bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luxação de patela em coelho (Oryctolagus cuniculus, LINNAEUS, 1758) - Relato de caso
Authors: Araujo Guilherme Dias , Kanayama Cláudio Yudi
Published: May 2017

A rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), male, 5 months, was attended with a history of limited mobility and reluctance to walk. During clinical examination, by palpation of the hind limbs, were noticed clear prominences of the femoral trochleas and patellae positioned medially to the medial  trochleas  of the femurs that couldn’t be repositionated by external manipulation. When performing the radiographic examination, was characterized medial bilateral patellar luxation. Joining the clinical examination to the radiological, was obtained as a definitive diagnosis medial bilateral congenital patellar luxation of grade IV. Despite the deficit of locomotion of the animal, it could feed itself normally and showed no external injuries on the affected limbs. Associating to the animal welfare and the possibility of recurrence after surgical correction of the disease, surgical treatment wasn´t adopted.
Regulação farmacológica do ciclo estral de bovinos
Authors: Silva Paula Regina Basso , Souza Mariana Assunção de , Santos Sílvia Ferreira dos , Oliveira Raquel Peres de , Santos Ricarda Maria dos
Published: May 2017

Reproductive efficiency is one of the main tools to improve performance and profitability of livestock production. Among the main alternatives to increase the reproductive performance of beef cows would increase the number of cows in estrus at the beginning of the breeding season and increase the conception rate at first service. A variety of hormonal treatments for productive and reproductive management, but require a knowledge of them for better handling and obtaining the benefits of pharmacological regulation of the estrous cycle. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the estrous cycle approaching from the drugs commonly used in cattle protocols.
Percepção de alunos da 6ª série do ensino fundamental sobre posse responsável de animais de estimação e risco zoonótico no Município de Ale
Authors: Mello Ingrid N. K. , Franque Marcos P. , Pessoa Júnior Francisco A. , Mussi Jamili M. Suhet
Published: May 2017

This work evaluated the knowledge of students from elementary schools about zoonotic risk due to pet ownership in the Alegre City, Espírito Santo, Brazil. For this, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to students of three schools: one private school, one county school and one state school. In each school 30 students were evaluated. It was observed that, 70% of the students from private and state school and 66.7% of the students from county school have at least one pet. Regarding to animal cares, 66.7% of the students from private school said that their animals were vaccinated and vermifugated, while just 33.3% and 15% of students from state and county school, respectively, related such situation. In relation to zoonoses concept, 80% of students from state school, 46.7% from county school and 36.7% from private school demonstrated knowledge about the theme. Students from state (83.3%) and county school related that school (30%) to be the main source of information about zoonose issues. For students of the private school (40%) the maim source of information was the media (TV, newspaper, magazines and internet). Results show that students from state school demonstrated better discernment of the zoonoses concept than students from private and county school. On the other hand, students from private school showed a broader knowledge about the responsible pet ownership, than the others.
Fisiopatologia da contração tônica clônica involuntária da cinomose
Authors: Toledo Juliana Capello , Silva Marcus Vinícius Alves da , Rodrigues Renata Dias , Souza Rafael Rocha de
Published: May 2017

The distemper caused by canine distemper virus (VCC), family Paramyxoviridae is a highly contagious disease, where the dog is the main reservoir. Has a high mortality rate and generates eye disorders, respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, resulting in progressive multifocal demyelinating disease. Affects dogs of any age, race, gender and preference for pups. Distemper can be diagnosed by laboratory by viewing Lenz's inclusion corpuscles in blood smears, in CSF and impressions of the nasal mucosa, preputial, particularly vaginal and conjunctival. Its symptoms are diverse, and often severe, such as psychological disorders, tonic-clonic contractions, local myoclonus and ataxia. This is characterized by repetitive contraction of a muscle or one or more muscle groups, mainly involving the muscles of mastication and appendicular. The pathognomonic sign of the disease may occur during the acute phase of disease, usually associated with lesions in the basal ganglia, but is most frequently observed in the chronic phase, related to the hyperexcitability of the lower motor neurons, being reported more frequently in chronic cases of myoclonus . The prognosis for resolution of the myoclonus is severe. There is no medicine everyday to control the signals. If the animal is severe myoclonus is often sacrificed. In less severe cases the dog may be kept as a pet, but the myoclonus usually persists for several years.
Wavelet based feature extraction for classification of Power Quality Disturbances
Authors: Sudipta Nath  , Priyanjali Mishra
Published: May 2017

The detection and classification of power quality disturbances in power systems are important tasks in monitoring and protection of power system network. Most of the power system disturbances are non stationary and transitory in nature and new tools are being used nowadays for the analysis of power quality disturbances. This paper presents a wavelet based feature extraction method for the detection and classification of power quality disturbances. The disturbance waveforms obtained from simulation are decomposed by wavelet packet transform. The energy distribution pattern of the distorted signals has been chosen for feature extraction. Various power quality disturbances have been tested such as voltage sag, interruption, voltage swell, transient, flicker, low frequency and high frequency disturbances
A Photovoltaic Power Unit Providing Ancillary Services for Smart Distribution Networks
Authors: A. Filgueira Vizoso  , L. Piegari  , P. Tricoli
Published: May 2017

