bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormone replacement therapy with estrogens may reduce lamotrigine serum concentrations: A matched case–control study
Authors: Reimers Arne
Published: November 2016

Lamotrigine (LTG) is an antiepileptic drug that is metabolized via glucuronidation. Since the glucuronidizing enzyme is inducible by estrogens, LTG serum concentrations may fall by 50–60% when combined with hormonal contraceptives that contain ethinyl estradiol (EE). Little is known about a possible interaction between estrogens used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and LTG, and the few available data are conflicting. Data from serum samples analyzed for LTG were therefore retrieved from a routine therapeutic drug monitoring database. Users of HRT and EE were identified and matched with controls for age and dose. No enzyme‐inducing or enzyme‐inhibiting comedication was allowed. LTG serum concentration‐to‐dose ratios (CDRs) were calculated. Case groups and their respective control groups were compared by the Mann‐Whitney U test. Seventy‐nine HRT users (dose range 1–4 mg/day) and 200 EE users (dose range 20–40 μg/day), as well as 158 and 400 matching controls, respectively, could be included. Both EE users and HRT users had significantly lower mean LTG CDRs than their respective matched controls. These results suggest that HRT with estrogens may reduce serum LTG concentrations.
Physicochemical and functional properties of Caryota urens flour as compared to wheat flour
Authors: Gunaratne Anil , Wu Kao , Collado Lilia , Gan Ren‐You , Arachchi Lal Vidhana , Kumara Kapila , Pathirana Sarath Malavi , Corke Harold
Published: November 2016

Starch digestibility, thermal, pasting and gelling properties of Caryota urens (CU) flour were investigated using wheat flour as reference. Amylose content of CU and wheat flour was 32.1% and 28.3%, respectively. CU flour had very low content of protein and lipid but had a high content of total starch (98.2%) and resistant starch (RS) [42.5%]. Gelatinisation temperature (78.5 °C) of CU flour was higher than wheat flour. Pasting behaviour of CU flour was similar to that of high swelling tuber and root and waxy starches. CU flour retrograded to a greater extent than wheat flour. Very specific gelling behaviour was noticed for CU flour where it produced significantly harder gel with high paste clarity, fracture ability, adhesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. Expected glycaemic index (eGI) of CU and wheat flour was 92.4 and 100.4, respectively. CU flour had high eGI despite high content of resistant starch.
Additively patterned ferroelectric thin films with vertical sidewalls
Authors: Welsh Aaron J. , Dezest Denis , Nicu Liviu , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan
Published: November 2016

The functional properties of electroceramic thin films can be degraded by subtractive patterning techniques used for microelectromechanical (MEMS) applications. This work explores an alternative deposition technique, where lead zirconate titanate (PZT) liquid precursors are printed onto substrates in a desired geometry from stamp wells (rather than stamp protrusions). Printing from wells significantly increased sidewall angles (from ~1 to >35 degrees) relative to printing solutions from stamp protrusions. Arrays of PZT features were printed, characterized, and compared to continuous PZT thin films of similar thickness. Three‐hundred‐nanometer‐thick printed PZT features exhibit a permittivity of 730 and a loss tangent of 0.022. The features showed remanent polarizations of 26 μC/cm2, and coercive fields of 95 kV/cm. The piezoelectric response of the features produced an e31,f of −5.2 C/m2. This technique was also used to print directly atop prepatterned substrates. Optimization of printing parameters yielded patterned films with 90° sidewalls. Lateral feature sizes ranged from hundreds of micrometers down to one micrometer. In addition, several device designs were prepatterned onto silicon on insulator (SOI) wafers (Si/SiO2/Si with thicknesses of 0.35/1/500 μm). The top patterned silicon was released from the underlying material, and PZT was directly printed and crystallized on the free‐standing structures.
Statistical interference of material strength and surface prestress in heat‐treated glass
Authors: Pisano Gabriele , Carfagni Gianni Royer
Published: November 2016

It is customary to assume that the characteristic design value for heat‐treated glass is represented by the sum of the characteristic values of the annealed glass strength and of the heat‐induced surface prestress, even though experiments have provided evidence that the resulting strength may be much higher. Here, we investigate the statistical interference between an assumed two‐parameter Weibull distribution for the annealed glass strength and a Gaussian distribution for the surface prestress. We show how the compound distribution confirms the experimental findings and, in particular, that the type of stress induced by the applied loads, ie, uniaxial vs biaxial, has an important role. This effect, which is more relevant for “weak” than for “strong” glasses, is the mechanical counterpart of the well‐known principle of diversification of investments in economy, and leads to a critical consideration of the design approach commonly suggested by structural standards.
A self‐repairing cermet anode: Preparation and corrosion behavior of (Cu–Ni–Fe)/NiFe2O4 cermet with synergistic action
Authors: Yang Wen‐jie , Guo Jie , Li Jing , Zhang Gang , He Liu‐qing , Zhou Ke‐chao
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the cermet (Cu–Ni–Fe)/(NiFe2O4–10NiO) anodes were prepared through the powder metallurgy method, followed by being evaluated in the bench scale (200 A) electrolysis tests for more than 1000 hour. The results showed that the as‐prepared anodes exhibited excellent corrosion resistance with corrosion rate less than 0.99 cm/a, which satisfied the requirements of the aluminum industry. The analysis results were confirmed by SEM, EDS, and XRD. The results showed that the outstanding corrosion resistance of the anodes relied on a continuous and dense NiFe2O4 film formed on the surface of the anode material, which protected the inner structure of anode material during electrolysis. Finally, a model based on the synergistic action between the metal phase and the ceramic phase was built to illustrate the forming mechanism of the NiFe2O4 passivating film.
Significantly enhanced energy‐storage density in the strontium barium niobate‐based/titanate‐based glass‐ceramics
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Wang Haitao , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Li Peng , Pan Zhongbin
Published: November 2016

