bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of chloride salt type on critical chloride content of reinforcement corrosion in concrete
Authors: Jiang Linhua , Liu Rong , Mo Lili , Xu Jinxia , Yang Hu
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of chloride salt type on the critical chloride content for the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete. The experiment was carried out in Portland cement concrete and concrete incorporating fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag. Sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), calcium chloride (CaCl2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) were chosen to corrode the steel reinforcement. The initiation of pitting corrosion was detected by half-cell potential, linear polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectra methods. The critical chloride content was expressed as free chloride or total chloride by mass of binder, as well as [Cl−]/[OH−]. In addition, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetry analyses were employed to study the products in concrete. Test results show that the chloride salt type has a marked influence on the critical chloride content. The critical chloride contents expressed as free Cl− for the specimens contaminated by external magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are lower than those for the specimens contaminated by external sodium chloride and potassium chloride. Contrary to the trend for free Cl−, the critical chloride contents expressed as total Cl− and [Cl−]/[OH−] for the specimens contaminated by external magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are higher than those for the specimens contaminated by external sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The concrete specimens contaminated by external sodium chloride have the same critical chloride content as those contaminated by external potassium chloride, regardless of the water–binder ratio, mineral admixtures, or the form of critical chloride content.
Quantitative damage evaluation of AAR-affected concrete by DIP technique
Authors: Shuguang Li , Yihui Lu , Gaixin Chen
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a method to evaluate alkali–aggregate reaction (AAR) damage in concrete by digital-image-processing (DIP) technique. A vacuum fluorescent-epoxy impregnation technique is used to highlight microcracks in the AAR-damaged concrete and a Matlab-based software package is developed to quantitatively analyse the microcrack characteristics (area, length, width etc.) in the fluorescent microscopic images of concrete. Six microcrack pattern parameters – the total length, the length density, the total area, the area density, the maximum width and the average width of microcracks – in slices from the concrete specimens that suffered different degrees of AAR damage were obtained. Results show that the length density, the area density and the average/maximum width of microcracks all increase as the degree of AAR damage increases. Relationships between the mechanical properties and the microcrack characteristics are established and results show that both the relative flexural strength and relative axial tensile strength have quadratic correlations with the microcrack density. The degree of AAR damage has a good logarithmic correlation with the microcrack density and the expansion ratio has a linear correlation with the microcrack density. Quantitative microcrack analysis based on DIP techniques could be developed as a new powerful tool of quantifying AAR damage in concrete.
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating Connective Tissue Graft Plus Resin‐Modified Glass Ionomer Restoration for the Treatment of Gingival Recession Associated With Non‐Carious Cervical Lesion: 2‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , da Silva Feitosa Daniela , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Nociti Francisco Humberto , Sallum Antônio Wilson , Sallum Enilson Antônio
Published: January 2013

Background: The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate the 2‐year term results of gingival recession (GR) associated with non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) treated by connective tissue graft (CTG) alone or in combination with a resin‐modified glass ionomer restoration (CTG+R).

Methods: Thirty‐six patients with Miller Class I buccal GR associated with NCCLs completed the follow‐up. The defects were randomly assigned to receive either CTG or CTG+R. Bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), relative GR, clinical attachment level (CAL), and cervical lesion height coverage were measured at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment.

Results: Both groups showed statistically significant gains in CAL and soft‐tissue coverage. The differences between groups were not statistically significant in BOP, PD, relative GR, or CAL after 2 years. Cervical lesion height coverage was 79.31% ± 18.51% for CTG and 71.95% ± 13.25% for CTG+R (P >0.05). Estimated root coverage was 91.56% ± 11.74% for CTG and 93.29% ± 7.97% for CTG+R (P >0.05).

Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that both procedures provide comparable soft tissue coverage after 2 years of follow‐up.
Grey falcon and the union man Miloje Sokic collection of the clippings from the American press 1941-1945
Authors: Mirkovic Alexander
Published: January 2013

Miloje Sokic, a journalist whose family owned the Pravda newspaper, spent war
years in the United States, where he gathered a collection of press clippings
that illustrate well American attitudes towards the war in the Balkans. The
collection reveals enthusiastic support for the Chetniks in the first two
years of the war, and then the pendulum swang toward Partisans. In these
clipping one can follow two immigrant groups. The one around Konstantin
Fotitch, the Yugoslav Ambassador, nurtured the image of heroic Serbian
resistance as illustrated by Rebecca West and Ruth Mitchell. The other,
around Luis Adamic, presented Yugoslav Partisans as a piece of a progressive
multi-cultural America in the Balkans. Adamic?s strategy won because it was
politically more astute, but also because the immigrants from the former
Habsburg lands outnumbered those of Serbian origin at a ratio of 3 to 1.
The application of interval calculus in estimation of dynamic characteristics of structures
Authors: Djordjevic Djordje , Petronijevic Predrag
Published: January 2013