This paper deals with grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plants for supplying ancillary services to the distribution grid. The power converter, interfacing the photovoltaic system with the grid, can be controlled in order to achieve both the primary goal of power generation and the chosen ancillary services. In particular, in the paper, a power converter configuration with an opportune control algorithm is suggested; they make the photovoltaic system capable of generating the maximum power available from the solar source and, at the same time, capable of contributing to the voltage regulation of the grid and to the suppression of the current harmonics absorbed by loads close to the system. The control strategy is then applied to a sample grid-connected PV unit, simulated in Matlab Simulink environment. Numerical results, showing the effectiveness of the proposed solution, are reported.
Solar radiation increase over a capturing surface considering Rb factor, for Braşov urban area
Authors: C. Şerban  , L. Coste
Published: May 2017

The paper calculates the available solar potential for Braşov urban area and the possibility to increase this potential by using different tilt angles of the capturing surfaces (photovoltaic panels, solar collectors). The paper also presents: the variation diagrams of the Rb coefficient considering an inclination angle during all year, respectively the values of the optimum tilt angle obtained for months March (47o ), June (23º), September (44º), and December (69º); the daily means of the direct and global energy, depending on the tilt angle of the capturing surface; the annual variation of the direct and global energy depending on the tilt angle.
Empirical model for estimating global solar radiation for Braşov urban area
Authors: L. Coste  , E. Eftimie  , C. Şerban
Published: May 2017

Physic – geographical and climatic features specific to Braşov urban area, makes necessary determination of a mathematical model to simulate in a precise manner the variation of global solar radiation. In this way, the paper proposes a new empirical model to simulate the global solar radiation for Braşov urban area in clear sky conditions. The mathematical model was developed on the basis of 4 years database, respectively records of global solar radiation and meteorological parameters made by the meteorological weather station (starting October 2005). Due to the interactions between the topography that characterizes Braşov area – that is a lowland situated at an altitude of over 700 meters, vegetation, the characteristic climate pattern, the dynamics of the atmosphere and aerosols - it features a series of specific variation for solar radiation, that manifests daily, monthly and seasonally. The present approach proposes one equation specific for every month of the year to simulate the global solar radiation; thus 12 simulation equations will be determined to estimate in a good manner the real global solar radiation. In order to validate the proposed empirical model two of the most utilized statistical indicators were used: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Bias Error (MBE).
Self-growing Colored Petri Net for offshore wind turbines maintenance systems
Authors: Pérez M  , Correcher A  , García E  , Morant F.  , Quiles E.
Published: May 2017

The offshore wind turbines have been developed in a lot of aspects in the last years, but the big companies are still researching for new techniques that help improve the systems. We propose a new methodology to implement the automatic maintenance system using self-growing colored Petri nets developed in Labview, extendable to other industry systems
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY HEATING AND HOT WATER FOR A DETACHED HOUSE PROJECT IN OVIEDO (SPAIN)
Authors: Elena M  , Fernández Rodríguez  , Eunice Villicaña Ortiz  , Jorge Xiberta Bernat
Published: May 2017

Among renewable energies, geothermal energy is gaining importance due to the different applications that are being accomplished within the residential sector. Forecasts suggest a “promising future” for this energy source. A study carried out by the Department of Energy at University of Oviedo, approached from technical, economic and environmental views related to this source gave as a result the geothermal installation designed for covering the demand of heating and hot water production (DHW) of a detached house located in Asturias described in this paper. Its aim it’s to make an optimal use of geothermal energy, combining a geothermal heat pump with a radiant floor heating system in order to keep the building in comfortable conditions and minimizing the effect of the outside temperature.
Time Domain Variable Speed Wind Energy Conversion Systems Modelling Using ATP platform
Authors: F.H.Costa  , E. B. Alvarenga  , J. C. Oliveira  , G. C. Guimarães  , A. F. Bonelli  , Z. S. Vitório J
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive computational representation of a variable speed Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) and its connection to typical AC grid systems. The arrangement chosen for modelling purposes consists of a multipole synchronous generators units. This type of arrangement appears as a modern tendency to WECS composition. The paper content comprises basic information about the overall scheme structure, time domain modelling and computational implementation in the well known ATP platform. Using this approach studies involving transients, dynamic and steady state analysis can be then performed. Although these facilities are available, the case studies here considered are focused on the investigation of the relationship between specific wind and PCC voltage conditions and the final voltage and current forms produced at the AC busbar wind energy with distinct ramp and gust conditions are utilized so as to highlight the control action in limiting and optimizing the energy transference to the generators. In addition to this, the occurrence of non-ideal conditions to the PCC voltage and the overall interaction with WECS and AC system can be fully taken into account for power quality studies.
A Performance Analysis of a Hydrogenerator In The Case of Field Short-Circuit Using FEM
Authors: S.E.Dallas  , A.N.Safacas  , J.C. Kappatou
Published: May 2017

