bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Cl- and So4 2- anion absorption in natural soils
Authors: Nenadovic Snezana , Nenadovic Milos , Kljajevic Ljiljana , Ljesevic Milutin , Omerasevic Mia , Matovic Branko
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the results of vertical migration of chloride and sulphate anions in soil are presented. The soil was contaminated with NaCl and CuSO4. Anions migration were monitored during one hydrological year (425 days). The first sample was taken after 150 days and afterwards samples were taken every 50 days. Before the profile contamination physical and chemical analyses of soil have been done. The obtained results show that chloride concentration in soil was in the range from 0.67 mg/kg up to 11.92 mg/kg, while sulphate concentration was in the range from 0.65 mg/kg up to 9.79 mg/kg.
Characterization of bentonite clay from 'Greda' deposit
Authors: Stankovic Nadezda , Logar Mihovil , Lukovic Jelena , Pantic Jelena , Miljevic Miljana , Babic Biljana , Radosavljevic-Mihajlovic Ana
Published: January 2013

Based on mineralogical and technological investigations of the deposit 'Greda' important characteristics of bentonite clay were determined. Representative samples of the deposit were characterized with X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, chemical analysis, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It was determined that the main mineral is montmorillonite and in subordinate quantities kaolinite, quartz and pyrite. The chemical composition generally shows high silica and alumina contents in all samples and small quantities of Fe3+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations. Based on technological and mineralogical research, bentonite from this deposit is a high-quality raw material for use in the ceramic industry.
Structural and functional characterization of barium zirconium titanate/epoxy composites
Authors: Garcia González , Foschini Renato , Varela Arana , Longo Elson , Moura Francisco , Simões Zirpoli
Published: January 2013

The dielectric behavior of composite materials (barium zirconium titanate / epoxy system) was analyzed as a function of ceramic concentration. Structure and morphologic behavior of the composites was investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Composites were prepared by mixing the components and pouring them into suitable moulds. It was demonstrated that the amount of inorganic phase affects the morphology of the presented composites. XRD revealed the presence of a single phase while Raman scattering confirmed structural transitions as a function of ceramic concentration. Changes in the ceramic concentration affected Raman modes and the distribution of particles along into epoxy matrix. Dielectric permittivity and dielectric losses were influenced by filler concentration.
The influence of cobalt on the microstructure and adherence characteristics of enamel on steel sheet
Authors: Bodaghi Masoud , Davarpanah Amin
Published: January 2013

In this study, the influence of cobalt (Co) on the microstructure and adhesion between enamel and steel substrate has been investigated. The result of press test indicated that the adhesion strength was greatly improved by Co inclusion. Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) revealed that the amount of dendrite increases in the interface while its average size decreases. The wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis (WDS) identified the existence of Co in the dendrite, which confirms that the Co was closely related to the change of interface morphology and the improvement of adhesion strength. Finally, the reasons for adhesion improvement were discussed.
Open bite treatment using clear aligners
Authors: Guarneri Maria Paola , Oliverio Teresa , Silvestre Ivana , Lombardo Luca , Siciliani Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

A 35-year-old female patient with dentoalveolar open bite of 4 mm, molar Class I malocclusion, centered midlines, moderate crowding, and labial inclination of the lower incisor was treated with clear aligners to reduce protrusion and close the anterior open bite. The result showed that clear aligners were an effective method with which to correct this malocclusion. The treatment was complete after 18 months. The patient was satisfied with her new appearance and function.
Antinociceptive effects of long-acting nalbuphine decanoate after intramuscular administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Guzman David Sanchez-Migallon , Braun Jana M. , Steagall Paulo V. M. , Keuler Nicholas S. , Heath Timothy D. , Krugner-Higby Lisa A. , Brown Carolyn S. , Paul-Murphy Joanne R.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To evaluate the thermal antinociceptive effects and duration of action of nalbuphine decanoate after IM administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Animals—10 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots of unknown sex.

Procedures—Nalbuphine decanoate (33.7 mg/kg) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was administered IM in a randomized complete crossover experimental design (periods 1 and 2). Foot withdrawal threshold to a noxious thermal stimulus was used to evaluate responses. Baseline thermal withdrawal threshold was recorded 1 hour before drug or saline solution administration, and thermal foot withdrawal threshold measurements were repeated 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after drug administration.

Results—Nalbuphine decanoate administered IM at a dose of 33.7 mg/kg significantly increased thermal foot withdrawal threshold, compared with results after administration of saline solution during period 2, and also caused a significant change in withdrawal threshold for up to 12 hours, compared with baseline values.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Nalbuphine decanoate increased the foot withdrawal threshold to a noxious thermal stimulus in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots for up to 12 hours and provided a longer duration of action than has been reported for other nalbuphine formulations. Further studies with other types of nociceptive stimulation, dosages, and dosing intervals as well as clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the analgesic effects of nalbuphine decanoate in psittacine birds.
Description of technique and lower reference limit for magnetic resonance imaging of hippocampal volumetry in dogs
Authors: Milne Marjorie E. , Anderson Garry A. , Chow Kathleen E. , O'Brien Terrence J. , Moffat Bradford A. , Long Sam N.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To evaluate the use of high-resolution MRI for hippocampal volumetry in dogs and to define a lower reference limit for hippocampal formation (HF) volume.

