Adaptive mesh refinement in strain localization problems

An adaptive meshing method tailored to problems of strain localization is given. The adaption strategy consists of equi-distributing the variation of the velocity field over the elements of the mesh. A heuristic justification for the use of variations as indicators is advanced, and possible connections with interpolation error bounds are discussed. Meshes are constructed by Delaunay triangulation. It is shown how the Hu-Washizu principle determines a consistent transfer operator for the state variables. Examples of application are given which demonstrate the versatility of the method.     

Effect of cataract extraction on the results of automated perimetry in glaucoma

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of cataract extraction on the results of automated perimetry in persons with glaucomatous visual field loss. SUBJECTS: Subjects from a retrospective study of visual field progression who underwent cataract extraction during follow-up were identified. Subjects came from the glaucoma service of a hospital-based tertiary referral center. METHODS: Subjects had at least 7 Humphrey 24-2 or 30-2 visual fields over 5 years or more, with an abnormal glaucoma hemifield test result on the first 2 examinations. Visual field data were transferred to a microcomputer and comparison of the visual fields immediately before and after cataract extraction was performed. RESULTS: Sixty-five eyes of 50 subjects (mean age, 71.8 years) were included in the analysis. A mean improvement in mean deviation (MD) of 1.68 dB (P<.001), and a mean worsening in corrected pattern SD (CPSD) of 0.54 dB (P=.09) was observed. The mean unweighted change in threshold in the 52 points of program 24-2 was 1.58 dB, corresponding to a 43.9% increase in sensitivity. A significant correlation between improvement in visual acuity and improvement in MD was also found. A mean increase in CPSD of 1.61 dB (P=.005) occurred in subjects with dense scotomas (minimum threshold value < or = 5 dB) and preoperative CPSD of 8 dB or less. CONCLUSIONS: In persons with glaucomatous visual field defects, cataract extraction produces only a modest improvement in MD. After cataract surgery, the CPSD index worsened in many subjects with dense scotomas. This suggests that the development of cataract can mask progressive glaucomatous visual field loss in such persons.     

Effect of domperidone on the health-related quality of life of patients with symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis

OBJECTIVE: To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with insulin-treated diabetes and symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis and to assess the impact of domperidone on HRQOL in these patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This two-phase multicenter study was part of a safety and efficacy investigation. Phase I involved 4-week single-blind treatment with domperidone 20 mg q.i.d. (n=269). Patients demonstrating significant symptomatic improvement (n=208) continued to phase 11, a 4-week, double-blind, parallel-group study with patients receiving placebo (n=103) or domperidone (n=105). Patients completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form-36 Health Survey at selection and at the end of each phase. Physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores served as primary parameters, and the eight subscales were secondary parameters. RESULTS: HRQOL scores of subjects enrolled in the trial were significantly lower than norms from the general population and people with diabetes (P < 0.001). Subjects experiencing symptomatic improvement after 4 weeks of single-blind treatment demonstrated significant improvement in all HRQOL parameters (P < 0.001); PCS, MCS, and six subscale scores of nonresponders did not change. Between-group change score differences were significant for PCS, MCS, and seven subscales (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). During phase II, the domperidone group maintained their HRQOL; the placebo group showed a significant decline in PCS and four subscales (P < 0.05). The between-group difference in the PCS score change was statistically significant (-1.77 vs. 0.65, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that patients with symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis experience notable HRQOL impairment and that symptomatic relief with domperidone is accompanied by improvements in HRQOL that can be sustained over 4 weeks of treatment.     

Addition of casein or whey protein to colostrum or a colostrum supplement product on absorption of IgG in neonatal calves

The effects of the addition of nonimmunoglobulin protein on absorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from colostrum or colostrum supplement products were determined in two experiments. In experiment 1, 48 Holstein calves were fed 4 L of pooled maternal colostrum or 4 L of reconstituted colostrum supplement with 0, 200, or 400 g of added whey protein concentrate or casein. In experiment 2, 38 Jersey calves were fed 2 L of pooled maternal colostrum with 100 or 200 g of whey protein concentrate or casein added immediately before feeding. Blood was collected at 24 h of age and plasma IgG concentration, total protein, hematocrit (experiment 1 only), and plasma urea N were determined. In experiment 1, blood samples were also collected at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h to evaluate absorption of IgG and protein and urea N concentrations. The addition of 400 g of casein to colostrum supplement in experiment 1 reduced plasma IgG from 5.66 g/L (0 g of casein addition) to 3.88 g/L, increased plasma urea N at 24 h, and reduced the change in plasma total protein from 0 to 24 h. Hourly plasma IgG concentrations increased with the consumption of colostrum or supplements but increased more rapidly in calves fed whey protein concentrate and more slowly in calves fed casein. The addition of 200 g of casein or whey protein concentrate to colostrum supplements had no effect on plasma IgG concentration at 24 h of age. The addition of 100 or 200 g of casein or whey protein concentrate to maternal colostrum had no effect on plasma urea N, total protein, or plasma IgG in experiment 2. The addition of nonimmunoglobulin protein to colostrum supplements or maternal colostrum did not affect IgG absorption from the intestine of newborn calves unless the amount of total protein exceeded 500 g of protein.     