The  maintenance  of  synchronous  generators  is  very  significant  for  the  energy  production.  Being  aware  of  the  performance  of  a  synchronous  machine  during  different  kinds  of faults, such as phase to phase, phase to ground or field short-circuits, could provide useful information about their protection. A short-circuit in the field excitation is not a common fault, but it  is  severe  enough  to  create  high  oscillations  to  both  electrical  and  mechanical  magnitudes  (field,  stator  and  damper  currents,  rotor  shaft  torque,  load  angle  etc).  Such  kind  of  faults  is  difficult to examine and provide experimental results because of the  kinds  of  generator  used  for  energy  production.  The  size  of  these  machines,  either  hydrogenerator  or  turbogenerator,  is  enormous    for    experimental    laboratory    studies.    Another    important  issue  that  arises  is  the  difficulties  in  the  accurate  calculation  of  the  damper  currents  during  transient  operation.  The Finite Element Method analysis gives solution to this kind of  problems,  as  it  can  calculate  as  well  the  damper,  stator  and  field currents as the electromagnetic field distribution inside the air gap.
Aglomerações produtivas por intensidade tecnológica e o desenvolvimento econômico dos municípios paranaenses: uma análise espacial
Authors: Rosa Juliana Reksua , Raiher Augusta
Published: May 2017

O presente trabalho investigou a relação existente entre o desenvolvimento econômico e os aglomerados produtivos, subdivididos em níveis tecnológicos, dos municípios paranaenses, entre 1998 e 2014. Para isso, primeiramente construiu-se um índice de desenvolvimento municipal e um índice de concentração normalizado para cada nível tecnológico da indústria, analisando as suas distribuições e evoluções. Na seqüência, por meio da econometria espacial, relacionou o efeito que cada aglomerado industrial exerce sobre o desenvolvimento econômico dos municípios paranaenses. Os resultados demonstram a existência de um efeito positivo das aglomerações, especialmente as da indústria de baixa tecnologia, sobre o desenvolvimento econômico nos municípios do Paraná.
Agricultura familiar e autonomia: a construção social e política de mercados no noroeste gaúcho
Authors: Thies Vanderlei Franck , Conterato Marcelo Antonio
Published: May 2017

As formulações teóricas mais recentes evidenciam a importância da relação dos agricultores familiares com os mercados, tanto para sua reprodução social, como para as dinâmicas de desenvolvimento rural. O conteúdo da relação dessa categoria social com os mercados pode colocar esses sujeitos numa posição de maior ou menor autonomia, ampliando ou restringindo as possibilidades de sua reprodução. O presente artigo se inscreve teoricamente no debate relacionado ao processo de mercantilização da agricultura e tem por objetivo analisar as implicações que a inserção nos mercados institucionais gera nas dinâmicas de venda da produção e na autonomia comercial dos agricultores. Procura-se identificar em que medida o ingresso no Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos - PAA se associa com a ampliação, ou redução, nas taxas de uso dos demais canais de comercialização, buscando verificar se as mudanças transcorridas apontam para a ampliação, ou diminuição, da autonomia comercial dos agricultores. Foi realizado estudo de caso em duas cooperativas no noroeste gaúcho, combinando aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos, utilizando questionários, entrevistas em profundidade e observação participante para a produção de dados primários. Os resultados evidenciam diferentes efeitos do programa nas duas cooperativas em relação à autonomia dos agricultores.
Analisis Kadar Mineral dalam Abu Buah Nipa (Nypa fructicans) Kaliwanggu Teluk Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Herman Herman , Rusli Rolan , Ilimu Edi , Hamid Rimba , Haeruddin Haeruddin
Published: May 2017

Research about Levels of ash analysis in Nipa Fruit (Nypa fructicans) Kaliwanggu Kendari Gulf South East Sulawesi have been done.  Research carried out by gravimetric method and AAS. The ash content of old nipa fruit at a temperature 450Â°C dan 550Â°C obtained amounted to 1.01% and 0.89%. while the young nipa fruits obtained ash content of 0.88% and 0.86% at450Â°C dan 550Â°C. Mineral content of old nipa fruit which had become ash at a temperature of 450Â°C obtained at 1.3769 ppm, 7.9167 ppm, 3.7876 ppm, 9.2365 ppm, respectively for Fe, Mg, K, and Na. On the other hand, at a temperature of 550Â°C obtained at 1.1153 ppm, 8.0127 ppm, 3.7990 ppm and 9.3634 ppm, respectively for Fe, Mg, K, and Na. On young fruit nipah obtained concentration of 0.8769 ppm, 7.9939 ppm, 3.8260 ppm, 9.4041 ppm, respectively for Fe, Mg, K, and Na at ash temperature 450Â°C. Meanwhile, at a  ash temperature of 550Â°C obtained concentration of 0.9230 ppm, 7.9738 ppm, 3.7468 ppm and 9.3861 ppm, respectively for Fe, Mg, K, and Na. The water content obtained from the old and young nipa flesh fruit obtained at 41.86% and 33.49%, respectively.
Key words: Level of mineral analysis, Nypa fructicans, Gravimetric, AAS
ABSTRAK
Telah dilakukan penelitian dengan judul â€œAnalisis Kadar dalam Abu Buah Nipa (Nypa fructicans)â€ Kaliwanggu Teluk Kendari Sulawesi Tenggara. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode gravimetri dan AAS. Kadar abu buah nipa tua pada suhu 450Â°C dan 550Â°C diperoleh sebesar 1,01% dan 0,89%, sedangkan pada buah nipa muda diperoleh kadar abu sebesar 0,88% dan 0,86% berurut-turut untuk suhu 450Â°C dan 550Â°C. Kadar mineral buah nipa tua yang diabukan pada suhu 450Â°C diperoleh sebesar 1,3769 ppm, 7,9167 ppm, 3,7876 ppm, 9,2365 ppm, berturut-turut untuk Fe, Mg, K, dan Na. Sedangkan pada suhu 550Â°C diperoleh sebesar 1,1153 ppm, 8,0127 ppm, 3,7990 ppm, dan 9,3634 ppm, berturut-turut untuk Fe, Mg, K, dan Na. Pada buah nipa muda diperoleh kadar sebesar 0,8769 ppm, 7,9939 ppm, 3,8260 ppm, 9,4041 ppm, berturut-turut untuk Fe, Mg, K, dan Na pada suhu pengabuan 450Â°C. Sedangkan pada suhu pengabuan 550Â°C diperoleh kadar sebesar 0,9230 ppm, 7,9738 ppm, 3,7468 ppm, dan 9,3861 ppm, berturut-turut untuk Fe, Mg, K, dan Na. Adapun kadar air yang diperoleh dari daging buah nipa tua dan muda diperoleh sebesar 41,86% dan 33,49%. 
Kata kunci: Analisis kadar mineral, Nypa fructicans, Gravimetri, AAS
Effect of sodium chloride stress on the pigment and biochemical variation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)
Authors: M. Palaniyappan, S. Tamilarasan Paramasivam Manivannan*, , Ravikumar V. Ravi and P.
Published: May 2017

