bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of flow of micropolar fluids in a channel with a porous wall
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Syed K. S. , Anwar Kamal M.
Published: March 2010

Two‐dimensional steady, laminar, and incompressible flow of a micropolar fluid in a channel with no‐slip at one wall and constant uniform injection through the other wall is considered for different values of the Reynolds number R. The main flow stream is superimposed by constant injection velocity at the porous wall. The micropolar model introduced by Eringen is used to describe the working fluid. An extension of Berman's similarity transformations is used to reduce governing equations to a set of nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in dimensionless form. An algorithm based on finite difference method is employed to solve these ODEs and Richardson's extrapolation is used to obtain higher order accuracy. It has been found that the magnitude of shear stress increases strictly at the impermeable wall whereas it decreases steadily at the permeable wall, by increasing the injection velocity. The maximum value of streamwise velocity and that of the microrotation both increase with increasing the magnitude of R. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Single Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SCFC)
Authors: Viricelle J.‐P. , Udroiu S. , Gadacz G. , Pijolat M. , Pijolat C.
Published: March 2010

Single Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SCFC) have been prepared using an electrolyte as support (Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 named GDC). Anode (Ni‐GDC) and different cathodes (Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (SSC), Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (BSCF) and La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM)) were placed on the same side of the electrolyte. All the electrodes were deposited using screen‐printing technology. A gold collector was also deposited on the cathode to decrease the over‐potential. The different materials and fuel cell devices were tested under propane/air mixture, after a preliminary treatment under hydrogen to reduce the as‐deposited nickel oxide anode. The results show that SSC and BSCF cathodes are not stable in these conditions, leading to a very low open circuit voltage (OCV) of 150 mV. Although LSM material is not the more adequate cathode regarding its high catalytic activity towards hydrocarbon conversion, it has a better chemical stability than SSC and BSCF. Ni‐GDC‐LSM SCFC devices were elaborated and tested; an OCV of nearly 750 mV could be obtained with maximum power densities around 20 mW cm–2 at 620 °C, under air–propane mixture with C3H8/O2 ratio equal to 0.53.
IL‐27 inhibits OSM‐mediated TNF‐α and iNOS gene expression in microglia
Authors: Baker Brandi J. , Park Keun W. , Qin Hongwei , Ma Xiangyu , Benveniste Etty N.
Published: March 2010

Elevated levels of Oncostatin M (OSM), an interleukin‐6 family cytokine, have been observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), and glioblastoma (GBM); however, its effects within the CNS are not well understood. OSM regulates gene expression primarily by activating the JAK/STAT, NF‐κB, and/or MAPK pathways, in a cell‐type specific manner. In our studies, OSM induces the production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) from microglia in an NF‐κB‐dependent manner. This expression also partially requires the intermediate production of TNF‐α and subsequent NF‐κB activation via TNF‐R1. We also demonstrate that OSM‐induced TNF‐α production from microglia is neurotoxic. The IL‐12 family member, IL‐27, suppresses OSM‐mediated TNF‐α and iNOS expression at the transcriptional level by inhibiting activation of the NF‐κB pathway, and rescues the neurotoxicity induced by OSM‐stimulated microglia. These studies are the first to demonstrate the proinflammatory effects of OSM in microglia, and also identify IL‐27 as a novel inhibitor of inflammatory processes in these cells. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human mesenchymal stem cell‐derived Schwann cell‐like cells exhibit neurotrophic effects, via distinct growth factor production, in a model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Park Hwan‐Woo , Lim Mi‐Jin , Jung Heekyung , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Paik Ki‐Suk , Chang Mi‐Sook
Published: March 2010

Human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are considered a desirable cell source for autologous cell transplantation therapy to treat nervous system injury due to their ability to differentiate into specific cell types and render the tissue microenvironment more favorable for tissue repair by secreting various growth factors. To potentiate their possible trophic effect, hMSCs were induced without genetic modification to adopt characteristics of Schwann cells (SCs), which provide trophic support for regenerating axons. The induced hMSCs (shMSCs) adopted a SC‐like morphology and expressed SC‐specific proteins including the p75 neurotrophin receptor, which correlated with cell‐cycle exit. In addition, shMSCs secreted higher amounts of several growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) when compared with uninduced hMSCs. Coculture of shMSCs with Neuro2A cells significantly increased neurite outgrowth and cell proliferation but decreased cell death. Transplantation of shMSCs in an ex vivo model of spinal cord injury dramatically enhanced axonal outgrowth, which was mediated by HGF and VEGF secretion and also decreased cell death. These results demonstrate that shMSCs could serve as an endogenous source of neurotrophic growth factors to facilitate axonal regeneration while at the same time protecting the resident cells at the site of tissue injury. We propose that these induced hMSCs without genetic modification are useful for autologous cell therapy to treat nervous system injury. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A psychoneuroimmunological review on cytokines involved in antidepressant treatment response
Authors: Janssen Debbie G. A. , Caniato Riccardo N. , Verster Joris C. , Baune Bernhard T.
Published: March 2010

Objectives

The literature exploring the role that cytokine functioning plays in the pathogenesis and treatment of depressive illness is reviewed. The review focuses on the influence of antidepressants on cytokines, and on how treatment response might be affected by genetic variants of cytokines.

