bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Batch Intensive Quenching Processes for Minimizing Steel Part Distortion and Improving Part Performance Characteristics
Authors: Kobasko N. I. , Aronov M. A. , Guseynov SH. E. , Rimshans J. S.
Published: June 2014

This paper discusses an intensive quenching method known as the IQ-2 process. The IQ-2 method is a two- or three-step quenching process for steel parts conducted in highly agitated water. The method is based on the use of a self-regulated thermal process that takes place during the quenching of steel parts in cold liquids such as water or water–salt solution. This quenching method eliminates the film boiling process and provides better control of the martensitic transformation during quenching, resulting in a significant reduction of part distortion after quenching. It also improves material mechanical properties and the performance characteristics of steel parts. It is underlined that proper software and equipment should be used when applying the IQ-2 quenching method for steel parts. Several practical examples of the application of the IQ-2 process are provided.
The Loss of Vietnam
Authors: Dae-Yeong Youn
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the ways in which Koreans wrote about Vietnam in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. From viewing Vietnam as an object of curiosity during the Lê Dynasty or as an inferior tributary state during the Tây Sơn period, Koreans began to talk about Vietnam differently as the nineteenth century progressed. As the French gradually conquered and colonized Vietnam, and as Koreans sensed that their land was in danger of a similar fate, Korean government officials and intellectuals made repeated reference to Vietnam in their writings. Vietnam came to symbolize the fate that Korea faced if the right actions were not taken, and the image of Vietnam was thus conjured up by various peoples as they sought to promote their ideas. In the end, the image of Vietnam came to play an important role in the Korean efforts to find a path through the difficult years of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Vertebroplasty Using Calcium Triglyceride Bone Cement (Kryptonite™) for Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Guarnieri Gianluigi , Tecame Mario , Izzo Roberto , Vassallo Pasquale , Sardaro Angela , Iasiello Francesca , Cavaliere Carlo , Muto Mario
Published: June 2014

This study assessed the one-year clinical and radiographic outcomes, in terms of pain-relief, vertebral re-fracture and complications, after vertebroplasty (VP) using a new osteoconductive cement (calcium triglyceride bone cement - Kryptonite™ bone cement, Doctors Research Group Inc., Southbury, CT, USA) to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Sixteen consecutive osteoporotic patients (12 women and four men, mean age 68+/-10.5) were treated with VP using Kryptonite™ bone cement for a total of 20 vertebral fractures. All the patients complained of a pain syndrome resistant to medical therapy and all procedures were performed under fluoroscopy control with neuroleptoanalgesia using a monopedicular approach in 12 patients and bipedicular approach in four patients. All patients were studied by MR and MDCT and were evaluated with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) before treatment and at one and 12 months after the procedure.

A successful outcome was observed in 80% of patients, with a complete resolution of pain. Differences in pre and post treatment VAS and ODI at one-year follow-up were significant (P<0.0001). We observed a disk and venous leakage in 66% of patients but only in one case did an asymptomatic pulmonary embolism occur during cement injection. Two cases of vertebral re-fractures at distant metamers were observed during follow-up.

VP using Kryptonite bone cement is a helpful procedure that allows complete and long-lasting resolution of painful vertebral symptoms. The cost of the material is very high and the rate of disk and venous leakage is too high compared to standard cement.
Needle-in-Needle Technique for Percutaneous Retrieval of a Fractured Biopsy Needle during CT-Guided Biopsy of the Thoracic Spine
Authors: Shaikh Hamza , Thawani Jayesh , Pukenas Bryan
Published: June 2014

Common complications related to CT-guided percutaneous thoracic bone biopsy procedures include pneumothorax and muscular hematoma. Serious, but rare complications include paralysis, nerve injury, CSF leak, and aortic injury. Device failure has not been well documented in the literature. We discuss our experience with biopsy needle breakage during retrieval of a core specimen and the technique used to help retrieve an embedded needle using a CT fluoroscopic-guided, needle-in-needle approach.

A 43 year-old man with Stage IIIa NSCLC was found to have a T11 vertebral body lesion as seen on PET, CT, and MR imaging. The patient underwent a CT-guided biopsy in the prone position. The T11 vertebral body was localized and cannulated using the percutaneous Bonopty® (Apriomed, Upsala, Sweden) needle device. After fine needle aspiration samples were obtained, a core needle biopsy was attempted with a 16-gauge device. The needle fractured 4 cm deep to the skin during removal of a sclerotic lesion, leaving a retained portion within the pedicle and vertebral body.