In the present study, a pot culture experiment was conducted to estimate the effect on NaCl stressed Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) the plant belongs to family Fabaceae, is a sub tropical crop, grown world wide particularly in south Asia for edible and fodder purposes, while little is known about its salinity tolerance. The seed were sown in plastic pots from 30 days after sowing (DAS), the plants were treated with 25mM, 50mM, 75mM and 100mM sodium chloride on 20th, 30th and 40th DAS. The plants samples were collected from 30th, 40th and 50th DAS. The leaf were collected for estimating pigment and biochemical content. The sodium chloride treatment decreased the chlorophyll-a, b, total chlorophyll and protein content. Similarly the amino acid and proline content were increased with increasing concentration of NaCl to a larger extent when compared to control in all the treatment day.
Passive enhanced safety surveillance for Vaxigrip and Intanza 15 µg in the United Kingdom and Finland during the northern hemisphere influenza season 2015/16
Authors: Bricout Hélène , Chabanon Anne Laure , Souverain Audrey , Sadorge Christine , Vesikari Timo , Caroe Timothy David
Published: May 2017

Enhanced safety surveillance (ESS) was conducted in the United Kingdom and Finland for Vaxigrip and Intanza 15 µg to comply with the European Medicines Agency interim guidance aimed to detect any potential increase in reactogenicity in near real time following the annual update of the influenza vaccine strain composition. This pilot passive ESS was established to strengthen safety monitoring by facilitating spontaneous vaccinee reports and estimating near real-time vaccinee exposure. The primary objective was to estimate the reporting rates of suspected adverse reactions (ARs) occurring within 7 days post vaccination during the northern hemisphere 2015/16 influenza season. Among the Vaxigrip vaccinees (n = 1,012), 32 (3.2%) reported a total of 122 suspected ARs, including 110 suspected ARs that occurred within 7 days post vaccination. Among the Intanza 15 µg vaccinees (n = 1,017), 31 (3.0%) reported a total of 114 suspected ARs, including 99 that occurred within 7 days post-vaccination. These results were consistent with the known safety profile of the two vaccines and did not show any change in reactogenicity or safety concerns. This passive ESS showed improved data reporting and demonstrated its suitability to health authorities’ requirements; further fine tuning of the methodology is under discussion between all stakeholders.
De « ménagère » à commissaire : la trajectoire de Gertrude Laing, 1905–1971
Authors: Lapointe Gagnon Valérie
Published: May 2017

Cet article s'intéresse à la trajectoire méconnue de l'humaniste Gertrude Laing (1905–2005), nommée commissaire à la Commission Laurendeau-Dunton par Lester B. Pearson en 1963. Contrairement à certains collègues commissaires, peu de travaux ont été consacrés à la seule commissaire femme, qui a œuvré par la suite dans plusieurs organisations essentielles à la construction du Canada moderne. Des stratégies déployées par Gertrude Laing pour se faire respecter comme sujet intellectuel, comme femme capable de prononcer des discours politiques sérieux, se dégage un portrait de cette société en tension des années 1960, une société désireuse d'exprimer sa diversité, mais encore peu encline à le faire en raison de la fixité des structures traditionnelles.
Introduction
Authors: Blin-Rolland Armelle , Lecomte Guillaume , Ripley Marc
Published: May 2017

This introduction to this special issue of European Comic Art on ‘Comics
and Adaptation’ provides a brief overview of the field of adaptation studies,
with a particular focus on its considerable developments and expansion
since the late 1990s, as it has moved beyond a comparative novel-to-film
approach to centre instead around questions of intertextuality and hypertextuality.
This special issue aims to contribute to this field and to the growing
body of works on comics and adaptation. The authors explore questions
of transnational circulation of visual, narrative and generic motifs (Boillat);
heteronormalisation and phallogocentrism (Krauthaker and Connolly);
authenticity of drawn events (Lecomte); identity in a stateless minoritised
culture (Blin-Rolland); ‘high’ and popular culture (Blank); reverence in
comic adaptations of the literary canon (de Rooy); and documentary and
parody (Ripley).
Divine Comics
Authors: Rooy Ronald de
Published: May 2017

