need of reference samples. The method is based on measuring relative current values of CsM+ (M=Ga, In) secondary ions. The claim of reliable SIMS determination without reference samples was confirmed by four independent analytical methods on the same samples with a relative error in the InN mole fraction determination below 15%.
Como Proust foi moderno: entre debates literários e conflitos culturais
Authors: Haiduke Paulo Rodrigo Andrade
Published: December 2014

Neste artigo são discutidas questões relacionadas ao hoje famoso ciclo romanesco de Marcel Proust (1871-1922) intitulado Em busca do tempo perdido (A la recherche du temps perdu) e a sua recepção como um dos maiores cânones da literatura moderna no século XX. Tomando como referência comentadores contemporâneos ao lançamento do romance (os volumes foram publicados orginalmente entre 1913 e 1927), pretendo introduzir os leitores nos debates que buscaram arrogar a Proust o papel de arauto do modernismo literário. Dessa forma, apresentarei alguns debates tematizados pelos contemporâneos e que engajaram Proust e sua obra não apenas em querelas literárias, artísticas e estéticas, mas em discussões de maior amplitude social e cultural concernentes à Terceira República Francesa. Utilizarei historiografia específica, bem como bibliografia mais ampla, para mostrar que as querelas nas quais Proust e seu romance foram envolvidos concerniam não apenas ao debate literário e estético, mas também às temporalidades e historicidades de maior amplitude que permearam a sociedade e a cultura francesas.
Quando a literatura fala à história: a ficção de Barbosa Lessa e a memória pública no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Zalla Jocelito
Published: December 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as intervenções de Luiz Carlos Barbosa Lessa, escritor, folclorista e militante fundador do movimento tradicionalista gaúcho, no debate público rio-grandense pela literatura de imaginação. Para tanto, parte-se de um episódio que agitou a produção letrada local na década de 1950, o chamado “caso Sepé”, em torno do qual foi ponderada a conveniência ou inviabilidade de incorporar a experiência missioneira guarani na narração do passado gaúcho. Buscase, portanto, não somente averiguar as posições do autor no debate, mas avaliar as possibilidades e escolhas formais de confronto, em especial a escrita literária como contraponto ao discurso histórico. A tomada de posição de Lessa sobre a questão indígena leva a críticas mais amplas ao modelo dominante de memória histórica no estado, orientando seu projeto literário para criações até então pouco comuns, como a figuração de grupos e segmentos tidos como marginais (indígenas, negros, mulheres), além da reafirmação do caráter popular do gaúcho rio-grandense.
Um grão de sal: autenticidade, felicidade e relações de amizade na correspondência de Mário de Andrade com Carlos Drummond
Authors: De Araújo Ricardo Benzaquen
Published: December 2014

O texto em pauta pretende examinar a forma pela qual Mário de Andrade elabora a sua subjetividade na correspondência que troca com Carlos Drummond de Andrade. O seu argumento central é o de que a personalidade sanguínea, forte e autêntica de Mário não desconhece momentos de insegurança, abandono e até desilusão, momentos que, paradoxalmente, só conseguem ser superados pelo recurso a experiências marcadas pela dor física e espiritual a que ele, nas próprias relações de amizade – em função, por exemplo, das críticas que lhe são endereçadas pelos amigos –, não deixa de se submeter. Assim, longe de procurar a felicidade em um terreno utópico, no futuro ou no além, nosso autor se arrisca a confrontar diretamente o infortúnio, convicto de que os desafios e a alteridade embutidos nesse gesto serão capazes de gerar uma energia em condições de aperfeiçoar a sua intensa, fecunda e quase excessiva identidade pessoal.
Apresentação
Authors: Estrada Henrique , Tozzi Verónica
Published: December 2014

Apresentação
Organisational and Strategic Communication: Editorial Introduction
Authors: Ruão Teresa , Kunsch Margarida
Published: December 2014

The study of communication in organisations – in a broad sense, and without source scientific field restrictions (which included traditional research into Organisational Communication, Public Relations, Institutional Communication, Internal Communication, Advertising, Promotion or Corporate Communication, among others)...
A Vida é Bela: Institutionalisation Processes and Sensemaking through the Media
Authors: Figueira João
Published: December 2014

