bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive woven flax-based composites: Development and characterisation
Authors: Shaker Khubab , Ashraf Munir , Jabbar Madeha , Shahid Salma , Nawab Yasir , Zia Jasim , Rehman Abdur
Published: June 2015

The natural fibre composites are potential alternative of glass fibre composites for structural applications, automobile and furniture industry, but these are susceptible to the bacterial attack. The current study aims to investigate the bio-functionality of composites using flax woven fabric reinforcement along with ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesised by sol–gel method and added in different fractions to unsaturated polyester resin before impregnation of reinforcement. The composites were fabricated by vacuum bag moulding technique, and bioactivity was tested in terms of antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition). The ZnO nanoparticles imparted bioactivity to the composites even in the lowest amount (0.02% by weight). These bioactive composites will help to lower the risk for fibre degradation and enhance the service life of composite, by restricting the growth of bacteria.
Strength properties of fine aggregate concretes reinforced by polyamide fibers
Authors: Halvaei Mana , Jamshidi Masoud , Latifi Masoud
Published: June 2015

Reinforcing concrete with fiber is one of the most effective methods to improve the properties of cement-based materials. In this study, the effect of using two different polyamide fibers (i.e. PA6 and PA66) as reinforcement in fine aggregate concretes was investigated. The effects of the fiber length and type of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) were also studied. Three-point bending test, pullout, and compression tests were carried out on the cementitious composites. The effect of embedment length was also investigated on pullout behavior. Pseudo-strain hardening behavior was obtained in the fiber-reinforced concretes. Although there was no significant difference in the flexural properties of composites containing PA66 and PA6 fibers, the pullout load and energy which were obtained by PA66 fibers were 36% and 45% higher than PA6 fibers, respectively. It was found that an increase in PA66 fiber embedment length up to 10 mm leads to an increase in pullout energy. The compressive strength of more than 90 MPa was obtained using PA66 fibers, which were considerably higher than ordinary concrete and PVA fiber-reinforced concrete.
Investigating the effects of material and process variables on the mechanical properties of low-density thermally bonded nonwovens produced from Estabragh (milkweed) natural fibers
Authors: Bahari Noushin , Hasani Hossein , Zarrebini Mohammad , Hassanzadeh Sanaz
Published: June 2015

Uniaxial tensile and bending properties of lightweight thermally bonded nonwoven layers produced from the blends of Estabragh (milkweed)/polypropylene fibers have been focused in this paper. For this, different material variables such as the blend ratio as well as some parameters of thermal bonding process including the calendering speed and temperature were considered in this study. Eighteen fibrous samples from six Estabragh/polypropylene blend ratios of 10/90, 25/75, 40/60, 55/45, 70/30, and 85/15 at three different layer weights (g/m2) were produced on a laboratory-scale carding machine. During needle-punching operation, different punch densities at low levels of 20, 30, and 40 punches/cm2 were applied to the samples in order to increase the layer strength by increasing the fiber entanglement while the fiber breakage remains in such minimized level. Thermal bonding process was then carried out on the produced nonwoven samples using an apparatus equipped with a pair of heated calendering in which three different levels of temperatures as well as three levels of calendering speed were considered as the process variables. Taguchi’s analyzing method was employed for statistical investigations of the results. The findings showed that the blend ratio of fibers, layer weight, and the applied temperature during the thermal bonding process significantly increased the nonwoven layer resistance against axial tensile forces. On the contrary, variables punch density and calendering speed had no significant effects on the breaking force values of the samples. Considering the samples' bending rigidity, it was fount that all the variables except the calendering speed, have significant effects.
Building Psychological Flexibility to Mitigate Adjustment Disorder
Authors: Wiggs Kristin A. , Drake Chad E.
Published: June 2015

Clients who present to psychotherapy reporting diffuse and/or sub-clinical concerns may provide a puzzling treatment decision for providers of evidence-based practice. The current case study illustrates the implementation of an evidence-based treatment, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for a client diagnosed with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressive symptoms. ACT targets a dimensional, transdiagnostic construct known as psychological flexibility, currently conceptualized as involving six inter-related behavioral repertoires. The client was a Caucasian woman in her 30s who self-referred to therapy. She reported feeling anxious and depressed, especially in regard to interpersonal difficulties with her mother and her ex-husband. Fourteen sessions of an ACT protocol emphasizing a modular approach to the repertoires emphasized by the psychological flexibility model were provided. Each modular session consisted of psychoeducation, metaphors, experiential exercises, and daily practice assignments for one of the repertoires. The client completed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up outcome measures and weekly process measures to track change throughout treatment. One process measure assessed each of the six repertoires. The client’s data revealed substantial increases in psychological flexibility and decreases in psychological distress from pre- to post-treatment, which remained stable at follow-up. This case report suggests that ACT may be a desirable treatment option for clients bearing ambiguous or sub-clinical presentations, including interpersonal conflicts. The report also provides a model for monitoring change with individual psychological flexibility repertoires with respect to a modular approach to teaching those repertoires.
Endovascular treatment of bifurcation intracranial aneurysms with the WEB SL/SLS: 6-month clinical and angiographic results
Authors: Bozzetto Ambrosi Patricia , Gory Benjamin , Sivan-Hoffmann Rotem , Riva Roberto , Signorelli Francesco , Labeyrie Paul-Emile , Eldesouky Islam , Sadeh-Gonike Udi , Armoiry Xavier , Turjman Francis
Published: June 2015