The paper analyzed application of interval calculus in estimation of dynamic
characteristics of linear systems. The eigen periods of oscillation of
structures are affected by several parameters: geometrical characteristics of
cross sections of members, magnitude of the mass concentrated in the floors
and modulus of elasticity of materials. As a numerical example, the frame
reinforced concrete structure was taken, for which the mentioned parameters
are given in the form interval. The result is also obtained in the form of
interval so it is possible to observe the direct effects on the value of the
structural oscillation periods by changing one or several parameters.
Aulacogens, the Donets Basin (Eastern Ukraine, Southwestern Russia), and the new classification of rifts: Towards a proper terminology
Authors: Ruban Dmitry
Published: January 2013

Some intra-cratonic basins are traditionally called ?aulacogens?. This term
has persisted in the geoscience literature since its invention by Soviet
geologists in the mid-20th century before the triumph of the plate tectonics,
but its meaning has evolved. Attempts to change its meaning from descriptive
to genetic have led to a broad spectrum of opinions on the definition of
aulacogens. Some specialists related them to continental rifts, while others
have restricted aulacogens to the only particular rift systems or peculiar
stages in the evolution of young cratons. The Donets Basin is a typical
aulacogen stretching across the southern margin of the East European Craton.
A brief review of present knowledge of this basin shows that its nature is
rather incompatible with the present understanding of aulacogens. Instead,
the new classification of rifts offers a more precise terminology for its
exact characteristics. It is suggested that the term ?aulacogen? should only
be restricted to those basins for which it has been applied historically.
New data on the geology of the archaeological site at Vinca (Belgrade, Serbia)
Authors: Rundic Ljupko , Knezevic Slobodan , Kuzmic Vanja , Kuzmic Petar
Published: January 2013

Landslides threaten Vinca, a world famous archaeological site of Neolithic
culture. For this reason, a field investigation and geologic-geotechnical
research of the cores of seven exploration boreholes were carried out. Avery
interesting structural setting was identified. The oldest stratigraphic unit
consists of Middle Miocene Sarmatian sediments, which were discovered along
the right bank of Danube River and within its riverbed about 300 m upstream
from the archaeological site. These Sarmatian strata give evidence that the
Danube River eroded the right bank. In addition, within its recent valley,
there is a fault zone along which a block on the right bank was uplifted
while a block on the left bank of the river that was subsided. All the
boreholes passed through sediments of a previously unknown geological
formation. It lies unconformably over Sarmatian strip marls and makes the
base for Pleistocene loessoid sediments (approx. 10 m under the surface).
These sediments were formed in a marsh-lake environment with a strong river
influence. According to its superposition, the supposed age of this formation
is the Plio-Pleistocene. Above the right bank of the Danube River, there are
steep sections where Pleistocene swamp loessoid sediments were found. True
loess deposits are not present here, but are in the hinterland of the right
bank of the Danube River. The loess delluvium was deposited over the
Pleistocene sediments. On the right bank of the Danube River, below the
archaeological site, there are the anthropogenic water compacted sands that
were previously incorrectly shown on geological maps as alluvial fans.
Salpingoporella nicolacarrasi spec. nov., a dasycladalean alga from Santonian of southwestern Serbia (Novi Pazar, Mirdita Zone)
Authors: Radoicic Rajka , Conrad André
Published: January 2013

A dasycladalean alga, Salpingoporella nicolacarrasi spec. nov., is described
from Santonian limestones of the Mur Formation outcropping in Novi Pazar,
Mirdita Zone belt, SW Serbia. The alga, the main axis of which bears tightly
packed whorls of numerous laterals, resembles the Triassic Salpingoporella
sturi. Calcareous sparry calcite skeleton, likely first aragonitic, is more
or less heavily destroyed by a special process of bio-erosion, described
under the name of Mur1.
Synthesis and characterization of yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) powders
Authors: Zarzecka-Napierala Magdalena , Haberko Krzystof
Published: January 2013

In this paper synthesis and characterization of YAG powders, prepared by a
process based on complexing properties of citric acid, was reported.
Influence of citric acid estrification induced by 2-propanol or ethylene
glycol on the system homogeneity was investigated. These reagents were
introduced to aqueous solution of yttrium and aluminium nitrates. A variety
of powders from Al2O3-Y2O3 system with different phase composition were
obtained by altering the citrate to nitrate ratio. Evolution of the powders
phase composition vs. temperature was investigated using DTA/TG, XRD, and
FT-IR methods. The most interesting results were observed in case of the
citric acid - propanol - relative nitrates system. The mole ratio of these
reagents equal to 1: 2.5: 2.5 (nitrates (Al,Y): citric acid: 2-propanol)
allowed to synthesize pure YAG phase powders at temperature as low as 950?C.
Structural characterization and phase transformations in metal oxide films synthesized by successive ionic layer deposition (SILD) method
Authors: Korotcenkov Ghenadii , Han Sang , Cho Beongki , Tolstoy Valeri
Published: January 2013

