bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior of the Welded Steel of a Railway Bridge
Authors: Miranda Roberto M.C. , Albuquerque Carlos , Richter-Trummer Valentin , de Figueiredo Miguel A.V. , Calçada Rui , de Castro Paulo M.S.T.
Published: November 2012

In the context of a R&D project concerning the new Alcácer do Sal composite railway bridge, a study of the fatigue crack growth on samples of its base material and weldments was performed. For this purpose, tests were carried out on CT specimens designed according to ASTM E647 standard, using the approximate thickness (B) of a structural detail of interest, B=32mm. The choice of B led to a relatively large specimen and was justified by the desire to better simulate service conditions, which would not be possible with smaller specimens, particularly in the case of weldments. The test matrix used included three values of R ratio (maximum/minimum load), 0.1, 0.4 and 0.7, and three material conditions, namely base material (BM), heat affected zone (HAZ) and weld metal (WM). When the nominal range of the stress intensity factor (DK) is used, the measured data displays a strong effect of the weldments on the FCG rates, with the base material presenting higher da/dN values. An evaluation of opening load behaviour was carried out, and it showed extensive closure caused by residual stresses in the HAZ and WM specimens. The investigation included the full field measurement of the residual stress perpendicular to the crack plane, using the contour technique. When the opening load effect was taken into consideration it was found that the da/dN vs. ∆K of the BM, HAZ and WM specimens is approximately identical. Furthermore if loading effects are considered, no significant difference is found for the three R values used, even if, as expected, higher R corresponds to higher da/dN values.
Fatigue Crack Striation Spacing for Welded and Base Material CT Steel Specimens
Authors: Richter-Trummer Valentin , Miranda Roberto M.C. , Albuquerque Carlos , de Castro Paulo M.S.T.
Published: November 2012

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of the fracture surface of CT specimens was carried out at CEMUP in the context of a FEUP R&D programme for the characterization of fatigue crack growth (FCG) of base material and welded steel CT specimens, carried out under constant load range, reported in a companion paper. The inclusion of specimens of welded material in the FCG characterization programme justified the need for relatively large size specimens. The thickness of the specimens (B=32mm) was approximately identical to the thickness of the structural application of interest, since with thinner specimens the possible effects of residual stress fields would be at least partially lost. The CT specimens were designed according to ASTM E647 standard. The FEI QUANTA 400 FEG / EDAX Pegasus X4M available at CEMUP was used for the SEM observations, carried out in the fatigue fracture surfaces of base and welded (HAZ) steel. Both in base material as well as in welded specimens, it was found that there are regions of the fracture surfaces where no striations are observed, mixed with other regions (patches) with striations. Some regions are featureless (ropey appearance). It was not possible to find a preferential orientation of the striation spacing, that might be directly related with the macroscopic direction of crack propagation; on the contrary, the regions presenting striations seem to have a mainly random orientation. This fact contributes to the absence of correlation between the distance between striations (s) measured using SEM, and the macroscopic fatigue crack growth rate da/dN. Only for substantial values of the crack length/specimen width (a/W) ratio a reasonable agreement between s and da/dN is found. The relationship s/(da/dN) presents values that decrease up to approximately one, as a/W increases. For low values of a/W, s is one or two orders of magnitude greater than da/dN. In the specimens analyzed, fatigue crack growth rates below approximately 2 to 3 x10‑7 m/cycle are associated with approximately constant s values. This border is over the transition between regions I and II of the typical sigmoidal log-log plot of the da/dN vs. DK (I corresponding to the near threshold regime and II to the Paris law regime), and this fact should be accounted for in failure analysis involving SEM of fracture surfaces. Finally, the distance between striations s proved to be insensitive to the presence of important residual stresses in the case of the welded specimens.
First Principles Calculations and Experiments to Determine the Hydrogenation Process of Cu-Li-Mg
Authors: Braga Maria Helena , Sá Maria Helena , Ferreira Jorge A. , Daemen Luke L.
Published: November 2012

Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed. They were firstly implemented to optimize the structure and refine the stoichiometry of the only ternary compound, CuLi0.08Mg1.92 of the Cu-Li-Mg system. Furthermore using DFT, several possible structures of CuMg2Hx were optimized. Since most of the hydrides are cubic structures or can be considered as distortions of a cubic structure, we have started calculations for CuMg2Hx (x = 4 - 6)with tetragonal and monoclinic structures, similar to those of the hydrides formed by the nearest neighbors of Cu and Mg in the periodic table: NiMg2H4 and CoMg2H5 (e.g. monoclinic C2/c and tetragonal P4/nmm, respectively). It can be concluded that the most stable configuration corresponds to CuMg2H5 with C2/c structure. We have performed several neutron scattering experiments that are in agreement with the first principles calculations.
Microstructural Evolution during the Directional Transient Solidification of a Hypomonotectic Al-0.9wt%Pb Alloy
Authors: Silva Adrina P. , Goulart Pedro R. , Spinelli José Eduardo , Garcia Amauri
Published: November 2012

