bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between ETFA Genotype and Activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Cryopreserved Sperm of Holstein–Friesian Bulls
Authors: Hering DM , Lecewicz M , Kordan W , Kamiński S 
Published: December 2014

ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine whether C/T missense mutation within the ETFA gene is associated with sperm antioxidant enzymatic activity. One hundred and twenty Holstein–Friesian bulls were genotyped by the PCR‐RFLP technique (MwoI). Commercial straws of frozen‐thawed semen were used to evaluate the activity of three antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Among all bulls investigated, genotype CT was the most frequent (44.2%), in comparison with CC (42.5%) and TT (13.3%). Significant differences in glutathione peroxidase activity were observed between homozygous individuals (CC vs TT) with heterozygous CT having intermediate values. Dismutase activity was significantly associated with ETFA genotype, although only bulls with the CT genotype were significantly different from bulls carrying the CC genotype. The activity of catalase showed a similar trend (but was not statistically significant). In conclusion, we found that bulls with the ETFA TT genotype produce sperm with the highest glutathione peroxidase activity and can therefore be more efficiently protected from reactive oxygen. The mechanism of this interaction needs to be elucidated in future research.
A Rare Case of Polyorchidism in a Cat with Four Intra‐abdominal Testes
Authors: Roca‐Ferrer J , Rodríguez E , Ramírez GA , Moragas C , Sala M 
Published: December 2014

ContentsPolyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly defined as the presence of more than two histologically proven testes. We report a case of a 9‐month‐old European cat with four intra‐abdominal testes. The diagnosis was performed by means of ultrasonography, intra‐operative examination and histological confirmation. The case reported here presents an extremely rare anomaly, as no previous studies in veterinary medicine have reported the presence of four testes. This case suggests that supernumerary testes should be included as differential diagnoses for intra‐abdominal masses.
Effect of the Interaction Between Cryoprotectant Concentration and Cryopreservation Method on Frozen/Thawed Chicken Sperm Variables
Authors: Abouelezz FMK , Castaño C , Toledano‐Díaz A , Esteso MC , López‐Sebastián A , Campo JL , Santiago‐Moreno J 
Published: December 2014

ContentsThis work examines the effect of the interaction between different concentrations of two cryoprotectants – glycerol (GLY) and dimethylacetamide (DMA) – and two methods of cryopreservation – pellets produced by plunging into liquid nitrogen and gradual in‐straw freezing – on frozen/thawed chicken sperm variables. Sperm was cryopreserved using: (i) 6%DMA, following the in‐straw and the pellet methods (ii) 11%GLY, following the in‐straw and the pellet methods; and (iii) 8%GLYin the in‐straw method and 3%DMAin the pellet method (i.e. reduced cryoprotectant concentrations). When 6%DMAwas used as the cryoprotectant, no differences were seen between the in‐straw and pellet methods in terms of frozen/thawed sperm variables or fertility (10.8% and 12.8%, respectively). The viability and motility variables of the frozen/thawed sperm produced using the in‐straw method with 11%GLYwere higher (p < 0.05) than those recorded for the sperm preserved using the same cryoprotectant and concentration in the pellet method. However, fertility was extremely low in both groups (2.1% and 4.2% for the in‐straw and pellet methods, respectively). Finally, the use of 8%GLYin the in‐straw method returned higher sperm viability, intact acrosome and motility values than the use of 3%DMAin the pellet method (p < 0.01). No differences were seen, however, in the fertility results obtained (28.8% and 25.0%, respectively). These results suggest that cryoprotectant concentrations can be reduced and still provide acceptable fertility rates.
Fatty Acid Composition of Eggs and its Relationships to Egg and Larval Viability from Domesticated Common Sole (Solea solea) Breeders
Authors: Parma L , Bonaldo A , Pirini M , Viroli C , Parmeggiani A , Bonvini E , Gatta PP 
Published: December 2014

