bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Tale of Two Cities: STEMI Interventions in Developed and Developing Countries and the Potential of Telemedicine to Reduce Disparities in Care
Authors: MEHTA SAMEER , BOTELHO ROBERTO , RODRIGUEZ DANIEL , FERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO J. , OSSA MARIA M. , ZHANG TRACY , KOSTELA JENNIFER C. , REYNBAKH OLGA , FALCÃO BRENO , VELÁSQUEZ ALICIA HENAO , OLIVEROS ESTEFANIA , PENA CAMILO
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To utilize telemedicine as a foundation platform for creating population‐based STEMI networks.

Background: Disparate acute myocardial infarction (AMI) management occurs in developed and developing countries on account of differences in infrastructure resources. As a result, developed countries utilize primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and second‐ and third‐generation thrombolytic therapy, in contrast to developing countries, which primarily rely on earlier‐generation thrombolytic therapy and basic medical management. Reducing the vast gap in AMI care between developed and developing countries is an abysmally slow process.

Methods: Remote access, telemedicine IT platforms, expert EKG interpretation, teleconsultation, and a strict quality assurance process are incorporated into a population‐based AMI network.

Results: Lumen Americas Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN) is an applied hub‐and‐spoke strategy, which creates a telemedicine‐based STEMI management network across large populations. Primary PCI with targeted door‐to‐balloon times is the preferred strategy for the hub sites. Telemedicine‐guided accurate EKG interpretation and teleconsultation are applied at the spoke sites. An integrated IT platform is used to navigate an effective prehospital triage system. The pilot phase has created 100 LATIN sites in Brazil and Colombia.

Conclusion: Telemedicine provides an attractive strategy to reduce the gaps that presently exist in managing AMI in developed and developing countries. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:155–166)
The Role of Early Adopters in the Diffusion of New Products: Differences between Platform and Nonplatform Innovations
Authors: Frattini Federico , Bianchi Mattia , De Massis Alfredo , Sikimic Uros
Published: April 2014

This paper takes a contingency view to investigate how the role of early adopters (EAs) in the diffusion process changes between platform and nonplatform innovations, what launch decisions firms take to leverage the role of EAs, and how these decisions change between platform and nonplatform innovations. Relying on an exploratory multiple case study of eight industrial product innovations launched in Italy in the 2000s, the paper suggests that the EAs of these innovations play two distinct roles in the diffusion process. The first role, called dissemination, sees EAs triggering and bolstering the propagation of information regarding their opinion about the value for money, properties, advantages, and disadvantages of the new product after they have bought and applied it in their operations. The second role, labeled imitation, consists of EAs inadvertently communicating to later buyers the fact that they have bought the new product, which propels imitative behavior and thus subsequent adoption. A key finding of the paper, which supports a contingency view of innovation diffusion, is that the dissemination role played by EAs has an impact on the adoption of platform innovations, whereas the imitation one is the mechanism through which EAs stimulate subsequent adoption in the case of nonplatform new products. Furthermore, the paper's results point to a constructive view of the process of launching an innovation, whereby firms target at launch different segments of EAs, whose identity is shaped depending on the platform versus nonplatform nature of the innovation and thus on the role they are expected to play in the diffusion process. Concerning managerial implications, this study provides a first tentative understanding of the launch decisions that product and marketing managers may use to target the most appropriate segments of EAs, to leverage their roles and ultimately to favor diffusion. As regards platform innovations, targeting decisions should be driven by the goal to improve the chances that EAs will be willing to disseminate their experience and opinion regarding the new product. As regards instead nonplatform innovations, firms should target EAs whose specific characteristics increase the likelihood of an imitative reaction by later buyers that fear to suffer a competitive disadvantage if they do not conform to EAs' behavior.
Exploring Adaptivity in Service Development: The Case of Mobile Platforms
Authors: Basoglu Nuri , Daim Tugrul , Polat Ebru
Published: April 2014

Together with the developing technologies of a fast‐evolving Web environment, computers, and handheld devices, human–computer interaction is gaining more importance. User interface, as the interactive layer between user and information systems, has a great role in system adoption. Based on a technology acceptance model, acceptance of a system can be explained as a function of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). Because several external variables have impact on PU and PEOU, the content and interface design of every single application should be addressed accordingly in a way that enhances the consumer's attitude about using the system by considering the impact of external variables through system usage. The objective of this study was to uncover potential external variables that may influence PEOU and PU, and indirectly influence behavioral attitude in mobile service acceptance and to explore the effects of those variables, primarily adaptivity and the relationships of all the variables among each other, through the limited interface of a mobile platform. Thus, developers will be able to relate the tuning of product features to the adoption of the products they are developing based on a platform.
Laparoscopic treatment of persistent inguinal haemorrhage after prescrotal orchiectomy in a dog
Authors: Koenraadt A. , Stegen L. , Bosmans T. , Van Goethem B.
Published: April 2014