Using CT-guided fluoroscopy, a large diameter Murphy M2 needle was advanced over the distal portion of the fractured Bonopty needle. The Murphy M2 needle was advanced distal to the tip of the Bonopty needle and removed, capturing the broken Bonopty penetration needle along with a core specimen. Larger-bore biopsy needle systems and/or a coaxial system should be used to perform core biopsies in sclerotic lesions to prevent device fracture. If there is device fracture, a larger-bore needle may be used to help capture the fractured needle and prevent open surgery.
Dural Arteriovenous Shunt Development in Patients with Vein of Galen Malformation
Authors: Paramasivam Srinivasan , Niimi Yasunari , Meila Dan , Berenstein Alejandro
Published: June 2014

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) associated with our series of patients with vein of Galen malformations (VOGM) are analyzed and discussed.

We retrospectively analyzed 87 consecutive cases of VOGM treated between May 2002 and December 2011 and identified 26 patients with DAVF. We gathered information from the clinical case records, angiographic images, MRI on presentation and during follow-up. The findings were analyzed to aid discussion.

Among 87 patients treated by multi-stage endovascular embolization, age range from newborn to 19 years, 26 (30%) had DAVF. In seven patients (8%), DAVF were found on initial angiogram and were all into the VOGM. Nineteen (21%) DAVF found on follow-up angiograms were all into the VOGM and distant locations. Sprouting and non-sprouting angiogenesis resulted in the formation of a network of vessels around partially thrombosed VOGM, recruiting blood from the surrounding dura mater resulting in a secondary network on the dura mater supplied by the blood vessels of dura mater in the region or from its natural collaterals. Embolization targeting DAVFs was done in 13 (52%) with complete cure in eight (32%) and recurrence in five (20%). Among 12 non-embolized patients (48%), eight (32%) had spontaneous regression with continued treatment of VOGM. In others, the DAVF either remained stable or progressed.

DAVF associated with VOGM represent the dural response to angiogenic stimuli. They are observed to regress spontaneously or mature while continuing to treat the primary feeders of VOGM. It is important to include the external carotid system during angiograms. Persistent DAVF with residual VOGM that do not have access though the pial vessels are used as a conduit to treat the dural shunt and to achieve obliteration of residual VOGM at later stages of treatment.
Clinical evidence-based cutoff limits for GH stimulation tests in children with a backup of results with reference to mass spectrometry
Authors: Wagner I V , Paetzold C , Gausche R , Vogel M , Koerner A , Thiery J , Arsene C G , Henrion A , Guettler B , Keller E , Kiess W , Pfaeffle R , Kratzsch J
Published: June 2014

Context

Cutoff limits of GH stimulation tests to diagnose GH deficiency (GHD) in children and adolescents are not sufficiently validated by clinical studies due to discrepancies in the performance of GH immunoassays and lack of available study populations.

Objective

We aimed to establish new cutoff limits for GH stimulation tests based on clinical evidence and compared these immunoassay-based values with an antibody-independent mass spectrometric method.

Design and setting

In a retrospective study, GH cutoff limits for eight different immunoassays and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ID-MS) were calculated from hGH peak concentrations of short-statured children with and without GHD.

Patients

We compared the serum GH peak concentrations at GH stimulation test of 52 short-statured children and adolescents, who have normal GH secretion at initial workup and normal growth in the follow-up, with the serum GH peak concentrations of 44 GHD patients in the same age range, in order to optimize the cutoff limit calculation.

Results

Discriminant analysis of re-measured GH led to a new cutoff limit of 7.09 μg/l using the iSYS assay (IDS) and the limits for the other seven hGH assays varied between 4.32 and 7.77 μg/l. For ID-MS, cutoffs of 5.48 μg/l (22k GH) and 7.43 μg/l (total GH) were ascertained.

Conclusion

The establishment of method-specific clinical evidence-based GH cutoff limits is of importance to ensure adequate clinical diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with GHD. ID-MS may become an important tool for providing both reliable and sustainable SI traceability of GH measurements in the future.
Categorical feminism
Authors: Attenborough Frederick
Published: June 2014

This article focuses on online assessments of a controversial British television advertisement. Across blogs, websites and forums, a range of stances emerged in debates about its possible “sexism”, “humour”, “misogyny”, or “realism”. The analytic interest here is in the ways that assessors invoked “f-” categories (e.g., “feminism”, “feminist”) as part of their assessments: across the data corpus, people would locate themselves or others in relation to “feminism”, where “feminism” was variously old-fashioned, modern, prejudiced, vital, dogmatic, complex, and/or many other things besides. To account for this variability, the article pursues an ethnomethodologically-oriented policy of treating categories not as vectors for in-the-head social attitudes, but as resources for on-the-screen social actions. Categories thus became analysable not for what they revealed about their authors’ real thoughts vis-a-vis feminism, but for how they functioned as crucial components of recipient-designed online assessments. Studying examples of positive and negative assessments, the paper subsequently shows that and how users claimed or denied their own (or some others’) allegiance to “f-” categories as a method for strengthening their own (or undermining others’) assessments. A concluding discussion considers the wider applications of a categorial approach to feminism in a world of increasingly mediated interaction.
Powerful women, vulnerable men and postfeminist masculinity in men’s popular fiction
Authors: Gill Rosalind
Published: June 2014