Method

The authors systematically reviewed the scientific literature on the subject over the last 20 years, searching PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane databases.

Results

Antidepressants modulate cytokine functioning, and these mechanisms appear to directly influence treatment outcome in depression. Antidepressants appear to normalize serum levels of major inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ). Antidepressants are postulated to modulate cytokine functioning through their effects on intracellular cyclic adenosyl monophosphate (cAMP), serotonin metabolism, the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis or through a direct action on neurogenesis. Preliminary research shows that cytokine genotypes and functioning may be able to help predict antidepressant treatment response.

Conclusions

Current literature demonstrates an association between antidepressant action and cytokine functioning in major depression. Improved understanding of the specific pharmacologic and pharmacogenetic mechanisms is needed. Such knowledge may serve to enhance our understanding of depression, leading to promising new directions in the pathology, nosology, and treatment of depression. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensory disturbances associated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors: brief review
Authors: Praharaj Samir Kumar , Arora Manu , Sarkhel Sujit
Published: March 2010

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are occasionally associated with sensory symptoms, which are one of the less recognized adverse effects. A PUBMED search supplemented with manual search was made to review the relevant literature. Anesthesia, paresthesia, and mastalgia have been reported to occur with this group of medications. The possible pathophysiology and management strategies are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water repellency as run‐off and soil detachment controlling factor in a dry‐Mediterranean hillslope (South of Spain)
Authors: Martínez‐Murillo Juan Francisco , Ruiz‐Sinoga José Damián
Published: March 2010

This study examines the effect of water repellency on controlling temporal variability of runoff generation mechanisms and soil detachment on metamorphic derived soils under dry‐Mediterranean climate. The research is carried out in an unburnt Mediterranean hillslope in souther Spain characterized by a patchy vegetation pattern and shallow soils. The Water Drop Penetration Time test (WDPT) is applied to measure water repellency at the end of summer (Sep‐2008), mid autumn (Nov‐2008) and mid winter (Feb‐2009). Rainfall simulations were used to obtain runoff generation and soil detachment in the same periods of time. The main shrub specie is Cistus monspeliensis which leaves a load of litter during the summer due to the lack of water. This great amount of organic material is accumulated under the shrubs triggering an extreme water repellence (WDPT > 6,000 s) that limits infiltration processes. This process is enforced due to the low soil water content at the end of dry season. Certain water repellency (WDPT > 1,500 s) is also observed on bare soil as consequence of their sandier texture and the accumulation of annual plants which die at the end of the wet season. Soil moisture increases during the autumn and water repellency disappears in both shrub and bare soil at the middle of the wet season (WDPT < 5 s). The main consequence is that the temporal trend of water repellency controls the mechanism and frequency of runoff generation and, hence, soil detachment. At the end of the summer, Hortonian mechanisms predominates when water repellency is extreme, even in soils under Cistus monspeliensis where runoff generation can reach higher peaks of overland flow and sediment concentration. Conversely, only the saturation of soil could generate runoff during the wet season being this quite less frequent in bare soil and absent in shrub. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Between‐therapist and within‐therapist differences in the quality of the therapeutic relationship: effects on maladjustment and self‐critical perfectionism
Authors: Zuroff David C. , Kelly Allison C. , Leybman Michelle J. , Blatt Sidney J. , Wampold Bruce E.
Published: March 2010

The relationship between therapeutic outcome and a patient‐reported measure of the Rogerian conditions of positive regard, empathy, and genuineness was decomposed into between‐therapist effects and within‐therapist effects using multilevel modeling. Data were available for 157 depressed outpatients treated by 27 therapists in the cognitive‐behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or placebo with clinical management conditions of the Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (Elkin, 1994). Consistent with prior findings of significant between‐therapist variability in outcome (e.g., Baldwin, Wampold, & Imel, 2007), patients whose therapists provided high average levels of the perceived Rogerian conditions across the patients in their caseloads experienced more rapid reductions in both overall maladjustment and depressive vulnerability (self‐critical perfectionism). Within each therapist's caseload, differences between patients in perceived Rogerian conditions had weaker effects. The results underline the importance of differences between therapists as determinants of outcome in the treatment of depression. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 66:1–17, 2010.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the posttraumatic growth inventory with a sample of soldiers previously deployed in support of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars
Authors: Lee Jocelyn A. , Luxton David D. , Reger Greg M. , Gahm Gregory A.
Published: March 2010