A one‐year‐old male Jack Russell terrier developed a prescrotal haematoma after elective orchiectomy. When surgical exploration failed to locate the responsible vessel and conservative therapy (applying a pressure bandage) was not successful in stabilising the dog, abdominal laparoscopy was performed. The haemorrhage originated from the spermatic cord in the inguinal canal bilaterally. After retracting the spermatic cord into the abdomen, haemostasis was performed using a vessel‐sealing device. The prescrotal haematoma was removed and the dog made an uncomplicated recovery.
Reasons for nonuse of antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and thrombocytopaenia: a retrospective chart review from five European countries
Authors: Rizzetto M. , Grotzinger K. , Theodore D. , Demuth D. , Irving W. L. , Manns M. , Roughley A. , Forssen U. M.
Published: April 2014

Antiviral therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of disease progression, liver damage and death in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. While interferon labels recommend that patients with platelet counts below 50 × 103/μL not receive interferon‐based therapy, it is unknown to what extent thrombocytopaenia influences treatment decisions in practice. This study profiles the reasons for withholding antiviral treatment in HCV patients with thrombocytopaenia in five European countries. Medical records of 466 patients who had HCV infection and thrombocytopaenia (platelet count <100 × 103/μL) in 2006 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics. Collected data included use of antiviral therapy and reasons for withholding therapy. In total 184 of 466 patients (39.5%) did not receive interferon‐based therapy during the study period, with treatment withheld most frequently due to multiple clinical characteristics including hepatic cirrhosis (16.3%), thrombocytopaenia (16.3%) and age >60 years (10.9%). The reasons for lack of treatment varied among countries, with thrombocytopaenia as a reason being more common in Italy (10.9%) and Spain (20.0%), and less common in France, Germany and the UK (3.2–7.1%). Overall, thrombocytopaenia was reported as the only reason for withholding treatment in 4.9% of untreated patients. This study demonstrates that thrombocytopaenia is one of many factors, indicative of the poor clinical state of the patient, that contributes to withholding antiviral treatment. In 4.9% of untreated patients, thrombocytopaenia can be considered as a modifiable factor to enable more HCV patients to receive guideline‐recommended therapy and thus improved clinical outcomes.
Is there ontogenetic shift in the capture traits of a prey‐specialized ant‐eating spider?
Authors: Cárdenas M. , Šedo O. , Pekár S.
Published: April 2014

Predators have to deal with the problem of prey shifting during predator's ontogenesis. The ontogenetic shift in the prey capture of prey‐specialized species should be associated with a change in their predatory traits. Here, we focused on the ant‐eating Zodarion rubidum, a spider strictly specialized on ants. It uses potent venom to immobilize prey. We tested whether there is a change during the ontogenesis of the spider species in traits related to capture efficiency. We kept spiders from the juvenile to adult stage on a monotypic diet composed of one of four ant species, small and large ant species from two subfamilies. We tested the capture efficiency of all spiders at the beginning and at the end of the experiment after being reared on a certain ant species, and then we swapped the spiders and tested them with the other ant species. For each trial, we measured the number of attacks (bites) and the paralysis latency. Afterwards venom glands were extracted and analysed using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and 1D‐SDS‐PAGE gel electrophoresis. We found that spiders on all diets improved their capture efficiency during ontogenetic development. We hypothesize that the improvement was due to an increase in the amount of venom injected. Thus, we did not find an ontogenetic shift in the predatory traits. Nor was there a significant difference in the composition of low and high molecular weight venom compounds among diet groups, suggesting that the consumption of a prey has little effect on venom composition.
Viciousness and Circles of Ground
Authors: Bliss Ricki
Published: April 2014

Metaphysicians of a certain stripe are almost unanimously of the view that grounding is necessarily irreflexive, asymmetric, transitive, and well‐founded. They deny the possibility of circles of ground and, therewith, the possibility of species of metaphysical coherentism. But what's so bad about circles of ground? One problem for coherentism might be that it ushers in anti‐foundationalism: grounding loops give rise to infinite regresses. And this is bad because infinite grounding regresses are vicious. This article argues that circles of ground do not necessarily give rise to infinite regresses, and where they do, those regresses are not necessarily vicious.
Ligularia zhengyiana sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from the Hubei Province, China
Authors: Li Xinwei , Luo Qiong , Gan Qiliang
Published: April 2014

The new species Ligularia zhengyiana from the Hubei Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by dense blackish purple pilose hairs on the stems and by coarsely triangular‐dentate leaves. Ligularia zhengyiana is similar to L. fischeri (Ledeb.) Turcz., but L. zhengyiana has dense long blackish purple hairs on stems, while L. fischeri is glabrous or has short yellowish‐brown hairs on stems. In addition, the pappus of L. zhengyiana is white, while that of L. fischeri is yellowish‐brown.
The Arabidopsis Exine Formation Defect (EFD) gene is required for primexine patterning and is critical for pollen fertility
Authors: Hu Jun , Wang Zhaodan , Zhang Liyao , Sun Meng‐xiang
Published: April 2014

Exine, the outermost layer of a pollen grain, has important roles in protecting microspore cytoplasm and determining species‐specific interactions between pollen and stigma. The molecular mechanism underlying pollen exine formation, however, remains largely unknown.