Dante’s multifaceted cultural reception includes many comics adaptations.
Against the background of a strong tradition of illustrating and visualising
Dante, this article proposes a comparative analysis of significant contemporary
comics adaptations from Europe and the United States. Recent European
Dante comics generally adopt largely reverent modes of illustration,
showing less aggressive forms of adaptation than their US counterparts.
The text of Dante’s poem remains of great importance, and artists often
refer to certain traditional milestones in Dante’s visual reception. American
Dante comics are more firmly rooted in popular culture, adopting reductive
adaptation methods to a greater extent, and are frequently embedded
in transmedial constellations. Where the highbrow European tradition of
Dante’s visual reception does shine through, it is always with strong ironic
undertones. Especially interesting in this respect are the toy theatre/puppet
movie Dante’s Inferno directed by Sean Meredith, Seymour Chwast’s graphic
novel The Divine Comedy and the popular video game Dante’s Inferno.
Book Reviews
Authors: Kennedy Harriet , Nijdam Elizabeth (Biz) , Labrune Logan , Reyns-Chikuma Chris
Published: May 2017

Hillary L. Chute, Disaster Drawn: Visual Witness, Comics, and Documentary
Form (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2016). 376 pp.
ISBN: 978-0-6745-0451-6 ($35)

Reginald Rosenfeldt, Comic-Pioniere: Die deutschen Comic-Künstler der
1950er (Bochum: Ch. A. Bachmann, 2015). 294 pp. ISBN: 978-3-941030-
63-3 (€25)

Stephen E. Tabachnick and Esther Bendit Saltzman, eds, Drawn from the Classics: Essays on Graphic Adaptations of Literary Works (Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2015). 284 pp. ISBN: 978-0-7864-7879-8 ($35)

David Vauclair and Jane Weston Vauclair, De ‘Charlie Hebdo’ à #Charlie: Enjeux, histoire, et perspectives (Paris: Eyrolles, 2015). 272 pp. ISBN: 978-2-2125-6366-5 (€16)
First clinical use of stereotaxy in humans: the key role of x-ray localization discovered by Gaston Contremoulins
Authors: Bourdillon Pierre , Apra Caroline , Lévêque Marc
Published: May 2017

Although attempts to develop stereotactic approaches to intracranial surgery started in the late 19th century with Dittmar, Zernov, and more famously, Horsley and Clarke, widespread use of the technique for human brain surgery started in the second part of the 20th century. Remarkably, a significant similar surgical procedure had already been performed in the late 19th century by Gaston Contremoulins in France and has remained unknown. Contremoulins used the principles of modern stereotaxy in association with radiography for the first time, allowing the successful removal of intracranial bullets in 2 patients. This surgical premiere, greatly acknowledged in the popular French newspaper L’Illustration in 1897, received little scientific or governmental interest at the time, as it emanated from a young self-taught scientist without official medical education. This surgical innovation was only made possible financially by popular crowdfunding and, despite widespread military use during World War I, with 37,780 patients having benefited from this technique for intra- or extracranial foreign bodies, it never attracted academic or neurosurgical consideration. The authors of this paper describe the historical context of stereotactic developments and the personal history of Contremoulins, who worked in the department of experimental physiology of the French Academy of Sciences led by Étienne-Jules Marey in Paris, and later devoted himself to radiography and radioprotection. The authors also give precise information about his original stereotactic tool “the bullet finder” (“le chercheur de projectiles”) and its key concepts.
Paravertebral foramen screw fixation for posterior cervical spine fusion: biomechanical study and description of a novel technique
Authors: Maki Satoshi , Aramomi Masaaki , Matsuura Yusuke , Furuya Takeo , Ota Mitsutoshi , Iijima Yasushi , Saito Junya , Suzuki Takane , Mannoji Chikato , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Yamazaki Masashi , Koda Masao
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

Fusion surgery with instrumentation is a widely accepted treatment for cervical spine pathologies. The authors propose a novel technique for subaxial cervical fusion surgery using paravertebral foramen screws (PVFS). The authors consider that PVFS have equal or greater biomechanical strength than lateral mass screws (LMS). The authors’ goals of this study were to conduct a biomechanical study of PVFS, to investigate the suitability of PVFS as salvage fixation for failed LMS, and to describe this novel technique.

METHODS

The authors harvested 24 human cervical spine vertebrae (C3–6) from 6 fresh-frozen cadaver specimens from donors whose mean age was 84.3 ± 10.4 years at death. For each vertebra, one side was chosen randomly for PVFS and the other for LMS. For PVFS, a 3.2-mm drill with a stopper was advanced under lateral fluoroscopic imaging. The drill stopper was set to 12 mm, which was considered sufficiently short not to breach the transverse foramen. The drill was directed from 20° to 25° medially so that the screw could purchase the relatively hard cancellous bone around the entry zone of the pedicle. The hole was tapped and a 4.5-mm-diameter × 12-mm screw was inserted. For LMS, 3.5-mm-diameter × 14-mm screws were inserted into the lateral mass of C3–6. The pullout strength of each screw was measured. After pullout testing of LMS, a drill was inserted into the screw hole and the superior cortex of the lateral mass was pried to cause a fracture through the screw hole, simulating intraoperative fracture of the lateral mass. After the procedure, PVFS for salvage (sPVFS) were inserted on the same side and pullout strength was measured.