Sense making is the main goal of the Organisation’s strategy. Actually, the communica- tion by the media represents one of the key issues in the Organisation’s life. That requires to the Organisations that they should be familiar and have some expertise about the media culture and their routines. The Portuguese company A Vida é Bela achieved, between 2005-2012, around 4,558 issues about them in the national media. That public performance shows how an Organisa- tion could play a leading act through the media with the purpose of attracting some prestige to their brand name.
Vulnerabilidade dos públicos frente a práticas abusivas de comunicação empregadas por organizações: limitações para o monitoramento civil
Authors: Henriques Marcio Simeone , Silva Daniel Reis
Published: December 2014

O presente artigo reflete acerca da vigilância civil sobre práticas de comunicação abusi- vas empregadas por organizações privadas, abordando como tais práticas, voltadas para uma tentativa de corromper a opinião pública, criam uma categoria difusa cujo monitoramento é per- meado por entraves e dificuldades. Em seguida explora especificamente a prática do astroturfing, entendida como uma manifestação de um público simulado, refletindo sobre como suas lógicas configuram uma prática ambígua e indeterminada.
Public’s vulnerability against abusive practices of communication employed by organizations: limitations for civil monitoring
Authors: Henriques Marcio Simeone , Silva Daniel Reis
Published: December 2014

The present article reflects on the matter of civil surveillance over abusive practices of communication employed by private organizations, addressing how such practices, focused on an attempt to corrupt public opinion, create a fuzzy category whose monitoring is permeated by obstacles and difficulties. Then specifically explores the practice of astroturfing, understood as a manifestation of a simulated public, reflecting how their logical and dynamics configure an ambiguous and indeterminate practice.
A paisagem urbana e a publicidade de moda: o caso da marca DKNY
Authors: Pires Helena
Published: December 2014

O investimento na comunicação estratégica, e em especial na publicidade, no âmbito das indústrias de design de moda, persiste como uma forma indispensável à promoção do valor marca. A visibilidade e notoriedade de marca devem sobretudo a sua eficácia à publicidade, quer no contexto de revistas de moda e dos novos media, quer no que se refere ao meio outdoor, um dos meios mais tradicionais e simultaneamente mais modernos de comunicação de massas. O presente trabalho visa servir como pretexto para discussão e problematização de ambas as di- mensões. Em primeiro lugar, procurar-se-á compreender de que modo a paisagem urbana é cons- truída na publicidade de moda, e sobretudo de que modo o imaginário coletivo concorre para essa mesma construção. Identificar os principais referentes paisagísticos representados e procurar a respetiva associação com os mais diversos universos culturais e artísticos, tais como a literatura, a fotografia ou o cinema, é um dos objetivos a perseguir. Na base de uma tal reflexão crítica está um entendimento segundo o qual a paisagem não é apenas um simples décor, mas antes um recurso visual e discursivo extremamente importante no conjunto da mensagem publicitária. Em segundo lugar, procurar-se-á equacionar as implicações da publicidade exterior, respeitante às marcas de moda, na sua articulação, precisamente, com a paisagem urbana e com a experiência da vida quotidiana. Discutir a publicidade outdoors no contexto de algumas das tendências cultu- rais e estéticas mais recentes é, pois, um propósito igualmente importante que aqui avançamos. A fim de cumprirmos os objetivos apontados e de ensaiarmos concretamente a discussão com a qual nos comprometemos, escolhemos o caso da marca de moda Donna Karan New York - DKNY, uma vez entendido como paradigmático dos principais princípios e hipóteses de trabalho em discussão.
Cornelissen, J.P. (2014), Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice. London: Sage, fourth edition
Authors: Padamo Celma
Published: December 2014

Concebendo como possibilidade um “percurso de afirmação progressista” (Ruão, 2004), saúde-se o olhar proposto pelas Coordenadoras deste volume, sobre o estudo da comunicação nas organizações...
Cornelissen, J.P. (2014), Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice. London: Sage, fourth edition
Authors: Padamo Celma
Published: December 2014

As they discuss the admitted existence of a ‘journey of progressive affirmation’ (Ruão, 2004), the Editors of this volume should be congratulated on the study of organizational communication for several reasons...
Grazing maintains native plant diversity and promotes community stability in an annual grassland
Authors: Beck Jared J. , Hernández Daniel L. , Pasari Jae R. , Zavaleta Erika S.
Published: December 2014