Research has documented the impact of combat trauma on psychological functioning but less is known about the measurement of positive changes after military deployments. This study examined the factor structure of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) on a sample of active duty soldiers (n = 3537) exposed to combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to test a 5‐factor model and a single higher‐order factor model. CFA results indicated that both models fit the data equally well and provide support for using both the whole scale and a multidimensional scale. The use of the PTGI in military research and the limitations of the current study are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 66:1–7, 2010.
Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by adsorption onto zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash and its thermal regeneration
Authors: Sun Zhi , Li Chunjie , Wu Deyi
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: The removal of cationic dyes from wastewater is of great importance. Three zeolites synthesized from coal fly ashes (ZFAs) were investigated as adsorbents to remove methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye, from aqueous solutions. Experiments were conducted using the batch adsorption technique under different conditions of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, solution pH, and salt concentration.

RESULTS: The adsorption isotherm data of MB on ZFAs were fitted well to the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of MB by the three ZFAs, calculated using the Langmuir equation, ranged from 23.70 to 50.51 mg g−1. The adsorption of MB by ZFA was essentially due to electrostatic forces. The measurement of zeta potential indicated that ZFA had a lower surface charge at alkaline pH, resulting in enhanced removal of MB with increasing pH. MB was highly competitive compared with Na+, leading to only a < 6% reduction in adsorption in the presence of NaCl up to 1.0 mol L−1. Regeneration of used ZFA was achieved by thermal treatment. In this study, 90–105% adsorption capacity of fresh ZFA was recovered by heating at 450 °C for 2 h.

CONCLUSION: The experimental results suggest that ZFA could be employed as an adsorbent in the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater, and the adsorptive ability of used ZFA can be recovered by thermal treatment. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Design and characterization of a one‐compartment scale‐down system for simulating dissolved oxygen tension gradients
Authors: León‐Rodríguez Antonio De , Galindo Enrique , Ramírez Octavio T.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND: A laboratory scale one‐compartment scale‐down system (1‐CSDS), used to generate dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) gradients was designed and characterized. The system consists of a 1.5‐L stirred‐tank bioreactor coupled to an automatic DOT controller that changes the oxygen partial pressure in the inlet gas through a feedback proportional–integral–derivative algorithm, while maintaining the hydrodynamic conditions constant. Oscillatory control of DOT was achieved by employing time‐dependent square wave or sinusoidal setpoints.

RESULTS: The 1‐CSDS can be modeled as a first‐order dynamic system, but showing a permanent lag between the system response and the setpoint. The 1‐CSDS had a faster response rate for generating oscillating DOT when a square wave setpoint was used rather than a sinusoidal setpoint. The 1‐CSDS generated symmetric DOT oscillations at periods above of 100 s.

CONCLUSION: The 1‐CSDS is suited to investigate the responses of microorganisms and cells, of biotechnological importance, to oscillatory DOT conditions. It was found that the response of the 1‐CSDS was limited by the kLa. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
An unusual growth of ovarian cystic teratoma with multiple floating balls during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Altinbas Sadiman Kiykac , Yalvac Serdar , Kandemir Omer , Altinbas Namik Kemal , Karcaaltincaba Deniz , Dede Hulya , Demir Omer Faruk
Published: March 2010

We report a case of ovarian cystic teratoma with an important growth during pregnancy and the sonographic appearance of intracystic multiple, mobile, polygonal structures called intracystic “fat balls.” Due to the rapid growth of the lesion, which exceeded 15 cm in diameter, a right oophorectomy was performed. Histopathologic diagnosis confirmed the mature cystic teratoma. The presence of floating balls composed of keratin and fat is rarely seen but is pathognomonic of mature cystic teratomas. Growth of a teratoma during pregnancy is a rare condition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Multiparametric assessment of the anti‐glioma properties of OKN007 by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Garteiser Philippe , Doblas Sabrina , Watanabe Yasuko , Saunders Debbie , Hoyle Jessica , Lerner Megan , He Ting , Floyd Robert A. , Towner Rheal A.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To demonstrate that OKN007, a disulfonyl derivative of phenyl‐tert‐butyl nitrone (PBN), has anti‐glioma activity in the clinically relevant C6 rat glioma model using multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐one rats were intracerebrally implanted with C6 cells and administered OKN007 or kept as controls. Animals were monitored with MRI at 7 Tesla (T), using morphologic, diffusion‐weighted and perfusion imaging, followed by histology and Western blots of angiogenesis and inflammatory markers.