Animals—20 dogs (with no history of seizures and no underlying structural brain disease) that underwent MRI of the brain.

Procedures—The MRI protocol included a high-resolution T1-weighted 3-D ultrafast gradient-echo sequence aligned in a dorsal plane perpendicular to the long axis of the HF. Images obtained with MRI were retrospectively analyzed by 2 observers (A and B). Intraobserver and interobserver agreement were calculated with the Lin concordance correlation coefficient. Volume measurements of the HF were adjusted for intracranial volume, and a lower 95% reference limit for adjusted HF volume was calculated.

Results—There was substantial intraobserver agreement (Lin concordance correlation coefficient, 0.97 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.94 to 0.99]) but poor interobserver agreement (Lin concordance correlation coefficient, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.37 to 0.79]). The lower 95% reference limit for adjusted HF volume was 0.56 cm3 (90% CI, 0.52 to 0.60 cm3) for the right HF and 0.55 cm3 (90% CI, 0.52 to 0.58 cm3) for the left HF.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—HF volumes should be adjusted for intracranial volume to account for the large variation in canine skull size. The amount of time required to perform HF volumetry and low interobserver agreement may restrict this technique to research applications, such as the investigation of epileptic patients for hippocampal sclerosis or other cognitive disorders.
Comparison of inversion recovery gradient echo with inversion recovery fast spin echo techniques for magnetic resonance imaging detection of navicular bone marrow lesions in horses
Authors: Olive Julien , Vila Thibault , Serraud Nicolas
Published: January 2013

Objective—To compare navicular bone marrow lesion (BML) conspicuity in the feet of horses as determined via 2 fat-suppressed MRI techniques, including standard short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and inversion recovery gradient echo (IRGE).

Sample—Feet (n = 150) of horses with lameness referable to the distal portion of the digit.

Procedures—STIR and IRGE sequences were obtained prospectively in all feet with a standing low-field equine MRI system. Presence of a BML was ascertained by identification of a characteristic combination of marrow alterations in T1-weighted, T2*-weighted, T2-weighted, and STIR images. Signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated on STIR and IRGE sequences in 56 feet with a navicular BML.

Results—Signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios of both sequences correlated linearly (r = 0.87 and r = 0.92, respectively) but were significantly higher for STIR images (mean ± SD, 22.6 ± 12.7 and 12.4 ± 11.4, respectively), compared with IRGE images (13.7 ± 8.0 and 5.9 ± 7.2, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the IRGE sequence revealed BMLs significantly less conspicuously, compared with the standard STIR sequence. The 2 techniques cannot be used interchangeably, and IRGE is therefore not recommended as the sole fat-suppressed sequence for routine equine standing MRI protocols.
Evaluation of delivery agents used for introduction of small interfering RNAs into feline corneal cells
Authors: Wilkes Rebecca P. , Ward Dan A. , Newkirk Kim M. , Adams Joleen K. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To evaluate agents used for delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into feline corneal cells, toxicity of the delivery agents, and functionality of anti-feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1)–specific siRNA combinations.

Sample—Feline primary corneal cells and 19 six-month-old colony-bred cats.

Procedures—siRNA delivery into corneal cells via various delivery agents was evaluated via flow cytometric detection of labeled siRNAs. Cellular toxicity was evaluated with a proliferation assay. Functionality was tested via quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay, plaque assay, and flow cytometry. In vivo safety was evaluated with an ocular scoring method following topical application of delivery agents containing siRNAs into eyes. Corneal biopsy specimens were used to assess safety and uptake of siRNAs into corneal cells.

Results—Use of 3 delivery agents resulted in > 95% transfection of primary corneal cells. Use of a peptide for ocular delivery yielded approximately 82% transfection of cells in vitro. In cultured corneal cells, use of the siRNA combinations resulted in approximately 76% to 89% reduction in FHV-1–specific mRNA, 63% to 67% reduction of FHV-1–specific proteins in treated cells, and 97% to 98% reduction in FHV-1 replication. The agents were nonirritating in eyes, caused no substantial clinical ocular signs, and were nontoxic. Histologically, corneal epithelium and stroma were normal in treated cats. However, none of the agents were effective in delivering siRNAs into the corneal cells in vivo.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The tested anti–FHV-1–specific siRNAs could potentially be used as a treatment for FHV-1 if a successful means of in vivo delivery can be achieved.
Evaluation of vincristine-associated myelosuppression in Border Collies
Authors: Lind Denise L. , Fidel Janean L. , Gay John M. , Mealey Katrina L.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To determine whether Border Collies (ATP binding cassette subfamily B1 gene [ABCB1] wildtype) were more likely than other breeds to develop vincristine-associated myelosuppression (VAM) and, if so, whether this was caused by a mutation in ABCB1 distinct from ABCB1-1Δ.