Two‐step crystallization process was employed to improve microstructure and energy‐storage density of the strontium barium niobate‐based/titanate‐based glass‐ceramics. By using two‐step crystallization process, the optimum nucleation temperature was obtained to improve dielectric breakdown strength. Compared to the breakdown strength by one‐step crystallization process, the breakdown strength by two‐step crystallization process is increased about 1.89 times with the optimum nucleation temperature. Energy‐storage density of 7.73 ± 0.26 J/cm3 is significantly improved by two‐step crystallization process and is about 2.9 times of 2.63 ± 0.17 J/cm3 by one‐step crystallization process. This result is attributed to the homogeneous nucleation improving the microstructures of glass‐ceramics. Identification and quantification of crystalline phases by using Rietveld refinement reveals the difference of dielectric constants for one‐step and two‐step crystallization processes.
Biogeography of the Neotropical genus Malacoptila (Aves: Bucconidae): the influence of the Andean orogeny, Amazonian drainage evolution and palaeoclimate
Authors: Ferreira Mateus , Aleixo Alexandre , Ribas Camila Cherem , Santos Marcos Pérsio Dantas
Published: November 2016

Aim

To uncover geographical and temporal patterns of diversification in the puffbird genus Malacoptila, focusing on the influence of landscape and palaeoclimate evolution as drivers of diversification.

Location

Neotropical, with an emphasis on the Amazon basin.

Methods

We sequenced eight mtDNA and nuclear gene regions of 176 individuals belonging to seven of the eight recognized Malacoptila species. Concatenated and time calibrated coalescent multi‐locus phylogenies, along with a Bayesian species delimitation analysis, were performed for the genus. Phylogeographical and historical demography patterns were reconstructed for the Amazonian species. Ancestral ranges estimation was performed in BioGeoBEARS.

Results

Our analysis recovered 23 reciprocally monophyletic lineages within Malacoptila. All currently recognized species were recovered as monophyletic. With the exception of M. semicincta, all species presented some level of intraspecific phylogeographical structure, varying up to 10 reciprocally monophyletic phylogroups (M. rufa). The distributions of these lineages are generally coincident with known Neotropical areas of endemism (AE).

Main Conclusion

Our results corroborate the influence of Andean uplift and the Plio‐Pleistocene establishment of the current drainage system in Amazonia as likely drivers of diversification. The spatially structured genetic diversity that exists within Malacoptila is underestimated by current taxonomy and provides another example of widespread cryptic avian endemism in the Neotropics.
Impact of disease duration and cardiovascular dysautonomia on hypertension in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vetrano Davide L. , Pisciotta Maria S. , Brandi Vincenzo , Lo Monaco Maria R. , Laudisio Alice , Onder Graziano , Fusco Domenico , L′Angiocola Paolo D. , Bentivoglio Anna R. , Bernabei Roberto , Zuccalà Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

The authors evaluated the association of Parkinson’s disease (PD) duration with hypertension, assessed by office measurements and 24‐hour (ambulatory) monitoring, in 167 patients. Hypertension was evaluated through both office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements. Among participants (mean age 73.4±7.6 years; 35% women), the prevalence of hypertension was 60% and 69% according to office and ambulatory BP measurements, respectively (Cohen's k=0.61; P<.001). PD duration was inversely associated with hypertension as diagnosed by office measurements (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.98) but not by ambulatory monitoring (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.81–1.01). Ambulatory BP patterns showed higher nocturnal BP among patients with long‐lasting disease. In conclusion, ambulatory BP monitoring improves the detection of hypertension by 15% in PD, compared with office evaluation. The likelihood of having hypertension does not decrease during the PD course; rather, BP pattern shifts towards nocturnal hypertension.
Executive functioning and local‐global visual processing: candidate endophenotypes for autism spectrum disorder?
Authors: Van Eylen Lien , Boets Bart , Cosemans Nele , Peeters Hilde , Steyaert Jean , Wagemans Johan , Noens Ilse
Published: November 2016

Background

Heterogeneity within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) hampers insight in the etiology and stimulates the search for endophenotypes. Endophenotypes should meet several criteria, the most important being the association with ASD and the higher occurrence rate in unaffected ASD relatives than in the general population. We evaluated these criteria for executive functioning (EF) and local‐global (L‐G) visual processing.