In this paper the peculiarities of phase composition and morphology of metal oxides synthesized by successive ionic layer deposition (SILD) method are discussed. The main attention is focused on SnO2-based metal oxides, which are promising materials for gas sensor applications. FTIR spectroscopy has shown that the precipitates of metal oxides, deposited by SILD method, are hydroxide, peroxide or hydrated metal oxide-based compounds. After annealing at relatively low temperatures (200-400?C) these compounds release both water and peroxide oxygen and transform into corresponding oxides. According to XRD, SEM and AFM measurements it was confirmed that deposited films had fine-dispersed structures. Only after annealing at Tan>500?C, XRD diffraction peaks, typical for nanocrystalline material with grain size < 6-8 nm, were observed. High roughness and high degree of agglomeration are important peculiarities of metal oxides deposited by SILD. Metal oxide films consist of spherical agglomerates. Degree of agglomeration of the films and agglomerate size could be controlled. It was found that introduction of various additives in the solution for SILD could sufficiently change the microstructure of synthesized metal oxides. .
Microwave advantages in inorganic synthesis of La0.5 Sr0.5MnO3 powders for perovskite ceramics
Authors: Rizzuti Antonino , Leonelli Cristina
Published: January 2013

In this work the advantage of the use of the microwave technology was exploited for the preparation of perovskite ceramics. Microwave-assisted hydrothermal method has been applied to the preparation of strontium-doped lanthanum manganites with different stoichiometric ratio of the three oxides, La1-x SrxMnO3 (x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.6). In particular, pure black narrow dispersed crystallites of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 of 0.68?0.18 ?m were prepared in only 45 minutes at 240?C and a KOH concentration of 21 M. The complete chemical, mineralogical and microstructural characterization of the powders reveal the same structural properties of the perovskite powders previously synthesised by ceramic and conventional hydrothermal routes. .
Synthesis and structure of nanomaterials in the system K2O-Nb2o5-SiO2
Authors: Chernev Georgi , Samuneva Bisserka , Salvado Miranda , Vilarinho Paula , Aiying Wu
Published: January 2013

The aim of the present work is synthesis of ferroelectric nanomaterials, in the K2O-Nb2o5-SiO2 system via solgel method and studying the processes of formation and structure of the synthesized ferroelectric nanomaterials. The structure of synthesized materials has been studied by means of the following methods: EDS, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and AFM. The results obtained showed that the structure of the investigated compositions does not depend on the niobium content and all the samples keep their amorphous nature at room temperature. The surface structure shows random distribution of different kinds of aggregates with dimensions about 200-500 nm. The presence of a hybrid nanostructure with well-defined nanounits having special geometry is clearly observed.
Composition and grain size-driven ferroelectric-relaxor crossover in Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics
Authors: Ciomaga Elena , Buscaglia Maria , Viviani Massimo , Buscaglia Vincenzo , Mitoseriu Liliana , Nanni Paolo , Galassi Carmen
Published: January 2013

First Ba(Zr,Ti)O3 (BZT) ceramics with various compositions prepared by solid state, with high density, homogeneous microstructures and grain sizes in the range (0.7-4) ?m were studied. Besides the dielectric and ferroelectric investigations, First Order Reversal Curves method was employed to describe the changes of the switching properties induced by composition and grain size, related to the ferroelectric-relaxor crossover. The dielectric and ferroelectric data for ceramics with similar grain sizes demonstrated the expected ferroelectricrelaxor crossover induced by increasing x. For a given composition (x = 0.10), the relaxor character increases whit reduction of the grain size. The FORC distribution shows almost zero reversible contribution and well separated sharp irreversible component for larger grains, while more diffuse distribution with a continuous extension from Ec=0 (reversible) to Ec?0 (irreversible, switching) is typical for finer grains. .
In-situ nitrogen doping and boron modification of nanocrystalline titania powders by chemical vapour synthesis
Authors: Ahmad Imteyaz , Bhattacharya Subramshu , Hahn Horst
Published: January 2013

During the chemical vapour synthesis (CVS) of nanocrystalline titania doping and/or modification can be directly carried out in-situ by using an additional precursor. In this study, nitrogen doped nanocrystalline titania powders and boron modified nanocrystalline titania powders were synthesised by CVS. The resultant powders were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis spectroscopy. In both cases, a red shift in the band gap of titania was seen. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) showed the presence of nitrogen in the titania lattice. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy showed that boron in titania was present in BO4 coordination with the oxygen atoms.
Sol-gel synthesis and structure of cordierite/tialite glass-ceramics
Authors: Radev Lachezar , Samuneva Bisserka , Mihailova Irena , Pavlova Liliana , Kashchieva Elena
Published: January 2013

In the present work the results of the research on the sol-gel synthesis and structure of cordierite (2MgO?2Al2O3?5SiO2), tialite (Al2O3?TiO2) and cordierite/tialite glass-ceramics as well cordierite containing 2 wt.% of Co and Co+Cu have been described and discussed. The sol-gel synthesis was carried out using different kind of precursors as follows: Al(NO3)?9H2O, Si(OC2H5)4, Ti(OC4H9)4, Mg(NO3)2?6H2O, chlorides or nitrates of corresponding metals, H2O, C2H5OH, Aqua Regia, NH4F and PEG. The synthesized gels were dried and thermally treated in the temperature range from 800?C to 1200?C. The sol-gel processes and structure of the cordierite, tialite and cordierite/tialite glass-ceramics have been investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM and EPMA. .
Synthesis of ZnO based nanopowders via a non-hydrolytic sol gel technique and their densification behaviour and varistor properties
Authors: Anas Shereef , Mukundan Poothayil , Sanoj Ayyappan , Mangalaraja Viswanathan , Ananthakumar Solaiappan
Published: January 2013

