bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Performance Evaluation of Concrete Beams Strengthened with Carbon Fiber Materials
Authors: Ding Jun , Huang Xia , Zhu Gang , Chen Song , Wang Guochao
Published: November 2013

As a kind of novel material of high strength and light weight, carbon fiber materials have been widely used in construction industry to repair the damaged bridges improving its mechanical performance. In this work, the reinforced plates made of carbon fiber materials (for short CFRP) are externally bonded to the bottom of concrete beams to enhance load capacity of beams. The strain energy release rates are calculated at the interest crack in concrete beams based on virtual crack closure technology using FEM and are chosen as the criterion to determine whether the mechanical properties of beams are strengthened by being externally bonded with CFRP. The effects of main crack propagation on plain concrete beam, on concrete beam strengthened with CFRP, and on inclined crack are also discussed. The comparison between the beams with and without CFRP shows that the CFRP significantly increases the loading capacity and crack resistance. It also shows that the main crack propagation can reduce loading capacity and crack resistance regardless of strengthening. The experiment observation also supports this. It proves the validity of the method, and it is concluded that in order to increase the loading capacity and crack resistance effectively, controlling over the crack propagation is necessary.
Synthesis by Microwaves of Bimetallic Nano-Rhodium-Palladium
Authors: Ugalde M. , Chavira E. , Ochoa-Lara M. T. , Figueroa I. A. , Quintanar C. , Tejeda A.
Published: November 2013

An improved acrylamide sol-gel technique using a microwave oven in order to synthesize bimetallic Rh-Pd particles is reported and discussed. The synthesis of Pd and Rh nanoparticles was carried out separately. The polymerization to form the gel of both Rh and Pd was carried out at 80°C under constant agitations. The method chosen to prepare the Rh and Pd xerogels involved the decomposition of both gels. The process begins by steadily increasing the temperature of the gel inside a microwave oven (from 80°C to 170°C). In order to eliminate the by-products generated during the sol-gel reaction, a heat treatment at a temperature of 1000°C for 2 h in inert atmosphere was carried out. After the heat treatment, the particle size increased from 50 nm to 200 nm, producing the bimetallic Rh-Pd clusters. It can be concluded that the reported microwave-assisted, sol-gel method was able to obtain nano-bimetallic Rh-Pd particles with an average size of 75 nm.
A New Insight to Bone Turnover: Role of ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Kajarabille Naroa , Díaz-Castro Javier , Hijano Silvia , López-Frías Magdalena , López-Aliaga Inmaculada , Ochoa Julio J.
Published: November 2013

Background. Evidence has shown that long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially the ω‐3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are beneficial for bone health and turnover. Objectives. This review summarizes findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies and the effects of LC PUFA on bone metabolism, as well as the relationship with the oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and obesity. Results. Some studies in humans indicate that LCPUFA can increase bone formation, affect peak bone mass in adolescents, and reduce bone loss. However, the cellular mechanisms of action of the LCPUFA are complex and involve modulation of fatty acid metabolites such as prostaglandins, resolvins and protectins, several signaling pathways, cytokines, and growth factors, although in certain aspects there is still some controversy. LCPUFA affect receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ (RANK), a receptor found on the osteoclast, causing bone resorption, which controls osteoclast formation. Conclusions. Since fatty acids are an endogenous source of reactive oxygen species, free radicals alter the process of bone turnover; however, although there are clinical evidences linking bone metabolism and dietary lipids, more clinical trials are necessary to prove whether ω‐3 PUFA supplementation plays a major role in bone health.
HMGB1 Acts in Synergy with Lipopolysaccharide in Activating Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblasts via p38 MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: He Zheng-Wen , Qin Yang-Hua , Wang Zhi-Wei , Chen Yan , Shen Qian , Dai Sheng-Ming
Published: November 2013

Synovial fibroblasts (SF) play a central role in the inflammatory and destructive process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). High-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone failed to induce significant changes in proliferation of cultured SF from RA patients, but premixed HMGB1 with LPS (HMGB1-LPS) significantly facilitated SF proliferation. HMGB1 alone failed to induce IL-6, MMP-3, and MMP-13 production in cultured SF but greatly enhanced LPS-induced expression of IL-6, MMP-3, and MMP-13 at both mRNA and protein levels. HMGB1-LPS synergistically upregulated TLR4 and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) expression on the surface of SF. Both blockers of TLR4 and RAGE significantly inhibited the synergistic effects of HMGB1-LPS on the production of IL-6 and MMPs, but blocking antibodies to TLR2 failed. HMGB1-LPS synergistically increased intracellular levels of phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated IκB. Furthermore, both NF-κB inhibitor Bay11-7085 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 significantly suppressed the enhanced production of IL-6 and MMPs induced by HMGB1-LPS. In conclusion, HMGB1 acts in synergy with LPS to upregulate TLR4 and RAGE expression on the surface of SF in RA and then to augment IL-6, MMP-3, and MMP-13 production, which depends on p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation.
Icariin Augments Bone Formation and Reverses the Phenotypes of Osteoprotegerin-Deficient Mice through the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin-BMP Signaling
Authors: Li Xiao-Feng , Xu Hao , Zhao Yong-Jian , Tang De-Zhi , Xu Guo-Hua , Holz Jonathan , Wang Jing , Cheng Shao-Dan , Shi Qi , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: November 2013