In the present study a hypomonotectic Al-0.9wt%Pb alloy was directionally solidified under transient heat flow conditions and the microstructure evolution was analyzed. The solidification thermal parameters such as the growth rate, the cooling rate and the temperature gradient were experimentally determined by cooling curves recorded by thermocouples positioned along the casting length. The monotectic structure was characterized by metallography and a microstructural transition was observed. From the casting cooled surface up to a certain position in the casting the microstructure was characterized by well-distributed Pb-rich droplets in the aluminum-rich matrix, followed by a mixture of fibers and strings of pearls from this point to the top of the casting. The interphase spacing (λ) and the diameter of Pb-rich particles were also measured along the casting length and experimental growth laws relating these microstructural features to the experimental thermal parameters are proposed.
Assessment of Cooling Conditions of a Continuous Casting Machine for Steel Billets Based on Surface Temperature Measurements
Authors: Cheung Noé , Taconi Leonardo L. , Garcia Amauri
Published: November 2012

For the correct simulation of solidification and temperature evolution in the continuous casting of steel, the determination of boundary conditions describing the heat-transfer phenomena through the strand surface, in each cooling zone of the casting machine, is extremely important. These boundary conditions are usually expressed as heat fluxes or heat transfer coefficients. In the present study, the surface temperature of the steel billet was experimentally determined in a steelmaking plant by infrared pyrometers positioned along the secondary cooling zone during real operation of a continuous casting machine. These data were used as input information into an Inverse Heat Transfer Code, implemented in this work, in order to permit the heat transfer coefficients of each spray cooling zone to be determined. The resulting simulations of temperature evolution during continuous casting have shown that the solidification was not complete at the unbending point and that there was a risk of breakout at the mold exit under the adopted operating conditions.
Solid State Transformations and Equilibrium Crystal Structures of an Au-Cu Alloy with Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Miranda Georgina , Silva F.S. , Soares Delfim
Published: November 2012

Au-50%Cu (at. %) alloy presents the shape memory effect (SME), which is dependent of the solid state transformation that happens during heating, after the introduction of an internal stress in the quenched state. The solid state phase transformation temperatures were determined by means of Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), both in heating and cooling cycles. With the obtained DTA results, a sequence of high temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were made, in order to confirm the presence of the solid state phase transformations and to determine their stable crystal structure and lattice parameters. These XRD results were compared with those obtained from the literature. The displacements of the lattice parameters were determined, for each equilibrium phase, for measurements at room temperature and at high temperature. The characteristics of the quenched samples were also studied in order to determine the phase transformations that are responsible for the shape memory effect in this alloy.
Dielectric Properties of some Aurivillius Phases in the Bi4Ti3O12 – BiFeO3 System
Authors: Bućko Mirosław M. , Polnar Joanna , Kozielski Lucjan
Published: November 2012

Several compounds with Aurivillius-type structure in the Bi4Ti3O12-BiFeO3 system with the general formula Bim+1Fem–3Ti3O3m+3 showing multiferroic properties arouse an increasing interest due to their wide potential applications in electronics. The powders composed of the Aurivillius phase with m=5, 7 and 9 were successfully prepared by the co-precipitation-calcination route. The powders were ground and sintered, obtaining dense polycrystalline materials. The dielectric properties of the sintered materials were studied over a wide range of temperature and frequencies. A strong softening of the magnetic properties took place at 410°C, which stayed in good correlation with the recorded changes of the tan δ asymmetry and fact that it did not induce any anomaly of the Curie temperature at 670°C, where phase transition of the ferroelectric properties was determined.
Thermal Parameters, Microstructure and Porosity During Transient Solidification of Ternary Al–Cu–Si Alloys
Authors: Moutinho Daniel J. , Gomes Laércio G. , Rocha Otávio L. , Ferreira Ivaldo L. , Garcia Amauri
Published: November 2012

Solidification of ternary Al-Cu-Si alloys begins with the development of a complex dendritic network typified by primary (λ1) and secondary (λ2) dendrite arm spacings which depend on the chemical composition of the alloy and on the casting thermal parameters such as the growth rate and the cooling rate. These thermal parameters control the scale of dendritic arms, the size and distribution of porosity and intermetallic particles in the casting. In this paper, λ1 and λ2 were correlated with experimental thermal parameters i.e., the tip growth rate and the tip cooling rate. The porosity profile along the casting length has also been experimentally determined. The volumetric fraction of pores increase with the increase in alloying Si and with the increase in Fe concentration at the regions close to the casting cooled surface.
Antibody C Region Influences TGN1412-like Functional Activity In Vitro
Authors: Ball Christina , Fox Bernard , Hufton Simon , Sharp Giles , Poole Stephen , Stebbings Richard , Eastwood David , Findlay Lucy , Parren Paul W. H. I. , Thorpe Robin , Bristow Adrian , Thorpe Susan J.
Published: November 2012