Background

The WEB device is a recent intrasaccular flow disruption technique developed for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. To date, a single report on the WEB Single-Layer (SL) treatment of intracranial aneurysms has been published with 1-months' safety results. The aim of this study is to report our experience and 6-month clinical and angiographic follow-up of endovascular treatment of wide-neck aneurysm with the WEB SL.

Methods

Ten patients with 10 unruptured wide-necked aneurysms were prospectively enrolled in this study. Feasibility, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and outcomes were recorded. Immediate and 6-month clinical and angiographic results were evaluated.

Results

Failure of WEB SL placement occurred in two cases. Eight aneurysms were successfully treated using one WEB SL without additional treatment. Three middle cerebral artery, four anterior communicating artery, and one basilar artery aneurysms were treated. Average dome width was 7.5 mm (range 5.4–10.7 mm), and average neck size was 4.9 mm (range 2.6–6.5 mm). No periprocedural complication was observed, and morbi-mortality at discharge and 6 months was 0.0%. Angiographic follow-up at 6 months demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion in 2/8 aneurysms, neck remnant in 5/8 aneurysms, and aneurysm remnant in 1/8 aneurysm.

Conclusions

From this preliminary study, treatment of bifurcation intracranial aneurysms using WEB SL is feasible. WEB SL treatment seems safe at 6 months; however, the rate of neck remnants is not negligible due to compression of the WEB SL. Further technical improvements may be needed in order to ameliorate the occlusion in the WEB SL treatment.
Endovascular treatment of pulsatile tinnitus associated with transverse sigmoid sinus aneurysms and jugular bulb anomalies
Authors: Trivelato Felipe Padovani , Araújo João Francisco Santoro , dos Santos Silva Rodrigo , Rezende Marco Túlio Salles , Ulhôa Alexandre Cordeiro , Castro Guilherme Duarte
Published: June 2015

Pulsatile tinnitus of vascular origin may arise in arterial or venous structures. Many authors have reported the association of pulsatile tinnitus with anomalies of dural venous sinuses and the jugular bulb. In such circumstances, mainly concomitantly with disabling tinnitus, endovascular treatment has been successfully employed. We describe here a new case of jugular bulb diverticulum associated with transverse sigmoid sinus stenosis, in a patient presenting with disabling pulsatile tinnitus. She was treated with dural sinus stenting and selective embolization of the diverticulum. In addition, we performed a literature review aiming to identify possible risk factors for developing the symptoms, as well as the safety and results of endovascular treatment.
Endovascular repair of proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms after previous open abdominal aortic aneurysm reconstruction
Authors: Wu Ziheng , Xu Liang , Raithel Dieter , Qu Lefeng
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and durability of endovascular repair for proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms after previous open abdominal aortic aneurysms prosthetic reconstruction and share our experience.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of all patients with previous open abdominal aortic aneurysms prosthetic reconstruction who underwent endovascular repair for proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms between May 2003 and January 2013 in our center (Nuremberg South Hospital). Key clinical outcomes included technical success rate, peri-operative morbidity and mortality, mid-term complications, reinterventions and open conversion rates.

Results

Totally, 24 patients of proximal para-anastomotic aneurysm were treated by endovascular repair. Successful deployments of stent graft were achieved in all patients (100%). Median hospital stay was 6.7 days. One patient had minor type Ia endoleak and one patient developed wound infection. There were no early open conversions and deaths. During a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 7–67 months), computed tomography angiography revealed type Ia endoleaks in four patients (16.7%). The overall reintervention and open conversion rates during follow-up were 16.7% (4/24) and 4.2% (1/24), respectively. Estimates of freedom from reintervention were 91.7% at 1 year, 87.1% at 3 years and 80.9% at 5 years. There was significant difference in freedom from reintervention between proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms patients treated with tube and unibody bifurcated stent grafts (p = 0.034). The cumulative mortality rate was 12.5% (3/24), actuarial analysis for all patients estimated survival rates of 95.8% at 1 year and 87.3% at 5 years.