RESULTS

The CT scans obtained after screw insertion revealed no sign of pedicle breaching, violation of the transverse foramen, or fracture of the lateral mass. A total of 69 screws were tested (23 PVFS, 23 LMS, and 23 sPVFS). One vertebra was not used because of a fracture that occurred while the specimen was prepared. The mean bone mineral density of the specimens was 0.29 ± 0.10 g/cm3. The mean pullout strength was 234 ± 114 N for PVFS, 158 ± 91 N for LMS, and 195 ± 125 N for sPVFS. The pullout strength for PVFS tended to be greater than that for LMS. However, the difference was not quite significant (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors introduce a novel fixation technique for the subaxial cervical spine. This study suggests that PVFS tend to provide stronger fixation than LMS for initial applications and fixation equal to LMS for salvage applications. If placement of LMS fails, PVFS can serve as a salvage fixation technique.
Does the mesodermal derangement in Chiari Type I malformation extend to the cervical spine? Evidence from an analytical morphometric study on cervical paraspinal muscles
Authors: Thakar Sumit , Kurudi Siddappa Avinash , Aryan Saritha , Mohan Dilip , Sai Kiran Narayanam Anantha , Hegde Alangar S.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

The mesodermal derangement in Chiari Type I malformation (CMI) has been postulated to encompass the cervical spine. The objectives of this study were to assess the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of cervical paraspinal muscles (PSMs) in patients with CMI without syringomyelia, compare them with those in non-CMI subjects, and evaluate their correlations with various factors.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the CSAs of cervical PSMs in 25 patients were calculated on T2-weighted axial MR images and computed as ratios with respect to the corresponding vertebral body areas. These values and the cervical taper ratios were then compared with those of age- and sex-matched non-CMI subjects and analyzed with respect to demographic data and clinicoradiological factors.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-CMI group, the mean CSA values for the rectus capitis minor and all of the subaxial PSMs were lower in the study group, and those of the deep extensors were significantly lower (p = 0.004). The cervical taper ratio was found to be significantly higher in the study cohort (p = 0.0003). A longer duration of symptoms and a steeper cervical taper ratio were independently associated with lower CSA values for the deep extensors (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). The presence of neck pain was associated with a lower CSA value for the deep flexors (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CMI demonstrate alterations in their cervical paraspinal musculature even in the absence of coexistent syringomyelia. Their deep extensor muscles undergo significant atrophic changes that worsen with the duration of their symptoms. This could be related to a significantly steeper cervical taper ratio that their cervical cords are exposed to. Neck pain in these patients is related to atrophy of their deep flexor muscles. A steeper cervical taper ratio and alterations in the PSMs could be additional indicators for surgery in patients with CMI without syringomyelia.
Imaging of Early Response to Predict Prognosis in the First-Line Management of Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with Iodine-131-Rituximab Radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Kesavan Murali , Boucek Jan , MacDonald William , McQuillan Andrew , Turner J.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prediction of prognosis after first-line radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of advanced follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL), by imaging with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) three months after induction treatment by Iodine-131-rituximab (131I-rituximab). Objective response was determined using the Deauville 5-point scale in 68 prospective clinical trial patients. Baseline 18F-FDG-PET/CT studies were used to calculate total-metabolic-tumor-volume (TMTV). Non-imaging studies included the Follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) and absolute baseline monocyte and lymphocyte counts. Patients were monitored for over ten years (median follow-up 59 months), and no patient was lost to follow-up. Complete response (CR) of 88% predicted excellent prognosis with median time-to-next-treatment (TTNT) not yet reached. Those patients (12%) who failed to achieve CR (Deauville ≤ 3) on 18F-FDG-PET/CT at three months had significantly poorer outcomes (p < 0.0001) with a median TTNT of 41 months. Requirement for re-treatment was predicted by FLIPI and absolute baseline monocyte count but not lymphocyte count. The TTNT was accurately predicted by 18F-FDG-PET/CT Deauville response at three months following first-line therapy of FL with RIT. Early response demonstrated by imaging does, therefore, foretell prognosis in the individual FL patients.
Study on the Effect of Flame Instability on the Flame Structural Characteristics of Hydrogen/Air Mixtures Based on the Fast Fourier Transform
Authors: Li Fu-Sheng , Li Guo-Xiu , Jiang Yan-Huan , Li Hong-Meng , Sun Zuo-Yu
Published: May 2017