ContentsThe study of lipids and fatty acids (FAs) has been used in the assessment of egg quality because their composition can influence the fertilization rate, hatching, survival and growth of marine fish larvae. For these reasons, the lipid content (TL) and fatty acid composition of common sole (Solea solea) eggs were measured and correlated to egg and larval viability parameters throughout an entire reproductive season. Seventeen batches of fertile eggs obtained from natural spawning of captive breeders were characterized for the TL, FA profile, hatching rate (HR) and survival rate of larvae (SR) at 0–6 days post‐hatching (dph). The egg FA composition reflected the composition of the feed supplied to the broodstock during summer and autumn (before and during vitellogenesis) rather than that supplied during the spawning season. In general, the egg FA profile showed minimal differences among the early‐, mid‐ and late‐spawning periods (possibly due to the change of the diet and/or water temperature) indicating that it is possible to obtain a similar egg quality in terms of egg FA profile over 2 months of spawning. Saturated FAs and monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) were positively correlated with HR, while TL, 22 : 6n‐3 (DHA), 20 : 4n‐6 (ARA), polyunsaturated FAs of the (n‐3) series (n‐3 PUFA) and polyunsaturated FAs of the (n‐6) series were negatively correlated (p ≤ 0.05). MUFA, 20 : 5n‐3 (EPA), n‐6/n‐3 were positively correlated with SR, while DHA, n‐3 PUFA, DHA/EPA were negatively correlated (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, the feed supplied before and during vitellogenesis has a major role in determining the egg FA profile in common sole. The relationships found between TL and FAs with egg and larval viability parameters differ from many other farmed marine fish species, which may suggest the need for a specific broodstock feed for this species.
Oral findings in a family with Tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Ammari Michelle Mikhael , Ribeiro de Souza Ivete Pomarico , Maia Lucianne Cople , Primo Laura Guimarães 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a multisystemic character that may present alterations in multiple organ systems, including oral manifestations. This case report describes a family (mother and two sons) with TSC that underwent a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing their oral manifestations and highlights the adequate approach taken. The children presented many and distinct features of TSC in different systems; however the family revealed similar oral manifestations. The oral findings were dental enamel pits on permanent teeth and spread gingival fibromas on both jaws. The dental planning was the same for all three patients and included guidelines on oral hygiene and dietary habits, fluoride therapy and a preventive approach through six‐month reevaluations. In multisystemic disorders, early multidisciplinary action is vital to provide comprehensive care and reduce or even prevent complications from the condition, thus ensuring the patient's quality of life.
Visible Cohesion: A Comparison of Reference Tracking in Sign, Speech, and Co‐Speech Gesture
Authors: Perniss Pamela , Özyürek Asli 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEstablishing and maintaining reference is a crucial part of discourse. In spoken languages, differential linguistic devices mark referents occurring in different referential contexts, that is, introduction, maintenance, and re‐introduction contexts. Speakers using gestures as well as users of sign languages have also been shown to mark referents differentially depending on the referential context. This article investigates the modality‐specific contribution of the visual modality in marking referential context by providing a direct comparison between sign language (German Sign Language; DGS) and co‐speech gesture with speech (German) in elicited narratives. Across all forms of expression, we find that referents in subject position are referred to with more marking material in re‐introduction contexts compared to maintenance contexts. Furthermore, we find that spatial modification is used as a modality‐specific strategy in both DGS and German co‐speech gesture, and that the configuration of referent locations in sign space and gesture space corresponds in an iconic and consistent way to the locations of referents in the narrated event. However, we find that spatial modification is used in different ways for marking re‐introduction and maintenance contexts in DGS and German co‐speech gesture. The findings are discussed in relation to the unique contribution of the visual modality to reference tracking in discourse when it is used in a unimodal system with full linguistic structure (i.e., as in sign) versus in a bimodal system that is a composite of speech and gesture.