Conclusions

Proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms are severe complications after abdominal aortic aneurysm open reconstruction. Closer follow-up and prompt treatment are necessary. Endovascular treatment for proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms is effective, safe and durable. Unibody bifurcated stent graft proved to be suitable for most proximal para-anastomotic aneurysms with various anatomical features.
The role of CEO (auto-) biographies in the dissemination of neo-ascetic leadership styles
Authors: Halsall Robert
Published: June 2015

This paper attempts to relate the critical analysis of religious or “sacred” metaphors in leadership to the theory of askēsis, the idea of leader as an incarnation of a virtue defined as “the formation of a full, perfect, complete and self-sufficient relationship with oneself.” A model of leadership based on askēsis, it is argued, is established by means of the form of rhetoric called the exemplum, by means of which leaders derive authority from their being held to be a living (or dead) incarnation of an ideal of perfection, and their life being narrated as a “perfectionist vita.” The principal means of communication of this exemplarity is the hagiography, which finds its contemporary equivalent in the popular CEO (auto-) biography, which can be interpreted as a reactivation of ancient hagiographic archetypes. In readings of three leader hagiographies, focusing on the narrative, rhetorical, and discursive strategies employed, it is shown how the dubious moral exemplarity of such individuals is established. The paper concludes with a discussion of the differences and analogies between the medieval hagiography and the contemporary CEO (auto-) biography, and a discussion of the relationship between asceticism and charisma in the light of these examples.
Thermal performance of two envelope systems: Measurements in non air-conditioned outdoor test cells and simulations
Authors: Rojas J , Barrios G , Huelsz G , Tovar R , Jalife-Lozano S
Published: June 2015

Measurements obtained from two non-air-conditioned outdoor full-scale test cells during a year in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, are used to compare the thermal performance of two envelope constructive systems for walls and roofs of monolithic concrete buildings. The two constructive systems have the same thickness, one is mono-layered and other is two-layered. The two-layered constructive system has a better thermal performance due to its larger thermal resistances and thermal capacity, and the more-layers effect. The experimental data were compared with numerical simulation results obtained with EnergyPlus using the time-dependent heat transfer model. The numerical results are, in general, in good agreement with the experiments. The surface lag time is the variable with the largest differences.
Family carers’ experience of the need for admission of their relative with an intellectual disability to an Assessment and Treatment Unit
Authors: James Neil
Published: June 2015

Background:

There is limited research that explores the experiences of family carers of individuals with an intellectual disability requiring admission to a specialist National Health Service Assessment and Treatment Unit. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore family carers’ experience in respect of this phenomenon and their relationships with professionals at this time.

Methods:

Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Six family carers (three mothers and three fathers) participated and were interviewed via the use of semi-structured interviews.

Findings:

Five major themes were developed to represent how carers made sense and gave meaning to their experience. They illustrate how this experience had a significant influence on their sense of value and self-identity. It resulted in higher levels of anxiety, stress and uncertainty about the future of their relative and their identity as a carer. Significantly, professionals are identified as having a pivotal role in influencing how carers come to view their sense of self, identity, value and importance.

Conclusion:

The admission of their relative was a time of increased vulnerability for carers in respect of maintaining a sense of self-identity. Engaging with services and professionals had a major influence on situating them within the social structure that makes up the formal system of support. This had a pivotal role in influencing and determining how participants identified with their sense of self.
The systemic vascular resistance response: a cardiovascular response modulating blood viscosity with implications for primary hypertension and certain anemias
Authors: Sloop Gregory D. , Weidman Joseph J. , St. Cyr John A.
Published: June 2015

Without an active regulatory feedback loop, increased blood viscosity could lead to a vicious cycle of ischemia, increased erythropoiesis, further increases of blood viscosity, decreased tissue perfusion with worsened ischemia, further increases in red cell mass, etc. We suggest that an increase in blood viscosity is detected by mechanoreceptors in the left ventricle which upregulate expression of cardiac natriuretic peptides and soluble erythropoietin receptor. This response normalizes systemic vascular resistance and blood viscosity at the cost of producing ‘anemia of chronic disease or inflammation’ or ‘hemolytic anemia’ both of which are better described as states of compensated hyperviscosity. Besides its role in disease, this response is also active in the physiologic adaptation to chronic exercise. Malfunction of this response may cause primary hypertension.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome
Authors: Midgley Eleanor
Published: June 2015

Patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) make up a significant proportion of the GP workload. The overlap between the two can be described as the asthma COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS). This article describes the clinical and pathological features of ACOS, why it is important to identify and treat it differently and how this might change in the future.
Infective endocarditis
Authors: Alsaffar Mazin , Ritchie Sara
Published: June 2015

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe bacterial infection of the endocardial surface of the heart; it usually involves damaged or synthetic heart valves. Improvement in surgical and medical therapeutics have been encouraging, however, if managed poorly it can still have a poor prognosis. In the developed world, rheumatic heart disease is an uncommon risk factor whereas intravenous drug use, degenerative valvular disease in the elderly population and use of prosthetic heart valves are becoming more common. In terms of the microbiological cause of IE, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause in the Western world. It is therefore important for GPs to be aware of and be able to identify these risk factors. This article aims to examine the pathophysiology, risk factors, changing trends in epidemiology and recent guidelines on the management of IE.
Unique Case of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction After Stingray Strike
Authors: Hambright Dustin , Guss Daniel , Smith Jeremy T.
Published: June 2015