Icariin has been mostly reported to enhance bone fracture healing and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized animal model. As another novel animal model of osteoporosis, there is few publication about the effect of Icariin on osteoprotegerin-deficient mice. Therefore, the goal of this study is to find the effect on bone formation and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in osteoprotegerin (OPG) knockout (KO) mice. We found that Icariin significantly stimulated new bone formation after local injection over the surface of calvaria at the dose of 5 mg/kg per day. With this dose, Icariin was also capable of significantly reversing OPG-deficient-induced bone loss and bone strength reduction. Real-time PCR analysis showed that Icariin significantly upregulated the expression of BMP2, BMP4, RUNX2, OC, Wnt1, and Wnt3a in OPG KO mice. Icariin also significantly increased the expression of AXIN2, DKK1, TCF1, and LEF1, which are the direct target genes ofβ-catenin signaling. The in vitro studies showed that Icariin induced osteoblast differentiation through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin-BMP signaling by in vitro deletion of theβ-catenin gene usingβ-cateninfx/fxmice. Together, our findings demonstrate that Icariin significantly reverses the phenotypes of OPG-deficient mice through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin-BMP signaling.
Frequently Hypercyclic and Chaotic Behavior of Some First-Order Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Hung Cheng-Hung , Chang Yu-Hsien
Published: November 2013

We study a particular first-order partial differential equation which arisen from a biologic model. We found that the solution semigroup of this partial differential equation is a frequently hypercyclic semigroup. Furthermore, we show that it satisfies the frequently hypercyclic criterion, and hence the solution semigroup is also a chaotic semigroup.
An Alternative to Clay in Building Materials: Red Mud Sintering Using Fly Ash via Taguchi’s Methodology
Authors: Rai Suchita , Lataye Dilip H. , Chaddha M. J. , Mishra R. S. , Mahendiran P. , Mukhopadhyay J. , Yoo ChangKyoo , Wasewar Kailas L.
Published: November 2013

“Red mud” or “bauxite residue” is a highly alkaline waste generated from alumina refinery with a pH of 10.5–12.5 which poses serious environmental problems. Neutralization or its treatment by sintering in presence of additives is one of the methods for overcoming the caustic problem as it fixes nearly all the leachable free caustic soda present in red mud. In the present study, feasibility of reducing the alkaline nature of red mud by sintering using fly ash as an additive via Taguchi methodology and its use for brick production, as an alternative to clay, is investigated. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that sintering temperature is the most significant parameter in the process. A pH of 8.9 was obtained at 25–50% of red mud and 50–75% fly ash with water and temperature of . Alternatively 50% of red mud can be mixed with 50% of fly ash with water at temperature of to get a pH of about 8.4. The mechanism of this process has been explained with also emphasis on chemical, mineralogical, and morphological analysis of the sintered red mud. The results would be extremely useful in utilization of red mud in building and construction industry.
Modified Function Projective Synchronization of Fractional Order Chaotic Systems with Different Dimensions
Authors: Liu Hong-Juan , Zhu Zhi-Liang , Yu Hai , Zhu Qian
Published: November 2013

The modified function projective synchronization of different dimensional fractional-order chaotic systems with known or unknown parameters is investigated in this paper. Based on the stability theorem of linear fractional-order systems, the adaptive controllers with corresponding parameter update laws for achieving the synchronization are given. The fractional-order chaotic system and hyperchaotic system are applied to achieve synchronization in both reduced order and increased order. The corresponding numerical results coincide with theoretical analysis.
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Lung Metastasis Arising from Dyshormonogenetic Goiter: A Case Report
Authors: Erden Ersin Sukru , Babayigit Cenk , Davran Ramazan , Akin Mustafa , Karazincir Sinem , Isaogullari Nebihe , Demirkose Mesut , Genc Sebahat
Published: November 2013

Prior radiation exposure is the best known risk factor for thyroid cancers, and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may arise from dyshormonogenetic goiter. A 17-year-old female patient was admitted to the department of chest diseases with respiratory symptoms. The patient had undergone a thyroid surgery for goiter at the age of 9. A bilateral nodular opacity was detected by radiological examination. The histopathologic examination of the specimen obtained from computed tomography guided trucut biopsy was diagnosed as PTC. We present a very rare case of PTC with lung metastasis that had undergone subtotal thyroidectomy due to dyshormonogenetic goiter eight years ago.
Conduct Symptoms and Emotion Recognition in Adolescent Boys with Externalization Problems
Authors: Aspan Nikoletta , Vida Peter , Gadoros Julia , Halasz Jozsef
Published: November 2013

