bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Leptospira species microscopic agglutination test in experimentally vaccinated cats and Leptospira species seropositivity in aged azotemic client-owned cats
Authors: Shropshire Sarah B , Veir Julia K , Morris Arianne K , Lappin Michael R 
Published: July 2015

Objectives The objectives of this study were to validate the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using feline sera, determine cross-reactivity of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in the MAT, and evaluate if there is an association between Leptospira species seropositivity in aged (⩾10 years) client-owned cats with and without azotemia (creatinine >2 g/dl). Methods A four-serovar canine leptospiral vaccine was administered to two specific pathogen-free (SPF) cats on days 0 and 14. The MAT was performed intermittently until day 42 for the serovars Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Bratislava, with a cut-off value of ⩾1:100. Five purpose-bred cats were infested with wild-caught Ixodes scapularis adults with an average B burgdorferi infection rate of 50%, and tested for antibodies against B burgdorferi C6 peptide and DNA in skin biopsies, as well as by MAT. Sera from 66 azotemic and 75 non-azotemic cats ⩾10 years of age were tested for Leptospira species antibodies using the MAT and results were compared by the χ2 test. Results Both SPF cats seroconverted by week 3 and formed antibodies against at least one serovar. There was no cross-reactivity in the MAT using samples from cats with antibodies to B burgdorferi. MAT results were positive for 4/66 azotemic cats and 8/75 non-azotemic cats; these results were not statistically different. Conclusions and relevance The MAT can be interpreted using feline serum and does not appear to cross-react in cats with B burgdorferi antibodies. There was no association between Leptospira species MAT results and azotemia in this group of aged client-owned cats but further studies are needed to determine if leptospirosis contributes to feline chronic kidney disease.
The implications of assessment for learning in physical education and health
Authors: Tolgfors Bjorn , Öhman Marie 
Published: July 2015

This article deals with the implications of assessment for learning (AfL) in upper secondary physical education and health (PEH). Inspired by the research field that emanates from the concept of governmentality, the study is concerned with how AfL guides teachers’ and students’ actions in certain directions. Based on teachers’ descriptions of how they integrate formative assessment in their teaching practice, the purpose of this article is to investigate the possible consequences of AfL for the teacher, the student and the subject content. The findings highlight different implications of AfL when it is viewed as (i) governance through freedom, (ii) governance through control and (iii) a dialectic form of governance. These concepts constitute certain teacher and student subjects and imply specific conditions for the subject content. In their different roles, for example as coach, deliverer/administrator and moderator, teachers expect different things from their students. In the first instance, students are expected to reach the open goals by self-regulation, in terms of individual choice and personal responsibility. In the second instance, students are subjected to disciplinary normalisation through criteria compliance by means of conformative assessment. In the third instance, students are activated as learning resources for one another using physical activities followed by group reflection. The tension between freedom and control can be described as allowing students to make their own choices but ensuring that they do this in relation to a predetermined idea about what is correct.
Thermoelectric Properties of Nano-Meso-Micro β-MnO2 Powders as a Function of Electrical Resistance
Authors: Hedden Morgan , Francis Nick , Haraldsen Jason T , Ahmed Towfiq , Constantin Costel 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Particle sizes of manganese oxide (β-MnO2) powders were modified by using a mortar and pestle ground method for period of times that varied between 15–60 min. Particle size versus ground time clearly shows the existence of a size-induced regime transition (i.e., regime I and II). Thermoelectric properties of β-MnO2 powders as a function of electrical resistance in the range of R

P
= 10 - 80Ω were measured. Based on the data presented, we propose a model for the β-MnO2 system in which nanometer-scale MnO2 crystallites bond together through weak van der Waals forces to form larger conglomerates that span in size from nanometer to micrometer scale.