Background. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common cause of adult acquired flatfoot deformity. The cause of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is often multifactorial and may include repetitive microtrauma, poor blood supply to the tendon, and, rarely, traumatic rupture. Case Description. We present the case of a 69-year-old male with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction secondary to a stingray injury that occurred directly into the posterior tibial tendon. This injury led to an acquired adult flatfoot deformity that ultimately required surgical reconstruction. At the time of surgery, the posterior tibial tendon was severely degenerative at the site of skin penetration. Literature Review. Previous case reports of stingray injury describe full-thickness skin penetration with a subsequent inflammatory response and large zone of necrobiosis. This is the first reported case of stingray trauma and envenomation directly into tendon with subsequent tendon dysfunction. Clinical Relevance. There are thousands of stingray injuries in the United States annually. Injuries vary in severity depending on the type of stingray, size of stingray, and depth and location of injury. For certain injuries, such as direct penetration into tendon, early irrigation and debridement may limit subsequent deficits caused by progressive tendon dysfunction.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study
Impact of Femoroacetabular Impingement Morphology on Gait Assessment in Symptomatic Patients
Authors: Farkas Gary J. , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Rajan Kumar B. , Espinoza Orías Alejandro A. , Nho Shane J.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Gait is abnormal in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). To date, studies have not correlated radiographic FAI morphology with gait abnormalities.

Hypothesis:

Gait abnormalities in FAI patients will be associated with radiographic FAI morphology.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Patients with symptomatic FAI (n = 20) underwent radiographic and gait analysis. Exclusion criteria included previous injuries or surgeries to the lower extremities or lumbar spine as well as bilateral symptomatic FAI. The alpha angle (AA) and center-edge angle (CEA) were measured on anteroposterior (AP) pelvis, Dunn lateral, and false-profile radiographs, and inter- and intraobserver variability was determined. Motion analysis techniques were used to obtain gait data including 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data. Descriptive analysis was performed using Spearman correlations for morphologic measurements. A stepwise regression model was used to examine the association of gait measures with AA and CEA.

Results:

Intraobserver agreement for the AA and CEA was 0.92 (CI, 0.80-0.97) and 0.90 (CI, 0.76-0.96), while interobserver agreement for the angles was 0.96 (CI, 0.89-0.98) and 0.96 (CI, 0.90-0.98), respectively. Descriptive analysis suggested correlations between AA and peak external hip and knee external rotation moments, maximum ankle flexion angle, and ankle range of motion (range, –0.51 to 0.42; P < 0.0001). The CEA correlated with stride, peak external ankle eversion and inversion moments, peak external knee extension moment, and peak external hip flexion moment (range, –0.44 to 0.51; P < 0.0001). We found that gait variables accounted for a large amount of variation in AA (8 variables accounted for 87% variation) and in CEA (7 variables accounted for 82% variation).

Conclusion:

Lower extremity gait parameters correlate highly with radiographic FAI morphology in symptomatic FAI patients.

Clinical Relevance:

Gait abnormalities are present in FAI patients and may be a useful measure in outcome studies.
The Challenges of Listening to Academic Lectures for EAP Learners and the Impact of Metacognition on Academic Lecture Listening Comprehension
Authors: Rahimirad Maryam , Moini Mohammad Raouf
Published: June 2015

Academic listening skill is an indispensable necessity for English for academic purposes (EAP) students in English-medium universities and also critical for their future success in comprehending conference lectures. But due to the specific nature of such academic lectures, nonnative students all too often face challenges in getting a full command of this task. This study investigates the challenges of listening to academic lectures and the impact of related metacognitive strategies on academic lecture listening comprehension on a group of Iranian learners in an EAP workshop. Fifteen academic staff who took part in two intact classes at the University of Qom, Iran, were randomly assigned to treatment ( N = 8) and control ( N = 7) groups. The treatment group received 16 hr of metacognitive strategy instruction based on the models proposed by Vandergrift during academic listening instruction, while the control group was just exposed to academic lectures with no explicit strategy instruction. The academic listening sections of the British International English Language Testing System (IELTS) were utilized to measure the listening comprehension of both groups before and after the treatment. The results of the data analysis determined that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in the listening posttest. The interviews before and after the treatment revealed details of challenges in academic lecture comprehension and also shed light on the perception of the learners regarding metacognitive strategy instruction and the frequency of main metacognitive strategies used in comprehending academic lectures.
Design Evaluation of a Simulation for Teacher Education
Authors: Badiee Farnaz , Kaufman David
Published: June 2015