Background. In adults with antisocial personality disorder, marked alterations in the recognition of facial affect were described. Less consistent data are available on the emotion recognition in adolescents with externalization problems. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between the recognition of emotions and conduct symptoms in adolescent boys with externalization problems. Methods. Adolescent boys with externalization problems referred to Vadaskert Child Psychiatry Hospital participated in the study after informed consent (N = 114, 11–17 years, mean = 13.4). The conduct problems scale of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (parent and self‐report) was used. The performance in a facial emotion recognition test was assessed. Results. Conduct problems score (parent and self‐report) was inversely correlated with the overall emotion recognition. In the self‐report, conduct problems score was inversely correlated with the recognition of anger, fear, and sadness. Adolescents with high conduct problems scores were significantly worse in the recognition of fear, sadness, and overall recognition than adolescents with low conduct scores, irrespective of age and IQ. Conclusions. Our results suggest that impaired emotion recognition is dimensionally related to conduct problems and might have importance in the development of antisocial behavior.
Radical Cystectomy and Lymphadenectomy to Two Patients with Pelvic Kidney: Surgical Pitfalls and Considerations
Authors: Adamakis I. , Pournaras C. , Katafigiotis I. , Kousournas G. , Fragkiadis E. , Leotsakos I. , Alamanis C. , Mitropoulos D. , Constantinides C.
Published: November 2013

Our goal is to describe our experience in the difficulties encountered during radical cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer in patients with contemporary pelvic kidney. Two patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer and contemporary pelvic kidney were subjected to radical cystectomy and extended lymphadenectomy with conversion to an ileal pouch. In both cases, lymphadenectomy was the first step after entering the true pelvis. In order to proceed to the cystoprostatectomy, careful dissection of the ectopic renal vessels and proper mobilization of the kidney were performed. In both cases, an ileal pouch was our choice. The pelvic kidney is the most common sight of renal ectopia. The etiology is the aborted ascent of the fetal kidney from its initial position in the pelvis. This is the first case series describing radical cystectomy for muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in patients with a pelvic kidney.
An Alternative Synthesis Route of LiFePO4‐Carbon Composites for Li‐Ion Cathodes
Authors: Lou Yongbing , Zhang Jingjing , Zhu Lin , Lei Lixu
Published: November 2013

LiFePO4‐Carbon (LFP/C) composites with high purity and good crystallinity were prepared by an improved environmentally benign and low‐cost solvothermal method. Capping agent polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG‐400) showed no significant dispersive effect during the synthesis. These capping agents were converted into networking carbons after annealing, which consequently improved the charge and discharge performance. It was able to deliver a high initial discharge specific capacity of 154.1 mAh g−1 for sample prepared with PVP and 145.6 mAh g−1 for sample prepared with PEG‐400 while having great capacity retention. The rate capability and cycling performance of LFP/C samples prepared with PVP or PEG‐400 at high current rates were significantly improved compared to the LFP/C sample prepared without a capping agent.
Nasopalatine Duct Cyst
Authors: Dedhia Pratik , Dedhia Shely , Dhokar Amol , Desai Ankit
Published: November 2013

The nasopalatine cyst is the most common epithelial and nonodontogenic cyst of the maxilla. The cyst originates from epithelial remnants from the nasopalatine duct. The cells may be activated spontaneously during life or are eventually stimulated by the irritating action of various agents (infection, etc.). It is different from a radicular cyst. The definite diagnosis should be based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings. The treatment is enucleation of the cystic tissue, and only in rare cases a marsupialisation needs to be performed. A case of a nasopalatine duct cyst in a 35-year-old male is reviewed. The typical radiologic and histological findings are presented.
Insights into the Intramolecular Properties of η6‐Arene‐Ru‐Based Anticancer Complexes Using Quantum Calculations
Authors: Adeniyi Adebayo A. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: November 2013

The factors that determine the stability and the effects of noncovalent interaction on the η6‐arene ruthenium anticancer complexes are determined using DFT method. The intramolecular and intra‐atomic properties were computed for two models of these half‐sandwich ruthenium anticancer complexes and their respective hydrated forms. The results showed that the stability of these complexes depends largely on the network of hydrogen bonds (HB), strong nature of charge transfer, polarizability, and electrostatic energies that exist within the complexes. The hydrogen bonds strength was found to be related to the reported anticancer activities and the activation of the complexes by hydration. The metal–ligand bonds were found to be closed shell systems that are characterised by high positive Laplacian values of electron density. Two of the complexes are found to be predominantly characterised by LMCT while the other two are predominately characterised by MLCT.
Novel Silica‐Based Hybrid Adsorbents: Lead(II) Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Wang Xin
Published: November 2013

Water pollution caused by the lead(II) from the spent liquor has caught much attention. The research from the theoretical model to application fundaments is of vital importance. In this study, lead(II) adsorption isotherms are investigated using a series of hybrid membranes containing mercapto groups (–SH groups) as the hybrid adsorbents. To determine the best fitting equation, the experimental data were analyzed using six two‐parameter isotherm equations (i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R), Temkin, Harkins‐Jura, and Halsey isotherm models). It was found that the lead(II) adsorption on these samples followed the Freundlich, Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R), and Halsey isotherm models. Moreover, the mean free energy of adsorption was calculated using Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R) isotherm model and it was confirmed that the adsorption process was physical in nature. These findings are very meaningful in the removal of lead(II) ions from water using the hybrid membranes as adsorbents.
Dengue Virus Type 2: Protein Binding and Active Replication in Human Central Nervous System Cells
Authors: Salazar Ma Isabel , Pérez-García Marissa , Terreros-Tinoco Marisol , Castro-Mussot María Eugenia , Diegopérez-Ramírez Jaime , Ramírez-Reyes Alma Griselda , Aguilera Penélope , Cedillo-Barrón Leticia , García-Flores María Martha
Published: November 2013