Part of a wider project concerned with the mediation of intimate relationships, this paper examines ‘guy lit’, ‘lad lit’ or ‘postfeminist male romances’. The genre has been growing for the past two decades but has received little scholarly attention. Understood as an answer to ‘chick lit’, the genre is organised around the trials and tribulations of young to middle-aged men as they navigate the perils of growing up and looking for love. The analysis presented here is not concerned with literary merit or cultural value but rather looks sociologically at these popular texts, examining their constructions of masculinity, femininity and intimate gender relations. Drawing on an analysis of 25 novels, the paper explores the ‘unheroic masculinity’ depicted, in which men are presented as troubled, bumbling, hypochondriacal losers in counterpoint to women’s (apparently effortless) success and accomplishments. Although the affable, self-deprecating (un)heroes of postfeminist male romances seem like unlikely ideological warriors, the paper argues that this patterned popular construction effects ideological work by contributing to a distinctively postfeminist sensibility in which male power is repudiated, while feminism is humorously ‘sent up’.
Earwitnesses: the type of voice lineup affects the proportion of correct identifications and the realism in confidence judgments
Authors: Sarwar Farhan , Allwood Carl Martin , Zetterholm Elisabeth
Published: June 2014

According to Tulving and Thomson (1973) similarity in encoding and recall contexts will facilitate recall. We investigated if similarity between the original voice event and the voice-lineup helps people to identify the target from a voice-lineup and helps improve the realism in participants’ confidence judgments of the identification reports. Participants (N=199) tried to identify a voice heard in a dialogue context that simulated two males 22 and 27 years old planning a burglary. In the Text-lineup condition six male speakers read a text from a book and in the Dialogue-lineup condition the same speakers had a dialogue with another male speaker. Each recording lasted approx. 30 seconds. The Text-lineup condition showed better identification accuracy, lower overconfidence and better calibration compared with the Dialogue-lineup condition. These results deviate from Tulving and Thomson's encoding specificity principle in memory psychology, maybe because text reading provides more useful voice features compared to dialogues.
Organ damage in Atlantic herring larvae as a result of ocean acidification
Authors: Frommel Andrea Y. , Maneja Rommel , Lowe David , Pascoe Christine K. , Geffen Audrey J. , Folkvord Arild , Piatkowski Uwe , Clemmesen Catriona
Published: June 2014

The dissolution of anthropogenically emitted excess carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the world's ocean water. The larvae of mass spawning marine fishes may be particularly vulnerable to such ocean acidification (OA), yet the generality of earlier results is unclear. Here we show the detrimental effects of OA on the development of a commercially important fish species, the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). Larvae were reared at three levels of CO2: today (0.0385 kPa), end of next century (0.183 kPa), and a coastal upwelling scenario (0.426 kPa), under near‐natural conditions in large outdoor tanks. Exposure to elevated CO2 levels resulted in stunted growth and development, decreased condition, and severe tissue damage in many organs, with the degree of damage increasing with CO2 concentration. This complements earlier studies of OA on Atlantic cod larvae that revealed similar organ damage but at increased growth rates and no effect on condition.
Soil biochar amendment in a nature restoration area: effects on plant productivity and community composition
Authors: van de Voorde Tess F. J. , Bezemer T. Martijn , Van Groenigen Jan Willem , Jeffery Simon , Mommer Liesje
Published: June 2014

Biochar (pyrolyzed biomass) amendment to soils has been shown to have a multitude of positive effects, e.g., on crop yield, soil quality, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. So far the majority of studies have focused on agricultural systems, typically with relatively low species diversity and annual cropping schemes. How biochar amendment affects plant communities in more complex and diverse ecosystems that can evolve over time is largely unknown. We investigated such effects in a field experiment at a Dutch nature restoration area.

In April 2011, we set up an experiment using biochar produced from cuttings collected from a local natural grassland. The material was pyrolyzed at 400°C or at 600°C. After biochar or residue (non‐pyrolyzed cuttings) application (10 Mg/ha), all plots, including control (0 Mg/ha) plots, were sown with an 18‐species grassland mixture. In August 2011, we determined characteristics of the developed plant community, as well as soil nutrient status.

Biochar amendment did not alter total plant productivity, but it had a strong and significant effect on plant community composition. Legumes were three times as abundant and individual legume plants increased four times in biomass in plots that received biochar as compared to the control treatment. Biomass of the most abundant forb (Plantago lanceolata) was not affected by biochar addition. Available phosphorous, potassium, and pH were significantly higher in soils that received biochar than in Control soils. The rate of biological nitrogen fixation and seed germination were not altered by biochar amendment, but the total amount of biological N fixed per Trifolium pratense (red clover) plant was more than four times greater in biochar‐amended soil.