Recent calls to improve the quality of education in schools have drawn attention to the importance of teachers’ preparation for work in classroom settings. Although the practicum has long been the traditional means for pre-service teachers to learn and practice classroom teaching, it does not always offer student teachers the time, safe practice experiences, repetition, or extensive feedback needed for them to gain adequate knowledge, skills, and confidence. Well-designed simulations can augment the practicum and address these gaps. This study evaluated the design of simSchool (v.1), an online simulation for pre-service teachers, using student teachers’ ratings of selected factors, including realism, appropriateness of content and curriculum, appropriateness for target users, and user interaction. Based on these ratings, the study identified strengths and weaknesses, and suggested improvements for the software. Participant ratings varied considerably but indicated that certain aspects of the simulation, such as its educational value, classroom challenges, and simulated student characteristics, were moderately well received. However, user interface navigation and the range and realism of simulated teacher–student interactions should be improved.
Moves and Wrap-Up Sentences in Chinese Students’ Essay Conclusions
Authors: Liu Donghong
Published: June 2015

Whether L1 (first language) rhetorical transfer affects L2 (second language) writing remains a controversial issue. Based on Hyland’s move theory, this article focuses on the moves and the quality of wrap-up sentences in essay conclusions, exploring the impact of L1 rhetorical transfer. One hundred eighty-four expository essays written by Chinese college students were analyzed, as well as 20 English and 20 Chinese model essays. Besides, sentence-initial discourse markers in 100 Chinese model essays were collected and categorized to investigate why Chinese teachers and students favor certain English linking adverbials. The research results show that the Chinese students displayed their strategy use in Discourse Marker, Consolidation and Close, but the preference to certain sets of linking adverbials and Affirmation move can be attributed to the L1 rhetorical transfer at lexical level and text level. In this study, L1 rhetorical transfer has been found to go hand in hand with strategy use. For the students at tertiary level, strategy use might overweigh L1 rhetorical transfer.
Thermoforming studies of corn starch-derived biopolymer film filled with nanoclays
Authors: Mohan TP , Kanny Krishnan
Published: June 2015

This study focuses on the thermoformability of biopolymer films derived from corn starch and filled with montmorillonite-based nanoclay fillers. Biopolymer films with nanoclay concentrations from 0 to 5 wt% were prepared by solution casting and followed by thermoforming. The result shows that nanoclay addition improves the formability (dimensional stability and plugging property) of thermoformed specimen and also depends on the nanocomposite structure and clay concentration. Improved product stability with optimized properties was observed at 2–3 wt% nanoclay concentration due to exfoliated structure and better nanoclay particle dispersion in the polymeric matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis show maximum of 27℃ increased decomposition temperature, 12% increased storage modulus and 4℃ increased Tg at 5 wt% nanoclay-filled biopolymer film. Tensile result shows 13% increased strength, two-fold increased modulus and 29% reduced elongation for 3 wt% nanoclay-filled biopolymer series.
Microstructure and wear mechanism change by Nb added in slag free self-shielded flux cored wire
Authors: Liu D. S. , Wei Y. H. , Liu R. P.
Published: June 2015

The iron based hardfacing alloys were produced using slag free self-shielded flux cored wires with varying niobium contents. The results show that NbC acted as the nucleus of primary M7(C, B)3 (M = Cr, Fe mainly) carbides and decreased the amount of M7(C,B)3 carbides when niobium was added into the alloys. When 18 wt-%Fe–Nb (60 wt-%Nb) was added, the microstructure of hardfacing alloy transformed from hypereutectic structure to a eutectic one due to the formation of NbC, which consumed a mass of carbon. The microstructure changed into a hypoeutectic structure when the Fe–Nb content was up to 24 wt-%. With the increase in Fe–Nb content, the main abrasive wear mechanism changed from microcracking to microcutting and microploughing due to the formation of NbC and the reduction of primary M7(C, B)3 carbides. The wear loss of the alloy with 18 wt-%Fe–Nb addition was the smallest among all the alloys.
Effects of Y3+ on properties of electroless NiYP coatings
Authors: Wang Z. H. , Zhang L. L. , Ni H. , Wang S. J.
Published: June 2015

NiYP alloy coatings were prepared on the surface of sintered NdFeB magnets by electroless composite plating. The effects of Y3+ concentration on the deposition rate, surface morphologies, element contents and corrosion resistance were investigated. The results showed that the deposition rate of NiYP alloy coatings decreased with the increasing Y3+ concentration. A thin NiYP film with adsorbed rare earth yttrium could be formed at higher concentration, which reduced the number of catalytic sites on the surface of intered NdFeB magnets. With the increase in Y3+ concentration up to 6 mmol L− 1, the self-corrosion potential Ecorr of the electroless NiYP coatings in 3.5%NaCl solution increased from − 672 to − 513 mV, and the self-corrosion current density Icorr decreased from 28.81 to 1.15 μA cm− 2. The mechanisms of corrosion resistance of the electroless NiYP coatings modified by Y3+ addition were discussed.
Comparison between rapid and mixed maxillary expansion through an assessment of arch changes on dental casts
Authors: Grassia Vincenzo , d’Apuzzo Fabrizia , Jamilian Abdolreza , Femiano Felice , Favero Lorenzo , Perillo Letizia
Published: June 2015

Background

Aim of this retrospective observational study was to compare upper and lower dental changes in patients treated with Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) and Mixed Maxillary Expansion (MME), assessed by dental cast analysis.