An increased number of dengue cases with neurological complications have been reported in recent years. The lack of reliable animal models for dengue has hindered studies on dengue virus (DENV) pathogenesis and cellular tropism in vivo. We further investigate the tropism of DENV for the human central nervous system (CNS), characterizing DENV interactions with cell surface proteins in human CNS cells by virus overlay protein binding assays (VOPBA) and coimmunoprecipitations. In VOPBA, three membrane proteins (60, 70, and 130 kDa) from the gray matter bound the entire virus particle, whereas only a 70 kDa protein bound in white matter. The coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed three proteins from gray matter consistently binding virus particles, one clearly distinguishable protein (~32 kDa) and two less apparent proteins (100 and 130 kDa). Monoclonal anti‐NS3 targeted the virus protein in primary cell cultures of human CNS treated with DENV‐2, which also stained positive for NeuH, a neuron‐specific marker. Thus, our results indicate (1) that DENV‐2 exhibited a direct tropism for human neurons and (2) that human neurons sustain an active DENV replication as was demonstrated by the presence of the NS3 viral antigen in primary cultures of these cells treated with DENV‐2.
Vacuum-Assisted Continuous Circular Capsulorhexis Using Bimanual Irrigation and Aspiration System of Phaco Machine in Immature Cataract
Authors: Oksuz Huseyin , Daglioglu Mutlu C. , Coskun Mesut , İlhan Özgür , Tuzcu Esra Ayhan , Ilhan Nilufer , Ayıntap Emre , Keskin Uğurcan , Taşkın İbrahim
Published: November 2013

Seventy-eight eye of 65 patients were enrolled in this retrospective clinical study. Two-side ports are made with a 23-gauge stiletto knife. The irrigation handpiece is introduced into the anterior chamber through one side port and 27-gauge cystotome is introduced through the other one. Anterior capsular flap is created with cystotome. The capsular flap is vacuumed with a 25-gauge visco elastic’s cannula, which connected to the phaco machine vacuum. The continuous circular capsulorhexis (CCC) is completed with the using bimanual irrigation and aspiration system of phaco machine. Vacuum-assisted CCC technique was used in 78 cases of uncomplicated immature senile cataracts. All cases were done under sub-Tenon’s anesthesia. A complete CCC was achieved in all cases. Performing CCC with our technique is easy, safe, and cheap. It may be an alternative method to CCC by using OVD and forceps.
Development of Ocean Energy Technologies: A Case Study of China
Authors: Guodong Qin , Ping Lou , Xianglian Wu
Published: November 2013

For the energy shortage in China's coastal areas, which has exerted severe impact on economy development, a growing number of attentions have been paid to ocean energy utilization. In this paper, a review of related researches as well as development of ocean energy in China is given. The main part of this paper is the investigation into ocean energy distribution and technology status of tidal energy, wave energy, and thermal energy, especially that of the tidal energy and wave energy. Finally, some recommendations for the future development of ocean energy in China are also provided. For further research in this field and development of ocean energy utilization in China, this review can be taken as reference.
A Voltammetric Sensor Based on NiO Nanoparticle‐Modified Carbon‐Paste Electrode for Determination of Cysteamine in the Presence of High Concentration of Tryptophan
Authors: Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Salimi-Amiri Maryam , Karimi Fatemeh , Khalilzadeh Mohammad A. , Baghayeri Mehdi
Published: November 2013

A carbon‐paste electrode modified with ferrocenecarboxaldehyde and NiO nanoparticle (NiO/NPs) was used for the sensitive and selective voltammetric determination of cysteamine in the presence of tryptophan. The oxidation of cysteamine at the modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and square‐wave voltammetry (SWV). The values of the catalytic rate constant (kh) and diffusion coefficient (D) for cysteamine were calculated. The modified electrode exhibits an efficient electron‐mediating behavior together with well‐separated oxidation peaks for cysteamine and tryptophan. At the optimum pH of 7.0 in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution, the SWV anodic peak currents showed a linear relationship versus cysteamine concentrations in the range of 0.09–300.0 µM and a detection limit of 0.06 µM. Finally, the proposed method was also examined as a selective, simple, and precise electrochemical sensor for the determination of cysteamine in real samples such as urine and capsule.
Porokeratotic Eccrine Ostial and Dermal Duct Nevus
Authors: Naraghi Mona Masoumeh , Nikoo Azita , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: November 2013