In2O3 Nanotower Hydrogen Gas Sensors Based on Both Schottky Junction and Thermoelectronic Emission
Authors: Zheng Zhao Qiang , Zhu Lian Feng , Wang Bing 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Indium oxide (In2O3) tower-shaped nanostructure gas sensors have been fabricated on Cr comb-shaped interdigitating electrodes with relatively narrower interspace of 1.5 μm using thermal evaporation of the mixed powders of In2O3 and active carbon. The Schottky contact between the In2O3 nanotower and the Cr comb-shaped interdigitating electrode forms the Cr/In2O3 nanotower Schottky diode, and the corresponding temperature-dependent I-V characteristics have been measured. The diode exhibits a low Schottky barrier height of 0.45 eV and ideality factor of 2.93 at room temperature. The In2O3 nanotower gas sensors have excellent gas-sensing characteristics to hydrogen concentration ranging from 2 to 1000 ppm at operating temperature of 120–275 °C, such as high response (83 % at 240 °C to 1000 ppm H2), good selectivity (response to H2, CH4, C2H2, and C3H8), and small deviation from the ideal value of power exponent β (0.48578 at 240 °C). The sensors show fine long-term stability during exposure to 1000 ppm H2 under operating temperature of 240 °C in 30 days. Lots of oxygen vacancies and chemisorbed oxygen ions existing in the In2O3 nanotowers according to the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results, the change of Schottky barrier height in the Cr/In2O3 Schottky junction, and the thermoelectronic emission due to the contact between two In2O3 nanotowers mainly contribute for the H2 sensing mechanism. The growth mechanism of the In2O3 nanotowers can be described to be the Vapor-Solid (VS) process.
Welfare impact of adoption of improved cassava varieties by rural households in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Afolami Carolyn A. , Obayelu Abiodun E. , Vaughan Ignatius I. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Low adoption of modern agricultural technologies amongst farmers in Nigeria has been identified as one of the main reasons for the low agricultural productivity and increase in poverty level. The general objective of this study is to examine the welfare impact of farm households adoption of improved cassava varieties in Southwestern (SW) Nigeria using poverty as an indicator. It utilizes cross-sectional farm household level data collected in 2013 from a randomly selected sample of 312 cassava producing households (186 in Ogun State and 126 in Osun State). The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis such as Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) poverty measure and Logit regression model. The results revealed that adoption of improved cassava varieties increases the annual income and the annual consumption expenditure of producing households’ thus increasing welfare in the SW Nigeria. An analysis of the determinants of adoption with logistic regression model showed that access to improved cassava cuttings within the villages, use of radio, farming experience and farming as a major occupation are significant factors influencing adoption of improved cassava varieties in the study area. In order to achieve the much desired poverty reduction and generate an improvement in farming households’ welfare in SW Nigeria, efforts should be intensified in ensuring that farmers have access to adequate improved cassava cuttings at the right time and place. All programs, strategies and policies that would promote farmers’ education on the technology and consequently lead to improved adoption should be pursued.