Methods

Treatment groups consisted of 42 patients: the RME group (n = 21) consisted of 13 female and 8 male subjects with the mean age of 8.8 years ± 1.37 at T0 and 9.6 years ± 1.45 at T1; the MME group (n = 21) consisted of 12 female and 9 male patients with a mean age of 8.9 years ± 2.34 at T0 and 10.5 years ± 2.08 at T1. The upper and lower arch analysis was performed on four dental bilateral landmarks, on upper and lower casts; also upper and lower arch depths were measured. The groups were compared using independent sample t-test to estimate dental changes in upper and lower arches.

Results

Before expansion treatment (T0), the groups were similar for all examined variables (p>0.05). In both RME and MME group, significant increments in all the variables for maxillary and mandibular arch widths were observed after treatment. No significant differences in maxillary and mandibular arch depths were observed at the end of treatment in both groups. An evaluation of the changes after RME and MME (T1) showed statistically significant differences in mandibular arch depth (p<0.001) and maxillary intercanine widths (p<0.05). Differences in maxillary arch depth and arch width measurements were not significant.

Conclusions

RME and MME can be considered two effective treatment options to improve transverse arch dimensions and gain space in the dental arches. A greater lower arch expansion was observed in the MME group, which might be attributed to the “lip bumper effects” observed in the MME protocol.
RFID in textile and clothing manufacturing: technology and challenges
Authors: Nayak Rajkishore , Singh Amanpreet , Padhye Rajiv , Wang Lijing
Published: June 2015

In the field of textile and clothing, radio frequency identification (RFID), which is one of the most promising technological innovations, is used in manufacturing, inventory control, warehousing, distribution, logistics, automatic object tracking and supply chain management. Various retailers and manufacturers (of clothing as well as consumer goods) such as CVS, Tesco, Prada, Benetten, Wal-mart and Procter & Gamble, are now implementing the technology and exploring the impact of the technology on their business. RFID technologies may improve the potential benefits of supply chain management through reduction of inventory losses, increase of the efficiency and speed of processes and improvement of information accuracy. The basic of success lies in understanding the technology and other features to minimize the potential problems. Although the technology existed for several years, the technological challenges and cost issues are the major hurdles for the widespread use of RFID. In this paper, the authors have addressed the technology of RFID and various applications related to inventory management, production control, retail management, brand segregation etc. in textile and clothing industry. In addition, the disadvantages, challenges and future directions of RFID technology have also been highlighted.
A temporal trend in compliance measurements near a gas hydrate accumulation, Northern Cascadia
Authors: Roach Lisa A. N. , Edwards R. Nigel
Published: June 2015

Ocean surface gravity waves produce temporally correlated pressure and vertical displacements on the ocean floor. Compliance is the ratio between the pressure and the resulting displacement. Pressures are measured by a differential pressure gauge, whereas a broadband seismometer measures velocities that are directly related to the displacements in the frequency domain. These instruments are installed on the Cascadia accretionary prism as part of NEPTUNE Canada’s ocean-floor network. Gas hydrates have the property of stiffening marine sediment, i.e., reducing the compliance. A compliance measurement is dependent on the elastic parameters of the sediment, particularly, the shear modulus. We have computed compliance from raw data, daily, for 203 days and determined the temporal variation in shear modulus of a region approximately 390 m northeast of the undersea area known as Bullseye Vent. Our aim was to investigate the evolution of the elastic properties of the subsurface in this region. The compliance was determined over a bandwidth of 0.01–0.03 Hz, and had peak sensitivity to the sediment elastic structure at approximately 275 m below seafloor, for a water depth of 1250 m — determined by the gravity wave dispersion relation. Bullseye Vent is not a steady-state system! We observed a linear decrease in compliance of approximately 1% between October 2010 and May 2011, corresponding with an average change of 1% in the shear modulus over the depth of investigation. This corresponds to up to a 13% change solely in gas hydrate content in the first 100 m; a change that resulted from a simplified 1D four-layer model, which does not reflect the complexity and three-dimensionality of the hydrate system. A 13% change in hydrate content was likely an overestimate because the compliance function at 1250 m had limited sensitivity to the uppermost sediments.
siRNA transfection in the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite larvae
Authors: Zhang Gen , He Li-sheng , Wong Yue Him , Yu Li , Qian Pei-yuan
Published: June 2015