Here, we report the characterization of an Arabidopsis male‐sterile mutant, efd, which exhibits male sterility in first‐forming flowers. The Exine Formation Defect (EFD) gene is strongly expressed in microsporocytes, tetrads and the tapetum, and encodes a nuclear‐localized de novo DNA methyltransferase.

Detailed observations revealed that EFD is involved in both callose wall and primexine formation during microsporogenesis. Microspores in tetrads are not well separated in efd due to an abnormal callose wall. Its plasma membrane undulation appears normal, but primexine patterning is impaired. Primexine matrix establishment and sporopollenin accumulation at specific positions are disturbed, and thus exine formation is totally blocked in efd.

We confirmed that EFD is required for pollen exine formation and male fertility via the regulation of callose wall and primexine formation. We also found that positional sporopollenin accumulation is not involved in regulating membrane undulation, but is related to the complete separation of tetrad microspores during primary exine patterning.
The contrasting effects of genome size, chromosome number and ploidy level on plant invasiveness: a global analysis
Authors: Pandit Maharaj K. , White Steven M. , Pocock Michael J. O.
Published: April 2014

Understanding how species' traits relate to their status (e.g. invasiveness or rarity) is important because it can help to efficiently focus conservation and management effort and infer mechanisms affecting plant status. This is particularly important for invasiveness, in which proactive action is needed to restrict the establishment of potentially invasive plants.

We tested the ability of genome size (DNA1C‐values) to explain invasiveness and compared it with cytogenetic traits (chromosome number and ploidy level). We considered 890 species from 62 genera, from across the angiosperm phylogeny and distributed from tropical to boreal latitudes.

We show that invasiveness was negatively related to genome size and positively related to chromosome number (and ploidy level), yet there was a positive relationship between genome size and chromosome number; that is, our result was not caused by collinearity between the traits. Including both traits in explanatory models greatly increased the explanatory power of each.

This demonstrates the potential unifying role that genome size, chromosome number and ploidy have as species' traits, despite the diverse impacts they have on plant physiology. It provides support for the continued cataloguing of cytogenetic traits and genome size of the world's flora.
Social relationships affect dispersal timing revealing a delayed infanticide in African lions
Authors: Elliot Nicholas B. , Valeix Marion , Macdonald David W. , Loveridge Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

Successful dispersal is a critical parameter for species persistence and evolution. Despite this, factors determining successful dispersal are poorly understood, particularly in wide‐ranging species. Condition‐dependent dispersal strategies tend to be more successful than fixed ones since they can entail dispersal occurring when an individual is most suited to doing so. However, the juvenile's family group or conspecifics may initiate premature dispersal, which could influence whether or not dispersal is successful. We studied dispersal in African lions and investigated 1) whether dispersal age affects dispersal success and 2) factors determining dispersal timing. We found that all males that dispersed before 31 months died during transience and that dispersal coincided, regardless of age or body condition, with the arrival of unfamiliar adult males. Whereas a high turn‐over of territorial males is known to result in infanticide and eviction of sub‐adults, our results indicate it can also induce a previously undescribed, ‘delayed infanticide’.
When to use the Bonferroni correction
Authors: Armstrong Richard A.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The Bonferroni correction adjusts probability (p) values because of the increased risk of a type I error when making multiple statistical tests. The routine use of this test has been criticised as deleterious to sound statistical judgment, testing the wrong hypothesis, and reducing the chance of a type I error but at the expense of a type II error; yet it remains popular in ophthalmic research. The purpose of this article was to survey the use of the Bonferroni correction in research articles published in three optometric journals, viz. Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics, Optometry & Vision Science, and Clinical & Experimental Optometry, and to provide advice to authors contemplating multiple testing.

Recent findings

Some authors ignored the problem of multiple testing while others used the method uncritically with no rationale or discussion. A variety of methods of correcting p values were employed, the Bonferroni method being the single most popular. Bonferroni was used in a variety of circumstances, most commonly to correct the experiment‐wise error rate when using multiple ‘t’ tests or as a post‐hoc procedure to correct the family‐wise error rate following analysis of variance (anova). Some studies quoted adjusted p values incorrectly or gave an erroneous rationale.

Whether or not to use the Bonferroni correction depends on the circumstances of the study. It should not be used routinely and should be considered if: (1) a single test of the ‘universal null hypothesis’ (Ho) that all tests are not significant is required, (2) it is imperative to avoid a type I error, and (3) a large number of tests are carried out without preplanned hypotheses.
The Retrograde P‐Wave Theory: Explaining ST Segment Depression in Supraventricular Tachycardia by Retrograde AV Node Conduction
Authors: RIVERA SANTIAGO , PAZ RICAPITO MARIA DE LA , CONDE DIEGO , VERDU MARIANO BADRA , ROUX JEAN FRANÇOIS , PAREDES FÉLIX AYALA
Published: April 2014

Background

Pseudo ischemic ST segment changes during supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are not yet fully understood. Our aim was to determine whether venticulo‐atrial (VA) conduction during SVT may be a possible mechanism for ST depression (STd) in SVT.