Maintaining native biodiversity in grasslands requires management and mitigation of anthropogenic changes that have altered resource availability, grazing regimes, and community composition. In California (USA), high levels of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition have facilitated the invasion of exotic grasses, posing a threat to the diverse plant and insect communities endemic to serpentine grasslands. Cattle grazing has been employed to mitigate the consequences of exotic grass invasion, but the ecological effects of grazing in this system are not fully understood. To characterize the effects of realistic N deposition on serpentine plant communities and to evaluate the efficacy of grazing as a management tool, we performed a factorial experiment adding N and excluding large herbivores in California's largest serpentine grassland. Although we observed significant interannual variation in community composition related to climate in our six‐year study, exotic cover was consistently and negatively correlated with native plant richness. Sustained low‐level N addition did not influence plant community composition, but grazing reduced grass abundance while maintaining greater native forb cover, native plant diversity, and species richness in comparison to plots excluding large herbivores. Furthermore, grazing increased the temporal stability of plant communities by decreasing year‐to‐year variation in native forb cover, native plant diversity, and native species richness. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that moderate‐intensity cattle grazing can be used to restrict the invasive potential of exotic grasses and maintain native plant communities in serpentine grasslands. We hypothesize that the reduced temporal variability in serpentine plant communities managed by grazing may directly benefit populations of the threatened Edith's Bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis).
Comparison of anamnestic responses to rabies vaccination in dogs and cats with current and out-of-date vaccination status
Authors: Moore Michael C. , Davis Rolan D. , Kang Qing , Vahl Christopher I. , Wallace Ryan M. , Hanlon Cathleen A. , Mosier Derek A.
Published: January 2015

Objective—To compare anamnestic antibody responses of dogs and cats with current versus out-of-date vaccination status.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—74 dogs and 33 cats.

Procedures—Serum samples were obtained from dogs and cats that had been exposed to rabies and brought to a veterinarian for proactive serologic monitoring or that had been brought to a veterinarian for booster rabies vaccination. Blood samples were collected on the day of initial evaluation (day 0) and then again 5 to 15 days later. On day 0, a rabies vaccine was administered according to label recommendations. Paired serum samples were analyzed for antirabies antibodies by means of a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test.

Results—All animals had an antirabies antibody titer ≥ 0.5 IU/mL 5 to 15 days after booster vaccination. Dogs with an out-of-date vaccination status had a higher median increase in titer, higher median fold increase in titer, and higher median titer following booster vaccination, compared with dogs with current vaccination status. Most (26/33) cats, regardless of rabies vaccination status, had a titer ≥ 12 IU/mL 5 to 15 days after booster vaccination.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that dogs with out-of-date vaccination status were not inferior in their antibody response following booster rabies vaccination, compared with dogs with current vaccination status. Findings supported immediate booster vaccination followed by observation for 45 days of dogs and cats with an out-of-date vaccination status that are exposed to rabies, as is the current practice for dogs and cats with current vaccination status.
Triceps brachii muscle reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap in a dog
Authors: Pavletic Michael M. , Kalis Russell , Tribou Patricia , Mouser Pam J.
Published: January 2015

Case Description—A 6-year-old spayed female Border Collie was examined for a severe deformity of the right forelimb. Three months prior to examination, the patient awkwardly fell off the couch and became acutely lame in the right forelimb, progressing to non–weight bearing over the following 72 hours.

Clinical Findings—On physical examination, the dog carried the limb caudally against the thoracic wall, with the shoulder flexed and elbow in extension. The right triceps brachii muscle was atrophied and contracted, resulting in a resistant tension band effect that precluded manipulation of the right elbow joint. The physical changes in the triceps muscle were considered the primary cause of the patient's loss of limb function.

Treatment and Outcome—Surgical treatment by means of elevation and transposition of the ipsilateral latissimus dorsi muscle was performed. The exposed triceps brachii muscles were transected 3 cm proximal to the tendons of insertion. Via a separate incision, the right latissimus dorsi muscle was elevated and tunneled subcutaneously beneath the interposing skin between the 2 surgical incisions. The muscle was then positioned and sutured to the proximal and distal borders of the divided triceps muscle group. Two weeks later, physical therapy was initiated. After 2 months, the patient regularly walked on the limb most of the time (9/10 steps).

Clinical Relevance—The surgical procedure for elevation and transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle was relatively simple to perform. Physical therapy was an essential component to achieving the successful functional outcome in this case. This technique may be considered for treatment of similar patients in which the triceps muscle group is severely compromised.
Evaluation of plasma fibrinogen concentration as a diagnostic indicator of inflammation in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Moore A Russell , Allender Matthew C. , Mitchell Mark A. , MacNeill Amy L.
Published: January 2015

Objective—To critically evaluate plasma fibrinogen concentration as a diagnostic indicator of inflammation in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans).