In this study, the effect of flame intrinsic instability on the flame structural characteristics of hydrogen/air mixtures premixed at various equivalence ratios were experimentally investigated from the macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, respectively. The correlation degree and the relative deformation degree were defined to quantitatively study the global flame structural characteristics. Peak detection was used to capture the characteristic length of the flame and fast Fourier transform was adopted to study the components of the fluctuation of the flame front. The results show that with the development of flames, the wrinkles in the flame front increase and the correlation degree of the flame decreases. The relative deformation degree of the flame first decreases and then increases. When the equivalence ratio is 0.6, the average characteristic length initially exhibits an increasing trend, followed by a decreasing trend. The average characteristic length scale gradually increases, and the growth rate gradually decreases when the equivalence ratio ranges from 0.70 to 0.99. With the increase in the wavenumber, the amplitude of the corresponding disturbance exhibited an increasing trend followed by a decreasing one. With the development of the flame, the maximum amplitude of the disturbance shows a reverse trend, i.e., first decreasing and then increasing. The disturbances with smaller wavelengths could be further developed.
State of Charge Estimation for Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Nonlinear Observer: An H∞ Method
Authors: Zhu Qiao , Xiong Neng , Yang Ming-Liang , Huang Rui-Sen , Hu Guang-Di
Published: May 2017

This work is focused on the state of charge (SOC) estimation of a lithium-ion battery based on a nonlinear observer. First, the second-order resistor-capacitor (RC) model of the battery pack is introduced by utilizing the physical behavior of the battery. Then, for the nonlinear function of the RC model, a one-sided Lipschitz condition is proposed to ensure that the nonlinear function can play a positive role in the observer design. After that, a nonlinear observer design criterion is presented based on the H ∞ method, which is formulated as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Compared with existing nonlinear observer-based SOC estimation methods, the proposed observer design criterion does not depend on any estimates of the unknown variables. Consequently, the convergence of the proposed nonlinear observer is guaranteed for any operating conditions. Finally, both the static and dynamic experimental cases are given to show the efficiency of the proposed nonlinear observer by comparing with the classic extended Kalman filter (EKF).
Enhancing Insulating Performances of Presspaper by Introduction of Nanofibrillated Cellulose
Authors: Huang Jianwen , Zhou Yuanxiang , Dong Longyu , Zhou Zhongliu , Zeng Xiangjun
Published: May 2017

This study explores the possibility of enhancing both mechanical and breakdown properties of insulating presspaper by the introduction of an organic nano additive. Four different concentrations of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) were taken into account: 0.5 wt %, 2.5 wt %, 5 wt %, and 10 wt %. Presspaper containing no NFC was also prepared as a reference. Obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties and breakdown behaviors were measured. Results show that the addition of 10 wt % NFC to softwood fibers can achieve the best performance. Tensile strength of reference presspaper is 109 MPa, whereas that of presspaper modified by 10 wt % NFC is 136 MPa, resulting in a 25% increase. The improved tensile strength can be attributed to the increased density and inter fiber bond strength. More importantly, presspaper reinforced by 10 wt % NFC can also achieve enhanced AC and DC breakdown strengths, which are 19% and 21% higher than those of the reference presspaper. It is concluded that NFC is likely to be a promising nano additive for cellulose insulation.
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Split Injection Strategies on Combustion and Emission in an Opposed-Piston, Opposed-Cylinder (OPOC) Two-Stroke Diesel Engine
Authors: Zhang Lei , Su Tiexiong , Zhang Yangang , Ma Fukang , Yin Jinguan , Feng Yaonan
Published: May 2017

In opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder (OPOC) two-stroke diesel engines, the relative movement rules of opposed-pistons, combustion chamber components and injector position are different from those of conventional diesel engines. In this study, the combustion and emission characteristics of the OPOC which is equipped with a common-rail injection system are investigated by experimental and numerical simulation. Different split injection strategies involving different pilot injection/fuel mass ratios and injection intervals were compared with a single injection strategy. The numerical simulation was applied to calculate and analyze the effect of split injection strategies on the combustion and emission after validation with the same experimental result (single injection strategy). Results showed that using split injection had a significant beneficial effect on the combustion process, because of the acceleration effect that enhances the air-fuel mixture. Additionally, the temperature of the split injection strategies was higher than that of single strategy, leading to the nitrogen oxides (NOx) increasing and soot decreasing. In addition, it has been found that the split injection condition with a smaller pilot injection/fuel mass ratio and a medium injection interval performed better than the single injection condition in terms of the thermo-atmosphere utilization and space utilization.
Valorization of a Pulp Industry By-Product through the Production of Short-Chain Organic Acids
Authors: Queirós Diogo , Sousa Rita , Pereira Susana , Serafim Luísa
Published: May 2017

In this work, hardwood sulfite spent liquor (HSSL)—a by-product from a pulp and paper industry—was used as substrate to produce short-chain organic acids (SCOAs) through acidogenic fermentation. SCOAs have a broad range of applications, including the production of biopolymers, bioenergy, and biological removal of nutrients from wastewaters. A continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) configuration was chosen to impose selective pressure conditions. The CSTR was operated for 88 days at 30 °C, without pH control, and 1.76 days of hydraulic and sludge retention times were imposed. The culture required 46 days to adapt to the conditions imposed, reaching a pseudo-steady state after this period. The maximum concentration of SCOAs produced occurred on day 71—7.0 g carbon oxygen demand (COD)/L that corresponded to a degree of acidification of 36%. Acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, and lactate were the SCOAs produced throughout the 88 days, with an average proportion of 59:17:19:1.0:4.0%, respectively.
Assessment of Landslide Pre-Failure Monitoring and Forecasting Using Satellite SAR Interferometry
Authors: Moretto Serena , Bozzano Francesca , Esposito Carlo , Mazzanti Paolo , Rocca Alfredo
Published: May 2017