Methods

Patients undergoing SVT ablation (2010–2012) were analyzed (n = 72).Typical atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) were included. Those with STd were compared to those without STd. VA interval length, tachycardia cycle length (TCL), and retrograde P‐wave activation during SVT were assessed. Retrograde P waves arriving simultaneously with the ST segment (PWST) during SVT were considered, whenever an atrial electrogram (measured from the high right atrium) was “on time” with the ST segment.

Results

Patients with STd during SVT presented longer VA intervals than those without STd (VA 100 ± 37 ms vs VA 69 ± 22 ms; P = 0.006). No differences in TCL were observed (TCL 333 ± 35 ms vs TCL 360 ± 22 ms; P = 0.1). PWST was observed in 38.5% of patients with AVNRT and STd versus 0% in those without STd. The TCL was similar in both groups (355 ± 25 ms vs 334 ± 18 ms; P = 0.1). In patients with AVRT and STd, PWST was present in 81% of cases versus 0% in those without STd. The TCL was also similar (330 ± 29 ms vs 346 ± 17 ms; P = 0.1).

Conclusions

STd during SVT is observed at long VA intervals when the retrograde P wave matches the ST segment, without dependence on the TCL. This suggests that STd is not necessarily rate dependent but a result of a fusion between the ST segment and the P wave.
Biomolecular markers in assessment and treatment of asthma
Authors: Fatemi Farnaz , Sadroddiny Esmaeil , Gheibi Azam , Mohammadi Farsani Taiebeh , Kardar Gholam Ali
Published: April 2014

Asthma is a chronic and heterogeneous inflammatory disorder with several different phenotypes. Whereas clinical features of asthma are non‐specific and pulmonary function tests are often insensitive, further development is needed for efficient treatment or even early diagnosis. Recently, several airway inflammatory biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools in diagnosis and management of asthma. The analysis of molecular markers of airways inflammation has provided promising and non‐invasive techniques that facilitate the detection of disease phenotypes as well as measurement of therapeutic efficacy. Although conventional treatments remain the preferred therapy, they do not adequately control some severe cases of asthma. Novel therapeutic agents have been developed to target various biomarkers involved in the inflammatory responses and have been investigated in patients with asthma. In this article, we summarized the most studied asthma biomarkers, derived from a variety of biological sources including exhaled gases, induced sputum, serum and urine. Likewise, the effects of current anti‐inflammatory asthma treatments on inflammatory biomarkers and some promising biomarkers for developing new targeted therapies are also discussed.
Available Extracorporeal Treatments for Poisoning: Overview and Limitations
Authors: Ouellet Georges , Bouchard Josée , Ghannoum Marc , Decker Brian Scott
Published: April 2014

Poisoning is a significant public health problem. In severe cases, extracorporeal treatments (ECTRs) may be required to prevent or reverse major toxicity. Available ECTRs include intermittent hemodialysis, sustained low‐efficiency dialysis, intermittent hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, continuous renal replacement therapy, hemoperfusion, therapeutic plasma exchange, exchange transfusion, peritoneal dialysis, albumin dialysis, cerebrospinal fluid exchange, and extracorporeal life support. The aim of this article was to provide an overview of the technical aspects, as well as the potential indications and limitations of the different ECTRs used for poisoned patients.
Character: The Prospects for a Personality‐Based Perspective on Morality
Authors: Fleeson William , Furr R. Michael , Jayawickreme Eranda , Meindl Peter , Helzer Erik G.
Published: April 2014

In the early parts of the 20th century, character made up a major part of psychology, specifically of personality psychology. However, an influential observational study of children's moral behavior, conducted by Hartshorne, May, and colleagues in the 1920s, suggested that consistency in morality‐related behavior was lower than many people expected. Some psychologists interpreted such results to mean that there was no consistency in moral behavior and thus that there were no stable, meaningful individual differences in moral behavior – character did not exist. Recent years have witnessed a reinvigoration of character, ethics, and morality as objects of psychological study. Our purpose in this paper is to contribute to this reinvigoration by reviewing the use of the concept of “character” within psychology, considering whether the evidence supports the notion of moral character as a psychological construct, and suggesting new prospects for research on moral character.
Towards a Relationally and Action‐orientated Social Psychology of Homelessness
Authors: Hodgetts Darrin , Stolte Ottilie , Groot Shiloh
Published: April 2014

Homelessness is a pressing social and health concern that literally embodies broader inequities in society. This article provides an introduction to research in social psychology on homelessness and an emerging research agenda that situates the contributions of social psychologists within the broader social science effort. Attention is given to the consequences of homelessness, definitional issues, the relevance of a turn to place and interpersonal and intergroup relationships, and the importance of an action‐orientated agenda for responding to the complexities of homelessness.
Was It One of Us? How People Cope with Misconduct by Fellow Ingroup Members
Authors: Otten Sabine , Gordijn Ernestine H.
Published: April 2014