This study demonstrates that biochar amendment has a strong and rapid effect on plant communities and soil nutrients. Over time these changes may cascade up to other trophic groups, including above‐ and belowground organisms. Our results emphasize the need for long‐term studies that examine not only the short‐term effects of biochar amendment, but also follow how these effects evolve over time and affect ecosystem functioning.
Trade‐offs between soil‐based functions in wetlands restored with soil amendments of differing lability
Authors: Ballantine Katherine A. , Lehmann Johannes , Schneider Rebecca L. , Groffman Peter M.
Published: June 2014

Soil amendments have been proposed as a means to speed the development of plant and soil processes that contribute to water quality, habitat, and biodiversity functions in restored wetlands. However, because natural wetlands often act as significant methane sources, it remains unknown if amendments will also stimulate emissions of this greenhouse gas from restored wetlands. In this study, we investigated the potential trade‐offs of incorporating soil amendments into wetland restoration methodology. We used controlled field‐scale manipulations in four recently restored depressional freshwater wetlands in western New York, USA to investigate the impact that soils amended with organic materials have on water‐quality functions and methane production in the first three years of development. Results showed that amendments, topsoil in particular, were effective for stimulating the development of a suite of biological (microbial biomass increased by 106% and respiration by 26%) and physicochemical (cation exchange capacity increased by 10%) soil properties indicative of water‐quality functions. Furthermore, increases in microbial biomass and activity lasted for a significantly longer period of time (years instead of days) than studies examining less recalcitrant amendments. However, amended plots also had 20% times higher potential net methane production than control plots three years after restoration. Wetlands restoration projects are implemented to achieve a variety of goals, commonly including habitat provision, biodiversity, and water‐quality functions, but also carbon sequestration, flood abatement, cultural heritage and livelihood preservation, recreation, education, and others. Projects should strive to achieve their specific goals while also evaluating the potential tradeoffs between wetland functions.
Comparison of Two Differently Processed Acellular Dermal Matrix Products for Root Coverage Procedures: A Prospective, Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Hom‐Lay , Romanos Georgios E. , Geurs Nicolaas C. , Sullivan Andrew , Suárez‐López del Amo Fernando , Eber Robert M.
Published: June 2014

Background: The purpose of this multicenter randomly controlled clinical trial was to compare two acellular dermal matrix (ADM) materials produced by different processing techniques, freeze‐dried (FDADM) and solvent‐dehydrated (SDADM) ADM, in their ability to correct Miller Class I and II recession defects.

Methods: Eighty individuals from four study centers, each with a single maxillary anterior Miller Class I or II recession defect were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned and treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) + FDADM (n = 42) or CAF + SDADM (n = 38). Gingival thickness, recession depth, recession width, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, gingival index, plaque index, patient discomfort, and wound healing index were recorded before surgery (day 0), immediately after surgery (day 1), and 2, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postoperatively. The Student t test, paired t test, and Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.

Results: When evaluating the clinical parameters after 1 year, both groups showed significant (P <0.05) improvement for most of the parameters evaluated when compared to baseline (day 0). For example, percentage of root coverage was 77.21% ± 29.10% for CAF + FDADM and 71.01% ± 32.87% for CAF + SDADM. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between the two materials for any clinical parameter tested or for patient satisfaction except PD on the mesial side of the defects (P = 0.03).

Conclusions: Both FDADM and SDADM can be used successfully to correct Miller Class I or II recession defects. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for any of the clinical parameters tested.
Saudi Aramco Downhole Corrosion/Scaling Operational Experience and Challenges in HP/HT Gas Condensate Producers
Authors: Al-Tammar Jawad I. , Bonis Michel , Choi Ho Jin , Al-Salim Yousef
Published: June 2014

This paper shares Saudi Aramco's operational experience and challenges with downhole sweet and sour corrosion and scaling tendencies in the carbon steel (CS) completions. It also reports the company's approach to deal with these issues. Corrosion in wells drilled in sour gas bearing reservoirs commonly occurs in conjunction with iron sulfide scale deposits in the lowermost section of the production tubing and liner. Historically, the progression of sour corrosion has been relatively slow, so CS completions are cost-effective as the frequency of required workovers is low. Nevertheless, although scale deposits are not confirmed to curtail well productivity they reduce wellbore accessibility, which sometimes necessitates their removal by rig-less mechanical operation. Scale removal from old completions resulted in failure of the tubular integrity. In most sour gas wells corrosion starts posing scaling and obstruction problems inside the tubing far before any leaking risk. It is worth noting that this experience is consistent with field cases experienced by Total or other operators, as recently reported in the literature. The company experience with sweet gas producers have shown corrosion tendency to occur at shallow depths with no observed scale deposits. Corrosion was in the form of localized spaced scratches in the joints and metal loss in the pin- and box-ends. For these wells, the average life cycle of tubulars exceeds 10 years. The results from this field study might benefit the world gas producers of Saudi Aramco's intensive and diversified experience and of the completion practices that the company has adapted to develop the high temperature gas condensate fields. It is of particular interest to understand why the corrosion observed on these sweet wells is significantly lower than predicted by most carbon dioxide (CO2) corrosion prediction models.
Environmental impact assessment of the nuclear reactor at Vinca, based on the data on emission of radioactivity from the literature: A modeling approach
Authors: Grsic Z. , Pavlovic S. , Arbutina D. , Dramlic S. , Dramlic D. , Nikezic D. , Dimovic S. , Kaljevic J. , Milincic M.
Published: June 2014