Animals—Phase 1 comprised 36 dogs with the ABCB1 wildtype, including 26 dogs with lymphoma (5 Border Collies and 21 dogs representing 13 other breeds) treated with vincristine in a previous study; phase 2 comprised 10 additional Border Collies, including 3 that developed VAM and 7 with an unknown phenotype.

Procedures—For phase 1, the prevalence of VAM in ABCB1-wildtype Border Collies was compared with that for ABCB1-wildtype dogs of other breeds with data from a previous study. For phase 2, additional Border Collies were included. Hematologic adverse reactions were graded with Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group criteria. Genomic DNA was used to amplify and sequence all 27 exons of the canine ABCB1. Sequences from affected dogs were compared with those of unaffected dogs and dogs of unknown phenotype.

Results—3 of 5 Border Collies with the ABCB1 wildtype developed VAM; this was significantly higher than the proportion of other dogs that developed VAM (0/21). A causative mutation for VAM in Border Collies was not identified, although 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms in ABCB1 were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Breed-associated sensitivity to vincristine unrelated to ABCB1 was detected in Border Collies. Veterinarians should be aware of this breed predisposition to VAM. Causes for this apparent breed-associated sensitivity should be explored.
Florfenicol concentrations in ovine tear fluid following intramuscular and subcutaneous administration and comparison with the minimum inhibitory concentrations against mycoplasmal strains potentially involved in infectious keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Regnier Alain , Laroute Valérie , Gautier-Bouchardon Anne , Gayrard Véronique , Picard-Hagen Nicole , Toutain Pierre-Louis
Published: January 2013

Objective—To measure florfenicol concentrations in ovine tear fluid after IM and SC administration and determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of florfenicol against field isolates of Mycoplasma organisms potentially involved in infectious keratoconjunctivitis.

Animals—9 healthy adult Lacaune ewes.

Procedures—Animals received an IM and SC administration of florfenicol (20 mg/kg) in a 2-way crossover design. Samples of blood and tear fluid were collected before and for 24 hours after administration. Concentrations of florfenicol in plasma and tear fluid were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography. The MIC of florfenicol for various Mycoplasma strains cultured from sheep and goats was determined via an agar dilution method.

Results—Mean florfenicol concentration in tear fluid for the 24-hour period was significantly higher after IM administration (0.70 μg/mL) than after SC administration (0.22 μg/mL) and was maintained for a longer duration. The lacrimal fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio was not different between the 2 routes of administration, with mean values of 40.2% and 32.5% after IM and SC administration, respectively. The MIC for Mycoplasma agalactiae, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, and Mycoplasma mycoides isolates ranged from 0.5 to 8 μg of florfenicol/mL. Two strains of M agalactiae could be considered resistant to florfenicol.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Florfenicol readily penetrated the preocular tear fluid of sheep after IM and SC administration. For both routes of administration, doses > 20 mg/kg would be necessary to achieve tear fluid concentrations of florfenicol greater than the MICs for most strains of Mycoplasma organisms.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of midazolam after intravenous and intramuscular administration in alpacas
Authors: Aarnes Turi K. , Fry Pamela R. , Hubbell John A. E. , Bednarski Richard M. , Lerche Phillip , Chen Wei , Bei Di , Liu Zhongfa , Lakritz Jeffrey
Published: January 2013

Objective—To determine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of midazolam after IV and IM administration in alpacas.

Animals—6 healthy alpacas.

Procedures—Midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) was administered IV or IM in a randomized crossover design. Twelve hours prior to administration, catheters were placed in 1 (IM trial) or both (IV trial) jugular veins for drug administration and blood sample collection for determination of serum midazolam concentrations. Blood samples were obtained at intervals up to 24 hours after IM and IV administration. Midazolam concentrations were determined by use of tandem liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results—Maximum concentrations after IV administration (median, 1,394 ng/mL [range, 1,150 to 1,503 ng/mL]) and IM administration (411 ng/mL [217 to 675 ng/mL]) were measured at 3 minutes and at 5 to 30 minutes, respectively. Distribution half-life was 18.7 minutes (13 to 47 minutes) after IV administration and 41 minutes (30 to 80 minutes) after IM administration. Elimination half-life was 98 minutes (67 to 373 minutes) and 234 minutes (103 to 320 minutes) after IV and IM administration, respectively. Total clearance after IV administration was 11.3 mL/min/kg (6.7 to 13.9 mL/min/kg), and steady-state volume of distribution was 525 mL/kg (446 to 798 mL/kg). Bioavailability of midazolam after IM administration was 92%. Peak onset of sedation occurred at 0.4 minutes (IV) and 15 minutes (IM). Sedation was significantly greater after IV administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Midazolam was well absorbed after IM administration, had a short duration of action, and induced moderate levels of sedation in alpacas.
Effect of unfocused extracorporeal shock wave therapy on growth factor gene expression in wounds and intact skin of horses
Authors: Link Kaitlyn A. , Koenig Judith B. , Silveira Andressa , Plattner Brandon L. , Lillie Brandon N.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To compare the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on expression of fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) in skin with surgically created skin wounds and intact skin in horses.