Stable Peptide of the Endogenous Opioid Enkephalin Precursor and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Melander Olle , Orho-Melander Marju , Manjer Jonas , Svensson Thomas , Almgren Peter , Nilsson Peter M. , Engström Gunnar , Hedblad Bo , Borgquist Signe , Hartmann Oliver , Struck Joachim , Bergmann Andreas , Belting Mattias 
Published: July 2015

PurposeIn experimental studies, enkephalins (ENKs) and related opioids have been implicated as negative regulators of breast cancer development by enhancing immune-mediated tumoral defense as well as directly inhibiting cancer cells. We hypothesized that plasma levels of ENKs are predictive of the long-term breast cancer risk. Therefore, our objective was to measure pro-ENK A, a surrogate for mature ENK, and evaluate its predictive value for the development of breast cancer in a large population of middle-aged women and an independent study population.Patients and MethodsWe related pro-ENK in fasting plasma samples from 1,929 healthy women (mean age, 57.6 ± 5.9 years) of the Malmö Diet and Cancer study to breast cancer incidence (n = 123) during a median follow-up of 14.7 years. For replication, pro-ENK was related to risk of breast cancer (n = 130) in an older independent sample from the Malmö Preventive Project consisting of 1,569 women (mean age, 70.0 ± 4.4 years).ResultsIn the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, pro-ENK was inversely related to the risk of incident breast cancer, with a hazard ratio per each standard deviation increment of logarithm-transformed pro-ENK of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.85; P < .001). The linear elevation of risk over pro-ENK quartiles 3, 2, and 1, with the fourth quartile as a reference, was 1.38 (95% CI, 0.73 to 2.64), 2.29 (95% CI, 1.26 to 4.15), and 3.16 (95% CI, 1.78 to 5.60; for the trend, P < .001), respectively. These results were replicated in the Malmö Preventive Project, where the continuous odds ratio for incident breast cancer was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.76; P < .001) and the risk over pro-ENK quartiles 3, 2, and 1, where the fourth quartile was the reference, was 2.48 (95% CI, 1.25 to 4.94), 2.94 (95% CI, 1.50 to 5.77), and 4.81 (95% CI, 2.52 to 9.18; for the trend, P < .001), respecitvely.ConclusionLow fasting plasma concentration of the opioid precursor peptide pro-ENK is associated with an increased risk of future breast cancer in middle-aged and postmenopausal women.
Excitation Wavelength Dependence of the Solvation Dynamics of 4′-N,N-Diethylamino-3-methoxyflavon in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kimura Yoshifumi , Suda Kayo , Shibuya Mako , Yasaka Yoshiro , Ueno Masakatsu 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Time-resolved fluorescence spectra of 4′-N,N-diethylamino-3-methoxyflavon in ionic liquids have been measured by using a Kerr gate method and a streak camera at different excitation wavelengths, 370, 400, and 425 nm. Fluorescence spectra showed a shift to longer wavelength with longer delay time after photoexcitation. The peak position of the fluorescence spectrum at each delay time was evaluated by simulating the spectrum by a log-normal function. It was found that the peak shift of the fluorescence at the early delay time was larger for the shorter excitation wavelength (blue side of the absorption), and in the longer delay time they coincide to the same value. The time profile of the peak position was well simulated by the sum of an exponential function and a stretched-exponential function. The average relaxation times evaluated by the integration of the longer relaxation function were weakly dependent on the excitation wavelength, and they were correlated with the viscosity of the solvent. The relation with the excitation wavelength dependence of the excited state intramolecular proton transfer reaction of 4′-N,N-diethylamino-3-hydroxyflavon is discussed.
Isolation protocol for patients with severe combined immune deficiency
Authors: Reid Brenda , Courtney Sarah 
Published: July 2015

Infants with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) typically present in the first few months of life with severe, recurrent, opportunistic infections, and without definitive treatment the condition is invariably fatal (Gaspar et al. 2013). Many centres believe that protective isolation is required for treatment of SCID patients once diagnosed, and the isolation protocol varies across institutions. This paper describes the isolation protocol for SCID requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) that has been utilized at our institution for over the last 25 years. We believe that the profound immunodeficiency in SCID patients warrants a more restrictive treatment to limit the morbidity and mortality associated with HSCT. With this protocol, we have seen a very low infection rate in and have a very good survival rate for our SCID population.
