bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Isopropanol and Ethanol on the Tensile Properties of Natural Rubber Latex Condoms
Authors: Schwerin Matthew R. , Walsh Donna L. , Zhang Zhiwei 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The use of isopropanol as a means to remove lubricants from natural rubber latex (NRL) condoms prior to tensile testing is considered acceptable per ASTM D3492-08. However, there is some indication in the technical literature that isopropanol may be detrimental to NRL. In this study, three different brands of NRL condoms were tested for tensile properties after exposure to either isopropanol or one of two different ethyl alcohols, and a control group was tested without exposure to any alcohol. Tensile rings cut from NRL condoms were soaked in the respective alcohols for one hour at 25°C and 50 % relative humidity before undergoing tensile testing. The results of this study are presented along with statistical analysis of the data (thickness, force at break, tensile strength, and elongation). Although the analysis shows there were a few statistically significant differences in some of the measured parameters, the differences were relatively small in magnitude and likely of minimal scientific importance. Consequently, we conclude that under the conditions used in this study, the alcohols tested do not have a detrimental effect on the tensile properties of NRL condoms.
Experimental Investigation of Chemical and Physical Properties of Cements Manufactured in Pakistan
Authors: Rafi Muhammad Masood , Nasir Muhammad Murtaza 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Concrete is a strong material in compression and is employed to resist compressive stresses in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Concrete is a mixture of cement and coarse and fine aggregates; its quality is influenced mainly by the quality of the cement. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation to study the properties of cements available in Pakistan. Seven different brands (A–G) of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were employed in the studies presented. Chemical and physical tests were conducted on samples of cement, cement–sand mortar, and concrete. Compound composition was estimated through the chemical analysis of cement. Fineness of grinding, loss on ignition, and insoluble residue contents of cement were determined. Concrete cylinders of three target strengths were cast and tested both in compression and tension. Cement–sand mortar cubes were also tested in compression. All of these tests were conducted in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. The properties of cements were compared on the basis of results obtained from the aforementioned tests and the recommended values given by the standards. It was noted that only the cement brand B achieved the desired compressive strength at the specified age of 28 days. The results of mechanical tests of concrete and mortar were supported by the compound composition and fineness of the cement.
Forced-Vibration Testing and Experimental Modal Analysis of a Steel Footbridge for Structural Identification
Authors: Şahin Abdurrahman , Bayraktar Alemdar 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Dynamic characteristic identification provides an important insight about structural behavior of steel structures. The experimental modal analysis is used to detect dynamic characteristics and consists of several phases. First, forced-vibration tests are carried out, spectral functions are produced, dynamic characteristics are determined by analyzing processed spectral functions, and, finally, analytical models are calibrated or updated depending on experimental analysis results. In this study, forced-vibration testing is conducted on the steel footbridge by using an impact hammer. Low-amplitude broadband excitations are applied using an impact hammer to excite the bridge. The excitation force and measured responses are processed by passing them through a band-pass filter to obtain frequency-response functions, cross-power spectra, auto-power spectra, power spectral densities, and spectrograms. The system-identification procedure is based on input–output measurements. The obtained system-identification results are compared with the analytical results, which were obtained in a different previous study. A very good agreement is observed, thus providing a reliable set of identified modal properties (natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes) of the structure. The good correlations between analytical and experimental analyses show that no anomalies are detected along the structure. The experimental mode shapes are similar to what is expected from this type of structure. There is not any unexpected mechanism that changes the dynamic characteristics of the system.
Forecasting the Vulnerability of Lakes to Aquatic Plant Invasions
Authors: Tamayo Mariana , Olden Julian D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPrevention is an integral component of many management strategies for aquatic invasive species, yet this represents a formidable task when the landscapes to be managed include multiple invasive species, thousands of waterbodies, and limited resources to implement action. Species distributional modeling can facilitate prevention efforts by identifying locations that are most vulnerable to future invasion based on the likelihood of introduction and environmental suitability for establishment. We used a classification tree approach to predict the vulnerability of lakes in Washington State (United States) to three noxious invasive plants: Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), Brazilian egeria (Egeria densa), and curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). Overall, the distribution models predicted that approximately one-fifth (54 out of 319 study lakes) of lakes were at risk of being invaded by at least one aquatic invasive plant, and many of these predicted vulnerable lakes currently support high native plant diversity and endemism. Highly vulnerable lakes are concentrated in western Washington in areas with the highest human population densities, and in eastern Washington along the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project and the Okanogan River Basin that boast hundreds of lakes subject to recreational use. Overall, invasion potential for the three species was highly predictable as a function of lake attributes describing human accessibility (e.g., public boat launch, urban land use) and physical–chemical conditions (e.g., lake area, elevation, productivity, total phosphorous). By identifying highly vulnerable lake ecosystems, our study offers a strategy for prioritizing on-the-ground management action and informing the most efficient allocation of resources to minimize future plant invasions in vast freshwater networks.