Animals—14 healthy horses.

Procedure—8 horses were treated with ESWT at 6 locations along the neck at 36, 24, 12, 6, 2, or 1 hour prior to collection of full-thickness biopsy specimens from each location; a control specimen was collected from a sham-treated location. In 6 horses, 5 full-thickness wounds were created in each forelimb. Wounds in 1 forelimb/horse received ESWT immediately after creation and subsequently on days 7, 14, and 21; wounds in the contralateral forelimb remained untreated. Biopsy specimens were collected from 1 wound on each forelimb on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Expression levels of FGF-7, TGF-β1, IGF-1, PDGF, and VEGF were assessed in tissue samples from the horses' necks and forelimbs.

Results—In surgically created wounds, ESWT treatment was associated with reduced TGF-β1 expression, compared with expression in control wounds, during the entire study period. At 28 days following wound creation, IGF-1 expression was significantly increased for treated and untreated wounds, compared with findings on days 7, 14, 21, and 35. There was no significant effect of treatment on FGF-7, TGF-β1, IGF-1, PDGF, or VEGF expression in intact skin.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intervention with ESWT to suppress TGF-β1 may decrease granulation tissue production, resulting in improved wound healing on the distal portion of horses' limbs.
Preoperative factors associated with postoperative hypocalcemia in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism that underwent parathyroidectomy: 62 cases (2004–2009)
Authors: Milovancev Milan , Schmiedt Chad W.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To identify preoperative variables associated with postoperative hypocalcemia in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—62 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs undergoing parathyroidectomy for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism between January 2004 and January 2009 at 4 institutions were reviewed; data regarding various preoperative variables and postoperative serum total and ionized calcium concentrations were recorded. Preoperative ultrasonographic and surgical findings were compared regarding laterality (right, left, or bilateral) of parathyroid gland lesions. Data were analyzed via ANOVA, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression to identify associations between preoperative variables and postoperative serum total and ionized calcium nadir concentrations.

Results—Preoperative variables significantly associated with low postoperative serum total calcium nadir concentrations included old age, history of weakness, lack of gastrointestinal tract signs, high serum parathyroid hormone concentration, and low serum calcium-phosphorus concentration product value. Preoperative variables significantly associated with low postoperative serum ionized calcium nadir concentrations included sexually intact status, low body weight, high serum urea nitrogen concentration, and lack of polyuria and polydipsia in the history. Age, body weight, serum calcium-phosphorus concentration product, and serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone and urea nitrogen were included in the final multiple linear regression model for prediction of postoperative serum calcium concentrations. Ultrasonography was performed in 58 dogs; results for 44 (75.9%) dogs agreed with surgical findings regarding laterality of parathyroid gland lesions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prediction of postoperative hypocalcemia in dogs in this study with primary hyperparathyroidism that underwent parathyroidectomy was difficult and depended on multiple (history, physical examination, and clinicopathologic) factors.
Diagnosis and treatment of an insulinoma in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Hess Laurie R. , Ravich Michelle L. , Reavill Drury R.
Published: January 2013

Case Description—A 5-year-old male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was examined because of lethargy, weight loss, and episodic neurologic signs, including paddling in lateral recumbency, head tilt, and circling. Prior to initial examination, the animal was treated with corn syrup whenever it appeared lethargic, plus an unknown dosage of sulfadimethoxazole.

Clinical Findings—The animal was thin, with abdominal distention and subtle torticollis. Chemistry panel results documented hypoglycemia (45 mg/dL). Corn syrup was discontinued in favor of a high-fiber formula fed via a syringe. Measurement of blood insulin concentration demonstrated hyperinsulinemia (> 1,440 pmol/L [> 201 μU/L]), with concurrent hypoglycemia (0.6 mmol/L [11 mg/dL]).

Treatment and Outcome—Diazoxide treatment for presumptive insulinoma was started at a dosage of 5 mg/kg (2.3 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours. A blood glucose curve demonstrated persistent hypoglycemia, and the diazoxide dosage was gradually increased to 25 mg/kg (11.4 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours. A second glucose curve measurement 12 days later confirmed adequate euglycemic control. Three weeks after the initial diazoxide dosage increase, the animal was reexamined for constipation and abdominal distension and died the following day. Histologic analysis confirmed a pancreatic beta-cell tumor (insulinoma).