PEODDN is a rare benign cutaneous disorder that clinically resembles comedo nevus but favors the palms and soles, where pilosebaceous follicles are absent. Widespread involvement along Blaschko’s lines can also occur. It is a disorder of keratinization involving the intraepidermal eccrine duct (acrosyringium) and is characterized by eccrine hamartoma and cornoid lamellation in pathology. The patient is a 29-year-old man with an 8-year history of pruritic skin lesions on his right lateral ankle. In the pathologic examination, multiple small epidermal invagination with overlying parakeratotic cornoid lamellation, loss of granular layer, and few dyskeratotic cells at the base of epidermal invagination are revealed. After clinic-pathologic correlation, the diagnosis of porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) was made. Late-onset and rare clinical presentation as pruritic lesion are the characteristic features that make this patient an extraordinary presentation of PEODDN.
Short- and Long-Term Impact of Subtotal Parathyroidectomy on the Achievement of Bone and Mineral Parameters Recommended by Clinical Practice Guidelines in Dialysis Patients: A 12-Year Single-Center Experience
Authors: Tsai Wan-Chuan , Peng Yu-Sen , Yang Ju-Yeh , Hsu Shih-Ping , Wu Hon-Yen , Pai Mei-Fen , Chang Jia-Feng , Chen Hung-Yuan
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: The short- and long-term impact of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on the parameters of mineral bone disease in dialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 401 consecutive dialysis patients who underwent subtotal PTX by one surgeon was performed. We checked serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) for 3 consecutive days, and then monthly for Ca, P, and tri-monthly for iPTH postoperatively. Patients with available laboratory data within the 1st to 6th postoperative months were included in the short-term follow-up group and those with at least 6 months available data were in the long-term follow-up one. Results: Patients (short-term group, n = 401, and long-term group, n = 94) had severely uncontrolled serum iPTH levels, Ca, P and Ca × P before PTX. In the short-term group, percentages of cases achieving K/DOQI targets for serum Ca, Ca × P, and iPTH and KDIGO ones for serum Ca, P, and iPTH after PTX, significantly improved compared with those before operation (all p < 0.05). In the long-term group (mean follow-up of 43 ± 29 months), the percentage of achieved targets for serum iPTH in both guidelines and for serum Ca and Ca × P in the K/DOQI recommendation also improved postoperatively (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Achievements of K/DOQI recommended values for serum Ca, Ca × P, iPTH and KDIGO recommendations for iPTH can be successfully reached by subtotal PTX in medically refractory, secondary HPT in dialysis patients both during short- and long-term follow-ups.
A Boy with an LCR3/4-Flanked 10q22.3q23.2 Microdeletion and Uncommon Phenotypic Features
Authors: Petrova E. , Neuner C. , Haaf T. , Schmid M. , Wirbelauer J. , Jurkutat A. , Wermke K. , Nanda I. , Kunstmann E.
Published: November 2013

The recurrent 10q22.3q23.2 deletion with breakpoints within low copy repeats 3 and 4 is a rare genomic disorder, reported in only 13 patients to date. The phenotype is rather uncharacteristic, which makes a clinical diagnosis difficult. A phenotypic feature described in almost all patients is a delay in speech development, albeit systematic studies are still pending. In this study, we report on a boy with an LCR3/4-flanked 10q22.3q23.2 deletion exhibiting an age-appropriate language development evaluated by a standardized test at an age of 2 years and 3 months. The boy was born with a cleft palate - a feature not present in any of the patients described before. Previously reported cases are reviewed, and the role of the BMPR1A gene is discussed. The phenotype of patients with an LCR3/4-flanked 10q22.3q23.2 deletion can be rather variable, so counseling the families regarding the prognosis of an affected child should be done with caution. Long-term studies of affected children are needed to delineate the natural history of this rare disorder.
KCNJ10 Mutations Display Differential Sensitivity to Heteromerisation with KCNJ16
Authors: Parrock Sophie , Hussain Sofia , Issler Naomi , Differ Ann-Marie , Lench Nicholas , Guarino Stefano , Oosterveld Michiel J.S. , Keijzer-Veen Mandy , Brilstra Eva , van Wieringen Hester , Konijnenberg A. Yvette , Amin-Rasip Sarah , Dumitriu Simona , Klootwijk Enriko , Knoers Nine , Bockenhauer Detlef , Kleta Robert , Zdebik Anselm A.
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: Mutations in the inwardly-rectifying K+-channel KCNJ10/Kir4.1 cause autosomal recessive EAST syndrome (epilepsy, ataxia, sensorineural deafness and tubulopathy). KCNJ10 is expressed in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, stria vascularis of the inner ear and brain glial cells. Patients diagnosed clinically with EAST syndrome were genotyped and mutations in KCNJ10 were studied functionally. Methods: Patient DNA was amplified and sequenced, and new mutations were identified. Mutant and wild-type KCNJ10 constructs were cloned and heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Whole-cell K+ currents were measured by 2-electrode voltage clamping and channel expression was analysed by Western blotting. Results: We identified 3 homozygous mutations in KCNJ10 (p.F75C, p.A167V and p.V91fs197X), with mutation p.A167V previously reported in a compound heterozygous state. Oocytes expressing wild-type human KCNJ10 showed inwardly rectified currents, which were significantly reduced in all of the mutants (p < 0.001). Specific inhibition of KCNJ10 currents by Ba2+ demonstrated a large residual function in p.A167V only, which was not compatible with causing disease. However, co-expression with KCNJ16 abolished function in these heteromeric channels almost completely. Conclusion: This study provides an explanation for the pathophysiology of the p.A167V KCNJ10 mutation, which had previously not been considered pathogenic on its own. These findings provide evidence for the functional cooperation of KCNJ10 and KCNJ16. Thus, in vitro ascertainment of KCNJ10 function may necessitate co-expression with KCNJ16.
N-methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Antagonist Ketamine Impairs Action-monitoring Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Skoblenick Kevin , Everling Stefan
Published: November 2013