Methods

By administering an extensive cognitive battery which increases the validity of the measures, we examined which of the cognitive anomalies shown by ASD probands also occur in their unaffected relatives (n = 113) compared to typically developing (TD) controls (n = 100). Microarrays were performed, so we could exclude relatives from probands with a de novo mutation in a known ASD susceptibility copy number variant, thus increasing the probability that genetic risk variants are shared by the ASD relatives. An overview of studies investigating EF and L‐G processing in ASD relatives was also provided.

Results

For EF, ASD relatives – like ASD probands – showed impairments in response inhibition, cognitive flexibility and generativity (specifically, ideational fluency), and EF impairments in daily life. For L‐G visual processing, the ASD relatives showed no anomalies on the tasks, but they reported more attention to detail in daily life. Group differences were similar for siblings and for parents of ASD probands, and yielded larger effect sizes in a multiplex subsample. The group effect sizes for the comparison between ASD probands and TD individuals were generally larger than those of the ASD relatives compared to TD individuals.

Conclusions

Impaired cognitive flexibility, ideational fluency and response inhibition are strong candidate endophenotypes for ASD. They could help to delineate etiologically more homogeneous subgroups, which is clinically important to allow assigning ASD probands to different, more targeted, interventions.
Seasonal and environmental influences on recruitment patterns and habitat usage among resident and transient fishes in a World Heritage Site subtropical estuary
Authors: Pichler H. A. , Gray C. A. , Broadhurst M. K. , Spach H. L. , Nagelkerken I.
Published: November 2016

This study investigated whether the fish communities inhabiting shallow non‐vegetated habitats in two divergent bays in a subtropical World Heritage Site estuarine system differed according to wet (spring–summer) and dry (autumn–winter) seasons or polyhaline and mesohaline zones, within the broader objective of facilitating spatio‐temporal management. Species richness (total of 74 taxa; total length, LT = 11–552 mm) and abundance (51 109 individuals) were mostly greater in the wet than dry season and in polyhaline than mesohaline areas. There was a major effect of rainfall on recruitment, particularly among transient fishes, which could be the result of enhanced survival of young via greater productivity (food resources) and protection from predators (via turbidity reducing visual cues). Salinity had strong interactive effects with rainfall and temperature in one bay, with greater species richness and overall abundances as well as large abundances of four key species [Anchoa januaria and Atherinella brasiliensis (pelagic residents), Cetengraulis edentulus (pelagic transient) and Diapterus rhombeus (demersal transient)] during the wet season in polyhaline areas; possibly reflecting a biodiversity hotspot that might be affected by distance to the estuary mouth and convergence hydrology. Regionally, the results support enforcing spatio‐temporal restrictions to minimize anthropogenic activities within statutory (but not always enforced) protected areas. Globally, the data reiterate the need to identify and understand biotic and abiotic effects on estuarine ichthyofaunal distributions and abundances as a precursor to their management.
Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: How Minimalistic Can We Become?
Authors: Sawaya Fadi J. , Lefèvre Thierry , Spaziano Marco , Roy Andrew , Fernandez Leticia , Garot Phillipe , Chevalier Bernard , Hovasse Thomas
Published: November 2016

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a well‐established intervention with reproducible and excellent early and mid‐term outcomes. A minimalist approach to TAVI is already the standard of care in many experienced centers. In this report, we share our experience and opinions on how we can further simplify the TAVI procedure in hope to establish the best possible outcomes.
Effects of two commercial diets and technical feed treatment on stomach lesions and immune system of fattening pigs
Authors: Liermann W. , Berk A. , Frahm J. , Böschen V. , Dänicke S.
Published: November 2016

The impact of technical feed treatment and diet on stomach lesions and traits of the local and systemic immune system were investigated in fattening pigs. Feeding groups differed in technical feed treatment (standard ground meal vs. finely ground and pelleted feed) and diet (soya bean meal vs. rapeseed meal/DDGS/soya beans). Pigs were fattened approximately 10 weeks by ad libitum feeding and slaughtered subsequently. Gastric alterations were assessed by a macroscopic scoring system [macroscopic stomach score (MSC) 0 =  normal to 4 =  severe lesions]. For immunological investigations, lymphocytes from blood and jejunal tissues were isolated. T‐cell phenotyping was carried out by staining intestinal lymphocytes with monoclonal antibodies for CD4 and CD8 and flow cytometric measurements. MSC was higher in animals fed finely ground and pelleted feed compared with their counterparts. Significant interactions between diet and feed treatment considering the MSC were observed (p = 0.027). There was no effect of diet or technical feed treatment on T cells of blood, Lymphonodi gastrici or lamina propria (LP) and intraepithelial cells. However, technical feed treatment significantly affected subsets of CD4+, CD8+, CD8low, CD4/CD8 double‐positive T cells, the mean fluorescence intensity of CD4+ T cells and the ratio of CD8low/CD8high T cells in Peyer's patches (PP). All named parameters were reduced in PP of animals fed finely ground and pelleted feed compared with animals fed standard ground meal. Furthermore, significant differences between T cells of lymph nodes and LP were observed between animals with middle MSC (MSC = 1–2.5) and animals with high MSC (MSC = 3–4). Significant alterations in T cells of PP were observed between animals of low (MSC = 0–0.5) and high MSC. The observed effects provide the evidence that the impact of technical feed treatment is not limited on the stomach lesions. Possible stimuli and consequences of the immune system should be studied in more detail.
Effect of Dietary Lipid Level and Feeding Frequency on the Growth, Feed Utilization, and Body Composition of Juvenile Spotted Seabass, Lateolabrax maculatus
Authors: Rahman Md Mostafizur , Lee Sang‐Min
Published: November 2016