Results:

OKN007 was found to decrease tumor volumes and increase survival. The glioma tissues of OKN007‐treated rats were found to have longitudinal apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCz) of 0.76 ± 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/s, similar to the contralateral tissue and significantly smaller than untreated gliomas (0.97 ± 0.13 × 10−3 mm2/s). They had higher perfusion rates (66 ± 4 mL/100 g·min) than untreated gliomas (26 ± 7 mL/100 g·min). All examined molecular markers were decreased in OKN007‐treated rat gliomas, compared with elevated levels in untreated rats.

Conclusion:

MRI assessment was successfully used to monitor a decrease in tumor growth, and corresponding alterations in ADC and perfusion rates in rat C6 gliomas treated with the anti‐glioma agent, OKN007. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:796–806. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal change of soil moisture in Mongolia: its climatology and modelling
Authors: Nandintsetseg Banzragch , Shinoda Masato
Published: March 2010

Mongolia has an arid and cold climate due to its geographical settings of inland and mid‐latitude highlands. The soil moisture varies seasonally, depending mainly on the balance of precipitation and evapotranspiration as well as on winter soil‐freezing and spring snowmelt. Soil moisture climatology (1986–2005) for Mongolia is presented with a focus on three vegetation zones: the forest steppe, steppe, and Gobi Desert. For this purpose, we used soil moisture observations based on the gravimetric method for the top 50‐cm soil layer from 26 grass‐covered field sites during April–October of the 20‐year period. In general, there was a latitudinal gradient in soil moisture content, with the southwestern soils being drier than northeastern soils. The seasonal change in soil moisture was small and the seasonal pattern was similar throughout Mongolia. The seasonality was characterised by three major phases of the warm season: the spring drying, summer recharge, and autumn drying phases, although each phase differed somewhat in timing and length between zones. In the northernmost forest steppe zone, the recharge phase was longer than that in the southern steppe and Gobi Desert zones, while the two drying phases were shorter in the forest steppe zone. This difference had a significant effect on the plant phenological timings of Stipa spp.; these were earlier in the forest steppe zone and later in the Gobi Desert zone. A simple water balance model was developed to examine the observed soil moisture dynamics, which implicitly simulated snow accumulation and soil freezing. The model simulated the observed seasonal and inter‐annual soil moisture variations reasonably well (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the three phases of seasonal change were produced by a subtle balance between precipitation and evapotranspiration. This model will provide a useful tool for a reliable and timely monitoring of agricultural drought for decision‐makers and herders in Mongolia. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Forgery detection on an Arabic illuminated manuscript by micro‐Raman and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Duran A. , Franquelo M. L. , Centeno M. A. , Espejo T. , Perez‐Rodriguez J. L.
Published: March 2010

An Arabic manuscript, supposed to be from the 14th century, was investigated and its components (pigments and dyestuffs) characterised using micro‐Raman and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, the latter employing a portable XRF/X‐ray diffraction (XRD) system. The presence of anatase, rutile, calcite, barite, zinc oxide, carbon black, vermilion, hematite, goethite, β‐naphthol, copper phthalocyanine, pigmosol green and a brass‐based pigment was detected in the different zones of the illuminated manuscript. The detection of titanium oxides, barite and organic synthetic colourants such as β‐naphthol and copper phthalocyanine and derived compounds provides indisputable indication of forging, repainting or retouching after the 19th century in the image of the manuscript. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imitation in patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome—A behavioral study
Authors: Jonas Melanie , Thomalla Götz , Biermann‐Ruben Katja , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Müller‐Vahl Kirsten , Bäumer Tobias , Gerloff Christian , Schnitzler Alfons , Orth Michael , Münchau Alexander
Published: March 2010

Echophenomena in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) may relate to deficient processing of observed biological movements. This would be reflected in altered effects of movement observation on motor responses in these patients. We studied reaction times in 11 unmedicated GTS patients without psychiatric comorbidity and healthy subjects. In experiment 1, participants imitated single biological finger movement stimuli or nonbiological dot movement stimuli immediately. In experiment 2, participants responded to a tone while viewing biological or nonbiological movement stimuli that were either compatible (identical) or incompatible (different) with their response. In experiment 1, both patients and healthy subjects responded faster to single biological than to nonbiological stimuli. In experiment 2, biological stimuli caused a larger compatibility‐effect in responses than nonbiological stimuli in both groups, provided stimulus presentation and response initiation coincided. Healthy subjects responded faster to compatible biological than nonbiological stimuli. In contrast, GTS patients responded slower to incompatible biological than nonbiological stimuli. Patients' mean reaction time in experiment 2 correlated with phonic tic‐frequency. Motor facilitation by observing biological movements appears to rely on concomitance of stimuli and responses in GTS patients and healthy individuals. Differing behavioral effects of movement observation in GTS might reflect altered activation of an action observation–execution matching system. To avoid unwanted movements GTS patients probably have to inhibit motor activation induced by observed movement automatically. Thus, movement stimuli may facilitate similar motor responses less but interfere more with different responses in these patients. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Enlarged hyperechogenic substantia nigra is related to motor performance and olfaction in the elderly
Authors: Berg Daniela , Seppi Klaus , Liepelt Inga , Schweitzer Katherine , Wollenweber Frank , Wolf Björn , Dillmann Ulrich , Stockner Heike , Godau Jana , Kiechl Stefan , Gaenslen Alexandra , Willeit Johann , Santo Adriana Di , Maetzler Walter , Gasser Thomas , Poewe Werner , Behnke Stefanie
Published: March 2010