Failures in monitoring of self-generated actions are thought to underlie the positive symptoms in schizophrenia. It has been hypothesized that these deficits may be caused by a dysfunction of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Here we recorded the activity of prefrontal neurons in monkeys performing an antisaccade task, while we administered a subanesthetic dose of the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist ketamine. Many neurons discriminated between correct antisaccades and response errors in their postresponse activity. Ketamine increased the activity for the neurons' nonpreferred response, thereby decreasing the neurons' performance selectivity. Ketamine also affected the monkeys' behavior after an error, consistent with a deficit in error detection. The results show that NMDARs play an important role in action monitoring in primates. The decrease in performance selectivity of prefrontal neurons after ketamine can help to explain the deficits in action monitoring found in humans after ketamine administration and provides support for the hypothesis that an NMDAR dysfunction underlies self-monitoring deficits and psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia.
A new genus of huntsman spiders (Araneae, Sparassidae, Sparianthinae) from the Neotropical region
Authors: RHEIMS CRISTINA A.
Published: November 2013

Uaiuara gen. nov. is described to include Sparianthis amazonica Simon from Brazil, Sparianthis barroana Chamberlin from Panama, and five new species, namely: Uaiuara quyguaba sp. nov. from the states of Amazonas, Pará and Amapá; Uaiuara ope sp. nov. from Acre and Uaiuara jirau sp. nov. from Rondônia, all in northern Brazil, Uaiuara palenque sp. nov. from Ecuador and Uaiuara dianae sp. nov. from Peru. The genus is easily distinguished from the remaining Neotropical Sparianthinae by the very recurved anterior eye row, the large number of ventral spines on tibiae of legs I-II, the retrolateral grove on the male palpal cymbium and the convoluted duct system of the female vulva. In addition, the female of S. barroana and the male of S. amazonica are described for the first time. The latter species is newly recorded from Colombia, Suriname, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Potential Predictability of North American Surface Temperature. Part I: Information-Based versus Signal-To-Noise-Based Metrics
Authors: Tang Y. , Chen D. , Yan X.
Published: November 2013

In this study, the potential predictability of the North American (NA) surface air temperature was explored using information-based predictability framework and Ensemble-Based Predictions of Climate Changes and their Impacts (ENSEMBLES) multiple model ensembles. Emphasis was put on the comparison of predictability measured by information-based metrics and by the conventional signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-based metrics. Furthermore, the potential predictability was optimally decomposed into different modes by maximizing the predictable information (equivalent to the maximum of SNR), from which the most predictable structure was extracted and analyzed.

It was found that the conventional SNR-based metrics underestimate the potential predictability, in particular in these areas where the predictable signals are relatively weak. The most predictable components of the NA surface air temperature can be characterized by the interannual variability mode and the long-term trend mode. The former is inherent to tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) forcing such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), whereas the latter is closely associated with the global warming. The amplitude of the two modes has geographical variations in different seasons. On this basis, the possible physical mechanisms responsible for the predictable mode of interannual variability and its potential benefits to the improvement of seasonal climate prediction were discussed.
Approximate and Efficient Methods to Assess Error Fields in Spatial Gridding with Data Interpolating Variational Analysis (DIVA)
Authors: Beckers Jean-Marie , Barth Alexander , Troupin Charles , Alvera-Azcárate Aida
Published: November 2013

This paper presents new approximate methods to provide error fields for the spatial analysis tool Data Interpolating Variational Analysis (DIVA). The first method shows how to replace the costly analysis of a large number of covariance functions with a single analysis for quick error computations. Then another method is presented where the error is only calculated in a small number of locations, and from there the spatial error field itself is interpolated by the analysis tool. The efficiency of the methods is illustrated on simple schematic test cases and a real application in the Mediterranean Sea. These examples show that with these methods, one has the possibility for quick masking of regions void of sufficient data and the production of “exact” error fields at reasonable cost. The error-calculation methods can also be generalized for use with other analysis methods such as three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) and are therefore potentially interesting for other implementations.
Simulations of Observed Lee Waves and Rotor Turbulence
Authors: Ágústsson Hálfdán , Ólafsson Haraldur
Published: November 2013