A 6‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary lipid levels and feeding frequencies on the growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile spotted seabass, Lateolabrax maculatus. Two experimental diets were prepared with two different dietary lipid contents, low lipid (7%; LL) and high lipid (14%; HL). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (5.5 ± 0.01 g) to apparent satiation at three meals per day, two meals per day, one meal per day, and one meal every 2 d, respectively, for 6 wk. Fish growth performance in terms of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly affected by frequency of feeding, with increasing values as feeding frequency increased up to twice daily, regardless of dietary lipid content. In addition, fish fed the diet with the HL level (14%) showed significantly higher WG and SGR than those fed the LL diet (7%) at all the feeding frequencies tested. Feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were affected by both dietary lipid level and feeding frequency. FE and PER values were significantly higher in fish fed the HL diet and/or when fish were fed twice or thrice a day. However, daily feed intake and daily energy intake were significantly affected only by feeding frequency and were significantly reduced when the fish were fed only once every 2 d compared with those fed more frequently. Whole‐body moisture content of fish tended to decrease with increasing dietary lipid level and frequency of feeding. In contrast, whole‐body lipid content increased in fish as dietary lipid level and feeding frequency increased. Consequently, we can conclude that feeding spotted seabass twice daily to apparent satiation is acceptable and sufficient to achieve good growth and FE, as fish performance was not significantly enhanced when feeding was increased from two to three times daily.
Hypoderma actaeon: an emerging myiasis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Authors: PANADERO R. , VARAS G. , PAJARES G. , MARKINA F. , LÓPEZ C. , DÍAZ P. , PÉREZ‐CREO A. , PRIETO A. , DÍEZ‐BAÑOS P. , MORRONDO P.
Published: November 2016

Subcutaneous larvae of Hypoderma spp. (Diptera: Oestridae) were detected in the dorsal region in 10 roe deer, Capreolus capreolus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae), hunted in central Spain between January and March 2016. All larvae were found in the inner side of the hide during the skinning of the animals. The study of the morphological features of eight larvae of different stages collected from two animals allowed the identification of Hypoderma actaeon Brauer. The small size (4–5 mm) of some of the first instars suggests that the internal lifecycle of H. actaeon may be exclusively subcutaneous. This is the first confirmation of H. actaeon in roe deer; however, further studies to assess the spread of the parasite and to follow the evolution of this myiasis in roe deer are needed.
Issues and challenges of curriculum reform to competency‐based curricula in Africa: A meta‐synthesis
Authors: Muraraneza Claudine , Mtshali Ntombifikile Gloria , Mukamana Donatilla
Published: November 2016

Although in recent decades reforms to undergraduate nursing and midwifery education have increasingly been guided by the concept of competency‐based curriculum in a drive to produce competent graduates in the African context, the topic remains poorly researched in‐depth. The related issues and challenges need to be explored in the interest of evidence‐based practice. This article stems from a systematic review of qualitative literature on the design and implementation of competency‐based curriculum. Data was inductively analyzed using constant comparison. The two categories that emerged were: (i) the need for a paradigm shift to competency‐based curriculum; and (ii) the associated issues and challenges, such as a shift from informative to transformative learning, lack or limited of involvement of key stakeholders in curriculum development, focus on hospital‐oriented education, lack of preparation of educators, and inappropriate resources. While ongoing reform of nursing and midwifery education continues, much still needs to be done – in particular, extensive financial investment to increase the capacity of educators, mentors and infrastructure, and the development of collaborative frameworks between nursing and midwifery and higher educational councils.
Nonlinear scaling of foraging contacts with rodent population density
Authors: Borremans Benny , Reijniers Jonas , Hughes Nelika K. , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Gryseels Sophie , Makundi Rhodes H. , Leirs Herwig
Published: November 2016

Density‐dependent shifts in population processes like territoriality, reproduction, dispersal, and parasite transmission are driven by changes in contacts between individuals. Despite this, surprisingly little is known about how contacts change with density, and thus the mechanisms driving density‐dependent processes. A simple linear contact–density function is often assumed, but this is not based on a sound basis of empirical data. We addressed this question using a replicated, semi‐natural experiment in which we measured contacts at feeding stations between multimammate mice,Mastomys natalensis, across ten distinct, linearly increasing densities between 10 and 272 animals/ha. Unexpectedly, unique contacts increased not linearly but sigmoidally with density, which we attribute to the species’ scramble competition mating system, small‐scale dominance/avoidance and absence of territoriality. These results provide new insights into how species’ characteristics can relate to density‐dependent changes in contacts, and the unexpected shape of the contact–density function warrants that density‐dependence in ecological models, such as parasite transmission models, must be parameterized with care.
The Theil Indices in Parametric Families of Income Distributions—A Short Review
Authors: María Sarabia José , Jordá Vanesa , Remuzgo Lorena
Published: November 2016