Natural History Survey of the Ornamental Grass Miscanthus sinensis in the Introduced Range
Authors: Dougherty Ryan F. , Quinn Lauren D. , Endres A. Bryan , Voigt Thomas B. , Barney Jacob N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMiscanthus sinensis is a perennial grass native to Asia, but since its introduction to the United States in the late 19th century, it has become both a major ornamental crop and invasive species. Previous studies of the ecology of M. sinensis in both its introduced and native ranges have suggested that it may be occupying a novel ecological niche in the introduced range. Miscanthus sinensis and its daughter species, Miscanthus × giganteus, are under evaluation as bioenergy crops; therefore, characterization of the ecology and environmental niche of M. sinensis is essential to mitigate the risk of fostering future invasion in the United States. In July 2011, we surveyed 18 naturalized M. sinensis populations spanning the U.S. distribution, covering a 6° latitudinal gradient from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Miscanthus sinensis populations ranged in size from 3 to 181,763 m2 with densities between 0.0012 and 2.2 individuals m−2, and strongly favored highly disturbed and unmanaged habitats such as roadsides and forest edges. Population size and individual plant morphology (i.e., tiller height, basal diameter, and tiller number) were not affected by soil characteristics and nutrient availability, though increased tree canopy cover was associated with reduced population size (P < 0.0001). Plant size and vigor were not significantly affected by low light availability, which supports previous suggestions of shade tolerance of M. sinensis. In summary, M. sinensis can tolerate a broad range of climatic conditions, light availability, and nutrient availability in the eastern United States, suggesting risk of further invasion beyond its current distribution in the United States.
Management of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata in Western Australia
Authors: Scott John K. , Batchelor Kathryn L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOne of Australia's most serious weeds, Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou bush) was recently found for the first time in Western Australia as a well established population in Kwinana, a major port and industrial area south of Perth, the State's capital. This population is remote from other bitou bush infestations in Australia and had escaped detection despite extensive surveys in the same State for the other subspecies that is present in Australia, Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera (boneseed). The main reasons it went undetected are thought to be the tightly controlled access to this area because of mineral processing and port activities, the unusual invasion route via a heavy industrial area and the morphological similarity to a native species when it is not flowering. Two surveys defined the core population of 1038 plants that are spread along the coast over a 25-ha semi-circle with about a 500-m (1640 ft) diameter. Subsequent surveys of first a 500 m buffer zone and later a 1-km (0.621 mi) buffer found four additional plants, indicating that there is considerable potential for dispersal. We concluded that the survey has not delimited the distribution because of the potential and evidence for long distance dispersal. Cooperation by the various land managers has led to all plants being killed, as an initial step to management of this species. Other steps to be undertaken include an awareness campaign in the area that would need to be surveyed for delimitation of the spatial distribution and seed bank assessment to measure potential dispersal both in space and through time. It remains to be determined what is the best strategic response: eradication or containment.
Alternatives to Release: Efficient Methods for Disposal of Excess or Unwanted Aquarium Macroalgae in the Genus Chaetomorpha
Authors: Odom Rachel L. , Solomon Joshua A. , Walters Linda J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAquarium release is a vector for introducing nonnative species that threatens the ecological integrity of aquatic systems. Following coastal invasions by released aquarium strains of Caulerpa taxifolia, aquarists began using the macroalgal genus Chaetomorpha. Use of Chaetomorpha now exceeds 50% of U.S. aquarium hobbyists we surveyed. Aquarium strains of this macroalgal genus possess broad environmental tolerances, demonstrate high nutrient uptake and growth rates, and reproduce by fragmentation. Although these characteristics make Chaetomorpha a desirable aquarium inhabitant, they may also promote invasive tendencies if the alga is introduced into a natural ecosystem. We sought to proactively mitigate this potential invasion risk by testing algal disposal techniques that serve as responsible alternatives to releasing viable individuals. We tested methods used by aquarium hobbyists—boiling, microwaving, freezing, desiccation, and exposure to freshwater. We determined the minimum durations that these techniques must be used in order to induce mortality in three aquarium purchases of Chaetomorpha. We found that boiling for at least 1 min, microwaving for at least 15 s, or freezing for at least 24 h were sufficient to induce 100% mortality in 1-cm-long fragments and clumps up to 1.5 g. Desiccation required more than 24 h when exposed to air and 6 d for samples kept in closed containers. Freshwater exposure was effective at 6 d. These results indicate that disposal of excess or unwanted Chaetomorpha via garbage (if destined for a landfill) or indoor plumbing (e.g., sinks and toilets) represent safe alternatives to release. Disposal of algal tissue, shipping water, or tank water containing small algal fragments down stormwater drains, however, could introduce this hardy species into favorable conditions that could result in detrimental biological invasions.