Enlarged substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (SN+) assessed by transcranial sonography (TCS) may be associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) risk markers such as impaired motor performance and hyposmia. The aim of this multicenter cross‐sectional study was to define the association between SN+ and these risk markers in a large population older than 50 years without the diagnosis of PD. In three centers (Tuebingen, Homburg, and Innsbruck), 1,839 individuals were examined. The echostatus of the SN was assessed by TCS, motor performance by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score, and olfactory function with Sniffin' Sticks. From the 1,603 subjects included in the analysis, 16.2% were SN+, 23.0% scored above zero in the UPDRS motor section, and 28.0% were hyposmic as defined by less than 75% correctly classified Sniffin' Sticks. SN+ was associated with a UPDRS motor score above zero (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.08–1.96) and with a lower odor identification capability (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12–1.96). The combination of these two features (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.25–3.15) and UPDRS motor scores ≥3 lead to higher OR. It is concluded that SN+, impaired motor performance, and hyposmia are frequently observed in the elderly and in isolation are unspecific and of limited use to predict a subject's risk for PD. Whether the association of SN+ with both impaired motor performance and hyposmia as seen in this study predicts an increased risk for the development of PD needs to be evaluated in the follow‐up investigations. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Perfusion in free breast reconstruction flap zones assessed with positron emission tomography
Authors: Schrey Aleksi , Kinnunen Ilpo , Kalliokoski Kari , Minn Heikki , Grénman Reidar , Vahlberg Tero , Niemi Tarja , Suominen Erkki , Aitasalo Kalle
Published: March 2010

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the postoperative blood perfusion (BFPET) and perfusion heterogeneity (BFPET HG) in free microvascular breast reconstruction flap zones with positron emission tomography (PET). Regional BFPET and BFPET HG of the adipose tissue in medial, central, and lateral parts of 13 free flaps were assessed on the first postoperative morning with PET using oxygen‐15‐labeled water ([15O]H2O) in 12 patients undergoing breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) or a transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap. The mean BFPET values did not differ between DIEP and TRAM flaps (P = 0.791). The mean BFPET values were higher in zone III compared with zone I (P = 0.024). During follow‐up, fat necrosis was identified in three patients in the medial part (zone II) of the flap. However, the adipose tissue BFPET assessed on the first postoperative day from all zones of the flap using PET with radiowater was normal. The BFPET HG was higher in the control side (i.e., in the healthy breast tissue) compared with the flap (P = 0.042). The BFPET HG was lower in zone III than in zone I (P = 0.03) and in zone II (P < 0.001). In this pilot study, PET was used for the first time for studying the adipose tissue perfusion in different zones in free flaps in a clinical setup, finding that the mean BFPET values did not differ between DIEP and TRAM flaps, and that zone II was sometimes not as well perfused as zone III supporting revisited zone division. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:430–436, 2010.
On a mathematical model of dust coagulation in interstellar clouds
Authors: Borgioli Giovanni , Monaco Roberto
Published: March 2010

We consider a kinetic model that takes into account the phenomena of coagulation of dust particles inside interstellar nebulae. After a detailed modeling of the system, the main aim of the paper consists in studying, for the proposed model, a Cauchy problem in an unbounded domain under rather general conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute and chronic effects of dietary fatty acids on cholecystokinin expression, storage and secretion in enteroendocrine STC‐1 cells
Authors: Hand Katharine V. , Bruen Christine M. , O'Halloran Fiona , Giblin Linda , Green Brian D.
Published: March 2010