Prolonged post‐thaw shelf life of red cells frozen without prefreeze removal of excess glycerol
Authors: Lelkens C. C. M. , de Korte D. , Lagerberg J. W. M. 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectivesThe use of a functionally closed system (ACP215, Haemonetics) for (de)glycerolization of RBCs allows for prolonged post‐thaw storage. Currently, glycerolization is followed by supernatant glycerol reduction before freezing. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of supernatant glycerol reduction before freezing on the stability of thawed, deglycerolized RBCs during subsequent cold storage.Materials and MethodsLeucoreduced RBCs were stored for 6 days at 2–6°C before glycerolization. The RBCs were pooled and split, and glycerol was added using the ACP215 to a final concentration of 40%. Units were either frozen as such (n = 4) or supernatant reduced before freezing (n = 4). After storage at −80°C, the units were thawed, deglycerolized and resuspended in SAGM. An additional sixteen units, frozen without supernatant reduction, were resuspended in either AS‐3 (n = 8) or SAGM (n = 8) after deglycerolization. During cold storage (2–6°C), the red cells were analysed for their stability and in vitro quality.ResultsThe freeze‐thaw‐wash recovery was comparable for both volume reduced and non‐reduced units. During post‐thaw storage in SAGM, non‐glycerol reduced units showed significantly less potassium leakage and haemolysis and higher ATP levels. AS‐3 strongly reduced haemolysis during post‐thaw storage of non‐glycerol reduced units: haemolysis remained below 0·8% for up to 28 days of storage.ConclusionOmitting glycerol supernatant reduction before freezing simplifies the cryopreservation procedure and increases the stability and therefore the outdating period of thawed RBCs. This increases the practical applicability of cryopreserved RBCs in both civil (rare blood) and military blood transfusion practice.
Amelioration of lesions associated with 24‐hour suboptimal platelet storage at 16 °C by a p38MAPK inhibitor, VX‐702
Authors: Wagner S. J. , Skripchenko A. , Seetharaman S. , Kurtz J. 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectivesPrevious studies with p38MAPK inhibitors at room temperature demonstrated that they improve a large number of platelet storage parameters, but cannot substantially inhibit p38MAPK activation nor protect against widespread decrements in platelet quality parameters during 4 °C storage. In this study, platelet quality parameters and inhibition of p38MAPK by VX‐702 were studied after incubation of platelets at 16 °C without agitation, suboptimal storage conditions which produce moderate platelet decrements.Materials and MethodsTrima apheresis units were collected and aliquoted into three 60‐ml CLX storage bags: (i) a control aliquot which was held at 20–24 °C with constant agitation; (ii) a test aliquot which was held at 20–24 °C with agitation until Day 2, when it was reincubated at 16 ± 1 °C for 24 ± 0·5 h without agitation and then returned 20–24 °C with agitation; (iii) a test aliquot containing 1 μm VX‐702 stored in an identical fashion as aliquot 2. Aliquots were tested for an array of platelet storage parameters and p38MAPK activation on Days 1, 4 and 7.ResultsMany platelet storage parameters and p38MAPK activation were adversely affected by 24‐h incubation at 16 °C without agitation. With the exception of ESC, addition of VX‐702 prevented p38MAPK activation and the decrements in most observed parameters.ConclusionUnlike 4 °C storage, VX‐702 prevents activation of p38MAPK and decrements in many platelet storage parameters after exposure to 16 °C without agitation for 24 h.
A Framework to Find the Upper Bound on Power Output as a Function of Input Vibration Parameters
Authors: Heit John , Roundy Shad 
Published: December 2014