The unexpected outcome of the clinical trial of the superagonistic CD28 mAb TGN1412 (IgG4κ) continues to stimulate interest. We show that TGN1412 binds similarly to human and cynomolgus macaque FcγR, eliminating the possibility that differences in Fc-mediated interactions with FcγR contributed to the failure of preclinical testing in macaques to predict toxicity in humans. The influence of the Fc domain and C region structure on the in vitro functional activity of TGN1412 was investigated using F(ab′)2 and Fab fragments derived from TGN1412 recovered from the trial and recombinant TGN1412 subclass variants and mutants. Superagonistic activity, as measured by cytokine release and proliferation, was assessed by exposing PBMCs to immobilized mAbs/fragments or to aqueous mAbs/fragments in the presence of HUVEC monolayers. Removing the Fc generally curtailed or abolished PBMC activation. However, eliminating detectable FcγR-binding of the IgG4 by mutation (L235E) did not abrogate activity. Stabilizing the “wild-type” IgG4 hinge (S228P) enhanced activity without increasing FcγR binding, which could only partially be explained by inhibition of Fab arm–exchange. Subclass switching the IgG4 mAb to IgG1 decreased activity, whereas switching to IgG2 markedly increased activity. We conclude that the C region strongly influences in vitro CD28-mediated superagonistic signaling. Superagonism requires an intact Fc, as shown by the absence of activity of TGN1412 Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments, but, notably, appears to be relatively independent of FcγR-binding properties. We propose that the Fc, potentially through restricting flexibility, maintains a favorable V region conformation to allow superagonistic activity. These findings have important implications for Ab design strategies.
Regulation of Allograft Survival by Inhibitory FcγRIIb Signaling
Authors: Callaghan Chris J. , Win Thet Su , Motallebzadeh Reza , Conlon Thomas M. , Chhabra Manu , Harper Inês , Sivaganesh Siva , Bolton Eleanor M. , Bradley J. Andrew , Brownlie Rebecca J. , Smith Kenneth G. C. , Pettigrew Gavin J.
Published: November 2012

Fcγ receptors (FcγR) provide important immunoregulation. Targeting inhibitory FcγRIIb may therefore prolong allograft survival, but its role in transplantation has not been addressed. FcγRIIb signaling was examined in murine models of acute or chronic cardiac allograft rejection by transplanting recipients that either lacked FcγRIIb expression (FcγRIIb−/−) or overexpressed FcγRIIb on B cells (B cell transgenic [BTG]). Acute heart allograft rejection occurred at the same tempo in FcγRIIb−/− C57BL/6 (B6) recipients as wild type recipients, with similar IgG alloantibody responses. In contrast, chronic rejection of MHC class II–mismatched bm12 cardiac allografts was accelerated in FcγRIIb−/− mice, with development of more severe transplant arteriopathy and markedly augmented effector autoantibody production. Autoantibody production was inhibited and rejection was delayed in BTG recipients. Similarly, whereas MHC class I–mismatched B6.Kd hearts survived indefinitely and remained disease free in B6 mice, much stronger alloantibody responses and progressive graft arteriopathy developed in FcγRIIb−/− recipients. Notably, FcγRIIb-mediated inhibition of B6.Kd heart graft rejection was abrogated by increasing T cell help through transfer of additional H2.Kd-specific CD4 T cells. Thus, inhibitory FcγRIIb signaling regulates chronic but not acute rejection, most likely because the supra-optimal helper CD4 T cell response in acute rejection overcomes FcγRIIb-mediated inhibition of the effector B cell population. Immunomodulation of FcγRIIb in clinical transplantation may hold potential for inhibiting progression of transplant arteriopathy and prolonging transplant survival.
B Cell TLR7 Expression Drives Anti-RNA Autoantibody Production and Exacerbates Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus–Prone Mice
Authors: Hwang Sun-Hee , Lee Huiyin , Yamamoto Miwako , Jones Leigh A. , Dayalan Jivanaah , Hopkins Richard , Zhou Xin J. , Yarovinsky Felix , Connolly John E. , Curotto de Lafaille Maria A. , Wakeland Edward K. , Fairhurst Anna-Marie
Published: November 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antinuclear autoantibodies. Antinuclear autoantibody development is recognized as one of the initial stages of disease that often results in systemic inflammation, kidney disease, and death. The etiology is complex, but it is clear that innate pathways may play an important role in disease progression. Recent data have highlighted an important role for the TLR family, particularly TLR7, in both human disease and murine models. In this study, we have presented a low copy conditional TLR7 transgenic (Tg7) mouse strain that does not develop spontaneous autoimmunity. When we combine Tg7 with the Sle1 lupus susceptibility locus, the mice develop severe disease. Using the CD19Cre recombinase system, we normalized expression of TLR7 solely within the B cells. Using this method we demonstrated that overexpression of TLR7 within the B cell compartment reduces the marginal zone B cell compartment and increases B and T cell activation but not T follicular helper cell development. Moreover, this enhanced B cell TLR7 expression permits the specific development of Abs to RNA/protein complexes and exacerbates SLE disease.
Microcystin-LR acute exposure does not alter in vitro and in vivo ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain membranes
Authors: Kist Luiza Wilges , Fritsch Rachel Seemann , Yunes João Sarkis , Bonan Carla Denise , Bogo Maurício Reis
Published: November 2012