On 18 November 2008 a commercial aircraft encountered severe turbulence while flying in westerly flow along the southeastern coast of Iceland and descending from 2500 m down to the ground for a safe landing. Numerical simulations at horizontal resolutions of 9, 3, and 1 km are compared to the available observations. The simulations reproduce the situation, with an observed severe downslope windstorm at the ground as well as associated amplified lee waves and a rotor aloft, while climate data indicate that all observed westerly windstorms in the region are of the same type and occur in a similarly structured atmosphere. Strong shear turbulence is simulated at the interface of the lee wave and the rotor, as well as inside the rotor. The lee waves and the turbulence patterns are not stationary and as the upstream vertical wind shear increases, the lee wave becomes less steep, but the turbulence increases temporarily while the rotor circulation breaks down. From a forecasting perspective, this event could have been foreseen quite accurately, but not with the NWP tools that were in use for aviation forecasts, as their resolution was simply not adequate for resolving hazardous features of flow in and above complex terrain on the scale of this event. This event underlines the urgency of delivering products from finescale simulations over complex terrain to pilots and forecasters. Such products need to be developed taking into account the transient nature of the flows and the hazards.
Precursor Circulation Features for Persistent Extreme Precipitation in Central-Eastern China
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhai Panmao
Published: November 2013

Using a composite analysis, the typical precursor circulation configuration from the lower to the upper troposphere responsible for persistent extreme precipitation events (PEPEs) of double-blocking-high type in central-eastern China is identified. The potential of these precursors is further assessed based on the composites of normalized anomalies. The composite results reveal that at 500 hPa, about 2 weeks prior to the onset of PEPEs, a positive height anomaly progresses toward the Ural Mountains region from 30°E and another positive anomaly extends southwest from high latitudes toward the Sea of Okhotsk. Afterward, these two positive anomalies grow in magnitude in situ. The double blocking highs are finally well established with height anomalies of 2.4 and 1.8 standard deviations above normal, respectively. At 850 hPa, an anomalous anticyclone originating from the equatorial western Pacific migrates northwestward 1 week prior to the event occurrence, resulting in a greatly intensified moisture transport toward central-eastern China with a magnitude anomaly over four standard deviations above normal. In the upper troposphere, the eastward-extended South Asia high and the southward-displaced westerlies combine to provide favorable upper-level divergence for PEPEs.

These composites of the anomalies and normalized anomalies may offer forecasters some useful clues in recognizing significant weather events about 1–2 weeks in advance of an event.
Workforce Planning Not a Common Practice, IPMA-HR Study Finds
Authors: Johnson Gilbert L. , Brown Judith
Published: November 2013

The IPMA-HR Benchmarking Committee has been providing human resources benchmark information and data metrics to IPMA-HR members on various topics — including recruitment, compensation, training, HR information technology, operations and demographics — since 1997. Most recently the committee issued a survey to 5,700 IPMA-HR members measuring the extent to which public agencies utilize a workforce plan and have a formalized workforce planning process in place. The results are analyzed here.
The Implementation of Workforce and Succession Planning in the Public Sector
Authors: Pynes Joan E.
Published: November 2013

This article provides examples of the importance of workforce and succession planning in the public sector. A discussion of why planning is important and some of the obstacles to its implementation are discussed. For workforce and successful planning to succeed, human resources management professionals must become strategic partners with managers and develop new skills and competencies.
Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture as a diagnostic aid to reduce number of attempts and complication rates
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Osman Chinar , Teo James TH , Gabriel Carolyn
Published: November 2013

Ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture (LP) could be beneficial in situations where anatomical landmarks are difficult to identify. There is some evidence that it is associated with increased success rates and procedural ease. Its effect on complication rates has not been explored. This mixed retrospective-prospective case-control study over 6 months compares unguided (retrospective data, n = 28) and ultrasound-guided LPs (prospective data, n = 23) in non-emergency patients. Presence of factors making LPs difficult (DF) i.e. BMI ≥30 kg/m2, scoliosis and previous lumbar spinal surgery were recorded. There was a significant difference in attempt rates between unguided and ultrasound-guided LPs (median 2 vs. 1; p = 0.01) with complication rates of 50% and 26.1%, respectively ( p = 0.15). In a subgroup analysis, complication rates were significantly different in those with DF (76.9%, unguided LPs (n = 13) vs. 33.3%, ultrasound-guided LPs (n = 12); p = 0.03), with an absolute risk reduction of complications of 43.6% (NNT of 2.3) in ultrasound-guided vs. unguided LPs. In those with DF, the back pain rates were significantly reduced (53.8% unguided LPs vs. 8.3% ultrasound-guided LPs; p = 0.02). In the ultrasound-guided LP group, there was no blood contaminated cerebrospinal fluid samples, whereas this occurred in 14% of unguided LPs.