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone secreted from the I‐cells of the intestine and it has important physiological actions related to appetite regulation and satiety. In this study we used STC‐1 cells to investigate the effects of common dietary‐derived fatty acids (FAs) on I‐cell secretory function and metabolism. We extend earlier studies by measuring the acute and chronic effects of 11 FAs on CCK secretion, cellular CCK content, CCK mRNA levels, cellular DNA synthesis, cellular viability and cytotoxicity. FAs were selected in order to assess the importance of chain length, degree of saturation, and double bond position and conformation. The results demonstrate that secretory responses elicited by dietary FAs are highly selective. For example, altering the conformation of a double bond from cis to trans (i.e. oleic acid versus elaidic acid) completely abolishes CCK secretion. Lauric acid appears to adversely affect I‐cell metabolism and arachidonic acid suppresses DNA synthesis. Our studies reveal for the first time that conjugated linoleic acid isoforms are particularly potent CCK secretagogues, which also boost intracellular stores of CCK. These actions of conjugated linoleic acid may explain satiating actions observed in dietary intervention studies.
On the stability and convergence of a Galerkin reduced order model (ROM) of compressible flow with solid wall and far‐field boundary treatment
Authors: Kalashnikova I. , Barone M. F.
Published: March 2010

A reduced order model (ROM) based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)/Galerkin projection method is proposed as an alternative discretization of the linearized compressible Euler equations. It is shown that the numerical stability of the ROM is intimately tied to the choice of inner product used to define the Galerkin projection. For the linearized compressible Euler equations, a symmetry transformation motivates the construction of a weighted L2 inner product that guarantees certain stability bounds satisfied by the ROM. Sufficient conditions for well‐posedness and stability of the present Galerkin projection method applied to a general linear hyperbolic initial boundary value problem (IBVP) are stated and proven. Well‐posed and stable far‐field and solid wall boundary conditions are formulated for the linearized compressible Euler ROM using these more general results. A convergence analysis employing a stable penalty‐like formulation of the boundary conditions reveals that the ROM solution converges to the exact solution with refinement of both the numerical solution used to generate the ROM and of the POD basis. An a priori error estimate for the computed ROM solution is derived, and examined using a numerical test case. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limit analysis of plates and slabs using a meshless equilibrium formulation
Authors: Le Canh V. , Gilbert Matthew , Askes Harm
Published: March 2010

A meshless Element‐Free Galerkin (EFG) equilibrium formulation is proposed to compute the limit loads which can be sustained by plates and slabs. In the formulation pure moment fields are approximated using a moving least‐squares technique, which means that the resulting fields are smooth over the entire problem domain. There is therefore no need to enforce continuity conditions at interfaces within the problem domain, which would be a key part of a comparable finite element formulation. The collocation method is used to enforce the strong form of the equilibrium equations and a stabilized conforming nodal integration scheme is introduced to eliminate numerical instability problems. The combination of the collocation method and the smoothing technique means that equilibrium only needs to be enforced at the nodes, and stable and accurate solutions can be obtained with minimal computational effort. The von Mises and Nielsen yield criteria which are used in the analysis of plates and slabs, respectively, are enforced by introducing second‐order cone constraints, ensuring that the resulting optimization problem can be solved using efficient interior‐point solvers. Finally, the efficacy of the procedure is demonstrated by applying it to various benchmark plate and slab problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive generalized mathematical homogenization framework for nanostructured materials
Authors: Fish Jacob , Li Aiqin , Yavari Fazel
Published: March 2010

We present an adaptive generalized mathematical homogenization (AGMH) framework for modeling nanostructured materials with evolving defects at a finite temperature. By this approach molecular dynamics model is employed in the vicinity of defects whereas constitutive equation‐free continuum model is used away from the defects. The proposed framework consists of the following salient features: (i) a constitutive law‐free cohesive element whose behavior is modeled by the atomistic representative volume element (ARVE) and (ii) a dislocation detection band embedded in the ARVE aimed at detecting dislocations passing from or into the interior of the nanograins. These features of the model are critical to studying deformation of nanocrystals where only a small portion of the problem domain requires molecular resolution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output feedback control for stochastic Markovian jumping systems via sliding mode design
Authors: Chen Bei , Niu Yugang , Huang Heqing
Published: March 2010

This paper deals with the output feedback sliding mode control for stochastic Markovian jumping systems with unmeasured states. A state observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasured states. And then, a state estimate‐based sliding mode controller is designed such that the sliding mode in the estimation space can be attained in finite time. Sufficient conditions are derived such that the sliding motions on the specified sliding surfaces are asymptotically stable in probability. It is noted that some specified matrices are introduced such that the connections among the designed sliding surfaces corresponding to every mode are established. Moreover, the present sliding mode controller including the transition rates of modes can cope with the effect of Markovian switching. Finally, a simulation example is shown to illustrate the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the Australian veteran community
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Woodman Richard J. , Gilbert Andrew L. , Knights Kathleen M.
Published: March 2010

Purpose

Studies on the risk of stroke in users of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have provided conflicting results. We studied the association between the use of non‐selective ns‐NSAIDs, selective COX‐2 inhibitors, or either of these NSAIDs, and the incidence of stroke‐related hospitalization in elderly subjects.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective nested case‐control study on Australian veterans using nationwide hospital admission and pharmacy dispensing data. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate both crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of events for three different measures of prescription supply exposure over the last 2 years; (1) whether supplied at least once; (2) supply frequency: supplied more than twice within the last 30 days, once or twice within the last 30 days, or once or more within 30 days to 2 years; and (3) total supplies.