Microcystins (MCs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria during the blooms that could accumulate in aquatic animals and be relocated to higher trophic levels. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and/or a neuromodulator in the extracellular space playing important roles in physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the acute effects of different concentrations of MC-LR on nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases and 5’-nucleotidade in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain membranes. The results have shown no significant changes in ATP, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolysis in zebrafish brain membranes. MC-LR in vitro also did not alter ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis in the concentrations tested. These findings show that acute exposure to MC-LR did not modulate ectonucleotidase activity in the conditions tested. However, additional studies including chronic exposure should be performed in order to achieve a better understanding about MC-LR toxicity mechanisms in the central nervous system.
Tender like marrow: A gender-based reading of Boom van my lewe [Tree of my life] and Ad hominem
Authors: Combrink Louisemarié
Published: November 2012

This article presents a reading of two artist’s books by male artists who participated in the practice-based research project Transgressions and boundaries of the page. The selected artists specifically address the notion of masculine vulnerability and injury, and in the process, they utilise a number of signifying strategies conventionally associated with masculine as well as feminine gender divisions. Schutte’s Boom van my lewe [Tree of my life] and Strydom and Burger’s Ad hominem were investigated. I argue that the use of media with a conventional feminine character together with themes associated with both masculine and feminine aspects assisted towards expressing the experience of masculine vulnerability and injury in such a manner that an unusual masculine subject position was suggested. This subject position offered a more nuanced view of masculinity that departs from masculinities proposed in discourses of conventional (heteronormative) or even so-called ‘new’ or alternative masculinities (transgender, homosexual and the like).
Towards a theoretical underpinning of the book arts: Applying Bakhtin’s dialogism and heteroglossia to selected examples of the artist’s book
Authors: Paton David
Published: November 2012

Recent research projects and conferences devoted to the book arts have responded to Johanna Drucker’s 2005 call that a more rigorous theoretical underpinning of the field of book art production needs to be established urgently. Yet these projects and conferences, resultant from the participation of artists and other practitioners in the field, not surprisingly, have biased their discussions on the book arts towards practice and away from theory. In establishing that a need still exists for an appropriate lens through which the artist’s book might be more rigorously and theoretically examined, this article explored the following publications: Stéphane Mallarmé and Marcel Broodthaers’s Un coup de dés, Buzz Spector’s reductive Marcel Broodthaers, Ulises Carrión’s For fans and scholars alike and Helen Douglas and Telfer Stokes’s Real fiction. These specific examples, and particularly their relationships and dialogues which each other, were examined through a lens provided by the Russian philosopher and literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin’s writings on dialogism and heteroglossia. These critical terms, which demonstrate the dialogic, multivocal and heteroglot voices between works in history and within themselves, as cultural utterances, were shown to be appropriate and useful frames for the analysis of particular qualities which enunciate the presence of artists’ books in the world: self-consciousness, discursive perceptivity and reflexivity. I therefore, applied Bakhtin’s notions of dialogism and heteroglossia to the task of proposing a theoretical foundation for the artist’s book, as a dynamic visual language, which is relational and engaged in a process of endless redescriptions of the world.
Frequency of field pea in rotations impacts biological nitrogen fixation
Authors: Knight J. D.
Published: November 2012

Knight, J. D. 2012. Frequency of field pea in rotations impacts biological nitrogen fixation. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1005–1011. Economic, environmental and energy concerns about the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in crop production have prompted the examination of increasing the frequency of pulses in crop rotations to capitalize on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Plots from a field experiment established in 1998 at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Farm at Scott, SK, were sampled in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Rotations that included pea every year (continuous pea), every second year (pea-wheat), every third year (pea-canola-wheat) and every fourth year (canola-wheat-pea-wheat) were evaluated for BNF using the enriched15N isotope dilution technique. Nitrogen from BNF in the seed and straw, total above-ground N, seed and straw yield and soil available N and P were evaluated. In 2 of 3 yr, the highest BNF occurred in the two most diverse rotations. Continuous cropping of pea resulted in drastically low BNF in 2008 and 2009. Nitrogen derived from atmosphere in the continuous pea was 15% compared with an average of approximately 55% across all other rotations in these 2 yr. The reduction in BNF was not due to lower productivity in the continuous pea rotation, nor from higher initial soil inorganic N levels inhibiting BNF. In the third year of the study (2010), the more than double the normal precipitation received during the growing season stimulated BNF in pea in the continuous pea rotation. Determining whether the rotation effects on BNF are due to N mineralization of the previous years’ crop residues requires further investigation.
Root growth of containerized lodgepole pine seedlings in response to Ascophyllum nodosum extract application during nursery culture
Authors: MacDonald Joanne E. , Hacking Jen , Weng Yuhui , Norrie Jeff
Published: November 2012