The Theil indices (Theil, ) are widely used measures for studying the degree of concentration and inequality in size income distributions. Their property of decomposability makes these indices especially useful in applied economic analysis. This paper is a synthetic review of the Theil indices for the most important and popular parametric income distributions. Extensions to higher dimensions are sketched.
Estimation of the Population Size by Using the One-Inflated Positive Poisson Model
Authors: Godwin Ryan T. , Böhning Dankmar
Published: November 2016

In population size estimation, many capture–recapture-type data exhibit a preponderance of ‘1’-counts. This excess of 1s can arise as subjects gain information from the initial capture that provides a desire and ability to avoid subsequent captures. Existing population size estimators that purport to deal with heterogeneity can be much too large in the presence of 1-inflation, which is a specific form of heterogeneity. To deal with the phenomena of excess 1s, we propose the one-inflated positive Poisson model for use as the truncated count distribution in Horvitz–Thompson estimation of the population size.
Structural and functional 3D mapping of skin tumours with non‐invasive multispectral optoacoustic tomography
Authors: Chuah S. Y. , Attia A. B. E. , Long V. , Ho C. J. H. , Malempati P. , Fu C. Y. , Ford S. J. , Lee J. S. S. , Tan W. P. , Razansky D. , Olivo M. , Thng S.
Published: November 2016

Background

Recent advances in technology have enabled the development of various non‐invasive skin imaging tools to aid real‐time diagnosis of both benign and malignant skin tumours, minimizing the need for invasive skin biopsy. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) is a recently developed non‐invasive imaging tool, which offers the unique capacity for high resolution three dimensional (3D) optical mapping of tissue by further delivering highly specific optical contrast from a depth of several millimetres to centimetres in living tissues. MSOT enables volumetric, spectroscopic differentiation of tissue, both in vivo and in real time, with and without the application of biomarker‐specific probes, and is further able of providing spatial maps of skin chromophores, as well as underlying blood vasculature.

Methods

Three patients with suspicious skin tumours consented to have their lesions imaged with MSOT prior to excision. The histological findings and measurements were compared.

Results

We demonstrated the first in vivo clinical use of MSOT for 3D reconstruction of skin tumours in three patients with good histological correlation.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the potential benefit of the new imaging method in guiding surgical intervention to achieve a more precise excision with better clearance and lower relapse rates. It can also potentially help to shorten the duration of Mohs’ micrographic surgery. Further large‐scale studies are necessary to ensure correlation between MSOT and histology.
Reference intervals for biochemical blood variables, packed cell volume, and body temperature in pet rats (Rattus norvegicus) using point‐of‐care testing
Authors: Houtmeyers Anneleen , Duchateau Luc , Grünewald Bettina , Hermans Katleen
Published: November 2016

Background

Rats (Rattus norvegicus) are increasingly kept as pets, thus more and more requiring veterinary care. Important differences exist between pet and laboratory rats, but little information is available on pet rats. Diagnosis and treatment of pet rat diseases would benefit from RIs specific for this animal population.

Objectives

The aim was to establish RIs for biochemical blood variables, PCV, and body temperature in pet rats. Additionally, influences of sex and feed rationing method (ad libitum, restricted) on these variables were determined.

Methods

American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) recommendations were followed. Biochemical variables were measured using an automated chemistry analyzer, the VetScan VS2. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to determine RIs and effects of sex and feed rationing method.

Results

Reference intervals were established using values of 123 clinically healthy pet rats (except for globulins and albumin/globulin ratio, n = 120) and were: glucose 6.6–13.7 mmol/L, total proteins 66–88 g/L, albumin ≥ 38 g/L, globulins 12–35 g/L, albumin/globulin ratio 1.0–4.7, urea nitrogen 2.5–6.6 mmol/L, creatinine ≤ 53 μmol/L, total bilirubin 4–7 μmol/L, ALP 40–442 IU/L, ALT 22–137 IU/L, amylase 502–1113 IU/L, sodium 133–144 mmol/L, potassium 3.6–5.3 mmol/L, calcium 9.5–10.9 mg/dL, phosphorus 2.3–7.0 mg/dL, PCV 40–50%, and body temperature 35.8–39.3°C. Sex significantly affected 10 variables. No significant influence was found with feed limitation

Conclusions

Reference intervals reported in this study will be useful for interpretation of biochemistry analysis in pet rats and therefore improve pet rat medicine.
COMPARISONS AMONG COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF ADIPOSE MASSES IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: Spoldi Elisa , Schwarz Tobias , Sabattini Silvia , Vignoli Massimo , Cancedda Simona , Rossi Federica
Published: November 2016