Design—Prospective induced-disease model and prospective cross-sectional study.

Sample—Plasma samples from 12 purpose-bred red-eared sliders and 153 farm-raised red-eared sliders.

Procedures—A modification of the Jacobsson method was developed to measure fibrinogen concentration in platelet-poor plasma from red-eared sliders. Purpose-bred turtles had been inoculated with a ranavirus (n = 4) or sterile PBS solution (8) as part of another study. Farm-raised red-eared sliders were categorized as healthy (n = 138) or overtly ill (15) on the basis of physical examination findings at the time of blood sample collection. Samples from 124 of the 138 healthy red-eared sliders were used to establish a fibrinogen concentration reference interval as measured by the modified Jacobsson method. Fibrinogen concentrations in ranavirus-infected and physically ill turtles were compared with those of healthy turtles to determine whether fibrinogen concentration would be a useful diagnostic indicator of inflammation in red-eared sliders.

Results—The modified Jacobsson method was reliably used to measure fibrinogen concentration. The fibrinogen concentration reference interval from healthy reproductively active female red-eared sliders was right skewed. Fibrinogen concentration did not differ significantly between healthy red-eared sliders and ranavirus-infected or overtly ill red-eared sliders.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A reference interval for red-eared slider plasma fibrinogen concentration was established and partitioned by sex to account for considerable right skewing observed for females. Fibrinogen concentration was not a useful indicator of inflammation in red-eared sliders with ranavirus infection or other overt illnesses.
Effect of cobalt on the aging kinetics and the properties of a CuCoNiBe alloy
Authors: Atapek Ş. Hakan
Published: January 2015

In this study, the effect of cobalt on the aging kinetics of a precipitation hardening CuCoNiBe alloy was studied by variations in hardness and electrical conductivity. Based on the linear relationship between electrical conductivity and volume fraction of the precipitates, phase transformation kinetics of the alloys having different cobalt contents were formulated using the Avrami equation. It was concluded that (i) aging kinetics slowed down in high cobalt alloyed copper alloy, (ii) the calculated electrical conductivity values using Avrami equation were in good agreement with the experimental data, and (iii) aged alloys had higher hardness and electrical conductivity than the as-cast ones.
Interface characterization of friction welded low carbon steel and copper alloys
Authors: Caligulu Ugur , Acik Mustafa
Published: January 2015

In this study, the interface characterization of friction welded AISI 1010 low carbon steel and copper alloys was investigated. The friction welding tests were performed by using a direct drive type friction welding machine. After friction welding, interface regions of the welded specimens were examined by optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and X-ray analysis to determine the microstructural changes. Microhardness and tensile tests were conducted to determine mechanical properties of the welded specimens. The experimental results indicated that AISI 1010 low carbon steel could be joined to copper using the friction welding technique for achieving a weld with sufficient strength. Tensile strength values also confirmed this result and intermetallic phases did not occur at the interface.
Field test methods for aluminum gas cylinders
Authors: Koerner Ursula , Scherer Florian , Lagleder Michaela
Published: January 2015

ISO standards for gas cylinders made from aluminum alloys generally require heat treatment after the forming process. Such heat treatment is a costly part of the manufacturing process. Particularly due to increasing international trade, market-surveillance authorities need simple and reliable methods to field-test cylinders for proper heat treating. By the present contribution the difference in strength of heat-treated and non-heat-treated gas cylinders is exemplarily shown and several material analysis methods are investigated for their suitability as field tests.
Application of the Taguchi method for parameter optimization of the surface grinding process
Authors: Güven Onur
Published: January 2015

Grinding is a manufacturing process with unsteady process behavior, whose complex characteristics determine the technological output and quality. In the present study, the Taguchi method, which is a powerful tool for design optimization for quality, is used to find the optimal surface roughness for surface grinding operations. Nine experimental runs based on an orthogonal array of Taguchi method are performed to derive objective functions to be optimized within experimental domain. An orthogonal array, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to investigate the surface roughness characteristics of AISI 1050 steel plates using EKR36K, EKR46K and EKR60K grinding wheels. With this study, not only can the optimal surface roughness for grinding operations be obtained, but also the main grinding parameters that affect the performance in grinding operations. The experimental results confirmed the validity of the used Taguchi method for enhancing the surface grinding performance and optimizing the grinding parameters in the surface grinding process.
Synchrotron X-ray CT of rose peduncles – evaluation of tissue damage by radiation*
Authors: Herppich Werner B. , Matsushima Uzuki , Graf Wolfgang , Zabler Simon , Dawson Martin , Choinka Gerard , Manke Ingo
Published: January 2015