Hexagonal nanocrystalline varistor grade ZnO particles with size 50 nm and the specific surface area of 28 m2/g have been prepared by non-aqueous gelation technique involving diethylene glycol and triethanolamine. The as-prepared varistor nanopowders were analyzed with the support of XRD, TG/DTA, FTIR, TMA, SEM and TEM. Varistor discs were fabricated by pressing and their densification was studied at 850, 950, 1050 and 1150?C. The evolution of varistor microstructures, extent of grain growth and the influence of microstructure on the I-V properties were explored and presented. .
Laser-induced fluorescence measurements on CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Győri Zoltan , Tátrai Dávid , Sarlós Ferenc , Szabó Gábor , Kukovecz Ákos , Kónya Zoltán , Kiricsi Imre
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we report on photoluminescence decay measurements on CdSe quantum dots (QDs) as a function of size in the diameter range of 2.1 to 3.5 nm. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the kinetic growth method from CdO and elemental Se precursors. We studied the effects of growth time on the diameter, emission spectrum and the fluorescence lifetime of the synthesized QDs. The decay time measurements were performed using single shot time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence techniques using a Nd:YAG laser system. Two different decay times were measured on each CdSe sample, a fast one and a relatively slow one. The slow decay was found to be size dependent whereas the fast one was independent of the QD diameter. .
Preparation and photocatalytic activity of the layered titanates
Authors: Milanovic Marija , Stijepovic Ivan , Nikolic Ljubica
Published: January 2013

Titanate structures were synthesized in highly alkaline solution using hydrothermal procedure. As-prepared powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A specific surface area of the powders was measured by BET method. Results confirmed formation of layered trititanates, already after one hour of hydrothermal synthesis. To examine the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared layered titanates, methylene blue (MB) was employed as a target compound in response to visible light at ambient temperature. It was observed that the specific surface area, size distribution and crystallinity are important factors to get high photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of MB. .
Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silica core-shell particles
Authors: Nikolic Milan , Giannakopoulos Konstantinos , Srdic Vladimir
Published: January 2013

Core-shell particles were formed by deposition of primary silica particles synthesized from sodium silicate solution on functionalized silica core particles (having size of ~0.5 ?m) prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethylortosilicate. The obtained mesoporous shell has thickness of about 60 nm and consists of primary silica particles with average size of ~21 nm. Scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential measurements showed that continuous silica shell exists around functionalized core particles which was additionally proved by FTIR and TEM results.
Comparison of two innovative precipitation systems for ZnO and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Aimable Anne , Strachowski Tomasz , Wolska Ewelina , Lojkowski Witold , Bowen Paul
Published: January 2013

This study presents a comparative approach to investigate the potentials of two innovative methods for the synthesis of ZnO and Al-doped ZnO. The first method is a precipitation system working in mild hydrothermal conditions (90?C) using a tubular reactor (Segmented Flow Tubular Reactor, SFTR). The second method is a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process working at 250?C - 38 atmospheres. Nanocrystalline ZnO with a high specific surface area (49-68 m2/g) was obtained with both systems. Smaller equiaxed particles (50-70 nm) were obtained with the SFTR, with an excellent homogeneity in size and morphology, which was attributed to an excellent control of the process parameters (mixing, temperature, volume of reaction). A higher luminescence signal was measured on these samples. The microwave method leads to particles with a higher crystallinity due to the temperature of the reaction. A significant effect of the aluminum was observed, which reduces the crystal growth to produce equiaxed morphologies. This effect was enhanced by adding poly(acrylic) acid (PAA).
Organic crystals: More than simple additives toward better electroceramic materials
Authors: Senna Mamoru , Ando Chie , Vijatovic-Petrovic Mirjana , Bobic Jelena , Stojanovic Biljana
Published: January 2013

Roles of various organic crystals (OC), notably those containing nitrogen, on the preparation and properties of source materials for electroceramics are featured from the author's own experimental studies. When OC are intimately mixed with metal salts like carbonates, their decomposition is accelerated, liberating the diffusing species at temperatures lower than usual. Mixing of OC with metal oxides under mechanical stressing results in anion exchange and eases diffusion of guest species. Case studies on 3 categories, i.e. i) substitution of oxygen in titania with nitrogen and introduction of oxygen vacancies during co-grinding titania with urea, glycine and/or polytetra fluoroethylene; ii) increase in the rate of reaction of barium titanate formation via a solid state route by OCs with detailed process analysis with glycine as an example of OC, and iii) phase pure solid state synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 by mechanically activating the intermediate, Li2TiO3 with 3 amino acids as OCs.
Piezoelectric characterization of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Pardo Lorena , García Alvaro , Brebøl Klaus , Curecheriu Lavinia , Mitoseriu Liliana , Mercadelli Elisa , Galassi Carmen
Published: January 2013