RNA interference (RNAi) provides an efficient and specific technique for functional genomic studies. Yet, no successful application of RNAi has been reported in barnacles. In this study, siRNA against p38 MAPK was synthesized and then transfected into A. amphitrite larvae at either nauplius or cyprid stage, or both. Effects of siRNA transfection on p38 MAPK level were hardly detectable in the cyprids that their corresponding nauplii were transfected. In contrast, larvae that were transfected at cyprid stage showed lower level of p38 MAPK than the blank and reagent controls. However, significantly decreased level of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (pp38 MAPK) and reduced settlement rate were observed only in the “Double Transfection”, in which larvae were exposed to siRNA solution at both the nauplius and cyprid stages. Relatively longer transfection time and more cells of the larvae exposed to siRNA directly might explain the higher efficiency in the “Double Transfection”.
Mating for male-derived prostaglandin: a functional explanation for the increased fecundity of mated female crickets?
Authors: Worthington Amy M. , Jurenka Russell A. , Kelly Clint D.
Published: June 2015

Direct benefits are considered to be the driving force of high female mating rates, yet species in which females do not receive material resources from males still experience increased fitness from mating frequently. One hypothesis suggests that substances within the ejaculate may boost survival or offspring production. If these materials are limiting to females, they will require continual renewal via mating and could provide a functional understanding of how high mating rates lead to increased female fitness. Using the Texas field cricket, Gryllus texensis, we investigated the sexual transfer of prostaglandin E2, an important mediator of invertebrate reproduction. We determined that like other gryllid species, males include significant quantities of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and its precursor molecule, arachidonic acid, within the spermatophore. These components are passed to females during copulation and then stored within the spermatheca. We then tested the novel hypothesis that PGE2 is ephemerally available after mating and that females must frequently mate to maintain access to this limiting compound. We found that PGE2 within the spermatheca is indeed depleted through time, with only a small amount remaining one week after mating, but that its presence can be maintained at high quantities and for prolonged periods of time by remating. Our results support the hypothesis that high female mating rates increase the amount and availability of PGE2 throughout the breeding season, which could explain the positive relationship between female mating rate and fecundity.
Scaling of cerebral blood perfusion in primates and marsupials
Authors: Seymour Roger S. , Angove Sophie E. , Snelling Edward P. , Cassey Phillip
Published: June 2015

The evolution of primates involved increasing body size, brain size and presumably cognitive ability. Cognition is related to neural activity, metabolic rate and blood flow rate to the cerebral cortex. These parameters are difficult to quantify in living animals. This study shows that it is possible to determine the rate of cortical brain perfusion from the size of the internal carotid artery foramina in skulls of certain mammals, including haplorrhine primates and diprotodont marsupials. We quantify combined blood flow rate in both internal carotid arteries as a proxy of brain metabolism in 34 species of haplorrhine primates (0.116–145 kg body mass) and compare it to the same analysis for 19 species of diprotodont marsupials (0.014–46 kg). Brain volume is related to body mass by essentially the same exponent of 0.71 in both groups. Flow rate increases with haplorrhine brain volume to the 0.95 power, which is significantly higher than the exponent (0.75) expected for most organs according to “Kleiber's Law”. By comparison, the exponent is 0.73 in marsupials. Thus the brain perfusion rate increases with body size and brain size much faster in primates than in marsupials. The trajectory of cerebral perfusion in primates is set by the phylogenetically older groups (New and Old World monkeys, lesser apes), and the phylogenetically younger groups (great apes, including humans) fall near the line, with the highest perfusion. This may be associated with disproportionate increases in cortical surface area and mental capacity in the highly social, larger primates.
Total Synthesis and Structure Revision of Mirubactin, and Its Iron Binding Activity
Authors: Kishimoto Shinji , Nishimura Shinichi , Kakeya Hideaki
Published: June 2015

Dechloro-chlorocatechelin A (3), a deschloro-derivative of a microbial siderophore chlorocatechelin A (2), was synthesized from 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, d-arginine, and 1-benzyl d-glutamate. The spectral data were unambiguously identical with those of mirubactin (1), revising its chemical structure. Mirubactin showed potent iron binding affinity, which was comparable to that of chlorocatechelin A (2).
Zinc Ion-binding Activity of an Anti-ZnO VHH Antibody, 4F2
Authors: Sasaki Ryosuke , Kitazawa Soichiro , Kitahara Ryo , Nakazawa Hikaru , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Kumagai Izumi , Umetsu Mitsuo , Makabe Koki
Published: June 2015

The interaction between biomolecules and inorganic materials has gained much interest for the development of sensors and highly controlled materials in scale and composition. For this purpose, 4F2, a VHH antibody with high affinity and specificity toward zinc oxide (ZnO) surfaces has been constructed. Here, we report that 4F2 also has an affinity toward zinc ion (Zn2+). The stability of 4F2 and its Zn2+ complexes was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. We then determined the binding affinity between 4F2 and Zn2+ by using isothermal calorimetry. To further elucidate the molecular binding mechanism of 4F2 toward Zn2+, we applied the 1H–15N heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR technique. We found that 4F2 recognized Zn2+ near the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3). Our results provide the basis for the recognition mechanism of ZnO by 4F2.
Age-Related Changes in the Lateral Lipid Distribution in a Human Lens Described by Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Pol Jaroslav , Faltyskova Helena , Krasny Lukas , Volný Michael , Vlacil Ondrej , Hajduch Marian , Lemr Karel , Havlicek Vladimir
Published: June 2015