Clinical Relevance—To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of premortem diagnosis and treatment of an insulinoma in a guinea pig. This case demonstrates that diazoxide treatment can help achieve euglycemia in hypoglycemic guinea pigs and is a potential treatment option for guinea pigs with insulinoma.
Evaluation of pregnancy and foaling rates after reduction of twin pregnancy via transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration in mares
Authors: Klewitz Jutta , Krekeler Natali , Ortgies Florian , Heberling Antje , Linke Corinna , Sieme Harald
Published: January 2013

Objective—To assess pregnancy and live foaling rates after reduction of twin pregnancy via transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUA) in mares and evaluate effects of gestational period, localization of conceptuses, fluid aspiration volume, and combination of TUA with embryonic or fetal puncture on these outcomes.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—44 mares pregnant with twins (25 to 62 days of gestation).

Procedures—TUA was performed in all mares and combined with embryonic or fetal puncture in 13. Follow-up ultrasonographic examinations were performed by referring veterinarians. Effects of gestational period and TUA-related variables on pregnancy and foaling rates were assessed.

Results—Singleton pregnancy (32/44 [73%]), persistent twin pregnancy (3/44 [7%]), or loss of both conceptuses (9/44 [20%]) was confirmed 5 to 7 days after TUA. Two mares with persistent twin pregnancy underwent another TUA, and 1 underwent prostaglandin F2α–induced abortion; these were excluded from subsequent analyses. Eighteen of 24 mares reevaluated 3 to 4 weeks after TUA were pregnant with 1 conceptus. Twenty of 41 (49%) mares delivered live singleton foals. Gestational period of TUA did not affect early pregnancy rates. Foaling rate for mares that underwent TUA after day 42 (0/5) was lowest of all groups and was significantly lower than that of mares that underwent TUA between days 31 and 35 (9/14). Three of 13 mares that underwent TUA with embryonic or fetal puncture delivered live foals, compared with 17 of 28 that underwent TUA alone. Effects of other variables were nonsignificant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—TUA was effective for reduction of twin pregnancy in mares, with best results achieved before gestational day 43.
Conducting poly(o-anisidine)-coated steel electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Deshpande Prathamesh , Murali Meera , Deshpande Pravin , Galphade Vidyanand , More Mahendra
Published: January 2013

Conducting poly(o-anisidine) coatings were obtained on low carbon steel in aqueous oxalic acid solution by using the galvanostatic technique. The coatings were characterised by potential-time relations, UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements. The electrochemical performance of coated steel electrodes was evaluated on the basis of galvanostatic charge-discharge performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.5 M H2SO4. Maximum charging current was found in the case of the coating obtained at a current density of 8 mA cm−2 for 600 s duration at the supply voltage of 0.5 V. The estimated capacitance of the coated steel electrode for charging is 42.67 mF and 7.2 mF for discharging. It was also found that there was an increase in capacitance as a function of supply voltage and the maximum value was obtained at 0.5 V. The study reveals the possibility of using conducting poly(o-anisidine)-coated low carbon steel from oxalic acid medium as supercapacitor electrode materials.
Anaerobic treatment of rapeseed meal
Authors: Kolesárová Nina , Hutňan Miroslav , Špalková Viera , Lazor Michal
Published: January 2013

Rapeseed meal is a solid by-product obtained from rapeseed after oil extraction. This contribution summarises experiences from batch experiments as well as the long-term processing of this substrate in a laboratory stirred anaerobic reactor (continuous stirred-tank reactor). On the basis of the batch tests of hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenic activity, it was concluded that the anaerobic degradation of rapeseed meal can be performed using a one-step system and it is not necessary to include a hydrolytic-acidogenic step prior to the methanogenic step. Although the methanogenic potential of rapeseed meal appears to be very promising, the long-term processing as a single substrate led to serious problems arising from the inhibitory effects. It was, therefore, co-fermented with crude glycerol from biodiesel production. From the long-term operation of the laboratory model, it may be stated that, due to the co-fermentation of by-products from biodiesel production, the individual inhibition effects can be suppressed to a large extent and biogas production can be stabilised. The maximum organic loading rate in the continuous stirred reactor achieved 2.42 kg m−3 d−1 of volatile solids (15 g of rapeseed meal and 20 mL of gas-phase), which was 3.13 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand.
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION AND CONCEPTIONS OF PENALITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Dubber Markus D
Published: January 2013

This article undertakes a critical analysis of the concept of criminal jurisdiction from a comparative and historical perspective, focusing on common criminal law and German criminal law in particular. Despite a recent upsurge of interest in criminal jurisdiction in the international sphere, domestic criminal jurisdiction remains understudied in both legal systems. Turned inward, conceptions of ‘international’ criminal jurisdiction in a given domestic legal system turn out to reflect the tension between competing fundamental conceptions of state penality.
Modification of Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide Procedure for Two-Lift Composite Concrete Pavements
Authors: Tompkins Derek , Saxena Priyam , Khazanovich Lev , Gotlif Alex
Published: January 2013