MacDonald, J. E., Hacking, J., Weng, Y. and Norrie, J. 2012. Root growth of containerized lodgepole pine seedlings in response to Ascophyllum nodosum extract application during nursery culture. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1207–1212. Vigorous root growth immediately after spring planting is crucial to ensure a well-developed root system before the occurrence of drought events associated with climate change. The objective of this study was to enhance spring root growth of containerized lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) seedlings. Seedling culture began in April. In September, seedlings were root drenched with an extract of the brown marine alga Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis in finisher fertilizer at rates of 1:750, 1:500, and 1:250. Finisher fertilizer alone served as control. Applications were made three or six times. Seedling culture continued until lifting in December, and then seedlings were freezer stored. Frequency of application had no effect on root growth, whereas rate of application had a significant effect. Compared with control, the 1:750, 1:500, and 1:250 rates significantly reduced total length of the root system in mid October. After overwintering and growing under favorable environmental conditions for 21 d, the 1:500 rate significantly increased the total number of white roots, as well as the number of both short and long white roots. These results suggest that application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract may be a valuable nursery practice to increase spring root growth, thereby enhancing drought resistance.
Are Art Auction Estimates Biased?
Authors: Ekelund Robert B. , Jackson John D. , Tollison Robert D.
Published: November 2012

This article considers whether presale auction estimates are unbiased predictors of price when “no‐sales” are considered utilizing a newly constructed sample of over 500 works by eight early twentieth‐century American artists. Unbiased presale auction estimates in predicting price, while expected, are generally not supported in previous work, but these studies (excepting one) do not include no‐sales in the calculations. In order to study the question, we employ a standard approach that uses an inverse Mills ratio arising from a sample selection probit to correct for selection bias. We find that controlling for selection bias, presale auction estimates appear to be biased downward, and we offer possible reasons for this result.
Family business research at a tipping point threshold
Authors: Craig Justin B , Moores Ken , Howorth Carole , Poutziouris Panikkos
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we report the frequency that family business research has been published by year and by discipline in top-tier journals as listed in the Journal Quality List (JQL) (Harzing 2008) to argue that family business research has reached a tipping point threshold. We suggest that the acceptance of family business research in top-tier journals is the tipping point that will enamor the field to a wider researcher audience and thereby further contribute to paradigmatic development.
A new source of oxygenated organic aerosol and oligomers
Authors: Liggio J. , Li S.-M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. A large oxygenated organic uptake to aerosols was observed when exposing ambient urban air to inorganic acidic and non-acidic sulfate seed aerosol. For non-acidic seed aerosol the uptake was attributed to the direct condensation of primary vehicle exhaust gases, and was correlated to the initial seed sulfate mass. The uptake of primary oxygenated organic gases to aerosols in this study represents a significant amount of organic aerosol (OA) when compared to that reported for primary organic aerosol (POA), but is considerably more oxygenated (O : C ~ 0.3) than traditional POA. Consequently, a fraction of measured ambient oxygenated OA, which correlate with secondary sulfate, may in fact be of a primary, rather than secondary source. These results represent a new source of oxygenated OA on neutral aerosol and imply that the uptake of primary organic gases will occur in the ambient atmosphere, under dilute conditions, and in the presence of pre-existing SO4 aerosols. Under acidic seed aerosol conditions, oligomer formation was observed with the uptake of organics being enhanced by a factor of three or more compared to neutral aerosols, and in less than 2 min. This resulted in a trajectory in Van Krevelen space towards higher O : C (slope ~ −1.5), despite a lack of continual gas-phase oxidation in this closed system. The results demonstrate that high molecular weight species will form on acidic aerosols at the ambient level and mixture of organic gases, but are otherwise unaffected by subsequent aerosol neutralization, and that aerosol acidity will affect the organic O : C via aerosol-phase reactions. These new processes under both neutral and acidic conditions can contribute to ambient OA mass and the evolution of ambient aerosol O : C ratios and may be important for properly representing organic aerosol O : C ratios in air quality and climate models.
Atmospheric effect on the ground-based measurements of broadband surface albedo
Authors: Manninen T. , Riihelä A. , de Leeuw G.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Ground-based pyranometer measurements of the (clear-sky) broadband surface albedo are affected by the atmospheric conditions (mainly by aerosol particles, water vapour and ozone). A new semi-empirical method for estimating the magnitude of the effect of atmospheric conditions on surface albedo measurements in clear-sky conditions is presented. Global and reflected radiation and/or aerosol optical depth (AOD) at two wavelengths are needed to apply the method. Depending on the aerosol optical depth and the solar zenith angle values, the effect can be as large as 20%. For the cases we tested using data from the Cabauw atmospheric test site in the Netherlands, the atmosphere caused typically up to 5% overestimation of surface albedo with respect to corresponding black-sky surface albedo values.
Uncertainty in computations of the spread of warm water in a river – lessons from Environmental Impact Assessment case study
Authors: Kalinowska M. B. , Rowiński P. M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The present study aims at the evaluation of sources of uncertainty in modelling of heat transport in a river caused by the discharge coming from a cooling system of a designed gas-stem power plant. This study was a part of an Environmental Impact Assessment and was based on two-dimensional modelling of temperature distribution in an actual river. The problems with the proper description of the computational domain, velocity field and hydraulic characteristics were considered in the work. An in-depth discussion on the methods of evaluation of the dispersion coefficients in the model comprising of all four components of the dispersion tensor was carried out. It was shown that in natural rivers all components of a dispersion tensor should be taken into account to qualitatively reflect the proper shape of temperature distributions. The results considerably depend on the 2-D velocity field as well as hydraulic and morphometric characteristics of the flow. Numerical methods and their influence on the final results of computations were also discussed. All computations were based upon a real case study performed in Vistula River in Poland.
Scleral Buckling Dislocation Mimicking Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Codenotti Marco , Iuliano Lorenzo , Fogliato Giovanni , De Benedetto Umberto , Bandello Francesco
Published: November 2012