Artistic symbols as support of a biased imagination
Authors: Nicolau Felix 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Ian McEwan has indulged in macabre plots whose points of interest reside in the power of the imaginary over allegedly rational reality. In novels like Atonement, Enduring Love, On Chesil Beach and Amsterdam he points out how approaching the world scientifically can be as misleading as doing it in religious or literary ways. The target of my paper is to spot those common loci of fanaticism and narrowed perspectives which have constituted the origin of many tragedies. Such a conjured tragedy may be identified with a sluice facilitating the passage from postmodernism to post-postmodernism
The deficit myth of our culture. Confirming the Sacred
Authors: Sîrbu Otilia 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The term sacred can define itself by the influence it has. It can also be quantified simply by reporting it to other realities such as the profane, the mysterious, the absolute, the infinite and even the possible. From this analogy, the most successful, most imposing collocation is the one made from the sacred and the profane. The opposition between the two underlines two realities, giving the former a rightful and expected brilliance, and the latter the well-defined role it has taken upon itself
The elements of humanity and Sufism in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden
Authors: Arian Ali 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
It seems that the very important role of literature is its transcendental appeal. Literature knows no boundary and it ties whole nations even if they are politically segregated. The present paper tries to trace some of the salient features of humanism and Sufism, such as Absolute Unity, simplicity, selfknowing, purity, solitude, loving one another and some others in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. This American writer, as an ardent follower of the Transcendental Club in America and the holy scriptures of the East, was known as the hero of simplicity in the U.S.A. Being a protester against government and society, he dwelled for more than two years alone in Walden Pond to see the mysteries of life and to find Reality and the Almighty. He believed Nature to be the best teacher and opined that every parcel of nature is a sign of God. He came to know about the holy scriptures of the East, especially those of the Indians and strongly used them in his writings, especially in Walden and the Week. Therefore such a person who seeks God, indeed, can be familiar with elements of humanism and Sufism, and one can find such elements in Walden by pondering its text
Synthesis and evaluation of the smart electric powered wheelchair route stabilization concept – a simulation study
Authors: Skrzypczyk Krzysztof , Gałuszka Adam , Ilewicz Witold , Antas Tomasz 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The paper addresses the problem of algorithm synthesis for controlling the motion of an electric powered wheelchair. The aim of the algorithm is to stabilize the wheelchair following a linear path and avoiding obstacles if occurred on its way. The main restriction imposed on the project is the application of simple low-cost sensors. That implies the system to cope with a number of inaccuracies and uncertainties related to the measurements. The goal of this work is to evaluate the possibility of the wheelchair project with a navigation system which aids a disable person to move in a complex and dynamic areas. Exemplary simulations are presented in order to discuss the results obtained.
An anisotropic bimodal energy for the segmentation of thin tubes and its approximation with Γ-convergence
Authors: Vicente David 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis work is a contribution to the problem of detection of thin structures, namely tubes, in a 2D or 3D image. We introduce a variational bimodal model for the case where the histogram of the image has two main modes. This model involves an energy functional that depends on a function and a Riemannian metric. One of the terms of this energy is the anisotropic perimeter associated to the dual metric. We perform an approximation of this functional and prove that it Γ-converges to the original one.
A Simulation for Detecting Nonlinear Echoes from Microbubbles Packets
Authors: Ali Mohamed G.S. , Elsayed Nour Z. , Eid Ebtsam A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis work presents a simulation of the response of packets of microbubbles in an ultrasonic pulse-echo scan line. Rayleigh-Plesset equation has been used to predict the echo from numerically obtained radial dynamics of microbubbles. Varying the number of scattering microbubbles on the pulse wave form has been discussed. To improve microbubble-specific imaging at high frequencies, the subharmonic and second harmonic signals from individual microbubbles as well as microbubbles packets were simulated as a function of size and pressure. Two different modes of harmonic generation have been distinguished. The strength and bandwidth of the subharmonic component in the scattering spectrum of microbubbles is greater than that of the second harmonic. The pressure spectra provide quantitative and detailed information on the dynamic behaviour of ultrasound contrast agent microbubbles packet.