“Bent-neck” syndrome, an important postharvest problem of cut roses, is probably caused by water supply limitations and/or the structural weakness of vascular bundles of the peduncle tissue. For this reason, advanced knowledge about the microstructures of rose peduncles and their cultivar specific variations may lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT), especially phase-based CT, is a highly suitable technique to nondestructively investigate plants’ micro anatomy. SXCT with monochromatic X-ray beams of 30, 40 and 50 keV photon energy was used to evaluate the three-dimensional inner structures of the peduncles of 3 rose cultivars that differ greatly in their bent-neck susceptibility. Results indicated that this technique achieves sufficiently high spatial resolution to investigate complex tissues. However, further investigations with chlorophyll fluorescence analysis (CFA) and optical microscope imagery reveal different kinds of heavy damage of the irradiated regions induced by synchrotron X-rays; in a cultivar-specific manner, partial destruction of cell walls occurred a few hours after X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, a delayed inhibition of photosynthesis accompanied by the degradation of chlorophyll was obvious from CFA within hours and days after the end of CT measurements. Although SXCT is certainly well suited for three-dimensional anatomical analysis of rose peduncles, the applied technique is not nondestructive.
A discrete dislocation technique for fatigue microcracks (Part II)
Authors: Močilnik Vinko , Gubeljak Nenad
Published: January 2015

The discrete nature of the phenomenon of crack initiation in the crystal grain lattice was investigated. Fatigue crack propagation within the crystalline grains, the influence of the vicinity of the grain boundary on its propagation and its arrest, and the dislocation modeling of short fatigue crack growth through single shear, were analyzed, respectively.
Fillet welding of austenitic stainless steel using the double channel shielding gas method with cored wire
Authors: Mert Tolga , Gultekin Nurullah , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: January 2015

X2CrNi189 austenitic stainless steel material with web and flange thicknesses of 10 mm was welded by the conventional GMAW and double channel shielding gas method to form double fillet T-joints. The difference between these two methods were characterized by measurements of mean welding parameters, Vickers hardness profiles, molten and HAZ areas of the joints as well as by thermal camera temperature measurements. According to the results, higher mean current intensity but lower mean arc voltage along with higher heat input was obtained using the double channel shielding gas method. There was no significant difference observed in Vickers hardness between the two methods. Moreover, mean filler metal molten area values were higher with double channel shielding gas method, which depicted that this method increased productivity.
X-ray stress measurement from an imperfect Debye–Scherrer ring
Authors: Miyazaki Toshiyuki , Sasaki Toshihiko
Published: January 2015

A technique to measure the stress from an imperfect Debye–Scherrer ring is reported. In a previous work, the authors reported a technique to calculate the stress from the Fourier series of a normal strain of a Debye–Scherrer ring and suggested that it is possible to calculate the stress from an imperfect Debye–Scherrer ring if the Fourier series is obtained. The present work presents a technique to calculate the Fourier series of an imperfect Debye–Scherrer ring. Industrially, this is important because the object of interest is often covered by other objects or engraved. The aim of this work is to develop a technique that extends the application range of the X-ray stress measurement.
Phase equilibria studies of the “MnO”–Al2O3–SiO2 system in equilibrium with metallic alloy. Part 2: phase equilibria
Authors: Haccuria Elien , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni
Published: January 2015