Modifications made to the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to accommodate the design of a newly constructed composite pavement system featuring a thin portland cement concrete (PCC) layer placed over another PCC layer (PCC–PCC pavement) are described. In previous versions of the MEPDG, a newly constructed PCC–PCC pavement project was considered a bonded PCC overlay of an existing PCC pavement. As a result of this simplification, the MEPDG was not consistent in its predictions for a newly constructed PCC–PCC pavement and its structurally equivalent single-layer analogue. To remedy this inconsistency, researchers suggested modifications to the Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model (EICM) used by the MEPDG in terms of (a) number of locations through the slab used by EICM to determine the thermal gradient and (b) EICM calculation of the subgrade spring stiffness (or k-value). Before-and-after MEPDG sensitivity analyses are included to justify the modifications developed and implemented into the MEPDG with the assistance of the MEPDG development team. This research was conducted under SHRP 2 R21, Composite Pavement Systems.
Guidance for Simulation-Based Modeling of Auxiliary through Lanes
Authors: Bugg Zachary , Rouphail Nagui M. , Schroeder Bastian
Published: January 2013

Auxiliary through lanes (ATLs) are a cost-effective means for reducing congestion at signalized intersections, but little guidance is currently available on how to model ATL operations in a microsimulation environment. Without calibration, microsimulation tools assign some vehicles to an ATL as a function of basic lane-changing algorithms; this process results in much higher ATL utilization than observed in the field. This paper presents empirical models that explain ATL use as a function of through-movement congestion. This level of ATL utilization can be achieved in simulation tools by altering certain parameters, chiefly the upstream decision distance (UDD) of the ATL. Peak-hour counts and signal-timing data were collected at 22 ATL approaches from across the United States and coded into simulation to compare field and simulated ATL utilization. Modification of the UDD enabled close modeling of ATL utilization at 19 of 22 sites; the remaining three ATLs could not be modeled accurately in simulation because they experienced extremely low field utilization (less than 10% of total through-movement flow). After calibration, a model that approximated the correct UDD as a function of the total entering through-movement flow and ATL length was empirically developed. This model will allow practitioners to have a starting point when modeling a planned ATL in microsimulation packages; practitioners can then use the ATL operational models for further calibration of the UDD to simulate the correct level of ATL use.
Defining Design Space for Parameters of Traffic Signal Timing: Empirical Approach
Authors: Brennan Thomas M. , Griggs Brian D. , Grimmer Gannon M. , Hainen Alexander M. , Day Christopher M. , Sturdevant James R. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: January 2013

This paper proposes an agile, scalable approach for an agency to use for defining a design space for parameters of traffic signal controllers that reflect the agency's procedures. This design space is more commonly known as a checklist of parameters that must be configured in a controller database. The procedure for establishing this design space used simple network-monitoring protocol messages from programmed traffic signal controllers to traverse the controller database tree systematically with the get-next command that was available on controllers that supported the National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation System Protocol (NTCIP). In the case study, a corridor of 22 intersections (five isolated and 17 coordinated) was analyzed to establish the design space empirically. The controllers that were studied had approximately 74,000 configurable parameters, although many of these are seldom configured by most agencies. Longitudinally along a five-intersection corridor, approximately 430 parameters (0.6%) on isolated intersections were changed. Longitudinally along a 17-intersection coordinated system, approximately 1,700 parameters (2.2%) were changed. Approximately 93% of the parameters that were changed on the isolated intersections were defined by NTCIP 1202. Only 28% of the parameters that were changed on the coordinated intersections were defined by NTCIP 1202; the remaining 72% were vendor specific. The paper concludes with a series of tables that summarize the broad spectrum of parameters to be configured for a modern traffic signal controller to operate properly. Agencies can use these tables as a checklist for defining expectations precisely when individuals develop new traffic signal controller configurations or update existing ones. Similarly, consultants can use these tables and procedures to define a clear scope of work on signal-timing projects.
Multiheadway Gap-Out Logic for Actuated Control on Multilane Approaches
Authors: Cesme Burak , Furth Peter G.
Published: January 2013