Research activities of Vinca Institite have been based on two heavy water
research reactors: 10 MW one, RA and zero power RB. Reactor RA was
operational from 1962 to 1982. In 2010, spent fuel have been sent to the
country of origin, and reactor now is in decommissioning. During operational
phase of the reactor there were no recorded accidental releases into the
environment just operational ones. Results of the environmental impact
assessment, of the assumed emission of radionuclides, from the ventilation
of nuclear reactor "RA" in Vinca, to the atmospheric boundary layer are
presented in this paper. Evaluation was done by using the Gaussian
straight-line diffusion model and taking into account characteristics of the
reactor ventilation system, the assumed emission release of radioactivity
(from the literature), site-specific meteorological data for six-year period
and local topography around nuclear reactor, and corresponding dose factors
for inventory of radionuclides. Based on the described approach, and
assuming that the range of appropriate meteorological data for six year
period for the application of described mathematical model is enough for
this kind of analysis, it can be concluded that the nuclear reactor "RA", in
the course of its work from 1962 to 1982, had no influence on the
surrounding environment through the air above regulatory limits.
Asymmetric Cost Behavior
Authors: Banker Rajiv D. , Byzalov Dmitri
Published: June 2014

We synthesize the growing literature on asymmetric cost behavior—a new way of thinking about costs and, by extension, earnings. While the traditional cost behavior model describes a mechanistic relation between activity and costs, this alternative view recognizes the primitives of cost behavior—resource adjustment costs and managerial decisions. These primitives give rise to “sticky” and “anti-sticky” costs, along with traditional “fixed” and “variable” costs as extreme cases. We formulate an integrated framework of asymmetric cost behavior and review the empirical evidence in support of this framework and its implications for both cost and financial accounting research. We clarify empirical issues and show that recent contrary claims about the validity of findings in the literature are unwarranted because of econometric errors. We present new comprehensive evidence from Global Compustat, which demonstrates that asymmetric cost behavior is a pervasive global phenomenon. We also discuss research opportunities.
Outsourcing the Information System: Determinants, Risks, and Implications for Management Control Systems
Authors: Christ Margaret H. , Mintchik Natalia , Chen Long , Bierstaker James L.
Published: June 2014

Organizations are outsourcing traditional functions that have financial reporting implications, such as transaction processing and valuation assessments, with increasing frequency. This practice of outsourcing aspects of the information system transforms the control structure of the outsourcing company and creates new challenges for management and accountants that are not explicitly addressed by current research. In this paper we synthesize academic literature and regulatory guidance on using third parties to perform functions with financial reporting implications (i.e., service organizations) and identify specific opportunities for future accounting research. To provide structure to our review and highlight knowledge gaps, we develop an organizing framework that links existing theories of outsourcing determinants to outsourcing risks and identifies the advantages and limitations of certain control mechanisms to mitigate such risks. Very little academic research exists on the use of service organizations, despite the rapid growth of this practice and regulators' concerns that financial reporting quality may suffer due to inappropriate management oversight and audit deficiencies. We provide insights for future research on (1) factors influencing companies' decisions to outsource the information system, (2) risks that arise when companies outsource the information system, and (3) implications for management control systems.
Shear Bond Strength of Four Different Repair Materials Applied to Bis-acryl Resin Provisional Materials Measured 10 Minutes, One Hour, and Two Days After Bonding
Authors: Shim JS , Park YJ , Manaloto ACF , Shin SW , Lee JY , Choi YJ , Ryu JJ
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the shear bond strength of repaired provisional restoration materials 1) to compare the bond strengths between bis-acryl resin and four different materials and 2) to investigate the effect of the amount of time elapsed after bonding on the bond strength. The self-cured bis-acryl resin (Luxatemp) was used as the base material, and four different types of resins (Luxatemp, Protemp, Z350 flowable, and Z350) were used as the repair materials. Specimens were divided into three groups depending on the point of time of shear bond strength measurement: 10 minutes, one hour, and 48 hours. Shear bond strengths were measured with a universal testing machine, and the fracture surface was examined with a video measuring system. Two-way analysis of variance revealed that the repair materials (p<0.001) and the amount of time elapsed after bonding (p<0.001) significantly affected the repair strength. All of the repaired materials showed increasing bond strength with longer storage time. The highest bond strength and cohesive failure were observed for bonding between Luxatemp base and Luxatemp at 48 hours after bonding.
Bianchi types I and V bulk viscous fluid cosmological models in f(R, T) gravity theory
Authors: Ram Shri , Kumari Priyanka
Published: June 2014