Purpose.

To report a case of scleral dislocation mimicking glaucoma progression.

Methods.

Interventional case report.

Results.

A 71-year-old man was referred for glaucoma surgery in his right eye because of perimetry defect progression and uncontrolled intraocular pressure despite maximal medical therapy. A scleral buckling procedure in his right eye was previously performed for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. At the time of presentation, a visible protruded sponge buckle element was noted at ocular inspection, without any sign of infection. The buckle element was posteriorly in contact with the optic nerve and anteriorly protruding under intact conjunctiva. We eventually managed for its removal via upper eyelid orbitotomy. Visual field lesions were unchanged on every follow-up visit.

Conclusions.

This case report describes severe permanent optic nerve damage due to previous misdiagnosis of a rare complication of scleral buckling surgery. Our surgical solution appears to be a safe and successful approach for this ocular disorder, also able to stabilize visual function and interrupt disease progression.
Periprosthetic Joint Infection: What is on the Horizon?
Authors: Hansen Erik N. , Zmistowski Benjamin , Parvizi Javad
Published: November 2012

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) will emerge as one of the most important issues for both orthopedic surgeons and researchers active in the field over the coming decades. Although the rate of PJI has not changed significantly over the past decade, the affected patients (hosts) being treated often present with more comorbidities than in the past, and the organisms responsible for these infections are evolving to become more difficult to treat. Fortunately, though, major strides in basic, translational, and clinical research have occurred in recent years that have armed the clinician with an armamentarium of techniques and technologies to better diagnose, prevent, and treat PJI. Advances in diagnostics, including refinements in established biomarkers, the introduction of point of service tests, developments in molecular techniques, and new techniques in advanced imaging will allow us to correctly identify the infecting pathogens and their virulence factors. Utilizing developed risk indexes to stratify and medically optimize our patients, modifying implants to incorporate antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties, and developing clinically applicable vaccines and biofilm inhibiting enzymes will address our struggles in preventing PJI. Success of our future treatment strategies will hinge on refining the indications and technique of our current surgical procedures as well as the rational use of biofilm disrupting technologies and photodynamic therapy. Finally, the field of metabolomics, though still relatively in its infancy, likely holds the key to a novel diagnostic and treatment approach to infection and a more profound understanding of the pathophysiology of PJI on the human body.
Massively Calcified Intravascular Cast after Removal of a Tunneled Central Vein Catheter for Hemodialysis
Authors: Capitanini Alessandro , Ricci Enrico , Frosini Pierfrancesco , Cupisti Adamasco
Published: November 2012

Vascular calcifications usually affect the arteries, while central vein calcifications are rare.

A 45-year-old hemodialysis patient underwent a chest CT scan before central vein catheterization required for arteriovenous

access thrombosis, in July 2011. He was on hemodialysis since 1995 and from 2005 on warfarin treatment because of repeated

thrombosis and dysfunction of arteriovenous fistula and central vein catheters (CVC). A previous tunneled CVC placed in the left external jugular vein was removed in December 2010.

Eight months later a chest CT scan showed a 79-mm irregular, linear, tubular radiopaque density in the superior vena cava and left brachiocephalic vein. The possibility of a retained catheter fragment was considered, but the final diagnosis was: calcified “cast” adherent to the vessel wall. This is the first report of an intravenous calcified “cast” (originating from peri-catheter calcification) retained after removal of a tunneled dialysis CVC.