Variable Seed Viability of Mile-a-Minute Weed (Devil's Tearthumb,Persicaria perfoliata)
Authors: Smith Jeffrey R. , Hough-Goldstein Judith , Lake Ellen C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMile-a-minute weed or devil's tearthumb (Polygonum perfoliatum, syn. =Persicaria perfoliata) is an invasive annual vine in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States that reproduces solely through seeds. Our study aimed to identify how mile-a-minute seed viability is affected by time of year and the maturity of the fruit surrounding the achene. Full-sized immature (green) and mature (blue) fruits were collected from five field sites every 2 wk over a 3 mo period, and seed viability was assessed using a triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TZ) assay. At the onset of seed production in mid-August, 35% of seeds from immature fruits were viable. This percentage increased steadily, peaking at 84% in late September before declining at some sites around the time of the first frost. In contrast nearly all seeds with mature fruits (96%) were viable at all collection dates. Thus land managers who apply physical or chemical control methods for mile-a-minute weed should do so before the onset of any seed production and not simply before fruit maturation. If it is necessary to apply control methods after fruit set, it should be done as early in the season as possible.
Effectiveness of Exotic Plant Treatments on National Park Service Lands in the United States
Authors: Abella Scott R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe United States created national parks to conserve indigenous species, ecological processes, and cultural resources unimpaired for future generations. Curtailing impacts of exotic species is important to meeting this mission. This synthesis identified 56 studies reported in 60 publications that evaluated effects of exotic plant treatments on National Park Service lands. Studies encompassed 35 parks in 20 states and one U.S. territory and included 157 exotic plant species. Eighty-seven percent of studies reported that at least one treatment reduced focal exotic species. Of 30 studies evaluating response of native vegetation, 53% reported that natives increased, 40% reported neutral responses, and 7% reported that natives decreased. For at least some of the neutral cases, neutrality was consistent with management objectives. In other cases, insufficient time may have elapsed to thoroughly characterize responses, or restoration might be needed. Nonfocal exotic species increased in 44% of the 16 studies evaluating them, but the other 56% of studies reported no increase. Results suggest that: (1) a range of exotic species spanning annual forbs to trees have been effectively treated; (2) developing effective treatments often required extensive experimentation and balancing nontarget impacts; (3) presence of multiple exotic species complicated treatment efforts, highlighting importance of preventing invasions; and (4) placing treatment objectives and outcomes in context, such as pretreatment condition of native vegetation, is important to evaluating effectiveness. Attaining the goal in national parks of conserving native species and ecological processes minimally influenced by exotic species will likely require comprehensive management strategies inclusive of treatment interactions with focal exotic species, other potential invaders, and native species.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Independently Associated With an Increased Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Mantovani Alessandro , Pichiri Isabella , Mingolla Lucia , Cavalieri Valentina , Mantovani William , Pancheri Serena , Trombetta Maddalena , Zoppini Giacomo , Chonchol Michel , Byrne Christopher D. , Bonora Enzo 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE
There is no information about the role of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in predicting the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied 261 type 1 diabetic adults with preserved kidney function and with no macroalbuminuria at baseline, who were followed for a mean period of 5.2 years for the occurrence of incident CKD (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or macroalbuminuria). NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography.