How do group members cope with misconduct by members of their own group? Strong evidence for a positive bias in people's evaluations of their own group and its members suggests that an ingroup perpetrator is likely to be treated more leniently than an outgroup perpetrator. However, research has also demonstrated a “Black Sheep‐Effect”, such that ingroup members who deviate negatively from relevant ingroup norms are evaluated and punished even more harshly than outgroup deviants. Both reactions – positive ingroup bias and the Black Sheep Effect – may serve the same goal, namely maintaining positive regard for the ingroup. In this paper, we present several moderators that have been shown to affect responses to negative ingroup deviance. We propose a model that incorporates and organizes these moderators in order to predict whether negatively deviant ingroup members will receive especially lenient or rather harsh and negative evaluations from their fellow ingroup members.
Gene–gene interactions of IRF5, STAT4, IKZF1 and ETS1 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Dang J. , Shan S. , Li J. , Zhao H. , Xin Q. , Liu Y. , Bian X. , Liu Q.
Published: April 2014

Interferon (IFN) activation signaling and T helper 17 (Th17)‐cell/B‐cell regulation play a critical role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several studies have provided convincing evidence that polymorphisms in IRF5, STAT4, IKZF1 and ETS1 from these pathways may be involved in SLE by affecting gene expression or epistasis. We analyzed the genetic interaction in known SLE susceptibility loci from the four genes in northern Han Chinese. A total of 946 northern Han Chinese participated in this study (370 unrelated SLE patients and 576 healthy controls). Subjects underwent genotyping for the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2004640 in IRF5, rs7574865 in STAT4, rs4917014 in IKZF1 and rs1128334 in ETS1 by use of a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay and direct sequencing. Gene–gene interaction analysis involved direct counting, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and linear regression analysis. SLE patients and controls differed in allele frequencies of rs7574865, rs1128334 (P < 0.001) and rs4917014 (P < 0.01). Direct counting revealed that the frequency of risk homozygote combinations was higher for SLE patients than controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐way gene–gene epistasis in SLE was confirmed by parametric methods and MDR analysis. Gene expression analysis partially supported the findings. Our study confirmed the association of the IFN pathway or Th17/B‐cells and the pathogenesis of SLE, and gene–gene interaction in this pathway may increase the risk of SLE.
Accuracy of different temperature reading techniques and associated stress response in hospitalized dogs
Authors: Gomart Samantha B. , Allerton Fergus J. W. , Gommeren Kris
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy and associated induced stress response of axillary, auricular, and rectal thermometry in hospitalized dogs.

Design

Prospective observational study from October 2011 to February 2012.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Two hundred fifty hospitalized dogs. All hospitalized dogs were considered eligible unless their condition precluded measurement at one of the designated sites.

Interventions

A veterinary auricular infrared device for auricular temperature (OT) and an electronic predictive thermometer for rectal temperature (RT) and axillary temperature (AT) were used for temperature measurements. All recordings were obtained by the same investigator in a randomized fashion. Heart rate was noted before and immediately after each measurement. Stress behaviors (eg, vocalization, lip licking, shaking, panting, defensive behavior) were also recorded and graded from 0 (lowest) to 4 (highest). Signalment, analgesic therapy, and length of hospitalization were recorded.

Measurements and Main Results

RT measurements were associated with greatest increase in heart rate (P< 0.05). Scores obtained for defensive behavior, lip licking, and vocalization were lowest with AT and highest with RT measurements (P< 0.05).

Mean RT, AT, and OT were 38.0°C (SD: 0.85°C), 37.0°C (SD: 0.99°C), and 37.23°C (SD: 1.0382°C), respectively. AT and OT were moderately correlated with RT (r= 0.70 andr= 0.64, respectively). Gender (P= 0.02) and coat length (P= 0.03) had a significant influence on results. No effect of dehydration, body condition, analgesia, age, reproductive status, or operator experience was observed (P> 0.05).

Conclusions

AT and to a lesser extent OT are reliable, less stressful alternatives to estimate RT in dogs. Further studies are needed to evaluate these techniques in hyperthermic dogs, and to evaluate the use of AT and OT as monitoring tools in intensive care patients.
Measuring level of agreement between values obtained by directly measured blood pressure and ultrasonic Doppler flow detector in cats
Authors: da Cunha Anderson F. , Saile Katrin , Beaufrère Hugues , Wolfson Wendy , Seaton Diana , Acierno Mark J.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine if blood pressure measured with an ultrasonic Doppler flow detector (Doppler) is in good agreement with directly measured blood pressures in anesthetized cats.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐nine cats undergoing routine neutering.

Interventions

Cats were divided into 2 groups; 19 cats enrolled in Group A had a 24‐Ga catheter inserted into a dorsal pedal artery; 20 cats in Group B had a 20‐Ga catheter placed in a femoral artery. In both groups, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were directly measured using a validated pressure measurement system. Indirect values were compared against direct blood pressure measurements.