The challenge to develop high piezoelectric sensitivity and lead-free composition ferro-piezoelectric ceramics has recently dragged new attention to some classic ferroelectrics. Here, Ba(CexTi1-x)O3 (Ce-BT) and 0.94(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (BNBT6) ceramics were piezoelectrically characterized from measurements of complex impedance at electromechanical resonances and their analysis by Alemany et al. software. The reconstruction of the spectra for each resonance is used as an accuracy test of the set of calculated coefficients, quantitatively characterized by the regression factor (R2) of such reconstruction to the experimental spectrum. Piezoelectric activity at room temperature (RT) was observed for Ce-BT with x=0.06 and 0.1, ferroelectrics with T(?'max)>RT, but also for x=0.2 with T(?'max)<RT, which confirms its relaxor character (Ps?0 for T?T(?'max)). BNBT6 fine grained ceramics (~1 ?m) were prepared from nanopowder obtained by sol-gel autocombustion. Results obtained for the fine grained ceramic hot-pressed at 800?C for 2 h and recrystallized at 1050?C for 1 h are d33=148 pCN-1 and kp=26.8%. Despite of its lower grain size, the properties of this material are comparable with those reported for coarse grained ceramics obtained by sintering at T>1100?C. Some measurement issues, as the role of the mode coupling on the characterization results, illustrated for the shear mode of a thickness poled plate, are discussed.
Dielectric response of tungsten modified Ba(Ti0.90Zr0.10)3 ceramics obtained by mixed oxide method
Authors: Moura Francisco , Simões Alexandre , Zaghete Maria , Varela Jose , Longo Elson
Published: January 2013

The electrical response of Ba(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 (BZT) ceramics obtained by the mixed oxide method as a function of tungsten content was investigated. According to X-ray diffraction analysis the single phase BZT1W (1 wt.% W doped BZT) and BZT2W (2 wt.% W doped BZT) ceramics, crystallized in a perovskite structure, were obtained. It is also shown that tungsten substituted ceramics can be sintered at a reduced temperature when compared to the undoped BZT. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses reveals that substitution of Ti4+ by W6+ causes distortion in the crystal structure changing lattice parameter. Substitution of W6+ on B-site of ABO3 perovskite BZT ceramics shifted the phase transition to lower temperatures up to a tungsten content of 2 wt.% leading to a relaxor-like behaviour.
Oil absorption in mesoporous silica particles
Authors: Filipovic Radislav , Lazic Dragica , Perusic Mitar , Stijepovic Ivan
Published: January 2013

Mesoporous silica particles were prepared from highly basic sodium silicate solutions, having different silica modulus and SiO2 concentrations, by adding sulphuric acid at different temperatures. Pore structure of prepared silica particles (aggregates) is strongly influenced by processing conditions and easy controllable in broad range of the specific surface area, pore size, pore volume and size distribution. It is shown that there is a clear correlation between volume of absorbed oil and processing parameters used in preparation of silica aggregates. Thus, oil absorption is higher in the samples prepared from sodium silicate solution with higher SiO2 concentration and at higher synthesis temperature.
SiC synthesis using domestic mineral resources
Authors: Devecerski Aleksandar , Posarac Milica , Egelja Adela , Rosic Milena , Volkov-Husovic Tatjana , Matovic Branko
Published: January 2013

The possibility of using domestic Mg-silicate (sepiolite, white) as Si source and novolac resin (as carbon source), for synthesis of fine ?-SiC powder at relatively low temperatures (1673-1873 K), was demonstrated. Obtained SiC powders consist of fine ?-SiC particles and did not retain the fibrous morphology of starting sepiolites. Carbothermal reduction process, which was used in this study, is greatly influenced by catalyst addition (FeCl3, FeSi). In order to obtain pure SiC powders, it is necessary to completely remove all Mg-species, and catalytic influence of Fe is attributed to FeSi important role in reduction of Mg2SiO4 and MgO into Mg(g). Formation of SiC whiskers is observed only in samples with Fe introduced in form of iron-silicide (FeSi).
Development of β-SiAlON based ceramics for radome applications
Authors: Ganesh Ibram
Published: January 2013

This paper is a review article covering various methods reported on synthesis of ?-SiAlON based ceramic materials and on their net-shape consolidation into radome structures. It also identifies a composition out of a wide-range ?-Si6-zAlzOzN8-z (where z = 0-4.1) solid solution suitable for radome applications and discusses about various efficient methods reported on fabrication of radome structures out of these compositions. This article also covers the literature pertaining to ?-SiAlON-SiO2 ceramic composites, which are considered to be materials of choice for certain high speed radome applications. Further, successful techniques employed for passivation of AlN powder against hydrolysis are also covered as this powder is one of the starting materials for both ?-SiAlON and ?-SiAlON-SiO2 ceramic composites. Surface passivation of AlN is necessary as it decomposes into alumina and ammonia, when it comes into contact with water during aqueous processing of SiAlON based ceramics, thereby not permitting formation of desired SiAlON phase. Finally, the important properties of various commercial radome materials together with those of ?-SiAlON and ?-SiAlON-SiO2 ceramic composites are also reviewed and presented in this article.
Mechanisms of optical limiting in a COANP solution containing fullerenes C70: Applicability for the optoelectronics devices
Authors: Likhomanova Svetlana , Kamanina Natalie
Published: January 2013