This finding is significant because it mimics a retained catheter fragment possibly leading to misdiagnosis and exposing patients to additional risk for unnecessary retrieving interventions. Catheter removal or over the wire substitution in the presence of a calcified cast could also be considered a risky procedure. Retained calcified cast should be included among the long-term complications of hemodialysis CVCs. At the time of publication, the patient is alive without any complication related to the pathology reported.
The Court of Justice of the European Union: Air Transport Association of America (Ata) et al. v. Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change
Authors: Erling Uwe M.
Published: November 2012

On December 21, 2011, the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘‘ECJ’’) issued a long-awaited judgment in a reference for preliminary ruling in proceedings brought by the Air Transport Association of America, American Airlines, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc., and United Airlines, Inc. (‘‘ATA and others’’) against the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The judgment intends to clarify the highly contentious issue of whether the application of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (‘‘EU ETS’’) to aviation activities under the Directive 2008/101/EC is compatible with international law, and whether it violates the sovereignty of other states or the freedom of the high seas.
UTIs in Small Animal Patients: Part 1: Etiology and Pathogenesis
Authors: Smee Nicole , Loyd Kimberly , Grauer Greg
Published: November 2012

Understanding how urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur and how to classify them can help the practitioner to make a plan for treatment. This review summarizes the etiology, pathogenesis, and host defense mechanisms associated with bacterial UTIs in dogs and cats. UTIs in Small Animal Patients: Part 2: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications will appear in the March/April 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Challenges of Social Capital Development in the University Science Incubator
Authors: Battisti Martina , McAdam Maura
Published: November 2012

University science incubators (USIs) are sites where new entrepreneurial firms can be nurtured from initial conception through to commercial viability, usually over a period of around three years. Evidence suggests that USIs are an effective support mechanism for new ventures originating from nearby universities through the provision of facilities, advice and ready access to entrepreneurial networks. In essence, a USI focuses on compensating for the resource deficits of inexperienced and newly founded firms to facilitate the development of both founder and business, with the overall aim of fostering a growth-oriented strategy. Little attention has been paid, however, to how USIs compensate for the resource deficit of social capital. This paper uses a qualitative social network approach to explore the challenges faced by graduate entrepreneurs when developing and managing their social capital in the context of a USI. The authors find that, in the start-up process, social capital is not static, but rather is in a state of ‘becoming’, adapting to the changing resource needs of the enterprise. Furthermore, graduate entrepreneurs face specific problems associated with the relational and cognitive dimensions of social capital. Thus, the paper offers insights into how the USI enables graduate entrepreneurs to address the challenges of social capital development and the consequent implications for theory and practice.
High-Tech Entrepreneurial Firms in a University-Based Business Incubator
Authors: Kitagawa Fumi , Robertson Susan
Published: November 2012

This paper considers the underlying processes and contexts of incubation as critical factors in accelerated firm growth in a university-based technology incubator. At the heart of the study is a concern to understand these dynamics in the early stages of incubation, including processes of firm network formation, the capacity to access and use combinations of resources at various phases of incubation, and the ways in which the incubator, as a techno-social space, supports the connection of different resources and their relationships. Building on theoretical frameworks that draw on the conceptual work of Lachmann and Bourdieu, the authors argue that it is possible to identify ‘heterogeneous resources' as different forms of ‘capital’ at work in the incubation process. The empirical case study at a university-based technology incubator illustrates the ways in which university incubators help high-tech start-up firms to build these capabilities through network formation and a variety of types of resource mobilization.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Copper(II) p-Formylbenzoate Complex
Authors: Qi Jin-Li , Xu Wei , Zheng Yue-Qing
Published: November 2012

A new Cu(II) complex was prepared at room temperature from the reaction of p-formylbenzoic acid, phenanthroline, CuCl2⋅2H2O, and NaOH under ethanolic aqueous conditions. The complex has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, TG-DTA analyses, and magnetic measurements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1̄ with the cell dimensions a=7.875(2), b=10.724(2), c=15.317(3) Å , α =102.65(3), β =93.71(3), γ =107:64(3)°. The Cu atoms are in the environment of distorted CuN2O3 tetragonal pyramids. These discrete complex molecules are packed through intermolecular π...π-stacking interactions and C-H...O hydrogen bonds forming a supramolecular structure. The title complex obeys the Curie-Weiss law with a Curie constant C=0:53 cm3 K mol-1 and a Weiss constant θ = -0:27 K. The shape of the xm
T curve is characteristic of weak ferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) centers from 300 to 7 K, while there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions below 7 K.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Cr(NCNH2)4Cl2 and Mn(NCNH2)4Cl2
Authors: Tang Xiaojuan , Speldrich Manfred , Tchougréeff Andrei L. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: November 2012