Results

There was no difference between groups. Overall, there was poor agreement with a significant bias observed between Doppler and directly measured blood pressures. For the systolic arterial pressure the bias was −8.8 with limits of agreements (LOA) of −39.3 and 21.7. For the mean arterial pressure, the bias was 14.0 with LOA of −13.9 and 41.9. For the diastolic arterial pressure, the bias was 27.9 with LOA of −4.4 and 60.2. Methodology, weight, sex, and replicates did not have a significant effect on the difference between indirect and direct measurements in any model.

Conclusions

Results suggest poor agreement between Doppler values and directly measured blood pressures in anesthetized cats. Use of Doppler in cats could be misleading and readings should be interpreted with caution in a clinical context.
Massive transoceanic gene flow in a freshwater turtle (Testudines: Geoemydidae: Mauremys rivulata)
Authors: Vamberger Melita , Stuckas Heiko , Ayaz Dinçer , Lymberakis Petros , Široký Pavel , Fritz Uwe
Published: April 2014

The freshwater turtle Mauremys rivulata ranges from the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula through the Aegean region and coastal western and southern Turkey southwards to Israel. In addition, it occurs on several Aegean islands, Crete and Cyprus. Previous investigations using mtDNA sequences found virtually no genetic differentiation across its distribution range, despite some major biogeographical barriers for terrestrial and freshwater biota. Thus, the absence of any phylogeographical differentiation would be unexpected. To re‐examine genetic differentiation within M. rivulata, here we use a comprehensive rangewide sampling and information of 13 unlinked polymorphic microsatellite loci and compare these data against mtDNA variation. Our microsatellite analyses reveal a weak population structuring which conflicts, however, with most biogeographical barriers. We conclude that the genetic structure in the vast majority of the species' range has been shaped by massive transoceanic gene flow. This explanation is unlikely for the northernmost populations, which seem rather to be genetically impacted by intentionally released foreign turtles.
Ramification theory and perfectoid spaces
Authors: Hattori Shin
Published: April 2014

Let $K_1$ and $K_2$ be complete discrete valuation fields of residue characteristic $p>0$. Let $\pi _{K_1}$ and $\pi _{K_2}$ be their uniformizers. Let $L_1/K_1$ and $L_2/K_2$ be finite extensions with compatible isomorphisms of rings $\mathcal{O}_{K_1}/(\pi _{K_1}^m)\, {\simeq }\, \mathcal{O}_{K_2}/(\pi _{K_2}^m)$ and $\mathcal{O}_{L_1}/(\pi _{K_1}^m)\, {\simeq }\, \mathcal{O}_{L_2}/(\pi _{K_2}^m)$ for some positive integer $m$ which is no more than the absolute ramification indices of $K_1$ and $K_2$. Let $j\leq m$ be a positive rational number. In this paper, we prove that the ramification of $L_1/K_1$ is bounded by $j$ if and only if the ramification of $L_2/K_2$ is bounded by $j$. As an application, we prove that the categories of finite separable extensions of $K_1$ and $K_2$ whose ramifications are bounded by $j$ are equivalent to each other, which generalizes a theorem of Deligne to the case of imperfect residue fields. We also show the compatibility of Scholl’s theory of higher fields of norms with the ramification theory of Abbes–Saito, and the integrality of small Artin and Swan conductors of $p$-adic representations with finite local monodromy.
Surface and Subsurface Study on EDG and EDM Processing of Advanced Ceramic Composite Material
Authors: Satyarthi M. K. , Pandey Pulak M.
Published: April 2014

The advanced ceramic composites are made electrically conductive by doping with the conductive phase elements like TiN, TiC, TiB2 and TiCN. The doping of the naturally occurring nonconductive ceramic composite makes it suitable to be machined by unconventional machining processes where conductivity of the material plays prominent role. Though, the ceramic materials are fragile in nature, these are custom-tailored for the engineering applications. The machining of the ceramic material by conventional processes is quite difficult and leads to failure of the material under high cutting forces due to its fragile nature. In most of the cases deformities like surface and subsurface cracks, inclusion of pits and voids, deteriorates the functionality of the ceramic material. In our work, we have studied the surface and subsurface characteristics, while processing the material by electric discharge machining (EDM) and electric discharge grinding (EDG) processes. A setup has been designed, developed and mounted as an attachment on die-sinking EDM machining facility to carry out the EDG experiments. The conductive alumina ceramic has been chosen as workpiece material for processing. The surface characteristics has been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at the resolution of 1000X for EDG processed work pieces, and at 500X for EDM. In EDM machining, the surface contains the recast layer whereas in EDG, the recast layer is either removed or swept uniformly along the surface giving good glossy surface finish. It has been found that the components produced by EDM process contain prominent surface and subsurface cracks whereas such deformities are not visible in case of EDG processing. The best surface finish achieved is of the order of 0.04μm when processed by EDG.
Precipitation of Nano-Sized Z-Phase in HR3C Austenitic Heat Resistant Steel
Authors: Yin Fengshi , Xu Zhen , Xue Bing , Zhou Li , Jiang Xuebo
Published: April 2014