The mechanisms describing the nonlinear-optical properties of COANP solution sensitized with fullerenes C70 have been described in this work. The data of a DSC technique for pure COANP and system COANP-C70 have been presented. The experimental data regarding the transmission have been shown for the materials treated by laser irradiation.
Antinociceptive effects of tramadol hydrochloride after intravenous administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Geelen Saskia , Guzman David Sanchez-Migallon , Souza Marcy J. , Cox Sherry , Keuler Nicholas S. , Paul-Murphy Joanne R.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To determine the antinociceptive and sedative effects of tramadol in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) following IV administration.

Animals—11 healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots of unknown sex.

Procedures—Tramadol hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, IV) and an equivalent volume (≤ 0.34 mL) of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution were administered to parrots in a complete crossover study design. Foot withdrawal response to a thermal stimulus was determined 30 to 60 minutes before (baseline) and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after treatment administration; agitation-sedation scores were determined for parrots at each of those times.

Results—The estimated mean changes in temperature from the baseline value that elicited a foot withdrawal response were 1.65° and −1.08°C after administration of tramadol and saline solution, respectively. Temperatures at which a foot withdrawal response was elicited were significantly higher than baseline values at all 5 evaluation times after administration of tramadol and were significantly lower than baseline values at 30, 120, and 240 minutes after administration of saline solution. No sedation, agitation, or other adverse effects were observed in any of the parrots after administration of tramadol.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tramadol hydrochloride (5 mg/kg, IV) significantly increased the thermal nociception threshold for Hispaniolan Amazon parrots in the present study. Sedation and adverse effects were not observed. These results are consistent with results of other studies in which the antinociceptive effects of tramadol after oral administration to parrots were determined.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases, their inhibitors, and lysyl oxidase in myocardial samples from dogs with end-stage systemic and cardiac diseases
Authors: Fonfara Sonja , Hetzel Udo , Tew Simon R. , Cripps Peter , Dukes-McEwan Joanna , Clegg Peter D.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To compare the degree of mRNA expression for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), and lysyl oxidase in myocardial samples from dogs with cardiac and systemic diseases and from healthy control dogs.

Sample—Myocardial samples from the atria, ventricles, and septum of 8 control dogs, 6 dogs with systemic diseases, 4 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 5 dogs with other cardiac diseases.

Procedures—Degrees of mRNA expression for MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, and -13; TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4; and lysyl oxidase were measured via quantitative real-time PCR assay. Histologic examination of the hearts was performed to identify pathological changes.

Results—In myocardial samples from control dogs, only TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 mRNA expression was detected, with a significantly higher degree in male versus female dogs. In dogs with systemic and cardiac diseases, all investigated markers were expressed, with a significantly higher degree of mRNA expression than in control dogs. Furthermore, the degree of expression for MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 was significantly higher in dogs with DCM than in dogs with systemic diseases and cardiac diseases other than DCM. Expression was generally greater in atrial than in ventricular tissue for MMP-2, MMP-13, and lysyl oxidase in samples from dogs with atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Degrees of myocardial MMP, TIMP, and lysyl oxidase mRNA expression were higher in dogs with cardiac and systemic diseases than in healthy dogs, suggesting that expression of these markers is a nonspecific consequence of end-stage diseases. Selective differences in the expression of some markers may reflect specific pathogenic mechanisms and may play a role in disease progression, morbidity and mortality rates, and treatment response.
Effects of oral administration of anti-inflammatory medications on inhibition of paracentesis-induced blood-aqueous barrier breakdown in clinically normal cats
Authors: Rankin Amy J. , Sebbag Lionel , Bello Nora M. , Crumley William R. , Allbaugh Rachel A.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To assess inhibitory effects of orally administered anti-inflammatory medications on paracentesis-induced intraocular inflammation in clinically normal cats.

Animals—30 clinically normal domestic shorthair cats.

Procedures—Cats were randomly assigned to a control group and 4 treatment groups. Cats in the treatment groups received an anti-inflammatory medication orally once daily at 7 am (acetylsalicylic acid [40.5 mg/cat], meloxicam [0.1 mg/kg], prednisone [5 mg/cat], or prednisolone [5 mg/cat]) for 5 days beginning 2 days before paracentesis-induced breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) and continuing until 2 days after paracentesis. Paracentesis of the anterior chamber was performed in 1 randomly selected eye of each cat. Fluorophotometry was performed in both eyes of each cat immediately before (time 0) and 6, 24, and 48 hours after paracentesis.