Sound Radiation from a Surface Source Located at the Bottom of the Wedge Region
Authors: Szemela Krzysztof 
Published: July 2015

AbstractApplying rigorous analytical methods, formulas describing the sound radiation have been obtained for the wedge region bounded by two transverse baffles with a common edge and bottom. It has been assumed that the surface sound source is located at the bottom. The presented formulas can be used to calculate the sound pressure and power inside the wedge region. They are valid for any value of the wedge angle and represent a generalization of the formulas describing the sound radiation inside the two and three-wall corner region. Moreover, the presented formulas can be easily adapted for any case when more than one sound source is located at the bottom. To demonstrate their practical application, the distribution of the sound pressure modulus and the sound power have been analyzed in the case of a rectangular piston located at the wedge’s bottom. The influence of the transverse baffle on the sound power has been investigated. Based on the obtained formulas, the behaviour of acoustic fields inside a wedge can be predicted.
Characterizing Subjective Noisiness in Hospital Lobbies
Authors: Chen Chiung-Yao 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The present study was conducted in the lobbies of 16 Taiwanese urban hospitals to establish what contributes to the degree of noisiness experienced by patients and those accompanying them. Noise level measurements were then conducted by 15 min equivalent sound pressure levels (LAeq, 15m, dB) during daytime hours. The average LAeq itself was found to be poorly related to perceived noisiness. Levels variations were better correlated, more continual noise may actually be perceived as noisier. According to the findings of a multiple linear stepwise regression model (r = 0.91, R2 = 0.83), the 3 independent variables shown to have the largest effects on perceived noisiness were 1) 1/(L5 − L95), 2) effective duration of the normalized autocorrelation function (τe, h), of all LAeq, 15m over 9–17, and 3) percentile loudness, N5, 15m. These results resemble previous studies that had assumed that a larger fluctuation of noise level corresponds to less annoyance experienced for mixed traffic noise studied in a laboratory situation. As an advanced approach, for hospital noise that consisted of 12 audible noise events, subjective noisiness were evaluated by the noise time structure analyzed by autocorrelation with loudness and levels variation.
MFC Sensors and Actuators in Active Vibration Control of the Circular Plate
Authors: Leniowska Lucyna , Mazan Dominik 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In this paper, the MFC sensor and actuators are applied to suppress circular plate vibrations. It is assumed that the system to be regulated is unknown. The mathematical model of the plate was obtained on the base of registration of a system response on a fixed excitation. For the estimation of the system’s behaviour the ARX identification method was used to derive the linear model in the form of a transfer function of the order nine. The obtained model is then used to develop the linear feedback control algorithm for the cancellation of vibration by using the MFC star-shaped actuator (SIMO system). The MFC elements location is dealt with in this study with the use of a laser scanning vibrometer. The control schemes presented have the ability to compute the control effort and to apply it to the actuator within one sampling period. This control scheme is then illustrated through some numerical examples with simulations modelling the designed controller. The paper also describes the experimental results of the designed control system. Finally, the results obtained for the considered plate show that in the chosen frequency limit the designed structure of a closed-loop system with MFC elements provides a substantial vibration suppression.
Application of Clustering Method to Determine Production Zones of Field
Authors: Ingeli Martin , Galambošová Jana , Prokeinová Renáta Benda , Rataj Vladimír 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Determining the production zones of field is an important analysis in the precision farming technology as these may be used to control field operations in site-specific application. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential to identify the yield potential zones based on historical yield maps and to evaluate the procedure over the growing extent of input data. Standardized yield values from six growing seasons were considered. Suitable datasets were created, and hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering methods were applied to create clusters. Results showed that using the data from commercial combine monitoring systems enables determining the zones. Multiple yield data are recommended as the values of analyses increase with the increased number of input datasets. However, commercial data have limitations in terms of complexity.
Predicting US recessions with stock market illiquidity
Authors: Chen Shiu-Sheng , Chou Yu-Hsi , Yen Chia-Yi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the dynamic link between recessions and stock market liquidity by examining the predictive content of illiquidity for US recessions. After controlling for other commonly featured recession predictors such as term spreads and credit spreads, we find that the illiquidity measure proposed by (Amihud, Y. 2002. “Illiquidity and Stock Returns: Cross-Section and Time-Series Effects.”