The efficiency of actuated signals depends on quick detection when the queue has discharged and flow rate has dropped below the saturation rate. The traditional detection method is to measure headway between successive vehicles. In single-lane approaches, this measurement works well because the safety need for longitudinal spacing during saturation flow keeps headway variability small. However, on multilane approaches, headways are far more variable (headways near zero are common); for a low probability of premature gap-out, the critical gap has to be set extremely long so that traffic well below the saturation flow rate can hold the light green. This critical gap requirement makes multilane operations inefficient. This paper proposes a gap-out logic that is based on multiheadways, the time needed for several vehicles to pass a detector. For example, for three-lane approaches, the variability of three- or six-vehicle multiheadways is much lower than that of single headways, and this low variability enables the controller to distinguish saturation flow from lower flow more easily. Through microsimulation, intersection operations based on multiheadway logic were compared with traditional detection and lane-by-lane detection. Multiheadway logic performed best in reducing delay and cycle length; the greatest improvement occurred when traffic was heavy.
Predictive Strategy for Transit Signal Priority at Fixed-Time Signalized Intersections: Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Wei , van Zuylen Henk J. , Sze N. N. , Chen Xuewu , Wang Hao
Published: January 2013

It is essential to give priority to transit vehicles at signalized intersections in the megacities of China such as Nanjing. This study developed a transit signal priority (TSP) strategy for fixed-time signals with the use of techniques for advanced and continuous vehicle detection and prediction of arrival time. In the proposed model, transit vehicles were traced once they were positioned at one intersection and were advancing to the subject intersection. For instance, the location and the speed of a transit vehicle were measured every few seconds, and the prediction was made simultaneously by a model integrating historic and real-time data. With the predicted arrival time, the length of the transit signal phase would be adjusted to give the green light to the transit vehicle. The proposed strategy was evaluated with VISSIM simulation and compared with conventional TSP strategies (green extension and early green) in a typical roadway and traffic setting of Nanjing. Results indicated that the conventional TSP strategy could hardly result in significant improvement in transit delay and that the proposed strategy significantly reduced the transit travel time. Despite these findings, the adverse impacts on the delay of other road traffic by TSP could not be ignored. Results of the simulation model indicated that the proposed predictive TSP strategy was less disruptive to other traffic and that its performance in nonpeak periods was superior to that in peak periods. The results also suggest that a well-designed algorithm for the prediction of arrival time is the key to success in implementing predictive TSP control.
Portable Toolbox for Monitoring and Evaluating Signal Operations
Authors: Sunkari Srinivasa R. , Charara Hassan A. , Songchitruksa Praprut
Published: January 2013

Traffic signal operators are often faced with the challenge of assessing the performance of signal operation and troubleshooting day-to-day operational issues. In many cases, the problems can be specific to a certain time of day or exclusive traffic patterns; this specificity makes it more difficult to pinpoint the problems without spending hours or even days at the sites. With limited resources and budget constraints, public agencies need to find a more efficient and cost-effective approach to operating and maintaining an ever-increasing number of signals within their jurisdictions. To address this challenge, the authors developed a portable tool that consists of a field-hardened computer that interfaces with the traffic signal cabinet through special enhanced bus interface units. The toolbox consists of a monitoring tool and an analysis tool. The monitoring tool monitors and logs relevant events within the cabinet that provide input for analyzing intersection operations. These inputs include signal status, detector call status (including pedestrian calls), preempt status, and coordination status. The analysis tool then analyzes the log files for each day and produces user-friendly reports in hourly average and cycle-based formats. The measures of effectiveness produced by the tool include signal data (e.g., phase time, phase failures, queue clearance time), pedestrian data (e.g., pedestrian calls per hour and average time to service pedestrian), and preempt data (e.g., type of preempt, time of preempt, and duration of preempt). The analyst can install the tool in the signal cabinet and log the data for subsequent evaluation and troubleshooting in the office. The tool was deployed and field-evaluated at two signalized intersections in Texas. The results generated from the tool were found to be in good agreement with observations at the test sites.
Dynamic Lane Grouping at Isolated Intersections: Problem Formulation and Performance Analysis
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wu Guoyuan
Published: January 2013

This paper presents some fundamentals of the dynamic lane grouping (DLG) concept, the aim of which is to improve lane utilization under variations in traffic demand. The problem was formulated as a mathematical programming model to determine the optimal lane allocation of an isolated intersection in relation to minimizing the maximum lane flow ratio (defined as the assigned flow divided by the saturation rate). Shared lanes and user equilibrium status for lane use were also considered in the model. Numerical analyses were conducted for four cases with different numbers of lanes, saturation levels, and methods for setting signal timing (adaptive and fixed timing). The results indicated that DLG might provide significant performance improvement in reducing the maximum-flow ratio under the spatial variation in demand. The performance of DLG was also compared with real-time adaptive signal timing by means of the average delay; improvements to the average delay were also observed when the spatial variation was large. The maximum-flow ratio and the average delay of DLG remained almost unchanged for the full spectrum of spatial demand variation when total demand was constant. The results also implied that the more significantly the demand varied, the more benefits the dynamic lane grouping method could potentially provide.
Evaluation of Transit Signal Priority Options for Future Bus Rapid Transit Line in West Valley City, Utah
Authors: Zlatkovic Milan , Stevanovic Aleksandar , Martin Peter T. , Tasic Ivana
Published: January 2013