The phase equilibria in the “MnO”–Al2O3–SiO2 system in equilibrium with metallic alloy have been determined. This paper is the second of two papers presenting research undertaken as part of a broader study on the phase equilibria in the Al2O3–CaO–Li2O–“MnO”–SiO2 multi-component system, representing the major components of the lithium ion battery recycling slag. The experimental procedures involve equilibration of high purity powder mixtures at high temperatures, rapid quenching, and accurate measurement of phase compositions using electron probe micro-analysis. The liquidus surface is determined at temperatures between 1373 K and 1523 K in the tridymite, rhodonite, tephroite, galaxite, spessartine, corundum and Mn-anorthite primary phase fields resulting in an accurate representation of the phase diagram. The system is found to contain three binary peritectics and four binary eutectics, six ternary peritectics and three ternary eutectics.
64-detector CT angiography within 24 hours after carotid endarterectomy and correlation with postoperative stroke
Authors: Gallati Christopher P. , Jain Minal , Damania Dushyant , Kanthala Abhijit R. , Jain Anunaya R. , Koch George E. , Kung Nancy T. M. , Wang Henry Z. , Replogle Robert E. , Jahromi Babak S.
Published: January 2015

OBJECT

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) carries a small but not insignificant risk of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), most frequently observed within 24 hours of surgery, which can lead to the need for urgent vascular imaging in the immediate postoperative period. However, distinguishing expected versus pathological postoperative changes may not be straightforward on imaging studies of the carotid artery early after CEA. The authors aimed to describe routine versus pathological anatomical findings on CTA performed within 24 hours of CEA, and to evaluate associations between these CTA findings and postoperative stroke/TIA.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 113 consecutive adult patients who underwent postoperative CTA within 24 hours of CEA at a single academic institution. Presence and location of arterial “flaps,” luminal “step-off,” intraluminal thrombus and hematoma were documented from postoperative CTA scans. Medical records were reviewed to determine the incidence of new postoperative neurological findings.

RESULTS

Postoperative CTA findings included common carotid artery (CCA) step-off (63.7%), one or more intraarterial flaps (27.4%), hematoma at the surgical site (15.9%), and new intraluminal thrombus (7.1%). Flaps were seen in the external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and CCA in 18.6%, 9.7%, and 6.2% of patients, respectively. New postoperative neurological findings were present in 7.1% of patients undergoing CTA. Flaps (especially ICA/CCA) and/or intraluminal thrombi were more frequently seen in patients undergoing CTA for new postoperative stroke/TIA (85.7%) versus patients undergoing CTA for routine postoperative imaging (14.3%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

CTA within 24 hours of CEA demonstrates characteristic anatomical findings. CCA step-offs and ECA flaps are relatively common and clinically insignificant, whereas ICA/CCA flaps and thrombi are less frequently seen and are associated with postoperative stroke/TIA.
Cerebral aneurysms and accelerated atherosclerosis in Russell-Silver syndrome: a new subtype? Case report
Authors: Pülhorn Heinke , Pesic-Smith Jonathan , Cowley Peter , Murphy Mary
Published: January 2015

The authors describe the case of a 32-year-old woman known to have Russell-Silver syndrome who presented with repeated aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Multiple intracranial aneurysms and advanced peripheral vascular disease were demonstrated. The authors postulate a link between these vascular features and the patient's genetic condition.
Microsurgical anatomy of the central lobe
Authors: Frigeri Thomas , Paglioli Eliseu , de Oliveira Evandro , Rhoton Albert L.
Published: January 2015

OBJECT

Central Lobe consists of the pre- and postcentral gyri on the lateral surface and the Paracentral Lobule on the medial surface and corresponds to the sensorimotor cortex. The objective of the present study was to define the neural features, craniometric relationships, arterial supply, and venous drainage of the central lobe.

METHODS

Cadaveric hemispheres dissected using microsurgical techniques provided the material for this study.

RESULTS

The coronal suture is closer to the precentral gyrus and central sulcus at its lower rather than at its upper end, but they are closest at a point near where the superior temporal line crosses the coronal suture. The arterial supply of the lower two-thirds of the lateral surface of the central lobe was from the central, precentral, and anterior parietal branches that arose predominantly from the superior trunk of the middle cerebral artery. The medial surface and the superior third of the lateral surface were supplied by the posterior interior frontal, paracentral, and superior parietal branches of the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries. The venous drainage of the superior two-thirds of the lateral surface and the central lobe on the medial surface was predominantly through the superior sagittal sinus, and the inferior third of the lateral surface was predominantly through the superficial sylvian veins to the sphenoparietal sinus or the vein of Labbé to the transverse sinus.

CONCLUSIONS

The pre- and postcentral gyri and paracentral lobule have a morphological and functional anatomy that differentiates them from the remainder of their respective lobes and are considered by many as a single lobe. An understanding of the anatomical relationships of the central lobe can be useful in preoperative planning and in establishing reliable intraoperative landmarks.