Results

There was a trend toward a reduced risk of ischemic stroke with any NSAID (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.89–1.00) if supplied at least once within the last 2 years and a mildly reduced risk in those supplied any NSAID once or twice within the last 30 days (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.81–0.98). Use of either ns‐NSAIDs or selective COX‐2 inhibitors were not associated with a significant change in risk.

Conclusions

The use of any NSAIDs is not associated with an increase in the risk of ischemic stroke in Australian veterans. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on morphology and interphase of poly(butylene terephthalate)/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites
Authors: Prado L.A.S. de A. , Kwiatkowska M. , Funari S.S. , Roslaniec Z. , Broza G. , Schulte K.
Published: March 2010

The microstructure of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites was investigated by simultaneous small angle X‐ray scattering/wide angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) measurements at room temperature. The PBT was observed to crystallize in the α‐phase. The dispersion of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in PBT, using in situ polymerization, materials with higher degree of crystallinity than neat PBT were produced. SAXS results indicated that the SWCNT may be preferentially distributed in the amorphous phase of PBT, although WAXS results suggested a nucleation ability of SWCNT, which was supported by the DSC results. Much more complex changes were induced by the dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the PBT matrix. Evidence for the formation of an interphase with restricted chain mobility were found by dynamical mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and WAXS showed an increase of the crystallinity of the nanocomposites in comparison to neat PBT. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1571–1576, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology and property of polyethylene pipe extruded at the low mandrel rotation
Authors: Nie Min , Wang Qi , Bai ShiBing
Published: March 2010

During the rotation extrusion of polyethylene (PE) pipes, with the rotating mandrel, compressed air as a cooling medium was introduced through their interior to achieve the quick cooling of the inner wall. The experimental results showed that the hoop stress exerted by mandrel rotation could promote the molecular orientation in the hoop direction; moreover, the introduction of compressed air could quicken its inner wall's cooling rate so as to slow down the relaxation of the oriented molecule and to reserve the orientation structure. Therefore, the hoop orientation degree increased with the increasing inner wall's cooling rate. As a result, the performance of the PE pipe was greatly enhanced. The hoop tensile strength of the PE pipe produced by the novel extrusion method increased from original 24.1 MPa up to 35 MPa; the pipe's crack initiation time increased from 27 to 60 h and the crack growth rate slowed down. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1743–1750, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Importance of coupling between specific energy and viscosity in the modeling of twin screw extrusion of starchy products
Authors: Berzin Françoise , Tara Ahmed , Tighzert Lan , Vergnes Bruno
Published: March 2010

During the twin extrusion process, starch basic structure is modified and it is very important to be able to predict the changes experienced by the product. To model the transformation of starch during twin screw extrusion, it is thus necessary to take into account the strong coupling between viscosity and thermomechanical treatment. It is the purpose of the present work. We have used the software Ludovic© to calculate the flow of a molten starch along a twin screw extruder. We have assumed that the degradation reaction (viscosity decrease) was linked to the specific mechanical energy received during the flow. We have compared extrusion cases with and without viscosity/energy coupling, and we show that it is important to take it into account to correctly predict the parameters of the extrusion process (torque, energy, product temperature, etc.) and the level of starch transformation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1758–1766, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Discharge behaviors and jet profiles during electrospinning of poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Kadomae Yosuke , Sugimoto Masataka , Taniguchi Takashi , Koyama Kiyohito
Published: March 2010

Relations between beads formation and jet profiles, and beads formation and electric discharge during electrospinning were investigated by changing sample parameters and spinning conditions. The jet profiles were obtained as a function of the position along the spinning line by using photographs. As the molecular weight or concentration increased, the elongational viscosity of jet at the onset of bending instability was increased, and beads formation was suppressed. In addition, beads formation was enhanced with increasing voltage. The electric discharge spark from the apex of cone was observed by using image intensified high‐speed camera. It was found that the beads were also formed easily when the electric discharge generated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1788–1796, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structural changes and biodegradation of PLLA, PCL, and PLGA sponges during in vitro incubation
Authors: Yoshioka Taiyo , Kamada Fumiko , Kawazoe Naoki , Tateishi Tetsuya , Chen Guoping
Published: March 2010