This paper outlines a mathematical framework necessary to determine the optimal transducer force for a given vibration input. This relationship, between input vibration parameters and transducer force gives a critical first step in determining the optimal transducer architecture for a given vibration input. This relationship also yields a theoretical maximum energy output for a system with a given proof mass and parasitic mechanical losses, modeled as linear viscous damping.
This relationship is then applied to three specific vibration inputs; a single sinusoid, the sum of two sinusoids, and a single sinusoid with a time dependent frequency (chirp). For the single sinusoidal case, the optimal transducer is found to be a linear spring, resonant with the input frequency, and a linear viscous damper, with matched impedance to the mechanical damping. The resulting transducer force for the input as a sum of two sinusoids is found to be inherently time dependent. This time dependency shows that an active system (not only dependent on the states of the system) can outperform a passive system (dependent only on the states). The final application, for a swept sinusoidal input, results in a transducer of a linear viscous damper, with matched impedance to the mechanical damping, as well as a linear spring with a time dependent coefficient.
Visualization of Particle-Toughening Mechanism in Transparent Polyurethanes
Authors: Malakooti Mohammad H. , Anderson Patrick L. , Sodano Henry A. 
Published: December 2014

Highly cross-linked polyurethanes have a high elastic modulus and creep resistance, but they undergo a brittle fracture below the glass transition temperature. Unfortunately, a large number of glassy polyurethanes are prone to brittle fracture without undergoing large elastic deformations; in particular, brittle failure is common under conditions such as low temperature and high strain rates. While the rigidity in polymers is required for practical applications, the lack of resistance against crack propagation is essential to avoid catastrophic failures. The toughening of polymers is a crucial aspect of improving the strength and ductility at specific temperatures and deformation rates. One method that has shown promise in recent years is the creation of local regions of reduced modulus that absorb strain energy and toughen the polymer. For instance, rubbers are typically added to epoxy which phase separate upon polymerization and create local elastic regions that significantly toughen the polymer.
In this study, a variety of two-phase transparent polyurethanes in the form of single inclusions is designed to study the toughening mechanism of the local regions of reduced modulus with an embedded crack. Synthesized heterogeneous polyurethanes show a transition from brittle to ductile behavior in addition to a drastic increase in the maximum load that the polymer can withstand. Compact tension experiments demonstrate that a small reduction in the inclusion’s Young’s modulus (∼10%) leads to an increase in the toughness by factor of 7 (∼700%). Moreover, digital image correlation is performed to map the strain distribution around the crack in order to visualize possible toughening mechanism. Comparison between the induced strain field in samples with inclusion and samples without inclusion reveals an efficient toughening mechanism of the polymers.
Structural Health Monitoring of Truss Type Structures Using Statistical Approach
Authors: Saffari Mahdi , Sedaghati Ramin , Stiharu Ion 
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes an effective statistical based vibration health monitoring technique using Auto Regressive (AR) parameters and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for truss type structures. The finite element method has been utilized to obtain acceleration response signals of a space truss structure under random excitations. The signals are then processed to extract their AR parameters as the feature vectors in which the AR parameters of the healthy structure are considered to be the reference baseline data. A Damage Index is then defined to be the standard deviation of the feature vectors from the baseline data. The proposed index provides an effective tool to detect the damage in the structure. It is shown that using only one sensor, it is still possible to accurately detect the damage.
To locate the damage, data classification technique based on Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been employed. It is shown that SVM can successfully classify different signals extracted from the structure. Finally extensive sensitivity analysis has been performed to study the effect of different parameter such as crack size, number of sensors and AR parameter numbers on the accuracy of detection and localization processes.
A Multiple-Degree-of-Freedom Velocity-Amplified Vibrational Energy Harvester: Part A — Experimental Analysis
Authors: O’Donoghue Declan , Nico Valeria , Frizzell Ronan , Kelly Gerard , Punch Jeff 
Published: December 2014

Vibrational energy harvesters (VEHs) are devices which convert ambient vibrational energy into electrical power, offering an alternative to batteries for powering wireless sensors. Detailed experimental characterisation of a 2-degree-of-freedom (2-Dof) VEH is presented in Part A of this paper, while a theoretical analysis is completed in Part B. This design employs velocity amplification to enhance the power harvested from ambient vibrations, while also seeking to increase the bandwidth over which power can be harvested. Velocity amplification is achieved through sequential collisions between free-moving masses. Electromagnetic induction was chosen as the transduction mechanism as it can be readily implemented in a velocity amplified system, although other transduction mechanisms can also be used.
The VEH prototype was tested experimentally under both sinusoidal excitation and exponentially correlated Gaussian noise, with different VEH geometries. The maximum power generated under a sinusoidal excitation of arms = 0.6 g was 12.95 mW for a resistive load of 13.5 Ω at 12 Hz, while the maximum power under exponentially correlated Gaussian noise with σ = 0.8 grms, autocorrelation time τ = 0.01s and resistive load 13.5 Ω was 5.3 mW. Maximum bandwidths of 54% and 66%, relative to the central frequency, were achieved under sinusoidal and noise excitation, respectively. The device shows resonant peaks at approximately 15 and 30 Hz, while significant power is also generated in the 17–20 Hz range due to non-linear effects. The VEH component dynamics were analysed using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV), while Lab VIEW was used to control the electromagnetic shaker, read the LDV signal and record the VEH output voltage. The aim of this investigation is to achieve a more complete understanding of the dynamics of velocity-amplified systems to aid the optimization of velocity amplified VEH designs.
A Multiple Degree-of-Freedom Velocity-Amplified Vibrational Energy Harvester: Part B — Modelling
Authors: Nico Valeria , O’Donoghue Declan , Frizzell Ronan , Kelly Gerard , Punch Jeff 
Published: December 2014