In this paper we present non-singular Bianchi types I and V cosmological models, in the presence of bulk viscous fluid and within the framework of f(R,T) gravity theory. Exact solutions to the field equations are obtained by choosing a particular form of the function f(R,T) and a special value for the average scale factor of the model, which corresponds to a time- dependent deceleration parameter. The cosmological models initially accelerate for a certain period of time and thereafter decelerate. The physical and kinematical properties of the models of the universe are discussed.
Optical properties of a liquid crystal with small ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices and small optical anisotropy
Authors: Kędzierski J. , Garbat K. , Raszewski Z. , Kojdecki M. , Kowiorski K. , Jaroszewicz L. , Miszczyk E. , Dąbrowski R. , Zieliński J. , Piecek W.
Published: June 2014

Optical properties of a nematic liquid crystal with small refractive index and small birefringence were studied. The ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices and birefringence were measured as functions of temperature by using an Abbe refractometer and wedge nematic cells. From values of these indices the nematic orientational order parameter was calculated by using several methods and corresponding mathematical models. Kuczyński et al. method was found to be suitable for determining the order parameter also for materials featuring small ordinary refractive index, with unknown density.
Investigation of structural, optical and electrical properties of (Ti,Nb)Ox thin films deposited by high energy reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Mazur Michal , Kaczmarek Danuta , Prociow Eugeniusz , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Wojcieszak Damian , Bocheński Jakub
Published: June 2014

In this work the results of investigations of the titanium-niobium oxides thin films have been reported. The thin films were manufactured with the aid of a modified reactive magnetron sputtering process. The aim of the research was the analysis of structural, optical and electrical properties of the deposited thin films. Additionally, the influence of post-process annealing on the properties of studied coatings has been presented. The as-deposited coatings were amorphous, while annealing at 873 K caused a structural change to the mixture of TiO2 anatase-rutile phases. The prepared thin films exhibited good transparency with transmission level of ca. 50 % and low resistivity varying from 2 Ωcm to 5×10−2 Ωcm, depending on the time and temperature of annealing. What is worth to emphasize, the sign of Seebeck coefficient changed after the annealing process from the electron to hole type electrical conduction.
The effect of Leiber Beta-S on selected immunity indicators in calves
Authors: Wójcik Roman
Published: June 2014

A wide variety of dietary supplements containing polysaccharides are being introduced on the market. One of them is Leiber Beta-S (β-1,3/1,6-D-glucan) whose immunostimulatory effects have not yet been fully evaluated, in particular in polygastric animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this supplement on selected indicators of cellular and humoral immunity in calves. The experiment was performed on 14 calves aged 30 ± 2 days, divided into two equal groups of control and experimental animals. The feed administered to calves of the experimental group was supplemented with Leiber Beta-S at 50 mg/kg body weight, whereas control calves were administered standard farm-made feed without supplementation. Blood was sampled before the experiment (day 0) and on days 15, 30 and 60 to determine the immunity indicators (proliferative response of lipopolysaccharide- and concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocytes, respiratory burst activity, potential killing activity of phagocytes, gamma globulin concentrations, lysozyme activity, ceruloplasmin activity) and biochemical indicator (total protein concentrations). Diet supplemented with Leiber Beta-S stimulated the immune system of calves. Significant differences between the experimental and the control group were found in lysozyme and ceruloplasmin activity, gamma globulin concentrations, potential killing activity of phagocytes, proliferative response of lymphocytes (P < 0.001) and respiratory burst activity of phagocytes (P < 0.05). No differences were found in the serum total protein between the experimental and the control group. This study reports for the first time the effect of Leiber Beta-S (β-1,3/1,6-D-glucan) on selected biochemical and immunity indicators in calves.
Effect of age on contents of fatty acids in whole bodies of pheasants throughout their growth
Authors: Jakešová Petra , Zapletal David , Jůzl Radovan , Rusníková Lucie , Suchý Pavel , Straková Eva
Published: June 2014

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of age on the proportion of particular fatty acids in the whole bodies of pheasants fattened for up to 118 days of age. In the experiment, 232 chicks of common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were used. In the course of the experiment, the required number of pheasants was randomly selected for analysis at regular 10-day intervals. The age of pheasant chicks had a significant effect on the content of all fatty acids. Significant changes in the proportion of fatty acid groups were recorded mainly at 20, 40 and 60 days of age. By 20 days of age the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased considerably in relation to the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the n6/n3 ratio decreased markedly. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids increased between day 20 and day 40, causing a simultaneous decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids. From day 40, the monounsaturated fatty acid content increased gradually till the end of fattening, whereas the reverse trend was observed in the saturated fatty acid content in this period. As for polyunsaturated fatty acids, their presence increased from day 40 to day 60, followed by a gradual decrease till the end of fattening. The results of our work showed the different ability of pheasants to digest and utilize particular fatty acids with varying efficiency throughout their growth. The study brings new findings concerning changes in fatty acid composition of pheasants during fattening.
Effects of herbs and spice on health status of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) challenged with Streptococcus iniae
Authors: Gültepe Nejdet , Bilen Soner , Yılmaz Sevdan , Güroy Derya , Aydın Seyit
Published: June 2014