The two isotypic compounds Cr(NCNH2)4Cl2 and Mn(NCNH2)4Cl2 have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. They crystallize in the cubic space group Im3̄m (Z = 6) with a = 12:643(2) Å for Cr(NCNH2)4Cl2 and a = 12:821(1) Å for Mn(NCNH2)4Cl2. The divalent transition metal ions are octahedrally coordinated by four H2NCN molecules in equatorial and two chloride ions in axial positions. The magnetic susceptibility data of the four Curie-paramagnetic compounds Cr(NCNH2)4Cl2, Mn(NCNH2)4Cl2, Co(NCNH2)4Cl2, and Ni(NCNH2)4Cl2 have been analyzed in greater detail, including many-body quantum theory.
Essential Components of Transition to Adult Transplant Services: The Transplant Coordinators' Perspective
Authors: Lerret Stacee Marie , Menendez Jerome , Weckwerth Jody , Lokar Joan , Mitchell Jeff , Alonso Estella M.
Published: November 2012

Context

Medical and surgical advancements have resulted in improved long-term survival of pediatric liver transplant recipients. As pediatric patients approach school age and adolescence, transplant centers are challenged to facilitate the process of transitioning from pediatric to adult centers.

Objective

To describe pediatric and adult liver transplant coordinators' perspective regarding practice for transitioning patients to adult-oriented transplant centers.

Design

Descriptive

Setting

Pediatric and adult liver transplant coordinators associated with Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

Participants

A total of 35 pediatric liver transplant coordinators and 24 adult liver transplant coordinators completed the survey.

Method

Investigator-developed survey to identify current practice for transition process and actual transfer of a patient from pediatric to adult care.

Results

Transplant coordinators play an integral role in the transition process, and study results highlight what experienced coordinators believe are important considerations for a successful transition process. Results also highlight the importance of communication and partnership between the pediatric and adult programs.
Body Image and Eating Attitudes and Behaviors among Adolescent Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients: A Brief Report
Authors: Todd Laura , Anthony Samantha , Dipchand Anne I. , Kaufman Miriam , Solomon Melinda , Stein Michael , Pollock-BarZiv Stacey
Published: November 2012

Background

Adolescents with chronic illnesses are at increased risk for body image and eating disorders; however, this has not been investigated in solid organ transplant recipients. Adolescent transplant recipients are a vulnerable cohort because of the sustained follow-up and immune-suppressing therapies, which often include steroids and may lead to weight gain and cosmetic changes. Consequences of body dissatisfaction such as disordered behaviors have not been well studied in transplant recipients.

Purpose

To examine body image, eating attitudes, and behaviors among 28 adolescent thoracic transplant recipients.

Methods

Adolescent (11–18 years old) heart and lung transplant recipients a minimum of 3 months after transplant provided informed written consent and completed a standardized questionnaire package about eating attitudes and behaviors; body image and drive for thinness; actual, perceived, and desired weight; and medical and anthropometric information (eg, body mass index) during regular transplant clinics.

Results

Of 25 heart and 3 lung transplant recipients (54% female; median age, 14.5 years; median, 1.6 years after transplant), 37% perceived their current weight as too high or low. Moreover, 81% were dissatisfied with their current weight (38% wanted to lose and 44% wanted to gain weight), yet few engaged in disordered behaviors.

Conclusions

Despite high levels of self-reported body dissatisfaction, low rates of disordered behaviors were observed. Weight dissatisfaction was high (81%) but bidirectional (to lose or to gain weight). Future assessment of disordered eating behaviors should include insidious activities such as medication nonadherence, in addition to traditional weight-control behaviors such as binge eating, strict dieting, or assiduous exercise. Further research will delineate the impact of body dissatisfaction and eating behaviors and outcomes on long-term transplant survivors, older adolescent cohorts, and other recipients of solid organ transplants.
Implementing a Standardized, Evidence-Based Education Program Using the Patient's Electronic File for Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Schaevers Veronique , Schoonis Annemie , Frickx Gerrit , Verleden Geert , Jans Christel , Rosseel Chris , Meelberghs Mieke , Reinquin Inge , Dobbels Fabienne ,   for the Interdisciplinary Lung Transplantation Team and the Information Technology Engineers
Published: November 2012

Context

Patient education is crucial to guarantee that transplant recipients are capable of adequate self-management. Until recently, our education program to prepare lung transplant patients for discharge lacked a systematic approach, meaning that it was unclear whether all key information had been provided and whether the patient understood the information. A lack of coordination among the multi-disciplinary team members also was apparent.

Objectives

(1) To map out a structured education program, outlining the content, process, and evaluation of education for patients before discharge after lung transplant; (2) to integrate this program into the patient's electronic file and pilot test this new form of education tracking.

Methods

We used the conceptual framework of Lorig and colleagues, as well as the educational leaflets of the International Transplant Nurses Society, to generate the content of our education program. The interdisciplinary lung transplant team decided when and by whom each educational component should be provided, as well as the evaluation criteria. Next, information technology engineers integrated this educational program into the patient's electronic file. Nurses subsequently tested the program, and their feedback was integrated in the next version of the program.

Results

Health care providers experienced a higher level of uniformity and transparency. After using the education program, most patients indicated that they felt confident to go home.

Conclusion

Our electronic educational platform is promising, yet further testing is necessary to evaluate whether patients indeed have sufficient knowledge and show adequate self-management skills in the long term after transplant.