RESULTS
At baseline, patients had a mean eGFR of 92 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m2; 234 (89.7%) of them had normoalbuminuria and 27 (10.3%) microalbuminuria. NAFLD was present in 131 (50.2%) patients. During follow-up, 61 subjects developed incident CKD. NAFLD was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD (hazard ratio [HR] 2.85 [95% CI 1.59–5.10]; P &lt; 0.001). Adjustments for age, sex, duration of diabetes, hypertension, A1C, and baseline eGFR did not appreciably attenuate this association (adjusted HR 2.03 [1.10–3.77], P &lt; 0.01). Results remained unchanged after excluding those who had microalbuminuria at baseline (adjusted HR 1.85 [1.03–3.27]; P &lt; 0.05). Addition of NAFLD to traditional risk factors for CKD significantly improved the discriminatory capability of the regression models for predicting CKD (e.g., with NAFLD c statistic 0.79 [95% CI 0.73–0.86] vs. 0.76 [0.71–0.84] without NAFLD, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to demonstrate that NAFLD is strongly associated with an increased incidence of CKD. Measurement of NAFLD improves risk prediction for CKD, independently of traditional cardio-renal risk factors, in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Factors Involved In Dental Surgery Fires: A Review of the Literature
Authors: VanCleave Andrea M. , Jones James E. , McGlothlin James D. , Saxen Mark A. , Sanders Brian J. , Walker LaQuia A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Surgical fires are well-characterized, readily preventable, potentially devastating operating room catastrophes that continue to occur from 20 to 100 times per year or, by one estimate, up to 600 times per year in US operating rooms, sometimes with fatal results. The most significant risk factors for surgical fires involve (a) the use of an ignition source, such as laser or electrocautery equipment, in or around an oxygen-enriched environment in the head, neck, and upper torso area and (b) the concurrent delivery of supplemental oxygen, especially via nasal cannula. Nonetheless, while these 2 conditions occur very commonly in dental surgery, especially in pediatric dental surgery where sedation and anesthesia are regularly indicated, there is a general absence of documented dental surgical fires in the literature. Barring the possibility of underreporting for fear of litigation, this may suggest that there is another mechanism or mechanisms present in dental or pediatric dental surgery that mitigates this worst-case risk of surgical fires. Some possible explanations for this include: greater fire safety awareness by dental practitioners, incidental ventilation of oxygen-enriched environments in patient oral cavities due to breathing, or suction used by dental practitioners during procedures. This review of the literature provides a background to suggest that the practice of using intraoral suction in conjunction with the use of supplemental oxygen during dental procedures may alter the conditions needed for the initiation of intraoral fires. To date, there appear to be no published studies describing the ability of intraoral suctioning devices to alter the ambient oxygen concentration in an intraoral environment. In vivo models that would allow examination of intraoral suction on the ambient oxygen concentration in a simulated intraoral environment may then provide a valuable foundation for evaluating the safety of current clinical dental surgical practices, particularly in regard to the treatment of children.
Adverse Drug Reactions in Dental Practice
Authors: Becker Daniel E. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Adverse reactions may occur with any of the medications prescribed or administered in dental practice. Most of these reactions are somewhat predictable based on the pharmacodynamic properties of the drug. Others, such as allergic and pseudoallergic reactions, are less common and unrelated to normal drug action. This article will review the most common adverse reactions that are unrelated to drug allergy.
Echocardiography parameters of clinically normal adult captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Sleeper Meg M. , Drobatz Ken , Lee D. Richard , Lammey Michael L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Objective—To generate reference ranges for echocardiographic variables in clinically normal adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
Design—Retrospective cohort study.
Animals—88 clinically normal adult chimpanzees.
Procedures—Echocardiographic data obtained between 2002 and 2011 from chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility were reviewed (263 echocardiograms obtained from 158 individuals). Data from clinically normal individuals (33 females and 55 males) were analyzed. Basic cardiac parameters measured in all individuals included aortic root diameter and left atrial diameter in the short and long axis during diastole. Left ventricular measurements included left ventricular internal diameter in systole and diastole and diastolic septal and posterior wall thickness. The E point to septal separation was also measured. Spectral Doppler measurements included the peak flow velocity of the pulmonary artery and aorta and diastolic transmitral flow. The presence of arrhythmias was also noted.
Results—Standard echocardiographic findings for a large group of adult female and male chimpanzees were obtained. Female and male chimpanzees were grouped by age in 10-year blocks, and echocardiographic findings were analyzed statistically by 10-year block. In male chimpanzees, cardiac arrhythmias were noted to increase with age.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and death in captive chimpanzees; however, basic echocardiographic measurements from a large cohort of clinically normal animals have not previously been reported. The number of animals in the present study was insufficient to generate reference ranges; however, data from a large cohort of clinically normal animals are presented. This information will be useful for veterinarians working in clinical and research settings with this species.
On optimal boundary and distributed control of partial integro–differential equations
Authors: Khurshudyan Asatur Zh. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A method of optimal control problems investigation for linear partial integro-differential equations of convolution type is proposed, when control process is carried out by boundary functions and right hand side of equation. Using Fourier real generalized integral transform control problem solution is reduced to minimization procedure of chosen optimality criterion under constraints of equality type on desired control function. Optimality of control impacts is obtained for two criteria, evaluating their linear momentum and total energy. Necessary and sufficient conditions of control problem solvability are obtained for both criteria. Numerical calculations are done and control functions are plotted for both cases of control process realization.
κ-compactness, extent and the Lindelöf number in LOTS
Authors: Buhagiar David , Chetcuti Emmanuel , Weber Hans 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We study the behaviour of ℵ-compactness, extent and Lindelöf number in lexicographic products of linearly ordered spaces. It is seen, in particular, that for the case that all spaces are bounded all these properties behave very well when taking lexicographic products. We also give characterizations of these notions for generalized ordered spaces.