Ultrasound-guidance significantly reduced the number of LP attempts. In those with DF, the use of ultrasound significantly reduced post-procedural complication, particularly back pain. Ultrasound-guidance during LP procedures can reduce patient discomfort and encourage patient safety, thereby improving clinical practice.
A review of ultrasound fetal weight estimation in the early prediction of low birthweight
Authors: Dudley NJ
Published: November 2013

Estimated fetal weight is used in fetal growth monitoring and, if accurately estimated, may provide a sensitive screening tool for the small-for-gestational-age fetus, which may then proceed to further investigations. There is considerable evidence, however, that ultrasound-estimated fetal weight is inaccurate. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the efficacy of estimated fetal weight in the early prediction of low birthweight. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies used an estimated fetal weight threshold of the 10th percentile, where sensitivity for predicting small-for-gestational-age infants in low-risk groups is low and specificity is high. The sensitivity of estimated fetal weight is higher where the prevalence of small-for-gestational-age is higher or a higher detection threshold is used. Fetal weight estimation is more sensitive and specific than other measures in detecting small-for-gestational-age, but is limited by large random errors. Random errors reduce sensitivity with less effect on specificity. High sensitivity is useful where further discriminatory tests are available; this may be the case here, where Doppler ultrasound is of proven value in high-risk groups. High specificity is required where invasive or expensive procedures will be performed on the selected group. In order to achieve sensitivity approaching 100%, a threshold 3 standard deviations of estimated fetal weight error above the 10th percentile of fetal weight is required. Smaller random errors will allow the threshold to be reduced and will increase specificity.
Testicular, epididymal and adnexal ultrasound: a pictorial review. Part 2: Epididymal and Adnexal ultrasound
Authors: Chetcuti Karen , Lam Kimberly , Belfield Jane C
Published: November 2013

Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for testicular and scrotal assessment, with no risk of ionising radiation to radiosensitive tissue. Scrotal ultrasound is reliable in distinguishing between intratesticular and extratesticular lesions and characterising them as cystic or solid. High-resolution images are reproducible with the added advantage of further characterisation by using colour Doppler assessment or Valsalva manoeuvres. This pictorial review covers the anatomy of the epididymis and adnexa, and describes the ultrasound appearances of a range of extratesticular pathologies including congenital, benign, post-surgical, infective and vascular conditions collated over a two-year period at our institution.
Cinematic Collecting: The Continuous Discontinuity of the Still Frame in Oskar Fischinger’s Walking from Munich to Berlin
Authors: Frederick Samuel
Published: November 2013

The contingent instant that Walter Benjamin, among others, claims photography uniquely makes palpable has no place in film. Cinema relies on the impermanence of such elusive moments to generate continuity and presence. This article shows how Oskar Fischinger’s 1927 experimental short Walking from Munich to Berlin combines photography and film in a way that stages the incompatibility of these technologies, while also forging a new visual language – a radical form of animation – with which to overcome it. The article both examines Fischinger’s work as a singular contribution to animation and the avant-garde of the Weimar era and beyond, unraveling its philosophical implications for theories of collecting, film, photography, and animation.
A Universe of Boundaries: Pixilated Performances in Jan Švankmajer’s Food
Authors: Ivins-Hulley Laura
Published: November 2013

Czech surrealist filmmaker Jan Švankmajer is known to animate any sort of thing: leaves, the surface of a wall, socks, nails and raw flesh. But he does not limit himself to inanimate objects; he also stop animates live actors through a technique called pixilation. This article examines the performances of Švankmajer’s pixilated actors within the 1992 short, Food, which constructs a dialectic between the agency of the actor and that of the animator. The author argues that Švankmajer undermines embodied autonomy, positing limits to human agency and suggesting that the boundaries of our bodies are more permeable than we like to think.
Quantification and Substitution: The Abstract Space of Virtual Cinematography
Authors: Jones Nick
Published: November 2013

In order to assign space value and enter it into an exchange economy, capitalism works to reduce it to an abstract plan. Writing about this process, Henri Lefebvre coins the term ‘abstract space’ and describes the logics of this kind of space in detail. These logics are also at work in the digitally animated spaces of virtual cinematography, such as those used in The Matrix Reloaded (Andy and Larry Wachowski, 2003). Creating totalized, predictable spaces and populating them with highly instrumental and manageable digital replacements of actors (sometimes known as synthespians), virtual cinematography takes space and individuals to be open to geometric abstraction. Using Lefebvre’s work to interpret this virtual spatial production allows a critical evaluation of the motives and consequences of this kind of computer animation to take place, and emphasizes the manner in which virtual cinematography joins up with other visual systems of spatial representation and quantification.
Analysis of workpiece magnetisation on liquid nugget during resistance spot welding
Authors: Li Y. , Luo Z. , Duan R. , Yao Q. , Yan F. Y. , Chao Y. J.
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the effect of workpiece magnetisation on the magnetic flux density and nugget shape during resistance spot welding (RSW) process. To this end, this paper analyses the magnetisation process of ferromagnetic workpieces. The magnetisation was calculated by the equivalent surface current. The effect of magnetisation on the nugget shape was studied for RSW of steel and a specially designed aluminium workpiece. The results show that the magnetisation of ferromagnetic workpieces will increase the dimensions of the weld nugget in the thickness direction. The magnetic flux density induced by workpiece magnetisation and that induced by welding current have the same order of magnitude (10−1 T). This indicates that the magnetisation of ferromagnetic workpiece is an important source of magnetic force acting on liquid nugget. Therefore, it should not be ignored in studying the physics of RSW process, especially for the fluid flow in RSW of ferromagnetic materials.