A better understanding of the CT features of different forms of canine and feline adipose tumors would be valuable for improving patient management and treatment. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to describe and compare the CT features of pathologically confirmed lipomas, infiltrative lipomas, and liposarcomas in a sample of canine and feline patients. A total of 50 animals (46 dogs, four cats) and a total of 60 lesions (23 lipomas, 20 infiltrative lipomas, and 17 liposarcomas) were included in the study. Lipomas appeared as round to oval‐shaped (n= 21), well‐marginated (n= 20) fat‐attenuating lesions. Infiltrative lipomas appeared as homogeneous, fat‐attenuating masses but, unlike lipomas, they were most commonly characterized by an irregular shape (75%;P< 0.001), and linear components, hyperattenuating relative to the surrounding fat (100%;P< 0.05). Liposarcomas were represented exclusively by heterogeneous lesions with soft tissue attenuating components with a multinodular appearance (76.5%;P< 0.05). Regional lymphadenopathy (n= 10) and amorphous mineralization (n= 4) were also observed in association with liposarcomas. Computed tomography can provide useful information regarding disease location, extent, and involvement of the adjacent structures. Tumor definition and shape were the most useful parameters to differentiate between lipomas and infiltrative lipomas. The presence of a heterogeneous mass, with a multinodular soft tissue component and associated regional lymphadenopathy and mineralization, were features favoring a diagnosis of liposarcoma.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—RADIOGRAPHY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF RADIOULNAR ISCHEMIC NECROSIS IN A JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
Authors: Schmid Lisbeth , Klang Andrea , Katic Nikola , Ansón Agustina , Gumpenberger Michaela , Kneissl Sibylle
Published: November 2016

A 7‐year‐old Jack Russell Terrier with a history of minor trauma was presented for lameness of the left forelimb. Radiography and computed tomography demonstrated a localized radioulnar osteolytic lesion with cortical bone loss and enthesiophytes. Based on results of diagnostic imaging and histopathological examination, the final diagnosis was radioulnar ischemic necrosis (RUIN), complicated by pathologic fracture. A rare disorder of unknown etiology, RUIN may be secondary to tearing of the interosseous ligament and potential ischemia. It should be differentiated from neoplastic or fungal disease. To the authors´ knowledge, this is the first canine case report describing RUIN.
Outcome of Tibial Closing Wedge Osteotomy in 55 Cranial Cruciate Ligament‐Deficient Stifles of Small Dogs (<15 kg)
Authors: Campbell Kathryn A. , Payne John T. , Doornink Michael T. , Haggerty Jamie
Published: November 2016

Objective

To describe the outcome of cranial closing wedge osteotomy (CWO) of the tibia for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)‐deficient stifles in dogs with a body weight of <15 kg.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Forty‐five client‐owned dogs (n=55 stifles).

Methods

Medical records (2005–2014), radiographs, and owner questionnaire were used to identify the surgical procedure performed, associated complications and outcome in 45 dogs undergoing CWO in 55 stifles.

Results

Data for 55 stifles from 45 dogs were included. Bichon Frise was the most frequent dog breed (n=11). Mean pre‐ and postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) were 36.3° (95% CI 35.1–37.5) and 7.5° (95% CI 6.7–8.2), respectively. Pin and tension bands were placed in 38/55 stifles (69%). The most frequent complication at short‐term follow‐up (2 weeks) was incisional complications in 8 stifles; all resolved with systemic antibiotic administration alone. Data were available for all stifles at 8 week follow‐up with an overall complication occurrence in 16/55 stifles (28%); 1 dog required revision surgery. Tibial osteotomy healing was evident on radiographs at 8 weeks postoperative in 53 stifles (96%), considered complete in 27 stifles, and good in 26 stifles. Follow‐up owner questionnaire was available for 36 dogs at a mean of 24 months and 34/36 owners (94%) were satisfied with the procedure and considered their dog had a good quality of life with minimal long‐term complications.

Conclusion

Dogs with a body weight <15 kg undergoing CWO for treatment of a CrCL‐deficient stifle had a good outcome based on clinical status, radiographic evaluation, and owner questionnaire.
Biomechanical Testing and Histologic Examination of Intradermal Skin Closure in Dogs Using Barbed Suture Device and Non‐Barbed Monofilament Suture
Authors: Law Andy Y. , Butler James R. , Patnaik Sourav S. , Cooley James A. , Elder Steven H.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To compare the biomechanical strength and histologic features of 3‐0 Glycomer™ 631 barbed suture (V‐LOC™ 90 Absorbable Wound Closure Device, Covidien, Mansfield, MA) to non‐barbed 3‐0 Glycomer™ 631 suture (Biosyn™, Covidien) for intradermal skin wound closure in the dog.

Study Design

Randomized, factorial, in vivo.

Animals

Eighteen purpose‐bred, mature male, and female hound dogs.

Methods

Eighteen adult hound dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups designated by postoperative day of assessment. Six skin incisions were made along the dorsum in the thoracolumbar region of each dog with an equal number (n=3) randomly assigned to closure with barbed or non‐barbed suture. Six dogs were euthanatized on postoperative days 3, 10, and 14, respectively. Two additional incisions were made on each dog after euthanasia for baseline data (Day 0). The skin incision specimens were harvested for biomechanical testing and histologic evaluation.

Results

Non‐barbed closure had significantly higher maximum load at failure (P<.001) and stiffness (P<.001) than barbed closure regardless of day. The average tissue reaction score was significantly higher for barbed closure (P=.008), regardless of day. Suturing time for barbed closures was significantly shorter. There was no significant difference in frequency of complications between closures.