Vibrational energy harvesting has become relevant as a power source for the reduced power requirement of electronics used in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Vibrational energy harvesters (VEHs) are devices that can convert ambient kinetic energy into electrical energy using three principal transduction mechanisms: piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electrostatic.
In this paper, a macroscopic two degree-of-freedom (2Dof) nonlinear energy harvester, which employs velocity amplification to enhance the power scavenged from ambient vibrations, is presented. Velocity amplification is achieved through sequential collisions between free-moving masses, and the final velocity is proportional to the mass ratio and the number of masses. Electromagnetic induction is chosen as the transduction mechanism because it can be readily implemented in a device which uses velocity amplification.
The experimental results are presented in Part A of this paper, while in Part B three theoretical models are presented: (1) a coupled model where the two masses of the non-linear oscillator are considered as a coupled harmonic oscillators system; (2) an uncoupled model where the two masses are not linked and collisions between masses can occur; (3) a model that considers both the previous cases. The first two models act as necessary building blocks for the accurate development of the third model.
This final model is essential for a better understanding of the dynamics of the 2-Dof device because it can represent the real behaviour of the system and captures the velocity amplification effect which is a key requirement of modelling device of interest in this work. Moreover, this model is essential for a future optimization of geometric and magnetic parameters in order to develop a MEMS scale multi-degree-of-freedom device.
Development of a Bio-Inspired Tactile Magnetostrictive Whisker Sensor Using Alfenol
Authors: Raghunath Ganesh , Flatau Alison B. , Na Suok-Min , Barkley Brett 
Published: December 2014

Alfenol (FexAl100−x) is an alloy similar to Galfenol (Fe-Ga alloys) in crystal lattice structure and magnetostriction trend (peaking at ∼20% composition). Although single-crystal Fe80Al20 exhibits lower magnetostriction (∼184 ppm, about half of Fe80Ga20), its magneto-elastic coupling coefficient is on par with that of Fe-Ga. In addition, characteristics such as machinability and rollability are superior to that of Galfenol, making it possible to achieve textured sheets (thickness∼200 μm) which, while having a high elastic modulus, are very flexible. Furthermore, Aluminum is non toxic, cheap (∼1% the cost of Ga) and is available in abundance. These attributes make Alfenol an ideal candidate for a bio-inspired whisker-like tactile sensor (mimicking mystacial vibrissae of cats, sea lions, etc.).
This work deals with the design and development of an accurate, cost efficient, real-time, and non-invasive sensor prototype that tracks displacements, vibrations and scour on bridge piers with minimal signal conditioning. Making such a sensor is possible thanks to Alfenol’s linear response to strain in the presence of appropriate bias magnets. The change in its magnetic state due to inverse magnetostriction from applied bending stresses will be observed using Hall Effect sensors to derive deflection information.
A protocol to manufacture rolled and textured Alfenol whisker samples will be presented in this research. The effect of bias conditions on sensor performance will be studied empirically and by using multi-physics simulations. Optimization of the sensor by varying the dimensions of the whisker, and its correlation to flux leakage will also be examined followed by an effort to understand the micro-magnetic response of Alfenol to mechanical stimulation. Finally, results from using this biomimetic sensor to measure displacements and vibrations, and its viability to be used as a flow sensor will be discussed.
The robustness of this sensor has been exploited to develop a novel real-life application to provide an early warning system for bridge pier scour due to soil transportation during a weather event. The effectiveness of these sensors for scour detection in riverbeds will subsequently be simulated in a water flume and analyzed.