The lateral lipid distribution in eye lenses of three human donors were studied by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry using a high mass resolution. By using exact mass measurements this study shows the relationship between the aging process and the number of lipids detected as well as between aging and the abundance of products derived from sphingomyelins by hydrolysis. Variable lipid composition was also observed in the nuclear, barrier, or cortex regions of the lens samples. This is the first study that suggests the distribution of lysolipids as a potential biomarker panel for the aging of human lens tissue.
Ion Mobility—Mass Spectrometry-Based Screening for Inhibition of α-Synuclein Aggregation
Authors: Liu Yanqin , Graetz Michael , Ho Lam , Pukala Tara L.
Published: June 2015

Aberrant protein folding and formation of amyloid fibrils are associated with numerous debilitating human diseases, for which there are currently no suitable therapeutic treatments. For instance, Parkinson's disease is characterised pathologically by the intraneural accumulation of the amyloid protein α-synuclein. In order to search for new therapeutic agents that are effective in preventing the early conformational changes that precede protein aggregation, it is necessary to devise new analytical screening approaches. Here we demonstrate the use of ion mobility–mass spectrometry for screening of molecules capable of inhibiting the misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein (specifically, the A53T human mutant). Importantly, this assay allows for the analysis of conformational changes that precede aggregation, and therefore is unique in its ability to identify inhibitors working at the earliest stages of amyloid formation. In addition, we use complementary mass spectrometry methods to probe selected protein–ligand interactions responsible for fibril inhibition.
Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography Hyphenated to Continuous Flow—Extractive Desorption Electrospray Ionization—Mass Spectrometry for Analysis and Charge State Manipulation of Undigested Proteins
Authors: Li Li , Yang Samuel H. , Vidova Veronika , Rice Elisa M. , Wijeratne Aruna B. , Havlíček Vladimír , Schug Kevin A.
Published: June 2015

The application of continuous flow–extractive desorption electrospray ionization (CF-EDESI), an ambient ionization source demonstrated previously for use with intact protein analysis, is expanded here for the coupling of reversed phase protein separations to mass spectrometry. This configuration allows the introduction of charging additives to enhance detection without affecting the chromatographic separation mechanism. Two demonstrations of the advantages of CF-EDESI are presented in this work. First, a proof-of-principle is presented to demonstrate the applicability of hyphenation of liquid chromatography (LC) to CF-EDESI. LC-CF-EDESI-MS has good sensitivity compared to LC–electrospray ionization (ESI)–mass spectrometry. Second, the supercharging mechanism investigated in CF-EDESI provides an insight into a highly debated supercharging process in ESI. The results indicate that the mechanism of protein charging seen in HPLC-CF-EDESI is different from supercharging phenomena in conventional ESI. The surface tension mechanism and binding mechanism may both contribute to protein supercharging in ESI.
Photodissociation at Various Wavelengths: Fragmentation Studies of Oxazine 170 Using Nanosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Gernert Claus , Grotemeyer Jürgen
Published: June 2015

The fragmentation of oxazine 170, a rhodamine-type dye, has been investigated by means of collisions and photodissociation with visible and ultraviolet radiation in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Because of an improved experimental setup, the photodissociation processes of stored ions are measured with high intensity with respect to the absorbed photons. By isotope labelling and quantum chemical calculations, the various fragmentation mechanisms are investigated. It is shown that the most important intermediate ion structure leading to the various ionic products is an even-electron azarine cation. Several new fragmentation mechanisms have been unveiled for the first time.
Hassle Costs and Price Discrimination: An Empirical Welfare Analysis
Authors: Marshall Guillermo
Published: June 2015

This paper studies a market where soda is sold in both refillable and nonrefillable bottles. Purchasing refillables is inconvenient but cheaper. Using a discrete choice model, I find that price-sensitive customers put less weight on the inconveniences of purchasing refillables. This implies that a retailer can target lower prices to price-sensitive customers using the refillable segment. I evaluate the overall welfare consequences of this market segmentation and find that both customer welfare and profits would decrease (by 12.61 and 4.21 percent, respectively) if the refillables were removed, as there would be an important market-shrinkage effect. (JEL D22, L13, L25, L81)
Development from Representation? A Study of Quotas for the Scheduled Castes in India
Authors: Jensenius Francesca Refsum
Published: June 2015

This paper estimates the constituency-level development effects of quotas for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India, using a unique dataset of development indicators for more than 3,100 state assembly constituencies in 15 Indian states in 1971 and 2001. Matching constituencies on pretreatment variables from 1971, I find that 30 years of quotas had no detectable constituency-level effect on overall development or redistribution to SCs. Interviews with politicians and civil servants in 2010 and 2011 suggest that these findings can be explained by the power of political parties and the electoral incentives created by the quota system. (JEL D72, J15, O15, O17, Z13)