Conclusion

Barbed Glycomer™ 631 closures had a significantly lower maximum load at failure and stiffness, and higher average tissue reaction scores, but showed no difference in short term outcome for intradermal closure of dorsally located skin incisions in dogs.
Cranioplasty Using Titanium Mesh After Skull Tumor Resection in Five Dogs
Authors: Rosselli Desiree D. , Platt Simon R. , Freeman Courtenay , O'Neill Jeremy , Kent Marc , Holmes Shannon P.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To describe the clinical details, surgery, postoperative imaging, and short to mid‐term outcome after cranioplasty with titanium mesh in dogs with large skull tumors.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with skull tumors (n=5).

Methods

All tumors were removed via craniectomy and a sheet of titanium mesh was contoured to reconstruct the calvarial defect and sutured to surrounding musculature.

Results

Four dogs had multilobular tumors of bone and 1 dog had a soft tissue sarcoma invading the cranial vault. Neurologic examination was unchanged or improved postoperative, a good cosmetic appearance was achieved, and no complications were noted at 2 weeks postoperative. Late postoperative computed tomography (CT) in 2 dogs and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 1 dog confirmed the presence of the titanium mesh without migration. There was no interference of the mesh with image interpretation and definitive radiation therapy was pursued in 1 dog without complication. Late follow‐up reported 2 dogs euthanatized; at 44 weeks postoperative due to tumor re‐growth; at 12 weeks postoperative for hemoabdomen, respectively. One dog drowned at 40 weeks postoperative, 1 dog was lost to follow‐up, and 1 dog is alive at 83 weeks postoperative free of clinical signs.

Conclusions

Titanium mesh is suitable for cranioplasty based on its strength, biocompatibility, and excellent handling characteristics. It does not interfere with acquisition or interpretation of CT or MR images, thereby allowing postoperative imaging for ongoing assessment.
Nonlocal Analytical Solutions for Multilayered One-Dimensional Quasicrystal Nanoplates
Authors: Waksmanski Natalie , Pan Ernian
Published: November 2016

An exact closed-form solution for the three-dimensional static deformation and free vibrational response of a simply supported and multilayered quasicrystal (QC) nanoplate with the nonlocal effect is derived. Numerical examples are presented for a homogeneous crystal nanoplate, homogenous QC nanoplate, and sandwich nanoplates with various stacking sequences. Induced by traction boundary conditions, extended displacements and stresses reveal the important role that the nonlocal parameter plays in the structural analysis of nanoquasicrystals (nano-QCs). The natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes of the nanoplates further show the influence of stacking sequence and phonon–phason coupling effect. This exact solution is useful for it provides benchmark results to assess the accuracy of finite element nano-QC models and can assist engineers in tuning their quasicrystal nanoplate design.
An Investigation of Vibrational Power Flow in One-Dimensional Dissipative Phononic Structures
Authors: Al Ba'ba'a H. , Nouh M.
Published: November 2016

Owing to their ability to block propagating waves at certain frequencies, phononic materials of self-repeating cells are widely appealing for acoustic mitigation and vibration suppression applications. The stop band behavior achieved via Bragg scattering in phononic media is most commonly evaluated using wave propagation models which predict gaps in the dispersion relations of the individual unit cells for a given frequency range. These models are in many ways limited when analyzing phononic structures with dissipative constituents and need further adjustments to account for viscous damping given by complex elastic moduli and frequency-dependent loss factors. A new approach is presented which relies on evaluating structural intensity parameters, such as the active vibrational power flow in finite phononic structures. It is shown that the steady-state spatial propagation of vibrational power flow initiated by an external disturbance reflects the wave propagation pattern in the phononic medium and can thus be reverse engineered to numerically predict the stop band frequencies for different degrees of damping via a stop band index (SBI). The treatment is shown to be very effective for phononic structures with viscoelastic components and provides a clear distinction between Bragg scattering effects and wave attenuation due to material damping. Since the approach is integrated with finite element methods, the presented analysis can be extended to two-dimensional lattices with complex geometries and multiple material constituents.
Veering and Strong Coupling Effects in Structural Dynamics
Authors: Manconi Elisabetta , Mace Brian
Published: November 2016

Mode veering is the phenomenon associated with the eigenvalue loci for a system with a variable parameter: two branches approach each other and then rapidly veer away and diverge instead of crossing. The veering is accompanied by rapid variations in the eigenvectors. In this paper, veering in structural dynamics is analyzed in general terms. First, a discrete conservative model with stiffness, mass, and/or gyroscopic coupling is considered. Rapid veering requires weak coupling: if there is instead strong coupling then there is a slow evolution of the eigenvalue loci rather than rapid veering. The uncoupled-blocked system is defined to be that where all degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) but one are blocked. The skeleton of the system is the loci of the eigenvalues of the uncoupled-blocked system as the variable parameter changes. These loci intersect at certain critical points in the parameter space. Following a perturbation analysis, veering is seen to comprise rapid changes of the eigenvalues in small regions of the parameter space around the critical points: for coupling terms of order ε veering occurs in a region of order ε around the critical points, with the rate of change of eigenvalues being of order ε−1. This is accompanied by rapid rotations in the eigenvectors. The choice of coordinates in the model and application to continuous systems is discussed. For nonconservative systems, it is seen that veering also occurs under certain circumstances. Examples of 2DOFs, multi-DOFs (MDOFs), and continuous systems are presented to illustrate the results.
On the History, Science, and Technology Included in the Moody Diagram
Authors: LaViolette Marc
Published: November 2016