Changes in plasma volatile fatty acids in response to weaning and feed intake in young calves

Effects of weaning age on plasma VFA were examined using 16 Holstein heifer calves. Animals entered the study at 6 +/- 3.5 d of age and were fed 1.8 kg milk twice daily to 28 (early weaning) or 56 d (late weaning) and a commercial pelleted calf starter from 0 (early) or 28 (late) d. Blood was sampled once weekly for 14 wk. Total blood concentrations of VFA, acetate, propionate, and butyrate were higher in calves weaned early. Difference between treatments was greatest during wk 5 to 8, after early calves had been weaned. Total VFA and acetate were both highly correlated with grain intake (r = .77), whereas propionate (r = .47) and butyrate (r = .56) were less highly correlated. Data indicate that blood VFA responded rapidly to dry feed intake, and adaptation to high grain diets was complete by 1 to 2 wk postweaning.     

Effects of milk replacer feeding rate and fat content on Jersey calf nutrient digestion and performance to 4 months of age

This study evaluated effects of milk replacer (MR) feeding rate and fat concentration in MR on total-tract digestion (TTD) and growth performance in Jersey calves. Jersey heifer calves (n = 100, 2 blocks of 50; initially 30 ± 3.0 kg of body weight; 4–11 d of age) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of MR feeding rate [454 g for 42 d, and 227 g for 7 d (MOD); or 454 g for 7 d, 681 g for 35 d, and 341 g for 7 d (HI), as-fed basis] and MR fat content (17 or 24% fat as-fed basis). Milk replacers (24% crude protein as-fed basis) were reconstituted to 14% solids and fed in 2 equal feedings for 42 d, and then mornings only for 7 d. Textured calf starter (21% crude protein, 40% starch, dry matter basis) and water were offered for ad libitum consumption. From d 57 to 112, calf starter was mixed with 5% chopped grass hay. Calves were housed individually to d 56 and housed in groups (4–5 calves/pen) from d 57 to 112. Estimates of TTD were measured in 5 calves/treatment (block 1) at wk 3 of the study using acid-insoluble ash as an indigestible marker. From 0 to 56 d, calf starter intake (CSI) was greater for MOD vs. HI and 17 versus 24% fat; average daily gain was greater for HI versus MOD; and hip width change was greater for 17 versus 24% fat. Estimates of organic matter TTD were greater for HI versus MOD, but neutral detergent fiber TTD was greater for MOD versus HI and for 17 versus 24% fat. From 57 to 112 d, hip height change was greater for MOD versus HI, and hip width change was greater for 17 versus 24% fat. In this study, feeding Jersey calves more MR improved preweaning average daily gain, but had a negative effect on CSI and likely rumen development, as neutral detergent fiber TTD was reduced at 3 wk and frame growth was reduced from d 57 to 112. This resulted in similar final calf body weights between MR feeding rates at the end of the study. No benefits were observed for feeding more fat in MR as CSI or for NDF digestibility, and frame growth was reduced.     

Absorption of protein and IgG in calves fed a colostrum supplement or replacer

Newborn Holstein bull calves (n = 32) were assigned to receive a colostrum supplement (CS) containing defibrinated bovine plasma or a colostrum replacer (CR) containing an immunoglobulin concentrate obtained by concentrating the immunoglobulin (Ig)G fraction of bovine plasma. The CS and CR contained 11.1 and 21.2% of dry matter as IgG, respectively. Each animal was fed two 454-g feedings at 1 and 8 h of age. The two feedings of CS and CR provided 95 and 187 g of IgG, respectively. Mean plasma IgG at 24 h of age was 8.0 and 13.6 g/L in calves fed CS and CR, respectively, indicating acceptable absorption of Ig from both sources. Mean apparent efficiency of IgG absorption in calves fed CS and CR were 33 and 30%, respectively, and did not differ between treatments. Mean plasma total protein at 24 h in calves fed CS and CR were 4.99 and 4.98 g/dl and did not differ between treatments. Increased plasma protein concentration from 0 to 24 h (4.5 g/L) was lower than the mean increase in plasma IgG concentration during the same period (10.3 g/L), indicating altered protein profile in the blood during the first 24 h of life. Correlation between plasma IgG and total protein at 24 h of age was significant within treatment, but the relationship between IgG and protein in plasma at 24 h varied between treatments. Predicted plasma total protein concentrations at 10 g of IgG/L of plasma at 24 h were 5.4 and 4.2 g/dl, in calves fed CS and CR, respectively. Prediction of plasma IgG concentration using total plasma protein may be inappropriate when calves are fed CS or CR.