Effect of heat treatment on the precipitation behavior of secondary phases in a HR3C austenitic heat resistant steel was investigated. The microstructure of the steel in solution-treated state consists of austenitic matrix and coarse Z-phase particles. After aging treatment at 650–950°C for 1h, M23C6-type carbide precipitates along random grain boundaries. Dense and homogeneous nanosized Z-phase precipitates within austenite grains are obtained by an aging treatment at a temperature between 800 and 900°C for 1h. The high density of dislocation walls produced during the water-cooling process after solution treatment facilitate the precipitation of the nanosized Z-phase. With increasing the aging temperature, the hardness initially drops, then increases and reaches a peak when the aging temperature is at 850°C due to the precipitation of the nanosized Z-phase.
Researching on Finding Form and Instability of the Radial String-Net Structure on Deployable Antenna
Authors: Luo Ani , Liu Heping , Wang Yongfan , Song Jianhua , Ma Wentao
Published: April 2014

String-net structure is a type of special structure that possesses stiffness only when it is in tension, so it must be pulled tightly in its work. Here a typical string-net structure, radial string-net string applied in the deployable antenna is researched on. Through analysis of the equilibrium of the structure, its equilibrium equations are set up. Method for solving the equations is deduced further. Through optimization, tensions in the strings are computed. Then instability which is caused by loosening the strings and nodes is analyzed further. At first, movements of the nodes after the instability are researched on. After simulation, it is concluded that there exist no tensions in all the strings in the new equilibrium and the structure loses its stiffness and capability of keeping its shape. In order to overcome the disadvantage, the vertical strings are substituted by springs. After analysis, it is proved that the strings can possess tensions and the string-net structure still possesses capability of keeping its shape after its instability. The structure is improved further.
FEM Optimization of Process Parameters and In-Process Cooling in the Friction Stir Processing of Magnesium Alloy AZ31b
Authors: Ammouri A. H. , Kheireddine A. H. , Kridli G. T. , Hamade R. F.
Published: April 2014

Controlling the temperature in friction stir processing (FSP) of Magnesium alloy AZ31b is crucial given its low melting point and surface deformability. A numerical FEM study is presented in this paper where a thermo-mechanical-based model is used for optimizing the process parameters, including active in-process cooling, in FSP. This model is simulated using a solid mechanics FEM solver capable of analyzing the three dimensional flow and of estimating the state variables associated with materials processing. Such processing (input) parameters of the FSP as spindle rotational speed, travel speed, and cooling rate are optimized to minimize the heat affected zone, while maintaining reasonable travel speeds and producing uniformity of the desired grain size distribution of the microstructure in the stirred zone. The simulation results predict that such optimized parameters will result in submicron grain sized structure in the stirred zone and at the corresponding stirred surface. These simulation predictions were verified using published experimental data.
Performance Comparison for Aeroengine-Type Sump Geometries
Authors: Chandra Budi , Simmons Kathy , Keeler Benjamin
Published: April 2014

Oil removal from aeroengine bearing chambers presents a challenge for aeroengine designers. Effective scavenging of oil is necessary to avoid excessive heat in the bearing chamber as this may lead to degradation of oil properties and deterioration in heat transfer functionality. However the task of oil removal is not trivial. Oil is entrained in a highly rotating environment induced by rotating shafts. An aeroengine scavenge pump must remove both air and oil from the chamber and the ratio of the two fluids depends on pump operating point as well as the geometry of the exit region.

The University of Nottingham Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Transmission Systems is conducting an on-going experimental programme investigating liquid and gas flow behaviour in a relevant highly rotating environment. Previously reported work [2, 4] in combination with work conducted by Purdue University [3, 5] suggests that a deeper sump may help to reduce residence volume.

More recently a study has been conducted that investigates geometries incorporating features sometimes included in aeroengine scavenge. Three very different exit geometries were investigated experimentally using chamber residence volume as a parameter of comparison. Data for one of these, the so called Curved Wall Deep Sump (CWDS), has already been reported in [4]. This paper presents residence volume data for all three sumps over a range of shaft speeds, inlet flow rates and scavenge ratios. Trends are analysed and presented and areas for future work identified.
Computational Analysis of Recess Vane Geometry Modification in the Casing Treatment Approach to Enhance Stall Margin in Axial Flow Fans
Authors: Yelmar Kiran , Viswanath K.
Published: April 2014

Stall margin improvement, though finite, has great influence on performance of a compressor and fan. Modification to the geometry of the recess and the recess vane used in the recess vane casing treatment approach would increase the operating range of an axial flow fan by removing the whirl component of circulatory flow near the blade tip. The present paper investigates the combined effect of variation of recess height and amount of blade chord exposure on flow characteristics and stall margin in low speed axial flow fan. Numerical simulations and modeling was performed using CFX 13.0 and ICEMCFD. The simulated pressure rise, work input and efficiency characteristics agreed well with the experimental data of a low sped fan obtained from the literature. The range of the flow rates which correspond to the stall free operating range of the untreated fan is compared with the same for the different modifications carried out to the geometry. The sensitivity of the operating range to the modifications is analyzed and the effect of recess vane geometry parameters on stall margin improvement is evaluated. Simulations suggest that within the ranges of parameters investigated stall margin improvement increases with both blade chord exposure and height.
Thermal Design and Analysis of Spacecraft During Flight Missions
Authors: Farag Ahmed M. , Khalil Essam E.
Published: April 2014