Effects of different herbal extracts on the growth and immune defense of fish were researched in the last decade. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) as a feed additive on haematology, innate immune response, and disease resistance of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). In total 228 healthy fish tilapia were divided into four groups (57 fish in one group) and fed diets supplemented with thyme, rosemary and fenugreek at levels of 1%, respectively; fish in the control group were fed diet without any spices. Fish were fed ad libitum three times a day for 45 days. All fish of the experimental groups significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced phagocytic activity, haematocrit, white blood cell, red blood cell, neutrophil and monocyte counts in blood. Significant (P < 0.05) increase of plasma myeloperoxidase and lysozyme activity was found in fish receiving a feed supplemented with fenugreek after 30 days. Respiratory burst activity was non-significantly (P > 0.05) changed during the whole experiment. After 45 days of feeding, fish were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μl of Streptococcus iniae (8 × 108 colony forming unit). The cumulative mortality was 22%, 27% and 31% in fish receiving diets supplemented with 1% thyme, rosemary and fenugreek, respectively, compared to 61% mortality in the control group. The results indicate that all three supplements used improved the haematological status, non-specific immune response and disease resistance of tilapia against S. iniae; this is the first similar study.
Contents of chemical elements in tissues of European badger (Meles meles) affected by ovarian tumour – a case report
Authors: Bukovjan Karel , Toman Aleš , Kutlvašr Karel , Marada Petr , Kodet Roman , Sláma Petr , Křikava Libor
Published: June 2014

Higher concentrations of chemical elements in animal tissues may be associated with tumours and may explain cancerogenity. In this study, selected chemical elements were measured in the liver, kidneys, muscles and tissues affected by tumour in a dead female European badger (Meles meles) with a metastatic ovarian carcinoma. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for the assessment of concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc. AMA 254 analyser was used for the assessment of mercury concentration. Concentrations of heavy metals such as As, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and total Hg amounted to 0.031, 0.16, 7.74, 44.54, 0.67, 0.67, and 0.36 mg·kg-1 in the tumour tissue. This is the first detection of ovarian tumour in a European badger (Meles meles) which was systematically examined for the presence of chemical elements.
The assessment of colostral immunity in dairy calves based on serum biochemical indicators and their relationships
Authors: Šlosárková Soňa , Fleischer Petr , Pěnkava Oldřich , Skřivánek Miloslav
Published: June 2014

Passive transfer of immunity in dairy calves is routinely monitored in North America. This study analyzes such type of biochemistry monitoring in 591 calves (Holstein, Fleckvieh) from 19 large farms in the Czech Republic. All calves, aged 1–6 days, were blood sampled once. Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, zinc sulphate turbidity units and γ-glutamyltransferase activity were analysed by photometry methods. The samples were divided according to concentrations of total protein and zinc sulphate turbidity units, and the age of calves. These groups were compared using nonparametric tests. The samples had good mean values (total protein 63.5 g·l-1, albumin 30.5 g·l-1, zinc sulphate turbidity 11.5 U, γ-glutamyltransferase 10.7 μkat·l-1) but 41% and 54% of calves had low total protein (< 60 g·l-1) and zinc sulphate turbidity (< 12 U), respectively. The calves with low total protein showed markedly worse values in all indicators (P < 0.001). The groups according to zinc sulphate turbidity (thresholds 5, 10, 15 U) demonstrated gradual differences (P < 0.001) in all indicators except albumin. Only γ-glutamyltransferase showed very distinct age-sensitive differences; the highest activity was in 1-day-old calves (18.3 μkat·l-1); calves aged 3–6 days had significantly lower activity. It is newly suggested that samples be taken from calves 1–3 days old for γ-glutamyltransferase analysis and traditionally anytime during the first week of life for all other indicators. This first extensive analysis of passive transfer in Central Europe shows that there are widespread deficiencies in the feeding of colostrum to calves.
Effect of micro-encapsulated n-3 fatty acids on quality properties of two types of dry sausages
Authors: Pavlík Zdeněk , Saláková Alena , Kameník Josef , Pospíšil Jan , Králová Michaela , Steinhauserová Iva
Published: June 2014