This paper is a historical review of the science, both experimental and theoretical, behind the iconic Moody diagram used to avoid tedious iterations choosing pumps and pipes. The large body of historical pipe flow measurements and the choice of dimensionless groups and the Buckingham-Π theorem are also discussed. The traditional use of the Moody diagram to solve common pipe flow problem is discussed. Alternatives to the Moody diagram from the literature and novel ones presented here are shown to produce a solution without iteration for any type of pipe loss problem.
Fundamental Study for the Power Tower’s High Concentrated Photovoltaic/Thermal-Combined Thermal Receiver
Authors: Hagfarah Ayman , Nazarinia Mehdi
Published: November 2016

The present study introduces fundamental aspects of a novel concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) technology. The technology is based on combining CPV/T receiver along with a solar thermal receiver. The combination is referred to as a High Concentrated Photovoltaic/Thermal - Combined receiver or HCPV/T-CT. The receiver is allocated in lieu of the conventional solar thermal receivers in the solar tower power plant schemes. The plant is designed to generate electricity and thermal energy simultaneously prior to integration with the conventional water desalination plant. The centralized generation in the CPV/T-CT receiver will remarkably simplify the complexity of the conventional solar power plants, and eliminate the piping networks’ energy losses in the CPV/T Dish tracking plants. The viability of the HCPV/T-CT power tower plant has also been investigated by; firstly, designing and simulating the plant performance using the System advisor model (SAM) software, and secondly, designing a prototype receiver and then deriving a mathematical model. The Levelised Cost Of Electricity/Energy (LCOE) was found to be 0.119 $/kWhe and 0.021 $/kWhe for electricity and energy generation, respectively, while the photovoltaic cells temperature maintained below the 90 °C.
Optimal Battery-Structure Composites for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ma Jun , Rahn Christopher , Frecker Mary
Published: November 2016

Light-weighting is a key research area for reducing the cost of electric vehicles (EVs). In this paper, multifunctional battery-structure composites, PowerPanels, are introduced, modeled and analyzed. To demonstrate the advantages of PowerPanels in EV applications, the Tesla Model S85 frame is redesigned. Component masses and bending stiffnesses are estimated for Tesla’s original design. The optimal PowerPanel design minimizes the vehicle weight under geometric, mechanical, and energy constraints. Including vehicle mass compounding effect, the redesigned vehicle is 350 kg lighter and its chassis is 0.418 m3 smaller, with the same mechanical rigidity and driving range.
A Novel Energy System Integrated With Solar Power, Advanced Electric Vehicle and Home Heat Pumps
Authors: Chisaka Hideyuki , Nakagawa Tsuguhiko
Published: November 2016

In order to reduce the quantity of CO2 emissions economically, it is important to construct a Smart Community which is expected to be one of the solutions. In a Smart Community, energy supply and demand system is developing to manage with ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to utilize energy efficiently and increase the amount of renewable energy. In one of the systems, “Photovoltaic power generator (hereinafter referred to as PV) & Electric Vehicle (hereinafter referred to as EV) Smart System” has been developed.

In the “PV & EV Smart System”, PV power is charged directly to the EV battery, and then the charged PV power is consumed by running and air-conditioning energy of a car and supplied to a home. This system is able to reduce the quantity of CO2 emissions with high economic efficiency. In order to expand the system, it is necessary to spread EV. So, it should solve the issues of short driving distance, the high cost of storage battery and the risk of dead battery. Therefore, the authors have proposed an advanced EV such as AI-EV (Air-conditioner Integrated Electric Vehicle). AI-EV has a novel hybrid system which drives the air-conditioning system and generates electric power in the case of a low air-conditioning load through the use of a small-engine. PV power can not only reduce car fuels but also replace with gas and liquid fuels which are used at a home, causing the huge effect of reducing CO2 emissions as the whole system.

In this paper, a novel energy system which is integrated with solar power, advanced electric vehicle and CO2 heat pump water heater as home heat pumps has been proposed. A mathematical simulation model which evaluates for the PV power generation, AI-EV energy consumption and home heat pumps has been developed. CO2 emissions and economic efficiency are calculated and compared with those of the conventional system.

As the result, the novel energy system is able to reduce more than 30% of the quantity of CO2 emissions in comparison with the conventional system as the whole system, and the system can reduce about 60% of the quantity of CO2 emissions in comparison with the conventional system as a home system. The economic efficiency is evaluated by more than 6.0% of IRR (Internal Rate of Return) without some subsidies when the legal service life of the depreciation equipment is assumed 14 years. Therefore, the novel energy system can be widely spread in the future.