The structural changes and degradation behaviors of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) sponges were studied by incubation in phosphate buffer solution and compared with those of previously reported poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) sponge. The changes of pH, weight, molecular weight, crystallinity, and thermal properties of glass transition and melting were measured. The influence of incubation temperature on the structural change of each type of sponge was investigated in details. During incubation, the PLLA sponge showed secondary crystallization, the PCL sponge showed lamellar thickening, and the PLGA sponge showed physical aging. Depending on the type of biodegradable polymers, the incubation temperature caused different structural changes during the incubation and the structural changes influenced several degradation behaviors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1895–1903, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effectual dispersion of carbon nanofibers in polyetherimide composites and their mechanical and tribological properties
Authors: Li Bin , Wood Weston , Baker Loren , Sui Gang , Leer Carla , Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: March 2010

The use of proliferation of nanotechnology in commercial applications is driving requirements for minimal chemical processing and simple processes in industry. Carbon nanofiber (CNF) products possess very high purity levels without the need of purification processing before use and are in growing demand for this quality. Polyetherimide (PEI) has excellent mechanical and thermal performance, but its high viscosity makes its nanocomposites processing very challenging. In this study, a facile melt‐mixing method was used to fabricate PEI nanocomposites with as received and physically treated CNFs. The dispersion of CNFs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmitted optical microscopy, and electrometer with large‐area electrodes. The results showed that the facile and powerful melt‐mixing method is effective in homogeneously dispersing CNFs in the PEI matrix. The flexural and tribological characteristics were investigated and the formation of spatial networks of CNFs and weak interfacial bonding were considered as competitive factors to enhanced flexural properties. The composites with 1.0 wt% CNFs showed flexural strength and toughness increased by more than 50 and 550%, respectively, but showed very high wear rate comparable with that of pure PEI. The length of the CNFs also exerted great influences on both mechanical and tribological behaviors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1914–1922, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
The role of process parameters in determining wall thickness distribution in plug‐assisted thermoforming
Authors: McCool Raurí , Martin Peter J.
Published: March 2010

This article describes the results of a comprehensive investigation to determine the link between process parameters and observed wall thickness output for the plug‐assisted thermoforming process. The overall objective of the work was to systematically investigate the process parameters that may be adjusted during production to control the wall thickness distribution of parts manufactured by plug‐assisted thermoforming. The parameters investigated were the sheet temperature, plug temperature, plug speed, plug displacement, plug shape, and air pressure. As well as quantifying the effects of each parameter on the wall thickness distribution, a further aim of the work was to improve the understanding of the physical mechanisms of deformation of the sheet during the different stages of the process. The process parameters shown to have the greatest effect on experimentally determined wall thickness distribution were the plug displacement, sheet temperature, plug temperature, and plug shape. It is proposed that during the plug‐assisted thermoforming of polystyrene the temperature dependent friction between the plug and sheet surface was the most important factor in determining product wall thickness distribution, whereas heat transfer was shown to play a less important role. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1923–1934, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quorum sensing in sourdough Lactobacillus plantarum DC400: Induction of plantaricin A (PlnA) under co‐cultivation with other lactic acid bacteria and effect of PlnA on bacterial and Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Di Cagno Raffaella , De Angelis Maria , Calasso Maria , Vincentini Olimpia , Vernocchi Pamela , Ndagijimana Maurice , De Vincenzi Massimo , Dessì Maria Rita , Guerzoni Maria Elisabetta , Gobbetti Marco
Published: March 2010

This work aimed at showing the effect of pheromone plantaricin A (PlnA) by Lactobacillus plantarum DC400 towards other sourdough lactic acid bacteria and the potential of PlnA to protect the function of the human intestinal barrier. Growth and survival of sourdough lactic acid bacteria were differently affected by co‐cultivation with L. plantarum DC400. Compared to mono‐cultures, Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis DPPMA174 and Pediococcus pentosaceus 2XA3 showed growth inhibition and decreased viability when co‐cultured with L. plantarum DC400. L. sanfranciscensis DPPMA174 induced the highest synthesis of PlnA. Survival of strain DPPMA174 only slightly varied by comparing the addition of PlnA to the culture medium and the co‐cultivation with L. plantarum DC400. Compared to mono‐culture, the proteome of L. sanfranciscensis DPPMA174 grown in co‐culture with L. plantarum DC400 showed the variation of expression of 58 proteins (47 over expressed and 11 repressed). Thirty‐four of them were also over expressed or repressed during growth of DPPMA174 with PlnA. Fifty‐one of the above 58 proteins were identified. They had a central role in stress response, amino acid, energy and nucleotide metabolisms, membrane transport, regulation of transcription, and cell redox homeostasis. PlnA markedly increased the viability of human Caco‐2/TC7 cells and the transepithelial electrical resistance.