Dry sausages are popular traditional meat products. As these products are a rich source of animal fat, there is an effort to improve their fatty acid ratio. The aim of this work was to study the effect of micro-encapsulated n-3 fatty acids added into dry sausages. Samples of dry sausages (Poličan and Vysočina) enriched with unsaturated fatty acids (36 g for 6 kg of mixture) and rosemary extract (0.3 g·kg-1) were made along with control samples. Physicochemical, instrumental analyses were performed, fatty acid profile was measured by gas chromatography, and oxidation processes were monitored by determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. No significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) in quality indicators were found between samples, however, there were differences in oxidation processes. Sausages enriched with unsaturated fatty acids showed an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (> 2 mg·kg-1 and > 3 mg·kg-1 in Poličan and Vysočina, respectively, compared to control). Sausages enriched with unsaturated fatty acids and also with rosemary extract have the similar concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances as the control. An increase in the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids was seen in samples of Poličan supplemented with unsaturated fatty acids in combination with rosemary extract. The addition of rosemary extract had also a significant effect in increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in samples of Vysočina. From the viewpoint of quality indicators, changes in the properties of the product were not seen in any samples.
Balancing on a Tightrope: Customer Relational Capital, Value Creation and Disclosure
Authors: Beattie Vivien , Roslender Robin , Smith Sarah Jane
Published: June 2014

This paper documents and compares the perceptions of key functional specialists regarding the contribution of 16 customer relational capital components to value creation and the motivations underlying its external disclosure. Findings of questionnaire surveys to samples of UK listed company marketing directors (who create customer relational capital) and finance directors (who report customer relational capital) are supplemented by follow-up interviews. Marketing directors and finance directors broadly agreed on the relevant importance of the components to value creation. While companies attempted to internally collate information on those components of most value creation importance, there was a lack of correlation between perceived value creation importance and the extent of external disclosure. This suggests that external disclosure is a poor proxy for value creation importance. In terms of disclosure incentives, marketing directors prioritise trust creation among a range of stakeholders whereas finance directors take a more share holder-centric perspective. External disclosure attracts new customers and informs other stakeholders, yet may adversely affect relationships with existing customers and/or breach specific non-disclosure agreements or generic industry restrictions and regulations. Harming competitive position is considered the major disclosure disincentive. In the view of marketing directors, managing the external disclosure of relational capital is akin to balancing on a tightrope.
The Paradox of Scottish Political Culture
Authors: Paterson Lindsay
Published: June 2014

Scottish political culture adhered to a form of universalism from the Enlightenment until quite recently. In that sense, it denied its own distinctiveness, asserting as part of the very definition of the nation that national distinctiveness ought to be subsumed into liberal principles that are applicable everywhere and at all times. These universalistic ideas changed as society changed, and became more truly universal with the advent of universal democracy and the end of Empire. They are one reason why Scotland remained attached to the British union, and indeed Britain itself came to embody the concept of universalism from the middle of the eighteenth century until well after the middle of the twentieth. Recent Scottish political assertion has, however, moved away from this self-confident universalism. The article discusses the implications for the current debate about Scottish independence of both the longer history and the recent change.
Engendering the Independence Debate
Authors: Kenny Meryl
Published: June 2014

Women's voices and issues of gender equality have been largely missing from wider constitutional debates in the run-up to the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. This stands in sharp contrast to their prominence in the devolution debates of the 1990s. This contribution asks why this is the case, assessing the gendered dimensions of the referendum debate, and evaluating the opportunities and challenges that the independence referendum offers for women and for gender equality, focusing in particular on women's political representation.
Newly Enfranchised Voters: Political Attitudes of Under 18-Year Olds in the Context of the Referendum on Scotland's Constitutional Future
Authors: Eichhorn Jan
Published: June 2014

This paper summarises results from the only representative and comprehensive survey of Scots under the age of 18 who will be enfranchised to vote in the referendum in September 2014 following the lowering of the voting age to 16. Many claims have been made about young people and their alleged disengagement from politics. This paper challenges such assertions and suggests that political interest amongst young people is similar to that of adults, however there is an observed distance to existing institutionalised actors such as political parties. In addition, the paper explores how young people form their attitudes on the issue. In doing so it criticises those who claimed that young people would be easily biased to vote in a particular way by their parents or teachers as no such negative effects can be observed.
‘I didn't have a clue what we were doing’: (not) engaging 16 and 17 year old Voters in Scotland
Authors: Stewart Ellen A. , Wilson Iain , Donnelly Peter D. , Greer Scott L.
Published: June 2014

Calls to extend the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds are gaining ground, with the 2014 Referendum on Scottish Independence potentially acting as a test ground for wider reforms. Debates on the relative merits of this decision aside, there is little practical experience of registering and engaging young people with major elections in the Scottish context. This article reports research on pilot Health Board Elections held in two areas of Scotland in 2010. 16 and 17 year olds were entitled to vote in these elections, and yet many were excluded by difficulties with registration, and turnout among those who did register was strikingly low. Drawing on focus groups in local schools, we draw out some key lessons for future efforts to engage young voters in Scotland.