Results—At 24 and 48 hours after paracentesis, fluorescein concentration in the eye subjected to paracentesis in the cats receiving prednisolone was decreased, compared with that in the control cats. At 48 hours, a decrease in the fluorescein concentration was also apparent in the eye subjected to paracentesis in the cats receiving meloxicam, compared with that in the control cats. There was no evidence of treatment effects for acetylsalicylic acid or prednisone. There was no evidence of treatment effects in eyes not subjected to paracentesis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Orally administered prednisolone and meloxicam significantly decreased intraocular inflammation in clinically normal cats with paracentesis-induced BAB breakdown. Oral administration of prednisolone or meloxicam may be an effective treatment for cats with uveitis.
Evaluation of economic and performance outcomes associated with the number of treatments after an initial diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease in commercial feeder cattle
Authors: Cernicchiaro Natalia , White Brad J. , Renter David G. , Babcock Abram H.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To evaluate associations between economic and performance outcomes with the number of treatments after an initial diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in commercial feedlot cattle.

Animals—212,867 cattle arriving in a Midwestern feedlot between 2001 and 2006.

Procedures—An economic model was created to estimate net returns. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine associations between the frequency of BRD treatments and other demographic variables with economic and performance outcomes.

Results—Net returns decreased with increasing number of treatments for BRD. However, the magnitude depended on the season during which cattle arrived at the feedlot, with significantly higher returns for cattle arriving during fall and summer than for cattle arriving during winter and spring. For fall arrivals, there were higher mean net returns for cattle that were never treated ($39.41) than for cattle treated once ($29.49), twice ($16.56), or ≥ 3 times (−$33.00). For summer arrivals, there were higher least squares mean net returns for cattle that were never treated ($31.83) than for cattle treated once ($20.22), twice ($6.37), or ≥ 3 times ($−42.56). Carcass traits pertaining to weight and quality grade were deemed responsible for differences in net returns among cattle receiving different numbers of treatments after an initial diagnosis of BRD.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Differences in economic net returns and performance outcomes for feedlot cattle were determined on the basis of number of treatments after an initial diagnosis of BRD; the analysis accounted for the season of arrival, sex, and weight class.
Effect of calf age and administration route of initial multivalent modified-live virus vaccine on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses following subsequent administration of a booster vaccination at weaning in beef calves
Authors: Woolums Amelia R. , Berghaus Roy D. , Berghaus Londa J. , Ellis Roger W. , Pence Mel E. , Saliki Jeremiah T. , Hurley Katherine A. E. , Galland Kimberly L. , Burdett William W. , Nordstrom Scott T. , Hurley David J.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To compare immune responses following modified-live virus (MLV) vaccination at weaning after intranasal or SC administration of an MLV vaccine to beef calves at 2 or 70 days of age.

Animals—184 calves.

Procedures—Calves were allocated to 1 of 5 groups. The IN2 (n = 37) and IN70 (37) groups received an MLV vaccine containing bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and parainfluenza 3 virus intranasally and a Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida bacterin SC at median ages of 2 and 70 days, respectively. The SC2 (n = 36) and SC70 (37) groups received a 7-way MLV vaccine containing BHV1, BVDV1, BVDV2, BRSV, parainfluenza 3 virus, M haemolytica, and P multocida SC at median ages of 2 and 70 days, respectively; the control group (37) remained unvaccinated until weaning. All calves received the 7-way MLV vaccine SC at median ages of 217 (weaning) and 231 days. Serum neutralizing antibody (SNA) titers against BHV1, BVDV1, and BRSV and intranasal IgA concentrations were determined at median ages of 2, 70, 140, 217, and 262 days. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) against BHV1, BRSV, BVDV1, and P multocida was determined for 16 calves/group.

Results—At median ages of 140 and 217 days, BVDV1 SNA titers were significantly higher for the SC70 group than those for the other groups. Intranasal IgA concentrations and CMI increased over time for all groups. Vaccination at weaning increased SNA titers and CMI in all groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SC administration of an MLV vaccine to 70-day-old calves significantly increased BVDV1 antibody titers before weaning.
Characterization and treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the abdominal wall in dogs: 24 cases (1985–2010)
Authors: Higuchi Takashi , Burcham Grant N. , Childress Michael O. , Rohleder Jacob J. , Bonney Patty L. , Ramos-Vara José A. , Knapp Deborah W.
Published: January 2013

Objective—To determine uroplakin III expression, potential etiologic factors, biological behavior, and treatment response of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in the abdominal wall (ABWTCC) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—24 dogs with TCC of the urinary tract that also had histopathologic confirmation of ABWTCC.

Procedures—Medical records, histologic slides, radiographs, and ultrasonographic images of dogs with ABWTCC between July 1, 1985, and December 31, 2010, were reviewed. In available tissue specimens, immunohistochemistry was used to detect uroplakin III expression in the ABWTCC and in the primary tumor.