In this work, the ability of advanced satellite interferometry to monitor pre-failure landslide behaviours and the potential application of this technique to Failure Forecasting Methods (FFMs) are analysed. Several limits affect the ability of the technique to monitor a landslide process, especially during the pre-failure phase (tertiary creep). In this study, two of the major limitations affecting the technique have been explored: (1) the low data sampling frequency and (2) the phase ambiguity constraints. We explored the time series of displacements for 56 monitored landslides inferred from the scientific literature and from different in situ and remote monitoring instruments (i.e., extensometers, inclinometers, distometers, Ground Base InSAR, and total station). Furthermore, four different forecasting techniques have been applied to the monitoring data of the selected landslides. To analyse the reliability of the FFMs based on the InSAR satellite data, the 56 time series have been sampled based on different satellite features, simulating the satellite revisit time and the phase ambiguity constraints. Our analysis shows that the satellite InSAR technique could be successful in monitoring the landslide’s tertiary creep phase and, in some cases, for forecasting the corresponding time of failure using FFMs. However, the low data sampling frequency of the present satellite systems do not capture the necessary detail for the application of FFMs in actual risk management problems or for early warning purposes.
Income-Related Inequalities in Access to Dental Care Services in Japan
Authors: Nishide Akemi , Fujita Misuzu , Sato Yasunori , Nagashima Kengo , Takahashi Sho , Hata Akira
Published: May 2017

Background: This study aimed to evaluate whether income-related inequalities in access to dental care services exist in Japan. Methods: The subjects included beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Chiba City, Japan, who had been enrolled from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015. The presence or absence of dental visits and number of days spent on dental care services during the year were calculated using insurance claims submitted. Equivalent household income was calculated using individual income data from 1 January to 31 December 2013, declared for taxation. Results: Of the 216,211 enrolled subjects, 50.3% had dental care during the year. Among those with dental visits, the average number of days (standard deviation) spent on dental care services per year was 7.7 (7.1). Low income was associated with a decreased rate of dental care utilization regardless of age and sex. However, there was a significant inverse linear association between the number of days spent on dental care services and income levels for both sexes. Conclusions: There were income-related inequalities in access to dental care services, regardless of the age group or sex, within the Japanese universal health insurance system.
Spatio-Temporal Behavior Analysis and Pheromone-Based Fusion Model for Big Trace Data
Authors: Tang Luliang , Zou Qianqian , Zhang Xia , Ren Chang , Li Qingquan
Published: May 2017

People leave traces of movements that might affect the behavior of others both online in cyberspace and offline in real space. Previous studies, however, have used only questionnaires, network data, or GPS data to study spatio-temporal behaviors, ignoring the relationship between online and offline activities, and overlooking the influence of previous activities on future behaviors. We propose a Pheromone-based Fusion Model, viewing human behaviors as similar to insect foraging behaviors to model spatio-temporal recreational activity patterns, on and offline. In our model, website data were combined with GPS data to evaluate the attractiveness of destinations over time using twenty-nine landscapes in Beijing, China; big website data and GPS trajectories were gathered from 181 users for 57 months. The datasets were portioned into two periods. Online and offline recreational pheromones were calculated from the first period, and the visitation rates were extracted from the second period. These data were subsequently applied in a regression analysis to determine unknown parameters and estimate the attractiveness of destinations. The proposed method was compared with two other approaches that use either GPS data or online data alone, in order to verify effectiveness. The results show that the proposed method can estimate future behaviors, based on real world and online past actions.
Identifying the Genes Regulated by AtWRKY6 Using Comparative Transcript and Proteomic Analysis under Phosphorus Deficiency
Authors: Li Li-Qin , Huang Lu-Ping , Pan Gang , Liu Lun , Wang Xi-Yao , Lu Li-Ming
Published: May 2017

Phosphorus (P) is an important mineral nutrient for plant growth and development. Overexpressing AtWRKY6 (35S:WRKY6-9) was more sensitive and wrky6 (wrky6-1) was more resistant under low Pi conditions. To better understand the function of AtWRKY6 under low phosphate stress conditions, we applied two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) to analyse differentially expressed proteins in the shoots and roots between wild type, 35S:WRKY6-9 and wrky6-1 after phosphorus deficiency treatment for three days. The results showed 88 differentially abundant protein spots, which were identified between the shoots and roots of 35S:WRKY6-9 and wrky6-1 plants. In addition, 59 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the leaves and roots of 35S:WRKY6-9 plants. After analysis, 9 genes with W-box elements in their promoter sequences were identified in the leaves, while 6 genes with W-box elements in their promoter sequences were identified in the roots. A total of 8 genes were identified as potential target genes according to the quantitative PCR (QPCR) and two dimension difference gel electrophoresis, (2D-DIGE) results, including ATP synthase, gln synthetase, nitrilase, 14-3-3 protein, carbonic anhydrases 2, and tryptophan synthase. These results provide important information concerning the AtWRKY6 regulation network and reveal potential vital target genes of AtWRKY6 under low phosphorus stress. two dimension difference gel electrophoresis, 2D-DIGE