This paper presents an analysis of different transit signal priorities (TSPs) for a future bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor in West Valley City, Utah. The goal was to find the optimal TSP strategy for estimated and planned traffic and transit operations. The study used VISSIM microsimulation software in combination with ASC/3 software-in-the-loop simulation. Four models were used in the analysis: no TSP, TSP, TSP with phase rotation, and custom TSP. The results showed that TSP with phase rotation and custom TSP could both be considered for implementation. TSP with phase rotation would provide significant benefits for BRT, with minimum impacts on vehicular traffic. Custom TSP would provide major benefits for BRT in travel times, delays, and stops. However, this strategy has more impact on vehicular traffic. Custom TSP is an advanced strategy that still needs examination and improvement. The study provides a set of instructions on how the described strategies can be implemented in field traffic controllers.
Ice-core evidence of westerly and monsoon moisture contributions in the central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Joswiak Daniel R. , Yao Tandong , Wu Guangjian , Tian Lide , Xu Baiqing
Published: January 2013

Stable isotopes are a primary tool for inferring past temperature changes and atmospheric moisture variability from ice cores. A 33 m ice core representing the period 1850–2004 was retrieved from the Tanggula Mountains, central Tibetan Plateau (5743 m a.s.l.), in August 2005. Annual average stable isotope (δ18O, δD) values generally increase during the period, while the second-order parameter of deuterium excess (d-excess) generally decreases. High annual average d-excess values (18.2‰) throughout the ice core suggest a significant contribution of continental recycled moisture. d-excess values shift from relatively higher values during 1850–1940 to lower values since the 1940s. Annual isotope values and reconstructed accumulation are compared with climate indices, local station temperature records and northern India monsoon precipitation. Significant correlation is observed between δ18O and the Southern Oscillation, NINO3.4 and Dipole Mode indices. Annual average d-excess values revealed a significant negative correlation with the Dipole Mode index. Results suggest a relatively greater contribution of westerly-dominated continental moisture prior to the 1940s and an increase in the contribution of moisture evaporated under more humid conditions since the 1940s.
Malignant tumour arising in mature ovarian teratoma
Authors: Haqaue WS , Alam M , Islam SMJ , Karim MI , Yeasmin S , Ahmed I
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v8i1.13535 JAFMC Vol.8(1) 2012 pp.25-29
Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Yokosuka Osamu , Omata Masao
Published: January 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a hepatotropic virus, is a single stranded-positive RNA virus of ~9,600 nt. length belonging to the Flaviviridae family. HCV infection causes acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been reported that HCV-coding proteins interact with host-cell factors that are involved in cell cycle regulation, transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Severe inflammation and advanced liver fibrosis in the liver background are also associated with the incidence of HCV-related HCC. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis in HCV-related liver diseases.
Indirect Exchange and Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) Interactions in Magnetically-Doped Graphene
Authors: Power Stephen , Ferreira Mauro
Published: January 2013

Magnetically-doped graphene systems are potential candidates for application in future spintronic devices. A key step is to understand the pairwise interactions between magnetic impurities embedded in graphene that are mediated by the graphene conduction electrons. A large number of studies have been undertaken to investigate the indirect exchange, or RKKY (Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida), interactions in graphene. Many of these studies report a decay rate faster than expected for a two-dimensional material and the absence of the usual distance dependent oscillations. In this review we summarize the techniques used to calculate the interaction and present the key results obtained to date. The effects of more detailed parameterisations of the magnetic impurities and graphene host are considered, as are results obtained from ab initio calculations. Since the fast decay of the interaction presents an obstacle to spintronic applications, we focus in particular on the possibility of augmenting the interaction range by a number of methods including doping, spin precession and the application of strain.
A Bottom-Up Approach for Automatically Grouping Sensor Data Layers by their Observed Property
Authors: Knoechel Ben , Huang Chih-Yuan , Liang Steve
Published: January 2013

The Sensor Web is a growing phenomenon where an increasing number of sensors are collecting data in the physical world, to be made available over the Internet. To help realize the Sensor Web, the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has developed open standards to standardize the communication protocols for sharing sensor data. Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) are systems that have been developed to access, process, and visualize geospatial data from heterogeneous sources, and SDIs can be designed specifically for the Sensor Web. However, there are problems with interoperability associated with a lack of standardized naming, even with data collected using the same open standard. The objective of this research is to automatically group similar sensor data layers. We propose a methodology to automatically group similar sensor data layers based on the phenomenon they measure. Our methodology is based on a unique bottom-up approach that uses text processing, approximate string matching, and semantic string matching of data layers. We use WordNet as a lexical database to compute word pair similarities and derive a set-based dissimilarity function using those scores. Two approaches are taken to group data layers: mapping is defined between all the data layers, and clustering is performed to group similar data layers. We evaluate the results of our methodology.