Thermal control system (TCS) is one of the main systems in spacecraft, which guarantees the assigned thermal conditions of all subsystems and equipment during spacecraft (SC) lifetime, and partially participation in ground thermo-stating during testing. TCS is designed according to the calculation of SC thermal budget to estimate device panels’ ability for dissipation excess heat, which is emitted by SC equipment in process of nominal operation during maximum external heat flux. Calculating radiation surface areas of equipment panels is performed to reject heat dissipation. Estimating of SC panels cooling capacity during minimum external heat fluxes is required to calculate power of heaters. SC model in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is created by thermal desktop program, in order to launch a parametric study of the variable space parameters which would effect on SC at the LEO.
Experimental Study on Electromagnetic Forming of Copper Sheets
Authors: Karibeeran Shanmuga Sundaram , Selvam Rajiv
Published: April 2014

The sheet metal forming of copper, aluminum alloys using conventional stamping processes posses various problems, because of the lower formability limits, spring back and the tendency to wrinkle compared to steel. The principle of electromagnetism using attractive force is adopted to modify the conventional stamping process, to form thin sheets of 0.05 mm thickness. Further, this process can be used to form many sheet metal components with less expensive tooling and lesser number of operations. This process ultimately leads to light weight, cost effective and better strength-to-weight ratio components required for aerospace applications. In this study, a maximum of 30.77 % reduction in diameter was observed at 2.75A using electromagnetic forming which leads to the absence of spring back.
Evaluation of Metal Wire Network ‘Kana-ami’ Structure Between Expert and Non-Expert
Authors: Wang Zelong , Endo Atsushi , Koshino Tetsushi , Tsuji Toru , Tsuji Ken-ichi
Published: April 2014

As well known, Kyoto was a capital city of Japan with one thousand years history. The long ancient culture brings out a serious of traditional craft products, such as ‘Kana-ami’ — a kind of metal wire network. ‘Kana-ami’ was all made by hand work, for this reason there was no industrial pollution produced during the manufacturing process. In other words, ‘Kana-ami’ is a kind of green manufacturing product, whose processing motion and working experience make a big effect on final products’ quality. Product’s quality was judged by the standard structure of ‘Kana-ami’, which was established and developed in the long course of history and culture. That aesthetical standard has already been consistently rooted into Japanese peoples’ heart deeply. Dated back to around 50 years before, there were about 30 handmade wire net shops in Kyoto. However, it has decreased dramatic until 7 shops now. Therefore, it is urgent time to pay attention to this severe reality and try to do something to keep this traditional culture wealth and continue green manufacturing technique, skill to the next generation.

In this research, cooperating with ‘Kanaami Tsuji’ workshop, the excellent products of Mr.Tsuji and his son were chosen as the investigation subjects for Kana-ami’s structure comparison. As well known, ‘Kana-ami’ product made by Mr.Tsuji have already been widely accepted and preferred among Japanese people, even his son’s finish also has beautiful looking. Therefore, the main target of this study was to clarify the difference in shape and hexagon structure of ‘Kana-ami’ products made by Mr.Tsuji and his son through mathematical measurement. Based on this structure evaluation system, hexagon angles and length were discussed and analyzed in order to help his son and other beginners to inherit this Japanese traditional craft technology.
Fatigue Life Characterisation of Interference Fitted Joints
Authors: Croccolo D. , De Agostinis M. , Olmi G.
Published: April 2014

Reversed bending fatigue tests to be performed on full scale assemblies, joined by interference fitting, are very complicated to set up, as well as very expensive to carry out, due to material costs and to low achievable testing frequencies. Moreover, along with the interference level and the shape of the hub edge, the method by which interference is created is deemed to influence the fatigue behaviour of the assembly. A quicker and cheaper way to obtain information about the fatigue behaviour of such assemblies could be performing fatigue tests on down scaled specimens, similar to those suggested by standard ISO 1143. Since no standardized specimen exists for characterising the fatigue behaviour of interference fitted shaft hub joints, the authors designed an ad-hoc specimen (“notched” specimen) and set up a convenient assembly procedure for performing rotating bending fatigue tests. The present investigation focuses on an interference fitted joint, made of EN 10083-2 C40 low carbon steel, whose hub bore edge is rounded. The rationale of the experimentation is retrieving the fatigue stress concentration factor by comparing the endurance limit results of the “notched” specimen to those of a plain specimen manufactured according to ISO 1143. Results were analysed according to standard ISO 12107. Furthermore, a three dimensional numerical model was developed, suitable for evaluating the local stress state of an axisymmetric interference fitted joint. The numerical model accounts for the effect of an external bending moment applied to the shaft. Experimental results are then compared to those given by finite elements analyses, in order to find out the relationship between the fatigue life and the local stress state of interference fitted components.