Results—The ABWTCC lesions ranged from < 2 to > 20 cm in diameter. Uroplakin III was expressed in 19 of 20 primary tumors and 17 of 17 ABWTCCs. Transitional cell carcinoma in the abdominal wall developed significantly more often in dogs that had undergone cystotomy (18/177 [10.2%]) than in those that had not (6/367 [1.6%]). In 1 dog that had not undergone cystotomy, TCC had invaded through the urinary bladder wall and spread down the median ligament to the abdominal wall. None of 18 dogs that received anticancer drugs had remission of the ABWTCC once clinically detected; median survival time after ABWTCC detection was 57 days (range, 0 to 324 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that ABWTCC is uncommon, but once TCC becomes established and clinically detectable in the abdominal wall, it carries a poor prognosis. It is crucial to minimize risk of TCC seeding at surgery. Percutaneous sampling of TCC should be avoided. Uroplakin III is commonly expressed in ABWTCC.
Interaction of oligonucleotides with benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid sanguilutine
Authors: Rybáková Stanislava , Rájecký Michal , Urbanová Jana , Pěnčíková Kristýna , Táborská Eva , Gargallo Raimundo , Táborský Petr
Published: January 2013

Benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid sanguilutine was extracted and purified from the dried roots of Sanguinaria canadensis. The interaction of the positively charged iminium form of alkaloid with double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides was studied using luminescence spectroscopy. The results showed that the interaction with various double-stranded oligonucleotides was not specific to A-T or G-C base pairs; also, no preference was found for either homogeneous or heterogeneous base composition of strands. The association constants were calculated to be in the range of (1.31–14.36) × 105 M−1. The luminescence intensity response at 610 nm to low concentrations of double-stranded DNA was found to be linear and can potentially be used for the fluorometric quantification of DNA. The limit of detection was estimated to be 120 ng mL−1 of DNA (calculated by 3σ method).
Harold Pinter’s “More Precisely Political” Dramas, or a Post-1983 Economy of Affect
Authors: Chiasson Basil
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT:

ABSTRACT: This essay explores selections from Harold Pinter’s later, more decidedly political dramas (Precisely [1983], One for the Road [1984], Mountain Language [1988], and The New World Order [1991]) from the point of view spectatorship and, more specifically, by means of a theoretical discourse of affect based chiefly on Deleuze. It argues that, in apprehending the affective dimension of Pinter’s political dramas from the 1980s onwards, we can better understand how their political character consists precisely in the way in which they enable spectators to undergo a transformative affective experience. Relatedly, bringing a discourse of affect to Pinter’s political dramas permits us to discern the relationship between the works’ political expression and their aesthetic composition.
Structural Coefficient of Open-Graded Friction Course
Authors: Timm David H. , Vargas-Nordcbeck Adriana
Published: January 2013

Open-graded friction courses (OGFCs) are noted for their contributions to driving safety and noise reduction on flexible pavements. The inclusion of OGFCs in pavement thickness design has varied across the United States. Some states equate OGFC with dense-graded materials, whereas other states give no structural value. The demand for more economical pavement cross sections fuels the need to quantify the structural value of OGFC to ensure optimized pavement thicknesses. Two full-scale pavement sections—one with OGFC as the surfacing material and one without—are evaluated to determine the structural coefficient of the OGFC layer. The sections were built with the same total thickness at the National Center for Asphalt Technology Test Track in 2009 and were subjected to more than 9 million equivalent single-axle loads. Deflection data from extensive falling weight deflectometer testing were used to find the OGFC structural coefficient (aOGFC) equal to 0.15. This coefficient translated into a required 12% thickness increase to achieve the same pavement structural number as the control section. To confirm this finding, direct strain was measured in each section to compute the pavement thickness required to achieve equivalent strain levels. The increase in thickness was within 0.05 in. of that predicted through the aOGFC approach. Performance monitoring indicated similar performance levels in terms of fatigue cracking (none) and rutting (approximately 5 mm). Additional monitoring and research is needed to validate the OGFC structural coefficient further and develop standards for incorporating OGFC into mechanistic–empirical pavement design.
Comparison of Design Thicknesses for Flexible Airfield Pavement Based on Agency Limiting Subgrade Strain Criteria
Authors: Zapata Claudia , Cary Carlos E. , Souliman Mena , Rosenbalm Daniel , Salim Ramadan
Published: January 2013

A newly developed mechanistically based design procedure for airfield hot-mix asphalt pavement is studied. The pavement performance is calculated in terms of critical strains on the basis of multilayer theory. Rutting failure criteria from the Asphalt Institute, Shell Oil, and the revised U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (USACE-WES) are used to calculate the thickness requirements necessary for a range of design input variables. The program has been implemented in ZAPRAM, an event-driven, user-friendly educational computer program that runs in the Excel 2007 environment, coupled with Visual Basic programming. Results of the design comparison indicate a significant difference between the three common airfield pavement design procedures used. Differences between the Asphalt Institute procedure and the revised USACE-WES procedure are relatively moderate for all design situations. The greatest deviation is found between the Shell Oil approach and the other two criteria. The design difference depends heavily on several major factors. An analysis of heavy aircraft (B-747) operating on a low-support subgrade foundation may yield pavement design differences of 2 to 3 ft of granular subbase material. A major effort to enhance the state of the art for airfield pavement design models is recommended.